This psalm is one of those which in the title are ascribed to Asaph (see Introduction to Psalms 73), and there is no reason to call in question that statement. On the phrase “To the chief Musician on Neginoth,” see Introduction to Psalms 4:1. The occasion on which the psalm was composed is not state... [ Continue Reading ]
IN JUDAH IS GOD KNOWN - That is, he has made himself known there in a special manner; he has evinced his watchful care over the city so as to demand a proper acknowledgment; he has manifested himself there as he has not elsewhere. It is true that God is known, or makes himself known everywhere; but... [ Continue Reading ]
IN SALEM ALSO - This was the ancient name for Jerusalem, and is evidently so used here. It continued to be given to the town until the time of David, when it was called “Jerusalem.” See the notes at Isaiah 1:1. The word properly means “peace,” and is so rendered here by the Septuagint, ἐν εἰρήνῃ... [ Continue Reading ]
THERE BRAKE HE THE ARROWS OF THE BOW - That is, in Salem, or near Salem. The language is such as would be used in reference to invaders, or to armies that came up to storm the city. The occasion is unknown; but the meaning is, that God drove the invading army back, and showed his power in defending... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU ART MORE GLORIOUS AND EXCELLENT - The word rendered glorious - נאור _na'ôr_ - is from the verb which means “to shine,” to give light, and the word would properly refer to a luminous or “shining” object - as the sun, the source of light. Hence, it means “shining,” splendid, glorious; and it is... [ Continue Reading ]
THE STOUT-HEARTED ARE SPOILED - The valiant men, the men who came so confidently to the invasion. The word “spoiled” here, as elsewhere in the Scriptures, means “plundered,” not (as the word is now used) “corrupted.” See the notes at Colossians 2:8. THEY HAVE SLEPT THEIR SLEEP - They are dead; they... [ Continue Reading ]
AT THY REBUKE, O GOD OF JACOB - At thy word; thy bidding; or, when God rebuked them for their attempt to attack the city. The idea is, that they were discomfited by a word spoken by God. BOTH THE CHARIOT AND HORSE ... - The Septuagint renders this, “They who are mounted on horses.” The word rendere... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU, EVEN THOU, ART TO BE FEARED - To be had in reverence or veneration. The repetition of the word “thou” is emphatic, as if the mind paused at the mention of God, and remained in a state of reverence, repeating the thought. The particular “reason” suggested here why God should be had in reverence... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU DIDST CAUSE JUDGMENT TO BE HEARD FROM HEAVENS - It seemed to come from heaven; it was manifestly from thee. The overthrow of these enemies of thy people was a manifest judgment from thee, and should be so regarded. THE EARTH FEARED - The world itself seemed to hear the voice of God, and to sta... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEN GOD AROSE TO JUDGMENT - That is, when he came to overthrow and destroy the enemies of his people, as referred to in the former part of the psalm. TO SAVE ALL THE MEEK OF THE EARTH - Of the land - to wit, the land of Judea; or, to save his people when in affliction. The word “meek,” which with... [ Continue Reading ]
SURELY THE WRATH OF MAN SHALL PRAISE THEE - It shall be the occasion of praise; or, honor shall accrue to thee from it, “as if” it were employed in thy praise, and “as if” it were voluntarily engaged in promoting thy glory. The deliverance of the people by the direct interposition of God in the case... [ Continue Reading ]
VOW, AND PAY UNTO THE LORD YOUR GOD - That is, Pay your vows, or sacredly observe them. On the word “vow,” see the notes at Psalms 22:25. Compare Psalms 50:14; Psalms 56:12; Psalms 66:13. The word refers to a voluntary promise made to God. LET ALL THAT BE ROUND ABOUT HIM - All that worship him, or... [ Continue Reading ]
HE SHALL CUT OFF THE SPIRIT OF PRINCES - That is, He will cut down their pride; he will break them down. Luther renders it, “He shall take away the wrath of princes.” The allusion is to what he had done as celebrated in this psalm. He had shown that he could rebuke the pride and self-confidence of k... [ Continue Reading ]