1._Except Jehovah build the house. _There is no reason why the Jews should deny that this Psalm was composed by Solomon. They think that the letter ל, _lamed, _which we translate of, is equivalent to, _in behalf of Solomon; _which is at variance with common usage, for such a title in all cases desig... [ Continue Reading ]
2._It is vain for you in hastening to rise early. _Solomon now expresses more plainly that men in vain wear themselves out with toiling, and waste themselves by fasting to acquire riches, since these also are a benefit bestowed only by God. The more effectually to move them, he addresses himself to... [ Continue Reading ]
3._Lo! children are the heritage of Jehovah. _Solomon here adduces one instance in which, in a particular manner, he would have us to recognize the truth which he has hitherto asserted generally — that the life of men is governed by God. Nothing seems more natural than for men to be produced of men.... [ Continue Reading ]
5._They shall not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate. _Here Solomon describes such children as, distinguished by uprightness and integrity, have no hesitation in rendering an account of their life, that they may shut the mouths of the malevolent and of calumniators. In ancient... [ Continue Reading ]