Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on Psalms 32:9
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
Be ye not as the horse, [or] as the mule, [which] have no understanding, etc.] The design of this exhortation is to direct men how to behave under the instructions given; not as brutes, which have no rational faculties, but as men; that they should not show themselves thoughtless, stupid, and unteachable, as these animals, or worse than they; nor stubborn and obstinate, refractory and untractable, resolving not to be taught, stopping the ear, and pulling away the shoulder; nor ill natured and mischievous; not only hating instruction, casting away the law of the Lord, but kicking and spurning at, and persecuting such who undertake to instruct them; as these creatures sometimes attempt to throw their riders, and, when down, kick at them; whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee; to do mischief, bite or kick; or “because they do not come near to thee” f477; and that they may come near, and be brought into subjection, and become obedient; therefore such methods are used; (see <590303>James 3:3); there is in the words a tacit intimation, that men are commonly, and for the most part, like these creatures, stupid, stubborn, and mischievous; and therefore severe methods are used by the Lord, sore chastenings, to humble and instruct them; (see <243118>Jeremiah 31:18,19); the mule, more especially, is remarkable for its stupidity f478; and though the horse is docile, yet he is sometimes stubborn and refractory.
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