1 Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

2 My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.

3 LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!

4 Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.

5 Bow thy heavens, O LORD, and come down: touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.

6 Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them.

7 Send thine hand from above; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children;

8 Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

9 I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.

10 It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword.

11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:

12 That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:

13 That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets:

14 That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.

15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.

Everything King James Bible | Psalms | Psalm 143 | Psalm 145

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
back to: Psalms
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 144

Overview:
David extols the power, Goodness, and Mercy of the Lord. (1-9)
The Glory of God's kingdom, and his care of those that Love him.
(10-21)

1-9 Those who, under troubles and temptations, abound in
fervent Prayer, shall in due season abound in grateful praise,
which is the true language of holy joy. Especially we should
speak of God's wondrous work of Redemption, while we declare his
greatness. For No deliverance of the Israelites, nor the
Punishment of sinners, So clearly proclaims the Justice of God,
as the Cross of Christ exhibits it to the enlightened mind. It
may be truly said of our Lord Jesus Christ, that his words are
words of Goodness and Grace; his Works are Works of Goodness and
Grace. He is full of compassion; hence he came into the world to
save sinners. When On Earth, he showed his compassion both to
the bodies and souls of men, By healing the one, and making Wise
the other. He is of great Mercy, a merciful High Priest, through
whom God is merciful to sinners.

10-21 All God's Works show forth his praises. He satisfies the
desire of every living thing, except the unreasonable children
of men, who are satisfied with nothing. He does good to all the
children of men; his own people in a special manner. Many
children of God, who have been ready to fall into Sin, to fall
into despair, have tasted his Goodness in preventing their
falls, or recovering them speedily By his graces and comforts.
And with respect to all that are heavy laden under the Burden of
Sin, if they come to Christ By Faith, he will ease them, he will
raise them. He is very ready to hear and answer the prayers of
his people. He is present every where; but in a special way he
is nigh to them, as he is not to others. He is in their hearts,
and dwells there By Faith, and they Dwell in him. He is nigh to
those that Call upon him, to help them in all times of need. He
will be nigh to them, that they may have what they ask, and find
what they seek, if they Call upon him in Truth and sincerity.
And having taught men to Love his name and holy ways, he will
save them from the Destruction of the wicked. May we then Love
his name, and walk in his ways, while we desire that all Flesh
should Bless his holy name for ever and ever.

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