Section 1. “Author of the psalm.” This psalm ascribed to David, both in the title and in the location which it has among the Psalms. There is nothing in the psalm to make this doubtful, and indeed its structure is so much in accordance with those usually ascribed to David, as to leave no doubt as to... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE LORD PUT I MY TRUST - This, in general, expresses the state of mind of the author - a state of feeling which runs through the entire psalm. It is designed to be an answer to the counsel which others had been giving him to escape, and it implies that he was determined at that time, and always,... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR, LO, THE WICKED BEND THEIR BOW - These are to he regarded as the words of the persons referred to in the previous verse, who had advised the persecuted psalmist to flee to the mountains. In this verse reasons are suggested for that advice. The reasons are, that the enemy was preparing for an att... [ Continue Reading ]
IF THE FOUNDATIONS BE DESTROYED - These are still to be regarded as the words of the psalmist’s advisers; or as an argument why he should make his escape. The word “foundations,” here, refers to those things on which society rests, or by which social order is sustained - the great principles of trut... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LORD IS IN HIS HOLY TEMPLE - Hebrew, “Jehovah is in the temple of his holiness.” That is, he is in heaven, regarded as his temple or dwelling-place. This is the answer of the psalmist to the suggestions of his advisers that he should flee from danger. The answer is, in substance, that he had not... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LORD TRIETH THE RIGHTEOUS - That is, he “proves” them, searches them, tests the reality of their piety. His dealings with them are such as to test the genuineness of their religion, and are designed to show their sincerity and the real power of their religious principles. It is not for the purpo... [ Continue Reading ]
UPON THE WICKED - Upon all the wicked. HE SHALL RAIN - He shall pour down as in a furious tempest. SNARES - It seems rather incongruous to speak of raining down “snares, “ - understanding by the word snares, as it is used with us, that which entangles, as the snares by which we catch a bird, or by... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THE RIGHTEOUS LORD LOVETH RIGHTEOUSNESS - This would be more correctly rendered, “For Jehovah is righteous; he loves righteousness.” The idea is, that God is himself righteous, and, consequently, he loves those who are righteous. He may be confided in, therefore, by the righteous as their friend... [ Continue Reading ]