*H Praise, for David himself. I will extol thee, O God my king: and I will bless thy name for ever; yea, for ever and ever.
Ver. 1. Praise. The remaining seven psalms relate to the praises of God, to intimate that this occupation ought to be our glory, both in time and in eternity, as all were created for that purpose. Ven. Bede. — This is the seventh of the alphabetical psalms, the four last of which are only recognized by S. Jer. as perfect. See Ps. xxiv. xxxiii. xxxvi. cx. cxi. and cxviii. Yet here the ver. 14. which should commence with N, is wanting in Heb. though it was probably there at first, as it is in the Greek and Latin, (W.) as well as in the Syr. and Arabic. C. — Hence it appears, that our versions ought not always to be corrected by the Heb. which might be rendered more perfect by a collation with them. W. — The Jews assert, that whoever reads this psalm thrice-a-day, may be sure of obtaining heaven, provided, says Kimchi, that his heart accompany his words. The new baptized used to recite it in thanksgiving, for having received the body and blood of Christ. S. Chrys. — Ferrand supposes that this psalm was composed after the captivity. But there seems to be no ground for this supposition, and the author had probably no particular event in view. C. — My king. On whom I entirely depend. Bert. — And ever. S. Jer. "and after," (H.) both in time and in eternity. Christ is styled king, to whom the nations were promised; (Ps. ii.) and David gives the highest honour to the blessed Trinity. W. — David still praises God by the mouths of the faithful, as also in heaven.
*H Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised: and of his greatness there is no end.
Ver. 3. End. Heb. "finding out," because he is infinite. Bert. Job v. 9.
*H Generation and generation shall praise thy works: and they shall declare thy power.
Ver. 4. And. Heb. "to generation." The vocation of the Gentiles is insinuated. C.
*H They shall speak of the magnificence of the glory of thy holiness: and shall tell thy wondrous works.
Ver. 5. And shall. Heb. "and I shall relate the words of thy wonders," (S. Jer.) or "shall meditate on," &c. Pagn. H. — Yet our version is more followed. C.
*H And they shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and shall declare thy greatness.
Ver. 6. Acts. Miracles which strike people with awe, (W.) such as those which overwhelmed the Egyptians, &c. Theod. C. — And shall. Heb. "and shalt," &c. But Chal. (S. Jer.) read more naturally with the Sept..
*H They shall publish the memory of the abundance of thy sweetness: and shall rejoice in thy justice.
Ver. 7. Justice. Or mercy. S. Chrys. C. — They shall approve of thy judgments. H.
*H The Lord is gracious and merciful: patient and plenteous in mercy.
Ver. 8. Patient. Heb. "slow to anger," which is more expressive. Bert.
*H The Lord is sweet to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
Ver. 9. Works. The people of Israel (v. 10. Ps. lxxxix. 18. Ferrand) and all mankind, who are all invited to embrace the true faith, and the mercy of God. C. — The effects of mercy shine forth above all his other works, in the redemption, and in the recalling of sinners, when they have gone astray. W. — This sense is good, but not literal. His mercy extends to all. Bert. — Yet he punishes the reprobate for ever, chastising their works. S. Aug.
*H Let all thy works, O lord, praise thee: and let thy saints bless thee.
Ver. 10. Works. They shew his power, and excite us to praise him. S. Jer.
*H To make thy might known to the sons of men: and the glory of the magnificence of thy kingdom.
Ver. 12. Thy. Heb. "his." But the Sept. read more correctly, with the Chal. &c. — Men. The Gentiles, to whom the saints, (Bert.) or converted Jews preached. H.
*H Thy kingdom is a kingdom of all ages: and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. The Lord is faithful in all his words: and holy in all his works.
Ver. 13. Ages. The kingdom of God in his Church is very magnificent, but not so much as in heaven. W. — The. Heb. Chal. Aquila, S. Jer. &c. omit this verse, which is necessary to complete the alphabet. It probably commenced with Namon, "Faithful." C. — The Sept. could not insert it by inspiration, as they were only interpreters. Bert. — It was consequently in their Heb. copies. Houbig.
*H The Lord lifteth up all that fall: and setteth up all that are cast down.
Ver. 14. Lifteth. Heb. "upholdeth all who are falling." H. — No one can stand or rise without God. Bert. — He is ready to lift up every one. W.
*H The eyes of all hope in thee, O Lord: and thou givest them meat in due season.
Ver. 15. Hope. For sustenance. Ps. cxxii. 2. Matt. vi. 26.
*H Thou openest thy hand, and fillest with blessing every living creature.
Ver. 16. Blessing. Abundantly (C.) "satisfieth the desire" (Prot. H.) even of brute beasts, giving to all what is requisite. W.
*H The Lord is just in all his ways: and holy in all his works.
Ver. 17. Just. Before, his fidelity was notices, v. 13. H.
*H The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him: to all that call upon him in truth.
Ver. 18. Truth. Observing his commandments. Matt. vii. 21. Theod.
*H He will do the will of them that fear him: and he will hear their prayer, and save them.
Ver. 19. Will. He will obey their voice; (Jos. x. 14.) or rather he will grant their requests (C.) of eternal happiness. Bert.
*H My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh bless his holy name forever; yea, for ever and ever.
Ver. 21. Flesh. Every human being, though even the least favoured, must praise God, as all have received much from him. H.