1The Psalmist by his example inciteth others to praise God for his glorious and gracious works. 10The fear of God is the source of true wisdom.
1PRAISE ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, 1in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
1 Hebr. in secret, that is, in the counsel or assembly, in which one speaks of secret matters or of the mysteries of the Lord.
2The works of the LORD are great, 2sought out 3of all them that have pleasure therein.
2 The Hebrew word signifies to have care of, to search, to seek after, to inquire after or search into.
3 Other, because of all their pleasantness. As if he would say: The delights and pleasantness of God’s works are such, as are well worth the searching and inquiring after.
34His work 5is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4 That is, whatsoever He doeth.
5 That is, full of majesty and glory.
4He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
5He hath given 6meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful 7of his covenant.
6 That is, nourishment, as Prov. 31:15; Mal. 3:10. It seems that the psalmist has an eye to the heavenly bread, which God gave unto His people in the wilderness, Exod. 16:35.
7 Which He made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
6He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them 8the heritage of the heathen.
8 That is, the land of Canaan, which was formerly possessed by the Amorites and other heathen nations.
7The works of his hands 9are verity and judgment; all 10his commandments are sure.
9 That is, they are full of truth and justice, yea, truth and justice itself.
10 That is, His promises.
8They 11stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
11 Or, are established, firmly set, or firmly supported, being grounded upon His truth and righteousness.
9He sent redemption unto his people: he hath 12commanded his covenant for 13ever: holy and reverend is his name.
12 That is, ordained.
13 That is, that it shall remain firm and steadfast forever.
10The fear of the LORD is 14the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do 15his commandments: 16his praise endureth for ever.
14 Or, the head-piece, that is, the chief or principal part or foundation, whether in regard of time or worth. His meaning is: that he, who has a mind to get true wisdom, must first and above all things fear God.
15 Namely, the law or commandments, of which is spoken of in verse 7; or, them, namely, these things.
16 Namely, of God, spoken of in the previous verses, or of every one of them who do or perform His commandments.