This psalm (title) is inscribed “To the chief Musician upon Neginah.” On the meaning of the expression, “To the chief Musician,” see the notes at the title to Psalms 4:1, where also we have the following word in another form, - “on Neginoth” - the plural, instead of the singular. The word means a st... [ Continue Reading ]
HEAR MY CRY, O GOD - See the notes at Psalms 5:2. The word rendered cry in this place sometimes denotes a joyful shout - a shout of triumph; but the connection makes it certain that it here refers to the voice of prayer. It is implied that it was audible prayer, or that the psalmist gave utterance t... [ Continue Reading ]
FROM THE END OF THE EARTH WILL I CRY UNTO THEE - This language is derived from the idea that the earth is one extended plain, and that it has limits or boundaries. Such language is common in the Scriptures, and indeed is in constant use now, even although we know that the earth is globular, and that... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THOU HAST BEEN A SHELTER FOR ME - A place of refuge; a place where I have found safety. He refers here to what had occurred in former times. God had protected him when in danger, and he pleads that fact as a reason why God should now interpose and deliver him. That reason seems to be founded on... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL ABIDE IN THY TABERNACLE FOR EVER - This expresses the confident assurance that he would be restored to his home, and to the privileges of public worship. The word forever here means perpetually; that is, his permanent home would be there, or he would dwell with God who dwelt in the tabernacle... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THOU, O GOD, HAST HEARD MY VOWS - That is, my prayers accompanied with solemn pledges or promises that I will devote myself to thy service. In some way David had the assurance that those vows and prayers had been heard; that God would answer his supplications - that he would restore him to his h... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU WILT PROLONG THE KING’S LIFE - literally, “Days upon the days of the king thou wilt add;” that is, Thou wilt add days to those which thou hast already permitted him to live. The language does not necessarily mean that he would have a long life, but that he would still be permitted to live. He h... [ Continue Reading ]
HE SHALL ABIDE BEFORE GOD FOR EVER - That is, perpetually; without danger of change, or of being driven into exile. This may allude, however, to the hope which David had that he would always live with God in a higher world - a world where there would be no danger of change or banishment. His restora... [ Continue Reading ]
SO WILL I SING PRAISE UNTO THY NAME FOR EVER - As the result of this gracious interposition. Compare the notes at Isaiah 38:20. The meaning is, that he would do this constantly. It would be the regular business of his life. THAT I MAY DAILY PERFORM MY VOWS - The solemn promises which I have made in... [ Continue Reading ]