Psalms 111

for thou shalt not be a priest like those after Aaron’s order, who die to make room for others; but, like that great king and priest Melchisedec, shalt neither have any predecessor nor successor in thine office, but continue a Toyal priest for evermore, (Heb. vii.) Hallelujah, i.e. Praise the Lord. *. It is certain this is the title of the Psalm, which consists of as many short metres as there are letters in the Hebrew alphabet; and therefore cannot.begin with Hallelujah, whose first letter is the fifth, not the first letter in that alphabet. In which order it proceeds for the better help of the memory: being composed thus artificially, that every one, as well as the singers (to whom the Hallelujah, perhaps, is particularly directed), might have in their minds a brief form of thanking God (especially upon festival days) for the wonderful things he had done for that nation. It was a meditation which the author had in time of peace and quiet; for in distress, or immediately after a great deliverance, men’s spirits arc not at liberty to use such art and curiosity in their composures, as there is in this Psalm; being full at those seasons of such passions as make them neglect it, even when they are inclined to use it, (see Psalmxxv.) For which reason, I think, Theodorefs opinion hath no ground; that the Psalmist hath respect to the great victory obtained by Jchoshaphat over the Ammonites and other nations, who invaded his kingdom; for which they gave thanks to God presently after, (2 Chron. xx.) It is more likely that David, who composed those larger forms of commemoration, Psalm cv. and cvi. made this (as I said) for a compendious remembrance of what is there more largely delivered. And that he might not exceed the number of the ten commandments (as some give the reason of it) in the verses of this Psalm, the metres of the two last arc so short, that they have each of them three letters of the alphabet in them, whereas all the former have but two.

Psalms 111:1

JT RAISE ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart in the assembly of the upright, and in * the congregation. I will make my thankful acknowledgments to the Lord, not only with my lips, or with some slight afFections of my mind, but with all my heart and soul: and that not only in the private society of those good men whom I am more intimately acquainted withal^ but in the public congregation of all his people.

Psalms 111:2

The icorks of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. Who ought to join together to praise the Lord for his mighty and wonderfulworks, which it will not cost them much labour to understand; for they are easily found out by all those who take any pleasure in such inquiries.

Psalms 111:3

His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. And there is not one of them but is full of majesty and splendour; and the fruit of his infinite bounty, and faithfulness to his promise, which he still expresses towards us, and will do so for ever.

Psalms 111:4

He hath made his ivonderfnl works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious, and full of compassion. And such is his goodness, lest we should forget his benefits, he hath instituted solemn times for the commemoration of the wonders he hath done for us, (Exod. xii. 14. xiii. 3. 9, &c.) which are everlasting testimonies, that we serve a most gracious and compassionate Lord.

Psalms 111:5

Tlie Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath. Who, as he will be -most compassionate to all those that heartily acknowledge him for their Lord, and submit unto his government; so will break in pieces the greatest powers on earth that provoke his displeasure by obstinate opposal of his authority at thy right hand. Ver. G. He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.] From whence he shall demonstrate himself to all the heathen world, to be their Lawgiver and their Judge; taking a severe vengeance on those that persecute his subjects, and destroying, at last, even that mighty empire which shall then rule over many countries. He hath given meat unto them that fear him:. he will ever be mindful of Ids covenant.’] Who gave our forefathers (whom by his wonderful works he possessed with the fear of him, Exod. xiv. 31.) the spoil of the Egyptians, (Exod. xii. 35, 3G.) and afterward fed them with manna in the wilderness, (Exod. xvi.) according to his covenant, which he had made long before, (Gen, xv, 14.) and will never forget in future ages.

Psalms 111:6

He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen. He hath evidently demonstrated to his people the greatness of his power in destroying Sihon the Amorite, (Deut. ii. 24, 25.) and Og the king of Bashan, (Deut. iii. 21. 24.) with the rest of the Amorites and other nations, in the land of Canaan: (Josh. x. 6. 11, 12, &c.) which he took from the ancient inhabitants, that he might give it us for our possession.

Psalms 111:7

He sliall drink of the brookin the ivay: and therefore shall he lift up the head. But before all this, he shall first humble himself to the meanest condition; not living in the state of a king here in this world, but of a wayfaring man, (Luke ix. 56.) who is content with such provision as he meets withal. For which cause, after the enduring many hardships, even death itself, he shall be highly exalted to his royal and priestly dignity in the heavens; from whence he shall never fall. Tfie ivorks of his hands are verity and judgments: all his commandments are sure.] In which he did them no wrong; but was exactly just in fulfilling his promise to us, and in executing his judgments upon those wicked wretches, (Deut. ix. 5. Gen. xv. 16.) For all his orders of either kind arc in pursuance of most righteous decrees.

Psalms 111:8

Tliey stand fast for ever and ever, and art e done in truth and uprightness. Which he doth not alter and change at pleasure, but hath settled as eternal rules: because there is no partiality or inquiry in them; but they were enacted with a sincere respect to all men’s good and happiness.

Psalms 111:9

He sent redemption unto his people; he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. And it was in conformity to these that he at first sent Moses arid Aaron to bring our fathers out of Egypt, (Exod. vi. 6.) and then exercised his supreme authority