04.06. Chapter 6
Psalms 41:1-13 "MINE OWN FAMILIAR FRIEND!"
It is supposed by some that this Psalm was composed during the four years in which Absalom’s conspiracy was being hatched. Perhaps the pain and sorrow of David’s heart brought on some serious illness, which his enemies used for their own purposes, and exulted over with unseemly glee. His sensitive nature is keenly hurt, and pours out its complaint. And we cannot but feel the applicability of the Psalm to Him who was betrayed by his friend. Verse 9 is expressly quoted as fulfilled (John 13:18).
Psalms 41:1-3. A GENERAL PRINCIPLE.--When the writer’s enemies were in sorrow, he was very tender in his dealings with them (Psalms 35:13-14). And now he claims that God should do to him as he had done to others. To make the bed is to turn it.--As a gentle nurse alters the sufferer’s position and pillows, so does God interpose alleviations for our pains.
Psalms 41:4. WHAT A WHOLESOME PRAYER!- "Heal us, Emmanuel! we are here, Waiting to feel thy touch;
Deep-wounded souls to Thee repair, And, Saviour, we are such."-Cowper.
Psalms 41:5-9. DAVID’S TREATMENT BY HIS FOES.-His disease drew no pity, but only impatience that he lingered so long. Their comforting words were full of deceit; they rejoiced in every symptom of his approaching end. "The man of my friendship," the Ahithophel or Judas of my love, like a vicious mule or horse, has kicked at the sick lion.
Psalms 41:10-12. The earlier verses savour more of the Old Testament spirit than of the New. But the conception of Psalms 41:12 is very beautiful, as of a courtier who stands ever in the presence-chamber of the king (2 Chronicles 9:7; 1 Kings 17:1; Luke 1:19).
Psalms 41:13. This Doxology closes the first book of the Psalter. Each of the five books ends in a somewhat similar manner.
Psalms 42:1-11 "AS THE HART PANTETH!" This Psalm embalms the holy musings and yearnings of the exiled king during the rebellion of Absalom. The thoughts are evidently David’s, even though their expression and setting may be by the sons of Korah (2 Chronicles 20:19). This Psalm was a great favorite with the early Christians hunted to the catacombs, where the hart is a common emblem on the walls.
Psalms 42:1. As the hart panteth.--The hind in the drought, and the hunted stag, long for cool streams. This thirst for God proves the very being of God; for all natural appetites must have their perfect satisfaction.
Psalms 42:2. For the living God!-Not a dead idol, but the living God of my life. Lit. "Appear before the face of God" (Psalms 41:12).
Psalms 42:3. Where is thy God?--Shimei’s words clung to his memory (2 Samuel 16:8) .
Psalms 42:4. When I remember.-The thought of the sufferer is to give a loose rein to these bitter memories, and to allow his sad thoughts to work out their will; and so he recalls the festal processions that he had led in happy bygone days.
Psalms 42:5. Why art thou cast down?-Thus does the spirit rebuke the flesh, and battles with its despondency in the name of the most High. "David chideth David out of the dumps," says Trapp. Omit for from the last clause, which gives a beautiful name for God. Sing, though just now your feet may be fast in the stocks (Acts 16:25).
Psalms 42:6. My soul is cast down.-These words reappear (Jonah 2:7; Matthew 26:38). You may be excluded from God’s temple; but you can always remember God. The Hermons belonged to the trans-Jordanic tribes. And how insignificant was Mizar compared with Zion!
Psalms 42:8. His loving-kindness.-Tears day and night (Psalms 42:3); and yet loving-kindness and song day and night (Job 35:10). Does God sing beside his sufferers? (Zephaniah 3:17).
Psalms 43:1-5 "GOD, MY EXCEEDING JOY!"
This, with Psalms 42:1-11, forms a pair.
Psalms 43:1. Judge me, 0 God!-When others fail to understand our motives, we may appeal to the righteous bar of God. He is our great Advocate, who will plead for us (Lamentations 3:58).
Psalms 43:2. Thou, the God of my strength!-"The God of my life" (Psalms 42:8) is here "the God of my strength." How fertile is the soul in its epithets for God! And how conclusive the answer to the taunt of the foe, "Where is thy God?" God is with me-in me -here.
Psalms 43:3. Let them lead me.-Light and Truth in the van; Goodness and Mercy bringing up the rear. Watch them as these twin angels emerge from God’s home to conduct the suppliant thither.
Psalms 43:4. God my exceeding joy.-The altar of outward symbolism and rite was very little to David. It was for God that his soul yearned. How he dwells on that precious name, God! my God!
Psalms 43:5. Why disquieted?-It is a mistake to allow aught to break the inner Sabbath. Troubles may burst on the bulwarks of the ship; but they should not enter its inner sanctuary. In these Psalms, notice how God is described as the strength of our life; the gladness of our joy; the health of our countenance. And mark how faith chases the tear from the eye; the furrow from the brow; the fear from the soul.
Psalms 44:1-26 "THOU ART MY KING, 0 GOD!" This Psalm is so like Psalms 60:1-12, that it was probably occasioned by the same circumstances. While David was fighting with the Syrians, the Edomites made an incursion. Amid the anguish of the time this Psalm may have been composed by the sons of Korah. David’s return was God’s answer to their cry (2 Samuel 8:13-14). Some, however, consider the Psalm to have reference to the events narrated in 2 Chronicles 20:1-37.
It well befits any period of the Church’s history when her former prosperous condition contrasts sadly with her depressed and suffering state. Romans 8:36 points the application of Psalms 44:22.
Thou hast helped us (Psalms 44:1-3). Thou must help us (Psalms 44:4-8). Thou art not helping us (Psalms 44:9-16). We are not conscious of having done aught to forfeit Thy help (Psalms 44:17-22). We invoke Thy help (Psalms 44:23-26).
Psalms 44:3. Thy right hand (Deuteronomy 8:7-18).-All that we are, and have, and hope for, is the gift of God’s undeserved mercy. We need not boast; but we need not fear to lose.
Psalms 44:4. Thou art my King!-We cannot expect deliverances till we have made Christ our King.
Psalms 44:8-10. In God we boast all the day.-Sometimes God takes away all sensible enjoyment and encouragement, to see whether we still cling to Him for Himself. Happy are we if we can adopt Psalms 44:13.
Psalms 44:20-21. If we have forgotten (Joshua 22:22).
Psalms 44:22. For Thy sake are we killed.-The path to victory lies through death and the grave.
Psalms 44:23. 0 Lord, arise!-Though the Lord seem to sleep, it is in the stern of the boat. Do not be afraid. If He is with you, no storm can prevail to your destruction (Mark 4:40).
Psalms 45:1-17 "THINGS TOUCHING THE KING." The inscription of this exquisite Psalm, To the chief musician, indicates that it was intended to be employed in God’s service. Therefore, though it was probably suggested by Solomon’s marriage with the daughter of Pharaoh, we must pass beyond the mere outward interpretation to consider these glowing words in their relation to Christ and his Church. The Psalm is distinctly applied to Him (Hebrews 1:8); and the union between Him and his people is often described in such imagery (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23). Let us pray for the time when the universe shall ring with this marriage-ode: when the hour of the marriage of the Lamb shall have come, and heathen nations partake the joy (Revelation 19:7). Shoshannim means "lilies," and tells of the purity of heart that is appropriate to this song of love.
Psalms 45:1. My heart overfloweth (R.V.)-Oh for the heart, like a geyser, kept ever bubbling over with love for Jesus! We should make things about our King-be weaving chaplets-be composing hymns. When the heart is full, there will be no difficulty about the tongue (Acts 2:4).
Here is "good matter" indeed. Christ’s beauty (Psalms 45:2); his victorious might (Psalms 45:4); his Divine nature and everlasting reign (Psalms 45:6); his joy (Psalms 45:7); his sweetness (Psalms 45:8); his bride (Psalms 45:13); the splendour of the royal procession (Psalms 45:15); the number and royalty of his posterity (Psalms 45:16).
Psalms 45:2. Fairer than the children of men.-Happy are they who live in His presence (1 Kings 10:8; Luke 4:22).
Psalms 45:3-4. In Thy majesty.-These imperatives are predictions of what the King will do. Though His plans are made, prayer is required to put them in operation. Because of truth means in the cause of truth. Our King fights for us, and conquers Death, Satan, and the Grave. We march to victory over a fallen foe.
Psalms 45:7. The oil of gladness.-Here is the secret of perennial joy. So far as we enter into Christ’s spirit, we shall share in his joy, a joy such as our fellows cannot know.
Psalms 45:8. All Thy garments.-The word smell might be omitted. The royal robes are as sweet as if they were made of myrrh.
Psalms 45:10-11. Hearken, ... and consider!-Those are likeliest to know the preciousness of Christ’s love who, in an abandonment of surrender, cut the cords which would bind them to old and worldly connections, and hold them back from Him. Be only for Christ: so shalt thou taste his secret love.
Psalms 45:13. All glorious within.-Within is in contrast to out of the palaces (Psalms 45:8), and refers to the interior of the royal residence. Is there not also a reference to the hidden beauties of Christian character?
Psalms 45:17. Thy name!-Let us pass on that precious "Name," that the people may break forth into praise in all ages and all climes.
Psalms 46:1-11 "BE STILL!" The historical occasion of this Psalm cannot be certainly determined. But it is very probable that it was composed when Jerusalem was beleaguered by Sennacherib’s hosts (Isaiah 37:1-38). It befits every era in which the Church is in danger from her foes, and it foretells the final destruction of Antichrist. It was Luther’s favorite, and is rendered into verse in his memorable hymn, Ein feste Burg. During the sitting of the Diet of Augsburg he sang it every day to his lute, standing at the window, and looking up to heaven. The theme, the security of God’s people amid storms, is elaborated in three divisions, at the end of each of which Selah recurs.
Psalms 46:1-3. God our Refuge.-These words may have inspired Hezekiah’s address to the captains (2 Chronicles 32:7). We never know how near God can be till we are in trouble. Mountains stand for the most stable things on which we have been wont to fix our confidence. The roaring of the restless sea may well strike with panic the heart which has not got into the covert of its refuge -God.
Psalms 46:4-7. There is a river.-In opposition to the raging of the sea is the even flow of the pellucid river. Alone among great cities Jerusalem lacked a river; but God Himself was all to her that a river was to ordinary cities (Isaiah 33:21). The "river" throughout ’Scripture, from Eden to the New Jerusalem, is a symbol of the presence of God. The margin (Psalms 46:5) gives a beautiful alternative reading: "When the morning appeareth." Distress, in the case of God’s people, is limited to a night’s stay. But probably there is an allusion to Isaiah 37:36. God is never before his time, and never a moment too late (Matthew 14:25). If Jehovah is willing to be known as Jacob’s God, I too may claim Him, though I be but a worm (Isaiah 41:14).
Psalms 46:8-11. He maketh wars to cease.-War in the Church and the world is doomed, and shall become an extinct art before the Gospel of the love of God. We must cultivate the habit of stillness in our lives, if we would· detect and know God.
Psalms 47:1-9 "KING OVER ALL THE EARTH." This Psalm probably dates from 2 Chronicles 20:1-37. Without a battle, Israel obtained a victory. They stood still and saw the salvation of God, given in answer to King Jehoshaphat’s prayer. The Korhites, whose name is inscribed above it, are expressly mentioned as having been present (2 Chronicles 20:19). Before the people left the field, they held a thanksgiving service in the valley of blessing (2 Chronicles 20:26). From that valley God is depicted as having made his ascent to heaven, having wrought deliverance for his people (Psalms 47:5). This Psalm was probably sung in that "valley of blessing." It is a double call to praise, addressed first to the heathen (Psalms 47:1-4), and next to Israel. The name Elohim occurs seven times.
Psalms 47:1-4. Oh, clap your hands!-In these days of world-wide evangelization, the Gentile peoples are beginning to respond to this invitation.
Psalms 47:3. He shall subdue!-If He can subdue nations, surely He can give us the victory over our sins.
Psalms 47:4. He shall choose!-Let God choose for you. He will do the best for his beloved.
Psalms 47:5. Gone up with a shout!-An anticipation of the Ascension (Psalms 68:18).
Psalms 47:6. Sing praises to God!-Let no heart be cold, no tongue be dumb. Holy songs stir the spirit.
Psalms 47:7. God is the King!-God claims the kingdoms of this world, which is in revolt; but the end is sure (Revelation 11:15).
Psalms 47:8. The throne of His holiness.-Holiness is the basis of God’s rule.
Psalms 47:9. The shields of the earth are the princes, as protectors of the people (Hosea 4:18, marg.). Compare Revelation 21:24.
Psalms 48:1-14 "ZION THE JOY OF THE WHOLE EARTH." This Psalm was probably composed on the same occasion as the foregoing: but that was sung in the valley of Berachah; and this on the return to Jerusalem and the temple (Psalms 48:9). Tekoa (2 Chronicles 20:20) was only three hours’ march from the city, and commanded an extensive view, so that Psalms 48:4-5 were literally true. Let the reader turn to 2 Chronicles 20:27, which tells the occasion of this burst of jubilation. There is also a special connection between verse 7 and the circumstances described in 1 Kings 22:48; 2 Chronicles 20:37. The divisions are easy: the dignity and beauty of Jerusalem, as the city of God (Psalms 48:1-3); the special instance of Divine deliverance is gratefully recorded (Psalms 48:4-8); glad thanksgivings (Psalms 48:9-11); and exhortations to commemorate God’s goodness to coming generations (Psalms 48:12-14).
Psalms 48:1-2. The city of our God.-Zion was the heart and centre of the holy city, which clustered around its northern slopes. The Church is the city of God now, in which He dwells, and is known for a refuge.
Psalms 48:3. God . . . a refuge.-The grandest palace without God is no refuge for the weary, hunted soul. But a hovel becomes a palace if God is known and loved there.
Psalms 48:5. They ... hasted away.-Notice the magnificent brevity of this verse. As if one glimpse of that city struck them with panic.
Psalms 48:7. Thou breakest the ships.-The destruction of the foe was as sudden and total as the sinking of a vessel struck by a cyclone.
Psalms 48:8. As we have heard.-Whatever God has done in former days, He is able and willing, if needs be, to do again.
Psalms 48:9. We have thought.-Let us cultivate the habit of holy musing on this sweet and boundless theme.
Psalms 48:13. Mark ye well!-Consider God’s wonderful dealings with his people. Their choice, redemption, adoption, sanctification, eternal inheritance-each is a subject for marking well and pondering.
Psalms 48:14. Our God forever.-Let us replace the our by my; and bind this text as a jewel on our heart.
Psalms 49:1-20 "THEY THAT TRUST IN WEALTH." The subject of this Psalm is the prosperity of the wicked, as contemplated by the righteous. This was a frequent cause of wonder to these Hebrew thinkers (compare Psalms 37:1-40). And the singer presents to us the only consolation within the reach of those times-that the glory and success of the ungodly were but temporary, and would pass away as a shadow; whilst the righteous might count upon long vistas of unbroken blessedness in the presence of God.
We may divide thus: The introduction (Psalms 49:1-4); the argument (Psalms 49:5-15); the conclusion (Psalms 49:16-20).
Psalms 49:4. I will open my dark saying.-The Psalmist has no hesitation in asking for universal audience; because he not only speaks what he has heard with the ear-he brings forth in song what he has learned from God. There is melody in God’s darkest sayings.
Psalms 49:5. Wherefore should I fear?-The second clause might be better rendered, "When the iniquity of my treaders-down compasses me about."
Psalms 49:6-9.They that trust in wealth.-Men are very foolish to take airs on themselves, because they are rich. After all, money cannot do much for its owners. It will not enable a man to redeem either his brother or himself from untimely or sudden death. "A million of money for a moment of time!" cried Queen Elizabeth on her deathbed. (See 1 Timothy 6:17).
Psalms 49:10-12. Leave their wealth to others.-And yet, though wealthy and wicked men are surrounded by death, they try as much as possible to ignore it, and endeavor to obtain immortality for themselves in this world by the perpetuation of their names on their estates.
Psalms 49:14. They are laid in the grave.-The idea here is of a flock of sheep, with death as shepherd, conducting them to the fold of the grave and sheol. What a contrast to Psalms 23:1! The morning of resurrection glory is not far away, with its songs of triumph: lift up your heads, your redemption draweth nigh.
Psalms 49:18-20. While he lived.-Our Lord’s parables are the best commentary on these words (Luke 12:19; Luke 16:25).
Psalms 50:1-23 "I AM GOD, THY GOD"
Asaph is named as the author of this Psalm. Perhaps he who is mentioned 1 Chronicles 15:17, 1 Chronicles 15:19, and in 2 Chronicles 29:30. The Psalm contains a severe rebuke of the hypocrite who contents himself with giving a mere outward obedience to the ritual of God’s house, but withholds the love and homage of his heart. In the earlier part God is represented as coming again, as once at Sinai, but now to vindicate and explain the spiritual requirements of his holy law (Psalms 50:1-6); then the errors in observing the first table are discovered (Psalms 50:8-15); after which the Psalmist indicates the violations of the second table (Psalms 50:16-21); finally there is an impressive conclusion (Psalms 50:22-23). The Psalm is very interesting, because showing how the devout Israelites viewed the Levitical ritual as being only the vehicle and expression of the yearnings and worship of the spiritual life, but not of any value apart from a recognition of God’s claims on the devotion of his people.
Psalms 50:1. Elohim Jehovah ... called the earth.-God still calls the earth through the Gospel of Jesus.
Psalms 50:5. Gather my saints together!-There are times when the saints have to stand before God, and receive into the depths of their heart his searching scrutiny (Malachi 3:1-3) .
Psalms 50:9-13. Every beast of the forest is Mine!-God holds the keys to the commissariat of the universe. Dost thou doubt that He can supply thy table?
Psalms 50:15. Call upon Me! ... I will deliver.-There is no uncertainty here. God knows our troubles; but He demands that we should call. Days of trouble are often sent to make us call.
Psalms 50:21. I kept silence.- The silence of God in sight of the evil around is due to His longsuffering; but it will not continue forever (Psalms 50:3).
Psalms 50:23. I will show the salvation of God.-What a spectacle for the holy soul! Our way may seem dark; but if we dare go on doing right, we shall certainly experience the Divine deliverance. Stand still, and see the salvation of God.