Bible Commentaries

Verse 1

1. Lord . . . increased—The extent of the rebellion ( :-) surprises and grieves him.

Verse 2

2. say of my soul—that is, "of me" (compare Psalms 25:3). This use of "soul" is common; perhaps it arose from regarding the soul as man's chief part.

no help . . . in God—rejected by Him. This is the bitterest reproach for a pious man, and denotes a spirit of malignant triumph.

Selah—This word is of very obscure meaning. It probably denotes rest or pause, both as to the music and singing, intimating something emphatic in the sentiment (compare Psalms 9:16).

Verse 3

3. But—literally, "and" (Psalms 2:6). He repels the reproach by avowing his continued trust.

shield—a favorite and often-used figure for protection.

my glory—its source.

lifter up of mine head—one who raises me from despondency.

Verse 4

4. cried . . . heard—Such has been my experience. The latter verb denotes a gracious hearing or answering.

out of—or, "from."

his holy hill—Zion ( :-). His visible earthly residence.

Verse 5

5. the Lord sustained me—literally, "will sustain me," as if his language or thought when he laid down, and the reason of his composure.

Verse 6

6. ten thousands of people—or, "myriads," any very great number (compare :-).

Verse 7

7. Arise, O Lord—God is figuratively represented as asleep to denote His apparent indifference (Psalms 7:6). The use of "cheekbone" and "teeth" represents his enemies as fierce, like wild beasts ready to devour (Psalms 27:2), and smiting their cheekbone (1 Kings 22:24) denotes violence and insult.

thou hast broken—God took his part, utterly depriving the enemy of power to injure.

Verse 8

8. An ascription of praise to a delivering God, whose favor is an efficient benefit.