---
title: "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible"
author: "Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown"
languages: [en]
shelf: "Commentaries"
section: 196 of 927
url: https://scriptura.si/works/jamieson-fausset-brown-commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/196/
cite: "Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, section 196. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/jamieson-fausset-brown-commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/196/"
---

# Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

*Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown*

The Victorian standard commentary, critical and practical, from Genesis to Revelation.

## 196. Psalms · 3 of 57

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/jamieson-fausset-brown-commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/196/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/jamieson-fausset-brown-commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/196/#p-N

[¶0] 6-7. Contrast true with vain confidence.

[¶1] light of thy countenance upon us--figure for favor ([Nu 6:26]; [Psa 44:3]; ).

[¶2] 8. both lay me down, &c.--or, will lie down at once, and sleep in sure confidence and quiet repose ([Psa 3:5]).

### Psalm 5

### Psa 5:1-12. Upon Nehiloth--flutes or wind instruments. The writer begs to be heard, on the ground of God's regard for His covenant-people and true worshippers as contrasted with His holy hatred to the wicked. He prays for divine guidance, on account of his watchful, malignant, and deceitful enemies; and for their destruction as being also God's enemies. At the same time he expresses his confidence that God will extend aid to His people

[¶5] 1. meditation--moanings of that half-uttered form to which deep feeling gives rise--groanings, as in [Ro 8:26], .

[¶6] 2. Hearken--incline the ear ([Psa 10:17]; compare [Psa 61:2])--give close attention.

[¶7] my cry--that is, for help ([Psa 61:2]; [Jr 8:19]).

[¶8] my King--thus by covenant relation interested in my cause.

[¶9] 3. direct--literally, "set in order," as the showbread was placed or set in order ([Ex 40:23]).

[¶10] 4. For, &c.--God only regards sincere worshippers.

[¶11] evil--or, "the evil man."

[¶12] dwell--lodge, remain under protection.

[¶13] 5. foolish--vainglorious and insolent.

[¶14] iniquity--especially such as denotes a negation, or defect, that is, of moral principle.

[¶15] 6. leasing--a lie.

[¶16] the bloody ... man--literally, "man of blood"--murderer.

[¶17] 7. But--as in [Psa 2:6], literally, "and."

[¶18] house--([1Ch 9:23]), the tabernacle.

[¶19] temple--literally, "palace," applied to God's residence, the Holy of Holies ([1Sa 3:3]; [2Sa 22:7]); the inner part of the tabernacle.

[¶20] toward--not in; the high priest alone was allowed to enter.

[¶21] 8. enemies--literally, "watchers" ([Psa 27:11]), hence special need of guidance.

[¶22] in thy righteousness--an attribute implying faithfulness in promises as well as threatenings.

[¶23] make thy way straight--that is, make the way of providence plain.

[¶24] 9. The wicked are not reliable because by nature they are full of wickedness, or literally, "wickednesses," of every kind ([Ro 8:7]).

[¶25] sepulchre--a dwelling-place of corruption, emitting moral putridness.

[¶26] flatter--or, "make smooth."

[¶27] their tongue--speaks deceitfully.

[¶28] 10. Destroy--or, "condemn" them to destruction as guilty.

[¶29] 11. defendest--(compare Margin).

[¶30] love thy name--Thy manifested perfections ([Psa 9:10]).

[¶31] 12. with favour--or, "acceptance," alluding to the favor shown to an acceptable offering and worshipper ([Le 7:18]; ).

[¶32] shield--(compare [Psa 3:3]).

### Psalm 6

### Psa 6:1-10. On Neginoth (See on Psa 4:1, title) upon Sheminith--the eighth--an instrument for the eighth key; or, more probably, the bass, as it is contrasted with Alamoth (the treble, Psa 46:1) in 1Ch 15:20,21. In deep affliction the Psalmist appeals to God's mercy for relief from chastisement, which otherwise must destroy him, and thus disable him for God's service. Sure of a gracious answer, he triumphantly rebukes his foes

[¶35] 1. He owns his ill desert in begging a relief from chastisement.

[¶36] 2. I am weak--as a culled plant ([Is 24:4]).

[¶37] my bones--the very frame.

[¶38] are vexed--([Psa 2:5])--shaken with fear.

[¶39] 3. how long?--shall this be so (compare [Psa 79:5]).

[¶40] but--or, "and."

[¶41] thou--The sentence is incomplete as expressive of strong emotion.

[¶42] 4. Return--that is, to my relief; or, "turn," as now having His face averted.

[¶43] for thy mercies' sake--to illustrate Thy mercy.

[¶44] 5. (Compare [Psa 115:17], ; [Is 38:18]). There is no incredulity as to a future state. The contrast is between this scene of life, and the grave or Sheol, the unseen world of the dead.