Psalm XIII
lion, and of liunters taking their prey. Poor, in v. 8, 10, 14, represents a word peculiar to this Psalm, meaning tlie sad or sorrowful ; in t). 9, as usual, it means tlie pious or meek sufferer, eyes . . . privily set—he watclies with half-closed e.yes, appearing not to see. crowclietli—as a lion gathers liimself into as small compass as possible to malte the greater spring, fall by Ikis strong ones—the figure of the lion is dropped, and this phrase means the accomplices of the chief or leading wicked man. 11. As before, sucli conduct implies disbelief or disregard of God's government. 13. (Cf. Psalm 9. 19; 3. 7.) linmble—
Ver. 1-6. On title, cf. Introduction. The Psalmist, mourning God's absence and the triumph of his enemies, prayK for relief ere he is totally destroyed, and Is encouraged to hope his trust will not be In vain.
1. The forms of expression and figure here used are frequent (cf. Psalm 9. 12, 18; 10. 11, 12). How long . . . for ever—shall It be for ever? 2. The counsels or devices of his heart afford no relief. 3. lighten mine eyes—dim with weakness, denoting approaching death (cf. 1 Samuel
14. '27-29; Psalm 6. 7; 38. 10). 4. rejoice—/it., shout as in triumph, I am moved—cast down from a firm position (Psalm 10. 6). 5, 6. Trust Is followed by rejoicing in the deliverance which God effects, and, Instead of his enemy, he can lift the song of triumph.
(Cf. I'. 17,and Marg.) lift up thine hand—exert thy power.
13, 1*. It is in vain to suppose God will overlook sin, however forbearing; for He carefully examines or beholds all wickedness, and will mark it by His providen-
tial (t/it/liand) punishment, mischief and spite—provocation and trouble of the sufferer (cf. Psalm 6.7; 7. U). coitiiuitteth—or, leaves (his burden) on thee. 15. arm pow^r. till tlion And none—so far from not requiting (i'.
PSALM XIV.
Ver. 1-7. The practical atheism, and total and universal depravity of the wicked, with their hatred to the good, are set forth. Yet, as they dread God's judgments when He vindicates His people, the Psalmist prays for His delivering power.
11. 13 , God will utterly deslroy the wicked and his deeds (Psalm 9. o, 0; 3t. 16; ;?7. 36). 16-18. God reigns. The wicked, if for a time successful, shall be cut off. He hears, and confirms the hearts of His suffering people (Psalm
1. Sinners are termed fools, beause they think and act contrary to right reason (Genesis 34.7; Joshua 7. 15; Psalm
112. 7), executes justice for the feeble, and represses the pride and violence of conceited though frail men (cf. Psalm 9. 16). PSALM XI.
39. 8; 74. 18, '22). in Ills heart—to himself (Genesis 6. 12). looked—in earnest Inquiry, understand-as opposed to fool. 3. Ultliy- ?!^, spoiled, or, soured, corrupted (Job
15. 16; Homans 3. 12). 4-6. Their conduct evinces indifference rather than Ignorance of God; for when He appears in judgment they are stricken with great fear, who eat up my people— to express their beastly fury—(Proverbs 30. 14; Habakkuk 3. 14); to call on the Lord is to worship Him. 7. captivity—denotes any great evil. Zlon God's abode, from which He revealed His purposes of mercy, as He now does by the Church (cf. 3. 4; 20. 2), and which He rules and all other things for the good of His people (Kphesians 1. 22).
Ver. 1-7. On title, cf. /n<)ori!«c?ion. Alluding to some event in Jiis history, as 1 Samuel '2;i. 13, the Psalmist avows
his confidence in God, when admonished to flee from Ills raging persecutors, whose destruction of the usual foundations of safety renderedall his efforts useless. Thegrounds of his contidenee are God s supreme dominion. His watch-
ful care of His people, His hatred to the wicked, and judgment.s on them, and His love for righteousness and the righteous.
1. my sonl—me (Psalm 3. 2). Flee lit., flee ye ; i. e., he and his companion, as a liird to yo«ir inoiiiitain—having as such no safety but in fiight (cf. 1 Samuel 26.20; L.anu>ntations 3. 52i. a. privily— in darkness, treacherously. 3. Lit., 'Die ftmndcUions (t. e., of good oriler and law) viU be ileslroi/ed, whul has the rit//Ueou.i done (to sustain themi? All his effort.s have failed. 4. temple . . . heaven—the coniu'ction seems to denote God's heavenly residence; the term used is taken from the place of His visible earthly abode (I'salm 2.6; 3.4; 5.7). Thence He inspects men with close scrutiny. 5. The trial of the righteous results in their approval, as it is contrasted with God's hatred to the wicked. 0. Their punishment is described by vivid figures denoting abundant, sudden, furious, and utter destruction (cf. Genesis 19. 2t; Job 18. 15; Psalm 7. 13; 9. lo). cup—Is a frequent figure for God's favour or wrath (P.salm 16. 5 ; 2:!. 5; Mai thew 20. 22, 2!!). 7.