The Pulpit Commentary — Psalms — Volume 3 — Section 100

Ver. 98.-Thou through thy command- (comp. vers. 23, 28, 50, 51, 61, 71, 78, etc.). ments hast m11de me wiser than mine Spoken against by princes, reproached by enemies (comp. Deut. iv. 6, 8). 'I'ho know- the proud, persecuted without e. cause, the ledge of God's Law gives a wisdom o.nd an psalmist felt his" affliction" to be grievous understanding: infinitely above the cun- almost intole"'ble. Beina0 brouaht nea; ning and craft of worldly mea. If to the to death, he prays for e. " little r~viving." knowledge is added o. faithful and habitual Qnicken me, 0 Lord, acoording unto thy obedience, a wisdom is attained which can Word (comp. vers. 25, 37, 40, 88, etc.). be reached in no other we.y (see ver. 100). Ver. 108.-Acoept, I beaeech thee, the J'or they are ever with me. Always present freewill o:fferings of my mouth, 0 Lord; i.e. to my thoughts, as my rule of life. my prayers and praises. The lifting up of Ver. 99.-l have more understanding than the hands to God is e. kind or se.crifice all my teaohers: for thy testimonies are my (Pa. cxli. 2). And teach me thy judgmenta. meditation. Teachers of secular know- And, in return, make me to understand tby ledge are intended, wise in their special statutes (comp. vers. 12, 26, 33, etc.). branches of learning, but not " wise unto Ver. 109.-llly sonl is continually in my salvation." Snch "teachers" have often hand; i.e. my life is iu constant jeopardy no spiritual knowledge or discernment. (comp. Judg. xii. 3 ; 1 Sam. xix. 5 ; Ver. 100.-I understand more than the xxviii. 21). Yet do I not forget thy Law anoients; or, "the aged." Advanced age (comp. vers. 16, 83, 93, etc.). does not necessarily give wisdom (see Job Ver. 110.-The wioked have laid a mare xxxii 7-9). "Antiquity is no help against for me (comp. vers. 85, 95). Yet I erred stupidity" (Luther). Because I keep thy not from thy preoepta. I have not allowed precepts (comp. ver. 104 and John vii. 17). their me.chine.tions to interfere with my Ver. 101.-I have refrained my feet from obedience. every evil way. This had been the psalm- Ver. 111.-Thy testimouiea have I taken ist's intention and endeavour, but ho had as an heritage for ever. I regard thy Law not always succeeded in carrying it out as my best and most ve.lue.ble inberitance- (see vers. 67, 176). That I might keep thy one with which I o.m resolved never to part. Word. God's Woru. is not kept by suoh as For they a.re the rejoicing of my heart. allow themselves in any evil wo.y. My obief joy and delight (comp. vers. 16, Ver. 102.-1 have not departed from thy 24, 35, 47, etc.). judgments (comp. vers. 30, 31, 51, 157, 168, Ver. 112.-1 have inclined mine heart to etc.). For thou hast taught me. Thy perform thy statutes alwe.y (comp. vers. 34, teaching, thy guide.nee, thy help, have kept 44, etc.). Kven unto the end. 'I'he end of mo straight. life is probably meant, as in ver. 33. Ver. 103.-How sweet are thy words unto my taste 1 (oomp. vers. 14, 16, 40, 47, eto.). C SAMEOH. The metaphor is new, but the sentiment one whioh pervades the psalm. Yea, sweeter Ver. 113.-l hate vain thoughts; re.tber, than honey to my mouth. So Do.vid, in the umtable or double-minded men (Kay, Oheyne, nineteenth pee.Im, speaking of the judg- Revised Version); i.e. "those who a.re un- ments of God, says that they are "sweeter decided in religion" (Cheyne). But thy thnn honey o.nd the honeycomb." Law do I love (oomp. vers. 117,119, 127, 159, Ver. 104.-Through thy preoepts I get 163). There is nothing " unstable" or understanding (see the comment on vers. "double-miuded" in tby Law. It is clear, 98 and 100). Therefore I hate every falsa direct, unmiste.ke.ble. way. A "false way " is one the.t lee.de to Ver. 114.-Thou a.rt my Hiding-place error and sin (comp. vers. 29 and 128). (comp. Pea. uvii. 5; xuii. 7; xci. 1). And my Shield; i.e. my protection (see ) NUN. Pss. iii. 3 ; xviii. 2, 80, etc.). I hope in thy Word. The promises cout11ined in thy Word Ver. 105.-Thy Word is a lamp unto my are my only sure hope (see ver. 43). feet, and a light unto my path. It shows Ver. 115.-Depart from me, ye evil-doara. me the way wherein I should go, both night There is no fellowship between light and and day (cow.p. Prov. vi. 23). darkness, between righteousne88 and un- Ver. 106. - I have sworn, and I will righteousness (2 Cor. x. 16). Good men perform it; rather, I have noorn and am must separate themselves from those who •tead/ascl.11 purpoBed (see tJ1e Prayer-book are me.nifoetly workers of iniquity (oomp. Version). That I will keep thy righteous Ps. vi. 8). For I will keep the command- jlidgments; literally, the judgmenta of thy ments of my God (see ver. 106). Association righteou11MBs; i.e. the judgmente. whiclJ tby with the wicked hinders men from keeping righteousness has caused thee to put forth. God's Law. Not only is there the de.ug,-r Ver. 107.-1 am a1Bicted very much of corruption (1 Cor. xv. 33); but, at the 110 'l'HE BOOK OF PSALMS. [rs. CXIX. 1-176.