PSALM LII _The psalmist points out the malevolence of a powerful enemy,_ _and predicts his destruction_, 1-5. _At which destruction the righteous should rejoice_, 6, 7. _The psalmist's confidence on God_, 8, 9. NOTES ON PSALM LII The _title_ is, "To the chief Musician, an instructive Psalm of... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 52:2. _DEVISETH MISCHIEFS_] Lies and slanders proceeding from the tongue argue the desperate wickedness of the heart. _LIKE A SHARP RAZOR, WORKING DECEITFULLY._] Which instead of taking off the beard, cuts and wounds the flesh; or as the operator who, when pretending to trim the beard,... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 52:3. _THOU LOVEST EVIL_] This was a finished character. Let us note the particulars: 1. He boasted in the power to do evil. 2. His tongue devised, studied, planned, and spoke mischiefs. 3. He was a deceitful worker. 4. He loved evil and not good. 5. He loved lying; his delight was... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 52:5. _GOD SHALL LIKEWISE DESTROY THEE_] 1. God shall _set_ _himself_ to destroy thee; יתצך _yittotscha_, "he will pull down thy building;" he shall unroof it, dilapidate, and dig up thy foundation. 2. He shall bruise or break thee to pieces for ever; thou shalt have neither strength,... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 52:6. _THE RIGHTEOUS ALSO SHALL SEE, AND FEAR_] The thing shall be done in the sight of the saints; they shall see God's judgments on the workers of iniquity; and they shall _fear_ a God so holy and just, and feel the necessity of being doubly on their guard lest they fall into the same... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 52:7. _MADE NOT GOD HIS STRENGTH_] Did not make God his _portion_. _IN THE ABUNDANCE OF HIS RICHES_] Literally, in the _multiplication_ _of his riches_. He had got much, he hoped to get more, and expected that his _happiness_ would _multiply_ as his _riches_ multiplied. And this is the... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 52:8. _BUT I_ AM _LIKE A GREEN OLIVE-TREE IN THE HOUSE OF GOD_] _I_ _shall be in the house of God_, full of spiritual vigour, bringing forth evergreen leaves and annual fruit, as the _olive_ does when planted in a proper soil and good situation. It does not mean that there were _olive-t... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 52:9. _I WILL PRAISE THEE FOR EVER_] Because I know that all my good comes from thee; therefore, will I ever praise thee for that good. _I WILL WAIT ON THY NAME_] I will expect all my blessings from the all-sufficient _Jehovah_, who is _eternal_ and _unchangeable_. IT IS _GOOD BEFORE... [ Continue Reading ]