Matthew Poole's Commentary A Psalm. O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. THE ARGUMENT The matter and scope of this Psalm is the same with the former, and is an evident prediction of the coming of the Messias, and of the blessed effects thereof. The psalmist exhorteth Jews, Gentiles, and all the creatures to praise God for his truth and salvation. God by his own only power hath overcome all difficulties and enemies, and hath in spite of all set Christ upon his throne, and propagated his kingdom in the world. The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen. His salvation; the redemption or salvation of the world by the Messias; which was hitherto reserved as a secret among the Jews, yea, was not thoroughly known and believed by the most of the Jews themselves. His righteousness; either his faithfulness in accomplishing this great promise of sending the Messias; or his goodness and mercy, oft called by this Hebrew word; or the righteousness of God or of Christ revealed in the gospel. He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. He hath now actually given that mercy which he had promised to the Israelites. All the ends of the earth; all the inhabitants of the earth, from one end to another. Have seen, i.e. enjoyed it, as this word is oft used, as hath been proved again and again. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Because you all do now partake of the same privileges with the Jews, join with them in worshipping and praising of God. Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. The worship of the New Testament is here described in phrases taken from the rites of the old, as Psalm 92:3, and oft elsewhere. With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King. No text from Poole on this verse. Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. The fulness thereof; all those creatures wherewith it is replenished, which by a poetical strain are invited to praise God. See Poole "Psalm 96:11", See Poole "Psalm 96:12", See Poole "Psalm 96:13". Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together No text from Poole on this verse. Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity. No text from Poole on this verse. |