our horn--exalt our power ([Psa 75:10]; [Lu 1:69]).
18. (Margin). Thus is introduced the promise to "our shield," "our king," David.
19-37. Then--when the covenant was established, of whose execution the exalted views of God now given furnish assurance.
thou ... to thy holy one--or godly saint, object of favor ([Psa 4:3]). Nathan is meant ([2Sa 7:17]; [1Ch 17:3-15]).
laid help--literally, "given help." David was chosen and then exalted.
38-52. present a striking contrast to these glowing promises, in mournful evidences of a loss of God's favor.
cast off--and rejected (compare [Psa 15:4]; ; ).
Psalm 90
Psa 90:1-17. Contrasting man's frailty with God's eternity, the writer mourns over it as the punishment of sin, and prays for a return of the divine favor. A Prayer [mainly such] of Moses the man of God--(De 33:1; Jos 14:6); as such he wrote this (see on Psa 18:1, title, and Psa 36:1, title)
1. dwelling-place--home (compare [Eze 11:16]), as a refuge ([De 33:27]).
2. brought forth [and] formed--both express the idea of production by birth.
3. to destruction--literally, "even to dust" ([Ge 3:19]), which is partly quoted in the last clause.
4. Even were our days now a thousand years, as Adam's, our life would be but a moment in God's sight ([2Pe 3:8]).
a watch--or, third part of a night (compare [Ex 14:24]).
5-6. Life is like grass, which, though changing under the influence of the night's dew, and flourishing in the morning, is soon cut down and withereth ([Psa 103:15]; [1Pe 1:24]).
7-8. For--A reason, this is the infliction of God's wrath.
troubled--literally, "confounded by terror" ([Psa 2:5]). Death is by sin ([Ro 5:12]). Though "secret," the light of God's countenance, as a candle, will bring sin to view ([Pr 20:27]; [1Co 4:5]).
9. are passed--literally, "turn," as to depart ([Jr 6:4]).
spend--literally, "consume."
as a tale--literally, "a thought," or, "a sigh" ([Eze 2:10]).
10. Moses' life was an exception ([De 34:7]).
it is ... cut off--or, "driven," as is said of the quails in using the same word ([Nu 11:31]). In view of this certain and speedy end, life is full of sorrow.
11. The whole verse may be read as a question implying the negative, "No one knows what Thy anger can do, and what Thy wrath is, estimated by a true piety."
12. This he prays we may know or understand, so as properly to number or appreciate the shortness of our days, that we may be wise.
13. (Compare [Psa 13:2]).
let it repent--a strong figure, as in [Ex 32:12], imploring a change in His dealings.
14. early--promptly.
15. As have been our sorrows, so let our joys be great and long.
16. thy work--or, providential acts.
thy glory--([Psa 8:5]; ), the honor accruing from Thy work of mercy to us.
17. let the beauty--or sum of His gracious acts, in their harmony, be illustrated in us, and favor our enterprise.
Psalm 91
Psa 91:1-16. David is the most probable author; and the pestilence, mentioned in 2Sa 24:13-15, the most probable of any special occasion to which the Psalm may refer. The changes of person allowable in poetry are here frequently made
1. dwelleth in the secret place--([Psa 27:5]; ) denotes nearness to God. Such as do so abide or lodge secure from assaults, and can well use the terms of trust in [Psa 91:2].
3. snares ... [and] ... noisome pestilence--literally, "plagues of mischiefs" ([Psa 5:9]; ), are expressive figures for various evils.
4. For the first figure compare [De 32:11]; [Mt 23:37].
buckler--literally, "surrounding"--that is, a kind of shield covering all over.
5. terror--or, what causes it ([Pr 20:2]).
by night--then aggravated.
arrow--that is, of enemies.
7-8. The security is more valuable, as being special, and, therefore, evidently of God; and while ten thousands of the wicked fall, the righteous are in such safety that they only see the calamity.
9-12. This exemption from evil is the result of trust in God, who employs angels as ministering spirits ([He 1:14]).
13. Even the fiercest, strongest, and most insidious animals may be trampled on with impunity.
14-16. God Himself speaks (compare [Psa 46:10]; , ). All the terms to express safety and peace indicate the most undoubting confidence (compare [Psa 18:2]; ; ).
set his love--that of the most ardent kind.