CXXXVIII. The suggestion contained in the last addition made to the Hebrew inscription by the LXX. “Of Haggai and Zechariah,” brings this psalm within the post-exile period, the most likely time of its composition. The tone and tenor are what we should look for if Zerubbabel or Nehemiah were its au... [ Continue Reading ]
BEFORE THE GODS. — Undoubtedly, as in Psalms 82:1 : “before the great” or “mighty.” (Comp. Psalms 119:46, “before kings.”) SING PRAISE. — Rather, _play. _... [ Continue Reading ]
Notice that “loving-kindness” and “truth” are joined as inseparable attributes of Jehovah in His relation to the chosen race. FOR THOU HAST MAGNIFIED — _i.e.,_ the promise made for help and deliverance has been fulfilled, and more than fulfilled. The psalmist often speaks of _Jehovah’s name,_ or _r... [ Continue Reading ]
STRENGTHENEDST ME WITH STRENGTH. — Or, _encouragest me strongly._ (See Note to Song of Solomon 6:5, where the same Hebrew form occurs.) IN MY SOUL. — Or, _at my desire. _... [ Continue Reading ]
The general sense of these verses is plain, though there are slightly different ways of understanding the expressions. The psalmist imagines that the word or _promise,_ which has been so abundantly fulfilled, will, by its performance, convince all the kings of the earth, and bring them in confession... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE WAYS. — Rather, _of the ways,_ this preposition being so used frequently after verbs of speaking praising (comp. Psalms 20:7; Psalms 44:8; Psalms 87:3; Psalms 105:2), though there is no parallel instance of such a use with this particular verb _sing._ For _ways_ used of God’s mighty works in... [ Continue Reading ]
KNOWETH AFAR OFF. — Or, _recognises from afar._ From His exaltation Jehovah looks down alike on the lowly and on the proud, but it is to show a gracious interest in the former, while the latter are merely marked as persons to be kept at a distance. “Lowliness and humility are the court dress of God;... [ Continue Reading ]
This verse echoes Psalms 23:4; Psalms 30:3; Psalms 71:20. AGAINST THE WRATH. — Or perhaps, _upon the wrath. _... [ Continue Reading ]
PERFECT THAT WHICH CONCERNETH ME. — Or, as in the analogous phrase (Psalms 57:2), _will complete for me_ — _i.e.,_ either _“_all my undertakings,” or, as in Philippians 1:6, “what he has begun in and for me.” FORSAKE NOT. — Better, _the works of Thine hands; do not leave them unfinished._ (See for... [ Continue Reading ]