6-8. The experience of these servants of God is cited for encouragement.
among ... priests, among ... upon the Lord [and] He spake ... pillar--may be referred to all three (compare [Ex 18:19]; [Le 8:15]; [De 5:5]; [1Sa 9:13]).
Psalm 100
Psa 100:1-5. As closing this series (see on Psa 93:1), this Psalm is a general call on all the earth to render exalted praise to God, the creator, preserver, and benefactor of men
1-2. With thankful praise, unite service as the subjects of a king ([Psa 2:11], ).
3. To the obligations of a creature and subject is added that of a beneficiary ([Psa 95:7]).
4. Join joyfully in His public worship. The terms are, of course, figurative (compare [Psa 84:2]; ; [Is 66:23]).
Enter--or, "Come with solemnity" ([Psa 95:6]).
5. The reason: God's eternal mercy and truth ([Psa 25:8]; ).
Psalm 101
Psa 101:1-8. In this Psalm the profession of the principles of his domestic and political government testifies, as well as actions in accordance with it, David's appreciation of God's mercy to him, and His judgment on his enemies: and thus he sings or celebrates God's dealings
2. He avows his sincere purpose, by God's aid, to act uprightly ([Ge 17:1]; [Psa 18:30]).
3. set ... eyes--as an example to be approved and followed.
no wicked thing--literally, "word," plan or purpose of Belial ([Psa 41:8]).
work of ... aside--apostates.
not cleave to me--I will not be implicated in it (compare [Psa 1:1-3]).
4. A froward heart--or, "perverse heart" ([Psa 18:26]). Such a temper I will not indulge, nor even know evil or wickedness.
5-6. The slanderers and haughty persons, so mischievous in society, I will disown; but--
7. not dwell--literally, "not sit," or tarry, or be established.
8. will early--or, "diligently."
city of the Lord--or, "holy place" ([Psa 48:2]), where wicked men shall not be tolerated.
Psalm 102
Psa 102:1-28. A Prayer of the afflicted, &c.--The general terms seem to denote the propriety of regarding the Psalm as suitably expressive of the anxieties of any one of David's descendants, piously concerned for the welfare of the Church. It was probably David's composition, and, though specially suggested by some peculiar trials, descriptive of future times. Overwhelmed--(compare Psa 61:2). Poureth out--pouring out the soul--(Psa 62:8). Complaint--(Psa 55:2). The tone of complaint predominates, though in view of God's promises and abiding faithfulness, it is sometimes exchanged for that of confidence and hope
1-3. The terms used occur in [Psa 4:1]; , ; ; , ; .
4. (Compare [Psa 121:6]).
so that I forget--or, "have forgotten," that is, in my distress ([Psa 107:18]), and hence strength fails.
5. voice ... groaning--effect put for cause, my agony emaciates me.
6-7. The figures express extreme loneliness.
8. sworn against me--or literally, "by me," wishing others as miserable as I am ([Nu 5:21]).
9. ashes--a figure of grief, my bread; weeping or tears, my drink ([Psa 80:5]).
10. lifted ... cast me down--or, "cast me away" as stubble by a whirlwind ([Is 64:6]).
11. shadow ... declineth--soon to vanish in the darkness of night.
12. Contrast with man's frailty (compare [Psa 90:1-7]).
thy remembrance--that by which Thou art remembered, Thy promise.
13-14. Hence it is here adduced.
for--or, "when."
the set time, &c.--the time promised, the indication of which is the interest felt for Zion by the people of God.
15-17. God's favor to the Church will affect her persecutors with fear.
18. people ... created--(compare [Psa 22:31]), an organized body, as a Church.
19-22. For--or, "That," as introducing the statement of God's condescension. A summary of what shall be written.
to loose ... appointed--or, "deliver" them ([Psa 79:11]).
23-28. The writer, speaking for the Church, finds encouragement in the midst of all his distresses. God's eternal existence is a pledge of faithfulness to His promises.
in the way--of providence.
weakened--literally, "afflicted," and made fearful of a premature end, a figure of the apprehensions of the Church, lest God might not perform His promise, drawn from those of a person in view of the dangers of early death (compare [Psa 89:47]). Paul ([He 1:10]) quotes [Psa 102:26-28] as addressed to Christ in His divine nature. The scope of the Psalm, as already seen, so far from opposing, favors this view, especially by the sentiments of [Psa 102:12-15] (compare [Is 60:1]). The association of the Messiah with a day of future glory to the Church was very intimate in the minds of Old Testament writers; and with correct views of His nature it is very consistent that He should be addressed as the Lord and Head of His Church, who would bring about that glorious future on which they ever dwelt with fond delightful anticipations.