Psalm 48
Psa 48:1-14. This is a spirited Psalm and song (compare Psa 30:1), having probably been suggested by the same occasion as the foregoing. It sets forth the privileges and blessings of God's spiritual dominion as the terror of the wicked and joy of the righteous
1. to be praised--always: it is an epithet, as in [Psa 18:3].
mountain of his holiness--His Church (compare [Is 2:2], ; 25:6, [7, 10]); the sanctuary was erected first on Mount Zion, then (as the temple) on Moriah; hence the figure.
2-3. situation--literally, "elevation."
joy of, &c.--source of joy.
sides of the north--poetically for eminent, lofty, distinguished, as the ancients believed the north to be the highest part of the earth (compare [Is 14:13]).
4-6. For--The reason is given. Though the kings (perhaps of Moab and Ammon, compare [Psa 83:3-5]) combined, a conviction of God's presence with His people, evinced by the unusual courage with which the prophets (compare [2Ch 20:12-20]) had inspired them, seized on their minds, and smitten with sudden and intense alarm, they fled astonished.
7. ships of Tarshish--as engaged in a distant and lucrative trade, the most valuable. The phrase may illustrate God's control over all material agencies, whether their literal destruction be meant or not.
8. This present experience assures of that perpetual care which God extends to His Church.
9. thought of--literally, "compared," or considered, in respect of former dealings.
in the ... temple--in acts of solemn worship (compare [2Ch 20:28]).
10. According ... praise--that is, As Thy perfections manifested (compare [Psa 8:1]; [20:1-7]), demand praise, it shall be given, everywhere.
thy right hand, &c.--Thy righteous government is displayed by Thy power.
11. the daughters, &c.--the small towns, or the people, with the chief city, or rulers of the Church.
judgments--decisions and acts of right government.
12-14. The call to survey Zion, or the Church, as a fortified city, is designed to suggest "how well our God secures His fold." This security is perpetual, and its pledge is His guidance through this life.
Psalm 49
Psa 49:1-20. This Psalm instructs and consoles. It teaches that earthly advantages are not reliable for permanent happiness, and that, however prosperous worldly men may be for a time, their ultimate destiny is ruin, while the pious are safe in God's care
1-3. All are called to hear what interests all.
world--literally, "duration of life," the present time.
4. incline--to hear attentively ([Psa 17:6]; ).
parable--In Hebrew and Greek "parable" and "proverb" are translations of the same word. It denotes a comparison, or form of speech, which under one image includes many, and is expressive of a general truth capable of various illustrations. Hence it may be used for the illustration itself. For the former sense, "proverb" (that is, one word for several) is the usual English term, and for the latter, in which comparison is prominent, "parable" (that is, one thing laid by another). The distinction is not always observed, since here, and in [Psa 78:2]; "proverb" would better express the style of the composition (compare also [Pr 26:7], ; [Ha 2:6]; [Joh 16:25], ). Such forms of speech are often very figurative and also obscure (compare [Mt 13:12-15]). Hence the use of the parallel word--
dark saying--or, "riddle" (compare [Eze 17:2]).
open--is to explain.
upon the harp--the accompaniment for a lyric.
5. iniquity--or, "calamity" ([Psa 40:12]).
of my heels--literally "my supplanters" ([Ge 27:36]), or oppressors: "I am surrounded by the evils they inflict."
6. They are vainglorious.
7-9. yet unable to save themselves or others.
10. For he seeth--that is, corruption; then follows the illustration.
wise ... fool--([Psa 14:1]; [Pr 1:32]; ).
likewise--alike altogether--([Psa 4:8])--die--all meet the same fate.
11. Still infatuated and flattered with hopes of perpetuity, they call their lands, or "celebrate their names on account of (their) lands."
12. Contrasted with this vanity is their frailty. However honored, man
abideth not--literally, "lodgeth not," remains not till morning, but suddenly perishes as (wild) beasts, whose lives are taken without warning.
13. Though their way is folly, others follow the same course of life.
14. Like sheep--(compare [Psa 49:12]) unwittingly, they
are laid--or, "put," &c.
death shall feed on--or, better, "shall rule"
them--as a shepherd (compare "feed," [Psa 28:9], Margin).
have dominion over--or, "subdue"
them in the morning--suddenly, or in their turn.
their beauty--literally, "form" or shape.
shall consume--literally, "is for the consumption," that is, of the grave.
from their dwelling--literally, "from their home (they go) to it," that is, the grave.