Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Psalms Ch.105 / 150 Ch.s
PS:105
* A solemn call to praise and serve the Lord. (1-7) His gracious
dealings with Israel. (8-23) Their deliverance from Egypt, and
their settlement in Canaan. (24-45)
#1-7 Our devotion is here stirred up, that we may stir up
ourselves to praise God. Seek his strength; that is, his grace;
the strength of his Spirit to work in us that which is good,
which we cannot do but by strength derived from him, for which
he will be sought. Seek to have his favour to eternity,
therefore continue seeking it while living in this world; for he
will not only be found, but he will reward those that diligently
seek him.
#8-23 Let us remember the Redeemer's marvellous works, his
wonders, and the judgments of his mouth. Though true Christians
are few number, strangers and pilgrims upon earth, yet a far
better inheritance than Canaan is made sure to them by the
covenant of God; and if we have the anointing of the Holy
Spirit, none can do us any harm. Afflictions are among our
mercies. They prove our faith and love, they humble our pride,
they wean us from the world, and quicken our prayers. Bread is
the staff which supports life; when that staff is broken, the
body fails and sinks to the earth. The word of God is the staff
of spiritual life, the food and support of the soul: the sorest
judgment is a famine of hearing the word of the Lord. Such a
famine was sore in all lands when Christ appeared in the flesh;
whose coming, and the blessed effect of it, are shadowed forth
in the history of Joseph. At the appointed time Christ was
exalted as Mediator; all the treasures of grace and salvation
are at his disposal, perishing sinners come to him, and are
relieved by him.
#24-45 As the believer commonly thrives best in his soul when
under the cross; so the church also flourishes most in true
holiness, and increases in number, while under persecution. Yet
instruments shall be raised up for their deliverance, and
plagues may be expected by persecutors. And see the special care
God took of his people in the wilderness. All the benefits
bestowed on Israel as a nation, were shadows of spiritual
blessings with which we are blessed in Christ Jesus. Having
redeemed us with his blood, restored our souls to holiness, and
set us at liberty from Satan's bondage, he guides and guards us
all the way. He satisfies our souls with the bread of heaven,
and the water of life from the Rock of salvation, and will bring
us safely to heaven. He redeems his servants from all iniquity,
and purifies them unto himself, to be a peculiar people, zealous
of good works.