The Treasury of David
by C.H. Spurgeon
EXPOSITION OF THE PSALMS
(Psalms 45 Verse 17)
Verse 17. I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations. Jehovah by the prophet's mouth promises to the Prince of Peace eternal fame as well as a continuous progeny. His name is his fame, his character, his person; these are dear to his people now -- they never can forget them; and it shall be so as long as men exist. Names renowned in one generation have been unknown to the next era, but the laurels of Jesus shall ever be fresh, his renown ever new. God will see to this; his providence and his grace shall make it so. The fame of Messiah is not left to human guardianship; the Eternal guarantees it, and his promise never fails. All down the ages the memories of Gethsemane and Calvary shall glow with inextinguishable light; nor shall the lapse of time, the smoke of error, or the malice of hell be able to dim the glory of the Redeemer's fame. Therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever. They shall confess thee to be what thou art, and shall render to thee in perpetuity the homage due. Praise is due from every heart to him who loved us, and redeemed us by his blood; this praise will never be fully paid, but will be ever a standing and growing debt. His daily benefits enlarge our obligations, let them increase the number of our songs. Age to age reveals more of his love, let every year swell the volume of the music of earth and heaven, and let thunders of song roll up in full diapason to the throne of him that liveth, and was dead, and is alive for evermore, and hath the keys of hell and of death.
"Let him be crowned with majesty
Who bowed his head to death,
And be his honours sounded high
By all things that have breath."
EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS
Verse 17. Therefore shall the people praise thee. Christ's espousing unto himself a church, and gathering more and more from age to age by his word and Spirit unto it, his converting souls and bringing them into the fellowship of his family, and giving unto them princely minds and affections, wherever they live, is a large matter of growing and everlasting glory unto his majesty; for in regard of this point, and what is said before in this Psalm, he addeth as the close of all, Therefore shall the people praise thee. David Dickson.
Verse 17. In the Hebrew text, which is here quoted, there is a particle added to the word ever, which in that case intends a proper everlastingness, without any period or end at all, and thereupon translated for ever and ever. William Gouge, D.D., on Hebrews 1:8.
Verse 17. (last clause): --
"When morning gilds the skies,
My heart awakening cries;
May Jesus Christ be praised."
"When sleep her balm denies,
My silent spirit sighs;
May Jesus Christ be praised.""In heaven's eternal bliss,
The loveliest strain is this;
May Jesus Christ be praised.""To God the Word on high.
The hosts of angels cry;
May Jesus Christ be praised.""Let mortals too, upraise
Their voice in hymns of praise;
May Jesus Christ be praised.""Let earth's wide circle round,
In joyful notes resound;
May Jesus Christ be praised.""Let air, and sea, and sky,
From depths to height reply;
May Jesus Christ be praised.""Be this while life is mine,
My canticles divine;
May Jesus Christ be praised.""Be this the eternal song
Through all the ages on;
May Jesus Christ be praised."Translated by Edward Caswall, in "Poems." 1861.
HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS
Verse 17.
- Christ is the Father's delight. "I will make," etc.
- He is the church's theme -- his name shall be remembered; and
- He is heaven's glory, "Shall praise thee," etc. G.R.