Bible Commentaries

1. My strength—Hebrew, My rock, but clearly in a broad and figurative sense.

2. My goodness—Meaning, “the source from which goodness, or mercy, comes to me.”

Who subdueth—Refers to the restoration of David’s authority after the suppression of Absalom’s rebellion.

3, 4. Man is like to vanity—The wickedness and weakness of man are in several psalms set forth in this beautiful and impressive language.

5. Bow… come down—This appeal shows that David—badly as he has done—feels himself to be the rightful king of Israel. He, as such, may claim the help of Jehovah. The language is as if the deliverance from Egypt were in the writer’s mind, when the Lord looked out in flames upon Pharaoh and his host, but brought his people out of the great waters of the Red Sea.

7-9. Strange children—That is, “unnatural, rebellious children.” David, in utter violation of Hebrew law, married Maachah, daughter of Talmai, a heathen ruler north east of Palestine. Her children, Absalom and Tamar, of remarkable beauty, were a source of serious trouble to David. Absalom’s mouth spoke vanity, and his right hand was a right hand of falsehood. David, as a father, mourned, but as a ruler, welcomed, his death, and for the relief it brought, he sang a new song unto God.

12. Grown up—That is, becoming strong, refers to our sons in an early and vigorous development. So polished refers to daughters. It is better rendered carved. To this day the corners of houses in Damascus may be seen carved in beautiful style, showing the figures here used to mean gracefulness of form and richness of attire.

14. Breaking in, is in Hebrew only “breaking,” and refers to damage or painful casualty; while going out is loss or failure. These verses follow beautifully Psalms 144:11, and continue its prayer; portraying in few words a copious prosperity, such as a king might wish for his people.

15. Happy is that people—A climax is here given. “Happy” is the people that has such material prosperity, but happier still is the people among whom the true God is known. Every good gift is indeed from him, and they with whom he dwells have the sure fountain of good. Also, tobe the chosen people of the Lord was the crown of the blessings of Israel.