I. EARTH'S ACCEPTED WORSHIPPERS ASSEMBLED (I-4). Manifestation of God's Grace connected with the Sanctuary.
II. ELOIDM'S A WE-INSPIRING· ACTS ACCLAIMED (5-8). Manifestation of God's Greatness connected with Society. I. Effect upon all Peoples (5). "Thou." Universal Confidence. 2. Exhibition of Almighty Power (6-7). "He." Nature and the Nations. 3. Effect upon all Peoples (8). "Thou." Universal Fear. III. EARTH'S ABUNDANT HARVEST ACKNOWLEDGED (9-13). Manifestation of God's Goodness connected with the Soil. SUPERSCRIPT.-A psalm of David. A song. SUBSCRIPT.-For the Chief Musician. PRIMARY AssocIA.TION.-Composed by David most probably in connection with the Spring Festival of Firstfruits (13), in a period when his kingdom was established and peaceful. PROPHETIC ANTICIPATION.-This group of "Songs" tells of restoration and rest for Israel, following the long period of rebellion in which Messiah the King is in rejection. The usurper and his followers have been destroyed, the true King (Christ) has returned, is recognised and received after due exercise of soul on the part of the remnant (as seen in other psalms). Under Messiah enthroned in Zion, the land enjoys millennial blessedness with Israel restored and the curse removed from the earth. It is to be noted that the psalm refers to· the removal of the great hindrance to the outpouring of divine blessing, namely in the purgation of sins, though we need to look elsewhere for prophetic details of this all-important event. Messiah's voice as ruler and representative of Bis people is here heard leading the praises. In answer to His use of the singular in 3 a, it would seem that the people break in with the words "of the rest of this verse. 4a reminds us of Isa. xiii. r, and 5 of Isa. xxxii. 17. The temple referred to will be Israel's grand distinction and privilege in the Millennium. PERSONAL APPLICATION.-Does our praise wait for God or does He wait for our praise (r)? "Hearer of Prayer" (2) is a precious title for our God. When iniquities prevailed, only One could purge them away (3). Only purged sins can be pardoned (3-4). After absolution comes access (4). Unless sin be removed there can be no approach to God (4). Saints are chosen not only t? approach God, but to dwell in His presence (4). The divine habitation (Eph. ii. 22) will be satisfying both to God and to His people (4). What a glorious
prospect is seen in 5. "God of oqr salvation" (5) is "God of my salvation" in xxv. 5. God alone can and will still the convulsions of the earth and of society (6-7). Verses 9-13 form a pe,_fect "Harvest Song." There should be not only thahkfulness but thanksgiving. The language may be applied to the needs of the soul. God first creates a desire then meets it (9). The divine flow leads to fertility and fruitfulness. God is not only the God of sunshine and showers, He is the God of salvation. Harvest is (a) the Reception of God's gifts; (b) the Reward of man's labour; (c) the Realisation of early hopes. VERSE NOTES "P . b th Th " "th 1. or, raise ecome ee . . . ; e vow, or vows. 2. (b) c£ Mark xi. 17 marg.; John xii. 32. 3. (b) The Hebrew verb here is "kaphar" to ©over; "Thou" (emph.). "Ha · h h PPY is e w om ... 5. I.e. things that inspire rare dread in God's enemies and reverent awe in His people; (c) c£ Isa. xxxiii. 13. 7. God controls alike the turbulent elements of nature and the tumultuous hosts of the nations they symbolise. (b). "peoples" = races (a less usual Hebrew word). 8. Br." So that they who dwell ... " (b) i.e. from farthest east to farthest west; "rejoice"= shout for joy. 9 if. Portrays a joyous landscape rich with promise; (b) "river," or stream; prim. the rain, prophetically "the River," c£ Rev. xxii. r. ro. Br. "Saturating its furrows, levelling its ridges." r 1. "paths," or tracks; fig. of a richly laden cart dropping its contents in its track.
This book has 150 chapters