Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible

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Chapter 149


Chapter Outline
Joy to all the people of God. (1–5)
Terror to their enemies. (6–9)

Verses 1–5


New mercies continually demand new songs of praise, upon earth and in heaven. And the
children of Zion have not only to bless the God who made them, but to rejoice in him, as having
created them in Christ Jesus unto good works, and formed them saints as well as men. The Lord
takes pleasure in his people; they should rejoice in Him. When the Lord has made sinners feel their
wants and unworthiness, he will adorn them with the graces of his Spirit, and cause them to bear
his image, and rejoice in his happiness for ever. Let his saints employ their waking hours upon their
beds in songs of praise. Let them rejoice, even upon the bed of death, assured that they are going
to eternal rest and glory.


Verses 6–9


Some of God's servants of old were appointed to execute vengeance according to his word.
They did not do it from personal revenge or earthly politics, but in obedience to God's command.
And the honour intended for all the saints of God, consists in their triumphs over the enemies of
their salvation. Christ never intended his gospel should be spread by fire and sword, or his
righteousness by the wrath of man. But let the high praises of God be in our mouths, while we
wield the sword of the word of God, with the shield of faith, in warfare with the world, the flesh,
and the devil. The saints shall be more than conquerors over the enemies of their souls, through
the blood of the Lamb and the word of his testimony. The completing of this will be in the judgement
of the great day. Then shall the judgement be executed. Behold Jesus, and his gospel church, chiefly
in her millennial state. He and his people rejoice in each other; by their prayers and efforts they
work with him, while he goes forth in the chariots of salvation, conquering sinners by grace, or in
chariots of vengeance, to destroy his enemies.


Chapter 150


A psalm of praise.
—We are here stirred up to praise God. Praise God for his sanctuary, and the privileges we
enjoy by having it among us; praise him because of his power and glory in the firmament. Those
who praise the Lord in heaven, behold displays of his power and glory which we cannot now
conceive. But the greatest of all his mighty acts is known in his earthly sanctuary. The holiness and
the love of our God are more displayed in man's redemption, than in all his other works. Let us

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