16 The heav'n, ev'n heav'ns are God's, but he earth to men's sons hath giv'n. 17 The dead, nor who to silence go, God's praise do not record. 13 But henceforth we forever will bless God. Praise ye the Lord. PSALM CXvi. This is a Psalm of thanksgiving, somewhat similar to the 18th, 30th, 40th, and 105d; and represents, (1) The Psalmist's great distress and danger, which had almost driven him to despair; ver. 3, 10, 11. (2) The application he made to God by prayer, for relief; and his experience of God's gracious kindness, in granting his requests; in hearing, pitying, and delivering him; ver. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8. (3) His sincere and hearty resolutions, to make a grateful acknowledgment of God's kindness, by loving him, ver. 1. continuing to call on him and receive from him; ver. 2, 13, 17. resting in him; ver. 7. walking before him as his devoted servant: ver. 9, 16. public confession of God's, tender regard to him; ver. 12, 15. and sincere and public paying of his vows to him; ver. 10-19. While I sing, let me think, as before God, what of these blessings, I have experienced: what of these duties I have earnestly practised. If God hath redeemed me from the broken law; from the lowest hell; from the mouth of the infernal lion; and from the power of my corrupt lusts; let my soul, and all that is within me, be stirred up to bless his holy name; and let me never lose the heartanimating impressions of his benefits. I LOVE the Lord, because my voice 2 I, while I live, will call on him, 3 Of death the cords and sorrows did The pains of hell took hold on me; 4 Upon the name of God the Lord 5 God merciful and righteous is, 6 God saves the meek: I was brought low, he did me help afford. 70 thou my soul, do thou return unto thy quiet rest: For largely, lo, the Lord to thee his bounty hath express'd. 8 For my distressed soul from death deliver'd was by thee; Thou didst my mourning eyes from tears, my feet from falling, free. 9 I in the land of those that live will walk the Lord before. 10 I did believe, therefore I spake : I was afflicted sore. 11 I said, when I was in my haste, that all men liars be. 12 What shall I render to the Lord, for all his gifts to me? 13 I'll of salvation take the cup, on God's name will I call. 14 I'll pay my vows now to the Lord before his people all. 15 Dear in God's sight is his saints' death. Thy servant, Lord, am I. 16 Thy servant sure, thine handmaid's son: my bands thou didst untie. 17 Thank-off'rings I to thee will give, and on God's name will call. 48 I'll pay my vows now to the Lord, before his people all: 19 Within the courts of God's own house within the midst of thee, O city of Jerusalem. Praise to the Lord give ye. PSALM CXVII. This Psalm relates to the gospel church. Here are, ́(1) A short, but solemn call, to the redeemed of all nations, to praise their God; ver. 1. (2) Rich matter of praise suggested, viz. the unbounded mercy and everlasting faithfulness of God; and hence the fullness, kindDess, and stability of his covenant promises, and the accomplishment thereof; ver. 2. If the Psalm be short, let me sing it in the full assurance of faith, and with a heart all inflamed with the lov ing kindness, and all enraptured with admiration of the goodness of God, towards men, towards the Gentiles, and towards my soul. GIVE ye praise unto the Lord, Likewise ye people all, accord 2 For great to us-ward ever are His truth endures for evermore. PSALM CXVIII. This Psalm was probably composed by David, soon after his advancement to, and settlement on his throne; 2 Sam. viii.-and contains (1) His earnest exhortations to persons of all ranks, offices, and states, to praise the Lord, for his everlasting mercy and kindness; ver. 1-4. (2) By a recital of the great and gracious things which God had done for him, he encourageth himself and others to trust in God alone; ver. 5-18. (3) His thanksgivings for God's advancement of him to the throne, notwithstanding of all opposition-as typical of the exaltation of Jesus Christ; ver. 19-23. (4) His and the priests and 'people's triumph in the expected prosperity of his reign; and of the flourishing kingdom of Christ; ver. 24-29. While I sing, let my soul soar aloft to Jesus and his sure mercies. Let me behold him, who for the suffering of death was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honour, having all his enemies put under his feet, but himself vested with all power in heaven and in earth; and furnished with all gifts for men, yea for the rebellious also, that God the Lord may dwell among them; and, as the God of their salvation, daily load them with his benefits. Let me rejoice in his highness, and have myself, and all my services, bound with cords to his altar; and God forbid I should conclude the notes, without entering into the very marrow of the sense. Thou art MY GOD, I'll thee exalt; MY GOD, I will thee praise. PRAISE the Lord for he is good: 2 Let those of Israel now say, his mercy faileth never. 3 Now let the house of Aaron say, His mercy lasteth ever. 4 Let those that fear the Lord now say, 5 I in distress call'd on the Lord: 9 The mighty Lord is on my side, For any thing that man can do 7 The Lord doth take my part with them Therefore on those that do me hate I my desire shall see. 8 Better it is to trust in God, than trust in man's defence. 9 Better to trust in God, than make princes our confidence. 10 The nations joining all in one, did compass me about: But in the Lord's most holy name I shall them all root out. 11 They compass'd me about; I say, they compass'd me about; But in the Lord's most holy name I shall them all root out. 12 Like bees they compass'd me about They quenched are: for them shall I 13 Thou sore hast thrust, that I might fall; but my Lord helped me. 14 God my salvation is become, my strength and song is he. 15 In dwellings of the righteous is heard the melody Of joy and health: the Lord's right hand doth ever valiantly. 16 The right hand of the mighty Lord The right hand of the mighty Lord 17 I shall not die, but live, and shall 18 The Lord hath me chastised sore; but not to death giv'n over. |