Psalms 115
DOYLYVer. 1, 2. When Israel went &c.] When Jehovah delivered Israel from the bondage of Egypt, He chose them for his peculiar people: his presence presided in their camp, as in a “sanctuary,” or temple; and He ruled them as an earthly king exerciseth sovereignty in his “dominiums.” Bp. Horne.
Ver. 3.—he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.] He doeth whatsoever he pleaseth. Mudge, Street.
Psalms 115:4
- The mountains skipped &c.] The mountains of the wilderness shook and were moved sensibly at his terrible presence, when He delivered the law to his people, Exod. xix. 18. Bp. Hall.
If the Divine presence hath such an effect upon inanimate matter, how ought it to operate on rational and accountable beings? Let us be afraid with an holy fear at the presence of God, in the world by his providence, and by his Spirit in our consciences; that so we may have hope and courage in the day when He shall arise to shake terribly the earth; when “every island shall flee away, and the mountain shall be no more found,” Rev. xvi. 20. Bp. Horne.
Psalm CXV. This Psalm has always been used as an speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
Psalms 115:10
- O house of Aaron.] This expression comprehends the priests and Levites. Travel.
Psalms 115:11
- Ye that fear the Lord.] This seems to comprehend those, all the world over, that worshipped the one supreme God. Mudge.
Psalms 115:12
- The Lord hath been mindful of us:] Rather, the Lord remembereth us. Mudge.
From the former part of this Psalm we learn, that God is induced to do good to men, not by any merit on their part, but by his own pure mercy, which ought therefore to be the foundation of our trust when we direct our prayer to Him. In the latter part we see how happy those are who worship God and fear Him; since the Psalmist assures us, that God is the help and buckler of all those that trust in Him, and that his favours are extended to them and their posterity. These