Psalm CXLVII
lit., sotight after, to do good. 5. (Cf. Psalm 31. 14; 62. 7.) 6.
(Cf. Psalm 17. 1.) 7. (Cf. Psalm 25. 17.) that I may praise
Ver. 1-20. This and the remaining Psalms have been represented as specially designed to celebrate the rebuilding of Jerusalenr (cf. Nehemiah 6. 16 ; 12. 27). They all open and close with the stirring call for praise. This specially declares God's providential care towards all creatures, and particularly His people.
—lit., for praisiriff, or that thy name may be praised, i. e., by the righteous, who shall surround me with sympathizing joy (Psalm 35. 27).
PSALM CXLIII.
Ver. 1-12. In structure and style, like the preceding (Psalms 140.-142.), this Psalm is clfearly evinced to be David's. It is a prayer for pardon, and for relief from enemies; afflictions, as usual, producing confession and penitence.
1. (Cf. Psalm 92. 1 ; ia5. 3.) 3. (Cf. Psalm 107. 3 ; Isaiah 11.
12.) 3. Though .applicable to the captive Israelites, this is a general and precious truth, wounds—(Cf. Margin.) 4, 5. God's power in nature (Isaiah 40. 26-28, and often) is presented as a pledge of His power to help His people, telleth . . . stars—what no man can do (Genesis 15. 5). 6. That power is put forth for the good of the meek and suffering pious, and confusion of the wicked (Psalm 146. 8, 9), 7-9. His providence supplies bountifully the wild animals in their mountain homes. Sing . . . liorA—lit.. Answer the Lord, i. e., in grateful praise to his goodness, thus declared in His acts. 10, 11. The advantages afforded, as in war by the strength of the horse or the agility of man, do not incline God to favour any ; but those who fear and, of course, trust Him, will obtain his approbation and aid. 13-14. Strengthened . . . gates—or, means of defence against invaders, maketh . . . borders—or, territories (Genesis 23. 17; Isaiah 54. 12). fllleth thee, Ac—(Cf. Margin.) I.^-IS. God's word, as a swift messenger, executes His purpose, for with Him to command is to perform (Genesis 1. 3; Psalm 33. 9), and He brings about the wonders of providence as easily as men cast crumbs, morsels —used as to food (Genesis 18. 5), perhaps here denotes hail. 19, 30. This mighty ruler and benefactor of heaven and earth is such especially to His chosen people, to whom alone (Deuteronomy 4. 32-34) He has made known His will, while others have been left In darkness. Therefore unite in the great hallelujah.
1. in thy faithfulness . . . and . , . righteousness
or, God's regard to the claims which He has permitted His people to make in His covenant. 3. enter . . . judgment—deal not in strict justice, shall no . . . Justified
or, is no man justified, or innocent (Job 14. 3; Romans 3.
20). 3, 4. The exciting reason for his prayer—his afflictions—led to confession as just made : he now makes the complaint, as those that have been long dead—deprived of life's comforts (cf. Psalm 40.15; 88.3-6). 5, 6. The distress is aggravated by the contrast of former comfort (Psalm 22. 3-5), for whose return he longs, a thirsty land—which needs rain, as did his spirit God's gracious visits (Psalm 28. 1 ; 89. 17). 7. spirit falleth—is exhausted.
8. (Cf. Psalm 25. 1^; 59. 16). the way . . . walls—t. e., the way of safety and righteousness (Psalm 142. 3-6). 9. (Cf. Psalm 31. 1.5-20.) 10. (Cf. Psalm 5. 8; 27. 11.) land of upTightnesson even land (Psalm 26. 12). 11. (Cf. Psalm
23.3; 119. 150.) 13. God's mercy to his people is often wrath to His and their enemies (cf. Psalm 31. 17). thy servant—as chosen to be such, entitled to Divine regard.