A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. A rude, uncultivated man has no conception of the wonderful depth of God's thoughts—the marvellousness of those counsels which underlie the general scheme of things, and make it what it is (comp. Romans 11:33 , Romans 11:34 ). read more
Eyes dimmed to spiritual things. Two terms are used to describe those who are unable to discern either the greatness of God's works or the depth of God's thoughts. "A brutish man." "A fool." The distinction between them seems to be this—a "brute" cannot, and a "fool" will not, see spiritual things. But both incapacity and self-willedness are regarded as sins. The brutish man has made himself brutish; and the fool encourages his self-will. The Prayer book Version gives "unwise" for... read more
When the wicked spring as the grass ; i.e. "spring up"—"flourish" (see Psalms 92:12 ). The difficulty is that which disturbed Job ( Job 21:7-21 ) and Asaph ( Psalms 73:2-15 ), viz. the prosperity of the wicked. The present writer, however, is not disturbed—he sees in their prosperous condition nothing but a prelude to their overthrow. And when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; or, "do blossom." It is that they shall be destroyed forever; literally, it is for their... read more
The instability of the success of the ungodly. "Spring as the grass." In Eastern countries, after a time of drought, the grass responds with marvellous suddenness to the refreshing rains. But the grass which grows so swiftly is as swiftly cut down by the blazing sunshine or the scorching wind. The sudden success of the ungodly was a surprise and distress to God's people, who looked on temporal success as a special sign of Divine approval. It seemed to them as if, after all, God was... read more
A brutish man knoweth not - A man who is stupid, and who is like the beasts or brutes; that is, a man whose tastes and propensities are like the brutes, or who does not seem to act as if endowed with a rational nature. The idea evidently is, that there are many such people, and that it is not to be wondered at that they have no exalted idea of the greatness of God. As a matter of fact there are many in human form - many made in the image of God - who seem to have no more notion of God, and who... read more
When the wicked spring as the grass - When they grow up as plants do; when they seem to flourish and prosper. Compare Psalms 90:5-6; Psalms 37:2, Psalms 37:35, Psalms 37:38. The word “grass” here refers to the vegetable creation generally, embracing plants and flowers of all kinds.And when all the workers of iniquity do flourish - As plants and flowers do. They are like vigorous plants; not like the stunted and dry shrubs of the desert.It is that they shall be destroyed for ever - The meaning... read more
Psalms 92:6. A brutish man Who cannot, or doth not, seriously consider things; whose mind is corrupted by sensual and brutish appetites; who is led by sense, and not by reason and faith, knoweth not That thy works are so inexpressibly great and wonderful; neither doth a fool understand this The depth of wisdom displayed in thy counsels, and of power in thine operations, or the particular work of God, described Psalms 92:7. “Glorious are thy works, profound thy counsels, marvellous... read more
Psalms 92:7-8. When the wicked spring, &c. Many interpreters connect this with the preceding verse, thus: A brutish man knoweth not, &c., that when the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish, it is that they shall be destroyed for ever: “they are only nourishing themselves, like senseless cattle, in plentiful pastures, for the approaching day of slaughter.” Their present worldly prosperity is a presage and occasion of their utter ruin. But... read more
Psalms 92-93 God’s rule in an evil worldAccording to the title, Psalms 92:0 was for use on the Sabbath. God is pleased when people cease their ordinary work for a day in order to engage in worshipping him and proclaiming his love (92:1-4). As they meditate upon the nature of God, their thinking will be changed. They will see from God’s point of view and will understand things that are misunderstood by the ordinary person. They will see, for instance, that they need not puzzle over why the... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 92:1-15
The eye salve of praise. In this psalm we have— I. THE SPIRIT OF GLADSOME PRAISE . ( Psalms 92:1-4 .) The writer had evidently tried what praise could do, and the result of his testing it was this joyful outburst of praise concerning praise. He tells of its essence—giving thanks; of its expression—singing; its object—the Lord; its seasons—morning and night; its aids—music of all kinds; its inspiration—the gladness that came to him through the works of the Lord. II. A ... read more