Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Psalms Ch.76 / 150 Ch.s
PS:76
* The psalmist speaks of God's power. (1-6) All have to fear and
to trust in him. (7-12)
#1-6 Happy people are those who have their land filled with the
knowledge of God! happy persons that have their hearts filled
with that knowledge! It is the glory and happiness of a people
to have God among them by his ordinances. Wherein the enemies of
the church deal proudly, it will appear that God is above them.
See the power of God's rebukes. With pleasure may Christians
apply this to the advantages bestowed by the Redeemer.
#7-12 God's people are the meek of the earth, the quiet in the
land, that suffer wrong, but do none. The righteous God seems to
keep silence long, yet, sooner or later, he will make judgment
to be heard. We live in an angry, provoking world; we often feel
much, and are apt to fear more, from the wrath of man. What will
not turn to his praise, shall not be suffered to break out. He
can set bounds to the wrath of man, as he does to the raging
sea; hitherto it shall come, and no further. Let all submit to
God. Our prayers and praises, and especially our hearts, are the
presents we should bring to the Lord. His name is glorious, and
he is the proper object of our fear. He shall cut off the spirit
of princes; he shall slip it off easily, as we slip off a flower
from the stalk, or a bunch of grapes from the vine; so the word
signifies. He can dispirit the most daring: since there is no
contending with God, it is our wisdom, as it is our duty, to
submit to him. Let us seek his favour as our portion, and commit
all our concerns to him.