This psalm is entitled simply “Song of Degrees.” See the notes at the title of Psalms 120:1. Nothing is intimated in regard to the authorship of the psalm, or to the occasion on which it was composed. The only circumstance which throws any light on its origin is the statement in Psalms 123:4, that t... [ Continue Reading ]
UNTO THEE - To God. LIFT I UP MINE EYES - In supplication and prayer. Nature prompts us to look up when we address God, as if he dwelt above us. It is the natural prompting of the heart that he must be the most exalted of all beings, dwelling above all. See Psalms 121:1. O THOU THAT DWELLEST IN TH... [ Continue Reading ]
BEHOLD, AS THE EYES OF SERVANTS LOOK UNTO THE HAND OF THEIR MASTERS ... - Or, are to the hands of their masters; or, regard the hands of their masters. That is, we look to God with the same spirit of deference, dependence, and readiness to mark the will of God, which is evinced by servants in regard... [ Continue Reading ]
HAVE MERCY UPON US, O LORD, HAVE MERCY UPON US - The language of earnest pleading, repeating with emphasis the object of the prayer. The supplicants are represented as standing and urging this petition, feeling that help could come only from God; looking only to him; and watching his countenance, as... [ Continue Reading ]
OUR SOUL IS EXCEEDINGLY FILLED - Thoroughly sated. This verse states the nature and the source of the contempt which they were called to bear. WITH THE SCORNING OF THOSE THAT ARE AT EASE - According to one view of these “Psalms of Degrees” (see the Introduction to Psalms 120:1) this would be an inst... [ Continue Reading ]