Psalm CXXXVI
Ver. 1-26. The theme is the same as tliat of 135th. God should be praised for His works of creation and providence, His deliverance and care of His people, and judgments on their enemies, and His goodness to all. The chorus to everj' verse is in terras of that of Psalm 106. 1;
PSALM CXL.
Ver. 1-13. The style of this Psalm resembles those of David in the former part of the book, presenting tlie usual complaint, prayer, and confident hope of relief.
118. 1-1, and was perhaps used at the Amen by the people. In worship (cf. 1 Chronicles 16. 36; Psalm 105. 45). 1-3. The Divine titles denote supremacy. 4. alone excluding all help. 5, 6. by for, in] wisdom—(Psalm 104.
1. evil man—which of David's enemies is meant is not important. 3-5. This character of the wicked, and the devices planned against the pious, correspond to Psalm 10.7; 31.13; 58. 4, &c. sharpened . . . like a serpent—not like a serpent does, but they are thus like a serpent ill cunning and venom. sna.re (and) net,—for threatening dangers (cf. Psalm 38. 12 ; 57. 6). 6. (Cf. Psalm 5. 1-12 ; 16. 2). I. day of battle— 6/ armour, i. e., when using it. 8.
24). made lit., maker of. above [or, higher than] the waters—^Psalm 24. 2.) 13. Cf. similar expressions (Exodus 3.20; Deuteronomy 4. 34, &c.}. 15. overthrew lit., shook off, as Exodus 14. 27, as a contemptuous rejection of a reptile. !43. remembered ug— or, for us (Psalm 132. 1). our low estate— i. e., captivity. 24. And hath redeeme«l
(Cf. Psalm 37. 12; 66.7.) lest they exalt themselves—or, they will be exalted if permitted to prosper. 9. Contrasts his head covered by God (v. 7) with tlieirs, or (as head may be used for persons) with them, covered with tlie results of their wicked deeds (Psalm 7. 16). 10. (Cf. Psalm
[or, ^(7., snaZc/ted ] us—alluding to the sudden deliverance effected l)y the overthrow of Babylon. 35. To the special favours to His people is added the record of God's goodness to all His creatures (cf. Matthew 6. 30). 36. God of heaven—occurs but once (Jonah 1. 9) before the captivity. It is used by the later writers as specially distinguishing God from idols.
II. 6; 120. 4.) To cast into flre and deep j>(<*, figures for utter destruction. 11. an evil speaker—or, slanderer will not be tolerated (Psalm 101. 7). The last clause may be translated: "aw evil (man) He (God) shall hunt," &c, 13. (Cf Psalm 9. 4.) 13. Alter all changes, the righteous shall have cause for praise. Such shall dwell, or sit securely, under God's protection (Psalm 21. 6 ; 41. 12). PSALM CXLT.