After a summons to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (Psalms 81:1) this Ps. recalls the meaning of Israel's national festivals as memorials of their deliverance from Egypt (Psalms 81:4). From Psalms 81:6 onward God is the speaker. In Psalms 81:8 He repeats His ancient command to Israel to worship H... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE TIME APPOINTED] RV 'at the full moon.' The Feast of Tabernacles began on the 15th day of the seventh month (Leviticus 23:34), i.e. at full moon. The beginning of the same month (the new moon) was celebrated by the Feast of Trumpets (Leviticus 23:24).... [ Continue Reading ]
HE WENT OUT THROUGH] RV 'he went over' (RM 'against'): cp. Exodus 13, etc. 'He' refers to God. _Where_ I HEARD.. UNDERSTOOD NOT] rather, 'I heard the speech of one that I knew not,' i.e. of God. The Psalmist puts himself in the place of the ancient Israelites, and thus introduces the words of God wh... [ Continue Reading ]
POTS] RV 'basket.' Baskets for carrying bricks, etc., are often represented on the Egyptian monuments.... [ Continue Reading ]
SECRET PLACE OF THUNDER] THE PILLAR OF CLOUD AND FIRE: SEE EXODUS 14:24. MERIBAH] = 'Strife': see Numbers 20:13. SELAH] see on Psalms 3:4.... [ Continue Reading ]
is a quotation of the first commandment (Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 5:7).... [ Continue Reading ]
OPEN THY MOUTH, etc.] So Orientals feast their favoured guests.... [ Continue Reading ]
_And_ THEY WALKED] RV 'that they might walk.' 13-16. The verbs refer to the present—Would hearken.. would walk.. subdue.. turn.. submit.. endure.. feed.. satisfy.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE HATERS OF THE LORD] i.e. Israel's enemies. UNTO HIM] probably means 'unto Israel.'... [ Continue Reading ]