XCVII. Though in a very great measure a compilation from earlier writings (see Notes passim), this psalm, by more than one fine touch, proves itself the product not only of a thoughtful, but of a truly poetic mind. (Notice especially Psalms 97:2; Psalms 97:10, and see Notes.) The rhythm is regular.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LORD REIGNETH. — For the thought and imagery comp. Psalms 96:10. MULTITUDE OF THE ISLES. — Literally, _isles many._ This wide glance to the westward embracing the isles and coasts of the Mediterranean (Psalms 72:10), possibly even more distant ones still, is characteristic of _the_ literature o... [ Continue Reading ]
CLOUDS AND DARKNESS. — Comp. Psalms 18:10. The imagery in the first instance is borrowed from the Theophany at Sinai. (Exodus 19:9; Exodus 19:16; Exodus 20:21; Deuteronomy 4:11; Deuteronomy 5:22.) ARE THE HABITATION. — Better, _are the foundation,_ or _pillars._ (See margin.) This reappears from Psa... [ Continue Reading ]
This is an echo of Psalms 1:3. (Comp. also Psalms 18:8; Habakkuk 3:4.)... [ Continue Reading ]
See Psalms 77:17, from which this is taken.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE HILLS MELTED. — Comp. Psalms 68:8, Note: Micah 1:4. THE LORD OF THE WHOLE EARTH. — An expression first met with exactly in Joshua 3:11, though Abraham speaks of God as judge of the whole earth (Genesis 18:25). (Comp. Micah 4:13; Zechariah 4:10; Zechariah 6:5.) Though Jehovah was the tribal God,... [ Continue Reading ]
ALL THE PEOPLE. — Rather, _all the peoples._ At length the world at large is convinced, by visible manifestations, of what Israel had recognised through the veil of darkness and cloud, — the eternal righteousness of which all the splendours of the storm have been a witness. (See Note, Psalms 89:6.)... [ Continue Reading ]
CONFOUNDED — _i.e._, ashamed (Isaiah 42:17; Jeremiah 10:14). The same idea is conveyed by the very word “idols” in Hebrew — empty, worthless things, _shaming_ those who worship them. It is doubtful whether the verbs here are to be taken as imperatives. So LXX., Vulgate, and Authorised Version. Prob... [ Continue Reading ]
ZION HEARD. — See Psalms 48:11, Note.... [ Continue Reading ]
For the first clause see Psalms 83:18; for the second Psalms 47:2.... [ Continue Reading ]
YE THAT LOVE THE LORD. — Notwithstanding certain points of similarity between this verse and Psalms 34:10; Psalms 37:28, and between Psalms 97:12 and Psalms 32:11, the psalmist shows himself at the close more than a compiler — a true poet. HATE EVIL. — It is better to point for the indicative, _They... [ Continue Reading ]
LIGHT IS SOWN — _i.e._, scattered. The metaphor must not be pressed so as to think of a harvest to come. The image is an obvious and common one. “Sol etiam summo de vertice dissipat omnes Ardorem in partes, et lumine consent arva.” LUCRETIUS. And Milton, while enriching its metaphor, doubless had... [ Continue Reading ]