CXXXII. This psalm, at first sight, seems from comparison with 2 Chronicles 6 to be a hymn of Solomon’s, or of his age, in commemoration of the completion and dedication of the Temple. What, however, makes such an obvious conjecture at once suspicious is that David, and not Solomon himself, should f... [ Continue Reading ]
AFFLICTIONS. — The word so rendered is the infinitive plural of a verb, which in its first sense means to _declare_ or _tell._ It is better to keep this meaning here, “Lord, remember David and all his declarations”.... [ Continue Reading ]
HOW HE SWARE. — Literally, _who sware._ The expression “Mighty One of Jacob” is taken from the patriarch himself (Genesis 49:24; comp. Isaiah 1:24, &c).... [ Continue Reading ]
TABERNACLE. — We have in the mention of _tent_ either A reminiscence of the old nomadic times of the race, or an allusion to David’s own wandering and warlike habits.... [ Continue Reading ]
(3-5) It is vain to search the historical accounts for this vow. It may be implied from 2 Samuel 7:2, and from the persistent purpose which David certainly nourished. The LXX. and Vulg. give the vow in even greater detail, adding, “and rest to my temples.”... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL NOT. — For this proverbial expression see Proverbs 6:4.... [ Continue Reading ]
LO, WE HEARD. — This verse has been pronounced inexplicable, and yet the general intention is clear. The vow in which David declared his purpose has just been quoted, and that which is now said to have been heard and found can hardly be anything else than this purpose. In fact, the _feminine_ suffix... [ Continue Reading ]
WE WILL. — _Let us go,_ &c TABERNACLES. — Better, _habitation,_ as in Psalms 132:5, where the same word is used. The plural occurs also in Psalms 84:1. These words do not, as the last verse, recall an incident of the past, but express the determination of the present. The result of David’s project... [ Continue Reading ]
ARK OF THY STRENGTH. — See the reference in Chronicles. The expression occurs nowhere else but in Psalms 78:61, where the word _strength_ by itself denotes the _ark._ The technical word _ark_ nowhere else occurs in the psalms. For _strength_ the LXX. and Vulg. have “sanctification.”... [ Continue Reading ]
(8-10) These are the words which the chronicler (2 Chronicles 6:41) puts into Solomon’s mouth at the dedication of the Temple. Some think that they are there only as a quotation from this psalm, but the mode in which the words are here introduced points the other way. The psalmist does not at his di... [ Continue Reading ]
CLOTHED WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS. — The original is “salvation,” as below in Psalms 132:16, though the Hebrew word is slightly varied. This variation, however, is an almost positive proof that the psalmist, not the chronicler, is adopting words for his own purpose. Possibly the priestly garments are menti... [ Continue Reading ]
The most obvious construction of this verse is that which makes it an intercession, on the ground of the Divine partiality for David, in behalf of another prince — one of his successors — by the people at large. In the original (2 Chronicles 6:42) it is of course Solomon who prays for himself; here... [ Continue Reading ]
IN TRUTH. — This is a possible rendering, but it is more impressive to render, _Jehovah hath sworn unto David. It is a true oath; He will not depart from it._ (Comp. Psalms 110:4.) The substance of the oath which follows is taken from 2 Samuel 7.... [ Continue Reading ]
ZION. — The dynasty of David and the location of the sanctuary at Zion are intimately associated, as in Psalms 78:67. (Comp. Psalms 122:4.)... [ Continue Reading ]
HORN OF DAVID. — The sprouting or growing horn is an image of young, vigorous life. (See Note, Psalms 75:5.) The Messianic application of this prediction comes out in Zechariah’s song (Luke 1:69). I HAVE ORDAINED A LAMP. — Or, _I have trimmed a lamp;_ the word used in connection with the sacred ligh... [ Continue Reading ]
CROWN (_nezer_). — As the distinctive use of this word in Israel — by its derivation meaning _mark of separation_ — was for the golden plate, inscribed “Holiness to the Lord,” worn on the high priest’s mitre (see Exodus 29:6; Exodus 39:30), we cannot be wrong in seeing here a special allusion to the... [ Continue Reading ]