King James Version
Psalms 78
72 verses with commentary
Tell to the Coming Generation
Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. Maschil: or, A Psalm for Asaph to give instruction
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Give ear, O my people, to my law</strong> (הַאֲזִינָה עַמִּי תּוֹרָתִי)—Asaph opens this longest historical psalm with a prophetic summons using <em>ha'azinah</em> ("give ear"), the same imperative Moses used in Deuteronomy 32:1. The term <em>torati</em> ("my law/instruction") doesn't mean merely legal code but comprehensive covenant teaching, encompassing Israel's redemptive history.<br><...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) For the formal opening see Psalm 49:1, Note.
**My people.**—An expression pointing to a position of weight and authority.
**My law.**—Here, rather *instruction, *or *doctrine.*
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 78
Chapter Outline
Attention called for.(1-8)
The history of Israel.(9-39)
Their settlement in Canaan.(40-55)
The mercies of God to Israel contrasted with their ingratitude.(56-72)
**Verses 1-8**
These are called dark and deep sayings, because they are carefully to be looked into. The law of God was given with a particular charge to teach it diligently to their ch...
Read full commentary →I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
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KJV Study Commentary
The psalmist declares "I will open my mouth in a parable" (Hebrew <em>efhtach bemashal pi</em>), announcing his teaching method. "Parable" (Hebrew <em>mashal</em>) is broader than the NT concept, including proverbs, riddles, and instructive narratives. "Dark sayings of old" (Hebrew <em>chidot miqqedem</em>) refers not to obscure mysteries but to profound lessons from history requiring interpretati...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2, 3) **I will open.**—A difficulty is started by the fact that the psalm deals with history, and is neither a proverb (*māshal*) nor riddle (*chîdah*)*. *But the Divine rejection of the northern tribes may be the covert meaning which the poet sees to have been wrapped up in all the ancient history. The word *māshal *is also sometimes used in a wide, vague sense, embracing prophetic as well as pr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 44 Psa 44:1-26. In a time of great national distress, probably in David's reign, the Psalmist recounts God's gracious dealings in former times, and the confidence they had learned to repose in Him. After a vivid picture of their calamities, he humbly expostulates against God's apparent forgetfulness, reminding Him of their faithfulness and mourning their heavy sorrows.
1-3. This period is t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 78
Chapter Outline
Attention called for.(1-8)
The history of Israel.(9-39)
Their settlement in Canaan.(40-55)
The mercies of God to Israel contrasted with their ingratitude.(56-72)
**Verses 1-8**
These are called dark and deep sayings, because they are carefully to be looked into. The law of God was given with a particular charge to teach it diligently to their ch...
Read full commentary →Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.
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KJV Study Commentary
The psalmist establishes tradition: "Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us" (Hebrew <em>asher shama-nu va-neda-em va-avoteynu sipperu lanu</em>). Three verbs trace faith transmission: "heard" (received teaching), "known" (personally appropriated), "told" (passed to next generation). This verse models intergenerational discipleship—faith isn't invented but received, known expe...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 44 Psa 44:1-26. In a time of great national distress, probably in David's reign, the Psalmist recounts God's gracious dealings in former times, and the confidence they had learned to repose in Him. After a vivid picture of their calamities, he humbly expostulates against God's apparent forgetfulness, reminding Him of their faithfulness and mourning their heavy sorrows.
1-3. This period is t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 78
Chapter Outline
Attention called for.(1-8)
The history of Israel.(9-39)
Their settlement in Canaan.(40-55)
The mercies of God to Israel contrasted with their ingratitude.(56-72)
**Verses 1-8**
These are called dark and deep sayings, because they are carefully to be looked into. The law of God was given with a particular charge to teach it diligently to their ch...
Read full commentary →We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
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KJV Study Commentary
The mandate continues: "We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done" (Hebrew <em>lo n-kached mi-b-neyhem l-dor acharon m-sapprim t-hilot YHWH v-azuzo v-nifle-otav asher asah</em>). "Not hide" indicates intentional disclosure—faith transmission requires active effort. Three things m...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 44 Psa 44:1-26. In a time of great national distress, probably in David's reign, the Psalmist recounts God's gracious dealings in former times, and the confidence they had learned to repose in Him. After a vivid picture of their calamities, he humbly expostulates against God's apparent forgetfulness, reminding Him of their faithfulness and mourning their heavy sorrows.
1-3. This period is t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 78
Chapter Outline
Attention called for.(1-8)
The history of Israel.(9-39)
Their settlement in Canaan.(40-55)
The mercies of God to Israel contrasted with their ingratitude.(56-72)
**Verses 1-8**
These are called dark and deep sayings, because they are carefully to be looked into. The law of God was given with a particular charge to teach it diligently to their ch...
Read full commentary →For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:
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KJV Study Commentary
The psalm establishes God's law: "For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children" (Hebrew <em>va-yaqem edut b-Ya-aqov v-torah sam b-Yisra-el asher tzivvah et-avoteynu l-hodi-am liv-neyhem</em>). "Testimony" (Hebrew <em>eduth</em>) and "law" (Hebrew <em>torah</em>) indicate God's revealed wil...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **For he . . .**—Better, taking the relative of time (comp. Deuteronomy 11:6; Psalm 139:15), *For he established *(*it as*)* a testimony in Jacob and *(*as*)* a law appointed *(*it*)* in Israel when he commanded our forefathers to make them *(the *“wonderful works” *of last verse) *known to their children. *For the custom see reference in margin.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. Thou art my King--**literally, "he who is my King," sustaining the same covenant relation as to the "fathers."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 78
Chapter Outline
Attention called for.(1-8)
The history of Israel.(9-39)
Their settlement in Canaan.(40-55)
The mercies of God to Israel contrasted with their ingratitude.(56-72)
**Verses 1-8**
These are called dark and deep sayings, because they are carefully to be looked into. The law of God was given with a particular charge to teach it diligently to their ch...
Read full commentary →That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
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KJV Study Commentary
The purpose continues: "That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children" (Hebrew <em>l-ma-an yedu dor acharon banim yivvaldu yaqumu vi-sapru liv-neyhem</em>). Three generations appear: current teaching future who will teach their children. The chain must not break. "Know" requires understanding, not mere heari...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5. The figure drawn from the habits of the ox.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 78
Chapter Outline
Attention called for.(1-8)
The history of Israel.(9-39)
Their settlement in Canaan.(40-55)
The mercies of God to Israel contrasted with their ingratitude.(56-72)
**Verses 1-8**
These are called dark and deep sayings, because they are carefully to be looked into. The law of God was given with a particular charge to teach it diligently to their ch...
Read full commentary →That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:
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KJV Study Commentary
The purpose of transmission: "That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments" (Hebrew <em>v-yasimu vElohim kishlam v-lo yish-k-chu ma-ale El u-mitzvotav yintzoru</em>). Three results: "set their hope in God" (trust orientation), "not forget" (memory retention), "keep his commandments" (obedient practice). This verse reveals catechesis aims not mer...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-8. God is not only our sole help, but only worthy of praise.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 78
Chapter Outline
Attention called for.(1-8)
The history of Israel.(9-39)
Their settlement in Canaan.(40-55)
The mercies of God to Israel contrasted with their ingratitude.(56-72)
**Verses 1-8**
These are called dark and deep sayings, because they are carefully to be looked into. The law of God was given with a particular charge to teach it diligently to their ch...
Read full commentary →And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God. that: Heb. that prepared not their heart
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KJV Study Commentary
The warning: "And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God" (Hebrew <em>v-lo yih-yu ka-avotam dor sorer u-moreh dor lo-hekhim libbo v-lo-ne-emanah et-Elohim rucho</em>). Four indictments: "stubborn" (resistant), "rebellious" (defiant), "set not their heart aright" (uncommitted), "sp...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Stubborn.**—*Refractory.*
**That set not their heart aright.**—Literally, *did not establish their heart, *which preserves the parallelism better.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-8. God is not only our sole help, but only worthy of praise.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 78
Chapter Outline
Attention called for.(1-8)
The history of Israel.(9-39)
Their settlement in Canaan.(40-55)
The mercies of God to Israel contrasted with their ingratitude.(56-72)
**Verses 1-8**
These are called dark and deep sayings, because they are carefully to be looked into. The law of God was given with a particular charge to teach it diligently to their ch...
Read full commentary →The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle. carrying: Heb. throwing forth
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows</strong> (בְּנֵי־אֶפְרַיִם נוֹשְׁקֵי רוֹמֵי־קָשֶׁת)—Ephraim, Joseph's dominant tribe and representative of the Northern Kingdom, possessed military capability yet <strong>turned back in the day of battle</strong> (הָפְכוּ בְּיוֹם קְרָב). The verb הָפְכוּ (<em>hafkhu</em>, "turned back") suggests covenant reversal, not merely tactical ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Armed, and carrying bows.**—Following Jeremiah 4:29, and from analogy with Jeremiah 44:9 (“handle and bend the bow”) we get as literal rendering of the Hebrew here, *drawing and shooting with the bow. *LXX. and Vulgate, “bending and shooting with the bow.” But a close comparison of this verse with Psalm 78:57 of this psalm, and with Hosea 7:16, has suggested to a recent commentator a much mo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-8. God is not only our sole help, but only worthy of praise.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>They kept not the covenant of God</strong> (לֹא שָׁמְרוּ בְּרִית אֱלֹהִים, <em>lo shamru berit Elohim</em>)—The verb <em>shamru</em> means "to keep, guard, observe," the same word used for Adam's charge to "keep" the garden (Genesis 2:15) and Israel's duty to "keep" the law (Deuteronomy 7:12). Covenant-breaking wasn't passive neglect but active abandonment. The term <em>berit</em> (covenan...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. But--**contrasting, cast off as abhorrent (Psa 43:2).
**goest not forth--**literally, "will not go" (2Sa 5:23). In several consecutive verses the leading verb is future, and the following one past (in Hebrew), thus denoting the causes and effects. Thus (Psa 44:10-12), when defeated, spoiling follows; when delivered as sheep, dispersion follows, &c.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them</strong>—the Hebrew <em>šākaḥ</em> (forgot) implies not mere memory failure but willful neglect, a deliberate turning away from covenant obligations. Israel's forgetfulness of God's <em>niplā'ôt</em> (wonders, miraculous acts) represents the recurring sin pattern that Psalm 78 chronicles. This didactic psalm, a <em>maśkîl</em> (...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan</strong>—Zoan (Hebrew <em>Ṣō'an</em>, Egyptian Tanis) was the Ramesside capital where Moses confronted Pharaoh with the ten plagues (Exodus 7-12). The phrase <em>pele'</em> (marvellous things) denotes supernatural intervention impossible to natural explanation.<br><br>Isaiah 19:11-13 later mo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Field of Zoan.**—See Numbers 13:22. It is the classical “Tanis,” merely a corruption of *Tsoan, i.e., *low country (LXX. and Vulgate). Tanis is situated on the east bank of what was formerly called the Tanitic branch of the Nile. Between it and Pelusium, about thirty miles to the east, stretched a rich plain known as “the marshes,” or “the pastures,” or “the field” of Zoan.
The psalm now tu...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
11. The Babylonian captivity not necessarily meant. There were others (compare 1Ki 8:46).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap</strong>—the Red Sea crossing (<em>yam-sûp</em>, Exodus 14) stands as the defining act of redemption in the Old Testament, the typological precursor to baptism. The Hebrew <em>bāqa'</em> (divided) means to cleave or split completely, the same word used when rocks split (v. 15).<br><br>The 'heap'...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **As an heap.**—See Note, Psalm 33:7.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire</strong>—the pillar of cloud and fire (<em>'ammûd 'ānān</em> and <em>'ammûd 'ēš</em>) manifested God's visible presence (Exodus 13:21-22), called the <em>Shekhinah</em> (dwelling glory) in later Jewish theology. This divine GPS provided not just direction but assurance of Immanuel—'God with us.'<br><br>The...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13-14. (Compare De 28:37; Psa 79:4).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths</strong>—the rock-striking at Rephidim (Exodus 17:6) and Kadesh (Numbers 20:11) demonstrated YHWH's power to transform barren stone into life-giving water. The verb <em>bāqa'</em> (clave) parallels the sea-splitting (v. 13), showing God divides impossibilities to sustain His people.<br><br>Paul explicitly ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **And gave . . .**—Literally, *and gave them to drink as it were a great deep, *or as we might say, “oceans of drink”—a poetical exaggeration; or are we rather to think of the gift of water as produced by striking or boring through the rock to the great ocean on which the earth was supposed to rest?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13-14. (Compare De 28:37; Psa 79:4).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers</strong>—the Hebrew <em>nāhār</em> (rivers) emphasizes abundance, not mere survival water. God's provision exceeded necessity, flooding the desert with overflowing supply. This extravagance reveals grace's character—'pressed down, shaken together, running over' (Luke 6:38).<br><br>Isaiah 48:21 recalls this m...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Rock.**—Rather, *cliff—sela, *the word always used of the event that took place at Kadesh (Numbers 20:8-11), as *tsûr *is of the rock in Horeb. The plural of this latter word in Psalm 78:15 is poetical and general.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15. shame of ... face--**blushes in disgrace.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness</strong>—the Hebrew <em>yāsap</em> (yet more) intensifies the indictment: despite escalating miracles, Israel escalated rebellion. The term <em>mārah</em> (provoking) means to embitter or rebel, the root of Marah where bitter water was sweetened (Exodus 15:23) and Meribah where they tested God (Exodus 17:7).<...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **They sinned yet more and more**.—This implies the discontent which had already shown itself before the miraculous supply of water.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
16. Its cause, the taunts and presence of malignant enemies (Psa 8:2).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust</strong>—the Hebrew <em>nissâ</em> (tempted) means to test or prove, putting God on trial to see if He'll comply with fleshly demands. Numbers 11:4-34 records this incident: the 'mixed multitude' craved Egyptian cuisine, spurning manna as inadequate. Their <em>ta'ăwâ</em> (lust, craving) represented not hunger but discontent...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-19. They had not apostatized totally--**were still God's people.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? furnish: Heb. order
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?</strong>—the rhetorical question exposes functional atheism: Israel intellectually affirmed YHWH's existence while practically doubting His ability. The phrase <em>'ārak šulḥān</em> (furnish a table) means to arrange a formal banquet, not merely provide sustenance. They wanted Egyptian luxury, not covenant m...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19, 20) A comparison of these verses with the references in the margin shows how the ancient narratives fared under poetical treatment.
**Furnish a table.**—Comp. Psalm 23:5, Note
**Gushed out.**—Comp. Psalm 105:41.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-19. They had not apostatized totally--**were still God's people.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?</strong>—Israel's 'can he also' exposes addiction to novelty: yesterday's miracle doesn't count toward today's faith. The Hebrew <em>nāḥal</em> (streams) flooded the desert, yet they immediately demanded new categories of provision. God's résumé me...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-19. They had not apostatized totally--**were still God's people.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →Therefore the LORD heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Therefore the LORD heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel</strong>—divine wrath (<em>qeṣep</em>) isn't petulant reaction but holy response to covenant betrayal. The 'fire' (<em>'ēš</em>) at Taberah (Numbers 11:1-3) consumed the camp's outskirts as judgment, while 'anger' (<em>'ap</em>, literally 'nose burning') indicates God's ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) See references in margin.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
20-21. A solemn appeal to God to witness their constancy.
**stretched out ... hands--**gesture of worship (Ex 9:29; Psa 88:9).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation</strong>—the parallelism defines faith: believing (<em>'āman</em>, to be firm, established) must translate into trusting (<em>bāṭaḥ</em>, confident reliance). Israel gave intellectual assent without volitional commitment. The word <em>yešû'â</em> (salvation) shares the root with 'Jesus' (Yeshua)—they refused to trust the ve...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
20-21. A solemn appeal to God to witness their constancy.
**stretched out ... hands--**gesture of worship (Ex 9:29; Psa 88:9).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven</strong>—despite Israel's unbelief, God demonstrates grace by answering their demand. The image of heaven's 'doors' (<em>delet</em>) opening portrays the cosmos as God's storehouse, with Him sovereignly distributing provision. This divine 'warehouse' imagery appears in Malachi 3:10: 'open the windows of heaven an...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
22. Their protracted sufferings as God's people attests the constancy. Paul (Ro 8:36) uses this to describe Christian steadfastness in persecution.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven</strong>—<em>mān</em> (manna) means 'What is it?' (Exodus 16:15), reflecting Israel's bewilderment at this unprecedented food. Calling it 'corn [grain] of heaven' (<em>dĕgan-šāmayim</em>) emphasizes its supernatural origin—heaven's agriculture producing earth's sustenance.<br><br>Jesus declared: 'I am the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
23-26. This style of addressing God, as indifferent, is frequent (Psa 3:7; 9:19; 13:1, &c.). However low their condition, God is appealed to, on the ground, and for the honor, of His mercy.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →Man did eat angels' food: he sent them meat to the full. Man: or, Every one did eat the bread of the mighty
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Man did eat angels' food: he sent them meat to the full</strong>—the phrase <em>leḥem 'abbîrîm</em> (bread of the mighty ones) likely means 'bread of angels' (so LXX, Vulgate), emphasizing manna's heavenly origin. Alternate reading 'bread of the mighty' stresses its supernatural potency—one omer daily sustained adults for forty years without malnutrition.<br><br>This verse inspired Jesus's...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **Angels’ food.**—See margin, and comp. Wisdom Of Solomon 16:20. LXX. and Vulgate, “angels’ bread.” Some explain, after Job 24:22; Job 34:30, *lordly *food, such as *nobles *eat—here, *quails. *But in connection with “food from heaven,” the popular idea of angels’ food which poetry reluctantly gives up may be retained.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
23-26. This style of addressing God, as indifferent, is frequent (Psa 3:7; 9:19; 13:1, &c.). However low their condition, God is appealed to, on the ground, and for the honor, of His mercy.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →He caused an east wind to blow in the heaven: and by his power he brought in the south wind. to blow: Heb. to go
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He caused an east wind to blow in the heaven: and by his power he brought in the south wind</strong>—God orchestrated meteorology to deliver quail, using the <em>qādîm</em> (east wind) and <em>dārôm</em> (south wind) to drive exhausted birds into Israel's camp. The east wind regularly appears as God's judgment instrument (Exodus 10:13, Jonah 4:8), while the south wind brings heat and plent...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **East wind . . .** **south wind.**—Probably the very winds that brought the flights of quails, and not merely poetical details. (See Smith’s *Biblical Dictionary, *art. “Quails.”)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
23-26. This style of addressing God, as indifferent, is frequent (Psa 3:7; 9:19; 13:1, &c.). However low their condition, God is appealed to, on the ground, and for the honor, of His mercy.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea: feathered: Heb. fowl of wing
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea</strong>—the hyperbolic language ('dust,' 'sand of the sea') emphasizes overwhelming abundance. Hebrew <em>še'ēr</em> (flesh) and <em>'ôp kānāp</em> (winged birds) satisfied their craving. Yet this 'answered prayer' became their nightmare—God gave them what they demanded to expose the poison in their de...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) No doubt there is poetical hyperbole here, but for the enormous numbers of quails that are now caught, see the article quoted above.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
23-26. This style of addressing God, as indifferent, is frequent (Psa 3:7; 9:19; 13:1, &c.). However low their condition, God is appealed to, on the ground, and for the honor, of His mercy.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →And he let it fall in the midst of their camp, round about their habitations.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he let it fall in the midst of their camp, round about their habitations</strong>—God's precision is remarkable: quail fell exactly where Israel could gather them with minimal effort. The phrase <em>sābîb lə-miškĕnōtāyw</em> (round about their dwellings) indicates God delivered to their doorsteps. This accommodating provision makes their subsequent judgment more sobering—they can't cla...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →So they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire</strong>—the Hebrew <em>śāba'</em> (well filled) means satiated to excess, stuffed beyond satisfaction. God gave them <em>ta'ăwātām</em> (their desire), the same word for 'lust' in v. 18. This verse captures the tragedy of getting exactly what you want when what you want is poisonous.<br><br>Proverbs 23:2 warns: 'Put ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29) **Desire.**—See Numbers 11:34, margin.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 45 Psa 45:1-17. Shoshannim--literally, "Lilies," either descriptive of an instrument so shaped, or denoting some tune or air so called, after which the Psalm was to be sung (see on Psa 8:1, title). A song of loves, or, of beloved ones (plural and feminine)--a conjugal song. Maschil--(See on Psa 32:1, title, and Psa 42:1, title) denotes the didactic character of the Psalm; that it gives instr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →They were not estranged from their lust. But while their meat was yet in their mouths,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>They were not estranged from their lust. But while their meat was yet in their mouths</strong>—the phrase <em>lō'-zārû mi-ta'ăwātām</em> (not estranged from their lust) means they never turned away from their craving; satisfaction only fueled appetite. The horrific timing—'while their meat was yet in their mouths'—shows judgment overtaking indulgence mid-bite.<br><br>This instant transitio...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30, 31) Evidently from Numbers 11:33, *They did not yet loath in consequence of their lusts, the meat was yet in their mouths when, *&c. For the expression, comp. the Latin *alienari ab aliqua re, *to be disinclined to a thing, and our own “stranger to fear,” &c
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
2. To rich personal attractions is added grace of the lips, captivating powers of speech. This is given, and becomes a source of power and proves a blessing. Christ is a prophet (Lu 4:22).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel. smote: Heb. made to bow Chosen: or, young men
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel</strong>—divine wrath (<em>ḥĕmat 'Ĕlōhîm</em>) targeted specifically the <em>mišmannîm</em> (fattest, most robust) and <em>baḥûrîm</em> (chosen/choice young men). The healthiest died first—those whose strength made them confident in self-sufficiency. Their vigor became vulnerability when ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(31) **Slew the fattest.**—This may mean either the *strongest *or the *noblest.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-4. The king is addressed as ready to go forth to battle.
**sword--**(Compare Re 1:16; 19:15).
**mighty--**(Compare Is 9:6).
**glory and ... majesty--**generally used as divine attributes (Psa 96:6; 104:1; 111:3), or as specially conferred on mortals (Psa 21:5), perhaps these typically.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works</strong>—the phrase <em>bə-kol-zō't</em> (for all this) indicts persistent unbelief despite escalating revelation. The <em>niplā'ōt</em> (wondrous works) piled up—sea-crossing, rock-water, manna, quail—yet produced no lasting faith. Miracles don't create belief; they confirm it in the willing and harden it in the rebel...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(32-33) For the allusion see Numbers 14:11-12; Numbers 14:28-35.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-4. The king is addressed as ready to go forth to battle.
**sword--**(Compare Re 1:16; 19:15).
**mighty--**(Compare Is 9:6).
**glory and ... majesty--**generally used as divine attributes (Psa 96:6; 104:1; 111:3), or as specially conferred on mortals (Psa 21:5), perhaps these typically.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble</strong>—the verdict of Numbers 14:33-34: 'Your children shall be shepherds in the wilderness forty years... forty years, a year for each day.' The Hebrew <em>hebel</em> (vanity) means vapor, emptiness, futility—the same word Ecclesiastes repeats 38 times. Their years became <em>behālâ</em> (trouble, sudden terror), ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5. The result.
**people--**Whole nations are subdued.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and enquired early after God.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and enquired early after God.</strong> The Hebrew <em>hārag</em> (הָרַג, "slew") describes God's judicial execution through plague or judgment, triggering superficial repentance. The verb <em>shāḥar</em> (שָׁחַר, "enquired early") means to seek earnestly at dawn, suggesting urgency born from crisis rather than genuine devotion. Thi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6. No lawful construction can be devised to change the sense here given and sustained by the ancient versions, and above all by Paul (He 1:8). Of the perpetuity of this government, compare 2Sa 7:13; Psa 10:16; 72:5; 89:4; 110:4; Is 9:7.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.</strong> The title <em>tzur</em> (צוּר, "rock") emphasizes God's stability, protection, and permanence—used 73 times in the Psalms. <em>El Elyon</em> (אֵל עֶלְיוֹן, "high God") denotes supreme sovereignty, first used by Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20). <em>Gōʾēl</em> (גֹּאֵל, "redeemer") is kinsman-redeemer langua...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(35) **Rock.**—A reminiscence of Deuteronomy 32:15-18.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
7. As in Psa 45:6 the divine nature is made prominent, here the moral qualities of the human are alleged as the reason or ground of the mediatorial exultation. Some render "O God, thy God," instead of
**God, thy God--**but the latter is sustained by the same form (Psa 50:7), and it was only of His human nature that the anointing could be predicated (compare Is 61:3).
**oil of gladness--**or to...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues.</strong> The brutal "nevertheless" (<em>way</em>, וַיְ) demolishes the pious confession of verse 35. <em>Pātâ</em> (פָּתָה, "flatter") means to deceive or seduce, exposing their worship as manipulation—attempting to appease an angry deity through empty words. <em>Kāzab</em> (כָּזַב, "lied") descr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8. The king thus inaugurated is now presented as a bridegroom, who appears in garments richly perfumed, brought out from
**ivory palaces--**His royal residence; by which, as indications of the happy bridal occasion, He has been gladdened.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.</strong> This verse explains the "nevertheless" of verse 36. <em>Lēḇ</em> (לֵב, "heart") represents the control center of will, emotion, and thought—the inner person. <em>Nāḵôn</em> (נָכוֹן, "right") means established, firm, or prepared; their hearts were unstable, unprepared for covenant faithfulness.<br><...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9. In completion of this picture of a marriage festival, female attendants or bridesmaids of the highest rank attend Him, while the queen, in rich apparel (Psa 45:13), stands ready for the nuptial procession.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not.</strong> The stunning reversal begins with <em>wĕhûʾ</em> (וְהוּא, "but he")—despite their lying flattery and heart-unfaithfulness, God remains compassionate. <em>Raḥûm</em> (רַחוּם, "full of compassion") derives from <em>reḥem</em> (רֶחֶם, womb), depicting mother-love tender mercy. <em>Kāpar</em> (כָּפַר, "f...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(38) The verbs in the first clause should be in the present, *But he, the compassionate, forgives iniquity, and doth not destroy, and many a time he turned away, &c.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-11. She is invited to the union, for forming which she must leave her father's people. She representing, by the form of the allegory, the Church, this address is illustrated by all those scriptures, from Ge 12:1 on, which speak of the people of God as a chosen, separate, and peculiar people. The relation of subjection to her spouse at once accords with the law of marriage, as given in Ge 3:16; ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.</strong> While Israel forgot God (v. 42), God remembered Israel's frailty. <em>Bāśār</em> (בָּשָׂר, "flesh") denotes human weakness, mortality, and limitation—not sinfulness per se but creatureliness. God's mercy flows from recognizing His creatures' fragility, like a father pitying his children (Ps...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(39) “And what’s a life? A blast sustained with clothing:
Maintained with food, retained with vile self-loathing;
Then, weary of itself, away to nothing.”—
QUARLES: *Emblcms.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-11. She is invited to the union, for forming which she must leave her father's people. She representing, by the form of the allegory, the Church, this address is illustrated by all those scriptures, from Ge 12:1 on, which speak of the people of God as a chosen, separate, and peculiar people. The relation of subjection to her spouse at once accords with the law of marriage, as given in Ge 3:16; ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-39**
Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said ...
Read full commentary →How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! provoke: or, rebel against
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert!</strong> The rhetorical <em>kammâ</em> (כַּמָּה, "how oft") expresses exasperation at Israel's countless rebellions. <em>Mārah</em> (מָרָה, "provoke") means to rebel or embitter—the same root as Marah, the bitter waters (Exodus 15:23). <em>ʿĀṣaḇ</em> (עָצַב, "grieve") conveys emotional pain, used of God's grief b...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(40) **How oft.**—Ten instances of murmuring are actually recorded in Exodus and Numbers.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. daughter of Tyre--**(Psa 9:14); denotes the people. Tyre, celebrated for its great wealth, is selected to represent the richest nations, an idea confirmed by the next clause. These gifts are brought as means to conciliate the royal parties, representing the admitted subjection of the offerers. This well sets forth the exalted position of the Church and her head, whose moral qualities receive...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 40-55**
Let not those that receive mercy from God, be thereby made bold to sin, for the mercies they receive will hasten its punishment; yet let not those who are under Divine rebukes for sin, be discouraged from repentance. The Holy One of Israel will do what is most for his own glory, and what is most for their good. Their forgetting former favours, led them to limit God for the fut...
Read full commentary →Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.</strong> <em>Šûḇ</em> (שׁוּב, "turned back") indicates deliberate reversal—not merely drifting but active turning away. <em>Nāsâ</em> (נָסָה, "tempted") means to test or try, putting God on trial rather than trusting Him. They presumed to test their Judge—cosmic role-reversal.<br><br>The phrase <em>qādôš Yiśrāʾēl hi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(41) **Limited.**—A verb used in Ezekiel 9:4 for putting a mark on the forehead, which has been very variously explained. Some render *branded *or *cast a stigma on*—*i.e., *brought discredit on the Divine name. The LXX. and Vulg. have “exasperated,” and so some moderns “crossed,” “thwarted.” Grätz emends to “asked signs from,” but perhaps the ideas of marking something that has been *tried, *and ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. the king's daughter--**a term of dignity. It may also intimate, with some allusion to the teaching of the allegory, that the bride of Christ, the Church, is the daughter of the great king, God.
**within--**Not only is her outward raiment costly, but all her apparel is of the richest texture.
**wrought gold--**gold embroidery, or cloth in which gold is woven.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 40-55**
Let not those that receive mercy from God, be thereby made bold to sin, for the mercies they receive will hasten its punishment; yet let not those who are under Divine rebukes for sin, be discouraged from repentance. The Holy One of Israel will do what is most for his own glory, and what is most for their good. Their forgetting former favours, led them to limit God for the fut...
Read full commentary →They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy. from: or, from affliction
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy.</strong> While God remembered their frailty (v. 39), they forgot His faithfulness. <em>Zāḵar</em> (זָכַר, "remembered not") means more than mental recall—it means failing to act on remembered truth. <em>Yād</em> (יָד, "hand") represents God's mighty power in action, especially in redemption (cf. "mighty hand a...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(42) The reminiscence of the plagues that follows is not a complete enumeration, and does not proceed in the order of the historic narrative.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-15. The progress of the procession is described; according to the usual custom the bride and attendants are conducted to the palace. Some for the words--**
**in raiment of needlework--**propose another rendering, "on variegated (or embroidered) cloths"--that is, in the manner of the East, richly wrought tapestry was spread on the ground, on which the bride walked. As the dress had been alr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 40-55**
Let not those that receive mercy from God, be thereby made bold to sin, for the mercies they receive will hasten its punishment; yet let not those who are under Divine rebukes for sin, be discouraged from repentance. The Holy One of Israel will do what is most for his own glory, and what is most for their good. Their forgetting former favours, led them to limit God for the fut...
Read full commentary →How he had wrought his signs in Egypt, and his wonders in the field of Zoan: wrought: Heb. set
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>How he had wrought his signs in Egypt, and his wonders in the field of Zoan.</strong> <em>ʾÔt</em> (אוֹת, "signs") are authenticating miracles demonstrating divine authority and power. <em>Môpēt</em> (מוֹפֵת, "wonders") emphasizes the supernatural, extraordinary nature. Together they form a standard pair describing the plagues as both evidential (proving God's supremacy) and awesome (displ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-15. The progress of the procession is described; according to the usual custom the bride and attendants are conducted to the palace. Some for the words--**
**in raiment of needlework--**propose another rendering, "on variegated (or embroidered) cloths"--that is, in the manner of the East, richly wrought tapestry was spread on the ground, on which the bride walked. As the dress had been alr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 40-55**
Let not those that receive mercy from God, be thereby made bold to sin, for the mercies they receive will hasten its punishment; yet let not those who are under Divine rebukes for sin, be discouraged from repentance. The Holy One of Israel will do what is most for his own glory, and what is most for their good. Their forgetting former favours, led them to limit God for the fut...
Read full commentary →And had turned their rivers into blood; and their floods, that they could not drink.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And had turned their rivers into blood; and their floods, that they could not drink.</strong> The first plague (Exodus 7:14-25) attacked Egypt's lifeline—the Nile. <em>Yĕʾōr</em> (יְאֹר, "rivers") specifically denotes the Nile and its channels. <em>Nōzēl</em> (נֹזֵל, "floods") means flowing streams or tributaries. God transformed Egypt's source of life into death.<br><br><em>Dām</em> (דָּם...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
16. As earthly monarchs govern widely extended empires by viceroys, this glorious king is represented as supplying all the principalities of earth with princes of his own numerous progeny.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 40-55**
Let not those that receive mercy from God, be thereby made bold to sin, for the mercies they receive will hasten its punishment; yet let not those who are under Divine rebukes for sin, be discouraged from repentance. The Holy One of Israel will do what is most for his own glory, and what is most for their good. Their forgetting former favours, led them to limit God for the fut...
Read full commentary →He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them.</strong> <em>ʿĀrōḇ</em> (עָרֹב, "divers sorts of flies") literally means "swarm" or "mixture"—possibly various biting insects. <em>Šāḥat</em> (שָׁחַת, "destroyed") means to ruin or corrupt. These creatures invaded homes, covered people, made life unbearable—divine invasion of personal space.<br>...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(45) **Divers sorts of flies.**—Better, simply *flies. *See Note Exodus 8:21.
**Frogs.**—See Exodus 8:2, and *Bib. Ed., *iv. 145.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
17. The glories of this empire shall be as wide as the world and lasting as eternity.
**therefore--**Because thus glorious, the praise shall be universal and perpetual. Some writers have taxed their ingenuity to find in the history and fortunes of Christ and His Church exact parallels for every part of this splendid allegory, not excepting its gorgeous Oriental imagery. Thus, by the dresses of t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 40-55**
Let not those that receive mercy from God, be thereby made bold to sin, for the mercies they receive will hasten its punishment; yet let not those who are under Divine rebukes for sin, be discouraged from repentance. The Holy One of Israel will do what is most for his own glory, and what is most for their good. Their forgetting former favours, led them to limit God for the fut...
Read full commentary →He gave also their increase unto the caterpiller, and their labour unto the locust.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He gave also their increase unto the caterpiller, and their labour unto the locust.</strong> <em>Yĕḇûl</em> (יְבוּל, "increase") means produce or harvest—the fruit of their agricultural labor. <em>Ḥāsîl</em> (חָסִיל, "caterpiller") is likely a locust larva, while <em>ʾarbe</em> (אַרְבֶּה, "locust") is the adult stage. Together they represent total agricultural devastation at every growth s...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(46) **Caterpillar.**—Heb., *chasîl. *(See 1Kings 8:37.) Probably the *locust *in the *larva *or *pupa *state. For *locust *see Exodus 10:4 *seq., *and *Bib. Ed., *iv. 292. The LXX., Vulg., and Symmachus have “blight.” but in 2Chronicles 6:28 “cockchafer,” as Aquila and Jerome here.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 40-55**
Let not those that receive mercy from God, be thereby made bold to sin, for the mercies they receive will hasten its punishment; yet let not those who are under Divine rebukes for sin, be discouraged from repentance. The Holy One of Israel will do what is most for his own glory, and what is most for their good. Their forgetting former favours, led them to limit God for the fut...
Read full commentary →He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycomore trees with frost. destroyed: Heb. killed frost: or, great hailstones
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycomore trees with frost.</strong> <em>Bārād</em> (בָּרָד, "hail") appears with <em>ʾēš</em> (אֵשׁ, fire) in Exodus 9:24—hail mixed with fire, a supernatural phenomenon. <em>Gepen</em> (גֶּפֶן, "vines") provided wine, while <em>šiqmâ</em> (שִׁקְמָה, "sycomore") produced figs—staple crops representing abundance and peace.<br><br>"Frost" (<em>ḥă...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(47) **Vines.**—In the history of the plagues (Exodus 9:13-25) no mention is made either of vines or sycamores or of fig-trees, as in Psalm 105:33, and some consider that the poem reflects a Palestinian rather than an Egyptian point of view. But besides Numbers 20:5 and Joseph’s dream there is abundance of evidence of the extensive cultivation of the vine in Egypt. The mural paintings contain many...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 46 Psa 46:1-11. Upon Alamoth--most probably denotes the treble, or part sung by female voices, the word meaning "virgins"; and which was sung with some appropriately keyed instrument (compare 1Ch 15:19-21; see on Psa 6:1, title). The theme may be stated in Luther's well-known words, "A mighty fortress is our God." The great deliverance (2Ki 19:35; Is 37:36) may have occasioned its compositio...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 40-55**
Let not those that receive mercy from God, be thereby made bold to sin, for the mercies they receive will hasten its punishment; yet let not those who are under Divine rebukes for sin, be discouraged from repentance. The Holy One of Israel will do what is most for his own glory, and what is most for their good. Their forgetting former favours, led them to limit God for the fut...
Read full commentary →He gave up their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts. gave: Heb. shut up hot: or, lightnings
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Divine Judgment Through Natural Disasters:</strong> This verse falls within Asaph's lengthy historical psalm recounting God's works and Israel's repeated rebellion. The Hebrew verb "gave up" (<em>yasgar</em>, יַסְגֵּר) means "to deliver over" or "hand over," indicating God's active judgment, not mere natural disaster. He deliberately exposed Israel's livestock to destructive forces as cove...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(48) **Hail.**—Some copies read “pestilence,” which from its association with *resheph, *as in Habakkuk 3:5, a word there denoting some contagious malady (comp. Deuteronomy 32:24; see Note Psalm 76:3), is probably to be preferred here though the authority of the LXX. is against it. If so, we must refer this verse to the *murrain *that came on the cattle.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
2-3. The most violent civil commotions are illustrated by the greatest physical commotions.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 40-55**
Let not those that receive mercy from God, be thereby made bold to sin, for the mercies they receive will hasten its punishment; yet let not those who are under Divine rebukes for sin, be discouraged from repentance. The Holy One of Israel will do what is most for his own glory, and what is most for their good. Their forgetting former favours, led them to limit God for the fut...
Read full commentary →He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.</strong> This verse interprets the plagues theologically, not just as natural disasters but expressions of divine fury. Four terms escalate: <em>ḥărôn ʾappô</em> (חֲרוֹן אַפּוֹ, "fierceness of anger")—burning nostrils; <em>ʿeḇrâ</em> (עֶבְרָה, "wrath")—overflowing fury; <e...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(49) **Evil angels.**—So LXX. and Vulg., but in the Hebrew *angels *(or *messengers*)* of ills *(so Symmachus), with evident reference to the destruction of the firstborn.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
2-3. The most violent civil commotions are illustrated by the greatest physical commotions.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 40-55**
Let not those that receive mercy from God, be thereby made bold to sin, for the mercies they receive will hasten its punishment; yet let not those who are under Divine rebukes for sin, be discouraged from repentance. The Holy One of Israel will do what is most for his own glory, and what is most for their good. Their forgetting former favours, led them to limit God for the fut...
Read full commentary →He made a way to his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence; He made: Heb. He weighed a path life: or, beasts to the murrain
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He made a way to his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence.</strong> <em>Pālas</em> (פָּלַס, "made a way") means to level a path or prepare a road—God cleared the way for His anger to reach its target without obstruction. His wrath wasn't impulsive but directed, purposeful, like a highway constructed to its destination.<br><br>"Spared not th...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(50) **Made a way.**—Literally, *levelled a path. *So Symmachus.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
4. God's favor is denoted by a river (compare Psa 36:8; Zec 14:8; Re 22:1).
**city of God, the holy place--**His earthly residence, Jerusalem and the temple (compare Psa 2:6; 3:4; 20:2; 48:2, &c.). God's favor, like a river whose waters are conducted in channels, is distributed to all parts of His Church.
**most High--**denoting His supremacy (Psa 17:2).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 40-55**
Let not those that receive mercy from God, be thereby made bold to sin, for the mercies they receive will hasten its punishment; yet let not those who are under Divine rebukes for sin, be discouraged from repentance. The Holy One of Israel will do what is most for his own glory, and what is most for their good. Their forgetting former favours, led them to limit God for the fut...
Read full commentary →And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham.</strong> <em>Nāḵâ</em> (נָכָה, "smote") is the verb for striking down in battle or execution—violent, decisive action. <em>Bĕḵôr</em> (בְּכוֹר, "firstborn") held primacy in inheritance and family honor. <em>Rēʾšît ʾônîm</em> (רֵאשִׁית אוֹנִים, "chief of strength") poetically describes the firstborn...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. right early--**literally, "at the turn of morning," or change from night to day, a critical time (Psa 30:5; compare Is 37:36).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 40-55**
Let not those that receive mercy from God, be thereby made bold to sin, for the mercies they receive will hasten its punishment; yet let not those who are under Divine rebukes for sin, be discouraged from repentance. The Holy One of Israel will do what is most for his own glory, and what is most for their good. Their forgetting former favours, led them to limit God for the fut...
Read full commentary →But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.</strong> The conjunction 'but' (Hebrew <em>vayyassa</em>, וַיַּסַּע) marks a gracious turn from Egypt's plagues to Israel's deliverance. The shepherd imagery (<em>ro'eh</em>, רֹעֶה) contrasts sharply with Egypt's destruction—God struck Pharaoh's livestock but tenderly <strong>guided</strong> His...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6. (Compare Psa 46:2).
**earth melted--**all powers dissolved by His mere word (Psa 75:3; Ho 2:22).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 40-55**
Let not those that receive mercy from God, be thereby made bold to sin, for the mercies they receive will hasten its punishment; yet let not those who are under Divine rebukes for sin, be discouraged from repentance. The Holy One of Israel will do what is most for his own glory, and what is most for their good. Their forgetting former favours, led them to limit God for the fut...
Read full commentary →And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies. overwhelmed: Heb. covered
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.</strong> God's guidance produced <strong>safely</strong> (<em>labetach</em>, לָבֶטַח)—confident security amid danger. The Hebrew root <em>batach</em> means to trust or feel secure, indicating that safety was both objective (God's protection) and subjective (Israel's confidence). They <strong>feared n...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. with us--**on our side; His presence is terror to our enemies, safety to us.
**refuge--**high place (Psa 9:9; compare also Psa 24:6, 10).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 40-55**
Let not those that receive mercy from God, be thereby made bold to sin, for the mercies they receive will hasten its punishment; yet let not those who are under Divine rebukes for sin, be discouraged from repentance. The Holy One of Israel will do what is most for his own glory, and what is most for their good. Their forgetting former favours, led them to limit God for the fut...
Read full commentary →And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, even to this mountain, which his right hand had purchased.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, even to this mountain, which his right hand had purchased.</strong> The destination of the exodus was not merely freedom but <strong>worship</strong>—God brought them to <strong>his sanctuary</strong> (<em>gevul kodsho</em>, גְּבוּל קָדְשׁוֹ), the holy territory of Canaan. The ultimate goal of redemption is always fellowship with God in H...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(54) **This mountain**—*i.e.*, Zion, though from its apposition to *border *some prefer to take it of all the mountain country of Judæa.
**Purchased.**—Rather, *acquired.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. what desolations--**literally, "who hath put desolations," destroying our enemies.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 40-55**
Let not those that receive mercy from God, be thereby made bold to sin, for the mercies they receive will hasten its punishment; yet let not those who are under Divine rebukes for sin, be discouraged from repentance. The Holy One of Israel will do what is most for his own glory, and what is most for their good. Their forgetting former favours, led them to limit God for the fut...
Read full commentary →He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.</strong> God actively <strong>cast out</strong> (<em>garash</em>, גָּרַשׁ)—a forceful expulsion—the Canaanite nations, demonstrating sovereign judgment on their wickedness (Leviticus 18:24-28). This wasn't ethnic cleansing but holy war against idolatry, ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9. The usual weapons of war (Psa 7:12), as well as those using them, are brought to an end.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 40-55**
Let not those that receive mercy from God, be thereby made bold to sin, for the mercies they receive will hasten its punishment; yet let not those who are under Divine rebukes for sin, be discouraged from repentance. The Holy One of Israel will do what is most for his own glory, and what is most for their good. Their forgetting former favours, led them to limit God for the fut...
Read full commentary →Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies.</strong> The devastating <strong>Yet</strong> introduces Israel's faithlessness despite overwhelming grace. <strong>They tempted</strong> (<em>vanassu</em>, וַיְנַסּוּ) means to test or try God's patience, demanding proof of His presence (Exodus 17:7, Numbers 14:22). <strong>Provoked</strong> (<em>vayamru</em>, ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. Be still, &c.--**literally, "Leave off to oppose Me and vex My people. I am over all for their safety." (Compare Is 2:11; Ep 1:22).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 56-72**
After the Israelites were settled in Canaan, the children were like their fathers. God gave them his testimonies, but they turned back. Presumptuous sins render even Israelites hateful to God's holiness, and exposed to his justice. Those whom the Lord forsakes become an easy prey to the destroyer. And sooner or later, God will disgrace his enemies. He set a good government ove...
Read full commentary →But turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: they were turned aside like a deceitful bow.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: they were turned aside like a deceitful bow.</strong> The phrase <strong>turned back</strong> (<em>vayyisogu achor</em>, וַיִּסֹּגוּ אָחוֹר) describes retreat from covenant commitment, not merely stumbling but deliberate desertion. <strong>Dealt unfaithfully</strong> (<em>vayivgadu</em>, וַיִּבְגְּדוּ) uses the language of marital...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(57) **Turned aside . . .**—Better, *turned like a relaxed bow. *(See Note to Psalm 78:9.) The bows of the Hebrews, like those of other ancient nations, were probably, when unstrung, bent the reverse way to that assumed when strung, which makes the figure more expressive of the disposition which cannot be relied upon in the moment of need.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 56-72**
After the Israelites were settled in Canaan, the children were like their fathers. God gave them his testimonies, but they turned back. Presumptuous sins render even Israelites hateful to God's holiness, and exposed to his justice. Those whom the Lord forsakes become an easy prey to the destroyer. And sooner or later, God will disgrace his enemies. He set a good government ove...
Read full commentary →For they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images.</strong> The causative <strong>For</strong> explains Israel's treachery—idolatry, the ultimate covenant violation. <strong>High places</strong> (<em>bamot</em>, בָּמוֹת) were elevated worship sites, often Canaanite shrines Israel adopted for syncretistic worship. They <strong>provoked...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 56-72**
After the Israelites were settled in Canaan, the children were like their fathers. God gave them his testimonies, but they turned back. Presumptuous sins render even Israelites hateful to God's holiness, and exposed to his justice. Those whom the Lord forsakes become an easy prey to the destroyer. And sooner or later, God will disgrace his enemies. He set a good government ove...
Read full commentary →When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel.</strong> The temporal clause <strong>When God heard</strong> emphasizes divine awareness—idolatry doesn't go unnoticed. <strong>Wroth</strong> (<em>vaya'avor</em>, וַיַּעֲבֹר) literally means 'He passed over in wrath,' describing overwhelming anger. <strong>Greatly abhorred</strong> (<em>vayyim'as me'od</em>, וַיִּמְאַס מְאֹד)...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 47 Psa 47:1-9. Praise is given to God for victory, perhaps that recorded (2Ch 20:20-30); and His dominions over all people, Jews and Gentiles, is asserted.
**1. clap ... hands ... people--**literally, "peoples," or "nations" (compare De 32:43; Psa 18:49; 98:9).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 56-72**
After the Israelites were settled in Canaan, the children were like their fathers. God gave them his testimonies, but they turned back. Presumptuous sins render even Israelites hateful to God's holiness, and exposed to his justice. Those whom the Lord forsakes become an easy prey to the destroyer. And sooner or later, God will disgrace his enemies. He set a good government ove...
Read full commentary →So that he forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent which he placed among men;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So that he forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent which he placed among men.</strong> The consequence clause <strong>So that he forsook</strong> (<em>vayyitosh</em>, וַיִּטֹּשׁ) describes God's shocking abandonment of His dwelling place. <strong>The tabernacle of Shiloh</strong> (<em>mishkan Shiloh</em>, מִשְׁכַּן שִׁלוֹ) refers to the sanctuary at Shiloh where the ark rested for over ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(60) **Forsook.**—The reference is of course to the disastrous defeat by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4). See especially Psalm 78:21 in connection with glory or *ornament *as applied here to the Ark. For *strength *in the same connection see Psalm 132:8.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
2-3. His universal sovereignty now exists, and will be made known.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 56-72**
After the Israelites were settled in Canaan, the children were like their fathers. God gave them his testimonies, but they turned back. Presumptuous sins render even Israelites hateful to God's holiness, and exposed to his justice. Those whom the Lord forsakes become an easy prey to the destroyer. And sooner or later, God will disgrace his enemies. He set a good government ove...
Read full commentary →And delivered his strength into captivity, and his glory into the enemy's hand.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And delivered his strength into captivity, and his glory into the enemy's hand.</strong> This verse describes the ark's capture—called <strong>his strength</strong> (<em>uzzo</em>, עֻזּוֹ) and <strong>his glory</strong> (<em>tifareto</em>, תִּפְאַרְתּוֹ). The ark symbolized God's powerful presence and covenant glory. Its capture by uncircumcised Philistines (1 Samuel 4:10-11) represented d...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
2-3. His universal sovereignty now exists, and will be made known.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 56-72**
After the Israelites were settled in Canaan, the children were like their fathers. God gave them his testimonies, but they turned back. Presumptuous sins render even Israelites hateful to God's holiness, and exposed to his justice. Those whom the Lord forsakes become an easy prey to the destroyer. And sooner or later, God will disgrace his enemies. He set a good government ove...
Read full commentary →He gave his people over also unto the sword; and was wroth with his inheritance.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He gave his people over also unto the sword; and was wroth with his inheritance.</strong> The phrase <strong>gave his people over</strong> (<em>vayyasger</em>, וַיַּסְגֵּר) means to deliver up or surrender—God withdrew protective covering. <strong>Unto the sword</strong> describes military slaughter; 30,000 Israelites died at Aphek (1 Samuel 4:10). Divine wrath manifested in removing divin...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. He shall ... inheritance--**the heathen to be possessed by His Church (Psa 2:8), as Canaan by the Jews.
**excellency of Jacob--**literally, "pride," or, that in which he glories (not necessarily, though often, in a bad sense), the privileges of the chosen people--
**whom he loved--**His love being the sole cause of granting them.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 56-72**
After the Israelites were settled in Canaan, the children were like their fathers. God gave them his testimonies, but they turned back. Presumptuous sins render even Israelites hateful to God's holiness, and exposed to his justice. Those whom the Lord forsakes become an easy prey to the destroyer. And sooner or later, God will disgrace his enemies. He set a good government ove...
Read full commentary →The fire consumed their young men; and their maidens were not given to marriage. given: Heb. praised
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The fire consumed their young men; and their maidens were not given to marriage.</strong> The parallel structure emphasizes complete social devastation. <strong>Fire consumed</strong> (<em>akhelah esh</em>, אָכְלָה אֵשׁ) may be literal (war's destruction) or metaphorical for judgment consuming the next generation. <strong>Young men</strong> (<em>bachurav</em>, בַּחוּרָיו)—prime warriors—di...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(63) **Were not given.**—See margin. The desolation and misery were marked by the absence of the glad nuptial song.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5-7. God, victorious over His enemies, reascends to heaven, amid the triumphant praises of His people, who celebrate His sovereign dominion. This sovereignty is what the Psalm teaches; hence he adds,
**sing ... praises with understanding--**literally, "sing and play an instructive (Psalm)." The whole typifies Christ's ascension (compare Psa 68:18).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 56-72**
After the Israelites were settled in Canaan, the children were like their fathers. God gave them his testimonies, but they turned back. Presumptuous sins render even Israelites hateful to God's holiness, and exposed to his justice. Those whom the Lord forsakes become an easy prey to the destroyer. And sooner or later, God will disgrace his enemies. He set a good government ove...
Read full commentary →Their priests fell by the sword; and their widows made no lamentation.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Their priests fell by the sword; and their widows made no lamentation.</strong> The death of <strong>priests</strong> (<em>kohanav</em>, כֹּהֲנָיו)—Hophni and Phinehas, Eli's corrupt sons—represented spiritual leadership's collapse. Priests were supposed to mediate God's presence; their violent death symbolized broken mediation. Israel lost both military defenders (v. 63) and spiritual gui...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(64) **And their widows . . .**—Undoubtedly referring to the fact that the wife of Phinehas died in premature labour, and so could not attend the funeral of her husband with the customary lamentations, which in Oriental countries are so loud and marked. The Prayer-Book version, therefore, gives the right feeling—“there were no widows to make lamentations.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5-7. God, victorious over His enemies, reascends to heaven, amid the triumphant praises of His people, who celebrate His sovereign dominion. This sovereignty is what the Psalm teaches; hence he adds,
**sing ... praises with understanding--**literally, "sing and play an instructive (Psalm)." The whole typifies Christ's ascension (compare Psa 68:18).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 56-72**
After the Israelites were settled in Canaan, the children were like their fathers. God gave them his testimonies, but they turned back. Presumptuous sins render even Israelites hateful to God's holiness, and exposed to his justice. Those whom the Lord forsakes become an easy prey to the destroyer. And sooner or later, God will disgrace his enemies. He set a good government ove...
Read full commentary →Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine.</strong> This startling anthropomorphism depicts God's sudden intervention after apparent inactivity. <strong>Then</strong> (<em>az</em>, אָז) marks the dramatic turn from judgment to deliverance. <strong>Awaked as one out of sleep</strong> (<em>vayikatz kiyashen</em>, וַיִּקַץ כְּיָשֵׁן) doesn...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(65) **That shouteth . . .**—For the boldness of the image which likens God to a giant warrior exhilarated with wine we may range this with the picture in Psalms 60 (See Notes.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5-7. God, victorious over His enemies, reascends to heaven, amid the triumphant praises of His people, who celebrate His sovereign dominion. This sovereignty is what the Psalm teaches; hence he adds,
**sing ... praises with understanding--**literally, "sing and play an instructive (Psalm)." The whole typifies Christ's ascension (compare Psa 68:18).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 56-72**
After the Israelites were settled in Canaan, the children were like their fathers. God gave them his testimonies, but they turned back. Presumptuous sins render even Israelites hateful to God's holiness, and exposed to his justice. Those whom the Lord forsakes become an easy prey to the destroyer. And sooner or later, God will disgrace his enemies. He set a good government ove...
Read full commentary →And he smote his enemies in the hinder parts: he put them to a perpetual reproach.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he smote his enemies in the hinder parts: he put them to a perpetual reproach.</strong> God's awakening (v. 65) immediately produces enemy defeat. <strong>Smote his enemies in the hinder parts</strong> (<em>vayakh tzarav achor</em>, וַיַּךְ־צָרָיו אָחוֹר) could mean striking them from behind (routing them in retreat) or afflicting their buttocks/rear (the specific location of Philistin...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(66) **He smote.**—Possibly an allusion to 1Samuel 5:9, or else to the repeated defeats of the Philistines under Saul and David.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8-9. The instruction continued.
**throne of ... holiness--**or, "holy throne" (see on Psa 2:6; Psa 23:4).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 56-72**
After the Israelites were settled in Canaan, the children were like their fathers. God gave them his testimonies, but they turned back. Presumptuous sins render even Israelites hateful to God's holiness, and exposed to his justice. Those whom the Lord forsakes become an easy prey to the destroyer. And sooner or later, God will disgrace his enemies. He set a good government ove...
Read full commentary →Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim.</strong> This verse begins the psalm's climactic section—God's choice of Judah and David over Joseph/Ephraim. <strong>Refused</strong> (<em>vayyim'as</em>, וַיִּמְאַס) means reject or spurn—the same verb used for God's abhorrence of Israel (v. 59), now applied to specific tribal choice. <strong>The tabernacle...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8-9. The instruction continued.
**throne of ... holiness--**or, "holy throne" (see on Psa 2:6; Psa 23:4).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 56-72**
After the Israelites were settled in Canaan, the children were like their fathers. God gave them his testimonies, but they turned back. Presumptuous sins render even Israelites hateful to God's holiness, and exposed to his justice. Those whom the Lord forsakes become an easy prey to the destroyer. And sooner or later, God will disgrace his enemies. He set a good government ove...
Read full commentary →But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved.</strong> The contrastive <strong>But</strong> opposes Ephraim's rejection with Judah's election. <strong>Chose</strong> (<em>vayyivchar</em>, וַיִּבְחַר) describes sovereign selection—the same verb used for God choosing Israel (Deuteronomy 7:6-7), now applied to specific tribal and geographic choices. <strong>The tribe of Judah</...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 56-72**
After the Israelites were settled in Canaan, the children were like their fathers. God gave them his testimonies, but they turned back. Presumptuous sins render even Israelites hateful to God's holiness, and exposed to his justice. Those whom the Lord forsakes become an easy prey to the destroyer. And sooner or later, God will disgrace his enemies. He set a good government ove...
Read full commentary →And he built his sanctuary like high palaces, like the earth which he hath established for ever. established: Heb. founded
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he built his sanctuary like high palaces, like the earth which he hath established for ever.</strong> God's choosing (v. 68) leads to building. <strong>His sanctuary</strong> (<em>mikdasho</em>, מִקְדָּשׁוֹ) refers to Solomon's temple, but the cosmic similes transcend any physical building. <strong>Like high palaces</strong> (<em>kemo ramim</em>, כְּמוֹ־רָמִים) compares the temple to h...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(69) **He built.**—The first clause is vague, but evidently the poet is drawing attention to the grandeur and solidity of the Temple. Perhaps, *high as heaven*—*firm as earth.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 48 Psa 48:1-14. This is a spirited Psalm and song (compare Psa 30:1), having probably been suggested by the same occasion as the foregoing. It sets forth the privileges and blessings of God's spiritual dominion as the terror of the wicked and joy of the righteous.
**1. to be praised--**always: it is an epithet, as in Psa 18:3.
**mountain of his holiness--**His Church (compare Is 2:2, 3; 2...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 56-72**
After the Israelites were settled in Canaan, the children were like their fathers. God gave them his testimonies, but they turned back. Presumptuous sins render even Israelites hateful to God's holiness, and exposed to his justice. Those whom the Lord forsakes become an easy prey to the destroyer. And sooner or later, God will disgrace his enemies. He set a good government ove...
Read full commentary →He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds :
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds.</strong> The psalm's climax: God's choice of David. <strong>Chose</strong> (<em>vayyivchar</em>, וַיִּבְחַר) repeats the election language from v. 68—God chose Judah, Zion, and now David. <strong>His servant</strong> (<em>avdo</em>, עַבְדּוֹ) is David's supreme title, indicating covenant relationship. Moses (Deuteronomy 34:...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-3. situation--**literally, "elevation."
**joy of, &c.--**source of joy.
**sides of the north--**poetically for eminent, lofty, distinguished, as the ancients believed the north to be the highest part of the earth (compare Is 14:13).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 56-72**
After the Israelites were settled in Canaan, the children were like their fathers. God gave them his testimonies, but they turned back. Presumptuous sins render even Israelites hateful to God's holiness, and exposed to his justice. Those whom the Lord forsakes become an easy prey to the destroyer. And sooner or later, God will disgrace his enemies. He set a good government ove...
Read full commentary →From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance. following: Heb. after
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.</strong> This concluding verse parallels v. 52—as God guided Israel like a flock, now David guides Israel as shepherd-king. <strong>From following the ewes great with young</strong> (<em>me'achar alot hevi'o</em>, מֵאַחַר עָלוֹת הֵבִיאוֹ) details David's shepherd experience—caring ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(71) **Ewes great with young**—So also in Isaiah 40:11; but properly, *ewes with lambs. *Literally, *giving suck.*
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-3. situation--**literally, "elevation."
**joy of, &c.--**source of joy.
**sides of the north--**poetically for eminent, lofty, distinguished, as the ancients believed the north to be the highest part of the earth (compare Is 14:13).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 56-72**
After the Israelites were settled in Canaan, the children were like their fathers. God gave them his testimonies, but they turned back. Presumptuous sins render even Israelites hateful to God's holiness, and exposed to his justice. Those whom the Lord forsakes become an easy prey to the destroyer. And sooner or later, God will disgrace his enemies. He set a good government ove...
Read full commentary →So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse concludes Psalm 78 by celebrating David's shepherding of Israel with two qualities: "integrity of his heart" (Hebrew <em>ketom levavo</em>) and "skilfulness of his hands" (Hebrew <em>uvetvunot kappav</em>). "Integrity" (<em>tom</em>) indicates moral wholeness, sincerity, blamelessness—not sinless perfection but genuine devotion to God. "Skilfulness" (<em>tevunot</em>) denotes wisdom, un...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-6. For--**The reason is given. Though the kings (perhaps of Moab and Ammon, compare Psa 83:3-5) combined, a conviction of God's presence with His people, evinced by the unusual courage with which the prophets (compare 2Ch 20:12-20) had inspired them, seized on their minds, and smitten with sudden and intense alarm, they fled astonished.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 56-72**
After the Israelites were settled in Canaan, the children were like their fathers. God gave them his testimonies, but they turned back. Presumptuous sins render even Israelites hateful to God's holiness, and exposed to his justice. Those whom the Lord forsakes become an easy prey to the destroyer. And sooner or later, God will disgrace his enemies. He set a good government ove...
Read full commentary →