PSALM 30
. Literally, "A Psalm-Song"—a composition to
be sung with musical instruments, or without them—or, "Song
of the dedication," c. specifying the particular character
of the Psalm. Some suppose that of David should be connected
with the name of the composition, and not with "house" and
refer for the occasion to the selection of a site for the temple
(1 Chronicles 21:26-30; 1 Chronicles 22:1).
But "house" is never used absolutely for the temple, and
"dedication" does not well apply to such an occasion.
Though the phrase in the Hebrew, "dedication of the house
of David," is an unusual form, yet it is equally unusual to
disconnect the name of the author and the composition. As a
"dedication of David's house" (as provided, 1 Chronicles 22:1), the scope of the Psalm well corresponds with the state of
repose and meditation on his past trials suited to such an occasion
(2 Samuel 5:11; 2 Samuel 7:2).
For beginning with a celebration of God's delivering favor, in which
he invites others to join, he relates his prayer in distress, and
God's gracious and prompt answer.
1. lifted me up—as one is
drawn from a well (Psalms 40:2).
3. The terms describe extreme
danger.
soul—or, "myself."
grave—literally,
"hell," as in Psalms 16:10.
hast kept me . . .
pit—quickened or revived me from the state of dying (compare Psalms 16:10).
4. remembrance—the thing
remembered or memorial.
holiness—as the sum of
God's perfections (compare ), used as name (Exodus 3:15;
Psalms 135:13).
5. Relatively, the longest
experience of divine anger by the pious is momentary. These precious
words have consoled millions.
6, 7. What particular prosperity
is meant we do not know; perhaps his accession to the throne. In his
self-complacent elation he was checked by God's hiding His face
(compare Psalms 22:24; Psalms 27:9).
8-11. As in Psalms 6:5;
Psalms 88:10; Isaiah 38:18,
the appeal for mercy is based on the destruction of his agency in
praising God here, which death would produce. The terms expressing
relief are poetical, and not to be pressed, though "dancing"
is the translation of a word which means a lute, whose
cheerful notes are contrasted with mourning, or (Isaiah 38:18) wailing.
11. sackcloth—was used, even
by kings, in distress (1 Chronicles 21:16;
Isaiah 37:1) but "gladness,"
used for a garment, shows the language to be figurative.
12. Though "my" is
supplied before "glory" it is better as in , to receive it as used for tongue, the organ of
praise. The ultimate end of God's mercies to us is our praise to Him.
PSALM 30
. Literally, "A Psalm-Song"—a composition to be sung with musical instruments, or without them—or, "Song of the dedication," c. specifying the particular character of the Psalm. Some suppose that of David should be connected with the name of the composition, and not with "house" and refer for the occasion to the selection of a site for the temple (1 Chronicles 21:26-30; 1 Chronicles 22:1). But "house" is never used absolutely for the temple, and "dedication" does not well apply to such an occasion. Though the phrase in the Hebrew, "dedication of the house of David," is an unusual form, yet it is equally unusual to disconnect the name of the author and the composition. As a "dedication of David's house" (as provided, 1 Chronicles 22:1), the scope of the Psalm well corresponds with the state of repose and meditation on his past trials suited to such an occasion (2 Samuel 5:11; 2 Samuel 7:2). For beginning with a celebration of God's delivering favor, in which he invites others to join, he relates his prayer in distress, and God's gracious and prompt answer.
1. lifted me up—as one is drawn from a well (Psalms 40:2).
2. healed me—Affliction is often described as disease (Psalms 6:2; Psalms 41:4; Psalms 107:20), and so relief by healing.
3. The terms describe extreme danger.
soul—or, "myself."
grave—literally, "hell," as in Psalms 16:10.
hast kept me . . . pit—quickened or revived me from the state of dying (compare Psalms 16:10).
4. remembrance—the thing remembered or memorial.
holiness—as the sum of God's perfections (compare ), used as name (Exodus 3:15; Psalms 135:13).
5. Relatively, the longest experience of divine anger by the pious is momentary. These precious words have consoled millions.
6, 7. What particular prosperity is meant we do not know; perhaps his accession to the throne. In his self-complacent elation he was checked by God's hiding His face (compare Psalms 22:24; Psalms 27:9).
7. troubled—confounded with fear (Psalms 2:5).
8-11. As in Psalms 6:5; Psalms 88:10; Isaiah 38:18, the appeal for mercy is based on the destruction of his agency in praising God here, which death would produce. The terms expressing relief are poetical, and not to be pressed, though "dancing" is the translation of a word which means a lute, whose cheerful notes are contrasted with mourning, or (Isaiah 38:18) wailing.
11. sackcloth—was used, even by kings, in distress (1 Chronicles 21:16; Isaiah 37:1) but "gladness," used for a garment, shows the language to be figurative.
12. Though "my" is supplied before "glory" it is better as in , to receive it as used for tongue, the organ of praise. The ultimate end of God's mercies to us is our praise to Him.