This psalm is entitled “A Song of Degrees of David.” It is one of the four in this collection ascribed to him, and there is no reason to doubt the correctness of the inscription. As to the occasion on which the psalm was composed, however, we have no information. Perhaps there was nothing special in... [ Continue Reading ]
BEHOLD - As if he looked upon such a gathering, and saw there the expressions of mutual love. This may have been uttered in the actual contemplation of such an assemblage; or it may have been a picture of the imagination. HOW GOOD - How good in itself; how proper; how suited to promote happiness, a... [ Continue Reading ]
IT IS LIKE THE PRECIOUS OINTMENT UPON THE HEAD - That is, which was poured upon the head of the high priest, when consecrated to the holy office. The Hebrew is, “the good ointment.” For a description of the ointment which was used in the consecration of the high priest, and the holy things of the sa... [ Continue Reading ]
AS THE DEW OF HERMON ... - On the situation of Mount Hermon, see the notes at Psalms 89:12. The literal rendering of this passage would be, “Like the dew of Hermon which descends on the mountains of Zion.” According to our version two things are referred to: the dew of Hermon, and the dew on the mou... [ Continue Reading ]