17. holy ... works--literally, "merciful" or "kind, goodness" ([Psa 144:2]) is the corresponding noun.
righteous--in a similar relation of meaning to "righteousness" ([Psa 145:7]).
18-19. (Compare [Psa 34:7], ).
20. Those who fear Him ([Psa 145:19]) are those who are here said to love Him.
21. (Compare [Psa 33:21]).
all flesh--([Psa 65:2]). The Psalm ends, as it began, with ascriptions of praise, in which the pious will ever delight to join.
Psalm 146
Psa 146:1-10. An exhortation to praise God, who, by the gracious and faithful exercise of His power in goodness to the needy, is alone worthy of implicit trust
Psalm 147
Psa 147:1-20. This and the remaining Psalms have been represented as specially designed to celebrate the rebuilding of Jerusalem (compare Ne 6:16; 12:27). They all open and close with the stirring call for praise. This one specially declares God's providential care towards all creatures, and particularly His people
1. (Compare [Psa 92:1]; ).
2. (Compare [Psa 107:3]; [Is 11:12]).
3. Though applicable to the captive Israelites, this is a general and precious truth.
wounds--(Compare Margin).
4-5. God's power in nature ([Is 40:26-28], and often) is presented as a pledge of His power to help His people.
telleth ... stars--what no man can do ([Ge 15:5]).
6. That power is put forth for the good of the meek and suffering pious, and confusion of the wicked ([Psa 146:8], ).
7-9. His providence supplies bountifully the wild animals in their mountain homes.
Sing ... Lord--literally, "Answer the Lord," that is, in grateful praise to His goodness, thus declared in His acts.
10-11. The advantages afforded, as in war by the strength of the horse or the agility of man, do not incline God to favor any; but those who fear and, of course, trust Him, will obtain His approbation and aid.
13. strengthened ... gates--or, means of defense against invaders,
14. maketh ... borders--or, territories ([Ge 23:17]; [Is 54:12]).
filleth thee, &c.--(Compare Margin).
15-18. God's Word, as a swift messenger, executes His purpose, for with Him to command is to perform ([Ge 1:3]; [Psa 33:9]), and He brings about the wonders of providence as easily as men cast crumbs.
19-20. This mighty ruler and benefactor of heaven and earth is such especially to His chosen people, to whom alone ([De 4:32-34]) He has made known His will, while others have been left in darkness. Therefore unite in the great hallelujah.
Psalm 148
Psa 148:1-14. The scope of this Psalm is the same as that of the preceding
1. heavens [and] heights--are synonymous.
2. hosts--(compare [Psa 103:21]).
4. heavens of heavens--the very highest.
waters--clouds, resting above the visible heavens (compare [Ge 1:7]).
5. praise the name--as representing His perfections.
he commanded--"He" is emphatic, ascribing creation to God alone.
6. The perpetuity of the frame of nature is, of course, subject to Him who formed it.
a decree ... pass--His ordinances respecting them shall not change ([Jr 36:31]), or perish ([Job 34:20]; [Psa 37:36]).
7-10. The call on the earth, as opposed to heaven, includes seas or depths, whose inhabitants the dragon, as one of the largest (on leviathan, see on [Psa 104:26]), is selected to represent. The most destructive and ungovernable agents of inanimate nature are introduced.
11-12. Next all rational beings, from the highest in rank to little children.
princes--or, military leaders.
13. Let them--all mentioned.
excellent--or, exalted ([Is 12:4]).
his glory--majesty ([Psa 45:3]).
above the earth and heaven--Their united splendors fail to match His.
14. exalteth the horn--established power ([Psa 75:5], ).
praise of--or literally, "for"
his saints--that is, occasions for them to praise Him. They are further described as "His people," and "near unto Him," sustaining by covenanted care a peculiarly intimate relation.