Psalm 144. This psalm, like many others, shows that the people of God, who are voicing these sentiments, are counting upon earthly blessings and not heavenly, the latter being the Christian’s portion. Man is said to be like to vanity or just a breath. His days are as a shadow that passeth away. It shows something of the great depths of David’s trials. Even though he was the anointed king, he must pass through them to properly be a shepherd to the people of God. It looks forward to being settled in the land in peace and prosperity. It closes with “Happy is that people whose God is the Lord.” Israel was the only nation who had a right to that claim. The Lord is now taking out of all nations a people for Himself. (Acts 15:1414Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. (Acts 15:14).)
Psalm 145. This is another of what are called acrostic psalms, where the first letter of each verse follows in order the Hebrew alphabet, except that the fourteenth letter is here omitted. It also seems to be a dialogue in which the Messiah is leading the praises of the congregation, in the blessings of the millennial day the congregation carrying on from His leading. Verses 1, 3, 5, 8-10, 14, 17-20 seem especially His announcements, followed by the responses of the congregation. The saints are, no doubt, those who have passed through the purifying trials of the great tribulation, as in Revelation 7:1414And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (Revelation 7:14).
Psalm 146. The last five psalms follow the leading of praises in the previous psalms. Since they begin and close with “Hallelujah” or “Praise ye the Lord,” they are called Hallelujah Psalms. This psalm contrasts the putting of confidence in nobles or man in general, with those who have the God of Jacob for their help. (The name Jacob signifies what they were by nature, a poor failing people, but whose trust was in the Lord their God.) God is celebrated as Creator and Sustainer of all things, the One who also provides justice for the oppressed and bread for the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners, gives sight to the blind, cares for the fatherless and the widows, but judges the wicked. He will reign forever and ever.
Psalm 147. This psalm mentions His building up of Jerusalem as the center from which His earthly blessings will flow in the Millennial day. This will not be the result of the efforts of man as at this present time, but will be brought about by the Lord Himself in His own time. Though the power and understanding of the Lord is here said to be infinite, yet He is concerned with the lifting up of the meek and abasing the wicked. There is a call to sing or respond unto the Lord with thanksgiving for all His marvelous works in creation, and His providing even for the beasts of the earth and the fowls of the air. But He does not delight in the natural man’s activities. He controls all by His word and His commands. His especial care is here shown for Jacob or Israel in giving them His commandments. (He had not done so for any other nation.) How fitting is the closing phrase, “Praise ye the Lord.” As has been said before, God does not deal with any other nation in the manner as outlined in these psalms, on account of Christ’s rejection when here as the Messiah. But no doubt there are providential mercies enjoyed by them, in proportion to which His work on the cross is owned.
ML 06/25/1961