Psalm C
Ver. 1-5. As closing this series (cf. on Psalm 94), this Psalm is a general call on all the earth to render exalted praise to God, the creator, preserver, and benefactor of men.
PSALM XCVII. Ver. 1-1.'?. The writer celebrates the Lord's dominion over nations and nature, describes its effect on foes and friends, and exhorts and encourages the latter.
1, 3. 'With thankful praise, unite service as the subjects of a king (Psalm 2. 11, 12). 3. To the obligations of a creature and sul)ject is added that of a beneficiary (Psalm 95.
7). 4. Join joyfully in His public worship. The terms are, of course, figurative (cf. Psalm 84. 2; 92. 13; Isaiah
1-2. Tliis dominion is a cause of Joy, because, however our minds are oppressed with terror before the throne of the King of kings (Exodus 19. 18; Deuteronomy 5. 22), we know it is based on righteous principles and judgments which are according to truth. 3-5. The attending illustrations of God's awful justice on enemies (Psalm S3. 14) are seen in the disclosures of His almighty power on the elements of nature (cf. Psalm 46. 2; 77. 17; Habakkuk .3. 6, &c.). 6. heavens—or, their inliabitants (Psalm 50. 6), as opposed to nations in the latter clause (cf. Isaiah 40. 5; 66.
66. 23). Enter—or, Come with solemnity (Psalm 95. 0). 5. The reason : God's eternal mercy and truth (Psalm 25. 8;
89. 7). PSALM CI.
Ver. 1-8. In this Psalm the profession of the principles of his domestic and political government testifies, as well as actions in accordance with it, David's appreciation of God's mercy to him, and His judgment on his enemies: and thus he sings or celebrates God's dealings.
18). 7. Idolaters are utterly put to shame, for if angels must worship Him, how much more those who worshipped them, all ye godo lit., all ye angels (Psalm 8. 5;
a. He avows his sincere purpose, by God's aid, to act uprightly (Genesis 17. 1; Psalm 18. 30). 3. set . . . eyes—as an example to be approved and followed, no wicked thing —lit., word, plan or purpose of Belial (Psalm 41. 8). work of . . . aside—apostates, not cleave to ine—I will not be implicated In it (cf. Psalm 1. 1-3). 4. A froward [or, per-
1.38. 1 ; Hebrews 1.6; 2. 7) l^aul quotes, not as a prophecy, hot Hs language used ir regard to the Lord Jehovah, who Sn the Old Testament t/i<?o;>/i.<T7ita is the second person of the Godhead. 8, 9. The exaltation of Zlon's king Is joy to the righteous and sorrow to the wicked, daughters of Judah—(Cf. Psalm 48. 11.) above all gods—(Psalm 95. 3.) tO-13. Let gratitude for the blessings of providence and grace incite saints (Psalm 4. 3) to holy living. Spiritual
verse] heart^-(Psalm 18. 20.) Such a temper I will not Indulge, nor even know evil or wickedness. 5, 6. The sla-jderers and haughty persons, so mischievous in society, I Will disown; but—Mine eyes . . . upou—or, I will select 375
A Orieivus Complaint. PSALMS CII—CIV. Tlie Mighty Power of God.
reliable and honest men for my servants. 7. not dwell —Ut., not iit, or tarry, or be established. 8. tvlll early
gtmction—ii^., pit of corruption (Psalm 16. 10). croivneth —or, adorneth (Psalm 11). tender mercies—compassions (cf. Psalm 25. 6; 40. 11). 5. By God's provision, the saint retains a youthful vigour like the eagles (Psalm 92.
or, diligently, city of the Lord—or, holy place (Psalm 48.
2), where wicked men shall not be tolerated. PSALM CII.
14; cf. Isaiah 40. 31). 0. Li./., rigtUconmcss and judtjmaiU. denoting various acts of God's government. 7. ways of providence, etc., as usual (P.salm 2>. 4 ; 67. 2). nets—/i'/.. wonders (Psalm 7. 11 ; 78. 17). 8-10. God's benevolence im-
Ver. 1-28. A prayer ^of t?ie afflicted, &c.—The general terms seem to denote the propriety of regarding the Psnim as suitably expressive of the anxieties of any one of David's descen dants, piously concerned for the welfare of the Church. It was probably David's composition, and, tlioush specially suggested by some peculiar trials, descriptive of future times. Overu'helmed—{ct. Psalm 61. 2). Complaint—(Psalm oo. 2.) Pouring out the soul—(Psalm 6"2.
plies no merit. He shows it to sinners, who also are chastened for a time (Exodus 34. 6). keep (anger)—in Leviticus 19. 18, bear a grudge (Jeremiah 3. 5, 1'2). 11. great
efficient. 13. removed . . . from ns—so as no longer to
affect our relations to Him. 13. pitictli lit., has compassion on. 14. he [who formetl. Psalm 94. 9) knowetli our ftiune— Ji/., our form, we are dust—made of and tending to it (Genesis 2. 7). 15, 16. So short and frail is life that a breath may destroy it. it is gone lit., it is 7wt. know it no more—no more recognize him (Psalm 90.6; Isaiah
8.) The tone of complaint predominates, though in view of God's promises and abiding faithfulness, it is sometimes exclianged for that of confidence and hope.
1-3. The terms used occur in Psalm 4.1; 17.1,6; 18.6;
SI. 2, 10; 37. 20. 4. (Cf. Psalm 121. 6.) so tliat 1 forget—or, have forgotten, i.e., in my distress (Psalm 107.18), and hence strength fails. 5. voice . . . groaning—effect put for cause, my agony emaciates me. (5, 7. The figures express extreme loneliness. 8. sworn against ine—or lit., by me, wishing others as miserable as I am (Numbers 5.
40. 6-8). 17, 18. For similar contrast cf. Psalm 90. 2-6; 102.
27, 28. sncli . . . covenant—limits the general terms preceding. rigUteoii8i»ess—as usual (Psalm 7. 17 ; 31.1). 19. God's firm and universal dominion is a pledge that He will keep H;s promises (Psalm 11. 4; 47. 8). 20-33. do his commandments . . . word—or, lit., so as to hearken. tSc,
21). 9. nslies—a figure of grief, my bread; weeping or *ears, my drink (Psalm 80. 5). 10. lifted . . . cast me down—or, cast me away as stubble by a whirlwind (Isaiah
i. e., their acts of obedience are prompt, so that tliey are ever ready to hear, and know, and follow implicitly His declared will (cf. Deuteronomy 26. 17; Luke 1. 19). ye Ikis hosts—myriads, or armies, as corresponding to angels of great power: denoting multitudes also, all his workscreatures of every sort, everywhere.
61. 6). 11. sliadow . . . declineth—soon to vanish in the darkness of nlglit. 1:4. Contrast with man's frailty (cf. Psalm 90. lliy remembrance—that by which thou art remembered, tliy promise. 13, 14. Hence it is here adduced, for [or, ivhen] . . . the set time, &c.—the time promised, the indication of which is the interest felt for Zion by the'people of God. 15-17. God's favour to the Church will afl'ect her persecutors with fear. When the I/ord sitnll bnild—or better, Because the Lord liath built, &c., as a reason for the effect on others ; for in thus acting and hearing the humble. He is most glorious. 18. people . . . created— (cf. Psalm 22. 31), an organized body, as a Church. 19-83. A summary of what shall be written. For—or. That, as introducing the statement of God's condescension, to loose . . . appointed—or, deliver them fPsalm 79. 11). To declare, &c., or. That God's name may be celebrated in the assemblies of His Cliurch.galliered from all nations (Zecharlah 8. 20-23), and devoted to His service. a3-28. The writer, speaking for the Church, finds encouragement in the midst of all his distresses. God's eternal existence is a pledge of faitlilulncss to His promises, in tile way—of providence, weakened—/(V., afflicted, and made fearful of a premature end, a figure of the apprehensions of the Church, lest God might not perform His promise, drawn from those of a person in view of the dangers of early death (cf. Psalm 89. 47). Paul (Hebrews 1. 10) quotes V. 2G-2S as addressed to Christ in His Divine nature. The scope of the Psalm, as already seen, so far from opposing, favours this view, especially by the sentiments of v. 12-15 (cf. Isaiah 60. 1). The association of the Messlali with a day of future glory to the Church was very intimate In tlio minds of Old Testament writers, and with correct views of His nature It is very consistent tliat He should be addressed as the Lord and Head of His Church, who would bring about that glorious future on which they ever dwelt with fond and delightful anticipations.