Psalms 146:1-10 - Homilies By C. Short

God alone worthy of trust.

"Bears evident traces of belonging to the post-Exile literature; and the words of Psalms 146:7-9 are certainly no inapt expression of the feelings which would naturally be called forth at a time immediately subsequent to the return from the Captivity."

I. EVEN THE MIGHTIEST OF MANKIND ARE UNWORTHY OF TRUST .

1. They cannot save in our greatest extremities . "In whom is no help." From want of ability and often from want of wilt.

2. The plans and projects of man soon come to an end . ( Psalms 146:4 .) His purposes perish, and he passes away. The masters of one age are deposed by those who come after them, and their systems are exploded.

II. THOSE ONLY ARE HAPPY WHO TRUST IN JEHOVAH . ( Psalms 146:5-10 .)

1. God is the almighty Creator . ( Psalms 146:6 .) Of the heavens, the earth, the sun, and all living things. This is power, spiritual and physical.

2. God unchangeably adheres to the fulfillment of his promises . ( Psalms 146:6 .) "Keepeth truth for ever." Men easily change their mind, and do not keep their word.

3. He obtains right for the oppressed . ( Psalms 146:7 .) Cannot allow unrighteous men a final triumph over the weak and unprotected. Succors those who suffer wrong without doing wrong.

4. Provides daily bread for the poor and needy . ( Psalms 146:7 .) God is a bountiful God, "who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not."

5. Is beneficent and gracious , as the Ruler of men . ( Psalms 146:7-9 .) "Looseth the prisoners " ( Isaiah 61:1 ). "Openeth the eyes of the blind "—both of the mind and the body. "Raiseth up the fallen , and upholds the fainting ." "He loveth the righteous ," but he is tender towards all the naturally defenseless—the strangers , the widow , and the fatherless .

6. God ' s kingdom endureth forever . ( Psalms 146:10 .) The eternal duration of his kingdom is the guarantee for its future glorious completion, and for the ultimate victories of love.—S.