Psalms 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.