Bible Commentary (1871–1879 Edition)
Tlie Pi operity of the Wicked. PSALMS LXXIII—LXXv'. The Psalmist Craves God's Help.
most unpropitious locality, shall produce a crop, waving ferred, as is probable, to the period of the captivity, the author was probably a descendant and namesake of Asaph, David's contemporary and singer (cf. 2 Chronicles in tlie wind in its luxuriant growth, like the forests of Lebanon, tliey of tlie city . . . earth—This clause denotes tlie rapid and abundant increase of population—of
35. 15; Ezra 2. 41). He complains of God's desertion of His Church, and appeals for aid, encouraging himself by recounting some of God's mighty deeds, and urges his prayer on the ground of God's covenant relation to His people, and the wickedness of His and their common enemy.
[or, from] tlie city—Jerusalem, the centre and seat of the typical kingdom, ilourisli—or, glitter as new grass i. e., bluoui. This increase corresponds with the increased produc tiveness. So, as the gospel blessings are dil Tused, there shall arise increasing recipients of them, out of the Church in which Clirist resides as head. 17. His name
1. cast . . . off— with abhorrence (cf. Psalm 43. 2; 44. 9). There is no disavowal of guilt implied. The figure of or, glorious perfections, as long as the sin—(C'f. v. 5.) men shnll be blfssed—(Genesis 12.3; 18.18.) 18, 19. These words close the Psalm in terms consistent with the style ,of the context, while 30 Is evidently, from its prosaic fire to denote God's anger is often used ; and here, and Deuteronomy 29. 20, bjthe word " smoke, suggests its continuance, sheep . . . pasture-(Cf. Psalm 80. 1 ; 95. 7.) 2. The terms to denote God's relation to His people Increase in force: "congregation" — "purchased"— "redeemed"—" Zion," His dwelling. 3. Lift . . . feet—(Genesis 29. 1) i. e.. Come (to behold) the desolations (Psalm 73.
style, an addition for the purpose above explained, ended HI., finished, or completed ; the word never denotes fulfilment, except in a very late usage, as Ezra 1. 1; Daniel
19). 4. roar— with bestial fury, congregations — worshipping assemblies, ensigns — lit., signs— substituted their Idolatrous objects, or tokens of authority, for those articles of the temple which denoted God's presence.
psalm' LXXIII. Ver. 1-28. Of Asaph— (cf. Introduction). God is good to His people. For although the prosperity of the wicked, and the afflictions of the righteous, tempted the Psalmist to misgivings of God's government, yet the sudden and fearful ruin of the ungodly, seen In the light of God's revelation, reassures his heart, and, chiding himself for his folly, he is led to confide renewedly in God, and celebrates His goodness and love.
5, 6. Though some terms and clauses here are very obscure, the general sense is, that the spoilers destroyed the beauties of the temple with the violence of woodmen, was famous lit., was known, carved work
(1 Kings 6. 29). thereof—t. e., of the temple, in the writer's mind, though not expressed till v. 7, in which its utter destruction by fire is mentioned (2 Kings 25.9; Isaiah 64. H). deftled—or, profaned, as Psalm 89.39. 8. together— at once, all alike, synagogues lit., assemblies, for places of assembly, whethersuch as schools of the prophets (2 Kings
X. The abrupt announcement of the theme indicates that it is the conclusion of a perplexing mental conflict, which is then detailed (cf. Jeremiah 12. 1-1). Truly—or, Surel.v it is so. clean heart—(Psalm 18. 26) descriljes the true Israel, a. Tlie figures express his wavering faith, by terms denoting tottering and weakness (cf. Psalm 22.
4. 23), or synagogues in the usual sense, there is much doubt. 9. signs—of God's presence, as altar, ark, &c. (cf.
V. 4; 2 Chronicles 36. 18, 19; Daniel 5. 2). no more any prophet—(Isaiah 3.2; Jeremiah 40. 1 ; 43.fi). how long— this is to last. Jeremiah's prophecy (25. 11), if published, may not have been generally known or understood. To the bulk of the people, during the captivity, the occasional and local prophetical services of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel would not make an exception to the clause, " there is no more any prophet." 10. (Cf. Psalm 31. 1.) how long . . . reproach—us as deserted of God. blaspheme thy name—or, perfections, as power, goodness, &c. (Psalm
5; 62.3). 3-9. The prosperous wicked are insolently proud
(cf. Psalm 5. 5). They die, as well as live, free from perplexities: pride adorns them, and violence is their clothing; indeed they are inflated with unexpected success. With all this—they are corrupt—or, lit., they deride, they speak maliciously and arrogantly, and invade even heaven with blasphemy (Revelation 13. 6), and cover earth with slanders (Job 21. 7-14). 10-13. Hence God's people are confounded, turned hither (or back) and thither, perplexed with doubts of God's knowledge and care, and filled with sorrow, prosper In the world lit., Becure fcrr ever. 13, 14. The Psalmist, partaking of these troubles, is especially disturbed in view of his own case, that with all his diligent efforts for a holy life, he is still sorely tried. 15. Freed from idiomatic phrases, this verse expresses a supposition, as, "Had I thus spoken, I should," &c., intimating that he had kept hit troubles to
29. 2). 11. Why cease to help us 7 (Cf. Psalm 3. 7 ; 7. 6; 60. 5.) 12. For—K., And, in an adversative sense. 13-15. Examples of the "salvation wroxighl" are cited, divide the sea i. e.. Red Sea. byakest . . . waters—Pharaoh and his host (cf. Isaiah 51. 9, 10; Ezekiel 29. 3, 4). heads of leviathan—the word is a collective, and so used for many, the' people . . . wilderness i. e., wild beasts, as conies (Proverbs 30. 25, 26), are called a people. Others take the passages literally, that the sea monsters thrown out on dry land were food for the wandering Arabs, cleave the fountain—{. e., the rocks of Horeb and Kadesh—for founliimself. generation of thy children—thy people (1 John
3.1). offend lit., deceive, mislead. 16. 17. Still he—thought —lit, studied, or, pondered this riddle; but in vain; it remained a toll (cf. Margin), till he—went Into the sanctuary—to inquire (cf. Exodus 25.22; Psalm 5. 7; 27.4). 18-ao. Their end, or, future (Psalm 37. 37, 38), which is dismal and terribly sudden (Proverbs 1.27; 29.1), aggravated and hastened by terror. As one despises an unsubstantains, driedst up—Jordan, and, perhaps, Arnon and Jaljbok (Numbers 21. 14). 16, 17. The fixed orders of natura and bounds of earth are of God. 18. (Cf. v. 10; Deuteronomy 32. 6.) The contrast is striking—that such a God should be thus Insulted ! 19. multitude— beast, their flock or company of men (Psalm 68. 10). turtle-dove tial dream, so God, waking up to Judgment (Psalm 7. 6;
44. 23), despises their vain shadow of happiness (Psalm 39.
i.e., the meek and lonely Church, congregation — ii<,, company, as above—thus the Church Is represented as tho spoiled and defeated remnant of an army, exposed to vio-
6; Isaiali 29. 7). They are thrown into ruins as a building falling to pieces (Psalm 74. 3). 21, aa. He confesses how —foolish lit., stupid, and—Ignorant lit., not discerning, Lad been his course of thought, before thee— with lence. 30. And the prevalence of injustice in heathen lands is a reason for invoking God's regard to His promthee, lu conduct respecting thee. 83. Still he was udth Ood, as a dependent beneficiary, and so kept from falling ise (cf. Numbers 14. 21 ; Psalm 7. 16 ; 18. 48). 21. oppressed - —broken (Psalm 9. 9). return—from seeking God. ashamed— (Psalm 35. 4). 33, 23. (Cf. Psalm 3. 7; 7. 6.) God hear*- the wicked to their own ruin (Genesis 4. 10; 18. 20); PSALM LXXV. Ver. 1-10. Al-taschith—(cf. Psalm 57., title). . In.lmpendlug danger, the Psalmist, anticipating relief in. view of God's righteous government, takes courage 'and. renders
(v. 2). 24. All doubts are silenced in confidence of Divine guidance and future glory, receive me to glory lit., take for (me) glory (cf. Psalm 68. 18; Epheslaus 4.8). 25, 20. God Is his only satisfying good, strength— rocfc (Psalm
18.2). portion—(Psalm 16..5; Lamentations 3. 24.) 27,28. The lot of apostates, described by a figure of frequent use (Jeremiah 3. 1. 3; Ezekiel 23. 3.5), is contrasted with his, who finds liappiness in nearness to God (James 4. 8), and bis delightful work the declaration of His praise.
praise.
1. God's name or perfections are set forth hy His wondrous works. 2, 3. These verses express the purpose of God to administer a Just government, and in a time ot
PSALM LXXIV. Ver. 1-23. If the historical allusions of v. 6-8, Ac, be re24 a69