LXXIX. The relation of this psalm to Psalms 74 is so close, notwithstanding some points of difference, that commentators are almost unanimous in assigning them to the same period, if not the same author. Psalms 79:1, indeed, by itself seems to point to a _profanation_ of the Temple, such as that by... [ Continue Reading ]
INHERITANCE. — Probably intended to embrace both _land_ and _people._ (Exodus 15:17; Psalms 74:2, &c.) HEAPS — _i.e., ruins._ (Comp. Micah 3:12; Jeremiah 26:18; and in singular, Micah 1:6.)... [ Continue Reading ]
In addition to references in Margin see Deuteronomy 28:26. SAINTS. — Heb., _chasîdîm._ (See Note, Psalms 16:10.) Here with definite allusion to the _Assdœans_ of 1 Maccabees 7.... [ Continue Reading ]
THEIR BLOOD. — In 1Ma. 7:17, we read “The flesh of thy saints and their blood have they shed round about Jerusalem, and there was none to bury them,” introduced by “according to the word which he wrote.” This is evidently a free quotation from this psalm, and seems to imply a reference to a contempo... [ Continue Reading ]
This verse occurs Psalms 44:13. Also possibly a Maccabæan psalm. (See Introduction to that psalm.) The scenes still witnessed by travellers at the Jews’ wailing-place offer a striking illustration of the foregoing verses, showing, as they do, how deep-seated is the love of an ancient place in the O... [ Continue Reading ]
HOW LONG, LORD? — The dominant cry of the Maccabæan age. (See Psalms 74:9.)... [ Continue Reading ]
(6-7) The poet prays in prophetical strain, that the fire of indignation may be turned from Israel and directed against the heathen oppressors, (For the relation to Jeremiah 10:25, see Introduction.)... [ Continue Reading ]
DWELLING PLACE. — Literally, _pasture,_ as in Jeremiah 23:3; Jeremiah 49:20; Jeremiah 1:19. The figure is a favourite one in the Asaphic group of psalms. FORMER INIQUITIES. — Better, _iniquities of former ones, i.e., of ancestors._ (Comp. Leviticus 26:45, “covenant of their ancestors,” and for the... [ Continue Reading ]
PURGE AWAY. — Rather, _put a cover on._ So Cicero speaks of political crimes being _covered_ by the plea of friendship. OUR SINS. — How is this to be taken in connection with Psalms 79:8? Does the psalmist admit guilt in his own generation, as well as in those of former times? Or is he thinking onl... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEREFORE. — Taken from Joel 2:17. LET HIM BE KNOWN. — Better, _Let it be known, i.e.,_ where God is. Let the answer to the question be given in vengeance, and let us see it.... [ Continue Reading ]
APPOINTED TO DIE. — See margin. This expression, as well as the “sighing of the prisoners,” occurs, Psalms 102:20, of the sufferers in the Captivity.... [ Continue Reading ]
NEIGHBOURS. — The sharpest pang of the suffering came from the taunts of “neighbours. (See Psalms 79:4.) SEVENFOLD. — As in Genesis 4:15. We naturally contrast the law of Christian forgiveness. INTO THEIR BOSOM. — The deep folds of the Eastern dress were used as a pocket. (Comp. Ruth 3:15; Isaiah... [ Continue Reading ]
“The last word of the psalm is _Tehillah;_ the one crowning privilege of God’s people; the exulting and triumphant confidence in God, which only His chosen can entertain and express. It is here placed in splendid contrast with the reproach of the heathen, and of the malicious neighbours mentioned in... [ Continue Reading ]