Psalms 82
Ps 82:1-8. Before the great Judge, the judges of the earth are rebuked, exhorted, and threatened.
1. congregation—(Compare Ex 12:3; 16:1).
of the mighty—that is, of God, of His appointment.
the gods—or, "judges" (Ex 21:6; 22:9), God's representatives.
2. accept the persons—literally, "lift up the faces," that is, from dejection, or admit to favor and communion, regardless of merit (Le 19:15; Pr 18:5).
4. poor and needy—(Compare Ps 34:10; 41:1).
5. By the wilful ignorance and negligence of judges, anarchy ensues (Ps 11:3; 75:3).
out of course—(Compare Margin; Ps 9:6; 62:2).
6, 7. Though God admitted their official dignity (Joh 10:34), He reminds them of their mortality.
7. fall like, &c.—be cut off suddenly (Ps 20:8; 91:7).
8. As rightful sovereign of earth, God is invoked personally to correct the evils of His representatives.
Psalms 83
Ps 83:1-18. Of Asaph—(See on Ps 74:1, title). The historical occasion is probably that of 2Ch 20:1, 2 (compare Ps 47:1-9; 48:1-14). After a general petition, the craft and rage of the combined enemies are described, God's former dealings recited, and a like summary and speedy destruction on them is invoked.
1. God addressed as indifferent (compare Ps 35:22; 39:12).
be not still—literally, "not quiet," as opposed to action.
3. hidden ones—whom God specially protects (Ps 27:5; 91:1).
4. from being a nation—utter destruction (Isa 7:8; 23:1).
Israel—here used for Judah, having been the common name.
5. they have consulted—with heart, or cordially.
together—all alike.
6-8. tabernacles—for people (Ps 78:67).
they—all these united with the children of Lot, or Ammonites and Moabites (compare 2Ch 20:1).
9-11. Compare the similar fate of these (2Ch 20:23) with that of the foes mentioned in Jud 7:22, here referred to. They destroyed one another (Jud 4:6-24; 7:25). Human remains form manure (compare 2Ki 9:37; Jer 9:22).
12. The language of the invaders.
houses—literally, "residences," enclosures, as for flocks (Ps 65:12).
14, 15. Pursue them to an utter destruction.
16. that they may seek—or as Ps 83:18, supply "men," since Ps 83:17, 18 amplify the sentiment of Ps 83:16, expressing more fully the measure of destruction, and the lesson of God's being and perfections (compare 2Ch 20:29) taught to all men.
Psalms 84
Ps 84:1-12. (See on Ps 8:1, title, and Ps 42:1, title). The writer describes the desirableness of God's worship and prays for a restoration to its privileges.
1. amiable—not lovely, but beloved.
tabernacles—(Ps 43:3).
fainteth—exhausted with desire.
courts—as tabernacles (Ps 84:1)—the whole building.
crieth out—literally, "sings for joy"; but here, and La 2:19, expresses an act of sorrow as the corresponding noun (Ps 17:1; 61:2).
heart and... flesh—as in Ps 63:1.
3. thine altars—that is, of burnt offering and incense, used for the whole tabernacle. Its structure afforded facilities for sparrows and swallows to indulge their known predilections for such places. Some understand the statement as to the birds as a comparison: "as they find homes, so do I desire thine altars," &c.
4. This view is favored by the language here, which, as in Ps 15:1; 23:6, recognizes the blessing of membership in God's family by terms denoting a dwelling in His house.
5. (Compare Ps 68:28).
in whose heart... the ways—that is, who knows and loves the way to God's favor (Pr 16:17; Isa 40:3, 4).
6. valley of Baca—or, "weeping." Through such, by reason of their dry and barren condition, the worshippers often had to pass to Jerusalem. As they might become wells, or fountains, or pools, supplied by refreshing rain, so the grace of God, by the exercises of His worship, refreshes and revives the hearts of His people, so that for sorrows they have "rivers of delight" (Ps 36:8; 46:4).
7. The figure of the pilgrim is carried out. As such daily refit their bodily strength till they reach Jerusalem, so the spiritual worshipper is daily supplied with spiritual strength by God's grace till he appears before God in heaven.
appeareth... God—the terms of the requisition for the attendance on the feasts (compare De 16:16),
9. God is addressed as a shield (compare Ps 84:11).
thine anointed—David (1Sa 16:12).
10. I had... doorkeeper—literally, "I choose to sit on the threshold," the meanest place.
11, 12. As a sun God enlightens (Ps 27:1); as a shield He protects.
grace—God's favor, its fruit— glory—the honor He bestows.
uprightly—(Ps 15:2; 18:23).
12. that trusteth—constantly.
Psalms 85
Ps 85:1-13. On the ground of former mercies, the Psalmist prays for renewed blessings, and, confidently expecting them, rejoices.
1. captivity—not necessarily the Babylonian, but any great evil (Ps 14:7).
2, 3. (Compare Ps 32:1-5).
3. To turn from the "fierceness," implies that He was reconcilable, though
4-7. having still occasion for the anger which is deprecated.
5. draw out—or, "prolong" (Ps 36:10).
8. He is confident God will favor His penitent people (Ps 51:17; 80:18).
saints—as in Ps 4:3, the "godly."
9. They are here termed "them that fear him"; and grace produces glory (Ps 84:11).
10. God's promises of "mercy" will be verified by His "truth" (compare Ps 25:10; 40:10); and the "work of righteousness" in His holy government shall be "peace" (Isa 32:17). There is an implied contrast with a dispensation under which God's truth sustains His threatened wrath, and His righteousness inflicts misery on the wicked.
11. Earth and heaven shall abound with the blessings of this government;
12, 13. and, under this, the deserted land shall be productive, and men be "set," or guided in God's holy ways. Doubtless, in this description of God's returning favor, the writer had in view that more glorious period, when Christ shall establish His government on God's reconciled justice and abounding mercy.
Psalms 86
Ps 86:1-17. This is a prayer in which the writer, with deep emotion, mingles petitions and praises, now urgent for help, and now elated with hope, in view of former mercies. The occurrence of many terms and phrases peculiar to David's Psalms clearly intimates its authorship.
1, 2. poor and needy—a suffering child of God, as in Ps 10:12, 17; 18:27.
I am holy—or, "godly," as in Ps 4:3; 85:8.
4. lift up my soul—with strong desire (Ps 25:1).
5-7. unto all... that call upon thee—or, "worship Thee" (Ps 50:15; 91:15) however undeserving (Ex 34:6; Le 11:9-13).
8. neither... works—literally, "nothing like thy works," the "gods" have none at all.
9, 10. The pious Jews believed that God's common relation to all would be ultimately acknowledged by all men (Ps 45:12-16; 47:9).
11. Teach—Show, point out.
the way—of Providence.
walk in thy truth—according to its declarations.
to fear thy name—(compare Ps 86:12) to honor Thy perfections.
13, 14. The reason: God had delivered him from death and the power of insolent, violent, and godless persecutors (Ps 54:3; Eze 8:12).
15. Contrasts God with his enemies (compare Ps 86:5).
16. son... handmaid—homeborn servant (compare Lu 15:17).
17. Show me—literally, "Make with me a token," by Thy providential care. Thus in and by his prosperity his enemies would be confounded.
Psalms 87
Ps 87:1-7. This triumphal song was probably occasioned by the same event as the forty-sixth [see on Ps 46:1, title]. The writer celebrates the glory of the Church, as the means of spiritual blessing to the nation.
1. His—that is, God's foundation—or, what He has founded, that is, Zion (Isa 14:32).
is in the holy mountains—the location of Zion, in the wide sense, for the capital, or Jerusalem, being on several hills.
2. gates—for the enclosures, or city to which they opened (Ps 9:14; 122:2; compare Ps 132:13, 14).
3. spoken of thee—or, "in thee," that is, the city of God (Ps 46:4; 48:2).
4. This is what is spoken by God.
to them... me—literally, "for My knowers," they are true worshippers (Ps 36:10; Isa 19:21). These are mentioned as specimens.
this—that is, nation was born there—Of each it is said, "This was born," or is a native of Zion, spiritually.
5. The writer resumes—
This and that man—literally, "man and man," or many (Ge 14:10; Ex 8:10, 14), or all (Isa 44:5; Ga 3:28).
the highest... her—God is her protector.
6. The same idea is set forth under the figure of a register made by God (compare Isa 4:3).
7. As in a great procession of those thus written up, or registered, seeking Zion (Isa 2:3; Jer 50:5), "the singers" and "players," or pipers, shall precede.
all my springs—So each shall say, "All my sources of spiritual joy are in Thee" (Ps 46:4; 84:6).
Psalms 88
Ps 88:1-18. Upon Mahalath—either an instrument, as a lute, to be used as an accompaniment (Leannoth, "for singing") or, as others think, an enigmatic title (see on Ps 5:1, Ps 22:1, and Ps 45:1, titles), denoting the subject—that is, "sickness or disease, for humbling," the idea of spiritual maladies being often represented by disease (compare Ps 6:5, 6; 22:14, 15, &c.). On the other terms, see on Ps 42:1 and Ps 32:1. Heman and Ethan (see on Ps 89:1, title) were David's singers (1Ch 6:18, 33; 15:17), of the family of Kohath. If the persons alluded to (1Ki 4:31; 1Ch 2:6), they were probably adopted into the tribe of Judah. Though called a song, which usually implies joy (Ps 83:1), both the style and matter of the Psalm are very despondent; yet the appeals to God evince faith, and we may suppose that the word "song" might be extended to such compositions.
1, 2. Compare on the terms used, Ps 22:2; 31:2.
3. grave—literally, "hell" (Ps 16:10), death in wide sense.
4. go... pit—of destruction (Ps 28:1).
as a man—literally, "a stout man," whose strength is utterly gone.
5. Free... dead—Cut off from God's care, as are the slain, who, falling under His wrath, are left, no longer sustained by His hand.
6. Similar figures for distress in Ps 63:9; 69:3.
8. Both cut off from sympathy and made hateful to friends (Ps 31:11).
9. Mine eye mourneth—literally, "decays," or fails, denoting exhaustion (Ps 6:7; 31:9).
I... called—(Ps 86:5, 7).
stretched out—for help (Ps 44:20).
10. shall the dead—the remains of ghosts.
arise—literally, "rise up," that is, as dead persons.
11, 12. amplify the foregoing, the whole purport (as Ps 6:5) being to contrast death and life as seasons for praising God.
13. prevent—meet—that is, he will diligently come before God for help (Ps 18:41).
14. On the terms (Ps 27:9; 74:1; 77:7).
15. from... youth up—all my life.
16, 17. the extremes of anguish and despair are depicted.
18. into darkness—Better omit "into"—"mine acquaintances (are) darkness," the gloom of death, &c. (Job 17:13, 14).
Psalms 89
Ps 89:1-52. Of Ethan—(See on Ps 88:1, title). This Psalm was composed during some season of great national distress, perhaps Absalom's rebellion. It contrasts the promised prosperity and perpetuity of David's throne (with reference to the great promise of 2Sa 7:12-17), with a time when God appeared to have forgotten His covenant. The picture thus drawn may typify the promises and the adversities of Christ's kingdom, and the terms of confiding appeal to God provided appropriate prayers for the divine aid and promised blessing.
2. I have said—expressed, as well as felt, my convictions (2Co 4:13).
3, 4. The object of this faith expressed in God's words (2Sa 7:11-16).
with—or literally, "to"
my chosen—as the covenant is in the form of a promise.
6, 7. This is worthy of our belief, for His faithfulness (is praised) by the congregation of saints or holy ones; that is, angels (compare De 33:2; Da 8:13).
sons of the mighty—(compare Ps 29:1). So is He to be admired on earth.
8-14. To illustrate His power and faithfulness examples are cited from history. His control of the sea (the most mighty and unstable object in nature), and of Egypt (Ps 87:4), the first great foe of Israel (subjected to utter helplessness from pride and insolence), are specimens. At the same time, the whole frame of nature founded and sustained by Him, Tabor and Hermon for "east and west," and "north and south," together representing the whole world, declare the same truth as to His attributes.
12. rejoice in thy name—praise Thy perfections by their very existence.
15. His government of righteousness is served by "mercy" and "truth" as ministers (Ps 85:10-13).
know the joyful sound—understand and appreciate the spiritual blessings symbolized by the feasts to which the people were called by the trumpet (Le 25:9, &c.).
walk... countenance—live in His favor (Ps 4:6; 44:3).
16, 17. in—or, "by"
thy righteousness—Thy faithful just rule.
glory—or, "beauty."
of their strength—They shall be adorned as well as protected.
18. (Margin). Thus is introduced the promise to "our shield," "our king," David.
19-37. Then—when the covenant was established, of whose execution the exalted views of God now given furnish assurance.
thou... to thy holy one—or godly saint, object of favor (Ps 4:3). Nathan is meant (2Sa 7:17; 1Ch 17:3-15).
laid help—literally, "given help." David was chosen and then exalted.
20. I have found—having sought and then selected him (1Sa 16:1-6).
21. will protect and sustain (Isa 41:10),
22-25. by restraining and conquering his enemies, and performing My gracious purpose of extending his dominion—
25. hand [and] right hand—power (Ps 17:7; 60:5).
sea, and... rivers—limits of his empire (Ps 72:8).
26, 27. first-born—one who is chief, most beloved or distinguished (Ex 4:22; Col 1:15). In God's sight and purposes he was the first among all monarchs, and specially so in his typical relation to Christ.
28-37. This relation is perpetual with David's descendants, as a whole typical in official position of his last greatest descendant. Hence though in personal relations any of them might be faithless and so punished, their typical relation shall continue. His oath confirms His promise, and the most enduring objects of earth and heaven illustrate its perpetual force (Ps 72:5, 7, 17).
35. Once—one thing (Ps 27:4).
by my holiness—as a holy God.
37. It shall... moon... heaven—literally, "As the moon, and the witness in the sky is sure, that is, the moon."
38-52. present a striking contrast to these glowing promises, in mournful evidences of a loss of God's favor.
cast off—and rejected (compare Ps 15:4; 43:2; 44:9).
39. An insult to the "crown," as of divine origin, was a profanation.
40-45. The ruin is depicted under several figures—a vineyard whose broken "hedges," and "strongholds," whose ruins invite spoilers and invaders; a warrior, whose enemies are aided by God, and whose sword's "edge"—literally, "rock" or "strength" (Jos 5:2) is useless; and a youth prematurely old.
45. days of his youth—or, "youthful vigor," that is, of the royal line, or promised perpetual kingdom, under the figure of a man.
46. How long, &c.—(Compare Ps 13:1; 88:14; Jer 4:4).
47. These expostulations are excited in view of the identity of the prosperity of this kingdom with the welfare of all mankind (Ge 22:18; Ps 72:17; Isa 9:7; 11:1-10); for if such is the fate of this chosen royal line.
48. What man—literally, "strong man—shall live?" and, indeed, have not all men been made in vain, as to glorifying God?
49-51. The terms of expostulation are used in view of the actual appearance that God had forsaken His people and forgotten His promise, and the plea for aid is urged in view of the reproaches of His and His people's enemies (compare Isa 37:17-35).
50. bear in my bosom—as feeling the affliction of the people (Ps 69:9).
footsteps—ways (Ps 56:6).
52. Blessed, &c.—denotes returning confidence (Ps 34:1-3).
Amen, and Amen—closes the third book of Psalms.
Psalms 90
Ps 90:1-17. Contrasting man's frailty with God's eternity, the writer mourns over it as the punishment of sin, and prays for a return of the divine favor. A Prayer [mainly such] of Moses the man of God—(De 33:1; Jos 14:6); as such he wrote this (see on Ps 18:1, title, and Ps 36:1, title).
2. brought forth [and] formed—both express the idea of production by birth.
3. to destruction—literally, "even to dust" (Ge 3:19), which is partly quoted in the last clause.
4. Even were our days now a thousand years, as Adam's, our life would be but a moment in God's sight (2Pe 3:8).
a watch—or, third part of a night (compare Ex 14:24).
5, 6. Life is like grass, which, though changing under the influence of the night's dew, and flourishing in the morning, is soon cut down and withereth (Ps 103:15; 1Pe 1:24).
7, 8. For—A reason, this is the infliction of God's wrath.
troubled—literally, "confounded by terror" (Ps 2:5). Death is by sin (Ro 5:12). Though "secret," the light of God's countenance, as a candle, will bring sin to view (Pr 20:27; 1Co 4:5).
9. are passed—literally, "turn," as to depart (Jer 6:4).
spend—literally, "consume."
as a tale—literally, "a thought," or, "a sigh" (Eze 2:10).
10. Moses' life was an exception (De 34:7).
it is... cut off—or, "driven," as is said of the quails in using the same word (Nu 11:31). In view of this certain and speedy end, life is full of sorrow.
11. The whole verse may be read as a question implying the negative, "No one knows what Thy anger can do, and what Thy wrath is, estimated by a true piety."
12. This he prays we may know or understand, so as properly to number or appreciate the shortness of our days, that we may be wise.
13. (Compare Ps 13:2).
let it repent—a strong figure, as in Ex 32:12, imploring a change in His dealings.
14. early—promptly.
15. As have been our sorrows, so let our joys be great and long.
16. thy work—or, providential acts.
thy glory—(Ps 8:5; 45:3), the honor accruing from Thy work of mercy to us.
17. let the beauty—or sum of His gracious acts, in their harmony, be illustrated in us, and favor our enterprise.
Psalms 91
Ps 91:1-16. David is the most probable author; and the pestilence, mentioned in 2Sa 24:13-15, the most probable of any special occasion to which the Psalm may refer. The changes of person allowable in poetry are here frequently made.
1. dwelleth in the secret place—(Ps 27:5; 31:20) denotes nearness to God. Such as do so abide or lodge secure from assaults, and can well use the terms of trust in Ps 91:2.
3. snares... [and]... noisome pestilence—literally, "plagues of mischiefs" (Ps 5:9; 52:7), are expressive figures for various evils.
buckler—literally, "surrounding"—that is, a kind of shield covering all over.
5. terror—or, what causes it (Pr 20:2).
by night—then aggravated.
arrow—that is, of enemies.
7, 8. The security is more valuable, as being special, and, therefore, evidently of God; and while ten thousands of the wicked fall, the righteous are in such safety that they only see the calamity.
9-12. This exemption from evil is the result of trust in God, who employs angels as ministering spirits (Heb 1:14).
13. Even the fiercest, strongest, and most insidious animals may be trampled on with impunity.
14-16. God Himself speaks (compare Ps 46:10; 75:2, 3). All the terms to express safety and peace indicate the most undoubting confidence (compare Ps 18:2; 20:1; 22:5).
set his love—that of the most ardent kind.
Psalms 92
Ps 92:1-15. A Psalm-song—(see on Ps 30:1, title). The theme: God should be praised for His righteous judgments on the wicked and His care and defense of His people. Such a topic, at all times proper, is specially so for the reflections of the Sabbath day.
1. sing... name—celebrate Thy perfections.
2. in the morning,... every night—diligently and constantly (Ps 42:8).
loving kindness—literally, "mercy."
faithfulness—in fulfilling promises (Ps 89:14).
3. In such a work all proper aid must be used.
with a... sound—or, on Higgaion (see on Ps 9:16), perhaps an instrument of that name, from its sound resembling the muttered sound of meditation, as expressed also by the word. This is joined with the harp.
4. thy work—that is, of providence (Ps 90:16, 17).
6. A brutish man knoweth not—that is, God's works, so the Psalmist describes himself (Ps 73:22) when amazed by the prosperity of the wicked, now understood and explained.
8. This he does in part, by contrasting their ruin with God's exaltation and eternity.
most high—as occupying the highest place in heaven (Ps 7:7; 18:16).
9, 10. A further contrast with the wicked, in the lot of the righteous, safety and triumph.
10. horn... exalt—is to increase power (Ps 75:5).
anointed... fresh—or, "new"
oil—(Ps 23:5) a figure for refreshment (compare Lu 7:46). Such use of oil is still common in the East.
11. see... [and]... hear my desire—or, literally, "look on" my enemies and hear of the wicked (compare Ps 27:11; 54:7)—that is, I shall be gratified by their fall.
12-14. The vigorous growth, longevity, utility, fragrance, and beauty of these noble trees, set forth the life, character, and destiny of the pious;
15. and they thus declare God's glory as their strong and righteous ruler.
Psalms 93
Ps 93:1-5. This and the six following Psalms were applied by the Jews to the times of the Messiah. The theme is God's supremacy in creation and providence.
1. God is described as a King entering on His reign, and, for robes of royalty, investing Himself with the glorious attributes of His nature. The result of His thus reigning is the durability of the world.
2-4. His underived power exceeds the most sublime exhibitions of the most powerful objects in nature (Ps 89:9).
5. While His power inspires dread, His revealed will should secure our confidence (compare Ps 19:7; 25:10), and thus fear and love combined, producing all holy emotions, should distinguish the worship we offer in His house, both earthly and heavenly.
Psalms 94
Ps 94:1-23. The writer, appealing to God in view of the oppression of enemies, rebukes them for their wickedness and folly, and encourages himself, in the confidence that God will punish evildoers, and favor His people.
1, 2. God's revenge is His judicial infliction of righteous punishment.
show thyself—(Compare Margin).
2. Lift up thyself—or, "Arise," both figures representing God as heretofore indifferent (compare Ps 3:7; 22:16, 20).
3, 4. In an earnest expostulation he expresses his desire that the insolent triumph of the wicked may be ended.
5, 6. thy people [and] thine heritage—are synonymous, the people being often called God's heritage. As justice to the weak is a sign of the best government, their oppression is a sign of the worst (De 10:18; Isa 10:2).
7. Their cruelty is only exceeded by their wicked and absurd presumption (Ps 10:11; 59:7).
8. ye brutish—(Compare Ps 73:22; 92:6).
9-11. The evidence of God's providential government is found in His creative power and omniscience, which also assure us that He can punish the wicked in regard to all their vain purposes.
12, 13. On the other hand He favors though He chastens, the pious, and will teach and preserve them till the prosperous wicked are overthrown.
14, 15. This results from His abiding love (De 32:15), which is further evinced by His restoring order in His government, whose right administration will be approved by the good.
16. These questions imply that none other than God will help (Ps 60:9),
17-19. a fact fully confirmed by his past experience.
dwelt in silence—as in the grave (Ps 31:17).
19. my thoughts—or, anxious cares.
20. throne—power, rulers.
iniquity [and] mischief—both denote evils done to others, as Ps 94:21 explains.
22, 23. Yet he is safe in God's care.
defence—(Ps 59:9).
rock of... refuge—(Ps 9:9; 18:2).
23. bring... iniquity—(Compare Ps 5:10; 7:16).
in their... wickedness—while they are engaged in evil doing.
Psalms 95
Ps 95:1-11. David (Heb 4:7) exhorts men to praise God for His greatness, and warns them, in God's words, against neglecting His service.
1. The terms used to express the highest kind of joy.
rock—a firm basis, giving certainty of salvation (Ps 62:7).
2. come... presence—literally, "approach," or, meet Him (Ps 17:13).
3. above... gods—esteemed such by men, though really nothing (Jer 5:7; 10:10-15).
4, 5. The terms used describe the world in its whole extent, subject to God.
6. come—or, "enter," with solemn forms, as well as hearts.
7. This relation illustrates our entire dependence (compare Ps 23:3; 74:1). The last clause is united by Paul (Heb 3:7) to the following (compare Ps 81:8),
8-11. warning against neglect; and this is sustained by citing the melancholy fate of their rebellious ancestors, whose provoking insolence is described by quoting the language of God's complaint (Nu 14:11) of their conduct at Meribah and Massah, names given (Ex 17:7) to commemorate their strife and contention with Him (Ps 78:18, 41).
10. err in their heart—Their wanderings in the desert were but types of their innate ignorance and perverseness.
that they should not—literally, "if they," &c., part of the form of swearing (compare Nu 14:30; Ps 89:35).
Psalms 96
Ps 96:1-13. The substance of this Psalm, and portions of the ninety-seventh, ninety-eighth, and hundredth, are found in 1Ch 16:7-36, which was used by David's directions in the dedication of the tabernacle on Mount Zion. The dispensation of the Messiah was typified by that event, involving, as it did, a more permanent seat of worship, and the introduction of additional and more spiritual services. Hence the language of these Psalms may be regarded as having a higher import than that pertinent to the occasion on which it was thus publicly used.
1-3. All nations are invited to unite in this most joyful praise.
new song—literally, "fresh," or new mercies (Ps 33:3; 40:3).
2. show forth—literally, "declare joyful tidings."
salvation—illustrates His glory in its wonders of love and mercy.
4, 5. For He is not a local God, but of universal agency, while idols are nothing.
6. Honour and majesty—are His attendants, declared in His mighty works, while power and grace are specially seen in His spiritual relations to His people.
7-9. Give—or, "ascribe" (Ps 29:1) due honor to Him, by acts of appointed and solemn worship in His house.
8. offering—of thanks.
9. beauty of holiness—(Ps 29:2).
fear... him—(Ps 2:11).
10. Let all know that the government of the world is ordered in justice, and they shall enjoy firm and lasting peace (compare Ps 72:3, 7; Isa 9:6, 7).
11-13. For which reason the universe is invoked to unite in joy, and even inanimate nature (Ro 8:14-22) is poetically represented as capable of joining in the anthem of praise.
Psalms 97
Ps 97:1-12. The writer celebrates the Lord's dominion over nations and nature, describes its effect on foes and friends, and exhorts and encourages the latter.
1, 2. This dominion is a cause of joy, because, even though our minds are oppressed with terror before the throne of the King of kings (Ex 19:16; De 5:22), we know it is based on righteous principles and judgments which are according to truth.
3-5. The attending illustrations of God's awful justice on enemies (Ps 83:14) are seen in the disclosures of His almighty power on the elements of nature (compare Ps 46:2; 77:17; Hab 3:6, &c.).
6. heavens—or, their inhabitants (Ps 50:6), as opposed to "nations" in the latter clause (compare Isa 40:5; 66:18).
7. Idolaters are utterly put to shame, for if angels must worship Him, how much more those who worshipped them.
all ye gods—literally, "all ye angels" (Ps 8:5; 138:1; Heb 1:6; 2:7). Paul quotes, not as a prophecy, but as language used in regard to the Lord Jehovah, who in the Old Testament theophania is the second person of the Godhead.
8, 9. The exaltation of Zion's king is joy to the righteous and sorrow to the wicked.
daughters of Judah—(Compare Ps 48:11).
9. above all gods—(Ps 95:3).
10-12. Let gratitude for the blessings of providence and grace incite saints (Ps 4:3) to holy living. Spiritual blessings are in store, represented by light (Ps 27:1) and gladness.
11. sown—to spring forth abundantly for such, who alone can and well may rejoice in the holy government of their sovereign Lord (compare Ps 30:4; 32:11).
Psalms 98
Ps 98:1-9. In view of the wonders of grace and righteousness displayed in God's salvation, the whole creation is invited to unite in praise.
1. gotten... victory—literally, "made salvation," enabled Him to save His people.
right hand, and... arm—denote power.
holy arm—or, "arm of holiness," the power of His united moral perfections (Ps 22:3; 32:11).
2. salvation—the result of His righteousness (Ps 7:17; 31:1), and both are publicly displayed.
3. The union of mercy and truth (Ps 57:3; 85:10) secure the blessings of the promise (Ge 12:3; 18:18) to all the world (Isa 52:10).
4-6. make a loud noise—or, "burst forth" (Isa 14:7; 44:23).
before... King—hail Him as your sovereign; and while, with every aid to demonstrate zeal and joy, intelligent creatures are invited to praise, as in Ps 96:11-13, inanimate nature is also summoned to honor Him who triumphs and rules in righteousness and equity.
Psalms 99
Ps 99:1-9. God's government is especially exercised in and for His Church, which should praise Him for His gracious dealings.
tremble... be moved—inspired with fear by His judgments on the wicked.
2. great in Zion—where He dwells (Ps 9:11).
3. thy... name—perfections of justice, power, &c.
great and terrible name—producing dread (De 10:17), and to be praised by those over whom He is exalted (Ps 97:9).
it is holy—or, "He is holy" (Ps 99:5, 9; Isa 6:3).
4, 5. To His wise and righteous government all nations should render honor.
king's... judgment—His power is combined with justice.
he is holy—(compare Ps 22:3).
6-8. The experience of these servants of God is cited for encouragement.
among... priests, among... upon the Lord [and] He spake... pillar—may be referred to all three (compare Ex 18:19; Le 8:15; De 5:5; 1Sa 9:13).
7. cloudy pillar—the medium of divine intercourse (Ex 33:9; Nu 12:5). Obedience was united with worship. God answered them as intercessors for the people, who, though forgiven, were yet chastened (Ex 32:10, 34).