1.0 Divine Intervention

Psalm 14:5-7 (KJV) “There were they in great fear; for God is in the generation of the righteous. Ye have shamed the counsel of the Poor because the LORD is his Refuge. Oh, that the Salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When the LORD bringeth back the Captivity of His People. Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

1.1 Fool’s Great Fear

Psalm 14:5a “There were they in great fear.” –

First, Psalm 14:5a, describes the terror of the wicked when they realize God is protecting the righteous and will judge their evil actions. Commentaries explain this fear stems from their guilty consciences and the knowledge of future Divine judgment, even though they may outwardly act without fear of God. Essentially, Psalm 14;5a highlights the contrast between the wicked’s false security and the righteous’ s ultimate protection.  Psalm 14:5a serves as a pivotal moment where the Psalmist shifts from describing the godless to showing God’s Judgment upon them. 

• Context within the Psalm: Psalm14:4a appears in the context of a Psalm that contrasts the actions of the “fool” who denies God with those who seek Him, illustrating that those who deny God’s existence live in fear
• Wicked’s Terror: Psalm 14:5a indicates that the wicked are struck with fear, often at their moment of apparent success. This is not a fear that leads to repentance, but a fear of God’s inevitable judgment.
• Source of fear: The wicked are gripped by fear because they know deep down that God is real and will hold them accountable.
• God’s Presence with the Righteous: The reason for their fear is explicitly stated: “for God is in the generation of the righteous.” This presence is a source of security for the righteous but a source of terror for the wicked who have rejected Him.
• Guilty conscience: Even those who outwardly deny God are troubled by their own guilt and fear of Divine Vengeance.
• Contrast with the Righteous: The fear of the wicked is in stark contrast to the security of the righteous, who are described as having the Lord as their Refuge. This fear is contrasted with the Presence of God among the righteous, who have the Lord as their Refuge.
• Significance in the Psalm: Psalm 14:5a marks a turning point in the Psalm, moving from a description of the godless to the future judgment that awaits them and the eventual hope for the righteous and the coming of God’s kingdom. 
• Fear – As I pondered Psalm 14:4a, I realized that I do not actually know what being made “fearfully’‘ means. So, I looked it up and found something amazing. Translated from Hebrew, the word fearfully means with great reverence, respect and heart-felt interest. Wonderfully, translated from Hebrew means: unique and set apart.

Commentaries explain this fear stems from their guilty consciences and the knowledge of future judgment, even though they may outwardly act without fear of God. Essentially, the verse highlights the contrast between the wicked’s false security and the righteous’ ultimate protection. 

In the midst of Fools’ Corruption, an indescribable fear seized the Fools (Atheists), because God’s People cannot be attacked without provoking God to Action. These depraved People who persecuted God’s People experienced great fear. The two words “great” and fear” are closely related – it is an emphasis of the Fear, which is a great dread, awesome and terrible, causing the Fools (Atheists) to tremble.

Second, David Expresses Confidence that the LORD will punish those who deny His existence (Psalm 14:1) and oppress His People (Psalm 14:4).

• In Harmony with other Psalmists (Psalm 82:5), David has pointed out the stubborn evil of those who reject God. He has used common O.T. imagery for those who oppress others through their unspiritual perspectives (Micah 3:1–3).
• Though it sometimes seems that wickedness is being left unpunished (Psalm 73:2–3; Habakkuk 1:2–4), God is not being fooled (Hebrews 4:13).
• David Knows that one day (Revelation 19:11–16; Revelation 20:11–15), these oppressors will be stricken with the terror of God’s holy judgment (Hebrews 10:31).
• God is on the side of the righteous, and no enemy of the righteous can prevail.
• Apostle John notes in 1 John 4:4 “He who is in [Believers] is greater than he who is in the world.” Jude writes about those who oppose God and godly truth: “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way” (Jude 1:14–15).

Third, General Commentary – Psalm 14:5, Literally, there they feared a fear, i.e., terror overtook them. Psalms 53 adds, “which was no fear.” The local “there” brings the scene before us as in a picture.

• We see them there before us, these wicked men; there in the midst of their intrigues, or their exactions, or their pleasures, the hand of God seizes them, and lo! they are struck with fear.
• We evidently have not here any indication by which to fasten on a particular event. Whether the addition in Psalms 53 gives any is discussed there.

Psalm 14:5, the uneasy sense that, after all, the righteous have God on their side–this general truth is implied in the phrase “generations of the righteous” (vs.5b), even if first employed of faithful Israel–is always a cause of fear to the Wicked.

1.2 The Reason –

Psalm 14:5b “For God is in the Generation of the Righteous.”

First, Psalm 14:5b means that God is present and active with those who live righteously, providing them with protection, guidance, and a sense of security. God’s Presence inspires great fear in Believers’ enemies, who are terrified by God’s Power on the side of the righteous. The “generation of the righteous” refers to the community of Believers who live according to God’s will, and God’s Presence with them assures their vindication and is a source of strength against those who oppose them – God’s Presence: Psalm14:5b emphasizes that God is not just a distant figure but is intimately involved in the lives of the righteous. God’s Presence is a source of strength and security for the Believers.

• The Righteous: The term “righteous” refers to those who are faithful and obedient to God’s Words/Laws and will. They are contrasted with the wicked, and their community is not just defined by a lifespan but by their moral alignment with God.
• Fear of Enemies: God’s Righteousness in God’s People causes great terror in their enemies, who see God’s Power and Favour working through them. This fear is a result of the wicked being frustrated in their evil plans and the righteous being protected by God.
• A Source of Dread: Psalm 14:5b highlights that the righteous are not to be fearful of their enemies because of their own Power, but because of God’s Power working through the Believers. It is God’s Presence that fills the wicked with dread and terror

Second, what is the Generation of the Righteous? – Though in subjective terms, the Generation of Individuals supposed to be the duration of their lifetime.

• The Generation of the Righteous will not only be the duration of their Life but Eternal because God is involved in the Believers’ life.
• The Generation of the righteous is always Eternal because God creates it.
• The Generation of Righteous though in subjective terms, supposed to be the duration of their lifetime.
• The Generation of the righteous will not only be the duration of their life but Eternal because God is involved in their life.
• The Generation of the righteous is always Eternal because God creates it What produces this “great fear” that makes the Fools tremble? It is the realisation that God Himself, whom they have despised, is in the Generation of the Righteous.
• Balaam learned it and said as he looked at the Camp of Israel: “The LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a King is among them” (Numbers 23:21).

Jonathan Edwards’ Legacy, a Puritan Preacher in the 1700s. He was one of the most respected Preachers in his day. He attended Yale at the age of thirteen and later went on to become the President of Princeton college. He married his wife Sara in 1727, and they were blessed with eleven children. Every night when Mr. Edwards was home, he would spend an hour conversing with his family and then praying a blessing over each child. Jonathan and his wife Sarah passed on a great, godly legacy to their eleven children. Jonathan Edwards’ Descendants:

• 1 U.S. Vice-President.
• 1 Dean of a Law School.
• 1 Dean of a Medical School.
• 3 U.S. Senators.
• 3 Governors.
• 3 Mayors.
• 13 College Presidents.
• 30 Judges.
• 60 Doctors.
• 65 Professors.
• 75 Military Officers.
• 80 Public Office Holders.
• 100 Lawyers.
• 100 Clergymen.
• 285 College Graduates.

This Divine Blessings could be explained, as Jonathan and his wife are godly Persons, hardworking, intelligent and moral. Furthermore, “Much of the capacity and talent, intensity and character of the more than 1,400 of Edwards’ family is due to Mrs. Edwards.”

In this example, the benefit of righteous people is not only for the Individual but also for Generation after Generation. I believe that we all have a choice to make when it comes to our own lives. If we choose the path of righteousness, then there will be a lot of good things happening around us. However, if we choose the path of evil and sin, then the consequences are far worse than what we can imagine. The moral lessons learned from these events can be applied to any Person/Situation.

1.3 The Indictment

– Psalm 14:6 “You have shamed the Counsel of the Poor, because the LORD is his Refuge.”

First, Psalm 14:6 describes how the Wicked (or the “Fools”) frustrate or put to shame the Plans and Devise against the Poor and Oppressed. However, the latter part of the verse, “because the LORD is his Refuge,” provides the contrast, indicating that God is the ultimate Protector and Refuge for the righteous, even in the face of those who would scorn them. Breakdown of Psalm 14:6:

• “You have shamed the Counsel of the Poor”: This refers to those who are oppressed and Poor, who lack worldly Power. Their good intentions, wisdom, or plans are dismissed and made to look foolish by the Wicked.
• “Because the LORD is his Refuge”: This is the reason the Poor/Oppressed, who are also righteous, should not be ashamed. Despite the scorn of others, the Lord provides them with a safe place and ultimate protection. 
• The Wicked (often referred to as “fools” in the context of this Psalm) frustrate or shame the plans and counsel of the Poor & Oppressed. This is done because they see the Poor & Oppressed as foolish for having God as their Refuge.
• The Poor/Oppressed are those who find their hope and safety in God, not in worldly means.
• The LORD is the Refuge, meaning God is the shelter, protection, and hope for those who are Poor & Oppressed and have nowhere else to turn.
• The Contrast is a key theme: the Wicked’s actions are ultimately futile against the protection of God, who is a Refuge for the righteous and who will not forsake those who seek Him. 

Second, Psalm 14:6 states that the wicked or “fools” try to shame the plans of the Poor and Oppressed, but the Lord is their Protector and Refuge. This verse highlights the contrast between those who rely on God and those who oppose them, emphasizing that despite the efforts of the wicked to humiliate the vulnerable (Poor & Oppressed), the righteous are ultimately sheltered by God’s Presence. 

Third, the “Poor” is not the reflection of material poverty, but “the Poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3). The ungodly taunts the “Poor in spirit” about God’s Existence, slandering His (God’s) Presence and Power to work among those who believe in Him. Yet, the LORD (Jehovah) who the Fool claims does not exist is the Refuge, Hiding Place, their Shelter for those who put their trust in Him. The carnal mind is Enmity against God and scorns (shames) those who trust in Him and yet is in Fear.

Fourth, Broader context in Psalm 14

• Psalm 14:1 begins by describing the “Fool” who says in his heart, “There is no God”.
• This leads into a description of the wicked who are corrupt and do not do good (Psalm 14:2-5)
• The verse (Psalm 14:6) in question contrasts the actions of these wicked people with the righteous who are protected by God.
• The Psalm concludes with a hope for God’s deliverance to “come out of Zion” (Psalm 14:7).

1.4 The Disapora

Psalm 14:7 (KJV) “Oh, that the Salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When the LORD brings back the Captivity of His People. Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.” Psalm 14:7 expresses a fervent hope for God’s Salvation (Deliverance) to come from Zion and restore His people from captivity, leading to rejoicing for Jacob and Israel. Psalm 14:7 is a powerful statement of faith in God’s ultimate deliverance, a longing for the future restoration of Israel and a declaration that this act of Salvation (Deliverance) will bring immense joy. 

• Hope and Anticipation: Psalm 14:7a begins with an expression of longing, “Oh, that the Salvation (Deliverance) of Israel were come out of Zion!”
• Divine Restoration: It is a Prayer for the LORD to “bring back the captivity of His People”.
• Joyful Outcome: The result of this Divine Action will be immense joy for Jacob and Israel, who “shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.”
• Theological Theme: It focuses on God’s Power to save and restore, the importance of Zion (Jerusalem) as the Source of Salvation, and the rejoicing of his people. 
• Salvation from Zion: The phrase “Oh, that the Salvation of Israel came out of Zion!” expresses a desire for God’s Saving Power to be manifest from Zion, the sacred city of Jerusalem.
• Restoration of the Captive: The verse is a Prayer for God to “bring back the Captivity of His People,” signifying a future time when Israel will be freed from exile and oppression.
• Joy and Celebration: The second part of the verse, “Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad,” is a prophetic promise of the immense joy and gladness that will accompany this restoration.

Prophetically Psalm 14:7 looks forward to that day when Israel of the “Diaspora,” the dispersion, will be re-gathered in Eretz Israel, the Promise Land.

• God has Promised that the Redeemer will one day come to Zion and Deliver His People in Mighty Power (Isaiah 59:16-21; Jeremiah 31:33-34), and Paul affirms this at the Close of his great discussion of the Future Redemption of the Jewish Nation (Romans 11:25-32).
• The word “Captivity” in Psalm 14:7 does not refer to the Babylonian Captivity, for Jeremiah made it clear that it would end in Seventy Years (Jeremiah 25:8-14). The phrase “Bring back the Captivity” means “to Restore the fortunes, to radically change circumstances from bad to very good.” The day will come when Jesus Christ returns, defeat His Enemies, Cleanse the Nation of Israel, and Establish His Righteous Kingdom on this Earth (Zechariah 10-14). What a time of rejoicing that will be when the Prayer “Your Kingdom Come” is fulfilled.
• When the Salvation “of the Generation of the Righteous” (Psalm 14:5b) shall come to pass, then not only Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad; but the Fool will no longer be able to deceive his own heart that there is no God.  The “Fool” of Psalms 14:1 will have no future because he has rejected God in his life, will live in Eternal Separation from Him.

The Psalmist longs for that Manifestation of God, when His Redeemed People will rejoice with Him and Zion will be the Centre and Source of Blessing for the Millennial Earth – Psalm 14:7b “Let Jacob rejoice, and Israel be glad.” Jacob is the Name of the old and Beguiler, but he is delivered from his self-willed life (Genesis 32:22-32).  “Israel” is the Name of the restored Jacob, the man whom God touched in Grace, who became the Prince with God (Genesis 32:28). God’s Grace presides supreme over the failings of Jacob and the Glory of Israel alike, and the LORD shall send the Rod of His Strength out of Zion (Psalm 110:2). For that day King David longs. It is the aspiration and the anticipation of all those who love His (Christ’s) Appearing.

• Psalms