Psalms 92 - Introduction

The author of this psalm is not indicated in the title, and it is impossible now to ascertain who he was. Nor can the occasion be determined “when” it was composed. It is of so general a character that it might have been written at any period of the Jewish history; and, so far as the style and the contents are concerned, it may have been written by either of those whose names are attached to the other psalms. That it may have been composed by David, is certainly possible, but of that there is no evidence.

In the title it is called “A Psalm or Song for the sabbath-day;” that is, to be used on the sabbath. The Chaldee Paraphrase has in the title, “Praise and a song which the first man spoke for the sabbath-day.” This may indicate that there was an early tradition on this subject; but we have no proof of what would be so interesting a fact, that we have a genuine poetic composition of Adam. The contents are all such as might be properly used on the sabbath, though there is nothing in the psalm that has any “special” reference to the sabbath, or that is derived from the appointment of such a day. It is not improbable, however, that special psalms and hymns were composed with a view to be used on festal occasions; and this, as a psalm of praise, is well adapted still to the services of the sabbath.

The psalmist refers:

I. To the blessedness of praise, or to the propriety of celebrating the praise of God, Psalms 92:1.

II. He refers to the works of God as laying the foundation of praise, Psalms 92:5.

III. He refers to the justice of God, or the fact that the wicked, however they may seem to be prospered, will be cut off, Psalms 92:7.

IV. He refers to the prosperity and the security of the righteous; to the influence of religion and the favor of God on life, as making it prosperous and happy, and as preparing people to be useful and cheerful in old age, Psalms 92:10.