This psalm refers to a single subject, but that the most important which can come before the human mind. It is the question. Who is truly religious? who will enter heaven? who will be saved? The psalm contains a statement of what real religion is; one of the most explicit and formal of the statement... [ Continue Reading ]
LORD, WHO SHALL ABIDE IN THY TABERNACLE? - Margin, “sojourn.” The Hebrew word means properly to “sojourn;” that is, to abide in a place as a sojourner or stranger; not permanently, but only for a while. The idea in this place is taken from the word “tabernacle” or “tent,” with which one naturally as... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT WALKETH UPRIGHTLY - Hebrew, “walking perfectly;” that is, one who walks or lives “perfectly.” The word “walk” in the Scriptures is often used to denote the manner of life; life being represented as a journey. See the note at Psalms 1:1. The word here rendered “uprightly,” or, in the Hebrew,... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT BACKBITETH NOT WITH HIS TONGUE - The word “backbite” means to censure; slander; reproach; speak evil of. The Hebrew word - רגל _râgal_ - a verb formed from the word foot, means properly “to foot it,” and then “to go about.” Then it means to go about as a tale-bearer or slanderer; to circula... [ Continue Reading ]
IN WHOSE EYES A VILE PERSON IS CONTEMNED - That is, who does not show respect to a man of base or bad character on account of his wealth, his position, or his rank in life. He estimates character as it is in itself, and not as derived from rank, relationship, or station. While, as stated in the prev... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT PUTTETH NOT OUT HIS MONEY TO USURY - The word “usury” formerly denoted legal interest, or a premium for the use of money. In this sense the word is no longer used in our language, but it always now denotes unlawful interest; “a premium or compensation paid, or stipulated to be paid, for the... [ Continue Reading ]