5. A sentiment here more fully presented, by depicting their deliberate malice.
6. This is further evinced by their diligent efforts and deeply laid schemes.
7. The contrast is heightened by representing God as using weapons like theirs.
8. their ... tongue to fall, &c.--that is, the consequences of their slanders, &c. (compare [Psa 10:2]; ).
all that see ... away--Their partners in evil shall be terrified.
9-10. Men, generally, will acknowledge God's work, and the righteous, rejoicing in it, shall be encouraged to trust Him ([Psa 58:10]).
Psalm 65
Psa 65:1-13. This is a song of praise for God's spiritual blessings to His people and His kind providence over all the earth
1. Praise waiteth for thee--literally, "To Thee silence praise," or (compare [Psa 62:1]), To Thee silence is praise--that is, Praise is waiting as a servant; it is due to Thee. So the last clause expresses the duty of paying vows. These two parts of acceptable worship, mentioned in [Psa 50:14], are rendered in Zion, where God chiefly displays His mercy and receives homage.
2. All are encouraged to pray by God's readiness to hear.
3. God's mercy alone delivers us from the burden of iniquities, by purging or expiating by an atonement the transgressions with which we are charged, and which are denoted by--
Iniquities--or, literally, "Words of iniquities."
4. dwell in thy courts; ... [and] satisfied with the goodness ... temple--denote communion with God ([Psa 15:1]; ; compare [Psa 5:7]). This is a blessing for all God's people, as denoted by the change of number.
5. terrible things--that is, by the manifestation of justice and wrath to enemies, accompanying that of mercy to His people (Psa 63:9-11; 64:7-9).
the confidence--object of it.
of all ... earth--the whole world; that is, deservedly such, whether men think so or not.
6-13. God's great power and goodness are the grounds of this confidence. These are illustrated in His control of the mightiest agencies of nature and nations affecting men with awe and dread ([Psa 26:7]; , &c.), and in His fertilizing showers, causing the earth to produce abundantly for man and beast.
Psalm 66
Psa 66:1-20. The writer invites all men to unite in praise, cites some striking occasions for it, promises special acts of thanksgiving, and celebrates God's great mercy
1. Make ... noise--or, "Shout."
2. his name--as in [Psa 29:2].
make his praise glorious--literally, "place honor, His praise," or, "as to His praise"; that is, let His praise be such as will glorify Him, or, be honorable to Him.
3-4. A specimen of the praise.
How terrible--(Compare [Psa 65:8]).
submit--(Compare Margin), show a forced subjection ([Psa 18:44]), produced by terror.
5-6. The terrible works illustrated in Israel's history ([Ex 14:21]). By this example let rebels be admonished.
7. behold the nations--watch their conduct.
8-9. Here is, perhaps, cited a case of recent deliverance.
10-12. Out of severe trials, God had brought them to safety (compare [Is 48:10]; [1Pe 1:7]).
13-15. These full and varied offerings constitute the payment of vows ([Le 22:18-23]).
16-20. With these he unites his public thanks, inviting those who fear God ([Psa 60:4]; , His true worshippers) to hear. He vindicates his sincerity, inasmuch as God would not hear hypocrites, but had heard him.
Psalm 67
Psa 67:1-7. A prayer that, by God's blessing on His people, His salvation and praise may be extended over the earth
1. cause his face to shine--show us favor ([Nu 6:24], ; [Psa 31:16]).
2. thy way--of gracious dealing ([Is 55:8]), as explained by--
saving health--or literally, "salvation."
3-5. Thanks will be rendered for the blessings of His wise and holy government (compare [Is 2:3], ; ).
6-7. The blessings of a fruitful harvest are mentioned as types of greater and spiritual blessings, under which all nations shall fear and love God.
Psalm 68
Psa 68:1-35. This is a Psalm-song (see on Psa 30:1, title), perhaps suggested by David's victories, which secured his throne and gave rest to the nation. In general terms, the judgment of God on the wicked, and the equity and goodness of His government to the pious, are celebrated. The sentiment is illustrated by examples of God's dealings, cited from the Jewish history and related in highly poetical terms. Hence the writer intimates an expectation of equal and even greater triumphs and summons all nations to unite in praises of the God of Israel. The Psalm is evidently typical of the relation which God, in the person of His Son, sustains to the Church (compare Psa 68:18)
1-3. Compare [Nu 10:35]; [Psa 1:4]; 22:14, on the figures here used.
before him--as in [Psa 68:2], from His presence, as dreaded; but in [Psa 68:3], in His presence, as under His protection ([Psa 61:7]).
4. extol him ... heavens--literally, "cast up for Him who rideth in the deserts," or "wilderness" (compare [Psa 68:7]), alluding to the poetical representation of His leading His people in the wilderness as a conqueror, before whom a way is to be prepared, or "cast up" (compare [Is 40:3]; ).
by his name JAH--or, "Jehovah," of which it is a contraction ([Ex 15:3]; [Is 12:2]) (Hebrew).
name--or, "perfections" ([Psa 9:10]; ), which--