LXII. The many close resemblances between this psalm and Psalms 39 lead to the inference that it belongs to the same time, and is even from the same pen. The author and his age are, however, alike unknown; and there is no indication to guide to their discovery. The psalm records an experience common... [ Continue Reading ]
WAITETH UPON GOD. — Literally, _unto God_ (_is_)_ silence my soul._ (Comp. Psalms 22:2; Psalms 39:2; Psalms 65:1.) The LXX. and Vulg., “shall be in subjection to,” which no doubt gives one side of the feeling; but another may be illustrated by Wordsworth’s — “The holy time is _quiet_ as a nun _Bre... [ Continue Reading ]
DEFENCE. — Properly, _high tower,_ as so often. The metaphor is important here from the contrast with the _tottering wall_ of next verse. SHALL NOT BE GREATLY MOVED... — _i.e._ (as in Psalms 37:24), _shall not be made to totter or fall. _... [ Continue Reading ]
IMAGINE MISCHIEF. — This is the Rabbinical rendering of a word that occurs only here. The LXX. have “fall upon”; Vulg., “rush upon,” a meaning supported by an Arabic root meaning to _storm_ or _assault,_ and is so far preferable to Aquila’s and Jerome’s “plot against,” and Symmachus’ “labour in vain... [ Continue Reading ]
THEIR MOUTH. — Literally, _his mouth. They bless each with his mouth,_ &c EXCELLENCY. — Rather, _height,_ carrying on the metaphor of preceding verse.... [ Continue Reading ]
As in Psalms 62:1. _Truly to God, be silence my soul._ The state of resignation is one which can only be preserved by prayer. We may _say, I will,_ but can only _feel_ it through prayer.... [ Continue Reading ]
IN GOD. — Literally, _upon God,_ as in Psalms 7:10.... [ Continue Reading ]
ARE VANITY. — Or, _mere breath._ TO BE LAID IN THE BALANCE. — Literally, _in_ _the balances to go up,_ which may mean _in the scales they must go up, i.e.,_ kick the beam. But a slight change in one letter gives the more probable, _when weighed in the scales. _... [ Continue Reading ]
IF RICHES INCREASE. — Even if by honest means you grow rich, distrust your wealth.... [ Continue Reading ]
ONCE; TWICE. — The usual Hebrew mode of emphasising a numerical statement, and one growing naturally out of the structure of the verse, which loves a climax. (Comp. Proverbs 6:16.) The union of power and love is proved to the poet by the fairness and justice mentioned in the last clause.... [ Continue Reading ]