Psalm 78:66

EXPOSITION

Verse 66. He smote his enemies in the hinder parts. The emerods rendered them ridiculous, and their numerous defeats made them yet more so. They fled but were overtaken and wounded in the back to their eternal disgrace.

He put them to a perpetual reproach. Orientals are not very refined, and we can well believe that the haemorrhoids were the subject of many a taunt against the Philistines, as also were their frequent defeats by Israel until at last they were crushed under, never to exist again as a distinct nation.

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 66. He smote his enemies in the hinder parts. This has reference to the Philistines being smitten with haemorrhoids, or piles, whilst the ark was retained a captive by them, 1 Samuel 5:6 1 Samuel 5:12 ... The Greek version, as quoted by Suidas, is, he smote his enemies on the back parts of the seat; signifying, he says, a disease modestly expressed. John Gill.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 59-72.

1. A gloomy sunset, Psalms 78:59-60 .
2. A baleful might, Psalms 78:60-64 .
3. A blessed sunrise, Psalms 78:65-72 . C. D.