Bible Commentaries

PSALM CXLIX.

V:1. Several conjectures have been formed, concerning the time and occasion of this triumphal song of praise : but it is probable, that David composed it not long before his death; and that the Spirit of prophecy led him, (beyond the occasion, whatever that were,) to celebrate by anticipation the future triumphs of the church over all enemies, at the opening of the Millennium, and

after the general resurrection. (Notes, Psalm 22:22. Psalm 33:2-3. Psalm 96:1 . Psalm 111:1 .)

V:2. Made him."] Made them his peculiar people, as well as created them men. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Psalm 100:3. Isaiah 43:14-21. Ephesians 2:4-10. 1 Peter 2:9-10.) " Christians " are now the people, to whom belong the names and characters of " saints, Israel, and children of Zion." They " sing this holy Revelation 5:8-10; Revelation 14:1-5, v: 3.)

V:3. Dance.] Let them leap for joy, as David did at the removal of the ark to mount Zion. (Marg. Notes, Psalm 33:2-3. Judges 21:19-21. 2 Samuel 6:14-16. Jeremiah 31:10-14;

V:4. Note, Psalm 147:10-11. Beautify.] The beauties of holiness, and the special honours which God confers on his people, will render them mo<t beautiful and glorious; especially when compared with their previous low and mean condition, and their deep self-abasement on account of their sins. (Notes, Psalm 68:13. Psalm 90:13-17. Isaiah 61:1-3; Isaiah 61:10-11.)

V:5. " The saints shall exult in glory; they shall sing " aloud on their beds : " even on the bed of sickness and death. (Note, Psalm 73:23-28.) " They sing aloud, in a state " of perfect ease and security, resting from their labours, " but not from their Hallelujahs." Bp. Home. (Marg. Ref. Note, Revelation 7:13-17.)

V:6. (Notes, 2 Corinthians 10:1-6. Hebrews 4:12-13.) " In assured hope of victory, they shall go to war with psalms and hymns in their mouths, concerning the great acts of the Lord; which they shall courageously sing with a loud voice, when they shall fall upon their enemies; and prefer to the two-edged sword which they carry in their hand." Bp. Patrick. (Note, 2 Chronicles 20:20-21.)

V:7- 9. Many of JEHOVAH's servants, in ancient times, were commissioned " to execute vengeance," according to his word, upon heathen kings and nobles : and the marginal references may convince the impartial reader, that something of a similar nature will take place, when antichristian powers shall be destroyed, and more glorious times introduced. And doubtless those, who are expressly appointed " to execute the judgment written," in the prophecies yet unfulfilled, may do it in entire consistency both with meekness and mercy. The special honour indeed intended for all the saints of God, consists in their final triumph over the enemies of their salvation; and in being assessors with Christ in judgment, to concur in the sentence denounced upon wicked men and apostate angels : but it does not become us to explain away the obvious meaning of prophecy, because it accords not with our views and expectations, which may be erroneous; or with the more ordinary duty of believers. And it is most evident, that " the judgment written " against the New Testament Babylon, and her adherents, will be executed before the Millennium; and in part at least by the saints. (Notes, Revelation 19:11-21; Revelation 20:1-3; Revelation 20:7-10.) This Psalm likewise begins and ends with " Hallelujah; " as does the next also. (Notes, Revelation 18:20; Revelation 19:1-6.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

New mercies demand continually new songs of praise, to be sung in the congregation of the saints on earth, and in heaven. And " the children of Zion " have not only to bless the God who made them, but to rejoice in him as having " created them in Christ Jesus unto good works," and formed them saints as well as men : they should therefore express their gratitude in every way of which they are capable; and not only rejoice in his pardoning mercy, but likewise in his benign and equitable government. As the LORD " takes pleasure in his people," surely they should rejoice in him as their Portion and eternal recompense. When he has made sinners humbly sensible of their indigence, and unworthiness, and deep depravity, and rendered them meekly willing to be taught, saved, and ruled by him; he will " beautify them with salvation; " he will clothe them with the robes of righteousness, adorn them with the graces of his Spirit, renew them to the beauty of holiness, and cause them to bear his image, reflect his glory, and rejoice in his felicity, for ever. Let his saints then rejoice in the hope, and in the earnests of his glory; let them employ their waking hours upon their beds in songs of praise : yea, let them be joyful upon the bed of death, and bless his name with the last fragments of their strength, assured that they are going to their eternal rest and glory. Let " the high praises of God be in their mouths," while they wield the two-edged sword of the word of God, together with " the shield of faith," in their warfare with the world, the flesh, and the devil. For to whatever work, conflict, or suffering they may be called upon earth, they shall all have the honour of being " more than conquerors" over every enemy of their souls, through " the blood of " the Lamb, and the word of his testimony." And when their salvation shall be completed, " the judgment written" shall be executed on the haughtiest enemies of Christ and his church, and his servants shall behold, rejoice, and praise the Lord.