6. The purpose here declared, in its execution, involves their overthrow.
Yet--literally, "and," in an adversative sense.
I have set--anointed, or firmly placed, with allusion in the Hebrew to "casting an image in a mould." The sense is not materially varied in either case.
my king--appointed by Me and for Me ([Nu 27:18]).
upon my holy hill of Zion--Zion, selected by David as the abode of the ark and the seat of God's visible residence ([1Ki 8:1]); as also David, the head of the Church and nation, and type of Christ, was called holy, and the Church itself came to be thus named ([Psa 9:11]; ; ; [Is 8:18]; , &c.).
7. The king thus constituted declares the fundamental law of His kingdom, in the avowal of His Sonship, a relation involving His universal dominion.
this day have I begotten thee--as [2Sa 7:14], "he shall be My son," is a solemn recognition of this relation. The interpretation of this passage to describe the inauguration of Christ as Mediatorial King, by no means impugns the Eternal Sonship of His divine nature. In [Ac 13:33], Paul's quotation does not imply an application of this passage to the resurrection; for "raised up" in [Ac 13:32] is used as in [Ac 2:30]; 3:22, &c., to denote bringing Him into being as a man; and not that of resurrection, which it has only when, as in [Ac 2:34], allusion is made to His death ([Ro 1:4]). That passage says He was declared as to His divine nature to be the Son of God, by the resurrection, and only teaches that that event manifested a truth already existing. A similar recognition of His Sonship is introduced in [He 5:5], by these ends, and by others in [Mt 3:17]; .
8. The hopes of the rebels are thus overthrown, and not only so; the kingdom they opposed is destined to be coextensive with the earth.
heathen--or, "nations" ([Psa 2:1]).
and the uttermost parts of the earth--([Psa 22:27]); denotes universality.
9. His enemies shall be subject to His terrible power ([Job 4:9]; [2Th 2:8]), as His people to His grace ([Psa 110:2], ).
rod of iron--denotes severity ([Re 2:27]).
a potter's vessel--when shivered cannot be mended, which will describe utter destruction.
10-12. kings ... judges--For rulers generally ([Psa 148:11]), who have been leaders in rebellion, should be examples of penitent submission, and with fear for His terrible judgments, mingled with trust in His mercy, acknowledge--
Psalm 3
Psa 3:1-8. For the historical occasion mentioned, compare 2Sa 15:1-17:29. David, in the midst of great distress, with filial confidence, implores God's aid, and, anticipating relief, offers praise
1. Lord ... increased--The extent of the rebellion ([2Sa 15:13]) surprises and grieves him.
2. say of my soul--that is, "of me" (compare [Psa 25:3]). This use of "soul" is common; perhaps it arose from regarding the soul as man's chief part.
no help ... in God--rejected by Him. This is the bitterest reproach for a pious man, and denotes a spirit of malignant triumph.
Selah--This word is of very obscure meaning. It probably denotes rest or pause, both as to the music and singing, intimating something emphatic in the sentiment (compare [Psa 9:16]).
3. But--literally, "and" ([Psa 2:6]). He repels the reproach by avowing his continued trust.
shield--a favorite and often-used figure for protection.
my glory--its source.
lifter up of mine head--one who raises me from despondency.
4. cried ... heard--Such has been my experience. The latter verb denotes a gracious hearing or answering.
out of--or, "from."
his holy hill--Zion ([Psa 2:6]). His visible earthly residence.
5. the Lord sustained me--literally, "will sustain me," as if his language or thought when he laid down, and the reason of his composure.
6. ten thousands of people--or, "myriads," any very great number (compare [2Sa 16:18]).
7. Arise, O Lord--God is figuratively represented as asleep to denote His apparent indifference ([Psa 7:6]). The use of "cheekbone" and "teeth" represents his enemies as fierce, like wild beasts ready to devour ([Psa 27:2]), and smiting their cheekbone ([1Ki 22:24]) denotes violence and insult.
thou hast broken--God took his part, utterly depriving the enemy of power to injure.
8. An ascription of praise to a delivering God, whose favor is an efficient benefit.
Psalm 4
Psa 4:1-8. On Neginoth, that is, stringed instruments, as the kind of musical accompaniment. On other parts of title, see Introduction., The historical occasion was probably the same as that of the foregoing [see on Psa 3:1]. The writer, praying for further relief, admonishes his enemies of the vanity of attacking God's servant, exhorts them to repentance, and avows his confidence and peace in God's favor
1. Hear--as in [Psa 3:4].
God of my righteousness--or, "my righteous God, as my holy hill" ([Psa 2:6]), who will act towards me on righteous principles.
thou hast enlarged--expresses relief afforded in opposition to "distress," which is expressed by a word denoting straits or pressure. Past favor is a ground of hope for the future.
2. sons of men--men of note or prominence (compare [2Ch 21:9]).
turn my glory--or, "royal dignity."
into shame--or, "reproach."
vanity--a foolish and hopeless enterprise ([Psa 2:1]).
leasing--a lie.
3. godly--an object as well as subject of divine favor (compare [Psa 105:14], ).
4. Stand in awe--([Ep 4:26]), from Septuagint, "be angry." Both clauses are qualified by "not."
5. Not only repent, but manifest penitence by sacrifices or righteousness or righteous sacrifices, &c.