the Saviour of mankind. But how much brighter it shines in the upper world! We, on this earth,
only hear God's excellent name, and praise that; the angels and blessed spirits above, see his glory,
and praise that; yet he is exalted far above even their blessing and praise. Sometimes the grace of
God appears wonderfully in young children. Sometimes the power of God brings to pass great
things in his church, by very weak and unlikely instruments, that the excellency of the power might
the more evidently appear to be of God, and not of man. This he does, because of his enemies, that
he may put them to silence.
Verses 3–9
We are to consider the heavens, that man thus may be directed to set his affections on things
above. What is man, so mean a creature, that he should be thus honoured! so sinful a creature, that
he should be thus favoured! Man has sovereign dominion over the inferior creatures, under God,
and is appointed their lord. This refers to Christ. In Heb 2:6–8, the apostle, to prove the sovereign
dominion of Christ, shows he is that Man, that Son of man, here spoken of, whom God has made
to have dominion over the works of his hands. The greatest favour ever showed to the human race,
and the greatest honour ever put upon human nature, were exemplified in the Lord Jesus. With
good reason does the psalmist conclude as he began, Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the
earth, which has been honoured with the presence of the Redeemer, and is still enlightened by his
gospel, and governed by his wisdom and power! What words can reach his praises, who has a right
to our obedience as our Redeemer?
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
David praises God for protecting his people. (1–10)
And for cause to praise him. (11–20)Verses 1–10
If we would praise God acceptably, we must praise him in sincerity, with our whole heart. When
we give thanks for some one particular mercy, we should remember former mercies. Our joy must
not be in the gift, so much as in the Giver. The triumphs of the Redeemer ought to be the triumphs
of the redeemed. The almighty power of God is that which the strongest and stoutest of his enemies
are no way able to stand before. We are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth, and
that with him there is no unrighteousness. His people may, by faith, flee to him as their Refuge,
and may depend on his power and promise for their safety, so that no real hurt shall be done to
them. Those who know him to be a God of truth and faithfulness, will rejoice in his word of promise,
and rest upon that. Those who know him to be an everlasting Father, will trust him with their souls
as their main care, and trust in him at all times, even to the end; and by constant care seek to approve