PSALM 42 THE ARGUMENT The penman of this Psalm is uncertain. as not
being named in the title. It was composed either,
1. By David, when he was banished from the house of God, either by
Saul's tyranny, or by Absalom's rebellion; or,
2. By the sons of Korah, in the time of the captivity of Babylon;
w... [ Continue Reading ]
Thirst is more vehement than hunger, and more impatient of
dissatisfaction. FOR THE LIVING GOD: this he mentions as a just cause
of his thirst. He did not thirst after vain, useless idols, but after
the only true and living God, who was HIS LIFE, AND THE LENGTH OF HIS
DAYS, as is said, DEUTERONOMY 3... [ Continue Reading ]
MY TEARS HAVE BEEN MY MEAT; which notes both the great abundance and
constant course of his tears, and the secret satisfaction and ease
which he found in giving vent to his passion this way. Possibly his
tears and grief took away his appetite, and so were to him instead of
food. WHERE IS THY GOD, of... [ Continue Reading ]
THESE THINGS; either,
1. Which follow, to wit, my former freedom. Or rather,
2. Last mentioned, my banishment from God's presence, and mine enemies
scoffs and triumphs upon that occasion. I POUR OUT MY SOUL: this
phrase notes either,
1. His fervent prayer, as it is taken, 1 SAMUEL 1:15 PSALMS 62:... [ Continue Reading ]
WHY ART THOU CAST DOWN with excessive sorrow and despair? FOR THE HELP
OF HIS COUNTENANCE, Heb. _for the salvations of his face_, i.e. for
those supports, deliverances, and comforts which I doubt not I shall
ere long enjoy, both in his presence and sanctuary, to which he will
restore me, and from hi... [ Continue Reading ]
That I may revive my drooping spirits, I will consider thy infinite
mercy, and power, and faithfulness, and thy gracious presence in the
sanctuary, from whence thou dost hear and answer all those that call
upon thee, in all the parts of the land. FROM THE LAND OF JORDAN, AND
OF THE HERMONITES, FROM... [ Continue Reading ]
DEEP CALLETH UNTO DEEP, i.e. one affliction comes immediately after
another, as if it were called for and invited by the former; which he
expresseth by a metaphor taken either,
1. From the old flood, when _the upper deep_, or _abyss of waters_,
(in the clouds,) called _the lower deep_, or _abyss of... [ Continue Reading ]
WILL COMMAND i.e. will effectually procure or confer upon me, as this
verb is used, LEVITICUS 25:21 PSALMS 7:6, &c. The verb is future, but
some render it by the time past, THE LORD HATH COMMANDED; making this
rehearsal of his former experiences of God's goodness his argument to
support himself, and... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL SAY UNTO GOD; I will expostulate the case with him. MY ROCK;
who hath formerly been a sure refuge to me. WHY HAST THOU FORGOTTEN
ME? why dost thou now seem quite to forget and neglect me? Why go I
mourning? why dost thou leave me in this mournful state, and not
succour me speedily?... [ Continue Reading ]
IN MY BONES, or _in my body_, the bones being oft put for the _body_,
whereof they are a very considerable part. Or, as a sword, which
pierceth and cutteth my flesh even to the bones, and cutteth or
breaketh the very bones also. So painful and vexatious are their
reproaches. WHERE IS THY GOD? of whi... [ Continue Reading ]
THE HEALTH OF MY COUNTENANCE, Heb. _the salvations of my face_ i.e.
either,
1. Which are present and manifest, being before my face. Or,
2. Which will make my face to shine, and my countenance cheerful,
which supposeth the gladness of the heart, and the bettering of his
condition. Or,
3. Of his p... [ Continue Reading ]