Psalm 72:17

EXPOSITION

Verse 17. His name shall endure for ever. In its saving power, as the rallying point of believers, and as renowned and glorified, his name shall remain for ever the same.

His name shall be continued as long as the sun. While time is measured out by days, Jesus shall be glorious among men.

And men shall be blessed in him. There shall be cause for all this honour, for he shall really and truly be a benefactor to the race. He himself shall be earth's greatest blessing; when men wish to bless others they shall bless in his name.

All nations shall call him blessed. The grateful nations shall echo his benedictions, and wish him happy who has made them happy. Not only shall some glorify the Lord, but all; no land shall remain in heathenism; all nations shall delight to do him honour.

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 17. His name shall be continued. Yinnon: The Kethiv, yanin, would be; "shall produce fresh progeny," or "send forth new shoots." M. Renan was far from intending to supply a commentary on this verse, when he said of the Lord Jesus, "Son culte se rajeunira sans cesse." Yet it would not be easy to find a more forcible illustration of the meaning of yannin. William Kay.

Verse 17. (second clause). The version and sense which Gussetius gives seems best of all: His name shall generate, or beget children before the sun; that is, his name preached, as the gospel, which is his name ( Acts 9:15 ), shall be the means of begetting many sons and daughters openly and publicly, in the face of the sun, and wherever that is. John Gill.

Verse 17. All nations shall call him blessed. It is sometimes inadvertently said that the Old Testament is narrow and exclusive, while the New Testament is broad and catholic in its spirit. This is a mistake. The Old and New Testaments are of one mind on this matter. Many are called, and few chosen. This is the common doctrine of the New as well as of the Old. They are both equally catholic in proclaiming the gospel to all. The covenant with Adam and with Noah is still valid, and sure to all who return to God; and the call of Abram is expressly said to be a means of extending blessing to all the families of man. The New Testament does not aim at anything more than this: it merely hails the approaching accomplishment of the same gracious end. James G. Murphy, in "A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Book of Genesis." 1863.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 17.

1. Christ glorified in the Church: men shall be
   blessed, etc.
   
2. Glorified in the world: all nations, etc.
   
3. Glorified in worlds to come: endure, be
   continued, etc.
   
4. Glorified for ever. G. Rogers.

Verse 17-19. The Four Blesseds, their meaning and order.