1.
Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.
1-3. Earnestness and zeal are
denoted by the emphatic repetitions.
servants of the Lord—or,
all the people of God.
name of the Lord—perfections
(Psalms 5:11; Psalms 111:9).
2.
Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.
3.
From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised.
3. From the rising, &c.—all
the world.
4.
The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.
4-6. God's exaltation enhances
His condescension;
5.
Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,
6.
Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!
7.
He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;
7, 8. which condescension is
illustrated as often in raising the worthy poor and needy to honor
(compare 1 Samuel 2:8; Psalms 44:25).
8.
That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.
9.
He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.
9. On this special case, compare
1 Samuel 2:21. Barrenness was
regarded as a disgrace, and is a type of a deserted Church (1 Samuel 2:21).
the barren woman . . .
house—literally, "the barren of the house," so that
the supplied words may be omitted.