On the meaning of the phrase in the title, “upon Gittith,” see the notes at the title to Psalms 8:1. On the meaning of the phrase “for (margin, to) the sons of Korah,” see the notes at the title to Psalms 42:1. The author of the psalm is unknown, though it bears a strong resemblance to the forty-sec... [ Continue Reading ]
HOW AMIABLE - How much to he loved; how lovely. The word amiable is now used to denote a quality of mind or disposition - as gentle, affectionate, kind. The word used here, however in the original, means rather dear, beloved - as a token of endearment. Compare the notes at the title to Psalms 45. Th... [ Continue Reading ]
MY SOUL LONGETH - The word used here means properly to be pale; then, to be faint or weak; and then, to pine after, to long for, to desire earnestly. It would properly denote such a longing or desire as to make one faint or exhausted; that is, it indicates intense desire. In Psalms 17:12, it is appl... [ Continue Reading ]
YEA, THE SPARROW HATH FOUND AN HOUSE - A home; a place where she may abide, and build her nest, and rear her young. The word here used - צפור _tsippôr_ - is a name given to a bird from its chirping or twittering. It is rendered sparrow in Leviticus 14:4 (margin); Psalms 102:7; and is often rendered... [ Continue Reading ]
BLESSED ARE THEY THAT DWELL IN THY HOUSE - Who are constantly there; whose permanent abode is there. The reference is to the priests and Levites - the ministers of religion - who had their permanent abode near the tabernacle and the temple, and who were wholly devoted to the sacred duties of religio... [ Continue Reading ]
BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE STRENGTH IS IN THEE - Not merely are they blessed who dwell there permanently, but the man also whose heart is there; who feels that his strength is in God alone who loves to go there when opportunity is afforded him, treading his way to Zion. The idea is, that all strength... [ Continue Reading ]
WHO PASSING THROUGH THE VALLEY OF BACA - This is one of the most difficult verses in the Book of Psalms, and has been, of course, very variously interpreted. The Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate, Luther, and Professor Alexander, render it a valley of tears. The word “Baca” (בכא _bâkâ'_) means prop... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH ... - Margin,” company to company.” The Septuagint and Vulgate, “They go from strength to strength; the God of gods is seen in Zion.” Luther, “They obtain one victory after another, that one must see that there is a righteous God in Zion.” DeWette, “Going they incre... [ Continue Reading ]
O LORD GOD OF HOSTS - See the notes at Psalms 84:1. God is appealed to here as a God of power; as a God who is able to accomplish all his purposes, and to impart every needed blessing. HEAR MY PRAYER - A prayer of the psalmist that he might also have a place among the servants of God in their worsh... [ Continue Reading ]
BEHOLD, O GOD OUR SHIELD - Our defense, as a shield is a defense in the day of battle. Compare Psalms 5:12, note; Psalms 18:2, note; Psalms 33:20, note. It is an appeal to God as a protector. The psalmist was an exile - a wanderer - and he looked to God as his defense. AND LOOK UPON THE FACE OF THIN... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR A DAY IN THY COURTS IS BETTER THAN A THOUSAND - Better - happier - more profitable - more to be desired - than a thousand days spent elsewhere. That is, I should find more happiness - more true joy - in one day spent in the house of God, in his worship, in the exercises of true religion - more t... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THE LORD GOD IS A SUN - The Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate render this, “For the Lord loveth mercy and truth.” Our translation, however, is the correct one. The sun gives light, warmth, beauty, to the creation; so God is the source of light, joy, happiness, to the soul. Compare Isaiah 60:19; R... [ Continue Reading ]
O LORD OF HOSTS, BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT TRUSTETH IN THEE - Blessed in every respect. His lot is a happy one; happy in thy friendship; happy in being permitted to worship thee; happy in the blessings which religion scatters along his path here; happy in thy sustaining grace in times of trial; happy... [ Continue Reading ]