Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Psalms Ch.144 / 150 Ch.s
PS:144
* David acknowledges the great goodness of God, and prays for
help. (1-8) He prays for the prosperity of his kingdom. (9-15)
#1-8 When men become eminent for things as to which they have
had few advantages, they should be more deeply sensible that God
has been their Teacher. Happy those to whom the Lord gives that
noblest victory, conquest and dominion over their own spirits. A
prayer for further mercy is fitly begun with a thanksgiving for
former mercy. There was a special power of God, inclining the
people of Israel to be subject to David; it was typical of the
bringing souls into subjection to the Lord Jesus. Man's days
have little substance, considering how many thoughts and cares
of a never-dying soul are employed about a poor dying body.
Man's life is as a shadow that passes away. In their highest
earthly exaltation, believers will recollect how mean, sinful,
and vile they are in themselves; thus they will be preserved
from self-importance and presumption. God's time to help his
people is, when they are sinking, and all other helps fail.
#9-15 Fresh favours call for fresh returns of thanks; we must
praise God for the mercies we hope for by his promise, as well
as those we have received by his providence. To be saved from
the hurtful sword, or from wasting sickness, without deliverance
from the dominion of sin and the wrath to come, is but a small
advantage. The public prosperity David desired for his people,
is stated. It adds much to the comfort and happiness of parents
in this world, to see their children likely to do well. To see
them as plants, not as weeds, not as thorns; to see them as
plants growing, not withered and blasted; to see them likely to
bring forth fruit unto God in their day; to see them in their
youth growing strong in the Spirit. Plenty is to be desired,
that we may be thankful to God, generous to our friends, and
charitable to the poor; otherwise, what profit is it to have our
garners full? Also, uninterrupted peace. War brings abundance of
mischiefs, whether it be to attack others or to defend
ourselves. And in proportion as we do not adhere to the worship
and service of God, we cease to be a happy people. The subjects
of the Saviour, the Son of David, share the blessings of his
authority and victories, and are happy because they have the
Lord for their God.