Psalms 122

Psalms 122:6

6. The sun &c.] The meaning is, that the good man, during his journey through life, shall be under God’s protection at all seasons. Bp. Horne.

Psalms 122:8

8. The Lord shall preserve &c.] Bishop Lowth refers these words to the king’s going forth to battle. But they may be applicable to the preservation of the Jews from their enemies on their going to their feasts at Jerusalem. Dimock.

How happy is that man “whose help cometh from the Lord.” Though the whole creation frowns upon him, and all nature looks black upon him, he has his light and support within him, that is able to cheer his mind and bear him up in the midst of any horrors which may encompass him. He knows that his Helper is at hand, and is always nearer to him than any thing else can be which is capable of annoying or terrifying him. In the midst of calumny or contempt, he attends to that Being who whispers better things within his soul, and whom he looks upon as his Defender, his Glory, and the Lifter-up of his head. In his deepest solitude and retirement, he knows that he is in company with the Greatest of Brings; and perceives within himself such real sensations of his presence, as are more delightful than any thing to be met with in the society of his creatures. Even in the hour of death, he considers the pains of his dissolution to be nothing else but the breaking down of that partition which stands between his own soul, and the sight of that Being who is always present with him, and who will then manifest Himself to him in fulness of joy. Addison.

Psalm CXXII. The subject of this Psalm is that joy which the people were wont to express, upon their going up in companies to keep a feast at Jerusalem, when the Divine services were regulated, and that city was appointed to be a place of publick worship. Bp. Horne.

Ver. 2. — shall stand] More literally, stood, or are standing. Abp. Secker.