Psalm 82
Psa 82:1-8. Before the great Judge, the judges of the earth are rebuked, exhorted, and threatened
1. congregation--(Compare [Ex 12:3]; ).
of the mighty--that is, of God, of His appointment.
the gods--or, "judges" ([Ex 21:6]; ), God's representatives.
2. accept the persons--literally, "lift up the faces," that is, from dejection, or admit to favor and communion, regardless of merit ([Le 19:15]; [Pr 18:5]).
3-4. So must good judges act ([Psa 10:14]; [Job 29:12]).
5. By the wilful ignorance and negligence of judges, anarchy ensues ([Psa 11:3]; ).
out of course--(Compare Margin; [Psa 9:6]; ).
6-7. Though God admitted their official dignity ([Joh 10:34]), He reminds them of their mortality.
8. As rightful sovereign of earth, God is invoked personally to correct the evils of His representatives.
Psalm 83
Psa 83:1-18. Of Asaph--(See on Psa 74:1, title). The historical occasion is probably that of 2Ch 20:1, 2 (compare Psa 47:1-9; 48:1-14). After a general petition, the craft and rage of the combined enemies are described, God's former dealings recited, and a like summary and speedy destruction on them is invoked
1. God addressed as indifferent (compare [Psa 35:22]; ).
be not still--literally, "not quiet," as opposed to action.
2. thine enemies--as well as ours ([Psa 74:23]; [Is 37:23]).
3. hidden ones--whom God specially protects ([Psa 27:5]; ).
4. from being a nation--utter destruction ([Is 7:8]; ).
Israel--here used for Judah, having been the common name.
5. they have consulted--with heart, or cordially.
together--all alike.
6-8. tabernacles--for people ([Psa 78:67]).
they--all these united with the children of Lot, or Ammonites and Moabites (compare [2Ch 20:1]).
9-11. Compare the similar fate of these ([2Ch 20:23]) with that of the foes mentioned in [Jud 7:22], here referred to. They destroyed one another (Jud 4:6-24; 7:25). Human remains form manure (compare [2Ki 9:37]; [Jr 9:22]).
12. The language of the invaders.
houses--literally, "residences," enclosures, as for flocks ([Psa 65:12]).
of God--as the proprietors of the land ([2Ch 20:11]; [Is 14:25]).
13. like a wheel--or, whirling of any light thing ([Is 17:13]), as stubble or chaff ([Psa 1:4]).
14-15. Pursue them to an utter destruction.
16. that they may seek--or as [Psa 83:18], supply "men," since [Psa 83:17], amplify the sentiment of [Psa 83:16], expressing more fully the measure of destruction, and the lesson of God's being and perfections (compare [2Ch 20:29]) taught to all men.
Psalm 84
Psa 84:1-12. (See on Psa 8:1, title, and Psa 42:1, title). The writer describes the desirableness of God's worship and prays for a restoration to its privileges
1. amiable--not lovely, but beloved.
tabernacles--([Psa 43:3]).
2. longeth--most intensely ([Ge 31:30]; [Psa 17:12]).
fainteth--exhausted with desire.
courts--as tabernacles ([Psa 84:1])--the whole building.
crieth out--literally, "sings for joy"; but here, and [La 2:19], expresses an act of sorrow as the corresponding noun ([Psa 17:1]; ).
heart and ... flesh--as in [Psa 63:1].
3. thine altars--that is, of burnt offering and incense, used for the whole tabernacle. Its structure afforded facilities for sparrows and swallows to indulge their known predilections for such places. Some understand the statement as to the birds as a comparison: "as they find homes, so do I desire thine altars," &c.
4. This view is favored by the language here, which, as in [Psa 15:1]; , recognizes the blessing of membership in God's family by terms denoting a dwelling in His house.
5. (Compare [Psa 68:28]).
in whose heart ... the ways--that is, who knows and loves the way to God's favor ([Pr 16:17]; [Is 40:3], ).
6. valley of Baca--or, "weeping." Through such, by reason of their dry and barren condition, the worshippers often had to pass to Jerusalem. As they might become wells, or fountains, or pools, supplied by refreshing rain, so the grace of God, by the exercises of His worship, refreshes and revives the hearts of His people, so that for sorrows they have "rivers of delight" ([Psa 36:8]; ).
7. The figure of the pilgrim is carried out. As such daily refit their bodily strength till they reach Jerusalem, so the spiritual worshipper is daily supplied with spiritual strength by God's grace till he appears before God in heaven.
appeareth ... God--the terms of the requisition for the attendance on the feasts (compare [De 16:16]),
9. God is addressed as a shield (compare [Psa 84:11]).