On the meaning of the phrase in the title, “upon Gittith,” see the
notes at the title to Psalms 8:1. On the meaning of the phrase “for
(margin, to) the sons of Korah,” see the notes at the title to
Psalms 42:1. The author of the psalm is unknown, though it bears a
strong resemblance to the forty-sec... [ Continue Reading ]
HOW AMIABLE - How much to he loved; how lovely. The word amiable is
now used to denote a quality of mind or disposition - as gentle,
affectionate, kind. The word used here, however in the original, means
rather dear, beloved - as a token of endearment. Compare the notes at
the title to Psalms 45. Th... [ Continue Reading ]
MY SOUL LONGETH - The word used here means properly to be pale; then,
to be faint or weak; and then, to pine after, to long for, to desire
earnestly. It would properly denote such a longing or desire as to
make one faint or exhausted; that is, it indicates intense desire. In
Psalms 17:12, it is appl... [ Continue Reading ]
YEA, THE SPARROW HATH FOUND AN HOUSE - A home; a place where she may
abide, and build her nest, and rear her young. The word here used -
צפור _tsippôr_ - is a name given to a bird from its chirping or
twittering. It is rendered sparrow in Leviticus 14:4 (margin); Psalms
102:7; and is often rendered... [ Continue Reading ]
BLESSED ARE THEY THAT DWELL IN THY HOUSE - Who are constantly there;
whose permanent abode is there. The reference is to the priests and
Levites - the ministers of religion - who had their permanent abode
near the tabernacle and the temple, and who were wholly devoted to the
sacred duties of religio... [ Continue Reading ]
BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE STRENGTH IS IN THEE - Not merely are they
blessed who dwell there permanently, but the man also whose heart is
there; who feels that his strength is in God alone who loves to go
there when opportunity is afforded him, treading his way to Zion. The
idea is, that all strength... [ Continue Reading ]
WHO PASSING THROUGH THE VALLEY OF BACA - This is one of the most
difficult verses in the Book of Psalms, and has been, of course, very
variously interpreted. The Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate, Luther,
and Professor Alexander, render it a valley of tears. The word
“Baca” (בכא _bâkâ'_) means prop... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH ... - Margin,” company to
company.” The Septuagint and Vulgate, “They go from strength to
strength; the God of gods is seen in Zion.” Luther, “They obtain
one victory after another, that one must see that there is a righteous
God in Zion.” DeWette, “Going they incre... [ Continue Reading ]
O LORD GOD OF HOSTS - See the notes at Psalms 84:1. God is appealed to
here as a God of power; as a God who is able to accomplish all his
purposes, and to impart every needed blessing.
HEAR MY PRAYER - A prayer of the psalmist that he might also have a
place among the servants of God in their worsh... [ Continue Reading ]
BEHOLD, O GOD OUR SHIELD - Our defense, as a shield is a defense in
the day of battle. Compare Psalms 5:12, note; Psalms 18:2, note;
Psalms 33:20, note. It is an appeal to God as a protector. The
psalmist was an exile - a wanderer - and he looked to God as his
defense.
AND LOOK UPON THE FACE OF THIN... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR A DAY IN THY COURTS IS BETTER THAN A THOUSAND - Better - happier -
more profitable - more to be desired - than a thousand days spent
elsewhere. That is, I should find more happiness - more true joy - in
one day spent in the house of God, in his worship, in the exercises of
true religion - more t... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THE LORD GOD IS A SUN - The Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate
render this, “For the Lord loveth mercy and truth.” Our
translation, however, is the correct one. The sun gives light, warmth,
beauty, to the creation; so God is the source of light, joy,
happiness, to the soul. Compare Isaiah 60:19; R... [ Continue Reading ]
O LORD OF HOSTS, BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT TRUSTETH IN THEE - Blessed in
every respect. His lot is a happy one; happy in thy friendship; happy
in being permitted to worship thee; happy in the blessings which
religion scatters along his path here; happy in thy sustaining grace
in times of trial; happy... [ Continue Reading ]