16 At the taunt of one who reproaches and verbally abuses, because of the enemy and the avenger.
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
For the voice of him - That is, Because I hear the voice of him that reproaches and blasphemes. The word rendered blasphemeth, means properly to use cutting words; then, to reproach or revile. It may be applied either to people or to God. In the former case, it means reproach or reviling; in the latter, blasphemy in the usual sense of that term, denoting reproachful words concerning God. The word may be used here in both these senses, as it is evident that not only were the people the subject of reproach, but that God was also.
By reason of the enemy - That is, the foreign enemies, or those who had invaded the land.
And avenger - Of him who had come to take vengeance. Here the word refers to the foreign enemies of the nation, and to the spirit by which they were actuated; their purposes to avenge themselves of what they regarded as wrongs, or take vengeance on a nation which they had long hated. Compare the notes at Psalm 8:2.
For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth; by reason of the enemy and (n) avenger.
(n) Meaning, the proud and cruel tyrant.
For the voice, of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth,.... That is, antichrist, to whom a mouth speaking blasphemies has been given, and which he has opened in blasphemy against God, attributing that to himself which belongs to God; blaspheming his name, his tabernacle, and them that well in heaven; see Revelation 13:5;
by reason of the enemy and avenger; which are very proper characters of antichrist, who is the enemy of Christ and of his people, and breathes out vengeance against them; as the same titles are also given to the Scribes and Pharisees, the implacable enemies of Christ, Psalm 8:2.
Its cause, the taunts and presence of malignant enemies (Psalm 8:2).
Avenger - Who executeth both God's and his own vengeance upon me.
*More commentary available at chapter level.