Psalms 52

Psalms 52:1

Title. Maschil= Instruction. The fifth of thirteen so named. See note on Title, Psalms 32, and App-65.

when Doeg, &c. See notes on 1 Samuel 21:7; 1 Samuel 22:18. See note on Mahalath, in sub-scription at end of Psa 52:9.

Why boastest . . . ? Relating to Doeg’s treachery.

mighty man. Hebrew. gibbor. App-14. = tyrant; Septuagint = mighty lawless one. It is prophetic, and a type of Antichrist.

goodness = lovingkindness, or grace.

GOD. Hebrew El. App-4.

continually = all the day.

Psalms 52:2

mischiefs = malignity. Plural for singular = a great malignity.

Psalms 52:3

evil. Hebrew. ra’a. App-44.

Selah. Connecting the deceitful tongue of Doeg (Psalms 52:4) with the imprecation on it. See App-66.

Psalms 52:4

devouring words. Hebrew words of swallowing up. Compare 1 Samuel 22:18.

Psalms 52:5

destroy . . . take away. . . pluck out . . . root out. Note the Figure of speech Anabasis. App-6.

Selah. Connecting God’s judgment with the righteous onlookers. See App-66.

Psalms 52:6

righteous = righteous ones (plural)

Psalms 52:7

the man = the strong man (Hebrew. geber. App-14. IV) that made not God his strength. The Gematria of this sentence = 2,197 (= 133). See App-10.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.

trusted = confided. Hebrew. batah. App-69.

wickedness. Aram, and Syriac read “wealth”. Compare Psalms 112:3.

Psalms 52:8

mercy = lovingkindness, or grace.

Psalms 52:9

Thou hast done it. David ascribes all the glory to his God.

Thy name = Thyself. See note on Psalms 20:1.

Thy saints. Some codices read singular = Thy beloved (One).