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ps12.8
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1993-03-21
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EXPOSITION.
Here we return to the fount of bitterness, which first
made the Psalmist run to the wells of salvation, namely, the
prevalence of wickedness. When those in power are vile, their
underlings will be no better. As a warm sun brings out noxious
flies, so does a sinner in honour foster vice everywhere. Our
turf would not so swarm with abominables if those who are styled
honourables did not give their countenance to the craft. Would to
God that the glory and triumph of our Lord Jesus would encourage
us to walk and work on every side; as like acts upon like, since
an exalted sinner encourages sinners, our exalted Redeemer must
surely excite, cheer, and stimulate his saints. Nerved by a sight
of his reigning power we shall meet the evils of the times in the
spirit of holy resolution, and shall the more hopefully pray,
"Help, Lord."
EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS.
Verse 8.--"_When the vilest men are exalted_:" Heb.,
vilities, Gr., _outisanoi_ the abstract for the concrete,
_quisquiliae_. Oft, empty vessels swim aloft, rotten posts are
gilt with adulterate gold, the worst weeds spring up bravest.
Chaff will get to the top of the fan, when good corn, as it lieth
at the bottom of the heap, so it falls low at the feet of the
fanner. The reason why wicked men "_walk_" on every side, are so
brisk, so busy (and who but they?) is given to be this, because
losels and rioters were exalted. See #Pr 28:12,18; 29:2|. As
rheums and catarrhs fall from the head to the lungs and cause a
consumption of the whole body, so it is in the body politic. As a
fish putrefies first in the head and then in all the parts, so
here. Some render the text thus, "_When they (that is, the
wicked) are exalted_," it is a "_shame_ for the sons of men,"
that other men who better deserve preferment, are not only
slighted, but vilely handled by such worthless ambitionists, who
yet the higher they climb, as apes, the more they discover their
deformities."--^John Trapp.
Verse 8.--Good thus translates this verse:--
Should the wicked advance on every side;
Should the dregs of the earth be uppermost?
The original is given literally, _zullûwth_ <02149>,
means "foeces, foeculences, dregs." _rûwm_ <07311> is here an
adverb, and imports _uppermost_, rather than _exalted_.--^J.
Mason Good, in loc.
HINTS TO PREACHERS.
Verse 8.--_Sin in high places specially infectious_. Call
to the rich and prominent to remember their responsibility.
Thankfulness for honourable rulers. Discrimination to be used in
choice of our representatives, or civic magistrates.