04.11. Chapter 11
Psalms 91:1-16 "THE SECRET PLACE OF THE MOST HIGH." This Psalm is entirely general. But it is of great service to travellers, and to all who are exposed to danger and hardship. It alternates between the expressions of personal trust and exhortations to trust: hence the interchange of the pronouns "I" and "Thou." It is attributed by the old Rabbis to Moses, and indeed corresponds to his experience on the night of the first Passover. Satan quoted Psalms 91:11-12 to our Lord (Matthew 4:6).
Psalms 91:1-2. We may regard Psalms 91:2, ’I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge," etc., as the soliloquy of the man described in Psalms 91:1, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, and abideth under the shadow of the Almighty."
Psalms 91:3. Surely He shall deliver thee.-Deliverance from guile and traps, as well as from the insidious pestilence of jungle and morass.
Psalms 91:4. Under his wings shalt thou trust.-The wings of God! (Deuteronomy 32:11-12; Matthew 23:37) .
Psalms 91:5-6. Thou shalt not be afraid.-In each verse we have the alternations of day and night, for there is not an hour which has not its special liabilities of harm. The soldier gets a daredevil courage from the motto: "Every bullet has its billet." The believer flinches not, because his Iife is "hid with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3).
Psalms 91:9. Thou hast made the Lord ... thy habitation.-There must be definite appropriation on our part before there can be deliverance.
Psalms 91:11. He shall give his angels charge over thee.-Do we make enough of the gentle, careful ministry of the angels? (Hebrews 1:1-14; Luke 22:43). But certainly we must be in God’s ways, ere we can claim angel-help.
Psalms 91:13. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder.-This reminds one of some marvellous words of our Lord (Luke 10:19-20), and surely refers to our spiritual foes (Mark 16:13; 1 Corinthians 15:26).
Psalms 91:15. I will be with him in trouble.-It is worth our while to be in trouble, to have such a Companion. He is never so near as then.
Psalms 92:1-15 "IT IS A GOOD THING TO GIVE THANKS." This Psalm was intended for use in the public worship of God upon the Sabbath; on which day, according to Leviticus 23:3, there was held a holy convocation. The Psalm is well fitted for its purpose, for on such a day men ought to find leisure to consider the works of God, and to praise Him. One theme for lasting praise is God’s preservation of his Church in the midst of a hostile world.
Psalms 92:2-3. To show forth thy loving-kindness ... and thy faithfulness. -Perhaps at the morning and evening sacrifice. What themes for morning and evening worship!
Psalms 92:4. Thou, Lord, hast made me glad.-Let us learn to joy in God Himself (Romans 5:11; Romans 11:33). But especially on his own day let us remember the work of the Redeemer, which has made us glad for evermore.
Psalms 92:5-8. Thy thoughts are very deep.-God so often delays the punishment of the wicked, owing to reasons hidden from our sight. His ways are very deep to the eye of man.
Psalms 92:10. Like an Unicorn.-The wild ox or buffalo (Numbers 23:22; Deuteronomy 33:17). Thou enablest me to rise up with spirit, with a sense of strength, in an attitude of attack. The fresh anointing should be sought every morning (1 John 2:27).
Psalms 92:12-15. The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree.-In God’s trees, the strength of grace does not fail with the strength of nature. But on the contrary, the Apostle Paul witnesses in 2 Corinthians 4:16.
Psalms 93:1-5 "THE LORD REIGNETH!"
It is thought that this Psalm dates from the Assyrian invasion, and that it is the might of the terrible Assyrian foes which is here compared to the mighty breakers of the sea (R.V.) But the Psalm well befits all times of anxiety and opposition, and it is interesting to remember that this, and the six Psalms which follow, have always been applied by the Jews to the days of the Messiah. Surely then we may apply them to the Lord Jesus.
Psalms 93:1. The Lord reigneth.-It is a great support to know that above and beyond all that here hinders and distresses us, there exists the great fact of Jehovah’s sovereignty. This encourages us in conflict; this sustains us in the hour of trial. Five times in Scripture is this declaration repeated (1 Chronicles 16:31; Psalms 93:1; Psalms 96:10; Psalms 97:1; Psalms 99:1; Revelation 19:6). This is also the war-cry of the Church in answer to the defiance of her foes. Calvin says: "All acknowledge with the mouth what the prophet here teaches; but how few place this shield in front of the might of the world, so that they fear nothing, be it ever so terrible." Thus might we oppose all attacks of our spiritual foes, and find ourselves ever victorious. What a magnificent apparel-majesty and strength!
Psalms 93:3. The floods have lifted up their voice.-The sea is the usual symbol of the tumultuous masses of the nations. In this splendid reiteration, we can almost hear the successive dash of the breakers with foam and fury around the throne of God, which stands out in eternal immoveability (Psalms 93:2). We irresistibly contrast this with Canute’s throne, which had to be drawn back and back from before the incoming tide.
Psalms 93:4. The Lord is mightier than ... many waters.-"As thunder is louder than the loudest noise of the sea, so is Jehovah infinitely more mighty and glorious than the sea, and the world-power which it symbolizes." The miracle of Jesus in quieting the storm has symbolic and far-reaching meaning. What! do you fear one man, when this God is yours? (Isaiah 51:12).
Psalms 93:5. Thy testimonies (Psalms 19:7; Psalms 25:10).-The sureness of God’s testimonies is emphasized here, because the Psalmist would remind us that among their other contents is the sure promise that our foes shall not prevail. Over twenty times God’s testimonies are named in Psalms 119:1-176.
Holiness is here used in the sense of separation from every evil thing, a condition which God’s honor requires Him to maintain. And is there not a pledge implied that He will maintain intact the separateness of the temple of the heart? (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Psalms 94:1-23 "THY MERCY HELD ME UP." This Psalm belongs to the same era as the foregoing one. The mention made of the throne of iniquity (Psalms 94:20) seems to indicate that the Chaldean empire had already arisen, and taken up a threatening attitude against the people of God. Still there is no mention made as yet of the destruction of the temple or of the leading into captivity; and therefore, perhaps, the land had not been overrun by the invader.
Luther says: "This Psalm is a prayer of all the pious children of God, and of spiritual people, against their persecutors; so that it may be used by all such from the beginning to the end of the world."
Psalms 94:1. God, to whom vengeance belongeth.-God’s vengeance includes the vindication of the eternal law of righteousness, and also of his downtrodden people. We seem to hear already the cry of the martyred saints, "How long, 0 Lord, holy and true!" (Revelation 6:10). This confident anticipation of God’s ultimate decision on the behalf of his down-trodden people is very characteristic of these Psalms.
Psalms 94:5. They afflict thine heritage.-We are God’s heritage, as He is ours. Alas! that after so much culture we return such a poor revenue (Deuteronomy 32:9).
Psalms 94:7. They say, The Lord shalt not see.-Wicked men are ostrich-like (Psalms 10:11; Psalms 59:7).
Psalms 94:8-11. When will ye be wise?-The Psalmist reasons with those who are both hard of heart and dull of understanding.
Psalms 94:12. Blessed is the man whom Thou chastenest.- What a schooling is this; and what a Teacher! The discipline is rather severe; but the pupils turn out well, and derive lasting blessedness and rest. Better chastisement than "adversity"(Psalms 94:13).
Psalms 94:14. The Lord will not cast off . . . neither forsake.-God cannot be surprised by anything He discovers in us. He knew all when He began to love us. The tenacity of his love to his chosen people is a strong encouragement to all the seed (Malachi 2:16; John 10:28).
Psalms 94:16. Who will rise up for me?-This verse is answered by the next two.
Psalms 94:19. My thoughts-Thy comforts.-Turn from anxious care to the bosom of thy God, till thy soul begins to sing with holy delight.
Psalms 94:22-23. The Lord is my defence.-We may very well possess our souls in patience, and not be disturbed by the plottings of our foes: their time is short, their end sure. But oh the pity that they should incur such a fate at the hands of the God of love!
Psalms 95:1-11 "LET US SING UNTO THE LORD!"
Few of the Psalms have entered so deeply into the worship of the Church as this. It abounds in bold metaphors and comparisons, calculated to awaken praise as well as heart-searching. The two halves of the Psalm, consisting of five verses each, are united by a middle verse (6), which summons to worship.
Psalms 95:1. The Rock of our salvation.-God is a Rock, by virtue of his steadfastness and unchangeableness.
Psalms 95:2. Let us come before his presence!-His presence never casts a shadow, but prompts to joy. Live in the perpetual realization of that presence, if you would have perennial gladness (Psalms 16:11: see also Exodus 33:14-15).
Psalms 95:4-5. The deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills.-Depths and heights; sea and land-are full of God. However high we climb or low we descend, in whatever condition we find ourselves, there is always certain evidence of God and a theme for praise.
Psalms 95:6. Oh come, let us worship!-When the heart is full, it brims over in some outward act of devotion.
Psalms 95:7. We, the people of his pasture.-His pasture, i.e., the flock whom He feeds and tends; his hand, i.e., with which He counts, and guides, and defends. Ah, remember how the Shepherd’s hand was pierced, and still bears a scar!
Psalms 95:8-10. Harden not your heart!-For the day of Meribah and Massah (R.V.) we must turn to Exodus 17:7. From the last clause of verse 7 to the end of the Psalm will be found quoted in Hebrews 3:7-11.
Psalms 95:11. My rest is surely that into which God entered at creation. It has been the chosen object of search for all mankind. But it certainly was not exhausted or fulfilled in the rest of Canaan; for here, though the people had been settled in that land for centuries, God speaks of their missing his rest. Obviously, then, they had not yet entered it; and it remains for all who believe in the true Joshua, Jesus our Lord (Hebrews 4:9-10).
Psalms 96:1-13 "THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS." This Psalm and the preceding one form a pair. This one is to be also found in 1 Chronicles 16:23-33. It was probably reedited at the time when the preceding Psalm (Psalms 95:1-11) was composed. Note the thrice-repeated command, Sing, sing, sing (Psalms 96:1-2), which corresponds to the thrice-repeated, Give, give, give (Psalms 96:7-8); and with the triple call for joy from heaven, sea, and field (Psalms 96:11-12).
Psalms 96:1. Sing unto the Lord a new song!-We should always praise God with fresh emotions, if not with different words. The "new Bong" is ever in front of us (Revelation 5:9-10).
Psalms 96:2. Show forth, not only with our lips, but with our lives.
Psalms 96:5. Idols, i.e., "things of nought" (R.V., marg.). See 1 Corinthians 8:4-6.-The heavens are constantly quoted as a challenge to our poor conceptions of God (Job 26:1-14; Isaiah 40:1-31).
Psalms 96:6. Honor and majesty are his inseparable attendants; and wherever He is (for here is his sanctuary) there are strength and beauty. These may also be ours as his gifts (Psalms 96:9), but to give them back to Him (Psalms 96:7).
Psalms 96:7-8. Give unto the Lord! (compare Psalms 29:1-2) .-What better offering is there than thyself? (Romans 12:1).
Psalms 96:10. The Lord reigneth!-The reign of the Lord in heart or universe must ever be a theme for song. His righteous equity shall yet roll back the curse, and hush the groans of a travailing universe (Romans 8:14-22). "Tell it out!"
Psalms 97:1-12 "LET THE EARTH REJOICE!" The reign of Christ affects all material things. Alas that men are so slow to acknowledge it (Psalms 97:1-6)! the votaries of false gods are bewildered (Psalms 97:7); but the people of God are glad, and are encouraged to endure steadfast to the end (Psalms 97:8-12).
Psalms 97:1. The Lord reigneth!-How different is the Psalmist’s exultation at God’s reign, to the fear which many have when asked to yield Him the supreme empire of their hearts! (Luke 19:14). And yet the strain of Hallelujah is impossible till it can be said in heart and universe, "The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth" (Revelation 19:6).
Psalms 97:2. Clouds and darkness are often around God still (Deuteronomy 4:11; Psalms 18:11); but we can trust Him, because we know that all He does is based on righteousness and truth (see 2 Samuel 22:12).
Psalms 97:4-5. The earth trembled: the hills melted.-Compare Habakkuk 3:6.
Psalms 97:7. Worship Him, all ye gods-This is quoted in the Epistle to the Hebrews, as an address to Angels (Hebrews 1:6), a circumstance which is doubtless owing to the quotation being made from the Septuagint. And the fact of this Psalm being there applied to our Lord is a striking evidence of his equality and oneness with Jehovah; and warrants us in inserting his name in all these Psalms. "The Lord Jesus reigneth!"
Psalms 97:8-12. Zion was glad! ... rejoice, ye righteous!-The kingdom of Jesus, like the pillar of fire, has a dark side for Egyptians, and a bright one toward the Israel of God.
Psalms 97:10. He preserveth! He deliverth!-The character, safety, and deliverance of the child of God. Herein the great Apostle rejoiced (2 Timothy 4:18).
Psalms 97:11. Light is sown for the upright.-Coal is sown light in the natural world; and so tears, griefs, trials, are the seeds from which the saints shall reap crops of future blessedness. But the harvest day is not yet (Hebrews 12:11; James 5:7-8).
Psalms 97:12. Rejoice! ... give thanks!-The holiness of God, which was once against us, is now on our side, and is the theme of our praise.
Psalms 98:1-9 A NEW SONG. In this Psalm the whole creation is summoned to be one great orchestra of praise. It seems as if this summons might have been addressed to all living things, as the elders first began to praise the Lamb in the midst of the Throne (Revelation 5:12-13).
Psalms 98:1. Marvellous things.-Who can recount them when they include such marvels as redemption, forgiveness, deliverance from the power of sin, the overthrow of Satan, and the glory of ,God through the mystery of pain and evil? The right hand that was nailed to the cross. The holy arm that would not ward off a single blow levelled at Himself.
Psalms 98:2. His salvation-His righteousness.-It is a great salvation, based on the satisfaction of the noblest moral perfections in God’s nature. "He is just, and the justifier of him that believeth." In the face of earth and hell, He has openly shown Himself Saviour.
Psalms 98:3. Mercy and truth.-What a wonderful combination! But it is not the house of Israel only who are permitted to participate in them. Gentiles also at the furthest distance may see and receive.
Psalms 98:4. All the earth.-The hum of bees, the rustle of woods, the murmur of rivers, the boom of ocean waves, are constituent voices in the "joyful noise" of "all the earth." Inarticulate to man, but precious to God.
Psalms 98:6. A joyful noise before the King.-There are some who speak as if the Kingship of the Lord Jesus were a subject for melancholy. They dread nothing more than to be the absolute slaves of such a master. How much more faithful is the conception of the Psalmist -that it should be the theme of song!
Psalms 98:9. He cometh.-To those that love Him, his coming is a theme of joy. This refrain is repeated from Psalms 96:1-13; as if the pious heart can never tire of so sweet a theme. And well may inanimate nature be glad; for though now, as Goethe said, she is a captive waiting for her redemption, when Jesus comes, her groaning and travail will be ended, and her curse removed.
Psalms 99:1-9 "EXALT YE THE LORDI" This is the last of these precious Psalms which dwell so rapturously on the reign of Jesus. It falls into three strophes, each of which ends with an ejaculation upon the holiness of God (Psalms 99:3, Psalms 99:5, Psalms 99:9).
Psalms 99:1-3. The Lord is great in Zion.-The majesty of God. But great and awful though He be, we fear Him not; for "He sitteth on the cherubim," a phrase which always recalls the blood besprinkled mercy-seat-God in Christ, reconciling the world. Though the reign of Christ is closely associated with the temporal restoration of Israel, yet in the meanwhile it is set up in the hearts of believers (Luke 12:32; Luke 17:21; 2 Corinthians 10:5).
Psalms 99:4-5. Exalt ye the Lord! . . . and worship!-A demand for homage. The more we abase ourselves before God, the more we exalt Him: and we have good reason to do so, whether we consider the attributes of his character, or the distance between his holiness and our sin.
Psalms 99:6-9. They called: He answered.-An enforcement from the examples of the past. There never were three such men; and each was a marvellous illustration of the power of prayer and praise. Let us follow in their footsteps, cultivating the meekness of Moses; the holy nearness of the Aaronic priesthood; and the prayers which were so striking a characteristic of Samuel (1 Samuel 7:8-13; 1 Samuel 8:6, 1 Samuel 8:21).
Psalms 99:8. Thou forgavest! Thou tookest vengeance!-Let us beware of sin; it may be forgiven, yet we may have to reap its bitter results. Moses was forgiven, but he did not enter the Promised Land; so was David, but the sword never left his house.
Psalms 99:9. His holy hill! ... Our God is holy!-Oh, the holiness of God! Let us not rest until it has been brought into our hearts by the Holy Ghost; so that we may be holy in quality, if not in degree, as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16).
Psalms 100:1-5 "WITH THANKSGIVING!" In the previous Psalm there is a commendation of our Lord Jesus and of the majesty of his kingdom; in this, there is an exhortation, based on that royal conception, for "all the earth" to worship Him. It is full of holy rapture, and has inspired hearts to love and worship through all ages. May our hearts be in tune with the anthem of the universal church, as we peruse these noble and majestic words! But it may be that it has been specially prepared as an anthem for use in that golden coming time, when the kingdoms of this world shall indeed have become the kingdoms of the Son of Man.
Psalms 100:1. All ye lands!-It is especially on the Lord’s day that the devout heart thinks of all the lands of men on whom its blessed light is breaking, and asks that the "joyful noise" of loyal and glad hearts may rise from each. All lands have been included in the purchase of Calvary: let all sing! (Revelation 7:9).
Psalms 100:2. Serve the Lord with gladness! ... with singing!-God’s service is glad-joyous, blessed, perfect freedom. Let us not do his will grudgingly, but gladly.
Psalms 100:3. Know ye that Jehovah is Elohim: that the Self-existent One is also the Almighty One! The more we know God, the more able shall we be to praise Him. Notice the themes for praise:-
(1) That He is God; the only living and true God; infinitely perfect: self-existent and self-sufficient; the Father of mercies, tender and true, loving and strong-Oh, rapture indeed, that such a one is God!
(2) That He is our Creator; because as such He is responsible for us.
(3) That He is our Proprietor. He hath made us; and we are his (R.V.).
(4) That we are his people-owning Him, therefore, as our liege Lord and King. "Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion: thy King cometh!" (Zechariah 9:9).
(5) That He is our Shepherd: and it is the Shepherd’s part to care-not the sheep’s.
Psalms 100:4. Enter into his gates!-We specially enter his gates, when we mingle with the assemblies of his people. Put on the garment of praise with other Sunday attire!
Psalms 100:5. The Lord is good!-Yes, good always and only: equally so when He takes as when He gives; when He chides as when He smiles. And what He has been, He will be. He is the "faithful" God (1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Peter 4:19). Praise Him!