Bible Commentary (1871–1879 Edition) (continued)
gieul Poiccr in Bclieniolh, JOB XLI. and in the Leviaf han.
Rather, a ring or hook. So wild beasts were led about when caught (Isaiah 37. 29; Ezekiel 29. 4); fishes also were secured thus, and thrown into the water to keep them alive. 3. soft words—That thou mayest spare liis life. No: he is unlamabie. 4. Can he be tamed for domeslio use(soch. 39. 10-12)? 5. a bird—That is tamed. G. Rather, part7iers (viz., in fishing), make a banquet—Tlio parallelism rather supports Umhiieit, " Do partners (in trade) desire to jiurchase h'Mnl (so X\w Hebrew, Deuteronomy 2.
rathi'f to the custom of binding a cloth oveithe faces of pei-sotis aliout to be executed (ch. 9. 24; Esther 7.8). In secr«-t—Consign t)iem to darkness. 14. confess—Rather, erlol: "I also," who now cctisiire thee. But since thou
(Siiist not Jo these works, thou must, instead of censuring, extol my government, fitlne own . . . hand . . . s»ve —(rs Hlm4l.3.) So as to eternal salvation by Jesus Christ (Isaiah 59. C:!. ol God shows that if Job cannot brins unler control tlie lower animals (of which he selects the two most striltinp;, beliemoth on land, leviathan iu the water ;, much less is he capable of governing the world. 15. bclicnioth—The description in part agrees with the
6). merchants Lit., Ciinaaiiile.i, who were great merchants (Hosea 12. 7, Margin). His hide is not penetrable, as that of tishes. 8. If thou lay, &c, thou wilt have reason ever to remember, &(:, and thou wilt never try it again. 8. the hope Of taking him. cast down—With fear "at the (mere) sight of him." 17. tierce—Courageous. If a man dare attiu-k one of my creatures (Genesis 49. 9 ; Numbers 24. 9), who will dare (as Jol) had wished) oppose himself (Psalm 2. 2) to me, the Creator? This is the main drift of the descrip! ion of leviatlian. 11. prevented—Done me a favour first: anticipated me with service (Psalm 21. 3). None can c;ill me to account ("stand before me," t'. 10) as unjust, because I have withdrawn favours from him (as in Job's case): for none has laid me under a prior obligation by conferring on me something wlilch was not already my own. What can man give to Him who possesses all, including man himself? Man cannot constrain the creature to be his "servant" (v. 4), much less the Creator. 13. I will not conceal—A resumption of the description broken otT l)y the digression, which formed an agreeable change. hU power Lit., the way, i. e., true proportion or expression of his strength ( so Hebrew, Deuteronomy 19.4). comely proportion Lit., the comeliness of his structure (his ajyparatus: so "suit of apparel " Judges 17. 10). [Maurer.] Umbreit translates, " his armour." But that follows alter. 13. discover—Rather, uncover the surface of his garment (skin, ch. 10. 11): strip off the hard outer coat with which the inner skin is covered, with—Rather, within, his double jarcs, lit., bridle: hence that into which the bridle is put, the double row of teeth; but "bridle" is used to imT>ly that none dare put his hand in to insert a bridle where lii| i-op<)l.'irnus, in part with tlie elephant, but exactly iu all delails with neitlier. It is rather a poetical personijicalioii of the (freal Parh,i/dei ma(a, or Herl/ivora (so " he eateth grass," &<:), the idea of the hippopotamus Ixnng predominant. In 0. 17, " the tail like a cedar," hardly applies to the latter fso also i-. 20, 23, "Joi'dan," a river which elephants alone could reach, but see note 2:1). On the other hand, 2!, 22 are characteristic of the amphibiouis riverhoi-se. So leviathan (the twisting animal), ch. 41. I, is a geiwrolized t4n-m fur celucea, pythons, saurixins of the neiglil)Ouring seas and rivers, including the crocodile, which is the most proi\iinent,and isoften associated with the ri verliorse V>y old writei-s. " Behemoth" seems to be the Eg.vp- (ian rehcmoiit, " water-ox," Hebraized, so tailed as being like an ox, whence the Italian " Vjombarino." Vfilh tree —As I ma<le thyself. Yet how great the difference! The manifokl wisdom and power of God! lie eatctli grass Marvellous in an animal living so much in the water; also strange, tliat such a monster should not be carnivorous. 16. navpl—llather, niK«cks of 1) is belly; the weakest point of the elephant, therefore H is not meant. 17. like a cedar—As the tempest bends the cedar, so it can move its smooth thick tail. TUmbkeit.] But the cedar implies straightness and lengtli, such as do not apply K) the riverhorse's short tail, l)Ut perhaps to an extinct species of animal (see note u. 15). stones—Rather, Wiif7/i.s. wrapped —Firmly tmisted together, like a thick rope. 18. strong pieces—Rather, <i(6e« of copper. [Umbreit.] 19. Chief of the works of God; so "ways" (ch. 26. 14; Proverbs 8. 22). can make his sword to approacli—Rather, has furnished him tcilh his sword (harpe), viz., the siekle-Ulce teeth with which he cuts down grain. English Version, however, is in other animals it is placed (v. 4; ch. 39. 10). 14. doors of . . . face—His mouth. His teeth are sixty in number, larger in proportion than his body, some standing out, some serrated, fitting into each other like a comb. [BoCHART.] 15. Rather, his furrows of shields (as " tubes," " channels," Note 40. 18), are, &c., i. e., the rows of scales, like g/iieids covering him: he has seventeen such rows, shut up—Firmly closed together. A musket ball cannot penetrate him, save in the e.ve, thi-oat and belly. 18. Trans-
It7. right. 20. The mountain is not his «*Ma? haunt. BoCH Aiicsays it is sometimes found there(?). beasts . . . play —A graphic trait : though armed with such teeth, he lets the beasts play near him unhurt, for his food is grass. 31. Ileth—He leads an inactive life, shady trees—Rather, lotus biishes; as v. 22 requires. 33. Translate, lotus buslies; 33. Rather, "(Though) a river be violent (overflow), he treinbleth not;" (for though living on laiid, he can live in the water too), he is secure, though a Jordan swell up to his mouth. "Jordan" is used for any great river (consonant with the " behemoth"), being a poetical generalization (note 15). The author cannot have been a Hebrew as UmBKKiT asserts, or he would not adduce the Jordan, where there were no river-hoi-ses. He alludes to it as a name (or any river, but not as one known to him, except by hearsay. 3*. Rather, "will any take him by open force (<t<., before his eyes), or pierce his nose with cords?" No; he ean ouly be taken by guile, and in a pitfall (ch. 41. 1, 2).
late, " his sneezing causeth a light to shine." Amphibious animals, emerging after having long held their breath under water, respire by violently expelling the breath like one sneezing: in the effort the eyes which are usually directed towards the sun, seem to flash fire; or it is the expelled breath that, in the sun, seems to emit light, eyelids of morning—The Egyptian hieroglyphics paint the eyes of tlie crocodile as the symbol for morning, because the eyes appear the first tiling, liefore the whole body emerges from the deep. [HOR. Hiekog., 1. Go. Bochart.] 19. burning lamps Torches, viz., in respiring (v. 18), seem to go out. 30. seething—Boiling: lit.., blown under, under which a flre is blown. 31. kindleth coals—Poetical imagery (Psalm 18. 8). 33. reinaineth—Abideth permanently. His chief strength is in the neck, sorrow—Anxiety or dismay personified. Is tnrned into joy—Rather, danceth, exulteth ; wherever he goes, he spreads terror " before him." 33. flakes—Rather, dewlaps. That which falls down {Margin). They are "joined" fast and firm, together, not hanging loose, as in the ox. are Arm Umbreit and Maurer, "Are spread." In themselves— Rather, upon him. 34. heart Bochart, " in large beasts which are less acute in feeling, there is great firmness of the lieart, and slower motion." [Bochart.] The nether millstone, on which the upper turns, is especially hard. 33. he—The crocodile: a type of the awe which the Creator inspires wlien He rises In wrath, breakings—viz., of the mind, i.e., terror, purify themselves—Rather,
CHAPTER XLI.
Ver. 1-34. 1. leviathan Lit., the twisted animal, gathering itself in folds: a synonym to the Thannin (ch. 3. 8, Margin ; see Psalm 74. 14; type of the Egyptian tyrant; Psalm 104. 26 ; Isaiah 27. 1 ; the Babylon tyrant). A poetic tal generalizntimi for all cetacean, serpentine, and saurian monsters (Note 40. 15, hence all the description applies to no one animal); especially the crocodile; which is naturally described after t\\a river-horse, as both are found in the Nile, tongne . . . lettestdown—The crocodile has no tongue, or a very small one cleaving to the lower jaw. But as in Ashing the tongue of the fish draws the baited hook to it, God asks. Canst thou in like manner take lerlathaD7 8. hook—Rather, a rope of rushes, thorn— t/ieif wander from Die way, i. e., flee away bewil lered, 343
Job's PenUeni Reply to God. JOB XLIl. God Blesses him.
and Umbreit.] tiG. caimot bold—On his hard spake thus falsely, God "reproves" them, as Job said He would (ch. 13. 10). like Job—Job had spoken rightly in relation to tJiem and their argument, denying their theory, and the fact which they alleged, tliat he was peculiarly guilty and a hypocrite; but wrongly in relation to God, when he fell into the opposite extreme of almost denying.skill habergeon—Coat of mail: amii must be taken by
Ke.iiini;! nut ol "hold," as the verb in tlie second clause
"hold' cannot apply to the "coat of mail." 27. iron . . . 1>ras.s—viz., weapons, as. arrow Lit., son of the bow; Oriental imagery (Lamentations 3.13; Margi7i). stubWe -Arrows produce no more ett'ect than it would to throw all guilt. This extreme he has now repented of, and therefore God speaks of him as now altogether "right." 8. seven—(See Introduction.) The number oll'ered by the Gentile prophet (Numbers 23. 1). Job plainly lived before the legal priesthood, itc. The patriarchs acted as priests for their families ; and sometimes as praying mediators (Genesis 20. 17), thus foreshadowing the true Mediator (1 Timothy 2. 5), but sacrifice accompanies, and is the groundwork on which the mediation, rests.
itiihble at him. 29. darts—Rather,ciu6«; dartshave been alr«-adj' mentioned. 30. stones—Rather, potsherds, i.e., the sharp and pointed scales on the belly, like broken pieces of pottery. sUarp-pointed things—Ratlier, a threshiiuj instrinnciit, but not on the fi-iiils of the earth, but "on the )iiire;" irony. When he lies on the mire, he leaves the marks of his scales so imprinted on it, that one migui fancy a threshing instrument with its sharp teeth had been drawn over it (Isaiah 28. 27). 31. Whenever he moves, sea—The Nile (Isaiah 19. 5; Nahum 3. 8). pot of ointment—The vessel in which it is mixed. Appropriate
' him — Rather, "His person (face) only" (note 22. 30). The "person" must be first accepted, before God can accept his offering and work (Genesis 4. 4); that can be only through Jesus Christ, folly—Impiety (ch. 1. 22; 2. 10). 9. The forgiving spirit of Job foreshadows tlie love of Jesus Christ and of Christians to enemies (Matthew 5. 44; Luke 23. 34; Acts 7. 60; 16.24,28,30,31). 10. turned . . . captivity Proverbial for restored, or amply indemnified him for all he had lost (Ezckiel 10. .53 ; Psalm 14. 7 ; Hosea 6. 11). Thus the future vindication of man, body and soul, against Satan to the crocodile, which emits a musky smell. 32. path— The foam on his track, hoary—As hair of the aged. 33. who—Beini; one who, &c. 34. beho Meth—As their superior, children of pritle—The proud and fierce beasts. So ch. 28. 8; Hebrew, sons of pride. To humble the pride of man. and to teach implicit submission, is the aim of Jehovah's speecli and of the book: therefore with this as to leviathan, the type of God in His lordship over crea-
(ch. 1. 9-12), at the resurrection (cli. 19. 25-27), has its earnest and adumbration in the temporal vindication of Job at last by Jehovah in person, thrice—So to the afllicted literal and spiritual Jersualem (Isaiah 40. 2; (JO. 7; 61.7; Zechariah 9. 12). As in Job's case, so in that of Jesus Christ, the glorious recompense follows the "intercession" for enemies (Isaiah 5:5. 12). 11. It was Job's complaint in his misery that his "brethren," &c., were "estranged" from him (ch. 19. 13); these now return with the return of his prosperity (Proverbs 14. 20; 19. 6, 7); the true friend loveth at all times (Proverbs 17. 17; 18.24). "Swallow frienils leave In the winter and return with the spring." [Henry.] eat bread—in token of friendship (Psalm 41. 9). piece ofmoney —Presents are usual in visitinga man of rank in the East, especially after a calamity (2 Chronicles 32.23). Ilebreiv, Kesila. Ma(;ee translates, a lamb (the medium of exchange then before money was used), as it is in Margin of Genesis 33. 1!); Joshua '24.32. But it is from the Ajabic Kasat, "weighed out" [Umhreit], not coined; so Genesis tion, he closes.
CHAPTEll XLII.
Ver. 1-6. Job's Penitent Reply. 3. In the first clause he owns God to be omnipotent over nature, as contrasted with his own feebleness, which God liad proved (cb. 40.
15; il. 34); in the second, that God is supremely just
(wliicli, in order to be governor of the world. He must needs.be) in all His dealings, as contrasted with his own vileness (v. (>), and incompetence to deal with the wicked as a ,ius:it judge (cli. 40. 8-14). tUitngM—Iirpoae, as in ch.
17. 11; but it is usually apjilied to evil devices (ch. 21. 27; I'salm 10. 2) : the amljiguous word is designedly chosen to exjircss, that, whilst to Job's finite view, God's plans wem bad, to the All-wise One they continue unhindered in their development, and will at last be seen to be as good as they are infinitely wise. No evil can emanate from the Parent of aood (Jamc-s 1. 13, 17); but it is His prerogative to overrule evil to good. 3. I am the man! Job in God's own words (ch. 38. 2) expresses his deep and hum-
4'2. a5; 33. 19; ct". with Genesis '£i 15, makes it likely it was equal to four shekids ; Hebrew kasliat, " pure," viz., metal. The term, instead of the usual ".shekel," &c.. Is a mark of antiquity, ring-whether for the nose or ear (Genesis ble penitence. God's word concerning our guilt .should be engraven on our hearts and form the groundwork of our contession. Most men in confessing sin palliate rather than confess. Job in omitting "by words " (ch. .'58.
35.4; Isaiah 3. 21). Much of the gold in the East, in the alisence of banks, is in the shape of ornaments. 12. I'robably by degrees, not all at once. 13. The same number as before; perhai>s by a second w fe; in ch. 19. 17 his wife is last mentioned. 14. Name.s significant of his restored prosperity (Genesis 4. 25; 5. 2!)). Jemima, day-
2), goes even further than God's accusation. Not merely my stwfii, but my whole thoughts and ways were " without knowledge." too wondei «"nl— I rashly denied that thou hast any fixed plan in governing human affairs, merely because thy plan was "too wonderful" for my comprehension. 4. When I said, "Hear," &c.. Job's demtind (ch. 13. 22) convicted him of being "without knowledge." Go<l alone could speak thus to Job, not Job to God : therefore he (juotes again God's words as the groundwork of retracting his own foolish words. 5. hearing of car iPsalm 18. 44, M<tr<)ln). Jlearing and sceinij are often in light, after his "night" of calamity; but Maurhu, "a dove." Ke/.ia, cassia, an aromatic her ) (Psalm 4.5. 8), instead of his oll'enslve breath and ulcers. Keren-happucli, "horn of stibium," a paint with which females dyed their eyelitls; in contrast to his "horn defiled in the dust" (ch. 16. 15). The names also imply the beauty of his daughters, nl. litheritaitue among . . . bretliren—An unusual favour in the Kiist (o daughters, win-, in the Jewish law, only ii Uierited, if tliere wire no sou (Numbers 27. 8), a proof of wealth and unanimity. 10, LXX. make Job live 170 years after his calamity, and '240 'u all. This would make him sevi iity at the time of his eala-nity, which added to MO in Hebrew text makes up 210; a little more than the age ('.TO) of Terah, father of Abraham, perantitlicsis (ch. 2i). 11 ; Psalm 18. 8). gcetli—not God's face (Exodus :i3. 20), but his presence in the veil of adark cloud
(ch. 38. 1). Job implies also that, besides this literal ieeing, he now .saw spiritually what he had indistinctly taken on hear.say belbre God's infinite wi.sdom. He "now" proves this; he had seen \nix Idcral sen.se before, at the beginning of God's spec(;h, but he had not seen spiriluallj/ till " now " at its clo.se. 0. myself-Rather, "I abhor," and retract the rash speeches I made against thee, v.
hajis his coiiteiiiporniy. Man's length of life grndi ally shortened, till il rea<'hed threescore and ten in Moses' time (Psalm i)0. 10). IC.. sons' sons—A proof of Divine favour (CJenesis .51). 23; Psahu 1'28. 6 ; Proverbs 17. li). 17. full of days— y'i/(/.i/ .«(/(•(/ and rontcntcd with all the happiness
3, 4 [Umhukit].
7-17. Ki'1I.o(;i;k, in prose. 7. to Ellphaz—Because he was tlio foremost of the three friends; their speeches were but the echo of his. riglit— Li/., well-grounded, sure and true. Their spirit towartls Jol) was unkindly, and to that lil'eeoul<l give him; reallzingwhat lOlipha/. had palnteO as the lot of the godly (eh. 5. 26; Psahu ill. 16; Genesis i\.
8; :!.5. 29). LXX. adds, " It Is written, that he will rise ngftUl with those whom the Lord will raise, up." Cf. Matthew
Justify themselves in tlielr unkindliness they u.sed false arguinciils (rli. 13. 7) (viz., that calamities always prove
27. 52, i'i, from wliieli it perhujis was derived sjiuriously.
peculiar guilt;; therefore, thougli it was "for God" they 344 lutfodtu Uion. PSALMS. Introduction,
THE BOOK OF PSALMS.
INTRODUCTION.
The Hebrew title of this book is [Tehilim] praises or hymns, for a leading feature in i ts contents is praise, though the word occurs in the title of only one Psalm (145). The Greek title (iu tlie Sepluagint, a translation made 200 years before Christ) is psalmoi, whence our word Psalms. This corresponds to the Hebrew word mizmoi by wliich sixty-flve Psalms are designated in their inscriptions, and which the Syriac, a language like the Hebrew, uses for the whole book. It means, as does also the Greek name, an ode, or song, whose singing is accompanied by an instrument, particularly the harp (cf. 1 Chronicles 16. 4-8;. 2 Chronicles 5. 12, 13). To some Psalms, the Hebrew word ishir) a song, is prefixed. Paul seems to allude to all these terms in Ephesians 5. 19, "singing ... in psalms, hymns, and spiritual tontfs."
Titles.—To more than a hundred Psalms are prefixed inscriptions, wliich give one or more (and in one case, GOth, all) of these particular.s: the direction to the musician, the name of the autlior or tlie instrument, the style of the music or of the poetry, the subject or occasion. The authority of these inscriptions lias been disputed by some writers. They say that the earliest translators, as the Greek and Syriac, evince a disregard for their authority, by variations fi'om a proper translation of some, altering others, and, in several instances, supplying titles to Psalms whioli, ih Hebrew, had none. It is also alleged, that the subject of a Psalm, as given in tlie title, is often inconsistent with its contents. But those translators have also varied from a right translation of many passages in ttie Bible, which all agree to be of good authority ; and the alleged inconsistency may be sliown, on more accui-ate investigation, not to exist. The admitted antiquity of these inscriptions, on the other hand, and even their obscuritj', raise a presumption in their favour, while such prefaces to a composition accord witli the usages of that age and part of the world, cf. Isaiah 38. 9.
" T/ie Chief Musician" was the superintendent of the music, cf. 1 Chronicles lo. 21, Marg. To prefixed to this, means, pertaining to in his official character. This inscription is found iu 53 Psalms, and is attached to Habakkuk's prayer, Habakkuk 3. Tlie same Hebrew preposition is prefixed to tlie name of tlie author, and translated of, as "a Psalm o/ David," "o/ Asaph," except that t6 " tlie sons of Korah," it is translated /o»-, which is evidently wrong, as the usual direction, " lo the chief musician," is given, and no other authorship intimated. On the apparent exception to tliis last remark, see below, and Psalm 88., title. The explanations of other particulars in the titles will be given as they occur.
Authors.—This book is usually called "The Psalms of David," he being the only author mentioned in the New Testament, Luke 20. 42, and his name appearing in more titles than that of any other writer. Besides about one-half of the Psalms in which it thus appears, the 2d and 95th are ascribed to him. Acts 4. 23, and Hebrews 4. 7. He was pi-obably the author of many others which appear without a name. He used great efforts to beautify the worship of the sanctuary. Among the 288 Levites he appointed for. singing and performing instrumental music, we find mentioned the "sons of Korah," 1 Chronicles 9. 19; including Heman, 1 Chronicles 6. 33-38; and also Asaph, 39^; and Ethan, 1.5-lf). Ood was doubtless pleased to endow these men with the inspiration of His Spirit, so that they used those poetic talents which their connection with the kindred art of music had led them to cultivate, in the production of compositions like tlioseof their king and patron. To Asaph are ascribed twelve Psalms; to the sons of Korah, eleven, including the 88th, which is also ascribed to Heman, that being tlie only instance in which the name of the "son" (or descendant) is mentioned ; and to Ethan, one. Solomon's name appears before the 72d and 127th ; and that of Moses before the 90th. Special questions respecting authorship will be explained as they arise. Contents.—As the liook contains 150 independent compositions, it is not susceptible of any logical analysis. The Jews having divided it into five books, corresponding to the Five Books of Moses (1st, 1-42 ; 2d, 43-72; 3il, 73-89; 4th,
90-100 ; 5tli, 107-150), many attempts have lieen made to discover, in this division, some critical or practical value, but in vain. Sundry efforts have been made to classify the Psalms by subject. That of " Angus' Bible Hand-Book" is perliaps the most useful, and is appended.
Still tlie Psalms have a form and character peculiar to themselves; and with individual diversities of style and subject, they all assimilate to that form, and together constitute a consistent system of moral trutli. They are all poetical, and of that peculiar parallelism (Introduction to Poetical Books) which distinguished Hebrew poetry. They ar(» all lyrical, or songs adapted to musical instruments, and all religious lyrics, or such as were designed to be used In the sanctuary worship.
Tlie distinguishing feature of the Psalms is their devotional character. Whether their matter be didactic, historical, proplietical, or practical, it is made the ground or .subject of prayer, or praise, or both. The doctrines of theology and precepts of pure morality are here inculcated. God's nature, attributes, perfections, and works of creation, providence, and grace, are unfolded. In the sublimest conceptions of the most exalted verse, Ifis glorious supremacy over the principalities of heaven, earth, and hell, and His holy, wise, and powerful control of all niatei ial and immaterial agencies, are celeljrated. The great covenant of grace resting on the fundamental promise of a Redeemer, both alike the provisions of God's exhaustless mercy, is set forth in respect of the doctrines of regeneration by the Spirit, forgiveness of sins, repentance toward God, and faith toward Jesus Christ, while its glorious results, involving the ealvation of men "from the ends of the earth," are proclaimed in believing, prophetic prayer and thankful praise. The personal history of the authors, and especially David's in its spiritual aspects, Is that of God's people generally. Onistian biography is edifying only as it is truth illustrated in experience, such as (iod's Word and Spirit produce. It may be factitious in origin and of doubtful authenticity. But here the experience of the truly pious is detailed, nnder Divine influence, and "In words wliich the Holy Ghost" taught. The whole inner life of the pious man is laid open, and Christians of all ages have here the temptations, conllicts, perplexities, doubts, fears, penitent moanlngg, and overwhelming griefs on the one hand, and the joy and hope of pardoning mercy, the victory over the seductloM