Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Psalms Ch.114 / 150 Ch.s
PS:114
* An exhortation to fear God.
- Let us acknowledge God's power and goodness in what he did for
Israel, applying it to that much greater work of wonder, our
redemption by Christ; and encourage ourselves and others to
trust in God in the greatest straits. When Christ comes for the
salvation of his people , he redeems them from the power of sin
and Satan, separates them from an ungodly world, forms them to
be his people, and becomes their King. There is no sea, no
Jordan, so deep, so broad, but, when God's time is come, it
shall be divided and driven back. Apply this to the planting the
Christian church in the world. What ailed Satan and his
idolatries, that they trembled as they did? But especially apply
it to the work of grace in the heart. What turns the stream in a
regenerate soul? What affects the lusts and corruptions, that
they fly back; that prejudices are removed, and the whole man
becomes new? It is at the presence of God's Spirit. At the
presence of the Lord, not only mountains, but the earth itself
may well tremble, since it has lain under a curse for man's sin.
As the Israelites were protected, so they were provided for by
miracles; such was that fountain of waters into which the flinty
rock was turned, and that rock was Christ. The Son of God, the
Rock of ages, gave himself to death, to open a fountain to wash
away sins, and to supply believers with waters of life and
consolation; and they need not fear that any blessing is too
great to expect from his love. But let sinners fear before their
just and holy Judge. Let us now prepare to meet our God, that we
may have boldness before him at his coming.