Commentary on Psalms Volume 1 John Calvin
COMMENTARY ON PSALMS
God purposely delays to communicate his assistance, which otherwise is quite prepared, that we may experience his goodness in saving us after we have been afflicted and brought low. 422 Nor ought we to reckon the wrongs which are inflicted upon us too bitter, since they excite God to show towards us his favor which bringeth salvation. As to the second clause of this verse, the reading is a little different in the song in the 2nd Book of Samuel, where the words are, Thine eyes are against the proud to cast them down. But this difference makes no alteration as to the meaning, except that the Holy Spirit there more plainly threatens the proud, that, as God is on the watch to overthrow them, it is impossible for them to escape destruction. The substance of both places is this: The more the ungodly indulge in gratifying their own inclinations, without any fear of danger, and the more proudly they despise the afflicted poor who are under their feet, they are so much the nearer to destruction. Whenever, therefore, they cruelly break forth against us with mockery and contempt, let us know that there is nothing which prevents God from repelling their headstrong pertinacity, but that their pride is not yet come to its height.
Psalm 18:28-32
28. For thou shalt light my lamp, O Jehovah; my God shall enlighten my darkness. 29. For by thee 423 I shall break through the wedge 424 of a troop, and by my God I shall leap over a wall. 30. The way of God is perfect; the word of Jehovah is refined, [or purified;] he is a shield to all those who trust in him. 31. For who is God besides Jehovah? and who is strong except our God? 32. It is God who hath girded me with strength, and hath made my way perfect.
28. For thou shalt light my lamp. In the song in Samuel, the form of the expression is somewhat more precise; for there it is said not that God lights our lamp, but that he himself is our lamp. The meaning, however, comes to the same thing, namely, that it was by the grace of God that David, who had been plunged in darkness, returned to the light. David "Afin de nous faire esprouver comment il sauve les affligez." — Fr.
"Par ta vertu." — Note, Fr. marg. "That is, by thy power."
Cuneum A battalion or company of foot drawn up in the form of a wedge, the better to break the enemies' ranks.