The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-03-31
Notes on Analgsis.

| !. There is no serious question but what
| David wrote the second Psalm. Early ira
! dltions, which express opinions entertained by
| Hebrews quite near the time when the Psalm
was issued, favor Dayid's authorship. Sts.
| Peter and John held this opinion (ACts. |: %,
&C. and they probably represent current belief.
| kjmchi, learned Rabbi (1155 1873 = and Aben
| Ezra 1000 100, Il Spanish commentator held
| this view. Then we notice that all the Psalms
from the first to the list, inclusive which have
names Of authors gwen, except Psalm the 5Oth
are By David. The suppositiOn is that tho
compiler Of the Psalms intended to group most
Of Davds Psalms in body by themselves.
Some render the title in Psalm 30 "A Psalm of
Asaph," a Psalm for Asaph," and intimate
David wrote it.
II David wrote the second Psalm he probably
did so at Jerusalem
2. Suppose David composed the Psalm in
historic sense. it was very applicable. 1t is
real picture of his life. We recall the attitude
toward him of the heather. of the people, of
the Kings, of the rulers. Opposition was vain,
for David kept advancing in power. He had
been. indeed, anointed. God was with him.
Ills enemies were showed aside by Providence
as If they were of no consequence.
His palace was on Mt Zion. He was indeed
Son of God, raised up Providentially (begot-
tenn from the family of jesse His kingdom
spread amazingly until he was recognized
power in all the Nations Of earth. All these
facts emphasized the relations which we sustain
to God. and suggest many very practical duties
summed up in verses 1912. Experience pre-
pared David to enforce ethics, and enabled him
to exemplify them.
3 We have in outlining given precedence
to the Messiah. Most Of all are wo interested
in his relations to US. Other views will suggest
themselves. Tho Psalm is a study, and it is
we'll we have several lessons from the Book of
Psalms.
4. Explanations.
a. Bands and cords. ". 81 These refer to
the straps fastening yokcs on oxen or connecting
oxen with ploughs. (Cf. st. Mt, IL 29.) The
heather and others would allow God no re-
straint over them.
b. God is spoken Of as laughing and ridicul-
ing. The idea is that he was not concerned by
intimidations. lie treated attempts of men at
rebellion as "a vain thing ". L. They
rage; he is calm. prov. / 26 Ps., 81 : 49,
As we at times, instead of being bIanched by
threatening smile ut thefutiity of opposition.
so God looks at his enemies with feeling of
perfect security. Luther asked Who thought
when Christ suffered and the Jews triumphed
that God was laughing all the time?"
We notice DIR. Alexander'!s remark on this
statement as to Gods laughing: This verse
conveys in the most vivid manner one, in
deed, that would be inadmissible in any unn-
spircd writer. the faulty Of all rcbellious oppo-
sition to Gods will. That such is often suffered
to proceed long with impunity is only, in the
Gguratvc language of this passage, because
God first laughs at human folly and then smites
it. Beneath this bold anthropomorphism there
is hidden profound truth namely, that to all
superior beings, and above ali to God Himself,
there is something in sin not only odious. but
absurd; something which cannot possibly escape
the contempt Of higher, much less Of the h gh
est, intelligence"
c. Notice "Why?" in V. l. Is there any
reason why rulers, etc, should oppose God?
Says Luther: " In this word is comprised the
argument of nearly the whole Psalm. How
'can they succeed who set themselves against
Jehovah and against his Christi" God recog
nizes US as reasonable beings and frequently
asks our explanations for evildoing.
d. Compare bands and cords in Y. with V.
g. The opposcrs of God purpose to break the
bands (commands) by which God holds them.
Instead God breaks them. dashes them in pieces.
G. With Y. 8 compare the commission in st.
Mt, %: 10.
s. Suggestions.
l. Do not oppose God. Even Kings, rulers,
ETC. cannot succeed in resistance. Est. Luke,
10: 14l
g Verse 8 intimates God is severe, holding
us down to work or to trouble with bands and
cords Put Christs yoke is easy. (St. Mt,
I:29)
g. Keep up missionary work. Ask God for
all the world to become Christians. ,
a. Pray. Ask. 8.
5. Be wise. Seek religious knowledge. Uti- |
lie the lessons from Providential acts.
6. Cannot get away from Gods control. (Cf |
V. 3 with V. 81
Z. Obey God Submit TO the reign of Christ. |
Kissing used to be an act of homage.
g. Rejoice with trembling. Here is tho idea |
of reverence (Phil., 2: 12)
8. Messiah is King. We are subjects. Re- |
sistance to Christ IS vain and harmful. We |
must fall in with Divine plans. They will |
never bend to our whms. blessed are they |
that put their trust in Him." V. 12.