15. The pious, delivered from "the power of the grave."
power--literally, "the hand," of death, are taken under God's care.
16-19. applies this instruction. Be not anxious ([Psa 37:1], &c.), since death cuts off the prosperous wicked whom you dread.
20. (Compare [Psa 49:12]). The folly is more distinctly expressed by "understandeth not," substituted for "abideth not."
Psalm 50
Psa 50:1-23. In the grandeur and solemnity of a divine judgment, God is introduced as instructing men in the nature of true worship, exposing hypocrisy, warning the wicked, and encouraging the pious
1-4. The description of this majestic appearance of God resembles that of His giving the law (compare [Ex 19:16]; ; [De 32:1]).
5. my saints--([Psa 4:3]).
made--literally, "cut"
a covenant, &c.--alluding to the dividing of a victim of sacrifice, by which covenants were ratified, the parties passing between the divided portions (compare [Ge 15:10], ).
6. The inhabitants of heaven, who well know God's character, attest His righteousness as a judge.
7. I will testify--that is, for failure to worship aught.
thy God--and so, by covenant as well as creation, entitled to a pure worship.
8-15. However scrupulous in external worship, it was offered as if they conferred an obligation in giving God His own, and with a degrading view of Him as needing it [Psa 50:9-13]. Reproving them for such foolish and blasphemous notions, He teaches them to offer, or literally, "sacrifice," thanksgiving, and pay, or perform, their vows--that is, to bring, with the external symbolical service, the homage of the heart, and faith, penitence, and love. To this is added an invitation to seek, and a promise to afford, all needed help in trouble.
16-20. the wicked--that is, the formalists, as now exposed, and who lead vicious lives (compare [Ro 2:21], 23). They are unworthy to use even the words of God's law. Their hypocrisy and vice are exposed by illustrations from sins against the seventh, eighth, and ninth commandments.
21-22. God, no longer (even in appearance) disregarding such, exposes their sins and threatens a terrible punishment.
23. offereth praise--([Psa 50:14]), so that the external worship is a true index of the heart.
ordereth ... aright--acts in a straight, right manner, opposed to turning aside ([Psa 25:5]). In such, pure worship and a pure life evince their true piety, and they will enjoy God's presence and favor.
Psalm 51
Psa 51:1-19. On the occasion, compare 2Sa 11:12. The Psalm illustrates true repentance, in which are comprised conviction, confession, sorrow, prayer for mercy, and purposes of amendment, and it is accompanied by a lively faith
1-4. A plea for mercy is a confession of guilt.
blot out--as from a register.
transgressions--literally, "rebellions" ([Psa 19:13]; ).
5-6. His guilt was aggravated by his essential, native sinfulness, which is as contrary to God's requisitions of inward purity as are outward sins to those for right conduct.
7-12. A series of prayers for forgiveness and purifying.
Purge ... hyssop--The use of this plant in the ritual ([Ex 12:22]; [Nu 19:6], ) suggests the idea of atonement as prominent here; "purge" refers to vicarious satisfaction ([Nu 19:17-20]).
13. Then--Such will be the effect of this gracious work.
ways--of providence and human duty ([Psa 18:21], ; ; [Lu 22:32]).
14. Deliver--or, "Free me" ([Psa 39:8]) from the guilt of murder ([2Sa 12:9], ; [Psa 5:6]).
righteousness--as in [Psa 7:17]; .
15. open ... lips--by removing my sense of guilt.
16. Praise is better than sacrifice ([Psa 50:14]), and implying faith, penitence, and love, glorifies God. In true penitents the joys of pardon mingle with sorrow for sin.
18. Do good, &c.--Visit not my sin on Thy Church.
build ... walls--is to show favor; compare [Psa 89:40], for opposite form and idea.
19. God reconciled, material sacrifices will be acceptable ([Psa 4:5]; compare [Is 1:11-17]).
Psalm 52
Psa 52:1-9. Compare 1Sa 21:1-10; 22:1-10, for the history of the title. Psa 52:1 gives the theme; the boast of the wicked over the righteous is vain, for God constantly cares for His people. This is expanded by describing the malice and deceit, and then the ruin, of the wicked, and the happy state of the pious
1. mighty man--literally, "hero." Doeg may be thus addressed, ironically, in respect of his might in slander.
2. tongue--for self.
mischiefs--evil to others ([Psa 5:9]; ).
working deceitfully--([Psa 10:7]), as a keen, smoothly moving razor, cutting quietly, but deeply.
4. all-devouring--literally, "swallowing," which utterly destroy (compare [Psa 21:9]; ).
5. likewise--or, "so," "also," as you have done to others God will do to you ([Psa 18:27]). The following terms describe the most entire ruin.
6. shall ... fear--regard with religious awe.
laugh at him--for his folly;