Verse 1

CONTENTS

This is what is called an Hallelujah Psalm; so called, because what we translate, Praise ye the Lord, might have been preserved, Hallelujah! It consists of praises from beginning to end.

Verses 1-3

The arguments here made use of for giving praises to the Lord, are very plain and unanswerable. Jehovah is to be praised on his own account, for his greatness, goodness, glory. He is to be praised on our account, for that goodness, greatness, and glory, which he hath extended unto us. And it is not only a reasonable service, but a pleasant service, when we praise him.

Verse 4

But the song riseth to a higher note in this verse, in the choice God hath made of Jacob, for his peculiar people. Yes this is the great mark for praise, distinguishing mercies. The Bible is full of this peculiarity of God's mercy to Israel. Deuteronomy 7:7-8.

Verses 5-7

The Psalmist here praises the Lord in the contemplation of the blessings of his providence, whose power is absolute, and admits of no control.

Verses 8-12

In these verses the Writer adores the riches of God's grace, as instanced in the history of Israel.

Verse 13-14

And in these verses the reason is assigned, namely, his covenant engagements. See those scriptures in proof, Exodus 5:1; Numbers 21:21-25; Deuteronomy 7:22-23.

Verses 15-18

What a melancholy picture of human depravity and ignorance! If the Reader wishes to see a similar portrait, he may find it, Romans 1:22-25.

Verses 19-21

From the wretched state of the idolatrous nations around, Israel, as a nation of Priests and Levites to the Lord, is called upon to mark its distinguishing blessings, and to make a proper use of them; and then the Psalm ends, as, it began, with Hallelujah!

Verse 21

REFLECTIONS

How suitable is it for a peculiar people to be distinguished by peculiar tokens of deportment! Israel so distinguished, might well show forth the praises of the Lord, who had so distinguished them. Never was a nation so favored: never a people so blessed. My soul! what hast thou to speak concerning distinguishing mercies? It is blessed to acknowledge the Lord's goodness in giving us fruitful seasons, and filling our hearts with food and gladness. But these are blessings in common with thousands who know not the Lord, nor regard the gospel of Jesus. The great question is, what knowest thou of redeeming love?, What thinkest thou of God's Christ, and of redemption by his blood? Oh! the grace of being called with a holy calling, of being taken into Christ's household, and made a child of God, and an heir of grace! Reader! may the Lord graciously lead us both to mark the tokens of distinguishing mercy; and to see and feel, and truly enjoy that happy state, where Jesus makes himself known, and manifests himself otherwise than he doth to the world!