Bible Commentaries

"To the chief Musician, A Song [or] Psalm." Make a joyful noise unto God, ^a all ye lands:

(a) He prophecies that all nations will come to the knowledge of God, who then was only known in Judea.

Say unto God, How terrible [art thou in] thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies ^b submit themselves unto thee.

(b) As the faithful obey God willingly, so the infidels disguise themselves as obedient out of fear.

^c Come and see the works of God: [he is] terrible [in his] doing toward the ^d children of men.

(c) He refers to the slothful dullness of man, who is cold in the consideration of God's works.

(d) His providence is wonderful in maintaining their estate.

He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious ^e exalt themselves. Selah.

(e) He proves that God will extend his grace also to the Gentiles, because he punishes among them such as will not obey his calling.

Which ^f holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.

(f) He signifies some special benefit that God had showed to his Church of the Jews, in delivering them from some great danger: of which he promises that the Gentiles will also be partakers.

Thou broughtest us into the ^g net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.

(g) The condition of the Church is here described, which is to be led by God's providence into troubles, to be subject under tyrants, and to enter into many dangers.

I will go into thy ^h house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,

(h) The duty of the faithful is here described, who are never mindful to render God praise for his benefits.

ⁱ Come [and] hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

(i) It is not enough to have received God's benefits and to be mindful of it, but also we are bound to make others profit by it and praise God.

^k If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear [me]:

(k) If I delight in wickedness, God will not hear me, but if I confess it, he will receive me.