Bible Commentaries

Title. A Psalm. Hebrew. mizmor. App-65.

Song. Hebrew. shir. App-65.

for the sons of Korah: i.e. of or by them. This title is repeated in the sub-scription after Psalms 87:7, to emphasise the occasion of its use in bringing up the Ark to Zion by David (951BC, a Sabbatic year). See note there, and on Title of Psalm 24.

His: i.e. Jehovah's (which He has laid in Zion).

holy. See note on Exodus 3:5.

The LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

Zion. See App-68.

Jacob. Israel viewed in connection with the natural seed, and with material blessings. See notes on Genesis 32:28; Genesis 43:6; Genesis 45:26, Genesis 45:28.

God. Hebrew. ha-"Elohim = the [true] God. App-4.

Selah. Connecting the first alternation with the second, showing that it is to be a repeated alternation.

Rahab = pride, or haughtiness. Used as name for Egypt (by Figure of speech Polyonymia, App-6), as in Psalms 89:10; Isaiah 51:9. Compare Job 9:13 with Job 26:12, not the same word as in Joshua 2.

Ethiopia. Supply Ellipsis of the verb "say": "Tyre with Ethiopia [say]" this, &c.

of = to.

man. Hebrew. "ish.

the HIGHEST = the MOST HIGH. Hebrew. "Elyon. App-4.

writeth up = enrolleth.

people = peoples.

That. Instead of "That", supply "[and say] this one", &c.

Selah. Connecting the last repetition of the alternation, and completing the Structure. Thus, both the Selahs in this Psalm are structural.

the singers = they that shout.

the players on instruments = they that dance, as in bringing up the Ark. See note on the subscription.

shall be there. Supply Ellipsis : "[shall say of Zion]".

springs = fountains: i.e. fountains of delight.

A Song, &c. Repeated from the title. Compare Psalm 45 for a similar repetition.

to the chief Musician. See App-64.

upon Mahalath Leannoth = relating to the shoutings with dancings in bringing up the Ark to Zion (2 Samuel 6:12-15; and 1 Chronicles 15:25-29). As in Judges 21:21, Judges 21:23 (compare Revised Version), and see App-65.