The author of this psalm is unknown, as is also the occasion on which it was composed. It is not known, either, why this psalm was placed among those which are called “Songs of Degrees.” The scope and design of it, however, cannot be misunderstood. It is intended to show the advantage of religion on... [ Continue Reading ]
BLESSED IS EVERY ONE THAT FEARETH THE LORD - That honors God; that is truly pious. See the notes at Psalms 1:1; Psalms 112:1. What that blessedness is, is indicated in the following verses. THAT WALKETH IN HIS WAYS - The ways which God commands or directs. On the word “walketh,” see the notes at Ps... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THOU SHALT EAT THE LABOR OF THINE HANDS - Thou shalt enjoy the avails of thy labor; thou shalt be secure in thy rights. See the notes at Isaiah 3:10. This is a general promise respecting the prosperity which religion affords. If all people were truly religious, this would be universal, so far as... [ Continue Reading ]
THY WIFE SHALL BE AS A FRUITFUL VINE BY THE SIDES OF THINE HOUSE - It is not uncommon in the East, as elsewhere, to train a vine along the sides of a house - partly to save ground; partly because it is a good exposure for fruit; partly as an ornament; and partly to protect it from thieves. Such a vi... [ Continue Reading ]
BEHOLD, THAT THUS SHALL THE MAN BE BLESSED ... - As if he had said, “Look upon this picture. See the farmer cultivating his fields; see him gathering in the grain; see him at his own table calmly, quietly, and gratefully enjoying the fruit of his toil. Look upon that picture of a happy family - nume... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LORD SHALL BLESS THEE OUT OF ZION - Will not merely bless thee in the field and in the house, but will add blessings that seem to come more directly out of Zion, or that seem to be more directly connected with religion: shall bless thee with religious influences in thine own family; shall bless... [ Continue Reading ]
YEA, THOU SHALT SEE THY CHILDREN’S CHILDREN - This is a continuation of the idea of blessedness as connected with a numerous posterity - an object of so much interest to the Hebrews (see the notes at Psalms 128:3), and having its foundation in our nature. AND PEACE UPON ISRAEL - See Psalms 125:5. A... [ Continue Reading ]