Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

All are encouraged to pray by God's readiness to hear.

God's mercy alone delivers us from the burden of iniquities, by purging or expiating by an atonement the transgressions with which we are charged, and which are denoted by-- Iniquities--or, literally, "Words of iniquities."

dwell in thy courts; . . . [and] satisfied with the goodness . . . temple--denote communion with God (Psa 15:1; Psa 23:6; compare Psa 5:7). This is a blessing for all God's people, as denoted by the change of number.

terrible things--that is, by the manifestation of justice and wrath to enemies, accompanying that of mercy to His people (Psa 63:9-11; Psa 64:7-9). the confidence--object of it. of all . . . earth--the whole world; that is, deservedly such, whether men think so or not.

God's great power and goodness are the grounds of this confidence. These are illustrated in His control of the mightiest agencies of nature and nations affecting men with awe and dread (Psa 26:7; Psa 98:1, &c.), and in His fertilizing showers, causing the earth to produce abundantly for man and beast.

outgoings of . . . rejoice--all people from east to west.

visitest--in mercy (compare Psa 8:4). river of God--His exhaustless resources.

thy paths--ways of providence (Psa 25:4, Psa 25:10).

wilderness--places, though not inhabited by men, fit for pasture (Lev 16:21-22; Job 24:5). pastures--is literally, "folds," or "enclosures for flocks"; and in Psa 65:13 it may be "lambs," the same word used and so translated in Psa 37:20; so that "the flocks are clothed with lambs" (a figure for abundant increase) would be the form of expression. Next: Psalms Chapter 66