IV. This psalm most probably belongs to the same occasion as that which produced Psalms 3 (see Introduction to that psalm), but was sung in an hour of still greater trial. Standing by itself, indeed, it might have been written by any prophet struggling against the dislike and opposition of his fell... [ Continue Reading ]
HEAR ME. — Better, _In my crying hear me, God of my righteousness._ The conception of God as supremely just, and the assertor of justice, is one of the noblest legacies from the Hebrew faith to the world. It is summed up in the question, “Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?” The strength... [ Continue Reading ]
(2)SONS OF MEN. — A literal rendering of a Hebrew phrase generally interpreted as “men of high degree.” Luther translates “gentlemen” (see Psalms 49:2), where it is “high,” as contrasted with “low.” (Comp. Psalms 62:9, “men of high degree.”) HOW LONG? — Literally, _how long to shame my glory?_ whic... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT KNOW. — It is the privilege of true and heroic natures to rise to a consciousness of their strength and dignity in the hour of peril, and when the victims of unjust persecution. Besides his innate greatness, David has a grandeur and dignity, derived from his deep sense of the covenant between Go... [ Continue Reading ]
STAND IN AWE. — Literally, _tremble,_ whether with _fear_ or _anger._ But the rendering of the LXX., “be angry,” quoted in Ephesians 4:26, though etymologically correct, is plainly inadmissible here. “(See _New Testament Commentary._) COMMUNE — _i.e.,_ reflect on your conduct, let the still hours o... [ Continue Reading ]
SACRIFICES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. — Comp. Psalms 51:18; Deuteronomy 33:19. The context in both places directs to the translation “right” or “due” sacrifices, _i.e.,_ sacrifices duly and religiously performed.... [ Continue Reading ]
THERE BE MANY. — Around the fugitive king were many whose courage was not so high, nor their faith so firm, as his. He hears their expressions of despair — “Talking like this world’s brood.” — MILTON. It is better to translate the words of these faint-hearted ones by the future, as in Authorised V... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU HAST. — Either “Thou hast put a gladness in my heart more than when their corn and new wine are much,” or, “More than when one has much corn,” &c. The expression is one of pregnant brevity for, “A gladness greater than that when corn and wine are plentiful.”... [ Continue Reading ]
BOTH. — Better, _and at once._ So the LXX. and Vulg.: “At the very moment.” (Comp. Isaiah 42:14.) This, too, is the meaning of “withal,” used to render the same Hebrew word in Psalms 141:10. THOU, LORD, ONLY. — The authority of all the ancient Versions, including the LXX. and Vulg., is for taking th... [ Continue Reading ]