LXXXV. There is more than the statement of its first verse (see Note) to connect this psalm with the post-exile period. Its whole tone belongs to that time. The attitude with regard to national sin explains itself only by this reference. The punishment had fallen, and in the glad return Israel had s... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU HAST BROUGHT BACK. — See Psalms 14:7; Psalms 68:18. The expression might only imply generally a return to a state of former prosperity, as in Job 42:10, but the context directs us to refer especially to the return from exile. (See _Introduction._)... [ Continue Reading ]
FORGIVEN. — Rather, _taken away._ (See Psalms 32:1.)... [ Continue Reading ]
TURN US. — Here equivalent to _restore us once more._ If, the poet felt, the captivity had taught its lesson, why, on the restoration, did not complete freedom from misfortune ensue? It is this which supplies the motive of his song.... [ Continue Reading ]
SPEAK PEACE... — This word “peace” comprehends all that the nation sighed for: “Peace, Dear nurse of arts, plenties, and joyful truth.” To Christians the word has a higher meaning still, which directed the choice of this psalm for Christmas Day. FOLLY. — See Psalms 14:1; Psalms 49:13. Here it mos... [ Continue Reading ]
(9-11) The exquisite personification of these verses is, it has been truly remarked, exactly in Isaiah’s manner. (See Isaiah 32:16 _seq.,_ Isaiah 45:8; Isaiah 59:14.) It is an allegory of completed national happiness, which, though presented in language peculiar to Hebrew thought, is none the less u... [ Continue Reading ]
MET TOGETHER. — The word is used of those who should be friends, but whom circumstances have sundered (Proverbs 22:2).... [ Continue Reading ]
TRUTH, or “faithfulness,” is here depicted as springing out of the earth, because the renewal of fertility has re-established the conviction of the faithfulness of Jehovah towards His people, which had been shaken. LOOK DOWN. — Used of bending forwards as from a window or battlement (Song of Solomo... [ Continue Reading ]
RIGHTEOUSNESS SHALL... — Better, _Righteousness shall walk in front of Him, and follow in His steps._ Nothing is more instructive than the blending in Psalms 85:12 of material and moral blessings. They do go together, as experience, especially national testifies. In the same spirit is Wordsworth’s... [ Continue Reading ]