The Pulpit Commentary — Psalms — Volume 2 — Section 18

EXPOSITION. movell. Comp. ver. 6, where, with still PSALM LXII. greater confidence, the writer declares, "I THIB psalm, like so many, is the cry of an she II not be moved," i.e. not mo-red, or afilicted one-a man of high position, whom shaken in my faith, at all. his enemies seek to destroy, or, if that be not Ver. 3.-How long will ye imagine mis• chief against a man l rather, Ho10 lOTl!J wiU possible, to thrust down from his dignity ye assault (or, set upon) a man 1 Atta.ck (vere. 3, 4). He himself is full of trust in him, that is-seek to do him gricvons hurt, God, o.nd calmly confident that hie enemies as ye are attacking me. Ye shall be slain cannot succeed (vere. 1, 2, 5-7). The con- all of you; rather, that ye may crUBh him, fidence which he feels he tries to impart all of you togethe:r. The hope of the con- spirators under Absalom was in their united to hie people (ver. 8). In conclusion, he strength. As a bowing wa.11 shall ye be, warns hie enemies th11t they o.re likely to and as a. tottering fenoe. The words supplied provoke God's powerful anger (vers. 9-11), in the Authorized Version should be omitted. and encourages hie friends by the thought It is David who i. viewed by his enemie~ of God'd mercy, and of hie goorlness in as a bulged wall (see Isa. xxx. 15) or a tottering fence, which it requires only a rewarding those who faithfully serve him. strong push t" throw down. It is evident that the psalm contains Ver. 4.-They on:iy consult to cast him nothing but what is suitable to the character down from bis excellency; i.e. they have of David, to whom the "title" assigns it; no other thought but this-to cast me down and further, that it accords well with hie from my high station, while I have no other circumstance, when the revolt of Abealom thonght but to trust in God, and to look to him for support and protection (vers. 1, 2, was imminent. In further proof of the 6). They delight in lies. Some indication Davidical authorship may be urge<l "the or the "lies" circulated ogainst David at tarnestness of thought., the depth and force this time is given in 2 Sam. xv. 3-5; xvi. of religious feeling," and " the vigour and 7, 8, They bless with their month, hnt sublimity of the language" (Canon Cook). they curse inwardly; literally, they bless with hia mouth, which may be explained as The psalm divides into three stanzas, meaning either, " They bless, each of them, each of four verses, the break between the with his mouth" (Kay, Cheyne), or "they first and second and between the third and bless through the mouth of their leader"- fourth being notified by the usual pause- i.e. Ahithophel (C!\non Cook). mark, " Selab." Vers. 5-8.-From the thought of bis Ver. 1.-Trnly my soul waiteth upon bitter enemies cmd their wicked machi- God; rather, my soul waiteth only upon God, nations against him, the psalmist returns (Revised Version). The initial word, ak to expressions of his own full confidence ('lj~), which occurs six times in this psalm in Gou-first foiling back on almost the (vers. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9), is best translated identical words of his opening sb.nza (comp. "only" in every instance. It always in- tensifies the word or phrase to wh'ch it is vers. 5, 6 with vers. 1, 2); then slightly attachcd-"only upon God"-"only he"- varying them (ver. 7); and finally com- " only from his excellency "-"only vnnity." mending trust and confidence to the remnant From him cometh my salvation (comp. Pss. of the people who continue faithful to God xxxv. 3; xxxvii. 89; lxv. 5, eto.). and to his anointe<l (ver. 8). Ver. 2.-He only is my Rook (comp. Ps. lxi. 2, anrl the comment ad, lac.). And my Ver. 5.-My soul, wait thou only upon Salvation (so Pss. xv iii. 2; xxvii. 1 ; cxviii. God. Compare the openin.g- words of the 14, 21). He is my Defenoe; or, mg High psalm, whioh ure nearly i,lentical. l!'or my Tower,wy Strong Hold. Ishall not be greatly e:ipectation i.s from him. "Expectation"  20 THE BOOK OF PSALMS. [r!I. r.:m. 1-12.