PSALM 92

Ps 92:1-15. A Psalm-song--(see on 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.

2. in the morning, . . . every night--diligently and constantly (Ps 42:8).
- loving kindness--literally, "mercy."
- faithfulness--in fulfilling promises (Ps 89:14).

3. In such a work all proper aid must be used.
- with a . . . sound--or, on Higgaion (see on 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.

4. thy work--that is, of providence (Ps 90:16, 17).

5. great . . . works--correspond to deep or vast thoughts (Ps 40:5; Ro 11:23).

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.

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).

9, 10. A further contrast with the wicked, in the lot of the righteous, safety and triumph.

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.

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.

12-14. The vigorous growth, longevity, utility, fragrance, and beauty of these noble trees, set forth the life, character, and destiny of the pious;

15. and they thus declare God's glory as their strong and righteous ruler.