This is the first of a series of eight psalms Ps. 138–145, placed together in this part of the book, and ascribed to David. They appear to be of the nature of a supplement to the Book of Psalms, composed of psalms unknown to the original collector and arranger of the book, and subsequently discovere... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL PRAISE THEE WITH MY WHOLE HEART - Reserving nothing m my heart to give to idols or to other gods. All that constitutes praise to God as God, he would address to him alone. He would use no language, and cherish no feeling, which implied a belief that there was any other God; he would indulge i... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL WORSHIP - I will bow down and adore. TOWARD THY HOLY TEMPLE - See the notes at Psalms 5:7. The word temple here undoubtedly refers to the tabernacle. AND PRAISE THY NAME FOR THY LOVING-KINDNESS - Praise thee for thy benignity; thy mercy; thy benevolence. AND FOR THY TRUTH - Thy truthfulnes... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE DAY WHEN I CRIED - Referring to some former period of his life when he was in trouble. THOU ANSWEREDST ME - In the very day when I called, thou gavest me the answer: that is, immediately. AND STRENGTHENEDST ME WITH STRENGTH IN MY SOUL - literally, “Thou didst embolden - or, didst make me co... [ Continue Reading ]
ALL THE KINGS OF THE EARTH SHALL PRAISE THEE ... - That is, kings, princes, and rulers shall learn the words of promise; shall be made acquainted with the words which thou hast graciously spoken, and with their fulfillment, and shall be led to praise thee. This refers to a time, of which frequent pr... [ Continue Reading ]
YEA, THEY SHALL SING IN THE WAYS OF THE LORD - In the ways which God has appointed. They shall join with all that love him - with the humblest of the people - in acknowledging God. Kings and people shall thus bow before God in common acts of praise, and as being on the same level before him. As peop... [ Continue Reading ]
THOUGH THE LORD BE HIGH - This might be rendered “For lofty is Yahweh - and the humble he sees - and the proud he knows from afar.” The idea is, that God - so high and exalted - sees and knows all of every rank among people. The mind of the psalmist had been impressed with a sense of the greatness a... [ Continue Reading ]
THOUGH I WALK IN THE MIDST OF TROUBLE - Though I am in the low vale of sorrow, I shall not be overlooked or forgotten. This implies that the writer was then in trouble, and it expresses the conviction that whenever he should be in trouble God would remember him, and give him life and strength. THOU... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LORD WILL PERFECT THAT WHICH CONCERNETH ME - He will complete what he has begun. He will not begin to interpose in my behalf, and then abandon me. He will not promise to save me, and then fail to fulfill his promise. He will not encourage me, and then cast me off. So of us. He will complete what... [ Continue Reading ]