CXLIV. There is nothing more curious in the composition of the psalter than the union of the two entirely dissimilar pieces which compose this psalm. Psalms 144:1 are a mere cento from former psalms, the 18 furnishing the greater number of expressions and figures, and must from this circumstance be... [ Continue Reading ]
STRENGTH. — Rather, _rock._ Comp. Psalms 18:2; Psalms 18:46. LXX. and Vulg., “my God.” WHICH TEACHETH. — See Psalms 18:34. More literally, “Who traineth my hands for war, My fingers for fight.”... [ Continue Reading ]
MY GOODNESS· — Or, _my lovingkindness,_ or _my grace,_ a shortened form of “God of my grace” (Psalms 59:10; Psalms 59:17). The expression is exactly analogous to the term” grace,” applied to kings as the source of grace or mercy. For the other epithets, see Psalms 18:2. WHO SUBDUETH. — Psalms 18:47;... [ Continue Reading ]
See Psalms 8:4.... [ Continue Reading ]
VANITY... SHADOW. — See Psalms 39:5; Psalms 102:11. The occasion of the introduction of these sentiments here is not quite clear. It may be the humility of the warrior who ascribes all success to God instead of to human prowess, or it may be a reflection uttered over the corpses of comrades, or, per... [ Continue Reading ]
COME DOWN. — The theophany for which the psalmist prays is described in the classic language for such manifestations taken from Psalms 18:9; Psalms 18:13; Psalms 18:16; Psalms 18:43; Psalms 18:45, with reminiscences of Psalms 104:32; Exodus 19:18. But there are touches of originality, as in the next... [ Continue Reading ]
CAST FORTH LIGHTNING. — Literally, _lighten lightning,_ the verb being quite peculiar to this place.... [ Continue Reading ]
RID. — The Hebrew verb means “to tear asunder,” and is used of the gaping of the mouth (Psalms 22:13). The meaning here is got from the cognate Arabic, and Syriac STRANGE CHILDREN. — Literally, _sons of the stranger. _... [ Continue Reading ]
RIGHT HAND OF FALSEHOOD. — Most probably with allusion to the custom (see Psalms 106:26) of raising the right hand in taking an oath.... [ Continue Reading ]
See Psalms 33:2. O GOD. — The only instance of _Elohim_ in the last two books of the psalter with the exception of Psalms 108, which is a compilation from two older songs.... [ Continue Reading ]
DAVID HIS SERVANT. — See Psalms 18:50.... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT OUR SONS. — This rendering of the relative, which so strangely begins this fragment, would be possible after Genesis 11:7; Genesis 13:16, &c, if a finite verb instead of participles followed; or it might mean “because,” as in Genesis 30:18, &c, but for the same anomalous construction; or it mig... [ Continue Reading ]
ALL MANNER OF STORE. — See margin, _all kinds of corn._ THOUSANDS AND TEN THOUSANDS. — Literally, _thousands multiplied._ STREETS. — Rather, _outplaces, i.e.,_ pastures, fields, as in Job 5:10 (where see margin).... [ Continue Reading ]
This verse is full of obscurities. The words rendered “oxen, strong to labour,” can hardly bear this meaning with the present pointing, since the participle is passive, and there is no authority for rendering _oxen bearing burdens._ The words have been rendered _oxen laden,_ either with the produce... [ Continue Reading ]
HAPPY. — It is only a narrow and one-sided religion that can see anything out of place in this beatitude of plenty and peace. If we could rejoice with the psalms, fully and without misgiving, in the temporal blessings bestowed by Heaven, we should the more readily and sincerely enter into the depths... [ Continue Reading ]