THE PSALMS BOOK II Psalms 42-72 THE SECOND BOOK OF PSALMS The Second and Third Books (Psalms 42-89) form the second principal division of the Psalter. The greater part of it (Psalms 42-83) is known as the -Elohistic" collection, because the appellative _Elôhîm_, -God," is employed throughout it... [ Continue Reading ]
_Judge me_&c. An appeal to God the Judge to do him justice and vindicate his innocence by delivering him from the power of his insolent foes. For the language cp. Psalms 7:8; Psalms 26:1; Psalms 35:1; Psalms 35:24. _against an ungodly nation_ Lit. _from_, i. e. by delivering me from, _a nation with... [ Continue Reading ]
Prayer for deliverance, grounded upon God's relation to him.... [ Continue Reading ]
Psalms 43:1. A passionate prayer for deliverance from his enemies and restoration to the privileges of the sanctuary.... [ Continue Reading ]
_the God of my strength_ Or, my stronghold God: my natural refuge and protector. Cp. Psalms 18:2; Psalms 42:9. But facts seem to contradict faith, and the expostulation of Psalms 42:9 is repeated in a stronger form: Why hast thou cast me off (Psalms 44:9; Psalms 44:23)? and in the next line a more e... [ Continue Reading ]
_O send out thy light and thy truth_ Cp. Psalms 57:3. God's light and truth, like His lovingkindness in Psalms 42:8, are almost personified. As of old He gave His lovingkindness charge concerning His servant, so now may He manifest the light of His countenance, and evermore shew him favour (Psalms 3... [ Continue Reading ]
Prayer for restoration.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then will I go_ Or, That I may come (Psalms 42:2). _unto God my exceeding joy_ Even unto the God of my gladsome rejoicing. God Himself is the goal of pilgrimage: the altar is but the means of approaching Him and realising His presence. _Yea, upon the harp will I praise thee_) And give thanks unto... [ Continue Reading ]
The refrain is once more repeated, and now, we may believe, with a still more unwavering faith and certain hope that his prayer will be answered.... [ Continue Reading ]