Psalm 146:1-10 Praise you the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.… Bears evident traces of belonging to the post-Exile literature; and the words of vers. 7-9 are certainly no inapt expression of the feelings which would naturally be called forth at a time immediately subsequent to the return from the Captivity. I. EVEN THE MIGHTIEST OF MANKIND ARE UNWORTHY OF TRUST. 1. They cannot save in our greatest extremities. "In whom is no help." From want of ability and often from want of wilt. 2. The plans and projects of man soon come to an end. (Ver. 4.) His purposes perish, and he passes away. The masters of one age are deposed by those who come after them, and their systems are exploded. II. THOSE ONLY ARE HAPPY WHO TRUST IN JEHOVAH. (Vers. 5-10.) 1. God is the almighty Creator. (Ver. 6.) Of the heavens, the earth, the sun, and all living things. This is power, spiritual and physical. 2. God unchangeably adheres to the fulfillment of his promises. (Ver. 6.) "Keepeth truth for ever." Men easily change their mind, and do not keep their word. 3. He obtains right for the oppressed. (Ver. 7.) Cannot allow unrighteous men a final triumph over the weak and unprotected. Succors those who suffer wrong without doing wrong. 4. Provides daily bread for the poor and needy. (Ver. 7.) God is a bountiful God, "who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not." 5. Is beneficent and gracious, as the Ruler of men. (Vers. 7-9.) "Looseth the prisoners (Isaiah 61:1). Openeth the eyes of the blind - both of the mind and the body. Raiseth up the fallen, and upholds the fainting." "He loveth the righteous," but he is tender towards all the naturally defenseless - the strangers, the widow, and the fatherless. 6. God's kingdom endureth forever. (Ver. 10.) The eternal duration of his kingdom is the guarantee for its future glorious completion, and for the ultimate victories of love. - S. Parallel Verses KJV: Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. |
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