Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 92
Verses 1-15
PSALM 92
Ps 92:1-15. A Psalm-song—(see on Ps 30:1, title). The theme: God should be praised for His righteous judgments on the wicked and His care and defense of His people. Such a topic, at all times proper, is specially so for the reflections of the Sabbath day.
1. sing … name—celebrate Thy perfections.
Verses 2
2. in the morning, … every night—diligently and constantly (Ps 42:8).
loving kindness—literally, "mercy."
faithfulness—in fulfilling promises (Ps 89:14).
Verses 3
3. In such a work all proper aid must be used.
with a … sound—or, on Higgaion (see on Ps 9:16), perhaps an instrument of that name, from its sound resembling the muttered sound of meditation, as expressed also by the word. This is joined with the harp.
Verses 4
4. thy work—that is, of providence (Ps 90:16, 17).
Verses 5
5. great … works—correspond to deep or vast thoughts (Ps 40:5; Ro 11:23).
Verses 6
6. A brutish man knoweth not—that is, God's works, so the Psalmist describes himself (Ps 73:22) when amazed by the prosperity of the wicked, now understood and explained.
Verses 7-8
8. This he does in part, by contrasting their ruin with God's exaltation and eternity.
most high—as occupying the highest place in heaven (Ps 7:7; 18:16).
Verses 9
9, 10. A further contrast with the wicked, in the lot of the righteous, safety and triumph.
Verses 10
10. horn … exalt—is to increase power (Ps 75:5).
anointed … fresh—or, "new"
oil—(Ps 23:5) a figure for refreshment (compare Lu 7:46). Such use of oil is still common in the East.
Verses 11
11. see … [and] … hear my desire—or, literally, "look on" my enemies and hear of the wicked (compare Ps 27:11; 54:7)—that is, I shall be gratified by their fall.
Verses 12
12-14. The vigorous growth, longevity, utility, fragrance, and beauty of these noble trees, set forth the life, character, and destiny of the pious;
Verses 13-15
15. and they thus declare God's glory as their strong and righteous ruler.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871). Public domain.