Like high palaces— Like the mountains, the high places. This version is made probable by the next words, like the earth: standing upon the top of Sion and making the summit of it, the sanctuary had the air of a mountain; and the firmness of one now, being fixed there; for before it had been ambulatory. Mudge. See Psalms 68:18.
REFLECTIONS.—This psalm opens with a solemn call from the Lord Christ to attend the instructive truths here recorded: they are addressed to his people, the Jews in general, who are called his own, John 1:11 and who were peculiarly bound to remember the wonders he had wrought on their behalf, to incline their ears to the words of his mouth; that everlasting gospel, which, in the law and the prophets, was declared to them, and in the fulness of time preached by himself among them.
1. The matter required attention. I will open my mouth in a parable; which was his usual method of teaching, Matthew 13:34-35. I will utter dark sayings of old; truths which challenge the most serious regard, and which have antiquity to recommend them, the gospel being as old as the first man, though more clearly and plainly dispensed when Christ the Substance came, and the shadows fled away: which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us; those holy ancestors, of whom, as concerning the flesh, Christ came, who carefully transmitted the revelation which God had made to them, and the memory of his wonderous works, to their posterity: and we will not hide them from their children, the Jewish people, to whom Christ and his apostles fully published the glorious gospel, shewing to the generation to come, in a constant succession of ministers, the praises of the Lord; those truths of gospel grace, which will furnish matter for the everlasting praises of the faithful; and his strength, manifested in the redemption, conversion, and salvation of sinners; and his wonderful works that he hath done for his people in all ages, in delivering them from the hands of their enemies. Note; (1.) The concerns of our salvation are infinitely important, and demand our most serious attention. (2.) Among all the most precious treasures that we can transmit to our children, we must ever esteem the doctrines of the grace of God in Jesus Christ to be the chief, and carefully instruct them in this most inestimable wisdom.
2. The two chief particulars of those instructions, which, with such care, are here enjoined to be delivered down successively through all ages, are the word and works of God: the word of God containing both the law and gospel; the works of God containing all his providential dispensations in behalf of the faithful; and these are carefully to be inculcated in the rising generation: [1.] That they might set their hope in God, and in him alone; renouncing all other confidences, expecting pardon, holiness, strength, and salvation, from his free grace and mercy in Christ Jesus, and not forget the works of God, manifold and marvellous, working for the good of his faithful people; but keep his commandments from a principle of love, and through the grace ministered to them from God. [2.] That they might not be as their fathers, whose ill examples should be their warnings.