PSALM CXLIII _The psalmist prays for mercy, and deprecates judgment_, 1, 2. _His persecutions_, 3. _His earnest prayer for deliverance_, 4-9. _Prays for God's quickening Spirit_, 10, 11. _And for the total discomfiture of his adversaries_, 12. NOTES ON PSALM CXLIII The _Hebrew_ and all the _V... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 143:2. _ENTER NOT INTO JUDGMENT_] אל תבוא _al tabo_. Do not come into court, either as a _Witness_ against me, or as a _Judge_, else I am ruined; for thou hast seen all my ways that they are evil, and thy justice requires thee to punish me. Nor can any soul that has ever lived be justif... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 143:3. _HE HATH MADE ME TO DWELL IN DARKNESS_] Literally, _in_ _dark places_. This may be understood of David's taking refuge in _caves_ and _dens_ of the earth, to escape from his persecuting son; yea, even to take refuge in the _tombs_, or _repositories_ of the dead.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 143:4. _THEREFORE IS MY SPIRIT_] I am deeply depressed in spirit, and greatly afflicted in body. _MY HEART WITHIN ME IS DESOLATE._] It has no companion of its sorrows, no sympathetic friend. I am utterly destitute of comfort.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 143:5. _I REMEMBER THE DAYS OF OLD_] Thou hast often helped me, often delivered me. I will therefore trust in thee, for thy mercy is not clean gone from me.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 143:6. _I STRETCH FORTH MY HANDS_] This is a natural action. All in distress, or under the influence of _eager desire_, naturally extend their hands and arms, as if to catch at help and obtain succour. _AS A THIRSTY LAND._] Parched and burned by the sun, longs for rain, so does my thir... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 143:7. _HEAR ME SPEEDILY_] מהר _maher, make haste_ to answer me. A few hours, and my state may be irretrievable. In a short time my unnatural son may put an end to my life.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 143:8. _CAUSE ME TO HEAR THY LOVING-KINDNESS IN THE MORNING_] This petition was probably offered in the _night-season_. David had despatched his messengers in all directions; and prays to God that he might by the morning get some good news. _CAUSE ME TO KNOW THE WAY WHEREIN I SHOULD WA... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 143:9. _I FLEE UNTO THEE TO HIDE ME._] That I may not be _found_ by my enemies, who seek my life to destroy it.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 143:10. _TEACH ME TO DO THY WILL_] רצונך _retsonecha_, thy _pleasure_. To be found doing the will of God is the only safe state for man. _THY SPIRIT_ IS _GOOD_] The Author of every _good desire_ and _holy_ _purpose_. _LEAD ME_] _Let it lead me_ by its continued inspirations and counse... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 143:11. _QUICKEN ME_] I am as a dead man, and my hopes are almost dead within me.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 143:12. _AND OF THY MERCY_] To _me_ and the _kingdom_. _CUT OFF MINE ENEMIES_] Who, if they succeed, will destroy the very _form of godliness_. The steps he has already taken show that even _morality_ shall have no countenance, if Absalom reign. _I_ AM _THY SERVANT._] Whoever is dislo... [ Continue Reading ]