_A.M. 2987. B.C. 1017._ This Psalm is generally thought to have been composed by David, upon that solemn occasion of bringing the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom, into the tabernacle which David had built for it, 2 Samuel 6. Wherein he hath a further prospect to the temple, which he earnestl... [ Continue Reading ]
_The earth is the Lord's_ The psalmist begins with a representation of God's dominion over this world in general, and his providential presence in every part of it. After which follows a declaration of his special presence in his tabernacle. _And the fulness thereof_ All the creatures are the Lord's... [ Continue Reading ]
_For he hath founded it_ Justly have I said, that the earth is the Lord's, for he made it, and laid the foundation of it, and that in a wonderful manner; _upon the seas_ By the seas and floods he means the whole collection of waters, as well the sea and rivers running into it as that great abyss of... [ Continue Reading ]
_Who shall ascend_, &c. Dr. Hammond infers from the composition of this Psalm, that it was intended to be sung by two companies or choirs, the one answering the other. To strengthen his conjecture that it was actually performed so, he observes, that upon very solemn occasions (and such this was) it... [ Continue Reading ]
_He that hath clean hands_ Whose actions and conversation are holy and unblameable. It is here very observable that the character of a right and acceptable worshipper of God is not taken from his nation and relation to Abraham; nor from any or all of those costly and laborious rites and ceremonies o... [ Continue Reading ]
_He shall receive the blessing from the Lord_ That is, the blessings which God hath promised to his people, namely, _grace and glory, and all other good things, Psalms 84:11_. He, and only he, shall be truly blessed. _And righteousness_ The fruit or reward of his righteousness, the _work_ being ofte... [ Continue Reading ]
_This is the generation of them that seek him_ The true progeny, which God regards, that make it their care and study to know him, and his mind and will, and to please and serve him. Whereby he reflects upon them who boasted of, and trusted in, their carnal descent from Abraham and the other patriar... [ Continue Reading ]
_Lift up your heads, O ye gates_ The questions, _Who shall ascend God's hill_, namely, to worship? and, _Who shall stand in his holy place_, to minister before and serve him? being answered, the psalmist proceeds to speak next of the introduction of the presence of him into that place whom they were... [ Continue Reading ]
_Who is the King of glory?_ What is the cause of this imperious call? And why? Or, for whom must those gates be opened in so solemn and extraordinary a manner? The answer is, _The Lord strong and mighty_, &c. As if he had said, He is no ordinary person, no other than Jehovah, who hath given so many... [ Continue Reading ]
_Lift up your heads_, &c. The same verse is repeated again, to awaken the dulness of mankind, who are so hardly brought to a serious preparation for such solemnities; and to signify the great importance of the matter contained under these expressions. _The Lord of hosts_ Under whose command are all... [ Continue Reading ]