BOOK 1 The Pss. in this book are probably among the earliest in the Psalter, and include most of those generally regarded as Davidic. They seem to have existed separately as an early hymn-book, which, with some slight additions from the final editor, was used as the nucleus of the entire collection.... [ Continue Reading ]
VANITY] empty and false words. A DOUBLE HEART] a figure for treachery and deceit.... [ Continue Reading ]
OUR LIPS _are_ OUR OWN] We have a right to say what we please, to gain our end.... [ Continue Reading ]
NOW WILL I ARISE] God's time for interposition always arrives sooner or later. The Psalmist pictures the proper moment as having come. _From him that_ PUFFETH, etc.] RV 'at whom they puff.'... [ Continue Reading ]
THE WORDS OF THE LORD] His promises of help to the righteous. They are reliable, in contrast to the deceitful words of the wicked in Psalms 12:2. A FURNACE OF EARTH] RV 'a furnace on the earth.' The meaning is perhaps, 'silver tried in a furnace (and flowing out) on the earth.'... [ Continue Reading ]
This v. is the conclusion of the thought of the Ps., though Psalms 12:8 repeats the opening complaint.... [ Continue Reading ]