_A.M. 2944. B.C. 1060._ We may infer from the matter of this Psalm, that it was composed after, and probably soon after, David was delivered out of his distresses, and quietly settled in his kingdom. In it David expresses his confidence in God, who had thus delivered and exalted him; whom, therefor... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord is my shepherd_ He hath showed himself to be so by his gracious providences toward me; and he hath kindly taken upon himself that office, and condescended to stand in that relation to me, having entered into covenant with me, and thereby engaged to rule, feed, and preserve, and heal me, an... [ Continue Reading ]
_He maketh me to lie down_ Not only to feed, but to rest, and enjoy tranquillity, peace, and safety; _in green pastures_ Where there are both delight and plenty. “The loveliest image afforded by the natural world is here represented to the imagination; that of a flock feeding in verdant meadows, and... [ Continue Reading ]
_He restoreth my soul_ Hebrew, נפשׁי ישׁובב, _naphshi jeshobeb, my soul he bringeth_, or, _will bring back_, namely, from its errors or wanderings. No creature is more ready to go astray than a sheep, or more at a loss to find its way back. _And all we like sheep have gone astray_, and are still too... [ Continue Reading ]
_Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death_ Through a dark and dismal valley, full of terrors and dangers, as this phrase signifies, Job 24:17; Psalms 44:19; Jeremiah 2:6; that is, though I am in peril of death, though in the midst of dangers, deep as a valley, dark as a shadow, and dr... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou preparest a table before me_ Thou furnishest me with plenty and variety of provisions and comforts. _In the presence of mine enemies_ Who seeing, envying, and fretting at it, are not able to hinder it. _Thou anointest my head with oil_ Or ointment, as the Syriac and Arabic interpreters render... [ Continue Reading ]
_Surely goodness and mercy_ That is, God's favour, and the blessed and comfortable effects of it; _shall follow me_ Hebrew, ירדפוני, _jirdepuni, shall pursue me_, by which emphatical expression he signifies God's wonderful freeness and readiness to do good to his people, and that his blessings not o... [ Continue Reading ]