21. Instead of such, his enemies increase his pain by giving him most distasteful food and drink. The Psalmist may have thus described by figure what Christ found in reality (compare [Joh 19:29], ).
22-23. With unimportant verbal changes, this language is used by Paul to describe the rejection of the Jews who refused to receive the Saviour ([Ro 11:9], ). The purport of the figures used is that blessings shall become curses, the "table" of joy (as one of food) a "snare," their
welfare--literally, "peaceful condition," or security, a "trap." Darkened eyes and failing strength complete the picture of the ruin falling on them under the invoked retribution.
24-25. An utter desolation awaits them. They will not only be driven from their homes, but their homes--or, literally, "palaces," indicative of wealth--shall be desolate (compare [Mt 23:38]).
26. Though smitten of God ([Is 53:4]), men were not less guilty in persecuting the sufferer ([Ac 2:23]).
talk to the grief--in respect to, about it, implying derision and taunts.
wounded--or, literally, "mortally wounded."
27-28. iniquity--or, "punishment of iniquity" ([Psa 40:12]).
come ... righteousness--partake of its benefits.
29. poor and sorrowful--the afflicted pious, often denoted by such terms (compare [Psa 10:17]; ).
set me ... high--out of danger.
30-31. Spiritual are better than mere material offerings ([Psa 40:6]; ); hence a promise of the former, and rather contemptuous terms are used of the latter.
32-33. Others shall rejoice. "Humble" and poor, as in [Psa 69:29].
your heart, &c.--address to such (compare [Psa 22:26]).
34-36. The call on the universe for praise is well sustained by the prediction of the perpetual and extended blessings which shall come upon the covenant-people of God. Though, as usual, the imagery is taken from terms used of Palestine, the whole tenor of the context indicates that the spiritual privileges and blessings of the Church are meant.
Psalm 70
Psa 70:1-5. This corresponds to Psa 40:13-17 with a very few variations, as "turn back" (Psa 70:3) for "desolate," and "make haste unto me" (Psa 70:5) for "thinketh upon me." It forms a suitable appendix to the preceding, and is called "a Psalm to bring to remembrance," as the thirty-eighth [see on Psa 38:1, title]
Psalm 71
Psa 71:1-24. The Psalmist, probably in old age, appeals to God for help from his enemies, pleading his past favors, and stating his present need; and, in confidence of a hearing, he promises his grateful thanks and praise
1-3. (Compare [Psa 30:1-3]).
4-5. cruel man--corrupt and ill-natured--literally, "sour."
6-9. His history from early infancy illustrated God's care, and his wonderful deliverances were at once occasions of praise and ground of confidence for the future.
my praise ... of thee--literally, "in" or "by Thee" ([Psa 22:25]).
10-11. The craft and malicious taunts of his enemies now led him to call for aid (compare the terms used, [2Sa 17:12]; [Psa 3:2]; ).
12. (Compare [Psa 22:19]; ).
13. (Compare [Psa 35:4]; ).
14-16. The ruin of his enemies, as illustrating God's faithfulness, is his deliverance, and a reason for future confidence.
17-21. Past experience again encourages.
taught me, &c.--by providential dealings.
22-24. To the occasion of praise he now adds the promise to render it.
will ... praise--literally, "will thank."
even thy truth--as to Thy truth or faithfulness.
Psalm 72
Psa 72:1-19. For, or literally, "of Solomon." The closing verse rather relates to the second book of Psalms, of which this is the last, and was perhaps added by some collector, to intimate that the collection, to which, as chief author, David's name was appended, was closed. In this view, these may consistently be the productions of others included, as of Asaph, sons of Korah, and Solomon; and a few of David's may be placed in the latter series. The fact that here the usual mode of denoting authorship is used, is strongly conclusive that Solomon was the author, especially as no stronger objection appears than what has been now set aside. The Psalm, in highly wrought figurative style, describes the reign of a king as "righteous, universal, beneficent, and perpetual." By the older Jewish and most modern Christian interpreters, it has been referred to Christ, whose reign, present and prospective, alone corresponds with its statements. As the imagery of the second Psalm was drawn from the martial character of David's reign, that of this is from the peaceful and prosperous state of Solomon's
1. Give the king, &c.--a prayer which is equivalent to a prediction.
judgments--the acts, and (figuratively) the principles of a right government ([Joh 5:22]; ).
righteousness--qualifications for conducting such a government.
king's son--same person as a king--a very proper title for Christ, as such in both natures.
2, &c. The effects of such a government by one thus endowed are detailed.
thy people ... and thy poor--or, "meek," the pious subjects of his government.
3. As mountains and hills are not usually productive, they are here selected to show the abundance of peace, being represented as
bringing--or, literally, "bearing" it as a produce.
by righteousness--that is, by means of his eminently just and good methods of ruling.
4. That peace, including prosperity, as an eminent characteristic of Christ's reign ([Is 2:4]; [Is 9:6]; ), will be illustrated in the security provided for the helpless and needy, and the punishment inflicted on oppressors, whose power to injure or mar the peace of others will be destroyed (compare [Is 65:25]; [Zec 9:10]).
children of the needy--for the needy (compare sons of strangers, [Psa 18:45] [Margin]).