XXI. The preceding psalm was a prayer for success; this is a thanksgiving after victory. Possibly, as many think, the two refer to the same event, and are by the same author. The composition is also similar, since here also the arrangement is for a part song. The people — probably a chorus of maide... [ Continue Reading ]
THE KING SHALL. — Rather, _the king is exulting in thy might_ (which has secured the victory he prayed for), _and in thy help how greatly glad is he. _... [ Continue Reading ]
REQUEST. — The Hebrew word occurs nowhere else, but is connected with a root, _to be poor,_ and, therefore, _in want._ The “not” is emphatic: “And the request of his lips thou hast by no means withheld.” The mention in Psalms 21:4 of a prayer for long life, or perhaps, rather, continuance of life, s... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU PREVENTEST — _i.e.,_ comest to meet him. The word “prevent” is familiar in this sense in the English collect: “Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings.” (Comp. Psalms 79:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:15.) The “crown “is by some identified with that won by David at Rabbah Moab. Others make it refer to a co... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR EVER AND EVER. — This is merely a term for indefinite length. (Comp. the common salutation of a king: 1 Kings 1:31; Nehemiah 2:3; Daniel 3:9.) An allusion to the eternal kingdom of the Messiah is not to be forced on the passage.... [ Continue Reading ]
MOST BLESSED. — Literally, _blessings._ The idiom is similar to that in Psalms 1:1. WITH THY COUNTENANCE. — Rather, _In thy presence._ (Comp. Psalms 16:11.)... [ Continue Reading ]
THINE. — The psalm has hitherto been addressed to Jehovah. It now turns in prophetic strain to the king.... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU SHALT MAKE... — As it stands the figure is most obscure. Lamentations 5:10 is not analogous. Here the fire and not the blackness of the smoky oven is the object of comparison. A very slight literal change gives the sense obviously required: _Thou shalt put them into a fiery oven._ The figure is... [ Continue Reading ]
THEIR FRUIT. — More fully, “fruit of the womb” (Psalms 127:3; Psalms 132:11).... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THEY. — Better, _though they have intended evil against thee, have plotted mischief, they have no power at all. _... [ Continue Reading ]
_(_12_)_ THEREFORE. — Literally, _for thou shalt put them shoulder_ (_pones eos dorsum,_ Vulg.). _Upon thy strings thou shalt aim against the face of them._ Ewald renders: “Shalt strike them back;” but the English version seems to explain rightly To “give the neck of an enemy” (Psalms 18:4) is a sim... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU. — Again the song turns to address Jehovah. SO WILL WE SING AND PRAISE. — Better, _We will both with song and lyre celebrate Thy power._... [ Continue Reading ]