King James Version
Psalms 94
23 verses with commentary
O Lord, God of Vengeance
O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself. God: Heb. God of revenges shew: Heb. shine forth
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This imprecatory psalm appeals to God as 'the God to whom vengeance belongeth' (El neqamot—literally 'God of vengeances'), using the plural to intensify the concept. The call for God to 'shew thyself' (hofa) requests visible manifestation of His justice. The dual address to 'O LORD God' and repetition of 'shew thyself' creates urgency and intensity. This verse establishes that vengeance belongs to...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) The original is far more striking in its conciseness. *God of retributions, Jehovah, God of retributions shine forth. *The emphatic repetition of a phrase is a feature of this psalm. (See Psalm 94:3; Psalm 94:23.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-13. God's great power and goodness are the grounds of this confidence. These are illustrated in His control of the mightiest agencies of nature and nations affecting men with awe and dread (Psa 26:7; 98:1, &c.), and in His fertilizing showers, causing the earth to produce abundantly for man and beast.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 94
Chapter Outline
The danger and folly of persecutors.(1-11)
Comfort and peace to the persecuted.(12-23)
**Verses 1-11**
We may with boldness appeal to God; for he is the almighty Judge by whom every man is judged. Let this encourage those who suffer wrong, to bear it with silence, committing themselves to Him who judges righteously. These prayers are prophecies, which s...
Read full commentary →Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.
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KJV Study Commentary
Addressing God as 'Judge of the earth' (shofet ha'arets) appeals to His universal jurisdiction and authority. The request to 'lift up thyself' (hinase) uses imagery of a judge rising to pronounce sentence. 'Render a reward to the proud' (hashev gemul—return recompense) invokes the principle of divine retribution against arrogance. Pride is singled out because it represents fundamental rebellion ag...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Lift up thyself**—*i.e.,* either be exalted, or rise to give sentence.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-13. God's great power and goodness are the grounds of this confidence. These are illustrated in His control of the mightiest agencies of nature and nations affecting men with awe and dread (Psa 26:7; 98:1, &c.), and in His fertilizing showers, causing the earth to produce abundantly for man and beast.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 94
Chapter Outline
The danger and folly of persecutors.(1-11)
Comfort and peace to the persecuted.(12-23)
**Verses 1-11**
We may with boldness appeal to God; for he is the almighty Judge by whom every man is judged. Let this encourage those who suffer wrong, to bear it with silence, committing themselves to Him who judges righteously. These prayers are prophecies, which s...
Read full commentary →LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?
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KJV Study Commentary
The question 'LORD, how long' (ad-matay Yahweh) expresses the tension between faith in God's justice and the present reality of evil's apparent success. This cry appears throughout Scripture (Psalms 6:3, 13:1-2, Habakkuk 1:2, Revelation 6:10), validating honest lament before God. 'Shall the wicked triumph' (ya'alzu—exult, rejoice) captures the painful reality that evil sometimes appears victorious...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-13. God's great power and goodness are the grounds of this confidence. These are illustrated in His control of the mightiest agencies of nature and nations affecting men with awe and dread (Psa 26:7; 98:1, &c.), and in His fertilizing showers, causing the earth to produce abundantly for man and beast.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 94
Chapter Outline
The danger and folly of persecutors.(1-11)
Comfort and peace to the persecuted.(12-23)
**Verses 1-11**
We may with boldness appeal to God; for he is the almighty Judge by whom every man is judged. Let this encourage those who suffer wrong, to bear it with silence, committing themselves to Him who judges righteously. These prayers are prophecies, which s...
Read full commentary →How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?
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KJV Study Commentary
The imagery of speech gushing forth (naba—pour out, bubble up) depicts unrestrained arrogant talk. 'Hard things' (atak) refers to insolent, presumptuous speech against God and His people. The self-aggrandizement of 'all the workers of iniquity' (po'ale aven) boasting themselves (yit'amaru) shows the connection between evil deeds and arrogant speech. This verse identifies verbal pride—boasting, bla...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **How long . . .** **and.**—It is better to omit the italics, and render: *They speak out of utter impudence: all evil-doers boast. *The word rendered “boast” is by modern scholars connected with the Arabian title *Emir, *a “commander.” They make themselves out *to *be persons of distinction, or, perhaps, *lord it *over God’s people.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-13. God's great power and goodness are the grounds of this confidence. These are illustrated in His control of the mightiest agencies of nature and nations affecting men with awe and dread (Psa 26:7; 98:1, &c.), and in His fertilizing showers, causing the earth to produce abundantly for man and beast.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 94
Chapter Outline
The danger and folly of persecutors.(1-11)
Comfort and peace to the persecuted.(12-23)
**Verses 1-11**
We may with boldness appeal to God; for he is the almighty Judge by whom every man is judged. Let this encourage those who suffer wrong, to bear it with silence, committing themselves to Him who judges righteously. These prayers are prophecies, which s...
Read full commentary →They break in pieces thy people, O LORD, and afflict thine heritage.
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KJV Study Commentary
The psalmist describes the wicked 'breaking in pieces' (daka—crush, oppress) God's people and afflicting His heritage (nachalah—possession, inheritance). The dual description 'thy people' and 'thine heritage' emphasizes that attacking God's people is attacking God's own possession. This verse establishes that persecution of believers is not merely horizontal conflict but vertical offense against G...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Break in pieces.**—Or, *crush. *(See Isaiah 3:15, where the word is in parallelism with “grind the faces of the poor.”)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-13. God's great power and goodness are the grounds of this confidence. These are illustrated in His control of the mightiest agencies of nature and nations affecting men with awe and dread (Psa 26:7; 98:1, &c.), and in His fertilizing showers, causing the earth to produce abundantly for man and beast.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 94
Chapter Outline
The danger and folly of persecutors.(1-11)
Comfort and peace to the persecuted.(12-23)
**Verses 1-11**
We may with boldness appeal to God; for he is the almighty Judge by whom every man is judged. Let this encourage those who suffer wrong, to bear it with silence, committing themselves to Him who judges righteously. These prayers are prophecies, which s...
Read full commentary →They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless.
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KJV Study Commentary
The targeting of the most vulnerable—widow, stranger (ger—sojourner, immigrant), and fatherless (yatom—orphan)—demonstrates the depth of wickedness. These three groups appear repeatedly in Torah as specially protected by God (Exodus 22:22-24, Deuteronomy 10:18, 24:17). Murdering (ratsach—unlawful killing) those least able to defend themselves reveals complete moral bankruptcy. This verse establish...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Stranger.**—The mention of the stranger as one friendless and helpless (Exodus 22:21), under the tyranny of the great, seems to imply that domestic, and not foreign oppression, is the grievance.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-13. God's great power and goodness are the grounds of this confidence. These are illustrated in His control of the mightiest agencies of nature and nations affecting men with awe and dread (Psa 26:7; 98:1, &c.), and in His fertilizing showers, causing the earth to produce abundantly for man and beast.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 94
Chapter Outline
The danger and folly of persecutors.(1-11)
Comfort and peace to the persecuted.(12-23)
**Verses 1-11**
We may with boldness appeal to God; for he is the almighty Judge by whom every man is judged. Let this encourage those who suffer wrong, to bear it with silence, committing themselves to Him who judges righteously. These prayers are prophecies, which s...
Read full commentary →Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it.
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KJV Study Commentary
The wicked's theology ('they say') reveals practical atheism despite theoretical acknowledgment of God. The claim 'The LORD shall not see' (lo yir'eh Yah) denies God's omniscience and involvement. The parallel 'neither shall the God of Jacob regard it' (lo yavin—understand, perceive) compounds the error. This verse exposes the connection between bad theology and evil behavior—those who convince th...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **The Lord.**—In original, “Jah.” This carelessness of heaven to injustice and crime, which, in the mouth of the heathen (or, perhaps, of apostate Jews), appeared so monstrous to the Hebrews, was a doctrine of the philosophy of ancient times. It appears in the saying of Seneca: “*Stoicus deus nec cor nec caput habet*.” And in the Homeric hymn to Demeter men are represented as only *enduring *t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 94
Chapter Outline
The danger and folly of persecutors.(1-11)
Comfort and peace to the persecuted.(12-23)
**Verses 1-11**
We may with boldness appeal to God; for he is the almighty Judge by whom every man is judged. Let this encourage those who suffer wrong, to bear it with silence, committing themselves to Him who judges righteously. These prayers are prophecies, which s...
Read full commentary →Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?
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KJV Study Commentary
The address to 'brutish' (bo'arim—stupid, senseless like cattle) and 'fools' (kesilim—obstinate fools) among the people uses strong language to confront willful ignorance. The question 'when will ye be wise' (taskilu) implies that wisdom is both urgent and attainable—the issue isn't capacity but willingness. This verse distinguishes between intellectual limitations and moral obtuseness. The fool's...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8-10) The reality of a Divine Providence is proved both from nature and history—from the physical constitution of man and the moral government of the world. The psalmist’s question is as powerful against modern atheism, under whatever philosophy it shelters itself, as against that of his day. Whatever the source of physical life or moral sense, their *existence *proves the prior existence of an o...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 66 Psa 66:1-20. The writer invites all men to unite in praise, cites some striking occasions for it, promises special acts of thanksgiving, and celebrates God's great mercy.
**1. Make ... noise--**or, "Shout."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 94
Chapter Outline
The danger and folly of persecutors.(1-11)
Comfort and peace to the persecuted.(12-23)
**Verses 1-11**
We may with boldness appeal to God; for he is the almighty Judge by whom every man is judged. Let this encourage those who suffer wrong, to bear it with silence, committing themselves to Him who judges righteously. These prayers are prophecies, which s...
Read full commentary →He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?
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KJV Study Commentary
The rhetorical questions employ a fortiori (lesser to greater) reasoning: if God created the ear, He must hear; if He formed the eye, He must see. This logic refutes the delusion of verse 7. The Hebrew yatsar (formed) is used in Genesis 2:7 of God creating humanity, establishing God as Creator who possesses all capacities He gives His creatures—and infinitely more. This verse teaches that God's ab...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. his name--**as in Psa 29:2.
**make his praise glorious--**literally, "place honor, His praise," or, "as to His praise"; that is, let His praise be such as will glorify Him, or, be honorable to Him.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 94
Chapter Outline
The danger and folly of persecutors.(1-11)
Comfort and peace to the persecuted.(12-23)
**Verses 1-11**
We may with boldness appeal to God; for he is the almighty Judge by whom every man is judged. Let this encourage those who suffer wrong, to bear it with silence, committing themselves to Him who judges righteously. These prayers are prophecies, which s...
Read full commentary →He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct?</strong> (הֲיֹסֵר גּוֹיִם)—The rhetorical question assumes God's pedagogical sovereignty. If Yahweh disciplines (<em>yasar</em>) the nations in history's theater, how much more His own covenant people? <strong>He that teacheth man knowledge</strong> (הַמְלַמֵּד אָדָם דַּעַת) establishes God as the universal source of all understanding—n...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **He that chastiseth.**—Or, *He who instructeth. *The thought to some extent anticipates St. Paul’s teaching about the divine education of the heathen, in Romans 1.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-4. A specimen of the praise.
**How terrible--**(Compare Psa 65:8).
**submit--**(Compare Margin), show a forced subjection (Psa 18:44), produced by terror.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 94
Chapter Outline
The danger and folly of persecutors.(1-11)
Comfort and peace to the persecuted.(12-23)
**Verses 1-11**
We may with boldness appeal to God; for he is the almighty Judge by whom every man is judged. Let this encourage those who suffer wrong, to bear it with silence, committing themselves to Him who judges righteously. These prayers are prophecies, which s...
Read full commentary →The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity</strong> (יְהוָה יֹדֵעַ מַחְשְׁבוֹת אָדָם כִּי־הֵמָּה הָבֶל)—Divine omniscience penetrates human interior life. <em>Machshavot</em> (thoughts/plans) before Yahweh are <em>hevel</em> (vapor, breath, emptiness)—the same word used 38 times in Ecclesiastes for life's futility.<br><br>Paul quotes this verse in 1 Corinthians 3:20 during ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **That they are vanity**—The literal rendering, “for they are breath,” referring not to thoughts, but to man collectively, gives equally good sense, and would, notwithstanding the order of the words, be natural, since the masculine pronoun is used. But the LXX. stands as the Authorised Version, and is so quoted by St. Paul (1Corinthians 3:20), with the substitution of *wise men *for *men.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-4. A specimen of the praise.
**How terrible--**(Compare Psa 65:8).
**submit--**(Compare Margin), show a forced subjection (Psa 18:44), produced by terror.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 94
Chapter Outline
The danger and folly of persecutors.(1-11)
Comfort and peace to the persecuted.(12-23)
**Verses 1-11**
We may with boldness appeal to God; for he is the almighty Judge by whom every man is judged. Let this encourage those who suffer wrong, to bear it with silence, committing themselves to Him who judges righteously. These prayers are prophecies, which s...
Read full commentary →Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;
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KJV Study Commentary
The psalm declares blessing: "Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law" (Hebrew <em>ash-rey ha-gever asher t-yass-rennu Yah u-mi-tor-atkha t-lamm-dennu</em>). Divine chastening is called "blessed"—counterintuitive. "Chastenest" (Hebrew <em>yasar</em>) indicates corrective discipline, not vindictive punishment. "Teachest" pairs with chastening—discipline inst...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12, 13) **Blessed.**—A far higher note than one of mere complaint, or even of trust in God, is struck here. The beatitude of suffering could not be made altogether plain in the Old Testament, though in Job the spirit of it is nearly reached. Here the poet sees thus far, that he who is the victim of misfortunes may be congratulated if he may stand aside and calmly watch the course of Divine Provid...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5-6. The terrible works illustrated in Israel's history (Ex 14:21). By this example let rebels be admonished.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23**
That man is blessed, who, under the chastening of the Lord, is taught his will and his truths, from his holy word, and by the Holy Spirit. He should see mercy through his sufferings. There is a rest remaining for the people of God after the days of their adversity, which shall not last always. He that sends the trouble, will send the rest. The psalmist found succour and relief...
Read full commentary →That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity</strong> (לְהַשְׁקִיט לוֹ מִימֵי רָע)—God's instruction (<em>torah</em>, v. 12) provides <em>shaqat</em> (quietness, rest, tranquility) amid suffering. Not escape from the storm but peace within it. <strong>Until the pit be digged for the wicked</strong> promises eschatological justice—vindication delayed is not vindication denied.<...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5-6. The terrible works illustrated in Israel's history (Ex 14:21). By this example let rebels be admonished.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23**
That man is blessed, who, under the chastening of the Lord, is taught his will and his truths, from his holy word, and by the Holy Spirit. He should see mercy through his sufferings. There is a rest remaining for the people of God after the days of their adversity, which shall not last always. He that sends the trouble, will send the rest. The psalmist found succour and relief...
Read full commentary →For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance</strong> (כִּי לֹא־יִטֹּשׁ יְהוָה עַמּוֹ וְנַחֲלָתוֹ לֹא יַעֲזֹב)—The double negative intensifies covenant assurance. <em>Natash</em> (cast off/abandon) and <em>azav</em> (forsake/leave) together form an emphatic promise. <em>Nachalah</em> (inheritance) casts Israel not merely as God's possession but His tre...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. behold the nations--**watch their conduct.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23**
That man is blessed, who, under the chastening of the Lord, is taught his will and his truths, from his holy word, and by the Holy Spirit. He should see mercy through his sufferings. There is a rest remaining for the people of God after the days of their adversity, which shall not last always. He that sends the trouble, will send the rest. The psalmist found succour and relief...
Read full commentary →But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it. shall follow: Heb. shall be after it
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But judgment shall return unto righteousness</strong> (כִּי־עַד־צֶדֶק יָשׁוּב מִשְׁפָּט)—<em>Mishpat</em> (justice/judgment) will return (<em>shuv</em>) to <em>tsedeq</em> (righteousness). Currently justice seems divorced from righteousness—the wicked prosper, the righteous suffer. But a great reversal is coming. <strong>All the upright in heart shall follow it</strong> promises that moral...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **But.**—Better, *For; *literally, *for to righteousness judgment shall turn, and after it all upright in heart—i.e., *there shall no longer be the seeming contradiction in things. God’s righteousness will triumph over the injustice under which Israel groans; His ways will be vindicated, so that all the upright in heart will acknowledge that “there is a reward for the righteous, a God who jud...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8-9. Here is, perhaps, cited a case of recent deliverance.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23**
That man is blessed, who, under the chastening of the Lord, is taught his will and his truths, from his holy word, and by the Holy Spirit. He should see mercy through his sufferings. There is a rest remaining for the people of God after the days of their adversity, which shall not last always. He that sends the trouble, will send the rest. The psalmist found succour and relief...
Read full commentary →Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Who will rise up for me against the evildoers?</strong> (מִי־יָקוּם לִי עִם־מְרֵעִים)—The lonely cry of the righteous surrounded by wickedness. <em>Qum</em> (rise up/stand) seeks an ally willing to confront evil. The rhetorical question expects silence—no human helper appears adequate. <strong>Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?</strong> (מִי־יִתְיַצֵּב לִי עִם־פֹּעֲל...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Rise up.**—Stand up—*i.e., *as *champion. *(Comp. 2Samuel 23:11, of the exploit of Shammah, the son of Agee the Hararite; comp. Psalm 2:2.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8-9. Here is, perhaps, cited a case of recent deliverance.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23**
That man is blessed, who, under the chastening of the Lord, is taught his will and his truths, from his holy word, and by the Holy Spirit. He should see mercy through his sufferings. There is a rest remaining for the people of God after the days of their adversity, which shall not last always. He that sends the trouble, will send the rest. The psalmist found succour and relief...
Read full commentary →Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence. almost: or, quickly
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Unless the LORD had been my help</strong> (לוּלֵי יְהוָה עֶזְרָתָה לִּי)—The counterfactual condition expresses retrospective gratitude. <em>Lulei</em> (unless/if not) introduces what would have happened without divine intervention. <strong>My soul had almost dwelt in silence</strong> (כִּמְעַט שָׁכְנָה דוּמָה נַפְשִׁי)—<em>dumah</em> (silence) is the silence of death, Sheol, the grave. Th...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **In** **silence**—*i.e.*, of the grave, as in Psalm 31:17.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-12. Out of severe trials, God had brought them to safety (compare Is 48:10; 1Pe 1:7).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23**
That man is blessed, who, under the chastening of the Lord, is taught his will and his truths, from his holy word, and by the Holy Spirit. He should see mercy through his sufferings. There is a rest remaining for the people of God after the days of their adversity, which shall not last always. He that sends the trouble, will send the rest. The psalmist found succour and relief...
Read full commentary →When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>When I said, My foot slippeth</strong> (אָמַרְתִּי מָטָה רַגְלִי)—The moment of recognizing imminent fall. <em>Matah</em> (slip/totter/give way) captures that instant when balance fails and collapse begins. <strong>Thy mercy, O LORD, held me up</strong> (חַסְדְּךָ יְהוָה יִסְעָדֵנִי)—<em>chesed</em> (steadfast covenant love) becomes <em>saad</em> (support/uphold). The slip happened, but th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-12. Out of severe trials, God had brought them to safety (compare Is 48:10; 1Pe 1:7).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23**
That man is blessed, who, under the chastening of the Lord, is taught his will and his truths, from his holy word, and by the Holy Spirit. He should see mercy through his sufferings. There is a rest remaining for the people of God after the days of their adversity, which shall not last always. He that sends the trouble, will send the rest. The psalmist found succour and relief...
Read full commentary →In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.
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KJV Study Commentary
The psalmist testifies: "In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul" (Hebrew <em>b-rov sar-apay b-qir-bi tanchumeycha y-sha-ashu nafshi</em>). "Multitude of thoughts" (Hebrew <em>sar-apim</em>) can mean anxious or troubling thoughts—mental turmoil. Yet God's "comforts" (Hebrew <em>tanchumim</em>, consolations) bring "delight" (Hebrew <em>sha-ashua</em>, joy). This verse...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **Thoughts.**—Properly, dividing—*i.e.*, “perplexing” or “anxious” thoughts. (See Job 4:13; Job 20:2.) LXX. and Vulg., “griefs.”
We may compare the Virgilian “animum nunc huc celerem, nunc dividit illuc,” imitated by Tennyson:
This way and that dividing his swift mind,
In act to throw.”
**Delight.**—Literally, *stroke, *and so *soothe. *The Hebrew word is used in Isaiah 66:11 of a mother quie...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-12. Out of severe trials, God had brought them to safety (compare Is 48:10; 1Pe 1:7).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23**
That man is blessed, who, under the chastening of the Lord, is taught his will and his truths, from his holy word, and by the Holy Spirit. He should see mercy through his sufferings. There is a rest remaining for the people of God after the days of their adversity, which shall not last always. He that sends the trouble, will send the rest. The psalmist found succour and relief...
Read full commentary →Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?</strong> This rhetorical question poses one of Scripture's most penetrating challenges to corrupt governance and legal systems. The Hebrew word <em>kissē</em> (כִּסֵּא, "throne") signifies not merely a seat but the authority, power, and legitimacy of rulership. When coupled with <em>havvot</em> (הַוּוֹ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **Throne of iniquity.**—This is an apt expression for an oppressive and unjust government. The word rendered “iniquity” might mean “calamity” or “destruction” (see Psalm 57:1, and comp. Psalm 91:3 : “noisome”), but in Proverbs 10:3 it seems to mean “lawless desire,” which best suits this passage.
**Have fellowship**—*i.e., be associated in the government. *Could the theocracy admit to a share...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13-15. These full and varied offerings constitute the payment of vows (Le 22:18-23).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23**
That man is blessed, who, under the chastening of the Lord, is taught his will and his truths, from his holy word, and by the Holy Spirit. He should see mercy through his sufferings. There is a rest remaining for the people of God after the days of their adversity, which shall not last always. He that sends the trouble, will send the rest. The psalmist found succour and relief...
Read full commentary →They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous</strong> (יָגוֹדּוּ עַל־נֶפֶשׁ צַדִּיק, <em>yagoddu al-nefesh tzaddik</em>)—<em>Gadad</em> means gather, band together, attack in a group. <strong>And condemn the innocent blood</strong> (וְדָם נָקִי יַרְשִׁיעוּ, <em>ve-dam naki yarshi'u</em>)—<em>Dam naki</em> is innocent blood; <em>rasha</em> as verb means declare guilty, ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **They gather**—*i.e., *possibly, *They crowd into the courts of law to take part in the unjust condemnation of the just, *or more generally, “They attack the life of the righteous.” LXX., “they hunt.” (Comp. Psalm 35:15.)
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13-15. These full and varied offerings constitute the payment of vows (Le 22:18-23).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23**
That man is blessed, who, under the chastening of the Lord, is taught his will and his truths, from his holy word, and by the Holy Spirit. He should see mercy through his sufferings. There is a rest remaining for the people of God after the days of their adversity, which shall not last always. He that sends the trouble, will send the rest. The psalmist found succour and relief...
Read full commentary →But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But the LORD is my defence</strong> (וַיְהִי יְהוָה לִי לְמִשְׂגָּב, <em>vayehi YHWH li le-misgav</em>)—<em>Misgav</em> means high tower, stronghold, refuge, a place of safety out of enemy reach. <strong>And my God is the rock of my refuge</strong> (וֵאלֹהַי לְצוּר מַחְסִי, <em>vElohai le-tzur machsi</em>)—<em>Tzur</em> means rock, cliff; <em>machseh</em> means refuge, shelter.<br><br>Agai...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13-15. These full and varied offerings constitute the payment of vows (Le 22:18-23).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23**
That man is blessed, who, under the chastening of the Lord, is taught his will and his truths, from his holy word, and by the Holy Spirit. He should see mercy through his sufferings. There is a rest remaining for the people of God after the days of their adversity, which shall not last always. He that sends the trouble, will send the rest. The psalmist found succour and relief...
Read full commentary →And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the LORD our God shall cut them off.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity</strong> (וַיָּשֶׁב עֲלֵיהֶם אֶת־אוֹנָם, <em>vayyashev aleihem et-onam</em>)—<em>Shub</em> means return, bring back; <em>aven</em> means iniquity, trouble, wickedness. <strong>And shall cut them off in their own wickedness</strong> (וּבְרָעָתָם יַצְמִיתֵם, <em>u-ve-ra'atam yatzmitem</em>)—<em>Ra'ah</em> means evil, wickedness; <em>tzamit</em>...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
16-20. With these he unites his public thanks, inviting those who fear God (Psa 60:4; 61:5, His true worshippers) to hear. He vindicates his sincerity, inasmuch as God would not hear hypocrites, but had heard him.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23**
That man is blessed, who, under the chastening of the Lord, is taught his will and his truths, from his holy word, and by the Holy Spirit. He should see mercy through his sufferings. There is a rest remaining for the people of God after the days of their adversity, which shall not last always. He that sends the trouble, will send the rest. The psalmist found succour and relief...
Read full commentary →