This Psalm consists of two distinct parts. The first part celebrates the revelation of the Power and Majesty of God in Nature, the universal and unceasing testimony of the heavens to their Creator (Psalms 19:1). The second part celebrates the moral beauty and beneficent power of Jehovah's -Law" in i... [ Continue Reading ]
"The glory of the Lord" denotes (1) that visible manifestation of His Presence by which He was wont to reveal Himself to Israel, the _Shechinah_as it was called in later times (Exodus 16:7; Exodus 16:10; Exodus 33:22; Romans 9:4): and (2) in a wider sense, as here, the glory of God is the unique maj... [ Continue Reading ]
The universal revelation of God in Nature.... [ Continue Reading ]
This proclamation is continuous and unceasing. "Dies diem docet." Each day, each night, hands on the message to its successor in an unbroken tradition. Day and night are mentioned separately, for each has a special message entrusted to it: the day tells of splendour, power, beneficence; the night te... [ Continue Reading ]
(_a_) The rendering of A.V. means that the message of the heavens reaches all nations of every language alike, and is intelligible to them. But the Heb. words rendered _speech_and _language_will not bear this explanation. (_b_) The rendering _It is not a speech or words_ Whose voice is unintellig... [ Continue Reading ]
This proclamation is universal. The phrase _Their line is gone out_&c., is to be explained by Jeremiah 31:39; Zechariah 1:16. The measuring line marks the limits of possession. The whole earth is the sphere throughout which the heavens have to proclaim their message. The rendering of P.B.V. _their s... [ Continue Reading ]
Thence he comes forth morning by morning like the bridegroom in all the splendour of his bridal attire, in all the freshness of youthful vigour and buoyant happiness (Isaiah 61:10; Isaiah 62:5): like the hero exulting in the consciousness of strength, and eager to put it to the proof. Cp. Judges 5:3... [ Continue Reading ]
The beneficent influences of his light and heat are universally felt.... [ Continue Reading ]
Yet more wonderful than this declaration of God's glory, more beneficent than the sun's life-giving light and heat, is Jehovah's revelation of His will, which quickens and educates man's moral nature. Its essential characteristics and its beneficent influences are described with an enthusiastic and... [ Continue Reading ]
_The law of the Lord_ Instruction, teaching, doctrine, are the ideas connected with the word _torah_, rendered _law_. See on Psalms 1:2. Like Jehovah's work (Deuteronomy 32:4), and His way (Psalms 18:30), it is _perfect_, complete, flawless; without defect or error; a guide which can neither mislead... [ Continue Reading ]
_The statutes_ Rather, as R.V., the precepts, the various special injunctions in which man's obligations are set forth. These _make glad the heart_with the joy of moral satisfaction. _pure_ An epithet applied to the sun. Song of Solomon 6:10. "The law is light" (Proverbs 6:23), and light-giving. Cp... [ Continue Reading ]
_The fear of the Lord_ Another synonym for the -law," inasmuch as its aim and object is to implant the fear of God in men's hearts. (Deuteronomy 4:10). It is _clean_or _pure_(Psalms 12:6), in contrast to the immoralities of heathenism. It is like Jehovah Himself (Habakkuk 1:13), and like Him, it _st... [ Continue Reading ]
Such is the law in all its parts; a treasure to be coveted; the sweetest of enjoyments when received into the heart. Cp. Psalms 119:72; Psalms 119:103; Psalms 119:127. _the honeycomb_ Lit. _the droppings of the honeycomb_, the purest honey which drops naturally from the comb.... [ Continue Reading ]
The Psalmist, as Jehovah's servant, _lets himself be warned_by the law. Cp. Ezekiel 33:4 ff. _great reward_ Cp. Proverbs 22:4; 1Ti 4:8; 1 Timothy 6:6.... [ Continue Reading ]
More exactly: Errors who can discern? From hidden (faults) clear thou me. Who can be aware of the manifold lapses of ignorance or inadvertence? Acquit me, do not hold me guilty in respect of them.... [ Continue Reading ]
The contemplation of this holy law leads the Psalmist to express his personal need of preservation and guidance.... [ Continue Reading ]
For sins committed -in error," (A.V. _through ignorance_) and for -hidden" offences, the ceremonial law provided an atonement (Leviticus 4:1 ff., Leviticus 4:13 ff; Leviticus 5:2 ff.; Numbers 15:22 ff.); but for sins committed -with a high hand," in a spirit of proud defiance, there was no atonement... [ Continue Reading ]
_be acceptable_ An expression borrowed from the laws of sacrifice. See Leviticus 1:3-4 (R.V.); cp. Exodus 28:38. Prayer, "uttered or unexpressed," is a spiritual sacrifice. Cp. Psalms 141:2; Hosea 14:2. The P.B.V., _be always acceptable_, is from the LXX. The Heb. for _always_would be _tâmîd_. If t... [ Continue Reading ]