Let the redeemed of the Lord say so
That the Lord is good, and his mercy everlasting; since their
redemption is a proof of his goodness, and an instance of his
mercy; this is not to be understood of the Israelites redeemed
from Egyptian bondage, or from the Babylonish captivity, though
they had abundant reason to say as above; but rather of all such
who are delivered from any sort of slavery, bondage, and
confinement; whether from the power of a disease, or from a
prison, or from wicked and unreasonable men; and from captivity
in an enemy's country, where they have been used very severely;
and as the providence of God is concerned in all such
deliverances, thanks should be given him: it seems best to
understand it of those who are spiritually redeemed by Christ,
this phrase being frequently used of such, ( Isaiah 35:10
) ( 51:11
) ( 52:12
) , who may be said to be so, since Christ is the author of their
redemption; they are redeemed, not by themselves, nor by any
creature, but by the Lord; who being their God, and near kinsman,
had a right to redeem them, and, being God, was able to do it,
and who has effected it by his precious blood; so that he has a
right unto them and a property in them, which this phrase also
suggests; and for all which they have great reason to praise the
Lord and his goodness, and sing the new song of redeeming love.
Whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy from all their
sins which war against their souls; from Satan their implacable
adversary, who is stronger than they; from the law, which curses
and threatens them with damnation and death; from death itself,
the last enemy, and indeed from the hand of all their enemies, be
they who they may.