PSALM XXI _The psalmist returns thanks to God for giving him the victory_ _over his enemies; which victory he had earnestly requested_, 1, 2. _He enters into a detail of the blessings that in consequent of_ _the victory he had obtained_, 3-7. _He predicts the destruction of all those who may h... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 21:2. _THOU HAST GIVEN HIM HIS HEART'S DESIRE_] This seems to refer to the prayers offered in the preceding Psalm; see especially Psalms 21:1.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 21:3. _THOU PREVENTEST HIM_] To _prevent_, from _praevenio_, literally signifies _to go before_. Hence that prayer in the _communion service_ of our public Liturgy, "_Prevent_ us, O Lord, in all our doings, with thy most gracious favour!" That is, "_Go_ _before us_ in thy mercy, make ou... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 21:4. _HE ASKED LIFE OF THEE_] This verse has caused some interpreters to understand the Psalm of _Hezekiah's sickness,_ _recovery_, and the promised _addition to his life of_ fifteen _years_; but it may be more literally understood of the _Messiah_, of whom David was the _type_, and in... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 21:5. _HIS GLORY_ IS _GREAT_] But great as his glory was, it had its greatness from _God's salvation_. There is no true _nobility_ but of the soul, and the soul has none but what it receives from the _grace_ and _salvation_ of God.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 21:6. _THOU HAST MADE HIM MOST BLESSED FOR EVER_] Literally, "Thou hast set him for blessings for ever." Thou hast made the Messiah the _Source_ whence all blessings for time and for eternity shall be derived. He is the Mediator between God and man. _THOU HAST MADE HIM EXCEEDING GLAD_]... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 21:7. _THE KING TRUSTETH IN THE LORD_] It was not by my _skill_ or _valour_ that I have gained this victory, but by _faith_ in the _strong, protecting, and conquering arm of JEHOVAH_. _HE SHALL NOT BE MOVED._] Perhaps this may be best understood of him who was David's _prototype_. His... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 21:8. _THINE HAND SHALL FIND OUT_] Thy uncontrollable _power_ shall find out all thine enemies, wheresoever _hidden_ or howsoever _secret_. God knows the secret sinner, and where the workers of iniquity hide themselves.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 21:9. _THOU SHALT MAKE THEM AS A FIERY OVEN_] By thy wrath they shall be burnt up, and they shall be the means of consuming others. One class of sinners shall, in God's judgments, be the means of destroying another class; and at last themselves shall be destroyed.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 21:10. _THEIR FRUIT SHALT THOU DESTROY_] Even their _posterity_ shall be cut off, and thus their _memorial_ shall perish.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 21:11. _FOR THEY INTENDED EVIL_] Sinners shall not be permitted to do all that _is in their power_ against the godly; much less shall they be able to perform all that they _wish_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 21:12. _THEREFORE SHALT THOU MAKE THEM TURN THEIR BACK_] God can in a moment strike the most powerful and numerous army, even in the moment of victory, with _panic_; and then even the _lame_, the army which they had nearly routed, shall take the prey, and divide the spoil. _AGAINST THE... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 21:13. _BE THOU EXALTED_] _Exalt thyself, O Lord _- thy creatures cannot exalt thee. _Lift thyself up_, and discomfit thy foes by thine own strength! Thou canst give a victory to thy people over the most formidable enemies, though they strike not one blow in their own defence. God's rig... [ Continue Reading ]