But I am like a green olive-tree— The olive-tree is an evergreen, not liable to decay, and therefore of a very long duration. To this the Psalmist compares himself, to denote the stability and perpetuity of his prosperity, and that of his family; the olive propagating itself by fresh shoots, and being thus far, as it were immortal. See Plin. Nat. Hist. lib. 17: cap. 30., and Theophrast. Hist. Plant. lib. 4: cap. 15. One principal part also of the happiness which David promised himself was, that he should have a constant admission to the house of God, and the solemnities of his worship there; notwithstanding he was now driven from it by the malice of his enemies: adding, I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. His promises shall never fail; nor shall those who hate me rejoice over me in my destruction. Chandler. Mr. Mede supposes, that though it was not lawful to plant trees near the altar of God, there were other places appointed for public worship, which might properly be called houses of God; and in particular proseuchas, or places where they met for prayer; which were inclosed round, but open at the top, and generally shaded with trees. And if we consider these places as consecrated to the purposes of religion, we may well imagine, that the trees there planted would be religiously preserved, and in process of time would challenge a venerable regard from their antiquity, their spacious extent, and lofty stature: so that in this view, when the Psalmist compares himself to an olive-tree, a cedar, or any other evergreen in the house of God, there is a particular emphasis in the allusion. Mr. Mede supposes, with great probability, that these proseuchas, and the synagogues, are the houses of God, the burning of which is lamented, Psalms 74:8. See his Discourse on Joshua 26:26. Fenwick eems to me to render the verse most consistently of any translator;
But as an olive, ever fresh and green, When planted in God's house, I hope to stand. I in God's mercy only ever trust.