King James Version
Psalms 92
15 verses with commentary
It Is Good to Give Thanks
A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This Sabbath psalm opens with the Hebrew 'tov' (good/pleasant), emphasizing that thanksgiving and praise are not merely obligations but spiritually beneficial acts. The connection between thanksgiving to Yahweh and musical praise establishes worship as both vertical (God-directed) and holistic (engaging mind and voice). Reformed theology sees grateful praise as the proper response to God's grace, ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. the king--**that is, David himself, and all who reverence God, "shall share a glorious part," while treacherous foes shall be for ever silenced (Psa 62:4).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 92
Chapter Outline
Praise is the business of the sabbath.(1-6)
The wicked shall perish, but God's people shall be exalted.(7-15)
**Verses 1-6**
It is a privilege that we are admitted to praise the Lord, and hope to be accepted in the morning, and every night; not only on sabbath days, but every day; not only in public, but in private, and in our families. Let us give than...
Read full commentary →To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, every: Heb. in the nights
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KJV Study Commentary
The bipartite structure of morning 'lovingkindness' (hesed) and evening 'faithfulness' (emunah) reflects God's covenant attributes that sustain believers throughout each day. This pattern teaches that meditation on God's character should bookend our daily activities. The Hebrew hesed encompasses loyal love, mercy, and covenant faithfulness—a rich theological concept central to understanding God's ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Lovingkindness . . . faithfulness.**—The two most prominent features in the display of the covenant relation of God towards His people. The connection of *lovingkindness *or *grace *with the morning, and *faithfulness *or *truth *with the evening, is only a result of the Hebrew poetic style; and yet there is a fitness in the association. Love breaks through the clouds of doubt as the morning...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 92
Chapter Outline
Praise is the business of the sabbath.(1-6)
The wicked shall perish, but God's people shall be exalted.(7-15)
**Verses 1-6**
It is a privilege that we are admitted to praise the Lord, and hope to be accepted in the morning, and every night; not only on sabbath days, but every day; not only in public, but in private, and in our families. Let us give than...
Read full commentary →Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. the harp: or, the solemn sound with the harp a solemn: Heb. Higgaion
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KJV Study Commentary
The ten-stringed instrument (likely the nevel) and the psaltery (harp/kinnor) represent the full orchestration of worship. The 'solemn sound' (higgayon) suggests meditation or musical interlude, combining contemplative reflection with joyful expression. This integration of instruments, voice, and meditation demonstrates that worship should engage all our faculties and creative abilities for God's ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Ten strings.**—See Note, Psalm 33:2.
**Upon the harp with a solemn sound.**—Rather, *with music of the harp. *For the Hebrew word, see Note, Psalm 9:16.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 64 Psa 64:1-10. A prayer for deliverance from cunning and malicious enemies, with a confident view of their overthrow, which will honor God and give joy to the righteous.
**1. preserve ... fear--**as well as the danger producing it.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 92
Chapter Outline
Praise is the business of the sabbath.(1-6)
The wicked shall perish, but God's people shall be exalted.(7-15)
**Verses 1-6**
It is a privilege that we are admitted to praise the Lord, and hope to be accepted in the morning, and every night; not only on sabbath days, but every day; not only in public, but in private, and in our families. Let us give than...
Read full commentary →For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.
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KJV Study Commentary
The causative 'for' (ki) links praise to God's mighty works and creative activity. The Hebrew 'samach' (made glad) indicates deep, abiding joy—not superficial happiness. This gladness is rooted in observing God's sovereign work in creation and providence. The theology of joy flowing from contemplating God's works establishes that Christian happiness is intellectually grounded, not emotionally manu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) The Vulgate rendering of this verse is quoted by Dante in a beautiful passage descriptive of the happiness which flows from delight in the beauty of the works of God in nature. But the reference is to the *works in history, *not in *nature. *The psalmist is really expressing his gladness at God’s wonders wrought for Israel. (Comp. Psalm 90:15-16,” Make us glad **. . .** let thy work appear unt...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. insurrection--**literally, "uproar," noisy assaults, as well as their secret counsels.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 92
Chapter Outline
Praise is the business of the sabbath.(1-6)
The wicked shall perish, but God's people shall be exalted.(7-15)
**Verses 1-6**
It is a privilege that we are admitted to praise the Lord, and hope to be accepted in the morning, and every night; not only on sabbath days, but every day; not only in public, but in private, and in our families. Let us give than...
Read full commentary →O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.
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KJV Study Commentary
The parallelism of 'works' and 'hands' emphasizes both the magnitude and the personal agency of God's creative activity. Singing for joy (ranan—a ringing cry) represents worship that cannot be contained, bursting forth in exuberant praise. The greatness of God's works should naturally produce proportionate worship. This verse refutes both deism (distant God) and materialism (impersonal forces) by ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Thoughts.**—Better, *plans, *or *purposes. *(Comp. in addition to references in margin, Psalm 36:6.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-4. Similar figures for slander (Psa 57:4; 59:7).
**bend--**literally, "tread," or, "prepared." The allusion is to the mode of bending a bow by treading on it; here, and in Psa 58:7, transferred to arrows.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 92
Chapter Outline
Praise is the business of the sabbath.(1-6)
The wicked shall perish, but God's people shall be exalted.(7-15)
**Verses 1-6**
It is a privilege that we are admitted to praise the Lord, and hope to be accepted in the morning, and every night; not only on sabbath days, but every day; not only in public, but in private, and in our families. Let us give than...
Read full commentary →A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.
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KJV Study Commentary
The contrast between the senseless (ba'ar—brutish, like cattle) man and deep thoughts (makhshavot—purposes/plans) of God highlights the spiritual blindness that prevents seeing divine wisdom in creation. This is not mere intellectual limitation but willful ignorance. The 'fool' (kesil) lacks spiritual discernment, unable to perceive God's hand in the world. This aligns with Paul's teaching in Roma...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **A** **brutish man.**—The Hebrew is apparently from a root meaning “to eat,” and so refers to the man of mere animal nature, who lives for his appetites.
**Fool.**—From root meaning “fat,” hence “gross,” “stupid.”
In the one case the moral sense has not come into play at all, in the other it is overgrown by sensuality, so that spiritual discernment, insight into the glories of the Divine mind...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-4. Similar figures for slander (Psa 57:4; 59:7).
**bend--**literally, "tread," or, "prepared." The allusion is to the mode of bending a bow by treading on it; here, and in Psa 58:7, transferred to arrows.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 92
Chapter Outline
Praise is the business of the sabbath.(1-6)
The wicked shall perish, but God's people shall be exalted.(7-15)
**Verses 1-6**
It is a privilege that we are admitted to praise the Lord, and hope to be accepted in the morning, and every night; not only on sabbath days, but every day; not only in public, but in private, and in our families. Let us give than...
Read full commentary →When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever:
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KJV Study Commentary
The imagery of wicked prosperity as grass that springs up contains both botanical observation and prophetic judgment. Though grass appears quickly and abundantly, it has no permanence. The phrase 'destroyed forever' (shamad ad) emphasizes complete, eternal ruin—not temporary setback. This verse addresses the perennial problem of theodicy: why do the wicked prosper? The answer: their flourishing is...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) This verse apparently introduces the statement of the truth which the sensualist does not understand, viz., that the prosperity of the wicked is only momentary, and will render their destruction all the more impressive. The Authorised Version is incorrect in introducing the second conjunction “when.” Literally, *In the springing of the wicked like grass, flourish all the workers of iniquity to...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5. A sentiment here more fully presented, by depicting their deliberate malice.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-15**
God sometimes grants prosperity to wicked men in displeasure; yet they flourish but for a moment. Let us seek for ourselves the salvation and grace of the gospel, that being daily anointed by the Holy Spirit, we may behold and share the Redeemer's glory. It is from his grace, by his word and Spirit, that believers receive all the virtue that keeps them alive, and makes them fru...
Read full commentary →But thou, LORD, art most high for evermore.
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KJV Study Commentary
The designation 'most high' (Elyon) emphasizes God's absolute supremacy and transcendence. The phrase 'for evermore' (ad olam) contrasts sharply with the temporary flourishing of the wicked in verse 7. God's eternality guarantees both the permanence of His throne and the ultimate vindication of righteousness. This verse serves as the theological foundation for the psalm's confidence: worship is no...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6. This is further evinced by their diligent efforts and deeply laid schemes.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-15**
God sometimes grants prosperity to wicked men in displeasure; yet they flourish but for a moment. Let us seek for ourselves the salvation and grace of the gospel, that being daily anointed by the Holy Spirit, we may behold and share the Redeemer's glory. It is from his grace, by his word and Spirit, that believers receive all the virtue that keeps them alive, and makes them fru...
Read full commentary →For, lo, thine enemies, O LORD, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.
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KJV Study Commentary
The vivid imagery of enemies perishing and being scattered employs military language to depict spiritual realities. 'Scattered' (puz) suggests complete disintegration and defeat. The certainty ('lo... shall perish') reflects confidence in divine justice. This verse demonstrates the doctrine of God's active judgment against evil—He is not passive but intervenes to destroy wickedness. All workers of...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
7. The contrast is heightened by representing God as using weapons like theirs.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-15**
God sometimes grants prosperity to wicked men in displeasure; yet they flourish but for a moment. Let us seek for ourselves the salvation and grace of the gospel, that being daily anointed by the Holy Spirit, we may behold and share the Redeemer's glory. It is from his grace, by his word and Spirit, that believers receive all the virtue that keeps them alive, and makes them fru...
Read full commentary →But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.
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KJV Study Commentary
The horn symbolizes strength and dignity in Hebrew poetry, drawn from observation of wild oxen (re'em). Being exalted like the horn depicts empowerment and vindication. The 'fresh oil' (shemen ra'anan) represents renewal, consecration, and the Holy Spirit's anointing. This combination of strength and anointing points forward to Christ, the Anointed One, and to believers who receive both power and ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Unicorn.**—Better, *buffalo. *(See Numbers 23:22; Psalm 22:21.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. their ... tongue to fall, &c.--**that is, the consequences of their slanders, &c. (compare Psa 10:2; 31:16).
**all that see ... away--**Their partners in evil shall be terrified.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-15**
God sometimes grants prosperity to wicked men in displeasure; yet they flourish but for a moment. Let us seek for ourselves the salvation and grace of the gospel, that being daily anointed by the Holy Spirit, we may behold and share the Redeemer's glory. It is from his grace, by his word and Spirit, that believers receive all the virtue that keeps them alive, and makes them fru...
Read full commentary →Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me.
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KJV Study Commentary
The verb 'seen' (ra'ah) indicates not mere observation but experienced vindication. God grants the righteous to witness His justice against their enemies, not for vengeance but for vindication of truth. The phrase 'mine ears shall hear' emphasizes testimonial evidence of God's judgment. This personal experience of God's justice strengthens faith and confirms that God truly governs moral reality. I...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Mine eye also.**—Better, *And my eye looked upon *(was able to look without fear) *my insidious foes, and for their rising against me as villains my ears listened *(without alarm).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9-10. Men, generally, will acknowledge God's work, and the righteous, rejoicing in it, shall be encouraged to trust Him (Psa 58:10).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-15**
God sometimes grants prosperity to wicked men in displeasure; yet they flourish but for a moment. Let us seek for ourselves the salvation and grace of the gospel, that being daily anointed by the Holy Spirit, we may behold and share the Redeemer's glory. It is from his grace, by his word and Spirit, that believers receive all the virtue that keeps them alive, and makes them fru...
Read full commentary →The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
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KJV Study Commentary
The righteous flourishing like a palm tree and growing like a cedar employs two distinct but complementary images. The palm (tamar) thrives in harsh conditions, bends but doesn't break in storms, and produces fruit abundantly—symbolizing resilience and fruitfulness. The cedar of Lebanon (erez) represents nobility, permanence, and impressive growth—symbolizing spiritual maturity and enduring streng...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Palm tree.**—This is the only place where the palm appears as an emblem of moral rectitude and beauty of character, yet its aptness for such comparison has often been noticed. (See Tristram’s *Natural History of the Bible, *p. 384; and comp. Thomson’s *The Land and the Book, *p. 49.)
A moral use was more often made of the cedar. Emblem of kingly might, it also became the type of the imperia...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9-10. Men, generally, will acknowledge God's work, and the righteous, rejoicing in it, shall be encouraged to trust Him (Psa 58:10).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-15**
God sometimes grants prosperity to wicked men in displeasure; yet they flourish but for a moment. Let us seek for ourselves the salvation and grace of the gospel, that being daily anointed by the Holy Spirit, we may behold and share the Redeemer's glory. It is from his grace, by his word and Spirit, that believers receive all the virtue that keeps them alive, and makes them fru...
Read full commentary →Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
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KJV Study Commentary
Being 'planted in the house of the LORD' indicates intentional, permanent positioning in God's presence and people. This is not casual attendance but deep-rooted commitment to worship and community. 'Flourish in the courts' emphasizes that spiritual vitality comes through connection to God's dwelling place. In Christian theology, believers are living stones in God's temple (1 Peter 2:5), permanent...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) (See Note, Psalm 52:8, and Stanley’s *Jewish Church, *ii. 207.)
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-15**
God sometimes grants prosperity to wicked men in displeasure; yet they flourish but for a moment. Let us seek for ourselves the salvation and grace of the gospel, that being daily anointed by the Holy Spirit, we may behold and share the Redeemer's glory. It is from his grace, by his word and Spirit, that believers receive all the virtue that keeps them alive, and makes them fru...
Read full commentary →They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; flourishing: Heb. green
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KJV Study Commentary
The promise of fruitfulness in old age contradicts natural decline, pointing to supernatural grace. 'Bring forth fruit' even in advanced years demonstrates that spiritual productivity doesn't diminish with age. Being 'fat and flourishing' (dashen ve-ra'anan) depicts vitality, health, and continued growth. This verse establishes that God's purposes for His people extend throughout their entire live...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **They shall still bring forth.**—Literally, *Still shall they sprout in hoary age, sappy and green shall they be, *alluding to the great fruitfulness of the date palm, and to the fact that to the very last this fruitfulness continues.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 65 Psa 65:1-13. This is a song of praise for God's spiritual blessings to His people and His kind providence over all the earth.
**1. Praise waiteth for thee--**literally, "To Thee silence praise," or (compare Psa 62:1), To Thee silence is praise--that is, Praise is waiting as a servant; it is due to Thee. So the last clause expresses the duty of paying vows. These two parts of acceptable w...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-15**
God sometimes grants prosperity to wicked men in displeasure; yet they flourish but for a moment. Let us seek for ourselves the salvation and grace of the gospel, that being daily anointed by the Holy Spirit, we may behold and share the Redeemer's glory. It is from his grace, by his word and Spirit, that believers receive all the virtue that keeps them alive, and makes them fru...
Read full commentary →To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
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KJV Study Commentary
The psalm concludes with testimony ('show forth') about God's character. Declaring God's uprightness (yashar—straight, right) serves both as praise and proclamation. The emphatic statement 'there is no unrighteousness in him' affirms God's absolute moral perfection. Calling God 'my rock' (tsur) combines personal relationship ('my') with confidence in God's unchanging, reliable nature. This doxolog...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
2. All are encouraged to pray by God's readiness to hear.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-15**
God sometimes grants prosperity to wicked men in displeasure; yet they flourish but for a moment. Let us seek for ourselves the salvation and grace of the gospel, that being daily anointed by the Holy Spirit, we may behold and share the Redeemer's glory. It is from his grace, by his word and Spirit, that believers receive all the virtue that keeps them alive, and makes them fru...
Read full commentary →