Psalm I
Ver. 1-0. The character and condition, and the present and future destiny, of the pious and the wicked are described and continHted, teaching that true piety Is the Kource of ultimate happiness, and sin of misery. As this
Is a summary of the teachings of the whole book, this Psalm, whether designedly so placed or not, forms a suitable preface.
1.5. 17). a. liiw—all of (iod's word then written, especially the books of Moses (cf. Psalm 119. I, 55, 97, Ac). 3. like a tree—(.leremlah 17. 7, 8.) iilnnteil—settled, fast, by—or over, the rivers—canals for irrluatlou. shiUl |tros|tcr—
1. Ble«»e«l—it/., oh, the happiness— an exclamation of Strong emotion, as If resulting from reflecting on the aub-
7V«- Kmydum oj C.irisl. PSALMS II—IV. The Security of GocTs Protection,
lit., make inosper, brings to perfection. The basis of this
relation. '1 e interpretation of this passage to describe the inauguration of Christ as Mediatorial King, by no means impugns the Eternal .Sonship of His Divine nature. In Acts 13. 3.3, Paul's quotation does not imply an application of this passage to the resurrection; for raised up in v. 32 is used in tlie sense of Acts 2. 30; 3. 22, &c., to denote bringing him into being as a man ; and not that of resurrection, which it has only when, as in t). 34, allusion is made to His death (Romans 1. 4), which says He was declared as to His Divine nature to be the .Son of God, by the resurrection, only teaches that that event manifested a truth already existing. A similar recognition of His Sonship is introduced Hebrews .5. .5, by these ends, and by
coiiJition and cliaracter is given (Psalm 32. 1). i.iiiotso—
eitlier as to conduct or liajjpiness. like the chaif—wliich by Eastern modes of winnowing against llie wind, was ut-
terly blown away. 6. stand In tlie jmdgiiieitt—be ac-
quitted. They shall be driven from among tliegood (Mat-
tt ew 2.). 4o, W). 6. knowetli tlie way—attends to and provides for tliein (Psalm lUl. 6; Proverbs 12. 10; Hosea 13.
Si way of tlie wicked—all their plans will end in disappointment and ruin (Psalm 37. 13 ; 1:16. 8 ; Proverbs 4. 19). PSALM II.
Ver. 1-12. The number and authorship of this Psalm are stated (Acts -J. 2.3 ; 13. 33j. Though the warlike events of David's reign may have suggested its imagery, the scenes depicted, and the subjects presented can only find a fulfilment in tlie hislory and character of Jesus Christ,
otliers in Matthew 3. 17; 17. .5. 8. The hopes of the rebels are thus o^ferthrown, and not only so, the kingdom tl ey opposed is destined to be coextensive with the earth, heathen—or, nations fv. 1). and tlie uttermost parts at the eartli—Psalm 22. 27, denote universality. 9. His enemies shall be subject to His terrible power (Job 4. 9; 2 Thessalonians 2. 8), as His people to His grace (Psalm 110.
to which, as al)Ove cited and Hebiews 1.5; 5.5, the New Testament writers most distinctly testify. In a most animated and highly poetical style, the writer, in "four stanzas of three verses each," sets forth the inveterate and furious, thougli futile, hostility of men to God and His anointed, God"s determination to carry out His purpose, that purpose as stated more fully by His Son, the estalilishinent of the Mediatorial kingdom, and the imminent danger of all who resist, and the blessing of all wlio welcome this mighty and triumphant king.
2,3). rod of iron—d'enotes severity (Revelation 2. 27). a potter's vessel—when shivered cannot be mended, which
will describe utter destruction. 10-ia. kings. . .judges —for rulers generally (Psalm 118. 11), who have been leaders in rebellion should be examples of penitent submis-
sion, and with fear for His terrible judgments, mingled with trust in His mercy, acknowledge—kiss—the author-
ity of the Son. perish from the way i. e., is suddenly and hopelessly, kindled but a little—or, in a little time, put their trust in liim—or take refuge in Him (Psalm 5.
1. VVHy do tlie Heathen, &c.—Beholding, in prophetic vision, tlie peoples and nations, as if in a tumultuous asKemlily, raging with a fury like the raging. of the sea, designing to resist God's government, the writer bi-eaks
11). Men still clierish opposition to Christ in their hearts, and evince it in tlieir lives. Their ruin, withovit such
foi til intf) an exclamation in which are mingled surprise
trust, is inevitable (Hebrews 10.29), while their happiness iuHis favour is equally sure.
at tlieir folly, and indignation at their rebellion, heatlien —nations generally, not as opposed to Jews, people—or,
'it., peoples, or races of men. 3. The kings and rulers lead on tlieir suljjects. set themselves—take a stand, take eonnsel — ?(/!., sit together, denoting their deliberation. Anointed Hebrew, Messiah; Greek, Christ (John 1. 41). Anointing, as an emblem of the gifts of the Holj' .Spirit, was conferred on prophets, Isaiah 61. 1; priests. Exodus