5. as long as ... endure--literally, "with the sun," coeval with its existence, and before, or, in presence of the moon, while it lasts (compare [Ge 11:28], "before Terah," literally, "in presence of," while he lived).
6. A beautiful figure expresses the grateful nature of His influence;
7, and, carrying out the figure, the results are described in an abundant production.
the righteous--literally, "righteousness."
flourish--literally, "sprout," or, "spring forth."
8. The foreign nations mentioned ([Psa 72:9], ) could not be included in the limits, if designed to indicate the boundaries of Solomon's kingdom. The terms, though derived from those used ([Ex 23:31]; [De 11:24]) to denote the possessions of Israel, must have a wider sense. Thus, "ends of the earth" is never used of Palestine, but always of the world (compare Margin).
9-11. The extent of the conquests.
They that dwell in the wilderness--the wild, untutored tribes of deserts.
bow ... dust--in profound submission. The remotest and wealthiest nations shall acknowledge Him (compare [Psa 45:12]).
12-14. They are not the conquests of arms, but the influences of humane and peaceful principles (compare [Is 9:7]; [11:1-9]; [Zec 9:9], ).
15. In his prolonged life he will continue to receive the honorable gifts of the rich, and the prayers of his people shall be made for him, and their praises given to him.
16. The spiritual blessings, as often in Scripture, are set forth by material, the abundance of which is described by a figure, in which a "handful" (or literally, "a piece," or small portion) of corn in the most unpropitious locality, shall produce a crop, waving in the wind in its luxuriant growth, like the forests of Lebanon.
they of the city ... earth--This clause denotes the rapid and abundant increase of population--
of--or, "from"
the city--Jerusalem, the center and seat of the typical kingdom.
flourish--or, glitter as new grass--that is, bloom. This increase corresponds with the increased productiveness. So, as the gospel blessings are diffused, there shall arise increasing recipients of them, out of the Church in which Christ resides as head.
17. His name--or, "glorious perfections."
as long as the sun--(Compare [Psa 72:5]).
men shall be blessed--([Ge 12:3]; ).
18-19. These words close the Psalm in terms consistent with the style of the context, while [Psa 72:20] is evidently, from its prosaic style, an addition for the purpose above explained [see on Psa 72:1].
20. ended--literally, "finished," or completed; the word never denotes fulfilment, except in a very late usage, as in [Ezr 1:1]; [Da 12:7].
Psalm 73
Psa 73:1-28. Of Asaph--(see Introduction). God is good to His people. For although the prosperity of the wicked, and the afflictions of the righteous, tempted the Psalmist to misgivings of God's government, yet the sudden and fearful ruin of the ungodly, seen in the light of God's revelation, reassures his heart; and, chiding himself for his folly, he is led to confide renewedly in God, and celebrate His goodness and love
1. The abrupt announcement of the theme indicates that it is the conclusion of a perplexing mental conflict, which is then detailed (compare [Jr 12:1-4]).
Truly--or, "Surely it is so."
clean heart--([Psa 18:26]) describes the true Israel.
2. The figures express his wavering faith, by terms denoting tottering and weakness (compare [Psa 22:5]; ).
3-9. The prosperous wicked are insolently proud (compare [Psa 5:5]). They die, as well as live, free from perplexities: pride adorns them, and violence is their clothing; indeed they are inflated with unexpected success. With all this--
10-12. Hence God's people are confounded, turned hither (or back) and thither, perplexed with doubts of God's knowledge and care, and filled with sorrow.
13-14. The Psalmist, partaking of these troubles, is especially disturbed in view of his own case, that with all his diligent efforts for a holy life, he is still sorely tried.
15. Freed from idiomatic phrases, this verse expresses a supposition, as, "Had I thus spoken, I should," &c., intimating that he had kept his troubles to himself.
generation of thy children--Thy people ([1Jo 3:1]).
offend--literally, "deceive, mislead."
16-17. Still he--
thought--literally, "studied," or, "pondered this riddle"; but in vain; it remained a toil (compare Margin), till he--
18-20. their end--future ([Psa 37:37], ), which is dismal and terribly sudden ([Pr 1:27]; 29:1), aggravated and hastened by terror. As one despises an unsubstantial dream, so God, waking up to judgment ([Psa 7:6]; ), despises their vain shadow of happiness ([Psa 39:6]; [Is 29:7]). They are thrown into ruins as a building falling to pieces ([Psa 74:3]).
21-22. He confesses how--
foolish--literally, "stupid," and
ignorant--literally, "not discerning," had been his course of thought.
23. Still he was with God, as a dependent beneficiary, and so kept from falling ([Psa 73:2]).
24. All doubts are silenced in confidence of divine guidance and future glory.
receive me to glory--literally, "take for (me) glory" (compare [Psa 68:18]; [Ep 4:8]).
25-26. God is his only satisfying good.
27-28. The lot of apostates, described by a figure of frequent use ([Jr 3:1], ; [Eze 23:35]), is contrasted with his, who finds happiness in nearness to God ([Jas 4:8]), and his delightful work the declaration of His praise.