Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary PSALM 92
Ps 92:1-15. A Psalm-song—(see on [628]Ps 30:1, title). The theme: God should be praised for His righteous judgments on the wicked and His care and defense of His people. Such a topic, at all times proper, is specially so for the reflections of the Sabbath day. 1. sing … name—celebrate Thy perfections. To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, 2. in the morning, … every night—diligently and constantly (Ps 42:8).
loving kindness—literally, "mercy." faithfulness—in fulfilling promises (Ps 89:14). Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. 3. In such a work all proper aid must be used.
with a … sound—or, on Higgaion (see on [629]Ps 9:16), perhaps an instrument of that name, from its sound resembling the muttered sound of meditation, as expressed also by the word. This is joined with the harp. For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. 4. thy work—that is, of providence (Ps 90:16, 17).
O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. 5. great … works—correspond to deep or vast thoughts (Ps 40:5; Ro 11:23).
A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. 6. A brutish man knoweth not—that is, God's works, so the Psalmist describes himself (Ps 73:22) when amazed by the prosperity of the wicked, now understood and explained.
When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever:
But thou, LORD, art most high for evermore. 8. This he does in part, by contrasting their ruin with God's exaltation and eternity.
most high—as occupying the highest place in heaven (Ps 7:7; 18:16). For, lo, thine enemies, O LORD, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered. 9, 10. A further contrast with the wicked, in the lot of the righteous, safety and triumph.
But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil. 10. horn … exalt—is to increase power (Ps 75:5).
anointed … fresh—or, "new" oil—(Ps 23:5) a figure for refreshment (compare Lu 7:46). Such use of oil is still common in the East. Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me. 11. see … [and] … hear my desire—or, literally, "look on" my enemies and hear of the wicked (compare Ps 27:11; 54:7)—that is, I shall be gratified by their fall.
The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 12-14. The vigorous growth, longevity, utility, fragrance, and beauty of these noble trees, set forth the life, character, and destiny of the pious;
Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;
To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. 15. and they thus declare God's glory as their strong and righteous ruler. |
