Psalm LXXXV
Ver. 1-13. On the ground of former mercies, the Psalm-
PSALM LXXXIII.
ist prays for renewed blessings, and, confidently expecting them, rejoices.
Ver. 1-18. 0/^«apA—(Cf. Psalm 74., title.) The historical occasion is probably that of 2 Chronicles 20. 1, 2 (cf. Psalms
1. captivity—not necessarily the Babylonian, but any great evil (Psalm 14. 7). 8, 3—(Cf. Psalm 32. 1-5.) To turn from the fierceness, &c., implies that He was reconcilable, though (4-7) having still occasion for the anger which in deprecated, draw out—or, prolong (Psalm 36. 10). 8. He
47., 48). After a general petition, the craft and rage of the combin.ed enemies are described, God's former dealings
recited, and a like summary and speedy destruction on tiiem is invoked.
1. God addressed as indifferent (cf. Psalm 35.22 ; 39.12). be not still—lit. , not quiet, as opposed to action. 3. thine enemies—as well as ours (Psalm 74. 23 ; Isaiah 37. 23). 3. hidden ones—whom God specially protects (Psalm 27.5;
is confident God will favour His penitent people (Psaliu
51. 17 ; SO. 18). saints—as Psalm 4.3, the "godly." 9. They are here termed "them that fear him;" and grace produces glory (Psalm 84. 11). 10. God's promises of mercy will be verified by His truth (cf. Psalm 25. 10; 40. 10; and the "work of righteousness" in His holy government shall be " peace" (Isaiah 32.17). There is an implied contrast with a dispensation under which God's truth sustains His threatened wrath, and His righteousness inflicts misery on the wicked. 11. Eartli and heaven shall abound with the blessings of this government; 13-13, and, under this, the deserted land shall be productive, and men be set, or guided in God's holy ways. Doubtless, in this description of God's returning favour, the writer had in view that more glorious period, when Christ shall establish His government on God's reconciled justice and abounding mercy.
91. 1). i. from being a nation—utter destruction (Isaiali
7.8; 23.1). Israel—here used for Judah, having been tlie common name. 5. they have consulted with heart, or
cordially, togetlxer — all alike. 6-8. tabernacles — for people (Psalm 78.67). they—all these united with the children of Lot, or Ammonites and Moabites (cf. 2 Chron-
icles 20. 1). 9-11. Compare the similar fate of these (2 Chronicles 20. 23) with that of the foes mentioned in .Tudges 7. 22, here referred to. They destroyed one another (Judges 4. (}-24 ; 7. 25). Human remains form manure (cf.
2 Kings 9. 37; Jeremiah 9. 22). 13. The language of the invaders. Iiouses— residences, enclosures, as for flocks (Psalm 65. 12\ of God—as tlie proprietors of the land (2 Chronicles 20.11; Isaiah 14.25). 13. like a wlieel— or whirling of any light thing (Isaiah 17. 13), as stubble or chaff (I'salm 1.4). 14,15. Pursue them to an utter destruction. 10. tliat they may seek—or as v. 18, supply "men," since v. 17, 18 amplify tlie sentiment of v. 16, expressing more fully the measure of destruction, and the lesson of God's being and perfections (cf. 2 Clironlcles 20.