A commentary on the proper Psalms on certain days, for schools and pupil-teachers

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1879 ...temple. Cities o/Judah.--Among these the priests had nine cities allotted them, the Levitus none. PSALM LXXXVIII. This is the second Psalm appointed by the Church to be used at evening prayer on Good Friday. Title.--A Song or Psalm for (of) the sons of Korah, to the chief musician upon Mahalath Leannoth, Maschil, (a psalm) of Heman the Ezrahite, (giving instruction). Mahalath is an instrument of music, probably the flute. Mahalath Leannoth, "to be sung to the wind instruments." Another meaning is "concerning afflictive sickness;" or "upon the distress of oppression." Maschil, see Psalm xxxii. Heman the Ezrahite; one of the four sons of Mahol, whom Solomon excelled in wisdom. (1 Kings iv., 31.) In 1 Chron. ii., 6, he is mentioned as a son of Zera, the son of Judah. There is another Heman mentioned in 1 Chron. xv., 19. The first was an Ezrahite, the second a Korahite. Author.--It is impossible to attribute this Psalm to any particular person. Of Heman the Ezrahite. It is doubtful who this Heman was, to whom this Psalm is ascribed, as there were several of that name. Date.--As we have no means of ascertaining the author, so are we equally ignorant respecting the period of its composition, and the circumstances to which it refers. Some evidence of a negative nature is discoverable, for example--1. The Psalm is not national. 2. There is no reference to the Babylonish Captivity. 3. It is the complaint of an individual. Some refer it to the time of Zedekiah, others to the death of Josiah. But it is altogether a matter of doubt. Subject.--This Psalm "begins with a sigh and ends with a groan." "It is the most mournful of all the plaintive Psalms." It is neither prayer nor praise but the sobbing of a heart overwhelmed...