_A.M. 2989. B.C. 1015._ This Psalm seems to have been composed upon occasion of some great victory obtained by the church over some threatening enemy or other, and designed to grace the triumph. The LXX. call it ωδη προς τον Ασσυριον , “A song upon the Assyrian;” from whence many good interpreters... [ Continue Reading ]
_In Judah is God known_ God's people do not worship an unknown God, as the Athenians did, Acts 17:23, but one who hath made himself known, not only by his word and ordinances, but also by the glorious effects of his wisdom and power, exerted on their behalf, and against their potent and malicious en... [ Continue Reading ]
_There brake he_, &c. That is, in Judah, or at or near Jerusalem; _the arrows of the bow_ Hebrew, רשׁפי קשׁת, _rishpee kasheth, the sparks of the bow_, the sparkling arrows, bright and shining, swift and piercing, like sparks of fire. Some render it, _the fiery arrows of the bow, the shield and the... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou_ O God, to whom he is thought to direct his speech here, as also Psalms 76:6, _art more glorious, &c., than the mountains of prey_ Than the greatest kings and empires of the earth, which in the prophetical writings are often compared to mountains. And they are called mountains _of prey_, becau... [ Continue Reading ]
_The stout-hearted are spoiled_ Of all that glory and advantage which they either had already obtained, or further expected from the success of their present expedition. They became a prey to those on whom they hoped to prey. _They have slept their sleep_ Even a perpetual sleep, or the sleep of deat... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou, even thou, art to be feared_ Thy majesty is to be reverenced, thy sovereignty to be submitted to, and thy justice to be dreaded, by those that have offended thee. Let all the world learn, by this event, to stand in awe of the great God. _Who may stand in thy sight_ Namely, to contend with the... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou didst cause judgment to be heard_, &c. Thou didst execute judgment upon thine enemies by an angel sent from heaven. _The earth feared, and was still_ The effect of this terrible judgment was, that the rest of the world was afraid to invade or disturb the land and people of Israel; and chose ra... [ Continue Reading ]
_Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee_ The furious attempts and blasphemous speeches of thine enemies shall serve thy glory, and cause thy people and others to praise and magnify thee for that admirable wisdom, power, faithfulness, and goodness which thou didst discover on that occasion. _The r... [ Continue Reading ]
_Vow unto the Lord_ Vow a sacrifice of thanksgiving; either at this time, for this wonderful deliverance, or hereafter, in all your future straits and troubles: let this experience encourage you to make such vows to God with confidence of success. _And pay_ But when God hath accepted your vows, and... [ Continue Reading ]
_He shall cut off_ Dr. Waterland reads, _bring down_, and Dr. Horne, _restrain, the spirit of princes_ Their _pride_ and _elation_ of mind, such as was that of the king of Assyria, before he was forced to return with shame of face to his own land. Or their _courage;_ he can dispirit those that are m... [ Continue Reading ]