Psalms 30:1

PSALM 30 A Psalm and Song; or, A Psalm of Song; i.e. either,

1. A Psalm to be sung with the voice to an instrument. Or,

2. A Psalm of joy and praise; for so this is. And this Hebrew word schir may be here taken not simply for a song, but for a joyful song, as it is Genesis 31:27 Exodus 15:1 Psalms 33:3, Psalms 42:8 Proverbs 25:20 Isaiah 30:29 Amos 8:3,10. At the dedication of the house of David; either,

1. At the dedication of the temple, called the house, or that house, eminently and emphatically. So the Chaldee paraphrast and the Hebrew doctors understand it. And then the last words, of David, are to be joined with the first, a Psalm and Song. But this seems not probable, because the temple was not built by David, nor in his days, although he might prescribe a Psalm to be used afterwards upon that occasion. Or,

2. At the dedication of David's house, which was built, 2 Samuel 5:11, and doubtless was dedicated, as God had commanded. See Deuteronomy 20:5 Nehemiah 12:27. Or,

3. At the second dedication of David's house, after it had been polluted by Absalom and his concubines. But there is no law of God for any re-dedication of houses in such cases, nor any evidence that David did so. And indeed it seems strange, if this Psalm was made upon this occasion, or upon any of these dedications here mentioned, that there should not be one line in it suitable to that occasion. Others therefore make these words, the dedication of the house, not to note the matter of this Psalm or Song; but either,

1. The name of the tune to which this song was sung, which was the same that David used at the dedication of his house; and so this gives us a reason why the word Song is added to that of Psalm, and why this Psalm was called the Song of the dedication. Or,

2. The time when it was sung; which was at the dedication of David's house. For such dedications were performed in a very solemn manner, with divers rites and prayers, and praises to God, as the nature of that business required. And it seems probable from the matter of this Psalm, compared with the title, that David had about this time been delivered from some eminent distresses, and particularly from some dangerous sickness; for which he here gives thanks to God, taking advantage of this public and solemn occasion. The psalmist praiseth God for deliverance out of great danger, Psalms 30:1; and exhorteth others to do the same, Psalms 30:4,5. He acknowledgeth to God that his prayer was heard, and him-self girded with gladness, Psalms 30:6. He will give thanks to God for ever, Psalms 30:12. Lifted me up; or, drawn up, to wit, out of the deep pit, or waters; to which great dangers and afflictions are frequently compared. To rejoice over me; which they both desired and confidently expected an occasion to do.