_A.M. 2987. B.C. 1017._ This Psalm, which, like the former, is a commemoration of the wonderful things God had done for the Jews, was called by them, The great thanksgiving. Bishop Patrick supposes it was intended to be used in their solemn festivals, and that the continual repetition of the half v... [ Continue Reading ]
_O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good_ “We are called upon to praise Jehovah, first for his own essential attributes; then for the exertion of those attributes in his works. The attributes here mentioned are those of _goodness_ and _power;_ the one renders him willing, and the other able, to... [ Continue Reading ]
_O give thanks unto the God of gods_ Who is infinitely superior to all that are called _gods_, whether angels, or princes, or idols: the God whom angels adore, from whom magistrates derive their power, and by whom all pretended deities are and shall be conquered; _unto the Lord of lords_ The Soverei... [ Continue Reading ]
_Who alone doeth great wonders_ He, and none else; or he, without the help of any other person, or thing: whereas no other being can do any thing alone, or without his help. “All the works of God are wonderful, and speak him alone to have been their author. The established course of the world is, in... [ Continue Reading ]
_To him that by wisdom_ Namely, by eminent and admirable wisdom, far exceeding the capacity of all creatures, whether human or angelical; _made the heavens, that stretched out the earth_ “The heavens above, and the earth beneath, declare the wisdom of their great Maker, and proclaim aloud, to an int... [ Continue Reading ]
_To him that made great lights_, &c. Great luminaries, placed in the firmament of heaven, to shed their light and influences upon the earth: see notes on Genesis 1:14. “Light is the life and soul of the universe, the noblest emblem of the power and glory of God, who, even in the night season, leaves... [ Continue Reading ]
_To him who smote Egypt_, &c. “From the works of creation the psalmist proceeds to those of providence and grace; and celebrates that mercy which rescued Israel from oppression; brought them out of the house of bondage; divided the sea to make a way for them; supported and conducted them through a w... [ Continue Reading ]
_A heritage unto Israel his servant_ He speaks of all that people as of one man, because they were united together in one body, in the worship of one and the same God. Thus God calleth them all his firstborn, Exodus 4:22. _Who giveth food to all flesh_ To all living creatures. For which God deserves... [ Continue Reading ]