And when man returns to his earth, in that very day all his plans and designs vanish and are gone:
what then comes of expectations from him?
Verses 5–10
The psalmist encourages us to put confidence in God. We must hope in the providence of God
for all we need as to this life, and in the grace of God for that which is to come. The God of heaven
became a man that he might become our salvation. Though he died on the cross for our sins, and
was laid in the grave, yet his thoughts of love to us did not perish; he rose again to fulfil them.
When on earth, his miracles were examples of what he is still doing every day. He grants deliverance
to captives bound in the chains of sin and Satan. He opens the eyes of the understanding. He feeds
with the bread of life those who hunger for salvation; and he is the constant Friend of the poor in
spirit, the helpless: with him poor sinners, that are as fatherless, find mercy; and his kingdom shall
continue for ever. Then let sinners flee to him, and believers rejoice in him. And as the Lord shall
reign for ever, let us stir up each other to praise his holy name.
Chapter 147
Chapter Outline
The people of God are exhorted to praise (1–11)
him for his mercies and care.
For the salvation and prosperity of the (12–20)
church.Verses 1–11
Praising God is work that is its own wages. It is comely; it becomes us as reasonable creatures,
much more as people in covenant with God. He gathers outcast sinners by his grace, and will bring
them into his holy habitation. To those whom God heals with the consolations of his Spirit, he
speaks peace, assures them their sins are pardoned. And for this, let others praise him also. Man's
knowledge is soon ended; but God's knowledge is a dept that can never be fathomed. And while
he telleth the number of the stars, he condescends to hear the broken-hearted sinner. While he feeds
the young ravens, he will not leave his praying people destitute. Clouds look dull and melancholy,
yet without them we could have no rain, therefore no fruit. Thus afflictions look black and unpleasant;
but from clouds of affliction come showers that make the soul to yield the peaceable fruits of
righteousness. The psalmist delights not in things wherein sinners trust and glory; but a serious and
suitable regard to God is, in his sight, of very great price. We are not to be in doubt between hope
and fear, but to act under the gracious influences of hope and fear united.
Verses 12–20