This Psalm presents two contrasted pictures: one of the godless principles and conduct of the man who has made deliberate choice of evil; the other of the universal and inexhaustible lovingkindness of God. From the prevailing wickedness around him (to which he is in danger of falling a victim, Psalm... [ Continue Reading ]
As the Psalmist reflects on the conduct of the wicked man, it becomes clear to him that practical atheism is the guiding principle of his life. So the reading of the Massoretic Text, followed in the A.V., may be explained. But it is unnatural to regard transgression as uttering its oracle in the Psa... [ Continue Reading ]
The ground of the godless man's security in his sin.... [ Continue Reading ]
A much disputed verse. Three renderings of the first line deserve consideration. (1) Taking the wicked man as the subject, we may render as the A.V. (2) Taking Transgression as the subject, we may render, For It flattereth him in his eyes. (3) Taking God as the subject, we may render, For He flatter... [ Continue Reading ]
_iniquity and deceit_ Cp. Psalms 5:5-6; Psalms 10:7. _he hath left off_&c. Or, _he hath ceased to be wise to do good_. Cf. Jeremiah 4:22. He inverts the prophetic exhortation, Isaiah 1:16-17. The word here rendered _to be wise_is specially used of the intelligence which leads to right and successfu... [ Continue Reading ]
The fruits of this reckless atheism described.... [ Continue Reading ]
_mischief_ Iniquity, as in Psalms 36:3_; Psalms 36:12_. _upon his bed_ In the stillness of the night, the time for repentance (Psalms 4:4), and recollection of God (Psalms 63:6), he is restlessly planning his crimes. For illustration see Micah 2:1 ff. _he setteth himself_&c. Evil courses are his de... [ Continue Reading ]
From the grievous spectacle of human perversity the Psalmist takes refuge in adoring contemplation of the character of God, the only source of life and light, who deals blessing liberally to all His creatures.... [ Continue Reading ]
O Lord, thy lovingkindness _reacheth_to the heavens; Thy faithfulness even unto the skies. God's lovingkindness (Psalms 36:7_; Psalms 36:10_) and faithfulness cannot be measured. For the comparison see Job 11:8; Job 22:12; Job 35:5: and cp. Psalms 57:10; Psalms 103:11: Ephesians 3:18.... [ Continue Reading ]
Jehovah's righteousness His faithfulness to His character and covenant (Psalms 5:8), manifested alike in mercy and in judgement is like the mountains of God (_El_), immovably firm (Psalms 111:3), eternally unchanged, majestically conspicuous. God's works proclaim their Author, and reflect His attrib... [ Continue Reading ]
_How excellent_ How precious (R.V.). It is the Psalmist's treasure. Cp. Psalms 139:17. _O God_ The substitution of _God_for _Jehovah_is significant. The Psalmist is speaking of a love which extends beyond the limits of the chosen people, and embraces all mankind. _The children of men_lit. _sons of... [ Continue Reading ]
God is more than a protector. He is a bountiful host, who provides royal entertainment for His guests. Cp. Psalms 23:5-6; Psalms 27:4; Psalms 65:4. The metaphor is derived from the sacrificial meal, in which God receives the worshipper at His table [12] (Leviticus 7:15; Jeremiah 31:14). That welcome... [ Continue Reading ]
The expectation of Psalms 36:8 is no idle dream, for God is the source of life and light. From Him springs all that constitutes life (Psalms 34:12), physical and spiritual (cp. Jeremiah 2:13; Jeremiah 17:13): from Him proceeds all that makes up true happiness (cp. Psalms 4:6). Golden sayings like th... [ Continue Reading ]
A prayer for the continued exercise of the attributes which have been celebrated in Psalms 36:5. All God's bounty to man flows from His lovingkindness, yet His righteousness also is concerned in the fulfilment of His covenant and promise. _them that know thee_ With an effectual knowledge which must... [ Continue Reading ]
Concluding prayer for the continuance of God's lovingkindness and for protection from the wicked, with a confident anticipation of the final downfall of evil-doers. Psalms 36:10 springs naturally out of Psalms 36:5, and Psalms 36:11 clearly revert to Psalms 36:1.... [ Continue Reading ]
Let me not be trampled under foot by proud oppressors, or driven from my home by wicked violence. This verse clearly refers to Psalms 36:1. The Psalmist is himself in danger of falling a victim to the ruthless oppressors there described. _remove me_ R.V. drive me away, from hearth and home to become... [ Continue Reading ]
With the eye of faith he beholds the certain and irreparable ruin of the "workers of iniquity" (Psalms 36:3: cp. Psalms 5:5; Psalms 6:8; Psalms 14:4). _There_points to the scene of their discomfiture. Cp. Psalms 14:5; Psalms 64:8. _they are cast down_ R.V. they are thrust down (Psalms 5:10; Psalms 3... [ Continue Reading ]