Psalms 50:17
For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 50:17
For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse highlights that "casting words behind you" isn't just a casual dismissal, but a deeply contemptuous act, like throwing away something you find repulsive or utterly worthless. This shows an "inward alienation" that moves beyond mere disagreement to outright rejection of God's counsel.
This verse appears within a powerful indictment from God to those who outwardly profess His laws but inwardly despise them. The preceding verses show God calling the wicked to account, questioning why they recite His laws and covenant when their actions contradict their words. This passage is directly confronting those who, despite having the capacity to teach, inwardly reject any form of divine correction or instruction, treating God's pronouncements with contempt.
It's easy to say we believe God's Word. But what happens when it demands we change our behavior? This verse digs into that uncomfortable truth.
More Than Forgetting
The verse highlights a deep-seated aversion: 'hating instruction.' This isn't just about being forgetful or ignorant; it's an active dislike, a rejection of God's guidance. Think about it – when God's Word speaks to a habit or a belief you hold dear, how do you react? Do you lean in, seeking to understand and obey, or do you feel a resistance, a desire to push it away?
The 'Why' Behind the Hate
This hatred of instruction often stems from an 'inward alienation,' as one commentator put it. When God's commands clash with our desires, our pride, or our comfort, it's easier to hate the message than to change the heart. The desire is not to learn, but to remain as we are, untouched by conviction.
What does it truly mean to 'cast my words behind you'? It's more than just ignoring them; it's a powerful picture of disrespect.
The Imagery of Rejection
'Cast my words behind you' paints a vivid picture. Imagine someone handing you something precious, something vital, and you don't just set it aside – you fling it over your shoulder as if it's refuse, something worthless and disgusting. That's the contempt this phrase conveys.
A Deliberate Dismissal
This action isn't accidental. It's a deliberate dismissal of God's counsel, His commands, and His very message. It shows a person who doesn't just fail to value God's words; they actively despise them, treating them as unfit for consideration. This is the outward expression of the inward hatred for instruction.
Understand the original words
musar · Hebrew Noun
Refers to instruction, correction, and training, often through chastening or reproof. It is essential for spiritual maturity and indicates a humble submission to God's refining work.
dabar · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the revealed will of God, His instructions, or His promises. It represents divine truth that is authoritative and life-giving, which humans are called to treasure rather than discard.
This psalm speaks powerfully to a people who, even after experiencing the devastation of exile and the loss of their Temple, still struggled with outward religious practice divorced from inner sincerity. It's a timeless call to genuine heart-obedience, not just ritual observance.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
King David unifies Israel and establishes Jerusalem as the capital, ushering in a period of national strength and religious focus.
c. 970-930 BC
Solomon's Reign and Temple Construction
Solomon builds the First Temple in Jerusalem, centralizing worship and solidifying Israel's identity as God's chosen people.
c. 722 BC
Assyrian Conquest of Northern Kingdom
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrians, a stark warning to the Southern Kingdom of Judah about the consequences of disobedience and syncretism.
c. 605-586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins deporting Judeans to Babylon, starting with the elite and skilled workers, including the prophet Daniel.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment, highlighting how those who reject God's counsel and ignore His reproof demonstrate their foolishness and hatred for wisdom.
Romans 2:21Paul points out the hypocrisy of those who teach others but do not practice themselves, a concept that resonates strongly with Psalm 50:17's accusation of hating instruction while professing God's ways.
Nehemiah 9:26This prayer recounts Israel's repeated rebellion, showing how they 'cast your law behind their backs,' which perfectly illustrates the meaning of rejecting God's spoken word as described in the psalm.
John 12:48Jesus declares that the one who rejects Him and does not receive His words has a judge already appointed; this shows the consequence of casting God's words behind you, as they will ultimately stand in judgment.
gillPsalms 50:17: "Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee."
Seeing thou hatest instruction,.... Or "correction" (z); to be reproved or reformed by the statutes and covenant they declared to others; they taught others, but not themselves, Romans 2:21 ; or evangelical instruction, the doctrines of grace, and of Christ; for, as concerning the Gospel, they were enemies, Romans 11:28 ; and since they were haters of that, they ought not to have been teachers of others; and caste…
pulpitPsalms 50:17: "Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee."
Verse 17. - Seeing thou hatest instruction (comp. Proverbs 1:25, 29). God, by his Law, teaches men their duties; but many men "hate" to be instructed. And castest my words behind thee (comp. 1 Kings 14:9; Nehemiah 9:26). They proceed from "inward alienation" to "open rejection" of the moral law.
The verse highlights that "casting words behind you" isn't just a casual dismissal, but a deeply contemptuous act, like throwing away something you find repulsive or utterly worthless. This shows an "inward alienation" that moves beyond mere disagreement to outright rejection of God's counsel.
This verse appears within a powerful indictment from God to those who outwardly profess His laws but inwardly despise them. The preceding verses show God calling the wicked to account, questioning why they recite His laws and covenant when their actions contradict their words. This passage is directly confronting those who, despite having the capacity to teach, inwardly reject any form of divine correction or instruction, treating God's pronouncements with contempt.
This verse appears within a powerful indictment from God to those who outwardly profess His laws but inwardly despise them. The preceding verses show God calling the wicked to account, questioning why they recite His laws and covenant when their actions contradict their words. This passage is directly confronting those who, despite having the capacity to teach, inwardly reject any form of divine correction or instruction, treating God's pronouncements with contempt.
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c. 597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
A larger group of Judeans, including the prophet Ezekiel, are exiled to Babylon following a rebellion against Babylonian rule.
c. 586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and the First Temple, exiling most of the remaining population to Babylon. This marks a low point for Israel, yet a moment for deep reflection on God's covenant and their faithfulness.
c. 539 BC
Persian Empire Conquers Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon, allowing exiled peoples, including the Judeans, to return to their homelands.
"For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you." — The verse highlights that "casting words behind you" isn't just a casual dismissal, but a deeply contemptuous act, like throwing away something you find repulsive or utterly worthless. This shows an…