Psalm 50: The Judge Declares

Psalm 50:

"The psalm is a warning to the pilgrim of Zion to avoid hypocrisy and formalism before God. The setting of the psalm is comparable to a courtroom:

God, the Judge,

--appears in a theophany (verses 1-3),

--and calls for a hearing (verses 4-6),

--the heavens and earth being called as witnesses.

The accusations are twofold:
God’s people must realize that true worship does not consist of mere sacrifice, but of sacrifice offered with thanksgiving and faithfulness (verses 7-15).
Second, the wicked are denounced for not keeping God’s law, thought they pretend that they do.
In reality, they are those who  forget God (verse 22), and face certain destruction unless they repent.

 God Himself is quoted throughout the psalm.

 The Lord God, the Supreme Judge, levels two felony charges against His professing people.

I.       Introduction: The Supreme Judge Enters to Preside (50:1-6).

The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. vs.1

II.      The Supreme Judge Levels Two Charges (50:7-21).

A.  First Charge: Ritualism (50:7-15);

And your burnt offerings are continually before Me. vs.8

B.   Second Charge: Rebellion (50:16-21).

But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? vs.16

III.     The Supreme Judge Offers a Solution (50:22-23).

And to him who orders his conduct aright
I will show the salvation of God. vs.23." BooksOfTheBible