LXXVI. The LXX. (followed by the Vulgate) have added to the Hebrew inscription of this psalm the words “to the Assyrian,” indicating that at an early period it was, as it is still by many modern scholars, connected with the overthrow of Sennacherib. Certainly the Psalms 76:5 are most suitable to tha... [ Continue Reading ]
JUDAH... ISRAEL. — A comparison with Psalms 114:1, leads to the conclusion that these names are introduced here in this order, simply for the rhythm. (Comp. “Salem” and “Sion” in the next verse, and notice that the four names offer an instance of introversion, the more restricted terms, Judah, Sion,... [ Continue Reading ]
SALEM. — The LXX. and Vulgate translate “his place was in peace,” and possibly the poet may use the word _Salem_ with the thought in his mind of the peace won by God for Judah, or, again, it may be only a poet’s preference for an ancient over a modern name; but the identification of the Salem of Gen... [ Continue Reading ]
THERE. — This word in Psalms 14:5 does not appear to have a strictly definite local sense; and here may refer to time, possibly to some event, which we are not able with certainty to recover. ARROWS. — Literally, flashes. (See Note, Song of Solomon 8:6.) The image may be derived from the lightning... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU ART... — Better, _Splendid art thou, glorious one, from the mountains of prey._ The construction is somewhat doubtful and favours Hupfeld’s emendation (_nora, i.e., to be feared,_ as in verses 8 and 13, instead of _noar, i.e., glorious_). Certainly the comparative of the Authorised Version is t... [ Continue Reading ]
ARE SPOILED. — Literally, _have let themselves be spoiled._ The picture is of men rendered powerless, at a glance, a word, from God. SLEPT THEIR SLEEP. — Better, _have sunk into a deep sleep._ NONE OF THE MEN OF MIGHT HAVE FOUND THEIR HANDS. — This expression for powerlessness naturally grew into a... [ Continue Reading ]
ARE CAST INTO A DEEP SLEEP. — The same Hebrew expression is used of Sisera’s profound slumber (Judges 4:21). Deborah’s Song and Exodus 15 are in the poet’s mind, as they were to the author of Isaiah 43:17, and as they have inspired the well-known lines of Byron’s “Sennacherib.”... [ Continue Reading ]
OF THE EARTH. — Or, _of the land. _... [ Continue Reading ]
SURELY. — The text of this verse as it stands is unintelligible — “Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee; The residue of wrath Thou shalt gird Thyself with.” But the LXX. and Vulg. suggest the necessary emendation — “ Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee, And the residue of wraths do The... [ Continue Reading ]
VOW, AND PAY... — This clause seems to be addressed to the Israelites, the next to the heathen.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE SHALL CUT OFF... — Literally, _lop off,_ as a vinedresser prunes a vine. For the image see Joel 3:13; Isaiah 18:5; Revelation 14:17 _seq._ SPIRIT — _i.e._, the life.... [ Continue Reading ]