30-32. God's perfection is the source of his own, which has resulted from his trust on the one hand, and God's promised help on the other.
tried--"as metals are tried by fire and proved genuine" ([Psa 12:6]). Shield ([Psa 3:3]). Girding was essential to free motion on account of the looseness of Oriental dresses; hence it is an expressive figure for describing the gift of strength.
33-36. God's help farther described. He gives swiftness to pursue or elude his enemies ([Ha 3:19]), strength, protection, and a firm footing.
37-41. In actual conflict, with God's aid, the defeat of his enemies is certain. A present and continued success is expressed.
42. This conquest was complete.
43-45. Not only does He conquer civil foes, but foreigners, who are driven from their places of refuge.
46. The Lord liveth--contrasts Him with idols ([1Co 8:4]).
47-48. avengeth me--His cause is espoused by God as His own.
49-50. Paul ([Ro 15:9]) quotes from this doxology to show that under the Old Testament economy, others than the Jews were regarded as subjects of that spiritual government of which David was head, and in which character his deliverances and victories were typical of the more illustrious triumphs of David's greater Son. The language of [Psa 18:50] justifies this view in its distinct allusion to the great promise (compare [2Sa 7:12]). In all David's successes he saw the pledges of a fulfilment of that promise, and he mourned in all his adversities, not only in view of his personal suffering, but because he saw in them evidences of danger to the great interests which were committed to his keeping. It is in these aspects of his character that we are led properly to appreciate the importance attached to his sorrows and sufferings, his joys and successes.
Psalm 19
Psa 19:1-14. After exhibiting the harmonious revelation of God's perfections made by His works and His word, the Psalmist prays for conformity to the Divine teaching
1. the glory of God--is the sum of His perfections ([Psa 24:7-10]; [Ro 1:20]).
firmament--another word for "heavens" ([Ge 1:8]).
handywork--old English for "work of His hands."
2. uttereth--pours forth as a stream; a perpetual testimony.
3. Though there is no articulate speech or words, yet without these their voice is heard (compare Margin).
4. Their line--or, "instruction"--the influence exerted by their tacit display of God's perfections. Paul ([Ro 10:18]), quoting from the Septuagint, uses "sound," which gives the same sense.
5-6. The sun, as the most glorious heavenly body, is specially used to illustrate the sentiment; and his vigorous, cheerful, daily, and extensive course, and his reviving heat (including light), well display the wondrous wisdom of his Maker.
7-9. The law is described by six names, epithets, and effects. It is a rule, God's testimony for the truth, His special and general prescription of duty, fear (as its cause) and judicial decision. It is distinct and certain, reliable, right, pure, holy, and true. Hence it revives those depressed by doubts, makes wise the unskilled ([2Ti 3:15]), rejoices the lover of truth, strengthens the desponding ([Psa 13:4]; ), provides permanent principles of conduct, and by God's grace brings a rich reward.
12-14. The clearer our view of the law, the more manifest are our sins. Still for its full effect we need divine grace to show us our faults, acquit us, restrain us from the practice, and free us from the power, of sin. Thus only can our conduct be blameless, and our words and thoughts acceptable to God.
Psalm 20
Psa 20:1-9. David probably composed this Psalm to express the prayers of the pious for his success as at once the head of the Church and nation. Like other compositions of which David in such relations is the subject, its sentiments have a permanent value--the prosperity of Christ's kingdom being involved, as well as typified, in that of Israel and its king
1. hear thee--graciously ([Psa 4:1]).
name of--or manifested perfections, as power, wisdom, &c.
defend thee--set thee on high from danger ([Psa 9:9]; ).
2. strengthen thee--sustain in conflict; even physical benefits may be included, as courage for war, &c., as such may proceed from a sense of divine favor, secured in the use of spiritual privileges.
3. all thy offerings--or gifts, vegetable offerings.
accept--literally, "turn to ashes" (compare [1Ki 18:38]).
Selah--(See on [Psa 3:2]).
4. thy counsel--or plan.
5. salvation--that wrought and experienced by him.
set up our banners--([Nu 2:3], ). In usual sense, or, as some render, "may we be made great."
6. He speaks as if suddenly assured of a hearing.
his anointed--not only David personally, but as the specially appointed head of His Church.
his holy heaven--or, literally, "the heavens of His holiness," where He resides ([Psa 2:6]; ).
saving ... hand--His power which brings salvation.
7. remember--or cause to remember, mention thankfully ([1Sa 17:45]; [Psa 33:16]).
8. They--that is, who trust in horses, &c.
stand upright--literally, "we have straightened ourselves up from our distress and fears."
9. let the king hear--as God's representative, delivered to deliver. Perhaps a better sense is, "Lord, save the king; hear us when we call," or pray.
Psalm 21
Psa 21:1-13. The pious are led by the Psalmist to celebrate God's favor to the king in the already conferred and in prospective victories. The doxology added may relate to both Psalms; the preceding of petition, chiefly this of thanksgiving, ascribing honor to God for His display of grace and power to His Church in all ages, not only under David, but also under his last greatest successor, "the King of the Jews."
1. thy strength ... thy salvation--as supplied by Thee.
2. The sentiment affirmed in the first clause is reaffirmed by the negation of its opposite in the second.
3. preventest--literally, "to meet here in good sense," or "friendship" ([Psa 59:10]; compare opposite, [Psa 17:13]).