Commentary on Psalms Volume 1 John Calvin (continued)
COMMENTARY ON PSALMS
thought that Christ would not be sufficiently dignified and honored unless, putting a mystical or allegorical sense upon the word hind, they viewed it as pointing out the various things which are included in a sacrifice. Those, also, who prefer translating the original words,,השחר אילתayeleth hashachar, the dawn of the day or morning, 497 have endeavored to do the same thing.
But as I find no solidity in these subtleties, it will be better to take that view of the title which is more simple and natural. I think it highly probable that it was the beginning of some common song; nor do I see how the inscription bears any relation to the subject-matter of the psalm. From the tenor of the whole composition, it appears that David does not here refer merely to one persecution, but comprehends all the persecutions which he suffered under Saul. It is, however, uncertain whether he composed this psalm when he peaceably enjoyed his kingdom, or in the time of his affliction; but there is no doubt that he here describes the thoughts which passed through his mind in the midst of his troubles, perplexities, and sorrows.
Psalm 22:1-2
1. My God! my God! why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou far from my help, and from the words of my roaring? 2. O my God! I cry in the day-time, 498 but thou hearest not: and in the night-season, and there is no silence to me.
1. My God! The first verse contains two remarkable sentences, which, although apparently contrary to each other, are yet ever entering into the minds of the godly together. When the Psalmist speaks of being forsaken and cast off by God, it seems to be the complaint of a man in despair; for can a man have a single spark of faith remaining in him, when he believes that there is no longer any succor for him in God? And yet, in calling God twice his own God, and depositing his groanings into his bosom, he makes a very distinct confession of his faith. With this inward conflict the godly must necessarily be exercised whenever God withdraws from them the tokens of his favor, so that, in whatever direction they turn their eyes,
Those who render it strength derive the word from,אילeyl, strength, and observe, that the cognate word in verse 20,,אילותיeyaluthi, is rendered by the Septuagint την βοηθειαν μου, my aid or strength. By the strength of the morning they understand the dawning of the day.
This is the sense in which Lightfoot understands the words.
"Mon Dieu, je crie tout le jour." — Fr. "O my God, I cry all the day."