XVI. Ewald’s arguments for grouping this psalm with Psalms 17, 49, as those of one time, and even one author, are almost irresistible; and this not merely from the general similarity of language and sentiment, but especially from the feelings expressed about death. The vision of immortality wanting... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR IN THEE. — Better, _for I have found refuge in thee_ (as in Psalms 7:1; Psalms 11:1). The verb is in the preterite.... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU HAST SAID. — The text of this passage is exceedingly corrupt. This appears (1) from the actual existence of various readings, (2) by the variations in the ancient versions, both from the Hebrew and each other. It will be best to take Psalms 16:2 together first. The consensus of the ancient vers... [ Continue Reading ]
THEIR SORROWS. — This verse offers also great variation in the ancient versions. The literal text runs _Their sorrows_ [or, _idols_] (_fem._)_ are multiplied_ (_masc_)_; another they hasten_ [or, _change_]._ I will not pour out their libations from blood, and will not take their names upon my lips,_... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PORTION. — There is allusion here to the Levitical portion (Numbers 18:20): “I am thy portion and thine inheritance.” The poet, whom we must imagine exiled from his actual inheritance in Canaan, consoles, and more than consoles himself, with the sublime thought that this “better part” could not... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LINES ARE FALLEN UNTO ME. — The allusion is to the “measuring cords” by which allotments of land were measured, and they are said to “fall” possibly because after the measurement the portions were distributed by “lot” (Joshua 17:5; Micah 2:5).... [ Continue Reading ]
GIVEN ME COUNSEL... — _i.e._, led me to a right and happy choice of the way of life. MY REINS — _i.e._, my heart. INSTRUCT ME. — Better, _warn me._ Conscience echoes the voice of God. The Hebrew word, from a root meaning _bind,_ includes the sense of obligation. Once heard, the Divine monition bec... [ Continue Reading ]
AT MY RIGHT HAND. — Comp. Psalms 109:31; Psalms 110:5; Psalms 121:5. The image seems to be a military one: the shield of the right-hand comrade is a protection to the man beside him.... [ Continue Reading ]
GLORY. — Heb., _khabôd;_ but probably the poet wrote _khabed, i.e., liver,_ or (comp. “reins” above, and the common use of the word “bowels”) _heart._ The LXX. paraphrase _tongue._ The passage was so quoted in Acts 2:25. (Comp. Psalms 57:8; Psalms 108:1.) “With the best member that I have” (Prayer B... [ Continue Reading ]
LEAVE. — Rather, _commit,_ or _give up._ IN HELL. — Better, _to the unseen world_ (Sheôl), as in Psalms 6:5, where see Note. HOLY ONE. — Better, _thy chosen,_ or _favoured,_ or _beloved One._ Heb., _chasîd,_ which, starting from the idea of one standing in a state of covenant favour with Jehovah, g... [ Continue Reading ]
THERE ARE. — The italics in the Authorised Version spoil the triplet: — “Thou wilt show me the path of life, In thy presence fulness and joy, At thy right hand pleasures for evermore.” It is another image for the same thought which dominates the psalm — the thought of the happiness of being with G... [ Continue Reading ]