Psalm III
Ver. 1-8. For the historical occasion mentioned, cf. 2 Samuel chaps. 15.-17. David, in the midst of great distress, with filial confidence, implores God's aid, and, anticipating relief, oft'ers praise. *
80.30; and kings, 1 Samuel 10. 1; 16. 13; 1 Kings 1.39. Hence this title well suited Him who holds all these offices, and was generally used by the Jews before His coming, to denote Him (Daniel 9. 26). While the prophet has in view men's opposition generally, he here depicts it in its culminating aspect as seen in the events of Christ's great trial. Pilate and Herod, and the rulers of the Jews (Matthew 27.
1. Lord . . . increased—The extent of the rebellion (2 Samuel 15. 13) surprises and grieves him. 3. say of my soul i. e., of me (cf. Psalm 25. 3). This use of soul is common; perhaps it arose from regarding the soul as man's chief part, no help ... in God—rejected by Him. This
is the bitterest reproach for a pious man, and denotes a spirit of malignant triumph. Selah—This word is of very obscure meaning. It probably denotes rest or pause, both as to the music and singing, intimating something emphatic in the sentiment (cf. Psalm 9. 16). 3. But lit., and (Psalm 2. 6). He repels the reproach by avowing his continued trust, shield—a favourite and often-used figure for protection, my glory—its source, lifter up of mine head—one who raises me from despondency. 4. cried
1; Ijuke 23. 1-2.5), with the furious mob, are vividly portrayed. 3. Tlie reliellious purposes of men are more distinctly announced by this representation of their avowal In words, as well as actions, bands and cords—denote the restraints of government. •*. By a figure whose boldness is only allowable to an inspired writer, God's conduct and language in view of this opposition are now related. He that sitteth in the heavens—enthroned in (juiet diiinities (cf. Psalm 29. 10; Isaiah 40. 22). ^hall laugh —in supreme contempt; their vain rage excites His derision. He is still the Lord, lit., 8overeir/n, though they rebel. .'5. Then shall he speak—His righteous indignation as well as contempt is roussd. For God to speak is for Him to act, lor what He resolves He will do (Genesis
. . . heard—Such has been my experience. The last verb denotes a gracious hearing oranswering. out of (or, from) his holy hill—Zion (Psalm 2.6), His visible earthly residence. 5. the liord sustained me lit., will s^istain me, as
If his language or thought when he laid down, and the reason of his composure. 6. ten thousands of people— or, myriads, any very great number (cf. 2 Samuel 10. 18). 7. Arise, O Ijord— God is figuratively represented as asleep to denote His apparent indifference (Psalm 7. 6). The use of cheek-bone and teeth represents his enemies as
1. ;! ; Psalm 33. 9). vex them—agitate or terrify them (Psalm
8.3. 15). 6. The purpose here declared, in its execution, Involves their overthrow, yet—^i/., and, in an adversative sense. I have set—anointed, or firmly placed, with allusion in the Hebrew to "casting, an image in a mould." The sense is not materially varied In either case, my king—appointed by me and for me (Numbers 27. 18). on my holy hill of Zlon—Zion, selected by David as the abode of the ark, and tlie seat of God'.s visible residence, as (I Kings 8. 1) also of David, the head of the Church and nation, and type of Christ, was called holy, and the Church Itself came to be thus named (Psalm 9. 11; 51. 18; 99. 2; Isaiah 8. 18; 18. 7, Ac). 7. The king thus cont'.ituted declares the fundamental law of His kingdom, in the avowal of His Sonship, a relation involving His universal dominion, this day have I begotten tliee—as 2 Samuel 7. 14, " he shall be uiy son," Is a solemn recognition of this
fierce, like wild beasts ready to devour (Psalm 27. 2), and smiting their cheek-bone (1 Kings 22. 24) denotes violence and insult, thou liast broken—God took his part, utterly depriving the enemy of power to Injure. 8. An ascription of praise to a delivering God, whose favour is an efficleut benefit.