Psalm LXXII
Ver. 1-19. For, or lit., of Solomon. The closing verse rather relates to the 2d book of Psalms, of which this is the last, and was perhaps added by some collector, to intimate that the collection, to which, as chief author, David's name was appended, was closed. In this view, these may consistently be the productions of others included, as of Asaph, sons of Korah, and Sojomon ; and a few of David's may be placed in the latter series. The fact that here the usual mode of denoting authorship is used. Is strongly conclusive that Solomon was the author, especially as no stronger objection appears than what has been now set aside. The Psalm, in highly wrought figurative style, describes the i-eign of a king as "righteous, universal, beneficent, and perpetual." By the older Jewish and most modern Christian interpreters, it has been referred to Christ, whose reign, present and prospective, alone corresponds with its statements. As the imagery of the 2d Psalm was drawn from the martial character of David's reign, that of this is from the peaceful and prosperous state of Solomon's.
distasteful food and drink. The Psalmist may have thus described by figure what Christ found in reality (cf. John
19. 29, 30). aa, a."}. With unimportant verbal changes, this language is used by Paul to describe the rejection of the Jews who refused to receive the Saviour (Romans 11.9,10). The purport of the figures used is, that blessings shall become curses, the table of joy (as one of food) a snare, their
welfare, lit., peaceful condition, or security, a trap. Darkened ej-es and failing strength complete the picture of the ruin falling on them under the invoked retribution, continually to sliake lit., to swerve or bend in weakness. 84,25. An utter desolation awaits them. They will not only be driven from their homes, but their homes—or lit.,
palaces, indicative of wealth—shall be desolate (cf. Matthew 23. .38). 2G. Though smitten of God (Isaiah 53. -1), men were not less guilty in persecuting the sufferer (Acts
2. 23). talk to tJ»e grief-in respect to, about it, implying derision and taunts, wounded or, lit., mortally ivounded. 27, 28. iniquity—or, punishment (Psalm 40. 12). come
1. Give ts»e king, etc.—a prayer which Is equivalent to a prediction, judgments—the acts, and (figuratively) the principles of a right government (John 5. 22; 9. 39). righteousness—qualifications for conducting such a government, king's son—same person as a king—a very proper
. . . rlglUeousiiess—partake of its benefits. bookoftJie living-or lij'e, willi the next clause, a figurative mode of representing those saved, as having their names in a reg-
ister (cf. Exodus 32. 32; Isaiah 4.3). 29. poor and sorrowful—the afllicted pious, often denoted bj' such terms
title for Christ, as such in both natures. 2, ifcc. The effects of such a government by one thus endowed are detailed, thy people . . . an«l thy poor—or, meek, the pious subjects of his government. 3. As mountains and hills are not usually productive, they are here selected to show the abundance of peace, being represented as—bringing—or,
(cf. Psalm M. 17; 12. 5). set me . . . Iiigk—out of danger. 30, 31. Spiritual are better than mere material ofterings (Psalm 40.6; 50. 8); lienoe a promise of the former, and rather contemptuous terms are used of the latter. 32, 33. Others shall rejoice. Humble and poor, as v. 29. your
lit., bearing it as a produce, by righteousness—t. e., by means of his eminently just and good methods of ruling. 4. That peace, including prosperity, as an eminent cha-
lieart, itc—address to such (cf. Psalm 22. 20). prisoners— peculiarly liable to be despised. 34-30. The call on the universe for i)raise is well sustained by the prediction of the perpetual and extended blessings which shall come upon the covenant people of God. Tliough, as usual, the
racteristic of Christ's reign (Isaiah 2. 4; 9. ti; 11. 9), will be illustrated In the security provided for the helpless and needy, and the punishment Inflicted on oppressors, whose power to injure or mar the peace of others will be destroyed (of. Isaiah 05. 25; Zechariah 9. 10). children of the needy—for the needy (cf. sons of strangers, Psalm 18. 45). 5. as long as . . . endure lit., withthe sitn, coeyAl v/it\\ Its existence, and before, or, in pi-esence of the moon, while It lasts (cf. Genesis 11. 28, before Tcrah, lit., in presence of, while he lived). O. A beautiful figure expresses the gi-ateful nature of Ills Influence; 7, aiul, carrying out the figure, the results are described In an abundant production, the righteous lil., righteousness, flourish — lit., sprout, or, spring forth. 8. The foreign nations mentioned {v. 9, 10) could not be Incluiled in the limits, if designed to Indicate the boundaries of Solomon's kingdom. The terms, though derived from those used (Kxodus "ili. 31 ; Deuteronomy 11. 21) to denote the possessions of Israel, must have a wider sense. Thus, "ends of the earth" is never used of Palestine, but always of the world (cf. Margin), 9-11. The extent of the conciuests. They that dwell In the wildeniess—the wild, untutored tribes of deserts, bow . . . flust— In i)rofouiul submission. The remotest and wealthU'st nations shall acknowledge lilm (cf. Psalm
.'.raagery is talcen from terms used of Palestine, the whole tenor of tlie context indicates that the spiritual privileges and blessings of the Cliurch are meant.
rSALM LXX.
Ver. 1-5. This corresponds witli Psalm 40. 13-17 with a very few variations, as " turn back" (t). 3) for "desolate," and " make haste unto me" (i'.5) for " thlnketh upon me."
It formsasuitahle appendix to tlie preceding, and is called "a Psalm to bring to remembrance," as the 38lh.
PSALM LXXI. Ver. 1-21. The I'salmist, probably In old age, appeals to God for hell) iVohi his eneuilcs, pleading his past favours, and stating his piesent need, and, in confidence of a hearing, promises liis gi aleful thanks and praise.
1-3—(Cf. Psalni 30. 1-3.) rock . . .. fortress—(Psalm 18.
2.) given coiniunndiucnt lit., ordained, as Psalm 44. 4; 68.28. 4,5. <-ru»-l man—corrupt and ill-natured lit., sour, trust.—place of trust. 0-9. Ills history from early Infancy illustnited (iod's care, and his wonderful deliverances were a t once occasions of praise and ground of confidence for the tuturt'. my praise ... of titee lit., in or bi/ thee (Psalm 22. 2")). 10, II. The craft and malicious taunts of his enemies now led him to call for aid (cf. on the terms used, 2 Sanuii l 17. 12; Psalm 3. 2; 7. 2). 12—(Cf. Psalm 22.
45. 12). 12-14. They are not t he conciuesis of arms, but the Influences of hinnano and peaceful i>rlnclples (cf. IsalaU
9.7; 11.1-9; Zechariah 9.9, 10). 15. In his prolonged life he will contliUKf to receive the honoural)le gifts of the
19; 40. 4.) i:{—M'f. Psalm :i5. 4; 40. 14.) 14-10. The ruin of his enemies, as illustrating God's faithfulness. Is his deliverance, aiid a reason for future confidence, for I know
rich, and the ju-aycrs of his peoiile shall be made for him, and their praises given to liliu. 10. The spiritual bless-
ings, as often In Scripture, are set forth by material, the abundance of which is described by a figure. In which a handful (or lit., a piece, or small portion) of corn lu the
, . . thereof—Innumerable, as he liad not time to count tliem. In the strength, dec— or, relylDic on u, tliy 368
Tlie Pi o^perity of the Wicked. PSALMS LXXIII—LXXv'. The Psalmist Craves God's Help.
most unpropitious locality, shall produce a crop, waving
ferred, as is probable, to the period of the captivity, the author was probably a descendant and namesake of Asaph, David's contemporary and singer (cf. 2 Chronicles
in tlie wind in its luxuriant growth, like the forests of Lebanon, tliey of tlie city . . . earth—This clause denotes tlie rapid and abundant increase of population—of
35. 15; Ezra 2. 41). He complains of God's desertion of His Church, and appeals for aid, encouraging himself by recounting some of God's mighty deeds, and urges his prayer on the ground of God's covenant relation to His people, and the wickedness of His and their common enemy.
[or, from] tlie city—Jerusalem, the centre and seat of the typical kingdom, ilourisli—or, glitter as new grass i. e., bluoui. This increase corresponds with the increased produc tiveness. So, as the gospel blessings are dilTused, there shall arise increasing recipients of them, out of the Church in which Clirist resides as head. 17. His name
1. cast . . . off— with abhorrence (cf. Psalm 43. 2; 44. 9). There is no disavowal of guilt implied. The figure of
or, glorious perfections, as long as the s^in—(C'f. v. 5.) men shnll be blfssed—(Genesis 12.3; 18.18.) 18, 19. These words close the Psalm in terms consistent with the style ,of the context, while 30 Is evidently, from its prosaic
fire to denote God's anger is often used ; and here, and Deuteronomy 29. 20, bjthe word " smoke, suggests its continuance, sheep . . . pasture-(Cf. Psalm 80. 1 ; 95. 7.) 2. The terms to denote God's relation to His people Increase in force: "congregation" — "purchased"— "redeemed"—" Zion," His dwelling. 3. Lift . . . feet—(Genesis 29. 1) i. e.. Come (to behold) the desolations (Psalm 73.
style, an addition for the purpose above explained, ended HI., finished, or completed ; the word never denotes fulfilment, except in a very late usage, as Ezra 1. 1; Daniel
19). 4. roar— with bestial fury, congregations — worshipping assemblies, ensigns — lit., signs— substituted their Idolatrous objects, or tokens of authority, for those articles of the temple which denoted God's presence.
psalm' LXXIII. Ver. 1-28. Of Asaph— (cf. Introduction). God is good to His people. For although the prosperity of the wicked, and the afflictions of the righteous, tempted the Psalmist to misgivings of God's government, yet the sudden and fearful ruin of the ungodly, seen In the light of God's revelation, reassures his heart, and, chiding himself for his folly, he is led to confide renewedly in God, and celebrates His goodness and love.
5, 6. Though some terms and clauses here are very obscure, the general sense is, that the spoilers destroyed the beauties of the temple with the violence of woodmen, was famous lit., was known, carved work
(1 Kings 6. 29). thereof—t. e., of the temple, in the writer's mind, though not expressed till v. 7, in which its utter destruction by fire is mentioned (2 Kings 25.9; Isaiah 64. H). deftled—or, profaned, as Psalm 89.39. 8. together— at once, all alike, synagogues lit., assemblies, for places of assembly, whethersuch as schools of the prophets (2 Kings
X. The abrupt announcement of the theme indicates that it is the conclusion of a perplexing mental conflict, which is then detailed (cf. Jeremiah 12. 1-1). Truly—or, Surel.v it is so. clean heart—(Psalm 18. 26) descriljes the true Israel, a. Tlie figures express his wavering faith, by terms denoting tottering and weakness (cf. Psalm 22.
4. 23), or synagogues in the usual sense, there is much doubt. 9. signs—of God's presence, as altar, ark, &c. (cf.
V. 4; 2 Chronicles 36. 18, 19; Daniel 5. 2). no more any prophet—(Isaiah 3.2; Jeremiah 40. 1 ; 43.fi). how long— this is to last. Jeremiah's prophecy (25. 11), if published, may not have been generally known or understood. To the bulk of the people, during the captivity, the occasional and local prophetical services of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel would not make an exception to the clause, " there is no more any prophet." 10. (Cf. Psalm 31. 1.) how long . . . reproach—us as deserted of God. blaspheme thy name—or, perfections, as power, goodness, &c. (Psalm
5; 62.3). 3-9. The prosperous wicked are insolently proud
(cf. Psalm 5. 5). They die, as well as live, free from perplexities: pride adorns them, and violence is their clothing; indeed they are inflated with unexpected success. With all this—they are corrupt—or, lit., they deride, they speak maliciously and arrogantly, and invade even heaven with blasphemy (Revelation 13. 6), and cover earth with slanders (Job 21. 7-14). 10-13. Hence God's people are confounded, turned hither (or back) and thither, perplexed with doubts of God's knowledge and care, and filled with sorrow, prosper In the world lit., Becure fcrr ever. 13, 14. The Psalmist, partaking of these troubles, is especially disturbed in view of his own case, that with all his diligent efforts for a holy life, he is still sorely tried. 15. Freed from idiomatic phrases, this verse expresses a supposition, as, "Had I thus spoken, I should," &c., intimating that he had kept hit troubles to
29. 2). 11. Why cease to help us 7 (Cf. Psalm 3. 7 ; 7. 6; 60. 5.) 12. For—K^., And, in an adversative sense. 13-15. Examples of the "salvation wroxighl" are cited, divide the sea i. e.. Red Sea. byakest . . . waters—Pharaoh and his host (cf. Isaiah 51. 9, 10; Ezekiel 29. 3, 4). heads of leviathan—the word is a collective, and so used for many, the' people . . . wilderness i. e., wild beasts, as conies (Proverbs 30. 25, 26), are called a people. Others take the passages literally, that the sea monsters thrown out on dry land were food for the wandering Arabs, cleave the fountain—{. e., the rocks of Horeb and Kadesh—for foun-
liimself. generation of thy children—thy people (1 John
3.1). offend lit., deceive, mislead. 16. 17. Still he—thought —lit, studied, or, pondered this riddle; but in vain; it remained a toll (cf. Margin), till he—went Into the sanctuary—to inquire (cf. Exodus 25.22; Psalm 5. 7; 27.4). 18-ao. Their end, or, future (Psalm 37. 37, 38), which is dismal and terribly sudden (Proverbs 1.27; 29.1), aggravated and hastened by terror. As one despises an unsubstan-
tains, driedst up—Jordan, and, perhaps, Arnon and Jaljbok (Numbers 21. 14). 16, 17. The fixed orders of natura and bounds of earth are of God. 18. (Cf. v. 10; Deuteronomy 32. 6.) The contrast is striking—that such a God should be thus Insulted ! 19. multitude— beast, their flock or company of men (Psalm 68. 10). turtle-dove
tial dream, so God, waking up to Judgment (Psalm 7. 6;
44. 23), despises their vain shadow of happiness (Psalm 39.
i.e., the meek and lonely Church, congregation — ii<,, company, as above—thus the Church Is represented as tho spoiled and defeated remnant of an army, exposed to vio-
6; Isaiali 29. 7). They are thrown into ruins as a building falling to pieces (Psalm 74. 3). 21, aa. He confesses how —foolish lit., stupid, and—Ignorant lit., not discerning, Lad been his course of thought, before thee— with
lence. 30. And the prevalence of injustice in heathen lands is a reason for invoking God's regard to His prom-
thee, lu conduct respecting thee. 83. Still he was udth Ood, as a dependent beneficiary, and so kept from falling
ise (cf. Numbers 14. 21 ; Psalm 7. 16 ; 18. 48). 21. oppressed - —broken (Psalm 9. 9). return—from seeking God. ashamed— (Psalm 35. 4). 33, 23. (Cf. Psalm 3. 7; 7. 6.) God hear*- the wicked to their own ruin (Genesis 4. 10; 18. 20); PSALM LXXV. Ver. 1-10. Al-taschith—(cf. Psalm 57., title). . In.lmpendlug danger, the Psalmist, anticipating relief in. view of God's righteous government, takes courage 'and. renders
(v. 2). 24. All doubts are silenced in confidence of Divine guidance and future glory, receive me to glory lit., take for (me) glory (cf. Psalm 68. 18; Epheslaus 4.8). 25, 20. God Is his only satisfying good, strength— rocfc (Psalm
18.2). portion—(Psalm 16..5; Lamentations 3. 24.) 27,28. The lot of apostates, described by a figure of frequent use (Jeremiah 3. 1. 3; Ezekiel 23. 3.5), is contrasted with his, who finds liappiness in nearness to God (James 4. 8), and bis delightful work the declaration of His praise.
praise.
1. God's name or perfections are set forth hy His wondrous works. 2, 3. These verses express the purpose of God to administer a Just government, and in a time ot
PSALM LXXIV. Ver. 1-23. If the historical allusions of v. 6-8, Ac, be re24
a69
The Fsalmist's Combat with Diffidence. PSALMS LXXVI—LXXVIII. Exhortation to Learn God's Law,