King James Version
Psalms 37
40 verses with commentary
Fret Not Yourself Because of Evildoers
A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
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KJV Study Commentary
The imperative 'fret not' (Hebrew 'charah,' to burn with anger) opens this wisdom psalm addressing a perennial challenge: the prosperity of the wicked. The command prohibits both anxious agitation and envious resentment toward evildoers. Envy is particularly dangerous because it validates the wicked's apparent success, suggesting their way is superior. This psalm's acrostic structure (alphabetic) ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **Fret . . .**—This verb, repeated in Psalm 37:7-8, is found besides only in Proverbs 24:19. Its meaning is *to heat or inflame oneself.*
**Neither be thou envious . . .**—This has a similar root-meaning (comp. our “burn with jealousy”), and so is in close parallelism with “fret.” This verse occurs almost word for word in Proverbs 3:31; Proverbs 23:16; Proverbs 24:1. and Psalm 73:3.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. Then shall he speak--**His righteous indignation as well as contempt is roused. For God to speak is for Him to act, for what He resolves He will do (Ge 1:3; Psa 33:9).
**vex them--**agitate or terrify them (Psa 83:15).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 37
Chapter Outline
Elihu observes the power of God.(1-13)
Job required to explain the works of nature.(14-20)
God is great, and is to be feared.(21-24)
**Verses 1-13**
The changes of the weather are the subject of a great deal of our thoughts and common talk; but how seldom do we think and speak of these things, as Elihu, with a regard to God, the director of them! We...
Read full commentary →For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
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KJV Study Commentary
The metaphor of grass and herbs speaks to transience—what appears vibrant today withers tomorrow. This imagery appears throughout Scripture (Isaiah 40:6-8, James 1:10-11, 1 Peter 1:24) to contrast human temporality with divine permanence. The word 'soon' is relative to God's timing but promises brevity from eternal perspective. This agricultural image would resonate powerfully in ancient agrarian ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **For they . . .**—This inevitable metaphor for the brevity of human life, made still more forcible in an Eastern clime where vegetation is so rapid both in growth and decay, and generally in the Bible applied, without distinction of good or bad, with a mournful sigh over human weakness, becomes here a source of comfort to the godly man.
**Green herb.**—Literally, *greenness of herbage.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6. The purpose here declared, in its execution, involves their overthrow.
**Yet--**literally, "and," in an adversative sense.
**I have set--**anointed, or firmly placed, with allusion in the Hebrew to "casting an image in a mould." The sense is not materially varied in either case.
**my king--**appointed by Me and for Me (Nu 27:18).
**upon my holy hill of Zion--**Zion, selected by David as...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 37
Chapter Outline
Elihu observes the power of God.(1-13)
Job required to explain the works of nature.(14-20)
God is great, and is to be feared.(21-24)
**Verses 1-13**
The changes of the weather are the subject of a great deal of our thoughts and common talk; but how seldom do we think and speak of these things, as Elihu, with a regard to God, the director of them! We...
Read full commentary →Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. verily: Heb. in truth, or, stableness
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KJV Study Commentary
After prohibitions (v. 1) and promises (v. 2), verse 3 gives positive commands: 'Trust' and 'do good.' Trust (Hebrew 'batach') means confident reliance and security in God, while doing good demonstrates that trust through obedience. The promises—dwelling in the land and being 'fed' (literally 'shepherded')—connect to covenant blessings (Deuteronomy 28). The word 'verily' (Hebrew 'emunah,' faithful...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) The alphabetic structure helps the poet to make an emphatic threefold exhortation to piety. *Trust in Jehovah; commit thy way to Jehovah; rest in Jehovah.*
**So shalt thou dwell . . .**—The Authorised Version is quite right in taking the verbs in this clause as futures. (Comp. Psalm 37:11; Psalm 37:18; Psalm 37:22.) Emigration, when referred to by the prophets (Jeremiah 25:5; Jeremiah 35:15), ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
7. The king thus constituted declares the fundamental law of His kingdom, in the avowal of His Sonship, a relation involving His universal dominion.
**this day have I begotten thee--**as 2Sa 7:14, "he shall be My son," is a solemn recognition of this relation. The interpretation of this passage to describe the inauguration of Christ as Mediatorial King, by no means impugns the Eternal Sonship of...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 37
Chapter Outline
Elihu observes the power of God.(1-13)
Job required to explain the works of nature.(14-20)
God is great, and is to be feared.(21-24)
**Verses 1-13**
The changes of the weather are the subject of a great deal of our thoughts and common talk; but how seldom do we think and speak of these things, as Elihu, with a regard to God, the director of them! We...
Read full commentary →Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.</strong> This verse presents a profound promise rooted in proper spiritual priority. The Hebrew word <em>hitanag</em> (הִתְעַנַּג, "delight") is a reflexive verb meaning to take exquisite pleasure, to luxuriate in something with soft, tender affection. It conveys more than casual enjoyment—it describes mak...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8. The hopes of the rebels are thus overthrown, and not only so; the kingdom they opposed is destined to be coextensive with the earth.
**heathen--**or, "nations" (Psa 2:1).
**and the uttermost parts of the earth--**(Psa 22:27); denotes universality.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 37
Chapter Outline
Elihu observes the power of God.(1-13)
Job required to explain the works of nature.(14-20)
God is great, and is to be feared.(21-24)
**Verses 1-13**
The changes of the weather are the subject of a great deal of our thoughts and common talk; but how seldom do we think and speak of these things, as Elihu, with a regard to God, the director of them! We...
Read full commentary →Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Commit: Heb. Roll thy way upon
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KJV Study Commentary
The Hebrew 'galal' (commit/roll) suggests transferring a burden completely, like rolling a stone. This command couples total surrender ('commit thy way') with active trust, not passive resignation. The promise 'he shall bring it to pass' assures that God will accomplish what concerns the believer (Philippians 1:6). This verse echoes Proverbs 16:3 and anticipates Peter's exhortation to cast all anx...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Commit . . .**—See margin, and Psalm 22:8. (Comp. Proverbs 16:3.) In Psalm 55:22 the word is different.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9. His enemies shall be subject to His terrible power (Job 4:9; 2Th 2:8), as His people to His grace (Psa 110:2, 3).
**rod of iron--**denotes severity (Re 2:27).
**a potter's vessel--**when shivered cannot be mended, which will describe utter destruction.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 37
Chapter Outline
Elihu observes the power of God.(1-13)
Job required to explain the works of nature.(14-20)
God is great, and is to be feared.(21-24)
**Verses 1-13**
The changes of the weather are the subject of a great deal of our thoughts and common talk; but how seldom do we think and speak of these things, as Elihu, with a regard to God, the director of them! We...
Read full commentary →And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
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KJV Study Commentary
God will 'bring forth' (Hebrew 'yatsa,' cause to go out, produce) righteousness like dawn breaking—what was hidden in darkness becomes visible in light. The comparison to 'noonday' suggests not gradual vindication but blazing clarity where judgment is unmistakable. This addresses the hiddenness of righteousness in unjust times; though presently obscured, divine vindication will make righteousness ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **The light.**—The image is from an Eastern dawn and the progress of the sun to its meridian glory. (Comp. Job 11:17; Isaiah 58:10.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-12. kings ... judges--**For rulers generally (Psa 148:11), who have been leaders in rebellion, should be examples of penitent submission, and with fear for His terrible judgments, mingled with trust in His mercy, acknowledge--
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 37
Chapter Outline
Elihu observes the power of God.(1-13)
Job required to explain the works of nature.(14-20)
God is great, and is to be feared.(21-24)
**Verses 1-13**
The changes of the weather are the subject of a great deal of our thoughts and common talk; but how seldom do we think and speak of these things, as Elihu, with a regard to God, the director of them! We...
Read full commentary →Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Rest in: Heb. Be silent to
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KJV Study Commentary
'Rest in the LORD' (Hebrew 'damam,' be still, silent, quiet) and 'wait patiently' emphasize active trust through passive waiting. The repetition of 'fret not' (from v. 1) with specific application—don't fret over the prosperous wicked—intensifies the command. The one who 'prospereth in his way' appears to validate wickedness through success, creating spiritual crisis. Yet God's people must cultiva...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Rest . . .**—Better, *Hush! Be still! *See margin. The good man, seeing merit unrewarded and wickedness, on the other hand, constantly successful, is tempted to repine. For a later echo of the poet’s thought, irradiated by Christian hope, we may recur to Coleridge’s well-known “Complaint” and its “reproof.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-12. kings ... judges--**For rulers generally (Psa 148:11), who have been leaders in rebellion, should be examples of penitent submission, and with fear for His terrible judgments, mingled with trust in His mercy, acknowledge--
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-20**
Let us be satisfied that God will make all to work for good to us. Let us not discompose ourselves at what we see in this world. A fretful, discontented spirit is open to many temptations. For, in all respects, the little which is allotted to the righteous, is more comfortable and more profitable than the ill-gotten and abused riches of ungodly men. It comes from a hand of spec...
Read full commentary →Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
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KJV Study Commentary
The progression—'cease from anger, forsake wrath, fret not'—addresses emotional responses to injustice. Each verb intensifies: cease (Hebrew 'raphah,' let go, release), forsake (Hebrew 'azab,' abandon, leave behind). The warning that fretting leads 'to do evil' reveals anger's dangerous trajectory—righteous indignation can morph into sinful action, making us like those we oppose. James 1:20 confir...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **In any wise to do evil . . .**—Better, *only to do evil, i.e., *only evil can come of it. Comp. Proverbs 14:23, “tendeth only to penury.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-12. kings ... judges--**For rulers generally (Psa 148:11), who have been leaders in rebellion, should be examples of penitent submission, and with fear for His terrible judgments, mingled with trust in His mercy, acknowledge--
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-20**
Let us be satisfied that God will make all to work for good to us. Let us not discompose ourselves at what we see in this world. A fretful, discontented spirit is open to many temptations. For, in all respects, the little which is allotted to the righteous, is more comfortable and more profitable than the ill-gotten and abused riches of ungodly men. It comes from a hand of spec...
Read full commentary →For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
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KJV Study Commentary
The contrast is stark: evildoers 'cut off' versus those waiting on the LORD 'inherit the earth.' Jesus quotes this verse in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:5), applying inheritance to 'the meek.' The Hebrew 'karat' (cut off) was used for covenant breaking and capital punishment—total removal. Inheriting the earth/land echoes Abrahamic covenant promises, now universalized to include all who trust God. Th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-20**
Let us be satisfied that God will make all to work for good to us. Let us not discompose ourselves at what we see in this world. A fretful, discontented spirit is open to many temptations. For, in all respects, the little which is allotted to the righteous, is more comfortable and more profitable than the ill-gotten and abused riches of ungodly men. It comes from a hand of spec...
Read full commentary →For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
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KJV Study Commentary
The temporal phrase 'yet a little while' relativizes present suffering, promising swift resolution from divine perspective (2 Peter 3:8). The wicked 'shall not be' uses the language of non-existence—not merely defeated but annihilated. The command 'thou shalt diligently consider his place' suggests active investigation of where the wicked stood, finding nothing. This echoes Job 7:10 and Revelation...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **For yet a little . . .**—Better,
For yet a little while, and the wicked is not;
Thou lookest at his place, and he is not;
*i.e., *he has dropped out of his place in society, his tribe knows him no more.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 3 Psa 3:1-8. For the historical occasion mentioned, compare 2Sa 15:1-17:29. David, in the midst of great distress, with filial confidence, implores God's aid, and, anticipating relief, offers praise.
**1. Lord ... increased--**The extent of the rebellion (2Sa 15:13) surprises and grieves him.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-20**
Let us be satisfied that God will make all to work for good to us. Let us not discompose ourselves at what we see in this world. A fretful, discontented spirit is open to many temptations. For, in all respects, the little which is allotted to the righteous, is more comfortable and more profitable than the ill-gotten and abused riches of ungodly men. It comes from a hand of spec...
Read full commentary →But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
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KJV Study Commentary
Jesus directly quotes this verse in Matthew 5:5, making it foundational to understanding Kingdom values. 'Meek' (Hebrew 'anav,' humble, afflicted) doesn't mean weakness but strength under God's control—those who refuse self-assertion, trusting God's vindication. Inheriting the earth reverses worldly expectations where the aggressive seize possessions. The phrase 'abundance of peace' (Hebrew 'shalo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Shall inherit.**—A repetition of Psalm 37:3.—Better, *are heirs of the land, i.e., *Canaan. Christ’s Beatitude (see Matthew 5:3, *N. Test. Commentary*) widens the promise and lifts it to a higher level. The quiet, unpretending, contented servant of God gets more true blessedness out of the earth, and so more truly possesses it, than the ungodly, though they be lords of broad acres.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. say of my soul--**that is, "of me" (compare Psa 25:3). This use of "soul" is common; perhaps it arose from regarding the soul as man's chief part.
**no help ... in God--**rejected by Him. This is the bitterest reproach for a pious man, and denotes a spirit of malignant triumph.
**Selah--**This word is of very obscure meaning. It probably denotes rest or pause, both as to the music and sin...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-20**
Let us be satisfied that God will make all to work for good to us. Let us not discompose ourselves at what we see in this world. A fretful, discontented spirit is open to many temptations. For, in all respects, the little which is allotted to the righteous, is more comfortable and more profitable than the ill-gotten and abused riches of ungodly men. It comes from a hand of spec...
Read full commentary →The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. plotteth: or, practiseth
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KJV Study Commentary
The wicked 'plotteth' (Hebrew 'zamam,' devises, purposes) reveals premeditated hostility toward the just. Gnashing teeth (also in Psalm 35:16, 37:12) expresses rage and violent intent—teeth bared in fury. This image appears when religious authorities opposed Jesus (Acts 7:54) and describes hell's occupants (Matthew 8:12). The contrast between plotting schemes and gnashing teeth shows both calculat...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. But--**literally, "and" (Psa 2:6). He repels the reproach by avowing his continued trust.
**shield--**a favorite and often-used figure for protection.
**my glory--**its source.
**lifter up of mine head--**one who raises me from despondency.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-20**
Let us be satisfied that God will make all to work for good to us. Let us not discompose ourselves at what we see in this world. A fretful, discontented spirit is open to many temptations. For, in all respects, the little which is allotted to the righteous, is more comfortable and more profitable than the ill-gotten and abused riches of ungodly men. It comes from a hand of spec...
Read full commentary →The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.
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KJV Study Commentary
God's laughter isn't frivolous but judicial—He mocks those who mock Him (Psalm 2:4), showing divine sovereignty over human rebellion. The phrase 'his day is coming' refers to appointed judgment, individually and ultimately. This day is certain ('seeth') from God's eternal perspective; He knows what the wicked don't—their doom approaches. Divine laughter expresses contempt for pretensions challengi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Shall laugh.**—Comp. Psalm 2:4, Note; his day, *i.e., *the day of trouble or retribution for the wicked, as we see from Psalm 137:7; Job 18:20, etc.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. cried ... heard--**Such has been my experience. The latter verb denotes a gracious hearing or answering.
**out of--**or, "from."
**his holy hill--**Zion (Psa 2:6). His visible earthly residence.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-20**
Let us be satisfied that God will make all to work for good to us. Let us not discompose ourselves at what we see in this world. A fretful, discontented spirit is open to many temptations. For, in all respects, the little which is allotted to the righteous, is more comfortable and more profitable than the ill-gotten and abused riches of ungodly men. It comes from a hand of spec...
Read full commentary →The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. such: Heb. the upright of way
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KJV Study Commentary
The weapons—sword and bow—represent both close combat and distance attack, indicating comprehensive assault. The targets—'poor and needy' and 'upright'—are vulnerable and righteous, those most deserving protection yet most often victimized. 'Cast down' and 'slay' reveal murderous intent. This verse exposes the wicked's cowardice: rather than confronting equals, they attack the defenseless. Yet ver...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. the Lord sustained me--**literally, "will sustain me," as if his language or thought when he laid down, and the reason of his composure.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-20**
Let us be satisfied that God will make all to work for good to us. Let us not discompose ourselves at what we see in this world. A fretful, discontented spirit is open to many temptations. For, in all respects, the little which is allotted to the righteous, is more comfortable and more profitable than the ill-gotten and abused riches of ungodly men. It comes from a hand of spec...
Read full commentary →Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
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KJV Study Commentary
Poetic justice appears: the sword meant for others enters the attacker's 'own heart,' and bows break before use. This principle of self-inflicted judgment appears throughout Scripture (Esther 7:10, Proverbs 26:27). The Hebrew 'lev' (heart) represents the vital center—the very weapon aimed at victims fatally wounds the assailant. God's judgment often uses the wicked's schemes against them, teaching...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Their sword.**—The *lex talionis. *(Comp. Psalm 7:15-16.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. ten thousands of people--**or, "myriads," any very great number (compare 2Sa 16:18).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-20**
Let us be satisfied that God will make all to work for good to us. Let us not discompose ourselves at what we see in this world. A fretful, discontented spirit is open to many temptations. For, in all respects, the little which is allotted to the righteous, is more comfortable and more profitable than the ill-gotten and abused riches of ungodly men. It comes from a hand of spec...
Read full commentary →A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
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KJV Study Commentary
The contrast between 'little' and 'riches' establishes unexpected math: less with righteousness exceeds more with wickedness. This wisdom principle (Proverbs 15:16-17, 16:8) challenges materialism's calculus. The righteous person's 'little' includes peace, divine favor, and clean conscience—intangibles that outweigh gold. The wicked's 'riches' bring anxiety, guilt, and ultimate loss. 'Better than'...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **A little.**—A natural reflection, when it is remembered that great riches bring corresponding cares (Proverbs 15:16), and often lead to ruinous indulgence and luxury (Proverbs 13:25; Job 20:12.) Besides, the contentment which is often enjoyed in virtuous poverty seldom dwells with the mammon of unrighteousness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. Arise, O Lord--**God is figuratively represented as asleep to denote His apparent indifference (Psa 7:6). The use of "cheekbone" and "teeth" represents his enemies as fierce, like wild beasts ready to devour (Psa 27:2), and smiting their cheekbone (1Ki 22:24) denotes violence and insult.
**thou hast broken--**God took his part, utterly depriving the enemy of power to injure.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-20**
Let us be satisfied that God will make all to work for good to us. Let us not discompose ourselves at what we see in this world. A fretful, discontented spirit is open to many temptations. For, in all respects, the little which is allotted to the righteous, is more comfortable and more profitable than the ill-gotten and abused riches of ungodly men. It comes from a hand of spec...
Read full commentary →For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.
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KJV Study Commentary
Arms symbolize strength and accomplishment—the wicked's arms breaking depicts total incapacitation, unable to execute their schemes. The passive 'shall be broken' indicates divine action against them. Conversely, the LORD 'upholdeth' (Hebrew 'samak,' supports, sustains) the righteous—active, ongoing divine support. The contrast is comprehensive: the wicked lose all capacity while the righteous rec...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **The arms**—*i.e., *of the body, not the sword and bow mentioned above. In contrast, the arms of Jehovah are under the righteous, and uphold him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8. An ascription of praise to a delivering God, whose favor is an efficient benefit.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-20**
Let us be satisfied that God will make all to work for good to us. Let us not discompose ourselves at what we see in this world. A fretful, discontented spirit is open to many temptations. For, in all respects, the little which is allotted to the righteous, is more comfortable and more profitable than the ill-gotten and abused riches of ungodly men. It comes from a hand of spec...
Read full commentary →The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
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KJV Study Commentary
God 'knoweth' (Hebrew 'yada') the days of the upright—intimate, experiential knowledge of each day's challenges and duration. This isn't mere awareness but covenant care, numbering and superintending every day. The promise that 'their inheritance shall be for ever' contrasts the wicked's temporal gains (v. 2) with eternal security. The inheritance isn't merely future but begins now and continues e...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Knoweth.**—See Psalm 1:6, Note.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-20**
Let us be satisfied that God will make all to work for good to us. Let us not discompose ourselves at what we see in this world. A fretful, discontented spirit is open to many temptations. For, in all respects, the little which is allotted to the righteous, is more comfortable and more profitable than the ill-gotten and abused riches of ungodly men. It comes from a hand of spec...
Read full commentary →They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
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KJV Study Commentary
The 'evil time' and 'days of famine' represent seasons of testing when normal provision fails and circumstances turn hostile. The righteous 'shall not be ashamed' indicates vindication rather than humiliation, their trust proving justified. Being 'satisfied' during famine is supernatural—not abundance but sufficiency when others starve. This recalls Habakkuk 3:17-18: rejoicing in God despite crop ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 4 Psa 4:1-8. On Neginoth, that is, stringed instruments, as the kind of musical accompaniment. On other parts of title, see Introduction., The historical occasion was probably the same as that of the foregoing [see on Psa 3:1]. The writer, praying for further relief, admonishes his enemies of the vanity of attacking God's servant, exhorts them to repentance, and avows his confidence and peac...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-20**
Let us be satisfied that God will make all to work for good to us. Let us not discompose ourselves at what we see in this world. A fretful, discontented spirit is open to many temptations. For, in all respects, the little which is allotted to the righteous, is more comfortable and more profitable than the ill-gotten and abused riches of ungodly men. It comes from a hand of spec...
Read full commentary →But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. the fat: Heb. the preciousness
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KJV Study Commentary
The verse begins with emphatic certainty 'But the wicked shall perish,' contrasting promised satisfaction (v. 19). 'Enemies of the LORD' makes wickedness personal opposition to God Himself, warranting ultimate judgment. The imagery shifts to sacrifice: 'fat of lambs' refers to the choicest portions burned on the altar, consumed completely. 'Into smoke shall they consume away' depicts total annihil...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **As the fat of lambs.**—It is now generally allowed that this should be rendered *as the glory of the meadows, *recurring to the image of Psalm 37:2. The next clause may then be either, *they are consumed, with smoke they are consumed; *or, *they pass away, like smoke they pass away.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. sons of men--**men of note or prominence (compare 2Ch 21:9).
**turn my glory--**or, "royal dignity."
**into shame--**or, "reproach."
**vanity--**a foolish and hopeless enterprise (Psa 2:1).
**leasing--**a lie.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-20**
Let us be satisfied that God will make all to work for good to us. Let us not discompose ourselves at what we see in this world. A fretful, discontented spirit is open to many temptations. For, in all respects, the little which is allotted to the righteous, is more comfortable and more profitable than the ill-gotten and abused riches of ungodly men. It comes from a hand of spec...
Read full commentary →The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again</strong> (רָשָׁע לֹוֶה וְלֹא יְשַׁלֵּם, rasha loveh v'lo yeshalem)—the Hebrew captures persistent dishonesty: borrowing with no intent to repay reflects covenant-breaking character. In contrast, <strong>the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth</strong> (צַדִּיק חוֹנֵן וְנוֹתֵן, tsaddiq chonen v'noten)—the righteous demonstrates <em>chen</em> (grace...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. godly--**an object as well as subject of divine favor (compare Psa 105:14, 15).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-33**
The Lord our God requires that we do justly, and render to all their due. It is a great sin for those that are able, to deny the payment of just debts; it is a great misery not to be able to pay them. He that is truly merciful, will be ever merciful. We must leave our sins; learn to do well, and cleave to it. This is true religion. The blessing of God is the spring, sweetness,...
Read full commentary →For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth</strong> (מְבֹרָכָיו יִירְשׁוּ־אָרֶץ, mevorakhav yirshu-arets)—the <em>mevorakhim</em> (blessed ones) receive the land promise given to Abraham (Genesis 12:2-3, 17:8). Jesus radicalized this in the Beatitudes: "the meek shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). <strong>They that be cursed of him shall be cut off</strong> (מְקֻלָּלָיו יִכָּרֵת...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. Stand in awe--**(Ep 4:26), from Septuagint, "be angry." Both clauses are qualified by "not."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-33**
The Lord our God requires that we do justly, and render to all their due. It is a great sin for those that are able, to deny the payment of just debts; it is a great misery not to be able to pay them. He that is truly merciful, will be ever merciful. We must leave our sins; learn to do well, and cleave to it. This is true religion. The blessing of God is the spring, sweetness,...
Read full commentary →The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. ordered: or, established
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD</strong> (מִיהוָה מִצְעֲדֵי־גֶבֶר כּוֹנָנוּ, mei-YHWH mitzadei-gever konanu)—the verb <em>kun</em> (established/made firm) appears in the Polal (intensive passive), emphasizing God's active, ongoing establishment of each step. This isn't fatalism but providence: God directs the path of <em>gever</em> (strong man/warrior) who trusts Him. <stro...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **The steps.**—Comp. Proverbs 20:24; Proverbs 16:9, passages which are in favour of a general interpretation here, not confined to the good man. Render, *man’s steps are established by Jehovah, i.e., *all the stability in human conduct comes from His guidance.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5. Not only repent, but manifest penitence by sacrifices or righteousness or righteous sacrifices, &c.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-33**
The Lord our God requires that we do justly, and render to all their due. It is a great sin for those that are able, to deny the payment of just debts; it is a great misery not to be able to pay them. He that is truly merciful, will be ever merciful. We must leave our sins; learn to do well, and cleave to it. This is true religion. The blessing of God is the spring, sweetness,...
Read full commentary →Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down</strong> (כִּי־יִפֹּל לֹא־יוּטָל, ki-yipol lo-yutal)—the verb <em>yutal</em> (cast headlong) carries violent imagery of being hurled down beyond recovery. The righteous <em>naphal</em> (fall/stumble) but isn't <em>shalak</em> (cast away). <strong>For the LORD upholdeth him with his hand</strong> (כִּי־יְהוָה סוֹמֵךְ יָדוֹ, ki-YHWH somekh ya...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-7. Contrast true with vain confidence.
**light of thy countenance upon us--**figure for favor (Nu 6:26; Psa 44:3; 81:16).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-33**
The Lord our God requires that we do justly, and render to all their due. It is a great sin for those that are able, to deny the payment of just debts; it is a great misery not to be able to pay them. He that is truly merciful, will be ever merciful. We must leave our sins; learn to do well, and cleave to it. This is true religion. The blessing of God is the spring, sweetness,...
Read full commentary →I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I have been young, and now am old</strong> (נַעַר הָיִיתִי גַּם־זָקַנְתִּי, na'ar hayiti gam-zaqanti)—David's personal testimony spanning decades provides empirical weight to faith claims. <strong>Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread</strong> (וְלֹא־רָאִיתִי צַדִּיק נֶעֱזָב וְזַרְעוֹ מְבַקֶּשׁ־לָחֶם, v'lo-ra'iti tsaddiq ne'ezav v'zaro mevaqesh-lachem)—<em>...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-7. Contrast true with vain confidence.
**light of thy countenance upon us--**figure for favor (Nu 6:26; Psa 44:3; 81:16).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-33**
The Lord our God requires that we do justly, and render to all their due. It is a great sin for those that are able, to deny the payment of just debts; it is a great misery not to be able to pay them. He that is truly merciful, will be ever merciful. We must leave our sins; learn to do well, and cleave to it. This is true religion. The blessing of God is the spring, sweetness,...
Read full commentary →He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. ever: Heb. all the day
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He is ever merciful, and lendeth</strong> (כָּל־הַיּוֹם חוֹנֵן וּמַלְוֶה, kol-hayom chonen umalveh)—literally "all the day" the righteous shows <em>chen</em> (grace) and lends. The participles indicate habitual character, not occasional generosity. Torah commanded lending without interest to fellow Israelites (Exodus 22:25, Leviticus 25:35-37), making generosity covenantal duty. <strong>An...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. both lay me down, &c.--**or, will lie down at once, and sleep in sure confidence and quiet repose (Psa 3:5).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-33**
The Lord our God requires that we do justly, and render to all their due. It is a great sin for those that are able, to deny the payment of just debts; it is a great misery not to be able to pay them. He that is truly merciful, will be ever merciful. We must leave our sins; learn to do well, and cleave to it. This is true religion. The blessing of God is the spring, sweetness,...
Read full commentary →Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Depart from evil, and do good</strong> (סוּר מֵרָע וַעֲשֵׂה־טוֹב, sur mera va'aseh-tov)—the two imperatives present both negative (turn away) and positive (actively pursue) morality. <em>Sur</em> (depart/turn aside) requires decisive break from wickedness; <em>asah</em> (do/make) demands constructive righteousness. Christianity is neither mere avoidance nor mere activism but both: "abstain...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-33**
The Lord our God requires that we do justly, and render to all their due. It is a great sin for those that are able, to deny the payment of just debts; it is a great misery not to be able to pay them. He that is truly merciful, will be ever merciful. We must leave our sins; learn to do well, and cleave to it. This is true religion. The blessing of God is the spring, sweetness,...
Read full commentary →For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For the LORD loveth judgment</strong> (כִּי יְהוָה אֹהֵב מִשְׁפָּט, ki YHWH ohev mishpat)—God's <em>ahavah</em> (love) for <em>mishpat</em> (justice/judgment/rights) grounds all moral order. He isn't indifferent to right and wrong but passionately loves justice. <strong>And forsaketh not his saints</strong> (וְלֹא־יַעֲזֹב אֶת־חֲסִידָיו, v'lo-ya'azov et-chasidav)—<em>chasidim</em> (holy/god...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **For the Lord.**—In the Hebrew the stanza that should begin with the letter *ayin *is wanting, but may be restored by a very slight change, to agree with the Codex Alex., of the LXX., the Vulg. and Symmachus. “The unjust shall be punished.”
Probably the transcriber was misled by the *tsaddê *of the next verse, since that letter and *ayin *were often interchanged. (See Note, Psalm 34:14.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 5 Psa 5:1-12. Upon Nehiloth--flutes or wind instruments. The writer begs to be heard, on the ground of God's regard for His covenant-people and true worshippers as contrasted with His holy hatred to the wicked. He prays for divine guidance, on account of his watchful, malignant, and deceitful enemies; and for their destruction as being also God's enemies. At the same time he expresses his co...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-33**
The Lord our God requires that we do justly, and render to all their due. It is a great sin for those that are able, to deny the payment of just debts; it is a great misery not to be able to pay them. He that is truly merciful, will be ever merciful. We must leave our sins; learn to do well, and cleave to it. This is true religion. The blessing of God is the spring, sweetness,...
Read full commentary →The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The righteous shall inherit the land</strong> (צַדִּיקִים יִירְשׁוּ־אָרֶץ, tsaddiqim yirshu-erets)—the verb <em>yarash</em> (inherit/possess/dispossess) was used for Israel's conquest of Canaan, now applied to righteous remnant's inheritance. <strong>And dwell therein for ever</strong> (וְיִשְׁכְּנוּ לָעֶד עָלֶיהָ, v'yishkenu la'ad aleha)—<em>shakan</em> (dwell) appears again, emphasizing ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. Hearken--**incline the ear (Psa 10:17; compare Psa 61:2)--give close attention.
**my cry--**that is, for help (Psa 61:2; Jr 8:19).
**my King--**thus by covenant relation interested in my cause.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-33**
The Lord our God requires that we do justly, and render to all their due. It is a great sin for those that are able, to deny the payment of just debts; it is a great misery not to be able to pay them. He that is truly merciful, will be ever merciful. We must leave our sins; learn to do well, and cleave to it. This is true religion. The blessing of God is the spring, sweetness,...
Read full commentary →The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom</strong> (פִּי־צַדִּיק יֶהְגֶּה חָכְמָה, pi-tsaddiq yehgeh chakhmah)—<em>hagah</em> (meditate/mutter/speak) suggests continuous meditation producing wise speech. Proverbs links speech to heart: "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" (Matthew 12:34). <strong>And his tongue talketh of judgment</strong> (וּלְשׁוֹנוֹ תְּדַבֵּר מִשְׁפָּ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. direct--**literally, "set in order," as the showbread was placed or set in order (Ex 40:23).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-33**
The Lord our God requires that we do justly, and render to all their due. It is a great sin for those that are able, to deny the payment of just debts; it is a great misery not to be able to pay them. He that is truly merciful, will be ever merciful. We must leave our sins; learn to do well, and cleave to it. This is true religion. The blessing of God is the spring, sweetness,...
Read full commentary →The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. steps: or, goings
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The law of his God is in his heart</strong> (תּוֹרַת אֱלֹהָיו בְּלִבּוֹ, <em>torat elohav be-libbo</em>)—This describes internalized obedience, where God's <em>torah</em> (instruction, law) has moved from external command to internal compass. Jeremiah 31:33 prophesies this new covenant reality. <strong>None of his steps shall slide</strong> (לֹא תִמְעַד אֲשֻׁרָיו, <em>lo tim'ad ashurav</em...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. For, &c.--**God only regards sincere worshippers.
**evil--**or, "the evil man."
**dwell--**lodge, remain under protection.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-33**
The Lord our God requires that we do justly, and render to all their due. It is a great sin for those that are able, to deny the payment of just debts; it is a great misery not to be able to pay them. He that is truly merciful, will be ever merciful. We must leave our sins; learn to do well, and cleave to it. This is true religion. The blessing of God is the spring, sweetness,...
Read full commentary →The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The wicked watcheth the righteous</strong> (צוֹפֶה רָשָׁע לַצַּדִּיק, <em>tzofeh rasha la-tzaddik</em>)—<em>Tzafah</em> means to spy, observe with hostile intent. <strong>And seeketh to slay him</strong> (וּמְבַקֵּשׁ לַהֲמִיתוֹ, <em>u-mevakesh lahamito</em>)—This isn't paranoia but reality: righteous living provokes persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).<br><br>David experienced this from Saul's mu...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. foolish--**vainglorious and insolent.
**iniquity--**especially such as denotes a negation, or defect, that is, of moral principle.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-33**
The Lord our God requires that we do justly, and render to all their due. It is a great sin for those that are able, to deny the payment of just debts; it is a great misery not to be able to pay them. He that is truly merciful, will be ever merciful. We must leave our sins; learn to do well, and cleave to it. This is true religion. The blessing of God is the spring, sweetness,...
Read full commentary →The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The LORD will not leave him in his hand</strong> (יְהוָה לֹא־יַעַזְבֶנּוּ בְיָדוֹ, <em>YHWH lo-ya'azvenu ve-yado</em>)—The covenant name <em>YHWH</em> emphasizes God's faithfulness. <em>Azav</em> (abandon, forsake) is negated. <strong>Nor condemn him when he is judged</strong> (וְלֹא יַרְשִׁיעֶנּוּ בְּהִשָּׁפְטוֹ, <em>ve-lo yarshi'enu be-hishafto</em>)—He will not declare guilty.<br><br>Ro...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. leasing--**a lie.
**the bloody ... man--**literally, "man of blood"--murderer.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-33**
The Lord our God requires that we do justly, and render to all their due. It is a great sin for those that are able, to deny the payment of just debts; it is a great misery not to be able to pay them. He that is truly merciful, will be ever merciful. We must leave our sins; learn to do well, and cleave to it. This is true religion. The blessing of God is the spring, sweetness,...
Read full commentary →Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Wait on the LORD</strong> (קַוֵּה אֶל־יְהוָה, <em>kavveh el-YHWH</em>)—<em>Kavah</em> means wait with expectant hope, confident trust. <strong>And keep his way</strong> (וּשְׁמֹר דַּרְכּוֹ, <em>u-shemor darko</em>)—<em>Shamar</em> (guard, observe) combines patient waiting with active obedience. <strong>He shall exalt thee to inherit the land</strong> (וִירוֹמִמְךָ לָרֶשֶׁת אָרֶץ, <em>vi-ro...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. But--**as in Psa 2:6, literally, "and."
**house--**(1Ch 9:23), the tabernacle.
**temple--**literally, "palace," applied to God's residence, the Holy of Holies (1Sa 3:3; 2Sa 22:7); the inner part of the tabernacle.
**toward--**not in; the high priest alone was allowed to enter.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 34-40**
Duty is ours, and we must mind it; but events are God's, we must refer the disposal of them to him. What a striking picture is in ver. #(35-36), of many a prosperous enemy of God! But God remarkably blights the projects of the prosperous wicked, especially persecutors. None are perfect in themselves, but believers are so in Christ Jesus. If all the saint's days continue dark a...
Read full commentary →I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. a green: or, a green tree that groweth in his own soil
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I have seen the wicked in great power</strong> (רָאִיתִי רָשָׁע עָרִיץ, <em>ra'iti rasha 'aritz</em>)—<em>Aritz</em> means terrifying, ruthless, tyrannical. <strong>And spreading himself like a green bay tree</strong> (וּמִתְעָרֶה כְּאֶזְרָח רַעֲנָן, <em>u-mitra'eh ke-ezrach ra'anan</em>)—<em>Ezrach</em> is a native-born tree, deeply rooted; <em>ra'anan</em> means green, luxuriant, thrivin...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(35) **In great power.**—Terrible, like a tyrant.
**Green bay tree.**—The Hebrew word elsewhere implies a “native” as opposed to “a foreigner.” So here *an indigenous tree.* “It may be questioned whether any particular tree is intended by the psalmist; but if so, it must have been an evergreen, and may possibly be the Sweet Bay (*Laurus nobilis*), which is a native of Palestine. We met with it nea...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. enemies--**literally, "watchers" (Psa 27:11), hence special need of guidance.
**in thy righteousness--**an attribute implying faithfulness in promises as well as threatenings.
**make thy way straight--**that is, make the way of providence plain.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 34-40**
Duty is ours, and we must mind it; but events are God's, we must refer the disposal of them to him. What a striking picture is in ver. #(35-36), of many a prosperous enemy of God! But God remarkably blights the projects of the prosperous wicked, especially persecutors. None are perfect in themselves, but believers are so in Christ Jesus. If all the saint's days continue dark a...
Read full commentary →Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not</strong> (וַיַּעֲבֹר וְהִנֵּה אֵינֶנּוּ, <em>vaya'avor ve-hinneh einennu</em>)—<em>Avar</em> (pass away) combined with <em>hinneh</em> (behold!) expresses startling suddenness. <em>Einennu</em> (he was not) echoes Genesis 5:24 but opposite—obliterated, not translated. <strong>I sought him, but he could not be found</strong> (וָאֲבַקְשֵׁהוּ וְלֹא נִמְ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(36) **Yet he passed away.**—This should be, *And there went one by, *&c. LXX. and Vulg. have, “And I passed by.” (Comp. Prayer Book version.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9. The wicked are not reliable because by nature they are full of wickedness, or literally, "wickednesses," of every kind (Ro 8:7).
**sepulchre--**a dwelling-place of corruption, emitting moral putridness.
**flatter--**or, "make smooth."
**their tongue--**speaks deceitfully.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 34-40**
Duty is ours, and we must mind it; but events are God's, we must refer the disposal of them to him. What a striking picture is in ver. #(35-36), of many a prosperous enemy of God! But God remarkably blights the projects of the prosperous wicked, especially persecutors. None are perfect in themselves, but believers are so in Christ Jesus. If all the saint's days continue dark a...
Read full commentary →Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Mark the perfect man</strong> (שְׁמָר־תָם, <em>shemar-tam</em>)—<em>Shamar</em> means observe carefully; <em>tam</em> means complete, blameless, having integrity. <strong>And behold the upright</strong> (וּרְאֵה יָשָׁר, <em>u-re'eh yashar</em>)—<em>Yashar</em> is straight, right, upright. <strong>For the end of that man is peace</strong> (כִּי־אַחֲרִית לְאִישׁ שָׁלוֹם, <em>ki-acharit le-is...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(37) **For the end of that man is peace.**—This is quite wrongly translated, since *acharîth *must here mean, as in Psalm 109:13; Amos 4:2; Amos 9:1, “posterity.” The parallelism decides in favour of this.
Mark the honest man, and behold the upright;
For a posterity (shall be) to the man of peace:
But transgressors are altogether destroyed,
The posterity of the wicked is destroyed.
So the LXX. and...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. Destroy--**or, "condemn" them to destruction as guilty.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 34-40**
Duty is ours, and we must mind it; but events are God's, we must refer the disposal of them to him. What a striking picture is in ver. #(35-36), of many a prosperous enemy of God! But God remarkably blights the projects of the prosperous wicked, especially persecutors. None are perfect in themselves, but believers are so in Christ Jesus. If all the saint's days continue dark a...
Read full commentary →But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But the transgressors shall be destroyed together</strong> (וּפֹשְׁעִים נִשְׁמְדוּ יַחְדָּו, <em>u-fosh'im nishmadu yachdav</em>)—<em>Posh'im</em> are rebels, willful transgressors; <em>shamad</em> means utterly destroyed. <em>Yachdav</em> (together) suggests comprehensive judgment. <strong>The end of the wicked shall be cut off</strong> (אַחֲרִית רְשָׁעִים נִכְרָתָה, <em>acharit resha'im ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. defendest--**(compare Margin).
**love thy name--**Thy manifested perfections (Psa 9:10).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 34-40**
Duty is ours, and we must mind it; but events are God's, we must refer the disposal of them to him. What a striking picture is in ver. #(35-36), of many a prosperous enemy of God! But God remarkably blights the projects of the prosperous wicked, especially persecutors. None are perfect in themselves, but believers are so in Christ Jesus. If all the saint's days continue dark a...
Read full commentary →But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD</strong> (וּתְשׁוּעַת צַדִּיקִים מֵיְהוָה, <em>u-teshu'at tzaddikim me-YHWH</em>)—<em>Teshu'ah</em> (salvation) comes exclusively <em>me-YHWH</em> (from the LORD), excluding all human sources. <strong>He is their strength in the time of trouble</strong> (מָעוּזָּם בְּעֵת צָרָה, <em>ma'uzzam be-et tzarah</em>)—<em>Ma'oz</em> means stronghold...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. with favour--**or, "acceptance," alluding to the favor shown to an acceptable offering and worshipper (Le 7:18; 19:7).
**shield--**(compare Psa 3:3).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 34-40**
Duty is ours, and we must mind it; but events are God's, we must refer the disposal of them to him. What a striking picture is in ver. #(35-36), of many a prosperous enemy of God! But God remarkably blights the projects of the prosperous wicked, especially persecutors. None are perfect in themselves, but believers are so in Christ Jesus. If all the saint's days continue dark a...
Read full commentary →And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them</strong> (וְיַעְזְרֵם יְהוָה וִיפַלְּטֵם, <em>ve-ya'zerem YHWH vi-yfalletem</em>)—<em>Azar</em> means aid; <em>palat</em> means deliver, rescue. <strong>Because they trust in him</strong> (כִּי־חָסוּ בוֹ, <em>ki-chasu vo</em>)—<em>Chasu</em> means take refuge in, trust in.<br><br>Four Hebrew verbs (help, deliver, deliver again, save) emphasize...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 34-40**
Duty is ours, and we must mind it; but events are God's, we must refer the disposal of them to him. What a striking picture is in ver. #(35-36), of many a prosperous enemy of God! But God remarkably blights the projects of the prosperous wicked, especially persecutors. None are perfect in themselves, but believers are so in Christ Jesus. If all the saint's days continue dark a...
Read full commentary →