This psalm, like the two previous psalms, is ascribed to Asaph (see Introduction to Psalms 73), and there is no reason to doubt that it is correctly attributed to him. On the phrase in the title, “To the chief Musician,” see Introduction to Psalms 4:1. On the phrase “Al-taschith,” see the notes on t... [ Continue Reading ]
UNTO THEE, O GOD, DO WE GIVE THANKS - We, the people; language which would be appropriate to public thanksgiving - showing that the psalm was designed for public use. The reasons for this public thanksgiving are stated in the subsequent part of the psalm. DO WE GIVE THANKS - The repetition is empha... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEN I SHALL RECEIVE THE CONGREGATION - The marginal rendering is, “Take a set time.” The phrase is thus rendered in most of the versions. So the Septuagint, “When I take the time” - ὅταν λάβω καιρὸν _hotan_ _labō_ _kairon_. So the Vulgate, “When I accept the time.” So Luther, “When in its own... [ Continue Reading ]
THE EARTH AND ALL THE INHABITANTS THEREOF ARE DISSOLVED - The word rendered “dissolved” means properly to melt, to flow down; then, to melt away, to pine away, to perish. Isaiah 64:7; Job 30:22; Nahum 1:5; Psalms 107:26. Here it means that there was, as it were, a general breaking up of things; or t... [ Continue Reading ]
I SAID UNTO THE FOOLS - To the wicked people in rebellion. Folly and wickedness in the Bible are synonymous terms, as they are identical in fact. See the notes at Psalms 14:1. DEAL NOT FOOLISHLY - Act not foolishly; carry not out your wicked plans. Do not pursue your schemes of wickedness and folly... [ Continue Reading ]
LIFT NOT UP YOUR HORN ON HIGH - In a proud, self-confident, arrogant manner. SPEAK NOT WITH A STIFF NECK - With arrogance and pride; in a haughty, imperious manner. The word rendered “stiff” (literally “a neck of stiffness”) - עתק _‛__âthâq_ - means properly bold, impudent, wicked; and the idea i... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR PROMOTION - The word used here in the original, and rendered “promotion” - הרים _hariym_ - is susceptible of two quite different significations. According to one - that which is adopted by our translators - it is the infinitive (Hiphil) of רום _rûm_, “to raise” - the word used in Psalms 75:5, a... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT GOD IS THE JUDGE - All depends on him, not on the natural advantages of a country; not on human strength, human skill, or human prowess. Whatever may be the natural resources of a country; whatever may be the enterprise, the numbers, or the valor of its inhabitants; whatever alliances of peace o... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR IN THE HAND OF THE LORD ... - The general idea in this verse is, that God holds in his hand a cup for people to drink; a cup whose contents will tend to prolong life, or to cause death. See the idea in this passage fully explained in Job 21:20, note; Psalms 60:3, note; Isaiah 51:17, note; Revela... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT I WILL DECLARE FOR EVER - I - the author of the psalm. I will make known at all times the character of God, and will declare the truth respecting his works and ways. The particular mode as referred to here, was praise. I WILL SING PRAISES TO THE GOD OF JACOB - The God whom Jacob worshipped; the... [ Continue Reading ]
ALL THE HORNS OF THE WICKED ... - See the notes at Psalms 75:4. The meaning is, I will destroy all their power. This, too, may refer to the author of the psalm, supposed to be a prince or ruler about to ascend the throne, and to assert his rightful authority. This indicates his purpose in regard to... [ Continue Reading ]