Bible Commentary

There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. 8. The startling boldness of the language will be intelligible if the distinctive character of Hebrew symbolism is borne in mind. It is no “gross anthropomorphism,” for the poet did not intend that the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 18:8”

Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. 7. The paronomasia of the original in the first line might be preserved by rendering, Then the earth did shake and quake. the foundations &c.] Render: And the foundations of the mountains trembled. The strong … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 18:7”

In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, [even] into his ears. 6. called cried ] The tense in the original denotes frequent and repeated prayer. The text of 2 Sam. has called twice, no doubt … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 18:6”

The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me. 5. Render with R.V., The cords of Sheol were round about me: The snares of death came upon me. The Heb. word rendered sorrows in the A.V. may no doubt have the meaning pangs, and is so rendered by the LXX ( … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 18:5”

The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. 4. The sorrows of death ] Rather, as R.V., The cords of death. But the word has been wrongly introduced here from Psa 18:5, and the true reading should be restored from 2 Sam.: the waves (lit. breakers) of death. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 18:4”

I will call upon the LORD, [who is worthy] to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. 3. Not merely a resolution or expression of confidence for the future ( I will call so shall I be saved); but the expression of a general conviction of God’s faithfulness to answer prayer; whensoever … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 18:3”

The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, [and] my high tower. 2. The imagery which David uses is derived from the features of a country abounding in cliffs and caves and natural strongholds, with … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 18:2”

To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David, the servant of the LORD, who spoke unto the LORD the words of this song in the day [that] the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 18:1”

As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. 15. As for me, in righteousness let me behold thy face: Let me be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. With the low desires of worldly men the Psalmist contrasts his own spiritual aspirations. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 17:15”

From men [which are] thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, [which have] their portion in [this] life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid [treasure]: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their [substance] to their babes. 14. from men of the world ] Men whose aims and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 17:14”