CXLVI. This liturgical hymn, beginning and ending with the familiar “Hallelujah,” is the first of the series of five which are sometimes called the “Greek” — in distinction to the “Egyptian” — Hallel. It was evidently composed for a time of great national depression, when the community, sick of dep... [ Continue Reading ]
PRAISE. — Following Psalms 103:1; Psalms 103:22; Psalms 104:33, “praise” being substituted for “bless.”... [ Continue Reading ]
PRINCES — The thought of Psalms 118:8 is here elaborated, with distinct allusion to Genesis 2:7; Genesis 3:19 (Comp. 1Ma. 2:63.) The verse, no doubt, was in Shakespeare’s mind when he made Wolsey say: “Oh, how wretched Is that poor man that hangs on princes’ favours!” as it was quoted by Straffor... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THAT VERY DAY... — Comp. Antony’s words: “But yesterday the word of Cæsar might Have stood against the world; now lies he there, And none so poor to do him reverence.” SHAKSPEARE, _Julius Cæsar._ THOUGHTS. — The Hebrew word is peculiar to this passage. “Fabrications” would reproduce its etymol... [ Continue Reading ]
For the different aspects of the Divine nature and character inspiring trust see Introduction. With this verse comp. Psalms 33:12; Psalms 144:15. HOPE. — The Hebrew word is rare in the psalter, expressing earnest” looking for,” or “waiting for.” (See Psalms 104:27; Psalms 119:166.)... [ Continue Reading ]
TRUTH. — Or, _faithfulness._ The connection of this feature of the Divine character with the creative act is worthy of notice. That act alone was for the universe a promise and pledge, just as the covenant was a peculiar promise to Israel. Tennyson has put the same thought into verse: “Thou madest... [ Continue Reading ]
Comp. Psalms 103:6; Psalms 104:27; Psalms 107:9; Psalms 136:25; Isaiah 55:1. Here follow five lines, each beginning with the Divine name, and each consisting of three words, the rhythm prominent in the book of Job.... [ Continue Reading ]
OPENETH. — Here, and through the verse, the verbs are participles. The elliptical “open the blind” is easily understood. Blindness is sometimes figurative of distress and helplessness (Deuteronomy 28:29; Isaiah 59:9, &c), sometimes of want of mental or spiritual discernment, as Isaiah 29:18; Isaiah... [ Continue Reading ]
The stranger, the widow, and the orphan are constantly presented in the Law as objects of compassion and beneficence. The orphan and widow are mentioned as under God’s care (Psalms 68:5). RELIEVETH. — Or rather, _restoreth,_ by taking up their cause and seeing justice done. Certain forms of the ver... [ Continue Reading ]
Comp. Exodus 15:18; Psalms 99:1.... [ Continue Reading ]