Psalms 121
DOYLYA song of degrees.] Or rather, of ascensions. Bp. Horne.
Ver. 4. Sharp arrows &c.] That is, All the reward thou shalt meet with shall be a swift vengeance from the Almighty. This is figuratively represented by sharp
arrows and burning coals of juniper, (or, as some think, the Spanish broom,) the wood of which is supposed to burn more intensely than any other. Green, Parkhurst.
Psalms 121:5
- Woe is me, &c.] Mesech was the son of Japhet, Gen. x. 2, and Kedar the son of Ishmael, Gen. xxv. 13. The descendants of both of them were idolaters, remarkable for their barbarity and cruelty, and for being enemies to peace. David is not to be understood as saying that he actually dwelt among these people, but only that he lived among people who were of the same tempers and manners with the descendants of Mesech and Kedar. Edwards.
This Psalm teaches, 1st, That good men may be exposed to calumny and the malice of men, but that God protects and delivers them. 2ndly, That it is a great affliction to good men to live among the wicked and ungodly. Lastly, that it is the character of the righteous to love peace, as it is of the wicked to be addicted to confusion and trouble. Ostervald.
Psalm CXXI. This Psalm is of the dramatick or dialogue form. It is both concise and elegant. The king apparently going forth to battle, first approaches the ark of God, and in the two first verses humbly implores the Divine assistance, on which alone he professes to rest his confidence. In the third and following verses the high priest answers him from the tabernacle. Bp. Lowth.
Ver. 1. — unto the hills, To the mountains of Zion and Moriah, where Jerusalem was built, where the tabernacle was placed, and from whence Jehovah assisted his people when they were in distress. Green,