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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 62:11

Verse 11 11God hath spoken once. The Psalmist considered that the only effectual method of abstracting the minds of men from the vain delusions in which they are disposed to trust, was bringing them to acquiesce implicitly and firmly in the judgment of God. Usually they are swayed in different directions, or inclined at least to waver, just as they observe things changing in the world; (422) but he brings under their notice a surer principle for the regulation of their conduct, when he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 62:1-12

It is evident that the psalm contains nothing but what is suitable to the character of David, to whom the "title" assigns it; and further, that it accords well with his circumstance, when the revolt of Absalom was imminent. In further proof of the Davidical authorship may be urged "the earnestness of thought, the depth and force of religious feeling," and "the vigour and sublimity of the language" (Canon Cook). The psalm divides into three stanzas, each of four verses, the break between... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 62:1-12

This is a psalm of testimony. It includes two things. I. AN EXPRESSION OF PERSONAL CONFIDENCE IN GOD . Some trust in themselves; others in their fellow men; others, in the laws of nature. All this is so far good. It is well to be self-reliant. It is well to take advantage of the wisdom and help of others. It is well to act in the line of law, and in dependence upon the settled order of things with which we are connected. But there is something higher and better. The true... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 62:1-12

Danger and safety. The psalmist, like a mighty eagle, poises himself on the wings of his faith at a great height above the dangers that threatened him, and feels safe. Three things claim consideration. I. DANGER . 1 . His kingly dignity was threatened . ( Psalms 62:4 .) The position of the Christian is in constant danger. 2 . His life was in danger . ( Psalms 62:3 .) His enemies rushed upon him to overthrow him as if he were a bowing wall or a tottering fence. Our... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 62:9

Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie; rather, only vanity —or, nought but vanity — are men of low degree ; common men, as we call them—mere sons of Adam. This is too evident for dispute; but, in the view of the psalmist, this is not the worst. "Men of high degree" ( beney ish ) are no better—they are "a lie"—an unreality—a fading, false illusion. To be laid in the balance ; rather, in the balance, they go up (Hupfeld, Ewald Hitzig, Revised... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 62:9

Laid in the balance. I. RANK . Precedence among men does not depend on moral worth. It is a matter of etiquette. The man of "low degree" before men may be of "high degree" before God. The man who gets the "lowest place" in the great houses of this world may sit in the highest place in the kingdom of God. "Knighthoods and honours borne without desert are titles but of scorn" (Shakespeare). The true honour is that which cometh from God only. II. RICHES . Most people would like to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 62:9-12

"Here the psalmist becomes didactic" (Professor Cheyne). He encourages the faithful, and warns the wicked, by the declaration that men of every sort "are but vanity"—have no strength, no permanence—while power belongs only to God. Those who "oppress" and "rob" are, consequently, not to be feared—there is no strength in riches—God alone determines the issues of things. Unto him belongs mercy, or loving kindness—a quality which leads him not only to forgive men their transgressions, but to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 62:10

Trust not in oppression (comp. Psalms 62:3 ). The class that supported Absalom was the class of oppressors in Israel, whom David kept under and restrained as far as possible. The writer warns them against trusting in their power to oppress, since such strength as they have is not their own, but lent them by God. And become not vain in robbery; or, rely not vainly on robbery (Kay). Do not suppose that God will allow you to continue oppressing and robbing. Such a belief is a vain... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 62:11

God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this (comp. Job 33:14 ). When a thing is spoken twice, then assurance is made doubly sure. That power belongeth unto God. God, i . e ; is the only ultimate Source of all power. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 62:11

Omnipotence. "Power belongeth unto God." I. EXCLUSIVE POSSESSION . All around us we see evidences of power. Much of it can be traced to man. But besides, mark the forces that are continually at work, in the earth and in the heavens,—and behind all these is God. He is the Force of all forces. Even with man, in sight of all his works, boasting is excluded. What have we that we have not received? "In God we live and move and have our being." II. EMPLOYED FOR THE HIGHEST ... read more

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