Psalms 49:5

Verse 5

5. Wherefore should I fear The psalmist strikes at once into his subject.

Days of evil Days of calamity, persecution, and the apparent defeat of all his hopes.

Iniquity of my heels An unfortunate, because a too literal, translation. The word, indeed, means heels, but figuratively, those that take by the heels, that is, supplanters, false friends, deceitful enemies. In Joshua 8:13, it is translated “liers in wait,” ambushed enemies. The verb is rendered supplant, Jeremiah 9:4; Genesis 27:36. The question is, Why should I fear in the day of adversity, when the iniquity of my insidious foes has encircled or circumvented me? To this question the psalmist addresses his argument.

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

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Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

Daniel Whedon was born in 1808 in Onondaga, N.Y. Dr. Whedon was well qualified as a commentator. He was professor of Ancient Languages in Wesleyan University, studied law and had some years of pastoral experience. He was editor of the Methodist Quarterly Review for more than twenty years. Besides many articles for religious papers he was also the author of the well-known and important work, Freedom of the Will. Dr. Whedon was noted for his incisive, vigorous style, both as preacher and writer. He died at Atlantic Highlands, N.J., June 8, 1885.Whedon was a pivotal figure in the struggle between Calvinism and Arminianism in the nineteenth-centry America. As a result of his efforts, some historians have concluded that he was responsible for a new doctrine of man that was more dependent upon philosophical principles than scripture.... Show more

Dr. Daniel D. Whedon was a central figure in the struggle between Calvinism and Arminianism. He devoted 25 years to writing the New Testament commentaries. Other authors wrote the Old Testament commentaries with Whedon serving as the editor. Study the bible online.... Show more

Verse 5

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

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