Title. Maschil = Instruction. The twelfth of thirteen so named (the thirteenth being Psalms 142:0 ). See note on Psalms 32:0 , and App-65 .
Ethan. Mentioned with Heman (Psalms 88:0 ). A Merarite (1 Chronicles 6:44 ; 1 Chronicles 15:17 ). He seems to have another name, "Jeduthun" (1 Chronicles 25:1 , 1 Chronicles 25:3 , 1Ch 25:6 ; 1 Chronicles 16:41 , 1 Chronicles 16:42 ). The only Psalm ascribed to Ethan. See note on Psalms 89:30 . Ezrahite. See note on Psalms 88:0 , Title. Compre the case of Elkanah 1 Samuel 1:1 ).
mercies = lovingkindnesses. Plural of majesty = the great lovingkindness.
I have said. Some codices, with Septuagint and Vulgate, read "Thou hast said". Compare Psalms 89:19 . The words of Ethan, reminding Jehovah of His covenant with David.
covenant. See 2 Samuel 7:0 , where Jehovah, being the only party, the covenant is unconditional, and = a "promise" among "the sure mercies of David", &c. But it looks beyond David.
sworn. See 2 Samuel 7:11 , &c.; the word is not used there, but the terms of the oath are given.
Selah. Connecting the recital of Jehovah's covenant with the praise offered for it. See App-66 .
If his children, &c. Ethan refers to the very words of warning given to Solomon (1 Kings 9:6 , 1 Kings 9:7 ; Compare Psa 11:11-13 ), which, with 2 Samuel 7:0 , should be read with this Psalm. Ethan (we may suppose) outlived Solomon, and saw the break-up of the kingdom; and left this Psalm for Instruction (Maschil) for all future time.
children = sons.
And walk not. Figure of speech Pleonasm ( App-6 ), for emphasis.
Verse 1
Title. Maschil = Instruction. The twelfth of thirteen so named (the thirteenth being Psalms 142:0 ). See note on Psalms 32:0 , and App-65 .
Ethan. Mentioned with Heman (Psalms 88:0 ). A Merarite (1 Chronicles 6:44 ; 1 Chronicles 15:17 ). He seems to have another name, "Jeduthun" (1 Chronicles 25:1 , 1 Chronicles 25:3 , 1Ch 25:6 ; 1 Chronicles 16:41 , 1 Chronicles 16:42 ). The only Psalm ascribed to Ethan. See note on Psalms 89:30 . Ezrahite. See note on Psalms 88:0 , Title. Compre the case of Elkanah 1 Samuel 1:1 ).
mercies = lovingkindnesses. Plural of majesty = the great lovingkindness.
the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .
faithfulness = truth. Hebrew. 'emunah. Seven times reiterated in this Psalm: verses: Psalms 89:1 , Psalms 89:2 , Psalms 89:5 , Psa 1:8 , Psa 1:24 , Psa 1:33 , Psa 1:49 ("in thy truth").
Verse 2
I have said. Some codices, with Septuagint and Vulgate, read "Thou hast said". Compare Psalms 89:19 . The words of Ethan, reminding Jehovah of His covenant with David.
Mercy = Lovingkindness, or grace. Note "Mercy" (Psalms 89:2 ); "covenant" (Psalms 89:3 ); "seed" (Psalms 89:4 ); repeated below (verses: Psalms 89:19-32 and verses: Psalms 89:33-37 ).
Verse 3
made = solemnized.
covenant. See 2 Samuel 7:0 , where Jehovah, being the only party, the covenant is unconditional, and = a "promise" among "the sure mercies of David", &c. But it looks beyond David.
sworn. See 2 Samuel 7:11 , &c.; the word is not used there, but the terms of the oath are given.
Selah. Connecting the recital of Jehovah's covenant with the praise offered for it. See App-66 .
Verse 5
saints = holy ones, or angels. See preceding line, &c.
Verse 6
who. Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 . This is the cry of all His saints. See note on Exodus 15:11 .
heaven = sky. Same word as Psalms 89:37 .
sons of the mighty = sons of Elim = the angels.
Verse 7
GOD. Hebrew El. App-4 .
assembly = secret conclave.
Verse 8
God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 .
LORD. Hebrew Jah. App-4 .
Verse 10
Rahab = Egypt. See note on Psalms 87:4 .
arm. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6 .
Verse 11
the world. Hebrew. tebel = the world as inhabited.
Verse 12
Tabor and Hermon. West and east of the Holy Land; and, with north and south, completing the four points of the compass.
Verse 13
hand. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6 .
Verse 14
Justice = Righteousness.
habitation = foundation.
face. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6 .
Verse 15
Blessed = Happy. Figure of speech Beatitudo. App-6 . See App-63 .
the joyful sound. Of the trumpet's assembling sound. Leviticus 23:0 .
countenance = face. See Psalms 89:14 .
spiritual blessings symbolized by the feasts = 1 Corinthians 5:6-8
Verse 16
Thy name = Thyself. See note on Psalms 20:1 .
Verse 17
glory = beauty.
horn. Many codices, with four early printed editions, read "horns" (plural); but seven early printed editions read sing,
Verse 18
defence = shield. Hebrew. ganan, to cover, or protect.
Verse 20
I have found, &c. Quoted in Acts 13:22 .
Verse 22
wickedness. Hebrew. 'avval. App-44 .
Verse 23
foes = adversaries.
Verse 27
Higher = MOST HIGH. Hebrew. 'Elyon. App-4 . This looks forward to Immanuel (Isaiah 7:13-15 ; Isaiah 9:6 , Isaiah 9:7 . Micah 5:2 ).
Verse 30
If his children, &c. Ethan refers to the very words of warning given to Solomon (1 Kings 9:6 , 1 Kings 9:7 ; Compare Psa 11:11-13 ), which, with 2 Samuel 7:0 , should be read with this Psalm. Ethan (we may suppose) outlived Solomon, and saw the break-up of the kingdom; and left this Psalm for Instruction (Maschil) for all future time.
children = sons.
And walk not. Figure of speech Pleonasm ( App-6 ), for emphasis.
Verse 31
break = profane.
And keep not. Figure of speech Pleonasm ( App-6 ), for emphasis.
Verse 32
Then will I. Compare 2 Samuel 7:14 .
transgression = revolt. Hebrew. pasha '. App-44 .
iniquity. Hebrew ' av a h . App-44 .
Verse 33
Nevertheless. Figure of speech Palinodia. App-6 . Compare 2 Samuel 7:15 .
lovingkindness = grace.
Verse 34
break = profane.
alter = violate.
Verse 36
His seed, &c. Compare John 12:34 .
Verse 37
a faithful witness: i.e. the sun (Compare Psalms 89:36 ). See note on "testimony" (Psalms 19:7 ). Revelation 1:5 ; Revelation 3:14 .
Selah. Connecting the above solemn warning with the fulfilment in the visitation of judgment in the next member. See App-66 .
Verse 38
Thine = Thine own.
Verse 39
made void = disowned only here and in Lamentations 2:7 . Lam 2:45
Selah. Connecting the visitation with the prayer for its removal. See App-66 .
Verse 46
Shall. Supply Ellipsis from preceding line: "[How long] shall", &c.
Verse 47
time = lifetime.
men = sons of Adam. App-14 .
Verse 48
man = strong man. Hebrew. geber. App-14 .
soul. Hebrew. nephesh . App-13 .
hand. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , for the power exercised by it.
the grave. Hebrew. Sheol. App-35 .
Selah. Connecting the fact of man's frailty (even of the strongest) with the renewed and increased fervour of his complaint. See App-66 .
Verse 49
LORD *. One of the 134 places where the Sopherim altered Jehovah to Adonai. See App-32 .
swarest. See 2 Samuel 7:0 , and note on Psalms 89:3 .
truth = faithfulness. Same word as rendered "faithfulness" in Psalms 89:1 . Here, the last of the seven occurrences.