Psalm CXXXIII
Ver. 1-8; Tlie penitent sinner's hope is in God's mercy only. /
1, 'Z. depths—for great distress (Psalm 40. 2; 69. 3). .1. ghoiildest mark—or, take strict account (Job 10. 14 ; 14. 16), iTnplying a confossion of the existenceof sin. witosliall itand — (lft-;alm 1. 6). iSlanding Is opposed to the gulUy sinking down In fear and self-condemnation (Malaclil
Ver. 1-3. The blessings of fraternal unity.
1, 3. As the fragrant oil Is refreshing, so t his affords de-
light. The holy anolntlngoll fortlielilgh jirlestwas olive
oil mixed with four of the best spices (ICKodus 30. 2'2, 2.5, 30).
Its rich profusion typified the al)undanc(> of the Spirit's
3. 2; Rcvrliil ion 6. 15, 10). The question Implies a negative, whi(di is thus more strongly stated. 4. Pardon prod\ices
gra<'es. As tho copious dew, such as fell on Hrrnion, falls
In f«>rtlll/,lng power on the mountains of Zion, so this unity Is fruitful In good woilcs. 3. there—i. <•., In ZIon, the Church; tho material ZIon, blessed with enriching dews, suggests this allusion to the source of the Inllnenoe enjoyed by the spiritual Zion. commanded tlie blessing —(Cf. Psalm 68. 28.)
filial fear and love. Judgment without the hope of pardon creates fear and dislike. The sense of forgiveness, so far from producing licentiousness, produces holiness (Jeremiah 3;i. n ; Kzeklel 16. 62, 63 ; 1 Peter 2. 16). " There Is forgiveness with thee, not that thou mnyest be presumed upon, but feared." 5, 0. wait for the Lord— It) expectatl(m (Psjilin 27. 14). Avatch for, &o.— In earnestness and niijclety. 7, S. I>et Israel, Ac1. e.. All arc invited to seek and share Divine forgiveness, from all his Iniquities— oi, punlsluncnts of them (I'salm 10. 12, Ac). 33G
PSALM CXXXIV. Ver 1-3. 1,3. The pilgrim hands arriving at the snno tuary (Mill on the priests, who slanit in Ihe.house of the Lm d at the time of the evening sncrlllco, to unite in praising
Exhortations to Praise God. PSALMS CXXXV—CXLII. David's Confidence in God,
God in their name and that of the people, using appropriate gestures, to wliich the priests reply, pionouncing the Mosaic blessing wliicli they alone could pronounce. A fit epilogue to the whole pilgrim-book, Psalms 120.-134.
people (Psalm 9_I3). Tbeir destruction had been abundantly foretold (Isaiah 13.14; Jeremiah 51. 23). For the terribleness of tliat destruction, God's righteous judgment, and not the passions of tlie chafed Israelites, was responsible.
3. After the manner directed (Numbers 6. 23). by niglit —the ei'e/ii'rtig' service (Psalm l-ll. 2), as opposed to morning (Psalm 92. 2). lift up your hands—(Cf. Psalm 28. 2.) out ofZioii—the Church, as His residence, and thus seat of blessings. Thus close the songs of degrees.