_A.M. 2962. B.C. 1042._ The fifth book of Psalms, according to the Hebrew division, begins here. It consists chiefly of praises and thanksgivings. In this Psalm, (which Bishop Patrick thinks was written by David,) the psalmist begins with an exhortation to those Israelites whom God (according to th... [ Continue Reading ]
_O give thanks_, &c. This whole verse occurs also Psalms 106:1; only there the address is made to the Israelites, here, it seems, to all mankind. _For his mercy endureth for ever_ “Eternal mercy is the theme here proposed; and they who have tasted its sweets, are invited to join in setting forth its... [ Continue Reading ]
_They wandered in the wilderness_ Where there was no trodden path, no company, but _a solitary way. They found no city to dwell in_ Or rather, _no inhabited city_, or town, no lodging; no conveniences, no accommodations where they might have refreshment. _Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted_, &c.... [ Continue Reading ]
_O that men would praise_ Hebrew, _let them praise_, or, _they shall praise_, that is, they are highly obliged to praise. It is meant chiefly of those whom God has graciously relieved. _The Lord for his goodness_ To them in particular; _and for his wonderful works to the children of men_ To others,... [ Continue Reading ]
_Such as sit in darkness_, &c. In a disconsolate and forlorn condition, in dark prisons or dungeons; _bound in affliction and iron_ In afflicting or grievous irons: or, _in the cords of affliction_, as the expression is Job 36:8, and particularly _in iron_ fetters. _Because they rebelled_, &c. As a... [ Continue Reading ]
_Fools_ That is, wicked men whom he calls _fools_, because through their own sin and folly they wrong themselves, and act against their own interest; not only their spiritual, but their secular interest; they often even prejudice their bodily health by their intemperance, and endanger their lives by... [ Continue Reading ]
_They that go down to the sea in ships_ He says _go down_, because the sea is lower than the earth, as appears by the rivers which run down into it; _that do business in great waters_ Whose occupation lies there as mariners, merchants, or fisher-men; or, who go to take ship as passengers. _These see... [ Continue Reading ]
_He turneth rivers_ Land watered with rivers; _into a wilderness_ Into dry ground, as it follows, like a parched and barren wilderness, that has not moisture enough to produce any thing valuable; _a fruitful land into barrenness_ Hebrew, למלחה, _limleechah, into saltness_, which causes barrenness; _... [ Continue Reading ]
_Again they are minished_ When they prove ungrateful to him who had enriched and exalted them, and grow proud, insolent, and secure, as the manner of men is, he quite alters the course of his providence toward them. They suddenly sink, as they suddenly rose, and end their days in as mean a condition... [ Continue Reading ]
_He poureth contempt upon princes_ Even princes and kings cannot secure to themselves and their posterity the continuance of their dignity, glory, and authority. Though they might be honourable, adored like gods by their people, and terrible to their enemies, when God frowns upon them for their tran... [ Continue Reading ]
_The righteous shall see it_ Or rather, _shall see these things_, as it is expressed in the next verse. They shall diligently observe these wonderful works of God's mercy and justice; _and rejoice_ In the glorification of his attributes, and the manifestation of his dominion over the children of men... [ Continue Reading ]
_Whoso is wise, and will observe these things_ All who are truly wise will consider all these events, and will treasure up in their hearts the contents of this most instructive and delightful Psalm. _Even they_ Or, _and they_, namely, _each of them;_ all such wise and considerate persons, _shall und... [ Continue Reading ]