CXVI. The late date of composition of this psalm is shown both by the presence of Aramaic forms and the use made of earlier portions of the psalter. It was plainly a song of thanksgiving, composed to accompany the offerings made after some victory. The most important question arising from it is whe... [ Continue Reading ]
I LOVE THE LORD. — Besides this rendering, where _Jehovah_ is supplied as an object, this poet being given to use verbs without an object (see Psalms 116:2; Psalms 116:10), there are two other possible translations. 1_. I have longed that Jehovah should hear,_ &c — For this meaning of the verb _to... [ Continue Reading ]
If we take translation (1) of Psalms 116:1 this verse will state the ground of the longing to pray. “I have longed for Jehovah to hear me now, for He, as in past times, inclines His ear to me.” The latter clause of the verse offers some difficulty. The literal rendering of the text, given by the LXX... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PAINS OF HELL. — Or, _oppressions of Sheôl,_ if we retain the text. But a very slight change in a single letter brings the clause into closer correspondence with Psalms 18:5, whence it is plainly borrowed, _the nets of Sheôl._ We may reproduce the original more exactly by using, as it does, the... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SIMPLE. — Inexperienced, in a good sense, as often in Proverbs. LXX. and Vulg., “babes.” BROUGHT LOW. — See Note, Psalms 30:2.... [ Continue Reading ]
RETURN... — In a very different spirit from the fool’s address to his soul in the parable. The psalmist’s repose is not the worldling’s serenity nor the sensualist’s security, but the repose of the quiet conscience and the trusting heart.... [ Continue Reading ]
FALLING. — Or, _stumbling._ (See Psalms 56:13, the original of this passage.)... [ Continue Reading ]
I BELIEVED, THEREFORE HAVE I SPOKEN. — This is the rendering of LXX. and Vulg., and it has become almost proverbial from St. Paul’s adaptation of it (2 Corinthians 4:13; see _New Testament Commentary_). And no doubt this is the sense of the words, though the particle _khî_ has been taken in a wrong... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL TAKE. — Or, _lift up._ CUP OF SALVATION. — The _drink offering_ or _oblation_ which accompanied festival celebrations (Numbers 29:19, &c). Others think of the Passover cup mentioned Matthew 26:27, when this psalm as part of the Hallel was sung. Others, again, take the figurative sense of cup... [ Continue Reading ]
PRECIOUS... — This is only another form of the statement in Psalms 72:14. But again we have to ask why the thought of death should intrude upon the psalmist at this moment. (See Note, Psalms 115:17.) The answer is that, as in Psalms 116:8, a recent deliverance from death is spoken of. It is natural... [ Continue Reading ]
THY SERVANT, AND THE SON OF THINE HANDMAID. — Comp. Psalms 86:16. Not only himself but his family were in the covenant, and, as very commonly in the East, the mother is selected for mention instead of the father.... [ Continue Reading ]