---

I. A LAMENTABLE SOCIAL SCENE (vers. 2-8). The scene is that of men in tumultuous hostility both to God and His people. They appear developing all the leading characteristics of sin.

1. Boisterous. They "make a tumult." Sin is agitation. There is no serenity in it, no repose.

2. Haughty.. "Have lifted up the head." They were bold, arrogant, defiant. The evil spirit is described by Milton as "defying the Omnipotent to arms." Sin intoxicates the soul with vanity and daring.

3. Intriguing (ver. 3). Sin works insidiously, and with all the subtilty of the serpent. It is never open, frank, and straightforward; it is artful and scheming.

4. Malignant (ver. 4). It is always in mischief. "The poison of asps," etc.

5. Antitheistic. "They have consulted together," etc. It is all against God.

6. Widespread. "The tabernacles of Edom," etc.

II. A REPREHENSIBLE RELIGIOUS PRAYER. In this prayer there is —

1. A savage revenge (ver. 13), etc.

2. Pious abomination. Their destruction is here invoked, what for? In order "that they may seek Thy name, O Lord." On what principle, either in ethics, or conscience, or sound philosophy, can such a prayer be justified? To me, I confess, it appears to be malice, inhumanity, and ungodliness in its worst aspect.

(Homilist.)

---

---

KJV: {A Song or Psalm of Asaph.} Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.

WEB: God, don't keep silent. Don't keep silent, and don't be still, God.