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God, you have rejected us. You have broken us down. You have been angry. Restore us, again.
Verse 1. Hymns. This denotes either the female musicians, or the instruments. Calmet.—David, under persecution, (Ferrand) the captains, (Ven. Bede Calmet.) or any one in the Church of Christ, (Saint Augustine) may adopt this psalm, (Bert.) to thank God. Worthington.
You have made the land tremble. You have torn it. Mend its fractures, for it quakes.
You have shown your people hard things. You have made us drink the wine that makes us stagger.
Verse 3. Earth of Palestine, (Bert.) when David was at Mahanaim. Ferrand. 2 Kennicott. 17:22. Bible.—The countries beyond the Euphrates may be so styled. Psalms 64:6.—Rock, by inspiring Cyrus to grant us liberty, ( Calmet.) or by sending Jesus Christ. Euseb.—The church is firmly established; and, in all places, serves God. Worthington.
You have given a banner to those who fear you, that it may be displayed because of the truth.
So that your beloved may be delivered, save with your right hand, and answer us.
Verse 5. Tabernacle. The words for ever seem to confine this to heaven, as the Fathers explain them, though they may also allude to a temporal protection (Bert.) in the temple. Calmet.—Wings. Chal. “of thy deity.” Chal. I will continue a member of thy Church here, and be happy for ever. Menochius.
God has spoken from his sanctuary: “I will triumph. I will divide Shechem, and measure out the valley of Succoth.
Verse 6. Inheritance. David had both a temporal, and an eternal one in view. Bert.—The captives express their gratitude for their deliverance. Calmet.
Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine. Ephraim also is the defense of my head. Judah is my scepter.
Verse 7. King. They wish long life to the king, expecting that the predictions of the prophets insured to them temporal dominion. But when they saw Zorobabel possess no such splendour, they were naturally taught to extend their thoughts to the Messias, of whom the Chal. and ancient Jews, as well as the Fathers, explain this passage. Calmet.—Chal. “the days of the future world thou wilt add to the days of the king, the Messias. His years shall be like the generations of this world, and the generations of the world to come.” Eternity is clearly meant. If David speaks of himself, and of his successors on the throne for many ages, he must be considered as a figure of Christ, who is also designated. Bert.—The Church will continue to the end, and be triumphant throughout eternity. Worthington.
Moab is my wash basin. I will throw my sandal on Edom. I shout in triumph over Philistia.”
Verse 8. Search? Who can comprehend what thou hast prepared for this king? He may allude to the promises made to David’s family, (Psalms 88:30. 38. Calmet.) which should reign for ever, by means of Christ. Bible.—Who can explain the mercy of God in redeeming us; and his fidelity in granting his promised rewards? Worthington.
Who will bring me into the strong city? Who has led me to Edom?
Verse 9. Day. A Levite speaks, having dedicated himself by vow to serve God continually in his temple, after his return from Babylon, ( Calmet.) or David expresses his resolution to testify his gratitude, by sacrifice. Bible.—I will sing psalms, and so forth in this life, and for ever. Worthington.
Haven’t you, God, rejected us? You don’t go out with our armies, God.
Give us help against the adversary, for the help of man is vain.
Through God we will do valiantly, for it is he who will tread down our adversaries.