This psalm is without a title. The name of the author is unknown, and, of course, it is not known on what occasion the psalm was composed. It bears, however, a very strong resemblance, in its general spirit and in its structure, to Psalms 42:1, and was, beyond doubt, composed by the same author, and... [ Continue Reading ]
JUDGE ME, O GOD - This does not mean, Pronounce sentence upon me; but, Undertake my cause; interpose in my behalf; do justice in the case. He regarded his own cause as right; he felt that he was greatly wronged by the treatment which he received from people, and he asks to have it shown that he was... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THOU ART THE GOD OF MY STRENGTH - See Psalms 18:2, note; Psalms 28:7, note. WHY DOST THOU CAST ME OFF? - As if I were none of thine; as if I were wholly abandoned. Compare the notes at Psalms 22:1. The word rendered “cast off” - זנח _zânach_ - is a word which implies strong disgust or loathing:... [ Continue Reading ]
O SEND OUT THY LIGHT AND THY TRUTH - Send them forth as from thy presence; or, let them be made manifest. The word light here is equivalent to favor or mercy, as when one prays for the “light of God’s countenance” (see the notes at Psalms 4:6); and the idea is, that now, in the time of darkness and... [ Continue Reading ]
THEN WILL I GO UNTO THE ALTAR OF GOD - The altar on Mount Zion, where sacrifices were offered: 2 Samuel 6:17. The meaning is, that he would again unite with others in the public and customary worship of God. Compare the notes at Psalms 42:4. UNTO GOD - Into the immediate presence of God; the place... [ Continue Reading ]
WHY ART THOU CAST DOWN?... - See Psalms 42:5, note; Psalms 42:11, note. The sameness of this verse with Psalms 42:5, Psalms 42:11 proves, as has been already remarked, that this psalm was composed by the same writer, and with reference to the same subject as the former. The doctrine which is taught... [ Continue Reading ]