PSALM CXLIX _All the congregation are invited to praise God for his_ _mercies_, 1-3. _Their great privileges_, 4, 5. _Their victories_, 6-9. NOTES ON PSALM CXLIX This seems to be an _epinikion_, or _song of triumph_, after some glorious victory; probably in the time of the _Maccabees_. It has... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 149:2. _IN HIM THAT MADE HIM_] Let them remember in their exultations to give all glory to the Lord; for he is the Author of their _being_ and their _blessings_. And let them know that he is their _King_ also; that they should submit to his _authority_, and be guided and regulated in th... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 149:3. _LET THEM PRAISE HIS NAME IN THE DANCE_] במחול _bemachol,_ _with the pipe_, or some kind of _wind music_, classed here with תף _toph_, the _tabor_ or _drum_, and כנור _kinnor_, the _harp_. " מחול machol," says _Parkhurst_, "_some fistular wind-instrument_ _of music, with holes_,... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 149:4. _THE LORD TAKETH PLEASURE IN HIS PEOPLE_] The pleasure or good will of God is in his people: he loves them ardently, and will load them with his benefits, while they are humble and thankful; for, _HE WILL BEAUTIFY_] יפאר _yephaer_, he will make _fair, the meek_, ענוים anavim, th... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 149:5. _LET THE SAINTS BE JOYFUL IN GLORY_] Let them be gloriously joyful: seeing themselves so _honoured_ and so _successful_, let them be joyful. God has put _glory_ or _honour_ upon them; let them give him the thanks due to his name. _SING ALOUD UPON THEIR BEDS._] While they are re... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 149:6. LET _THE HIGH_ PRAISES _OF GOD_] Let them sing songs the most sublime, with the loudest noise consistent with _harmony_. _AND A TWO-EDGED SWORD IN THEIR HAND_] Perhaps there is an allusion here to the manner in which the Jews were obliged to labour in rebuilding the walls of Jer... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 149:7. _TO EXECUTE VENGEANCE UPON THE HEATHEN_] This may refer simply to their purpose of defending themselves to the uttermost, should their enemies attack them while building their wall: and they had every reason to believe that God would be with them; and that, if their enemies did a... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 149:8. _TO BIND THEIR KINGS WITH CHAINS, AND THEIR NOBLES WITH_ _FETTERS OF IRON_] That is, if these kings, governors of provinces, and chiefs among the people, had attacked them, God would have enabled them to defeat them, take their generals prisoners, and lead them in triumph to Jeru... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 149:9. _TO EXECUTE UPON THEM THE JUDGMENT WRITTEN_] In Deuteronomy 7:1, c., God promises his people complete victory over all their enemies, and over the heathen. God repeatedly promises such victories to his faithful people and this is, properly speaking, the _judgment written_, i.e.,... [ Continue Reading ]