Psalms in the King James Version

Chapters

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• 10
• 11
• 12
• 13
• 14
• 15
• 16
• 17
• 18
• 19
• 20
• 21
• 22
• 23
• 24
• 25
• 26
• 27
• 28
• 29
• 30
• 31
• 32
• 33
• 34
• 35
• 36
• 37
• 38
• 39
• 40
• 41
• 42
• 43
• 44
• 45
• 46
• 47
• 48
• 49
• 50
• 51
• 52
• 53
• 54
• 55
• 56
• 57
• 58
• 59
• 60
• 61
• 62
• 63
• 64
• 65
• 66
• 67
• 68
• 69
• 70
• 71
• 72
• 73
• 74
• 75
• 76
• 77
• 78
• 79
• 80
• 81
• 82
• 83
• 84
• 85
• 86
• 87
• 88
• 89
• 90
• 91
• 92
• 93
• 94
• 95
• 96
• 97
• 98
• 99
• 100
• 101
• 102
• 103
• 104
• 105
• 106
• 107
• 108
• 109
• 110
• 111
• 112
• 113
• 114
• 115
• 116
• 117
• 118
• 119
• 120
• 121
• 122
• 123
• 124
• 125
• 126
• 127
• 128
• 129
• 130
• 131
• 132
• 133
• 134
• 135
• 136
• 137
• 138
• 139
• 140
• 141
• 142
• 143
• 144
• 145
• 146
• 147
• 148
• 149
• 150

About Psalms

From Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary.

David was the penman of most of the psalms, but some evidently were composed by other writers, and the writers of some are doubtful. But all were written by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost; and no part of the Old Testament is more frequently quoted or referred to in the New. Every psalm either points directly to Christ, in his person, his character, and offices; or may lead the believer's thoughts to Him. And the psalms are the language of the believer's heart, whether mourning for sin, thirsting after God, or rejoicing in Him. Whether burdened with affliction, struggling with temptation, or triumphing in the hope or enjoyment of deliverance; whether admiring the Divine perfections, thanking God for his mercies, mediating on his truths, or delighting in his service; they form a Divinely appointed standard of experience, by which we may judge ourselves. Their value, in this view, is very great, and the use of them will increase with the growth of the power of true religion in the heart. By the psalmist's expressions, the Spirit helps us to pray. If we make the psalms familiar to us, whatever we have to ask at the throne of grace, by way of confession, petition, or thanksgiving, we may be assisted from thence. Whatever devout affection is working in us, holy desire or hope, sorrow or joy, we may here find words to clothe it; sound speech which cannot be condemned. In the language of this Divine book, the prayers and praises of the church have been offered up to the throne of grace from age to age.

Chapter by chapter

Matthew Henry's summary of each chapter.

Psalm 1. The holiness and happiness of a godly man. (1-3) The sinfulness and misery of a wicked man, The ground and reason of both. (4-6)

Psalm 2. Threatenings against the enemies of Christ's kingdom. (1-6) Promise to Christ as the Head of this kingdom. (7-9) Counsel to all, to espouse its interests. (10-12)

Psalm 3. David complains to God of his enemies, and confides in God. (1-3) He triumphs over his fears, and gives God the glory, and takes to himself the comfort. (4-8)

Psalm 4. The children of men proved, and the happiness of godly people. (1-5) God's favour is happiness. (6-8)

Psalm 5. God will certainly hear prayer: David gives to God the glory, and takes to himself the comfort. (1-6) He prayed for himself, that God would guide him, and for all the Lord's people, that God would give them joy, and keep them safe. (7-12)

Psalm 6. The psalmist deprecates God's wrath, and begs for the return of his favour. (1-7) He assures himself of an answer of peace. (8-10)

Psalm 7. The psalmist prays to God to plead his cause, and judge for him. (1-9) He expresses confidence in God, and will give him the glory of his deliverance. (10-17)

Psalm 8. God is to be glorified, for making known himself to us. (1-2) And for making even the heavenly bodies useful to man, thereby placing him but little lower than the angels. (3-9)

Psalm 9. David praises God for protecting his people. (1-10) And for cause to praise him. (11-20)

Psalm 10. The psalmist complains of the wickedness of the wicked. (1-11) He prays to God to appear for the relief of his people. (12-18)

Psalm 11. David's struggle with, and triumph over a strong temptation to distrust God, and betake himself to indirect means for his own safety, in a time of danger. --Those that truly fear God and serve him, are welcome to put their trust in him. The psalmist, before he gives an account of his temptation to distrust God, records his resolution to trust in Him, as that by which he was resolved to live and die. The believer, though not terrified by his enemies, may be tempted, by the fears of his friends,…

Psalm 12. The psalmist begs help of God, because there were none among men whom he durst trust. --This psalm furnishes good thoughts for bad times; a man may comfort himself with such meditations and prayers. Let us see what makes the times bad, and when they may be said to be so. Ask the children of this world, What makes the times bad? they will tell you, Scarcity of money, decay of trade, and the desolations of war, make the times bad: but the Scripture lays the badness of the times on causes of…

Psalm 13. The psalmist complains that God had long withdrawn. He earnestly prays for comfort. He assures himself of an answer of peace. --God sometimes hides his face, and leaves his own children in the dark concerning their interest in him: and this they lay to heart more than any outward trouble whatever. But anxious cares are heavy burdens with which believers often load themselves more than they need. The bread of sorrows is sometimes the saint's daily bread; our Master himself was a man of sorrows.…

Psalm 14. A description of the depravity of human nature, and the deplorable corruption of a great part of mankind. --The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. The sinner here described is an atheist, one that saith there is no Judge or Governor of the world, no Providence ruling over the affairs of men. He says this in his heart. He cannot satisfy himself that there is none, but wishes there were none, and pleases himself that it is possible there may be none; he is willing to think there is…

Psalm 15. The way to heaven, if we would be happy, we must be holy. We are encouraged to walk in that way. --Here is a very serious question concerning the character of a citizen of Zion. It is the happiness of glorified saints, that they dwell in the holy hill; they are at home there, they shall be for ever there. It concerns us to make it sure to ourselves that we have a place among them. A very plain and particular answer is here given. Those who desire to know their duty, will find the Scripture a…

Psalm 16. This psalm begins with expressions of devotion, which may be applied to Christ; but ends with such confidence of a resurrection, as must be applied to Christ, and to him only. --David flees to God's protection, with cheerful, believing confidence. Those who have avowed that the Lord is their Lord, should often put themselves in mind of what they have done, take the comfort of it, and live up to it. He devotes himself to the honour of God, in the service of the saints. Saints on earth we must…

Psalm 17. David's integrity. (1-7) The character of his enemies. His hope of happiness. (8-15)

Psalm 18. David rejoices in the deliverances God wrought for him. (1-19) He takes the comfort of his integrity, which God had cleared up. (20-28) He gives to God the glory of all his mighty deeds. (29-50)

Psalm 19. The glory of God's works. (1-6) His holiness and grace as shown in his word. (7-10) Prayer for the benefit of them. (11-14)

Psalm 20. This psalm is a prayer for the kings of Israel, but with relation to Christ. --Even the greatest of men may be much in trouble. Neither the crown on the king's head, nor the grace in his heart, would make him free from trouble. Even the greatest of men must be much in prayer. Let none expect benefit by the prayers of the church, or their friends, who are capable of praying for themselves, yet neglect it. Pray that God would protect his person, and preserve his life. That God would enable him to…

Psalm 21. Thanksgiving for victory. (1-6) Confidence of further success. (7-13)

Psalm 22. Complaints of discouragement. (1-10) With prayer for deliverance. (11-21) Praises for mercies and redemption. (22-31)

Psalm 23. Confidence in God's grace and care. --"The Lord is my shepherd." In these words, the believer is taught to express his satisfaction in the care of the great Pastor of the universe, the Redeemer and Preserver of men. With joy he reflects that he has a shepherd, and that shepherd is Jehovah. A flock of sheep, gentle and harmless, feeding in verdant pastures, under the care of a skilful, watchful, and tender shepherd, forms an emblem of believers brought back to the Shepherd of their souls. The…

Psalm 24. Concerning the kingdom of Christ, and the subjects of that kingdom. (1-6) Concerning the King of that kingdom. (7-10)

Psalm 25. Confidence in prayer. (1-7) Prayer for remission of sins. (8-14) For help in affliction. (15-22)

Psalm 26. David, in this psalm, appeals to God touching his integrity. --David here, by the Spirit of prophecy, speaks of himself as a type of Christ, of whom what he here says of his spotless innocence was fully and eminently true, and of Christ only, and to Him we may apply it. We are complete in him. The man that walks in his integrity, yet trusting wholly in the grace of God, is in a state of acceptance, according to the covenant of which Jesus was the Mediator, in virtue of his spotless obedience…

Psalm 27. The psalmist's faith. (1-6) His desire toward God, and expectation from him. (7-14)

Psalm 28. A prayer in distress. (1-5) Thanksgiving for deliverance. (6-9)

Psalm 29. Exhortation to give glory to God. --The mighty and honourable of the earth are especially bound to honour and worship him; but, alas, few attempt to worship him in the beauty of holiness. When we come before him as the Redeemer of sinners, in repentance faith, and love, he will accept our defective services, pardon the sin that cleaves to them, and approve of that measure of holiness which the Holy Spirit enables us to exercise. We have here the nature of religious worship; it is giving to the…

Psalm 30. Praise to God for deliverance. (1-5) Others encouraged by his example. (6-12)

Psalm 31. Confidence in God. (1-8) Prayer in trouble. (9-18) Praise for God's goodness. (19-24)

Psalm 32. The happiness of a pardoned sinner. (1-2) The misery that went before, and the comfort that followed the confession of sins. (3-7) Sinners instructed, believers encouraged. (8-11)

Psalm 33. God to be praised. (1-11) His people encouraged by his power. (12-22)

Psalm 34. David praises God, and encourages to trust him. (1-10) He exhorts to fear. (11-22)

Psalm 35. David prays for safety. (1-10) He complains of his enemies. (11-16) And calls upon God to support him. (17-28)

Psalm 36. The bad state of the wicked. (1-4) The goodness of God. (5-12)

Psalm 37. David persuades to patience and confidence in God, by the state of the godly and of the wicked.

Psalm 38. God's displeasure at sin. (1-11) The psalmist's sufferings and prayers. (12-22)

Psalm 39. David meditates on man's frailty. (1-6) He applies for pardon and deliverance. (7-13)

Psalm 40. Confidence for deliverance. (1-5) Christ's work of redemption. (6-10) Prayer for mercy and grace. (11-17)

Psalm 41. God's care for his people. (1-4) The treachery of David's enemies. (5-13)

Psalm 42. The conflict in the soul of a believer.

Psalm 43. David endeavours to still his spirit, with hope and confidence in God. --As to the quarrel God had with David for sin, he prays, Enter not into judgment with me, if Thou doest so I shall be condemned; but as to the quarrel his enemies had with him, he prays, Lord, judge me, and in thy providence appear on my behalf. If we cannot comfort ourselves in God, we may stay ourselves upon him, and may have spiritual supports, when we want spiritual delights. He never cast off any that trusted in him,…

Psalm 44. A petition for succour and relief.

Psalm 45. This psalm is a prophecy of Messiah the Prince, and points to him as a Bridegroom espousing the church to himself, and as a King ruling in it, and for it.

Psalm 46. Confidence in God. (1-5) An exhortation to behold it. (6-11)

Psalm 47. The people exhorted to praise God.

Psalm 48. The glories of the church of Christ.

Psalm 49. A call for attention. (1-5) Folly of worldlings. (6-14) Against fear of death. (15-20)

Psalm 50. The glory of God. (1-6) Sacrifices to be changed for prayers. (7-15) Sincere obedience required. (16-23)

Psalm 51. The psalmist prays for mercy, humbly confessing and lamenting his sins. (1-6) He pleads for pardon, that he may promote the glory of God and the conversion of sinners. (7-15) God is pleased with a contrite heart, A prayer for the prosperity of Zion. (16-19)

Psalm 52. The enemies of the truth and the church described, Their destruction. (1-5) The righteous rejoice. (6-9)

Psalm 53. The corruption of man by nature. --This psalm is almost the same as the 14th. The scope of it is to convince us of our sins. God, by the psalmist, here shows us how bad we are, and proves this by his own certain knowledge. He speaks terror to persecutors, the worst of sinners. He speaks encouragement to God's persecuted people. How comes it that men are so bad? Because there is no fear of God before their eyes. Men's bad practices flow from their bad principles; if they profess to know God, yet…

Psalm 54. David complains of the malice of his enemies. (1-3) Assurance of the Divine favour and protection. (4-7)

Psalm 55. Prayer to God to manifest his favour. (1-8) The great wickedness and treachery of his enemies. (9-15) He is sure that God would in due time appear for him. (16-23)

Psalm 56. David seeks mercy from God, amidst the malice of his enemies. (1-7) He rests his faith on God's promises, and declares his obligation to praise him for mercies. (8-13)

Psalm 57. David begins with prayer and complaint. (1-6) He concludes with joy and praise. (7-11)

Psalm 58. Wicked judges described and reproved. (1-5) A prayer that they may be disabled, and their ruin predicted. (6-11)

Psalm 59. David prays for deliverance from his enemies. (1-7) He foresees their destruction. (8-17)

Psalm 60. David prays for the deliverance of Israel from their enemies. (1-5) He entreats God to carry on and complete their victories. (6-12)

Psalm 61. David seeks God upon former experience. (1-4) He vows to serve God. (5-8)

Psalm 62. David's confidence in God. (1-7) No trust to be put in worldly things. (8-12)

Psalm 63. David's desire toward God. (1-2) His satisfaction in God. (3-6) His dependence upon God, and assurance of safety. (7-11)

Psalm 64. Prayer for deliverance. (1-6) The destruction of the wicked, encouragement to the righteous. (7-10)

Psalm 65. God is to be praised in the kingdom of grace. (1-5) In the kingdom of providence. (6-13)

Psalm 66. Praise for God's sovereign power in the creation. (1-7) For his favour to his church. (8-12) And the psalmist's praise for his experience of God's goodness. (13-20)

Psalm 67. A prayer for the enlargement of Christ's kingdom. --All our happiness comes from God's mercy; therefore the first thing prayed for is, God be merciful to us, to us sinners, and pardon our sins. Pardon is conveyed by God's blessing, and secured in that. If we, by faith, walk with God, we may hope that his face will shine on us. The psalmist passes on to a prayer for the conversion of the Gentiles, which shows that the Old Testament saints desired that their advantages might also be enjoyed by…

Psalm 68. A prayer--The greatness and goodness of God. (1-6) The wonderful works God wrought for his people. (7-14) The presence of God in his church. (15-21) The victories of Christ. (22-28) Enlargement of the church. (29-31) The glory and grace of God. (32-35)

Psalm 69. David complains of great distress. (1-12) And begs for succour. (13-21) He declares the judgments of God. (22-29) He concludes with joy and praise. (30-36)

Psalm 70. The speedy destruction of the wicked, and the preservation of the godly. --This psalm is almost the same as the last five verses of Psa 40. While here we behold Jesus Christ set forth in poverty and distress, we also see him denouncing just and fearful punishment on his Jewish, heathen, and antichristian enemies; and pleading for the joy and happiness of his friends, to his Father's honour. Let us apply these things to our own troubled circumstances, and in a believing manner bring them, and…

Psalm 71. Prayers that God would deliver and save. (1-13) Believing praises. (14-24)

Psalm 72. David begins with a prayer for Solomon. (1) He passes into a prophecy of the glories of his reign, and of Christ's kingdom. (2-17) Praise to God. (18-20)

Psalm 73. The psalmist's temptation. (1-14) How he gained a victory over it. (15-20) How he profited by it. (21-28)

Psalm 74. The desolations of the sanctuary. (1-11) Pleas for encouraging faith. (12-17) Petitions for deliverances. (18-23)

Psalm 75. The psalmist declares his resolution of executing judgment. (1-5) He rebukes the wicked, and concludes with resolutions to praise God. (6-10)

Psalm 76. The psalmist speaks of God's power. (1-6) All have to fear and to trust in him. (7-12)

Psalm 77. The psalmist's troubles and temptation. (1-10) He encourages himself by the remembrance of God's help of his people. (11-20)

Psalm 78. Attention called for. (1-8) The history of Israel. (9-39) Their settlement in Canaan. (40-55) The mercies of God to Israel contrasted with their ingratitude. (56-72)

Psalm 79. The deplorable condition of the people of God. (1-5) A petition for relief. (6-13)

Psalm 80. The psalmist complains of the miseries of the church. (1-7) Its former prosperity and present desolation. (8-16) A prayer for mercy. (17-19)

Psalm 81. God is praised for what he has done for his people. (1-7) Their obligations to him. (8-16)

Psalm 82. An exhortation to judges. (1-5) The doom of evil rulers. (6-8)

Psalm 83. The designs of the enemies of Israel. (1-8) Earnest prayer for their defeat. (9-18)

Psalm 84. The psalmist expresses his affection to the ordinances of God. (1-7) His desire towards the God of the ordinances. (8-12)

Psalm 85. Prayers for the continuance of former mercies. (1-7) Trust in God's goodness. (8-13)

Psalm 86. The psalmist pleads his earnestness, and the mercy of God, as reasons why his prayer should be heard. (1-7) He renews his requests for help and comfort. (8-17)

Psalm 87. The glory of the church. (1-3) It is filled with the Divine blessing. (4-7)

Psalm 88. The psalmist pours out his soul to God in lamentation. (1-9) He wrestles by faith, in his prayer to God for comfort. (10-18)

Psalm 89. God's mercy and truth, and his covenant. (1-4) The glory and perfection of God. (5-14) The happiness of those in communion with him. (15-18) God's covenant with David, as a type of Christ. (19-37) A calamitous state lamented, Prayer for redress. (38-52)

Psalm 90. The eternity of God, the frailty of man. (1-6) Submission to Divine chastisements. (7-11) Prayer for mercy and grace. (12-17)

Psalm 91. The safety of those who have God for their refuge. (1-8) Their favour with Him. (9-16)

Psalm 92. Praise is the business of the sabbath. (1-6) The wicked shall perish, but God's people shall be exalted. (7-15)

Psalm 93. The majesty, power, and holiness of Christ's kingdom. --The Lord might have displayed only his justice, holiness, and awful power, in his dealings with fallen men; but he has been pleased to display the riches of his mercy, and the power of his renewing grace. In this great work, the Father has given all power to his Son, the Lord from heaven, who has made atonement for our sins. He not only can pardon, but deliver and protect all who trust in him. His word is past, and all the saints may rely…

Psalm 94. The danger and folly of persecutors. (1-11) Comfort and peace to the persecuted. (12-23)

Psalm 95. part. An exhortation to praise God. (1-7) A warning not to tempt Him. (7-11)

Psalm 96. A call to all people to praise God. (1-9) God's government and judgment. (10-13)

Psalm 97. The Lord Jesus reigns in power that cannot be resisted. (1-7) His care of his people, and his provision for them. (8-12)

Psalm 98. The glory of the Redeemer. (1-3) The joy of the Redeemer. (4-9)

Psalm 99. The happy government God's people are under. (1-5) Its happy administration. (6-9)

Psalm 100. An exhortation to praise God, and rejoice in him. --This song of praise should be considered as a prophecy, and even used as a prayer, for the coming of that time when all people shall know that the Lord he is God, and shall become his worshippers, and the sheep of his pasture. Great encouragement is given us, in worshipping God, to do it cheerfully. If, when we strayed like wandering sheep, he has brought us again to his fold, we have indeed abundant cause to bless his name. The matter of…

Psalm 101. David's vow and profession of godliness. --In this psalm we have David declaring how he intended to regulate his household, and to govern his kingdom, that he might stop wickedness, and encourage godliness. It is also applicable to private families, and is the householder's psalm. It teaches all that have any power, whether more or less, to use it so as to be a terror to evil-doers, and a praise to them that do well. The chosen subject of the psalm is God's mercy and judgment. The Lord's…

Psalm 102. A sorrowful complaint of great afflictions. (1-11) Encouragement by expecting the performances of God's promises to his church. (12-22) The unchangeableness of God. (23-28)

Psalm 103. An exhortation to bless God for his mercy. (1-5) And to the church and to all men. (6-14) For the constancy of his mercy. (15-18) For the government of the world. (19-22)

Psalm 104. God's majesty in the heavens, The creation of the sea, and the dry land. (1-9) His provision for all creatures. (10-18) The regular course of day and night, and God's sovereign power over all the creatures. (19-30) A resolution to continue praising God. (31-35)

Psalm 105. A solemn call to praise and serve the Lord. (1-7) His gracious dealings with Israel. (8-23) Their deliverance from Egypt, and their settlement in Canaan. (24-45)

Psalm 106. The happiness of God's people. (1-5) Israel's sins. (6-12) Their provocations. (13-33) Their rebellions in Canaan. (34-46) Prayer for more complete deliverance. (47-48)

Psalm 107. God's providential care of the children of men in distresses, in banishment, and dispersion. (1-9) In captivity. (10-16) In sickness. (17-22) Danger at sea. (23-32) God's hand is to be seen by his own people. (33-43)

Psalm 108. --We may usefully select passages from different psalms, as here, Psa 57; 60, to help our devotions, and enliven our gratitude. When the heart is firm in faith and love, the tongue, being employed in grateful praises, is our glory. Every gift of the Lord honours and profits the possessor, as it is employed in God's service and to his glory. Believers may pray with assured faith and hope, for all the blessings of salvation; which are secured to them by the faithful promise and covenant of God.…

Psalm 109. David complains of his enemies. (1-5) He prophesies their destruction. (6-20) Prayers and praises. (21-31)

Psalm 110. Christ's kingdom. --Glorious things are here spoken of Christ. Not only he should be superior to all the kings of the earth, but he then existed in glory as the eternal Son of God. Sitting is a resting posture: after services and sufferings, to give law, to give judgment. It is a remaining posture: he sits like a king for ever. All his enemies are now in a chain, but not yet made his footstool. And his kingdom, being set up, shall be kept up in the world, in despite of all the powers of…

Psalm 111. The Lord is to be praised for his works. --The psalmist resolves to praise God himself. Our exhortations and our examples should agree together. He recommends the works of the Lord, as the proper subject, when we are praising him; and the dealings of his providence toward the world, the church, and particular persons. All the works of the Lord are spoken of as one, it is his work; so admirably do all the dispensations of his providence centre in one design. The works of God, humbly and…

Psalm 112. The blessedness of the righteous. --We have to praise the Lord that there are a people in the world, who fear him and serve him, and that they are a happy people; which is owing entirely to his grace. Their fear is not that which love casts out, but that which love brings in. It follows and flows from love. It is a fear to offend. This is both fear and trust. The heart touched by the Spirit of God, as the needle touched with the loadstone, turns direct and speedily to God, yet still with…

Psalm 113. 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…

Psalm 114. 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,…

Psalm 115. Glory to be ascribed to God. (1-8) by trusting in him and praising him. (9-18)

Psalm 116. The psalmist declares his love to the Lord. (1-9) His desire to be thankful. (10-19)

Psalm 117. 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…

Psalm 118. It is good to trust in the Lord. (1-18) The coming of Christ in his kingdom. (19-29)

Psalm 119. 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…

Psalm 120. The psalmist prays to God to deliver him from false and malicious tongues. (1-4) He complains of wicked neighbours. (5-7)

Psalm 121. The safety of the godly. --We must not rely upon men and means, instruments and second causes. Shall I depend upon the strength of the hills? upon princes and great men? No; my confidence is in God only. Or, we must lift up our eyes above the hills; we must look to God who makes all earthly things to us what they are. We must see all our help in God; from him we must expect it, in his own way and time. This psalm teaches us to comfort ourselves in the Lord, when difficulties and dangers are…

Psalm 122. Esteem for Jerusalem. (1-5) Concern for its welfare. (6-9)

Psalm 123. Confidence in God under contempt. --Our Lord Jesus has taught us to look unto God in prayer as our Father in heaven. In every prayer a good man lifts up his soul to God; especially when in trouble. We desire mercy from him; we hope he will show us mercy, and we will continue waiting on him till it come. The eyes of a servant are to his master's directing hand, expecting that he will appoint him his work. And also to his supplying hand. Servants look to their master or their mistress for their…

Psalm 124. The deliverance of the church. (1-5) Thankfulness for the deliverance. (6-8)

Psalm 125. The security of the righteous. (1-3) Prayer for them, The ruin of the wicked. (4-5)

Psalm 126. Those returned out of captivity are to be thankful. (1-3) Those yet in captivity are encouraged. (4-6)

Psalm 127. The value of the Divine blessing. --Let us always look to God's providence. In all the affairs and business of a family we must depend upon his blessing. 1. For raising a family. If God be not acknowledged, we have no reason to expect his blessing; and the best-laid plans fail, unless he crowns them with success. 2. For the safety of a family or a city. Except the Lord keep the city, the watchmen, though they neither slumber nor sleep, wake but in vain; mischief may break out, which even early…

Psalm 128. The blessings of those who fear God. --Only those who are truly holy, are truly happy. In vain do we pretend to be of those that fear God, if we do not make conscience of keeping stedfastly to his ways. Blessed is every one that fears the Lord; whether he be high or low, rich or poor in the world. If thou fear him and walk in his ways, all shall be well with thee while thou livest, better when thou diest, best of all in eternity. By the blessing of God, the godly shall get an honest livelihood.…

Psalm 129. Thankfulness for former deliverances. (1-4) A believing prospect of the destruction of the enemies of Zion. (5-8)

Psalm 130. The psalmist's hope in prayer. (1-4) His patience in hope. (5-8)

Psalm 131. The psalmist's humility. Believers encouraged to trust in God. --The psalmist aimed at nothing high or great, but to be content in every condition God allotted. Humble saints cannot think so well of themselves as others think of them. The love of God reigning in the heart, will subdue self-love. Where there is a proud heart, there is commonly a proud look. To know God and our duty, is learning sufficiently high for us. It is our wisdom not to meddle with that which does not belong to us. He was…

Psalm 132. David's care for the ark. (1-10) The promises of God. (11-18)

Psalm 133. The excellency of brotherly love. --We cannot say too much, it were well if enough could be said, to persuade people to live together in peace. It is good for us, for our honour and comfort; and brings constant delight to those who live in unity. The pleasantness of this is likened to the holy anointing oil. This is the fruit of the Spirit, the proof of our union with Christ, and adorns his gospel. It is profitable as well as pleasing; it brings blessings numerous as the drops of dew. It cools…

Psalm 134. An exhortation to bless the Lord. --We must stir up ourselves to give glory to God, and encourage ourselves to hope for mercy and grace from him. It is an excellent plan to fill up all our spare minutes with pious meditations, and prayers and praises. No time would then be a burden, nor should we murder our hours by trifling conversation and vain amusements, or by carnal indulgences. We need desire no more to make us happy, than to be blessed of the Lord. We ought to beg spiritual blessings,…

Psalm 135. God to be praised for his mercy. (1-4) For his power and judgments. (5-14) The vanity of idols. (15-21)

Psalm 136. God to be praised as the Creator of the world. (1-9) As Israel's God and Saviour. (10-22) For his blessings to all. (23-26)

Psalm 137. The Jews bewail their captivity. (1-4) Their affection for Jerusalem. (5-9)

Psalm 138. The psalmist praises God for answering prayer. (1-5) The Lord's dealing with the humble and the proud. (6-8)

Psalm 139. God knows all things. (1-6) He is every where present. (7-16) The psalmist's hatred to sin, and desire to be led aright. (17-24)

Psalm 140. David encourages himself in God. (1-7) He prays for, and prophesies the destruction of, his persecutors. (8-13)

Psalm 141. David prays for God's acceptance and assistance. (1-4) That God would appear for his rescue. (5-10)

Psalm 142. David's comfort in prayer. --There can be no situation so distressing or dangerous, in which faith will not get comfort from God by prayer. We are apt to show our troubles too much to ourselves, poring upon them, which does us no service; whereas, by showing them to God, we might cast the cares upon him who careth for us, and thereby ease ourselves. Nor should we allow any complaint to ourselves or others, which we cannot make to God. When our spirits are overwhelmed by distress, and filled…

Psalm 143. David complains of his enemies and distresses. (1-6) He prays for comfort, guidance, and deliverance. (7-12)

Psalm 144. David acknowledges the great goodness of God, and prays for help. (1-8) He prays for the prosperity of his kingdom. (9-15)

Psalm 145. David extols the power, goodness, and mercy of the Lord. (1-9) The glory of God's kingdom, and his care of those that love him. (10-21)

Psalm 146. Why we should not trust in men. (1-4) Why we should trust in God. (5-10)

Psalm 147. The people of God are exhorted to praise him for his mercies and care. (1-11) For the salvation and prosperity of the church. (12-20)

Psalm 148. The creatures placed in the upper world called on to praise the Lord. (1-6) Also the creatures of this lower world, especially his own people. (7-14)

Psalm 149. Joy to all the people of God. (1-5) Terror to their enemies. (6-9)

Psalm 150. A psalm of praise. --We are here stirred up to praise God. Praise God for his sanctuary, and the privileges we enjoy by having it among us; praise him because of his power and glory in the firmament. Those who praise the Lord in heaven, behold displays of his power and glory which we cannot now conceive. But the greatest of all his mighty acts is known in his earthly sanctuary. The holiness and the love of our God are more displayed in man's redemption, than in all his other works. Let us…