od to be praised for his mercy. (1-4) For his power and
judgments. (5-14) The vanity of idols. (15-21)
Verses 1-4: The subject-matter of praise, is the blessings of grace
flowing from the everlasting love of God. The name of God as a
covenant God and Father in Christ, blessing us with all
spiritual blessings in him, is to be loved and praised. The Lord
chose a people to himself, that they might be unto him for a
name and a praise. If they do not praise him for this
distinguishing favour, they are the most unworthy and ungrateful
of all people.
Verses 5-14: God is, and will be always, the same to his church, a
gracious, faithful, wonder-working God. And his church is, and
will be, the same to him, a thankful, praising people: thus his
name endures for ever. He will return in ways of mercy to them,
and will delight to do them good.
Verses 15-21: These verses arm believers against idolatry and all false
worship, by showing what sort of gods the heathen worshipped.
And the more deplorable the condition of the Gentile nations
that worship idols, the more are we to be thankful that we know
better. Let us pity, and pray for, and seek to benefit benighted
heathens and deluded sinners. Let us endeavour to glorify his
name, and recommend his truth, not only with our lips, but by
holy lives, copying the example of Christ's goodness and truth.
od to be praised for his mercy. (1-4) For his power and
judgments. (5-14) The vanity of idols. (15-21)