Psalm CXX
placently, disregarding God's law, and despising His people. PSALM CXXIV.
Ver. 1-7. This is the first of fifteen Psalms (120.-134.) en-
titled "A song of Degrees " (121st lit., A song /or the de-
Ver. 1-8. The %vriter, for the Church, praises God for past, and expresses trust for future, deliverance from
grees), or, ascents. It seems most probable tliey were designed for the use of the people when going up (cf. 1 Kings 12. 27, 28) to Jerusalem on the festival occasions (Doutt-ronoiny Ifi. Ifi), three times a year. David appears as t!ie autlior of four, Solomon of one (127.), and the other ten are anonymous, probably composed after the cap-
foes.
1, 3. on our side—for us (Psalm 56. 9). now—or, ofi .' let Israel, &c. rose . . . against, &c.—(Psalm 3. 1 ; 56. 11). Then —i. e.. The time of our danger, quick lit., living (Numbers 16. 32, 33), description of ferocity. 4, 5. (Cf. Psalm 18.
tivity. In this Psalm the writer acknowledges God's mercy, prays for relief from a malicious foe, whose pun-
4,16.) The epithet jM-oud added to ?ocf,<eri denotes insolent enemies. 6, 7. The figure is changed to that of a rapacious wild beast (Psalm 3.7), and then of a fowler (Psalm
ifiliment lie anticipates, and then repeats his complaint.
3, 3. Slander and deceit charged on his foes implies his innocence, tongiie—as Psalm 52. 2, 4. 4. coals of juniper—which retain heat long. Sharp arrows of the mlgli*y—Destructive inflictions. This verse may be read as u description of the wicted, but better as their punishment, in reply to the question of v. 3. 5. A residence in these ren\6te lands pictures his miserable condition. 6, 7. AVliile tliose who suri'ounded him were maliciously
91. 3), and complete escape is denoted by breaking tlie net.
8. (Cf. Psalm 121. 2). name—in the usual sense (Psalm 5.
11 ; 20. 1). He thus places over against the great danger the omnipotent God, and drowns, as itwei-einan anthem, the wickedness of the whole world and of hell, just as a great fire consumes a little drop of water. [LtTTHER.] PSALM CXXV.
hostile, he was disposed to peace. This Psalm may well begin such a series as this, as a contrast to the promised
Ver. 1-5. God honours the confidence of His people, by protection and deliverance, and leaves hypocrites to the doom of the wicked.
joys of God's worship.