3. Literally, "The foundations (that is, of good order and law) will be destroyed, what has the righteous done (to sustain them)?" All his efforts have failed.
4. temple ... heaven--The connection seems to denote God's heavenly residence; the term used is taken from the place of His visible earthly abode ([Psa 2:6]; ; ). Thence He inspects men with close scrutiny.
5. The trial of the righteous results in their approval, as it is contrasted with God's hatred to the wicked.
6. Their punishment is described by vivid figures denoting abundant, sudden, furious, and utter destruction (compare [Ge 19:24]; [Job 18:15]; [Psa 7:15]; ).
cup--is a frequent figure for God's favor or wrath ([Psa 16:5]; ; [Mt 20:22], ).
7. his countenance--literally, "their faces," a use of the plural applied to God, as in [Ge 1:26]; ; ; [Is 6:8], &c., denoting the fulness of His perfections, or more probably originating in a reference to the trinity of persons. "Faces" is used as "eyes" ([Psa 11:4]), expressing here God's complacency towards the upright (compare [Psa 34:15], ).
Psalm 12
Psa 12:1-8. On title, see Introduction and see on Psa 6:1. The Psalmist laments the decrease of good men. The pride and deceit of the wicked provokes God's wrath, whose promise to avenge the cause of pious sufferers will be verified even amidst prevailing iniquity
1. the faithful--or literally, "faithfulness" ([Psa 31:23]).
2. The want of it is illustrated by the prevalence of deceit and instability.
3-4. Boasting ([Da 7:25]) is, like flattery, a species of lying.
lips, and ... tongue--for persons.
5. The writer intimates his confidence by depicting God's actions (compare [Psa 9:19]; ) as coming to save the poor at whom the wicked sneer ([Psa 10:5]).
6. The words--literally, "saying of" ([Psa 12:5]).
seven times--thoroughly ([Da 3:19]).
7. them--(Margin.)
8. The wicked roam undisturbed doing evil, when vileness and vile men are exalted.
Psalm 13
Psa 13:1-6. On title, see Introduction. The Psalmist, mourning God's absence and the triumph of his enemies, prays for relief before he is totally destroyed, and is encouraged to hope his trust will not be in vain
1. The forms of expression and figure here used are frequent (compare [Psa 9:12], ; , ).
How long ... for ever--Shall it be for ever?
2. The counsels or devices of his heart afford no relief.
3. lighten mine eyes--dim with weakness, denoting approaching death (compare [1Sa 14:27-29]; [Psa 6:7]; ).
4. rejoice--literally, "shout as in triumph."
I am moved--cast down from a firm position ([Psa 10:6]).
5-6. Trust is followed by rejoicing in the deliverance which God effects, and, instead of his enemy, he can lift the song of triumph.
Psalm 14
Psa 14:1-7. The practical atheism and total and universal depravity of the wicked, with their hatred to the good, are set forth. Yet, as they dread God's judgments when He vindicates His people, the Psalmist prays for His delivering power
1. Sinners are termed "fools," because they think and act contrary to right reason ([Ge 34:7]; [Jos 7:15]; [Psa 39:8]; , ).
in his heart--to himself ([Ge 6:12]).
2. looked--in earnest enquiry.
understand--as opposed to "fool" [Psa 14:1].
3. filthy--literally, "spoiled," or, "soured," "corrupted" ([Job 15:16]; [Ro 3:12]).
4-6. Their conduct evinces indifference rather than ignorance of God; for when He appears in judgment, they are stricken with great fear.
who eat up my people--to express their beastly fury ([Pr 30:14]; [Ha 3:14]). To "call on the Lord" is to worship Him.
7. captivity--denotes any great evil.
Zion--God's abode, from which He revealed His purposes of mercy, as He now does by the Church (compare [Psa 3:4]; ), and which He rules and in which He does all other things for the good of His people ([Ep 1:22]).
Psalm 15
Psa 15:1-5. Those who are fit for communion with God may be known by a conformity to His law, which is illustrated in various important particulars
1. abide--or, "sojourn" (compare [Psa 5:4]), where it means under God's protection here, as ([Psa 23:6], , ) communion.
tabernacle--seat of the ark ([2Sa 6:17]), the symbol of God's presence.
holy hill--(Compare [Psa 2:6]).
2. walketh--(Compare [Psa 1:1]).
uprightly--in a complete manner, as to all parts of conduct ([Ge 17:1]), not as to degree.
worketh--or, "does."