XLV. From Calvin downwards this psalm has been recognised as an ode celebrating the nuptials of some king. Indeed, the retention, as part of its title, of “song of loves,” when the poem was incorporated into the Temple hymn-book, seems to show that this secular character was admitted even then. Ther... [ Continue Reading ]
INDITING. — A most unhappy rendering of a word, which, though only used here, must, from the meaning of its derivative (a “pot,” or “cauldron”), have something to do with a _liquid,_ and means either to “boil over” or to “bubble up.” The LXX. and Vulg. have apparently thought of the bursting out of... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU ART FAIRER. — Better, _Fair art thou; aye, fairer than,_ &c. We may thus reproduce the Hebrew expression, which, however, grammatically explained, must convey this emphasis. The old versions render: “Thou art fair with beauty;” or, “Thou hast been made beautiful with beauty.” GRACE IS POURED I... [ Continue Reading ]
GIRD THY SWORD... O MOST MIGHTY. — Or, perhaps, _Gird on thy sword in hero guise;_ or, _Gird on thy hero’s sword._ The object of the poet’s praise is as heroic in war as he is beautiful in person. WITH THY GLORY AND THY MAJESTY. — This adverbial use of the accusatives may be right, but it seems bet... [ Continue Reading ]
AND IN THY MAJESTY. — The repetition of this word from the last verse (conjunction included) is suspicious, especially as the LXX., followed by the Vulg., render, “Direct (thine arrows or thine aim”). RIDE PROSPEROUSLY... — Literally, _proceed, ride;_ expressing, according to a common Hebrew usage,... [ Continue Reading ]
THINE ARROWS. — Our version has transposed the clauses of this verse. The original is more vivid. “Thine arrows are sharpened — The people under Thee fall — Against the heart of the king’s enemies.” The poet actually sees the battle raging before him.... [ Continue Reading ]
THY THRONE, O GOD, IS FOR EVER AND EVER. — This is the rendering of the LXX., Vulg., and of the versions generally. But whether they supposed the words to be addressed to the Divine Being, or that the theocratic king is thus styled, is uncertain. The Christian use of the verse as applied to the Mess... [ Continue Reading ]
THE OIL OF GLADNESS. — Comp. “oil of joy,” Isaiah 61:3. Here too it may be merely employed as a figure of happiness, but the bath and, no doubt, subsequent anointing, formed part of the Oriental marriage proceedings. (See _Arabian Nights, passim._) FELLOWS — _i.e._, the _paranymphs,_ or attendants... [ Continue Reading ]
ALL THY GARMENTS SMELL OF... — Or, perhaps, from the last verse (and comparing Psalms 133:2, and the customs there referred to), _are anointed with._ The spices mentioned may have been ingredients of the “oil of gladness.” MYRRH... CASSIA. — These spices formed part of the sacred oil described Exod... [ Continue Reading ]
HONOURABLE WOMEN. — Literally, _precious ones, i.e.,_ possibly the favourites of the harem. See Proverbs 6:26, where this word _precious_ is used (comp. Jeremiah 31:20), or there may be an allusion to the costliness and magnificence of the harem rather than to affection for its inmates. Perhaps both... [ Continue Reading ]
HEARKEN. — The address now turns to the bride.... [ Continue Reading ]
WORSHIP THOU HIM. — Literally, _Bow down or prostrate thyself. _... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THE DAUGHTER OF TYRE — _i.e._, Tyre itself and the Tyrians. (See Note Psalms 9:14.) Render, The Tyrians with a gift entreat thy favour, The rich ones of the people. The objection that Tyre was never subject to Israel is not conclusive, since the gifts may be complimentary presents, such as Hir... [ Continue Reading ]
THE KING’S DAUGHTER IS ALL GLORIOUS WITHIN — _i.e._, in the interior, in the inner room of the palace. The next clause would alone dismiss the reference to moral qualities from which has sprung such a wealth of mystic interpretation. But what palace is intended? Certainly not that of the royal bride... [ Continue Reading ]
IN RAIMENT OF NEEDLEWORK. — This is now more generally understood of rich tapestry carpets spread for the procession. (Comp. Æsch. _Agam._ 908-910.)... [ Continue Reading ]
WHOM THOU MAYEST MAKE PRINCES. — Historical illustrations have been found in 1 Kings 22:26, where Joash, David’s son, appears as a governor or a prince of a city (comp. Zephaniah 1:8), and in the division of his realm into principalities by Solomon. (1 Kings 4:7.)... [ Continue Reading ]