XXVIII. This psalm gives no distinct indication of its authorship or date of composition. The writer appears to be in a critical condition of health (Psalms 28:1), and fears death as a mark of Divine punishment, involving him, though innocent, with the wicked. If the psalm is the product of one pen... [ Continue Reading ]
MY ROCK. — Heb., _tsûr,_ from a root implying “bind together” (Deuteronomy 14:25), not necessarily therefore with sense of height, but with that of strength and solidity. Thus Tyre (or Tsûr) is built on a broad shelf of rock. We see from Deuteronomy 32:30; 1 Samuel 2:2, that “rock” was a common meta... [ Continue Reading ]
LIFT UP MY HANDS. — For interesting illustrations of this Oriental custom see Exodus 9:29; 1 Kings 8:22, &c. Compare the well-known line: — “If, knowing God, they lift not hands of prayer.” TENNYSON: _Morte d’Arthur._ HOLY ORACLE. — Better, _the shrine of thy sanctuary_ (see margin) — _i.e.,_ the... [ Continue Reading ]
DRAW ME NOT. — Better, _Drag me not._ In Ezekiel 32:18 _seq.,_ we have a magnificent vision of judgment, in which the wicked nations are represented as being dragged to death and destruction. In the person of the poet, Israel prays not to be involved in such a punishment. The words “which speak peac... [ Continue Reading ]
GIVE THEM ACCORDING TO THEIR DEEDS. — The justice of the _lex talionis_ was deeply impressed on the mind of Israel, and we need not wonder to find its enforcement made the subject of prayer. A general notice of the imprecations of the Psalms will be found in the General Introduction (VI.). Here it i... [ Continue Reading ]
THE WORKS OF THE LORD, NOR THE OPERATION OF HIS HANDS — _i.e.,_ His strict and even-handed justice, which the wicked forget or, deceived by appearances (Isaiah 5:19), ignore. For the contrast between “build up” and “pull down,” compare Jeremiah 42:10. This verse is in that prophet’s style (Jeremiah... [ Continue Reading ]
This burst of thanksgiving, breaking in on the poet’s prayer, has led to the supposition that an interval elapsed between the composition of the former part of the psalm and this verse, and that the writer takes up his pen to record the answer his supplications have received. Others regard the psalm... [ Continue Reading ]
THEREFORE MY HEART GREATLY REJOICETH. — Better, _danceth for joy,_ as in the Prayer Book. Another possible translation is, “And when I have been helped my heart will dance for joy.” WITH MY SONG. — Literally, _from my song,_ but the reading is doubtful. The LXX. have “my flesh has flourished,” whic... [ Continue Reading ]
THEIR STRENGTH — _i.e._, the strength of His people, who are throughout in the poet’s thought, even if it is the individual and not the community that speaks. The LXX. and Vulg. read (comp. Psalms 29:11) “to his people.” SAVING STRENGTH. — Better, _stronghold of salvation._ (See margin.)... [ Continue Reading ]
FEED... LIFT THEM UP. — These words suggest comparison with Isaiah 40:11; Isaiah 63:9. The incorporation of this petition in the _Te Deum_ is one of those interesting facts that link the Christian worship with the Jewish.... [ Continue Reading ]