The fool is a character who in Scripture is marked by wickedness as well as by what we call folly. His defect is moral as well as mental. IN HIS HEART] His denial is a practical one, and he really acts upon it, whatever he may say or think that he believes. _There is_ NO GOD] cp. Psalms 12:4; Psalms... [ Continue Reading ]
This Ps., like Psalms 12, gives a picture of a corrupt state of society in which God is ignored, and His people are oppressed. David's authorship is not absolutely disproved by Psalms 14:7, which some have regarded as a later addition, and where, in any case, 'bring back the captivity' may only mean... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LORD LOOKED DOWN] cp. Genesis 6:5; Genesis 11:5; Genesis 18:21, where similar figures describe God's perception of the wickedness of men in the primitive world.... [ Continue Reading ]
GONE ASIDE] from the true path.... [ Continue Reading ]
God speaks in surprise at the folly of the wicked. EAT UP MY PEOPLE _as_ THEY EAT BREAD] conduct at once rapacious and unconcerned. CALL NOT UPON THE LORD] Such wickedness is naturally prayerless. The Septuagint (LXX), Vulgate, and Syriac versions insert between Psalms 14:4 and Psalms 14:5 four ve... [ Continue Reading ]
THERE WERE THEY IN GREAT FEAR] a sudden mention of God's interference. Some historical event, like the destruction of Pharaoh's host, seems to be in the writer's mind.... [ Continue Reading ]
RM 'Ye put to shame the counsel (i.e. the righteous thoughts) of the poor, but the Lord is his refuge.' 'The poor' are the afflicted righteous: see Psalms 9:12.... [ Continue Reading ]
OUT OF ZION] Zion is regarded as God's dwelling-place, from which He sends forth His help: see Psalms 3:4; BRINGETH BACK THE CAPTIVITY] The phrase may have the general sense of 'restoring prosperity to,' and need not refer to the Babylonian exile: see Job 42:10. JACOB, like 'Israel,' is a name for t... [ Continue Reading ]