_A.M. 2962. B.C. 1042._ On what particular occasion this Psalm was composed, or whether on any, is not known. It seems probable, however, that it was written by David in commemoration of the great deliverance of their forefathers, when God overthrew the chariots and horses of Pharaoh in the sea, an... [ Continue Reading ]
_Rejoice in the Lord_ Let his excellence, discovered in his works, be the matter of your praise. _Praise is comely for the upright_ It well becomes them to be employed in this work of praising God, partly, because they are under great and singular obligations to him, and have abundant occasions to d... [ Continue Reading ]
_Praise the Lord with the harp_, &c. He mentions these instruments, because they were used in the public worship of God in the tabernacle. _Sing unto him a new song_ Either, 1st, A song newly composed: as if he had said, As God gives you fresh occasions to praise him, so do not content yourselves wi... [ Continue Reading ]
_The word of the Lord is right_ All God's counsels and commands, whether contained in the Scriptures, or given forth in his providence, for the government of the world, are wise, and just, and good, without deceit or defect. _All his works are done in truth_ All his dispensations of providence agree... [ Continue Reading ]
_By the word of the Lord were the heavens made_ Either 1st, By Christ who is often called God's word, even by the Chaldee paraphrast; as also John 1:1, where he is said to be that Word by whom all things were made, declaring more clearly (as is also done in other parts of the New Testament) what is... [ Continue Reading ]
_He gathereth the waters_ Or, _gathered_, for he seems to speak of the first creation when this was done, Genesis 1. Or, he alludes to the passage of the Israelites through the Red sea, when the waters were as a wall unto them on the right hand and on the left. _As a heap_ By which expression he lea... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let the earth fear the Lord_ All the people of the earth, as the next clause expounds this; not only Jews, but also Gentiles, who equally enjoy the benefit of this great and glorious work of God. _For he spake, and it was done_ The work mentioned Psalms 33:6. _He commanded, and it stood fast_ Hebre... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen_, or, _of the nations to naught_ Though nations combine themselves and their counsels together, yet he defeats them when he pleases. Thus he passes from the work of creation to the works of providence, and from the instances of his power, in senseless an... [ Continue Reading ]
_Blessed is the nation_, &c. Seeing the Lord is so great and glorious in wisdom, and power, and goodness, as has been just observed; inasmuch as they must needs be very miserable who are either strangers or enemies to him; so thrice happy are the people of Israel, who, though they be despised by the... [ Continue Reading ]
_He beholdeth all the sons of men_ Although he had a special relation to Israel, yet he hath a general care over all mankind, all whose hearts and ways he observes. _He fashioneth their hearts alike _ היצר יחד לבם, _hajotzer jachad lib-bam, It is he that formed their hearts, one and all_, and conseq... [ Continue Reading ]
_No king is saved by the multitude of a host_ But only by God's providence, who disposeth of victory and success as he pleaseth, and that frequently to the weakest side. He instances in kings and mighty men, as the most uncontrollable persons in the world, and most confident of themselves. By which... [ Continue Reading ]
_Behold the eye of the Lord_, &c. Whosoever therefore would have safety must expect it only from the watchful eye and almighty hand of God. _Is upon them that fear him_ These are the chief objects of his care and favour. _Upon them that hope in his mercy_ That place their hope, and trust, and happin... [ Continue Reading ]
_He is our help_ The help of his true Israel, to whom he hath made many promises and glorious discoveries of his goodness. _For our heart shall rejoice in him_ Or, _therefore_ it shall rejoice, for this seems to have been an inference, either from the foregoing or following sentence.... [ Continue Reading ]