Psalms 73:1--89:52
Asaph .............. pure <0623 01249> [(Title.) of. or, for.]
God <0430> [Truly. or, Yet.]
God <0430> [God.]
pure <01249> [to such.]
motives ... pure <03824 01249> [of a clean heart. Heb. clean of heart.]
feet <07272> [But.]
feet <07272> [feet.]
feet <0838> [steps.]
envied <07065> [I was.]
pain <02784> [no.]
well-fed <01277> [firm. Heb. fat.]
trouble <05999> [They are.]
trouble .... men <05999 0582> [in trouble as other. Heb. in the trouble of other. like.]
Heb. with.
Arrogance <01346> [Therefore.]
necklace <06059> [as a chain.]
violence <02555> [violence.]
<05848> [covereth.]
<05869> [eyes.]
<05674> [have, etc. Heb. pass the thoughts of the heart.]
mock <04167> [corrupt.]
say evil things .... threaten <07451 01696> [speak wickedly.]
say ..... proudly threaten <04791 01696> [speak loftily.]
speak <08371> [set.]
<03956> [tongue.]
water <04325> [waters.]
God <0410> [How.]
Is <03426> [is there.]
wicked <07563> [these.]
easy <07961> [prosper.]
richer <07685> [they.]
pure <02135> [Verily.]
maintained <07364> [washed.]
day <03117> [For all.]
punished <08433> [chastened. Heb. my chastisement was.]
betrayed <0898> [offend.]
followers <01755> [generation.]
tried <02803> [When.]
troubling ... me <05869 05999> [too painful for me. Heb. labour in mine eyes.]
entered <0935> [Until.]
understood <0995> [then.]
put <07896> [Surely.]
bring ... down <05307> [thou castedst.]
desolate <08047> [How.]
demise <05486> [they are.]
dream <02472> [As a.]
wakes up ...... awake <06974 05782> [when.]
them <06754> [their.]
spirit <03824> [my heart.]
insides <03629> [in my.]
ignorant <01198> [So.]
insight <03045> [ignorant. Heb. I knew not. as a.]
[before thee. Heb. with thee.]
continually <08548> [Nevertheless.]
hold <0270> [thou hast.]
lead <05148> [Thou.]
position <03947> [receive.]
heaven <08064> [Whom.]
earth <0776> [none upon.]
flesh <07607> [flesh.]
God <0430> [but.]
protects <06697> [strength. Heb. rock. portion.]
far from you <07369> [lo.]
unfaithful <02181> [that go.]
I <0589> [But.]
declare <05608> [that I may.]
The LXX., Vulgate, Arabic, and Ethiopic, add "in the gates of the daughter of Zion;" which makes a better conclusion; but it is not acknowledged by any MS. yet collated.
well-written song ... Asaph <04905 0623> [A.M. 3416. B.C. 588. (Title.) Maschil of Asaph. or, A]
Psalm for Asaph to give instruction.
God <0430> [O God.]
burn <06225> [smoke.]
sheep <06629> [the sheep.]
acquired <07069> [purchased.]
nation <07626> [rod. or, tribe. thine.]
rescued <01350> [redeemed.]
Mount <02022> [this mount.]
Hurry and look at <07311> [Lift.]
permanent <05331> [the perpetual.]
enemy <0341> [all.]
enemies <06887> [Thine.]
set up <07760> [they set.]
set ... sanctuary ... fire <0784 04720 07971> [cast fire into thy sanctuary. Heb. sent thy sanctuary into the fire.]
desecrate <02490> [defiled.]
dwelling place <04908> [dwelling.]
say <0559> [said.]
oppress <03238> [destroy. Heb. break. all the synagogues.]
see <07200> [We see.]
prophets <05030> [no more.]
remain inactive <07725> [withdrawest.]
destroy <03615 07130> [pluck it out.]
As the outward habit of the easterns has no sleeves, the hands and arms are frequently covered with the folds of the robe; and, in order to do anything, the hand must be disentangled, and drawn out.
God <0430> [God.]
performing acts <06466> [working.]
destroyed <06565> [divide. Heb. break.]
shattered <07665> [brakest.]
monster <08577> [dragons. or, whales.]
Leviathan <03882> [leviathan.]
fed <03978> [meat.]
broke <01234> [cleave.]
stream <05158> [flood.]
perpetually flowing rivers <0386 05104> [mighty rivers. Heb. rivers of strength.]
day <03117> [The day.]
established <03559> [prepared.]
set <05324> [set.]
created ..... summer <07019 03335> [made summer. Heb. made them summer.]
Remember <02142> [Remember.]
foolish <05036> [the foolish.]
dove <08449> [turtle-dove.]
disregard <07911> [forget.]
Remember <05027> [Have.]
dark regions <04285> [the dark.]
places <04999> [habitations.]
afflicted <01790> [O let not.]
oppressed <06041> [poor.]
Rise up <06965> [Arise.]
Remember <02142> [remember.]
disregard <07911> [Forget.]
shouts <07588> [tumult.]
defy you <05927> [increaseth. Heb. ascendeth.]
al-tashcheth style <0516> [A.M. 3294. B.C. 710. (Title.) Al-tas-chith. or, Destroy not.]
psalm <04210> [A Psalm.]
Some consider this Psalm to have been written by David on his accession to the throne over all Israel; others refer it to the time of the captivity, considering it as a continuation of the subject in the preceding; but Bp. Patrick and others are of opinion that it was composed by Asaph to commemorate the overthrow of Sennacherib's army, 2 Ki 19:1.
Asaph <0623> [of Asaph. or, for Asaph.]
presence <08034> [for that.]
amazing deeds <06381> [wondrous.]
says <03947> [When.]
says .... appointed times <04150 03947> [receive the congregation. or, take a set time.]
earth <0776> [earth.]
make <08505> [I bear.]
pillars <05982> [pillars.]
say <0559> [I said.]
be so confident <07311> [Lift.]
speak <01696> [speak.]
wilderness <04057> [south. Heb. desert.]
God <0430> [God.]
exalts <08213> [he putteth.]
hand <03027> [For in.]
full <04392> [it is full.]
Alluding to the medicated wine or potion of stupifying drugs given to criminals to drink previous to their execution.
slurp <08105> [but the dregs.]
tell <05046> [But.]
power <07161> [All the horns.]
power <07161> [but the horns.]
accompanied by stringed instruments <05058> [(Title.) Neginoth.]
psalm <04210> [A Psalm.]
This Psalm is entitled in the Septuagint, which is followed by the Vulgate and Appollinarius, [ ,] "An ode against the Assyrian;" and it is considered by many of the best commentators to have been composed by Asaph after the defeat of Sennacherib.
Asaph <0623> [of Asaph. or, for Asaph.]
Judah <03063> [In Judah.]
reputation <08034> [his.]
Salem <08004> [Salem.]
dwells <04585> [dwelling.]
shattered <07665> [There.]
hills <02042> [mountains.]
<047> [stout-hearted.]
bravehearted <05123> [they.]
<0582> [and.]
battle cry <01606> [At thy.]
rider <07393> [both.]
fell asleep <07290> [dead.]
awesome <03372> [even thou.]
withstand <05975> [who.]
<0227> [when.]
punishment <01779> [didst.]
silent <08252> [still.]
God <0430> [When.]
deliver <03467> [to save.]
angry ............ anger <02534> [Surely.]
<07611> [remainder.]
vows <05087> [Vow.]
surround <05439> [let all.]
awesome <04172> [unto him. Heb. to fear.]
humbles <01219> [He shall.]
awesome <03372> [terrible.]
Jeduthun <03038> [A.M. cir. 3463. B.C. cir. 541. (Title.) Jeduthun.]
psalm <04210> [A Psalm.]
This Psalm is allowed by the best judges to have been written during the Babylonian captivity.
Asaph <0623> [of Asaph. or, for Asaph.]
cry out <06817> [I cried.]
pay attention <0238> [gave.]
time ................. night <03117 03915> [In the.]
trouble ......... hand ........ I <06869 03027 05315> [my.]
hand <03027> [sore. Heb. hand. my soul.]
remember <02142> [I remembered.]
think <07878> [I complained.]
strength <07307> [spirit.]
held <0270> [holdest.]
troubled <06470> [I am.]
song <05058> [my song.]
think <07878> [commune.]
<07307> [and.]
Lord <0136> [the Lord.]
me ........ me <03254> [and will.]
loyal love <02617> [Is his.]
promise <0562> [doth.]
forever <01755> [for evermore. Heb. to generation and generation.]
God <0410> [God.]
stifled <07092> [shut up.]
sickened <02470> [This is, etc.]
Or, as Dr. Waterland renders, "This my affliction is a change of the right hand of the Most High," i.e., it proceeds from a change of God's conduct towards me. De Dieu renders, {Precari, hoc meum est; mutare dextram Altissimi:} "To pray, this is my business: to change the right hand of the Most High." I can do nothing else than pray: God is the Ruler of events. Mr. N. M. Berlin translates, {Dolere meum hoc est: mutare est dextr‘ Altissimi:} "To grieve is my portion: to change (my condition) belongs to the right hand of the Most High."
<08141> [the years.]
think <01897> [meditate.]
reflect <07878> [talk.]
deeds <01870> [Thy way.]
great <01419> [who.]
God <0410> [the God.]
revealed <03045> [thou hast.]
strength <02220> [with.]
children <01121> [the sons.]
poured down rain <02229 04325> [poured out like water. Heb. were poured forth with water.]
arrows <02687> [thine.]
voice <06963> [voice.]
lightning bolts <01300> [lightnings.]
earth <0776> [earth.]
walked through <01870> [way.]
footprints <06119> [footsteps.]
well-written song <04905> [A.M. 3074. B.C. 930. (Title.) Maschil. or, A Psalm for]
Asaph, to give instruction.
This Psalm was probably written, as Calmet and others suppose, by Asaph in the days of Asa, who had gained, by the aid of the Syrians, a great victory over the Israelites, and brought back to the pure worship of God many out of the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon. .# 2Ch 15:1-16:14
[See on Ps.]
sing ......... make <06605 05042> [I will.]
insightful observations <02420> [dark sayings.]
hide <03582> [We will.]
tell <05608> [shewing.]
praiseworthy acts <08416> [praises.]
established <06965> [For he.]
rule <05715> [testimony.]
The word testimony is used for the ark, and for the law, written on tables of stone, put within the ark, and covered with the mercy seat. This testified the Lord's gracious presence with his people, and seemed to point out to them both the way of access and acceptance, and the standard or rule of their duty.
known <03045> [that they.]
generation <01755> [That.]
grow up <06965> [who.]
Then .... place <07760> [set.]
forget <07911> [not forget.]
<05341> [keep.]
ancestors <01> [as their.]
committed <03559 03820> [set not. Heb. prepared not.]
<07307> [whose.]
Ephraimites <01121> [The children.]
Some think this refers to a defeat of the Ephraimites mentioned in 1 Ch 7:20-22; but it probably refers to the conduct and defeat of the ten tribes of which Ephraim was the head. Nothing is recorded in the history of Israel concerning the cowardice of the Ephraimites, as distinct from that of the other tribes: some therefore think, "that the children of Ephraim" is put by a figure of speech for the nation in general.
armed <07411> [carrying. Heb. throwing forth. turned.]
amazing <06382> [Marvellous.]
Zoan <06814> [Zoan.]
Zoan, the ancient capital of the Pharaohs, where Moses wrought so many miracles, is rendered by the Chaldee, {Tanium,} LXX. [Tanis,] Vulgate, {Tanis,} and Coptic, {Tan‚,} from the Coptic, {ten,} plain, flat, level; being situated in the low ground of the Delta, on one of the eastern branches of the Nile, bearing its own name, near a large lake, now called the lake of Menzala, 44 miles west of Pelusium, and 169 miles east of Alexandria, according to the Antonine Itinerary, and three miles from the Mediterranean, according to the Geograph. Nubiens. Clim. 3, par. 3. There are ruins still remaining to mark the site of Zoan, or Tanis, called San by the Arabs; comprising broken obelisks, capitals of the Corinthian order, a granite monument, etc.
divided <01234> [He divided.]
water <04325> [made.]
asking ... food <07592 0400> [by asking meat.]
insulted <01696> [Yea.]
God ... able <03201 0410> [Can God.]
give <06186> [furnish. Heb. order.]
struck <05221> [he smote.]
can .... give <03201 05414> [can he give.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
fire <0784> [a fire.]
command <06680> [Though.]
opened <06605> [opened.]
rained <04305> [had rained.]
grain ... heaven <08064 01715> [the corn of heaven.]
The manna fell about their camp in the form of seeds; and as it appeared to come down from the clouds, it was not improperly termed {degan shamayim,} the corn of heaven or heavenly grain. See notes on Ex 16:22, 31.
Man <0376> [Man, etc.]
Or, Every one did eat the bread of the mighty. {Lechem abbeerim,} "bread of the mighty:"--they ate such food as could only be expected at the tables of the rich and great;--the best, the most delicate food. Or, it might be so called because it rendered the people healthy and vigorous, and fit for their marches.
sent <07971> [he sent.]
east wind <06921> [He caused.]
brought <05265> [blow. Heb. go.]
rained down <04305> [He rained.]
birds <05775 03671> [feathered fowls. Heb. fowl of wing.]
gave <0935> [for he gave.]
food <0400> [But.]
knees <03766> [smote down. Heb. made to bow. chosen men. or, young men.]
sin <02398> [they sinned.]
trust <0539> [believed.]
unsatisfied <03117> [days.]
terror <08141> [years.]
remembered <02142> [remembered.]
God .... protector ...... God <0410 0430 06697> [God was.]
sovereign <05945> [the high.]
{Ail ‚lyon go„lom,} "the strong God, the Most High, their redeemer," or kinsman: that one who possessed the right of redemption; the nearest akin to him who had forfeited his inheritance, as the word originally means; and hence is used for a redeemer; and here denotes Him who redeemed them from Egyptian bondage.
deliverer <01350> [their redeemer.]
deceived <06601> [Nevertheless.]
lied <03576> [lied.]
<03820> [their heart.]
unfaithful <0539> [stedfast.]
compassionate <07349> [But he.]
often <07235> [many.]
stir <05782> [did not.]
remembered <02142> [For he.]
wind <07307> [a wind.]
Or, as the Hebrew {roo„ch holaich welo yashoov} may be rendered, "the spirit goeth away and returneth not again." To this purpose the Arabic, "He remembered that they were flesh; and a spirit which when it departs, returneth not again." The human being is composed of flesh and spirit, or body and soul: these are easily separated, and when separated, the body turns to dust, and the spirit returns no more to animate the body in a state of probation.
How .... rebelled <04100 04784> [How oft.]
rebelled ...... wilderness <04784 04057> [provoke him. or, rebel against him. grieve.]
again <07725> [Yea.]
offended <08428> [limited.]
remember <02142> [remembered.]
<03117> [the day.]
enemy <06862> [the enemy. or, affliction.]
performed <07760> [How.]
performed <07760> [wrought. Heb. set. wonders.]
The miracles mentioned in this and the four subsequent verses, evidently shew the power of God over the elements of nature, which at that time were the objects of Egyptian worship.
sent <07971> [sent.]
frogs <06854> [frogs.]
gave ... crops <05414 02981> [gave also.]
[the caterpillar.]
{Chosal,} from {chasal,} to consume, eat up, is rendered [\~broucov\~, brouchos] by the LXX., in 2 Ch 6:28, and Aquila here, and also the Vulgate in Chron. and Isa 33:4 and Jerome here, {bruchus,} the chaffer, which every one knows to be a great devourer of the leaves of trees. The Syriac in Joel 1:4; 2:25, renders it {tzartzooro,} which Michaelis, from the Arabic {tzartzar,} a cricket, interprets the mole-cricket, which in its grub state is also very destructive to corn, grass, and other vegetables, by cankering the roots on which it feeds.
destroyed <02026> [destroyed. or, killed. with hail.]
[sycamore.]
From the value of the sycamore in furnishing wood for various uses, from the grateful shade which its wide spreading branches afforded, and on account of the fruit, which Mr. Maillet says the Egyptians hold in the highest estimation, we may conceive somewhat of the loss they sustained when "their vines were destroyed with hail; and their sycamore trees with frost." See Note on 1 Ch 27:28.
driving rain <02602> [frost. or, great hailstones.]
rained ... down <05462> [gave up. Heb. shut up. hot thunderbolts. or, lightnings.]
sent <07971> [cast.]
lashed out <04917> [by sending.]
sent <06424> [made away. Heb. weighed a path. he spared.]
lives over ... destruction <05462 01698 02416> [life over to the pestilence. or, beasts to the murrain.]
struck <05221> [smote.]
firstfruits <07225> [the chief.]
tents <0168> [tabernacles.]
people <05971> [But.]
flock <05739> [like a.]
<06342> [so that.]
sea <03220> [but.]
covered <03680> [overwhelmed. Heb. covered.]
brought <0935> [And he.]
right hand <03225> [his right.]
[cost.]
assigned <05307> [divided.]
tribes <07626> [and made.]
unfaithful <05472> [But.]
unreliable <02015> [they were.]
pagan shrines <01116> [their high.]
jealous <07065> [moved.]
pagan shrines ........ idols <01116 06456> [with.]
God <0430> [God.]
completely <03966> [greatly.]
strong <05797> [his strength.]
That is, the ark, where his power and glory were displayed.
splendor <08597> [glory.]
delivered <05462> [gave.]
[wrought.]
Fire <0784> [fire.]
virgins <01330> [maidens.]
unmarried <01984> [given to marriage. Heb. praised.]
priests <03548> [priests.]
widows <0490> [widows.]
Lord <0136> [Then.]
warrior <01368> [and like.]
drove <05221> [And he.]
target <05414> [he put.]
chose <0977> [chose.]
Mount <02022> [mount.]
enduring <01129> [And he.]
<07311> [high.]
earth <0776> [earth.]
established <03245> [established. Heb. founded.]
chose <0977> [chose.]
took <03947> [and took.]
following <0310> [From following. Heb. From after. ewes.]
took <0935> [brought.]
shepherd <07462> [feed.]
motives <08537> [according.]
led <05148> [guided.]
psalm <04210> [A.M. 3416. B.C. 588. (Title.) A Psalm.]
This Psalm is supposed, with much probability, to have been written on the destruction of the city and temple of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar.
Asaph <0623> [of Asaph. or, for Asaph.]
foreigners <01471> [the heathen.]
chosen land <05159> [into.]
holy <06944> [holy.]
turned <07760> [have laid.]
blood <01818> [Their.]
bury <06912> [and there, etc.]
Either there was no friend or relation left to bury them, or none was allowed to perform this last sad office. The despotism of eastern princes often proceeds to such a degree of extravagance as to fill the mind with astonishment and horror. In Morocco, no person dares to bury the body of a malefactor without an order from the emperor; and Windus, speaking of a man who was to have been sawn in two, informs us, that "his body must have remained to be eaten by the dogs, if the emperor had not pardoned him."
object of disdain <02781> [become.]
taunt <03933> [scorn.]
Lord <03068> [How long.]
angry <0599> [wilt.]
rage <07068> [jealousy.]
Pour out <08210> [Pour.]
nations ......... kingdoms ....... you <01471 04467 08034> [upon.]
acknowledge <03045> [not known.]
pray <07121> [not called.]
devoured <0398> [For they.]
destroyed <08074> [laid.]
hold ... accountable <02142> [remember.]
sins ... earlier <05771 07223> [former iniquities. or, the iniquities of them that were before us.]
compassion <07356> [let thy.]
trouble <01809> [we are.]
sake .... glorious <01697 03519> [for the.]
Forgive <03722> [purge.]
reputation ............ reputation <08034> [for thy.]
nations ...................... nations <01471> [Wherefore.]
<03045> [let him.]
avenged <05360> [by the.]
avenged <05360> [revenging. Heb. vengeance.]
painful cries <0603> [sighing.]
great <01433> [according.]
strength <02220> [thy power. Heb. thine arm.]
set free ... condemned ... die <03498 01121 08546> [preserve thou those that are appointed to die. Heb. reserve the children of death.]
Pay back <07725> [render.]
insulted <02778> [wherewith. See on Ps.]
people <05971> [thy people.]
tell <05608> [we will.]
coming generations <01755> [all generations. Heb. generation and generation.]
shushan-eduth style <07802> [A.M. cir. 3463. B.C. cir. 541. (Title.) Shoshannim-Eduth.]
psalm <04210> [A Psalm.]
This Psalm is generally supposed to have been written during the Babylonian captivity; but some think it refers to the desolations made by Sennacherib.
Asaph <0623> [of Asaph. or, for Asaph.]
attention <0238> [Give ear.]
shepherd <07462> [O Shepherd.]
lead <05090> [leadest.]
who ... enthroned <03427> [dwellest.]
splendor <03313> [shine.]
sight <06440> [Before.]
These three tribes, in the wilderness, marched immediately after the ark and cherubim, by Divine appointment, to which this appears to be an allusion.
reveal <05782> [stir up.]
deliver <03444 03212> [come and save us. Heb. come for salvation to us.]
restore <07725> [Turn us.]
<06440> [cause.]
angry <06225> [how long.]
angry <06225> [be angry. Heb. smoke.]
made <07760> [Thou.]
enemies <0341> [our enemies.]
restore <07725> [Turn.]
delivered <03467> [we shall.]
vine <01612> [a vine.]
drove <01644> [thou hast cast.]
This most elegant allegory, which is every where well supported, is frequently employed by sacred writers: see the Parallel Passages.
cleared <06437> [preparedst.]
root <08328> [to take.]
filled <04390> [and it.]
highest cedars <0730 0410> [goodly cedars. Heb. cedars of God.]
break down <06555> [broken.]
boars <02386> [The boar.]
This wild boar, {chazir,} is the parent stock of our domestic hog. He is much smaller, but stronger, and more undaunted, colour, an iron grey inclining to black; snout, longer than that of the common breed: ears comparatively short; tusks, very formidable; and habits, fierce and savage. He is particularly destructive to corn-fields and vineyards.
back <07725> [Return.]
Look <05027> [look down.]
root <03657> [vineyard.]
shoot <01121> [the branch.]
Or, "the Son," {ben,} or as 18 MSS., LXX., Vulgate, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic read, {ben adam,} "Son of man;" which the Targumist renders {makla mesheecha,} "the King Messiah."
burned <08313> [burned.]
die <06> [perish.]
turn away <05472> [So will.]
Revive <02421> [quicken.]
restore <07725> [Turn us.]
<06440> [cause.]
gittith style <01665> [A.M. 3489. B.C. 515. (Title.) Gittith.]
Asaph <0623> [A Psalm.]
Some suppose this Psalm to have been composed to be sung at the feast of Trumpets, before the time of David; and others think it was written at the removal of the ark to Mount Zion; but the most probable opinion is, that it was sung at the dedication of the second temple.
Asaph <0623> [of Asaph. or, for Asaph.]
Shout <07442> [Sing.]
strength <05797> [our strength.]
Shout <07321> [make.]
God .......... God <0430> [the God.]
<08628> [Blow.]
new moon <02320> [new.]
festival <02282> [solemn.]
Joseph <03084> [in Joseph.]
regulation <05715> [for a.]
land <0776> [through. or, against.]
heard <08085> [where.]
removed <05493> [I removed.]
holding <05674> [were delivered. Heb. passed away. from the pots.]
Or rather, as {dood} also signifies, (see 2 Ki 10:7; Jer 24:2,} the basket: so LXX., and Symmachus, [\~kofinov\~, kophinos,] and Vulgate and Jerome, {cophino;} and Diodati, {le sue mani si non dipartite dalle corbe,} "his hands were removed from the baskets," i.e., says he in a note, {de portar la terra da far mattoni,} "from carrying earth to make bricks," Ex 1:14.
called out <07121> [calledst.]
from a dark <05643> [secret.]
tested <0974> [proved.]
Meribah <04809> [Meribah. or, strife.]
Listen .............. obey <08085> [Hear.]
Listen .............. obey <08085> [if thou wilt.]
no other <02114> [There shall.]
no other .......... foreign <02114 05236> [strange.]
Lord <03068> [I am.]
mouth <06310> [open.]
people <05971> [people.]
submit <014> [would none.]
gave <07971> [I gave.]
stubborn desires <08307 03820> [their own hearts' lust. or, the hardness of their hearts, or imaginations. they walked.]
only ... people <03863 05971> [Oh that.]
would quickly <04592> [I should.]
Then ......... attack <07725> [turned.]
hate <08130> [The haters.]
cower .......... humiliated <03584 06256> [submitted themselves. or yielded feigned obedience. Heb. lied.]
humiliated <06256> [time.]
feed <0398> [fed.]
best wheat <02406 02459> [finest of the wheat. Heb. fat of wheat. honey.]
psalm <04210> [A.M. 3108. B.C. 896. (Title.) A Psalm.]
Some refer this psalm to the time of David, and others to that of Hezekiah; but it is more probable that it was composed when Jehoshaphat reformed the courts throughout his kingdom.
Asaph <0623> [of Asaph. or, for Asaph.]
God ............. gods <0430> [God, etc.]
Or, "God standeth in the assembly of God, {ail,} he judgeth among the judges." {Elohim:} God is among His own people; and presides especially in those courts of justice which Himself has established.
God ............. gods <0430> [the gods.]
make .... decisions <08199> [How.]
make .... decisions <08199> [judge.]
favoritism <05375> [accept.]
Defend .......... Vindicate <08199> [Defend. Heb. Judge.]
<06663> [do.]
Rescue <06403> [Deliver.]
Deliver <05337> [rid.]
know ... understand ... stumble <03045 0995 01980> [They.]
That is, the judges know not.
know ... understand <03045 0995> [know not.]
stumble <01980> [walk.]
foundations <04144> [all the, etc.]
All the civil institutions of the land totter.
crumble <04131> [out of course. Heb. moved.]
Yet <0403> [But.]
mortals <0120> [like men.]
Or, "like Adam," {ke„dam.}
fall <05307> [and fall, etc.]
Or, "as fall as one of them, O ye princes."
Rise <06965> [Arise.]
own <05157> [thou.]
song <07892> [A.M. 3416. B.C. 588. (Title.) A song.]
Some refer this Psalm to the confederacy against Jehoshaphat, and others to the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar.
Asaph <0623> [of Asaph. or, for Asaph.]
silent <01824> [Keep.]
be inactive <08252> [be not.]
enemies <0341> [For, lo.]
hate <08130> [that hate.]
hostile <05375> [lifted.]
carefully <06191> [They.]
cherish <06845> [thy hidden.]
devise <03289> [For.]
strategy <03820> [consent. Heb. heart. they are.]
tents <0168> [The tabernacles.]
Tents are mentioned because it was the custom of these people, particularly the Ishmaelites, to live a migratory or wandering life; encamping sometimes in one place, and sometimes in another, as they found convenience for themselves and cattle; a custom retained by their descendants to the present day.
Edom <0123> [Edom.]
Hagrites <01905> [Hagarenes.]
[Hagarites.]
Gebal <01381> [Gebal.]
Assyria <0804> [Assur.]
Assur is the same in the original as Asshur, or Assyria.
[Asshur.]
strength <02220> [holpen. Heb. been an arm to.]
descendants <01121> [the children.]
Midian <04080> [as unto.]
Sisera <05516> [as to Sisera.]
Kishon <07028> [of Kison.]
The variations of Kison and Kishon only exists in the translation; the original being uniformly Kishon.
Endor <05874> [Endor.]
manure <01828> [as dung.]
Oreb <06159> [Oreb.]
Zebah <02078> [Zebah.]
God <0430> [O my.]
dead thistles <01534> [like.]
dead weeds <07179> [as the.]
fire <0784> [As the fire.]
flames <03852> [the flame.]
know <03045> [That men.]
Lord <08034> [whose.]
sovereign <05945> [the most.]
gittith style <01665> [A.M. 3469. B.C. 535. (Title.) Gittith.]
psalm <04210> [A Psalm.]
Some suppose this Psalm was composed by David when driven from Jerusalem by Absalom's rebellion: but it is more probable that it was written at the foundation of the second temple.
Korahites <01121> [for. or, of.]
lovely <03039> [How.]
Lord <03068> [O Lord.]
<05315> [soul.]
heart <03820> [heart.]
birds <06833> [Yea, etc.]
Or, rather, "Even as the sparrow findeth a house, and the swallow ({deror,} or the ring-dove, according to some, but probably the bird which Forskal mentions among the migratory birds of Alexandria, by the name of {dururi}) a nest for herself where she may lay her young, (so I seek) thine altars, O Jehovah, God of hosts, my King and my God." That is, as nature inclines birds to seek and prepare their nests, so grace has taught me to desire thy altars, and to worship there.
birds <06833> [sparrow.]
blessed <0835> [Blessed.]
praise <01984> [they will.]
strength <05797> [strength.]
<03824> [in whose.]
pass <05674> [Who.]
Baca <01056> [Baca, etc. or, mulberry-trees, make him a well, etc.]
{Baca} is probably a large shrub, which the Arabs still call {baca,} (see on 2 Sa 5:23;) and this valley, as Celsius observes, seems to be one "embarrassed with [such] bushes and thorns, which could not be passed without labour and tears,"--{bacah,} as 7 MSS., Aquila, and Vulgate read.
water <04175> [the rain.]
covers <05844> [filleth. Heb. covereth.]
<03212> [They.]
sustained <02428> [strength to strength. Heb. company to company.]
Zion <06726> [in Zion.]
shield <04043> [our.]
<06440> [the face.]
day <03117> [For.]
would rather <0977> [I had, etc. Heb. I would choose rather to sit at the threshold.]
live <01752> [to dwell.]
protector <08121> [a sun.]
protector <04043> [shield.]
Lord ........ Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
good <02896> [no.]
integrity <01980> [walk.]
blessed <0835> [blessed.]
Korahites <01121> [A.M. 3468. B.C. 536. (Title.) for. or, of.]
Lord <03068> [Lord.]
favor .... land <07521 0776> [favourable unto. or, well pleased with.]
favor ...... restored <07521 07725> [thou hast.]
pardoned <05375> [forgiven.]
withdrew <0622> [taken.]
back <07725> [turned, etc. or, turned thine anger from waxing hot.]
Restore .... God <07725 0430> [turn us.]
The Israelites were not restored from their captivity all at once: a few returned with Zerubbabel, some more with Ezra and Nehemiah; but a great number still remained in Babylonia, Media, Assyria, etc.; and therefore the Psalmist prays for a complete restoration.
God <0430> [O God.]
displeased <03708> [cause.]
mad <0599> [angry.]
remain <04900> [draw.]
revive <02421> [revive.]
people <05971> [people.]
listen <08085> [hear.]
says ..... make <01696> [for he.]
faithful followers <02623> [to his.]
return <07725> [but.]
foolish <03690> [folly.]
deliverance <03468> [Surely.]
splendor <03519> [glory.]
Loyal love <02617> [Mercy.]
deliverance <06664> [righteousness.]
Faithfulness <0571> [Truth.]
deliverance <06664> [righteousness.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
land <0776> [our land.]
Deliverance <06664> [Righteousness.]
prepares <07760> [shall set.]
prayer ... David <08605 01732> [(Title.) A Prayer of David. or a prayer, being a Psalm of]
David. This Psalm is supposed to have been composed by David either when persecuted by Saul, or driven from Jerusalem by Absalom.
Listen <05186> [Bow.]
oppressed <06041> [for I am.]
Protect <08104> [Preserve.]
loyal <02623> [holy. or, one whom thou favourest.]
deliver <03467> [save.]
trusts <0982> [trusteth.]
mercy <02603> [Be merciful.]
cry <07121> [for I.]
day <03117> [daily. or, all the day.]
glad <08055> [Rejoice.]
pray <05375> [do.]
Lord <0136> [thou.]
forgiving <05546> [ready.]
great <07227> [plenteous.]
cry out <07121> [unto all.]
gods <0430> [Among.]
incomparable <04639> [neither.]
nations <01471> [All.]
honor <03513> [glorify.]
great <01419> [For.]
God <0430> [God.]
teach <03384> [Teach.]
live <01980> [I will.]
obey <03161> [unite.]
give you thanks <03034> [praise.]
heart <03824> [with all.]
honor <03513> [glorify.]
great <01419> [great.]
deliver <05337> [and thou.]
Sheol <07585> [hell. or, grave.]
God <0430> [O God.]
gang <05712> [assemblies.]
ruthless <06184> [violent. Heb. terrible. and have.]
Lord <0136> [But thou.]
loyal love <02617> [mercy.]
Turn <06437> [turn.]
Give <05414> [give.]
<01121> [the son]
Show <06213> [Shew.]
hate <08130> [that they.]
Lord <03068> [thou.]
psalm <04210> [A.M. 3468. B.C. 536. (Title.) A Psalm.]
It is highly probable that this Psalm was written by one of the descendants of Korah on the return from the Bablonian captivity. It seems to have been written in praise of Jerusalem; and, typically, of the Christian church.
[for. or, of.]
Lord's city <03248> [His.]
holy <06944> [the holy.]
Lord <03068> [The Lord.]
wonderful <03513> [Glorious.]
Rahab <07294> [Rahab.]
Babylon <0894> [Babylon.]
Tyre <06865> [Tyre.]
Ethiopia <03568> [Ethiopia.]
born <03205> [this man.]
Zion's <06726> [of Zion.]
sovereign One <05945> [highest.]
writes in <03789> [when.]
born <03205> [this man.]
singers <07891> [As well.]
<04599> [all my.]
Korahites <01121> [A.M. cir. 2473. B.C. cir. 1531. (Title.) for. or, of.]
Mahalath.
well-written song <04905> [Maschil, etc. or, A Psalm of Heman the Ezrahite, giving instruction.]
Supposed to have been written by Heman, son of Zerah, and grandson of Judah, on the oppression of the Hebrews in Egypt.
Heman <01968> [Heman.]
Lord <03068> [Lord.]
cry out <06817> [I have.]
life <05315> [soul.]
<02416> [life.]
treat <02803> [counted.]
man <01397> [as a man.]
adrift <02670> [Free.]
remember <02142> [whom.]
cut off <01504> [cut.]
power <03027> [from thy hand. or, by thy hand.]
lowest regions <08482> [lowest.]
dark places <04285> [darkness.]
depths <04688> [deeps.]
anger <02534> [Thy wrath.]
waves <04867> [with.]
cause <07368> [put.]
make <07896> [made.]
trapped <03607> [I am shut.]
eyes <05869> [Mine]
call out <07121> [called.]
spread out <07849> [stretched.]
Do ... accomplish <06213> [Wilt thou.]
The interrogations in these verses imply the strongest negations.
departed spirits <07496> [shall.]
place of the dead <011> [in destruction.]
dark <02822> [dark.]
land <0776> [in the land]
morning <01242> [and in.]
confronts <06923> [prevent thee.]
"Come before thee;" see on Ps 21:3.
Lord <03068> [Lord.]
reject <05641> [hidest.]
oppressed <06041> [afflicted.]
subjected <05375> [while.]
anger <02740> [fierce.]
destroy <06789> [cut me.]
surround ............ encircle <05437 05362> [They.]
day <03117> [daily. or, all the day.]
friends <0157> [Lover.]
know <03045> [mine acquaintance.]
A figurative expression to denote that he now never saw them.
well-written song <04905> [A.M. cir. 3463. B.C. cir. 541. (Title.) Maschil, etc. or,]
A Psalm for Ethan, the Ezrahite, to give instructions. This Psalm is generally supposed to have been written during the Babylonian captivity, when, the family of David being dethroned, and the royal family ruined, the Divine promises had apparently failed.
Ethan <0387> [Ethan.]
sing <07891> [I will.]
<06310> [with.]
faithfulness <0530> [thy faithfulness.]
future generations <01755> [all generations. Heb. generation and generation.]
Loyal love <02617> [Mercy.]
faithfulness <0530> [faithfulness]
made <03772> [made.]
chosen one <0972> [my chosen.]
promise on oath <07650> [sworn.]
heavens <08064> [heavens.]
assembly <06951> [in the congregation.]
skies <07834> [For who.]
heavenly beings <01121> [the sons.]
Lord <03068> [O Lord.]
strong <02626> [a strong.]
faithfulness <0530> [like.]
crushed ............. scattered <01792 06340> [Thou hast.]
Proud One <07294> [Rahab. or, Egypt. scattered.]
strong arm <02220 05797> [thy strong arm. Heb. the arm of thy strength.]
north <06828> [north.]
Tabor <08396> [Tabor.]
Hermon <02768> [Hermon.]
rejoice <07442> [rejoice.]
arm ... powerful <02220 01369> [a mighty arm. Heb. an arm with might.]
Equity <06664> [Justice.]
foundation <04349> [habitation. or, establishment.]
Loyal love <02617> [mercy.]
worship <03045> [know.]
favor <0216> [in the light.]
name <08034> [name.]
justice <06666> [righteousness.]
splendor <08597> [For thou.]
victorious <07161> [our horn.]
shield ..... Lord <03068 04043> [the Lord is, etc. or, our Shield is of the Lord, and our]
King is of the Holy One of Israel.
Holy One <06918> [Holy.]
king <04428> [king.]
spoke <01696> [Then.]
faithful followers <02623> [to thy holy.]
energized <07737> [I have laid.]
raised up <07311> [exalted.]
hand <03027> [With.]
arm <02220> [mine.]
enemy <0341> [enemy.]
<01121> [son.]
crush <03807> [I will.]
strike <05062> [plague.]
faithfulness <0530> [But my.]
name <08034> [in my.]
place <07760> [I will.]
<03027> [his hand.]
That is, his power or authority, as hand frequently signifies: for the accomplishment of these promises, see the parallel texts.
father <01> [Thou.]
God <0410> [God.]
protector <06697> [rock.]
appoint <05414> [Also.]
most <05945> [higher.]
loyal love <02617> [mercy.]
covenant <01285> [covenant.]
dynasty <02233> [His seed.]
throne <03678> [throne.]
enduring <03117> [days.]
sons <01121> [If.]
reject <05800> [forsake.]
<03212> [walk.]
break <02490> [break. Heb. profane.]
loyal love <02617> [Nevertheless.]
remove <06331> [not utterly take. Heb. not make void.]
unfaithful <08266> [fail. Heb. lie.]
covenant <01285> [covenant.]
go back <08138> [nor.]
Once <0259> [Once.]
deceive <03576> [that I will not lie. Heb. If I lie.]
dynasty <02233> [seed.]
throne <03678> [and.]
remain <03559> [It shall.]
That is, as long as the sun and moon shall endure, as long as time shall last, his kingdom shall continue among men. The moon is probably termed a faithful witness, because by her, particularly, time is measured. Her decrease and increase are especially observed by every nation; and by these time is generally estimated, especially among eastern nations:--So many moons is a man old--so many moons since such an event happened; and even their years are reckoned by lunations. Or, the rainbow may be intended; that faithful sign which God has established in the clouds, that the earth shall no more be destroyed by water.
stable <05769> [ever.]
endure <0539> [and as.]
spurned ... rejected <02186> [But.]
have spurned ... rejected <03988> [and.]
angry <05674> [wroth.]
repudiated <05010> [void.]
thrown <02490> [profaned.]
broken down <06555> [broken.]
made <07760> [brought.]
pass <05674> [All.]
object of disdain <02781> [he is.]
turn back <07725> [turned.]
sustained <06965> [not made.]
splendor <02892> [Thou.]
splendor <02892> [glory. Heb. brightness. cast.]
<03117> [The.]
short ...... covered <07114 05844> [thou.]
Lord <03068> [How.]
hidden <05641> [wilt.]
anger <02534> [thy wrath.]
Take note <02142> [Remember.]
make <01254> [wherefore.]
man <01397> [What.]
experiencing death <04194 07200> [see death.]
experiencing .... deliver <07200 04422> [shall.]
earlier <07223> [where.]
oath <07650> [thou.]
insults ... insult <02778> [they have.]
footsteps <06119> [footsteps.]
deserves <01288> [Blessed.]
This verse ends the third book of the Psalter; and is thought to have been added by a later hand, as it is wanting in two MSS., in another written without points, and in three others written separately from the text; though it is found in all the versions.
