A Prayer in Times of National Distress
To the chief musician for the sons of Korah, another hymn composed by a member of this family, Maschil, a didactic poem evidently written at a time when the nation was in great peril, the period of David’s wars having been suggested when he was overthrowing the Ammonites and the Edomites took advantage of his absence to make a raid on Southern Canaan, 2 Sam. 10.
The psalm finds its application in the life of all Christians, being particularly suitable for times of oppression by the enemies of the Church, when it seems that the heathen and tyrants will prevail.
V. 1. We have heard with our ears, O God, in the form of instruction in vogue among the children of Israel, where every housefather informed his children regarding the great works of God, Ex. 10, 2 ; 12, 26; Deut. 6, 20; our fathers have told us what work Thou didst in their days, in the early history of Israel, in the times of old; v. 2. how Thou didst drive out the heathen with Thy hand, for it was not their own weapons and strength which gave them the victory, as the many specific instances recorded clearly show, but the almighty power of Yahweh, and plantedst them, giving to the fathers of Israel a permanent home in Canaan; how Thou didst afflict the people, the heathen inhabitants, and cast them out.
V. 3. For they, the Israelites, got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them; but Thy right hand and Thine arm and the light of Thy countenance, turned upon Israel in mercy, because Thou hadst a favor unto them, being disposed toward them in love. This is the first point which the inspired singer wishes to make, the fact of God’s help in times past. This fact, moreover, inspires true confidence in Yahwe, the second point emphasized in the psalmist’s prayer.
V. 4. Thou art my King, O God, emphatically, “Even Thou Thyself art my King”; command deliverances for Jacob, for the small flock of the faithful, of the believers of all times; V. 5. Through Thee will we push down our enemies, as an angry ox charges and overthrows everyone coming into his way; through Thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.
v. 6. For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me, all confidence in one’s own strength and ability is foolish.
V. 7. But Thou hast saved us from our enemies and hast put them to shame that hated us, their opposition to Israel brought them nothing but disgrace, because God was the sole Help of His people.
V. 8. In God we boast all the day long,making His almighty power the basis of their confident praise, and praise Thy name, His entire essence as revealed to men, forever. Selah.
There follows a description of the desperate straits in which Israel found itself at that time, typical of the troubles which beset the Church of God, and a bitter complaint of neglect. V. 9. But Thou hast cast us off, that is, in spite of the trust which they reposed in Him it seemed that God was bent on their destruction, and put us to shame, a mockery before their enemies; and goest not forth with our armies, the various sections of Israel’s army engaged in war.
V. 10. Thou makest us to turn back from the enemy, in defeat and flight; and they which hate us spoil for themselves, gaining rich booty in the deserted camp of Israel.
V. 11. Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat, to be used for food without offering resistance, and hast scattered us among the heathen, many members of Israel having been led away as slaves in the recent raids.
V. 12. Thou sellest Thy people for naught, for a song, as though they were worthless, insignificant, as if He no longer cared for them, and dost not increase Thy wealth by their price, He did not go high in the price which He demanded in selling them into slavery.