Bible Commentaries
Psalms 93

Verse 1

The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, [wherewith] he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.

The Lord reigneth — i.e. The Lord Christ. Kimchi here noteth that all the following psalms till the hundred and first are de diebus Christi, of the days of Christ. Here we have his empire and regality asserted, first, by his works; secondly, by his word, Psalms 93:5 . See the like Psalms 19:1-2 ; Psalms 19:7-8 , …, and that manifestation of himself by his word far preferred.

He is clothed with majesty — He hath now put off his arms, and put on his robes, he will henceforth rule all wisely and righteously.

The Lord is clothed with strength — For the battle, in case his enemies stir, to attempt against him, Ezra 8:22 .

The world also is established — The earth, though it hang like a ball in the air, without a basis, Ponderibus librat a suis, yet is unmoveable; how much more the Church!

Verse 2

Thy throne [is] established of old: thou [art] from everlasting.

Thy throne is established of old — Christ shall reign, utcunque, fremant scelerati, et omnia quantum in se est conturbent, rage the wicked never so, for he is Jehovah, Psalms 93:1 , the Eternal: here,

- Firma aeternus qui concidet arce.

Verse 3

The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.

The floods have lifted up, O Lord — Armies of enemies have attempted great matters, but thou hast soon quelled and quashed them. Immota manet may well be the Church’s motto.

Tu tamen insertos nos tibi, Christe, tegis.

The floods lift up their waves — The word for waves hath its name from dashing or breaking (Anaphora); the enemies do but beat themselves into foam and froth against Christ the rock, qui instar rupis quae in mari vadoso, horridi Iovis, et irati, ut ita dicam, Neptuni fervidis assultibus undique verberata, non cedit aut minuitur, sed obtendit assuetum fluctibus latus; et firma duritie tumentis undae impetum sustinet ac frangit (Woverius).

Verse 4

The LORD on high [is] mightier than the noise of many waters, [yea, than] the mighty waves of the sea.

The Lord on high is mightier — He defeats tyrants and persecutors, be they never so terrible for noise and number. If he but thunder they are hushed, and glad to wriggle, as worms, into their holes.

Verse 5

Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever.

Thy testimonies are very sure — Thy promises infallible; and therefore rage the world never so, thou shalt still have a holy catholic Church, such as whose principles, practices, and aims are divine and supernatural; such as walk worthy of God in all well pleasing, and inasmuch as they have these rich promises, do cleanse themselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, 2 Corinthians 7:1 .

Holiness becometh thine house — God looks to be served llke himself; he will be sanctified of all those that draw near unto him in holy duties, Leviticus 10:3 . This the heathens were not altogether ignorant of, and therefore at their sacrifices the priests cried out τις τηδε , who is here? whereunto the people that were present answered, πολλοι τ αγαθοι τε παρεισι , here are many, and those good men all (Erasmi Praef. in Adag.)

- Procul, hinc procul, este profani.