2<\/strong>. For mighty hath been his lovingkindness toward us] Mighty as Israel’s transgressions have been (Psa 65:3<\/span>), God’s mercy has been mightier (Psa 103:11-12<\/span>; cp. Rom 5:20<\/span>; 1Ti 1:14<\/span>). Lovingkindness and truth are fundamental attributes of Jehovah’s character (Psa 115:1<\/span>, and often). St Paul unites them in the proposition in support of which he quotes Psa 117:1<\/em><\/span>. “I say that Christ hath been made a minister of the circumcision for the truth<\/em> of God, that he might confirm the promises given unto the fathers, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy<\/em> ” (Rom 15:8-9<\/span>).<\/p>\n For his merciful kindness is great toward us – <\/B>His kindness; his compassion; his love. All nations – all people – may say this, and therefore the psalm is adapted to universal praise. Especially may this be said in view of the love of God to mankind in the gift of a Saviour – a Saviour not for any one people especially or exclusively, but for the world, Joh 3:16<\/span>.<\/P> And the truth of the Lord endureth for ever – <\/B>All that God has said: his declarations; his promises; his assurances of mercy. They are the same in all lands where they are made known, and they are the same in all ages of the world. Truth is a representation of things as they are; and truth, therefore, must be ever the same. What was true in the first ages of the world in regard to the relation of the sum of the squares on the two sides of a right-angled triangle to the square of the hypothenuse is true now, and will always be true; and so, what God has affirmed at any one time will always remain the same in all ages and in all lands. What was truth to Abraham is truth to us; what was truth to Paul is truth to us; what was truth to the martyrs is truth to us; what is truth to us will be truth to all generations of the world in all lands, and will be truth forever. This fact, too, is a just foundation for universal praise, and therefore the psalm is so adapted to be used in all lands and among all people. How often in our own language has this psalm been the medium of the utterances of praise in Christian sanctuaries:<\/P> From all that dwell below the skies,<\/P> Let the Creators praise arise;<\/P> Let the Redeemers name be sung,<\/P> Through every land, by every tongue.<\/P> Eternal are thy mercies, Lord;<\/P> Eternal truth attends thy word;<\/P> Thy praise shall sound from shore to shore,<\/P> Till suns shall rise and set no more.<\/P> Verse 2<\/span>. For his merciful kindness is great<\/B><\/I>] gabar<\/I>, is strong<\/I>: it is not only great<\/I> in bulk<\/I> or number<\/I>, but it is powerful<\/I>; it prevails<\/I> over sin, Satan, death<\/I>, and hell<\/I>.<\/P> <\/P> And the truth of the Lord<\/B><\/I> endureth <\/B>for ever.<\/B><\/I>] Whatsoever he has promised<\/I>, that he will most infallibly fulfill<\/I>. He has promised to send his Son into the world<\/I>, and thus he has done<\/I>. He his promised that he should die for transgressors<\/I>, and this he did<\/I>. He has promised to receive all who come unto him<\/I> through Christ Jesus, and this he invariably does<\/I>. He has promised that his Gospel shall be preached in every nation<\/I>, and this he is doing<\/I>; the truth of the Lord remaineth for ever. Therefore, Praise ye the<\/I> Lord<\/I>!<\/P> <\/P> ANALYSIS OF THE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEENTH PSALM<\/B><\/P> <\/P> This Psalm contains a doxology<\/I> to God for his mercy<\/I> and truth<\/I>; and it is prophetical<\/I>, having reference to the calling of the Gentiles; Ro 15:11<\/span>.<\/P> <\/P> It contains two parts: –<\/P> <\/P> I. An exhortation<\/I> to praise God.<\/P> <\/P> II. The reason<\/I> for it.<\/P> <\/P> I. 1. He speaks to the Gentiles<\/I>: “Praise the Lord, all ye nations.” Praise him for the promise<\/I> of salvation; and then, when fulfilled, praise him for the enjoyment<\/I> of this salvation, – for the remission<\/I> of sins, and gift of the Holy Ghost<\/I>.<\/P> <\/P> 2. He speaks to the converted Jews<\/I>, whom he notes under the name of people<\/I>, as they are called Ps 2:1<\/span>; Ac 4:25<\/span>. As they and the Gentiles<\/I> are intended to make one Church<\/I>, so they should join in the praise of him of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is<\/I> named<\/I>.<\/P> <\/P> II. The reason<\/I> given: – <\/P> <\/P> 1. Because his mercy is great<\/I>. It is strong; confirmed<\/I> toward us, in sending his Son to save both Jews and Gentiles from their sins.<\/P> <\/P> 2. Because the truth of his promises is fulfilled<\/I>. The promised Messiah is come<\/I>, and has performed<\/I> all that was prophesied of him.<\/P> <\/P> 3. Because this truth is forever<\/I>. His promises<\/I> and their fulfilment<\/I> belong to all generations<\/I>. There will never be another Messiah; Jesus is the true one: he tasted death for every man; he forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin; and his blood cleanses from all unrighteousness. Now, for all this, “Praise ye the Lord!”<\/P> <\/P> [N. B. Proclaiming the eternal mercy of God in Christ is more likely to persuade sinners to return to their Maker than all the fire of hell.]<\/P> <\/p>\n Toward us; <\/B>either, <\/P> 1. Towards us Jews, to whom he hath given those peculiar privileges which he hath denied to all other nations. But this may seem an improper argument to move the Gentiles to praise God for his mercies to others from which they were excluded. Or, <\/P> 2. Towards all of us, all the children of Abraham, whether carnal or spiritual, who were to be incorporated together, and made one body and one fold by and under the Messias, Joh 10:16<\/span>; Eph 2:14<\/span>, which mystery seems to be insinuated by this manner of expression. <\/P> <\/p>\n 2. is great toward us<\/B>literally,”prevailed over” or “protected us.”<\/P><\/p>\n For his merciful kindness is great towards us<\/strong>,…. Not us Israelites only, of whom David was, but Gentiles also; or otherwise there would be no force in the reason why all people and nations should praise the Lord: but it respects the time when these should become one people, partaking of the same grace, blessings, promises, and privileges; in which the grace, mercy, and lovingkindness of God, greatly appeared; “it prevailed over us” p, as it may be rendered: the word is used of the prevailing of the waters of the flood over the earth, Ge 7:18<\/span>; and so may denote the exuberance of the grace of God, of the abounding and superabounding of it. There is an abundance of it in the heart of God, in his covenant, and in his Son; and which is displayed in redemption by him; in the forgiveness of sin; and in the conversion of sinners, and their everlasting salvation: particularly there has been an inundation or deluge of it in the Gentile world, where it has flowed and overflowed; where sin abounded, grace has much more abounded; and therefore the Lord is to be praised. And another reason follows,<\/p>\n and the truth of the Lord [endureth] for ever<\/strong>; the faithfulness of God to his promises, not only made to the Jewish fathers concerning the Messiah, and redemption by him; but to the Gentiles, and concerning the blessing of all nations in the promised seed: and the faithfulness and truth of God, with respect to any of his promises, never fails; nor will his word of truth, the Gospel; nor Jesus Christ, who is the truth, and the truth of God; the truth of types, promises, and prophecies; see<\/p>\n Ps 43:3<\/span>; for he is the same today, yesterday, and for ever.<\/p>\n Praise ye the Lord<\/strong>; for his superabounding grace, and eternal truth; even all the people of God, of all nations, Jews and Gentiles.<\/p>\n p “exsuperavit”, Vatablus; “invaluit”, Junius Tremellius, Piscator, Gejerus, Michaelis “exuberavit”, Cocceius.<\/p>\n The truth of God, in this passage, is properly introduced as an attestation of his grace. For he can be true even when he menaces the whole world with perdition and ruin. The prophet, however, has placed his mercy first in order that his faithfulness and truth, comprising an assurance of his paternal kindness, might encourage the hearts of the godly. His power and justice are equally praiseworthy; but as men will never cordially praise God until they are drawn by a foretaste of his goodness, the prophet very justly selects God’s mercy and truth, which alone open the mouths of those who are mute to engage in this exercise. When his truth is said to be everlasting, it is not set in opposition to his mercy, as if it, after flourishing for a season, then instantly passed away. The same reason would go to prove, that it was small compared with his mercy, which is said to be abundant. The meaning is, that God’s mercy is rich towards us, flowing in a perennial stream, because united to his eternal truth. If we read, his mercy is confirmed, all difficulty will be removed, for then both constancy and stability will alike adorn his mercy and his truth. <\/p>\n 2<\/strong>. <\/strong> Merciful truth <\/strong> Two distinguishing attributes in their relation to God’s promise and covenant <\/strong> kingly qualities, (Pro 20:28<\/span>,) <\/strong> specially remembered and extolled by the Hebrews in their deliverance from captivity. Psa 85:10<\/span>; Psa 89:14<\/span>. <\/p>\n Kindness is great toward us <\/strong> Literally, Mercy is mighty over us. <\/p>\n <\/em><\/p>\n Truth for ever <\/strong> Truth to eternity.<\/p>\n REFLECTIONS<\/p>\n<\/p>\n READER! contemplate the blessed contents of this psalm, and let the saving interest we as Gentiles bear in it, bring it home to our hearts with a tenfold joy and satisfaction. In order to see its blessedness as it concerns us, let it be only considered that by nature we were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. We knew nothing of the scriptures of truth; were strangers to the offers of grace, strangers to the very name of the Lord Jesus, and ignorant even of our want of his blood and righteousness. Oh! how happy to be brought nigh by the blood of Jesus; and to hear and know the joyful sound, and to walk in the light of God’s countenance. And wilt thou not praise God for his mercy? Shall we not follow up the gracious call of this Psalm, and bend the knee in thankful remembrance for God’s unspeakable gift? Blessed, forever blessed, be God for Jesus Christ!<\/p>\n Psa 117:2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD [endureth] for ever. Praise ye the LORD.<\/p>\n Ver. 2. For his merciful kindness is great<\/strong> ] Invaluit,<\/em> hath prevailed over us, breaking through all obstacles and impediments, whether within us or without us, eating its way through all rocks and remoras; and though we would put it back, yet it will overcome us; his grace is irresistible, neither can it ever be taken away. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n And the truth of the Lord<\/strong> ] As his mercy alone moved him to make promise, so his truth bindeth him to perform the same. See 2Sa 7:18<\/span> ; 2Sa 7:21<\/span> . The word of promise bindeth God, and, therefore, it may seem to be stronger than God. If his merciful kindness prevail over us, as Psa 117:1<\/span> , his truth prevaileth over him. The Jewish doctors observe that the word Emeth,<\/em> here used for truth, consisteth of Aleph,<\/em> the first letter of the alphabet; Mem,<\/em> the middlemost letter thereof; and Tau,<\/em> the last: to show that as God is Alpha<\/em> and Omega,<\/em> so the truth of God is the all in all of our comfort. Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ; this is the sum of all the good news in the world.<\/p>\n merciful kindness = lovingkindness, or grace. <\/p>\n is great toward = overcame, or prevailed over. Compare Psa 103:11. <\/p>\n Praise ye THE LORD. Hebrew Hallelu-Jah. App-4. <\/p>\n Psa 85:10, Psa 89:1, Psa 100:4, Psa 100:5, Isa 25:1, Mic 7:20, Luk 1:54, Luk 1:55, Joh 14:6, Rom 15:8, Rom 15:9, 1Jo 5:6 <\/p>\n Reciprocal: 1Ki 8:15 – Blessed 1Ki 8:43 – fear thee Neh 9:5 – bless Psa 35:18 – praise Psa 47:6 – to God Psa 66:1 – all ye lands Psa 67:2 – saving Psa 68:32 – ye kingdoms Psa 96:3 – General Psa 100:1 – all ye lands Psa 135:1 – Praise ye the Lord Psa 145:21 – let all flesh Psa 149:4 – taketh pleasure Isa 12:4 – in that day Isa 19:24 – shall Isa 42:10 – Sing Isa 42:12 – General Isa 60:3 – the Gentiles Jer 31:7 – Sing Zep 2:11 – and men Zec 8:20 – there Act 13:47 – that thou Col 3:11 – there Tit 2:11 – hath appeared Rev 7:9 – a great<\/p>\n 117:2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the {a} truth of the LORD [endureth] for ever. Praise ye the LORD.<\/p>\n (a) That is, the most certain and continual testimony of his fatherly graces.<\/p>\n 2. The cause for universal worship 117:2<\/span><\/p>\n Essentially all people, including the Gentiles (Heb. goyim<\/span>, ’ummim<\/span>), should praise God because He is who He is. Two of the outstanding qualities that God demonstrates are loyal love and truth. His loyal love (Heb. hesed<\/span>) to His people is very great, and His truth continues forever. Human loyalty often has limits, and we are not consistently truthful. The Hebrew word translated "truth" is ’emet<\/span>, which the translators frequently rendered "faithfulness." The relationship between these two English words is clear. Because the Lord is "true," i.e., 100 percent loyal, reliable, truthful, and trustworthy, He is a faithful God. Hesed<\/span> and ’emet<\/span> often occur together in the psalms. God’s faithfulness connects closely with His loyal love. This psalm closes as it begins: with an exhortation to praise the Lord.<\/p>\n Outstanding among all God’s great qualities are His loyal love and faithfulness. His people should honor Him for these traits consistently and frequently.<\/p>\n For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD [endureth] forever. Praise ye the LORD. 2. For mighty hath been his lovingkindness toward us] Mighty as Israel’s transgressions have been (Psa 65:3), God’s mercy has been mightier (Psa 103:11-12; cp. Rom 5:20; 1Ti 1:14). Lovingkindness and truth are fundamental attributes … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 117:2”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15881","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-commentary"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15881","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15881"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15881\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15881"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15881"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15881"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
<\/P> <\/p>\nFuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible <\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"