Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Psalms Ch.115 / 150 Ch.s
PS:115
* Glory to be ascribed to God. (1-8) by trusting in him and
praising him. (9-18)
#1-8 Let no opinion of our own merits have any place in our
prayers or in our praises. All the good we do, is done by the
power of his grace; and all the good we have, is the gift of his
mere mercy, and he must have all the praise. Are we in pursuit
of any mercy, and wrestling with God for it, we must take
encouragement in prayer from God only. Lord, do so for us; not
that we may have the credit and comfort of it, but that they
mercy and truth may have the glory of it. The heathen gods are
senseless things. They are the works of men's hands: the
painter, the carver, the statuary, can put no life into them,
therefore no sense. The psalmist hence shows the folly of the
worshippers of idols.
#9-18 It is folly to trust in dead images, but it is wisdom to
trust in the living God, for he is a help and a shield to those
that trust in him. Wherever there is right fear of God, there
may be cheerful faith in him; those who reverence his word, may
rely upon it. He is ever found faithful. The greatest need his
blessing, and it shall not be denied to the meanest that fear
him. God's blessing gives an increase, especially in spiritual
blessings. And the Lord is to be praised: his goodness is large,
for he has given the earth to the children of men for their use.
The souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the
burdens of the flesh, are still praising him; but the dead body
cannot praise God: death puts an end to our glorifying him in
this world of trial and conflict. Others are dead, and an end is
thereby put to their service, therefore we will seek to do the
more for God. We will not only do it ourselves, but will engage
others to do it; to praise him when we are gone. Lord, thou art
the only object for faith and love. Help us to praise thee while
living and when dying, that thy name may be the first and last
upon our lips: and let the sweet savour of thy name refresh our
souls for ever.