were the interpositions connected with their redemption, and God's "mighty acts" on their behalf. 3. And further-With what we are to praise Him is specified: viz., with all that has "sound" or "voice," ver. 3-end. Where every instrument then known is named; and last, the chief instrument of all, the voice-"Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord". Though we may better understand this clause in a yet wider sense, as a call on all animate creation to praise Him: to join in one universal chorus of "Hallelujah!" A suitable conclusion this to the Book of Psalms, which, according to its Hebrew title, is "the Book of Praises"-a Doxology to the whole, as well as to the five parts into which it is divided; consisting (as before remarked) of thirteen "Hallelujals". II. But this Psalm (with those of similar subject and construction) has another aspect. It is a prophecy to which its being couched in the language of exhortation, or in the imperative mood, is no objection. For prophecy assumes many forms besides the future tense, and especially in this Book, as we have had occasion frequently to notice; e. g.― 1. Sometimes the present, when in vision the Psalmist is, as it were, carried into the scene of future transactions. So Ps. ii. 1–3, applied to the opposition to Christ of the Jewish rulers, &c., Acts, iv. 25, 26: and having a yet ulterior and yet future fulfilment in the Antichristian confederacy of the last days, as proved by the sequel: (see Exposition.) And Ps. xxii., the remarkable and minute prophecy of Christ's sufferings; and uttered in the present throughout. 2. Sometimes also, we have seen, even the past tense is used, anticipating the events as having already occurred: as in the other notable prophecy of Christ's sufferings-Isaiah, liii., couched in the Making the complete number ten.-Hengst. ? See on Ps. xli. 13, Exposition, p. 376, 377. past tense throughout. In addition to which we may compare the whole of Ps. viii., a prophecy of the "world to come" subjected to Christ. And Ps. lxxix. 1-4, and lxxx. 8, &c., which speak of Jerusalem's desolation, and its people's captivity, and lament over it as come; as others anticipate their restoration, Ps. lxxxv., &c. And others, as Ps. xlvi. 6-9, the Advent judgment; and Ps. xcvi., and xcviii., the Advent kingdom. 3. Sometimes again-very often indeed-prophecy is couched in the language of prayer: because inspired prayers will assuredly be answered. 4. And finally-often in the language of praise, or of calls to praise; e. g. the opening verses of Psalms xcvi. and xcviii. just referred to; Ps. c. all, &c. &c. And so here. Is the call to "every thing that hath breath" to "praise the Lord?" So shall it one day be. Far though it be now from being responded to, it shall be, so sure as the call is here made. Again, then, let us say, Amen, so be it. HALLELUJAH. PRAISE YE THE LORD. GENERAL INDEX. ABRAHAM. Blessing of the nations in, 424, 585. ADAM. Inheritance of, restored in Christ as Son of Man, 52, 109, and ADVENT. The First:-Not the establishment of the predicted kingdom of the A type of the second, 523. The Second-The hope of the Church, 184, 274, 315, 648, 671. Indicated in the Psalms by consuming fire, 141, 195-6, 224, AHITOPHEL. A type of Judas Iscariot, 60, 375, 471. ALLEGORICAL EXPOSITION. Examples of, 114, note; 195, note; 608, note; 755, note. See under Psalms. ANGELS. Named "Elohim," 106, note 9; 112, 753, note 3. "The Angel of Jehovah," 319. ANTICHRIST. Foretold in the Psalms as "The Wicked One." See this title. A False Christ, or Anti-Messiah, 13, 899. Delusion of the Jews by, 473. His Atheism, 129-30, 155, 335-6, 524, 665. ANTICHRIST-continued. Sits in the Temple of God, 460, 731. Sets up"The abomination of desolation," 600, note 1; 603, 638. His Persecution of Israel: see Israel. Persecution. And of the Saints: see His Downfall, 103-4, 270. In the land of Israel, 134, 614. And Augustine on, 129, note; 132, note; 665. ANTICHRISTIAN CONFEDERACY. See Nations. APOCALYPSE, THE. The scope of, and first Seal, 404, note. The fifth Seal, 121, 151. The sixth Seal, 196-7, 441. The Beast of, 46, 123–4, 130–2, 142, 472–3, 607. The seventh Trumpet, 730. Vision of Christ's Advent, 46, 124, 472. ARISING OF GOD. A renewal of miraculous interposition, 133-4, 147. At the second Advent of Christ, 62, 75, 100, 124, 184, 328, 331, 392-3, 550-1, 657. In answer to the cry of the afflicted, ib. passim. ARMAGEDDON. Identical with "Megiddo," 284, 663. Scene of the last conflict, ib. and 521, 614. ASAPH. Psalms inscribed for, 438, note *; 600, note; 607, note. ASCENSION OF CHRIST. Prophecies of, in Psalms, 112, 113, 176, 223, 549, 831. His Inauguration into His Kingdom as the Messiah, not His Ac- ASSYRIAN, THE. A type, 90, 613. ATONEMENT. Import and efficacy of, 302, note 3. Reference to, in pleas for forgiveness, 453, 525, note 1; 639. |