The author of this psalm is unknown, and the occasion on which it was composed cannot be ascertained. Its structure is similar to that of the two preceding psalms, and it may have been written by the same author, and at the same time; but it is of so general a nature that it may be employed at all t... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LORD REIGNETH - See the notes at Psalms 93:1. This is the general fact to be dwelt upon; this is the foundation of joy and praise. The universe is not without a sovereign. It is not the abode of anarchy. It is not the production of chance. It is not subject to mere physical laws. It is not under... [ Continue Reading ]
CLOUDS AND DARKNESS ARE ROUND ABOUT HIM - This is a description of the majesty of God, derived probably from the manner in which he manifested himself at Mount Sinai. Exodus 19:16. God is often thus represented as encompassed with clouds. Psalms 104:3; Daniel 7:13; Matthew 24:30; Revelation 1:7. See... [ Continue Reading ]
A FIRE GOETH BEFORE HIM - See Psalms 18:13, note; Psalms 50:3, note. AND BURNETH UP HIS ENEMIES ROUND ABOUT - Is especially directed against his foes. That is, he manifests himself as a just God, inflicting vengeance on his enemies. He comes to reign, and in his reign all his foes will be destroyed... [ Continue Reading ]
HIS LIGHTNINGS ENLIGHTENED THE WORLD ... - See the notes at Psalms 77:18. Compare Psalms 104:32; Habakkuk 3:6.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE HILLS MELTED LIKE WAX AT THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD - They seemed to flow down as if they were like melted wax: that is, they could not stand before him. The most firm, solid, lofty things were as nothing in his presence. Compare Revelation 20:11; Judges 5:5; Micah 1:4; Nahum 1:5. The object here... [ Continue Reading ]
THE HEAVENS DECLARE HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS - See the notes at Psalms 50:6. Compare the notes at Psalms 19:1. AND ALL THE PEOPLE SEE HIS GLORY - As manifested in the heavens, and in the power which he puts forth on the earth. That is, (they have the opportunity of seeing it; it is made manifest in all hi... [ Continue Reading ]
CONFOUNDED BE ALL THEY THAT SERVE GRAVEN IMAGES - Hebrew, “Let them be ashamed.” The idea is, that they would be disappointed. They would find that these were not real gods; that their trust in them was vain; and that they had evinced great folly in relying on that which could not aid them in the da... [ Continue Reading ]
ZION HEARD, AND WAS GLAD - The good news came to Zion that all the idols of the pagan were confounded or were overcome: that is, that the Lord reigned. There was joy in Zion that the evils and abominations of idolatry were at an end, and that the worship of Yahweh had taken the place of idol-worship... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THOU, LORD, ART HIGH ABOVE ALL THE EARTH - See the notes at Psalms 83:18. THOU ART EXALTED FAR ABOVE ALL GODS - See the notes at Psalms 95:3.... [ Continue Reading ]
YE THAT LOVE THE LORD, HATE EVIL - Show your love for the Lord “by” hating all that is evil; that is, all that he hates, or that is evil in his sight. There can be no true love for God where evil is not hated in all its forms, since it is the object of the divine abhorrence. We cannot be like God un... [ Continue Reading ]
LIGHT IS SOWN FOR THE RIGHTEOUS - That is, There is light for the righteous; or, they shall be brought into light, though they may be for a time in darkness. The word rendered “sown” - זרע _zâra‛_ - is from a verb which properly denotes to scatter, to disperse - as seed is scattered or dispersed wh... [ Continue Reading ]
REJOICE IN THE LORD, YE RIGHTEOUS - See the notes at Psalms 33:1. AND GIVE THANKS AT THE REMEMBRANCE OF HIS HOLINESS - Margin, “to the memorial” (compare Psalms 30:4). The idea is, “to the memory of his holiness;” that is, when his holiness comes before the mind; when it is remembered; when it is t... [ Continue Reading ]