1A prayer at the removing of the ark. 4An exhortation to praise God for his mercies, 7for his former care of the church, 19and daily providence over it. 20The church hath confidence in his future protection. 24The magnificent pomp of bringing up the ark. 28A prayer for the confirmation of God's goodness to his church. 32An exhortation to all kingdoms to praise the God of Israel.
0To the chief Musician, A 1Psalm or Song of David.
1 See Psalm 4 in the title. See the first annotation at Psalm 48 in the title.
1LET2 Goda arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.
2 According as is prophesied by Moses, Num. 10:35. The sense of these words is: When God once ariseth, then are his enemies, etc. Similar connection of two members and change of tenses is frequently used to this purpose, especially in the book of Job and in the Psalms. Other, That God arise, etc. or, God shall arise, in the manner of prayer and desire, and so in the sequel. The meaning is: If God, to say it as such, begins to stir but once, then all the rage and fury of His enemies are at an end. The prophet takes these words out of Num. 10:35, from which, as also from the verses 24, 25, it is to be gathered that David made this Psalm at and for the bringing up of the ark into Zion, 2 Samuel 6, or upon and for those victories which were obtained, according to God’s answer and promise, by the ark; see 2 Sam. 5:19, etc.; 8:1, etc.; but especially upon and for the victorious resurrection and ascension of our Lord Christ (Whose were those types) to triumph over all His and our spiritual enemies, as may be seen, Eph. 4:8, 9, 10.
a Num. 10:35.
2As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
3But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
4Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: 3extol him that rideth upon the 4heavens by his name 5JAH, and rejoice before 6him.
3 Some apply this to the guidance of Israel to Canaan through the wilderness and further to the spiritual Canaan, whereof Isa. 40:3. Other, exalt him that, etc. The Hebrew word is often and properly used for the raising of ways and streets, yet is likewise taken for highly praising, exalting with praise, Prov. 4:8; likewise for extolling himself, Exod. 9:17.
4 Some do hereby understand (comparing this with verse 33) the third heaven, thus called by reason of its vastness and absolute pleasantness. Compare Job 22:14; Psalm 16:11.
5 Which is as much as JEHOVAH, being but contracted from Jah. Compare 2 Sam. 6:2 and see Gen. 2 on verse 4; Psalm 89 on verse 8.
6 Namely, before the face of God, Who manifests His presence above the ark.
5A father of the fatherless, and a 7judge of the widows, is God 8in his holy habitation.
7 Who pleads and maintains their right and vindicates the wrong done to them.
8 That is, in the habitation of His holiness.
6God setteth the 9solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are 10bound with chains: but the 11rebellious dwell in a 12dry land.
9 Compare Psalm 113:9.
10 Hebr. bounden. Compare Psalm 107:10; 146:7. Other, that bringeth forth the bound ones into good condition, or prosperously, or in due season.
11 Or, gain strivers, opposers, rebels.
12 That is, in want and misery. The Hebrew word properly signifies white, smooth, and further parched places, which are white, smooth and bald, that is, barren. Compare Neh. 4 on verse 13.
7O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; 13Selah:
13 See Psalm 3 on verse 2.
8Theb earth shook, the heavens also 14dropped at the presence of God: 15even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
b Exodus 19.
14 That is, they flowed forth the same as water, for awe, fear and terror, by reason of Thy presence, when Thou didst lead forth Thy people of Israel through the wilderness into Canaan.
15 Pointing, as it were, with the finger to that mountain. Compare Deut. 33:2; Judges 5 on verses 4, 5; Isa. 64:1, 2.
9Thou, O God, didst 16send a 17plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine 18inheritance, when it was weary.
16 Or, sprinkled, as when one doth water something, sprinkling it here and there all over.
17 Hebr. rain of largeness, liberality.
18 Namely, the land of Canaan, as appears by the next verse, that same Thou hast taken care for as Thine own inheritance, refreshing the same with rain, when by reason of drought, it was as it were faint and tired. Compare Deut. 11:11, 12, and see Exod. 15:17; 2 Sam. 20:19; Jer. 2:7; 50:10, 11. Some do join the word inheritance to the former member thus: thou hast bedropped or sprinkled, dropped upon, thine inheritance with a very liberal rain.
10Thy 19congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast 20prepared 21of thy goodness for the 22poor.
19 Or, troop or (wild) beasts. The Hebrew word properly signifies, alive, and then animals, or beasts, especially wild beasts, as being very lively; but it is further likewise taken, for an heap, a troop, company, congregation or society of men, whether bad, as 2 Sam. 23 :13, or good, as here, and of both sorts together in one verse, Psalm 74:19. We use it also in our language such manner of speech, poor animals, that poor animal, of people being at a loss.
20 Namely, Thine inheritance; or, thou preparedst all bliss; or, thou broughtest the wretched to right.
21 Or, with thy goods.
22 Namely, Thy people of Israel, which had suffered much in Egypt, and all their enemies would have ruined them.
11The Lord 23gave the word: great was the 24company of those that published it.
23 Hebr. gave speech, speaking, that is, matter to speak of, namely, victories and deliverances. Other, shall give.
24 Hebr. messengers, in the feminine, which is understood of the message-bringing souls, that is, persons, according to the nature of the Hebrew language. It was indeed the custom in Israel that the women and young daughters praised and celebrated the victories, and returned God thanks for them, and sung in triumph (see Exod. 15:20, 21; Judges 5:1, etc.; 11:34; 1 Sam 18:6, 7. Compare likewise 2 Sam. 1:20), but here must be understood the messengers of the obtained victories in the Old Testament, and the apostles and evangelists in the New Testament. See Isa. 40:9.
12Kings of armies did 25flee apace: and 26she that tarried at home divided the spoil.
25 Or, flee away, as being words of the messengers.
26 The woman, that is, the women who do not go to field or battle, but stay home and keep the house; or the overthrow was so great, that the very women durst and did come forth to divide the spoil. Compare 2 Sam. 1 on verse 24.
13Though 27ye have lienc28among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.
27 Here the prophet speaks to the people of God; though there are some who would apply it to the enemies, thus: If or when you have lien, etc., each one of the wings of the dove (that is, of the church) is, etc., and her feathers are, etc.
c lain
28 Understand hearth stones, as one uses to set up in camps and also elsewhere, even now, to make fire between them, to cook upon it, to place kettles close by it or to hang over it. Other, between or among dripping-pans, pots, etc. Being all one, the sense is this: Though you would be cast or thrust out into the uttermost slavery or vilest condition (as in Egypt), blackened and soiled with smoke, like cooks and kitchen helpers, yet God shall, through His gracious blessing, make you to shine again like a goodly flying dove, which glitters, as it were, of silver and gold.
14When the Almighty 29scattered kings 30in it, 31it was white as snow in 32Salmon.
29 Other, shall scatter, then shalt thou, etc. Hebr. spread forth, that is, scattered, chased, as Zech. 2:6.
30 Namely, in His inheritance, in the land of Canaan, out of verses 9, 10.
31 Namely, God’s inheritance. Or, it became white as snow; or, Thou, O God, madest her white as snow.
32 That is, in the midst of the land where this mountain was situated by Shechem. See Judges 9:48. Some perceive that David had a regard here to the word salmon, as if he would have said: whereas before the land was covered with dark black shadows, it became white, lightsome, bright and clear, in a manner as white as snow, by reason of joy and triumph. This likewise agrees pretty well with the similitude mentioned in the previous verse.
15The hill 33of God is as the hill of Bashan; an 34high hill as the hill of Bashan.
33 That is, very high, also fat and fruitful. See Gen. 13 on verse 10; Psalm 36:6. Of Bashan see Deut. 32 on verse 14; Psalm 22 on verse 12.
34 Hebr. a hump or peak of hills, having many pretty hills and heights.
16Why 35leap ye, ye high hills? thisd is the 36hill which God desireth to dwell in; yea, the LORD will dwell in it for ever.
35 As triumphing and glorying above this hill of Zion. The Hebrew verb is only found here and therefore variously rendered.
d Psalm 87:1, 2; 132:13.
36 Meaning, the hill of Zion. As if he said: All other nations and kingdoms may glory of whatsoever and as high as they please, they can never come in competition with the excellence of the church of God, nor with all their pride and bravery outbrave her, nor subdue her; because she alone is honored with God’s most gracious presence, residence and everlasting inhabitation. Compare Psalm 132:13, 14; Rev. 14:1.
17The 37chariots of God are 38twenty thousand, even 39thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in 40Sinai, in the holy place.
37 Or, cavalry; understand the angelical hosts, ready at God’s service to protect His people against the power and fury of the enemy, which use to glory and brag much of the multitude of their chariots and horsemen. See 2 Kings 6:15, 17.
38 Hebr. two millions, that is, very many, a numberless company, many thousands. The number ten is also used for many, or great multitudes; and consequently the doubling of the thousand for yet more. See Gen. 31:41; Mat. 18:24.
39 Hebr. doubling. Other, angels. The Hebrew word is found nowhere else.
40 That is, the glory and holiness of God is there, as it has shown itself in the past on mount Sinai, so that it is no more to be sought at this time on Sinai.
1841Thoue hast ascended on high, thou hast led 42captivity captive: thou hast 43received gifts for men; yea, for the 44rebellious also, that the LORD God might 45dwell among them.
41 God is greatly magnified indeed by those victories which He gave unto His people Israel in Canaan, but this passage particularly points to the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has conquered all His and our spiritual enemies and as in triumph has taken (them) away in custody at His glorious ascension, and (as was usual upon great victories and triumphs) bestowed and divided all manner of gifts from His throne, in His church, even upon the unbelievers themselves, unto their conversion and incorporation into the church of God; whereof the apostle testifies, Eph. 4:8, etc.
e Eph. 4:8.
42 That is, the prisoners. See Num. 31 on verse 12.
43 Or, thou hast taken gifts to divide among men. The Hebrew word take has many applications. It could also read: thou hast received gifts to give among men. See Gen. 12 on verse 15; Hosea 14 on verse 2. Likewise Eph. 4:8, where the apostle quotes this very place and makes use of the word to give instead of to receive.
44 That is, the unbelievers. Understand, Thou hast taken captive under Thine obedience. Compare 2 Cor. 10:5. Or, among the rebellious, namely, dost Thou divide gifts.
45 That is, that they might live with Thee in Thy church. Other, to dwell in them; that by Thy Spirit Thou mightest dwell in them. Other, to dwell with or by the LORD God. Understand the uniting of the Jews and Gentiles through the faith in Christ.
1946Blessed be the Lord, who 47daily 48loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
46 Or, Praised.
47 Hebr. day day.
48 Namely, with gifts and benefits, out of verse 18.
20He that is our God is the God 49of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the 50issues from 51death.
49 Hebr. of salvations.
50 Compare 1 Cor. 10:13.
51 Or, in death, that is, in the midst of death.
21But God shall 52wound the head of his enemies, and the 53hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his 54trespasses.
52 Or, pierce, wound through.
53 Or, hair top, or hairy skull, Hebr. scull of the hair, that is, he who looks as big and wild and fierce as an outlaw or highway robber. Compare Job 5 on verse 5.
54 That is, who goes on from time to time without any remorse or trouble in his villainies, heaping up still the guilt of his sins.
22The Lord said, 55I will bring again from Bashan,f I will bring my people again from the depthsg of the sea:
55 That is, I shall as well now deliver My people out of all the distresses of their enemies, as I have delivered them in former times from Og, the king of Bashan, and from the Egyptians in the Red Sea. Numbers 21; Exodus 14.
f Num. 21:33.
g Exod. 14:29.
23That thy foot may be dipped in the blood 56of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same.
56 That is, the blood which shall have run from the enemies slain in battle, yea, from, or out of every one of them, or, from that hairy top, scalp or scull, and his adherents. Compare Psalm 58:10.
2457They have seen thy goings, O God; even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary.
57 Thy people. This seems to reflect upon the bringing in of the ark into Zion (see 2 Sam. 6:13), or, at leastwise upon the return of the ark after victory obtained. See 2 Sam. 11 on verse 11.
25The 58singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with 59timbrels.
58 Compare 2 Sam. 6:5; 1 Chron. 13:8.
59 As the manner was in those days upon occasions of solemn rejoicing and triumph. See Exod. 15:20; Judges 11:34; 1 Sam. 18:6; Jer. 31:4, etc. and compare with verse 11 above.
26Bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the 60fountain of Israel.
60 That is, ye that are his offspring, who derive yourselves from Jacob, even as a river from the source or wellspring; in regard that the twelve tribes were all his own offspring. Compare Deut. 33 on verse 28; Isa. 48:1.
2761There is 62little Benjamin with their 63ruler, the princes of Judah and their 64council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali.
61 Namely, all the tribes are in the congregations or assemblies, the distant ones (as Zebulon and Naphtali) as well as the closest, Benjamin and Judah.
62 Being descended from the youngest brother, and much lessened by the overthrow at Gibeah, Judges 20.
63 In regard that Saul, the first king, was of the tribe of Benjamin.
64 The Hebrew word is only found thus at this place, coming from a root that signifies to stone, overcast with stones; as also there comes another word from it, signifying a stone-heap, so this is here taken for a gathered multitude, council, society, congregation of the chief and principal men or chieftains, who are likewise compared to a stone or stones, (see Gen. 49 on verse 24) because they are the stability of the congregation.
28Thy God hath 65commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought 66for us.
65 That is, decreed, ordained and appointed for thee. See Lev. 25 on verse 21; Psalm 42:8.
66 Or, on us, in us.
29Because of thy 67temple at Jerusalem 68shall kings bring presents unto thee.
67 To be built by my son. David indeed had intended to build the temple, but he was informed by Nathan that God would have it performed by Solomon, 2 Samuel 7. Some connect these words with the foregoing thus: Strengthen, etc., out of thy temple, that is, palace, tabernacle, sanctuary (which afterwards was brought into the temple) being the place of the ark where God is said to dwell. Other, After thy temple shall have been at Jerusalem, that is, after the destruction of the temple; understanding thereby the calling of the Gentiles. Or thus: for thy temple’s, for Jerusalem’s sake, etc.
68 Or, let the kings bring present unto thee. This was partly performed in the times of Solomon and Hezekiah, 1 Kings 10:10, 24, 25; 2 Chron. 32:23; Isa. 18:7, but principally, spiritually accomplished in the New Testament by the conversion of the heathen kings and princes. Compare Isa. 49:22, 23, and here the following verses 31, 32. Likewise Psalm 72:10.
3069Rebuke the 70company of spearmen, the multitude of the 71bulls, with the 72calves of the people, till every one 73submit himself with pieces of silver: scatter 74thou the people that delight in war.
69 Of God’s rebuking, see Psalm 9 on verse 5. Other, dissipate.
70 Or, the beasts of the reeds. In general we may hereby understand the enemies of God’s people whom the Scripture compares with wild beasts, or, the king of Egypt in particular, whose court was situated at the river side, where there was aplenty of reeds. Compare Exod. 2:3, 4; Isa. 19:6. Some do understand by the reed to be fat and luxurious places from Isa. 35:7. Other, the hope of the spearmen or marksmen, in regard that the spears and arrows were accustomed to be made in some places from thick and strong reeds.
71 That is, of rude or insolent captains, rulers or governors. See Psalm 22 on verse 12.
72 That is, the common soldiers, or the luxurious, frolicking servants of the godless regents. Some do understand here the worship of calves of the Egyptians.
73 Hebr. casts down himself to be trodden down with the feet; understand the hypocrites, who with a show of deep humility, bring likewise presents. Compare Deut. 33:29; 2 Sam. 22:45 with the annotation. See also Prov. 6:3. Other, that layeth himself down on pieces of silver, that is, who lives in pomp and luxury.
74 This the prophet speaks to the people of God, with assurance that God shall hear his prayer and destroy the war-loving enemies of God and His people.
3175Princes shall come out of Egypt; 76Ethiopia shall 77soon stretch out her hands unto God.
75 The Hebrew word for princes (as likewise some others) is only found in this psalm. See further on verse 29.
76 That is, the inhabitants of Ethiopia. Hebr. Cush. See Gen. 2 on verse 13.
77 Hebr. shall make his hands run to God.
32Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:
33To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, 78which were of old; lo, he doth send out his 79voice, and that a mighty voice.
78 Hebr. in the heaven of heavens of antiquity; that is, the highest of third heaven, which (together with the rest) has been of old, from all times, ever since the beginning of the world. See 1 Kings 8 on verse 27.
79 Understand the thunder, whereby He especially manifests His Divine power and majesty. See Psalm 29 on verse 3. Other, He giveth a strong sound by or through his voice.
34Ascribe ye 80strength unto God: his 81excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the 82clouds.
80 See Psalm 8:2; 29:1.
81 As Deut. 33:26.
82 Other, heavens, thus called by reason of its very thin and pure substance.
35O God, thou art terrible out of thy 83holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his 84people. 85Blessed be God.
83 The tabernacle, wherein there were sundry holy places or habitations and with all the heaven thereby represented or prefigured.
84 Namely, Israel, His own people.
85 Or, Praised.