Bible Commentaries

Psalms 104 overview — This psalm in the Syriac, the Arabic, the Greek, and the Latin versions, is ascribed to David, but on what authority is now unknown. That it “may” have been composed by him cannot be doubted, but there is no certain evidence that he was the author. In

Psalms 11 overview — Section 1. “Author of the psalm.” This psalm ascribed to David, both in the title and in the location which it has among the Psalms. There is nothing in the psalm to make this doubtful, and indeed its structure is so much in accordance with those usually

Psalms 118 overview — Of the authorship of this psalm, and the occasion on which it was composed, nothing can now be ascertained with certainty. The common opinion has been that it is a psalm of David, and that it was composed when his troubles with Saul ceased, and when

Psalms 119 overview — This is an Alphabetical Psalm - the longest, and most perfect in its kind, in the collection of Psalms. The peculiarity of the composition consists in this - that the first eight verses of the psalm begin with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet

Psalms 119:161 — Princes have persecuted me without a cause - This commences a new division of the psalm, indicated by the Hebrew letter Schin (שׂ ś, and שׁ sh) - corresponding to our “s,” or “sh.” On the meaning of the expression here, see Psalms 119:23, note; Psalms

Psalms 23 overview — This psalm is asserted in the title to have been composed by David, and there is nothing in its contents contrary to this supposition, as there is nothing in it that would lead us necessarily to ascribe it to him. The contents of the psalm indeed correspond

Psalms 31 overview — This psalm is addressed to “the chief Musician,” and purports to be a psalm of David. On the meaning of the phrase “To the chief Musician,” see the notes at the title to Psalms 4:1-8. There can be no doubt that the inscription which ascribes it to David

Psalms 44 overview — The title of this psalm, “To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil,” is the same as the title prefixed to Psalms 42:1-11, except with a slight transposition. See the notes at the title to Psalms 42:1-11. This does not, however, prove that

Psalms 50 overview — This psalm purports to be a “psalm of Asaph.” This is the first of the psalms ascribed to him. twelve in all are attributed to him, namely, Psalms 50:0; 73–83. Asaph was a Levite, a son of Berachiah, 1 Chronicles 6:39; 1 Chronicles 15:17. He was eminent

Psalms 54 overview — This psalm purports to be a psalm of David, and it bears all the internal marks of being his composition. The title suggests, doubtless with accuracy, the occasion on which it was composed, as well as the design for which it was intended. It is addressed

Psalms 55 overview — This psalm is entitled “A Psalm of David,” and there is every reason to believe that it is properly ascribed to him. It is addressed to “the chief Musician” - to be by him set to appropriate music, that it might be employed in the public worship of God.

Psalms 68 overview — This psalm purports to be a psalm of David. It is dedicated to “the chief Musician.” See the notes at the Introduction to Psalms 4:1-8. There is no reason to doubt the correctness of the title, as there is nothing in the psalm which conflicts with the

Psalms 69 overview — This psalm is said in the title to be a psalm of David, but on what occasion it was composed is not there intimated, nor can it be determined from the psalm itself. There is nothing “in” the psalm which is inconsistent with the supposition that it was

Psalms 74 overview — This psalm is entitled “Maschil of Asaph.” On the word Maschil - meaning “didactic,” or adapted “to give instruction” - see the notes at the title to Psalms 32:1-11. On the phrase “of Asaph,” see the notes at the title to Psalms 73:0. It may mean either

Psalms 75:1 — Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks - We, the people; language which would be appropriate to public thanksgiving - showing that the psalm was designed for public use. The reasons for this public thanksgiving are stated in the subsequent part of the psalm.Do

Psalms 81 overview — This psalm purports also to be a psalm of Asaph. See Introduction to Psalms 73:0. In the absence of any evidence to the contrary, it may be assumed to have been composed by or for the Asaph who was the contemporary of David, and who was, appointed by

Psalms 82 overview — This, too, is a “Psalm of Asaph.” See Introduction to Psalms 73:0. There is nothing, however, in its contents to determine the time or the occasion of its being composed, although there is no difficulty in ascertaining the design for which it was written,

Psalms 94 overview — This psalm, in the Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate, is entitled “A Psalm of David, for the fourth day of the week.” What is the origin of this title is unknown, as there is nothing corresponding to it in the Hebrew. In the original the psalm is without

Psalms 96 overview — This psalm is similar in structure and design to Psalms 95:1-11. It is an exhortation to universal praise, and was doubtless designed to be used in public worship - in the service of the sanctuary.The psalm has no title in the Hebrew, and its authorship

Matthew 13:34-35 — That it might be fulfilled - This is taken from Psalms 78:2-3. The sense, and not the very words of the Psalm, are given. Christ taught, as did that prophet - Asaph - in parables. The words of Asaph described the manner in which Christ taught, and in this sense it could be said that they were fulfilled. See the notes at Matthew 1:22-23.