CXXVIII. The last psalm taught in a homely way the great lesson of cheerful content, and this, while announcing the promises attached to fidelity to Jehovah, still confines itself to the domestic circle — with the implied truth that national prosperity is bound closely up with domestic happiness, an... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THOU. — The Hebrew by the position of the particle is more emphatic: “For it is the labour of thine hands thou shalt eat.” (See Note, Psalms 116:10.) This picture of a successful and peaceful husbandry, which itself throws a whole flood of light on the condition of Palestine and of the people,... [ Continue Reading ]
BY THE SIDES — No doubt the _inner part_ of the house is meant (see Psalms 48:2) — the _gynecœum_ or woman’s quarter — or perhaps the sides of the inner court or quadrangle. This is no more out of keeping with the figure of the _vine_ than the table is with that of olive plants. Though the Hebrews h... [ Continue Reading ]
BEHOLD, THAT. — Better, _Look! for thus,_ &c. The poet calls attention to the charming picture he has drawn of domestic bliss and then points his moral.... [ Continue Reading ]
SHALL... SHALT. — Here and in the next verse the optative is plainly required: “May Jehovah,” &c; “mayst thou see,” &c. The patriotic sentiment could not wait long for expression in such a psalm. No people ever perceived more strongly than the Jews the connection between the welfare of the state and... [ Continue Reading ]
CHILDREN’S CHILDREN. — Dr. Perowne illustrates from Virgil: “adspicies ... natos natorum et qui nascentur ab illis.” (Comp. Zechariah 8:4.) AND PEACE... — The conjunction spoils the passage. The psalm concludes with the prayer, “Peace upon Israel.” (Comp. Psalms 125:5.)... [ Continue Reading ]