in the fields of the wood--or, Jair, or Kirjath-jearim ("City of woods") ([1Sa 7:1]; [2Sa 6:3], ), whence it was brought to Zion.
7. The purpose of engaging in God's worship is avowed.
8-9. The solemn entry of the ark, symbolical of God's presence and power, with the attending priests, into the sanctuary, is proclaimed in the words used by Solomon ([2Ch 6:41]).
10-12. For thy servant David's sake--that is, On account of the promise made to him.
turn ... anointed--Repulse not him who, as David's descendant, pleads the promise to perpetuate his royal line. After reciting the promise, substantially from [2Sa 7:12-16] (compare [Ac 2:30], &c.), an additional plea,
13. is made on the ground of God's choice of Zion (here used for Jerusalem) as His dwelling, inasmuch as the prosperity of the kingdom was connected with that of the Church ([Psa 122:8], ).
14-18. That choice is expressed in God's words, "I will sit" or "dwell," or sit enthroned. The joy of the people springs from the blessings of His grace, conferred through the medium of the priesthood.
Psalm 133
Psa 133:1-3. The blessings of fraternal unity
1-2. As the fragrant oil is refreshing, so this affords delight. The holy anointing oil for the high priest was olive oil mixed with four of the best spices ([Ex 30:22], [25, 30]). Its rich profusion typified the abundance of the Spirit's graces. As the copious dew, such as fell on Hermon, falls in fertilizing power on the mountains of Zion, so this unity is fruitful in good works.
3. there--that is, in Zion, the Church; the material Zion, blessed with enriching dews, suggests this allusion the source of the influence enjoyed by the spiritual Zion.
commanded the blessing--(Compare [Psa 68:28]).
Psalm 134
Psa 134:1-3. 1, 2. The pilgrim bands arriving at the sanctuary call on the priests, who
stand in the house of the Lord--at the time of the evening sacrifice, to unite in praising God in their name and that of the people, using appropriate gestures, to which the priests reply, pronouncing the Mosaic blessing which they alone could pronounce. A fit epilogue to the whole pilgrim-book, Psalms 120-134.
by night--the evening service ([Psa 141:2]), as opposed to morning ([Psa 92:2]).
2. Lift up your hands--(Compare [Psa 28:2]).
3. After the manner directed ([Nu 6:23]).
out of Zion--the Church, as His residence, and thus seat of blessings. Thus close the songs of degrees.
Psalm 135
Psa 135:1-21. A Psalm of praise, in which God's relations to His Church, His power in the natural world, and in delivering His people, are contrasted with the vanity of idols and idol-worship
1-3. In the general call for praise, the priests, that stand in the house of the Lord, are specially mentioned.
4-7. God's choice of Israel is the first reason assigned for rendering praise; the next, His manifested greatness in creation and providence.
8-9. The last plague [Ex 12:29] is cited to illustrate His "tokens and wonders."
10-12. The conquest of Canaan was by God's power, not that of the people.
13. heritage--or, "possession."
name ... memorial--Each denote that by which God is made known.
14. will judge--do justice ([Psa 72:2]).
repent himself--change His dealings ([Psa 90:13]).
15-18. (Compare [Psa 115:4-8]).
19-21. (Compare [Psa 115:9-11]). There we have "trust" for "bless" here.
Psalm 136
Psa 136:1-26. The theme is the same as that of Psalm 135. God should be praised for His works of creation and providence, His deliverance and care of His people, and judgments on their enemies, and His goodness to all. The chorus to every verse is in terms of that of Psa 106:1; 118:1-4, and was perhaps used as the Amen by the people, in worship (compare 1Ch 16:36; Psa 105:45)
1-3. The divine titles denote supremacy.
4. alone--excluding all help.
5-6. by wisdom--or, "in wisdom" ([Psa 104:24]).
made--literally, "maker of."
above the waters--or, "higher than the waters" ([Psa 24:2]).
12. Compare similar expressions ([Ex 3:20]; [De 4:34], &c.).
15. overthrew--literally, "shook off," as in [Ex 14:27], as a contemptuous rejection of a reptile.
23. remembered us--or, "for us" ([Psa 132:1]).
our low estate--that is, captivity.
24. And hath redeemed us--or, literally, "snatched us"--alluding to the sudden deliverance effected by the overthrow of Babylon.
25. To the special favors to His people is added the record of God's goodness to all His creatures (compare [Mt 6:30]).
26. God of heaven--occurs but once ([Jon 1:9]) before the captivity. It is used by the later writers as specially distinguishing God from idols.