Psalm CXLIV
"Ver. 1-15. David's praise of God as his all-sufflclent help is enhanced by a recognition of the intrinsic worthlessness of man. Confidently imploring God's interposition against his enemies, he breaks forth Into praise and joyful anticipations of the prosperity of his kingdom, wlien freed from vain and wicked men.
PSALM CXLVIII.
Ver. 1-14. The scope of this P.salm Is the same as of the preceding.
1. heavens [and] hclghts—are synonymous. 3. hosts—
PSALM CXLV.
(cf. Psalm 103. 21). 4. lieavens of heavens—the very highest, waters—clouds, resting above the visible heavens (cf. Genesis 1. 7). 5. praise the name—as representing His perfections, he commanded—7/e is emphatic, ascribing creation to God alone. 6. The perpetuity of the frame of nature is, of course, subject to Him who formed
Ver. 1-21. A Psalm of praise to God for His mighty, righteous, and gracious government of all men, and of His humble and suffering people In particular.
1, 3. (Cf. Psalm 30. 1.) bles« thy name—celebrate thy perfections (Psalm 5.11). God is addressed as king, alludlngto His government of men. 3. (Cf. Psalm 18.3; 48. 1.) greatness—as displayed in his works. 4. shall declare—;//.,
It. a decree . . . pass—His ordinances respecting them
shall not change (.leremlah 3fl. .31), or perish (Job 34. 20; Psalm 37.36). 7-10. The call on the earth, as opposed to heaven. Includes seas or depths, whose inliabltants the dragon, as one of the largest (cf. on leviathan. Psalm 104.
the;/ shall declare, i. c., all generations. 5. I will siieak
or, muse (Psalm 77. 12; 119. 15). thy wondrous works
or, words of thy wonders, i.e., which described them (Psalm 105. 27, Margin). 6. terrible acts—wlilcli produce dread or fear, 7. memory—(Psalm 6. 5), remembrance, or what causes to be remembered, righteousness—as Psalm H3. 1, goodness according to covenant engagement.
20), Is selected to represent. The most destructive and ungoveriiablo agents of Inanimate nature are Introduced fulfllling Itis word—or, law, may l)e understood of each. Next the most dist inguished productions of the vegetable world, fk-uitful trees—or, trees of fruit, as opposed to
8, 9. (Cf. 103.8; 111.4.) over all, Ac—rests on all His works. 10. bless—as v. 1, to praise with reverence, more than merely to praise. 11, 13. The declaration of God's glory Is for tlie extension of his knowledge and perfections In tlie world. 13. (Cf. Daniel 4.3,34.) 14. (Cf. Psalm
forest trees. Wild and domestic, large and small, animals are comprehended. 11, 13. Next all rational beings, from the hlgliest in rank to little children, princes—or, military leaders. 13. let tliem—all mentioned, excellent—or, exalted (Isaiah 12. 4). his g\ory—majesty {PmUn
37. 17; .51. 4.) irt, 10. eyes of . . . thee—or, look with expecting faith (Psalm 104.27,28). 17. holy . . . works—
45. 3). above . . . heaven—//icir united splendours fall to match His. 14. exniteth the horn-established power (Psalin 75.5,6). praise at\oTlit.,for] his saints—i.e., occasions for them to praise Him. They are further described as Ills people, and near Him, sustaining by covenanted care a peculiarly intimate relation.
lit., mci-ci/ul or kind, goodness (Psalm 144. 2) is the corresponding noun, righteous—In a similar relation of moan-
ing to rif/hteou.mes.s {v. 7). 1§, 19. (Cf. Psalm 34. 7, 10.) 30. Those who fear him (v. 19) are those who are here said to love him. 31. (Cf. Psalm 20. 21.) all llesli—(Psalm 65. 2.) 383
IlUt uduction. PROVERBS. Introduction,
PSALMCXLIX.
In God's decrees, or perhaps as Deuteronomy 32. 41-43. this honour i. e., to be tlius employed, will be an honourable service, to be assigned his saints—or, godly ones (Psalm 16. 3).
Ver. 1-9. This Psalm sustains a close connection with the foregoing. The" chosen people are exhorted to praise God, in view of past favours, and also future victories over enemies, of which tliey are Impliedly assured.