PSALM XLIX _All men are invited to attend to lessons of wisdom relative to_ _the insufficiency of earthly good to save or prolong life; to_ _secure the resurrection frown the dead_, 1-9. _Death is inevitable_, 10. _The vain expectations of rich men_, 11-13. _Death renders all alike_, 14. _The... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 49:4. _I WILL INCLINE MINE EAR TO A PARABLE_] This was the general method of conveying instruction among the Asiatics. They used much figure and metaphor to induce the reader to study deeply in order to find out the meaning. This had its use; it obliged men to _think_ and _reflect_ deep... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 49:5. _THE INIQUITY OF MY HEELS_] Perhaps עקבי _akebai_, which we translate _my heels_, should be considered the contracted plural of עקבים _akebim, supplanters_. The verse would then read thus: "Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, though the iniquity of my supplanters should c... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 49:7. _NONE_ OF THEM _CAN BY ANY MEANS REDEEM HIS BROTHER_] Wealth cannot save from death; brother, however rich, cannot save his brother; nor will God accept _riches_ as a ransom for the _life_ or _soul_ of any transgressor. To procure health of body, peace of mind, redemption from dea... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 49:8. _FOR THE REDEMPTION OF THEIR SOUL_ IS _PRECIOUS_] It is of too high a price to be redeemed with corruptible things, such as _silver_ or _gold_, and has required the sacrificial death of Christ. _AND IT CEASETH FOR EVER_] This is very obscure, and may apply to the _ransom_ which... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 49:10. _FOR HE SEETH_ THAT _WISE MEN DIE_] Though they may be rich, and their wisdom teach them the best method of managing their riches so as to derive all the good from them they can possibly produce, yet _they_ die as well as the _fool_ and the poor ignorant man; and their wealth is... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 49:11. _THEIR INWARD THOUGHT_ IS, THAT _THEIR HOUSES_ SHALL CONTINUE _FOR EVER_] Thus, by interpolation, we have endeavoured to patch up a sense to this clause. Instead of קרבם _kirbam_, their _inward part_, the _Septuagint_ appear to have used a copy in which the second and third lette... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 49:12. _MAN_ BEING _IN HONOUR ABIDETH NOT_] However rich, wise, or honourable, they must die; and if they die not with a sure hope of eternal life, they die like beasts. See on Psalms 49:20.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 49:13. _THEIR POSTERITY APPROVE THEIR SAYINGS._] Go the same way; adopt their maxims.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 49:14. _LIKE SHEEP THEY ARE LAID IN THE GRAVE_] לשאול _lishol,_ _into sheol_, the place of _separate_ spirits. _DEATH SHALL FEED ON THEM_] מות ירעם _maveth yirem_, "Death shall feed them!" What an astonishing change! All the good things of life were once their portion, and they lived o... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 49:15. _BUT GOD WILL REDEEM MY SOUL FROM THE POWER OF THE_ _GRAVE_] מיד שאול _miyad sheol_, "from the hand of sheol." That is, by the plainest construction, I shall have a resurrection from the dead, and an entrance into his glory; and death shall have no dominion over me.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 49:16. _BE NOT THOU AFRAID WHEN ONE IS MADE RICH_] Do not be envious; do not grieve: it will do you no harm; it will do him no good. All he gets will be left behind; he can carry nothing with him. Even his glory must stay behind; he shall mingle with the common earth.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 49:18. _HE BLESSED HIS SOUL_] He did all he could to procure himself animal gratifications, and he was applauded for it; for it is the custom of the world to praise them who pay most attention to their secular interest; and he who attends most to the concerns of his soul is deemed weak... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 49:19. _THEY SHALL NEVER SEE LIGHT._] Rise again they shall; but they shall never see the light of glory, for there is prepared for them the _blackness of darkness_ for ever.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 49:20. _MAN_ THAT IS _IN HONOUR_] The rich and honourable man who has no spiritual understanding, is a _beast_ in the sight of God. The spirit of this maxim is, A man who is in a dignified official situation, but destitute of learning and sound sense, is like a beast. The important plac... [ Continue Reading ]