Psalm 106:5

Verse 5. -- We may note that the threefold nature of man prompts the union of the three petitions of this verse in one. "That I may see," is the prayer of the body, desiring the open vision of God; "and rejoice," is the wish of the soul or mind, that the affections may likewise be gratified; and vice thanks, as the spirit needs to pour itself out in worship. Further, there are three names here given to the saints, each for a reason of its own. They are God's "chosen," because of his predestinating grace, "according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love" ( Ephesians 1:4 ); they are his "nation," having one law and one worship under him as sole king, "And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law?" ( Deuteronomy 4:8 ) they are his "inheritance," for it is written, "I shall give the heathen for thine inheritance" ( Psalms 2:8 ). --Hugo Cardinalis and Albertus Magnus, in Neale and Littledale.

Verse 5. -- That I may see the good of thy chosen. That, having been predestined, and justified, we may come to see the good of thy chosen, which means that the very face of the Lord may be made conspicuous to us. ( 1 John 3:2 ). By the "good of thy chosen" we are not to understand their own probity or goodness, but the supreme happiness that is their lot. "That I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation." That we may partake in that unspeakable joy which arises from the beatific vision, which is the peculiar property of the chosen people, of which strangers cannot taste, of which the gospel says, "Enter into the joy of thy Lord." --Robert Bellarmine, 1542-1621.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 5.

--G.R.