Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
back to: Psalms
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 148

Overview:
Joy to all the people of God. (1-5) Terror to their enemies.
(6-9)

1-5 New mercies continually demand new Songs of praise, upon
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. The Lord takes pleasure in his people;
they should rejoice in Him. When the Lord has made sinners feel
their wants and unworthiness, he will adorn them with the graces
of his Spirit, and cause them to Bear his image, and rejoice in
his happiness for ever. Let his saints employ their waking hours
upon their beds in Songs of praise. Let them rejoice, even upon
the Bed of Death, assured that they are going to eternal Rest
and Glory.

6-9 Some of God's servants of old were appointed to execute
vengeance according to his Word. They did not do it from
personal revenge or earthly politics, but in obedience to God's
command. And the honour intended for all the saints of God,
consists in their triumphs over the enemies of their Salvation.
Christ never intended his Gospel should be spread By Fire and
Sword, or his Righteousness By the wrath of Man. But let the
high praises of God be in our mouths, while we wield the Sword
of the Word of God, with the Shield of Faith, in warfare with
the world, the Flesh, and the Devil. The saints shall be more
than conquerors over the enemies of their souls, through the
Blood of the Lamb and the Word of his Testimony. The completing
of this will be in the judgement of the great Day. Then shall
the judgement be executed. Behold Jesus, and his Gospel Church,
chiefly in her millennial state. He and his people rejoice in
each other; By their prayers and efforts they work with him,
while he goes forth in the chariots of Salvation, conquering
sinners By Grace, or in chariots of vengeance, to destroy his
enemies.