locust--from its multitude.
47-48. The additional effects of the storm here mentioned (compare [Ex 9:23-34]) are consistent with Moses' account.
49. evil angels--or, "angels of evil"--many were perhaps employed, and other evils inflicted.
50-51. made a way--removed obstacles, gave it full scope.
52-54. made his ... forth--or, brought them by periodical journeys (compare [Ex 15:1]).
55. by line--or, the portion thus measured.
divided them--that is, the heathen, put for their possessions, so tents--that is, of the heathen (compare [De 6:11]).
56-57. a deceitful bow--which turns back, and so fails to project the arrow ([2Sa 1:22]; [Ho 7:16]). They relapsed.
58. Idolatry resulted from sparing the heathen (compare [Psa 78:9-11]).
59-60. heard--perceived ([Ge 11:7]).
abhorred--but not utterly.
61. his strength--the ark, as symbolical of it ([Psa 96:6]).
62. gave--or, "shut up."
his people--([Psa 78:48]; [1Sa 4:10-17]).
63. fire--either figure of the slaughter ([1Sa 4:10]), or a literal burning by the heathen.
given to marriage--literally, "praised"--that is, as brides.
64. (Compare [1Sa 4:17]); and there were, doubtless, others.
made no lamentation--either because stupefied by grief, or hindered by the enemy.
65. (Compare [Psa 22:16]; [Is 42:13]).
66. And he smote ... part--or, "struck His enemies' back." The Philistines never regained their position after their defeats by David.
67-68. tabernacle of Joseph--or, "home," or, "tribe," to which--
tribe of Ephraim--is parallel (compare [Re 7:8]). Its pre-eminence was, like Saul's, only permitted. Judah had been the choice ([Ge 49:10]).
69. Exalted as--
high palaces--or, "mountains," and abiding as--the earth.
70-72. God's sovereignty was illustrated in this choice. The contrast is striking--humility and exaltation--and the correspondence is beautiful.
Psalm 79
Psa 79:1-13. This Psalm, like the seventy-fourth, probably depicts the desolations of the Chaldeans (Jr 52:12-24). It comprises the usual complaint, prayer, and promised thanks for relief
1. (Compare [Psa 74:2-7]).
2-3. (Compare [Jr 15:3]; ).
4. (Compare [Psa 44:13]; [Jr 42:18]; [La 2:15]).
5. How long--([Psa 13:1]).
be angry--([Psa 74:1-10]).
jealousy burn--([De 29:20]).
6-7. (Compare [Jr 10:25]). Though we deserve much, do not the heathen deserve more for their violence to us ([Jr 51:3-5]; [Zec 1:14])? The singular denotes the chief power, and the use of the plural indicates the combined confederates.
called upon--or, "by"
thy name--proclaimed Thy attributes and professed allegiance ([Is 12:4]; [Ac 2:21]).
8. former iniquities--literally, "iniquities of former times."
prevent us--literally, "meet us," as in [Psa 21:3].
9. for ... glory of thy name [and for] thy name's sake--both mean for illustrating Thy attributes, faithfulness, power, &c.
purge ... sins--literally, "provide atonement for us." Deliverance from sin and suffering, for their good and God's glory, often distinguish the prayers of Old Testament saints (compare [Ep 1:7]).
10. This ground of pleading often used ([Ex 32:12]; [Nu 14:13-16]).
blood ... shed--([Psa 79:3]).
11. prisoner--the whole captive people.
power--literally, "arm" ([Psa 10:15]).
12. into their bosom--The lap or folds of the dress is used by Eastern people for receiving articles. The figure denotes retaliation (compare [Is 65:6], ). They reproached God as well as His people.