The Pulpit Commentary — Psalms — Volume 2 — Section 13

EXPOSITION. and occupation of the oountry (2 Sam. viii. PSALM LX. 14; 1 Cbron. xviii. 13). The psalm is IN the case of this psalm, the " title " is written after the great defeat, nnd before again our best guide, both with respect to the fortune of war has turned. God is the author and t.o the occn.sion of the com- pleaded with (vers. 1-5), reminded of tho position. The title is unnsua.lly full, and promise3 which he has made (vers. 6-8), contains such a nn.mber of minute par- exhorted in the strongest terms to give his ticulars, as a later compiler or commentator help (vers. 9-11), fine.Uy pronounced I\ wou\d scarcely ha\"e ventured upon. The sure Helper, through whom Israel is certnin history involved in the title-reconcilable to obtain complete victory (ver. 12). 011 the wLole with the accounts in 2 Sam. There are three strophes in the psalm and I Chron.-is certainly not contained -the first of five verses (vcrs. 1-5); the in those accounts. It implies e.n author, second of three (vera. 6-8); and the third =itillg from bis own knowledge of facts- of four (vers. 0-12). an author who, if not David himself, must Ver. 1.-0 God, thou hast oast us off, thou have been a contemporary. bast scattered us, thou hast been displeased The psalm itself he.a every characteristic (comp. Pe. xliv. 9-11). The expressions of the Davidic style-liveliness, rapid tran- used imply a signal defeat, which, though sitions, terse yet comprehensive language, not mentioned in the historical books. har- monizes with the nccount given in 1 Kings strong metaphors, intense feeling, hopeful- of the sevore treatment of Edom by Joo.b. ness. It belongs to the time when, a.ft )r From the fact of the defeat the psalmist his first Syrian cn.mpaign (2 Sam. viii. 3-,), infora the ground of it-God's displeasure. David was engaged in a war with Edam of O turn thysel! to us again; rather, 0 restore e. most sanguinary character (2 Sam. viii. to as (i.e. make restoration to us) again 13; I Kings xi. 15, 16; 1 Chron. xviiL 12) (see the Revised Version). Ver. 2.-Thou hast made the earth (rather, -mo.rkecl by striking ncissitudc~, aud e.t the land) to tremble, The blow struck con- lea.et one grievous defe:i.t of the forces of vulsed the whole land-i.c. the people in i_t. Israel (,ere. 1-3, 12)-bnt terminating in It is not really a11 earthquake, but a pamo a glorions victory, and in the subjugation fear, thAt is intended. Thou haat broken it; re. LX. 1-12.) THE BOOK OF PSALMS. 15