XLVI. This psalm reflects the feelings with which a people, secure in the sense of Divine protection, looks on while surrounding nations are convulsed, and calmly awaits the issue. Such a situation was that of Israel in the seventh century B.C, while the giant powers of Egypt and Assyria were rendi... [ Continue Reading ]
REFUGE AND STRENGTH. — Better, _a refuge and stronghold,_ or _a sure stronghold,_ as in Luther’s hymn, Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott. A VERY PRESENT HELP. — Better, _often found a help. _... [ Continue Reading ]
THOUGH THE EARTH BE REMOVED. — Literally, _at the changing of the earth._ Possibly with the same figure implied, which is expressed, Psalms 102:26, of the worn-out or soiled vesture. The psalmist was thinking of the sudden convulsion of earthquake, and figures Israel fearless amid the tottering king... [ Continue Reading ]
THOUGH THE WATERS... — The original is very expressive in its conciseness: “They roar, they foam, its waters.” Comp. Homer’s equally concise description, including in three words the “rush,” the “swell,” and the “roar” of ocean (_Iliad, xxiii._ 230). SWELLING. — Or, _pride._ (Comp. Job 38:11.) Th... [ Continue Reading ]
A RIVER... — Heb., _nâhar, i.e.,_ a perennial stream, as distinguished from _nâchal,_ a torrent bed dry except in the rainy season. Plainly, then, the “Cedron” is not here alluded to. But many commentators think “Siloam” is intended. (See Stanley, _Sinai and Palestine,_ p. 180, and comp. Isaiah 12:3... [ Continue Reading ]
RIGHT EARLY. — Literally, _at the turning of the morning._ Evidently metaphorical of the dawn of a brighter day.... [ Continue Reading ]
The absence of conjunctions, and sudden change from the preterite to the future, lends a vividness to the picture. “Raged heathen, tottered kingdoms Gave with His voice (the signal) (and lo!) Melts the earth.”... [ Continue Reading ]
LORD OF HOSTS. — See Note on Psalms 24:10. REFUGE. — Rightly in the margin with idea of height, as giving security.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LORD. — Many MSS. read _Elohîm_ instead of “Jehovah.” DESOLATIONS... — Either, _silence of desolation, “_silence” being the primary sense of the word, or (as in Jeremiah 19:8), _wonders,_ which silence by their suddenness and marvel. So LXX. and Vulg., and this is confirmed by Psalms 46:10.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE MAKETH. — Comp. _Virg. Æn.,_ 3:560.... [ Continue Reading ]
I AM GOD. — The introduction of the Divine Protector Himself speaking just before the refrain is a fine touch of art.... [ Continue Reading ]