Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 2. For his merciful kindness is great ] rbg gabar, is strong: it is not only great in bulk or number, but it is powerful; it prevails over sin, Satan, death, and hell.
And the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. ] Whatsoever he has promised, that he will most infallibly fulfill. He has promised to send his Son into the world, and thus he has done. He his promised that he should die for transgressors, and this he did. He has promised to receive all who come unto him through Christ Jesus, and this he invariably does. He has promised that his Gospel shall be preached in every nation, and this he is doing; the truth of the Lord remaineth for ever. Therefore, Praise ye the Lord!
ANALYSIS OF THE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEENTH PSALM
This Psalm contains a doxology to God for his mercy and truth; and it is prophetical, having reference to the calling of the Gentiles; Rom. xv. 11.
It contains two parts: - I. An exhortation to praise God.
II. The reason for it.
I. 1. He speaks to the Gentiles: "Praise the Lord, all ye nations." Praise him for the promise of salvation; and then, when fulfilled, praise him for the enjoyment of this salvation, - for the remission of sins, and gift of the Holy Ghost.
2. He speaks to the converted Jews, whom he notes under the name of people, as they are called Psa. ii. 1; Acts iv. 26. As they and the Gentiles are intended to make one Church, so they should join in the praise of him of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.
II. The reason given: - 1. Because his mercy is great. It is strong; confirmed toward us, in sending his Son to save both Jews and Gentiles from their sins.
2. Because the truth of his promises is fulfllled. The promised Messiah is come, and has perfomed all that was prophesied of him.
3. Because this truth is forever. His promises and their fulfillment belong to all generations. There will never be another Messiah; Jesus is the true one: he tasted death for every man; he forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin; and his blood cleanses from all unrighteousness. Now, for all this, "Praise ye the Lord!" [N. B. Proclaiming the eternal mercy of God in Christ is more likely to persuade sinners to return to their Maker than all the fire of hell.]
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-18 - The account the psalmist here gives of his troubles is very applicabl to Christ: many hated him without a cause; nay, the Lord himsel chastened him sorely, bruised him, and put him to grief, that by his stripes we might be healed. God is sometimes the strength of his people, when he is not their song; they have spiritual supports, thoug they want spiritual delights. Whether the believer traces back his comfort to the everlasting goodness and mercy of God, or whether he looks forward to the blessing secured to him, he will find abundan cause for joy and praise. Every answer to our prayers is an evidenc that the Lord is on our side; and then we need not fear what man can d unto us; we should conscientiously do our duty to all, and trust in him alone to accept and bless us. Let us seek to live to declare the work of God, and to encourage others to serve him and trust in him. Suc were the triumphs of the Son of David, in the assurance that the goo pleasure of the Lord should prosper in his hand.
Original Hebrew כי3588 גבר1396 עלינו5921 חסדו2617 ואמת571 יהוה3068 לעולם5769 הללו1984 יה׃3050
