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
GdiPk Love to Man. PSALMS IX, X. God Praised for hin Judgments, PSALM IX. tlie position of the race, as originally created and assigned u (ioiiiiiiioii over tlie works of His hands.
Ver. 1-20. Upon MuCh-labben, or, after (lie manner accord' ing to " death to the li:lon," by which some song was known, to whose airor melody the musician is directed to perform this Psalm. This mode of denoting a song by some prominent word or words is still common (cf. Psalm 22). The Psalmist praises God for deliverance from his enemies, and celebrates the Divine government, for providing security to God's people and punishment to the wicked. Thus encouraging himself, he prays for new occasions to recount God s mercies, and confident of His continued
1. r : y Hnme—perlections (Psalm 5. 11 ; 7. 17). who hast sPi—lit., xi hich net Diou thy glory, &c., or, which glory of thine srl thou, i&c, I, e., make it more conspicuous as if earth were too small a tlieutre lor its display. A similar exposition suits the usual rendering, a. So manifest are God's perfections, that by very weak instruments He conclu-
Bivelyiets forth His praise. Infants are not only wonderful illustrations of God's power and skill, In their physical constitution, instincts, and early developed Intelligence, but also in their spontaneous admiration of God's works, Ijy which they put to shame—still—or, silence men who rail and cavil against God. A special illustrajudgment on the wicked and vindication of the oppressed, he Implores a prompt and efficient manifestation of the Divine sovereignty. tion of llie passage is afforded in Matthew 21. 16, when our .Savi(air iti Ued the cavillers by quoting these words;
1. Heartfelt gratitude will find utterance. 3-5. Whien. . . are tm-med toacU— it is the result of God's power alone. He, as a righteous Judge (Psalm 7. 11), vindicates His people. He rebukes by acts as well as words (Psalm for the glories with wliicli God invested His Incarnate Son, even in His humiliation, constitute a most wonderful display of tlie perfections of His wisdom, love, and power. In view of tlie scope of u. 4-8 (see below), this quotation by our Saviour may be regarded as an exposition of the
6. 1 ; 18. 15), and so etfectually as to destroy the names of nations as well as persons. 6. Lit., As to the enemy finished are his ruinsfor ever. I'hou (God) hast destroyed, &c. (1 Samuel 15. 3, 7; '27. 8, 9). The wicked are utterly undone. Their ruins shall never be repaired. 7, 8. God's eternal possession of a throne of justice is contrasted with the ruin of the wicked. 9, 10. So that the oppressed, and all who know Him (Psalm 5. 3; 7. 1), find Him a sure refuge. 11. (Cf. Psalm 2. 0; 3. 4.) 13. for blood—t. e., murders (Psalm 5. 6), including all the oppressions of His people, maketh inquisition—(cf. Genesis 9. 5). He will avenge their cause. 13. gates—or, regions—of death—gates being the enti'ance is put for the bounds. 14. gates . . . Zlon —the enclosure of tlie city (cf. Psalm 48. 12; Isaiah 2;^. 12), or, chui'cli, as denoted by this phrase contrasted with that of death, carries out the idea of exaltation as well as deliverance. Signal favours should lead us to render signal and public thanks. 15, 16. The undesigned results of the devices of the wicked prove them to be of God's overruling or ordering, especially when those results are destructive to the wicked themselves. Higgaion—means meditation, and, combined with Selah, seems to denote a pause of unusual solemnity and emphasis (cf. Psalm 3. 2). Though Selah occurs seventy-three times, this is the only case in which Higgaion is found. In the view which is given here of the retribution on the wicked as an instance of God's wise and holy ordering, we may well pause in adoring wonder and faith. 17. shall be turned—or, shall turn, retreating under God's vengeance, and driven by Him to the extreme of destruction, even hell Itself. Those who forget God are classed with the depraved and openly profane. 18. (Cf. Psalm 13.) the needy lit., poor, as deprived of anything; hence miserable, expectation of the poor—or, meek, humble, made so by affliction. 19. Arise—(cf. Psalm 4. 7). let not man—(Psalm 8. 4). let ... be judged—and of course condemned. 30. By their ef Tectual subjection, make them to realize their frail nature (Psalm 8. 4), and deter them from all conceit and future rebellion. proplietical cliaracter of tlie words, suclilliigs—among the Hebrews wen; probably of an age to speak (of. 1 Samuel 1. 'li-H; Mark 7. 27). ortlaintd—founded, or prepared, and perfected, which occurs in Matthew 21. 10; taken from Vne tieptuagiid lias the same meaning, strength—In the quotation in the New Testament, praise occurs as the consequence or effect put for the cause (of. Psalm 118. 14). avenger—as in Psalm 44. 16; one desirous of revenge, disposed to be quarrelsome, and so apt to cavil against God's government. 3, 4. The allusion to the magnificence of the visilile heavens is introduced for the purpose of illustrating God's condescension, who, though the mighty Creator of these glorious worlds of light, makes man the object of regard and recipient of favour, man.—lit., frail man, an allusion to his essential infirmity, son of man—only varies the form of speech, vlsltest—in favour (Psalm 65. lU). This favour is now more fully illustrated. 5-8. God has placed man next in dignity to angels, and but a little lower, and crowned him with the empire of tlie world, glory and honour—are the attributes of royal dignity (Psalm 21.5; 45.3). The position assigned man Is that described (Genesis 1. 26-28) as belonging to Adam, in his original condition, the terms employed in detailing the subjects of man's dominion corresponding with those there nsed. In a modified sense, in his present fallen state, man is still invested with some remains of this original dominion. It is vei-y evident, however, by the apostle's inspired expositions (Hebrews 2. 6-8; 1 Corinthians 15. 27, 28) that the language here employed finds its fulfilment only in the final exaltation of Christ's human nature. There is no limit to the " all things" mentioned, God only excepted, who " puts all things under." Man, in the person and glorious destiny of Jesus of Nazareth, the second Adam, the head and representative of the race,willnotonly be restored to his original position, but exalted far beyond it. "The last enemy, death," througli'fear of which, man, in his present estate, PSALM X.
Is "all his lifetime in bondage," "shall be destroyed." Then all things will have been put under his feet, "principalities and powers being made subject to him." This view, so far from being alien from the scope of the passage, is more consistent than any other; for man as a race cannot well be conceived to have a higher honour put upon him than to be thus exalted In the person and destiny of Jesus of Nazareth. And at the same time, by no oth<'r of His glorious manifestations has God more Illustriously declared those attributes which distinguish His name than In the scheme of redemption, of which this economy forms such an important and essential feature, in the generic import of the language, as describing man's present relation to the works of God's hands, it may be regarded as typical, thus allowing not only tlie usual application, but also this higher sense which the Inspired writers of the New Testament have assigned it. 0. Appropriately, the writer closes this brief but pregnant and sublime song of praise with the terms of admiration with which It was opened.
Ver. 1-18. The Psalmist mourns God'i apparent indifference to his troubles, which are aggravated by the successful malice, blasphemy, pride, deceit, and profanity of the wicked. On the just and discriminating providence of God he relies for the destruction of their false security, and the defence of the needy.
1. These are, of course, figurative terms (cf. Psalm
7. 6; 13. 1; Ac), hidest—supply thme eyes or face. 3.
Lit., In pride of the wicked they (the poor or humble, V. 17; Psalm 12. 5) shall be taken in the devices they (the proud) have imagined. 3. his heart's (or sours) desire— t. e., his success in evil, and blessetli, &c. fie (the wicked) blesselh the covetmis, he despiselh the Lord. 4. The face expresses the self-conceit, whose fruit is practical atheism (Psalm 14. 1). 5,6. Such Is his confidence In the permanence of his way or course of life, that he disregards God's providential government (otU o/ HglU, because he will not look, Isaiah 26. 11), sneers at hll