Psalms 111:1

CONTENTS

This Psalm is remarkable as being the first of the seven which were known in the Jewish church under the title of the grand Hallelujah; probably so called because it begins with Hallelujah. It forms a devout hymn of praise; and the writer, while stirring up himself to praise God, calls upon others to join in the same delightful service.

Psalms 111:1

Whether we are to consider these as the words of Christ, by the prophet, I will not presume to say; but one thing is certain, that it was Christ of whom the Royal Prophet spake, and to whom alone he referred, as speaking in similar words in another psalm. And as the apostle Paul, that the church might not overlook Jesus, had it in commission to explain that very passage in direct allusion to Christ, I think we cannot err in supposing that it is the Lord Jesus in this psalm also, who declares "he will praise Jehovah with his whole heart in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation." Let the Reader compare with diligence, Psalms 22:1 with Hebrews 2:11, and then judge for himself. Nay, let him then put the further question to himself; and ask, who indeed but the ever blessed Jesus, could undertake to praise Jehovah with his whole heart? Who but Christ, the surety of sinners, had Jehovah in view, when he said their Governor shall proceed from the midst of them. And I wilt cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me, saith the Lord? Jeremiah 30:21. Reader! it is blessed to see Jesus going before in all our approaches, and to behold his lovely example: then in his name and in his righteousness, and not else, you and I may say or sing with faith this sweet verse, and determine to praise the Lord with our whole heart in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.