Psalms 92
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Psalms 92
It Is a Good Thing to Give Thanks Unto the LORD
1It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
PSALM 92
Psa 92:1-15. A Psalm-song--(see on Psa 30:1, title). The theme: God should be praised for His righteous judgments on the wicked and His care and defense of His people. Such a topic, at all times proper, is specially so for the reflections of the Sabbath day.
1. sing ... name--celebrate Thy perfections.
PSALM 92
Psa 92:1-15. A Psalm-song--(see on Psa 30:1, title). The theme: God should be praised for His righteous judgments on the wicked and His care and defense of His people. Such a topic, at all times proper, is specially so for the reflections of the Sabbath day.
1. sing ... name--celebrate Thy perfections.
The Pulpit Commentary
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord (comp. Psa_147:1). By "a good thing" is meant that which is at ones right and pleasant. And to sing praises unto thy Name, O Most High. Israel's Lord, Jehovah, is also "the Most High over all the earth" (Psa_83:18), and should at all times be thought of as both.
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord (comp. Psa_147:1). By "a good thing" is meant that which is at ones right and pleasant. And to sing praises unto thy Name, O Most High. Israel's Lord, Jehovah, is also "the Most High over all the earth" (Psa_83:18), and should at all times be thought of as both.
2To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
2. in the morning, ... every night--diligently and constantly (Psa 42:8).
loving kindness--literally, "mercy."
faithfulness--in fulfilling promises (Psa 89:14).
2. in the morning, ... every night--diligently and constantly (Psa 42:8).
loving kindness--literally, "mercy."
faithfulness--in fulfilling promises (Psa 89:14).
The Pulpit Commentary
To show forth thy loving kindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night. The suitableness of worship every morning and evening has been almost universally felt. The Mosaic Law provided for it by the establishment of the morning and evening sacrifice (Exo_29:38, Exo_29:39), with the accompanying ritual. Jewish piety added a noonday prayer (Psa_55:17; Dan_6:10), and Christian zeal established the "seven hours of prayer." Morning and evening still, however, remain, by common acknowledgment, the most appropriate times for worship.
To show forth thy loving kindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night. The suitableness of worship every morning and evening has been almost universally felt. The Mosaic Law provided for it by the establishment of the morning and evening sacrifice (Exo_29:38, Exo_29:39), with the accompanying ritual. Jewish piety added a noonday prayer (Psa_55:17; Dan_6:10), and Christian zeal established the "seven hours of prayer." Morning and evening still, however, remain, by common acknowledgment, the most appropriate times for worship.
3Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
3. In such a work all proper aid must be used.
with a ... sound--or, on Higgaion (see on Psa 9:16), perhaps an instrument of that name, from its sound resembling the muttered sound of meditation, as expressed also by the word. This is joined with the harp.
3. In such a work all proper aid must be used.
with a ... sound--or, on Higgaion (see on Psa 9:16), perhaps an instrument of that name, from its sound resembling the muttered sound of meditation, as expressed also by the word. This is joined with the harp.
The Pulpit Commentary
Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery. Some think that only one instrument is intended here, and translate, "Upon an instrument of ten strings, even upon the psaltery" (or, "the lute"). (On the character of the psaltery, see the comment on Psa_33:2.) Upon the harp with a solemn sound. The reference is clearly to the public service of the temple, since in the private devotions of the faithful instruments were not likely to be used.
Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery. Some think that only one instrument is intended here, and translate, "Upon an instrument of ten strings, even upon the psaltery" (or, "the lute"). (On the character of the psaltery, see the comment on Psa_33:2.) Upon the harp with a solemn sound. The reference is clearly to the public service of the temple, since in the private devotions of the faithful instruments were not likely to be used.
4For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
4. thy work--that is, of providence (Psa 90:16, 17).
4. thy work--that is, of providence (Psa 90:16, 17).
The Pulpit Commentary
For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work. It is difficult to say what "work" is intended. Some have supposed "the work of creation," as the psalm is one "for the sabbath" (see title); but perhaps the general "working" of God's providence in the world is more probable. (So Hengstenberg, Kay, and Cheyne.) I will triumph in the works of thy hands. A repetition for the sake of emphasis.
For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work. It is difficult to say what "work" is intended. Some have supposed "the work of creation," as the psalm is one "for the sabbath" (see title); but perhaps the general "working" of God's providence in the world is more probable. (So Hengstenberg, Kay, and Cheyne.) I will triumph in the works of thy hands. A repetition for the sake of emphasis.
5O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
5. great ... works--correspond to deep or vast thoughts (Psa 40:5; Ro 11:23).
5. great ... works--correspond to deep or vast thoughts (Psa 40:5; Ro 11:23).
The Pulpit Commentary
O Lord, how great are thy works! (comp. Psa_40:5). Mighty and wonderful, i.e; are the ways of Providence. And thy thoughts are very deep (comp. Job_11:8).
O Lord, how great are thy works! (comp. Psa_40:5). Mighty and wonderful, i.e; are the ways of Providence. And thy thoughts are very deep (comp. Job_11:8).
6A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
6. A brutish man knoweth not--that is, God's works, so the Psalmist describes himself (Psa 73:22) when amazed by the prosperity of the wicked, now understood and explained.
6. A brutish man knoweth not--that is, God's works, so the Psalmist describes himself (Psa 73:22) when amazed by the prosperity of the wicked, now understood and explained.
The Pulpit Commentary
A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. A rude, uncultivated man has no conception of the wonderful depth of God's thoughts—the marvellousness of those counsels which underlie the general scheme of things, and make it what it is (comp. Rom_11:33, Rom_11:34).
A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. A rude, uncultivated man has no conception of the wonderful depth of God's thoughts—the marvellousness of those counsels which underlie the general scheme of things, and make it what it is (comp. Rom_11:33, Rom_11:34).
7When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever:
The Pulpit Commentary
When the wicked spring as the grass; i.e. "spring up"—"flourish" (see Psa_92:12). The difficulty is that which disturbed Job (Job_21:7-21) and Asaph (Psa_73:2-15), viz. the prosperity of the wicked. The present writer, however, is not disturbed—he sees in their prosperous condition nothing but a prelude to their overthrow. And when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; or, "do blossom." It is that they shall be destroyed forever; literally, it is for their destruction forever (comp. Psa_73:18-20).
When the wicked spring as the grass; i.e. "spring up"—"flourish" (see Psa_92:12). The difficulty is that which disturbed Job (Job_21:7-21) and Asaph (Psa_73:2-15), viz. the prosperity of the wicked. The present writer, however, is not disturbed—he sees in their prosperous condition nothing but a prelude to their overthrow. And when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; or, "do blossom." It is that they shall be destroyed forever; literally, it is for their destruction forever (comp. Psa_73:18-20).
8But thou, LORD, art most high for evermore.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
8. This he does in part, by contrasting their ruin with God's exaltation and eternity.
most high--as occupying the highest place in heaven (Psa 7:7; 18:16).
8. This he does in part, by contrasting their ruin with God's exaltation and eternity.
most high--as occupying the highest place in heaven (Psa 7:7; 18:16).
The Pulpit Commentary
But thou, Lord, art most high forevermore; rather, art on high; i.e. remainest seated upon thy throne, unaffected either by their efforts or by their fall.
But thou, Lord, art most high forevermore; rather, art on high; i.e. remainest seated upon thy throne, unaffected either by their efforts or by their fall.
9For, lo, thine enemies, O LORD, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
9-10. A further contrast with the wicked, in the lot of the righteous, safety and triumph.
9-10. A further contrast with the wicked, in the lot of the righteous, safety and triumph.
The Pulpit Commentary
For, lo, thine enemies, O Lord, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish. Whatever else is uncertain, this at least is sure, that ultimately God's enemies will perish. The repetition adds the greatest force to the passage. All the workers of iniquity (comp. Psa_92:7) shall be scattered. All of them—every one (comp. Mat_7:23, "Depart from me, ye that work iniquity").
For, lo, thine enemies, O Lord, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish. Whatever else is uncertain, this at least is sure, that ultimately God's enemies will perish. The repetition adds the greatest force to the passage. All the workers of iniquity (comp. Psa_92:7) shall be scattered. All of them—every one (comp. Mat_7:23, "Depart from me, ye that work iniquity").
10But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.
The Pulpit Commentary
But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn; rather, of a wild ox. The Hebrew, like the Assyrian, reym, is certainly a species of wild cattle, whether the aurochs, or the bison, or the buffalo, may be doubted. The psalmist speaks in the name of Israel, or of God's faithful ones generally, and confidently predicts their exaltation to glory and honour simultaneously with the destruction of God's enemies. I shall be anointed with fresh oil. Oil was supposed to give vigour to the frame; and "fresh oil," or "green oil," would be the most efficient and the best.
But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn; rather, of a wild ox. The Hebrew, like the Assyrian, reym, is certainly a species of wild cattle, whether the aurochs, or the bison, or the buffalo, may be doubted. The psalmist speaks in the name of Israel, or of God's faithful ones generally, and confidently predicts their exaltation to glory and honour simultaneously with the destruction of God's enemies. I shall be anointed with fresh oil. Oil was supposed to give vigour to the frame; and "fresh oil," or "green oil," would be the most efficient and the best.
11Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
11. see ... [and] ... hear my desire--or, literally, "look on" my enemies and hear of the wicked (compare Psa 27:11; 54:7)--that is, I shall be gratified by their fall.
11. see ... [and] ... hear my desire--or, literally, "look on" my enemies and hear of the wicked (compare Psa 27:11; 54:7)--that is, I shall be gratified by their fall.
The Pulpit Commentary
Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies (comp. Psa_54:7; Psa_59:10). The "desire" is probably that expressed in Psa_91:13. And mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me. This is an unusual phrase, but sufficiently intelligible. Triumph over enemies is perceived both by the eye and by the ear.
Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies (comp. Psa_54:7; Psa_59:10). The "desire" is probably that expressed in Psa_91:13. And mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me. This is an unusual phrase, but sufficiently intelligible. Triumph over enemies is perceived both by the eye and by the ear.
12The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
12-14. The vigorous growth, longevity, utility, fragrance, and beauty of these noble trees, set forth the life, character, and destiny of the pious;
12-14. The vigorous growth, longevity, utility, fragrance, and beauty of these noble trees, set forth the life, character, and destiny of the pious;
The Pulpit Commentary
The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree. To an Oriental the palm is the queen of trees. "Of all vegetable forms," says Humboldt, "the palm is that to which the prize of beauty has been assigned by the concurrent voice of nations in all ages". Its stately growth, and graceful form, its perpetual verdure, its lovely and luxuriant fruit, together with its manifold uses (Strabo, 16.1, § 14), give it precedence over all other vegetable growths in the eyes that are accustomed to rest upon it. It is rather remarkable that, in the Old Testament, it is used as a figure for beauty only here and in So Psa_7:7. Man, in his most flourishing growth, is ordinarily compared either to the cedar (2Ki_14:9; So 2Ki_5:15; Eze_31:3-9; Amo_2:9, etc.)or the olive tree (Jdg_9:8, Jdg_9:9; Psa_52:8; Jer_11:16; Hos_14:6, etc.). He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon (see, besides the passages already quoted, 2Ki_19:23; 2Ch_2:8; Jer_22:23; Zec_11:1).
The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree. To an Oriental the palm is the queen of trees. "Of all vegetable forms," says Humboldt, "the palm is that to which the prize of beauty has been assigned by the concurrent voice of nations in all ages". Its stately growth, and graceful form, its perpetual verdure, its lovely and luxuriant fruit, together with its manifold uses (Strabo, 16.1, § 14), give it precedence over all other vegetable growths in the eyes that are accustomed to rest upon it. It is rather remarkable that, in the Old Testament, it is used as a figure for beauty only here and in So Psa_7:7. Man, in his most flourishing growth, is ordinarily compared either to the cedar (2Ki_14:9; So 2Ki_5:15; Eze_31:3-9; Amo_2:9, etc.)or the olive tree (Jdg_9:8, Jdg_9:9; Psa_52:8; Jer_11:16; Hos_14:6, etc.). He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon (see, besides the passages already quoted, 2Ki_19:23; 2Ch_2:8; Jer_22:23; Zec_11:1).
13Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
The Pulpit Commentary
Those that be planted in the house of the Lord; rather, Planted (or, Being planted) in the house of the Lord, they. This does not refer to the "trees" of the preceding verse, but to the "righteous," who are viewed as passing their days almost continually in the temple courts, and so as (in a certain sense) "planted" there. The passage has no bearing on the question whether the temple courts were or were not planted with trees. Shall flourish in the courts of our God (comp. Psa_84:2, Psa_84:10).
Those that be planted in the house of the Lord; rather, Planted (or, Being planted) in the house of the Lord, they. This does not refer to the "trees" of the preceding verse, but to the "righteous," who are viewed as passing their days almost continually in the temple courts, and so as (in a certain sense) "planted" there. The passage has no bearing on the question whether the temple courts were or were not planted with trees. Shall flourish in the courts of our God (comp. Psa_84:2, Psa_84:10).
14They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;
The Pulpit Commentary
They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; i.e. "even when they are old, they shall still bring forth fruit"—they shall still glorify God by their good works. They shall be fat and fiourishing; literally, fat and green. The metaphor of Psa_92:12 is still kept up.
They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; i.e. "even when they are old, they shall still bring forth fruit"—they shall still glorify God by their good works. They shall be fat and fiourishing; literally, fat and green. The metaphor of Psa_92:12 is still kept up.
15To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
15. and they thus declare God's glory as their strong and righteous ruler.
15. and they thus declare God's glory as their strong and righteous ruler.
The Pulpit Commentary
To show that the Lord is upright. The happy and flourishing old age of the righteous (Psa_92:14; comp. Psa_91:16) is a strong indication of God's faithfulness and truth, showing, as its does, that he keeps his promises, and never forsakes those that put their trust in him (comp. Psa_27:10; Psa_37:25; Isa_41:17, etc.). He is my Rock—rather, that he is my Rock—and that there is no unrighteousness in him. Both clauses depend on the "show" of the preceding hemistich.
To show that the Lord is upright. The happy and flourishing old age of the righteous (Psa_92:14; comp. Psa_91:16) is a strong indication of God's faithfulness and truth, showing, as its does, that he keeps his promises, and never forsakes those that put their trust in him (comp. Psa_27:10; Psa_37:25; Isa_41:17, etc.). He is my Rock—rather, that he is my Rock—and that there is no unrighteousness in him. Both clauses depend on the "show" of the preceding hemistich.
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Psalms
Chapter 92
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