XXIII. Under two images equally familiar in Hebrew poetry — that of the shepherd watching over his flock, and of the banquet where Jehovah presides over the just — this psalm expresses the tranquility and happiness of those who are conscious of the Divine protection. But, after the Hebrew lyric mann... [ Continue Reading ]
SHEPHERD. — This image, as applied to God, appears in Hebrew literature first (Genesis 48:15; Genesis 49:24) of his relation to the individual (comp. Psalms 119:176); as the shepherd of His people the image is much more frequent (Psalms 78:52; Psalms 80:1; Isaiah 40:11; Isaiah 63:11; Ezekiel 34;... [ Continue Reading ]
The verbs in these verses are not to be understood as futures, but as presents, describing the customary condition of the poet. “The psalmist describes himself as one of Jehovah’s flock, safe under His care, absolved from all anxieties by the sense of this protection, and gaining from this confidenc... [ Continue Reading ]
RESTORETH MY SOUL — _i.e.,_ refresheth, recreateth, quickeneth. FOR HIS NAME’S SAKE. — God’s providential dealings are recognised as in accordance with His character for great graciousness.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH... — This striking expression, to which the genius of Bunyan has given such reality, was probably on Hebrew lips nothing more than a forcible synonym for a dark, gloomy place. Indeed, the probability is that instead of _tsal-mâveth_ (shadow of death), should be read... [ Continue Reading ]
Such a sudden transition from the figure of the flock to that of a banquet is characteristic of Hebrew poetry. PREPAREST — _i.e., spreadest_ or _furnishest,_ the usual phrase (Proverbs 9:2; Isaiah 21:5). (For the same figure of the hospitable host applied to God, see Job 36:16; Isaiah 25:6; and the... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL DWELL. — As the text stands it must be translated _I will return_ (_and abide_)_ in the house of Jehovah._ THE HOUSE OF THE LORD can hardly be anything but the Temple; though some commentators treat this even as figurative of membership in the Divine family.... [ Continue Reading ]