Reading The Psalms Daily

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Ps 113:1 ¶ Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, Praise the name of the LORD!

Ps 113:2 Blessed be the name of the LORD From this time forth and forevermore!

Ps 113:3 From the rising of the sun to its going down The LORD'S name is to be praised.

Ps 113:4 The LORD is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens.

Ps 113:5 Who is like the LORD our God, Who dwells on high,

Ps 113:6 Who humbles Himself to behold The things that are in the heavens and in the earth?

Ps 113:7 He raises the poor out of the dust, And lifts the needy out of the ash heap,

Ps 113:8 That He may seat him with princes-With the princes of His people.

Ps 113:9 He grants the barren woman a home, Like a joyful mother of children. Praise the LORD!

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MHCC

An exhortation to praise God.
 
- God has praise from his own people. They have most reason to praise him; for those who attend him as his servants, know him best, and receive most of his favours, and it is easy, pleasant work to speak well of their Master. God's name ought to be praised in every place, from east to west. Within this wide space the Lord's name is to be praised; it ought to be so, though it is not. Ere long it will be, when all nations shall come and worship before him. God is exalted above all blessing and praise. We must therefore say, with holy admiration, Who is like unto the Lord our God? How condescending in him to behold the things in the earth! And what amazing condescension was it for the Son of God to come from heaven to earth, and take our nature upon him, that he might seek and save those that were lost! How vast his love in taking upon him the nature of man, to ransom guilty souls! God sometimes makes glorious his own wisdom and power, when, having some great work to do, he employs those least likely, and least thought of for it by themselves or others. The apostles were sent from fishing to be fishers of men. And this is God's constant method in his kingdom of grace. He takes men, by nature beggars, and even traitors, to be his favourites, his children, kings and priests unto him; and numbers them with the princes of his chosen people. He gives us all our comforts, which are generally the more welcome when long delayed, and no longer expected. Let us pray that those lands which are yet barren, may speedily become fruitful, and produce many converts to join in praising the Lord.

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Ps 114:1 ¶ When Israel went out of Egypt, The house of Jacob from a people of strange language,

Ps 114:2 Judah became His sanctuary, And Israel His dominion.

Ps 114:3 The sea saw it and fled; Jordan turned back.

Ps 114:4 The mountains skipped like rams, The little hills like lambs.

Ps 114:5 What ails you, O sea, that you fled? O Jordan, that you turned back?

Ps 114:6 O mountains, that you skipped like rams? O little hills, like lambs?

Ps 114:7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, At the presence of the God of Jacob,

Ps 114:8 Who turned the rock into a pool of water, The flint into a fountain of waters.

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MHCC

An exhortation to fear God.
 
- Let us acknowledge God's power and goodness in what he did for Israel, applying it to that much greater work of wonder, our redemption by Christ; and encourage ourselves and others to trust in God in the greatest straits. When Christ comes for the salvation of his people, he redeems them from the power of sin and Satan, separates them from an ungodly world, forms them to be his people, and becomes their King. There is no sea, no Jordan, so deep, so broad, but, when God's time is come, it shall be divided and driven back. Apply this to the planting the Christian church in the world. What ailed Satan and his idolatries, that they trembled as they did? But especially apply it to the work of grace in the heart. What turns the stream in a regenerate soul? What affects the lusts and corruptions, that they fly back; that prejudices are removed, and the whole man becomes new? It is at the presence of God's Spirit. At the presence of the Lord, not only mountains, but the earth itself may well tremble, since it has lain under a curse for man's sin. As the Israelites were protected, so they were provided for by miracles; such was that fountain of waters into which the flinty rock was turned, and that rock was Christ. The Son of God, the Rock of ages, gave himself to death, to open a fountain to wash away sins, and to supply believers with waters of life and consolation; and they need not fear that any blessing is too great to expect from his love. But let sinners fear before their just and holy Judge. Let us now prepare to meet our God, that we may have boldness before him at his coming.

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Ps 115:1 ¶ Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, But to Your name give glory, Because of Your mercy, Because of Your truth.

Ps 115:2 Why should the Gentiles say, "So where is their God?"

Ps 115:3 But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.

Ps 115:4 Their idols are silver and gold, The work of men's hands.

Ps 115:5 They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see;

Ps 115:6 They have ears, but they do not hear; Noses they have, but they do not smell;

Ps 115:7 They have hands, but they do not handle; Feet they have, but they do not walk; Nor do they mutter through their throat.

Ps 115:8 Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them.

Ps 115:9 ¶ O Israel, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their shield.

Ps 115:10 O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their shield.

Ps 115:11 You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their shield.

Ps 115:12 The LORD has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron.

Ps 115:13 He will bless those who fear the LORD, Both small and great.

Ps 115:14 May the LORD give you increase more and more, You and your children.

Ps 115:15 May you be blessed by the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.

Ps 115:16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S; But the earth He has given to the children of men.

Ps 115:17 The dead do not praise the LORD, Nor any who go down into silence.

Ps 115:18 But we will bless the LORD From this time forth and forevermore. Praise the LORD!

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MHCC

Glory to be ascribed to God. (1-8)

1-8 Let no opinion of our own merits have any place in our prayers or in our praises. All the good we do, is done by the power of his grace; and all the good we have, is the gift of his mere mercy, and he must have all the praise. Are we in pursuit of any mercy, and wrestling with God for it, we must take encouragement in prayer from God only. Lord, do so for us; not that we may have the credit and comfort of it, but that thy mercy and truth may have the glory of it. The heathen gods are senseless things. They are the works of men's hands: the painter, the carver, the statuary, can put no life into them, therefore no sense. The psalmist hence shows the folly of the worshippers of idols.

by trusting in him and praising him. (9-18)

 
9-18 It is folly to trust in dead images, but it is wisdom to trust in the living God, for he is a help and a shield to those that trust in him. Wherever there is right fear of God, there may be cheerful faith in him; those who reverence his word, may rely upon it. He is ever found faithful. The greatest need his blessing, and it shall not be denied to the meanest that fear him. God's blessing gives an increase, especially in spiritual blessings. And the Lord is to be praised: his goodness is large, for he has given the earth to the children of men for their use. The souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the burdens of the flesh, are still praising him; but the dead body cannot praise God: death puts an end to our glorifying him in this world of trial and conflict. Others are dead, and an end is thereby put to their service, therefore we will seek to do the more for God. We will not only do it ourselves, but will engage others to do it; to praise him when we are gone. Lord, thou art the only object for faith and love. Help us to praise thee while living and when dying, that thy name may be the first and last upon our lips: and let the sweet savour of thy name refresh our souls for ever.

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Ps 116:1 ¶ I love the LORD, because He has heard My voice and my supplications.

Ps 116:2 Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.

Ps 116:3 The pains of death surrounded me, And the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me; I found trouble and sorrow.

Ps 116:4 Then I called upon the name of the LORD: "O LORD, I implore You, deliver my soul!"

Ps 116:5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful.

Ps 116:6 The LORD preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me.

Ps 116:7 Return to your rest, O my soul, For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.

Ps 116:8 For You have delivered my soul from death, My eyes from tears, And my feet from falling.

Ps 116:9 I will walk before the LORD In the land of the living.

Ps 116:10 ¶ I believed, therefore I spoke, "I am greatly afflicted."

Ps 116:11 I said in my haste, "All men are liars."

Ps 116:12 What shall I render to the LORD For all His benefits toward me?

Ps 116:13 I will take up the cup of salvation, And call upon the name of the LORD.

Ps 116:14 I will pay my vows to the LORD Now in the presence of all His people.

Ps 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints.

Ps 116:16 O LORD, truly I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have loosed my bonds.

Ps 116:17 I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, And will call upon the name of the LORD.

Ps 116:18 I will pay my vows to the LORD Now in the presence of all His people,

Ps 116:19 In the courts of the LORD'S house, In the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!

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MHCC

The psalmist declares his love to the Lord. (1-9)

1-9 We have many reasons for loving the Lord, but are most affected by his loving-kindness when relieved out of deep distress. When a poor sinner is awakened to a sense of his state, and fears that he must soon sink under the just wrath of God, then he finds trouble and sorrow. But let all such call upon the Lord to deliver their souls, and they will find him gracious and true to his promise. Neither ignorance nor guilt will hinder their salvation, when they put their trust in the Lord. Let us all speak of God as we have found him; and have we ever found him otherwise than just and good? It is of his mercies that we are not consumed. Let those who labour and are heavy laden come to him, that they may find rest to their souls; and if at all drawn from their rest, let them haste to return, remembering how bountifully the Lord has dealt with them. We should deem ourselves bound to walk as in his presence. It is a great mercy to be kept from being swallowed up with over-much sorrow. It is a great mercy for God to hold us by the right hand, so that we are not overcome and overthrown by a temptation. But when we enter the heavenly rest, deliverance from sin and sorrow will be complete; we shall behold the glory of the Lord, and walk in his presence with delight we cannot now conceive.


His desire to be thankful. (10-19)

 
10-19 When troubled, we do best to hold our peace, for we are apt to speak unadvisedly. Yet there may be true faith where there are workings of unbelief; but then faith will prevail; and being humbled for our distrust of God's word, we shall experience his faithfulness to it. What can the pardoned sinner, or what can those who have been delivered from trouble or distress, render to the Lord for his benefits? We cannot in any way profit him. Our best is unworthy of his acceptance; yet we ought to devote ourselves and all we have to his service. I will take the cup of salvation; I will offer the drink-offerings appointed by the law, in token of thankfulness to God, and rejoice in God's goodness to me. I will receive the cup of affliction; that cup, that bitter cup, which is sanctified to the saints, so that to them it is a cup of salvation; it is a means of spiritual health. The cup of consolation; I will receive the benefits God bestows upon me, as from his hand, and taste his love in them, as the portion not only of mine inheritance in the other world, but of my cup in this. Let others serve what masters they will, truly I am thy servant. Two ways men came to be servants. By birth. Lord, I was born in thy house; I am the son of thine handmaid, and therefore thine. It is a great mercy to be children of godly parents. By redemption. Lord, thou hast loosed my bonds, thou hast discharged me from them, therefore I am thy servant. The bonds thou hast loosed shall tie me faster unto thee. Doing good is sacrifice, with which God is well pleased; and this must accompany giving thanks to his name. Why should we offer that to the Lord which cost us nothing? The psalmist will pay his vows now; he will not delay the payment: publicly, not to make a boast, but to show he is not ashamed of God's service, and to invite others to join him. Such are true saints of God, in whose lives and deaths he will be glorified.

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Ps 117:1 ¶ Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!

Ps 117:2 For His merciful kindness is great toward us, And the truth of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!

MHCC

All people called upon to praise God.
 
- Here is a solemn call to all nations to praise the Lord, and proper matter for that praise is suggested. We are soon weary of well-doing, if we keep not up the pious and devout affections with which the spiritual sacrifice of praise ought to be kindled and kept burning. This is a gospel psalm. The apostle, Ro 15:11, quotes it as a proof that the gospel was to be preached to the Gentile nations, and that it would be entertained by them. For many ages, in Judah only was God known, and his name praised; this call was not then given to any Gentiles. But the gospel of Christ is ordered to be preached to all nations, and by him those that were afar off are made nigh. We are among the persons to whom the Holy Spirit here speaks, whom he calls upon to join his ancient people in praising the Lord. Grace has thus abounded to millions of perishing sinners. Let us then listen to the offers of the grace of God, and pray for that time when all nations of the earth shall show forth his praises. And let us bless God for the unsearchable riches of gospel grace.

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Ps 118:1 ¶ Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Ps 118:2 Let Israel now say, "His mercy endures forever."

Ps 118:3 Let the house of Aaron now say, "His mercy endures forever."

Ps 118:4 Let those who fear the LORD now say, "His mercy endures forever."

Ps 118:5 I called on the LORD in distress; The LORD answered me and set me in a broad place.

Ps 118:6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

Ps 118:7 The LORD is for me among those who help me; Therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me.

Ps 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man.

Ps 118:9 It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in princes.

Ps 118:10 All nations surrounded me, But in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

Ps 118:11 They surrounded me, Yes, they surrounded me; But in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

Ps 118:12 They surrounded me like bees; They were quenched like a fire of thorns; For in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

Ps 118:13 You pushed me violently, that I might fall, But the LORD helped me.

Ps 118:14 The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.

Ps 118:15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation Is in the tents of the righteous; The right hand of the LORD does valiantly.

Ps 118:16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted; The right hand of the LORD does valiantly.

Ps 118:17 I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the LORD.

Ps 118:18 The LORD has chastened me severely, But He has not given me over to death.

Ps 118:19 ¶ Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, And I will praise the LORD.

Ps 118:20 This is the gate of the LORD, Through which the righteous shall enter.

Ps 118:21 I will praise You, For You have answered me, And have become my salvation.

Ps 118:22 The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.

Ps 118:23 This was the LORD'S doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.

Ps 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Ps 118:25 Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity.

Ps 118:26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD.

Ps 118:27 God is the LORD, And He has given us light; Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.

Ps 118:28 You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God, I will exalt You.

Ps 118:29 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

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MHCC

It is good to trust in the Lord. (1-18)

1-18 The account the psalmist here gives of his troubles is very applicable to Christ: many hated him without a cause; nay, the Lord himself chastened him sorely, bruised him, and put him to grief, that by his stripes we might be healed. God is sometimes the strength of his people, when he is not their song; they have spiritual supports, though they want spiritual delights. Whether the believer traces back his comfort to the everlasting goodness and mercy of God, or whether he looks forward to the blessing secured to him, he will find abundant cause for joy and praise. Every answer to our prayers is an evidence that the Lord is on our side; and then we need not fear what man can do unto us; we should conscientiously do our duty to all, and trust in him alone to accept and bless us. Let us seek to live to declare the works of God, and to encourage others to serve him and trust in him. Such were the triumphs of the Son of David, in the assurance that the good pleasure of the Lord should prosper in his hand


The coming of Christ in his kingdom. (19-29)


19-29 Those who saw Christ's day at so great a distance, saw cause to praise God for the prospect. The prophecy, ver. 22,23, may refer to David's preferment; but principally to Christ. 1. His humiliation; he is the Stone which the builders refused: they would go on in their building without him. This proved the ruin of those who thus made light of him. Rejecters of Christ are rejected of God. 2. His exaltation; he is the chief Cornerstone in the foundation. He is the chief Top-stone, in whom the building is completed, who must, in all things, have the pre-eminence. Christ's name is Wonderful; and the redemption he wrought out is the most amazing of all God's wondrous works. We will rejoice and be glad in the Lord's day; not only that such a day is appointed, but in the occasion of it, Christ's becoming the Head. Sabbath days ought to be rejoicing days, then they are to us as the days of heaven. Let this Saviour be my Saviour, my Ruler. Let my soul prosper and be in health, in that peace and righteousness which his government brings. Let me have victory over the lusts that war against my soul; and let Divine grace subdue my heart. The duty which the Lord has made, brings light with it, true light. The duty this privilege calls for, is here set forth; the sacrifices we are to offer to God in gratitude for redeeming love, are ourselves; not to be slain upon the altar, but living sacrifices, to be bound to the altar; spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise, in which our hearts must be engaged. The psalmist praises God, and calls upon all about him to give thanks to God for the glad tidings of great joy to all people, that there is a Redeemer, even Christ the Lord. In him the covenant of grace is made sure and everlasting.

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Friends, due to the lengthiness of Psalm 119, I will be posting it in small portions.

ALEPH.

Ps 119:1 ¶  Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the LORD!

Ps 119:2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart!

Ps 119:3 They also do no iniquity; They walk in His ways.

Ps 119:4 ¶ You have commanded us To keep Your precepts diligently.

Ps 119:5 Oh, that my ways were directed To keep Your statutes!

Ps 119:6 Then I would not be ashamed, When I look into all Your commandments.

Ps 119:7 ¶ I will praise You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments.

Ps 119:8 I will keep Your statutes; Oh, do not forsake me utterly!

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MHCC

 The general scope and design of this psalm is to magnify the Divine law, and make it honourable. There are ten words by which Divine revelation is called in this psalm, and each expresses what God expects from us, and what we may expect from him.
 
1. God's law; this is enacted by him as our Sovereign. 2. His way; this is the rule of his providence. 3. His testimonies; they are solemnly declared to the world. 4. His commandments; given with authority. 5. His precepts; not left as indifferent matters to us. 6. His word, or saying; it is the declaration of his mind. 7. His judgments; framed in infinite wisdom. 8. His righteousness; it is the rule and standard of what is right. 9. His statutes; they are always binding. 10. His truth or faithfulness; it is eternal truth, it shall endure for ever.
 
  1-8 This psalm may be considered as the statement of a believer's experience. As far as our views, desires, and affections agree with what is here expressed, they come from the influences of the Holy Spirit, and no further. The pardoning mercy of God in Christ, is the only source of a sinner's happiness. And those are most happy, who are preserved most free from the defilement of sin, who simply believe God's testimonies, and depend on his promises. If the heart be divided between him and the world, it is evil. But the saints carefully avoid all sin; they are conscious of much evil that clogs them in the ways of God, but not of that wickedness which draws them out of those ways. The tempter would make men think they are at liberty to follow the word of God or not, as they please. But the desire and prayer of a good man agree with the will and command of God. If a man expects by obedience in one thing to purchase indulgence for disobedience in others, his hypocrisy will be detected; if he is not ashamed in this world, everlasting shame will be his portion. The psalmist coveted to learn the laws of God, to give God the glory. And believers see that if God forsakes them, the temper will be too hard for them.

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BETH.

Ps 119:9 ¶ How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.

Ps 119:10 ¶ With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!

Ps 119:11 ¶ Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You!

Ps 119:12 ¶ Blessed are You, O LORD! Teach me Your statutes!

Ps 119:13 ¶ With my lips I have declared All the judgments of Your mouth.

Ps 119:14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches.

Ps 119:15 I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways.

Ps 119:16 I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.

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MHCC


9-16 To original corruption all have added actual sin. The ruin of the young is either living by no rule at all, or choosing false rules: let them walk by Scripture rules. To doubt of our own wisdom and strength, and to depend upon God, proves the purpose of holiness is sincere. God's word is treasure worth laying up, and there is no laying it up safe but in our hearts, that we may oppose God's precepts to the dominion of sin, his promises to its allurements, and his threatenings to its violence. Let this be our plea with Him to teach us his statutes, that, being partakers of his holiness, we may also partake of his blessedness. And those whose hearts are fed with the bread of life, should with their lips feed many. In the way of God's commandments there is the unsearchable riches of Christ. But we do not meditate on God's precepts to good purpose, unless our good thoughts produce good works. I will not only think of thy statutes, but do them with delight. And it will be well to try the sincerity of our obedience by tracing the spring of it; the reality of our love by cheerfulness in appointed duties.