Loading…
92:title–15 Psalm 92 is a thanksgiving psalm. It focuses on a contrast between the righteous and the wicked, sometimes called the “two ways” motif (see 1:1–6). After opening with a general proclamation of worship (vv. 1–5), the psalmist describes the wicked and characterizes them as enemies of God (vv. 5–9). He then describes the victory of the righteous (vv. 10–11) and elaborates on the benefits they receive from their loyalty to Yahweh (vv. 12–15). |
92:title A psalm See note on 3:title.
A song. For the Sabbath This is the only psalm specifically associated with the Sabbath, the seventh day of the week and the Israelite day of rest. This suggests that this psalm was meant to be used for thanking God for the day of rest.
Sabbath NBD
Psalm 92 IVPBBCOT
92:1–4 The psalm opens with thanksgiving |
92:1 Although Israelite worship centered on sacrifice, internal attitudes played a significant role. Giving thanks for Yahweh’s actions and praising Yahweh’s excellence were thus central; these activities affected emotions and attitudes. Several ot passages emphasize the importance of a right mindset in worship and life (e.g., Mic 6:6–8; Psa 69:30–31).
|
to give thanks Refers to glad remembrance of God’s actions.
Thanksgiving EDB
to sing praise The focus of praise is God’s excellence and His moral goodness, which His actions display.
Praise NBD
Praise HIBD
O Most High The Hebrew word used here, elyon, is a relatively common name for God. See note on 91:1.
92:2 to declare The psalmist advocates declaring God’s love and faithfulness. In v. 15, he declares Yahweh’s moral goodness. This verse and v. 15 function as structural bookends for the psalm.
your loyal love The word chesed describes God’s steadfast and faithful love. See note on 25:10; note on 90:14.
92:3 the ten string The Hebrew word used here, asor, could describe a lute or a harp.
Psalm 92:3 IVPBBCOT
the lyre The Hebrew word used here, kinnor, describes a stringed instrument of some sort, possibly a lyre, zither, or harp.
92:5–9 Here, the psalmist focuses on Yahweh’s thoughts rather than His works. Yahweh’s thoughts contrast with the foolishness of the wicked. Verse 9 names and identifies the wicked as the enemies of Yahweh. The psalmist predicts that all evildoers will eventually be scattered and destroyed. |
92:5 your deeds The term ma'aseh (work” or “deed”) connects with v. 4 and provides a transition to God’s thoughts. God’s works are validation of His thoughts.
92:6 the fool Describes people who have a disrespectful attitude toward Yahweh and His instruction.
The brutish man Describes relative ignorance.
the fool May describe a deeply ingrained moral defect.
92:7 all the workers of evil Compare v. 9.
92:10–11 The psalmist recounts how Yahweh has exalted him and allowed him to see his enemies fall. |
92:10 my horn A symbol
of strength and power.
Horn EDB
Psalm 92:10 IVPBBCOT
Horn DBI
that of a wild ox The Hebrew word used here, re'em, may refer to a wild bull or buffalo.
fresh oil This signifies that Yahweh has blessed the psalmist.
Psalm 92:10 IVPBBCOT
92:12–15 The psalm closes by listing blessings that the righteous will experience. Because of the benefits of being near God, the righteous are described as remaining healthy and productive even as they grow old. The final statement of the psalm praises Yahweh’s moral goodness. |
92:12 The righteous The term tsaddiq refers to a righteous person (compare v. 13); it contrasts with rasha’ (“wicked”) in v. 7.
the date palm Palm trees require a lot of water to thrive. Here, they symbolize lavish abundance and provision from proximity to God.
a cedar in Lebanon A symbol of strength and prosperity.
92:13 The image of Yahweh as a king with a court appears throughout the ot and reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of depicting deities as kings. People in the ancient Near East considered temples to be the palaces of deities; they would go there to worship and make requests of the divine king. As king, a deity would have an entourage, |
Cosmic Garden and Mountain Imagery in the Old Testament
the house of Yahweh Refers to the Jerusalem temple.
House NBD
92:14 They will still prosper in old age The psalmist envisions the righteous living long and productive lives beyond normal expectations. Compare v. 7.
fat and luxuriant This health and vitality is implicitly attributed to being in God’s presence.
92:15 to declare See note on v. 2. The psalmist moves from God’s love and faithfulness to proclaiming His moral goodness.
my rock A symbol of Yahweh’s faithfulness and constancy. Here, God’s dependability is connected to His moral goodness.
there is no injustice in him God is not just powerful or effective; He is good.
|
About Faithlife Study BibleFaithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text. |
| Copyright |
Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. |
| Support Info | fsb |