Psalm LXIV
Ver. 1-10. A prayer for deliverance from cunning and malicious enemies, with a confident view of their over-v throw, which will honour God and give joy to the right-
(Cf. Psalm 10. 6; 55. 22). 10-13. Out of severe trials, God had brought them to safety (cf. Isaiah 48. 10; 1 Peter 1. 7). afnietion lit., pressure, or, as Psalm 55. 3, oppression, which, laid on the—loins—the seat of strength (Deuteronomy X\. 11), enfeebles the frame, men to ride over our heads made us topass—through tire, itc.—figures describing prostr.ation and critical dangers (cf. Isaiah 43. 2 ; E»(dciel
eous.
1. presen-e . . . fear-as well as the danger producing
It. 2. insiirreition—?(7., uproar, noisy assaults, as well as their secret counsels. 3, 4-. Similar figures for slander (Psalm 57.4; 50.7). bend lit, tread, or, prepared. The allusion is to tlie mode of bending a bow by treading on
36. 12). wealthy— overflowing, or. Irrigated, and hence
It; here, and Psalm ijS. 7, transferred to arrows, the perfect—one innocent of the charges made (Psalm IS. 2,!). and fenr not.—(Psalm 5.5. 19,) not regarding God. 5. A sentiment here more fully presented, by depicting their deliberate malice. 6. This is further evinced by their diligent efl'orts and deeply-laid schemes. 7. The contrast
fertile. 1.3-15. These fulland varied olferings constitute the payment of vows (Leviticus 2*2. 18-'2;i). I will offer lit., make to ascend—alluding to the smoke of l)urnt ollerlng, which explains the use of—incense—elsewhere always denoting the fumes of aromatics. 16-30. With these he unites his public thanks. Inviting those who fear God (Psalm 60. 4; (11. 5, His true worshippers) to hear. He vindicates his sincerity. Inasmuch as God would not hear hypocrites, but had heard him. he was extolled M ith my tongue—/i7., exaltation (was) under 7)1}/ tongue, as a place of deposit, whence It proceeded—t. e., honouring God was habitual. If 1 regard iniquity lit., see iniquity with pleasure. PSALM LXVII.
is heigbtenod by representing God as using weapons like theirs. 8. their . . . tongue to fall, &c.—i.e., the consequences of their slanders, &c. (cf. Psalm 10.2; 31.16). all that sec . . . away-their partners In evil shall be
teri ifled. 9, 10. .M(>n, generally, will acknowledge God's work, and the righteous, rejoicing In It, shall be encouraged to trust him (Psalm 58. 10).
PSALM LXV. Ver. 1-13. This is a song of praise for God's spiritual blessings to his people and his kind providence over all the earth.
Ver. 1-7. A prayer that, by God's blessing on Ills people. His salvation and praise may be extended over the earth.
1. cause his face to shine—show us favour (Numbers 6. 24,25; Psalm31. 16). 3. thy way—of gracious dealing (Isaiah 5'). 8), as exjilained by—saving health—or lit., salva-
1. Praise waiteth for thee lit., To thee silence praise, or (cf. Psalm C2. 1), To thee silence is praise—f. e., Praise Is waiting as a servant— It Is due to thee. So the last clause cxpiesses the duty of paying voWs. These two parts of ncccplalde worshii), mentioned Psalm 50. 14, are rendered In Zion, where God chiefly displays His mercy and receives homage, 'i. All are encouraged to pray by God's readiness to hear. 3. God's mercy alone delivers us from (he t)urd<Mi of inl(|Uitles, by purging or expiating by an
tion. 3-5. Thanks will lie rendered for the blessings of His wise and holy government (cf. Isaiah 2. 3, 4; 11. 4). O, 7. The blessings of a fruitful harvest are mentioned as types of greater and spiritual blessings, under which all nations sinill fear and love God.