Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 78:69
And he built his sanctuary like high [palaces], like the earth which he hath established forever.
69. like high palaces] Rather, like the heights of heaven, which along with the earth are emblems of grandeur and stability.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
And he built his sanctuary – His holy place; that is, his tabernacle. The temple was not then built; and, when reared, it was not on Mount Zion, but on Mount Moriah. The name Zion, however, was often given to the whole city.
Like high palaces – The word palaces is not in the original. The Hebrew means simply high places, like hills or mountains. The meaning is, that his sanctuary was exalted, as if it were placed on a high hill. It was a conspicuous object; it could be seen from afar; it was the most prominent thing in the land. See the notes at Isa 2:2.
Like the earth – Permanent and established.
Which he hath established for ever – Margin, as in Hebrew, founded. The earth is often represented as founded or established on a solid basis, and thus becomes an emblem of stability and perpetuity.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Psa 78:69
He built His sanctuary like high palaces, like the earth which He hath established for ever.
The Gospel palaces
He built His sanctuary like high palaces; look through this very country, compare its palaces with its cathedrals and churches, even in their present state of disadvantage, and say whether these words are not more than accomplished; so that the palaces of England should rather, by way of honour, be compared to the cathedrals, than the cathedrals to the palaces. And rightly so; for our first duty is towards our Lord and His Church, and our second towards our earthly sovereign. And still more strikingly has the promise of permanence been fulfilled to us. For what were the years of Solomons Temple? Four hundred. What of the second Temple? Six hundred. These were long periods, certainly; yet there are Christian temples in some parts of the world which have lasted as much as fourteen hundred years. Surely, then, when Christ multiplied His sacred palaces, He also gave them an extended age, bringing back under the Gospel the days of the antediluvian patriarchs. What a visible, palpable specimen this, of the communion of saints! What a privilege thus to be immediately interested in the deeds of our forefathers! and what a call on us, in like manner, to reach out our own hands towards our posterity! Freely we have received; let us freely give. See what a noble principle faith is. Faith alone lengthens a mans existence, and makes him, in his own feelings, live in the future and in the past. Men of this world are full of plans of the day. Even in religion they are ever coveting immediate results, and will do nothing at all, unless they can do everything–can have their own way, choose their methods, and see the end. But the Christian throws himself fearlessly upon the future, because he believes in Him which is, and which was, and which is to come. He can endure to be one of an everlasting company while in this world, as well as in the next. He is content to begin, and break off; to do his part, and no more; to set about what others must accomplish; to sow where others must reap. None has finished his work, and cut it short in righteousness but He who is One. Thus were our churches raised. One age would build a chancel, and another a nave, and a third would add a chapel, and a fourth a shrine, and a fifth a spire. By little and little the work of grace went forward; and they could afford to take time about it, and be at pains to do it best, who had a promise that the gates of hell should not prevail against it. Thus the temples of God are withal the monuments of His saints, and we call them by their names while we consecrate them to His glory. Their simplicity, grandeur, solidity, elevation, grace, and exuberance of ornament, do but bring to remembrance the patience and purity, the courage, meekness, and great charity, the heavenly affections, the activity in well-doing, the faith and resignation, of men who themselves did but worship in mountains, and in deserts, and in caves and dens of the earth. They laboured, but not in vain, for other men entered into their labours; and, as if by natural consequence, at length their word prospered after them, and made itself a home, even these sacred palaces in which it has so long dwelt, and which are still vouchsafed to us, in token, as we trust, that they too are still with us who spoke that word, and, with them, His presence, who gave them grace to speak it. In heaven is the substance, of which here below we are vouchsafed the image; and thither, if we be worthy, we shall at length attain. There is the holy Jerusalem, whose light is like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; and whose wall is great and high, with twelve gates, and an angel at each;–whose glory is the Lord God Almighty, and the Lamb is the light thereof. (J. H. Newman, D. D.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 69. He built his sanctuary like high palaces] kemo ramim, which several of the Versions understand of the monoceros or rhinoceros. The temple of God at Jerusalem was the only one in the land, and stood as prominent on Mount Zion as the horn of the unicorn or rhinoceros does upon his snout. And there he established his ark, to go no more out as long as the temple should last. Before this time it was frequently in a migratory state, not only in the wilderness, but afterwards in the promised land. See Clarke on Ps 78:60.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
His sanctuary; the temple of Solomon.
High palaces; magnificent and glorious.
Established for ever; not now to be removed from place to place, as the tabernacle was, but as a fixed place for the arks perpetual residence, unless the people by their apostasy should cause its removal.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
69. Exalted as
high palacesor,”mountains,” and abiding asthe earth.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And he built his sanctuary like high palaces,…. The temple at Jerusalem, called a sanctuary, or holy place, because separated and dedicated to holy use and service; where the holy God had his residence, and was worshipped, and was a figure of the holy place not made with hands: this is said to be built by the Lord, because the materials provided for it, and which David and his people so willingly offered, were his own; “of his own” they gave him; as well as the pattern after which it was made was had from the Spirit of God; and it was the Lord that put it into the heart of David to set such a work afoot, and encouraged Solomon to begin and finish it, and gave wisdom, health, and strength, to the workmen to accomplish it; and in reference to this are the words in Ps 127:1, “except the Lord build the house”, c. and this he built not like the “high places”, where idolatry was committed the temple was not built in imitation of them; but like what high and eminent men, like such buildings as: they erect; like stately palaces, so Aben Ezra and Kimchi, built for kings and great personages; and such a building was the temple, the most magnificent in all the world, as built by Solomon, and even as rebuilt by Zerubbabel, and repaired by Herod; see Mr 13:1 or it was built “on high”, as the Syriac version, on a high hill, Mount Moriah: the Targum is,
“as the horn of the unicorn;”
and so the Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, and Arabic versions. Jarchi interprets it as the high heavens, of which it was a figure; it was like them for magnificence and glory, and like the earth for stability, as follows:
like the earth, which he hath established for ever; as to the substance of it; though as to the qualities of it, it will be done away, and a new one arise; otherwise it will abide for ever, Ec 1:4, this respects the continuance of the temple during the Jewish dispensation, when the Gospel temple, or Gospel church, should take place, which will continue to the end of the world: this is opposed to the frequent moves of the tabernacle and ark before the temple was built, when there was no abiding habitation provided for it.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
69. And built his sanctuary like high places. (368) In this verse, what is intimated is simply this, that Mount Zion was singularly beautified; which, however, ought to be referred to the heavenly pattern. It was not the will of God that the minds of his people should be entirely engrossed with the magnificence of the building, or with the pomp of outward ceremonies; but that they should be elevated to Christ, in whom the truth of the figures of the former economy was exhibited. It is, therefore affirmed, that the sanctuary was built like high places; that is to say, it was conspicuous among all the high mountains: even as Isaiah (Isa 2:2,) and Micah, (Mic 4:1,) prophesying of the building of the new and spiritual temple, declare that it “shall be established in the tops of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills.” And it is well known that fortresses were in those days erected upon high places. Zion is next compared to the entire mass of the globe: He hath built his sanctuary like the earth, (369) which he has established for ever. Some regions of the globe are visited by earthquakes, or perish by the opening of the earth, or are agitated by some violent commotion, or undergo some alteration; but the body of the earth itself continues always stable and unchanged, because it rests upon deep foundations. It is, therefore, here taught that the building spoken of was not temporary, like the sumptuous palaces of kings, which fall into ruins during the lapse of time, or are in danger of being destroyed by other means; but that it was founded to stand entire, even to the end of the world. If it is objected that the temple was destroyed by the Chaldeans and Assyrians, the answer is obvious, That the stability celebrated consists in Christ alone; for, if the ancient sanctuary, which was only a figure, is considered merely in itself, without any regard to that which it typified, it will be only an empty shadow. But as God intended it to be a pledge to show that Christ was to come, perpetuity is justly attributed to it. In like manner it is said, in another place, (Psa 87:1,) “His foundation is in the holy mountains;” and in Isaiah, (Isa 14:32,) “The Lord hath founded Zion;” and again, in Psa 74:2, God is said “to dwell in mount Zion,” so that it should never be moved.
(368) In our English Bible it is, “And he built his sanctuary like high palaces.” On which Archbishop Secker has the following note: — “That God built his tabernacle like high palaces, is not a strong expression. On high, which Hare adopts, is better. And perhaps changing כ, into ב, would suffice for this sense. But the old versions have כ, and yet in the latter part of the verse they have ב, for כ. It is a remarkable anticipation to mention the temple, which Solomon built, before the mention of David.”
(369) “ Like the earth; the simile is intended to point out the fixedness of the temple, in opposition to the frequent different stations in which the tabernacle had been placed.” — Warner.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(69) He built.The first clause is vague, but evidently the poet is drawing attention to the grandeur and solidity of the Temple. Perhaps, high as heavenfirm as earth.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
69. He built his sanctuary like the earth This divine order in respect of his sanctuary is established as the order of the celestial spheres. The three closing verses are inimitably sweet and touching, both as a eulogy of David and a tribute of praise to God. The psalm is a monumental testimony to the reverence which the true Israel paid to the decrees and appointments of God, as the fundamental laws both of Church and State.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Psa 78:69. Like high palaces Like the mountains, the high places. This version is made probable by the next words, like the earth: standing upon the top of Sion and making the summit of it, the sanctuary had the air of a mountain; and the firmness of one now, being fixed there; for before it had been ambulatory. Mudge. See Psa 68:18.
REFLECTIONS.This psalm opens with a solemn call from the Lord Christ to attend the instructive truths here recorded: they are addressed to his people, the Jews in general, who are called his own, Joh 1:11 and who were peculiarly bound to remember the wonders he had wrought on their behalf, to incline their ears to the words of his mouth; that everlasting gospel, which, in the law and the prophets, was declared to them, and in the fulness of time preached by himself among them.
1. The matter required attention. I will open my mouth in a parable; which was his usual method of teaching, Mat 13:34-35. I will utter dark sayings of old; truths which challenge the most serious regard, and which have antiquity to recommend them, the gospel being as old as the first man, though more clearly and plainly dispensed when Christ the Substance came, and the shadows fled away: which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us; those holy ancestors, of whom, as concerning the flesh, Christ came, who carefully transmitted the revelation which God had made to them, and the memory of his wonderous works, to their posterity: and we will not hide them from their children, the Jewish people, to whom Christ and his apostles fully published the glorious gospel, shewing to the generation to come, in a constant succession of ministers, the praises of the Lord; those truths of gospel grace, which will furnish matter for the everlasting praises of the faithful; and his strength, manifested in the redemption, conversion, and salvation of sinners; and his wonderful works that he hath done for his people in all ages, in delivering them from the hands of their enemies. Note; (1.) The concerns of our salvation are infinitely important, and demand our most serious attention. (2.) Among all the most precious treasures that we can transmit to our children, we must ever esteem the doctrines of the grace of God in Jesus Christ to be the chief, and carefully instruct them in this most inestimable wisdom.
2. The two chief particulars of those instructions, which, with such care, are here enjoined to be delivered down successively through all ages, are the word and works of God: the word of God containing both the law and gospel; the works of God containing all his providential dispensations in behalf of the faithful; and these are carefully to be inculcated in the rising generation: [1.] That they might set their hope in God, and in him alone; renouncing all other confidences, expecting pardon, holiness, strength, and salvation, from his free grace and mercy in Christ Jesus, and not forget the works of God, manifold and marvellous, working for the good of his faithful people; but keep his commandments from a principle of love, and through the grace ministered to them from God. [2.] That they might not be as their fathers, whose ill examples should be their warnings.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Psa 78:69 And he built his sanctuary like high [palaces], like the earth which he hath established for ever.
Ver. 69. Like high palaces ] Not places, as some books absurdly have it. Like the earth, there shall be a Church to the world’s end.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Like the earth. Some codices, with two early printed editions, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read (Beth = in) instead of (Kaph = like) = “In the land”.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
And he: 1Ki 6:2, 1Ki 9:8, 2Ch 3:4
high: 1Ch 29:1, 1Ch 29:19, 2Ch 2:9
earth: Psa 102:25, Psa 104:5, Psa 119:90, Psa 119:91, 1Sa 2:8, Job 26:7, Isa 48:13, Isa 51:6, Col 1:16, Col 1:17, Rev 20:11
established: Heb. founded
Reciprocal: Exo 15:17 – mountain Lev 26:11 – I will 1Ki 8:13 – a settled 1Ki 14:21 – the city 2Ki 21:4 – In Jerusalem 2Ki 21:7 – In this house 2Ch 7:12 – have chosen 2Ch 12:13 – the city Psa 24:3 – the hill Psa 65:1 – in Sion Psa 68:15 – of God Psa 74:2 – this mount Psa 132:13 – the Lord Isa 33:20 – the city Jer 10:12 – established Jer 30:18 – the palace Eze 36:2 – even Mar 12:1 – and set
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Psa 78:69. And he built his sanctuary The temple of Solomon. David, indeed, erected only a tent for the ark, but a temple was then designed, and preparations were made for building it. Like high palaces A very stately place, magnificent and glorious. It was built like the palaces of princes, and of the great men of the earth. Nay, it excelled them all in splendour and glory. Like the earth which he hath established for ever A very stable structure, not to be removed from place to place, as the tabernacle was, but as a fixed mansion for the arks perpetual residence, unless the people, by their apostacy, should cause its removal.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
78:69 And he {s} built his sanctuary like high [palaces], like the earth which he hath established for ever.
(s) By building the temple, and establishing the kingdom, he declares that the signs of his favour were among them.