Bible Commentary (1871–1879 Edition) (continued)
The Fsalmist's Combat with Diffidence. PSALMS LXXVI—LXXVIII. Exhortation to Learn God's Law, PSALM LXXVIII. anarchy that He sustains the nation. Some apply the words to the Psaliiiisl. receive tlie congregation— Zii., Ver. 1-72. This Psalm appeal's to have been occasioned by the removal of the sanctuary from .shiloli in the tribe of Ephralm to Zlon in the tribe of Judah, and the coincident transfer of pre-eminence in Israel from the former to the latter tribe, as clearly evin<-ed by David's settlement as the head of the Church and nation. Though this was take a -iH lime (Psalm 102. 13; Hosea 2. 3), or an assembly at a set time—i.e., for judging. Pillars of earth— il Samuel
2. S). 4-8. Here the writer spealis in view of God's declaration, warning the wicked. Lilft . . . up lUe liorn—to exalt power, liere, of the wicked himself— i. e., to be arrogant or self-elated, speak . . . nccU—insolently, proi Motion— lit., a' li/fing up. God is the only right judge of tlie execution of God's purpose, the writer here shows that merit, in tUe Iiand ... a cup . . . red — God's wrath it also proceeded from the Divine judgment on Ephraim, under whose leadership the people had manifesteil the same sinful and rebellious character which had distinguished their ancestors in Egypt. often thus represented (of. Isaiah 51.17; Jeremiah 25.15). bnt the dregs— (i7., xurely the dregs, they shall drain it. 9, 10.
C'ontiiasted is the lot of the pious who will praise God, and,
1. my people . . . my law—the langnage of a religiousteacher (v. 2; Lamentations 3. 14; Romans 2. 16, 27; cf. Psalm 49. 4). Tlie history whicli follows was a "dark saying," or riddle, if left unexplained, and its right apprehension required wisdom and attention. 3-8. This history had been handed down (Exodus 12. 14; Deuteronomy acting under His direction, will destroy the power of the wicked, and exalt that of the righteous.
PSALM LXXVI.
Ver. 1-12. On Xeainotfi—{c{. Psalm 4., title). This Psalm commemorates what the preceding anticipates: God's deliverance "of His people by a signal interposition of power against tlieir enemies. The occasion was probably the events narrated 2 Kings 19. 35; Isaiah 37. (Cf. Psalm 46.)
8. 20) for God's honour, and that the principles of His law might be known and observed by posterity. This important sentiment is reiterated in {v. 7, 8) negative form, testimony—(Psalm 19. 7.) stubborn and rebellions (Deuteronomy 21. IS.) set not tlieir heai-t—on God's service (2 Chronicles 12. 14). 9-11. The privilu Res of the first-born whlcli belonged to Joseph (1 Chronicles 5. 1, '2) were assigned to Ephraim by Jacob (Genesis 48. 1). The supremacy of the tribe thus intimated was recognized by 1, 2. Tliese well known terms denote God's people and Church and His intimate and glorious relations to them. Salem — (Genesis 14. 18) is Jerusalem. 3. brake . . . the arrows— thunderbolts (Psalm 78. 48), from their rapid flight or ignition (cf. Psalm 18. 14; EphesiansB. 16). the battle—for arms (Hosea 2. 18). 4r. Thou—God. mountains of prey—great victorious nations, as Assyria (Isaiah 41.15; Ezekiel .38.11, 12; Zechariah 4.7). 5. slept their sleepdied (Psalm 13. 3). none . . . found . . . hands—are powerits position (in the marching of the nation to Canaan) next to the ark (Numbers 2. 18-211, by the selection of the first permanent localit.v for the ark within its borders at Shiloh, and by the extensive and fertile province given for its possession. Traces of this prominence remained after the schism under Kehoboam, in the use, by later •wr Mer»,ot Ephraim for Israel (cf. Hosea 5.3-14; 11.3-12). Though a strong, well armed tribe, and, from an early period, emulous and haughty (cf. Joshua 17. 14; Judges 8. less. 6. chariot and horse—for those fighting on them (cf. Psalm 68. 17). 7. may . . . sight—contend with thee (Deuteronomy P. 4; Joshua 7. 12). 8, 9. God's Judgment on the wicked is His people's deliverance (Psalm 9. 12; 10.7). 10. Man's wrath praises Gotl by its futility before His power, restrain—or, gird i.e., thyself, as with a sword, with which to destroy, or as an ornament to thy praise.
1-3; 2 Samuel 19.41), It appears. In this place, that it hail rather led the rest In cowardice than courage ; and had Incurred God's displeasure, because, dillident of His promise, though often heretofore fulfilled, It liad failed as a leader to carry out the terms of the covenant, by driving out the heathen (Exodus 2;$. 21; Deuteronomy 31. 16; 2 Kings 17. 15). 1!J-14. A record of God's dealings and the sins of the people Is now made. The writer gives the history from the exode to the retreat from Kadesh; then contrasts their sins with their reasons for confidence, shown by a detail of God's dealings in Egypt, and presents a summary of the subsequent hi.story to David's time. Zoan— for Egypt, as its ancient cai)ital (Numbers
11, la. Invite homage to such a God (2 Chronicles 32.23), who can stop the breath of kings and princes when he will (Daniel 5. 23).
PSALM LXXVII.
Ver. 1-20. To J('<Z«</iM>i—(cf. Psalm 39., title). In a time of great afllictlon, when read.y to despair, the Psalmist derives relief from calling to mind (Sod's former and wonderful works of delivering power and grace.
1, expresses the purport of the Psalm, a, his Importunac.v. my sore ran . . . nlglit lit., my liaiid was spread, or, sirelclied (ml (cf. Psalm 41. 20). ceased not lit., grew not numb, or, feeble (Oencsls 45.2iS; Psalm .'58. 8). my soul . . . comforted—(cf. Genesl.s 37. 35; Jeremiah 81. 15). 3-9, His sad state contrasted witli former Joys, wag troubled
13. 22; Isaiah 19. 11). ir>, 10. There were two similar miracles (Exodus 17. 6; Njimbers 20. 11). great depths—and— rivers—denote abundance. 17-aO. yet mortv—ii/., added to sin. Instead of being led to repentance (Uonians "2. 4). in their heart—(Matthew 15. 19.) for their lust—/i7., souf, lit., violently agitated, or disquieted (Psalm 89. 6 ; 41. 5). my «plrit was overwhelmed-or, fainted (Psalm 107.5; Jonah or, desire, provoking—and — tempted—illustrated by their absurd doubts, 19, ao, in the lace of Ills admitted power. 31. Hre—the elfect of the anger (Numbers 11. I). aa, (Cf. Hebrews 8. 8, 9.) 33-39. (tf. Exodus 10. ; Numbers
2.7). lioldest . . . waking—or, fast, that I cannot sleep. Thus he is led to express his anxious feelings In several earnest questions indicative of impatient sorrow. 10. Omitting the supplied words, we may read, "This Is my afl Uction—the years of," &c.—years being taken as paral-
11.) angels' food lit., bread of the mighty (cf. l*salm Kl.'i.
40) ; so ialhMl, as It came from heaven, meat lit., vietnal.% as for a Journc.v. their . . . desircwhat they longed for, 30, .'11. not estrangetl . . . lust—or, desire— i'. e., were Indulging It. slew ... fattest—or, among the fattest; some of them—chosen—the young and strong (Isivhvh 4tl. lel to afllictlon (cf. Psalm 90. 15), as of God's ordering. 11, Ti. He finds relief in contrasting God's former dellver-
Biices. Sh.'ill we receive good at Ills hands, and not evil 7 Both are orderlngs of unerring mercy and unfailing love.
1.3. Thy way ... In the sanctuary—God's ways of grace and providence (Psalm 22.3; 67. 2), ordered on holy principles, as devclop(;d In His worship; or Implied In Ills perfections. If holiness be used for sanctxairy, as some pre-
31), and so none could resist. 33-39. Though there were partial reformations after chastl.senient, and Goil, In pity, withdrew his hand for a time, yet their general conduct was rebellious, and Ho was thus i)rov()ked to waste and destroy them, by long an<l fruitless wandering In tho fer translat ing (cf. Kxodus 15. 11). 14-aO. Illustrations of God's iwwer in Ills special Interventions for His people (Exodus U.), anil, in the more common, but sublime, condesert, lied . . . tongues—a felgniMl obedience (INalm IS,
41) . heart . . . not right—or, firm (cf. r. H; I'salm 51. 10). a wind . . . nffaln—lit., a bi-ealh, thin air (cf I'salm Vfi. trol of natnn (Psalm 22. 11-14; Habakkuk.3. M) which may hav(^ atleiiclcd those; miraculous eventJi (Kxodus 11. 21). Jacob and .Joseph — representing all. footsteps... watersmay refer to His actual leading the people through the sea., tbouth also expressing the mysteries of providence.
Ifi; James 4. 14). 40, 41. Tin re were li'n temptation* (Numbers 14. 22). Ilmlte«l—as v. 19, '20. Though some prefer grieved or provoked. Tho retreat from Kadesh (Deuteronomy I. 19-23) Is meant, whether—turnetl—bo for mining back, or to denote repetition of ot Veuoe. 43,