Bible Commentary (1871–1879 Edition)
PrayCI in Sickness. PSALMS V—VIII. Profession of Innoceiicy.
Psalm 79. 5). but-or, and. tliou—the sentence Is incomplete as expressive of strong emotion. 4. Rettirn— i. e., attiicking God's servant, exhorts them to repentance, and avows his coutidence and peace in God's favour.
1. Hear—as Ps. 3. 4. God my rlgliteoiisjiess —or, ray righteous Goii, as my holy hill (Psalm 2. 6), who will act toward me on righteous principles, tlioxi liast enlarged —expresses relief aflforded in opposition to distress, which to my relief—or, turn, as now having His face averted, for tliy mercies' sake—to illustrate thy mercy. 5. (Cf. Psalm
115. 17, IS; Isaiah 38. 18.) There is no incredulity as lo a future state. The contrast is between this scene of life, and tlie grave or sheol, the unseen world of the dead, give is expressed by a word denoting straits or pressure. Past favour is a ground of hope for future. 3. sons of men Men of note or prominence (cf. 2 Chronicles 21. 9). turn my glory—or, royal dignity, to gliame — or reproach, vanity—a foolish and hopeless entei'prise (Psalm 2. 1). leasing—a lie. 3. godly—an ol)ject as well as subject of Divine favour (cf. Psalm 10-5. U, lo). *. stand in awe—. . . tlianks—or, praise for mercies. 6. By a strong Jigure the abundance as well as intensity of grief is dei>icted. 7. consumed—or, has failed, denoting general debility (Psalm 13. 3; 38. 10). waxetU old—or, dim. grief-mingled with indignation. 8, 9. Assured of God's hearing, he suddenly defies his enemies by an address indicating that he no longer fears them; 10, and knows they will be disappointed and in their turn (cf. v. 3) be terror-stricken or confounded. PSALM VII.
(Epliesians 4. 26), from Septuagint—he angry. Both clauses are qualified by not. 5. Not only repent, but manifest penitence by sacrifices of righteousne.ss or rigliteous sacrifices, &c. 6, 7. contrast true with vain confidence.
ligl»t of co Mntenance—figure for favour (Numbers 6. 26
Ver. 1-17. Shiggaion—a plaintive song or elegy. Though obscure in details, this title seems to intimate that the occasion of this Psalm was some event in David's persecution by Saul. He prays for relief, because he is innocent, and God will be glorified in his vindication. He thus passes to the celebration of God's righteous government, in defending the upright and punishing tlie wicked, whose malignant devices will result in their own ruin; and, confident of God's aid, closes with rejoicing.
Psalm 44. -i; SI. 16). com and wine lit., new corn and wine, iiitreased—an abundant harvest giving great joy
(Isaiah 0.8;. 8. botli lay me down,\fcc.—or will lie down at once, and sleep in sure confidence and quiet repose (Psalm 3. 5). PSALM V.
Ver. 1-12. Upon Nehiloth—^ulQS or wind instruments. The writer begs to be heard, on the ground of God's regard for His covenant people and true worshippers as contrasted with His holy haired to the wicked. He prays
1, 3. Though many enemies set upon him, one is singled out as prominent ; and compared to a wild beast tearing his prey to pieces (cf. 1 Samuel 20. 1; 2;?. 23; 26. 19). 3. if I have done this— i. e., the crime charged in the " words of Cush" (cf. 1 Samuel 24. 9). 4. If I have injured my friend, yea, I have delivered, &c.—This makes a good sense, but interrupts the course of thought, and hence it is proposed to render if I have spoiled my enemy—in either case, cf.
for Divine guidance, on account of his watchful, malignant and deceitful enemies; and for their destruction as being also God's enemies. At the same time he expresses his confidence that God will extend aid to His people.
1. meiiiilat Son-moanings of that half-uttered form to wliich deep feeling gives rise—groanings, as Romans 8.
26, 27. a. Hearken—incline (the ear, Psalm 10. 17, cf. Psalm 61. 2)—give close attention, my cry— i. e., for help (Psalm 61. 2; Jej-emiah 8. 19). my King—thus b,v covenant relation interested in my cause. 3. direct lit., set in
1 Samueh21. 4-17 ; 31. 8, 11. 5, This is the consequence, if such has been his conduct, mine honour—(cf. Psalm 3,
3; 4.2)—my personal and official dignity. 6. God is involved as if hitherto careless of him (Psalm 3. 7 ; 9. IS), rage—the most violent, like a flood rising over a river's banks, the judgment . . . commanded—or, ordained; a just decision. 7. compass thee—as those seeking jusorder, as the shewbread was placed or set in order (Exodus
40. 23/. 4. P«n-, Gotl only regards sincere worshippers, evil—or, the evil man. dwell— lodge, remain under protection. !>. foolisli—vainglorious and insolent. Iniquity —especially such as denotes a negation, or defect, i. e., of moral principle. G. leasing—a lie. tl»e bloody . . . man —lit., man of blood—murderer. 7. But—(as Psalm 2. 6) HI., and. liouse—(1 ('hronicles 9. 23), the tabernacle, temple —lit., p'llace, applied to God's residence, the Holy of Holies tice, return thou on higlt— assume the judgmentseat, to be honoured as a just Ruler by them. 8. Though not claiming innocence in general, he can confidently do so in tliis case, and in demanding from the Judge of all the earth .a judgment, he virtually asks acquittal. 9. the hcart.s and reins—the all'ections and motives of men, or the scat of them (cf. Psalm 16. 7; 26. 2); as we nse heart and bosom or breast. 10. defenceshield (I'salni 5. 12). 11. judgeth—as v. 8. the ^vicked—though not expressed, are implied, for they alone are left as objects of anger; 13, 1.3, and here distinctly pointed out, though b.v changing the jierson, a very common mode of speech, one is selected as a representative of wic Uved men generally. The military figures are of obvious meaning, against the per Hcciilors —some ren(fl!r"for burning," but the former is the best sense. Arrows for burning would bo appropriate in besieging a town, not in warring against one man or ii company in open fight. U. The first clause expross<'s the general idea that wicked men labour to do evil, the otliers carry out the figure fully. 1.1, 10. 1 Samuel 18. 17; 31. 2 illustrate the statement whether alluded to or not. These verses anexpository of v. 1 1, showing how the devices of the wicked end In disappoinl meiit , falsifying their expectations. 17. his righteouuness-(Psalm 5. S.) Thus illustrated In the defence of his servant and punishment of the v/lcked. PSALM VIII.
(1 Samuel 3. 3; 2 Samuel 22. 1) ; the inner part of the tabernacle, toward—not in, the higli priest alone was allowed to enter. 8. enemiesxviitchers (Psalm 27. 11), hence special need of guidance, in fliy riglkteousness—an attriljute implying faithfulness in promises as well as threatenings. make tliy way straigitt i. c., make the way of providence plain. 9. The wicked are not reliable, because liy nature full of wickedness, or iii!.,?<)icA;cdne««e«,of every kind (Romans 8. 7). seiuilc Urc—a dwelling-place of corruption, emitting moral putridness. Hatter-or, make Binoolh. tlieir tongue—speaks deceitfully. 10. Destroyer, condrmn them to di'Struction as guilty. 11. dcfendcst —(cf. M(iri/in,). love thy name — tliy manifested perfections (Psalm 9.10). 1/J. witli favour— or, accei)tance, alluding to the favour shown to an acceptable offering and worshipper (Leviticus 7. 18; 19. 7). sliield—(cf. Psalm
3. 3). PSALM VI.
1-10. On Neginoth (cf. Psalm 4) upon Sheminith—tlie eif/htli—iin instrument for the eiglUh kty—or, more i)robably, tlie btiss, as It is contrasted with Alamotli (the treble, Psalm 46.) In 1 Chi-onicles 15. 20, 21. In deep allllction tho Psalmist ai)peals to God's mercy for relief from chastisement, which otherwise must destroy him, and thus disable him from (Jod's service. Sure of a gracious answer, he triumiiliantly rebukes his foes.
Ver. 1-19. Upon (or according Co the) Oittith, proliably means that the musical performance wjis directed to be according to a tune of that name; which, derived from Oa/h, a wine-iiress, denotes a tune (used In conned Ion with gathering the vintage) of a joyous character. -Ml the Psalms to wliicb this term Is prefixeil anM)f such n character. The Psalmist gives vent to his admiration of God's manlfest(^d perfections, by oi'lebrating Ills condescending and beneficent providence to nuui as evinced bj
1. He owns his III desi'rt In begging a relief from chastisement. !4. 1 am weak—as a culled plant (Isaiah 21. i). my l>one«— the very frame, arc vexed—(Psalm 2. 5) Shaken vvllli fear. 3. liow long !—shall this bo so (cf. 348