And were lightened— The original verb נהר nahar signifies, properly, to flow down or flow around, and is used of the flow of rivers, and with equal propriety applied to the flow of light. Accordingly, in the Chaldee and Arabic languages, it has the signification of light and splendor, and unquestionably it had the same originally in the Hebrew. See Job 3:4. The meaning of the word in the passage before us is, that the humble looked unto God for the Psalmist's protection, and received that light; i.e. that comfort and joy from him upon David's return in safety, which diffused itself throughout their whole hearts; so that their faces were not ashamed, or, as the word חפר chapar signifies, "not put to the blush for shame," by being disappointed as to their hope on his account. Chandler. It may be proper just to observe, that this is another of the alphabetical psalms; but that this 5th verse includes two letters, and yet is no longer than the rest, which have only one of these initial letters. This verse is translated by many, Approach, or look unto the Lord, and be enlightened, and your faces shall not be ashamed. See the versions, and Houbigant. Fenwick renders it,
Who look to him, have always comfort found; None e'er do that, and go away asham'd.