In the title, this psalm is ascribed to David. The occasion on which it is said to have been composed was after he had been engaged in wars in the East - in Aramea - and when he was meditating the completion of his conquests in the subjugation of Idumea. The time of its composition, according to the... [ Continue Reading ]
O GOD, THOU HAST CAST US OFF - The word used here means properly to be foul, rancid, offensive; and then, to treat anything as if it were foul or rancid; to repel, to spurn, to cast away. See the notes at Psalms 43:2. It is strong language, meaning that God had seemed to treat them as if they were l... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU HAST MADE THE EARTH TO TREMBLE - This refers, doubtless, to some calamity that might be compared with an earthquake - some disaster, discomfiture, or defeat that had shaken their hopes, as a city is shaken by an earthquake. Such comparisons are common in the Scriptures. THOU HAST BROKEN IT - A... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU HAST SHOWED THY PEOPLE HARD THINGS - Thou hast caused them to see reverses, disappointments, and trials. This refers, according to the supposition in the Introduction to the psalm, to some calamitous events which had occurred. The probability seems to be that the Edomites may have spread desola... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU HAST GIVEN A BANNER TO THEM THAT FEAR THEE - The word rendered “banner” - נס _nês_ - means properly anything elevated or lifted up, and hence, a standard, a flag, a sign, or a signal. It may refer to a standard reared on lofty mountains or high places during an invasion of a country, to point... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT THY BELOVED MAY BE DELIVERED - The word beloved is in the plural number, and might be rendered beloved ones. It refers not merely to David as his servant and friend, but to those associated with him. The reference is to the calamities and dangers then existing, to which allusion has been made a... [ Continue Reading ]
GOD HATH SPOKEN IN HIS HOLINESS - That is, as a holy God; a God who is true; a God whose promises are always fulfilled. The idea is, that the holiness of God was the public pledge or assurance that what he had promised he would certainly perform. God had made promises in regard to the land of Canaan... [ Continue Reading ]
GILEAD IS MINE, AND MANASSEH IS MINE - That is, My dominion or authority is extended over these regions - Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Judah. The idea here is substantially the same as in the former verse, that his dominion extended over the country on both sides of the Jordan; or that in the dire... [ Continue Reading ]
MOAB IS MY WASHPOT - Moab was a region of country on the east of the Dead Sea, extending as far north as the river Arnon. See the notes at Isaiah 15:1. The words rendered wash-pot mean properly a pot or basin for washing, a wash-basin; and the expression is used here as one of contempt, as if he wou... [ Continue Reading ]
WHO WILL BRING ME INTO THE STRONG CITY? - The strong city - the fenced, the fortified city - referred to here is doubtless the capital of Idumea. This was the celebrated city Petra, situated in the rocks, and so difficult to be taken by an enemy. For a description of it, see the notes at Isaiah 16:1... [ Continue Reading ]
WILT NOT THOU, O GOD, WHICH HADST EAST US OFF? - See the notes at Psalms 60:1. The meaning is, that although God had seemed to reject and forsake them, they had no other resource, and the appeal might be still made to him. The psalmist hoped that he would again be favorable to his people, and would... [ Continue Reading ]
GIVE US HELP FROM TROUBLE - From the troubles which have now come upon us and overwhelmed us. FOR VAIN IS THE HELP OF MAN - Margin, salvation. The idea is, that they would look in vain to man to assist them in their present difficulties. They must depend on God alone. What is here said of temporal... [ Continue Reading ]
THROUGH GOD - By the help of God. WE SHALL DO VALIANTLY - literally, we shall make strength. That is, we shall gain or gather strength; we shall go forth with spirit and with courage to the war. This expresses the confident assurance that they would secure the aid of God, and that under him they wo... [ Continue Reading ]