This psalm is entitled, “To the chief Musician, a psalm for (margin, of) the sons of Korah.” On the phrase “To the chief Musician,” see the notes at the title to Psalms 4:1. On the phrase “For the sons of Korah,” see the notes at the title to Psalms 42:1. The occasion on which the psalm was composed... [ Continue Reading ]
O CLAP YOUR HANDS, ALL YE PEOPLE - A common way of expressing joy, or indicating applause. Compare the notes at Isaiah 55:12. The “people” here referred to are probably the Jewish people, and the call on them is to rejoice, with the customary marks of joy, in view of the great victory which God had... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THE LORD MOST HIGH - Yahweh, the Most High God; that is, who is exalted above all other beings. Compare Exodus 18:11; 1 Chronicles 16:25 Psa 96:4; 2 Chronicles 2:5; Psalms 95:3. IS TERRIBLE - literally, is to be feared; that is, reverenced and adored. There is an idea in the words “terrible” and... [ Continue Reading ]
HE SHALL SUBDUE THE PEOPLE UNDER US - Compare Psalms 18:39, note; Psalms 18:47, note. The word rendered “subdue” is that which commonly means” to speak.” The idea in the use of this word here is that he has only to speak and it is done (compare Psalms 33:9), or that he could do it by a word. Compare... [ Continue Reading ]
HE SHALL CHOOSE OUR INHERITANCE FOR US - He has chosen or selected the land which we inherit. Of all the countries which compose the world, he has chosen “this” to be the inheritance of his own people, or the place where they should dwell. The thought in this verse is based on the idea so common in... [ Continue Reading ]
GOD IS GONE UP WITH A SHOUT - That is, he has ascended to heaven, his home and throne, after having secured the victory. He is represented as having come down to aid his people in the war by the overthrow of their enemies, and (having accomplished this) as returning to heaven, accompanied by his hos... [ Continue Reading ]
SING PRAISES TO GOD, SING PRAISES - This commences the “second” part of the psalm. The “repetition” shows that the heart was full, or was overflowing with joy. It is a call on all to celebrate the praises of God, especially as he had enabled his people to triumph over their enemies. SING PRAISES UN... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR GOD IS THE KING OF ALL THE EARTH - He has shown himself to be a universal sovereign. All nations are subject to him, and he has a claim to universal praise. SING YE PRAISES WITH UNDERSTANDING - Margin, Every one “that hath understanding.” Neither the text here, however, nor the margin, expresses... [ Continue Reading ]
GOD REIGNETH OVER THE HEATHEN - Over the “nations;” not over the “heathen” in the sense in which that term is understood now. It does not mean that God reigns, or that he has set up his throne over the people that have not the true religion, but that he is exalted over the “nations” of the earth as... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PRINCES OF THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED TOGETHER - The marginal reading is, “The voluntary of the people are gathered unto the people of the God of Abraham.” The word rendered “princes” - נדיב _nâdı̂yb_ - means properly, voluntary, ready, prompt; then, generous, liberal; then, those of noble birth,... [ Continue Reading ]