The Psalmist demands to be heard in what he had to deliver, on account of its importance; but to conciliate affection, he proposes not to make his subject personal; but, according to the eastern method, he would veil it under the covering of a parable. read more
Beauty. This may refer to God, or to Sion, (Calmet) where the Church of Christ began. (Worthington) read more
1-5 We seldom meet with a more solemn introduction: there is no truth of greater importance. Let all hear this with application to ourselves. The poor are in danger from undue desire toward the wealth of the world, as rich people from undue delight in it. The psalmist begins with applying it to himself, and that is the right method in which to treat of Divine things. Before he sets down the folly of carnal security, he lays down, from his own experience, the benefit and comfort of a holy,... read more
Of the Vanity of Earthly Goods. To the chief musician, for use in liturgical worship, a psalm for the sons of Korah, a hymn of instruction and consolation written by a member of the family of Korah, to show that mere earthly advantages do not bring lasting good fortune. v. 1. Hear this, all ye people, a solemn call for the most careful attention; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world, all those living in this present time, in this age, which will soon pass away; v. 2. both low and... read more
Psalms 49:0To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah Hear this, all ye people;Give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world:2 Both low and high,Rich and poor, together.3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom;And the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.4 I will incline mine ear to a parable:I will open my dark saying upon the harp.5 Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil,When the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about?6 They that trust in their... read more
the Folly of Trusting in Riches Psalms 49:1-20 Here is a proclamation worthy of the hearing of all the world. The psalmist is listening to voices unheard by ordinary ears. Be sure to listen to God’s voice, and then unfold His dark sayings in music. However dark they may seem in their mystery and awe, they may be uttered in song. See Revelation 15:3-4 . The burden of the psalm is the impotence of wealth. The millionaire cannot prolong the life of his sick child. And even if, like Queen... read more
This is the song of a principle, and the psalmist commences by calling peoples of all castes and classes to give attention. It denies the power of material wealth, and a5rms that of uprightness. There are two things which wealth cannot do. It can neither help a man to escape death, nor can it ensure the life of the one possessing it. The passion of the heart for immortality is manifest in the building of houses and the naming of the land. It is all useless. Man is no more able to secure... read more
An Appeal To Listen To His Words (Psalms 49:1-5 ). The Psalmist commences by making an appeal to all men, both high and low, rich and poor, to listen to his wisdom. Note his recognition that he is speaking mysteries (parables, dark sayings). This would confirm that he expects them to see in what he is saying something more than the usual platitudes. For he is in fact indicating that for those who trust God this life is not the end. There is hope beyond the grave. Such glimpses of a future... read more
XLIX. The Immortality of the Righteous.— The poet takes a popular proverb for his theme. This proverb recurs as a refrain in Psalms 49:12 and Psalms 49:20, and it probably stood originally after Psalms 49:8 and Psalms 49:15 also. Adopting this supposition we find that the Ps. falls into five parts, Psalms 49:1-Numbers :, Psalms 49:5-Ruth :, Psalms 49:9-2 Kings :, Psalms 49:13-Ezra :, Psalms 49:16-Proverbs :. Psalms 49:1-Numbers : . The question stated; if we supply the refrain here, the sense... read more
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James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Psalms 49:1-20
Psalms 38:0 An appeal to God from chastisement because of iniquity (Psalms 38:1-4 ). The mental anguish is described in figures of physical disease, and yet it is not impossible that such disease may have been part of the chastisement (Psalms 38:5-8 ). The desertion of friends and the opposition of enemies also entered into it (Psalms 38:10-17 ). There are verses susceptible of an application to Christ, but others would prevent its application as a whole to him. Psalms 40:0 Messianic (compare... read more