Bible Commentary (1871–1879 Edition)
Desire for God's Service. PSALMS LXIV—LXVIII. Infinite Goodness of God. title was probably during Absalom's rebellion (cf. 2 Samdread (Psalm 26. 7; 9S. 1, <tc.), and in His fertilizing showers, causing the earth to produce abundantly for man and beast, outgoings of . . . rejoice all people from east to west, visitest— in mercy (cf. Psalm 8. 4). river of GimI— His exhaustless resources, thy paths—ways of providence (Psalm 25. 4, 10). Avilderness—places though not inhabited by men, fit for pasture (Leviticus 16. 21, 22; Job 24. uel 15. 23, 2S; 16. 2). David expresses an earnest desire for God's favour, and a confident expectation of realizing it
In his deli verance and tlie ruin of his enemies.
1. early . . . seek tUee—earnestly (Isaiah 26. 9). The figurative terms—dry and thirsty—lit., weary, denoting moral destitution, suited his outward circumstances, soul—and—flesli—the whole man (Psalm 16. 9, 10). 3. The 5). pastures—(In r. 12) is lit., folds, or, enclosures for flocks ; and in v. 13 it may be lambs—the same word used and so translated (Psalm 37.20); so that " the flocks are clothed with lambs," a figure for abundant increase, would be the form of expression. special object of desire was God's perfections as displayed in his worship (Psalm 27. 4). 3. Experiencing God's mercy, whicli exceeds all the blessings of life, his lips will be opened for his praise (Psalm 51. 15). 4. Tlxns—Ut., Ti-uli/. will I bless—praise thee (Psalm 34. 1). lift iip my liai Mls—in worship (cf. Psalm 28. 2). in thy name— PSALM LXVI. in praise of thy perfections. 5-8. Full spiritual blessings satisfy his desires, and acts of praise fill his thoughts and time, night-as well as day. Past favours assure him of future, and hence he presses earnestly near to God, wliose power sustains him (Psalm 17. 8; 60. 5). 9, 10. those . . . fo rtestroy It—or lit., to, or, for ruin—i. e., such
Ver. 1. 20. The writer invites all men to unite in praise, cites some striking occasions for It, promises special acts of thanksgiving, and celebrates God's great mercy.
1. Make . . . noise—or. Shout. 3. his name—as Psalm
29. 2. make his praise glorious lit., make or place honour. His praise, or, as to His praise—i. e., let His praise be such as will glorify Him, or, be honourable to Him. 3, 4. A specimen of the praise. How terrible—(Cf. P.salm 65. 8.) submit- (Cf. Margin), show a forced subjection (P.salm 18. as seek to injure me (are) for ruin—appointed to it (cf. Psalm 35. 8). shall go . . . earth-into the grave, or, to deatli; as their bodies are represented as a portion for foxes—at. .jackals. 11. the king—t. e., David himself, and 44), produced by terror. 5, 6. The terrible works illustrated in Israel's history (Exodus 14. 21). By this example all v.iio reverence God, "shall share aglorious part," while let rebels be admonished. 7. behold the nations—watch their conduct. 8, 9. Here is, perhaps, cited a case of recent deliverance, holdeth . . . inllfe lit., piittclh our soul in life—i. e., out of danger (Psalm 30. 3 ; 49. 15). to be moved treacherous foes sliall be for ever silenced (Psalm 62. 4).
PSALM LXIV.
Ver. 1-10. A prayer for deliverance from cunning and malicious enemies, with a confident view of their over-v throw, which will honour God and give joy to the right- (Cf. Psalm 10. 6; 55. 22). 10-13. Out of severe trials, God had brought them to safety (cf. Isaiah 48. 10; 1 Peter 1. 7). afnietion lit., pressure, or, as Psalm 55. 3, oppression, which, laid on the—loins—the seat of strength (Deuteronomy X\. 11), enfeebles the frame, men to ride over our heads made us topass—through tire, itc.—figures describing prostr.ation and critical dangers (cf. Isaiah 43. 2 ; E»(dciel eous.
1. presen-e . . . fear-as well as the danger producing
It. 2. insiirreition—?(7., uproar, noisy assaults, as well as their secret counsels. 3, 4-. Similar figures for slander (Psalm 57.4; 50.7). bend lit, tread, or, prepared. The allusion is to tlie mode of bending a bow by treading on
36. 12). wealthy— overflowing, or. Irrigated, and hence
It; here, and Psalm ijS. 7, transferred to arrows, the perfect—one innocent of the charges made (Psalm IS. 2,!). and fenr not.—(Psalm 5.5. 19,) not regarding God. 5. A sentiment here more fully presented, by depicting their deliberate malice. 6. This is further evinced by their diligent efl'orts and deeply-laid schemes. 7. The contrast fertile. 1.3-15. These fulland varied olferings constitute the payment of vows (Leviticus 2*2. 18-'2;i). I will offer lit., make to ascend—alluding to the smoke of l)urnt ollerlng, which explains the use of—incense—elsewhere always denoting the fumes of aromatics. 16-30. With these he unites his public thanks. Inviting those who fear God (Psalm 60. 4; (11. 5, His true worshippers) to hear. He vindicates his sincerity. Inasmuch as God would not hear hypocrites, but had heard him. he was extolled M ith my tongue—/i7., exaltation (was) under 7)1}/ tongue, as a place of deposit, whence It proceeded—t. e., honouring God was habitual. If 1 regard iniquity lit., see iniquity with pleasure. PSALM LXVII. is heigbtenod by representing God as using weapons like theirs. 8. their . . . tongue to fall, &c.—i.e., the consequences of their slanders, &c. (cf. Psalm 10.2; 31.16). all that sec . . . away-their partners In evil shall be teri ifled. 9, 10. .M(>n, generally, will acknowledge God's work, and the righteous, rejoicing In It, shall be encouraged to trust him (Psalm 58. 10).
PSALM LXV. Ver. 1-13. This is a song of praise for God's spiritual blessings to his people and his kind providence over all the earth.
Ver. 1-7. A prayer that, by God's blessing on Ills people. His salvation and praise may be extended over the earth.
1. cause his face to shine—show us favour (Numbers 6. 24,25; Psalm31. 16). 3. thy way—of gracious dealing (Isaiah 5'). 8), as exjilained by—saving health—or lit., salva-
1. Praise waiteth for thee lit., To thee silence praise, or (cf. Psalm C2. 1), To thee silence is praise—f. e., Praise Is waiting as a servant— It Is due to thee. So the last clause cxpiesses the duty of paying voWs. These two parts of ncccplalde worshii), mentioned Psalm 50. 14, are rendered In Zion, where God chiefly displays His mercy and receives homage, 'i. All are encouraged to pray by God's readiness to hear. 3. God's mercy alone delivers us from (he t)urd<Mi of inl(|Uitles, by purging or expiating by an tion. 3-5. Thanks will lie rendered for the blessings of His wise and holy government (cf. Isaiah 2. 3, 4; 11. 4). O, 7. The blessings of a fruitful harvest are mentioned as types of greater and spiritual blessings, under which all nations sinill fear and love God.
PSALM LXVIII.
Ver. l-;«. This is a Psalm-song (cf. Psalm ,10., title), perhaps suggested by David's victories, which secured his atouciiii'iit the transgressions with which we are chiirged, and which aredenoted by—Iniquities-or /lY., Wor(Uof iniqiiilif's. 4, <l well In thy courts; . , , [and] iuitlitfletl with the goodness . . . temple—denote communion with God (Psalm 15. 1; 2:!. 0 ; cf. Psalm 5.7). This Is a blessing for t hrone and gave rest to the nation. In general terms, the judgment of God on the wicked, and the eciulty and goodness of His government to the pious are celebrated. The sentiment Is Illustrated by examples of God's di>allngs, all (iod's people, as denoted by the change of number. 5. terrli>le things i. e., by the manifestation of jilstlce and wrath to enemies, accompanying that of mercy to his people (Psalm 63.9-11; 61.7-9). the contlrtence—object of clt<-d from the .lewlsh history, and related In highly poetical terms. Hence the writer Intimates an expectation of ecjual and even greater triumphs, and summons all nations to unite In praises of the (Jod of Israel. The Psalin
It. of all . . . earth—the whole world— i. e., deservedly such, whether men think so or not. 0-1.3. God's great power and goodness are the grounds of this conlldeiice. These are Illustrated In ills control of the mightiest agencies of nature and nations. dl Tcrting men with awe and Is evidently typical of the relation which God, In the pei son of His Son, sustains lo the Church (cf. v. IH). 1-3, CI. NunilMMs 10. .15; Psolm 1. 4; 22. II, on the figures here used, before hint-as In v. 2, from His presence, M