Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Psalms
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 98
Overview:
The
Glory of the
Redeemer.
(1-3) The joy of the
Redeemer.
(4-9)
1-3 A song of praise for redeeming
Love is a new song, a
Mystery hidden from ages and generations. Converts sing a new
song, very different from what they had sung. If the
Grace of
God Put a new
Heart into our breasts, it will
Put a new song
into our mouths. Let this new song be sung to the praise of
God,
in consideration of the wonders he has wrought. The
Redeemer has
overcome all difficulties in the way of our
Redemption, and was
not discouraged
By the services or sufferings appointed him. Let
us praise him for the discoveries made to the world of the work
of
Redemption; his
Salvation and his
Righteousness fulfilling
the prophecies and promises of the Old
Testament. In pursuance
of this design,
God raised up his Son
Jesus to be not only a
Light to lighten the
Gentiles, but the
Glory of his people
Israel. Surely it behooves us to inquire whether his holy
Arm
hath gotten the victory in our hearts, over the power of
Satan,
unbelief, and
Sin? If this be our happy case, we shall exchange
all
Light Songs of vanity for
Songs of joy and thanksgiving; our
lives will celebrate the
Redeemer's praise.
4-9 Let all the children of men rejoice in the setting up the
kingdom of
Christ, for all may benefit
By it. The different
orders of rational creatures in the universe, seem to be
described in figurative language in the reign of the great
Messiah. The kingdom of
Christ will be a blessing to the whole
Creation. We expect his second coming to begin his glorious
reign. Then shall
Heaven and
Earth rejoice, and the joy of the
redeemed shall be full. But
Sin and its dreadful effects will
not be utterly done away, till the
Lord come to
Judge the world
in
Righteousness. Seeing then that we look for such things, let
us give diligence that we may be found of him in peace, without
spot, and blameless.