Psalms 49:4

_I WILL INCLINE MINE EAR TO A PARABLE: I WILL OPEN MY DARK SAYING UPON THE HARP._ I will incline mine ear to a parable - or 'similitude' х_ MAASHAAL_ (H4912)]: a sententiously expressed truth. "I will incline mine ear to" it implies that the wisdom which he is about to impart is not of his own acquisition (2 Samuel 23:2), but one imparted to him by revelation. I WILL OPEN MY DARK SAYING - enigma, or hard question; a discourse having a deep sense х_ CHIYRAAH _ (H2437)] (1 Kings 10:1). Connected with the parable" also in Psalms 78:2, "I will open," i:e., bring forth openly, with mouth, from the trea

4._I will incline my ear _(214) _to a parable _The Hebrew word משל _, mashal, _(215) which I have translated _parable, _properly denotes a _similitude; _but it is often applied to any deep or weighty sayings, because these are generally embellished with figures and metaphors. The noun which follows, חידת, _chidoth _(216) and which I have rendered _an enigma, _or _riddle, _is to be understood in nearly the same sense. In Ezekiel 17:2, we have both the nouns with their corresponding verbs joined together, חור חידה ומשל משל, _chud chedah umshol mashal, _the literal translation being, “Enigmatize an enigma, and parabolize a parable.” I am awa

1-5 We seldom meet with a more solemn introduction: there is no truth of greater importance. Let all hear this with application to ourselves. The poor are in danger from undue desire toward the wealth of the world, as rich people from undue delight in it. The psalmist begins with applying it to himself, and that is the right method in which to treat of Divine things. Before he sets down the folly of carnal security, he lays down, from his own experience, the benefit and comfort of a holy, gracious security, which they enjoy who trust in God, and not in their worldly wealth. In the day of judgment, the iniquity of our heels, or of our steps, our past sins, will compass us. In those days, worldly, wicked people will be afraid; but wherefore should a man fear death who has God with him?...

Verse Psalms 49:4. _I WILL INCLINE MINE EAR TO A PARABLE_] This was the general method of conveying instruction among the Asiatics. They used much figure and metaphor to induce the reader to study deeply in order to find out the meaning. This had its use; it obliged men to _think_ and _reflect_ deeply; and thus in some measure taught them the use, government, and management of their _minds_. _MY DARK SAYING UPON THE HARP._] Music was sometimes used to soothe the animal spirits, and thus prepare the mind for the prophetic influx....

I WILL INCLINE MINE EAR TO A PARABLE - The phrase “I will incline mine ear” means that he would listen or attend to - as we incline our ear toward those whom we are anxious to hear, or in the direction from which a sound seems to come. Compare Psalms 5:1; Psalms 17:1; Psalms 39:12; Isaiah 1:2. On the word rendered “parable” here משׁל _mâshâl_ - see the notes at Isaiah 14:4. Compare Job 13:12, note;...

EXPOSITION THIS is a didactic poem, and resembles in some respects Psalms 37:1, and Psalms 73:1. It deals with the same problem—the contrast between the lot of the righteous man, whom the wicked persecute continually (Psalms 73:5), and these wicked themselves, who are wealthy and prosperous, found families, leave them their wealth, and even "call their lands after their own names" (Psalms 73:6, Psalms 73:10, Psalms 73:11). The problem is solve

I WILL INCLINE MINE EAR TO A PARABLE,.... In which way of speaking the doctrines of the Gospel were delivered out by Christ, Matthew 13:3. Wherefore the prophet, representing his apostles and disciples, signifies that he would listen thereunto, that he might attain to the knowledge thereof, and communicate it to others; I WILL OPEN MY DARK SAYING UPON THE HARP; the enigmas, riddles, and mysteries of the Gospel, being understood by the ministers of it, are opened and explained in a very pleasant and delightful manner; they are made clear and evident, and are as a lovely song upon a harp; see Ezekiel 33:32....

The chief musician here bids us not to fear the ungodly. However high they may be placed, they are but dying men, and when they die their hope shall perish with them. He gives a very graphic description of the deathbed and of the perdition of ungodly men. Psalms 49:1. _Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world: both low and high, rich and poor, together._ Whenever God has a voice for men, it is meant for all sorts of men. No Scripture is of private interpretation. No warning is intended only for a few. Hear ye this, then, all ye people. Whether ye be low, ye are not too low to listen to his voice; or, whether ye be high, ye are not too high to be under his supremacy. Psalms 49:3. My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart sh

Psalms 49 Retrospects and Meditations _ 1. Hear this, all ye peoples! (Psalms 49:1)_ 2. His message of retrospect and encouragement (Psalms 49:5) If such is the outcome and the goal of the purposes of God concerning His people, why should they fear in the days of evil, which precede the coming glory? The ungodly will pass away no matter how great their riches are, nor can they redeem themselves; their way is folly; like sheep they are laid in the grave and death feeds on them. But different is the lot of the righteous. They shall have dominion over them in the morning, when the night of suffering and trouble is ended. They will be redeemed from the power of the grave and He shall receive them, “for He

XLIX. THE IMMORTALITY OF THE RIGHTEOUS. The poet takes a popular proverb for his theme. This proverb recurs as a refrain in Psalms 49:12 and Psalms 49:20, and it probably stood originally after Psalms 49:8 and Psalms 49:15 also. Adopting this supposition we find that the Ps. falls into five parts, Psalms 49:1; Psalms 49:5; Psalms 49:9;...