Psalms 68:30

the company of spearmen Better as R.V., the wild beast of the reeds, i.e. the crocodile, or rather, the hippopotamus, which is described in Job 40:21 as lying "in the covert of the reed." It is a symbolical designation of Egypt, which is mentioned either as the typical enemy of Israel, or with reference to circumstances of the time.

the multitude of Me bulls, with the calves of the people R.V. peoples. The kings or leaders of heathen nations, followed by their peoples as the calves of the herd follow the bulls. Cp. Jeremiah 46:20-21, R.V. -Bulls" suggests the idea of proud defiance; -calves" that of comfortable security.

till every one submit himself with pieces of silver Lit. as R.V. marg., Every one submitting himself&c. Their proud spirits are subdued by the irresistible divine -rebuke" (Psalms 76:6; Isaiah 17:13); they prostrate themselves in the dust before the Lord of the world, and offer tribute of their wealth. Cp. Isaiah 60:9. This gives a fair sense, but the construction is difficult. The difficulty is avoided by the rendering of R.V., which makes the participle refer to God: Trampling under foot the pieces of silver, i.e. spurning the tribute which they bring Thee. The true meaning is however quite uncertain, and the text is very possibly corrupt. The Ancient Versions vary greatly, some of them pointing to varieties of reading. Of the host of modern emendations, one may be mentioned which only requires alteration of the vowel points: -Trampling under foot them that delight in silver"; but it can hardly be pronounced satisfactory.

scatter thou&c. The Massoretic Text reads: He bath scattered the peoples: a -prophetic perfect," realising the triumph of God over all opposition as already complete. But it suits the context better to read the imperative with LXX and Jer., scatter thou. The difference is one of vocalisation only.