BOOK 3 There are two groups of Pss. in this book, Psalms 73-83 being Psalms of Asaph, and Psalms 84-88 (except 86) Psalms of the Sons of Korah. The likeness of the title of Psalms 89 to that of Psalms 88 suggests that it belongs to the same group. The Sons of Asaph and the Sons of Korah were guilds... [ Continue Reading ]
The conclusion reached by faith precedes the account of the struggle with doubt. OF A CLEAN HEART] a spiritual rather than a merely national conception of Israel.... [ Continue Reading ]
FOOLISH] RV 'arrogant.'... [ Continue Reading ]
Most scholars read, 'For they have no torments; sound and stalwart is their body.' 6. Compasseth.. chain] RV 'is as a chain about their neck,' in the sense of an ornament: see Proverbs 1:9.... [ Continue Reading ]
RENDER, 'Their iniquity cometh forth from the heart: the imaginations of their mind overflow.'... [ Continue Reading ]
RV 'They scoff, and in wickedness utter oppression.'... [ Continue Reading ]
AGAINST] RV 'in,' a description of pride.... [ Continue Reading ]
HIS PEOPLE] the followers and imitators of the wicked man. RETURN HITHER] better, 'turn hither,' after the wicked man's example. Wrung out to (RV 'by') them] rather, 'are supped up by them.' They drink in the wicked man's principles, or share in his prosperity: see PBV. 12-14 are best understood as... [ Continue Reading ]
SAY] RV 'had said.' SHOULD OFFEND _against_] RV 'had dealt treacherously with.' THY CHUDREN] God's true people, of whom the Psalmist was one, and to whom he felt that he dare not be disloyal. This thought is a practical refutation of doubt, even before the theoretical answer is found.... [ Continue Reading ]
TO KNOW] RV 'how I might, know.'... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then_.. END] RV 'and considered their latter end.' Difficulties are resolved and the soul strengthened against the temptations of doubt in the presence and communion of God, as enjoyed in His sanctuary.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEN THOU AWAKEST] better, 'when Thou stirrest up Thyself.' THEIR IMAGE] not themselves. The end of the wicked is nothingness. It is only a shadow of them that survives for God to contemplate.... [ Continue Reading ]
FOOLISH] RV 'brutish.'... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU HAST HOLDEN, etc.] Though the grasp of faith on God may waver, fellowship with Him depends most of all on His grasp of His people.... [ Continue Reading ]
The experience of God's fellowship contains in itself a promise that it will continue and become closer. This thought plainly leads to belief in immortality.... [ Continue Reading ]
MY FLESH AND MY HEART] both the outer and the inner man. Though both of these should perish, something would yet remain in eternal union with God.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHORING] a familiar OT. figure for departure from God.... [ Continue Reading ]