XIII. In this short poem we see the power of lyric expression for rapid changes of emotion. In the compass of three short stanzas, decreasing in length as they proceed, we have an alternation from the deepest despair to the profoundest peace. Perhaps here is the record of an eventful period of Davi... [ Continue Reading ]
HOW LONG?... FOR EVER? — Comp. Psalms 74:10; Psalms 79:5; Psalms 89:46. The double question in the Authorised Version is unnecessary, though, as M. Renan (_Les Langues Sémitiques,_ 2 § 4) explains, it shows how ill writing the poet has begun on one plan, and finished on another. (Comp. Psalms 9:3.)... [ Continue Reading ]
TAKE COUNSEL. — Literally, _put plans unto my soul._ The plans (LXX., βουλὰς) formed in the mind turn to sorrows as they are frustrated. It is, however, so doubtful whether _nephesh_ can stand for the _mind,_ that it is better to render, _how long shall I form plans against my soul_ (having) _sorrow... [ Continue Reading ]
LIGHTEN. — Literally, _give light to my eyes that I may not go to sleep in death, i.e.,_ go to sleep and never wake; “sleep unto death,” as the LXX. (Comp. for the nature of the fear, Psalms 6:5; and for the form of expression, 1 Samuel 14:27; 1 Samuel 14:29.)... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT I. — Emphatic, _but as for me._ The most complete peace has taken the place of the despair with which the psalm opens. The rhythm of the Hebrew seems to express the restfulness of the thought. “It hath a dying fall.” The LXX. and Vulg. (comp. the Prayer Book version) have an additional clause no... [ Continue Reading ]