PSALM 11 This Psalm seems to have been composed by David when he was persecuted by Saul, and forced to flee from place to place for safety. David encourageth himself in God, PSALMS 11:1, against the wicked designs of his enemies, PSALMS 11:2,3. The providence and justice of God, PSALMS 11:4, to the... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR LO: these are the words, either, 1. Of David's friends or enemies, confirming their former advice; which might suit with it, if that was the counsel of his friends; but not if it was (as it seems to have been) the counsel of his enemies; for these would never have called themselves WICKED, nor... [ Continue Reading ]
IF; or, _for_; or, when. THE FOUNDATIONS, i.e. piety, and justice, and fidelity, and mercy, which are the _pillars_ or _foundations_ of a state or kingdom, as they are called, PSALMS 75:2,3 PSALMS 82:5; by which they are established, PROVERBS 29:14, and which Saul and his courtiers had manifestly vi... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LORD, to whom I appeal from men's unjust tribunals, IS IN HIS HOLY TEMPLE; either, 1. In his tabernacle, which is sometimes called his temple, as 1 SAMUEL 1:9, 1 SAMUEL 3:3 PSALMS 18:6, PSALMS 48:9 68:29, where he resides to hear the prayers and appeals of all his people. Or, 2. IN HEAVEN, as it... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LORD TRIETH THE RIGHTEOUS; either, 1. He examines them, and knows them to be righteous, and consequently approveth, and loveth, and will preserve and bless them; which may be gathered from the contrary condition of the wicked, whom God is supposed to try, though that be not expressed, and upon... [ Continue Reading ]
HE SHALL RAIN; which notes their original to be extraordinary, and from God's hand; and withal, that they should come plentifully, swiftly, and suddenly, violently and unavoidably, as rain commonly doth fall from heaven. SNARES, i.e. grievous plagues or judgments, which are called _snares_ here, as... [ Continue Reading ]
This is given as the reason why God hateth and punisheth wicked men so dreadfully, because he loves righteousness, and therefore must needs hate wickedness and punish wicked men. Or, _but_, as this particle is oft rendered; for this seems to be added by way of opposition to what he now said concerni... [ Continue Reading ]