Verse 1

Title. Psalm. Hebrew. mizmor. See App-65.

Song. Hebrew shir. See App-65.

of Asaph. The fourth of the twelve Asaph Psalms. See App-63. In this Psalm the enemies of the Sanctuary are warned, and God"s People are encouraged.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.

Thy name. See note on Psalms 20:1. It denotes God"s saving presence. Septuagint, Syr, and Vulg, read "and we shall call on Thy name".

Thy wondrous works declare = Men tell of Thy wondrous works.

Verse 2

I shall receive the congregation = The set time has come, &c.

I = I, even I. Very emphatic.

Verse 3

bear up = have established.

Selah. Connecting the set time of judgment with the judgment itself as it will affect the wicked and the righteous.

Verse 4

fools = arrogant.

wicked. Hebrew. rasha".

horn. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), for pride connected with the wearing of it.

Verse 5

Speak not with a stiff neck. According to the primitive orthography = nor speak arrogantly of the Rock.

not. See note on "no" (Genesis 2:6),

Verse 6

south. Therefore it comes from the north. The immediate place of God"s throne, to which Satan aspires. Compare Isaiah 14:12-14. See Job 26:7. This is where promotion comes from.

Verse 7

But = No.

Verse 8

hand. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

a cup. The symbol of God"s judgment. Isaiah 51:17-23 (Compare Psalms 19:14). Habakkuk 2:15, Habakkuk 2:16. Ezekiel 23:31, Ezekiel 23:34, &c. Jeremiah 25:27; Jeremiah 48:26; Jeremiah 49:12.

red = foaming.

mixture = spice. Compare Revelation 14:10.

Verse 9

declare. Septuagint reads "exult".

God of Jacob: i.e. the God of Grace, who met Jacob when he had nothing, and deserved nothing but wrath.

Verse 10

the righteous = a righteous one.

To the chief Musician. See App-64.

Neginoth = smitings; refers to the smitings of the wicked in judgment. See App-65.