King James Version
Psalms 89
52 verses with commentary
I Will Sing of Your Steadfast Love
Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. Maschil: or, A Psalm for Ethan the Ezrahite, to give instruction to all: Heb. to generation and generation
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The psalm begins with exuberant praise: "I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations" (Hebrew <em>chasdey YHWH olam ashira l-dor vador odi-a emunatkha b-fi</em>). "Mercies" (Hebrew <em>chesed</em>) is God's covenant love—loyal, steadfast, unbreakable. "Faithfulness" (Hebrew <em>emunah</em>) indicates God's reliability to keep...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **I will sing.**—This lyric purpose soon loses itself in a dirge.
**For ever.**—The Hebrew (*‘ôlam*) has properly neither the abstract idea of negation of time, nor the concrete (Christian) idea of eternity, but implies indefiniteness, and looks either backwards or forwards.
**With my mouth**—*i.e.*, aloud, or loudly.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. from ... swallow me up--**that pants in rage after me (Psa 56:2).
**mercy and ... truth--**(Psa 25:10; 36:5), as messengers (Psa 43:3) sent to deliver him.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 89
Chapter Outline
God's mercy and truth, and his covenant.(1-4)
The glory and perfection of God.(5-14)
The happiness of those in communion with him.(15-18)
God's covenant with David, as a type of Christ.(19-37)
A calamitous state lamented, Prayer for redress.(38-52)
**Verses 1-4**
Though our expectations may be disappointed, yet God's promises are established...
Read full commentary →For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever</strong> (חֶסֶד לְעוֹלָם יִבָּנֶה)—The psalmist declares God's <em>hesed</em> (covenant loyalty, steadfast love) as an eternal foundation, using the architectural verb <em>banah</em> (to build). This is not sentiment but structure—God's mercy is the permanent bedrock of reality. <strong>Thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heav...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Mercy . . . faithfulness.**—These words, so often combined, express here, as commonly in the psalms, the attitude of the covenant God towards His people. The art of the poet is shown in this exordium. He strikes so strongly this note of the inviolability of the Divine promise only to make the deprecation of present neglect on God’s part presently more striking.
**Shall be built up for ever**...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
4. The mingled figures of wild beasts (Psa 10:9; 17:12) and weapons of war (Psa 11:2) heighten the picture of danger.
**whose ... tongue--**or slanders.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 89
Chapter Outline
God's mercy and truth, and his covenant.(1-4)
The glory and perfection of God.(5-14)
The happiness of those in communion with him.(15-18)
God's covenant with David, as a type of Christ.(19-37)
A calamitous state lamented, Prayer for redress.(38-52)
**Verses 1-4**
Though our expectations may be disappointed, yet God's promises are established...
Read full commentary →I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant,
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I have made a covenant with my chosen</strong> (כָּרַתִּי בְרִית לִבְחִירִי)—The verb <em>karat</em> (to cut) recalls the ancient covenant ceremony where animals were cut and parties passed between the pieces (Genesis 15:17-18). God initiated this unilateral covenant with David, His <em>bachir</em> (chosen one). <strong>I have sworn unto David my servant</strong> (נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי לְדָוִד עַ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **I have sworn.**—The prophetic passage (2Samuel 7:12, *seq.*) is in the poet’s mind.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5. This doxology illustrates his view of the connection of his deliverance with God's glory.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 89
Chapter Outline
God's mercy and truth, and his covenant.(1-4)
The glory and perfection of God.(5-14)
The happiness of those in communion with him.(15-18)
God's covenant with David, as a type of Christ.(19-37)
A calamitous state lamented, Prayer for redress.(38-52)
**Verses 1-4**
Though our expectations may be disappointed, yet God's promises are established...
Read full commentary →Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Thy seed will I establish for ever</strong> (זַרְעֲךָ אָכִין עַד־עוֹלָם)—God promises to 'establish' (<em>kun</em>—make firm, secure) David's <em>zera</em> (seed, offspring) into perpetuity. The singular 'seed' is crucial—Paul applies this Messianic interpretation in Galatians 3:16 to Christ as the ultimate Seed. <strong>And build up thy throne to all generations</strong> (וּבָנִיתִי לְדֹר...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6. (Compare Psa 7:15; 9:15, 16).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 89
Chapter Outline
God's mercy and truth, and his covenant.(1-4)
The glory and perfection of God.(5-14)
The happiness of those in communion with him.(15-18)
God's covenant with David, as a type of Christ.(19-37)
A calamitous state lamented, Prayer for redress.(38-52)
**Verses 1-4**
Though our expectations may be disappointed, yet God's promises are established...
Read full commentary →And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD</strong> (וְיוֹדוּ שָׁמַיִם פִּלְאֲךָ יְהוָה)—The celestial realms (<em>shamayim</em>) confess (<em>yadah</em>—acknowledge, praise) God's <em>pele</em> (wonders, miraculous works). The covenant with David is so extraordinary that angelic beings and cosmic powers join in worship. <strong>Thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **The heavens.**—Having repeated the Divine promise, the poet appeals to nature and history to confirm his conviction of the enduring character of the truth and grace of God. The heavens are witnesses of it as in Psalm 1:4; Psalm 1:6; Psalm 97:6.
**Shall praise.**—The present tense would be better.
**Wonders.**—In the original the word is singular, perhaps as summing up all the covenant faithf...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. I will ... praise--**both with voice and instrument.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-14**
The more God's works are known, the more they are admired. And to praise the Lord, is to acknowledge him to be such a one that there is none like him. Surely then we should feel and express reverence when we worship God. But how little of this appears in our congregations, and how much cause have we to humble ourselves on this account! That almighty power which smote Egypt, wil...
Read full commentary →For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD?</strong> (כִּי מִי בַשַּׁחַק יַעֲרֹךְ לַיהוָה)—The rhetorical question demands the answer 'no one.' <em>Shamayim</em> (heaven) contains no being who can be <em>arak</em> (arranged alongside, compared) to Yahweh. <strong>Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?</strong> (מִי יִדְמֶה לַיהוָה בִּבְנֵי אֵלִים)—The <em>b...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Sons of the mighty.**—Rather, *sons of God—i.e., *angels. (Comp. Psalm 29:1.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. Hence--**he addresses his glory, or tongue (Psa 16:9; 30:12), and his psaltery, or lute, and harp.
**I myself ... early--**literally, "I will awaken dawn," poetically expressing his zeal and diligence.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-14**
The more God's works are known, the more they are admired. And to praise the Lord, is to acknowledge him to be such a one that there is none like him. Surely then we should feel and express reverence when we worship God. But how little of this appears in our congregations, and how much cause have we to humble ourselves on this account! That almighty power which smote Egypt, wil...
Read full commentary →God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints</strong> (אֵל נַעֲרָץ בְּסוֹד־קְדֹשִׁים רַבָּה)—<em>Na'aratz</em> (feared, held in awe) describes reverent dread before God's holiness within the <em>sod</em> (council, secret assembly) of <em>qedoshim</em> (holy ones). This may refer to the heavenly court or to Israel's worship assemblies. <strong>And to be had in reverence of all ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) It is better to take this verse in apposition with the foregoing:
“God sublime in the council of the holy ones,
And terrible among those surrounding him.”
For a picture of the court of heaven see Job 1:6.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9-10. As His mercy and truth, so shall His praise, fill the universe.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-14**
The more God's works are known, the more they are admired. And to praise the Lord, is to acknowledge him to be such a one that there is none like him. Surely then we should feel and express reverence when we worship God. But how little of this appears in our congregations, and how much cause have we to humble ourselves on this account! That almighty power which smote Egypt, wil...
Read full commentary →O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee?</strong> (יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי צְבָאוֹת מִי־כָמוֹךָ חֲסִין יָהּ)—<em>Yahweh Elohei Tzeva'ot</em> (LORD God of armies/hosts) is the divine warrior commanding angelic armies. <em>Chasin</em> (mighty, strong) emphasizes military might—no rival commander exists. <strong>Or to thy faithfulness round about thee?</strong> (וֶאֱמוּנָתְךָ סְבִיבוֹ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8-13) Not only is God incomparable in heaven, He is also the only mighty and lofty one in nature or history.
(8) **O Lord.**—The Hebrew marches more grandly than the Authorised Version:
“Jehovah, God of Hosts,
Who as Thou is mighty, Jah?
And Thy faithfulness surrounds Thee.”
Or the last clause may be rendered, *and what faithfulness is like that round about thee? *We must either think of the atte...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9-10. As His mercy and truth, so shall His praise, fill the universe.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-14**
The more God's works are known, the more they are admired. And to praise the Lord, is to acknowledge him to be such a one that there is none like him. Surely then we should feel and express reverence when we worship God. But how little of this appears in our congregations, and how much cause have we to humble ourselves on this account! That almighty power which smote Egypt, wil...
Read full commentary →Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Thou rulest the raging of the sea</strong> (אַתָּה מוֹשֵׁל בְּגֵאוּת הַיָּם)—<em>Moshel</em> (rule, have dominion) over the <em>ge'ut</em> (pride, swelling, arrogance) of <em>yam</em> (sea) demonstrates sovereignty over chaos. In ancient Near Eastern mythology, the sea represented primordial chaos gods; here, Yahweh alone controls the raging waters. <strong>When the waves thereof arise, th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-14**
The more God's works are known, the more they are admired. And to praise the Lord, is to acknowledge him to be such a one that there is none like him. Surely then we should feel and express reverence when we worship God. But how little of this appears in our congregations, and how much cause have we to humble ourselves on this account! That almighty power which smote Egypt, wil...
Read full commentary →Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm. Rahab: or, Egypt thy: Heb. the arm of thy strength
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain</strong> (אַתָּה דִכִּאתָ כֶחָלָל רָהַב)—<em>Rahab</em> here is not the Jericho prostitute but a poetic name for Egypt (Isaiah 30:7) or a mythological sea monster representing chaos and evil. <em>Dika'ta</em> (crushed, broken) with <em>chalal</em> (slain, pierced) depicts utter destruction. <strong>Thou hast scattered thine enemies wit...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Rahab.**—See Note, Psalm 87:4. The mention of the sea has carried the poet’s thoughts to the Red Sea and the deliverance from Egypt, which is represented as some huge monster conquered and crushed.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-14**
The more God's works are known, the more they are admired. And to praise the Lord, is to acknowledge him to be such a one that there is none like him. Surely then we should feel and express reverence when we worship God. But how little of this appears in our congregations, and how much cause have we to humble ourselves on this account! That almighty power which smote Egypt, wil...
Read full commentary →The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them. the fulness: or, all it containeth
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine</strong> (לְךָ שָׁמַיִם אַף־לְךָ אָרֶץ)—The emphatic possessive <em>lekha</em> (to you, yours) asserts God's universal ownership of both <em>shamayim</em> (heavens) and <em>eretz</em> (earth). <strong>As for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them</strong> (תֵּבֵל וּמְלֹאָהּ אַתָּה יְסַדְתָּם)—<em>Tevel</em> (inhabited world)...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 58 Psa 58:1-11. David's critical condition in some period of the Sauline persecution probably occasioned this Psalm, in which the Psalmist teaches that the innate and actual sinfulness of men deserves, and shall receive, God's righteous vengeance, while the pious may be consoled by the evidence of His wise and holy government of men.
**1. O congregation--**literally, "Oh, dumb"; the word us...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-14**
The more God's works are known, the more they are admired. And to praise the Lord, is to acknowledge him to be such a one that there is none like him. Surely then we should feel and express reverence when we worship God. But how little of this appears in our congregations, and how much cause have we to humble ourselves on this account! That almighty power which smote Egypt, wil...
Read full commentary →The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The north and the south thou hast created them</strong> (צָפֹון וְיָמִין אַתָּה בְרָאתָם)—<em>Tzafon</em> (north) and <em>yamin</em> (south, literally 'right hand') represent all directions; <em>bara</em> (created) is the verb used in Genesis 1:1 for divine creation ex nihilo. <strong>Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name</strong> (תָּבֹור וְחֶרְמֹון בְּשִׁמְךָ יְרַנֵּנוּ)—These mount...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Tabor and Hermon.**—Introduced not only as standing roughly for west and east, but for their prominence and importance in the landscape. (Comp. Hosea 5:1.)
**Shall rejoice.**—Better, *sing for joy.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
2. This they did not design; but
**weigh ... violence--**or give decisions of violence. Weigh is a figure to express the acts of judges.
**in the earth--**publicly.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-14**
The more God's works are known, the more they are admired. And to praise the Lord, is to acknowledge him to be such a one that there is none like him. Surely then we should feel and express reverence when we worship God. But how little of this appears in our congregations, and how much cause have we to humble ourselves on this account! That almighty power which smote Egypt, wil...
Read full commentary →Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand. a: Heb. an arm with might
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Thou hast a mighty arm</strong> (גִּבֹּור זְרֹועֲךָ)—<em>Gibbor</em> (mighty, warrior, hero) describes God's <em>zeroa</em> (arm), symbolizing His power to act in history. <strong>Strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand</strong> (תָּעֹז יָדֶךָ תָּרוּם יְמִינֶךָ)—<em>Ta'oz</em> (strong, prevails) characterizes the <em>yad</em> (hand), while the <em>yamin</em> (right hand) is <em>taru...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **High is thy right hand.**—The strong hand is supposed raised to strike. (Comp. Psalm 89:42.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-5. describe the wicked generally, who sin naturally, easily, malignantly, and stubbornly.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-14**
The more God's works are known, the more they are admired. And to praise the Lord, is to acknowledge him to be such a one that there is none like him. Surely then we should feel and express reverence when we worship God. But how little of this appears in our congregations, and how much cause have we to humble ourselves on this account! That almighty power which smote Egypt, wil...
Read full commentary →Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. habitation: or, establishment
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes God's throne: "Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face" (Hebrew <em>tzedeq u-mishpat m-khon kis-ekha chesed v-emet y-qad-mu paneycha</em>). The "habitation" (foundation) of God's rule is "justice and judgment"—His governance is absolutely righteous. Yet "mercy and truth" (covenant love and faithfulness) "go before His fac...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Habitation.**—Rather, *foundation, *or *pillars. *Righteousness and judgment support God’s throne, and mercy and truth (“those genii of sacred history”) precede (*present *tense, not *future*) Him as forerunners precede a king.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-5. describe the wicked generally, who sin naturally, easily, malignantly, and stubbornly.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-14**
The more God's works are known, the more they are admired. And to praise the Lord, is to acknowledge him to be such a one that there is none like him. Surely then we should feel and express reverence when we worship God. But how little of this appears in our congregations, and how much cause have we to humble ourselves on this account! That almighty power which smote Egypt, wil...
Read full commentary →Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound</strong> (אַשְׁרֵי הָעָם יֹדְעֵי תְרוּעָה)—<em>Ashrei</em> (blessed, happy) describes the people who <em>yada</em> (know, experience) the <em>teruah</em> (trumpet blast, shout of joy, battle cry). This refers to the ram's horn (shofar) blown at festivals and coronations. <strong>They shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance</stron...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **That know the joyful sound**—*i.e.*, that are familiar with the shouting and music that accompanied the feasts of Israel.
**They shall walk.**—Better in the present; and so of the verb in the next verse. The light of Jehovah’s countenance of course means His favour.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-5. describe the wicked generally, who sin naturally, easily, malignantly, and stubbornly.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-18**
Happy are those who so know the joyful sound of the gospel as to obey it; who experience its power upon their hearts, and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives. Though believers are nothing in themselves, yet having all in Christ Jesus, they may rejoice in his name. May the Lord enable us to do so. The joy of the Lord is the strength of his people; whereas unbelief dispir...
Read full commentary →In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>In thy name shall they rejoice all the day</strong> (בְּשִׁמְךָ יְגִילוּן כָּל־הַיֹּום)—<em>Gil</em> (to rejoice, exult, be glad) in God's <em>shem</em> (name, character, reputation) defines the believer's constant posture. <strong>And in thy righteousness shall they be exalted</strong> (וּבְצִדְקָתְךָ יָרוּמוּ)—<em>Tzedaqah</em> (righteousness, justice, covenant faithfulness) becomes the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6. He prays for their destruction, under the figure of ravenous beasts (Psa 3:7; 7:2).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-18**
Happy are those who so know the joyful sound of the gospel as to obey it; who experience its power upon their hearts, and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives. Though believers are nothing in themselves, yet having all in Christ Jesus, they may rejoice in his name. May the Lord enable us to do so. The joy of the Lord is the strength of his people; whereas unbelief dispir...
Read full commentary →For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted .
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For thou art the glory of their strength</strong> (כִּי־תִפְאֶרֶת עֻזָּמֹו אָתָּה)—God Himself is the <em>tiferet</em> (glory, beauty, splendor) of their <em>oz</em> (strength, might). Any power Israel possesses is merely reflection of God's glory. <strong>And in thy favour our horn shall be exalted</strong> (וּבִרְצֹונְךָ תָּרוּם קַרְנֵנוּ)—The <em>qeren</em> (horn) symbolizes power and d...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Glory.**—Better, *ornament. *The crown of a nation’s strength is not the triumphs it wins, nor the prosperity it secures, but the spirit in which these are used. Humility, and not pride, acknowledgment of God, and not conceit in her wealth or power, was the ornament of Israel’s strength, and made her greatness in her best days.
**Our horn shall be exalted.**—See Note, Psalm 132:17. Modern E...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. which run continually--**literally, "they shall go to themselves," utterly depart, as rapid mountain torrents.
**he bendeth ... his arrows--**prepares it. The term for preparing a bow applied to arrows (Psa 64:3).
**let them ... pieces--**literally, "as if they cut themselves off"--that is, become blunted and of no avail.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-18**
Happy are those who so know the joyful sound of the gospel as to obey it; who experience its power upon their hearts, and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives. Though believers are nothing in themselves, yet having all in Christ Jesus, they may rejoice in his name. May the Lord enable us to do so. The joy of the Lord is the strength of his people; whereas unbelief dispir...
Read full commentary →For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king. the LORD: or, our shield is of the LORD, and our king is of the Holy One of Israel
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For the LORD is our defence</strong> (כִּי לַיהוָה מָגִנֵּנוּ)—<em>Magen</em> (shield, defense, protector) identifies Yahweh Himself as Israel's security, not armies or walls. <strong>And the Holy One of Israel is our king</strong> (וְלִקְדֹושׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל מַלְכֵּנוּ)—<em>Qedosh Yisrael</em> (Holy One of Israel) is Isaiah's favorite divine title, emphasizing God's transcendent purity and co...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **For the Lord.**—Or, rather—
“For of Jehovah is our shield,
And of Israel’s Holy One our king,”
“shield” and “king” being in synonymous parallelism. Jehovah is the source of the theocratic power.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8-9. Other figures of this utter ruin; the last denoting rapidity. In a shorter time than pots feel the heat of thorns on fire--**
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-18**
Happy are those who so know the joyful sound of the gospel as to obey it; who experience its power upon their hearts, and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives. Though believers are nothing in themselves, yet having all in Christ Jesus, they may rejoice in his name. May the Lord enable us to do so. The joy of the Lord is the strength of his people; whereas unbelief dispir...
Read full commentary →Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.</strong> This verse recalls God's revelation through the prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 7:4-17), where God promised David an eternal dynasty. The phrase "in vision" (<em>ḥāzôn</em>, חָזוֹן) indicates prophetic revelation, the same term used for Isaiah an...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) The mention of the king allows the poet to bring still more into prominence the special promises made to Israel. The piece, which is couched in oracular language, is introduced by a prose statement recalling the sentences in Job which introduce a fresh speaker.
**Holy one.**—See Note, Psalm 16:10. Some MSS. (comp. LXX. and Vulg.) have the plural. The singular is correct, referring no doubt to...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8-9. Other figures of this utter ruin; the last denoting rapidity. In a shorter time than pots feel the heat of thorns on fire--**
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-37**
The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings, deliverance, glory, and auth...
Read full commentary →I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:</strong> God's declaration <strong>I have found David</strong> echoes 1 Samuel 13:14, where God sought "a man after his own heart" to replace Saul. The verb "found" (<em>māṣāʾtî</em>, מָצָאתִי) suggests discovery of something precious—not that God was searching, but that He identified and designated David for His purposes...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-11. wash ... wicked--**denoting great slaughter. The joy of triumph over the destruction of the wicked is because they are God's enemies, and their overthrow shows that He reigneth (compare Psa 52:5-7; 54:7). In this assurance let heaven and earth rejoice (Psa 96:10; 97:1, &c.).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-37**
The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings, deliverance, glory, and auth...
Read full commentary →With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.</strong> God promises perpetual support through two synonymous parallelisms: <strong>my hand shall be established</strong> and <strong>mine arm also shall strengthen him</strong>. The verb "established" (<em>tikkôn</em>, תִּכּוֹן from <em>kûn</em>) means to be firm, steadfast, prepared, ready—God's hand will remain...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-11. wash ... wicked--**denoting great slaughter. The joy of triumph over the destruction of the wicked is because they are God's enemies, and their overthrow shows that He reigneth (compare Psa 52:5-7; 54:7). In this assurance let heaven and earth rejoice (Psa 96:10; 97:1, &c.).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-37**
The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings, deliverance, glory, and auth...
Read full commentary →The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.</strong> This verse promises divine protection against external enemies. <strong>The enemy shall not exact</strong> uses <em>lōʾ-yaššî ʾôyēb bô</em> (לֹא־יַשִּׁיא אוֹיֵב בּוֹ), where <em>nāšāʾ</em> (נָשָׁא) means to deceive, beguile, or exact tribute/taxation. God promises that enemies will not outwit, oppress, or m...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **Exact.**—This meaning is possible, and is supported by the LXX. and Vulgate, “shall not get profit.” There may be an allusion to Deuteronomy 15:6, but perhaps it is better to take the verb in the same sense as the Hebrew margin of Psalm 55:15, “shall not surprise him;” Symmachus has, “lead him astray.”
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-37**
The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings, deliverance, glory, and auth...
Read full commentary →And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.</strong> God personally guarantees aggressive action against David's enemies. <strong>I will beat down his foes</strong> uses <em>wə-kat-tôtî miṣ-ṣārāyw</em> (וְכַתּוֹתִי מִצָּרָיו), where <em>kātaṯ</em> (כָּתַת) means to beat, crush, pulverize—violent imagery of complete defeat. The verb appears in Micah 4:13 de...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Beat down.**—Probably *bray, *as in a mortar.
**Plague.**—Or, *smite.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 59 Psa 59:1-17. See on Psa 57:1, title, and for history, 1Sa 19:11, &c. The scope is very similar to that of the fifty-seventh: prayer in view of malicious and violent foes, and joy in prospect of relief.
**1. defend me--**(Compare Margin).
**rise up ... me--**(Compare Psa 17:7).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-37**
The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings, deliverance, glory, and auth...
Read full commentary →But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.</strong> After promising military victory, God emphasizes the foundation of David's success: divine <em>hesed</em> and covenant faithfulness. <strong>My faithfulness</strong> (<em>wĕ-ʾĕmûnāṯî</em>, וֶאֱמוּנָתִי from <em>ʾĕmet</em>) means reliability, steadfastness, truth—God's unchanging commitmen...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **Faithfulness and mercy, **represented in Psalm 89:14 as God’s attendants, are here commissioned to act as a guard to David and his house.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
2. (Compare Psa 5:5; 6:8).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-37**
The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings, deliverance, glory, and auth...
Read full commentary →I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers.</strong> This verse promises extensive territorial dominion using symbolic geography. <strong>I will set his hand in the sea</strong> employs <em>wə-śam-tî ḇay-yām yādô</em> (וְשַׂמְתִּי בַיָּם יָדוֹ), where <em>śîm</em> (שִׂים) means to place, establish, set firmly. The "sea" (<em>yām</em>, יָם) likely refers to the Me...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **In** **the sea.**—A reference, as in Psalm 72:8; Psalm 80:11, to the limits of the Solomonic kingdom, the Mediterranean and the Euphrates. For the figure we may compare a saying attributed by Curtius to some Scythian ambassadors, who addressed Alexander in these terms: “If the gods had given thee a body as great as thy mind, the whole world would not be able to contain thee. Thou wouldst re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-37**
The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings, deliverance, glory, and auth...
Read full commentary →He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.</strong> This verse reveals the intimate covenant relationship between God and the Davidic king, expressed through three titles: Father, God, and Rock. <strong>He shall cry unto me</strong> (<em>hûʾ yiq-rāʾēnî</em>, הוּא יִקְרָאֵנִי) uses <em>qārāʾ</em> (קָרָא), meaning to call out, proclaim, invoke—indicating ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **He shall cry.**—This verse is interesting in view of the theological development in the psalter. We might think that the poet was referring to an actual psalm of David, with whom the expression, “My God, the rock of my salvation,” was familiar (see Psalm 18:1-2, &c.), were it not for the word “Father,” a title for the Divine Being which the national religion did not frame till the exile per...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-5. prepare, &c.--**literally, "set themselves as in array."
**awake--**(Compare Psa 3:7; 7:6), appeals to God in His covenant relation to His people (Psa 9:18).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-37**
The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings, deliverance, glory, and auth...
Read full commentary →Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.</strong> God responds to the king's cry (v. 26) with an extraordinary promise of exaltation. <strong>I will make him my firstborn</strong> (<em>ʾap̄-ʾănî bə-ḵôr ʾet-tə-nĕ-hû</em>, אַף־אֲנִי בְּכוֹר אֶתְּנֵהוּ) bestows the status of <em>bəḵôr</em> (בְּכוֹר), the firstborn son who receives double inheritance, family heads...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **Firstborn.**—Jesse’s youngest son became the firstborn, the favourite son of God. Here, of course, the epithet is extended to all the Davidic succession.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-5. prepare, &c.--**literally, "set themselves as in array."
**awake--**(Compare Psa 3:7; 7:6), appeals to God in His covenant relation to His people (Psa 9:18).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-37**
The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings, deliverance, glory, and auth...
Read full commentary →My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.</strong> God's commitment intensifies with promises of eternal duration. <strong>My mercy</strong> (<em>ḥasdî</em>, חַסְדִּי) again emphasizes <em>hesed</em> (חֶסֶד)—that covenant loyalty, steadfast love, and faithful kindness that is God's very nature. <strong>Will I keep for him</strong> (<em>ʾe-šĕ-mār-...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-7. They are as ravening dogs seeking prey, and as such,
**belch out--**that is, slanders, their impudent barkings.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-37**
The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings, deliverance, glory, and auth...
Read full commentary →His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven.</strong> This verse climaxes the covenant promises with two eternal guarantees: perpetual dynasty and unending reign. <strong>His seed also will I make to endure</strong> (<em>wə-śam-tî lā-ʿaḏ zar-ʿô</em>, וְשַׂמְתִּי לָעַד זַרְעוֹ) uses <em>zeraʿ</em> (זֶרַע), literally "seed" but meaning offspring, descen...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29) **Days of heaven.**—Deuteronomy 11:21. (Comp. Psalm 72:5; and see below, Psalm 89:36.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-7. They are as ravening dogs seeking prey, and as such,
**belch out--**that is, slanders, their impudent barkings.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-37**
The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings, deliverance, glory, and auth...
Read full commentary →If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments;
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments;</strong> This verse begins a conditional section within the Davidic covenant, establishing that while God's covenant with David is eternal and unconditional in its ultimate fulfillment, individual descendants face consequences for disobedience. The Hebrew <em>im</em> (אִם, "if") introduces a hypothetical condition that becomes t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30-33) An elaboration of 2Samuel 7:14-15, and evidently made with a purpose. The poet acknowledges the sin of Israel in past times, but also regards the sufferings of the exile as having been the punishment foretold by them. Hence the sin has been expiated, and the perplexity arises why Israel is still afflicted.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8. (Compare Psa 2:4; 37:13).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-37**
The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings, deliverance, glory, and auth...
Read full commentary →If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; break: Heb. profane
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments;</strong> This verse continues the conditional section begun in verse 30, specifying covenant violations. <strong>If they break my statutes</strong> uses <em>ʾim-ḥuq-qô-ṯay yə-ḥal-lê-lû</em> (אִם־חֻקֹּתַי יְחַלֵּלוּ), where <em>ḥillēl</em> (חִלֵּל) means to profane, pollute, defile, or violate. This is stronger than mere neglect—it's ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9. By judicious expositors, and on good grounds, this is better rendered, "O my strength, on Thee will I wait" (Psa 59:17).
**defence--**(Compare Psa 18:3).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-37**
The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings, deliverance, glory, and auth...
Read full commentary →Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.</strong> God responds to covenant violation with disciplinary judgment, yet the language carefully distinguishes between covenant discipline and covenant abandonment (see v. 33). <strong>Then will I visit their transgression</strong> uses <em>ûp̄ā-qaḏ-tî bə-šē-ḇeṭ piš-ʿām</em> (וּפָקַדְתִּי בְשֵׁבֶט פִּשְׁ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. prevent me--**(Psa 21:3).
**see my desire--**in their overthrow (Psa 54:7).
**enemies--**as in Psa 5:8.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-37**
The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings, deliverance, glory, and auth...
Read full commentary →Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. will: Heb. I will not make void from him to fall: Heb. to lie
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.</strong> The crucial turning point: after detailing discipline for covenant violation (vv. 30-32), God declares that punishment will not mean abandonment. <strong>Nevertheless</strong> (<em>wə-ḥasdî</em>, וְחַסְדִּי prefaced by the adversative <em>waw</em>) signals dramatic reversal. Despit...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. Slay them not--**at once (Jud 2:21-23); but perpetuate their punishment (Ge 4:12; Nu 32:13), by scattering or making them wander, and humble them.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-37**
The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings, deliverance, glory, and auth...
Read full commentary →My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.</strong> God reinforces His commitment with a double negative emphasizing the absolute immutability of His covenant word. <strong>My covenant will I not break</strong> (<em>lōʾ-ʾăḥal-lêl bə-rî-ṯî</em>, לֹא־אֲחַלֵּל בְּרִיתִי) uses <em>ḥillēl</em> (חִלֵּל), the same verb from verse 31 meaning to profane, violate,...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. let them even be ... taken in their pride--**while evincing it--that is, to be punished for their lies, &c.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-37**
The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings, deliverance, glory, and auth...
Read full commentary →Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David. that: Heb. if I lie
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.</strong> God elevates His covenant promise to the highest possible level of assurance: a divine oath sworn by His own holiness. <strong>Once have I sworn</strong> (<em>ʾa-ḥaṯ niš-baʿ-tî</em>, אַחַת נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי) emphasizes both the singularity and sufficiency of the oath. "Once" (<em>ʾaḥaṯ</em>, אַחַת) means one time—unrepe...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13. Though delayed for wise reasons, the utter destruction of the wicked must come at last, and God's presence and power in and for His Church will be known abroad (1Sa 17:46; Psa 46:10, 11).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-37**
The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings, deliverance, glory, and auth...
Read full commentary →His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.</strong> This verse parallels verse 29, reinforcing the eternal nature of the Davidic covenant with cosmic imagery. <strong>His seed shall endure for ever</strong> (<em>zar-ʿô lə-ʿô-lām yih-yeh</em>, זַרְעוֹ לְעוֹלָם יִהְיֶה) repeats the promise of perpetual dynasty. "Seed" (<em>zeraʿ</em>, זֶרַע) means offspring, descend...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
14-15. Meanwhile let the rapacious dogs prowl, they cannot hurt the pious; yea, they shall wander famished and sleepless.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-37**
The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings, deliverance, glory, and auth...
Read full commentary →It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.</strong> The covenant promises culminate with a third cosmic witness—the moon—and the solemn pause "Selah." <strong>It shall be established for ever as the moon</strong> (<em>kə-yā-rê-aḥ yik-kôn ʿô-lām</em>, כְּיָרֵחַ יִכּוֹן עוֹלָם) employs <em>yārēaḥ</em> (יָרֵחַ), the moon, which like the sun is a ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(37) **And as a faithful witness in heaven.**—Rather, *and there is a faithful witness in heaven, *which the parallelism shows to be the *moon, *just mentioned. The moon (see Psalm 81:3) was to the Jews—as to the ancients generally—the “arbiter of festivals,” and the festivals were signs of the covenant, consequently that luminary might well be called “a witness in heaven.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
14-15. Meanwhile let the rapacious dogs prowl, they cannot hurt the pious; yea, they shall wander famished and sleepless.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-37**
The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings, deliverance, glory, and auth...
Read full commentary →But thou hast cast off and abhorred, thou hast been wroth with thine anointed.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But thou hast cast off and abhorred, thou hast been wroth with thine anointed</strong>—the devastating "but" (Hebrew וְאַתָּה <em>ve-attah</em>) reverses everything promised in verses 1-37. Three Hebrew verbs intensify God's rejection: <em>zanach</em> (cast off, spurned), <em>ma'as</em> (abhorred, rejected with disgust), and <em>'avar</em> (been wroth, overflowed with fury). The object is ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(38) **But thou.**—The poem takes a new departure here. God is reproached for violating the covenant, and the contrast between the actual condition of things in Israel at present, and the glorious destiny promised, is feelingly set forth.
The boldness of this expostulation has scandalised the Jewish expositors. But see exactly similar language, Psalm 44:9; Psalm 44:22. The point of the poem, indee...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
16-17. Contrast the lot of God's servant, who employs his time in God's praise.
**sing aloud ... in the morning--**when they retire famishing and disappointed, or it may denote delightful diligence in praise, as in Psa 30:5.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 38-52**
Sometimes it is not easy to reconcile God's providences with his promises, yet we are sure that God's works fulfil his word. When the great Anointed One, Christ himself, was upon the cross, God seemed to have cast him off, yet did not make void his covenant, for that was established for ever. The honour of the house of David was lost. Thrones and crowns are often laid in the d...
Read full commentary →Thou hast made void the covenant of thy servant: thou hast profaned his crown by casting it to the ground.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Thou hast made void the covenant of thy servant</strong> (נֵאַרְתָּ בְּרִית עַבְדֶּךָ <em>ne'arta berit avdekha</em>)—the verb <em>na'ar</em> means to despise, reject, or nullify. The psalmist accuses God of abrogating His own <em>berit</em> (covenant), the solemn oath to David. <strong>Thou hast profaned his crown by casting it to the ground</strong> (חִלַּלְתָּ לָאָרֶץ נִזְרוֹ <em>chilla...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(39) **Made void.**—Better, *cast off, *as the word is rendered in Lamentations 2:7, the only other place where it occurs. There the LXX. have “shook off;” here, “turned upside down.”
**Thou hast profaned.**—Comp. Psalm 74:7.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
16-17. Contrast the lot of God's servant, who employs his time in God's praise.
**sing aloud ... in the morning--**when they retire famishing and disappointed, or it may denote delightful diligence in praise, as in Psa 30:5.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 38-52**
Sometimes it is not easy to reconcile God's providences with his promises, yet we are sure that God's works fulfil his word. When the great Anointed One, Christ himself, was upon the cross, God seemed to have cast him off, yet did not make void his covenant, for that was established for ever. The honour of the house of David was lost. Thrones and crowns are often laid in the d...
Read full commentary →Thou hast broken down all his hedges; thou hast brought his strong holds to ruin.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Thou hast broken down all his hedges; thou hast brought his strong holds to ruin</strong>—vivid agricultural and military imagery depicts comprehensive devastation. <em>Geder</em> (hedge/wall) protected vineyards from wild animals and invaders; <em>mivtzar</em> (stronghold/fortress) provided military defense. Both are <em>broken down</em> (פָּרַצְתָּ <em>paratzta</em>, breached) and brough...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 38-52**
Sometimes it is not easy to reconcile God's providences with his promises, yet we are sure that God's works fulfil his word. When the great Anointed One, Christ himself, was upon the cross, God seemed to have cast him off, yet did not make void his covenant, for that was established for ever. The honour of the house of David was lost. Thrones and crowns are often laid in the d...
Read full commentary →All that pass by the way spoil him: he is a reproach to his neighbours.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>All that pass by the way spoil him</strong> (שָׁסוּהוּ כָּל־עֹבְרֵי דָרֶךְ <em>shasu-hu kol-ovrei darek</em>)—<em>shasah</em> means to plunder, pillage, or despoil. The king who should command respect is instead victim to casual passers-by. <strong>He is a reproach to his neighbours</strong> (חֶרְפָּה לִשְׁכֵנָיו <em>cherpah lishkhenav</em>)—<em>cherpah</em> denotes scorn, disgrace, taunt....
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 60 Psa 60:1-12. Shushan-eduth--Lily of testimony. The lily is an emblem of beauty (see on Psa 45:1, title). As a description of the Psalm, those terms combined may denote a beautiful poem, witnessing--that is, for God's faithfulness as evinced in the victories referred to in the history cited. Aram-naharaim--Syria of the two rivers, or Mesopotamia beyond the river (Euphrates) (2Sa 10:16). Ar...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 38-52**
Sometimes it is not easy to reconcile God's providences with his promises, yet we are sure that God's works fulfil his word. When the great Anointed One, Christ himself, was upon the cross, God seemed to have cast him off, yet did not make void his covenant, for that was established for ever. The honour of the house of David was lost. Thrones and crowns are often laid in the d...
Read full commentary →Thou hast set up the right hand of his adversaries; thou hast made all his enemies to rejoice.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Thou hast set up the right hand of his adversaries</strong> (הֲרֵימוֹתָ יְמִין צָרָיו <em>haremota yemin tzarav</em>)—the "right hand" symbolizes power and victory. God didn't merely permit enemy triumph; He actively <em>exalted</em> (<em>haremota</em>, lifted up, established) their strength. <strong>Thou hast made all his enemies to rejoice</strong> (הִשְׂמַחְתָּ כָּל־אוֹיְבָיו <em>hismac...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 60 Psa 60:1-12. Shushan-eduth--Lily of testimony. The lily is an emblem of beauty (see on Psa 45:1, title). As a description of the Psalm, those terms combined may denote a beautiful poem, witnessing--that is, for God's faithfulness as evinced in the victories referred to in the history cited. Aram-naharaim--Syria of the two rivers, or Mesopotamia beyond the river (Euphrates) (2Sa 10:16). Ar...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 38-52**
Sometimes it is not easy to reconcile God's providences with his promises, yet we are sure that God's works fulfil his word. When the great Anointed One, Christ himself, was upon the cross, God seemed to have cast him off, yet did not make void his covenant, for that was established for ever. The honour of the house of David was lost. Thrones and crowns are often laid in the d...
Read full commentary →Thou hast also turned the edge of his sword, and hast not made him to stand in the battle.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Thou hast also turned the edge of his sword</strong> (תָּשִׁיב צוּר חַרְבּוֹ <em>tashiv tzur charbo</em>)—<em>tzur</em> (edge/blade) is <em>turned back</em> (<em>shub</em>, reversed), making the weapon ineffective. The king's sword, meant to execute God's justice, is blunted. <strong>And hast not made him to stand in the battle</strong> (וְלֹא הֲקֵימֹתוֹ בַּמִּלְחָמָה <em>velo haqimoto bam...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(43) **Edge of his sword.**—The Hebrew is *tsûr, i.e., rock, *and a comparison with Joshua 5:2 (margin) suggests that we have here a reminiscence of the “stone age.” The word “flint” for the edge of a weapon might easily survive the actual use of the implement itself. So we should still speak of “a foeman’s steel” even if the use of chemical explosives entirely abolished the use of sword and bayon...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 60 Psa 60:1-12. Shushan-eduth--Lily of testimony. The lily is an emblem of beauty (see on Psa 45:1, title). As a description of the Psalm, those terms combined may denote a beautiful poem, witnessing--that is, for God's faithfulness as evinced in the victories referred to in the history cited. Aram-naharaim--Syria of the two rivers, or Mesopotamia beyond the river (Euphrates) (2Sa 10:16). Ar...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 38-52**
Sometimes it is not easy to reconcile God's providences with his promises, yet we are sure that God's works fulfil his word. When the great Anointed One, Christ himself, was upon the cross, God seemed to have cast him off, yet did not make void his covenant, for that was established for ever. The honour of the house of David was lost. Thrones and crowns are often laid in the d...
Read full commentary →Thou hast made his glory to cease, and cast his throne down to the ground. glory: Heb. brightness
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Thou hast made his glory to cease</strong> (הִשְׁבַּתָּ מִטְּהָרוֹ <em>hishbatta mitteraho</em>)—<em>shabbat</em> means to stop, bring to an end, make cease (the root of "Sabbath"). <em>Tahor</em> (brightness, splendor, purity) refers to royal glory and magnificence. <strong>And cast his throne down to the ground</strong> (וְכִסְאוֹ לָאָרֶץ מִגַּרְתָּה <em>vekhis'o la-aretz miggartah</em>)...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(44) **Thou hast . . .**—Literally, *Thou hast made to cease from his brightness*—*i.e.*, the brightness of the sun, promised in Psalm 89:36.
**To the ground.**—From being as the sun in heaven.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
4-5. Yet to God's banner they will rally, and pray that, led and sustained by His power (right hand, Psa 17:7; 20:6), they may be safe.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 38-52**
Sometimes it is not easy to reconcile God's providences with his promises, yet we are sure that God's works fulfil his word. When the great Anointed One, Christ himself, was upon the cross, God seemed to have cast him off, yet did not make void his covenant, for that was established for ever. The honour of the house of David was lost. Thrones and crowns are often laid in the d...
Read full commentary →The days of his youth hast thou shortened: thou hast covered him with shame. Selah.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The days of his youth hast thou shortened</strong> (הִקְצַרְתָּ יְמֵי עֲלוּמָיו <em>hiqtzarta yemei alumav</em>)—<em>qatzar</em> means to cut short, curtail. <em>Alumim</em> (youth, vigor) represents strength and potential. The king who should reign decades is cut down prematurely. <strong>Thou hast covered him with shame. Selah</strong> (הֶעֱטִיתָ עָלָיו בּוּשָׁה סֶלָה <em>he'etita alav b...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
4-5. Yet to God's banner they will rally, and pray that, led and sustained by His power (right hand, Psa 17:7; 20:6), they may be safe.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 38-52**
Sometimes it is not easy to reconcile God's providences with his promises, yet we are sure that God's works fulfil his word. When the great Anointed One, Christ himself, was upon the cross, God seemed to have cast him off, yet did not make void his covenant, for that was established for ever. The honour of the house of David was lost. Thrones and crowns are often laid in the d...
Read full commentary →How long, LORD? wilt thou hide thyself for ever? shall thy wrath burn like fire?
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>How long, LORD? wilt thou hide thyself for ever?</strong> (עַד־מָה יְהוָה תִּסָּתֵר לָנֶצַח <em>ad-mah YHWH tissater lanetzach</em>)—the cry "How long?" (<em>ad-mah</em>) appears over a dozen times in Psalms, the quintessential lament question. <em>Satar</em> (hide, conceal) expresses God's terrifying absence. <em>Lanetzach</em> (forever, perpetually) voices the sufferer's fear: Will this ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(46) **How long.**—With this persistent cry of the Maccabæan age (see Psalm 74:10), the poet shows that faith is not extinct, though it has a sore struggle with despair.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-10. God hath spoken in--**or, "by."
**his holiness--**(Psa 89:35; Am 4:2), on the pledge of His attributes (Psa 22:3; 30:4). Taking courage from God's promise to give them possession (Ex 23:31; De 11:24) (and perhaps renewed to him by special revelation), with triumphant joy he describes the conquest as already made.
**Shechem, and ... Succoth--**as widely separated points, and--
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 38-52**
Sometimes it is not easy to reconcile God's providences with his promises, yet we are sure that God's works fulfil his word. When the great Anointed One, Christ himself, was upon the cross, God seemed to have cast him off, yet did not make void his covenant, for that was established for ever. The honour of the house of David was lost. Thrones and crowns are often laid in the d...
Read full commentary →Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Remember how short my time is</strong> (זְכָר־אֲנִי מֶה־חָלֶד <em>zekhor-ani meh-chaled</em>)—<em>zakhar</em> (remember) is covenant language, appealing to God's promises. <em>Chaled</em> (lifetime, duration) emphasizes life's brevity. The psalmist urges God to act before death makes intervention futile. <strong>Wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?</strong> (עַל־מַה־שָּׁוְא בָּרָאתָ כ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(47) **Remember.**—The text of this clause runs, *Remember I how duration, *which might possibly be an incoherent sob, meaning *remember how quickly I pass. *But since the transposition of a letter brings the clause into conformity with Psalm 39:4, “how frail I am,” it is better to adopt the change.
**Wherefore hast thou . . .**—Literally, *for what vanity hast thou created all men?*
“Count all th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-10. God hath spoken in--**or, "by."
**his holiness--**(Psa 89:35; Am 4:2), on the pledge of His attributes (Psa 22:3; 30:4). Taking courage from God's promise to give them possession (Ex 23:31; De 11:24) (and perhaps renewed to him by special revelation), with triumphant joy he describes the conquest as already made.
**Shechem, and ... Succoth--**as widely separated points, and--
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 38-52**
Sometimes it is not easy to reconcile God's providences with his promises, yet we are sure that God's works fulfil his word. When the great Anointed One, Christ himself, was upon the cross, God seemed to have cast him off, yet did not make void his covenant, for that was established for ever. The honour of the house of David was lost. Thrones and crowns are often laid in the d...
Read full commentary →What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death?</strong> (מִי גֶבֶר יִחְיֶה וְלֹא יִרְאֶה־מָּוֶת <em>mi gever yichyeh velo yir'eh-mavet</em>)—rhetorical question expecting the answer "none." <em>Gever</em> (man, mighty man) emphasizes even strong humans cannot escape death. <strong>Shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave?</strong> (יְמַלֵּט נַפְשׁוֹ מִיַּד־שְׁאוֹל סֶלָה <...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(48) **What man.**—Rather, *What hero, *or *champion, *or *great man. *The word is used of a king (Jeremiah 22:30; comp. Isaiah 22:17). The verse repeats a common poetic theme:—
“Pallida mors æquo pulsat pede pauperum tabernas,
Regumque turres.”—HORACE, I. *Od. iv.*
**The hand of the grave.**—Rather, *of the underworld, “*hand” being used for “power.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-10. God hath spoken in--**or, "by."
**his holiness--**(Psa 89:35; Am 4:2), on the pledge of His attributes (Psa 22:3; 30:4). Taking courage from God's promise to give them possession (Ex 23:31; De 11:24) (and perhaps renewed to him by special revelation), with triumphant joy he describes the conquest as already made.
**Shechem, and ... Succoth--**as widely separated points, and--
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 38-52**
Sometimes it is not easy to reconcile God's providences with his promises, yet we are sure that God's works fulfil his word. When the great Anointed One, Christ himself, was upon the cross, God seemed to have cast him off, yet did not make void his covenant, for that was established for ever. The honour of the house of David was lost. Thrones and crowns are often laid in the d...
Read full commentary →Lord, where are thy former lovingkindnesses, which thou swarest unto David in thy truth?
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Lord, where are thy former lovingkindnesses, which thou swarest unto David in thy truth?</strong> (אַיֵּה חֲסָדֶיךָ הָרִאשֹׁנִים אֲדֹנָי נִשְׁבַּעְתָּ לְדָוִד בֶּאֱמוּנָתֶךָ <em>ayyeh chasadekha harishonim adonai nishba'ta le-david be-emunatekha</em>)—<em>ayyeh</em> (where?) expresses anguished searching. <em>Chasadim harishonim</em> (former mercies/lovingkindnesses) refers to God's covena...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-10. God hath spoken in--**or, "by."
**his holiness--**(Psa 89:35; Am 4:2), on the pledge of His attributes (Psa 22:3; 30:4). Taking courage from God's promise to give them possession (Ex 23:31; De 11:24) (and perhaps renewed to him by special revelation), with triumphant joy he describes the conquest as already made.
**Shechem, and ... Succoth--**as widely separated points, and--
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 38-52**
Sometimes it is not easy to reconcile God's providences with his promises, yet we are sure that God's works fulfil his word. When the great Anointed One, Christ himself, was upon the cross, God seemed to have cast him off, yet did not make void his covenant, for that was established for ever. The honour of the house of David was lost. Thrones and crowns are often laid in the d...
Read full commentary →Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; how I do bear in my bosom the reproach of all the mighty people;
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants</strong> (זְכֹר אֲדֹנָי חֶרְפַּת עֲבָדֶיךָ <em>zekhor adonai cherpat avadekha</em>)—<em>zakhar</em> (remember) again appeals to covenant faithfulness. <em>Cherpah</em> (reproach, scorn, taunt) is what God's people endure. They're not random sufferers but <strong>thy servants</strong> (<em>avadekha</em>)—covenant people who serve YHWH. <strong>Ho...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(50)The phrase, “bear in my bosom,” is explained by Psalm 79:12.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-10. God hath spoken in--**or, "by."
**his holiness--**(Psa 89:35; Am 4:2), on the pledge of His attributes (Psa 22:3; 30:4). Taking courage from God's promise to give them possession (Ex 23:31; De 11:24) (and perhaps renewed to him by special revelation), with triumphant joy he describes the conquest as already made.
**Shechem, and ... Succoth--**as widely separated points, and--
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 38-52**
Sometimes it is not easy to reconcile God's providences with his promises, yet we are sure that God's works fulfil his word. When the great Anointed One, Christ himself, was upon the cross, God seemed to have cast him off, yet did not make void his covenant, for that was established for ever. The honour of the house of David was lost. Thrones and crowns are often laid in the d...
Read full commentary →Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O LORD; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O LORD; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed</strong> (אֲשֶׁר חֵרְפוּ אוֹיְבֶיךָ יְהוָה אֲשֶׁר חֵרְפוּ עִקְּבוֹת מְשִׁיחֶךָ <em>asher cherfu oyevekha YHWH asher cherfu iqqevot meshichekha</em>)—the repetition of <em>cherfu</em> (they have reproached) intensifies the mockery. <strong>Thine enemies</strong> (<em>oyevekha</em>...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(51) **Footsteps . . .**—Every step taken by Israel was the subject of reproach. Rabbinical writers connect the verse with the delay of the Messiah, since it brings reproach on those who wait for him in vain.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Bible Hub
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
11-12. Hence he closes with a prayer for success, and an assurance of a hearing.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 38-52**
Sometimes it is not easy to reconcile God's providences with his promises, yet we are sure that God's works fulfil his word. When the great Anointed One, Christ himself, was upon the cross, God seemed to have cast him off, yet did not make void his covenant, for that was established for ever. The honour of the house of David was lost. Thrones and crowns are often laid in the d...
Read full commentary →Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The psalm ends with doxology: "Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen" (Hebrew <em>barukh YHWH l-olam amen v-amen</em>). Despite the crisis (vv.38-51), the psalm concludes with blessing God. "Blessed be the LORD" affirms God's goodness regardless of circumstances. "For evermore" (Hebrew <em>olam</em>) extends blessing eternally. The doubled "Amen" emphasizes certainty and agreement. This...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
11-12. Hence he closes with a prayer for success, and an assurance of a hearing.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 38-52**
Sometimes it is not easy to reconcile God's providences with his promises, yet we are sure that God's works fulfil his word. When the great Anointed One, Christ himself, was upon the cross, God seemed to have cast him off, yet did not make void his covenant, for that was established for ever. The honour of the house of David was lost. Thrones and crowns are often laid in the d...
Read full commentary →