1 [[A Psalm H4210 and Song H7892 at the dedication H2598 of the house H1004 of David.]] H1732 I will extol H7311 thee, O LORD; H3068 for thou hast lifted me up, H1802 and hast not made my foes H341 to rejoice H8055 over me.
All that pass by H5674 the way H1870 spoil H8155 him: he is a reproach H2781 to his neighbours. H7934 Thou hast set up H7311 the right hand H3225 of his adversaries; H6862 thou hast made all his enemies H341 to rejoice. H8055 Thou hast also turned H7725 the edge H6697 of his sword, H2719 and hast not made him to stand H6965 in the battle. H4421 Thou hast made his glory H2892 to cease, H7673 and cast H4048 his throne H3678 down H4048 to the ground. H776 The days H3117 of his youth H5934 hast thou shortened: H7114 thou hast covered H5844 him with shame. H955 Selah. H5542 How long, LORD? H3068 wilt thou hide H5641 thyself for ever? H5331 shall thy wrath H2534 burn H1197 like fire? H784
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 30
Commentary on Psalms 30 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 30
Ps 30:1-12. 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 (1Ch 21:26-30; 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, De 20:5), the scope of the Psalm well corresponds with the state of repose and meditation on his past trials suited to such an occasion (2Sa 5:11; 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 (Ps 40:2).
2. healed me—Affliction is often described as disease (Ps 6:2; 41:4; 107:20), and so relief by healing.
3. The terms describe extreme danger.
soul—or, "myself."
grave—literally, "hell," as in Ps 16:10.
hast kept me … pit—quickened or revived me from the state of dying (compare Ps 28:1).
4. remembrance—the thing remembered or memorial.
holiness—as the sum of God's perfections (compare Ps 22:3), used as name (Ex 3:15; Ps 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 Ps 22:24; 27:9).
7. troubled—confounded with fear (Ps 2:5).
8-11. As in Ps 6:5; 88:10; Isa 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 (Am 5:16) wailing.
11. sackcloth—was used, even by kings, in distress (1Ch 21:16; Isa 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 Ps 16:9, 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.