9 Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity. (C) PSALM XCIX. THE LORD reigneth; let the people 3 Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy. 4 The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob. PSALM XCVIII. [over all. 5 Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy. 6 Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them. 7 He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them. 8 Thou answered st them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions. 9 Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy. (D) EXPOSITION. (C) A Psalm of praise for Jews and Gentiles.-The deliverances which God wrought for the salvation of his people were of that public nature, that they were eviiently known to the surrounding naeus, na e find in the history of Rahab the hot Cosh. ii. 10, 11.) and in other instances that all the ends (or extremities) of the earth, so far as the earth was then known, had either seen or heard "the salvation" of their God. But these were the shadows only of better things, and the type of that salvation, in which the heathen nations themseives were to be embraced. The whole world is therefore now called upon to rejoice in the God of Israel, who is here foreseen as coming to execute those judgments that should overthrow the reign of idolatry, throw down the barriers of the Jewish system of peculiarity, and publish salvation alike to the whole world. And blessed are our eyes that see, and our ears which hear the rapid fulfilment of this promise. "Bless, bless his name; from day to day; Till realms remote his acts have known, PSALM XCIX. dom of God. In the ninety-sixth Psalm the world is called upon to rejoice-in this to tremble: for the same events which are matters of joy to those who fear God, afford awful presages to those who fear him not. The opening of this psalm may remind us of the vision which Isaiah saw before the death of king Uzziah. (Isa. vi. I-4.) The cherubim and seraphim were probably the same. Here they form the chariot of Jehovah's throne; there they are fluttering around it, as they were in a chorus to proclaim his glory. In both cases, the attribute aunounced is perfect, spotless noliness, (ver. 3-5;) in both, the whole earth is filled with his glory. The scene in Isaiah is laid in the temple, the pillars of which are shaken with the voices of the celestial hierarchy: here, not only the people tremble, but the earth itself is moved, and staggers like a drunken man, as the original seems to intimate. (See Note on ver. 1.) By the king's strength," ver. 4. may be intended the establishment of David's kingdom, by whom probably the psalm was written, though it doubtless has an higher and ulterior reference to the reign of the king Messiah. The psalmist concludes with exhorting all to come and "worship at his footstool," or before his (T, Another Psalm celebrating the king- cherubic throne in Zion. NOTES. PSALM XCIX. Ver. 1. Let the people trembleAinsworth. The people are stirred;" i. e. alarmed. See Rev. xi. 17, 18.-Be moved-Heb. "Stagger." Ver. 2. He sitteth (between) the carrubims-See Ps. xxx. 1. Ver. 3. Thy great and terrible name.-See Note on Ps. xxxix. 7. Ver. 5. He (Marg, “it”) is holy. Ver. 6. Ases and Aaron among his priests.--They were brothers, of the same tribe and family; but the word Cohen, though usually rendered priest, is used also for any great office of state. Ainsworth. See 2 Sam. xviii. 18. Ver. 8. Inventions-That is, idolatries, as of the golden calf, &c. 1 Exhortations PSALM C. A Psalm of praise. PSALMS. MAKE a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (E) PSALM CI. A Psalm of David. WILLsing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. 2 I will behave myself wisely in a PSALM C. [to praise God. perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. 4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. 5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. 6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. 7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. 8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD. (F) EXPOSITION. (E) A Psalm of general thanksgiving. -No psalm has been more admired, or more devotionally employed, by either Jews or Christians, than the one now before us. JEHOVAH here, (as in the eightieth Psalm,) is represented as the great Shepherd of Israel, and of mankind, the various tribes of which are but as different flocks, though Israel is his chosen. All are invited to come into his presence with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise. They are reminded that he is their Creator as well as pastor "For we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." Gentiles as well as Jews are therefore v.elcome to "enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise," the ground of which is here stated to be goodness and mercy, truth and faithfulness, for ever. Before Jehovah's awful throne, Ye nations bow with sacred joy: PSALM CI. (F) David's pious_resolutions.-This psalm is ascribed to David in the Hebrew title. It was probably written in the commencement of his reign, and Bishop Patrick supposes while yet at Hebron, though expecting to be called to the throne at Jerusalem. (2 Sam. ii. 1-4; v. 3-5.) It contains his resolution to walk circumspectly before God, and to banish from his presence as well evil counsellors as wicked men, whom he determines not to know; that is, not to countenance or encourage in his court or palace. In singing both of mercy and of judgment, he sets us an example, in whose lot, as well as in his, mercy and judgment are commonly interwoven. It is probable, however, that he uses the words in a judicial sense, as meaning that justice and mercy should be mingled in all his legal decisions. His punishments should be tempered with mercy, and his mercy corrected by discretion. NOTES. PSALM C. Ver. 1. All ye lands-Heb. "All the earth." The Jews have a tradition that this psalm was sung during the offering the sacrifices of thanksgiving. Lev. vil. 12, 13. Ver. 3. And not we ourselves-Marg." And his we are, his people, and the sheep," &c So Lonth. Verb. To all generations-Heb. "To generation." PSALM CI. Ver. 3. No nicked thing - Heb. "Thing of Belial."Thate them, &c.-Bp. Lowth, "Hira that dealeth unfaithfully, I hate." A prayer] PSALM CII. PSALMS. A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD. HEAR my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee. 2 Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call, answer me speedily. 3 For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth. 4 My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread. 5 By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin. 6 I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert. 7 I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top. 8 Mine enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me. 9 For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping, 10 Because of thine indignation and thy wrath: for thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down. 11 My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass. 12 But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations. 13 Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come. 14 For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof. PSALM CIE. Lof the afflicted.. 15 So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory. 16 When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory. 17 He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. 18 This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD. 19 For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth; 20 To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death; 21 To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem; 22 When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD. 23 He weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days. 24 I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. 25 Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. 26 They shall perish, but thou shalt endure yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: 27 But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. 28 The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee. (G) EXPOSITION. (G) A Prayer for the afflicted when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the Lord." It seems," says Bishop Horne," to have been written during the captivity by one of the prophets."" Dr. NOTES. PSALM CII. Ver. 3. Like smoke.-Some read, "Into smoke." Ver. 6. Like an owl of the desert-Rather, "A bittern, in waste (or ruinous) places." Bp. Horne. Ver.8. They that are mad, &c.-See Acts xxiii. 12, &c. Ver. 9. For-Bp. Horne, "Therefore." Eating ashes and drinking tears, must be explained figuratively, as "the ashes of humiliation," and "the A psalm] PSALM CIII. A Psalm of David. our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward BLESS the LORD, O my soul and them that fear him. all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10 He hath not dealt with us after 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. 17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; 18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. 19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. EXPOSITION. Pye Smith thinks it was written by some pious and inspired Israelite, probably during the captivity, or under the persecution of Antiochus Epiphanes. The outline of it is a plaintive description of the depressed and languishing condition of the church of God; and an encouraging contemplation of its revival and extension among the gentiles: then the writer is suddenly checked by the reflection of his own mortality, and the thought that he could not hope to see the happy state of things, which the spirit of prophecy enabled him to behold afar off: but, to relieve his mind from this distressing feeling, he takes refuge in the unchangeableness of the great Preserver and Deliverer of the church, and the certainty that he would fulfil the promises of his grace to the latest posterity of his faithful people. Is it incredible or improbable, that, under these descriptions, the mourning but despairing psalmist looked forward to the promised Saviour, the Hope of Israel? His knowledge was, of course, obscure; but his faith was not the less eertain. Who was destined to restore the desolate church, and to extend its blessings among all nations, but Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever?" (Smith's Messiah, vol. i. p. 255. See farther on Heb. i. 10.) NOTES. PSALM CIII. Ver. 3. Diseases-Or, “Infirmities." Bp. Horne. Ver. 5. Thy youth is renewed like the eagle'sThat is, by moulting, or shedding their feathers; this is common to all birds, and eagles and vultures are said to do so nearly to 100 years of age. Bp. Horne. Ver.8. Plenteous in mercy Heb. "Great of mercy," " Ver. 11. As the heaven 'is high, &c.-Heb. "According to the height of the heavens, (so) great,' &c. Compare Isa. lv. 9. Lowth," So high is his goodness over," &c. Ver. 16. It is gone-Heb. "It is not." Ver. 20. That excel-Heb, "Mighty in strength." 20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.. 21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. 22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul. (H) PSALM CIV. BLESS the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. 2 Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: 3 Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind: 4 Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire: 5 Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever. PSALM CIII. [on the 6 Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains. 7 At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away. 8 They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them. 9 Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth. 10 He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills. 11 They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst. 12 By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches. 13 He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. 14 He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man that he may bring forth food out of the earth; 15 And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face EXPOSITION. (H) Praise to God for his recovering mercy. This sweet and pathetic psalm is ascribed to David, and supposed by Bishop Patrick and others to have been written by him on his recovery from some danger ous sickness. At the head of every list of our mercies should always stand that of pardon and salvation through Christ. What availeth recovery from sickness, or any temporal blessing, while we still lie under the curse of God for sin? But pardon granted renders every temporal mercy doubly sweet and valuable. A variety of beautiful images are here employed to exhibit the riches of divine mercy; but none more tender or affecting than that borrowed from the paternal relation among men. "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him." But how is this?"The father (says good Mr. Henry,) pities his children that are weak in knowledge, and instructs them; pities them when they are froward, and bears with them; pities them when they are sick, and comforts them; pities them when they are fallen, and raises them. When they have offended, upon their submission he forgives them; and when they are wronged, his power rights them. Thus the Lord pitieth them that fear him." NOTES. PSALM CIV. Ver. 5. Who laid, &c.-Heb. "He hath founded the earth upon her basis." Compare Gen, i. 6-9. Ver. 8. They (i. e. the waters) go up, &c.-Marg. The mountains ascend, the valleys descend." Compare Ps. xviii. 13-16.. Ver. 10. He-Heb. "Who" sendeth. "The pity of the Lord To those that fear his name, Is such as tender parents feel; He knows our feeble frame." Watts. Ver. 11. Quench Heb. "Break;" Ainsworth, "Slake." The ass was thought to possess an extraordinary power of discovering water in the deserts. Ver. 12. The fowls - Heb. "birds;" namely, singing birds, "who give a voice" among the branches. So Hebrew. |
