Psalm 144:1-4 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 144:1-8

Here, I. David acknowledges his dependence upon God and his obligations to him, Ps. 144:1, 2. A prayer for further mercy is fitly begun with a thanksgiving for former mercy; and when we are waiting upon God to bless us we should stir up ourselves to bless him. He gives to God the glory of two things:? 1. What he was to him: Blessed be the Lord my rock (Ps. 144:1), my goodness, my fortress, Ps. 144:2. He has in the covenant engaged himself to be so, and encouraged us, accordingly, to depend... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 144:1

Blessed be the Lord my strength ,.... The author and giver of his natural strength of body, and of the fortitude of his mind, and of all the spiritual strength he had, to exercise grace, to bear up under afflictions and trials, to perform duty, and withstand enemies. It may be applied to Christ, the antitype of David, the man of God's right hand, he has made strong for himself. It may be rendered, "my rock" F3 צורי "rupes mea", Montanus, Tigurine version, Junius & Tremellius,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 144:2

My goodness ,.... Not only good, but goodness itself; the donor of all the blessings of goodness to him; the author of all goodness in him; the provider of all goodness for him, laid up to be used hereafter. The Septuagint and Vulgate Latin versions render it my mercy, properly enough; that is, the God of "my mercy", as in Psalm 59:10 ; who is all mercy, full of mercy, rich and plenteous in it; which is abundant, and from everlasting to everlasting. Or, "my grace" F4 חסדי "gratia... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 144:3

Lord, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him ?.... Man, that is at most and best but a creature, made of the dust of the earth, is but dust and ashes; yea, a sinful creature, that drinks up iniquity like water: and yet the Lord not only knows him, as he is the omniscient God, but takes notice of him in a way of providence, and in a way of grace. His chosen people are no other nor better than others, of the same original, and of the same character; and yet he owns and acknowledges... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 144:4

Man is like to vanity ,.... Is vanity itself, in every age, state, and condition; yea, in his best estate, Psalm 39:5 ; or, "to the breath" F8 להבל "halitui", Muis; so Kimchi. of the mouth, as Kimchi; which is gone as soon as seen almost: or, to a vapour F9 "Vapori", Cocceius; so the Syriac and Arabic versions. ; to which the life of man is compared, James 4:14 ; his days are as a shadow that passeth away ; as the former denotes the frailty and mortality of man, this... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 144:1

Teacheth my hands to war - To use sword, battle-axe, or spear. And my fingers to fight - To use the bow and arrows, and the sling. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 144:2

Who subdueth my people - Who has once more reduced the nation to a state of loyal obedience. This may refer to the peace after the rebellion of Absalom. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 144:3

Lord, what is man - See the notes on Psalm 8:4 , Psalm 8:5 . What is Adam, that thou approvest of him? Can he do any thing worthy of thy notice? Or the son of feeble perishing man, that thou shouldest hold him in repute? What care, love, and attention, dost thou lavish upon him! read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 144:4

Man is like to vanity - דמה להבל אדם Adam lahebel damah , literally, Adam is like to Abel, exposed to the same miseries, accidents, and murderers; for in millions of cases the hands of brothers are lifted up to shed the blood of brothers. What are wars but fratricide in the great human family? His days are as a shadow - The life of Abel was promissory of much blessedness; but it afforded merely the shadow of happiness. He was pure and holy, beloved of his parents, and beloved of God;... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 144:1

Verse 1 1.Blessed be Jehovah, my strength (257) It is very evident that David, since he celebrates the favor of God in such high terms, had not only obtained the kingdom, but gained signal victories. When he calls God his strength, he acknowledges that any courage he had was given him from above, not only because he had been made from a country shepherd a mighty warrior, but because the constancy and perseverance he had shown was signally a gift from God. This term answers better than were we... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 144:1-8

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 144:1

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 144:2

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 144:3

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 144:4

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 144:1

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 144:2

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 144:3

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 144:4

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 144:1

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