II. JONAH’S PRAYER AND DELIVERANCE. (1) THEN JONAH PRAYED. — This introduction, to what is in reality a psalm of thanksgiving, has its parallel in Hannah’s song (1 Samuel 2:1), which is introduced in the same way. Comp. also the Note appended by the psalm collector at the end of Psalms 72, “The _pr... [ Continue Reading ]
BY REASON OF MINE AFFLICTION. — See margin. There is a close correspondence between this opening and that of Psalms 120 Comp. also Psalms 18:6. OUT OF THE BELLY OF HELL. — This remarkable expression — a forcible figure for imminent death — has its nearest parallel in Isaiah 5:14, where _sheôl_ (see... [ Continue Reading ]
HADST CAST. — Rather, _didst cast._ (See Psalms 88:6.) FLOODS. — Literally, _river,_ used here of the ocean currents. (Comp. Psalms 24:2.) ALL THY BILLOWS AND THY WAVES. — More exactly, _all thy breakers and billows._ (See Psalms 42:7, where the same expression is used figuratively for great dange... [ Continue Reading ]
I AM CAST OUT OF THY SIGHT. — “Jonah had wilfully withdrawn from standing in God’s presence. Now God had taken him at his word, and, as it seemed, cast him out of it. David had said in his haste, “I am cut off” (Psalms 31:22), Jonah substitutes the stronger word, “I am cast forth,” driven forth, exp... [ Continue Reading ]
THE WATERS. — See reference in margin. THE WEEDS WERE WRAPPED ABOUT MY HEAD. — This graphic touch is quite original. The figure of overwhelming waters is a common one in Hebrew song to represent some crushing sorrow, but nowhere is the picture so vivid as here. At the same time the entire absence o... [ Continue Reading ]
BOTTOMS OF THE MOUNTAINS. — Literally, _ends_ or _cuttings off,_ as, in margin. So the Vulg. _extrema montium._ Mountains were in the Hebrew conception the pillars of the world (see Job 9:6; Job 26:11), having their foundations firmly planted in the sea. These “hidden bases of the hills” were theref... [ Continue Reading ]
FAINTED. — Literally, _covered itself._ Comp. Jonah 4:8. (See Psalms 61:2; Psalms 142:3; Psalms 143:4, where the same Hebrew word is rendered _overwhelmed._ Comp. Psalms 107:5.) Here, apparently, we are to think of the blinding mist of death slowly stealing over sight and sense. INTO THINE HOLY TEM... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY THAT OBSERVE LYING VANITIES. — See Note, Psalms 31:6. FORSAKE THEIR OWN MERCY — _i.e._, forfeit their own share of the covenant grace. In Psalms 37:28 it is said that Jehovah does not forsake his _chasîdim_; they, however, by forsaking Jehovah (Himself called Israel’s _mercy,_ Psalms 144:2, ma... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT I WILL. — The prophet, however, is not among such. He has sinned, but is still a member of the covenant people, and by sacrifice can be formally restored to that favour which repentance has regained. SALVATION IS OF THE LORD. — Or, _Deliverance is Jehovah’s._ (Comp. Psalms 3:8.)... [ Continue Reading ]