“See the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches and sought refuge in his own destruction!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that this "man" is not just anyone, but a "mighty man" or "hero" who chose not to make God his strength. This implies a deliberate rejection of God's power, opting instead to rely on wealth and personal scheming, ultimately finding security not in God's steadfast love but in his own perceived strength which leads to his ruin.
“See the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches and sought refuge in his own destruction!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a strong declaration from the righteous, prompted by observing the downfall of a wicked oppressor, likely Doeg the Edomite. Having seen this enemy's boastful reliance on his wealth and schemes, the righteous now point to him as a stark example. They contrast his self-reliance and trust in riches with their own trust in God, anticipating his complete destruction.
Have you ever seen someone so confident, so sure of themselves, that it's almost blinding? This verse points to that kind of person, but with a stark warning.
The Psalmist directs our attention to a specific type of person: "Lo, this is the man!" He's not just any man, but one who has chosen not to make God his strength or refuge. Instead, he places his ultimate trust in something tangible and worldly – the abundance of his riches. This isn't just a passing phase; it's a settled habit, a constant way of thinking that leads him to "seek refuge in his own destruction." His wealth becomes a false stronghold, a source of false security that ultimately leads to ruin because it separates him from the only true source of strength and protection.
When judgment falls, who learns the most? This verse reveals that even destruction can be a teacher, especially for those who are wise.
Verse 7 is presented as the exclamation of the righteous. As they witness the downfall of the man who trusted in his riches, they don't gloat out of malice. Instead, they gain a profound understanding of God's justice and the futility of worldly confidence. This moment serves as a powerful lesson: "Lo, this is the man!" It's a declaration that encapsulates the ultimate end of those who reject God's provision and rely on their own resources. The righteous learn to fear (in a reverential sense) and to laugh (with rejoicing in God's deliverance) at such a spectacle, reinforcing their own commitment to making God their strength and refuge.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
ma'oz · Hebrew Noun
A place of shelter, protection, or safety. Biblically, it refers to God as the ultimate security and defense for His people against their enemies and life’s dangers.
osher · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the resources, wealth, or material possessions of this world. In Scripture, it is often warned against as a misplaced source of security that can lead to pride and distance from God.
This psalm is a direct response to the brutal massacre at Nob, ordered by King Saul and carried out by Doeg. The verse highlights the tragic end of those who reject God's guidance and place their ultimate trust in earthly wealth and power, contrasting sharply with the righteous who rely on the Lord.
c. 1000 BC
David flees from Saul
David, a fugitive from King Saul's persecution, seeks refuge and sustenance in various places, including the city of Nob.
c. 1000 BC
David visits the tabernacle at Nob
David and his men are given provisions and a weapon by Ahimelech the priest, after assuring him of their loyalty and the king's mission. Doeg the Edomite, a high-ranking official in Saul's court, is present and witnesses this interaction.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
Doeg informs Saul about David and Ahimelech
Doeg, motivated by malice or ambition, reports David's visit and Ahimelech's aid to King Saul, framing it as treason against the king.
c. 1000 BC
Saul orders the massacre at Nob
Enraged by Doeg's report, Saul commands his guards to kill Ahimelech and all the priests at Nob, along with their families and livestock. Doeg carries out the brutal execution, which his own guards refuse to do.
c. 1000 BC
David hears of the massacre
Upon learning of the slaughter at Nob, David laments for Ahimelech and pronounces a curse on Doeg, prophesying his destruction for his wicked deeds.
This proverb directly echoes the psalm's theme, stating that a rich person's wealth is like a fortified city, highlighting the false security found in riches rather than in God.
Luke 12:16-21Jesus' parable of the rich fool illustrates the ultimate futility of trusting in material wealth for security, mirroring the downfall described in Psalm 52:7 when one's 'strength' is in possessions rather than God.
Jeremiah 17:5-6This passage offers a stark contrast to the man in Psalm 52:7, describing the curse that falls on those who trust in mere humans and turn their hearts from the Lord, comparing them to a bush in the desert that never thrives.
Matthew 6:24Jesus explicitly warns against serving two masters, God and money, directly addressing the internal conflict described in the psalm where a person chooses wealth over reliance on the Almighty.
cambridgePsalms 52:7: "Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness."
7 . The words of the righteous. There is a touch of sarcasm in the use of the word geber (akin to gibbor, Psalm 52:1 ) for man (as perhaps in Isaiah 22:17 , see R.V. marg.), denoting a man in his full vigour. that made not God his strength ] Or, stronghold . The tense implies that it was the constant habit of his mind. but trusted &c.] Cp. Ps…
poolePsalms 52:7: "Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness."
The man: these are the triumphant words of the righteous. This is the great and famous man, take special notice of him, and of his doleful end. That made not God his strength that trusted and feared Saul more than God, and was willing to purchase Saul’s favour with God’s displeasure. Trusted in the abundance of his riches; thought himself sec…
The verse highlights that this "man" is not just anyone, but a "mighty man" or "hero" who chose not to make God his strength. This implies a deliberate rejection of God's power, opting instead to rely on wealth and personal scheming, ultimately finding security not in God's steadfast love but in his own perceived strength which leads to his ruin.
This psalm is a strong declaration from the righteous, prompted by observing the downfall of a wicked oppressor, likely Doeg the Edomite. Having seen this enemy's boastful reliance on his wealth and schemes, the righteous now point to him as a stark example. They contrast his self-reliance and trust in riches with their own trust in God, anticipating his complete destruction.
This psalm is a strong declaration from the righteous, prompted by observing the downfall of a wicked oppressor, likely Doeg the Edomite. Having seen this enemy's boastful reliance on his wealth and schemes, the righteous now point to him as a stark example. They contrast his self-reliance and trust in riches with their own trust in God, anticipating his complete destruction.
"“See the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches and sought refuge in his own destruction!”" — The verse highlights that this "man" is not just anyone, but a "mighty man" or "hero" who chose not to make God his strength. This implies a deliberate rejection of God's power, opting instead to r…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026