O give thanks unto the Lord ... - The psalm closes, as it began, with an exhortation to praise God. In the beginning of the psalm, it was a general exhortation; here it is an exhortation founded on the course of thought in the psalm, or as a proper conclusion from what had been referred to in the psalm. Evidence had been given that the Lord was good; on the ground of that, all people are exhorted to give him thanks.

O give thanks unto the Lord - This is the general doxology or chorus. All join in thanksgiving, and they end as they began: "His mercy endureth for ever." It began at the creation of man; it will continue till the earth is burnt up.

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good,.... And thus the psalm ends as it began; there having been given many instances of the divine goodness, in hearing and delivering the psalmist when in distress; saving him from his enemies, when compassed about with them; sparing his life, when in great danger; and especially in making the stone rejected by the builders the head of the corner;

for his mercy endureth for ever; the above instances are proofs of it; and still it continues, and will for evermore. Here ends the great "Hallel", or hymn, sung at the passover and other festivals.

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

[1] O give thanks unto the Lord

The Messianic Psalms: Summary. That the Psalms contain a testimony to Christ our Lord Himself affirmed Lk 24:44 and the N.T. quotations from the Psalter point unerringly to those Psalms which have the Messianic character. A close spiritual and prophetic character as surely identifies others. Christ is seen in the Psalms

(1) in two general character, as suffering (e.g. Psa. 22), and as entering into His kingdom glory (e.g. psa 2.; 24.) Cf Lk 24:25-27.

(2) Christ is seen in His person

(a) as Son of God Ps 2:7 and very God Ps 45:6,7 102:25 110:1

(b) as Son of man Ps 8:4-6

(c) as Son of David Ps 89:3,4,27,29

(3) Christ is seen in His offices

(a) as Prophet Ps 22:22,25 40:9,10

(b) as Priest Ps 110:4 and

(c) as King (e.g. Psa 2., 24.)

(4) Christ is seen in His varied work. As Priest He offers Himself in sacrifice Ps 22:1-31 40:6 Heb 10:5-12 and, in resurrection, as the Priest-Shepherd, ever living to make intercession Ps 23:1-6 Heb 7:21-25 13:20. As Prophet He proclaims the name of Jehovah as Father Ps 22:22 Jn 20:17. As King He fulfils the Davidic Covenant Ps 89:1-52 and restores alike the dominion of man over creation Ps 8:4-8 Rom 8:17-21 and of the Father over all. 1Cor 15:25-28.

(5) The Messianic Psalms give, also, the inner thoughts, the exercises of soul, of Christ in His earthly experiences. (See, e.g., Ps 16:8-11 22:1-21 40:1-17).

118:22,23, may refer to David's preferment; but principally to Christ. 1. His humiliation; he is the Stone which the builders refused: they would go on in their building without him. This proved the ruin of those who thus made light of him. Rejecters of Christ are rejected of God. 2. His exaltation; he is the chief Cornerstone in the foundation. He is the chief Top-stone, in whom the building is completed, who must, in all things, have the pre-eminence. Christ's name is Wonderful; and the redemption he wrought out is the most amazing of all God's wondrous works. We will rejoice and be glad in the Lord's day; not only that such a day is appointed, but in the occasion of it, Christ's becoming the Head. Sabbath days ought to be rejoicing days, then they are to us as the days of heaven. Let this Saviour be my Saviour, my Ruler. Let my soul prosper and be in health, in that peace and righteousness which his government brings. Let me have victory over the lusts that war against my soul; and let Divine grace subdue my heart. The duty which the Lord has made, brings light with it, true light. The duty this privilege calls for, is here set forth; the sacrifices we are to offer to God in gratitude for redeeming love, are ourselves; not to be slain upon the altar, but living sacrifices, to be bound to the altar; spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise, in which our hearts must be engaged. The psalmist praises God, and calls upon all about him to give thanks to God for the glad tidings of great joy to all people, that there is a Redeemer, even Christ the Lord. In him the covenant of grace is made sure and everlasting.