Jamieson, Fausset and Brown on Psalms 92

PSALM 92

Psa 92:1-15. A Psalm-song--(see on Psa 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.

2. in the morning, ... every night--diligently and constantly (Psa 42:8).

loving kindness--literally, "mercy."

faithfulness--in fulfilling promises (Psa 89:14).

3. In such a work all proper aid must be used.

with a ... sound--or, on Higgaion (see on Psa 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.

4. thy work--that is, of providence (Psa 90:16, 17).

5. great ... works--correspond to deep or vast thoughts (Psa 40:5; Ro 11:23).

6. A brutish man knoweth not--that is, God's works, so the Psalmist describes himself (Psa 73:22) when amazed by the prosperity of the wicked, now understood and explained.

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 (Psa 7:7; 18:16).

9-10. A further contrast with the wicked, in the lot of the righteous, safety and triumph.

11. see ... [and] ... hear my desire--or, literally, "look on" my enemies and hear of the wicked (compare Psa 27:11; 54:7)--that is, I shall be gratified by their fall.

12-14. The vigorous growth, longevity, utility, fragrance, and beauty of these noble trees, set forth the life, character, and destiny of the pious;

15. and they thus declare God's glory as their strong and righteous ruler.