The fool said in his heart, etc. David recited two psalms in this Book, in one manner [with almost identical wording]: the first one concerning Nebuchadnezzar and the second one (ch. 53) concerning Titus. In this one, he prophesied concerning Nebuchadnezzar, who was destined to enter the Temple and to destroy it, with not one [man] of all his armies protesting against him.

“There is no God” and “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds.”

they have committed abominable deeds Heb. עלילה, deeds.

All have turned away, etc. Not one man of his armies protested against him.

they have spoiled Heb. נאלחו, have turned to rot.

Did not...know? Did they not know at the end what had befallen them?

Those who devoured My people The seed of Nebuchadnezzar.

partook of a feast Heb. לחם, lit. bread. They made a feast (as in Dan. 5:1) “made a huge feast (לחם).”

they did not call upon the Lord They neither considered Him nor remembered His wondrous and awesome deeds at their feast, and [they] used His vessels.

There they were in great fear For recompense was paid to Belshazzar king of Babylon [causing him] to be in great fear, as it is stated (in Dan. 5:6): “Then the king’s color changed, his thoughts terrified him, the joints of his loins came loose, and his knees knocked against each other.” But our Sages explained this (Sanh. 104b, Mid. Ps. 14:4) as referring to the heathens: Whoever does not rob Israel does not experience a pleasant taste in his food. Those who devoured my people felt as though they ate bread, for they experienced a pleasant taste.

for God is in the generation of a righteous man In the generation of Jeconiah, who were righteous.

You put to shame the counsel of the poor You say that the counsel of Israel is shameful, for they trust in the Lord because He is their refuge.

O that Then the day will arrive when He will give out of Zion the salvation of Israel in the future; then Jacob shall rejoice; Israel shall be glad.