CIII. This psalm has been compared to a stream which, as it flows, gradually acquires strength and volume till its waves of praise swell like those of the sea. The poet begins by invoking his own soul to show its gratitude for the Divine favour, and, by a highly artistic touch, makes the psalm, afte... [ Continue Reading ]
BENEFITS. — Literally, _actions,_ whether good or bad (Judges 9:16; Proverbs 12:14). But what a significance in the restricted meaning “benefits.” God’s _acts_ are all _benefits. _... [ Continue Reading ]
FORGIVETH. — The first “benefit” to one who aims at the higher life is the knowledge of the Divine readiness to forgive and renew, and this, as Augustine remarks, implies a quick moral sense: “God’s benefits will not be before our eyes unless our sins are also before our eyes.” DISEASES. — Here chi... [ Continue Reading ]
DESTRUCTION. — Rather, _pit,_ or _grave,_ as in Psalms 16:10. CROWNETH. — A metaphor drawn from the common custom of wearing wreaths and garlands on festive occasions (Sir. 32:2). Comp. Psalms 8:5.... [ Continue Reading ]
MOUTH. — On the Hebrew word thus rendered, see Psalms 32:9. The word there adopted (“trappings,” or “ornaments”) would Commend itself here, from the evident allusion in the next clause to the moulting of the bird, and its appearance in new plumage, if the expression “to satisfy ornament with good” w... [ Continue Reading ]
OPPRESSED. — From individual the poet passes to national mercies, and goes back to the memorable manifestations of Divine favour vouchsafed to Moses.... [ Continue Reading ]
MOSES. — A direct reference to Exodus 33:13.... [ Continue Reading ]
MERCIFUL AND GRACIOUS. — The original confession (Exodus 34:6) had become a formula of the national faith. In addition to the marginal references, see Joel 2:13; Psalms 145:8.... [ Continue Reading ]
This reflection naturally follows after the last quotation from Exodus.... [ Continue Reading ]
SO GREAT IS HIS MERCY TOWARD. — Literally, _Strong is his mercy upon_ (or, _over_). (Comp. Psalms 117:2.) The comparison in the first clause, and the use of this expression in Genesis 49:26 and 2 Samuel 11:23, suggests as the right rendering here For as the heaven is higher than the earth, So far ... [ Continue Reading ]
FATHER. — This anticipation of Christ’s revelation of the paternal heart of God, is found also in the prophets.... [ Continue Reading ]
FRAME. — Rather, _fashioning;_ referring to Genesis 2:7, or possibly to the image so common in the prophecy of the potter’s vessel.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE WIND — _i.e.,_ the hot, scorching blast, as in Isaiah 40:7. Even in our humid climate, it may be said of a flower — “If one sharp wind sweep o’er the field, It withers in an hour.” But the pestilential winds of the East are described as bringing a heat like that of an oven, which immediately b... [ Continue Reading ]
PREPARED. — Rather, _established. _... [ Continue Reading ]
Just as in the highest revelation made by Jesus Christ the angels in heaven rejoice over the repentant sinner, so in the psalmist’s view the mercy of Jehovah to his faithful people is cause for high acclaim among the hosts around the throne.... [ Continue Reading ]
HOSTS. — There are apparently in the psalmist’s thought three grades of beings in the hierarchy of praise: — 1. High angels around the throne. 2. Angelic powers, such as _winds, lightnings,_ &c, specially commissioned to do God’s behests, as in Psalms 104:4. 3. Creation generally. (Comp. Psalm... [ Continue Reading ]
ALL HIS WORKS. — Not only the heavens and their hosts, but “Earth with her thousand voices praises God.” Nor can the psalmist himself remain silent, but must repeat the self-dedication with winch he began his song.... [ Continue Reading ]