1 1 16. 10. 1.39.80.30; kings, 13; 1; Samuel Kings and Hence
Kmydum oj C.irisl. PSALMS II—IV. The Security of GocTs Protection, lit., make inosper, brings to perfection. The basis of this relation. '1 e interpretation of this passage to describe the inauguration of Christ as Mediatorial King, by no means impugns the Eternal .Sonship of His Divine nature. In Acts 13. 3.3, Paul's quotation does not imply an application of this passage to the resurrection; for raised up in v. 32 is used in tlie sense of Acts 2. 30; 3. 22, &c., to denote bringing him into being as a man ; and not that of resurrection, which it has only when, as in t). 34, allusion is made to His death (Romans 1. 4), which says He was declared as to His Divine nature to be the .Son of God, by the resurrection, only teaches that that event manifested a truth already existing. A similar recognition of His Sonship is introduced Hebrews .5. .5, by these ends, and by coii Jition and cliaracter is given (Psalm 32. 1). i.iiiotso— eitlier as to conduct or liajjpiness. like the chaif—wliich by Eastern modes of winnowing against llie wind, was utterly blown away. 6. stand In tlie jmdgiiieitt—be acquitted. They shall be driven from among tliegood (Mattt ew 2.). 4o, W). 6. knowetli tlie way—attends to and provides for tliein (Psalm lUl. 6; Proverbs 12. 10; Hosea 13.
Si way of tlie wicked—all their plans will end in disappointment and ruin (Psalm 37. 13 ; 1:16. 8 ; Proverbs 4. 19). PSALM II.
Ver. 1-12. The number and authorship of this Psalm are stated (Acts -J. 2.3 ; 13. 33j. Though the warlike events of David's reign may have suggested its imagery, the scenes depicted, and the subjects presented can only find a fulfilment in tlie hislory and character of Jesus Christ, otliers in Matthew 3. 17; 17. .5. 8. The hopes of the rebels are thus oferthrown, and not only so, the kingdom tl ey opposed is destined to be coextensive with the earth, heathen—or, nations fv. 1). and tlie uttermost parts at the eartli—Psalm 22. 27, denote universality. 9. His enemies shall be subject to His terrible power (Job 4. 9; 2 Thessalonians 2. 8), as His people to His grace (Psalm 110.
to which, as al)Ove cited and Hebiews 1.5; 5.5, the New Testament writers most distinctly testify. In a most animated and highly poetical style, the writer, in "four stanzas of three verses each," sets forth the inveterate and furious, thougli futile, hostility of men to God and His anointed, God"s determination to carry out His purpose, that purpose as stated more fully by His Son, the estalilishinent of the Mediatorial kingdom, and the imminent danger of all who resist, and the blessing of all wlio welcome this mighty and triumphant king.
2,3). rod of iron—d'enotes severity (Revelation 2. 27). a potter's vessel—when shivered cannot be mended, which will describe utter destruction. 10-ia. kings. . .judges —for rulers generally (Psalm 118. 11), who have been leaders in rebellion should be examples of penitent submission, and with fear for His terrible judgments, mingled with trust in His mercy, acknowledge—kiss—the authority of the Son. perish from the way i. e., is suddenly and hopelessly, kindled but a little—or, in a little time, put their trust in liim—or take refuge in Him (Psalm 5.
1. VVHy do tlie Heathen, &c.—Beholding, in prophetic vision, tlie peoples and nations, as if in a tumultuous as Kemlily, raging with a fury like the raging. of the sea, designing to resist God's government, the writer bi-eaks
11). Men still clierish opposition to Christ in their hearts, and evince it in tlieir lives. Their ruin, withovit such foi til intf) an exclamation in which are mingled surprise trust, is inevitable (Hebrews 10.29), while their happiness iu His favour is equally sure.
at tlieir folly, and indignation at their rebellion, heatlien —nations generally, not as opposed to Jews, people—or,
'it., peoples, or races of men. 3. The kings and rulers lead on tlieir suljjects. set themselves—take a stand, take eonnsel — ?(/!., sit together, denoting their deliberation. Anointed Hebrew, Messiah; Greek, Christ (John 1. 41). Anointing, as an emblem of the gifts of the Holj' .Spirit, was conferred on prophets, Isaiah 61. 1; priests. Exodus
PSALM III.
Ver. 1-8. For the historical occasion mentioned, cf. 2 Samuel chaps. 15.-17. David, in the midst of great distress, with filial confidence, implores God's aid, and, anticipating relief, oft'ers praise. *
80.30; and kings, 1 Samuel 10. 1; 16. 13; 1 Kings 1.39. Hence this title well suited Him who holds all these offices, and was generally used by the Jews before His coming, to denote Him (Daniel 9. 26). While the prophet has in view men's opposition generally, he here depicts it in its culminating aspect as seen in the events of Christ's great trial. Pilate and Herod, and the rulers of the Jews (Matthew 27.
1. Lord . . . increased—The extent of the rebellion (2 Samuel 15. 13) surprises and grieves him. 3. say of my soul i. e., of me (cf. Psalm 25. 3). This use of soul is common; perhaps it arose from regarding the soul as man's chief part, no help ... in God—rejected by Him. This is the bitterest reproach for a pious man, and denotes a spirit of malignant triumph. Selah—This word is of very obscure meaning. It probably denotes rest or pause, both as to the music and singing, intimating something emphatic in the sentiment (cf. Psalm 9. 16). 3. But lit., and (Psalm 2. 6). He repels the reproach by avowing his continued trust, shield—a favourite and often-used figure for protection, my glory—its source, lifter up of mine head—one who raises me from despondency. 4. cried
1; Ijuke 23. 1-2.5), with the furious mob, are vividly portrayed. 3. Tlie reliellious purposes of men are more distinctly announced by this representation of their avowal In words, as well as actions, bands and cords—denote the restraints of government. •*. By a figure whose boldness is only allowable to an inspired writer, God's conduct and language in view of this opposition are now related. He that sitteth in the heavens—enthroned in (juiet diiinities (cf. Psalm 29. 10; Isaiah 40. 22). ^hall laugh —in supreme contempt; their vain rage excites His derision. He is still the Lord, lit., 8overeir/n, though they rebel. .'5. Then shall he speak—His righteous indignation as well as contempt is roussd. For God to speak is for Him to act, lor what He resolves He will do (Genesis. . . heard—Such has been my experience. The last verb denotes a gracious hearing oranswering. out of (or, from) his holy hill—Zion (Psalm 2.6), His visible earthly residence. 5. the liord sustained me lit., will sistain me, as
If his language or thought when he laid down, and the reason of his composure. 6. ten thousands of people— or, myriads, any very great number (cf. 2 Samuel 10. 18). 7. Arise, O Ijord— God is figuratively represented as asleep to denote His apparent indifference (Psalm 7. 6). The use of cheek-bone and teeth represents his enemies as
1. ;! ; Psalm 33. 9). vex them—agitate or terrify them (Psalm
8.3. 15). 6. The purpose here declared, in its execution, Involves their overthrow, yet—^i/., and, in an adversative sense. I have set—anointed, or firmly placed, with allusion in the Hebrew to "casting, an image in a mould." The sense is not materially varied In either case, my king—appointed by me and for me (Numbers 27. 18). on my holy hill of Zlon—Zion, selected by David as the abode of the ark, and tlie seat of God'.s visible residence, as (I Kings 8. 1) also of David, the head of the Church and nation, and type of Christ, was called holy, and the Church Itself came to be thus named (Psalm 9. 11; 51. 18; 99. 2; Isaiah 8. 18; 18. 7, Ac). 7. The king thus cont'.ituted declares the fundamental law of His kingdom, in the avowal of His Sonship, a relation involving His universal dominion, this day have I begotten tliee—as 2 Samuel 7. 14, " he shall be uiy son," Is a solemn recognition of this fierce, like wild beasts ready to devour (Psalm 27. 2), and smiting their cheek-bone (1 Kings 22. 24) denotes violence and insult, thou liast broken—God took his part, utterly depriving the enemy of power to Injure. 8. An ascription of praise to a delivering God, whose favour is an efficleut benefit.
PSALM IV.
Ver. 1-8. On Ncginolh, i. e., stringed instruments, as thft kind of musical accompaniment. On other parts of title.cl Introduction. The historical occasion was probably the same as that of the foregoing. The writer, praying for further relief, admonishes his enemies of the vanity ot