Psalm CXXI
1, 3. Mount Zlon—as an emblem of permanence, and locality of Jerusalem as one of security, represent tlie firm and protected condition of God's people (cf. Psalm
Ver. 1-S. God's guardian care of His people celebrated.
1. To lift up the eyes expresses desire (cf. Psalm 25. 1), mingled with expectation. The last clause, read as a question, is answered, 3, by avowing God to be the helper, of whose ability His creative power is a pledge (Psalm 115.
46. 5), supported not only by Providence, but by covenant promise. Even the rnountains shall depart, and the hills be removed, but God's kindness shall not depart, nor His covenant of peace be removed (Isaiah 54. 10). They that trust—(t). 1) are "His people," (v. 2). 3. Though God may leave them for a time under the rod, or power (Psalm 2. 9), and oppression of the wicked for a time, as a chr.stisement. He will not suffer them to be tempted so as to fall
15), to whic^h, 3, t. His sleepless vigilance is added, to be moved—(Cf. Psalm 38. IG; 66. 9.) 5. upon thy right hand —a protectoi-'s place (Psalm 109. 31 ; 110. 5). 6-8. God keeps His people at all times and in all perils, nor the moon by nighl>-poetically repiesents the dangers of the night, over wliicli the moon presides (Genesis 1. 16). thy going out, &c.—AU tliy ways (Deuteronomy 28. 19; Psalm 104. 23). evermore—includes a future state.
into sin (1 Corinthians 10. 13). The wicked shall only prove a correcting rod to them, not a destroying sword; even this rod shall not remain (" rest") on them, lest tliey be tempted to despair and apostasy (Psalm 73. 13, 14i. God may even try His people to the uttermost: when nothing
PSALM CXXII.
Is before our eyes but pure despair, then He delivers us and gives life in death, and makes us blessed in the curse
Ver. 1-9. This Psalm might well express the sacred Joy of . the pilgrims on entering the holy city, where praise, as the religious as well as civil metropolis, is celebrated, and for whose prosperity, as representing the Church, prayer is offered.
(2 Corinthians 1. 8, 9). [Luthek.] the lot—the possession,
lit., Canaan, spiritually, the heavenly inheritance of holiness and bliss which is appointed to the righteous. .Sin's dominion shall not permanently come between the believer and his inheritance. 4. (Cf. Psalm 7. 10; 84. U.) 5. Those who turn aside (under temptation) permanently show that they are hypocrites, and their lot or portion shall be with the wicked (Psalm 28. 3). crooked M ays
1, 3. Our feet shall stand lit., are standing, gates
(Cf. Psalm n. II; 87. 2.) 3-5. compact together—All parts united, as in David's time, testimony—If unto is supplied, this may denote the ark (Exodus 25. 10-21); otherwise tlie ad of going is denoted, called a testimony In allusion to the requisition (Deuteronomy 16. 16), with which it was a compliance, there are set thrones—or, do
(Cf. Deuteronomy 9. 16 ; Malachi 2.8,9.) "Theirs" is emphatic ; the " crooked ways" proceed from their own hearts. The true Isrjtel is here distinguished from the false. Scripture everywhere opposes the Jewish' delusion that mei'e outward descent would save (Romans 2. 28, 29 ; 9. 6, 7; Gal-ratians 6. 16). The byways of sin from the way of life.
sit, thrones used for tlie occupants, David's sons (2 Samuel
8. 18). 6, 7. Let peace, including prosperity, everywhere prevail. 8, 9. In the welfare of the city, as its civil, and especially the religious relations, was involved that of Israel, now—as Psalm 115. 2. Let me say—house of . . . God—in wider sense, the Church, whose welfare would be promoted by the good of Jerusalem.