Psalms Part 5: The Deuteronomy Book (No. F019

Introduction

As we have seen from the Commentaries so far Book 1 concerned the Creation of Man.

Book 2 concerned the Redemption of Israel and Mankind.

Book 3 concerned the Sanctuary and the Place of Mankind as Elohim among the sons of God as the elohim centred on Psalm 82 and the associated psalms of Asaph and Korah where man was to take his place as sons of God as Elohim (see Elect as Elohim (No. 001)).

From Book 4 The Numbers Book we see the Book begin with the Prayer of Moses (Psa. 90). This begins the restoration of man to the shelter of the Most High and the shadow of the Almighty and His works (Pss. 91; 92). The decrees of the Lord are sure (Psa. 93). The God of vengeance teaches the world and chastises them according to His Laws (Psa. 94). The world is called to worship Him and to sing New Songs in worship to Him. The Lord reigns, above all elohim, and the earth is to rejoice for the Lord is to come to judge the earth with equity (Pss. 95; 96; 97; 98).

He sits enthroned among the cherubim and is to rule in Zion (Pss. 99; 100).

David prays for affliction and the world waits on God and the Messiah (Pss. 101, 102, 103). In all these texts the Laws of God are reinforced and the obedience of man to God and His laws is paramount for Salvation. The stability of the earth and its foundations rests on the power and faithfulness of God (Psa. 104).

The last two psalms (Pss. 105 and 106) are psalms of praise for the ongoing glory of God and an acknowledgment of the sins of Israel and the salvation in the Exodus under the Messiah, as the Angel of the Presence, Acts 7:30-53 (F044ii) 1Cor. 10:1-4 (F046ii).

Book 5 goes on to Psa. 107 and then Psalms of David which speak of the redemption of the servants of the lord of the nations all over the world. From Pss. 108-110 we see the texts develop to the elevation of Messiah in Psalm 110 to the right hand of the Throne of God. Here Christ is made a priest of the order of Melchisedek and as we see from Hebrews Ch. 8 (F058) High Priest of that order, which runs the Temple and the administration of the world (Melchisedek (No. 128)). The whole world will then, as we see, be ruled according to the structure of the Nature of God, and the laws that emanate from that nature. The structure and that process are further explained by the use of the Names of God (No. 116) as we see outlined in the texts and in the details of the Summary of the Psalms in the appendix.

Names of God

The first name of God in Bk. 5 is El (SHD 410) as the Almighty (107:11) and then the names are Elohim (SHD 430) from Pss. 108 to 109:1.

At 109:21 we see the name of the Most High appears as Yahovih (SHD 3069) which is only ever read as Elohim by rabbinical Jews, so as not to confuse it with the Yahovah of Israel which is the subordinate God of Israel (of Psa. 45) (see below).

The names then resume as Elohim (SHD 430) except for the word El (SHD 410) at Pss. 118:27, 28; 136:26; 139:17, 23; 140:6.

At 139:19 we see Eloah listed as the singular name of God which applies only to the Father as the Most High God and no other being in the Host.

In Psalm 141:8 we see Yahovih (SHD 3069) appear again for the second time in Book 5. These are not insignificant usages. This instance places the Most High as the refuge and defence of the people (see Psa. 141:8 below). The names continue as SHD 430 Elohim but for a few instances of El (SHD 410) at Pss. 146:5; 149:6; 150:1 in the MT. These titles are to distinguish between the god or elohim of Israel that is Messiah and the Most High God who is the God of Messiah and the entire Host (see Pss. 45; 110 Rev. Chs. 4 and 5 F066).

Introduction (Bullinger)

Psa 107:

THE FIFTH, OR DEUTERONOMY BOOK*.
GOD’S WORD THE ONLY GOOD.

"He sent His Word, and healed them. And delivered them from all their destructions"

(Psalms 107:20; Psalms 147:15, Psalms 147:18.)

107 DELIVERANCE BY THE HEALING WORD.
108-110 THE TRUE DAVID’S HUMILIATION, DELIVERANCE, AND EXALTATION (Psalms 108:6).

111-113 PRAISE. THREE HALLELUJAH PSALMS. THE FIRST TWO BEGINNING, AND THE THIRD, BOTH BEGINNING AND ENDING, WITH "HALLELUJAH" (Ps. 111 Being Praise For Jehovah"s WORKS 112, For His WAYS And 113, For HIMSELF.)
114-115 DELIVERANCE FROM EGYPT, AND EGYPT"S IDOLS.

116-118 PRAISE. THREE PSALMS. THE FIRST TWO ENDING WITH "HALLELUJAH", AND THE THIRD BEGINNING AND ENDING WITH "O GIVE THANKS".

119 QUICKENING AND SUSTAINING || BY THE REVEALING WORD.

120-134 DELIVERANCE FROM SENNACHERIB. TYPICAL OF ISRAEL"S FUTURE DELIVERANCE. Fifteen Psalms Arranged in Five Triads. (See Appdx-67.)
135-136 PRAISE. TWO PSALMS LINKED TOGETHER BY ONE COMBINED STRUCTURE.
137 DELIVERANCE OF CAPTIVES. SENNACHERIB""S CAPTIVES. (See notes)
138 PRAISE.

139 DELIVERANCE FROM AN EVIL HEART (Comp. Ezekiel 36:26. Jeremiah 31:33.)
140-144 PRAYER AND PRAISE.

145 THE TRUE DAVID LEADING THE PRAISES OF HIS PEOPLE (Psalms 144:9).

146-150 PRAISE. FIVE HALLELUJAH PSALMS, EACH BEGINNING AND ENDING WITH "HALLELUJAH".

* DEUTERONOMY is man""s name for this book. It comes from the Greek Septuagint, and means "the second Law". It was given because Deuteronomy was a repetition of the Law, with variations, to suit the needs of the new generation in the Land. The title in the Hebrew Canon is, ""elleh haddebarim, "THESE ARE THE WORDS". It is the book which contains the words of God; and consists almost wholly of the testimonies, statutes, judgments, &c, of Jehovah. It was from this book that the Saviour made His three quotations, when He met the tempter with the threefold "It is written". It follows the Book of the Wilderness; and gives the reason for all the trials of the pilgrimage:"The LORD thy God led thee these forty years. .. that He might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that pro-ceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live" (Deuteronomy 8:2, Deuteronomy 8:3). The natural life, the giving of which is recorded in Genesis, is nothing worth if man be not begotten by the Word, and if the new nature thus given be not nourished by the Word. For only thus can man be truly said to "live".

Hence, in this Deuteronomy-Book of the Psalms we have the same leading subject. Its teaching, like that of the other books, is Dispensational; and it is grouped around the WORD. All blessing for Man (Book I), all blessing for Israel (Book II), all blessing for Zion (Book III), all blessing for the Earth and its Nations (Book IV), is bound up in the Word and Law of God. The breaking of that Law had been the source of Man""s sorrow, Israel""s dispersion, the Temple""s ruin, and the Earth""s misery. It will yet be seen that all blessing for Man, the gathering of Israel, the building of Zion, and restoration for the earth, is bound up with the Word of God, and with His Law written by His Spirit on the fleshy tables of the heart (Jeremiah 31:31-34. Ezekiel 36:24-38).

What a wonderful thing for one to be brought to say "O how I love Thy Law !" (Psalms 119:97), when the breaking of that Law had brought in all the suffering! But it will be noted that this is said only after (in Psalm 118) the Resurrection of the Righteous Magnifier of that Law has been celebrated.

This is the theme of the Deuteronomy-Book of the Psalms. It consists of forty-four Psalms, in which the title Jehovah occurs 293 times; and Jah, 13; while Elohim occurs only 41 times (4 of which are with Jehovah); El, 10 times; Eloha, twice. While the structure of the other books consists of two or three sections, this book is, like the Law of God itself, a perfect whole. It is the only book which has an even number of Psalms. Its first Psalm (107), as is the case with the first Psalms of the other books, is at once its key-note and epitome.

Heb. Shehith = graves, or pits (from Shahath = to destroy), occurs only here and in Lamentations 4:20. The two passages, taken together, tell us that it is not merely the written Word which delivers from deep afflictions, but that the Living and Divine WORD, Who was "taken in their pits", is the alone Deliverer of His People from their graves.

It will be noted that Ps. 119 is characteristic of the DEUTERONOMY Book of the Psalms; while Ps. 84 is characteristic of the LEVITICUS Book, and Ps. 90 of the NUMBERS Book. We cannot imagine these as being appropriate to any other Books. || The Quickening and Sustaining Word. This is characteristic of Ps. 119. Cp. vv. Psalms 107:25, Psalms 107:37, Psalms 107:40, Psalms 107:50, Psalms 107:88, Psalms 107:93, Psalms 107:107, Psalms 107:149, Psalms 107:154, Psalms 107:156; Psalms 107:159 (eleven occurrences). Moreover, the verb hayah (= to breathe, to live, to continue to live) is used sixteen times in this Psalm, always in the sense of keeping alive, or continuing in life. See KAL (Future), vv. Psalms 107:17, Psalms 107:77, Psalms 107:116, Psalms 107:144, Psalms 107:175. PIEL (Pret.), vv. Psalms 119:50; Psalms 119:93. PIEL (Imperative), vv. Psalms 119:25; Psalms 119:37; Psalms 119:40; Psalms 119:88; Psalms 119:107; Psalms 119:149; Psalms 119:154; Psalms 119:156; Psalms 119:159.

…

[In what follows two paragraphs by Bullinger are conjectural regarding the involvement of Hezekiah which has no basis in fact.

In the Songs of Degrees, the name of JEHOVAH occurs 24 times and Jah or Jaho once in the third psalm of each of the 7 psalms which are on either side of the central psalm where Jehovah occurs 3 times.]

The fifteen Psalms are arranged in five groups of 3 each. In each group, the subject of the first is Distress; the second is Trust in Jehovah; while the third speaks of Blessing and Peace in Zion.

…

The last five Hallelujah Psalms (146 150, p. 826) are an echo and reminiscence of the whole of the five books of the Psalter:

146. GENESIS. Comp. Psalms 107:4 with Genesis 2:7; Psalms 107:5 with Gen. 28; v. Psalms 146:6 with Gen 1.

147. EXODUS. Comp. v. Psalms 147:4 ("names") with Exodus 1:1-2; Exodus 1:20 with the building up of the nation (Exodus 1:7-20); and vv. Exodus 1:15; Exodus 1:19 with Ex. 20.

148. LEVITICUS. Comp. v. Psalms 148:14 ("a People near unto Him") with Leviticus 10:3.

149. NUMBERS. Comp. vv. Psalms 149:5-9 with Numbers 14:21; Numbers 24:17-24. The nations ruled and blessed by the Saints.

150. DEUTERONOMY. Comp. v. Psalms 150:2 with Deuteronomy 3:24.

Psalm 107

107:1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever! ²Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble ³and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. ⁴Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in; ⁵hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. ⁶Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress; ⁷he led them by a straight way, till they reached a city to dwell in. ⁸Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to the sons of men! ⁹For he satisfies him who is thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things. ¹⁰Some sat in darkness and in gloom, prisoners in affliction and in irons, ¹¹for they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High. ¹²Their hearts were bowed down with hard labor; they fell down, with none to help. ¹³Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress; ¹⁴he brought them out of darkness and gloom, and broke their bonds asunder. ¹⁵Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to the sons of men! ¹⁶For he shatters the doors of bronze, and cuts in two the bars of iron. ¹⁷Some were sick through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; ¹⁸they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. ¹⁹Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress; ²⁰he sent forth his word, and healed them, and delivered them from destruction. ²¹Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to the sons of men! ²²And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy! ²³Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters; ²⁴they saw the deeds of the LORD, his wondrous works in the deep. ²⁵For he commanded, and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. ²⁶They mounted up to heaven, they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight; ²⁷they reeled and staggered like drunken men, and were at their wits' end. ²⁸Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress; ²⁹he made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. ³⁰Then they were glad because they had quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven. ³¹Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to the sons of men! ³²Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders. ³³He turns rivers into a desert, springs of water into thirsty ground, ³⁴a fruitful land into a salty waste, because of the wickedness of its inhabitants. ³⁵He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water. ³⁶And there he lets the hungry dwell, and they establish a city to live in; ³⁷they sow fields, and plant vineyards, and get a fruitful yield. ³⁸By his blessing they multiply greatly; and he does not let their cattle decrease. ³⁹When they are diminished and brought low through oppression, trouble, and sorrow, ⁴⁰he pours contempt upon princes and makes them wander in trackless wastes; ⁴¹but he raises up the needy out of affliction, and makes their families like flocks. ⁴²The upright see it and are glad; and all wickedness stops its mouth. ⁴³Whoever is wise, let him give heed to these things; let men consider the steadfast love of the LORD.

Intent of Psalm 107

Deliverance by the healing Word

107:1-3 The text is a psalm of thanksgiving for the salvation of the redeemed of the Lord (SHD 3068 Yahovah) - Call to give Thanks refers to the general salvation of the people otherwise estranged. Some scholars think it might refer to Pilgrims coming to Zion (OARSV n). These following texts lead to the establishment of the Priesthood of Melchisedek at Psalm 110. See the Elect as Elohim No. 001 under the Plan of Salvation (No. 001A; 001B; and 001C).

vv. 2-3 Redemption. Comp. Isa. 43:1; Gal. 3:13. Introduction to the Godhead (No. 193).

vv. 4-7 The gathering. Comp. Isa. 11:11-16; Ezek. 39:27. See God's Feasts as they relate to the Creation (No. 227).

vv. 8-9 Thanksgiving and praise. A refrain (vv. 15-16, 21-22, 31-32. Comp. Deut. 5:29; Psa. 31:13-16; Rev. 7:16-17.

107:10-16 Freedom from captivity (Eph. 4:8).

vv. 10-12 The harrowing consequences of rebellion. Comp. Job 3:5; Mat. 4:16, Lam. 3:6-7.

vv. 13-14 Ode to deliverance. Comp. Ex. 3:7-8; Jdg. 4:3; 6:6-10; 10:10-18; Job 33:30; Eph. 5:8.

v. 15 Implies the rhetorical question: With all the evidence, why do men withhold their appreciation for God’s works on their behalf. Comp. Pss. 107:8, 21,31; 116:17-19.

v. 16 God opens the restraining gates of bronze and iron. Comp. Jdg. 16:3; Isa. 45:1-2; Mic. 2:13.

107:17-22 Redemption from Sickness

v. 17 The consequence of being caught in one’s own sin. Comp. Pss. 14:1; 92:6; Pro. 1:22; 7:7, 22.

v. 18 The iniquitous soul engenders physical sickness. Comp. Job 33:19-20.

vv. 19-20 He hears their cry and sends His Word of deliverance. Comp. Jer. 33:3.

v. 21 Call for men to ‘praise their God’.

v. 22 Bring acceptable sacrifices of thanksgiving and praise (see 7:17 n.) Comp. Heb. 13:15; 1Pet. 2:5, 9.

vv. 23-27 An allegory of life being like the raging sea with its ups and downs. Comp. 2Sam. 17:10.

vv. 28-30 Call upon God, while the ‘sea’ is raging, and He will deliver you to a calm port. Comp. Job 6:21. See Safety in the Hand of God, (No. 194B)

vv. 31-32 Again, the call for men to ‘praise their God’.

107:33-43 Hymn praising God for His Bounty.

vv. 33-34 God can curse the land. Comp. Isa. 32:13-15; 50:2.

vv. 35-38 In contrast, He can bless the land for the benefit of His people. Comp. Isa. 41:17-19, Ezek. 28:26, Deut. 30:9.

vv. 39-40 We experience affliction and sorrow, yet God raises the needy from affliction.

vv. 41-42 The righteous shall endure and prosper.

v. 43 Be wise, observe, and see the loving kindness of God. Comp. Pss. 28:5; 64:9; Isa. 5:12; Jer. 9:12; Dan. 10:12; Hos. 14:9; Psa. 50:23; Jer 9:24; Eph. 3:18-19.

Psalm 108

108:1 A Song. A Psalm of David. My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody! Awake, my soul! ²Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn! ³I will give thanks to thee, O LORD, among the peoples, I will sing praises to thee among the nations. ⁴For thy steadfast love is great above the heavens, thy faithfulness reaches to the clouds. ⁵Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let thy glory be over all the earth! ⁶That thy beloved may be delivered, give help by thy right hand, and answer me! ⁷God has promised in his sanctuary: "With exultation I will divide up Shechem, and portion out the Vale of Succoth. ⁸Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet; Judah my scepter. ⁹Moab is my washbasin; upon Edom I cast my shoe; over Philistia I shout in triumph." ¹⁰Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? ¹¹Hast thou not rejected us, O God? Thou dost not go forth, O God, with our armies. ¹²O grant us help against the foe, for vain is the help of man! ¹³With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.

Intent of Psalm 108

A Psalm of exaltation.

108:1-5 are practically identical with 57:7-11.

vv. 6-13 are also identical with 60:5-12.

vv. 1-3 David, the psalmist, sets his heart to praise God, not only to his own people, but also to the nations. Comp. Pss. 57:7-11; 33:2; 22:27.

v. 4 Why the praise? It is God’s mercy and truth. Comp. Pss. 36:5; 85:10; 89:2, 5; 103:11; Isa. 55:9; Mic. 7:18-20; Eph 2:4-7.

vv. 5-13 David makes clear his desire for the unification of Israel, and Palestine, Moab, Ammon and Edom which he petitions God’s help to achieve. Comp. 2Sam. 7:20-29.

Psalm 109

109:1 To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Be not silent, O God of my praise! ²For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues. ³They beset me with words of hate, and attack me without cause. ⁴In return for my love they accuse me, even as I make prayer for them. ⁵So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love. ⁶Appoint a wicked man against him; let an accuser bring him to trial. ⁷When he is tried, let him come forth guilty; let his prayer be counted as sin! ⁸May his days be few; may another seize his goods! ⁹May his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow! ¹⁰May his children wander about and beg; may they be driven out of the ruins they inhabit! ¹¹May the creditor seize all that he has; may strangers plunder the fruits of his toil! ¹²Let there be none to extend kindness to him, nor any to pity his fatherless children! ¹³May his posterity be cut off; may his name be blotted out in the second generation! ¹⁴May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the LORD, and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out! ¹⁵Let them be before the LORD continually; and may his memory be cut off from the earth! ¹⁶For he did not remember to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and the brokenhearted to their death. ¹⁷He loved to curse; let curses come on him! He did not like blessing; may it be far from him! ¹⁸He clothed himself with cursing as his coat, may it soak into his body like water, like oil into his bones! ¹⁹May it be like a garment which he wraps round him, like a belt with which he daily girds himself! ²⁰May this be the reward of my accusers from the LORD, of those who speak evil against my life! ²¹But thou, O God my Lord, deal on my behalf for thy name's sake; because thy steadfast love is good, deliver me! ²²For I am poor and needy, and my heart is stricken within me. ²³I am gone, like a shadow at evening; I am shaken off like a locust. ²⁴My knees are weak through fasting; my body has become gaunt. ²⁵I am an object of scorn to my accusers; when they see me, they wag their heads. ²⁶Help me, O LORD my God! Save me according to thy steadfast love! ²⁷Let them know that this is thy hand; thou, O LORD, hast done it! ²⁸Let them curse, but do thou bless! Let my assailants be put to shame; may thy servant be glad! ²⁹May my accusers be clothed with dishonor; may they be wrapped in their own shame as in a mantle! ³⁰With my mouth I will give great thanks to the LORD; I will praise him in the midst of the throng. ³¹For he stands at the right hand of the needy, to save him from those who condemn him to death.

Intent of Psalm 109

David petitions God to help him and to, essentially, curse his enemies.

vv. 1-3 David’s complaint is that he is defamed and unjustly accused of a crime (comp. vv. 22-25) and he brings his complaint to his God. Comp. Ex. 15:2; Pss. 31:13, 18; 35:7, 20; 22-23; 59:3-4; 64:3-4; 69:4; 140:3.

vv. 4-5 David buttresses his argument by juxtaposing his belief in love and prayer for his enemies and his enemies’ hatred (cf. vv. 6-19); comp. Pss. 35:7, 12; 38:20; Pro. 17:13; Lk. 6:11-12; Jn. 10:32; 13:18; 2Cor. 12:15.

vv. 6-20 David suggests curses (basically to let his curses return to himself, such that he reap all that he sows) for those he has just identified as slanderers. Comp. Pss. 52:4-5; 55:23; 59:12-13; Deut. 28; Pro. 14:14; Ezek. 35:6; Mat.7:2; Lk. 19:27; Rom. 3:19; Gal. 3:10; Jas. 2:13.

v. 21 The text in this verse identifies God here as Yahovih (SHD 3069). This identifies the God Most High who is the God of the Elohim of Israel of Psalm 45. He is the Eloah of Deut. Ch. 32 that anointed the sons of God as the elohim of the nations and the Messiah as the elohim of Israel at Deut. 32:8-9 (see also Pss. 114:7; 139:19). He is referred to in Psa. 110:1 as The Lord of David's Lord who was the elohim of Israel and who is the Christ or Messiah.

vv. 21-27 David begs God’s mercy on his own weaknesses. The contrast then is made between the froward and those that seek God’s mercy. The contrast is a proof of God (“…this is thy hand; thou, O LORD, hast done it!”). Comp. Pss 36:7-9; 63:3; 86:5, 15; 17:13-14; 64:8-9; 126:2; Ex. 8:19; Num. 16:28-30.

vv. 28-29 David understands the resurrection, some to shame, some to rejoicing. Comp. Psa. 109:17; Isa. 65:13-16; Zech. 12:8; Rev. 20:12.

vv. 30-31 David summarizes: He will praise God because God will stand with the one slandered. Comp. Pss. 22:22-25; 68:5; 72:4; 72:12-13; 140:12.

Psalm 110

110:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD says to my lord: "Sit at my right hand, till I make your enemies your footstool." ²The LORD sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your foes! ³Your people will offer themselves freely on the day you lead your host upon the holy mountains. From the womb of the morning like dew your youth will come to you. ⁴The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, "You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." ⁵The Lord is at your right hand; he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath. ⁶He will execute judgment among the nations, filling them with corpses; he will shatter chiefs over the wide earth. ⁷He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head.

Intent of Psalm 110

This psalm is a messianic prophecy; and of the priesthood of the elect (see Heb. Ch. 8 (F058)). It is considered a royal psalm indicative of a Coronation, in this case Messiah's.

v. 1 The psalmist, most likely David, tells us that God the Father says to David’s lord, (SHD Adon the sovereign Christ or the Elohim of Israel Psa. 45), to sit on His right hand and wait for the time of the subjugation of his enemies. Comp. Mat. 22:42-46; Mk. 16:19; Acts 2:34; Eph. 1:20-22; Heb. 12:2; 1Pet. 3:22.

v. 2 The kingdom will be delivered to the Anointed One. Comp. Mic. 4:2; 7:14; Isa. 2:3; Ezek. 47:1; Pss. 2:8-9; 22:28-29.

v. 3 The peoples will follow willingly to Zion. Comp. Psa. 22:27-28; Rev. 7:9.

v. 4 God the Father assigns Christ to the priesthood Order of Melchizedek. Comp. Gen. 14:18; Zech. 6:13; Heb. 6:20; 7:1-3, 11, 17; Rev. 1:6.

vv. 5-6 Having revealed the priest Messiah in the previous verses, the king Messiah is here revealed in wrath and punishment of the nations over the earth. Comp. Pss. 2:2-6; 9-12; 45:4-5; 68:14, 30; 149:7-9; Zech. 9:9-10, 13-15; Rev. 11:18; 14:20; 17:12-14; 19:11-21; 20:8-9.

v. 7 Christ drank of the cup, and now rightfully rules. Comp. Phil. 2:7-11; Heb. 2:9-10.

Note: Read this Psalm in conjunction with Mat. 22:41-46; Acts 2:34-35; Heb.1:13.

v. 3 As a free-will offering.

v. 4 See Gen.14:18; Heb. 5:6, 10; Heb. 6:20; Heb. Ch.7 (F058).

v. 5 Lord here in the Hebrew is Adonay (SHD 136), showing this to be Christ (in v. 1 it is Adon (SHD 113) meaning sovereign or owner.

v. 6 See Rev. 20:1-15.

v. 7 see Holy Spirit (No. 117),

Psalm 111

111:1 Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. ²Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who have pleasure in them. ³Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures for ever. ⁴He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful. ⁵He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant. ⁶He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations. ⁷The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy, ⁸they are established for ever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. ⁹He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant for ever. Holy and terrible is his name! ¹⁰The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who practice it. His praise endures for ever!

Intent of Psalm 111

A psalm of praise to God.

v. 1 David vows to praise God in the assemblies of the righteous. This event is following the First Resurrection (No. 143A); also comp. Pss. 22:25; 35:18; 40:9-10; 89:5, 7; 107:32; 108:3; 109:30.

v. 2 Those who seek to know God’s works praise His works. Comp. Psa. 104:24, Job 38:1-41.

v. 3 All of God’s works are glorious and everlasting. Comp. Pss. 19:1; 103:17; 119:142, 144; Rev. 5:12-14.

v.4 God’s works are memorials and show His grace and compassion. Comp. Pss. 78:38; 112:4; 145:8.

v. 5 God keeps His word and remembers His covenant promises. Comp. Pss. 89:34; 105:8; 106:45; Neh. 1:5; Dan. 9:4; Lk. 1:72. See also The Covenant of God (No. 152).

v. 6 God’s works have power to transfer the assets of the heathen to the righteous. Comp. Pss. 2:8; 44:2; 78:55; 80:8; 105:44.

v. 7 What God does is true, justified, and sure. Comp. Pss. 19:7; 105:8; 119:86, 151, 160.

v. 8 His works are everlasting and upright. Comp. Mat. 5:18; Rom. 3:31.

v. 9 For His Name’s sake, He redeemed His people and made His Covenant possible to keep. Comp. Psa. 130:7-8; Ex. 15:13; Deut. 15:15; Isa. 44:6; 63:9; Mat. 1:21, Lk. 1:68; Eph. 1:7,14; Tit. 2:14; Heb. 9:12; 1Pet. 1:18-20; Rev 5:9.

v. 10 The beginning of wisdom and understanding is defined. Comp. Job 28:28; Pro 1:7; 9:10; Ecc. 12:13; Rev. 22:14; 1Pet. 1:7.

This psalm and the next (112) are both psalms of praise for the Lord in the company of the congregation following on from the anointing of the Messiah as the High Priest of Melchisedek in the Temple of God (Ps. 110) and the development of the elect in the priesthood and the taking over of the millennial system at the return of Messiah in the Last Days.

Psalm 112

112:1 Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments! ²His descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. ³Wealth and riches are in his house; and his righteousness endures for ever. ⁴Light rises in the darkness for the upright; the LORD is gracious, merciful, and righteous. ⁵It is well with the man who deals generously and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice. ⁶For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered for ever. He is not afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. ⁸His heart is steady, he will not be afraid, until he sees his desire on his adversaries. ⁹He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever; his horn is exalted in honor. ¹⁰The wicked man sees it and is angry; he gnashes his teeth and melts away; the desire of the wicked man comes to nought.

Intent of Psalm 112

This psalm compares the rewards for righteousness versus those for wickedness (a wisdom psalm). Like Psa. 111 it is an acrostic and similar in theme to Psa. 1 but is more concerned with the rewards of righteousness (vv. 1-9) than the punishment of ungodliness (v. 10).

v. 1 Praise the Lord (see 111:1 n.).

Blessed (see 1:1 n.). The man who fears God and keeps His commandments is blessed. Comp. Psa. 1:1-2. The keeping of the Law of God is essential to the Resurrection and Eternal Life (No. 133).

vv. 2-3 The seed of the righteous multiplies as do their assets. Comp. Pss. 25:13; 37:26; 102:28; Gen. 17:7; 22:17-18; Pro. 20:7; Jer. 32:39; Acts 2:39.

v. 4 A righteous man exhibits grace and compassion. Comp. Psa 106; Lk. 6:36; 2Cor. 8:8-9; Eph. 4:32; 5:1-2, 9, 15; Col. 3:12-13.

v. 5 The good man lends to the needy and conducts his affairs with discretion. Comp. Psa 37:25-26; Deut. 15:7-10; Job 31:16-20; Lk. 6:35; Pro. 27:23-27.

v. 6 God will remember the righteous. Comp. Neh. 13:22, 31; Pro. 10:7; Mat. 25:34-40; Heb. 6:10.

vv. 7-8 The Righteous will not be afraid. Comp. Pss. 27:1-3; 34:4; 56:3-4; Pro. 1:33; 3:25-26; Lk. 21:9, 19.

v. 9 The righteous will be exalted, Comp. Pss. 75:10; 92:10; 1Sam. 2:1, 30; quoted in part in 2Cor. 9:9.

Horn see 75:4-5 n.

v. 10 The wicked shall see the exaltation of the righteous and will be angry. In their anger they shall perish. Comp. Pss. 37:12; 58:7-8; Est. 6:11-12; Pro. 10:28; 11:7; Isa. 65:13-14; Mat. 22:13; Lk. 13:28; 16:23-26; Rev. 16:10-11.

The Hallel Psalms

As we saw in the Introduction (F019) after the Psalms for the Days of the Week we have the Hallel Psalms identified as being the Psalms for use on the Holy Days of the Temple Worship.

“Hallel” Psalms

According to Schurer (Note 41; vol II, pp. 303-304) the so-called Hallel psalms were also sung on the High Days of the Feasts (according to the “common view” Pss 113-118; but Schurer states that tradition varies as to what is to be understood by Hallel).

Note there are only six psalms for the Seven Holy Days. Psa. 117 is very short. Psa. 114 mentions the Exodus and deals specifically with the text that deals with the elohim of Jacob that was the subordinate God of Israel (Psa. 45; Heb. 1:8-9) that Paul also mentions in 1Cor. 10:1-4 as being Christ. Psalm 118:6 is quoted in Heb. 13:6 relating also to Christ. 118:22-23 is specifically referring to Christ becoming the head of the corner and tying that to the goodness and acts of the Lord God (see also Mat. 21:42; Acts 4:11; 1Pet. 2:7). Pss. 111, 112, and 119 are alphabetical acrostics (as are Pss. 9-10; 25; 34; 37 and 145). These three bracket the six psalms emphasising the commandments of God and His Covenant. The purpose appears to be to enforce the Law of God in the Plan of Salvation outlined by the Seven Holy Days, of which, the Last Great Day represents the First and Second Resurrections (Rev. Ch. 20 F066v; ##143A; 143B). Admission to and completing them entails keeping the Law and the Testimony. Those failing to do that will face the Second Death (No. 143C). Psa. 118 ends with a hymn of praise to the God of the Messiah (Psa. 45) (comp. Psa. 136).”

These psalms develop the Holy Days and the power of the elect in the Holy Spirit given to man at Pentecost 30 CE (see The Holy Spirit (No. 117) (and No 159). They are referred to as the “Egyptian Hallel,” and used in connection with the great festivals. At the Passover Pss. 113 and 114 are sung before the meal. Pss. 115-118 are sung afterwards. The psalms unfold to 118 and then in Psalm 119 we see the Law of God outlined in its full honour and glory as the key element in the elevation of mankind to Elohim as sons of God. Antinomianism was developed by the demons to prevent mankind from reaching its full potential as Elohim (No. 001),

We now go on to examine these important Psalms, recognising they were written in the sequence of the appointment of the Messiah and the prophecies of the exaltation of the elect in the Temple of God as priests for the millennial reign of Christ for the Seventh Day of the Creation as the Millennial Sabbath (F066v).

Psalm 113

113:1Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD! ²Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore! ³From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the LORD is to be praised! ⁴The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens! ⁵Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high, ⁶who looks far down upon the heavens and the earth? ⁷He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap, ⁸to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people. ⁹He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD!

Intent of Psalm 113

This psalm is a call to praise the Name of God, as helper of the humble, and it provides a few praiseworthy examples for doing so. (Another Hallelujah psalm (see 111:1 n.).) This and the following five psalms form what is called by the Hebrews the great Hallel, or praise, which was sung on their most solemn festivals, and particularly after the celebration of the Passover.

vv. 1-3 Praise God! Comp. Pss. 33:1-2; 103:20-21; 134:1; 135:1-3; 135:20; 145:10; Eph. 5:19-20; Rev. 19:5.

v. 4 God is above the nations, even the heavens. Comp. Pss. 8:1; 57:10-11; 97:9; 99:2; Isa. 40:15, 17, 22; 66:1; 1Kgs. 8:27.

v. 5 (A rhetorical question-) Who is like God? Comp. Pss. 89:6, 8; 15:11; Deut. 33:26; Isa. 40:18; 40:25; Isa. 16:5; Jer. 10:6.

v. 6 God humbles himself to observe the things in heaven and earth. Comp. Psa. 11:4, Job 4:18; 15:15; Isa. 6:2.

v. 7 God considers and raises the poor and needy from their circumstances. Comp. Pss. 75:6-7; 107:41; Job 5:11, 16; Ezek. 17:24; 21:26-27; Lk. 1:52-53, Jas. 2:5.

v. 8 God sets the poor among His princes. Comp. Pss. 45:16; 68:13; Gen. 41:41; Phil. 2:8-11; Rev. 5:9-10.

v. 9 God gives children to the barren woman. Comp. Psa. 68:6; Gen. 21:5-7; 25:21; 30:22-23; 1Sam. 2:5; Isa. 54:1; Lk. 1:13-15; Gal. 4:27.

Psalm 114

114:1 When Israel went forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language, ²Judah became his sanctuary, Israel his dominion. ³The sea looked and fled, Jordan turned back. ⁴The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs. ⁵What ails you, O sea, that you flee? O Jordan, that you turn back? ⁶O mountains, that you skip like rams? O hills, like lambs? ⁷Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the God of Jacob, ⁸who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of water.

Intent of Psalm 114

Hymn in praise of the creation of the nation. An elegant poetic summary of the Exodus and subsequent milestones in Israel’s history.

v. 1 Israel leaves Egypt. Comp. Ex. 12:41-42; 13:3; 20:2; Deut. 16:1; 26:8; Isa. 11:16.

v. 2 God keeps His promises to Judah and Israel. Comp. Ex. 6:7; 19:5-6; 25:8; 29:45-46; Lev. 11:45; Deut. 23:14; 27:9; 12; Ezek. 37:26-28; 2Cor. 6:16-18; Rev 21:3.

v. 3 God provides pathways through waters of seas and rivers. Comp. Pss. 74:15; 77:16; 104:7; 106:9; Ex. 14:21; 15:8; Isa. 63:12; Hab. 3:8, 9, 15; Jos. 3:13-16.

vv. 4-7 God spoke and the land trembled. Comp. Pss. 114:4; 29:6; 97:4-5; 104:32; Jer. 47:6-7; Hab. 3:8; Job 9:6; 26:11; Isa. 64:1-3. The singular name of the One True God as Creator is used here. Eloah (SHD 433) is sovereign, 5:22, Mic 6:1-2.

v. 8 God turns rock into a water source. Comp. Pss. 78:15-16; 105:41; 107:35; Ex. 17:6; Num. 20:11; Deut. 8:15; Neh. 9:15; 1Cor. 10:4. Here Christ was acting on the orders of Eloah at Sinai.

vv. 7-8 Show it should be classed as a Hymn (see Ps. 113 n.).

Pss. 113 and 114 are the pre-meal songs at Passover.

Psalm 115

115:1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to thy name give glory, for the sake of thy steadfast love and thy faithfulness! ²Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" ³Our God is in the heavens; he does whatever he pleases. ⁴Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. ⁵They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. ⁶They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. ⁷They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. ⁸Those who make them are like them; so are all who trust in them. ⁹O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. ¹⁰O house of Aaron, put your trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. ¹¹You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. ¹²The LORD has been mindful of us; he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron; ¹³he will bless those who fear the LORD, both small and great. ¹⁴May the LORD give you increase, you and your children! ¹⁵May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth! ¹⁶The heavens are the LORD's heavens, but the earth he has given to the sons of men. ¹⁷The dead do not praise the LORD, nor do any that go down into silence. ¹⁸But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD!

Intent of Psalm 115

This psalm begins the post-meal psalms at Passover and the other Holy Days (Pss. 115-118 as above). This psalm contrasts the attributes of idols with the attributes of a living God. It is thought to perhaps been sung antiphonally by a choir ascribing glory to God alone.

vv. 3-8 perhaps a soloist proclaims that God is Omnipotent; no idols have life at all. The choir asks Israel to trust in the Lord (vv. 9-11).

v. 1 The glory of mercy and truth reside in the Name of the Living God alone. Comp. Pss 61:7; 89:1-2; Mic. 7:20; Jn. 1:17.

v. 2 (A rhetorical question-) Why can’t the heathen see God, or His handiwork? Comp. Pss. 42:3; 42:10; 79:10; Ex. 32:12; Num. 14:15-16; Deut. 32:26-27; 2Kgs. 19:10-19; Jl. 2:17.

v. 3 (The answer, part 1-) The God who resides in the heavens, is sovereign, and out of sight. Comp. Pss. 2:4; 68:4; 123:1; 135:6; Isa. 46:10; 1Chr. 16:25; Dan. 4:35; Mat. 6:9; Rom. 9:19; Eph. 1:11. On the other hand, vv. 4-7 (The answer, part 2-) Idols do not have any working attributes, just images thereof. Comp. Pss. 97:7; 135:15-17; Deut. 4:28; Isa. 40:19-20; 42:17; 46:1-2; 46:6-7; Jer. 10:3-5; Hos. 8:6, Hab. 2:18-20; Acts. 19:26; 19:35; 1Cor. 10:19-20. However, not to be deterred, modern science is working with the demons to give the idols life through artificial intelligence (AI). See Wars of the End Part IIIC: UFOs and Aliens (No. 141E_2B).

v. 8 (Important biblical principle-) The worshipper becomes like the god he/she worships. Comp. Psa. 135:18; Isa. 44:9-20; Jer. 10:8; Jon. 2:8; Hab. 2:18-19.

vv. 9-18 An appeal to Israel and its priesthood to praise God and be like Him. Comp. Pss. 62:8; 113:2; 118:17-19; 125:1; 130:7; 145:21; 146:5-6; Jer. 17:17-18; Dan. 2:20; Eph. 1:12; Rev. 5:13.

v. 10 House of Aaron – The priests

vv. 12-13 The Congregation responds.

vv. 16-18 Concluding hymn of praise.

v. 17 and have no communion with and are separated from God (Pss. 88:5-6, 10).

v. 18 Praise the Lord! Hallelujah (see Psa. 113 n. OARSV n.).

Psalm 116

116:1 I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. ²Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. ³The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. ⁴Then I called on the name of the LORD: "O LORD, I beseech thee, save my life!" ⁵Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful. ⁶The LORD preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. ⁷Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. ⁸For thou hast delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; ⁹I walk before the LORD in the land of the living. ¹⁰I kept my faith, even when I said, "I am greatly afflicted"; ¹¹I said in my consternation, "Men are all a vain hope." ¹²What shall I render to the LORD for all his bounty to me? ¹³I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD, ¹⁴I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people. ¹⁵Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. ¹⁶O LORD, I am thy servant; I am thy servant, the son of thy handmaid. Thou hast loosed my bonds. ¹⁷I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. ¹⁸I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, ¹⁹in the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!

Intent of Psalm 116

Thanksgiving for healing. This is a psalm of encouragement for the individual in need.

vv. 1-2 Address to the Congregation We can love God because He hears and answers our prayers that are offered in times of need. Comp. Pss. 18:1-6 n.; 31:22-23; 34:3-4; 40:1; 66:19-20; 69:33; 119:132; Gen. 35:2; 1Sam. 1:26; Mk. 12:33, Jn. 16:24; 21:17; 1Jn. 4:19; 5:2-3.

Here is the sequence for a successful approach to God in prayer. See also Teach Us To Pray (No. 111).

v. 3 Step 1- The supplicant describes his situation (Sheol 6:5 n.). Comp. Pss. 18:4-6; 32:3-4; 38:6; 88:6-7; Isa. 53:3-4; Jon. 2:2-3, Mk. 14:33-36; Lk. 22:44; Heb. 5:7.

v. 4 Step 2- The supplicant asks for deliverance. Comp. Pss. 22:1-3; 30:7-8; 34:6; 50:15; 118:5; 130:1-2; 2Chr. 33:12-13; Isa. 37:15-20; 38:1-3; Jn. 2:2.

O Lord: Pss. 6:4; 22:20; 25:17; 40:12-13; 142:4-6; 143:6-9; Lk. 18:13; 23:42-44.

vv. 5-8 Step 3- The supplicant acknowledges the answer (v. 8). Comp. Pss. 86:5, 15; 103:8; 112:4; 115:1; 145:8; Isa. 45:21; Dan. 9:7, 14; Rom. 3:25-26; 16:19. 1Jn. 1:9; 2Cor. 1:12, 11:3; Col. 3:22; Pss. 13:6; 119:17; Hos. 2:7; Isa. 25:8; 38:5; Rev 7:17; 21:4.

v. 9 Step 4- The supplicant recovers and decides to walk with God. Comp. Psa. 61:7; Gen. 17:1; 1Kgs. 2:4; 8:25; 9:4; Lk. 1:6, 75.

So, what is the lesson?

vv. 10-11 The supplicant trusted in God rather than men and reflects on his original condition. Comp. Psa. 31:22; 2Cor. 4:13.

vv. 12-19 Fulfilment of the vow (see 7:17 n.).

v. 12 The supplicant wonders how to repay God. Comp. Pss. 51:12-14; 103:2; Isa. 6:5-8; Rom. 12:1; 1Cor. 6:20; 2Cor. 5:14-15.

v. 13 He offers a libation and will accept salvation. Comp. Psa. 116:17; Lk. 22:17-18; 22:20; 1Cor. 10:16, 21; 11:25-27.

v. 14 He will pay all his vows. Comp. Pss. 116:18; 22:25; 56:12; 66:13-15; Jon. 1:16; 2:9; Nah 1:15; Mat. 5:33.

Why?

v. 15 God is pleased. Comp. Pss. 37:32-33; 72:14; 1Sam. 25:29; Job 5:26; Lk. 16:22; Rev. 1:18; 14:3.

Precious … is the death – Such a death is rarely seen. Saints – see 30:5 n.

vv. 16-19 Epilogue. The supplicant is now a servant of God, performs his promises and vows, and praises God in the open congregation.

v. 16 (see 86:16 n.).

v. 19 Praise the Lord Hallelujah (Psa. 113 n.)

Psalm 117

117:1 Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! ²For great is his steadfast love toward us; and the faithfulness of the LORD endures for ever. Praise the LORD!

Intent of Psalm 117

This psalm tells us that God is the God of all, not just one nation. Thus Salvation is of the Gentiles.

v. 1 God is not a respecter of persons. Comp. Pss. 66:1, 4; 67:3; 86:9; 148:11-14; 150:6; Isa. 24:15-16; 42:10-12; Rom. 15:11; Rev. 5:9; 7:9-10; 15:4. Hallelujah (Psa. 113 n)

Psalm 118

118:1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures for ever! ²Let Israel say, "His steadfast love endures for ever." ³Let the house of Aaron say, "His steadfast love endures for ever." ⁴Let those who fear the LORD say, "His steadfast love endures for ever." ⁵Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. ⁶With the LORD on my side I do not fear. What can man do to me? ⁷The LORD is on my side to help me; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. ⁸It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to put confidence in man. ⁹It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.¹⁰All nations surrounded me; in the name of the LORD I cut them off! ¹¹They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side; in the name of the LORD I cut them off! ¹²They surrounded me like bees, they blazed like a fire of thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off! ¹³I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me. ¹⁴The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. ¹⁵Hark, glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: "The right hand of the LORD does valiantly, ¹⁶the right hand of the LORD is exalted, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!" ¹⁷I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD. ¹⁸The LORD has chastened me sorely, but he has not given me over to death. ¹⁹Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD. ²⁰This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it. ²¹I thank thee that thou hast answered me and hast become my salvation. ²²The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner. ²³This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. ²⁴This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. ²⁵Save us, we beseech thee, O LORD! O LORD, we beseech thee, give us success! ²⁶Blessed be he who enters in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD. ²⁷The LORD is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar! ²⁸ Thou art my God, and I will give thanks to thee; thou art my God, I will extol thee. ²⁹O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever!

Intent of Psalm 118

Thanksgiving for deliverance. The last of the Egyptian Hallel Psalms; this psalm extols the virtue of placing complete faith in God.

v. 1 God deserves thanks for His enduring goodness and mercy. Comp. Pss. 118:29; 103:17; 106:1; 107:1; 136:1; 1Chr. 16:8, 34; Jer. 33:11.

vv. 2-4 All those who fear God must acknowledge that His mercy endures forever. Comp. Pss. 22:23; 115:9-11; 135:19-20; Rev. 19:5.

vv. 5-7 God has helped the psalm’s author. Comp. Pss 18:6; 40:1-3; 54:4; 55:18; 77:2.

v. 6 Quoted in Heb. 13:6.

v. 8 Trust God, not men. Comp. Pss. 40:4, 62:8-9; Jer. 17:5-7; Mic 7:5-7.

v. 9 Trust God, not princes (power). Comp. Psa. 146:3-5; Isa. 30:2-3, 15-17; 31:1, 8; 36:6-7; Ezek. 29:7.

vv. 10-13 The desperate situation

vv. 10-12 With God on one’s side, even a company of attacking nations can be destroyed. Comp. 2Sam. 8:1-18; 10:1-19; Zech. 12:3; 14:1-3; Rev. 19:19-21; 20:8-9 (F066v).

v. 13 God tests faith. Comp. Pss. 18:17-18; 56:1-3; 1Sam. 20:3; 25:29; 2Sam. 17:1-3, Mic. 7:8; Mat. 4:1-11; Heb 2:14.

Victory

v. 14 God is salvation. Comp. Psa. 18:2; Ex. 15:2-6; Isa. 12:2; 45:17, 22-25; Mat 1:21-23.

v. 15 God’s salvation generates songs of praise. Comp. Pss. 30:11-12; 32:11; 33:1; 119:54, 111; Deut. 12:12; Isa. 51:11; 65:13; Acts 2:46-47; 16:34; Rev. 18:20; 19:1-5.

v. 16 God’s right hand is strength and valour. Comp. Ex. 15:6; Acts 2:32-33.

v. 17 God is life, so what is death to be feared? Comp. Psa. 6:5; Isa. 38:16-20; Hab. 1:12, Jn. 11:4; Rom. 14:7-9.

v. 18 There is life after chastening for those who rely on God. Comp. Psa. 94:12-13; 2Sam. 12:10; 13:1-39; 16:1-23; Job 5:17-18; 33:16-30; Pro. 3:11-12, Jon. 2:6; 1Cor. 11:32; 2Cor. 1:9-11, 6:9; Heb. 12:10-11.

Entry through the Temple gates.

vv. 19-20 Righteousness is fenced off but there is a gate through which the chastened can go. Comp. Pss. 9:13-14; 24:3-4, 7, 9; 66:13-15; 95:2; 100:4; 116:18-19; Isa. 38:20, 22; 26:2; 35:8-10; Rev. 21:24-27; 22:14-15.

v. 21 God is salvation. Comp. Psa. 118:14; Ex. 15:2; Isa. 12:2; 49:8.

v. 22 God’s prophetic “stone”. Comp. Zech. 4:7; Mat. 21:42; Mk. 12:10-11; Lk. 20:17; Acts 4:11; Eph. 2:20-22; 1Pet. 2:4-8.

v. 23 God’s stone is a marvellous work. Comp. Job 5:9; Acts 2:32-36; 3:14-15; 4:13; 5:31-32.

vv. 23-25 The choir joyfully acknowledges what God has done.

Save us Heb. Hoshianna (Hosanna). This verse and the next are alluded to in Mat. 21:9 and parallel passages.

vv. 26-27 The suppliant is admitted with a choral blessing (OARSV considers v. 27B is perhaps a liturgical direction).

v. 28 Act of thanksgiving

v. 29 The choir begins a hymn of praise (comp. Psa. 136). End of Hallel

The text now proceeds to develop the importance of the law in the Plan of Salvation. See F019_5ii.

Bullinger’s Notes on Psalm 107 to 118

Bullinger’s Notes on Psalm 107

Verse 1

The first Psalm of Book V. This book contains fifteen by David, one by Solomon (Psalm 127), and the rest anonymous (probably by Hezekiah, see App-67), certainly not later than his day. See notes on passages supposed to prove a later date.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

mercy = lovingkindness, or grace; as in Psalms 107:43.

Verse 2

redeemed. Hebrew. ga"al, to redeem by purchase. See notes on Exodus 6:6, and Comp. Exodus 13:13.

hand. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6, for the power exercised by it.

enemy = adversary, or straitnesses.

Verse 3

gathered. This is the subject of this last book. Gathered by His Word; and according to His Word. See the Structure, p. 826, and note, p. 827.

the lands, &c. Figure of speech Topographia (App-6), for emphasis. The Psalm looks forward to the final ingathering of Israel.

south = sea: i.e. the Red Sea.

Verse 4

a solitary way = a trackless waste.

city to dwell in = city of habitation, as in Psalms 107:7.

Verse 5

soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.

trouble = strait.

Verse 7

He led them forth. When this is the case, the way is always "right".

the right way. Because it is His way: not the shortest, or most direct, or most pleasant; but it is the way of Grace and Favour. It is the way of Trial (Deuteronomy 8:2-4); the way of Safety; the way of Divine Provision and Miraculous Supplies; and it ends "right".

Verse 8

goodness = lovingkindness, or grace; same word as "mercy" in Psalms 107:1.

children = sons.

men. Hebrew. "adam, App-14.

Verse 9

filleth the hungry soul. Quoted in Luke 1:53.

Verse 10

affliction = oppression.

Verse 11

rebelled. This marks the subject of 4-9.

words = sayings, utterances.

GOD. Hebrew El. App-4.

contemned = despised.

the MOST HIGH. Hebrew. "Elyon. App-4.

Verse 12

none to help = no sign of a helper.

Verse 17

Fools = the Perverse, depending on their own wisdom, which is foolishness with God (1 Corinthians 1:20-25). Comp. Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 14:3, Proverbs 14:9; Proverbs 15:5; Proverbs 27:22.

transgression. Hebrew. pasha". App-44.

iniquities. Hebrew. "avah. App-44. Not the same word as in Psalms 107:42.

are afflicted = bring affliction on themselves.

Verse 20

He sent His Word = He sendeth. This is the key-note to the whole book. All blessing is bound up in this. Note the prophetic reference to Christ, the Living Word (John 1:1, John 1:2, John 1:14 and contrast with the written Word (Psalm 119). See the Structure, p. 826.

sent =sendeth.

healed = healeth.

delivered =delivereth.

destructions = graves. Hebrew shahath. Occurs only here andLam . The Divine Deliverer was "taken in their pits", and He alone can deliver from the grave.

Verse 23

They that go down, &c. In the Heb, text, verses: Psalms 107:23-28 are marked by "inverted Nuns" (i.e. the letter Nun (N), inverted). There are nine altogether. There are two in Numbers 10:35, Numbers 10:36 (see note there), and seven in this Psalm. Psalms 107:23-28 each have one; also Psalms 107:40. These inverted letters are used as our "brackets" are, to indicate that, in the opinion of the Sopherim, the verses so marked should be transposed. But this is only an opinion, arrived at from not seeing the Structure of the Psalm, which, when examined, leaves nothing "inexplicable", as the transition from Psalms 107:38 to Psalms 107:39 is said to be.

Verse 24

works. Some codices, with two early printed editions, read "work" (singular)

Verse 25

wind. Hebrew. ruach. App-9.

Verse 27

man. Hebrew "ish. App-14.

are at their wit"s end. Hebrew all their wisdom swallows itself.

Verse 30

bringeth = guideth: or, will gently guide.

Verse 32

congregation = assembly, or convocation.

assembly = session, or seated company.

Verse 34

wickedness. Hebrew. ra"a". App-44.

Verse 35

And. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton (App-6) in verses: Psalms 107:35-38, emphasizing each item which goes to make up the fulness of blessing.

Verse 38

suffereth not, &c. Figure of speech Tapeinosis (App-6) = will abundantly multiply.

Verse 39

Again, &c. So far from the transition from Psalms 107:38-39 being "inexplicable", or Psalms 107:40 being an "interpolation", the perfection of the repetition of the subject ("judgment") is shown by the Structure above.

Verse 40

in the wilderness, where there is no way = a pathless waste.

wilderness. Hebrew. tohu. Rendered "without form" in Genesis 1:2, describing what "the world that then was" had become by the disruption.

Verse 41

the poor = a needy one. Hebrew. "ebyon. See note on Proverbs 6:11.

from = after.

Verse 42

iniquity. Hebrew. "aval. App-44. Not the same word as in Psalms 107:17.

Verse 43

lovingkindness = lovingkindnesses (plural) Same word as "mercy", in Psalms 107:1.

Bullinger’s Notes on Psalm 108

Verse 1

Title. A Song. Hebrew shir. App-65.

Psalm. Hebrew. mizmor. App-65.

of David. Psalms 108

Verse 2

awake early = awake the dawn.

Verse 3

LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

people = peoples.

Verse 4

mercy = lovingkindness, or grace.

clouds = skies.

Verse 6

beloved = beloved ones (plural)

Verse 7

spoken in: or sworn by.

Verse 8

Manasseh. Some codices, with one early printed edition, read "And Manasseh".

Verse 9

shoe. See note on Psalms 60:8.

Verse 11

Thou. Some codices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "Thou" (emphatic) in the text.

Verse 12

man. Hebrew. "adam. App-14.

Verse 13

To the chief Musician. App-64.

Bullinger’s Notes on Psalm 109

Verse 1

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

of David. See note on Psalms 108:1 (Title).

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.

of. Genitive of Relation : i.e. Whom I praise. Comp. Deuteronomy 10:21.

Verse 2

the wicked = a lawless one. Hebrew. rasha". App-44.

They have spoken against me. See verses: Psalms 109:6-19 for what they spoke.

Verse 3

words of hatred. Written down in verses: Psalms 109:6-15. Comp. 2 Samuel 16:5-13 for the type.

without a cause. Comp. John 15:25.

Verse 4

I give myself unto prayer = I [am all] prayer. Comp. Psalms 120:7 "I [am all] peace". As here in verses: Psalms 109:1-5 and verses: Psalms 109:21-27.

Verse 5

rewarded me = set or put against me. Syriac reads "returned me". Not the same word as in Psalms 109:20, though the same thing is referred to.

evil. Hebrew. ra"a". App-44.

for my love. Note here the Ellipsis of the verb "saying", emphasizing what is said rather than the saying of it. This verb has often to be thus supplied. See Genesis 26:7. 1 Kings 20:34. Psalms 2:2; Psalms 144:12. Proverbs 1:21. Isaiah 5:9; Isaiah 14:8; Isaiah 18:2; Isaiah 22:13; Isaiah 24:14, Isaiah 24:15; Isaiah 28:9. Jeremiah 9:19; Jeremiah 11:19; Jeremiah 50:5. Lamentations 3:41. Hosea 14:8. Acts 9:6; Acts 10:15; Acts 14:22, &c. See note on Psalms 144:12.

Verse 6

Set Thou = "[saying] Set Thou", &c. See note above. Note the Parenthesis (App-6), verses: Psalms 109:6-15.

And let Satan = And then Satan will.

Satan = an adversary.

Verse 7

sin. Hebrew. chata. App-44.

Verse 8

let another, &c. Quoted, but not fulfilled in Acts 1:20.

office = overseership.

Verse 9

children = sons.

Verse 10

vagabonds = wanderers.

seek their bread also out. Septuagint and Vulg, read "driven out".

Verse 11

catch = lay a snare for. Comp. 1 Samuel 28:9.

Verse 12

mercy = kindness, or grace.

Verse 13

their name. Some codices, with Septuagint and Vulgate, read "His name".

Verse 14

iniquity. Hebrew. "avah. App-44.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

Verse 15

Let them be, &c. This verse is the end of the Parenthesis, which begins with Psalms 109:6.

Verse 16

Psalms 109:16 is a return to the subject of verses: Psalms 109:1-5, and by the same speaker of verses: Psalms 109:1-5.

the poor = an oppressed one (Psalms 109:22).

man. Hebrew "ish. App-14.

the broken in heart = one broken in heart. Comp. Psalms 109:22; Psalms 69:20.

Verse 20

Let this be = This is. Psalms 109:16 is a return to the subject of verses: Psalms 109:1-5, and by the same speaker of verses: Psalms 109:1-5.

reward = work. Not the same word as in Psalms 109:5.

from the LORD = from Jehovah. It was He Who permitted it. Comp. Psalms 109:27, "This is Thy hand; Thou, LORD, hast done it". See Psalms 22:15; Psalms 38:2, Psalms 38:3; Psalms 39:9, Psalms 39:10. Comp. 2 Samuel 16:11, "the LORD hath bidden him".

speak evil. See verses: Psalms 109:6-19 for the evil spoken.

soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.

Verse 21

GOD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

the Lord. Hebrew Adonai. App-4.

name"s. See note on Psalms 20:1.

Verse 22

poor = oppressed. Refers to Messiah. Comp. Psalms 109:16. See Psalms 40:17; Psalms 69:29; Psalms 70:5; Psalms 86:1.

heart. Comp. Psalms 109:16.

Verse 27

this is Thy hand. See note on "from the LORD", Psalms 109:20. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6, for what is done by the hand.

Thou, LORD, hast done it. See note on Psalms 109:20. The same is said of Messiah"s exaltation. See Psalms 118:23.

Verse 28

Let them curse. As in verses: Psalms 109:6-15

let Thy servant rejoice = Thy servant shall rejoice.

Verse 29

Let mine, &c. Contrast this with the malignity of verses: Psalms 109:6-19 and characterized in verses: Psalms 109:16-19.

Verse 31

He shall stand, &c. Contrast this with Psalms 109:6.

poor = needy. Not the same word as in Psalms 109:16.

condemn his soul. Comp. the Structure, Psalms 109:20, with Psalms 109:31.

Bullinger’s Notes on Psalm 110

Verse 1

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

of David. Relating to the true David, and interpreted of Him and by Him. See note below.

The LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4. Quoted in Matthew 22:41-46. Acts 2:34, Acts 2:35. Hebrews 1:13.

said. Hebrew. ne"um Jehovah = "the Greekcle (or oracular utterance) of Jehovah". It is almost always used of the immediate direct utterance of Jehovah Himself; seldom of that of the prophet; (Numbers 24:3, Numbers 24:15); David (2 Samuel 23:1).

my Lord = Adonai, App-4. : i.e. David"s Lord: i.e. the Messiah. Comp. Matthew 22:41-46.

Sit Thou, &c. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6.

Until I make, &c. Quoted or referred to seven times in N.T. (Matthew 22:44. Mark 12:36. Luke 20:42. Acts 2:34. Hebrews 1:13; Hebrews 10:13. 1 Corinthians 15:25).

make Thine enemies Thy footstool = set Thine enemies [as] a footstool for Thy feet. In the New Testament, Greek = tithemi (2 aor. subj.) = "shall have placed". 1 Corinthians 15:25 is the exception, where it is not "set as a footstool", but put "under", because Christ"s session on His own throne (Matthew 25:31. Revelation 3:21) is there referred to, instead of His session on His Father"s throne, as in all the other quotations.

Verse 2

the rod of Thy strength = Thy strong staff. Genitive of Character, App-17. The reference is to the ancestral staff, marking the priest as well as the prince, and handed down here to Messiah, David"s son.

Zion. See App-68. Comp. Romans 11:25-27.

enemies = foes.

Verse 3

shall be. Supply Ellipsis (App-6) thus: "[shall offer] themselves for voluntary offerings, in the day that Thou warrest".

willing = freewill offerings, as in Exodus 35:29; Exodus 36:3. 1 Chronicles 29:9, 1 Chronicles 29:14, 1 Chronicles 29:17. Ezra 3:5; Ezra 8:28.

the beauties of holiness. Some codices, with two early printed editions, read "in (or on) the holy mountains".

from the womb, &c. Supply Ellipsis (App-6): "[as the dew] from the womb before the morning I have begotten thee [a son]". Comp. Psalms 2:7. There should be no stop after the word "morning".

youth = a son.

Verse 4

sworn. Corresponding with "said" (Psalms 110:1).

Thou: i.e. Messiah (David"s son and Lord), not David himself, who was not of the tribe of Levi.

Thou art, &c. Quoted in Hebrews 5:6; Hebrews 7:17.

After the order. Comp. Genesis 14:18. Hebrews 5:6, Hebrews 5:10; Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 7:1-28.

Melchizedek. His priesthood was unique, and did not pass to another, as did Aaron"s. Hence, Christ"s priesthood, being in Resurrection life and Ascension glory, will continue for ever, and He will be a priest upon His throne (Zechariah 6:13), and a priest for ever.

Verse 5

The LORD*. One of the 134 places where the Sopherim changed Jehovah to Adonai. See App-32.

Verse 6

heathen = nations. Comp. Joel 3:9-17. Zechariah 14:1-4.

He shall fill, &c. = "Let Him judge among the peoples [a region] full of corpses.

heads = head (Revelation 19:11-21): i.e. the Antichrist.

many countries = a great land.

Verse 7

of = from. The verse begins with this word (Hebrew = M = from), and thus corresponds with the "from" of Psalms 110:3 (member M, above).

the head = [his] head.

Bullinger’s Notes on Psalm 111

Verse 1

Praise ye THE LORD. Hebrew Hallelu-Jah. App-4.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

assembly = conclave, or secret assembly.

Verse 2

works. The great subject of this Psalm, as His ways are of the next. Comp. Revelation 15:3.

Verse 3

glorious = majestic.

Verse 4

gracious, &c. See Exodus 34:6, Exodus 34:7.

Verse 5

meat. Hebrew "prey". Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Species), App-6, for food of all kinds.

fear = revere.

Verse 6

heritage = inheritance.

heathen = nations.

Verse 7

works. . . are. Some codices read "work . . . is" (singular)

Verse 9

He sent, &c. Quoted in Luke 1:68.

redemption. Involves three things: (1) His People; (2) His covenant; (3) His name.

Holy. See note on Exodus 3:5.

reverend = to be feared. Hebrew. nora" from yare" to be afraid. The Niphal Part, (as here) rendered "dreadful" (5); "to be feared" (3); "fearful" (2); "fearfully" (1); "to be had in reverence" (1); "reverend" (1); "terrible" (24); "terrible acts" (1); "terrible things" (5); "terribleness" (1). Comp. Psalms 45:4; Psalms 47:2; Psalms 65:5; Psalms 66:3, Psalms 66:5; Psalms 68:35; Psalms 76:12; Psalms 99:3; Psalms 106:22, &c.

Verse 10

fear = reverence.

beginning. Not wisdom itself, or its end, but only the beginning of it. See notes on Job 28:28. Proverbs 1:7.

Bullinger’s Notes on Psalm 112

Verse 1

The second of three Hallelujah Psalms, and of the pair (111, 112). See note above. Also an Acrostic Psalm. See App-63.

THE LORD. Hebrew Jah. App-4.

Blessed = Happy. See App-63.

man. Hebrew. "Ish. App-14.

the LORD. Hebrew eth Jehovah: i.e. Jehovah Himself. App-4.

Verse 4

the upright = upright ones (plural)

Verse 5

A good man, &c. Or, Good [is] the man that, &c.

lendeth. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Species), App-6, for all kinds of merciful acts.

Verse 6

The righteous = A righteous one.

Verse 7

evil tidings. Hebrew "evil hearing"; put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6, for whatever bad news may be heard.

trusting = confiding. Hebrew. batah. See App-69.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

Verse 9

He hath dispersed. Quoted in 2 Corinthians 9:9.

poor = helpless ones. Hebrew. "ebyon (plural) See note on Proverbs 6:11.

Verse 10

The wicked = A lawless one. Hebrew. rasha". App-44.

desire. Probably = hope, as in Psalms 9:18; Prov; Psalms 10:28.

the wicked = lawless ones (plural) App-44.

Bullinger’s Notes on Psalm 113

Verse 1

The third of these three Hallelujah Psalms (111, 113). The Psalms of this group are called the Hallel Psalms (113, 118). Psalms 113 and 114 were sung before the Paschal meal (but after the second of the four cups of wine); 115, 118 after it. The last probably sung by the Lord Jesus (Matthew 26:30). Praise ye THE LORD. Hebrew Hallelu-Jah.

THE LORD. Hebrew Jah. App-4.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

name. See note on Psalms 20:1.

Verse 2

Blessed. Figure of speech Benedictio, not Beatitude App-6.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

Verse 5

Who is like . . . ? This is ever the outburst of the saints" praise. See note on Exodus 15:11.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.

Verse 6

heaven = the heavens.

Verse 7

the poor = an impoverished one.

the needy = a needy one. Comp. 1 Samuel 2:8.

Verse 8

with princes . . . with the princes. Figure of speech Anadiplosis (App-6), for emphasis.

Verse 9

children = sons.

Bullinger’s Notes on Psalm 114

Verse 1

When Israel. Comp. Exodus 13:3.

Egypt. Not Babylon. The Psalm not post-exilic.

Jacob. See notes on Genesis 32:28; Genesis 43:6; Genesis 46:27, Genesis 46:28.

Verse 2

was = became. See note on Genesis 1:2.

Verse 3

The sea. Comp. Exodus 14:21.

Jordan. Comp. Joshua 3:13.

Verse 5

What. ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6.

Verse 7

the Lord. Hebrew Adon. App-4.

GOD. Hebrew Eloah. App-4.

Verse 8

turned = changed.

standing = pool.

Bullinger’s Notes on Psalm 115

Verse 1

Not. Hebrew. l"o (not "al). Supply Ellipsis thus:"Not to us LORD, not to us [belongeth glory] but to Thy name give the glory".

LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

name. See note on Psalms 20:1.

mercy = lovingkindness, or grace.

and. Some codices, with one early printed edition, Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read this "and" in the text.

Verse 2

heathen = nations.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.

Verse 4

silver and gold. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6, for what is made from them. Comp. Psalms 135:15-19.

work. Some codices, with Septuagint and Vulgate, read plural, "works".

men"s. Hebrew. "adam. App-14.

Verse 5

mouths = a mouth (singular)

Verse 6

Noses = a nose (singular)

Verse 7

speak = make a sound.

Verse 8

So is. Some codices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "And [so is]".

trusteth = confldeth. Hebrew. batah. App-69.

Verse 9

Israel. Some codices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "house of Israel". See notes on Genesis 32:28; Genesis 43:6; Genesis 46:27, Genesis 46:28.

He is their help, &c. Figure of speech Epistrophe (App-6), in verses: Psalms 115:9, Psalms 115:11.

shield. See note on Psalms 84:9.

Verse 12

He will bless us; He will bless. Figure of speech Anadiplosis (App-6), for emphasis.

the house of Israel. Comp. Psalms 135:19. See note on Exodus 16:31.

Verse 13

He will bless. Figure of speech Anaphora (App-6), taken with the last line of Psalms 115:12.

fear = revere.

small and great. Both plural. Figure of speech Syntheton. App-6.

and = with.

Verse 14

children = sons.

Verse 17

THE LORD. Hebrew Jah. App-4.

Verse 18

Praise THE LORD. Hebrew Hallelu-Jah.

Bullinger’s Notes on Psalm 116

Verse 1

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

My voice and my supplications = My supplicating voice. Figure of speech Hendiadys. App-6. So some codices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "the voice of my supplication".

Verse 3

sorrows = cords. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6, for the pains produced by them.

hell = Sheol. See App-35.

gat hold. Figure of speech Prosopopoeia. App-6.

Verse 4

Then called I = I will call, as in Psalms 116:13. See the Structure.

my soul = me (emphatic). Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.

Verse 5

Gracious. Comp. Exodus 34:6, Exodus 34:7.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.

merciful = full of compassion.

Verse 6

simple = sincere or guileless ones; not "foolish" in the modern usage.

Verse 7

rest. Plural for emphasis.

For = Because.

Verse 10

I believed = I believed[Him]. Quoted in 2 Corinthians 4:13.

Verse 11

haste = hasting.

All men. Hebrew. "adam (with Art.) = all humanity.

liars: or false.

Verse 12

What shall I render . . . ? Note the answer in next verse.

Verse 13

I will take. The way to render thanks is to receive yet more grace.

And call = And [I will] call.

Verse 15

Precious. See note on 1 Samuel 3:1.

saints = separated ones.

Verse 17

offer = sacrifice. Hebrew. zabach. App-43.

Verse 19

Praise ye THE LORD = Hallelu-Jah. See App-4.

Bullinger’s Notes on Psalm 117

Verse 1

praise, &c. Quoted in Romans 15:11.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah.with "eth = Jehovah Himself. App-4.

Praise = Laud. See note on Psalms 63:3.

people = peoples.

Verse 2

merciful kindness = lovingkindness, or grace.

is great toward = overcame, or prevailed over. Comp. Psalms 103:11.

Praise ye THE LORD. Hebrew Hallelu-Jah. App-4.

Bullinger’s Notes on Psalm 118

Verse 1

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

mercy = lovingkindness, or grace.

Verse 5

THE LORD. Hebrew Jah. App-4.

and set me in a large place. The current Hebrew text = with the deliverance of JAH, bammerhab yah (two words). The Massoretic text reads it as one word, bammerhabyah = with deliverance. The Authorized Version and Revised Version transfer the yah to the beginning of the clause, and are then compelled to make out the sense by supplying "and set me". They do not even notice the Massoretic reading. The printed text reads: "I called upon Jah in distress, He answered me with the deliverance of Yah. "The Massoretic text reads: "I called upon Jah in distress, He answered me with deliverance. "

Verse 6

The LORD, &c. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4. Quoted in Hebrews 13:6.

man = a man. Hebrew. "adam. App-14.

Verse 8

It is better . . . Than. Figure of speech Connotes (App-6), repeated in Psalms 118:9.

better = good. By Figure of speech Heterosis (App-6), the Positive is put for the Comparative, and is so rendered.

trust = flee for refuge. Hebrew. hasah. App-69.

put confidence. Hebrew. batah. App-69.

man. Hebrew. "adam. App-14.

Verse 10

All. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Genus), App-6, for a large number, or many.

But, &c. Figure of speech Epistrophe (App-6), repeated in Psalms 118:11.

Verse 11

They compassed . . . they compassed. Figure of speech Epizeuxis (App-6), for emphasis.

Verse 12

They compassed. Figure of speech Anaphora (App-6), repeated from Psalms 118:11.

are quenched. Septuagint reads "blazed up".

the name. See note on Psalms 20:1.

Verse 13

Thou. Does this refer to the "man" of Psalms 118:6?

Verse 14

song. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6, for the theme of the song.

salvation. Comp. Psalms 118:21. Exodus 15:2. Isaiah 12:2. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6, for Him Who saves = my Saviour.

Verse 15

tabernacles = tents, or dwellings. Hebrew. "ohel. App-40(3).

The right hand. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6.

doeth valiantly. Figure of speech Coenotes (App-6), repeated in Psalms 118:16.

Verse 17

works. Some codices, with one early printed edition, read "work" (singular)

Verse 22

The stone: i.e. the Messiah. See Genesis 49:24. A stone of stumbling, Isaiah 8:14 (Comp. Romans 9:33. 1 Peter 2:8); a "tried stone", "precious", "sure", Isaiah 28:16; the rejected stone (Comp. Matthew 21:42. Mark 12:10, Mark 12:11. Luke 20:17. Acts 4:11. 1 Peter 2:4). The true foundation, Isaiah 28:16 (Comp. Matthew 16:18. 1 Corinthians 3:11. Ephesians 2:20).

refused. See note above, and Comp. Structure, 22-24 with 26-28, above. Here the present Dispensation comes in. See App-72.

Verse 23

This is the LORD"S doing. Messiah"s exaltation is thus like the humiliation (Psalms 109:27).

Verse 25

Save now, &c. Hebrew "Hosanna" = Save, I pray. Not a Particle of time, but of entreaty (as in Ecclesiastes 12:1). Repeated four times for emphasis. Literally "I pray Thee, Jehovah; Save; I pray Thee; I pray Thee, O Jehovah".

Verse 26

Blessed, &c. See Matthew 21:9; Matthew 23:39. Mark 11:9. Luke 13:35; Luke 19:38. John 12:13.

you. Plural.

Verse 27

GOD. Hebrew El. App-4.

Bind. Hebrew. "asar, to bind, or join. Here, in its idiomatic usage, to join, so as to make ready (Genesis 46:29. Exodus 14:6. 1 Kings 18:44. 2 Kings 9:21), or begin (1 Kings 20:14. 2 Chronicles 13:3).

sacrifice. Hebrew. hag = a feast, or festal [sacrifice]. See note on Exodus 23:18, and Comp. Exodus 5:1; Exodus 12:14; Exodus 23:14. Leviticus 23:39, Leviticus 23:41. Numbers 29:12. Deuteronomy 16:15. Zechariah 14:16, Zechariah 14:18, Zechariah 14:19.

cords = wreaths, or garlands, as in Exodus 28:14, Exodus 28:22, Exodus 28:24, Exodus 28:25; Exodus 39:15, Exodus 39:17, Exodus 39:18.

even unto. Hebrew. "ad = up to or during: i.e. even until [it is consummated at] the horns of the altar. "Ad denotes progression in time. Translate: "Make ready the festal sacrifice with garlands until [it is consummated at] the horns of the altar. "Comp. Acts 14:13. There is nothing about "to the altar" here.

Verse 28

praise = give thanks.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.

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