Psalm CXXXVIII
Ver. 1-8. David thanks God for His benefits, and anticipating a wider extension of God's glory by His means, assures himself of His continued presence and faithfulness.
PSALM CXXXV.
1. (Cf. Psalm 9. 1.) before the gods— whether angels (Psalm 8. 5); or princes (Exodus 21. 6; I'salm 82. 6); or idols (Psalm 97. 7); denotes a readiness to worship tlie true God alone, and a contempt of all other objects of worship. 3.
Ver. 1-21. A Psalm of praise, In which God's relations to His Church, His power in the natural world, and in delivering His people, are contrasted with the vanity of idols and idol worship.
(Cf. Psalm 5. 7.) thy word above all thy name i. e., God's promise (2 Samuel 7.), sustained by His mercy and truth, exceeded all other manifestations of Himself as subject of praise. 3-3. That promise, as an answer to his prayers in distress, revived and strengthened his faith, and, as the basis of other revelations of the Messiali, will l)e the occasion of praise by all who hear and receive it (Psalm
1-3. In tlie general call for praise, the priests, that stand in the house of the Lord, are specially mentioned. 4-7. God's choice of Israel is the first reason assigned for rendering praise; the next. His manifested greatness in creation and providence, heaven, and . . . seas, and all. . . ends of the earth—denote universality. 8, 9. The last plague is cited to illustrate His " tokens and wonders." 10-13. The conquest of Canaan was by God's power, not that of the people, heritage—or, possession. 13. name [and] memorial—Each denote that by which God is made known. 14. will judge—do justice (Psalm 72. 2). repent himself—change his dealings (Psalm 90. 13). 15-18—(Cf. Psalm 11.5. 4-8.) are like unto them—or, shall be like, &c. Idolaters become spiritually stupid, and perish with their idols (Isaiah 1. 31). 19-ai—(Cf. Psalm 115. 9-11.) There we nave trust lor bless here, out of Zlon—(Cf. Psalm 110.2;
68. 29, 31 ; Isaiah 4. 3). for great (is) tlie glory—or, when the glory shall be great, in God's fulfilling His purposes of redemption. 6, 7. On this general principle of God's government (Isaiah 2. H; 57. 15; 66.2), he relies for God's favour in saving him, and overthrowing his enemies, knoweth afar off—their ways and deserts (Psalm 1. 6). 8. God will fulfil His promise. PSALM CXXXIX.
Ver. 1-24. After presenting the sublime doctrines of God's omnipresence and omniscience, the Psalmist appeals to Him, avowing his innocence, his abhorrence of the wicked, .and his ready submission to the closest scrutiny. Admonition to the wicked and comfort to the pious are alike implied inferences from these doctrines.
131. 3.) From tTie Churcli, as a centre. His praise Is diffused throughout the earth.