69 And he built H1129 his sanctuary H4720 like high H7311 palaces, like the earth H776 which he hath established H3245 for ever. H5769
And it came to pass in the four H702 hundred H3967 H8141 and eightieth H8084 year H8141 after the children H1121 of Israel H3478 were come out H3318 of the land H776 of Egypt, H4714 in the fourth H7243 year H8141 of Solomon's H8010 reign H4427 over Israel, H3478 in the month H2320 Zif, H2099 which is the second H8145 month, H2320 that he began to build H1129 the house H1004 of the LORD. H3068 And the house H1004 which king H4428 Solomon H8010 built H1129 for the LORD, H3068 the length H753 thereof was threescore H8346 cubits, H520 and the breadth H7341 thereof twenty H6242 cubits, and the height H6967 thereof thirty H7970 cubits. H520 And the porch H197 before H6440 the temple H1964 of the house, H1004 twenty H6242 cubits H520 was the length H753 thereof, according to the breadth H7341 of the house; H1004 and ten H6235 cubits H520 was the breadth H7341 thereof before the house. H1004 And for the house H1004 he made H6213 windows H2474 of narrow H331 lights. H8261 And against the wall H7023 of the house H1004 he built H1129 chambers H3326 H3326 round about, H5439 against the walls H7023 of the house H1004 round about, H5439 both of the temple H1964 and of the oracle: H1687 and he made H6213 chambers H6763 round about: H5439 The nethermost H8481 chamber H3326 H3326 was five H2568 cubits H520 broad, H7341 and the middle H8484 was six H8337 cubits H520 broad, H7341 and the third H7992 was seven H7651 cubits H520 broad: H7341 for without in the wall of H2351 the house H1004 he made H5414 narrowed rests H4052 round about, H5439 that the beams should not be fastened H270 in the walls H7023 of the house. H1004 And the house, H1004 when it was in building, H1129 was built H1129 of stone H68 made ready H8003 before it was brought H4551 thither: so that there was neither hammer H4717 nor axe H1631 nor any tool H3627 of iron H1270 heard H8085 in the house, H1004 while it was in building. H1129 The door H6607 for the middle H8484 chamber H6763 was in the right H3233 side H3802 of the house: H1004 and they went up H5927 with winding stairs H3883 into the middle H8484 chamber, and out of the middle H8484 into the third. H7992 So he built H1129 the house, H1004 and finished H3615 it; and covered H5603 the house H1004 with beams H1356 and boards H7713 of cedar. H730 And then he built H1129 chambers H3326 H3326 against all the house, H1004 five H2568 cubits H520 high: H6967 and they rested H270 on the house H1004 with timber H6086 of cedar. H730 And the word H1697 of the LORD H3068 came to Solomon, H8010 saying, H559 Concerning this house H1004 which thou art in building, H1129 if thou wilt walk H3212 in my statutes, H2708 and execute H6213 my judgments, H4941 and keep H8104 all my commandments H4687 to walk H3212 in them; then will I perform H6965 my word H1697 with thee, which I spake H1696 unto David H1732 thy father: H1 And I will dwell H7931 among H8432 the children H1121 of Israel, H3478 and will not forsake H5800 my people H5971 Israel. H3478 So Solomon H8010 built H1129 the house, H1004 and finished H3615 it. And he built H1129 the walls H7023 of the house H1004 within H1004 with boards H6763 of cedar, H730 both the floor H7172 of the house, H1004 and the walls H7023 of the cieling: H5604 and he covered H6823 them on the inside H1004 with wood, H6086 and covered H6823 the floor H7172 of the house H1004 with planks H6763 of fir. H1265 And he built H1129 twenty H6242 cubits H520 on the sides H3411 of the house, H1004 both H4480 the floor H7172 and the walls H7023 with boards H6763 of cedar: H730 he even built H1129 them for it within, H1004 even for the oracle, H1687 even for the most H6944 holy H6944 place. And the house, H1004 that is, the temple H1964 before H3942 it, was forty H705 cubits H520 long. And the cedar H730 of the house H1004 within H6441 was carved H4734 with knops H6497 and open H6362 flowers: H6731 all was cedar; H730 there was no stone H68 seen. H7200 And the oracle H1687 he prepared H3559 in H8432 the house H1004 within, H6441 to set H5414 there the ark H727 of the covenant H1285 of the LORD. H3068 And the oracle H1687 in the forepart H6440 was twenty H6242 cubits H520 in length, H753 and twenty H6242 cubits H520 in breadth, H7341 and twenty H6242 cubits H520 in the height H6967 thereof: and he overlaid H6823 it with pure H5462 gold; H2091 and so covered H6823 the altar H4196 which was of cedar. H730 So Solomon H8010 overlaid H6823 the house H1004 within H6441 with pure H5462 gold: H2091 and he made a partition H5674 by the chains H7572 H7572 of gold H2091 before H6440 the oracle; H1687 and he overlaid H6823 it with gold. H2091 And the whole house H1004 he overlaid H6823 with gold, H2091 until he had finished H8552 all the house: H1004 also the whole altar H4196 that was by the oracle H1687 he overlaid H6823 with gold. H2091 And within the oracle H1687 he made H6213 two H8147 cherubims H3742 of olive H8081 tree, H6086 each ten H6235 cubits H520 high. H6967 And five H2568 cubits H520 was the one H259 wing H3671 of the cherub, H3742 and five H2568 cubits H520 the other H8145 wing H3671 of the cherub: H3742 from the uttermost part H7098 of the one wing H3671 unto the uttermost part H7098 of the other H3671 were ten H6235 cubits. H520 And the other H8145 cherub H3742 was ten H6235 cubits: H520 both H8147 the cherubims H3742 were of one H259 measure H4060 and one H259 size. H7095 The height H6967 of the one H259 cherub H3742 was ten H6235 cubits, H520 and so was it of the other H8145 cherub. H3742 And he set H5414 the cherubims H3742 within H8432 the inner H6442 house: H1004 and they stretched forth H6566 the wings H3671 of the cherubims, H3742 so that the wing H3671 of the one H259 touched H5060 the one wall, H7023 and the wing H3671 of the other H8145 cherub H3742 touched H5060 the other H8145 wall; H7023 and their wings H3671 touched H5060 one H3671 another H3671 in the midst H8432 of the house. H1004 And he overlaid H6823 the cherubims H3742 with gold. H2091 And he carved H7049 all the walls H7023 of the house H1004 round about H4524 with carved H6603 figures H4734 of cherubims H3742 and palm trees H8561 and open H6362 flowers, H6731 within H6441 and without. H2435 And the floor H7172 of the house H1004 he overlaid H6823 with gold, H2091 within H6441 and without. H2435 And for the entering H6607 of the oracle H1687 he made H6213 doors H1817 of olive H8081 tree: H6086 the lintel H352 and side posts H4201 were a fifth part H2549 of the wall. The two H8147 doors H1817 also were of olive H8081 tree; H6086 and he carved H7049 upon them carvings H4734 of cherubims H3742 and palm trees H8561 and open H6362 flowers, H6731 and overlaid H6823 them with gold, H2091 and spread H7286 gold H2091 upon the cherubims, H3742 and upon the palm trees. H8561 So also made H6213 he for the door H6607 of the temple H1964 posts H4201 of olive H8081 tree, H6086 a fourth part H7243 of the wall. And the two H8147 doors H1817 were of fir H1265 tree: H6086 the two H8147 leaves H6763 of the one H259 door H1817 were folding, H1550 and the two H8147 leaves H7050 of the other H8145 door H1817 were folding. H1550 And he carved H7049 thereon cherubims H3742 and palm trees H8561 and open H6362 flowers: H6731 and covered H6823 them with gold H2091 fitted H3474 upon the carved work. H2707 And he built H1129 the inner H6442 court H2691 with three H7969 rows H2905 of hewed stone, H1496 and a row H2905 of cedar H730 beams. H3773 In the fourth H7243 year H8141 was the foundation H3245 of the house H1004 of the LORD H3068 laid, H3245 in the month H3391 Zif: H2099 And in the eleventh H259 H6240 year, H8141 in the month H3391 Bul, H945 which is the eighth H8066 month, H2320 was the house H1004 finished H3615 throughout all the parts H1697 thereof, and according to all the fashion H4941 of it. So was he seven H7651 years H8141 in building H1129 it.
Thy faithfulness H530 is unto all H1755 generations: H1755 thou hast established H3559 the earth, H776 and it abideth. H5975 They continue H5975 this day H3117 according to thine ordinances: H4941 for all are thy servants. H5650
For G3754 by G1722 him G846 were G2936 all things G3956 created, G2936 that are in G1722 heaven, G3772 and G2532 that are in G1909 earth, G1093 visible G3707 and G2532 invisible, G517 whether G1535 they be thrones, G2362 or G1535 dominions, G2963 or G1535 principalities, G746 or G1535 powers: G1849 all things G3956 were created G2936 by G1223 him, G846 and G2532 for G1519 him: G846 And G2532 he G846 is G2076 before G4253 all things, G3956 and G2532 by G1722 him G846 all things G3956 consist. G4921
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 78
Commentary on Psalms 78 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 78
Ps 78:1-72. This Psalm appears to have been occasioned by the removal of the sanctuary from Shiloh in the tribe of Ephraim to Zion in the tribe of Judah, and the coincident transfer of pre-eminence in Israel from the former to the latter tribe, as clearly evinced by David's settlement as the head of the Church and nation. Though this was the execution of God's purpose, the writer here shows that it also proceeded from the divine judgment on Ephraim, under whose leadership the people had manifested the same sinful and rebellious character which had distinguished their ancestors in Egypt.
1. my people … my law—the language of a religious teacher (Ps 78:2; La 3:14; Ro 2:16, 27; compare Ps 49:4). The history which follows was a "dark saying," or riddle, if left unexplained, and its right apprehension required wisdom and attention.
3-8. This history had been handed down (Ex 12:14; De 6:20) for God's honor, and that the principles of His law might be known and observed by posterity. This important sentiment is reiterated in (Ps 78:7, 8) negative form.
5. testimony—(Ps 19:7).
8. stubborn and rebellious—(De 21:18).
set not their heart—on God's service (2Ch 12:14).
9-11. The privileges of the first-born which belonged to Joseph (1Ch 5:1, 2) were assigned to Ephraim by Jacob (Ge 48:1). The supremacy of the tribe thus intimated was recognized by its position (in the marching of the nation to Canaan) next to the ark (Nu 2:18-24), by the selection of the first permanent locality for the ark within its borders at Shiloh, and by the extensive and fertile province given for its possession. Traces of this prominence remained after the schism under Rehoboam, in the use, by later writers, of Ephraim for Israel (compare Ho 5:3-14; 11:3-12). Though a strong, well-armed tribe, and, from an early period, emulous and haughty (compare Jos 17:14; Jud 8:1-3; 2Sa 19:41), it appears, in this place, that it had rather led the rest in cowardice than courage; and had incurred God's displeasure, because, diffident of His promise, though often heretofore fulfilled, it had failed as a leader to carry out the terms of the covenant, by not driving out the heathen (Ex 23:24; De 31:16; 2Ki 17:15).
12-14. A record of God's dealings and the sins of the people is now made. The writer gives the history from the exode to the retreat from Kadesh; then contrasts their sins with their reasons for confidence, shown by a detail of God's dealings in Egypt, and presents a summary of the subsequent history to David's time.
Zoan—for Egypt, as its ancient capital (Nu 13:22; Isa 19:11).
15, 16. There were two similar miracles (Ex 17:6; Nu 20:11).
great depths—and—rivers—denote abundance.
17-20. yet more—literally, "added to sin," instead of being led to repentance (Ro 2:4).
18. in their heart—(Mt 15:19).
for their lust—literally, "soul," or, "desire."
provoking—and—tempted—illustrated by their absurd doubts,
19, 20. in the face of His admitted power.
21. fire—the effect of the "anger" (Nu 11:1).
22. (Compare Heb 8:8, 9).
23-29. (Compare Ex 16:11-15; Nu 11:4-9).
25. angels' food—literally, "bread of the mighty" (compare Ps 105:40); so called, as it came from heaven.
meat—literally, "victuals," as for a journey.
29. their … desire—what they longed for.
30, 31. not estranged … lust—or, "desire"—that is, were indulging it.
31. slew … fattest—or, "among the fattest"; some of them—
chosen—the young and strong (Isa 40:31), and so none could resist.
33-39. Though there were partial reformations after chastisement, and God, in pity, withdrew His hand for a time, yet their general conduct was rebellious, and He was thus provoked to waste and destroy them, by long and fruitless wandering in the desert.
36. lied … tongues—a feigned obedience (Ps 18:44).
37. heart … not right—or, "firm" (compare Ps 78:8; Ps 51:10).
39. a wind … again—literally, "a breath," thin air (compare Ps 103:16; Jas 4:14).
40, 41. There were ten temptations (Nu 14:22).
41. limited—as in Ps 78:19, 20. Though some prefer "grieved" or "provoked." The retreat from Kadesh (De 1:19-23) is meant, whether—
turned—be for turning back, or to denote repetition of offense.
43. wrought—set or held forth.
45. The dog-fly or the mosquito.
46. caterpillar—the Hebrew name, from its voracity, and that of—
locust—from its multitude.
47, 48. The additional effects of the storm here mentioned (compare Ex 9:23-34) are consistent with Moses' account.
48. gave … cattle—literally, "shut up" (compare Ps 31:8).
49. evil angels—or, "angels of evil"—many were perhaps employed, and other evils inflicted.
50, 51. made a way—removed obstacles, gave it full scope.
51. chief of their strength—literally, "first-fruits," or, "first-born" (Ge 49:3; De 21:17).
Ham—one of whose sons gave name (Mizraim, Hebrew) to Egypt.
52-54. made his … forth—or, brought them by periodical journeys (compare Ex 15:1).
54. border of his sanctuary—or, "holy border"—i. e., region of which—
this mountain—(Zion) was, as the seat of civil and religious government, the representative, used for the whole land, as afterwards for the Church (Isa 25:6, 7).
purchased—or, "procured by His right hand" or power (Ps 60:5).
55. by line—or, the portion thus measured.
divided them—that is, the heathen, put for their possessions, so tents—that is, of the heathen (compare De 6:11).
56, 57. a deceitful bow—which turns back, and so fails to project the arrow (2Sa 1:22; Ho 7:16). They relapsed.
58. Idolatry resulted from sparing the heathen (compare Ps 78:9-11).
59, 60. heard—perceived (Ge 11:7).
abhorred—but not utterly.
60. tent … placed—literally, "caused to dwell," set up (Jos 18:1).
61. his strength—the ark, as symbolical of it (Ps 96:6).
62. gave—or, "shut up."
his people—(Ps 78:48; 1Sa 4:10-17).
63. fire—either figure of the slaughter (1Sa 4:10), or a literal burning by the heathen.
given to marriage—literally, "praised"—that is, as brides.
64. (Compare 1Sa 4:17); and there were, doubtless, others.
made no lamentation—either because stupefied by grief, or hindered by the enemy.
65. (Compare Ps 22:16; Isa 42:13).
66. And he smote … part—or, "struck His enemies' back." The Philistines never regained their position after their defeats by David.
67, 68. tabernacle of Joseph—or, "home," or, "tribe," to which—
tribe of Ephraim—is parallel (compare Re 7:8). Its pre-eminence was, like Saul's, only permitted. Judah had been the choice (Ge 49:10).
69. Exalted as—
high palaces—or, "mountains," and abiding as—the earth.
70-72. God's sovereignty was illustrated in this choice. The contrast is striking—humility and exaltation—and the correspondence is beautiful.
71. following … ewes, &c.—literally, "ewes giving suck" (compare Isa 40:11). On the pastoral terms, compare Ps 79:13.