| Barnes' Notes on the Bible Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? - Who can speak the great things of God? Who can find language which will suitably express what he has done, or which will "come up" in sublimity to his acts? In other words, human language must fall immeasurably short of adequately expressing the praises of Yahweh, or conveying the fullness of what he has done. Who has not felt this when he has endeavored to praise God in a proper manner? Compare the notes at Psalm 40:5. Who can shew forth all his praise - Hebrew, "Cause to be heard." That is, Language cannot be found which would cause "it to be heard" in a suitable manner. Clarke's Commentary on the BibleWho can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? - His acts are all acts of might; and particularly those in behalf of his followers. Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleWho can utter the mighty acts of the Lord?.... Or powers (i); to which answers the Greek word for the miracles of Christ, Matthew 11:20, and Kimchi here restrains them to the wonders wrought in Egypt, and at the Red sea: but they may as well be extended to the mighty acts of God, and the effects of his power, in the creation of all things out of nothing; in the sustaining and government of the world; in the redemption of his people by Christ; in the conversion of sinners, and in the final perseverance of the saints; in all which there are such displays of the power of God as cannot be uttered and declared by mortal tongues. Who can show forth all his praise? all those things done by him, worthy of praise, they are so many and so great? see Psalm 40:5. (i) "potentias", V. L. Michaelis; "virtutes", Cocceius. Geneva Study BibleWho can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise? Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary2. His acts exceed our comprehension, as His praise our powers of expression (Ro 11:33). Their unutterable greatness is not to keep us back, but to urge us the more to try to praise Him as best we can (Ps 40:5; 71:15). Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary106:1-5 None of our sins or sufferings should prevent our ascribing glory and praise to the Lord. The more unworthy we are, the more is his kindness to be admired. And those who depend on the Redeemer's righteousness will endeavour to copy his example, and by word and deed to show forth his praise. God's people have reason to be cheerful people; and need not envy the children of men their pleasure or pride. |