_To the chief musician upon the eighth. _With respect to the word _eighth, _there are two opinions among interpreters. According to some, it means a musical instrument; while others are rather inclined to think that it is a tune. But as it is of no great importance which of these opinions is adopted... [ Continue Reading ]
2._Every man speaketh deceit. _David in this verse sets forth that part of unrighteousness which is contrary to truth. He says that there is no sincerity or uprightness in their speech, because the great object upon which they are bent is to deceive. He next describes the manner in which they deceiv... [ Continue Reading ]
To his complaint in the preceding verse he now subjoins an imprecation, that God would cut off deceitful tongues. It is uncertain whether he wishes that deceitful men may be utterly destroyed, or only that the means of doing mischief may be taken from them; but the scope of the passage leads us rath... [ Continue Reading ]
This the Psalmist confirms more fully in the following verse: _Who have said, we will be strengthened by our tongues _Those must be possessed of great authority who think that, in the very falsehood to which they are addicted, they have enough of strength to accomplish their purposes, and to protect... [ Continue Reading ]
5._Because of the spoiling of the needy. _David now sets before himself as matter of consolation, the truth that God will not suffer the wicked thus to make havoc without end and measure. The more effectually to establish himself and others in the belief of this truth, he introduces God himself as s... [ Continue Reading ]
6._The words of Jehovah. _The Psalmist now declares, that God is sure, faithful, and steadfast in his promises. But the insertion by the way of this commendation of the word of God would be to no purpose, if he had not first called himself, and other believers, to meditate on God’s promises in their... [ Continue Reading ]
7._Thou, O Jehovah. _Some think that the language of the Psalmist here is that of renewed prayer; and they, therefore, understand the words as expressive of his desire, and translate them in the optative mood, thus, _Do thou, O Jehovah, keep them _(266) But I am rather of opinion that David, animate... [ Continue Reading ]
8._The ungodly walk about on every side. _The Hebrew word סביב,_sabib, _which we have translated _on every side, _signifies _a circuit, _or _a going round; _and, therefore, some explain it allegorically thus: the ungodly seize upon all the defiles or narrow parts of roads, in order to shut up or bes... [ Continue Reading ]