Psalm LXIX
Ver. 1-36. [Tport 57ios7ianmOT—(cf. Psalm 4.5., title). Mingling the language of prayer and complaint, the sufterer, whose condition is here set forth, pleads for God's help as one suffering in His cause, implores tlie Divine retribution on his malicious enemies, and, viewing his deliverance as sure, promises praise by himself, and others, to whom God will extend like blessings. This I'salm is referred to seven times in the New Testament as proplietical of Christ and the gospel times. Although the character in which the Psalmist appears to some in v. 5 is that of a sinner; yet his condUioii as a sufferer Innocent of alleged crimes sustains the typical character of the composition, and it may be therefore regarded throughout, as the 22d, as typically expressive of the feelings of our Saviour in the flesh.
. . . Sinai, in the holy place i.e.. He has appeared in Zion as once in Sinai. 18. From the scene of conquest He ascends to His throne, leading—captivity—[or, many captives (Judges .5. 12)] captive, received gifts for men —accepting tlieir homage, even when forced, as that of rebels, that the Lord God might dwell—or lit., to divell, oh Lord God (cf. v. 16)—<. e., to make this hill, His people or Church, His dwelling. This Psalm typifies the conquests of the Church under her Divine leader, Christ. He, Indeed, "who was with the Church in the wilderness" (Acts 7. .38) is the Lord, described In this ideal ascension.
1, 2—(Cf. Psalm 40. 2.) come in unto my soul lit., come even to my soul, endanger my life by drowning (Jonah 2. 5), 3—(Cf. Psalm 6. 6.) mine eyes fall—in watching (Psalm
119. 82). 4. hate me, itc—(Cf. .Tohn 15. '25.) On the number and power of his enemies, cf. Psalm 40. 12. then 1 restored . . . away i. e., he sullered wrouglully under the imputation of robbery. 5. Tliis may be regarded as an appeal, vindicating his innocence, as if he had said, "If sinful, thou knowest," &c. Though David's condition as a
Hence Paul (Epheslans 4.8) applies this language to describe His real ascension, when, having conquered sin, death, and hell, the Tjord of glory triumphantly entered heaven, attended by throngs of adoring angels, to sit on Ihe throne and wield the sceptre of an eternal dominion. The phrnse—received gifts for [or lit., among] men-is by Paul, "gave gifts to men." Both describe the acts of a conqueror, who receives and distributes spoils. The Psalmist uses "receiving" as evincing the success, Paul "gavr" as the act, of the conqueror, who, having subdued
sufferer may typify Christ's, without requiring that a par-
allel be found in character. 6. for my sakein me. In my confusion and shame. 7-12. Tills plea contemplates his relation to God as asufTerer In His cause. Reproaout 367
David Prays for Deliverance. PSALMS LXX—LXXII. His Prayer in behalf of Solomon.
righteousness — or, faithful performance of promises to the pious (Psalm 7. 17 ; 31. 1). 17-21. Past experience again encourages, taught me, &c.—by providential dealings,
domestic estrangement (Mark 3. 21; John 7.5), exhaustion In God's service (John 2. 17), revilings and taunts of base men were tlie HUfl'eriugs. wept (and chastened) my soul
is very high — distinguished (Psalm 36. 5; Isaiah 55. 9). deptlis of the earth—debased, low condition, increase, &c.— (. e., the great things done for me [v. 19; cf. Psalm 40.
lit., wept aicai/ my soul, a strongly figurative description of deep grief, sit in tlic gate—public place (Proverbs 31. 31). 13-15. With increasing relianceon God, he prays for help, describing his distress in tlie figures of v. 1, 2. 16-18. These earnest terms are often used, and the address to God, ks indill'orent or averse, is found in Psalm 3. 7; 22.24;
5). 22-24. To the occasion of praise he now adds the promise to render it. will . . . praise— lit., will thank, even thy truth—as to thy t'uth or faithfulness.
27.9, &c. 19, ao. Calling God to witness his distress, he presents its aggravation produced by the want of sympathizing friends (cf. Isaiah 63. 5; JIark 14. 50). 21. Instead of such, his cnf luies increase his pain by giving him most