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Brothers & Sisters, The Psalms are so uplifting. Full of Praises to God, prayers, advise, and some even prophecy.
We can learn so much from this Book.
                Blessings For The Godly

Ps 1:1 ¶ Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Ps 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Ps 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Ps 1:4 ¶ The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Ps 1:5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

Ps 1:6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Amen Sister Maria!

You are SO RIGHT! I love the Psalms and I do read something from Psalms every day. Here's a little secret about the Psalms that you probably already know about - they contain Bible Prophecy and serve as references for many areas of Bible Prophecy. So they are more than just beautiful, strengthening, and uplifting.

Love in Christ,
Tom

Psalms 116:12-13 NASB  What shall I render to the LORD For all His benefits toward me?  I shall lift up the cup of salvation And call upon the name of the LORD.

Amen brother, indeed they do.  :D

Ps 2:1 ¶ Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
Ps 2:2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,Ps 2:3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
Ps 2:4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
Ps 2:5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
Ps 2:6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
Ps 2:7 ¶ I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee
Ps 2:8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.Ps 2:9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
Ps 2:10 ¶ Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.Ps 2:11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
Ps 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, this the 2nd Psalm contains prophecy we are seeing right now here in our own country, read again verses 2-3. BUT God!!! Hallelujah laughs at them, go back this time to verses 4-5. And HE lets them know Who His King is in verse 6. In verses 7-8 we see what will happen to the kings of the earth, God Himself is talking to His Son, and He has been given authority, verse 9. And finally verses 10-12 God in His loving mercy gives notice to all on how to avoid the coming judgement. And finally He reminds us that He blesses those that have put their trust in Him (last part of verse 12). I have learned so much from this Psalm, I can see the things mentioned in it happening all around me today. Not one word in the Bible has been written in vain, God has been and still is watching over His Word to perform it. The world has been given notice.

 Psalm 3
Ps 1:1 LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.

Ps 3:2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.

Ps 3:3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

Ps 3:4 ¶ I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

Ps 3:5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

Ps 3:6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

Ps 3:7 Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

Ps 3:8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

This Psalm was written by David when he fled from his son Absalom, but how does it relate to us today?
In my own personal opinion, I would say that:
Verse 1, refers to my enemies, (problems, troubles, evils, disasters, the enemy and his evil spirits).
Verse 2, they even try to make me think that God won't hear my prayers, try to make me doubt, worry, try to make me think I deserve to be going through problems, all kinds of lies that the enemy throws at us.
BUT GOD IS FAITHFUL!!Verse 3, He is a shield, my glory, the lifter of my head!!
Verse 4, I give my problems to God, He does hear me!!
Verse 5, He give me peace, I am able to sleep!!
Verse 6, He gives me power, I am not afraid!!
Verse 7, He has smitten my enemies!!!
Verse 8, God has saved me, He blesses His people!!
Thank You Father, for choosing me. Hallelujah!!!!!

David was a man of prayer, he turned to God for everything in his life, he did not try to hide from God when he sinned instead he turned towards God. I personally have learned a lot from David, even though he did a lot of things that were wrong an he sinned, yet he always ran to The Father.
God called him a man after 'His own heart'
This is an evening prayer.

Ps 4:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David.>> Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
Ps 4:2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.

Ps 4:3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

Ps 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

Ps 4:5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

Ps 4:6 ¶ There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

Ps 4:7 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.

Ps 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

Amen AirIam2worship!!

Sister Maria, thank you for these beautiful messages from Psalms. They are something to look forward to, and I know that many will receive a blessing from them. I know that I receive a blessing from them, and I really appreciate you sharing with us.

Love in Christ,
Tom

Psalms 18:28 NASB  For You light my lamp; The LORD my God illumines my darkness.

Brother, my prayer is that some of our visitors will become acquainted with the Psalms. Many people only know a few Psalms and are missing out on many, many blessings. I pray that some will be blessed by these postings, I know I am. I am blessed when I read them, when I do a little meditating on them and research on them and whn I post them.  :)

Psalm 5: A morning prayer, a prayer for protection.
Ps 5:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David.>> Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Ps 5:2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. Ps 5:3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. Ps 5:4 For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. Ps 5:5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. Ps 5:6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. Ps 5:7 ¶ But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. Ps 5:8 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. Ps 5:9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. Ps 5:10 Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee. Ps 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. Ps 5:12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

Psalm 4 as we recall is an evening prayer, in contrast to Psalm 5 which is a morning prayer. We don't know the chronological order of the psalms, but I can gather from this that David prayed at night, and in the morning, he prayed all during the day as we will see as we look into the rest of the Psalms. He prayed for protection, victory, forgivness, and many other things, David was not much different than we are today. But one thing to take notice of in this Psalm is; David calls God "My King, My God" David himself was a king, but he still humbled himself to the KING of Kings. I also want to point out that in the first verse David is asking God to 'hear' "give ear to" his words, these were spoken words he had directed towards God, he also asks God to consider his 'meditation', (unspoken words, thoughts). I believe there are two types of prayer being refered to by David here, the prayer he expressed in words, and the unuttered longings or meditation. He is asking God to consider those meditations, he is petitioning God, and he is expecting from God. Today let us learn from this Psalm that just praying alone is not enough, but having the spirit of prayer, cultivating that spirit of prayer, is where the true prayer lies. Anyone can rumble a few words now and then towards God and hope He hears them. But true prayer is having a real relationship with God, having the right attitude, having the spirit of prayer, and really opening up to God in expectation, fear, and trust. God wants us to develop the kind of relationship with Him that will develop into a Father - child relationship. We should all learn to meditate on God's Word, to have that special walk with God, where we can ask Him to 'consider' our requests, and then trust Him to do just that and answer our requests or petitions in His way, and be absolutely certain that His way is the best way, surrendering all to Him, so He can surrender our desires, and petitions to us.

PSALM 6
Ps 6:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David.>> O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. Ps 6:2 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed. Ps 6:3 My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long? Ps 6:4 Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake. Ps 6:5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks? Ps 6:6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. Ps 6:7 Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies. Ps 6:8 ¶ Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping. Ps 6:9 The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer. Ps 6:10 Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.

This Ps. is the first of the Penitential Psalms, (the other 6 are ps 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143) it expresses at once the deep sorrow, humiliation and the hatred of sin. David knew that he had displeased God. David is very conscious that he deserves to be rebuked, and he feels, moreover, that the rebuke in some form or other must come upon him, if not for condemnation, yet for conviction and sanctification.  He does not ask that the rebuke may be totally withheld, for he might thus lose a blessing in disguise; but, "Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger." If you remind me of my sin, it is good; but, oh, remind me not of it as one incensed against me, lest thy servant's heart should sink in despair.  (Thus saith Jeremiah, "O Lord, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.") I know that I must be chastened, and though I shrink from the rod yet do I feel that it will be for my benefit; but, oh, my God,
It is easy to see here that David is sorrowful, he know he will be chastiesed, yet he has absolute confidence in God that He will be merciful towards him, and that God will lead him to victory.
We have a lot to learn, every day we should approach God with a repentant heart for the sins we commit, even though they may not seem like sin to us God is Holy and in His eyes sin is sin. He is also a merciful, loving, forgiving God. He understands us, if He was not merciful towards us who would be able to stand?

PSALM 7
Ps 7:1 ¶ <<Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite.>> O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me. Ps 7:2 Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver. Ps 7:3 O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands; Ps 7:4 If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:) Ps 7:5 Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah. Ps 7:6 Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded. Ps 7:7 So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high. Ps 7:8 The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me. Ps 7:9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. Ps 7:10 ¶ My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. Ps 7:11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. Ps 7:12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. Ps 7:13 He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors. Ps 7:14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. Ps 7:15 He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. Ps 7:16 His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate. Ps 7:17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.


  Ver. 1. David appears before God to plead with him against the Accuser, who had charged him with treason and treachery.  The case is here opened with an avowal of confidence in God.  Whatever may be the emergency of our condition we shall never find it amiss to retain our reliance upon our God. (We all have an enemy to contend with everyday, he is God's enemy, satan)
  Ver. 2. Lest he tear my soul. Here is the plea of fear co-working with the plea of faith.  There was one among David's foes mightier that the rest, who had both dignity, strength, and ferocity, and was, therefore, like a lion. From this foe he urgently seeks deliverance.  Perhaps this was Saul, his royal enemy; but in our own case there is one who goes about like a lion, seeking whom he may devour, concerning whom we should ever cry, "Deliver us from the Evil One."  As we continue to read this Psalm we will find out that David promises he will praise Almighty God, whom he is certain will see him vindicated. Let's go back to verses 3-5 for a moment and reflect on them; here David is willing to have God punish him, if he has done wrong. What gave David such confidence? What does this show us about David and his relationship with God? WE TOO CAN HAVE THIS KIND OF RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
May God bless you richly as you continue to study His Word.

Psalm 8
Ps 8:1 To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Ps 8:2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. Ps 8:3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; Ps 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? Ps 8:5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Ps 8:6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: Ps 8:7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; Ps 8:8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. Ps 8:9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

This Psalm can be one that would lead to very deep Bible study, verse 5 alone would be a topic of very deep research and study, things that may be also considered when studying this beautiful psalm may be how it relates to Adam and his Fall, the present, some prophecy concerning our Lord Jesus Christ, we may consider looking at other Scripture;  Mt 21:16; 1Co 15:27;  Heb 2:1-18, Heb 2:6-7, Heb 2:5,  these are just a few of the Scriptures that may be cosidered, there are many more in regards to this Psalm. But for now I just want to look at this Psalm from the Wonders of God, how He cares for us, how He has given us dominion over the 'the works of His hands', how much love He has for us.

Sister Maria, this is indeed a beautiful study. There are many that only think of the Psalms as a grouping of songs and nothing more. I am glad that you are pointing out the many different aspects and importance of this book of the Bible. I have studied this book many times but I enjoy doing so again and again. There is so much to learn from it.

Sister Maria,

Please let me add another AMEN! and tell you that I am really enjoying this study. YES, the Psalms are much more than incredibly beautiful portions of Scripture. If one follows the references and comparisons in a study of Psalms, they take you all over the Holy Bible. In fact, they contain many precious truths that are related to both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Thank you again. This is something I look forward to.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Psalms 121:7 NASB  The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.

Add another AMEN sister Maria! Psalms is a beautiful portion of the Scripture!

Resting in the hands, of the Lord.
Bob

Psalm 48:2   Fair and beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth-- Mount Zion [the City of David], to the northern side [Mount Moriah and the temple], the [whole] city of the Great King!

Sister Maria,

Please let me add another AMEN! and tell you that I am really enjoying this study. YES, the Psalms are much more than incredibly beautiful portions of Scripture. If one follows the references and comparisons in a study of Psalms, they take you all over the Holy Bible. In fact, they contain many precious truths that are related to both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Thank you again. This is something I look forward to.

Love In Christ,
Tom

 Re:Reading The Psalms Daily
« Reply #14 on: Today at 03:39:53 »    

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Add another AMEN sister Maria! Psalms is a beautiful portion of the Scripture!

Resting in the hands, of the Lord.
Bob

Psalm 48:2  Fair and beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth-- Mount Zion [the City of David], to the northern side [Mount Moriah and the temple], the [whole] city of the Great King!

Thank you PR, BEP, & DW for your encouragement, I am very happy to hear that you are not only enjoying reading these short looks into the Book of Psalms, but you also are giving me moral support. Some Psalms are so deep, that it is impossible to really post everything there is to learn from them, so I try to keep it simple and pray that someone will get some inspiration, answer to prayer, understanding, or wisdom, by reading these posts. And that they will be encouraged and their hunger be whet just enough for them to want to look into God's Word a little more.

HALLELUJAH TO THE KING OF KINGS
Thank God for a brand new year I pray that all of you will be richly blessed in the year 2006. May the Lord guide you and lead you, may His face shine upon you, may you be blessed coming in and going out, may you find favor with God and men.
I thank God for leading me to this forum, where I have made many new friends and met many brothers and sisters, that I would not have met until we all got to heaven if it hadn't been for this forum.
May everyone have a blessed new year, and my your walk with God get closer and stronger.
your sister in Christ,
Maria.

Psalm 9
Ps 9:1 To the chief Musician upon Muthlabben, A Psalm of David. I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. Ps 9:2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. Ps 9:3 When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence. Ps 9:4 For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right. Ps 9:5 Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever. Ps 9:6 O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them. Ps 9:7 But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. Ps 9:8 And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. Ps 9:9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Ps 9:10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. Ps 9:11 ¶ Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings. Ps 9:12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble. Ps 9:13 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death: Ps 9:14 That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation. Ps 9:15 The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken. Ps 9:16 The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah Ps 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. Ps 9:18 For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever. Ps 9:19 Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight. Ps 9:20 Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah
As I did a little further research after commenting on my post for 12-28 concerning Psalms 4 & 5, I  looked into The Treasury Of David (Reference Book) and I found something interesting regarding the chronology of the book of Psalms:
  ORDER. Bonar remarks, "The position of the Psalms in their relation to each other is often remarkable."  It is questioned whether the present arrangement of them was the order to which they were given forth to Israel, or whether some later compiler, perhaps Ezra, was inspired to attend to this matter, as well as to other points connected with the canon.  Without attempting to decide this point, it is enough to remark that we have proof that the order of the Psalms is as ancient as the completing of the canon, and if so, it seems obvious that the Holy Spirit wished this book to come down to us in its present order. We make these remarks, in order to invite attention to the fact, that as the eighth caught up the last line of the seventh, this ninth Psalm opens with an apparent reference to the eighth:
 
"I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee. (Compare Song 1:4; Re 19:7) I will sing to THY NAME, O thou Most High." Psalms 1-2.
 
As if "The Name," so highly praised in the former Psalm, were still ringing in the ear of the sweet singer of Israel.  And in Ps 9:10, he returns to it, celebrating their confidence who "know" that "name" as if its fragrance still breathed in the atmosphere around.
continued on next post.

Psalm 9 comments continued. (ref used MHCC)
 1-10 If we would praise God acceptably, we must praise him in sincerity, with our whole heart. When we give thanks for some one particular mercy, we should remember former mercies. Our joy must not be in the gift, so much as in the Giver. The triumphs of the Redeemer ought to be the triumphs of the redeemed. The almighty power of God is that which the strongest and stoutest of his enemies are no way able to stand before. We are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth, and that with him there is no unrighteousness. His people may, by faith, flee to him as their Refuge, and may depend on his power and promise for their safety, so that no real hurt shall be done to them. Those who know him to be a God of truth and faithfulness, will rejoice in his word of promise, and rest upon that. Those who know him to be an everlasting Father, will trust him with their souls as their main care, and trust in him at all times, even to the end; and by constant care seek to approve themselves to him in the whole course of their lives. Who is there that would not seek him, who never hath forsaken those that seek Him?
 
11-20 Those who believe that God is greatly to be praised, not only desire to praise him better themselves, but desire that others may join with them. There is a day coming, when it will appear that he has not forgotten the cry of the humble; neither the cry of their blood, or the cry of their prayers. We are never brought so low, so near to death, but God can raise us up. If he has saved us from spiritual and eternal death, we may thence hope, that in all our distresses he will be a very present help to us. The overruling providence of God frequently so orders it, that persecutors and oppressors are brought to ruin by the projects they formed to destroy the people of God. Drunkards kill themselves; prodigals beggar themselves; the contentious bring mischief upon themselves: thus men's sins may be read in their punishment, and it becomes plain to all, that the destruction of sinners is of themselves. All wickedness came originally with the wicked one from hell; and those who continue in sin, must go to that place of torment. The true state, both of nations and of individuals, may be correctly estimated by this one rule, whether in their doings they remember or forget God. David encourages the people of God to wait for his salvation, though it should be long deferred. God will make it appear that he never did forget them: it is not possible he should. Strange that man, dust in his origin, sinful by his fall, continually reminded of both by everything in him and about him, should yet need some sharp affliction, some severe visitation from God, to bring him to the knowledge of himself, and make him feel who and what he is.
Who can know all the deep things of God? It is my personal opinion that no matter how much studying we do God is so awesome, His attributes are so vast, and our human minds so limited that we will never be able comprehend AlL THAT HE IS from a human standpoint. But when we get to heaven than we shall see Him as He is.
I chose to do some further meditation on verses 7-10. In these I found 8 important points, eternal, fulfilled, present, & future. 1. The Lord shall endure forever (eternal) 2 has prepared a throne for Judgement 9 (fulfilled). 3 shall judge the world in righteousness (future). 4 minister judgement to the people in uprightness. 5 be a refuge for the oppressed. 6 a refuge in times of trouble (eternal) 7 those who put their trust in Him KNOW His Name (God's Names is a very deep subject well worth studying, to know God better) 8 the Lord has not forsaken those that seek Him.

PSALM 10
Ps 10:1 Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble? Ps 10:2 The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. Ps 10:3 For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth. Ps 10:4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. Ps 10:5 His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them. Ps 10:6 He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity. Ps 10:7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity. Ps 10:8 He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor. Ps 10:9 He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net. Ps 10:10 He croucheth, and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones. Ps 10:11 He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it. Ps 10:12 ¶ Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble. Ps 10:13 Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it. Ps 10:14 Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless. Ps 10:15 Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none. Ps 10:16 The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land. Ps 10:17 LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: Ps 10:18 To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.
My observations on this Psalm will follow on the next page.

My observation on Ps 10.
This Psalm has a very definaite description of the wicked. As we can see they are: full of pride, they persecute the poor, they are taken in the devices they have imagined, they are boastful of their own heart's desire, they bless the covetous, whom the Lord abhors, through their own pride of countenance will not seek God, God is not even in their thoughts, their ways are grievous, they say in their hearts they shall not be moved, their mouths are full of cursing, deciet, and fraud, under his toungue is mischief and vanity, they are lurking in secret places, murder the innocent, their eyes are pirvately set against the poor, they lie secretly in wait as a lion in his den, they deceitfully humble themselves that the poor may fall, they say in their hearts God has forgotten them, He hides His face and will never see it.
What a description of the wicked, indeed. This sounds so much like satan and his demons. Lurking, decieving, destrying,
lying making people think God has forgotten them. The poor sound like those who are not strong in God's Word, those who don't know who they really are in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Let us always be rich in the knowledge of God's Word, let us always be ready to use our armour of God. God gave us the Spiritual Armour so that we may be able to identify the enemy and protect ourself from him. Let us always keep in our hearts and mind that the Lord is King for ever and ever, and that He will deliver us, He will hear us when we call on Him.

Ps 11:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? Ps 11:2 For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. Ps 11:3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? Ps 11:4 The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. Ps 11:5 The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. Ps 11:6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. Ps 11:7 For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.
 "The Psalms are a rich repository of experimental knowledge.  David, at the different periods of his life, was placed in almost every situation in which a believer, whether rich or poor, can be placed; in these heavenly compositions he delineates all the workings of the heart.  He introduces, too, the sentiments and conduct of the various persons who were accessory either to his troubles or his joys; and thus sets before us a compendium of all that is passing in the hearts of men throughout the world.  When he penned this Psalm he was under persecution from Saul, who sought his life, and hunted him `as a partridge upon the mountains.'  His timid friends were alarmed for his safety, and recommended him to flee to some mountain where he had a hiding place, and thus to conceal himself from the rage of Saul.  But David, being strong in faith, spurned the idea of resorting to any such pusillanimous expedients, and determined confidently to repose his trust in God." (Cmments from TOD).
Despite the attacks of his enemies, David wil not hide in a mountain sronghold. (He hides in the shadow of Almighty God), his defense is the Lord. Whether he describes a military or spiritual enemy; David's hope lies in God only.  He continues to trust in God, Who sees everything that happens. God's Children, who believe in Him, may face trials, but God loves them and is able to deliver them. Ultimately God's justice will prevail. Because He is faithful. What could we trust in that would be better than God? Absolutely NOTHING and NO ONE. What could be greater and more powerful than God? NOTHING. Even if the world is falling apart, we can trust in GOD ONLY. Even when God does not answer our prayers immediately it does not mean that He will not answer.
There is no one more powerful or more faithful to trust in than GOD ALMIGHTY!

Amen Sister Maria!

I am really enjoying this study on Psalms. I'm trying to follow along, make notes, and list some other Scriptures that serve as references. In reading your last post on Psalms 11, I reflected on the life and death faith that many Old Testament Saints had in God. David had this type of faith many times.

I couldn't help but think about my own faith and how strong it would be if I was tested so harshly as many of the people in the Holy Bible. My conclusion came almost instantly - I don't measure up. Portions of Job serve as a comparison for some of the trials that David had. Most Christians connect David and Goliath and David the King when they think about David, but the same David had many times of persecution, was hated and hunted, and lived in great danger. We must also remember that David was human and sinned, including the death sentence sin of adultery. BUT, we know that David is with the LORD because of his faith in GOD, and we also know that David was still a man after God's Heart. I think this is one reason why Psalms is such a beautiful study - we see the weakness of man but strength in GOD.

Sister, thank you again.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Psalms 18:2 NASB  The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Amen Brother, David had a very humble heart, although he did manage to get himself into a lot of trouble, including as you mentioned 'adultry' he even went a step further and tried to cover up the adultry when Bathsheba was found to be with chld, when this didn't work for him, he went a step further and literally had Bathsheba's husband Uriah killed, thereby being guilty of murder as well, even if he himself did not lift the sword against his faithful servant. He tried in every human possible way to cover his sin by commiting an additional sin. BUT, in the end he realized what he had done was actually a sin against God, and he ran to God for forgivness not away from Him, as if he could hide his sin from the Onmiscient Almighty God. He understood that God knew everything about him, he even mentions that before he was conceived God already knew him. He humbled himself and repented many times I've read in Psalms where David says he "wet his bed with his tears" I believe that God honored David when he repented before God. God loves when we humans repent of our sins, run to Him, seek His forgiveness, and then faithfully trust in Him to deliver us from danger. God loves when we call on Him and trust Him.

Psalms 12
Ps 12:1 To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. (Psa 12:1)  To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

(Psa 12:2)  They speak vanity every one with his neighbor: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.

(Psa 12:3)  The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:

(Psa 12:4)  Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?

(Psa 12:5)  For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.

(Psa 12:6)  The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

(Psa 12:7)  Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation forever.

(Psa 12:8)  The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.

This psalm furnishes good thoughts for bad times; a man may comfort himself with such meditations and prayers. Let us see what makes the times bad, and when they may be said to be so. Ask the children of this world, What makes the times bad? they will tell you, Scarcity of money, decay of trade, and the desolations of war, make the times bad: but the Scripture lays the badness of the times on causes of another nature, 2Ti 3:1, &c. perilous times shall come, for sin shall abound; and of this David complains. When piety decays times really are bad. He who made man's mouth will call him to an account for his proud, profane, dissembling, or even useless words. When the poor and needy are oppressed, then the times are very bad. God himself takes notice of the oppression of the poor, and the sighing of the needy. When wickedness abounds, and is countenanced by those in authority, then the times are very bad. See with what good things we are here furnished for such bad times; and we cannot tell what times we may be reserved for. We have a God to go to, from whom we may ask and expect the redress of all our grievances. God will certainly punish and restrain false and proud men. God will work deliverance for his oppressed people. His help is given in the fittest time. Though men are false, God is faithful; though they are not to be trusted, God is. The preciousness of God's word is compared to silver refined to the highest degree. How many proofs have been given of its power and truth! God will secure his chosen remnant, however bad the times are. As long as the world stands, there will be a generation of proud and wicked men. But all God's people are put into the hands of Christ our Saviour; there they are in safety, for none can pluck them thence; being built on Him, the Rock, they are safe, notwithstanding temptation or persecution come with ever so much force upon them. (MHCC)

When even God's people seem to fail in faith, dicouragement follows. How believers speak is important, because they influence others, Here David calls out to God, who will punish those who speak wrongly.
Have the words or actions of people who claim to be Christians discouraged you? When people faileed you have you turned to God?
(Everyday Guide To The Psalms by Pamela McQuade)

Christians can stop discouragement, and anything that gets in the way of their service to God. By turning to God in prayer and seeking Him for help and advice, instead of running to the phone to call aunt so-and-so, or uncle know-it-all, or sister tell-me-all-about-it.

Your sister in Christ,
Maria

Psalm 13
Ps 13:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
Ps 13:2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?
Ps 13:3 Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
Ps 13:4 Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
Ps 13:5 But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
Ps 13:6 I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

 
This psalm is the deserted soul's case and cure. Whether it was penned upon any particular occasion does not appear, but in general. David sadly complains that God had long withdrawn from him and delayed to relieve him, Ps 13:1-2. He earnestly prays to God to consider his case and comfort him, Ps 13:3-4.  He assures himself of an answer of peace, and therefore concludes the psalm with joy and triumph, because he concludes his deliverance to be as good as wrought, Ps 13:5-6.
David, in affliction, is here pouring out his soul before God; his address is short, but the method is very observable, and of use for direction and encouragement. (excerpts from MHC)

- God sometimes hides his face, and leaves his own children in the dark concerning their interest in him: and this they lay to heart more than any outward trouble whatever. But anxious cares are heavy burdens with which believers often load themselves more than they need. The bread of sorrows is sometimes the saint's daily bread; our Master himself was a man of sorrows. It is a common temptation, when trouble lasts long, to think that it will last always. Those who have long been without joy, begin to be without hope. We should never allow ourselves to make any complaints but what drive us to our knees. Nothing is more killing to a soul than the want of God's favour; nothing more reviving than the return of it. The sudden, delightful changes in the book of Psalms, are often very remarkable. We pass from depth of despondency to the height of religious confidence and joy. It is thus, ver. 5. All is gloomy dejection in ver. 4; but here the mind of the despondent worshipper rises above all its distressing fears, and throws itself, without reserve, on the mercy and care of its Divine Redeemer. See the power of faith, and how good it is to draw near to God. If we bring our cares and griefs to the throne of grace, and leave them there, we may go away like Hannah, and our countenances will be no more sad, 1Sa 1:18. God's mercy is the support of the psalmist's faith. Finding I have that to trust to, I am comforted, though I have no merit of my own. His faith in God's mercy filled his heart with joy in his salvation; for joy and peace come by believing. He has dealt bountifully with me. By faith he was as confident of salvation, as if it had been completed already. In this way believers pour out their prayers, renouncing all hopes but in the mercy of God through the Saviour's blood: and sometimes suddenly, at others gradually, they will find their burdens removed, and their comforts restored; they then allow that their fears and complaints were unnecessary, and acknowledge that the Lord hath dealt bountifully with them. (MHCC)

Has God really left any of us? No He promised He would not.
 Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Even when we think God seems distant from us, have we gone to Him? Have we searched our own heart?
It would be good for us to always remember that:
Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Amen!

Sister Maria,

This study in Psalms, I am really starting to enjoy.

Resting in the hands, of the Lord.
Bob

Psalm 97:10
O you who love the Lord, hate evil; He preserves the lives of His saints (the children of God), He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 14
Ps 14:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.>> The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
Ps 14:2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
Ps 14:3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Ps 14:4 ¶ Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.
Ps 14:5 There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous.
Ps 14:6 Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge.
Ps 14:7 Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

I would like to concentrate on just the first verse of this Psalm, as the entire Psalm is a subject of very deep study. In researching the Treasury of David I have found the following information:
 
 PSALM 14
 
  TITLE. This admirable ode is simply headed, "To the Chief Musician, by David." The dedication to the Chief Musician stands at the head of fifty-three of the Psalms, and clearly indicates that such psalms were intended, not merely for the private use of believers, but to be sung in the great assemblies by the appointed choir at whose head was the overseer, or superintendent, called in our version, "the Chief Musician," and by Ainsworth, "the Master of the Music."  Several of these psalms have little or no praise in them, and were not addressed directly to the Most High, and yet were to be sung in public worship; which is a clear indication that the theory of Augustine lately revived by certain hymn book makers, that nothing but praise should be sung, is far more plausible than scriptural.  Not only did the ancient Church chant hallowed doctrine and offer prayer amid her spiritual songs, but even the wailing notes of complaint were put into her mouth by the sweet singer of Israel who was inspired of God.  Some persons grasp at any nicety which has a gloss of apparent correctness upon it, and are pleased with being more fancifully precise than others; nevertheless it will ever be the way of plain men, not only to magnify the Lord in sacred canticles, but also, according to Paul's precept, to teach and admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in their hearts unto the Lord. As no distinguishing title is given to this Psalm, we would suggest as an assistance to the memory, the heading -- CONCERNING PRACTICAL ATHEISM. The many conjectures as to the occasion upon which it was written are so completely without foundation, that it would be a waste of time to mention them at length. The apostle Paul, in Ro 3:1-31, has shown incidentally that the drift of the inspired writer is to show that both Jews and Gentiles are all under sin; there was, therefore, no reason for fixing upon any particular historical occasion, when all of history reeks with terrible evidence of human corruption.  With instructive alterations, David has given us in Ps 53:1-6 a second edition of this humiliating psalm, being moved of the Holy Ghost thus doubly to declare a truth which is ever distasteful to carnal minds.
 
  DIVISION. The world's foolish creed (Ps 14:1); its practical influence in corrupting morals, Ps 14:1-3. The persecuting tendencies of sinners, Ps 14:4; their alarms, Ps 14:5; their ridicule of the godly, Ps 14:6; and a prayer for the manifestation of the Lord to his people's joy.
to be continued.

Psalm 14 continued:
 
  EXPOSITION
 
  Ver. 1. The fool. The Atheist is the fool preeminently, and a fool universally.  He would not deny God if he were not a fool by nature, and having denied God it is no marvel that he becomes a fool in practice.  Sin is always folly, and as it is the height of sin to attack the very existence of the Most High, so it is also the greatest imaginable folly.  To say there is no God is to belie the plainest evidence, which is obstinacy; to oppose the common consent of mankind, which is stupidity; to stifle consciousness, which is madness.  If the sinner could by his atheism destroy the God whom he hates there were some sense, although much wickedness, in his infidelity; but as denying the existence of fire does not prevent its burning a man who is in it, so doubting the existence of God will not stop the Judge of all the earth from destroying the rebel who breaks his laws; nay, this atheism is a crime which much provokes heaven, and will bring down terrible vengeance on the fool who indulges it.  The proverb says, "A fool's tongue cuts his own throat," and in this instance it kills both soul and body for ever: would to God the mischief stopped even there, but alas! one fool makes hundreds, and a noisy blasphemer spreads his horrible doctrines as lepers spread the plague.  Ainsworth, in his "Annotations," tells us that the word here used is Nabal, which has the signification of fading, dying, or falling away, as a withered leaf or flower; it is a title given to the foolish man as having lost the juice and sap of wisdom, reason, honesty, and godliness.  Trapp hits the mark when he calls him "that sapless fellow, that carcase of a man, that walking sepulchre of himself, in whom all religion and right reason is withered and wasted, dried up and decayed".  Some translate it the apostate, and others the wretch.  With what earnestness should we shun the appearance of doubt as to the presence, activity, power and love of God, for all such mistrust is of the nature of folly, and who among us would wish to be ranked with the fool in the text? Yet let us never forget that all unregenerate men are more or less such fools.  The fool
 
  hath said in his heart. May a man with his mouth profess to believe, and yet in heart say the reverse?  Had he hardly become audacious enough to utter his folly with his tongue?  Did the Lord look upon his thoughts as being in the nature of words to Him though not to man?  Is this where man first becomes an unbeliever? -- in his heart, not in his head?  And when he talks atheistically, is it a foolish heart speaking, and endeavouring to clamour down the voice of conscience?  We think so.  If the affections were set upon truth and righteousness, the understanding would have no difficulty in settling the question of a present personal Deity, but as the heart dislikes the good and the right, it is no wonder that it desires to be rid of that Elohim, who is the great moral Governor, the Patron of rectitude and the Punisher of iniquity.  While men's hearts remain what they are, we must not be surprised at the prevalence of scepticism; a corrupt tree will bring forth corrupt fruit.  "Every man," says Dickson, "so long as he lieth unrenewed and unreconciled to God is nothing in effect but a madman."  What wonder then if he raves?  Such fools as those we are now dealing with are common to all time, and all countries; they grow without watering, and are found all the world over.  The spread of mere intellectual enlightenment will not diminish their number, for since it is an affair of the heart, this folly and great learning will often dwell together.  To answer sceptical cavillings will be labour lost until grace enters to make the mind willing to believe; fools can raise more objections in an hour than wise men can answer in seven years, indeed it is their mirth to set stools for wise men to stumble over. Let the preacher aim at the heart, and preach the all conquering love of Jesus, and he will by God's grace win more doubters to the faith of the gospel than any hundred of the best reasoners who only direct their arguments to the head.  "The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God," or
 
  no God.  So monstrous is the assertion, that the man hardly dared to put it as a positive statement, but went very near to doing so. Calvin seems to regard this saying, "no God," as hardly amounting to a syllogism, scarcely reaching to a positive, dogmatical declaration; but Dr. Alexander clearly shows that it does.  It is not merely the wish of the sinner's corrupt nature, and the hope of his rebellious heart, but he manages after a fashion to bring himself to assert it, and at certain seasons he thinks that he believes it.  It is a solemn reflection that some who worship God with their lips may in their hearts be saying, "no God."  It is worthy of observation that he does not say there is no Jehovah, but there is no Elohim; Deity in the abstract is not so much the object of attack, as the covenant, personal, ruling and governing presence of God in the world.  God as ruler, lawgiver, worker, Saviour, is the butt at which the arrows of human wrath are shot.  How impotent the malice!  How mad the rage which raves and foams against Him in whom we live and move and have our being!  How horrible the insanity which leads a man who owes his all to God to cry out, "No God"!  How terrible the depravity which makes the whole race adopt this as their hearts desire, "no God!"  They are corrupt. This refers to all men, and we have the warrant of the Holy Ghost for so saying; see the third chapter of the epistle to the Romans.  Where there is enmity to God, there is deep, inward depravity of mind.  The words are rendered by eminent critics in an active sense, "they have done corruptly:" this may serve to remind us that sin is not only in our nature passively as the source of evil, but we ourselves actively fan the flame and corrupt ourselves, making that blacker still which was black as darkness itself already.  We rivet our own chains by habit and continuance.   They have done abominable works. When men begin with renouncing the Most High God, who shall tell where they will end?  When the Master's eyes are put out, what will not the servants do?  Observe the state of the world before the flood, as pourtrayed in Ge 6:12, and remember that human nature is unchanged.  He who would see a terrible photograph of the world without God must read that most painful of all inspired Scriptures, the first chapter of the epistle to the Romans.  There is none that doeth good. Sins of omission must abound where transgressions are rife.  Those who do the things which they ought not to have done, are sure to leave undone those things which they ought to have done.  What a picture of our race is this!  Save only where grace reigns, there is none that doeth good; humanity, fallen and debased, is a desert without an oasis, a night without a star, a dunghill without a jewel, a hell without a bottom.
continued:
 
 

  Whole Psalm. There is a peculiar mark put upon this Psalm, in that it is twice in the Book of psalms.  The fourteenth Psalm and the fifty-third Psalm are the same, with the alteration of one or two expressions at most.  And there is another mark put upon it, that the apostle transcribes a great part of it. Ro 3:10-12.
 
It contains a description of a most deplorable state of things in the world -- aye, in Israel; a most deplorable state, by reason of the general corruption that was befallen all sorts of men, in their principles, and in their practices, and in their opinions.
 
First, it was a time when there was a mighty prevalent principle of atheism got into the world, got among the great men of the world. Saith he, "That is their principle, they say in their hearts, `There is no God.'"  It is true, they did not absolutely profess it; but it was the principle whereby all their actings were regulated, and which they conformed unto.  The fool, saith he, hath said in his heart, There is no God.  Not this or that particular man, but the fool -- that is, those foolish men; for in the next word he tells you, They are corrupt; and Ps 14:3, They are all gone aside.  "The fool" is taken indefinitely for the great company and society of foolish men, to intimate that whatsoever they were divided about else, they were all agreed in this.  "They are all a company of atheists," saith he, "practical atheists."  Secondly, their affections were suitable to this principle, as all men's affections and actions are suitable to their principles. What are you to expect from men whose principle is, that there is no God?  Why, saith he, for their affections, "They are corrupt;" which he expresses again (Ps 14:3), "They are all gone aside, they are altogether become filthy."  "All gone aside."  The word in the original is, "They are all grown sour;" as drink, that hath been formerly of some use, but when grown vapid -- lost all its spirits and life -- it is an insipid thing, good for nothing.  And, saith he, They are altogether become filthy -- "become stinking," as the margin hath it.  They have corrupt affections, that have left them no life, no savour; but stinking, corrupt lusts prevail in them universally.  They say, "There is no God;" and they are filled with stinking, corrupt lusts. Thirdly, if this be their principle and these their affections, let us look after their actions, to see if they be any better.  But consider their actions.  They be of two sorts; 1.  How they act in the world, 2.  How they act toward the people of God.
 God by his providence seldom gives an absolute, universal security unto men in their height of sin, and oppression, and sensuality, and lusts; but he will secretly put them in fear where no fear is: and though there be nothing seen that should cause them to have any fear, they shall act like men at their wits' end with fear.
I want to point out one small aspect here that humans can commit sin, (thus commited sin), however, if we do not obey the Holy Spirit when we are led by Him to do something, this too is a sin; a sin of ommision. When I pray I ask God to forgive me not just for the sins I have commited, those that I know about, but also of those that I have unkowingly commited, and those that I have commited by not being obedient to His Word; not doing what I have been prompted to do by the Holy Spirit, either because of fear, neglect, or prcrastination. This Psalm is short but it is very powerful and worth the extra effort in studying a little deeper. Some refrences that may be used are MHC, MHCC, and TOD.
Due to time and space it is not possible for me to go into a deeper explanation, but I would encourage all readers to seek God's Word for themselves and study this Psalm a little more. I pray that this has given the readers of this post a desire to dig deeper into the the Word of God and be saturated with the Word of God.

Psalm 15
Ps 15:1 ¶ <<A Psalm of David.>> LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

Ps 15:2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

Ps 15:3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

Ps 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

Ps 15:5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

MHCC
 
* The way to heaven, if we would be happy, we must be holy. We are encouraged to walk in that way.
 
Here is a very serious question concerning the character of a citizen of Zion. It is the happiness of glorified saints, that they dwell in the holy hill; they are at home there, they shall be for ever there. It concerns us to make it sure to ourselves that we have a place among them. A very plain and particular answer is here given. Those who desire to know their duty, will find the Scripture a very faithful director, and conscience a faithful monitor. A citizen of Zion is sincere in his religion. He is really what he professes to be, and endeavours to stand complete in all the will of God. He is just both to God and man; and, in speaking to both, speaks the truth in his heart. He scorns and abhors wrong and fraud; he cannot reckon that a good bargain, nor a saving one, which is made with a lie; and knows that he who wrongs his neighbour will prove, in the end, to have most injured himself. He is very careful to do hurt to no man. He speaks evil of no man, makes not others' faults the matter of his common talk; he makes the best of every body, and the worst of nobody. If an ill-natured story be told him, he will disprove it if he can; if not, it goes no further. He values men by their virtue and piety. Wicked people are vile people, worthless, and good for nothing; so the word signifies. He thinks the worse of no man's piety for his poverty and mean condition. He reckons that serious piety puts honour upon a man, more than wealth, or a great name. He honours such, desires their conversation and an interest in their prayers, is glad to show them respect, or do them a kindness. By this we may judge of ourselves in some measure. Even wise and good men may swear to their own hurt: but see how strong the obligation is, a man must rather suffer loss to himself and his family, than wrong his neighbour. He will not increase his estate by extortion, or by bribery. He will not, for any gain, or hope of it to himself, do any thing to hurt a righteous cause. Every true living member of the church, like the church itself, is built upon a Rock. He that doeth these things shall not be moved for ever. The grace of God shall always be sufficient for him. The union of these tempers and this conduct, can only spring from repentance for sin, faith in the Saviour, and love to him. In these respects let us examine and prove our own selves.

JWN

                                                    PSALM XV.
The scope of this short, but excellent psalm, is to shew us the way to heaven.   Here is a question proposed, ver. 1.  The answer to it, ver. 2-5. 

Are we prepareing ourselves now to be citizens in God's Holy City? Are we walking uprightly, working righteousness, speaking truth in our heart? Are we refraining from backbiting, doing evil to our neighbor, or taking up reproach against our neighbor?
We should be honoring the Lord, Who changes not.
We should be preparing ourselves to be citizens in our permanent home, while we are still here. We should be obeying the commands given to us by Jesus, loving our neighbor as we love ourself,  recruiting new citizens for God's Kingdom. Although our salvation is not by works, our salvation is only by accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are to be imitating Him.
I pray you are being blessed as you study further into God's Word, and act upon it.
Your sister & friend in Christ,
Maria

PSALM 16
Ps 16:1 <<Michtam of David.>> Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.
Ps 16:2 O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;
Ps 16:3 But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.
Ps 16:4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.
Ps 16:5 The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
Ps 16:6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
Ps 16:7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
Ps 16:8  I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Ps 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
Ps 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Ps 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

MHCC
 
* This psalm begins with expressions of devotion, which may be applied to Christ; but ends with such confidence of a resurrection, as must be applied to Christ, and to him only.
 
- David flees to God's protection, with cheerful, believing confidence. Those who have avowed that the Lord is their Lord, should often put themselves in mind of what they have done, take the comfort of it, and live up to it. He devotes himself to the honour of God, in the service of the saints. Saints on earth we must be, or we shall never be saints in heaven. Those renewed by the grace of God, and devoted to the glory of God, are saints on earth. The saints in the earth are excellent ones, yet some of them so poor, that they needed to have David's goodness extended to them. David declares his resolution to have no fellowship with the works of darkness; he repeats the solemn choice he had made of God for his portion and happiness, takes to himself the comfort of the choice, and gives God the glory of it. This is the language of a devout and pious soul. Most take the world for their chief good, and place their happiness in the enjoyments of it; but how poor soever my condition is in this world, let me have the love and favour of God, and be accepted of him; let me have a title by promise to life and happiness in the future state; and I have enough. Heaven is an inheritance; we must take that for our home, our rest, our everlasting good, and look upon this world to be no more ours, than the country through which is our road to our Father's house. Those that have God for their portion, have a goodly heritage. Return unto thy rest, O my soul, and look no further. Gracious persons, though they still covet more of God, never covet more than God; but, being satisfied of his loving-kindness, are abundantly satisfied with it: they envy not any their carnal mirth and delights. But so ignorant and foolish are we, that if left to ourselves, we shall forsake our own mercies for lying vanities. God having given David counsel by his word and Spirit, his own thoughts taught him in the night season, and engaged him by faith to live to God. Verses 8-11, are quoted by St. Peter in his first sermon, after the pouring out of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, Ac 2:25-31; he declared that David in them speaks concerning Christ, and particularly of his resurrection. And Christ being the Head of the body, the church, these verses may be applied to all Christians, guided and animated by the Spirit of Christ; and we may hence learn, that it is our wisdom and duty to set the Lord always before us. And if our eyes are ever toward God, our hearts and tongues may ever rejoice in him. Death destroys the hope of man, but not the hope of a real Christian. Christ's resurrection is an earnest of the believer's resurrection. In this world sorrow is our lot, but in heaven there is joy, a fulness of joy; our pleasures here are for a moment, but those at God's right hand are pleasures for evermore. Through this thy beloved Son, and our dear Saviour, thou wilt show us, O Lord, the path of life; thou wilt justify our souls now, and raise our bodies by thy power at the last day; when earthly sorrow shall end in heavenly joy, pain in everlasting happiness.

Psalm 17
Ps 17:1 A Prayer of David. Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.
Ps 17:2 Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.
Ps 17:3 Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
Ps 17:4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
Ps 17:5 Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.
Ps 17:6 I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.
Ps 17:7 Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.
Ps 17:8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
Ps 17:9 From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.
Ps 17:10 They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.
Ps 17:11 They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;
Ps 17:12 Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.
Ps 17:13 Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:
Ps 17:14 From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.
Ps 17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
* David's integrity. (1-7) The character of his enemies. His hope of happiness. (8-15)

MHCC
  1-7 This psalm is a prayer. Feigned prayers are fruitless; but if our hearts lead our prayers, God will meet them with his favour. The psalmist had been used to pray, so that it was not his distress and danger that now first brought him to his duty. And he was encouraged by his faith to expect God would notice his prayers. Constant resolution and watchfulness against sins of the tongue, will be a good evidence of our integrity. Aware of man's propensity to wicked works, and of his own peculiar temptations, David had made God's word his preservative from the paths of Satan, which lead to destruction. If we carefully avoid the paths of sin, it will be very comfortable in the reflection, when we are in trouble. Those that are, through grace, going in God's paths, should pray that their goings may be held up in those paths. David prays, Lord, still hold me up. Those who would proceed and persevere in the ways of God, must, by faith and prayer, get daily fresh supplies of grace and strength from him. Show thy marvellous loving-kindness, distinguishing favours, not common mercies, but be gracious to me; do as thou usest to do to those who love thy name. 
8-15 Being compassed with enemies, David prays to God to keep him in safety. This prayer is a prediction that Christ would be preserved, through all the hardships and difficulties of his humiliation, to the glories and joys of his exalted state, and is a pattern to Christians to commit the keeping of their souls to God, trusting him to preserve them to his heavenly kingdom. Those are our worst enemies, that are enemies to our souls. They are God's sword, which cannot move without him, and which he will sheathe when he has done his work with it. They are his hand, by which he chastises his people. There is no fleeing from God's hand, but by fleeing to it. It is very comfortable, when we are in fear of the power of man, to see it dependent upon, and in subjection to the power of God. Most men look on the things of this world as the best things; and they look no further, nor show any care to provide for another life. The things of this world are called treasures, they are so accounted; but to the soul, and when compared with eternal blessings, they are trash. The most afflicted Christian need not envy the most prosperous men of the world, who have their portion in this life. Clothed with Christ's righteousness, having through his grace a good heart and a good life, may we by faith behold God's face, and set him always before us. When we awake every morning, may we be satisfied with his likeness set before us in his word, and with his likeness stamped upon us by his renewing grace. Happiness in the other world is prepared only for those that are justified and sanctified: they shall be put in possession of it when the soul awakes, at death, out of its slumber in the body, and when the body awakes, at the resurrection, out of its slumber in the grave. There is no satisfaction for a soul but in God, and in his good will towards us, and his good work in us; yet that satisfaction will not be perfect till we come to heaven.

PS 18
Psa 18:1  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spoke unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
Psa 18:2  The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Psa 18:3  I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
Psa 18:4  The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.
Psa 18:5  The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.
Psa 18:6  In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
Psa 18:7  Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.
Psa 18:8  There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
Psa 18:9  He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.
Psa 18:10  And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.
Psa 18:11  He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.
Psa 18:12  At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.
Psa 18:13  The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.
Psa 18:14  Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.
Psa 18:15  Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.
Psa 18:16  He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.
Psa 18:17  He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.
Psa 18:18  They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.
Psa 18:19  He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
Psa 18:20  The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
Psa 18:21  For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
Psa 18:22  For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me.
Psa 18:23  I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.
Psa 18:24  Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.
Psa 18:25  With the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt show thyself upright;
Psa 18:26  With the pure thou wilt show thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt show thyself froward.
Psa 18:27  For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.
Psa 18:28  For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.
Psa 18:29  For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.
Psa 18:30  As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
Psa 18:31  For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
Psa 18:32  It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
Psa 18:33  He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
Psa 18:34  He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
Psa 18:35  Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.
Psa 18:36  Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.
Psa 18:37  I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.
Psa 18:38  I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet.
Psa 18:39  For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.
Psa 18:40  Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.
Psa 18:41  They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the LORD, but he answered them not.
Psa 18:42  Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets.
Psa 18:43  Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me.
Psa 18:44  As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.
Psa 18:45  The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places.
Psa 18:46  The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.
Psa 18:47  It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.
Psa 18:48  He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
Psa 18:49  Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
Psa 18:50  Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and showeth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed forevermore.
Comments on next page

Comments for Ps 18. I would like to break down the comments for this Psalm because it does have 50 verses and although I am no able to post the volumes that each verse has for each and everyone of us I would like to break it down just a little so it may be eaier to follow along I will be using various refrences.
MHCC
  1-19 The first words, "I will love thee, O Lord, my strength," are the scope and contents of the psalm. Those that truly love God, may triumph in him as their Rock and Refuge, and may with confidence call upon him. It is good for us to observe all the circumstances of a mercy which magnify the power of God and his goodness to us in it. David was a praying man, and God was found a prayer-hearing God. If we pray as he did, we shall speed as he did. God's manifestation of his presence is very fully described, ver. 7-15. Little appeared of man, but much of God, in these deliverances. It is not possible to apply to the history of the son of Jesse those awful, majestic, and stupendous words which are used through this description of the Divine manifestation. Every part of so solemn a scene of terrors tells us, a greater than David is here. God will not only deliver his people out of their troubles in due time, but he will bear them up under their troubles in the mean time. Can we meditate on ver. 18, without directing one thought to Gethsemane and Calvary? Can we forget that it was in the hour of Christ's deepest calamity, when Judas betrayed, when his friends forsook, when the multitude derided him, and the smiles of his Father's love were withheld, that the powers of darkness prevented him? The sorrows of death surrounded him, in his distress he prayed, Heb 5:7. God made the earth to shake and tremble, and the rocks to cleave, and brought him out, in his resurrection, because he delighted in him and in his undertaking.
 
20-28 Those that forsake the ways of the Lord, depart from their God. But though conscious to ourselves of many a false step, let there not be a wicked departure from our God. David kept his eye upon the rule of God's commands. Constant care to keep from that sin, whatever it be, which most easily besets us, proves that we are upright before God. Those who show mercy to others, even they need mercy. Those who are faithful to God, shall find him all that to them which he has promised to be. The words of the Lord are pure words, very sure to be depended on, and very sweet to be delighted in. Those who resist God, and walk contrary to him, shall find that he will walk contrary to them, Le 26:21-24. The gracious recompence of which David spoke, may generally be expected by those who act from right motives. Hence he speaks comfort to the humble, and terror to the proud; "Thou wilt bring down high looks." And he speaks encouragement to himself; "Thou wilt light my candle:" thou wilt revive and comfort my sorrowful spirit; thou wilt guide my way, that I may avoid the snares laid for me. Thou wilt light my candle to work by, and give me an opportunity of serving thee. Let those that walk in darkness, and labour under discouragements, take courage; God himself will be a Light to them.

MHC
 INTRODUCTION TO PSALM CHAPTER 18
 
This psalm we met with before, in the history of David's life, 2 Samuel 22. That was the first edition of it; here we have it revived, altered a little, and fitted for the service of the church. It is David's thanksgiving for the many deliverances God had wrought for him; these he desired always to preserve fresh in his own memory and to diffuse and entail the knowledge of them. It is an admirable composition. The poetry is very fine, the images are bold, the expressions lofty, and every word is proper and significant; but the piety far exceeds the poetry. Holy faith, and love, and joy, and praise, and hope, are here lively, active, and upon the wing.
 
  I. He triumphs in God Ps 18:1-3.
 
  II. He magnifies the deliverances God had wrought for him Ps 18:4-19.
 
  III. He takes the comfort of his integrity, which God had thereby cleared up Ps 18:20-28.
 
  IV. He gives to God the glory of all his achievements Ps 18:29-42.
 
  V. He encourages himself with the expectation of what God would further do for him and his Ps 18:43-50.
 
Ver. 1. thru Ver. 19.
 
The title gives us the occasion of penning this psalm; we had it before (2Sa 22:1), only here we are told that the psalm was delivered to the chief musician, or precentor, in the temple songs. Note, The private compositions of good men, designed by them for their own use, may be serviceable to the public, that others may not only borrow light from their candle, but heat from their fire.  Examples sometimes teach better than rules. And David is here called the servant of the Lord, as Moses was, not only as every good man is God's servant, but because, with his sceptre, with his sword, and with his pen, he greatly promoted the interests of God's kingdom in Israel. It was more his honour that he was a servant of the Lord than that he was king of a great kingdom; and so he himself accounted it (Ps 116:16): O Lord! truly I am thy servant. In these verses,
 
  I. He triumphs in God and his relation to him. The first words of the psalm, I will love thee, O Lord! my strength, are here prefixed as the scope and contents of the whole. Love to God is the first and great commandment of the law, because it is the principle of all our acceptable praise and obedience; and this use we should make of all the mercies God bestows upon us, our hearts should thereby be enlarged in love to him. This he requires and will accept; and we are very ungrateful if we grudge him so poor a return. An interest in the person loved is the lover's delight; this string therefore he touches, and on this he harps with much pleasure (Ps 18:2):
 
"The Lord Jehovah is my God; and then he is my rock, my fortress, all that I need and can desire in my present distress."
 
For there is that in God which is suited to all the exigencies and occasions of his people that trust in him.
 
"He is my rock, and strength, and fortress;" that is,
 
1.  "I have found him so in the greatest dangers and difficulties."
 
2.  "I have chosen him to be so, disclaiming all others, and depending upon him alone to protect me."
 
Those that truly love God may thus triumph in him as theirs, and may with confidence call upon him, Ps 18:3.  This further use we should make of our deliverances, we must not only love God the better, but love prayer the better--call upon him as long as we live, especially in time of trouble, with an assurance that so we shall be saved; for thus it is written, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved, Ac 2:21.
 
  II. He sets himself to magnify the deliverances God had wrought for him, that he might be the more affected in his returns of praise. It is good for us to observe all the circumstances of a mercy, which magnify the power of God and his goodness to us in it.
 
1. The more imminent and threatening the danger was out of which we were delivered the greater is the mercy of the deliverance. David now remembered how the forces of his enemies poured in upon him, which he calls the floods of Belial, shoals of the children of Belial, likely to overpower him with numbers. They surrounded him, compassed him about; they surprised him, and by that means were very near seizing him; their snares prevented him, and, when without were fightings, within were fears and sorrows, Ps 18:4-5. His spirit was overwhelmed, and he looked upon himself as a lost man; see Ps 116:3.
 
2. The more earnest we have been with God for deliverance, and the more direct answer it is to our prayers, the more we are obliged to be thankful. David's deliverances were so, Ps 18:6. David was found a praying man, and God was found a prayer-hearing God. If we pray as he did, we shall speed as he did. Though distress drive us to prayer, God will not therefore be deaf to us; nay, being a God of pity, he will be the more ready to succour us.
 
3. The more wonderful God's appearances are in any deliverance the greater it is: such were the deliverances wrought for David, in which God's manifestation of his presence and glorious attributes is most magnificently described, Ps 18:7, &c. Little appeared of man, but much of God, in these deliverances.
 
(1.) He appeared a God of almighty power; for he made the earth shake and tremble, and moved even the foundations of the hills (Ps 18:7), as of old at Mount Sinai. When the men of the earth were struck with fear, then the earth might be said to tremble; when the great men of the earth were put into confusion, then the hills moved.
 
(2.) He showed his anger and displeasure against the enemies and persecutors of his people: He was wroth, Ps 18:7. His wrath smoked, it burned, it was fire, it was devouring fire (Ps 18:8 ) and coals were kindled by it.  Those that by their own sins make themselves as coals (that is, fuel) to this fire will be consumed by it. He that ordains his arrows against the persecutors sends them forth when he pleases, and they are sure to hit the mark and do execution; for those arrows are lightnings, Ps 18:14.
 
(3.) He showed his readiness to plead his people's cause and work deliverance for them; for he rode upon a cherub and did fly, for the maintaining of right and the relieving of his distressed servants, Ps 18:10.  No opposition, no obstruction, can be given to him who rides upon the wings of the wind, who rides on the heavens, for the help of his people, and, in his excellency, on the skies.
 
(4.) He showed his condescension, in taking cognizance of David's case: He bowed the heavens and came down (Ps 18:9), did not send an angel, but came himself, as one afflicted in the afflictions of his people.
 
(5.) He wrapped himself in darkness, and yet commanded light to shine out of darkness for his people, Isa 45:15. He is a God that hideth himself; for he made darkness his pavilion, Ps 18:11. His glory is invisible, his counsels are unsearchable, and his proceedings unaccountable, and so, as to us, clouds and darkness are round about him; we know not the way that he takes, even when he is coming towards us in ways of mercy; but, when his designs are secret, they are kind; for, though he hide himself, he is the God of Israel, the Saviour.  And, at his brightness, the thick clouds pass (Ps 18:12), comfort returns, the face of affairs is changed, and that which was gloomy and threatening becomes serene and pleasant.
 
4. The greater the difficulties are that lie in the way of deliverance the more glorious the deliverance is. For the rescuing of David, the waters were to be divided till the very channels were seen; the earth was to be cloven till the very foundations of it were discovered, Ps 18:15. There were waters deep and many, waters out of which he was to be drawn (Ps 18:16), as Moses, who had his name from being drawn out of the water literally, as David was figuratively. His enemies were strong, and they hated him; had he been left to himself, they would have been too strong for him, Ps 18:17. And they were too quick for him; for they prevented him in the day of his calamity, Ps 18:18. But, in the midst of his troubles, the Lord was his stay, so that he did not sink. Note, God will not only deliver his people out of their troubles in due time, but he will sustain them and bear them up under their troubles in the mean time.
 
5. That which especially magnified the deliverance was that his comfort was the fruit of it and God's favour was the root and fountain of it. (1.) It was an introduction to his preferment, Ps 18:19.
 
"He brought me forth also out of my straits into a large place, where I had room, not only to turn, but to thrive in."
 
(2.) It was a token of God's favour to him, and that made it doubly sweet:
 
"He delivered me because he delighted in me, not for my merit, but for his own grace and good-will."
 
Compare this with 2Sa 15:26, If he thus say, I have no delight in thee, here I am. We owe our salvation, that great deliverance, to the delight God had in the Son of David, in whom he has declared himself to be well pleased.
 
In singing this we must triumph in God, and trust in him: and we may apply it to Christ the Son of David. The sorrows of death surrounded him; in his distress he prayed (Heb 5:7); God made the earth to shake and tremble, and the rocks to cleave, and brought him out, in his resurrection, into a large place, because he delighted in him and in his undertaking.

Psalm 19
Psa 19:1  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.
Psa 19:2  Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge.
Psa 19:3  There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
Psa 19:4  Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
Psa 19:5  Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
Psa 19:6  His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
Psa 19:7  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Psa 19:8  The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Psa 19:9  The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
Psa 19:10  More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Psa 19:11  Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Psa 19:12  Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
Psa 19:13  Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
Psa 19:14  Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

MHCC
* The glory of God's works. (1-6) His holiness and grace as shown in his word. (7-10) Prayer for the benefit of them. (11-14)
 
  1-6 The heavens so declare the glory of God, and proclaim his wisdom, power, and goodness, that all ungodly men are left without excuse. They speak themselves to be works of God's hands; for they must have a Creator who is eternal, infinitely wise, powerful, and good. The counter-changing of day and night is a great proof of the power of God, and calls us to observe, that, as in the kingdom of nature, so in that of providence, he forms the light, and creates the darkness, Isa 45:7, and sets the one against the other. The sun in the firmament is an emblem of the Sun of righteousness, the Bridegroom of the church, and the Light of the world, diffusing Divine light and salvation by his gospel to the nations of the earth. He delights to bless his church, which he has espoused to himself; and his course will be unwearied as that of the sun, till the whole earth is filled with his light and salvation. Let us pray for the time when he shall enlighten, cheer, and make fruitful every nation on earth, with the blessed salvation. They have no speech or language, so some read it, and yet their voice is heard. All people may hear these preachers speak in their own tongue the wonderful works of God. Let us give God the glory of all the comfort and benefit we have by the lights of heaven, still looking above and beyond them to the Sun of righteousness.

PS 19
MHC commentary

 
There are two excellent books which the great God has published for the instruction and edification of the children of men; this psalm treats of them both, and recommends them both to our diligent study.
 
  I. The book of the creatures, in which we may easily read the power and godhead of the Creator, Ps 19:1-6.
 
  II. The book of the scriptures, which makes known to us the will of God concerning our duty. He shows the excellency and usefulness of that book (Ps 19:7-11) and then teaches us how to improve it, Ps 19:12-14.
 
Ver. 1. thru Ver. 6.
 
From the things that are seen every day by all the world the psalmist, in these verses, leads us to the consideration of the invisible things of God, whose being appears incontestably evident and whose glory shines transcendently bright in the visible heavens, the structure and beauty of them, and the order and influence of the heavenly bodies. This instance of the divine power serves not only to show the folly of atheists, who see there is a heaven and yet say,
 
"There is no God,"
 
who see the effect and yet say,
 
"There is no cause,"
 
but to show the folly of idolaters also, and the vanity of their imagination, who, though the heavens declare the glory of God, yet gave that glory to the lights of heaven which those very lights directed them to give to God only, the Father of lights. Now observe here,
 
1. What that is which the creatures notify to us. They are in many ways useful and serviceable to us, but in nothing so much as in this, that they declare the glory of God, by showing his handy-works, Ps 19:1.  They plainly speak themselves to be God's handy-works; for they could not exist from eternity; all succession and motion must have had a beginning; they could not make themselves, that is a contradiction; they could not be produced by a casual hit of atoms, that is an absurdity, fit rather to be bantered than reasoned with: therefore they must have a Creator, who can be no other than an eternal mind, infinitely wise, powerful, and good. Thus it appears they are God's works, the work of his fingers (Ps 8:3), and therefore they declare his glory. From the excellency of the work we may easily infer the infinite perfection of its great author. From the brightness of the heavens we may collect that the Creator is light; their vastness of extent bespeaks his immensity;, their height his transcendency and sovereignty, their influence upon this earth his dominion, and providence, and universal beneficence: and all declare his almighty power, by which they were at first made, and continue to this day according to the ordinances that were then settled.
 
  II. What are some of those things which notify this?
 
1. The heavens and the firmament--the vast expanse of air and ether, and the spheres of the planets and fixed stars. Man has this advantage above the beasts, in the structure of his body, that whereas they are made to look downwards, as their spirits must go, he is made erect, to look upwards, because upwards his spirit must shortly go and his thoughts should now rise.
 
2. The constant and regular succession of day and night (Ps 19:2): Day unto day, and night unto night, speak the glory of that God who first divided between the light and the darkness, and has, from the beginning to this day, preserved that established order without variation, according to God's covenant with Noah (Ge 8:22), that, while the earth remains, day and night shall not cease, to which covenant of providence the covenant of grace is compared for its stability, Jer 33:20; 31:35. The counter changing of day and night, in so exact a method, is a great instance of the power of God, and calls us to observe that, as in the kingdom of nature, so in that of providence, he forms the light and creates the darkness (Isa 45:7), and sets the one over against the other. It is likewise an instance of his goodness to man; for he makes the out goings of the morning and evening to rejoice, Ps 65:8. He not only glorifies himself, but gratifies us, by this constant revolution; for as the light of the morning befriends the business of the day, so the shadows of the evening befriend the repose of the night; every day and every night speak the goodness of God, and, when they have finished their testimony, leave it to the next day, to the next night, to stay the same.
 
3. The light and influence of the sun do, in a special manner, declare the glory of God; for of all the heavenly bodies that is the most conspicuous in itself and most useful to this lower world, which would be all dungeon, and all desert, without it.  It is not an improbable conjecture that David penned this psalm when he had the rising sun in view, and from the brightness of it took occasion to declare the glory of God. Concerning the sun observe here,
 
(1.) The place appointed him. In the heavens God has set a tabernacle for the sun. The heavenly bodies are called hosts of heaven, and therefore are fitly said to dwell in tents, as soldiers in their encampments. The sun is said to have a tabernacle set him, no only because he is in continual motion and never has a fixed residence, but because the mansion he has will, at the end of time, be taken down like a tent, when the heavens shall be rolled together like a scroll and the sun shall be turned to darkness.
 
(2.) The course assigned him.  That glorious creature was not made to be idle, but his going forth (at least as it appears to our eye) is from one point of the heavens, and his circuit thence to the opposite point, and thence (to complete his diurnal revolution) to the same point again; and this with such steadiness and constancy that we can certainly foretel the hour and the minute at which the sun will rise at such a place, any day to come.
 
(3.) The brightness wherein he appears. He is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, richly dressed and adorned, as fine as hands can make him, looking pleasantly himself and making all about him pleasant; for the friend of the bridegroom rejoices greatly to hear the bridegroom's voice, Joh 3:29.
 
(4.) The cheerfulness wherewith he makes his tour. Though it seems a vast round which he has to walk, and he has not a moment's rest, yet in obedience to the law of this creation, and for the service of man, he not only does it, but does it with a great deal of pleasure and rejoices as a strong man to run a race. With such satisfaction did Christ, the Sun of righteousness, finish the work that was given him to do.
 
(5.) His universal influence on this earth: There is nothing hidden from the heat thereof, no, not metals in the bowels of the earth, which the sun has an influence upon.
 
  III. To whom this declaration is made of the glory of God. It is made to all parts of the world (Ps 19:3-4): There is no speech nor language (no nation, for the nations were divided after their tongues, Ge 10:31-32 where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone through all the earth (the equinoctial line, suppose) and with it their words to the end of the world, proclaiming the eternal power of God of nature, Ps 19:4. The apostle uses this as a reason why the Jews should not be angry with him and others for preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, because God had already made himself known to the Gentile world by the works of creation, and left not himself without witness among them (Ro 10:18), so that they were without excuse if they were idolaters, Ro 1:20-21. And those were without blame, who, by preaching the gospel to them, endeavoured to turn them from their idolatry. If God used these means to prevent their apostasy, and they proved ineffectual, the apostles did well to use other means to recover them from it. They have no speech or language (so some read it) and yet their voice is heard. All people may hear these natural immortal preachers speak to them in their own tongue the wonderful works of God.
 
In singing these verses we must give God the glory of all the comfort and benefit we have by the lights of the heaven, still looking above and beyond them to the Sun of righteousness.

PSALM 20
Ps 20:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
Ps 20:2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
Ps 20:3 Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.
Ps 20:4 Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.
Ps 20:5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.
Ps 20:6  Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.
Ps 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Ps 20:8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.
Ps 20:9 Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.

MHCC
* This psalm is a prayer for the kings of Israel, but with relation to Christ.
 
- Even the greatest of men may be much in trouble. Neither the crown on the king's head, nor the grace in his heart, would make him free from trouble. Even the greatest of men must be much in prayer. Let none expect benefit by the prayers of the church, or their friends, who are capable of praying for themselves, yet neglect it. Pray that God would protect his person, and preserve his life. That God would enable him to go on in his undertakings for the public good. We may know that God accepts our spiritual sacrifices, if by his Spirit he kindles in our souls a holy fire of piety and love to God. Also, that the Lord would crown his enterprises with success. Our first step to victory in spiritual warfare is to trust only in the mercy and grace of God; all who trust in themselves will soon be cast down. Believers triumph in God, and his revelation of himself to them, by which they distinguish themselves from those that live without God in the world. Those who make God and his name their praise, may make God and his name their trust. This was the case when the pride and power of Jewish unbelief, and pagan idolatry, fell before the sermons and lives of the humble believers in Jesus. This is the case in every conflict with our spiritual enemies, when we engage them in the name, the spirit, and the power of Christ; and this will be the case at the last day, when the world, with the prince of it, shall be brought down and fall; but believers, risen-from the dead, through the resurrection of the Lord, shall stand, and sing his praises in heaven. In Christ's salvation let us rejoice; and set up our banners in the name of the Lord our God, assured that by the saving strength of his right hand we shall be conquerors over every enemy.

Psalm 20 and 21 go together: the first is a psalm of interccession by the people on behalf of King David before battle; the second is a prayer of thanksgiving for the victory achieved. In Psalm 20 there is first a petion for the king (vv 1-5), then the divine assurance that victory is certain (vv 6-8); finally the Psalm closes with a prayer (v 9).

Psalm 21
Ps 21:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
Ps 21:2 Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah.
Ps 21:3 For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head.
Ps 21:4 He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever.
Ps 21:5 His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him.
Ps 21:6 For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.
Ps 21:7  For the king trusteth in the LORD, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved.
Ps 21:8 Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee.
Ps 21:9 Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.
Ps 21:10 Their fruit shalt thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men.
Ps 21:11 For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, which they are not able to perform.
Ps 21:12 Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, when thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the face of them.
Ps 21:13 Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.

MHCC
 
* Thanksgiving for victory. (1-6) Confidence of further success. (7-13)
1-6 Happy the people whose king makes God's strength his confidence, and God's salvation his joy; who is pleased with all the advancements of God kingdom, and trusts God to support him in all he does for the service of it. All our blessings are blessings of goodness, and are owing, not to any merit of ours, but only to God's goodness. But when God's blessings come sooner, and prove richer than we imagine; when they are given before we prayed for them, before we were ready for them, nay, when we feared the contrary; then it may be truly said that he prevented, or went before us, with them. Nothing indeed prevented, or went before Christ, but to mankind never was any favour more preventing than our redemption by Christ. Thou hast made him to be a universal, everlasting blessing to the world, in whom the families of the earth are, and shall be blessed; and so thou hast made him exceeding glad with the countenance thou hast given to his undertaking, and to him in the prosecution of it. The Spirit of prophecy rises from what related to the king, to that which is peculiar to Christ; none other is blessed for ever, much less a blessing for ever.
7-13 The psalmist teaches to look forward with faith, and hope, and prayer upon what God would further do. The success with which God blessed David, was a type of the total overthrow of all Christ's enemies. Those who might have had Christ to rule and save them, but rejected him and fought against him, shall find the remembrance of it a worm that dies not. God makes sinners willing by his grace, receives them to his favour, and delivers them from the wrath to come. May he exalt himself, by his all-powerful grace, in our hearts, destroying all the strong-holds of sin and Satan. How great should be our joy and praise to behold our Brother and Friend upon the throne, and for all the blessings we may expect from him! yet he delights in his exalted state, as enabling him to confer happiness and glory on poor sinners, who are taught to love and trust in him.
God deserves so much praise from us. Sometimes we don't even know what victories we have been taken trhough in the spirit realm. We should always thank God and praise Him for His faithfulness.

Psalm 22
Ps 22:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David.>> My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
Ps 22:2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.
Ps 22:3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
Ps 22:4 Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.
Ps 22:5 They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.
Ps 22:6 But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.
Ps 22:7 All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,
Ps 22:8 He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.
Ps 22:9 But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts.
Ps 22:10 I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly.

Ps 22:11 ¶ Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.
Ps 22:12 Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.
Ps 22:13 They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.
Ps 22:14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.
Ps 22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.
Ps 22:16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
Ps 22:17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.
Ps 22:18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
Ps 22:19 But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.
Ps 22:20 Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.
Ps 22:21 Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

Ps 22:22 ¶ I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.
Ps 22:23 Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.
Ps 22:24 For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.
Ps 22:25 My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.
Ps 22:26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.
Ps 22:27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.
Ps 22:28 For the kingdom is the LORD'S: and he is the governor among the nations.
Ps 22:29 All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul.
Ps 22:30 A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.
Ps 22:31 They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.

continued:

MHCC
 
* Complaints of discouragement. (1-10)
With prayer for deliverance. (11-21)
Praises for mercies and redemption. (22-31)
 
  1-10 The Spirit of Christ, which was in the prophets, testifies in this psalm, clearly and fully, the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. We have a sorrowful complaint of God's withdrawings. This may be applied to any child of God, pressed down, overwhelmed with grief and terror. Spiritual desertions are the saints' sorest afflictions; but even their complaint of these burdens is a sign of spiritual life, and spiritual senses exercised. To cry out, My God, why am I sick? why am I poor? savours of discontent and worldliness. But, "Why hast thou forsaken me?" is the language of a heart binding up its happiness in God's favour. This must be applied to Christ. In the first words of this complaint, he poured out his soul before God when he was upon the cross, Mt 27:46. Being truly| man, Christ felt a natural unwillingness to pass through such great sorrows, yet his zeal and love prevailed. Christ declared the holiness of God, his heavenly Father, in his sharpest sufferings; nay, declared them to be a proof of it, for which he would be continually praised by his Israel, more than for all other deliverances they received. Never any that hoped in thee, were made ashamed of their hope; never any that sought thee, sought thee in vain. Here is a complaint of the contempt and reproach of men. The Saviour here spoke of the abject state to which he was reduced. The history of Christ's sufferings, and of his birth, explains this prophecy.


11-21 In these verses we have Christ suffering, and Christ praying; by which we are directed to look for crosses, and to look up to God under them. The very manner of Christ's death is described, though not in use among the Jews. They pierced his hands and his feet, which were nailed to the accursed tree, and his whole body was left so to hang as to suffer the most severe pain and torture. His natural force failed, being wasted by the fire of Divine wrath preying upon his spirits. Who then can stand before God's anger? or who knows the power of it? The life of the sinner was forfeited, and the life of the Sacrifice must be the ransom for it. Our Lord Jesus was stripped, when he was crucified, that he might clothe us with the robe of his righteousness. Thus it was written, therefore thus it behoved Christ to suffer. Let all this confirm our faith in him as the true Messiah, and excite our love to him as the best of friends, who loved us, and suffered all this for us. Christ in his agony prayed, prayed earnestly, prayed that the cup might pass from him. When we cannot rejoice in God as our song, yet let us stay ourselves upon him as our strength; and take the comfort of spiritual supports, when we cannot have spiritual delights. He prays to be delivered from the Divine wrath. He that has delivered, doth deliver, and will do so. We should think upon the sufferings and resurrection of Christ, till we feel in our souls the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings.


22-31 The Saviour now speaks as risen from the dead. The first words of the complaint were used by Christ himself upon the cross; the first words of the triumph are expressly applied to him, Heb 2:12. All our praises must refer to the work of redemption. The suffering of the Redeemer was graciously accepted as a full satisfaction for sin. Though it was offered for sinful men, the Father did not despise or abhor it for our sakes. This ought to be the matter of our thanksgiving. All humble, gracious souls should have a full satisfaction and happiness in him. Those that hunger and thirst after righteousness in Christ, shall not labour for that which satisfies not. Those that are much in praying, will be much in thanksgiving. Those that turn to God, will make conscience of worshipping before him. Let every tongue confess that he is Lord. High and low, rich and poor, bond and free, meet in Christ. Seeing we cannot keep alive our own souls, it is our wisdom, by obedient faith, to commit our souls to Christ, who is able to save and keep them alive for ever. A seed shall serve him. God will have a church in the world to the end of time. They shall be accounted to him for a generation; he will be the same to them that he was to those who went before them. His righteousness, and not any of their own, they shall declare to be the foundation of all their hopes, and the fountain of all their joys. Redemption by Christ is the Lord's own doing. Here we see the free love and compassion of God the Father, and of our Lord Jesus Christ, for us wretched sinners, as the source of all grace and consolation; the example we are to follow, the treatment as Christians we are to expect, and the conduct under it we are to adopt. Every lesson may here be learned that can profit the humbled soul. Let those who go about to establish their own righteousness inquire, why the beloved Son of God should thus suffer, if their own doings could atone for sin? Let the ungodly professor consider whether the Saviour thus honoured the Divine law, to purchase him the privilege of despising it. Let the careless take warning to flee from the wrath to come, and the trembling rest their hopes upon this merciful Redeemer. Let the tempted and distressed believer cheerfully expect a happy end of every trial.
continued

AMEN! Sister Maria!!

 Matthew 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said, With men this is impossible, but all things are possible with God.

Psalm 23

1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Of all the Psalms this is probably the one Psalm that almost everyone knows either in full or parts of; it is a most beloved Psalm, because it is so full of promise that even people who do not habitually read their Bible can relate to it and draw comfort and strength from it. Although it is a very short Psalm it is power packed with promises for the present and the future.
It shows we have a relationship with God, He supplies our needs, He refreshes us, He gives us rest, He heals us He guides us, He gives us rest, He has a purpose for us, He protects us, He is faithful, He disciplines us, He gives us hope, He has consecrated us for Himself, He gives to us in abundance, He blesses us, He gives us security, and He promises us eternity in His prescence.

TOD
The twenty-third Psalm is the nightingale of the Psalms. It is small, of a homely feather, singing shyly out of obscurity; but, oh! it has filled the air of the whole world with melodious joy, greater than the heart can conceive. Blessed be the day on which that Psalm was born! What would you say of a pilgrim commissioned of God to travel up and down the earth singing a strange melody, which, when one heard, caused him to forget whatever sorrows he had? And so the singing angel goes on his way through all lands, singing in the language of every nation, driving away trouble by the pulses of the air which his tongue moves with divine power. Behold just such an one! This pilgrim God has sent to speak in every language on the globe. It has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the seashore. It has comforted the noble host of the poor. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. It has poured balm and consolation into the heart of the sick, of captives in dungeons, of widows in their pinching griefs, of orphans in their loneliness. Dying soldiers have died easier as it was read to them; ghastly hospitals have been illuminated; it has visited the prisoner, and broken his chains, and, like Peter's angel, led him forth in imagination, and sung him back to his home again. It has made the dying Christian slave freer than his master, and consoled those whom, dying, he left behind mourning, not so much that he was gone, as because they were left behind, and could not go too. Nor is its work done. It will go singing to your children and my children, and to their children, through all the generations of time; nor will it fold its wings till the last pilgrim is safe, and time ended; and then it shall fly back to the bosom of God, whence it issued, and sound on, mingled with all those sounds of celestial joy which make heaven musical for ever. Henry Ward Beecher, in "Life Thoughts."

Psalm 24
Psa 24:1  A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
Psa 24:2  For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
Psa 24:3  Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
Psa 24:4  He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
Psa 24:5  He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Psa 24:6  This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.
Psa 24:7  Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Psa 24:8  Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
Psa 24:9  Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Psa 24:10  Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

Psalm 24: Matthew Henry Concise
Concerning the kingdom of Christ, and the subjects of that kingdom. (1-6)

Concerning the King of that kingdom. (7-10)

Verses 1-6 We ourselves are not our own; our bodies, our souls, are not. Even those of the children of men are God's, who know him not, nor own their relation to him. A soul that knows and considers its own nature, and that it must live for ever, when it has viewed the earth and the fulness thereof, will sit down unsatisfied. It will think of ascending toward God, and will ask, What shall I do, that I may abide in that happy, holy place, where he makes his people holy and happy? We make nothing of religion, if we do not make heart-work of it. We can only be cleansed from our sins, and renewed unto holiness, by the blood of Christ and the washing of the Holy Ghost. Thus we become his people; thus we receive blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of our salvation. God's peculiar people shall be made truly and for ever happy. Where God gives righteousness, he designs salvation. Those that are made meet for heaven, shall be brought safe to heaven, and will find what they have been seeking.

Verses 7-10 The splendid entry here described, refers to the solemn bringing in of the ark into the tent David pitched for it, or the temple Solomon built for it. We may also apply it to the ascension of Christ into heaven, and the welcome given to him there. Our Redeemer found the gates of heaven shut, but having by his blood made atonement for sin, as one having authority, he demanded entrance. The angels were to worship him, ( Hebrews 1:6 ) : they ask with wonder, Who is he? It is answered, that he is strong and mighty; mighty in battle to save his people, and to subdue his and their enemies. We may apply it to Christ's entrance into the souls of men by his word and Spirit, that they may be his temples. Behold, he stands at the door, and knocks, ( Revelation 3:20 ) . The gates and doors of the heart are to be opened to him, as possession is delivered to the rightful owner. We may apply it to his second coming with glorious power. Lord, open the everlasting door of our souls by thy grace, that we may now receive thee, and be wholly thine; and that, at length, we may be numbered with thy saints in glory.

PSALM 25

Ps 25:1 <<A Psalm of David.>> To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
Ps 25:2 O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me.
Ps 25:3 Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed; Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause.
Ps 25:4 Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths.
Ps 25:5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.
Ps 25:6 Remember, O LORD, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses, For they are from of old.
Ps 25:7 Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; According to Your mercy remember me, For Your goodness' sake, O LORD.
Ps 25:8 ¶ Good and upright is the LORD; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.
Ps 25:9 The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way.
Ps 25:10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.
Ps 25:11 For Your name's sake, O LORD, Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.
Ps 25:12 Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.
Ps 25:13 He himself shall dwell in prosperity, And his descendants shall inherit the earth.
Ps 25:14 The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant.
Ps 25:15 ¶ My eyes are ever toward the LORD, For He shall pluck my feet out of the net.
Ps 25:16 Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me, For I am desolate and afflicted.
Ps 25:17 The troubles of my heart have enlarged; Bring me out of my distresses!
Ps 25:18 Look on my affliction and my pain, And forgive all my sins.
Ps 25:19 Consider my enemies, for they are many; And they hate me with cruel hatred.
Ps 25:20 Keep my soul, and deliver me; Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You.
Ps 25:21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You.
Ps 25:22 Redeem Israel, O God, Out of all their troubles!

MHCC

1-7 In worshipping God, we must lift up our souls to him. It is certain that none who, by a believing attendance, wait on God, and, by a believing hope, wait for him, shall be ashamed of it. The most advanced believer both needs and desires to be taught of God. If we sincerely desire to know our duty, with resolution to do it, we may be sure that God will direct us in it. The psalmist is earnest for the pardon of his sins. When God pardons sin, he is said to remember it no more, which denotes full remission. It is God's goodness, and not ours, his mercy, and not our merit, that must be our plea for the pardon of sin, and all the good we need. This plea we must rely upon, feeling our own unworthiness, and satisfied of the riches of God's mercy and grace. How boundless is that mercy which covers for ever the sins and follies of a youth spent without God and without hope! Blessed be the Lord, the blood of the great Sacrifice can wash away every stain.

8-14 We are all sinners; and Christ came into the world to save sinners, to teach sinners, to call sinners to repentance. We value a promise by the character of him that makes it; we therefore depend upon God's promises. All the paths of the Lord, that is, all his promises and all his providences, are mercy and truth. In all God's dealings his people may see his mercy displayed, and his word fulfilled, whatever afflictions they are now exercised with. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth; and so it will appear when they come to their journey's end. Those that are humble, that distrust themselves, and desire to be taught and to follow Divine guidance, these he will guide in judgment, that is, by the rule of the written word, to find rest for their souls in the Saviour. Even when the body is sick, and in pain, the soul may be at ease in God.

15-22 The psalmist concludes, as he began, with expressing dependence upon God, and desire toward him. It is good thus to hope, and quietly to wait for the salvation of the Lord. And if God turns to us, no matter who turns from us. He pleads his own integrity. Though guilty before God, yet, as to his enemies, he had the testimony of conscience that he had done them no wrong. God would, at length, give Israel rest from all their enemies round about. In heaven, God's Israel will be perfectly redeemed from all troubles. Blessed Saviour, thou hast graciously taught us that without thee we can do nothing. Do thou teach us how to pray, how to appear before thee in the way which thou shalt choose, and how to lift up our whole hearts and desires after thee, for thou art the Lord our righteousness.

AMEN SISTER MARIA!

Sister, here's a beautiful reference that serves as a compliment for Psalms 25:

Psalms 16:1 NASB  A Mikhtam of David. Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You.

Psalms 16:2 NASB  I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good besides You."

Psalms 16:3 NASB  As for the saints who are in the earth, They are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.

Psalms 16:4 NASB  The sorrows of those who have bartered for another god will be multiplied; I shall not pour out their drink offerings of blood, Nor will I take their names upon my lips.

Psalms 16:5 NASB  The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot.

Psalms 16:6 NASB  The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.

Psalms 16:7 NASB  I will bless the LORD who has counseled me; Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.

Psalms 16:8 NASB  I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Psalms 16:9 NASB  Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely.

Psalms 16:10 NASB  For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.

Psalms 16:11 NASB  You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

Sister, Psalms is such a beautiful and uplifting portion of the Bible. It's good for the heart to spend time studying the Psalms, and I thank you for sharing with us.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Psalms 9:9-10 NASB  The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble;  And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Brother BEP's, I am delighted that you posted Psalm 16 as a compliment to Psalm 25, God's Word is so powerful, and He in His loving kindness reminds us constantly of His love for us.
I especially like verse 3 of Psalm 16

Psalms 16:3 NASB  As for the saints who are in the earth, They are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.

See right in the middle or anywhere else in many, many parts if the Bible; God speaks, although the entire Bible is God's Word, for instance, verse 3 of Ps 16 opens my eyes I can see that God Himself is speaking in the first person. And that is so special to me. This is why it is important to me to really read and meditate on God's Word, because sometimes it is easy to pass over and not even notice the Word God speaks in the first person.
His Love shines through each and every word,
Thank you for adding references and other Psalms or any other Scripture, that enhances and compliments the Book of Psalms.
I welcome anyone else who would like to do likewise.  :)

Psalm 26
MKJV

Ps 26:1 A Psalm of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in my truthfulness. I have trusted also in the LORD; I shall not slide.

Ps 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; purify my heart and my mind.

Ps 26:3 For Your loving-kindness is before my eyes; and I have walked in Your truth.

Ps 26:4 I have not sat with lying men, neither will I go in with hypocrites.

Ps 26:5 I have hated the congregation of evil-doers, and will not sit with the wicked.

Ps 26:6 I will wash my hands in innocency; so I will go around Your altar, O LORD,

Ps 26:7 so that I may cry out with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Your wonderful works.

Ps 26:8 LORD, I have loved the dwelling place of Your house, and the place where Your honor dwells.

Ps 26:9 Do not take away my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men

Ps 26:10 in whose hands is a plot, and their right hand is full of a bribe.

Ps 26:11 But I will walk in my truthfulness; redeem me and be merciful to me.

Ps 26:12 My foot stands in an even place; in the congregations I will bless the LORD.

MHC

David is in this psalm putting himself upon a solemn trial, not by God and his country, but by God and his own conscience, to both which he appeals touching his integrity (Ps 26:1-2), for the proof of which he alleges,

His constant regard to God and his grace, Ps 26:3.

His rooted antipathy to sin and sinners, Ps 26:4-5.

His sincere affection to the ordinances of God, and his care about them, Ps 26:6-8. Having thus proved his integrity

He deprecates the doom of the wicked, Ps 26:9-10.

He casts himself upon the mercy and grace of God, with a resolution to hold fast his integrity, and his hope in God, Ps 26:11-12.

In singing this psalm we must teach and admonish ourselves, and one another, what we must be and do that we may have the favour of God, and comfort in our own consciences, and comfort ourselves with it, as David does, if we can say that in any measure we have, through grace, answered to these characters.

(my own thought) We should always examine ourselves to make sure that we are holding fast to our integrity as did David. I believe that because David was examined himself, was quick to repent, called on God letting Him know how much he needed Him, praised and glorified God, and rejoiced in Him, God called him a man after mine own heart. I want to be a woman after God's own heart.

MJKV Psalm 27

Ps 27:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Ps 27:2 When the wicked, my enemies and my foes, came on me to eat my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

Ps 27:3 Though an army should camp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise against me, in this I am trusting.

Ps 27:4 One thing I have desired from the LORD, that I will seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to pray in His temple.

Ps 27:5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His shelter, in the secrecy of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me up on a rock.

Ps 27:6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies, my encirclers; and I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle. I will sing; yea, I will sing praises to the LORD.

Ps 27:7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice; and have mercy on me, and answer me.

Ps 27:8 My heart says to You, Seek my face; Your face, O LORD, I will seek;

Ps 27:9 Hide not Your face from me. Turn not Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

Ps 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

Ps 27:11 Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of my enemies.

Ps 27:12 Deliver me not over to the will of my enemies; for false witnesses have risen up against me, and he that breathes out cruelty.

Ps 27:13 I would have fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Ps 27:14 Hope in the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall make your heart strong; yea, hope in the LORD.

MHCC

  1-6 The Lord, who is the believer's light, is the strength of his life; not only by whom, but in whom he lives and moves. In God let us strengthen ourselves. The gracious presence of God, his power, his promise, his readiness to hear prayer, the witness of his Spirit in the hearts of his people; these are the secret of his tabernacle, and in these the saints find cause for that holy security and peace of mind in which they dwell at ease. The psalmist prays for constant communion with God in holy ordinances. All God's children desire to dwell in their Father's house. Not to sojourn there as a wayfaring man, to tarry but for a night; or to dwell there for a time only, as the servant that abides not in the house for ever; but to dwell there all the days of their life, as children with a father. Do we hope that the praising of God will be the blessedness of our eternity? Surely then we ought to make it the business of our time. This he had at heart more than any thing. Whatever the Christian is as to this life, he considers the favour and service of God as the one thing needful. This he desires, prays for and seeks after, and in it he rejoices.
7-14 Wherever the believer is, he can find a way to the throne of grace by prayer. God calls us by his Spirit, by his word, by his worship, and by special providences, merciful and afflicting. When we are foolishly making court to lying vanities, God is, in love to us, calling us to seek our own mercies in him. The call is general, "Seek ye my face;" but we must apply it to ourselves, "I will seek it." The word does us no good, when we do not ourselves accept the exhortation: a gracious heart readily answers to the call of a gracious God, being made willing in the day of his power. The psalmist requests the favour of the Lord; the continuance of his presence with him; the benefit of Divine guidance, and the benefit of Divine protection. God's time to help those that trust in him, is, when all other helpers fail. He is a surer and better Friend than earthly parents are, or can be. What was the belief which supported the psalmist? That he should see the goodness of the Lord. There is nothing like the believing hope of eternal life, the foresights of that glory, and foretastes of those pleasures, to keep us from fainting under all calamities. In the mean time he should be strengthened to bear up under his burdens. Let us look unto the suffering Saviour, and pray in faith, not to be delivered into the hands of our enemies. Let us encourage each other to wait on the Lord, with patient expectation, and fervent prayer.

Ps 28:1 A Psalm of David. I will cry to You, O LORD; my Rock, do not be deaf to me, lest, if You be silent to me, I become like those who go down into the pit.

Ps 28:2 Hear the voice of my prayers, when I cry to You, when I lift up my hands toward Your Holy Place.

Ps 28:3 Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors, yet evil is in their hearts.

Ps 28:4 Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their practices, give them according to the work of their hands; give them what they deserve.

Ps 28:5 Because they do not pay attention to the works of the LORD and to the work of His hands, He shall destroy them and never build them up.

Ps 28:6 Blessed is the LORD, because He has heard the voice of my prayers.

Ps 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices; and with my song I will praise Him.

Ps 28:8 The LORD is a strength to them, and He is the saving strength of His anointed.

Ps 28:9 Save Your people, and bless Your inheritance; feed them also, and lift them up forever.

MHCC


* A prayer in distress. (1-5) Thanksgiving for deliverance. (6-9)
 
  1-5 David is very earnest in prayer. Observe his faith in prayer; God is my rock, on whom I build my hope. Believers should not rest till they have received some token that their prayers are heard. He prays that he may not be numbered with the wicked. Save me from being entangled in the snares they have laid for me. Save me from being infected with their sins, and from doing as they do. Lord, never leave me to use such arts of deceit and treachery for my safety, as they use for my ruin. Believers dread the way of sinners; the best are sensible of the danger they are in of being drawn aside: we should all pray earnestly to God for his grace to keep us. Those who are careful not to partake with sinners in their sins, have reason to hope that they shall not receive their plagues. He speaks of the just judgments of the Lord on the workers of iniquity, ver. 4. This is not the language of passion or revenge. It is a prophecy that there will certainly come a day, when God will punish every man who persists in his evil deeds. Sinners shall be reckoned with, not only for the mischief they have done, but for the mischief they designed, and did what they could to effect. Disregard of the works of the Lord, is the cause of the sin of sinners, and becomes the cause of their ruin.
 
6-9 Has God heard our supplications? Let us then bless his name. The Lord is my strength, to support me, and carry me on through all my services and sufferings. The heart that truly believes, shall in due time greatly rejoice: we are to expect joy and peace in believing. God shall have the praise of it: thus must we express our gratitude. The saints rejoice in others' comfort as well as their own: we have the less benefit from the light of the sun, nor from the light of God's countenance, for others' sharing therein. The psalmist concludes with a short, but comprehensive prayer. God's people are his inheritance, and precious in his eyes. He prays that God would save them; that he would bless them with all good, especially the plenty of his ordinances, which are food to the soul. And direct their actions and overrule their affairs for good. Also, lift them up for ever; not only those of that age, but his people in every age to come; lift them up as high as heaven. There, and there only, will saints be lifted up for ever, never more to sink, or be depressed. Save us, Lord Jesus, from our sins; bless us, thou Son of Abraham, with the blessing of righteousness; feed us, thou good Shepherd of the sheep, and lift us up for ever from the dust, O thou, who art the Resurrection and the Life.

Ps 29:1 A Psalm of David. Give to the LORD, O you mighty, give to the LORD glory and strength.

Ps 29:2 Give to the LORD the glory due to His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

Ps 29:3 The voice of the LORD is on the waters; the God of glory thunders; the LORD is above many waters.

Ps 29:4 The voice of the LORD is in power, the voice of the LORD is in majesty.

Ps 29:5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; yea, the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon.

Ps 29:6 He also makes them to skip like a calf, Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox.

Ps 29:7 The voice of the LORD goes through flames of fire.

Ps 29:8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

Ps 29:9 The voice of the LORD causes the does to calve, and uncovers the forests; and in His temple all of it is saying, Glory!

Ps 29:10 The LORD sits on the flood; yea, the LORD sits as King forever.

Ps 29:11 The LORD will give strength to His people; the LORD will bless His people with peace.

MHCC

* Exhortation to give glory to God.
 
- The mighty and honourable of the earth are especially bound to honour and worship him; but, alas, few attempt to worship him in the beauty of holiness. When we come before him as the Redeemer of sinners, in repentance, faith, and love, he will accept our defective services, pardon the sin that cleaves to them, and approve of that measure of holiness which the Holy Spirit enables us to exercise. We have here the nature of religious worship; it is giving to the Lord the glory due to his name. We must be holy in all our religious services, devoted to God, and to his will and glory. There is a beauty in holiness, and that puts beauty upon all acts of worship. The psalmist here sets forth God's dominion in the kingdom of nature. In the thunder, and lightning, and storm, we may see and hear his glory. Let our hearts be thereby filled with great, and high, and honourable thoughts of God, in the holy adoring of whom, the power of godliness so much consists. O Lord our God, thou art very great! The power of the lightning equals the terror of the thunder. The fear caused by these effects of the Divine power, should remind us of the mighty power of God, of man's weakness, and of the defenceless and desperate condition of the wicked in the day of judgment. But the effects of the Divine word upon the souls of men, under the power of the Holy Spirit, are far greater than those of thunder storms in the nature world. Thereby the stoutest are made to tremble, the proudest are cast down, the secrets of the heart are brought to light, sinners are converted, the savage, sensual, and unclean, become harmless, gentle, and pure. If we have heard God's voice, and have fled for refuge to the hope set before us, let us remember that children need not fear their Father's voice, when he speaks in anger to his enemies. While those tremble who are without shelter, let those who abide in his appointed refuge bless him for their security, looking forward to the day of judgment without dismay, safe as Noah in the ark.

Ps 30:1 A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the House of David. I will praise You, O LORD; for You have lifted me up, and have not allowed my foes to rejoice over me.

Ps 30:2 O LORD my God, I cried to You, and You have healed me.

Ps 30:3 O LORD, You have brought up my soul from the grave; You have kept me alive, so that I should not go down to the Pit.

Ps 30:4 Sing praises to the LORD, O you saints of His, and give thanks at the memory of His holiness.

Ps 30:5 For His anger is only a moment; in His favor is life. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

Ps 30:6 And in my blessedness I said, I shall never be moved.

Ps 30:7 O LORD, by Your favor You have made my mountain to stand strong; You hid Your face, and I was troubled.

Ps 30:8 I cried to You, O LORD; and I prayed to the LORD.

Ps 30:9 What profit is in my blood, in going down to the pit? Shall the dust praise You? Shall it tell of Your truth?

Ps 30:10 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy on me; LORD, be my helper.

Ps 30:11 You have turned my mourning into dancing for me; You have torn off my sackcloth, and have clothed me with gladness,

Ps 30:12 so that my glory may sing praise to You, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

MHCC


  1-5. The great things the Lord has done for us, both by his providence and by his grace, bind us in gratitude to do all we can to advance his kingdom among men, though the most we can do is but little. God's saints in heaven sing to him; why should not those on earth do the same? Not one of all God's perfections carries in it more terror to the wicked, or more comfort to the godly, than his holiness. It is a good sign that we are in some measure partakers of his holiness, if we can heartily rejoice at the remembrance of it. Our happiness is bound up in the Divine favour; if we have that, we have enough, whatever else we want; but as long as God's anger continues, so long the saints' weeping continues.
 
6-12 When things are well with us, we are very apt to think that they will always be so. When we see our mistake, it becomes us to think with shame upon our carnal security as our folly. If God hide his face, a good man is troubled, though no other calamity befall him. But if God, in wisdom and justice, turn from us, it will be the greatest folly if we turn from him. No; let us learn to pray in the dark. The sanctified spirit, which returns to God, shall praise him, shall be still praising him; but the services of God's house cannot be performed by the dust; it cannot praise him; there is none of that device or working in the grave, for it is the land of silence. We ask aright for life, when we do so that we may live to praise him. In due time God delivered the psalmist out of his troubles. Our tongue is our glory, and never more so than when employed in praising God. He would persevere to the end in praise, hoping that he should shortly be where this would be the everlasting work. But let all beware of carnal security. Neither outward prosperity, nor inward peace, here, are sure and lasting. The Lord, in his favour, has fixed the believer's safety firm as the deep-rooted mountains, but he must expect to meet with temptations and afflictions. When we grow careless, we fall into sin, the Lord hides his face, our comforts droop, and troubles assail us.

This is How We Overcome  (PS 30)
Your light broke thru my night
Restored exceeding joy.
Your grace fell like the rain
And made this desert live.

Your hand lifted me up
I stand on higher ground.
Your praise rose in my heart
And made this valley sing.

You have turned my mourning into dancing.
You have turned my sorrow into joy.

This is how we overcome!
This is how we overcome!

You have turned my mourning into dancing.
You have turned my sorrow into joy.

Amen Sister Maria,

This is a beautiful and uplifting portion of Scripture. It's a good reminder that Christians should be the happiest people on earth. Whatever our circumstances, it's always the right time to praise and give thanks to our LORD and Saviour.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Galatians 2:19-21 NASB  "For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God. "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. "I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly."

Amen Brother, God will always turn our mourning into dancing and our sorrows into joy, all we have to do is LET Him

Ps 31:1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. In You, O LORD, I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Your righteousness.

Ps 31:2 Bow down Your ear to me; deliver me quickly; be my strong rock, a fortress to save me.

Ps 31:3 For You are my rock and my fortress; and for Your name's sake lead me and guide me.

Ps 31:4 Bring me out of the net that they hid for me, for You are my strength.

Ps 31:5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.Ps 31:6 I have hated those who take heed to lying vanities; but I trust in the

Ps 31:6 I have hated those who take heed to lying vanities; but I trust in the

Ps 31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy; for You have looked on my affliction; You have known my soul in troubles;

Ps 31:8 and have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet in a broad place.

Ps 31:9 Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am in trouble; my eye has become old with grief, my soul and my belly.

Ps 31:10 For my life is ending with grief, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones have wasted away.

Ps 31:11 I was a reproach among all my foes, but especially among my neighbors, and a fear to my friends; those who saw me outside fled from me.

Ps 31:12 I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind; I am like a broken vessel.

Ps 31:13 For I have heard the slander of many; fear is on every side; because of their plottings together against me, they planned to take away my life.

Ps 31:14 But I trusted in You, O LORD; I said, You are my God.

Ps 31:15 My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.

Ps 31:16 Make Your face shine on Your servant; save me in Your mercy.

Ps 31:17 Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called on You; Let the wicked be ashamed; let them be silent in the grave.

Ps 31:18 Let the lying lips be put to silence; the lips which speak proudly against the righteous, with pride and scorn.

Ps 31:19 How great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You; You have worked for those who trust in You before the sons of men!

Ps 31:20 You shall hide them in the secrecy of Your presence from the pride of man; You shall hide them in a shelter away from the strife of tongues.

Ps 31:21 Blessed is the LORD; for He has worked His mercy wondrously in a besieged city.

Ps 31:22 For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before Your eyes; surely You heard the voice of my cries, when I cried to You.

Ps 31:23 O love the LORD, all you saints of His; the LORD preserves the faithful, and plentifully rewards the proud doer.

Ps 31:24 Be strong, and He will make your heart stronger, all you who hope in the LORD.

Comments continued on following page

Comments Ps. 31

MHCC

 Confidence in God. (1-8)
  1-8 Faith and prayer must go together, for the prayer of faith is the prevailing prayer. David gave up his soul in a special manner to God. And with the words, ver. 5, our Lord Jesus yielded up his last breath on the cross, and made his soul a free-will offering for sin, laying down his life as a ransom. But David is here as a man in distress and trouble. And his great care is about his soul, his spirit, his better part. Many think that while perplexed about their worldly affairs, and their cares multiply, they may be excused if they neglect their souls; but we are the more concerned to look to our souls, that, though the outward man perish, the inward man may suffer no damage. The redemption of the soul is so precious, that it must have ceased for ever, if Christ had not undertaken it. Having relied on God's mercy, he will be glad and rejoice in it. God looks upon our souls, when we are in trouble, to see whether they are humbled for sin, and made better by the affliction. Every believer will meet with such dangers and deliverances, until he is delivered from death, his last enemy. (Footnote: Luke 23:46)

 Prayer in trouble. (9-18)
9-18 David's troubles made him a man of sorrows. Herein he was a type of Christ, who was acquainted with grief. David acknowledged that his afflictions were merited by his own sins, but Christ suffered for ours, (He was sinless and yet made sin for us). David's friends durst not give him any assistance. Let us not think it strange if thus deserted, but make sure of a Friend in heaven who will not fail. God will be sure to order and dispose all for the best, to all those who commit their spirits also into his hand. The time of life is in God's hands, to lengthen or shorten, make bitter or sweet, according to the counsel of his will. The way of man is not in himself, nor in our friend's hands, nor in our enemies' hands, but in God's. In this faith and confidence he prays that the Lord would save him for his mercies's sake, and not for any merit of his own. He prophesies the silencing of those that reproach and speak evil of the people of God. There is a day coming, when the Lord will execute judgment upon them. In the mean time, we should engage ourselves by well-doing, if possible, to silence the ignorance of foolish men.

Praise for God's goodness. (19-24)
 
19-24 Instead of yielding to impatience or despondency under our troubles, we should turn our thoughts to the goodness of the Lord towards those who fear and trust in Him. All comes to sinners through the wondrous gift of the only-begotten Son of God, to be the atonement for their sins. Let not any yield to unbelief, or think, under discouraging circumstances, that they are cut off from before the eyes of the Lord, and left to the pride of men. Lord, pardon our complaints and fears; increase our faith, patience, love, and gratitude; teach us to rejoice in tribulation and in hope. The deliverance of Christ, with the destruction of his enemies, ought to strengthen and comfort the hearts of believers under all their afflictions here below, that having suffered courageously with their Master, they may triumphantly enter into his joy and glory

Ps. 32

Ps 32:1 A Psalm of David. A Contemplation. Blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

Ps 32:2 Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not charge iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

Ps 32:3 When I kept silence, my bones became old through my roaring all the day long.

Ps 32:4 For by day and by night Your hand was heavy on me; my sap is turned into the droughts of summer. Selah.

Ps 32:5 I confessed my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, I will confess my transgression to the LORD; and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

Ps 32:6 For this let every godly one pray to You, in a time when You may be found; surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come near him.

Ps 32:7 You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall circle me with songs of deliverance. Selah.

Ps 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you, My eye shall be on you.

Ps 32:9 Be not like the horse, or like the mule, who have no understanding, whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, so that they do not come near you.

Ps 32:10 The wicked has many sorrows, but mercy embraces him who trusts in the LORD.

Ps 32:11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

Brothers and Sisters, sin is the cause of all human suffering, but God provided for our atonement by sending His Son Jesus to bare our sins. God does not count sin against us once we have come to the cross of Jesus and accepted His free gift to us, salvation, whereby all of our sins are forgiven and we become reconciled with God. When we keep silent and do not confess our sins and accept the cleansing of our sins by the Blood of Jesus our sorrows continue to multiply.
We should all come to God in prayer and ask forgiveness of our sins, and repent, all mankind is in need of the salvation that we can only get through Jesus Christ, all should seek God while He is yet to be found.
Note verse 8: God promises that He will instruct us and teach us in the way we should go, He will counsel us and His eye shall be on us.Let us embrace the Lord and let Him come into our life, that He may guide us and lead us. Surely we will rejoice and be blessed.

Amen Sister Maria!

These are beautiful thoughts and beautiful Scriptures. The lost should be in our prayers every day. We can and should pray that God softens their hearts for the hearing of the GOSPEL. JESUS truly is the only answer for the misery of sin, and HE is waiting with HIS arms outstretched.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Psalms 124:8 NASB  Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.

Ps 33:1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

Ps 33:2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.

Ps 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

Ps 33:4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.

Ps 33:5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

Ps 33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

Ps 33:7 He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.

Ps 33:8 Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.

Ps 33:9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.

Ps 33:10 The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

Ps 33:11 The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

Ps 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

Ps 33:13 The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.

Ps 33:14 From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.

Ps 33:15 He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.

Ps 33:16 There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

Ps 33:17 An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.

Ps 33:18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;

Ps 33:19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.

Ps 33:20 Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.

Ps 33:21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.

Ps 33:22 Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.

continued

MHCC

 Holy joy is the heart and soul of praise, and that is here pressed upon the righteous. Thankful praise is the breath and language of holy joy. Religious songs are proper expressions of thankful praise. Every endowment we possess, should be employed with all our skill and earnestness in God's service. His promises are all wise and good. His word is right, and therefore we are only in the right when we agree with it. His works are all done in truth. He is the righteous Lord, therefore loveth righteousness. What a pity it is that this earth, which is so full of the proofs and instances of God's goodness, should be so empty of his praises; and that of the multitudes who live upon his bounty, there are so few who live to his glory! What the Lord does, he does to purpose; it stands fast. He overrules all the counsels of men, and makes them serve his counsels; even that is fulfilled, which to us is most surprising, the eternal counsel of God, nor can any thing prevent its coming to pass.All the motions and operations of the souls of men, which no mortals know but themselves, God knows better than they do. Their hearts, as well as their times, are all in his hand; he formed the spirit of each man within him. All the powers of the creature depend upon him, and are of no account, of no avail at all, without him. If we make God's favour sure towards us, then we need not fear whatever is against us. We are to give to him the glory of his special grace. All human devices for the salvation of our souls are vain; but the Lord's watchful eye is over those whose conscientious fear of his name proceeds from a believing hope in his mercy. In difficulties they shall be helped; in dangers they shall not receive any real damage. Those that fear God and his wrath, must hope in God and his mercy; for there is no flying from him, but by flying to him. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us; let us always have the comfort and benefit, not according to our merits, but according to the promise which thou hast in thy word given to us, and according to the faith thou hast by thy Spirit and grace wrought in us.

(my own observations)
Friends in this day and age almost everywhere we turn, almost everywhere we look, we see the human race degrading itself. We see organizations and groups of people who, even though they are enjoying the creations that without a doubt God made, and even though they cannot direct their next heartbeat or their next breath, because it is not in their hands, but in God's, they are still insisting on taking God out of everything and everywhere. They act as if it was an insult to them that there IS a GOD. God has reserved a day, a place, and a time for them to voice their opinion, individually there won't be any advocates and they will be proven wrong by the One whom they have rejected.
 Mt 24:51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

NO human can add an hour to his life on earth, but the human spirit will live for eternity. Each and every human on the face of the earth has a choice to make. Where would you like to spend eternity? Folks it is so easy to make sure that your eternity is with God. By accepting the free gift of salvation and asking Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. (John 3:16)

Ps 34

Ps 34:1 ¶ <<A Psalm of David when he pretended madness before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he departed.>> I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Ps 34:2 My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.

Ps 34:3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together.

Ps 34:4 I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.

Ps 34:5 They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed.

Ps 34:6 This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.

Ps 34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.

Ps 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

Ps 34:9 Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him.

Ps 34:10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.

Ps 34:11 ¶ Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Ps 34:12 Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good?

Ps 34:13 Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit.

Ps 34:14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

Ps 34:15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry.

Ps 34:16 The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

Ps 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.

Ps 34:18 The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.

Ps 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.

Ps 34:20 He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken.

Ps 34:21 Evil shall slay the wicked, And those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.

Ps 34:22 The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.

Comments to follow

MHCC

 
* David praises God, and encourages to trust him. (1-10) He exhorts to fear. (11-22)
 
  1-10 If we hope to spend eternity in praising God, it is fit that we should spend much of our time here in this work. He never said to any one, Seek ye me in vain. David's prayers helped to silence his fears; many besides him have looked unto the Lord by faith and prayer, and it has wonderfully revived and comforted them. When we look to the world, we are perplexed, and at a loss. But on looking to Christ depends our whole salvation, and all things needful thereunto do so also. This poor man, whom no man looked upon with any respect, or looked after with any concern, was yet welcome to the throne of grace; the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The holy angels minister to the saints, and stand for them against the powers of darkness. All the glory be to the Lord of the angels. By taste and sight we both make discoveries, and have enjoyment; Taste and see God's goodness; take notice of it, and take the comfort of it. He makes all truly blessed that trust in him. As to the things of the other world, they shall have grace sufficient for the support of spiritual life. And as to this life, they shall have what is necessary from the hand of God. Paul had all, and abounded, because he was content, Php 4:11-18. Those who trust to themselves, and think their own efforts sufficient for them, shall want; but they shall be fed who trust in the Lord. Those shall not want, who with quietness work, and mind their own business.

11-22 Let young persons set out in life with learning the fear of the Lord, if they desire true comfort here, and eternal happiness hereafter. Those will be most happy who begin the soonest to serve so good a Master. All aim to be happy. Surely this must look further than the present world; for man's life on earth consists but of few days, and those full of trouble. What man is he that would see the good of that where all bliss is perfect? Alas! few have this good in their thoughts. That religion promises best which creates watchfulness over the heart and over the tongue. It is not enough not to do hurt, we must study to be useful, and to live to some purpose; we must seek peace and pursue it; be willing to deny ourselves a great deal for peace' sake. It is the constant practice of real believers, when in distress, to cry unto God, and it is their constant comfort that he hears them. The righteous are humbled for sin, and are low in their own eyes. Nothing is more needful to true godliness than a contrite heart, broken off from every self-confidence. In this soil every grace will flourish, and nothing can encourage such a one but the free, rich grace of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The righteous are taken under the special protection of the Lord, yet they have their share of crosses in this world, and there are those that hate them. Both from the mercy of Heaven, and the malice of hell, the afflictions of the righteous must be many. But whatever troubles befall them, shall not hurt their souls, for God keeps them from sinning in troubles. No man is desolate, but he whom God has forsaken.

Psa 35:1  <A Psalm of David.> Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.
Psa 35:2  Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help.
Psa 35:3  Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.
Psa 35:4  Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.
Psa 35:5  Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them.
Psa 35:6  Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them.
Psa 35:7  For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul.
Psa 35:8  Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.
Psa 35:9  And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.
Psa 35:10  All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?
Psa 35:11  False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.
Psa 35:12  They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.
Psa 35:13  But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.
Psa 35:14  I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.
Psa 35:15  But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not:
Psa 35:16  With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.
Psa 35:17  Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions.
Psa 35:18  I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.
Psa 35:19  Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.
Psa 35:20  For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land.
Psa 35:21  Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.
Psa 35:22  This thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me.
Psa 35:23  Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.
Psa 35:24  Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.
Psa 35:25  Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.
Psa 35:26  Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.
Psa 35:27  Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.
Psa 35:28  And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.  

Continued

PS 35 MHCC
David prays for safety. (1-10)

  1-10 It is no new thing for the most righteous men, and the most righteous cause, to meet with enemies. This is a fruit of the old enmity in the seed of the serpent against the Seed of the woman. David in his afflictions, Christ in his sufferings, the church under persecution, and the Christian in the hour temptation, all beseech the Almighty to appear in their behalf, and to vindicate their cause. We are apt to justify uneasiness at the injuries men do us, by our never having given them cause to use us so ill; but this should make us easy, for then we may the more expect that God will plead our cause. David prayed to God to manifest himself in his trial. Let me have inward comfort under all outward troubles, to support my soul. If God, by his Spirit, witness to our spirits that he is our salvation, we need desire no more to make us happy. If God is our Friend, no matter who is our enemy. By the Spirit of prophecy, David foretells the just judgments of God that would come upon his enemies for their great wickedness. These are predictions, they look forward, and show the doom of the enemies of Christ and his kingdom. We must not desire or pray for the ruin of any enemies, except our lusts and the evil spirits that would compass our destruction. A traveller benighted in a bad road, is an expressive emblem of a sinner walking in the slippery and dangerous ways of temptation. But David having committed his cause to God, did not doubt of his own deliverance. The bones are the strongest parts of the body. The psalmist here proposes to serve and glorify God with all his strength. If such language may be applied to outward salvation, how much more will it apply to heavenly things in Christ Jesus!

He complains of his enemies. (11-16)
 
11-16 Call a man ungrateful, and you can call him no worse: this was the character of David's enemies. Herein he was a type of Christ. David shows how tenderly he had behaved towards them in afflictions. We ought to mourn for the sins of those who do not mourn for themselves. We shall not lose by the good offices we do to any, how ungrateful soever they may be. Let us learn to possess our souls in patience and meekness like David, or rather after Christ's example.

 And calls upon God to support him. (17-28)

17-28 Though the people of God are, and study to be, quiet, yet it has been common for their enemies to devise deceitful matters against them. David prays, My soul is in danger, Lord, rescue it; it belongs to thee the Father of spirits, therefore claim thine own; it is thine, save it! Lord, be not far from me, as if I were a stranger. He who exalted the once suffering Redeemer, will appear for all his people: the roaring lion shall not destroy their souls, any more than he could that of Christ, their Surety. They trust their souls in his hands, they are one with him by faith, are precious in his sight, and shall be rescued from destruction, that they may give thanks in heaven.

My words
Humans tend to complain when things seem to be out of their control, the fact of the matter is that most of the time things are out of our control, we must come to terms with that. We must also understand that no matter what we are going through God is in control regardless of what the circumstances are, He is able to help us in our every need. I have come to find that since it is in our human nature to complain, about things, finances, health issues, anything and everything we can complain about we more than likely will. It  does much good to share with another person the things we go through and they can help us see things more clearly, pray for us, and give us moral support. But the fact still remains that these individuals are also facing their own difficulties in life and their means are limited, as much as they would like to be able to do more. But God, ( I love that phrase, BUT GOD), is able to do all things. He does not mind at all if we complain to Him, David complained to God all the time, he was aware that God was always ready to listen to him and he knew that he could always count on God to deliver him. It would be wise for us to learn a lesson from King David, whom God called a man after His own heart.

Ps.36

Ps 36:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David the servant of the LORD.>> The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.

Ps 36:2 For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.

Ps 36:3 The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.

Ps 36:4 He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.

Ps 36:5 ¶ Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.

Ps 36:6 Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.

Ps 36:7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

Ps 36:8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.

Ps 36:9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

Ps 36:10 O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.

Ps 36:11 Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.

Ps 36:12 There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.

MHCC

The bad state of the wicked. (1-4)

  1-4 From this psalm our hearts should be duly affected with hatred of sin, and seek satisfaction in God's loving-kindness. Here is the root of bitterness, from which all the wickedness of wicked men comes. It takes rise from contempt of God, and the want of due regard to him. Also from the deceit they put upon their own souls. Let us daily beg of God to preserve us from self-flattery. Sin is very hurtful to the sinner himself, and therefore ought to be hateful; but it is not so. It is no marvel, if those that deceive themselves, seek to deceive all mankind; to whom will they be true, who are false to their own souls? It is bad to do mischief, but worse to devise it, to do it with plot and management. If we willingly banish holy meditations in our solitary hours, Satan will soon occupy our minds with sinful imaginations. Hardened sinners stand to what they have done, as though they could justify it before God himself.

The goodness of God. (5-12)

5-12 Men may shut up their compassion, yet, with God we shall find mercy. This is great comfort to all believers, plainly to be seen, and not to be taken away. God does all wisely and well; but what he does we know not now, it is time enough to know hereafter. God's loving-kindness is precious to the saints. They put themselves under his protection, and then are safe and easy. Gracious souls, though still desiring more of God, never desire more than God. The gifts of Providence so far satisfy them, that they are content with such things as they have. The benefit of holy ordinances is sweet to a sanctified soul, and strengthening to the spiritual and Divine life. But full satisfaction is reserved for the future state. Their joys shall be constant. God not only works in them a gracious desire for these pleasures, but by his Spirit fills their souls with joy and peace in believing. He quickens whom he will; and whoever will, may come, and take from him of the waters of life freely. May we know, and love, and uprightly serve the Lord; then no proud enemy, on earth or from hell, shall separate us from his love. Faith calleth things that are not, as though they were. It carries us forward to the end of time; it shows us the Lord, on his throne of judgment; the empire of sin fallen to rise no more.

Ps 37

(This Psalm is a long Psalm so I will be posting it in portions)

Ps 37:1 ¶ <<A Psalm of David.>> Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

Ps 37:2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

Ps 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Ps 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Ps 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Ps 37:6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.


MHCC

  1-6 When we look abroad we see the world full of evil-doers, that flourish and live in ease. So it was seen of old, therefore let us not marvel at the matter. We are tempted to fret at this, to think them the only happy people, and so we are prone to do like them: but this we are warned against. Outward prosperity is fading. When we look forward, with an eye of faith, we shall see no reason to envy the wicked. Their weeping and wailing will be everlasting. The life of religion is a believing trust in the Lord, and diligent care to serve him according to his will. It is not trusting God, but tempting him, if we do not make conscience of our duty to him. A man's life consists not in abundance, but, Thou shalt have food convenient for thee. This is more than we deserve, and it is enough for one that is going to heaven. To delight in God is as much a privilege as a duty. He has not promised to gratify the appetites of the body, and the humours of the fancy, but the desires of the renewed, sanctified soul. What is the desire of the heart of a good man? It is this, to know, and love, and serve God. Commit thy way unto the Lord; roll thy way upon the Lord, so the margin reads it. Cast thy burden upon the Lord, the burden of thy care. We must roll it off ourselves, not afflict and perplex ourselves with thoughts about future events, but refer them to God. By prayer spread thy case and all thy cares before the Lord, and trust in him. We must do our duty, and then leave the event with God. The promise is very sweet: He shall bring that to pass, whatever it is, which thou has committed to him.

Additional verses to meditate upon;
Ps 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Ps 73:3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Pr 23:17 ¶ Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Ps 37 (continued)

Ps 37:7 ¶ Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Ps 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

Ps 37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.

Ps 37:10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

Ps 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Ps 37:12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

Ps 37:13 The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

Ps 37:14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.

Ps 37:15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

Ps 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.

Ps 37:17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.

Ps 37:18 The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.

Ps 37:19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

Ps 37:20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.

MHCC

7-20 Let us be satisfied that God will make all to work for good to us. Let us not discompose ourselves at what we see in this world. A fretful, discontented spirit is open to many temptations. For, in all respects, the little which is allotted to the righteous, is more comfortable and more profitable than the ill-gotten and abused riches of ungodly men. It comes from a hand of special love. God provides plentifully and well, not only for his working servants, but for his waiting servants. They have that which is better than wealth, peace of mind, peace with God, and then peace in God; that peace which the world cannot give, and which the world cannot have. God knows the believer's days. Not one day's work shall go unrewarded. Their time on earth is reckoned by days, which will soon be numbered; but heavenly happiness shall be for ever. This will be a real support to believers in evil times. Those that rest on the Rock of ages, have no reason to envy the wicked the support of their broken reeds.

Additional verses to meditate upon

Heb 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Heb 10:37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Ps 37 (continued)

Ps 37:21 ¶ The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

Ps 37:22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.

Ps 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

Ps 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Ps 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

Ps 37:26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

Ps 37:27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

Ps 37:28 For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

Ps 37:29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

Ps 37:30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

Ps 37:31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

Ps 37:32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

Ps 37:33 The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.

MHCC

21-33 The Lord our God requires that we do justly, and render to all their due. It is a great sin for those that are able, to deny the payment of just debts; it is a great misery not to be able to pay them. He that is truly merciful, will be ever merciful. We must leave our sins; learn to do well, and cleave to it. This is true religion. The blessing of God is the spring, sweetness, and security of all earthly enjoyments. And if we are sure of this, we are sure not to want any thing good for us in this world. By his grace and Holy Spirit, he directs the thoughts, affections, and designs of good men. By his providence he overrules events, so as to make their way plain. He does not always show them his way for a distance, but leads them step by step, as children are led. God will keep them from being ruined by their falls, either into sin or into trouble, though such as fall into sin will be sorely hurt. Few, if any, have known the consistent believer, or his children, reduced to abject, friendless want. God forsakes not his saints in affliction; and in heaven only the righteous shall dwell for ever; that will be their everlasting habitation. A good man may fall into the hands of a messenger of satan, and be sorely buffeted, but God will not leave him in his enemy's hands.

Additional verses to meditate

Pr 3:33 The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.

Isa 58:14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

2Pe 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Ps 37 (continued)

Ps 37:34 ¶ Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

Ps 37:35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.

Ps 37:36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

Ps 37:37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

Ps 37:38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.

Ps 37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.

Ps 37:40 And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

MHCC

34-40 Duty is ours, and we must mind it; but events are God's, we must refer the disposal of them to him. What a striking picture is in ver. 35,36, of many a prosperous enemy of God! But God remarkably blights the projects of the prosperous wicked, especially persecutors. None are perfect in themselves, but believers are so in Christ Jesus. If all the saint's days continue dark and cloudy, his dying day may prove comfortable, and his sun set bright; or, if it should set under a cloud, yet his future state will be everlasting peace. The salvation of the righteous will be the Lord's doing. He will help them to do their duties, to bear their burdens; help them to bear their troubles well, and get good by them, and, in due time, will deliver them out of their troubles. Let sinners then depart from evil, and do good; repent of and forsake sin, and trust in the mercy of God through Jesus Christ. Let them take his yoke upon them, and learn of him, that they may dwell for evermore in heaven. Let us mark the closing scenes of different characters, and always depend on God's mercy.

Additional verses for meditation

Isa 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

Isa 57:2 He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.

Ps 38

Ps 38:1 ¶ <<A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance.>> O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

Ps 38:2 For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore.

Ps 38:3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin

Ps 38:4 For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.

Ps 38:5 My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.

Ps 38:6 I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.

Ps 38:7 For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh.

Ps 38:8 I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.

Ps 38:9 Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.

Ps 38:10 My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.

Ps 38:11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.

Ps 38:12 ¶ They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.

Ps 38:13 But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.

Ps 38:14 Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.

Ps 38:15 For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.

Ps 38:16 For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.

Ps 38:17 For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.

Ps 38:18 For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.

Ps 38:19 But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.

Ps 38:20 They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.

Ps 38:21 Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me.

Ps 38:22 Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

Commentary to follow

MHCC

PS 38

God's displeasure at sin. (1-11)


  1-11 Nothing will disquiet the heart of a good man so much as the sense of God's anger. The way to keep the heart quiet, is to keep ourselves in the love of God. But a sense of guilt is too heavy to bear; and would sink men into despair and ruin, unless removed by the pardoning mercy of God. If there were not sin in our souls, there would be no pain in our bones, no illness in our bodies. The guilt of sin is a burden to the whole creation, which groans under it. It will be a burden to the sinners themselves, when they are heavy-laden under it, or a burden of ruin, when it sinks them to hell. When we perceive our true condition, the Good Physician will be valued, sought, and obeyed. Yet many let their wounds rankle, because they delay to go to their merciful Friend. When, at any time, we are distempered in our bodies, we ought to remember how God has been dishonoured in and by our bodies. The groanings which cannot be uttered, are not hid from Him that searches the heart, and knows the mind of the Spirit. David, in his troubles, was a type of Christ in his agonies, of Christ on his cross, suffering and deserted.

The psalmist's sufferings and prayers. (12-22)

 
12-22 Wicked men hate goodness, even when they benefit by it. David, in the complaints he makes of his enemies, seems to refer to Christ. But our enemies do us real mischief only when they drive us from God and our duty. The true believer's trouble will be made useful; he will learn to wait for his God, and will not seek relief from the world or himself. The less we notice the unkindness and injuries that are done us, the more we consult the quiet of our own minds. David's troubles were the chastisement and the consequence of his transgressions, whilst Christ suffered for our sins and ours only. What right can a sinner have to yield to impatience or anger, when mercifully corrected for his sins? David was very sensible of the present workings of corruption in him. Good men, by setting their sorrow continually before them, have been ready to fall; but by setting God always before them, they have kept their standing. If we are truly penitent for sin, that will make us patient under affliction. Nothing goes nearer to the heart of a believer when in affliction, than to be under the apprehension of God's deserting him; nor does any thing come more feelingly from his heart than this prayer, "Be not far from me." The Lord will hasten to help those who trust in him as their salvation.

PS 39

Ps 39:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.>> I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

Ps 39:2 I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.

Ps 39:3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,

Ps 39:4 LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.

Ps 39:5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.

Ps 39:6 Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.

Ps 39:7 ¶ And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.

Ps 39:8 Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish.

Ps 39:9 I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.

Ps 39:10 Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand.

Ps 39:11 When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah.

Ps 39:12 Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.

Ps 39:13 O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.

MHCC

David meditates on man's frailty. (1-6)

 
  1-6 If an evil thought should arise in the mind, suppress it. Watchfulness in the habit, is the bridle upon the head; watchfulness in acts, is the hand upon the bridle. When not able to separate from wicked men, we should remember they will watch our words, and turn them, if they can, to our disadvantage. Sometimes it may be necessary to keep silence, even from good words; but in general we are wrong when backward to engage in edifying discourse. Impatience is a sin that has its cause within ourselves, and that is, musing; and its ill effects upon ourselves, and that is no less than burning. In our greatest health and prosperity, every man is altogether vanity, he cannot live long; he may die soon. This is an undoubted truth, but we are very unwilling to believe it. Therefore let us pray that God would enlighten our minds by his Holy Spirit, and fill our hearts with his grace, that we may be ready for death every day and hour.

He applies for pardon and deliverance. (7-13)

 
7-13 There is no solid satisfaction to be had in the creature; but it is to be found in the Lord, and in communion with him; to him we should be driven by our disappointments. If the world be nothing but vanity, may God deliver us from having or seeking our portion in it. When creature-confidences fail, it is our comfort that we have a God to go to, a God to trust in. We may see a good God doing all, and ordering all events concerning us; and a good man, for that reason, says nothing against it. He desires the pardoning of his sin, and the preventing of his shame. We must both watch and pray against sin. When under the correcting hand of the Lord, we must look to God himself for relief, not to any other. Our ways and our doings bring us into trouble, and we are beaten with a rod of our own making. What a poor thing is beauty! and what fools are those that are proud of it, when it will certainly, and may quickly, be consumed! The body of man is as a garment to the soul. In this garment sin has lodged a moth, which wears away, first the beauty, then the strength, and finally the substance of its parts. Whoever has watched the progress of a lingering distemper, or the work of time alone, in the human frame, will feel at once the force of this comparison, and that, surely every man is vanity. Afflictions are sent to stir up prayer. If they have that effect, we may hope that God will hear our prayer. The believer expects weariness and ill treatment on his way to heaven; but he shall not stay here long: walking with God by faith, he goes forward on his journey, not diverted from his course, nor cast down by the difficulties he meets. How blessed it is to sit loose from things here below, that while going home to our Father's house, we may use the world as not abusing it! May we always look for that city, whose Builder and Maker is God.

PS 40

Ps 40:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.>> I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

Ps 40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

Ps 40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Ps 40:4 Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

Ps 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

Ps 40:6 ¶ Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.

Ps 40:7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,

Ps 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

Ps 40:9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.

Ps 40:10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

Ps 40:11 ¶ Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.

Ps 40:12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.

Ps 40:13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.

Ps 40:14 Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.

Ps 40:15 Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.

 Ps 40:16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.

Ps 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

MHCC

Confidence for deliverance. (1-5)

1-5 Doubts and fears about the eternal state, are a horrible pit and miry clay, and have been so to many a dear child of God. There is power enough in God to help the weakest, and grace enough to help the unworthiest of all that trust in him. The psalmist waited patiently; he continued believing, hoping, and praying. This is applicable to Christ. His agony, in the garden and on the cross, was a horrible pit and miry clay. But those that wait patiently for God do not wait in vain. Those that have been under religious melancholy, and by the grace of God have been relieved, may apply ver. 2 very feelingly to themselves; they are brought up out of a horrible pit. Christ is the Rock on which a poor soul can alone stand fast. Where God has given stedfast hope, he expects there should be a steady, regular walk and conduct. God filled the psalmist with joy, as well as peace in believing. Multitudes, by faith beholding the sufferings and glory of Christ, have learned to fear the justice and trust in the mercy of God through Him. Many are the benefits with which we are daily loaded, both by the providence and by the grace of God.

continued on page 2

continued

Christ's work of redemption. (6-10)

6-10 The psalmist foretells that work of wonder, redemption by our Lord Jesus Christ. The Substance must come, which is Christ, who must bring that glory to God, and that grace to man, which it was impossible the sacrifices should ever do. Observe the setting apart of our Lord Jesus to the work and office of Mediator. In the volume, or roll, of the book it was written of him. In the close rolls of the Divine decrees and counsel, the covenant of redemption was recorded. Also, in all the volumes of the Old Testament something was written of him, Joh 19:28. Now the purchase of our salvation is made, the proclamation is sent forth, calling us to come and accept it. It was preached freely and openly. Whoever undertook to preach the gospel of Christ, would be under great temptation to conceal it; but Christ, and those he calls to that work, are carried on in it. May we believe his testimony, trust his promise, and submit to his authority.

Prayer for mercy and grace. (11-17)


11-17 The best saints see themselves undone, unless continually preserved by the grace of God. But see the frightful view the psalmist had of sin. This made the discovery of a Redeemer so welcome. In all his reflections upon each step of his life, he discovered something amiss. The sight and sense of our sins in their own colours, must distract us, if we have not at the same time some sight of a Saviour. If Christ has triumphed over our spiritual enemies, then we, through him, shall be more than conquerors. This may encourage all that seek God and love his salvation, to rejoice in him, and to praise him. No griefs nor poverty can render those miserable who fear the Lord. Their God, and all that he has or does, is the ground of their joy. The prayer of faith can unlock his fulness, which is adapted to all their wants. The promises are sure, the moment of fulfilment hastens forward. He who once came in great humility, shall come again in glorious majesty.

Ps 41:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.>> Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.

Ps 41:2 The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.

Ps 41:3 The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.

Ps 41:4 I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.

Ps 41:5 ¶ Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish?

Ps 41:6 And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it.

Ps 41:7 All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt.

Ps 41:8 An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more.

Ps 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

Ps 41:10 But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them.

Ps 41:11 By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.

Ps 41:12 And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.

Ps 41:13 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.

MHC

 
God's kindness and truth have often been the support and comfort of the saints when they have had most experience of men's unkindness and treachery. David here found them so, upon a sick-bed; he found his enemies very barbarous, but his God very gracious.
 
He here comforts himself in his communion with God under his sickness, by faith receiving and laying hold of God's promises to him (Ps 41:1-3) and lifting up his heart in prayer to God, Ps 41:4.
 
 He here represents the malice of his enemies against him, their malicious censures of him, their spiteful reflections upon him, and their insolent conduct towards him, Ps 41:5-9.
 
He leaves his case with God, not doubting but that he would own and favour him (Ps 41:10-12), and so the psalm concludes with a doxology, Ps 41:13.  Is any afflicted with sickness? let him sing the beginning of this psalm. Is any persecuted by enemies? let him sing the latter end of it; and we may any of us, in singing it, meditate upon both the calamities and comforts of good people in this world.
 
 
In these verses we have, God's promises of succour and comfort to those that consider the poor; and, We may suppose that David makes mention of these with application either,
 
To his friends, who were kind to him, and very considerate of his case, now that he was in affliction: Blessed is he that considers poor David. Here and there he met with one that sympathized with him, and was concerned for him, and kept up his good opinion of him and respect for him, notwithstanding his afflictions, while his enemies were so insolent and abusive to him; on these he pronounced this blessing, not doubting but that God would recompense to them all the kindness they had done him, particularly when they also came to be in affliction. The provocations which his enemies gave him did but endear his friends so much the more to him. Or,
 
To himself. He had the testimony of his conscience for him that he had considered the poor, that when he was in honour and power at court he had taken cognizance of the wants and miseries of the poor and had provided for their relief, and therefore was sure God would, according to his promise, strengthen and comfort him in his sickness.
 
We must regard them more generally with application to ourselves. Here is a comment upon that promise, Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Observe,
 
What the mercy is which is required of us. It is to consider the poor or afflicted, whether in mind, body, or estate. These we are to consider with prudence and tenderness; we must take notice of their affliction and enquire into their state, must sympathize with them and judge charitably concerning them. We must wisely consider the poor; that is, we must ourselves be instructed by the poverty and affliction of others; it must be Maschil to us, that is the word here used.

What the mercy is that is promised to us if we thus show mercy. He that considers the poor (if he cannot relieve them, yet he considers them, and has a compassionate concern for them, and in relieving them acts considerately and with discretion) shall be considered by his God: he shall not only be recompensed in the resurrection of the just, but he shall be blessed upon the earth. This branch of godliness, as much as any, has the promise of the life that now is and is usually recompensed with temporal blessings.  Liberality to the poor is the surest and safest way of thriving; such as practise it may be sure of seasonable and effectual relief from God,
 
In all troubles: He will deliver them in the day of evil, so that when the times are at the worst it shall go well with them, and they shall not fall into the calamities in which others are involved; if any be hidden in the day of the Lord's anger, they shall. Those who thus distinguish themselves from those that have hard hearts God will distinguish from those that have hard usage. Are they in danger? he will preserve and keep them alive; and those who have a thousand times forfeited their lives, as the best have, must acknowledge it as a great favour if they have their lives given them for a prey. He does not say,
 
"They shall be preferred," but,
 
"They shall be preserved and kept alive, when the arrows of death fly thickly round about them."
 
Do their enemies threaten them? God will not deliver them into the will of their enemies; and the most potent enemy we have can have no power against us but what is given him from above. The good-will of a God that loves us is sufficient to secure us from the ill-will of all that hate us, men and devils; and that good-will we may promise ourselves an interest in if we have considered the poor and helped to relieve and rescue them.
 
 Particularly in sickness (Ps 41:3): The Lord will strengthen him, both in body and mind, upon the bed of languishing, on which he had long lain sick, and he will make all his bed--a very condescending expression, alluding to the care of those that nurse and tend sick people, especially of mothers for their children when they are sick, which is to make their beds easy for them; and that bed must needs be well made which God himself has the making of. He will make all his bed from head to foot, so that no part shall be uneasy; he will turn his bed (so the word is), to shake it up and make it very easy; or he will turn it into a bed of health. Note, God has promised his people that he will strengthen them, and make them easy, under their bodily pains and sicknesses. He has not promised that they shall never be sick, nor that they shall not lie long languishing, nor that their sickness shall not be unto death; but he has promised to enable them to bear their affliction with patience, and cheerfully to wait the issue. The soul shall by his grace be made to dwell at ease when the body lies in pain.
 
. David's prayer, directed and encouraged by these promises (Ps 41:4): I said, Heal my soul. It is good for us to keep some account of our prayers, that we may not unsay, in our practices, any thing that we said in our prayers. Here is,
 
 His humble petition: Lord, be merciful to me. He appeals to mercy, as one that knew he could not stand the test of strict justice. The best saints, even those that have been merciful to the poor, have not made God their debtor, but must throw themselves on his mercy. When we are under the rod we must thus recommend ourselves to the tender mercy of our God: Lord, heal my soul.  Sin is the sickness of the soul; pardoning mercy heals it; renewing grace heals it; and this spiritual healing we should be more earnest for than for bodily health.
 
His penitent confession:
 
"I have sinned against thee, and therefore my soul needs healing. I am a sinner, a miserable sinner; therefore, God, be merciful to me,"
 
Lu 18:13. It does not appear that this has reference to any particular gross act of sin, but, in general, to his many sins of infirmity, which his sickness set in order before him, and the dread of the consequences of which made him pray, Heal my soul.


Notice: David did not complain, or go about grumbleing, instead he comforted himself thru communion with God, yes he had a lot to complain about, he was very unhappy, but he found comfort in God by faith and in receiving the promises of God

Ps 42:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah.>> As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God

Ps 42:2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

Ps 42:3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?

Ps 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

Ps 42:5 Why art th
ou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

Ps 42:6 ¶ O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.

Ps 42:7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.

Ps 42:8 Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.

Ps 42:9 I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

Ps 42:10 As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?

Ps 42:11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.


MHC

Sense objecting, faith answering

  I. Faith begins with holy desires towards God and communion with him, Ps 42:1-2.

  II.  Sense complains of the darkness and cloudiness of the present condition, aggravated by the remembrance of the former enjoyments, Ps 42:3-4.
 
  III. Faith silences the complaint with the assurance of a good issue at last, Ps 42:5.
 
  IV. Sense renews its complaints of the present dark and melancholy state, Ps 42:6-7.
 
  V. Faith holds up the heart, notwithstanding, with hope that the day will dawn, Ps 42:8.
 
  VI.  Sense repeats its lamentations (Ps 42:9-10) and sighs out the same remonstrance it had before made of its grievances.

  VII. Faith gets the last word (Ps 42:11), for the silencing of the complaints of sense, and, though it be almost the same with that Ps 42:5, yet now it prevails and carries the day.

My Words

Here we see the writer of this Psalm, thinking just like we do today.
He was having a battle:

Sense (seeing the things that are happening, around him)

Faith Trusting God

The OT saints did not have more power than the Christians of today, as some may think. They had problems just as we have today.
But they had one thing that a great many people today don't have; faith, coupled with a lot of communication with God.

Today we Christians have more power than the OT saints. We have Jesus, Who  intercedes for us, He is our Advocate. We have the Holy Spirit, Who teaches us and comforts us.

Ro 8:26 ¶  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Ro 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God

Ro 8:31 ¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
 

Oh, you have touched on the one place that really brings the Lord into my heart: Psalms. It isn't that I don't love the entire bible. I do. But Psalms speak directly to me, and I use them to pray.

When I was at my most down points, I started reading Psalms. I would pray to God to point out one or two that gave me strength by the situation I was in. I think God laughed when I said, ONE OR TWO. I found that I couldn't put the book down! Each Psalm had something in it that really hit home and made me praise God even more!

I now read psalms daily and pray with them. I have many bookmarked so, when I am in here on the computer, just for a burst of God in the middle of an Internet with so few Godly places (not this one, of course) out there.

Thank you for posting this! God Bless!
Kelly

Kelly, I am happy these are helping you. I love the Book of Psalms, a great many people do. Some times people have a hard time connecting the Psalms with life today, but God's Word is alive, it is for yesterday, today and forever. I try to post a commentary with the Psalms, and sometimes I even post my own feelings, although I personally think that God provides for each person their needs. If you have any special feelings on any of the Psalms I post, please feel free to post away. It would make for a good study.  ;)

Your sister in Christ,
Maria

Ps 43:1 ¶ Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.

Ps 43:2 For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

Ps 43:3 O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.

Ps 43:4 Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.

Ps 43:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

MHC

  I. David appeals to God concerning the injuries that were done him by his enemies, Ps 43:1-2.
 
  II. He prays to God to restore to him the free enjoyment of public ordinances again, and promises to make a good improvement of them, Ps 43:3-4.
 
  III. He endeavours to still the tumult of his own spirit with a lively hope and confidence in God (Ps 43:5), and if, in singing this psalm, we labour after these, we sing with grace in our hearts.

Matthew Poole

David, praying against his fierce and crafty enemies, Ps 43:1; and to be restored to the temple, Ps 43:2,3; promiseth to serve God joyfully, Ps 43:4. He encourageth his soul to trust in God, Ps 43:5.

My Thoughts

David often encouraged himself to trust in God. Today Christians would be wise to follow David's example and encourage ourselves in God. We do have the privelege of prayer, whereby we may seek God's face directly, and encouraging ourselves in God is showing we have the faith that our God is always watching after His own.

Ps 44:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil.>> We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.

Ps 44:2 How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.

Ps 44:3 For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.

Ps 44:4 Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob.

Ps 44:5 Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.

Ps 44:6 For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.

Ps 44:7 But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us.

Ps 44:8 In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.

Ps 44:9 ¶ But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame; and goest not forth with our armies.

Ps 44:10 Thou makest us to turn back from the enemy: and they which hate us spoil for themselves.

Ps 44:11 Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen.

Ps 44:12 Thou sellest thy people for nought, and dost not increase thy wealth by their price.

Ps 44:13 Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.

Ps 44:14 Thou makest us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people.

Ps 44:15 My confusion is continually before me, and the shame of my face hath covered me,

Ps 44:16 For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth; by reason of the enemy and avenger.

Ps 44:17 ¶ All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant.

Ps 44:18 Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;

Ps 44:19 Though thou hast sore broken us in the place of dragons, and covered us with the shadow of death.

Ps 44:20 If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god;

Ps 44:21 Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.

Ps 44:22 Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.

Ps 44:23 Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast us not off for ever.

Ps 44:24 Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our affliction and our oppression?

Ps 44:25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth.

Ps 44:26 Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake.

Comments on next page

MHCC

 
* A petition for succour and relief.
 
  1-8 Former experiences of God's power and goodness are strong supports to faith, and powerful pleas in prayer under present calamities. The many victories Israel obtained, were not by their own strength or merit, but by God's favour and free grace. The less praise this allows us, the more comfort it affords, that we may see all as coming from the favour of God. He fought for Israel, else they had fought in vain. This is applicable to the planting of the Christian church in the world, which was not by any human policy or power. Christ, by his Spirit, went forth conquering and to conquer; and he that planted a church for himself in the world, will support it by the same power and goodness. They trusted and triumphed in and through him. Let him that glories, glory in the Lord. But if they have the comfort of his name, let them give unto him the glory due unto it.

9-16 The believer must have times of temptation, affliction, and discouragement; the church must have seasons of persecution. At such times the people of God will be ready to fear that he has cast them off, and that his name and truth will be dishonoured. But they should look above the instruments of their trouble, to God, well knowing that their worst enemies have no power against them, but what is permitted from above.

17-26 In afflictions, we must not seek relief by any sinful compliance; but should continually meditate on the truth, purity, and knowledge of our heart-searching God. Heart sins and secret sins are known to God, and must be reckoned for. He knows the secret of the heart, therefore judges of the words and actions. While our troubles do not drive us from our duty to God, we should not suffer them to drive us from our comfort in God. Let us take care that prosperity and ease do not render us careless and lukewarm. The church of God cannot be prevailed on by persecution to forget God; the believer's heart does not turn back from God. The Spirit of prophecy had reference to those who suffered unto death, for the testimony of Christ. Observe the pleas used, ver. 25,26. Not their own merit and righteousness, but the poor sinner's pleas. None that belong to Christ shall be cast off, but every one of them shall be saved, and that for ever. The mercy of God, purchased, promised, and constantly flowing forth, and offered to believers, does away every doubt arising from our sins; while we pray in faith, Redeem us for thy mercies' sake.


Additional verses to meditate upon

Zec 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Brothers & Sisters
As Christians we will always face difficult situations, although we are not of this world, we are in this world. We should always bring our cares and our tavails to God. God knows all we are going through, but we must always remember that we should come to Him and commune with Him, letting Him fight our battles for us. Once we have given our cares to Him, He will see us through all the difficulties we will face in this life.
By our own strength and merit we are not able to overcome. We must always acknowledge that Jesus is Lord of our life.

Ps 45:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Maschil, A Song of loves.>> My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

Ps 45:2 Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.

Ps 45:3 Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.

Ps 45:4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

Ps 45:5 Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.

Ps 45:6 ¶ Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.

Ps 45:7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

Ps 45:8 All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad

Ps 45:9 Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.

Ps 45:10 ¶ Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house;

Ps 45:11 So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.

Ps 45:12 And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.

Ps 45:13 The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.

Ps 45:14 She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.

Ps 45:15 With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace.

Ps 45:16 Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth.

Ps 45:17 I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.

Commentary on following page

MHCC

 
* This psalm is a prophecy of Messiah the Prince, and points to him as a Bridegroom espousing the church to himself, and as a King ruling in it, and for it.
 
  1-5 The psalmist's tongue was guided by the Spirit of God, as the pen is by the hand of a ready writer. This psalm is touching the King Jesus, his kingdom and government. It is a shame that this good matter is not more the subject of our discourse. There is more in Christ to engage our love, than there is or can be in any creature. This world and its charms are ready to draw away our hearts from Christ; therefore we are concerned to understand how much more worthy he is of our love. By his word, his promise, his gospel, the good will of God is made known to us, and the good work of God is begun and carried on in us. The psalmist, ver. 3-5, joyfully foretells the progress and success of the Messiah. The arrows of conviction are very terrible in the hearts of sinners, till they are humbled and reconciled; but the arrows of vengeance will be more so to his enemies who refuse to submit. All who have seen his glory and tasted his grace, rejoice to see him, by his word and Spirit, bring enemies and strangers under his dominion.

6-9 The throne of this almighty King is established for ever. While the Holy Spirit leads Christ's people to look to his cross, he teaches them to see the evil of sin and the beauty of holiness; so that none of them can feel encouragement to continue in sin. The Mediator is God, else he had been neither able to do the Mediator's work, nor fit to wear the Mediator's crown. God the Father, as his God in respect to his human nature and mediatorial offices, has given to him the Holy Spirit without measure. Thus anointed to be a Prophet, Priest, and King, Christ has pre-eminence in the gladdening gifts and graces of the spirit, and from his fulness communicates them to his brethren in human nature. The Spirit is called the oil of gladness, because of the delight wherewith Christ was filled, in carrying on his undertaking. The salvation of sinners is the joy of angels, much more of the Son. And in proportion as we are conformed to his holy image, we may expect the gladdening influences of the Comforter. The excellences of the Messiah, the suitableness of his offices, and the sufficiency of his grace, seem to be intended by the fragrance of his garments. The church formed of true believers, is here compared to the queen, whom, by an everlasting covenant, the Lord Jesus has betrothed to himself. This is the bride, the Lamb's wife, whose graces are compared to fine linen, for their purity; to gold, for their costliness: for as we owe our redemption, so we owe our adorning, to the precious blood of the Son of God.

10-17 If we desire to share these blessings, we must hearken to Christ's word. We must forget our carnal and sinful attachments and pursuits. He must be our Lord as well as our Saviour; all idols must be thrown away, that we may give him our whole heart. And here is good encouragement, thus to break off from former alliances. The beauty of holiness, both on the church and on particular believers, is, in the sight of Christ, of great price, and very amiable. The work of grace is the workmanship of the Spirit, it is the image of Christ upon the soul, a partaking of the Divine nature. It is clear of all sin, there is none in it, nor any comes from it. There is nothing glorious in the old man or corrupt nature; but in the new man, or work of grace upon the soul, every thing is glorious. The robe of Christ's righteousness, which he has wrought out for his church, the Father imputes unto her, and bestows upon her. None are brought to Christ, but those whom the Father brings. This notes the conversion of souls to him. The robe of righteousness, and garments of salvation, the change of raiment Christ has put upon her. Such as strictly cleave to Christ, loving him in singleness of heart, are companions of the bride, who partake of the very same grace, enjoy the same privileges, and share in one common salvation. These, every one, shall be brought to the King; not one lost or left behind. Instead of the Old Testament church, there shall be a New Testament church, a Gentile church. In the believing hope of our everlasting happiness in the other world, let us always keep up the remembrance of Christ, as our only way thither; and transmit the remembrance of him to succeeding generations, that his name may endure for ever.

Ps 46:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.>> God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Ps 46:2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Ps 46:3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

Ps 46:4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

Ps 46:5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

Ps 46:6 ¶ The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

Ps 46:7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Ps 46:8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

Ps 46:9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

Ps 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Ps 46:11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Commentary to follow

MHCC

Confidence in God. (1-5)

  1-5 This psalm encourages to hope and trust in God; in his power and providence, and his gracious presence with his church in the worst of times. We may apply it to spiritual enemies, and the encouragement we have that, through Christ, we shall be conquerors over them. He is a Help, a present Help, a Help found, one whom we have found to be so; a Help at hand, one that is always near; we cannot desire a better, nor shall we ever find the like in any creature. Let those be troubled at the troubling of the waters, who build their confidence on a floating foundation; but let not those be alarmed who are led to the Rock, and there find firm footing. Here is joy to the church, even in sorrowful times. The river alludes to the graces and consolations of the Holy Spirit, which flow through every part of the church, and through God's sacred ordinances, gladdening the heart of every believer. It is promised that the church shall not be moved. If God be in our hearts, by his word dwelling richly in us, we shall be established, we shall be helped; let us trust and not be afraid.

An exhortation to behold it. (6-11)

6-11 Come and see the effects of desolating judgments, and stand in awe of God. This shows the perfect security of the church, and is an assurance of lasting peace. Let us pray for the speedy approach of these glorious days, and in silent submission let us worship and trust in our almighty Sovereign. Let all believers triumph in this, that the Lord of hosts, the God of Jacob, has been, is, and will be with us; and will be our Refuge. Mark this, take the comfort, and say, If God be for us, who can be against us? With this, through life and in death, let us answer every fear.

Ps 47:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.>> O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

Ps 47:2 For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.

Ps 47:3 He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.

Ps 47:4 He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.

Ps 47:5 ¶ God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.

Ps 47:6 Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.

Ps 47:7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.

Ps 47:8 God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.

Ps 47:9 The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.


Commentary on following page

MHCC

 
  1-4 The God with whom we have to do, is a God of awful majesty. The universal and absolute sovereignty of a holy God would be too terrible for us even to think of, were it not exercised by his Son from a mercy-seat; but now it is only terrible to the workers of iniquity. While his people express confidence and joy, and animate each other in serving him, let sinners submit to his authority, and accept his salvation. Jesus Christ shall subdue the Gentiles; he shall bring them as sheep into the fold, not for slaughter, but for preservation. He shall subdue their affections, and make them a willing people in the day of his power. Also it speaks of his giving them rest and settlement. Apply this spiritually; the Lord himself has undertaken to be the inheritance of his people. It shows the faith and submission of the saints. This is the language of every gracious soul, The Lord shall choose my inheritance for me; he knows what is good for me better than I do.

5-9 Praise is a duty in which we ought to be frequent and abundant. But here is a needful rule; Sing ye praises with understanding. As those that understand why and for what reasons they praise God, and what is the meaning of the service. It is not an acceptable service, if it is not a reasonable service. We are never to forget the end of Messiah's exaltation, so continually do the prophets dwell upon the conversion of the nations to the gospel of Christ. Why do we vainly fancy that we belong to him, unless the Spirit reign in our hearts by faith? Lord, is it not thy glory and delight to give repentance to Israel and remission of sins, now that thou art exalted as a Prince and a Saviour? Set up thy kingdom in our hearts. Bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. And so sweetly constrain all the powers and faculties of the souls of thy redeemed, into holy love, fear, and delight in thee, that praise with the understanding may rise from every heart, both here and for ever, to Thee, our God.

Ps 48:1 ¶ <<A Song and Psalm for the sons of Korah.>> Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.

Ps 48:2 Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.

Ps 48:3 God is known in her palaces for a refuge.

Ps 48:4 For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.

Ps 48:5 They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away.

Ps 48:6 Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.

Ps 48:7 Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.

Ps 48:8 ¶ As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. Selah

Ps 48:9 We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.

Ps 48:10 According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.

Ps 48:11 Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.

Ps 48:12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.

Ps 48:13 Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.

Ps 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.


MHCC

  1-7 Jerusalem is the city of our God: none on earth render him due honour except the citizens of the spiritual Jerusalem. Happy the kingdom, the city, the family, the heart, in which God is great, in which he is all. There God is known. The clearer discoveries are made to us of the Lord and his greatness, the more it is expected that we should abound in his praises. The earth is, by sin, covered with deformity, therefore justly might that spot of ground, which was beautified with holiness, be called the joy of the whole earth; that which the whole earth has reason to rejoice in, that God would thus in very deed dwell with man upon the earth. The kings of the earth were afraid of it. Nothing in nature can more fitly represent the overthrow of heathenism by the Spirit of the gospel, than the wreck of a fleet in a storm. Both are by the mighty power of the Lord.

 
8-14 We have here the improvement which the people of God are to make of his glorious and gracious appearances for them. Let our faith in the word of God be hereby confirmed. Let our hope of the stability of the church be encouraged. Let our minds be filled with good thoughts of God. All the streams of mercy that flow down to us, must be traced to the fountain of His loving-kindness. Let us give to God the glory of the great things he has done for us. Let all the members of the church take comfort from what the Lord does for his church. Let us observe the beauty, strength, and safety of the church. Consider its strength; see it founded on Christ the Rock, fortified by the Divine power, guarded by Him who neither slumbers nor sleeps. See what precious ordinances are its palaces, what precious promises are its bulwarks, that you may be encouraged to join yourselves to it: and tell this to others. This God, who has now done such great things for us, is unchangeable in his love to us, and his care for us. If he is our God, he will lead and keep us even to the last. He will so guide us, as to set us above the reach of death, so that it shall not do us any real hurt. He will lead us to a life in which there shall be no more death.

My Words

Brothers & Sisters, the Psalms can bring us so much peace, and help us feel the love of God. I truely enjoy taking time to read the Psalms and meditate on them, I pray that those of you who take the time to read thru some of these beautiful Scriptures will learn to lean closer to God and draw strength and knowledge from God's Word.

Ps 49:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.>> Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world:

Ps 49:2 Both low and high, rich and poor, together.

Ps 49:3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.

Ps 49:4 I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.

Ps 49:5 Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about?

Ps 49:6 ¶ They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;

Ps 49:7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:

Ps 49:8 (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)

Ps 49:9 That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.

Ps 49:10 For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.

Ps 49:11 Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.

Ps 49:12 Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.

Ps 49:13 This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah.

Ps 49:14 Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.

Ps 49:15 ¶ But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.

Ps 49:16 Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;

Ps 49:17 For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.

Ps 49:18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.

Ps 49:19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.

Ps 49:20 Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.


Commentary on following page

MHCC


A call for attention. (1-5)

  1-5 We seldom meet with a more solemn introduction: there is no truth of greater importance. Let all hear this with application to ourselves. The poor are in danger from undue desire toward the wealth of the world, as rich people from undue delight in it. The psalmist begins with applying it to himself, and that is the right method in which to treat of Divine things. Before he sets down the folly of carnal security, he lays down, from his own experience, the benefit and comfort of a holy, gracious security, which they enjoy who trust in God, and not in their worldly wealth. In the day of judgment, the iniquity of our heels, or of our steps, our past sins, will compass us. In those days, worldly, wicked people will be afraid; but wherefore should a man fear death who has God with him?

Folly of worldlings. (6-14)

6-14 Here is a description of the spirit and way of worldly people. A man may have wealth, and may have his heart enlarged in love, thankfulness, and obedience, and may do good with it. Therefore it is not men's having riches that proves them to be worldly, but their setting their hearts upon them as the best things. Worldly men have only some floating thoughts of the things of God, while their fixed thoughts, their inward thoughts, are about the world; that lies nearest the heart. But with all their wealth they cannot save the life of the dearest friend they have. This looks further, to the eternal redemption to be wrought out by the Messiah. The redemption of the soul shall cost very dear; but, being once wrought, it shall never need to be repeated. And he, the Redeemer, shall rise again before he sees corruption, and then shall live for evermore, Re 1:18. This likewise shows the folly of worldly people, who sell their souls for that which will never buy them. With all their wealth they cannot secure themselves from the stroke of death. Yet one generation after another applaud their maxims; and the character of a fool, as drawn by heavenly Wisdom itself, Lu 12:16-21, continues to be followed even among professed Christians. Death will ask the proud sinner, Where is thy wealth, thy pomp? And in the morning of the resurrection, when all that sleep in the dust shall awake, the upright shall be advanced to the highest honour, when the wicked shall be filled with everlasting shame and contempt, Da 12:2. Let us now judge of things as they will appear in that day. The beauty of holiness is that alone which the grave cannot touch, or damage.

Against fear of death. (15-20)

15-20 Believers should not fear death. The distinction of men's outward conditions, how great soever in life, makes none at death; but the difference of men's spiritual states, though in this life it may seem of small account, yet at and after death is very great. The soul is often put for the life. The God of life, who was its Creator at first, can and will be its Redeemer at last. It includes the salvation of the soul from eternal ruin. Believers will be under strong temptation to envy the prosperity of sinners. Men will praise thee, and cry thee up, as having done well for thyself in raising an estate and family. But what will it avail to be approved of men, if God condemn us? Those that are rich in the graces and comforts of the Spirit, have something of which death cannot strip them, nay, which death will improve; but as for worldly possessions, as we brought nothing into the world, so it is certain that we shall carry nothing out; we must leave all to others. The sum of the whole matter is, that it can profit a man nothing to gain the whole world, to become possessed of all its wealth and all its power, if he lose his own soul, and is cast away for want of that holy and heavenly wisdom which distinguishes man from the brutes, in his life and at his death. And are there men who can prefer the lot of the rich sinner to that of poor Lazarus, in life and death, and to eternity? Assuredly there are. What need then we have of the teaching of the Holy Ghost; when, with all our boasted powers, we are prone to such folly in the most important of all concerns!

Ps 50:1 ¶ <<A Psalm of Asaph.>> The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof

Ps 50:2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.

Ps 50:3 Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.

Ps 50:4 He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.

Ps 50:5 Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.

Ps 50:6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.

Ps 50:7 ¶ Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God.

Ps 50:8 I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me.

Ps 50:9 I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds.

Ps 50:10 For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.

Ps 50:11 I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

Ps 50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.

Ps 50:13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?

Ps 50:14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

Ps 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Ps 50:16 ¶ But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?

Ps 50:17 Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee.

Ps 50:18 When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.

Ps 50:19 Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.

Ps 50:20 Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son.

Ps 50:21 These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.

Ps 50:22 Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.

Ps 50:23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.


Comments on following page

MHCC

The glory of God. (1-6)


  1-6 This psalm is a psalm of instruction. It tells of the coming of Christ and the day of judgment, in which God will call men to account; and the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of judgement. All the children of men are concerned to know the right way of worshipping the Lord, in spirit and in truth. In the great day, our God shall come, and make those hear his judgement who would not hearken to his law. Happy are those who come into the covenant of grace, by faith in the Redeemer's atoning sacrifice, and show the sincerity of their love by fruits of righteousness. When God rejects the services of those who rest in outside performances, he will graciously accept those who seek him aright. It is only by sacrifice, by Christ, the great Sacrifice, from whom the sacrifices of the law derived what value they had, that we can be accepted of God. True and righteous are his judgments; even sinners' own consciences will be forced to acknowledge the righteousness of God.

Sacrifices to be changed for prayers. (7-15)

7-15 To obey is better than sacrifice, and to love God and our neighbour better than all burnt-offerings. We are here warned not to rest in these performances. And let us beware of resting in any form. God demands the heart, and how can human inventions please him, when repentance, faith, and holiness are neglected? In the day of distress we must apply to the Lord by fervent prayer. Our troubles, though we see them coming from God's hand, must drive us to him, not drive us from him. We must acknowledge him in all our ways, depend upon his wisdom, power, and goodness, and refer ourselves wholly to him, and so give him glory. Thus must we keep up communion with God; meeting him with prayers under trials, and with praises in deliverances. A believing supplicant shall not only be graciously answered as to his petition, and so have cause for praising God, but shall also have grace to praise him.

Sincere obedience required. (16-23)

 
16-23 Hypocrisy is wickedness, which God will judge. And it is too common, for those who declare the Lord's statutes to others, to live in disobedience to them themselves. This delusion arises from the abuse of God's long-suffering, and a wilful mistake of his character and the intention of his gospel. The sins of sinners will be fully proved on them in the judgment of the great day. The day is coming when God will set their sins in order, sins of childhood and youth, of riper age and old age, to their everlasting shame and terror. Let those hitherto forgetful of God, given up to wickedness, or in any way negligent of salvation, consider their urgent danger. The patience of the Lord is very great. It is the more wonderful, because sinners make such ill use of it; but if they turn not, they shall be made to see their error when it is too late. Those that forget God, forget themselves; and it will never be right with them till they consider. Man's chief end is to glorify God: whoso offers praise, glorifies him, and his spiritual sacrifices shall be accepted. We must praise God, sacrifice praise, put it into the hands of the Priest, our Lord Jesus, who is also the altar: we must be fervent in spirit, praising the Lord. Let us thankfully accept God's mercy, and endeavour to glorify him in word and deed

NKJV

Ps 51:1 ¶ <<To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.>> Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions.

Ps 51:2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.

Ps 51:3 For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me.

Ps 51:4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight-That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.

Ps 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.

Ps 51:6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.

Ps 51:7 ¶ Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Ps 51:8 Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice.

Ps 51:9 Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities.

Ps 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Ps 51:11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Ps 51:12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

Ps 51:13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You.

Ps 51:14 ¶ Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.

Ps 51:15 O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.

Ps 51:16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering.

Ps 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart-These, O God, You will not despise.

Ps 51:18 Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem.

Ps 51:19 Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, With burnt offering and whole burnt offering; Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.


Commentaries on following page

MHCC

 The psalmist prays for mercy, humbly confessing and lamenting his sins. (1-6)

  1-6 David, being convinced of his sin, poured out his soul to God in prayer for mercy and grace. Whither should backsliding children return, but to the Lord their God, who alone can heal them? He drew up, by Divine teaching, an account of the workings of his heart toward God. Those that truly repent of their sins, will not be ashamed to own their repentance. Also, he instructs others what to do, and what to say. David had not only done much, but suffered much in the cause of God; yet he flees to God's infinite mercy, and depends upon that alone for pardon and peace. He begs the pardon of sin. The blood of Christ, sprinkled upon the conscience, blots out the transgression, and, having reconciled us to God, reconciles us to ourselves. The believer longs to have the whole debt of his sins blotted out, and every stain cleansed; he would be thoroughly washed from all his sins; but the hypocrite always has some secret reserve, and would have some favourite lust spared. David had such a deep sense of his sin, that he was continually thinking of it, with sorrow and shame. His sin was committed against God, whose truth we deny by wilful sin; with him we deal deceitfully. And the truly penitent will ever trace back the streams of actual sin to the fountain of original depravity. He confesses his original corruption. This is that foolishness which is bound in the heart of a child, that proneness to evil, and that backwardness to good, which is the burden of the regenerate, and the ruin of the unregenerate. He is encouraged, in his repentance, to hope that God would graciously accept him. Thou desirest truth in the inward part; to this God looks, in a returning sinner. Where there is truth, God will give wisdom. Those who sincerely endeavour to do their duty shall be taught their duty; but they will expect good only from Divine grace overcoming their corrupt nature.

He pleads for pardon, that he may promote the glory of God and the conversion of sinners. (7-15)


 
7-15 Purge me with hyssop, with the blood of Christ applied to my soul by a lively faith, as the water of purification was sprinkled with a bunch of hyssop. The blood of Christ is called the blood of sprinkling, Heb 12:24. If this blood of Christ, which cleanses from all sin, cleanse us from our sin, then we shall be clean indeed, Heb 10:2. He asks not to be comforted, till he is first cleansed; if sin, the bitter root of sorrow, be taken away, he can pray in faith, Let me have a well-grounded peace, of thy creating, so that the bones broken by convictions may rejoice, may be comforted. Hide thy face from my sins; blot out all mine iniquities out of thy book; blot them out, as a cloud is blotted out and dispelled by the beams of the sun. And the believer desires renewal to holiness as much as the joy of salvation. David now saw, more than ever, what an unclean heart he had, and sadly laments it; but he sees it is not in his own power to amend it, and therefore begs God would create in him a clean heart. When the sinner feels this change is necessary, and reads the promise of God to that purpose, he begins to ask it. He knew he had by his sin grieved the Holy Spirit, and provoked him to withdraw. This he dreads more than anything. He prays that Divine comforts may be restored to him. When we give ourselves cause to doubt our interest in salvation, how can we expect the joy of it? This had made him weak; he prays, I am ready to fall, either into sin or into despair, therefore uphold me with thy Spirit. Thy Spirit is a free Spirit, a free Agent himself, working freely. And the more cheerful we are in our duty, the more constant we shall be to it. What is this but the liberty wherewith Christ makes his people free, which is contrasted with the yoke of bondage? Ga 5:1. It is the Spirit of adoption spoken to the heart. Those to whom God is the God of salvation, he will deliver from guilt; for the salvation he is the God of, is salvation from sin. We may therefore plead with him, Lord, thou art the God of my salvation, therefore deliver me from the dominion of sin. And when the lips are opened, what should they speak but the praises of God for his forgiving mercy?

 God is pleased with a contrite heart, A prayer for the prosperity of Zion. (16-19)



16-19 Those who are thoroughly convinced of their misery and danger by sin, would spare no cost to obtain the remission of it. But as they cannot make satisfaction for sin, so God cannot take any satisfaction in them, otherwise than as expressing love and duty to him. The good work wrought in every true penitent, is a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart, and sorrow for sin. It is a heart that is tender, and pliable to God's word. Oh that there were such a heart in every one of us! God is graciously pleased to accept this; it is instead of all burnt-offering and sacrifice. The broken heart is acceptable to God only through Jesus Christ; there is no true repentance without faith in him. Men despise that which is broken, but God will not. He will not overlook it, he will not refuse or reject it; though it makes God no satisfaction for the wrong done to him by sin. Those who have been in spiritual troubles, know how to pity and pray for others afflicted in like manner. David was afraid lest his sin should bring judgements upon the city and kingdom. No personal fears or troubles of conscience can make the soul, which has received grace, careless about the interests of the church of God. And let this be the continued joy of all the redeemed, that they have redemption through the blood of Christ, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace.

Version used NKJV

Ps 52:1 ¶ <<To the Chief Musician. A Contemplation of David when Doeg the Edomite went and told Saul, and said to him, "David has gone to the house of Ahimelech.">> Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The goodness of God endures continually.

Ps 52:2 Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

Ps 52:3 You love evil more than good, Lying rather than speaking righteousness. Selah

Ps 52:4 You love all devouring words, You deceitful tongue.

Ps 52:5 God shall likewise destroy you forever; He shall take you away, and pluck you out of your dwelling place, And uproot you from the land of the living. Selah

Ps 52:6 ¶ The righteous also shall see and fear, And shall laugh at him, saying,

Ps 52:7 "Here is the man who did not make God his strength, But trusted in the abundance of his riches, And strengthened himself in his wickedness."

Ps 52:8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever.

Ps 52:9 I will praise You forever, Because You have done it; And in the presence of Your saints I will wait on Your name, for it is good.



MHCC

The enemies of the truth and the church described, Their destruction. (1-5)

  1-5 Those that glory in sin, glory in their shame. The patience and forbearance of God are abused by sinners, to the hardening of their hearts in their wicked ways. But the enemies in vain boast in their mischief, while we have God's mercy to trust in. It will not save us from the guilt of lying, to be able to say, there was some truth in what we said, if we make it appear otherwise than it was. The more there is of craft and contrivance in any wickedness, the more there is of Satan in it. When good men die, they are transplanted from the land of the living on earth, to heaven, the garden of the Lord, where they shall take root for ever; but when wicked men die, they are rooted out, to perish for ever. The believer sees that God will destroy those who make not him their strength.

The righteous rejoice. (6-9)


6-9 Those wretchedly deceive themselves, who think to support themselves in power and wealth without God. The wicked man trusted in the abundance of his riches; he thought his wickedness would help him to keep his wealth. Right or wrong, he would get what he could, and keep what he had, and ruin any one that stood in his way; this he thought would strengthen him; but see what it comes to! Those who by faith and love dwell in the house of God, shall be like green olive-trees there. And that we may be as green olive-trees, we must live a life of faith and holy confidence in God and his grace. It adds much to the beauty of our profession, and to fruitfulness in every grace, to be much in praising God; and we never can want matter for praise. His name alone can be our refuge and strong tower. It is very good for us to wait on that saving name; there is nothing better to calm and quiet our spirits, when disturbed, and to keep us in the way of duty, when tempted to use any crooked courses for our relief, than to hope, and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. None ever followed his guidance but it ended well.

PS 53 ASV

Ps 53:1 <<For the Chief Musician; set to Mahalath. Maschil of David.>> The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity; There is none that doeth good.

Ps 53:2 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there were any that did understand, That did seek after God.

Ps 53:3 Every one of them is gone back; they are together become filthy; There is none that doeth good, no, not one.

 Ps 53:4 Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, Who eat up my people as they eat bread, And call not upon God?

Ps 53:5 There were they in great fear, where no fear was; For God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: Thou hast put them to shame, because of God hath rejected them.

Ps 53:6 Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Then shall Jacob rejoice, and Israel shall be glad




MHHC

The corruption of man by nature.
 
- This psalm is almost the same as the 14th (14:1-7). The scope of it is to convince us of our sins. God, by the psalmist, here shows us how bad we are, and proves this by his own certain knowledge. He speaks terror to persecutors, the worst of sinners. He speaks encouragement to God's persecuted people. How comes it that men are so bad? Because there is no fear of God before their eyes. Men's bad practices flow from their bad principles; if they profess to know God, yet in works, because in thoughts, they deny him. See the folly of sin; he is a fool, in the account of God, whose judgment we are sure is right, that harbours such corrupt thoughts. And see the fruit of sin; to what it brings men, when their hearts are hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. See also the faith of the saints, and their hope and power as to the cure of this great evil. There will come a Saviour, a great salvation, a salvation from sin. God will save his church from its enemies. He will save all believers from their own sins, that they may not be led captive by them, which will be everlasting joy to them. From this work the Redeemer had his name JESUS, for he shall save his people from their sins, Mt 1:21.

Additional Scriptures for further personal study.


 Ps 10:4; 14:1; Ro 3:10

 Ps 53:2Ch 15:2; 19:3; Ps 33:13

 Jer 4:22

 Le 26:17,36; Ps 14:5; Pr 28:1; Eze 6:5

 Ps 14:7

Ps 54:1 <<For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. Maschil of David; when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us?>> Save me, O God, by thy name, And judge me in thy might.

Ps 54:2 Hear my prayer, O God; Give ear to the words of my mouth.

Ps 54:3 For strangers are risen up against me, And violent men have sought after my soul: They have not set God before them. Selah

Ps 54:4 Behold, God is my helper: The Lord is of them that uphold my soul.

Ps 54:5 He will requite the evil unto mine enemies: Destroy thou them in thy truth.

Ps 54:6 With a freewill-offering will I sacrifice unto thee: I will give thanks unto thy name, O Jehovah, for it is good.

Ps 54:7 For he hath delivered me out of all trouble; And mine eye hath seen my desire upon mine enemies.

MHCC

David complains of the malice of his enemies. (1-3)

1-3 God is faithful, though men are not to be trusted, and it is well for us it is so. David has no other plea to depend upon than God's name, no other power to depend upon than God's strength, and these he makes his refuge and confidence. This would be the effectual answer to his prayers. Looking unto David, betrayed by the men of Judah, and to Jesus, betrayed by one of his apostles, what can we expect from any who have not set God before them, save ingratitude, treachery, malice, and cruelty? What bonds of nature, or friendship, or gratitude, or covenant, will hold those that have broken through the fear of God? Selah; Mark this. Let us set God before us at all times; for if we do not, we are in danger of despair.

Assurance of the Divine favour and protection. (4-7)

4-7 Behold, God is mine Helper. If we are for him, he is for us; and if he is for us, we need not fear. Every creature is that to us, and no more, which God makes it to be. The Lord will in due time save his people, and in the mean time he sustains them, and bears them up, so that the spirit he has made shall not fail. There is truth in God's threatenings, as well as in his promises; sinners that repent not, will find it so to their cost. David's present deliverance was an earnest of further deliverance. He speaks of the completion of his deliverance as a thing done, though he had as yet many troubles before him; because, having God's promise for it, he was as sure of it as if it was done already. The Lord would deliver him out of all his troubles. May he help us to bear our cross without repining, and at length bring us to share his victories and glory. Christians never should suffer the voice of praise and thanksgiving to cease in the church of the redeemed.

Ps 55:1 <<For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. Maschil of David.>> Give ear to my prayer, O God; And hide not thyself from my supplication.

Ps 55:2 Attend unto me, and answer me: I am restless in my complaint, and moan,

Ps 55:3 Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked; For they cast iniquity upon me, And in anger they persecute me.

Ps 55:4 My heart is sore pained within me: And the terrors of death are fallen upon me.

Ps 55:5 Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, And horror hath overwhelmed me.

Ps 55:6 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then would I fly away, and be at rest.

Ps 55:7 Lo, then would I wander far off, I would lodge in the wilderness. Selah

Ps 55:8 I would haste me to a shelter From the stormy wind and tempest.

Ps 55:9 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongue; For I have seen violence and strife in the city.

Ps 55:10 Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: Iniquity also and mischief are in the midst of it.

Ps 55:11 Wickedness is in the midst thereof: Oppression and guile depart not from its streets.

Ps 55:12 For it was not an enemy that reproached me; Then I could have borne it: Neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; Then I would have hid myself from him:

Ps 55:13 But it was thou, a man mine equal, My companion, and my familiar friend.

Ps 55:14 We took sweet counsel together; We walked in the house of God with the throng.

Ps 55:15 Let death come suddenly upon them, Let them go down alive into Sheol; For wickedness is in their dwelling, in the midst of them.

Ps 55:16 As for me, I will call upon God; And Jehovah will save me.

Ps 55:17 Evening, and morning, and at noonday, will I complain, and moan; And he will hear my voice.

Ps 55:18 He hath redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me; For they were many that strove with me.

Ps 55:19 God will hear, and answer them, Even he that abideth of old, Selah The men who have no changes, And who fear not God.

Ps 55:20 He hath put forth his hands against such as were at peace with him: He hath profaned his covenant.

Ps 55:21 His mouth was smooth as butter, But his heart was war: His words were softer than oil, Yet were they drawn swords.

Ps 55:22 Cast thy burden upon Jehovah, and he will sustain thee: He will never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Ps 55:23 But thou, O God, wilt bring them down into the pit of destruction: Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in thee.

Commentary on following page:

MHCC

PS 55

Prayer to God to manifest his favour. (1-8)

1-8 In these verses we have, 1. David praying. Prayer is a salve for every sore, and a relief to the spirit under every burden. 2. David weeping. Griefs are thus, in some measure, lessened, while those increase that have no vent given them. David in great alarm. We may well suppose him to be so, upon the breaking out of Absalom's conspiracy, and the falling away of the people. Horror overwhelmed him. Probably the remembrance of his sin in the matter of Uriah added much to the terror. When under a guilty conscience we must mourn in our complaint, and even strong believers have for a time been filled with horror. But none ever was so overwhelmed as the holy Jesus, when it pleased the Lord to put him to grief, and to make his soul an offering for our sins. In his agony he prayed more earnestly, and was heard and delivered; trusting in him, and following him, we shall be supported under, and carried through all trials. See how David was weary of the treachery and ingratitude of men, and the cares and disappointments of his high station: he longed to hide himself in some desert from the fury and fickleness of his people. He aimed not at victory, but rest; a barren wilderness, so that he might be quiet. The wisest and best of men most earnestly covet peace and quietness, and the more when vexed and wearied with noise and clamour. This makes death desirable to a child of God, that it is a final escape from all the storms and tempests of this world, to perfect and everlasting rest.

The great wickedness and treachery of his enemies. (9-15)

9-15 No wickedness so distresses the believer, as that which he witnesses in those who profess to be of the church of God. Let us not be surprised at the corruptions and disorders of the church on earth, but long to see the New Jerusalem. He complains of one that had been very industrious against him. God often destroys the enemies of the church by dividing them. And an interest divided against itself cannot long stand. The true Christian must expect trials from professed friends, from those with whom he has been united; this will be very painful; but by looking unto Jesus we shall be enabled to bear it. Christ was betrayed by a companion, a disciple, an apostle, who resembled Ahithophel in his crimes and doom. Both were speedily overtaken by Divine vengeance. And this prayer is a prophecy of the utter, the everlasting ruin, of all who oppose and rebel against the Messiah.

He is sure that God would in due time appear for him. (16-23)

16-23 In every trial let us call upon the Lord, and he will save us. He shall hear us, and not blame us for coming too often; the oftener the more welcome. David had thought all were against him; but now he sees there were many with him, more than he supposed; and the glory of this he gives to God, for it is he that raises us up friends, and makes them faithful to us. There are more true Christians, and believers have more real friends, than in their gloomy hours they suppose. His enemies should be reckoned with, and brought down; they could not ease themselves of their fears, as David could, by faith in God. Mortal men, though ever so high and strong, will easily be crushed by an eternal God. Those who are not reclaimed by the rod of affliction, will certainly be brought down to the pit of destruction. The burden of afflictions is very heavy, especially when attended with the temptations of satan; there is also the burden of sin and corruption. The only relief under it is, to look to Christ, who bore it. Whatever it is that thou desirest God should give thee, leave it to him to give it in his own way and time. Care is a burden, it makes the heart stoop. We must commit our ways and works to the Lord; let him do as seemeth him good, and let us be satisfied. To cast our burden upon God, is to rest upon his providence and promise. And if we do so, he will carry us in the arms of his power, as a nurse carries a child; and will strengthen our spirits by his Spirit, so that they shall sustain the trial. He will never suffer the righteous to be moved; to be so shaken by any troubles, as to quit their duty to God, or their comfort in him. He will not suffer them to be utterly cast down. He, who bore the burden of our sorrows, desires us to leave to him to bear the burden of our cares, that, as he knows what is best for us, he may provide it accordingly. Why do not we trust Christ to govern the world which he redeemed?

Ps 56:1 <<For the Chief Musician; set to aJonath elem rehokim. A Psalm of David. Michtam: when the Philistines took him in Gath.>> Be merciful unto me, O God; for man would swallow me up: All the day long he fighting oppresseth me.

Ps 56:2 Mine enemies would swallow me up all the day long; For they are many that fight proudly against me.

Ps 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will put my trust in thee.

Ps 56:4 In God (I will praise his word), In God have I put my trust, I will not be afraid; What can flesh do unto me?

Ps 56:5 All the day long they wrest my words: All their thoughts are against me for evil.

Ps 56:6 They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, They mark my steps, Even as they have waited for my soul.

Ps 56:7 Shall they escape by iniquity? In anger cast down the peoples, O God.

Ps 56:8 Thou numberest my wanderings: Put thou my tears into thy bottle; Are they not in thy book?

Ps 56:9 Then shall mine enemies turn back in the day that I call: This I know, that God is for me.

Ps 56:10 In God (I will praise his word), In Jehovah (I will praise his word),

Ps 56:11 In God have I put my trust, I will not be afraid; What can man do unto me?

Ps 56:12 Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render thank-offerings unto thee.

Ps 56:13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death: Hast thou not delivered my feet from falling, That I may walk before God In the light of the living?

Commentary on following page

MHCC

David seeks mercy from God, amidst the malice of his enemies. (1-7)

  1-7 Be merciful unto me, O God. This petition includes all the good for which we come to the throne of grace. If we obtain mercy there, we need no more to make us happy. It implies likewise our best plea, not our merit, but God's mercy, his free, rich mercy. We may flee to, and trust the mercy of God, when surrounded on all sides by difficulties and dangers. His enemies were too hard for him, if God did not help him. He resolves to make God's promises the matter of his praises, and so we have reason to make them. As we must not trust an arm of flesh when engaged for us, so we must not be afraid of an arm of flesh when stretched out against us. The sin of sinners will never be their security. Who knows the power of God's anger; how high it can reach, how forcibly it can strike?

He rests his faith on God's promises, and declares his obligation to praise him for mercies. (8-13)

8-13 The heavy and continued trials through which many of the Lord's people have passed, should teach us to be silent and patient under lighter crosses. Yet we are often tempted to repine and despond under small sorrows. For this we should check ourselves. David comforts himself, in his distress and fear, that God noticed all his grievances and all his griefs. God has a bottle and a book for his people's tears, both the tears for their sins, and those for their afflictions. He observes them with tender concern. Every true believer may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and then I will not fear what man shall do unto me; for man has no power but what is given him from above. Thy vows are upon me, O Lord; not as a burden, but as that by which I am known to be thy servant; as a bridle that restrains me from what would be hurtful, and directs me in the way of my duty. And vows of thankfulness properly accompany prayers for mercy. If God deliver us from sin, either from doing it, or by his pardoning mercy, he has delivered our souls from death, which is the wages of sin. Where the Lord has begun a good work he will carry it on and perfect it. David hopes that God would keep him even from the appearance of sin. We should aim in all our desires and expectations of deliverance, both from sin and trouble, that we may do the better service to the Lord; that we may serve him without fear. If his grace has delivered our souls from the death of sin, he will bring us to heaven, to walk before him for ever in light.

My Words.

What a loving God. As a mother, when my children were growing up if any one of them came to me with a hurt of any kind, their tears and sadness would move me so deeply the love I felt (and still feel) for them was so enormous that I would just hold them and let them know how much 'mommy loved them'
Our God loves us so much more than we could even imagine, even more than we love our children, that may seem impossible, but it is the truth.
My heart rejoices, when I think that the creator of all loves me!!!!!!

Ps 57:1 For the Chief Musician; set to Al-tash-heth. A Psalm of David. Michtam; when he fled from Saul, in the cave.>> Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me; For my soul taketh refuge in thee: Yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I take refuge, Until these calamities be overpast.

Ps 57:2 I will cry unto God Most High, Unto God that performeth all things for me.

Ps 57:3 He will send from heaven, and save me, When he that would swallow me up reproacheth; Selah God will send forth his lovingkindness and his truth.

Ps 57:4 My soul is among lions; I lie among them that are set on fire, Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, And their tongue a sharp sword.

Ps 57:5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let thy glory be above all the earth.

Ps 57:6 They have prepared a net for my steps; My soul is bowed down: They have digged a pit before me; They are fallen into the midst thereof themselves. Selah

Ps 57:7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing, yea, I will sing praises.

Ps 57:8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake right early.

Ps 57:9 I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the peoples: I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.

Ps 57:10 For thy lovingkindness is great unto the heavens, And thy truth unto the skies.

Ps 57:11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let thy glory be above all the earth.



MHCC


David begins with prayer and complaint. (1-6)

  1-6 All David's dependence is upon God. The most eminent believers need often repeat the publican's prayer, "God be merciful to me a sinner." But if our souls trust in the Lord, this may assure us, in our utmost dangers, that our calamities will at length be overpast, and in the mean time, by faith and prayer, we must make him our refuge. Though God be most high, yet he condescends so low, as to take care that all things are made to work for good to his people. This is a good reason why we should pray earnestly. Look which way we will on this earth, refuge fails, no help appears; but we may look for it from heaven. If we have fled from the wrath to come, unto Jesus Christ, he that performed all things needful to purchase the salvation of his people, will do for us and in us all things needful for our enjoyment of it. It made David droop to think there should be those that bore him so much ill-will. But the mischief they designed against him, returned on themselves. And when David was in the greatest distress and disgrace, he did not pray, Lord, exalt me, but, Lord, exalt thine own name. Our best encouragement in prayer, is taken from the glory of God, and to that, more than to our own comfort, we should have regard in all our petitions for mercy.


He concludes with joy and praise. (7-11)

 
7-11 By lively faith, David's prayers and complaints are at once turned into praises. His heart is fixed; it is prepared for every event, being stayed upon God. If by the grace of God we are brought into this even, composed frame of mind, we have great reason to be thankful. Nothing is done to purpose, in religion, unless it is done with the heart. The heart must be fixed for the duty, put in frame for it; fixed in the duty by close attention. Our tongue is our glory, and never more so than when praising God; dull and sleepy devotions will never be acceptable to God. Let us awake early in the morning, to begin the day with God; early in the beginning of a mercy. When God comes toward us with his favours, let us go forth to meet him with our praises. David desired to bring others to join in praising God; and in his psalms, he is still praising God among the people, singing to Him among the nations. Let us seek to have our hearts fixed to praise his boundless mercy and unfailing faithfulness; and to glorify him with body, soul, and spirit, which are his. Let us earnestly pray that the blessings of the gospel may be sent through every land.

Ps 58:1 For the Chief Musician; set to Al-tashheth. A Psalm of David. Michtam. Do ye indeed in silence speak righteousness? Do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?

Ps 58:2 Nay, in heart ye work wickedness; Ye weigh out the violence of your hands in the earth.

Ps 58:3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.

Ps 58:4 Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: They are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear,

Ps 58:5 Which hearkeneth not to the voice of charmers, Charming never so wisely.

Ps 58:6 Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: Break out the great teeth of the young lions, O Jehovah.

Ps 58:7 Let them melt away as water that runneth apace: When he aimeth his arrows, let them be as though they were cut off.

Ps 58:8 Let them be as a snail which melteth and passeth away, Like the untimely birth of a woman, that hath not seen the sun.

Ps 58:9 Before your pots can feel the thorns, He will take them away with a whirlwind, the green and the burning alike.

Ps 58:10 The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked;

Ps 58:11 So that men shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: Verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth.


MHCC

Wicked judges described and reproved. (1-5)

1-5 When wrong is done under the form of law, it is worse than any other; especially it is grievous to behold those who profess to be children of God, joining together against any of his people. We should thank the Lord for merciful restraints; we should be more earnest in seeking renewing grace, more watchful over ourselves, and more patient under the effects of fallen nature in others. The corruption of their nature was the root of bitterness. We may see in children the wickedness of the world beginning. They go astray from God and their duty as soon as possibly they can. And how soon will little children tell lies! It is our duty to take pains to teach them, and above all, earnestly to pray for converting grace to make our children new creatures. Though the poison be within, much of it may be kept from breaking forth to injure others. When the Saviour's words are duly regarded, the serpent becomes harmless. But those who refuse to hear heavenly wisdom, must perish miserably, for ever.

A prayer that they may be disabled, and their ruin predicted. (6-11)

6-11 David prayed that the enemies of God's church and people might be disabled to do further mischief. We may, in faith, pray against the designs of the enemies of the church. He foretells their ruin. And who knows the power of God's anger? The victories of the Just One, in his own person and that of his servants, over the enemies of man's salvation, produce a joy which springs not from revenge, but from a view of the Divine mercy, justice, and truth, shown in the redemption of the elect, the punishment of the ungodly, and the fulfilment of the promises. Whoever duly considers these things, will diligently seek the reward of righteousness, and adore the Providence which orders all thing aright in heaven and in earth.

Ps 59:1 <<For the Chief Musician; set to Al-tashheth. A Psalm of David. Michtam; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him.>> Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: Set me on high from them that rise up against me.

Ps 59:2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, And save me from the bloodthirsty men.

Ps 59:3 For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul; The mighty gather themselves together against me: Not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O Jehovah.

Ps 59:4 They run and prepare themselves without my fault: Awake thou to help me, and behold.

Ps 59:5 Even thou, O Jehovah God of hosts, the God of Israel, Arise to visit all the nations: Be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah

Ps 59:6 They return at evening, they howl like a dog, And go round about the city.

Ps 59:7 Behold, they belch out with their mouth; Swords are in their lips: For who, say they, doth hear?

Ps 59:8 But thou, O Jehovah, wilt laugh at them; Thou wilt have all the nations in derision.

Ps 59:9 Because of his strength I will give heed unto thee; For God is my high tower.

Ps 59:10 My God with his lovingkindness will meet me: God will let me see my desire upon mine enemies.

Ps 59:11 Slay them not, lest my people forget: Scatter them by thy power, and bring them down, O Lord our shield.

Ps 59:12 For the sin of their mouth, and the words of their lips, Let them even be taken in their pride, And for cursing and lying which they speak.

Ps 59:13 Consume them in wrath, consume them, so that they shall be no more: And let them know that God ruleth in Jacob, Unto the ends of the earth.  Selah

Ps 59:14 And at evening let them return, let them howl like a dog, And go round about the city.

Ps 59:15 They shall wander up and down for food, And tarry all night if they be not satisfied.

Ps 59:16 But I will sing of thy strength; Yea, I will sing aloud of thy lovingkindness in the morning: For thou hast been my high tower, And a refuge in the day of my distress.

Ps 59:17 Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing praises: For God is my high tower, the God of my mercy.

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MHCC

David prays for deliverance from his enemies. (1-7)

 1-7 In these words we hear the voice of David when a prisoner in his own house; the voice of Christ when surrounded by his merciless enemies; the voice of the church when under bondage in the world; and the voice of the Christian when under temptation, affliction, and persecution. And thus earnestly should we pray daily, to be defended and delivered from our spiritual enemies, the temptations of Satan, and the corruptions of our own hearts. We should fear suffering as evil-doers, but not be ashamed of the hatred of workers of iniquity. It is not strange, if those regard not what they themselves say, who have made themselves believe that God regards not what they say. And where there is no fear of God, there is nothing to secure proper regard to man.

He foresees their destruction. (8-17)

8-17 It is our wisdom and duty, in times of danger and difficulty, to wait upon God; for he is our defence, in whom we shall be safe. It is very comfortable to us, in prayer, to look to God as the God of our mercy, the Author of all good in us, and the Giver of all good to us. The wicked can never be satisfied, which is the greatest misery in a poor condition. A contented man, if he has not what he would have, yet he does not quarrel with Providence, nor fret within himself. It is not poverty, but discontent that makes a man unhappy. David would praise God because he had many times, and all along, found Him his refuge in the day of trouble. He that is all this to us, is certainly worthy of our best affections, praises, and services. The trials of his people will end in joy and praise. When the night of affliction is over, they will sing of the Lord's power and mercy in the morning. Let believers now, in assured faith and hope, praise Him for those mercies, for which they will rejoice and praise him for ever.

Ps 60:1 For the Chief Musician; set to aShushan Eduth. Michtam of David, to teach; and when he strove with Aram-naharaim and with Aram-zobah, and Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the Valley of Salt twelve thousand. O God thou hast cast us off, thou hast broken us down; Thou hast been angry; oh restore us again.

Ps 60:2 Thou hast made the land to tremble; thou hast rent it: Heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.

Ps 60:3 Thou hast showed thy people hard things: Thou hast made us to drink the wine of staggering.

Ps 60:4 Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, That it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah

Ps 60:5 That thy beloved may be delivered, Save with thy right hand, and answer us.

Ps 60:6 God hath spoken in his holiness: I will exult; I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.

Ps 60:7 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the defence of my head; Judah is my sceptre.

Ps 60:8 Moab is my washpot; Upon Edom will I cast my shoe: Philistia, shout thou because of me.

Ps 60:9 Who will bring me into the strong city? Who hath led me unto Edom?

Ps 60:10 Hast not thou, O God, cast us off? And thou goest not forth, O God, with our hosts.

Ps 60:11 Give us help against the adversary; For vain is the help of man.

Ps 60:12 Through God we shall do valiantly; For he it is that will tread down our adversaries.

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MHCC

David prays for the deliverance of Israel from their enemies. (1-5)

1-5 David owns God's displeasure to be the cause of all the hardships he had undergone. And when God is turning his hand in our favour, it is good to remember our former troubles. In God's displeasure their troubles began, therefore in his favour their prosperity must begin. Those breaches and divisions which the folly and corruption of man make, nothing but the wisdom and grace of God can repair, by pouring out a spirit of love and peace, by which only a kingdom is saved from ruin. The anger of God against sin, is the only cause of all misery, private or public, that has been, is, or shall be. In all these cases there is no remedy, but by returning to the Lord with repentance, faith, and prayer; beseeching him to return to us. Christ, the Son of David, is given for a banner to those that fear God; in him they are gathered together in one, and take courage. In his name and strength they wage war with the powers of darkness.

He entreats God to carry on and complete their victories. (6-12)

6-12 If Christ be ours, all things, one way or another, shall be for our eternal good. The man who is a new creature in Christ, may rejoice in all the precious promises God has spoken in his holiness. His present privileges, and the sanctifying influences of the Spirit, are sure earnests of heavenly glory. David rejoices in conquering the neighbouring nations, which had been enemies to Israel. The Israel of God are through Christ more than conquerors. Though sometimes they think that the Lord has cast them off, yet he will bring them into the strong city at last. Faith in the promise will assure us that it is our Father's good pleasure to give us the kingdom: But we are not yet made complete conquerors, and no true believer will abuse these truths to indulge sloth, or vain confidence. Hope in God is the best principle of true courage, for what need those fear who have God on their side? All our victories are from him, and while those who willingly submit to our anointed King shall share his glories, all his foes shall be put under his feet.
 

Ps 61:1 <<For the Chief Musician; on a stringed instrument. A Psalm of David.>> Hear my cry, O God; Attend unto my prayer.

Ps 61:2 From the end of the earth will I call unto thee, when my heart  is overwhelmed: Lead me to  the rock that is higher than I.

Ps 61:3 For thou hast been a refuge for me, A strong tower from the enemy.

Ps 61:4 I will dwell in thy tabernacle for ever: I will take refuge in the covert of thy wings. Selah

Ps 61:5 For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: Thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.

Ps 61:6 Thou wilt prolong the king's life; His years shall be as many generations.

Ps 61:7 He shall abide before God for ever: Oh prepare lovingkindness and truth, that they may preserve him.

Ps 61:8 So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, That I may daily perform my vows.

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MHCC


David seeks God upon former experience. (1-4)

  1-4 David begins with prayers and tears, but ends with praise. Thus the soul, being lifted up to God, returns to the enjoyment of itself. Wherever we are, we have liberty to draw near to God, and may find a way open to the throne of grace. And that which separates us from other comforts, should drive us nearer to God, the fountain of all comfort. Though the heart is overwhelmed, yet it may be lifted up to God in prayer. Nay, I will cry unto thee, for by that means it will be supported and relieved. Weeping must quicken praying, and not deaden it. God's power and promise are a rock that is higher than we are. This rock is Christ. On the Divine mercy, as on a rock, David desired to rest his soul; but he was like a ship-wrecked sailor, exposed to the billows at the bottom of a rock too high for him to climb without help. David found that he could not be fixed on the Rock of salvation, unless the Lord placed him upon it. As there is safety in Him, and none in ourselves, let us pray to be led to and fixed upon Christ our Rock. The service of God shall be his constant work and business: all must make it so who expect to find God their shelter and strong tower. The grace of God shall be his constant comfort.


He vows to serve God. (5-8)

 
5-8 There is a people in the world that fear God's name. There is a heritage peculiar to that people; present comforts in the soul, earnests of future bliss. Those that fear God have enough in him, and must not complain. We need desire no better heritage than that of those who fear God. Those abide to good purpose in this world, who abide before God, serve him, and walk in his fear; those who do so, shall abide before him for ever. And these words are to be applied to Him of whom the angel said, the Lord shall give unto him the throne of his father David, and of his kingdom there shall be no end, Lu 1:32. God's promises, and our faith in them, are not to do away, but to encourage prayer. We need not desire to be better secured than under the protection of God's mercy and truth. And if we partake of that grace and truth which came by Jesus Christ, we may praise him, whatever be our outward circumstances. But renewed experience of God's mercy and truth towards his people in Christ, is the main matter of our joy in him, and our praise unto him.

Ps 62:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.>> Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.

Ps 62:2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

Ps 62:3 How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.

Ps 62:4 They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.

Ps 62:5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.

Ps 62:6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.

Ps 62:7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Ps 62:8 ¶ Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Ps 62:9 Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.

Ps 62:10 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them

Ps 62:11 God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.

Ps 62:12 Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

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MHCC

David's confidence in God. (1-7)

  1-7 We are in the way both of duty and comfort, when our souls wait upon God; when we cheerfully give up ourselves, and all our affairs, to his will and wisdom; when we leave ourselves to all the ways of his providence, and patiently expect the event, with full satisfaction in his goodness. See the ground and reason of this dependence. By his grace he has supported me, and by his providence delivered me. He only can be my Rock and my salvation; creatures are nothing without him, therefore I will look above them to him. Trusting in God, the heart is fixed. If God be for us, we need not fear what man can do against us. David having put his confidence in God, foresees the overthrow of his enemies. We have found it good to wait upon the Lord, and should charge our souls to have such constant dependence upon him, as may make us always easy. If God will save my soul, I may well leave every thing else to his disposal, knowing all shall turn to my salvation. And as David's faith in God advances to an unshaken stedfastness, so his joy in God improves into a holy triumph. Meditation and prayer are blessed means of strengthening faith and hope

No trust to be put in worldly things. (8-12)

8-12 Those who have found the comfort of the ways of God themselves, will invite others into those ways; we shall never have the less for others sharing with us. The good counsel given is, to trust wholly in God. We must so trust in him at all times, as not at any time to put that trust in ourselves, or in any creature, which is to be put in him only. Trust in him to guide us when in doubt, to protect us when in danger, to supply us when in want, to strengthen us for every good word and work. We must lay out wants and our wishes before him, and then patiently submit our wills to his: this is pouring out our hearts. God is a refuge for all, even for as many as will take shelter in him. The psalmist warns against trusting in men. The multitude, those of low degree, are changeable as the wind. The rich and noble seem to have much in their power, and lavish promises; but those that depend on them, are disappointed. Weighed in the balance of Scripture, all that man can do to make us happy is lighter than vanity itself. It is hard to have riches, and not to trust in them if they increase, though by lawful and honest means; but we must take heed, lest we set our affections unduly upon them. A smiling world is the most likely to draw the heart from God, on whom alone it should be set. The consistent believer receives all from God as a trust; and he seeks to use it to his glory, as a steward who must render an account. God hath spoken as it were once for all, that power belongs to him alone. He can punish and destroy. Mercy also belongs to him; and his recompensing the imperfect services of those that believe in him, blotting out their transgressions for the Redeemer's sake, is a proof of abundant mercy, and encourages us to trust in him. Let us trust in his mercy and grace, and abound in his work, expecting mercies from him alone.

Ps 63:1 ¶ <<A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.>> O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

Ps 63:2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

Ps 63:3 ¶ Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

Ps 63:4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

Ps 63:5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:

Ps 63:6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.

Ps 63:7 ¶ Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

Ps 63:8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.

Ps 63:9 But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth.

Ps 63:10 They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes.

Ps 63:11 But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.

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MHCC

David's desire toward God. (1,2)


1, 2 Early will I seek thee. The true Christian devotes to God the morning hour. He opens the eyes of his understanding with those of his body, and awakes each morning to righteousness. He arises with a thirst after those comforts which the world cannot give, and has immediate recourse by prayer to the Fountain of the water of life. The true believer is convinced, that nothing in this sinful world can satisfy the wants and desires of his immortal soul; he expects his happiness from God, as his portion. When faith and hope are most in exercise, the world appears a weary desert, and the believer longs for the joys of heaven, of which he has some foretastes in the ordinances of God upon earth.


His satisfaction in God. (3-6)

3-6 Even in affliction we need not want matter for praise. When this is the regular frame of a believer's mind, he values the loving-kindness of God more than life. God's loving-kindness is our spiritual life, and that is better than temporal life. We must praise God with joyful lips; we must address ourselves to the duties of religion with cheerfulness, and speak forth the praises of God from a principle of holy joy. Praising lips must be joyful lips. David was in continual danger; care and fear held his eyes waking, and gave him wearisome nights; but he comforted himself with thoughts of God. The mercies of God, when called to mind in the night watches, support the soul, making darkness cheerful. How happy will be that last morning, when the believer, awaking up after the Divine likeness, shall be satisfied with all the fulness of God, and praise him with joyful lips, where there is no night, and where sorrow and sighing flee away!

His dependence upon God, and assurance of safety. (7-11)


7-11 True Christians can, in some measure, and at some times, make use of the strong language of David, but too commonly our souls cleave to the dust. Having committed ourselves to God, we must be easy and pleased, and quiet from the fear of evil. Those that follow hard after God, would soon fail, if God's right hand did not uphold them. It is he that strengthens us and comforts us. The psalmist doubts not but that though now sowing in tears, he should reap in joy. Messiah the Prince shall rejoice in God; he is already entered into the joy set before him, and his glory will be completed at his second coming. Blessed Lord, let our desire towards thee increase every hour; let our love be always upon thee; let all our enjoyment be in thee, and all our satisfaction from thee. Be thou all in all to us while we remain in the present wilderness state, and bring us home to the everlasting enjoyment of thee for ever.

Ps 64:1 <<For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.>> Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint: Preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

Ps 64:2 Hide me from the secret counsel of evil-doers, From the tumult of the workers of iniquity;

Ps 64:3 Who have whet their tongue like a sword, And have aimed their arrows, even bitter words,

Ps 64:4 That they may shoot in secret places at the perfect: Suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.

Ps 64:5 They encourage themselves in an evil purpose; They commune of laying snares privily; They say, Who will see them?

Ps 64:6 They search out iniquities; We have accomplished, say they, a diligent search: And the inward thought and the heart of every one is deep.

Ps 64:7 But God will shoot at them; With an arrow suddenly shall they be wounded.

Ps 64:8 So they shall be made to stumble, their own tongue being against them: All that see them shall wag the head.

Ps 64:9 And all men shall fear; And they shall declare the work of God, And shall wisely consider of his doing.

Ps 64:10 The righteous shall be glad in Jehovah, and shall take refuge in him; And all the upright in heart shall glory.

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MHCC

Prayer for deliverance. (1-6)

-6 The psalmist earnestly begs of God to preserve him from disquieting fear. The tongue is a little member, but it boasts great things. The upright man is the mark at which the wicked aim, they cannot speak peaceably either of him or to him. There is no guard against a false tongue. It is bad to do wrong, but worse to encourage ourselves and one another in it. It is a sign that the heart is hardened to the greatest degree, when it is thus fully set to do evil. A practical disbelief of God's knowledge of all things, is at the bottom of every wickedness. The benefit of a good cause and a good conscience, appears most when nothing can help a man against his enemies, save God alone, who is always a present help.

The destruction of the wicked, encouragement to the righteous. (7-10)

 
7-10 When God brings upon men the mischiefs they have desired on others, it is weight enough to sink a man to the lowest hell. Those who love cursing, it shall come upon them. Those who behold this shall understand, and observe God's hand in all; unless we do so, we are not likely to profit by the dispensations of Providence. The righteous shall be glad in the Lord; not glad of the misery and ruin of their fellow-creatures, but glad that God is glorified, and his word fulfilled, and the cause of injured innocence pleaded effectually. They rejoice not in men, nor in themselves, nor in any creature, or creature enjoyments, nor in their wisdom, strength, riches, or righteousness; but in Christ, in whom all the seed of Israel are justified and glory, and in what he is to them, and has done for them.

Scriptures for further study:

 Jas 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

 Jas 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

 Jas 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

Jas 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
 1Pe 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

We shall all answer to the Most High

 Mt 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

We all have one God to answer to, no matter what other gods anyone serves here and now; there is only one God all must acknowledge in the end.

 Ro 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

 Php 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Ps 65:1 <<For the Chief Musician. A Psalm. A song of David.>> Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Zion; And unto thee shall the vow be performed.

Ps 65:2 O thou that hearest prayer, Unto thee shall all flesh come.

Ps 65:3 Iniquities prevail against me: As for our transgressions, thou wilt forgive them.

Ps 65:4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, That he may dwell in thy courts: We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, Thy holy temple.

Ps 65:5 By terrible things thou wilt answer us in righteousness, Oh God of our salvation, Thou that art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, And of them that are afar off upon the sea:

Ps 65:6 Who by his strength setteth fast the mountains, Being girded about with might;

Ps 65:7 Who stilleth the roaring of the seas, The roaring of their waves, And the tumult of the peoples.

Ps 65:8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.

Ps 65:9 Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it, Thou greatly enrichest it; The river of God is full of water: Thou providest them grain, when thou hast so prepared the earth.

Ps 65:10 Thou waterest its furrows abundantly; Thou settlest the ridges thereof: Thou makest it soft with showers; Thou blessest the springing thereof.

Ps 65:11 Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; And thy paths drop fatness.

Ps 65:12 They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness; And the hills are girded with joy.

Ps 65:13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; The valleys also are covered over with grain; They shout for joy, they also sing.

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MHCC

God is to be praised in the kingdom of grace. (1-5)

 1-5 All the praise the Lord receives from this earth is from Zion, being the fruit of the Spirit of Christ, and acceptable through him. Praise is silent unto thee, as wanting words to express the great goodness of God. He reveals himself upon a mercy-seat, ready to hear and answer the prayers of all who come unto him by faith in Jesus Christ. Our sins prevail against us; we cannot pretend to balance them with any righteousness of our own: yet, as for our transgressions, of thine own free mercy, and for the sake of a righteousness of thine own providing, we shall not come into condemnation for them. Observe what it is to come into communion with God in order to blessedness. It is to converse with him as one we love and value; it is to apply ourselves closely to religion as to the business of our dwelling-place. Observe how we come into communion with God; only by God's free choice. There is abundance of goodness in God's house, and what is satisfying to the soul; there is enough for all, enough for each: it is always ready; and all without money and without price. By faith and prayer we may keep up communion with God, and bring in comfort from him, wherever we are. But it is only through that blessed One, who approaches the Father as our Advocate and Surety, that sinners may expect or can find this happiness.

In the kingdom of providence. (6-13)

 
6-13 That Almighty strength which sets fast the mountains, upholds the believer. That word which stills the stormy ocean, and speaks it into a calm, can silence our enemies. How contrary soever light and darkness are to each other, it is hard to say which is most welcome. Does the watchman wait for the morning? so does the labourer earnestly desire the shades of evening. Some understand it of the morning and evening sacrifices. We are to look upon daily worship, both alone and with our families, to be the most needful of our daily occupations, the most delightful of our daily comforts. How much the fruitfulness of this lower part of the creation depends upon the influence of the upper, is easy to observe; every good and perfect gift is from above. He who enriches the earth, which is filled with man's sins, by his abundant and varied bounty, can neither want power nor will to feed the souls of his people. Temporal mercies to us unworthy creatures, shadow forth more important blessings. The rising of the Sun of righteousness, and the pouring forth of the influences of the Holy Spirit, that river of God, full of the waters of life and salvation, render the hard, barren, worthless hearts of sinners fruitful in every good work, and change the face of nations more than the sun and rain change the face of nature. Wherever the Lord passes, by his preached gospel, attended by his Holy Spirit, his paths drop fatness, and numbers are taught to rejoice in and praise him. They will descend upon the pastures of the wilderness, all the earth shall hear and embrace the gospel, and bring forth abundantly the fruits of righteousness which are, through Jesus Christ, to the glory of the Father. Manifold and marvellous, O Lord, are thy works, whether of nature or of grace; surely in loving-kindness hast thou made them all.

Ps 66:1 <<For the Chief Musician. A song, a Psalm.>> Make a joyful noise unto God, all the earth:

Ps 66:2 Sing forth the glory of his name: Make his praise glorious.

Ps 66:3 Say unto God, How terrible are thy works! Through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.

Ps 66:4 All the earth shall worship thee, And shall sing unto thee; They shall sing to thy name. Selah

Ps 66:5 Come, and see the works of God; He is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.

Ps 66:6 He turned the sea into dry land; They went through the river on foot: There did we rejoice in him.

Ps 66:7 He ruleth by his might for ever; His eyes observe the nations: Let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah

Ps 66:8 Oh bless our God, ye peoples, And make the voice of his praise to be heard;

Ps 66:9 Who holdeth our soul in life, And suffereth not our feet to be moved.

Ps 66:10 For thou, O God, hast proved us: Thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.

Ps 66:11 Thou broughtest us into the net; Thou layedst a sore burden upon our loins.

Ps 66:12 Thou didst cause men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

Ps 66:13 I will come into thy house with burnt-offerings; I will pay thee my vows,

Ps 66:14 Which my lips uttered, And my mouth spake, when I was in distress.

Ps 66:15 I will offer unto thee burnt-offerings of fatlings, With the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah

Ps 66:16 Come, and hear, all ye that fear God, And I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

Ps 66:17 I cried unto him with my mouth, And he was extolled with my tongue.

Ps 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear:

Ps 66:19 But verily God hath heard; He hath attended to the voice of my prayer.

Ps 66:20 Blessed be God, Who hath not turned away my prayer, Nor his lovingkindness from me.

Commentary on following page

MHCC

Praise for God's sovereign power in the creation. (1-7)

 1-7 The holy church throughout all the world lifts up her voice, to laud that Name which is above every name, to make the praise of Jesus glorious, both by word and deed; that others may be led to glorify him also. But nothing can bring men to do this aright, unless his effectual grace create their hearts anew unto holiness; and in the redemption by the death of Christ, and the glorious deliverances it effects, are more wondrous works than Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage.

For his favour to his church. (8-12)

8-12 The Lord not only preserves our temporal life, but maintains the spiritual life which he has given to believers. By afflictions we are proved, as silver in the fire. The troubles of the church will certainly end well. Through various conflicts and troubles, the slave of satan escapes from his yoke, and obtains joy and peace in believing: through much tribulation the believer must enter into the kingdom of God.

And the psalmist's praise for his experience of God's goodness. (13-20)

 
13-20 We should declare unto those that fear God, what he has done for our souls, and how he has heard and answered our prayers, inviting them to join us in prayer and praise; this will turn to our mutual comfort, and to the glory of God. We cannot share these spiritual privileges, if we retain the love of sin in our hearts, though we refrain from the gross practice, Sin, regarded in the heart, will spoil the comfort and success of prayer; for the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination of the Lord. But if the feeling of sin in the heart causes desires to be rid of it; if it be the presence of one urging a demand we know we must not, cannot comply with, this is an argument of sincerity. And when we pray in simplicity and godly sincerity, our prayers will be answered. This will excite gratitude to Him who hath not turned away our prayer nor his mercy from us. It was not prayer that fetched the deliverance, but his mercy that sent it. That is the foundation of our hopes, the fountain of our comforts; and ought to be the matter of our praises.

Ps 67:1 <<For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm, a song.>> God be merciful unto us, and bless us, And cause his face to shine upon us; Selah

Ps 67:2 That thy way may be known upon earth, Thy salvation among all nations.

Ps 67:3 Let the peoples praise thee, O God; Let all the peoples  praise thee.

Ps 67:4 Oh let the nations be glad and sing for joy; For thou wilt judge the peoples with equity, And govern the nations upon earth. Selah

Ps 67:5 Let the peoples praise thee, O God; Let all the peoples praise thee.

Ps 67:6 The earth hath yielded its increase: God, even our own God, will bless us.

Ps 67:7 God will bless us; And all the ends of the earth shall fear him.




MHCC

A prayer for the enlargement of Christ's kingdom.
 
- All our happiness comes from God's mercy; therefore the first thing prayed for is, God be merciful to us, to us sinners, and pardon our sins. Pardon is conveyed by God's blessing, and secured in that. If we, by faith, walk with God, we may hope that his face will shine on us. The psalmist passes on to a prayer for the conversion of the Gentiles, which shows that the Old Testament saints desired that their advantages might also be enjoyed by others. And many Scripture prophecies and promises are wrapped up in prayers: the answer to the prayer of the church is as sure as the performance of God's promises. The joy wished to the nations, is holy joy. Let them be glad that by his providence the Lord will overrule the affairs of kingdoms; that even the kingdoms of this world shall became the kingdom of the Lord, and of his Christ. Then is declared a joyful prospect of all good when God shall do this. The success of the gospel brings outward mercies with it; righteousness exalts a nation. The blessing of the Lord sweetens all our creature-comforts to us, and makes them comforts indeed. All the world shall be brought to worship Him. When the gospel begins to spread, it shall go forward more and more, till it reaches to the ends of the earth. It is good to cast in our lot with those that are the blessed of the Lord. If nothing had been spoken in Scripture respecting the conversion of the heathen, we might think it vain to attempt so hopeless a work. But when we see with what confidence it is declared in the Scriptures, we may engage in missionary labours, assured that God will fulfil his own word. And shall we be backward to make known to the heathen the knowledge with which we are favoured, and the salvation we profess to glory in? They cannot learn unless they are taught. Then let us go forward in the strength of the Lord, and look to him to accompany the word with the Holy Ghost; then satan's kingdom shall be destroyed, and the kingdom of our Redeemer established.

Ps 68:1 <<For the Chief Musician; A Psalm of David, a song.>> Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered; Let them also that hate him flee before him.

Ps 68:2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: As wax melteth before the fire, So let the wicked perish at the presence of God.

Ps 68:3 But let the righteous be glad; let them exult before God: Yea, let them rejoice with gladness.

Ps 68:4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: Cast up a highway for him that rideth through the deserts; His name is Jehovah; and exult ye before him.

Ps 68:5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, Is God in his holy habitation.

Ps 68:6 God setteth the solitary in families: He bringeth out the prisoners into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a parched land.

Ps 68:7 O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, When thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah

Ps 68:8 The earth trembled, The heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God: Yon Sinai trembled at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

Ps 68:9 Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, Thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.

Ps 68:10 Thy congregation dwelt therein: Thou, O God, didst prepare of thy goodness for the poor.

Ps 68:11 The Lord giveth the word: The women that publish the tidings are a great host.

Ps 68:12 Kings of armies flee, they flee; And she that tarrieth at home divideth the spoil.

Ps 68:13 When ye lie among the sheepfolds, It is as the wings of a dove covered with silver, And her pinions with yellow gold.

Ps 68:14 When the Almighty scattered kings therein, It was as when it snoweth in Zalmon

Ps 68:15 A mountain of God is the mountain of Bashan; A high mountain is the mountain of Bashan.

Ps 68:16 Why look ye askance, ye high mountains, At the mountain which God hath desired for his abode? Yea, Jehovah will dwell in it for ever.

Ps 68:17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands upon thousands; The Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the sanctuary.

Ps 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led away captives; Thou hast received gifts among men, Yea, among the rebellious also, that Jehovah God might dwell with them.

Ps 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily beareth our burden, Even the God who is our salvation. Selah

Ps 68:20 God is unto us a God of deliverances; And unto Jehovah the Lord belongeth escape from death.

Ps 68:21 But God will smite through the head of his enemies, The hairy scalp of such a one as goeth on still in his guiltiness.

Ps 68:22 The Lord said, I will bring again from Bashan, I will bring them again from the depths of the sea;

Ps 68:23 That thou mayest crush them, dipping thy foot in blood, That the tongue of thy dogs may have its portion from thine enemies.

Ps 68:24 They have seen thy goings, O God, Even the goings of my God, my King, into the sanctuary.

Ps 68:25 The singers went before, the minstrels followed after, In the midst of the damsels playing with timbrels.

Ps 68:26 Bless ye God in the congregations, Even the Lord, ye that are of the fountain of Israel.

Ps 68:27 There is little Benjamin their ruler, The princes of Judah and their council, The princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali.

Ps 68:28 Thy God hath commanded thy strength: Strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.

Ps 68:29 Because of thy temple at Jerusalem Kings shall bring presents unto thee.

Ps 68:30 Rebuke the wild beast of the reeds, The multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the peoples, Trampling under foot the pieces of silver: He hath scattered the peoples that delight in war.

Ps 68:31 Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall haste to stretch out her hands unto God.

Ps 68:32 Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; Oh sing praises unto the Lord; Selah

Ps 68:33 To him that rideth upon the heaven of heavens, which are of old; Lo, he uttereth his voice, a mighty voice.

Ps 68:34 Ascribe ye strength unto God: His excellency is over Israel, And his strength is in the skies.

Ps 68:35 O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: The God of Israel, he giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.



Commentary on following page

MHCC

A prayer-- The greatness and goodness of God. (1-6)

 1-6 None ever hardened his heart against God, and prospered. God is the joy of his people, then let them rejoice when they come before him. He who derives his being from none, but gives being to all, is engaged by promise and covenant to bless his people. He is to be praised as a God of mercy and tender compassion. He ever careth for the afflicted and oppressed: repenting sinners, who are helpless and exposed more than any fatherless children, are admitted into his family, and share all their blessings.

The wonderful works God wrought for his people. (7-14)

 
7-14 Fresh mercies should put us in mind of former mercies. If God bring his people into a wilderness, he will be sure to go before them in it, and to bring them out of it. He provided for them, both in the wilderness and in Canaan. The daily manna seems here meant. And it looks to the spiritual provision for God's Israel. The Spirit of grace and the gospel of grace are the plentiful rain, with which God confirms his inheritance, and from which their fruit is found. Christ shall come as showers that water the earth. The account of Israel's victories is to be applied to the victories over death and hell, by the exalted Redeemer, for those that are his. Israel in Egypt among the kilns appeared wretched, but possessed of Canaan, during the reigns of David and Solomon, appeared glorious. Thus the slaves of satan, when converted to Christ, when justified and sanctified by him, look honourable. When they reach heaven, all remains of their sinful state disappear, they shall be as the wings of the dove, covered with silver, and her feathers as gold. Full salvation will render those white as snow, who were vile and loathsome through the guilt and defilement of sin.


The presence of God in his church. (15-21)

 
15-21 The ascension of Christ must here be meant, and thereto it is applied, Eph 4:8. He received as the purchase of his death, the gifts needful for the conversion of sinners, and the salvation of believers. These he continually bestows, even on rebellious men, that the Lord God might dwell among them, as their Friend and Father. He gave gifts to men. Having received power to give eternal life, the Lord Jesus bestows it on as many as were given him, Joh 17:2. Christ came to a rebellious world, not to condemn it, but that through him it might be saved. The glory of Zion's King is, that he is a Saviour and Benefactor to all his willing people, and a consuming fire to all that persist in rebellion against him. So many, so weighty are the gifts of God's bounty, that he may be truly said to load us with them. He will not put us off with present things for a portion, but will be the God of our salvation. The Lord Jesus has authority and power to rescue his people from the dominion of death, by taking away the sting of it from them when they die, and giving them complete victory over it when they rise again. The crown of the head, the chief pride and glory of the enemy, shall be smitten; Christ shall crush the head of the serpent.

Continued

The victories of Christ. (22-28)


22-28 The victories with which God blessed David over the enemies of Israel, are types of Christ's victory, for himself and for all believers. Those who take him for theirs, may see him acting as their God, as their King, for their good, and in answer to their prayers; especially in and by his word and ordinances. The kingdom of the Messiah shall be submitted to by all the rulers and learned in the world. The people seem to address the king, ver. 28. But the words are applicable to the| Redeemer, to his church, and every true believer. We pray, that thou, O God the Son, wilt complete thine undertaking for us, by finishing thy good work in us.


Enlargement of the church. (29-31)

 
29-31 A powerful invitation is given to those that are without, to join the church. Some shall submit from fear; overcome by their consciences, and the checks of Providence, they are brought to make peace with the church. Others will submit willingly, ver. 29,31. There is that beauty and benefit in the service of God, and in the gospel of Christ which went forth from Jerusalem, which is enough to invite sinners out of all nations.

The glory and grace of God. (32-35)

 
32-35 God is to be admired and adored with reverence and godly fear, by all that attend in his holy places. The God of Israel gives strength and power unto his people. Through Christ strengthening us we can do all things, not otherwise; therefore he must have the glory of all we do, with our humble thanks for enabling us to do it, and for accepting the work of his hands in us.

Ps 69:1 <<For the Chief Musician; set to aShoshanim. A Psalm of David.>> Save me, O God; For the waters are come in unto my

Ps 69:2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.

Ps 69:3 I am weary with my crying; my throat is dried: Mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.

Ps 69:4 They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head: They that would cut me off, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: That which I took not away I have to restore.

Ps 69:5 O God, thou knowest my foolishness; And my sins are not hid from thee.

Ps 69:6 Let not them that wait for thee be put to shame through me, O Lord Jehovah of hosts: Let not those that seek thee be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel.

Ps 69:7 Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; Shame hath covered my face.

Ps 69:8 I am become a stranger unto my brethren, And an alien unto my mother's children.

Ps 69:9 For the zeal of thy house hath eaten me up; And the reproaches of them that reproach thee are fallen upon me.

Ps 69:10 When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, That was to my reproach.

Ps 69:11 When I made sackcloth my clothing, I became a byword unto them.

Ps 69:12 They that sit in the gate talk of me; And I am the song of the drunkards.

Ps 69:13 But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Jehovah, in an acceptable time: O God, in the abundance of thy lovingkindness, Answer me in the truth of thy salvation.

Ps 69:14 Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: Let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.

Ps 69:15 Let not the waterflood overwhelm me, Neither let the deep shallow me up; And let not the pit shut its mouth upon me.

Ps 69:16 Answer me, O Jehovah; for thy lovingkindness is good: According to the multitude of thy tender mercies turn thou unto me.

Ps 69:17 And hide not thy face from thy servant; For I am in distress; answer me speedily.

Ps 69:18 Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it: Ransom me because of mine enemies.

Ps 69:19 Thou knowest my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonor: Mine adversaries are all before thee.

Ps 69:20 Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: And I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; And for comforters, but I found none.

Ps 69:21 They gave me also gall for my food; And in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

Ps 69:22 Let their table before them become a snare; And when they are in peace, let it become a trap.

Ps 69:23 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they cannot see; And make their loins continually to shake.

Ps 69:24 Pour out thine indignation upon them, And let the fierceness of thine anger overtake them.

Ps 69:25 Let their habitation be desolate; Let none dwell in their tents.

Ps 69:26 For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; And they tell of the sorrow of those whom thou hast wounded.

Ps 69:27 Add iniquity unto their iniquity; And let them not come into thy righteousness.

Ps 69:28 Let them be blotted out of the book of life, And not be written with the righteous.

Ps 69:29 But I am poor and sorrowful: Let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high.

Ps 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify him with thanksgiving.

Ps 69:31 And it will please Jehovah better than an ox, Or a bullock that hath horns and hoofs.

Ps 69:32 The meek have seen it, and are glad: Ye that seek after God, let your heart live.

Ps 69:33 For Jehovah heareth the needy, And despiseth not his prisoners.

Ps 69:34 Let heaven and earth praise him, The seas, and everything that moveth therein.

Ps 69:35 For God will save Zion, and build the cities of Judah; And they shall abide there, and have it in possession.

Ps 69:36 The seed also of his servants shall inherit it; And they that love his name shall dwell therein.

commentary on following page

David complains of great distress. (1-12)

 1-12 We should frequently consider the person of the Sufferer here spoken of, and ask why, as well as what he suffered, that, meditating thereon, we may be more humbled for sin, and more convinced of our danger, so that we may feel more gratitude and love, constraining us to live to His glory who died for our salvation. Hence we learn, when in affliction, to commit the keeping of our souls to God, that we may not be soured with discontent, or sink into despair. David was hated wrongfully, but the words far more fully apply to Christ. In a world where unrighteousness reigns so much, we must not wonder if we meet with those that are our enemies wrongfully. Let us take care that we never do wrong; then if we receive wrong, we may the better bear it. By the satisfaction Christ made to God for our sin by his blood, he restored that which he took not away, he paid our debt, suffered for our offences. Even when we can plead Not guilty, as to men's unjust accusations, yet before God we must acknowledge ourselves to deserve all that is brought upon us. All our sins take rise from our foolishness. They are all done in God's sight. David complains of the unkindness of friends and relations. This was fulfilled in Christ, whose brethren did not believe on him, and who was forsaken by his disciples. Christ made satisfaction for us, not only by putting off the honours due to God, but by submitting to the greatest dishonours that could be done to any man. We need not be discouraged if our zeal for the truths, precepts, and worship of God, should provoke some, and cause others to mock our godly sorrow and deadness to the world.

And begs for succour. (13-21)

13-21 Whatever deep waters of affliction or temptation we sink into, whatever floods of trouble or ungodly men seem ready to overwhelm us, let us persevere in prayer to our Lord to save us. The tokens of God's favour to us are enough to keep our spirits from sinking in the deepest outward troubles. If we think well of God, and continue to do so under the greatest hardships, we need not fear but he will do well for us. And if at any time we are called on to suffer reproach and shame, for Christ's sake, this may be our comfort, that he knows it. It bears hard on one that knows the worth of a good name, to be oppressed with a bad one; but when we consider what a favour it is to be accounted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus, we shall see that there is no reason why it should be heart-breaking to us. The sufferings of Christ were here particularly foretold, which proves the Scripture to be the word of God; and how exactly these predictions were fulfilled in Jesus Christ, which proves him to be the true Messiah. The vinegar and the gall given to him, were a faint emblem of that bitter cup which he drank up, that we might drink the cup of salvation. We cannot expect too little from men, miserable comforters are they all; nor can we expect too much from the God of all comfort and consolation.

He declares the judgments of God. (22-29)

22-29 These are prophecies of the destruction of Christ's persecutors. Verses 22,23, are applied to the judgments of God upon the unbelieving Jews, in Ro 11:9,10. When the supports of life and delights of sense, through the corruption of our nature, are made the food and fuel of sin, then our table is a snare. Their sin was, that they would not see, but shut their eyes against the light, loving darkness rather; their punishment was, that they should not see, but should be given up to their own hearts' lusts which hardened them. Those who reject God's great salvation proffered to them, may justly fear that his indignation will be poured out upon them. If men will sin, the Lord will reckon for it. But those that have multiplied to sin, may yet find mercy, through the righteousness of the Mediator. God shuts not out any from that righteousness; the gospel excludes none who do not, by unbelief, shut themselves out. But those who are proud and self-willed, so that they will not come in to God's righteousness, shall have their doom accordingly; they themselves decide it. Let those not expect any benefit thereby, who are not glad to be beholden to it. It is better to be poor and sorrowful, with the blessing of the Lord, than rich and jovial, and under his curse. This may be applied to Christ. He was, when on earth, a man of sorrows that had not where to lay his head; but God exalted him. Let us call upon the Lord, and though poor and sorrowful, guilty and defiled, his salvation will set us up on high.

He concludes with joy and praise. (30-36)


30-36 The psalmist concludes the psalm with holy joy and praise, which he began with complaints of his grief. It is a great comfort to us, that humble and thankful praises are more pleasing to God than the most costly, pompous sacrifices. The humble shall look to him, and be glad; those that seek him through Christ shall live and be comforted. God will do great things for the gospel church, in which let all who wish well to it rejoice. A seed shall serve him on earth, and his servants shall inherit his heavenly kingdom. Those that love his name shall dwell before him for ever. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Arise, thou great Restorer of the ancient places to dwell in, and turn away ungodliness from thy people.

Ps 70:1 <<For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David; ato bring to remembrance.>> Make haste, O God, to deliver me; Make haste to help me, O Jehovah.

Ps 70:2 Let them be put to shame and confounded That seek after my soul: Let them be turned backward and brought to dishonor That delight in my hurt.

Ps 70:3 Let them be turned back by reason of their shame That say, Aha, aha.

Ps 70:4 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee; And let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.

Ps 70:5 But I am poor and needy; Make haste unto me, O God: Thou art my help and my deliverer; O Jehovah, make no tarrying.


MHCC

 The speedy destruction of the wicked, and the preservation of the godly.
 
- This psalm is almost the same as the last five verses of Ps 40 (Ps 40:13-17). While here we behold Jesus Christ set forth in poverty and distress, we also see him denouncing just and fearful punishment on his Jewish, heathen, and antichristian enemies; and pleading for the joy and happiness of his friends, to his Father's honour. Let us apply these things to our own troubled circumstances, and in a believing manner bring them, and the sinful causes thereof, to our remembrance. Urgent trials should always awake fervent prayers.

Ps 71:1 In thee, O Jehovah, do I take refuge: Let me never be put to shame.

Ps 71:2 Deliver me in thy righteousness, and rescue me: Bow down thine ear unto me, and save me.

Ps 71:3 Be thou to me a rock of habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: Thou hast given commandment to save me; For thou art my rock and my fortress.

Ps 71:4 Rescue me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, Out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.

Ps 71:5 For thou art my hope, O Lord Jehovah: Thou art my trust from my youth.

Ps 71:6 By thee have I been holden up from the womb; Thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: My praise shall be continually of thee.

Ps 71:7 I am as a wonder unto many; But thou art my strong refuge.

Ps 71:8 My mouth shall be filled with thy praise, And with thy honor all the day.
Ps 35:28

Ps 71:9 Cast me not off in the time of old age; Forsake me not when my strength faileth.

Ps 71:10 For mine enemies speak concerning me; And they that watch for my soul take counsel together,

Ps 71:11 Saying, God hath forsaken him: Pursue and take him; for there is none to deliver.

Ps 71:12 O God, be not far from me; O my God, make haste to help me.

Ps 71:13 Let them be put to shame and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor that seek my hurt.

Ps 71:14 But I will hope continually, And will praise thee yet more and more.

Ps 71:15 My mouth shall tell of thy righteousness, And of thy salvation all the day; For I know not the numbers thereof.

Ps 71:16 I will come with the mighty acts of the Lord Jehovah: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.

Ps 71:17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth; And hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.

Ps 71:18 Yea, even when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not, Until I have declared thy strength unto the next generation, Thy might to every one that is to come.

Ps 71:19 Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high; Thou who hast done great things, O God, who is like unto thee?

Ps 71:20 Thou, who hast showed us many and sore troubles, Wilt quicken us again, And wilt bring us up again from the depths of the earth.

Ps 71:21 Increase thou my greatness, And turn again and comfort me.

Ps 71:22 I will also praise thee with the psaltery, Even thy truth, O my God: Unto thee will I sing praises with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.

Ps 71:23 My lips shall shout for joy when I sing praises unto thee; And my soul, which thou hast redeemed.

Ps 71:24 My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long; For they are put to shame, for they are confounded, that seek my hurt.


Commentary on following page

MHCC

Prayers that God would deliver and save. (1-13)

 1-13 David prays that he might never be made ashamed of dependence upon God. With this petition every true believer may come boldly to the throne of grace. The gracious care of Divine providence in our birth and infancy, should engage us to early piety. He that was our Help from our birth, ought to be our Hope from our youth. Let none expect ease or comfort from the world. Those who love the Lord, often are hated and persecuted; men wondered at for their principles and conduct; but the Lord has been their strong refuge. The faithful servants of God may be assured that he will not cast them off in old age, nor forsake them when their strength fails.

Believing praises. (14-24)

14-24 The psalmist declares that the righteousness of Christ, and the great salvation obtained thereby, shall be the chosen subject of his discourse. Not on a sabbath only, but on every day of the week, of the year, of his life. Not merely at stated returns of solemn devotion, but on every occasion, all the day long. Why will he always dwell on this? Because he knew not the numbers thereof. It is impossible to measure the value or the fulness of these blessings. The righteousness is unspeakable, the salvation everlasting. God will not cast off his grey-headed servants when no longer capable of labouring as they have done. The Lord often strengthens his people in their souls, when nature is sinking into decay. And it is a debt which the old disciples of Christ owe to succeeding generations, to leave behind them a solemn testimony to the advantage of religion, and the truth of God's promises; and especially to the everlasting righteousness of the Redeemer. Assured of deliverance and victory, let us spend our days, while waiting the approach of death, in praising the Holy One of Israel with all our powers. And while speaking of his righteousness, and singing his praises, we shall rise above fears and infirmities, and have earnests of the joys of heaven. The work of redemption ought, above all God's works, to be spoken of by us in our praises. The Lamb that was slain, and has redeemed us to God, is worthy of all blessing and praise.


Readers: I'd like to make a note here; it never ceases to amaze me how much and how often David prayed and praised God. No wonder God spoke of David as "A man after mine own heart". Do we today take as much time to pray for God's mercy, guidance and forgiveness as David did? Or are we too busy doing other things? Let us resolve to never let anything take our time away from God, yes God is always there, we can always pray later, but will later be there for us, we know we won't always be here, let us cease every opportunity to praise God and thank Him. Something as simple as a butterfly ought to put to put the desire in our hearts to praise God for such beauty, and such purpose, God has a purpose for everything He has created, let us Thank Him and search Him and He will show us what our purpose is.

Ps 72:1 <<A Psalm of Solomon.>> Give the king thy judgments, O God, And thy righteousness unto the king's son.

Ps 72:2 He will judge thy people with righteousness, And thy poor with justice.

Ps 72:3 The mountains shall bring peace to the people, And the hills, in righteousness.

Ps 72:4 He will judge the poor of the people, He will save the children of the needy, And will break in pieces the oppressor.

Ps 72:5 They shall fear thee while the sun endureth, And so long as the moon, throughout all generations.

Ps 72:6 He will come down like rain upon the mown grass, As showers that water the earth.

Ps 72:7 In his days shall the righteous flourish, And abundance of peace, till the moon be no more.

Ps 72:8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, And from the River unto the ends of the earth.

Ps 72:9 They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; And his enemies shall lick the dust.

Ps 72:10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall render tribute: The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.

Ps 72:11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before him; All nations shall serve him.

Ps 72:12 For he will deliver the needy when he crieth, And the poor, that hath no helper.

Ps 72:13 He will have pity on the poor and needy, And the souls of the needy he will save.

Ps 72:14 He will redeem their soul from oppression and violence; And precious will their blood be in his sight:

Ps 72:15 And they shall live; and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: And men shall pray for him continually; They shall bless him all the day long.

Ps 72:16 There shall be abundance of grain in the earth upon the top of the mountains; The fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: And they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.

Ps 72:17 His name shall endure for ever; His name shall be continued as long as the sun: And men shall be blessed in him; All nations shall call him happy.

Ps 72:18 Blessed be Jehovah God, the God of Israel, Who only doeth wondrous things:

Ps 72:19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever; And let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen, and Amen.

Ps 72:20 The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.



Commentary on following page.

MHCC

David begins with a prayer for Solomon. (1)


  1 This psalm belongs to Solomon in part, but to Christ more fully and clearly. Solomon was both the king and the king's son, and his pious father desired that the wisdom of God might be in him, that his reign might be a remembrance of the kingdom of the Messiah. It is the prayer of a father for his child; a dying blessing. The best we can ask of God for our children is, that God would give them wisdom and grace to know and to do their duty.


He passes into a prophecy of the glories of his reign, and of Christ's kingdom. (2-17)

2-17 This is a prophecy of the kingdom of Christ; many passages in it cannot be applied to the reign of Solomon. There were righteousness and peace at first in the administration of his government; but, before the end of his reign, there were troubles and unrighteousness. The kingdom here spoken of is to last as long as the sun, but Solomon's was soon at an end. Even the Jewish expositors understood it of the kingdom of the Messiah. Observe many great and precious promises here made, which were to have full accomplishment only in the kingdom of Christ. As far as his kingdom is set up, discord and contentions cease, in families, churches, and nations. The law of Christ, written in the heart, disposes men to be honest and just, and to render to all their due; it likewise disposes men to live in love, and so produces abundance of peace. Holiness and love shall be lasting in Christ's kingdom. Through all the changes of the world, and all the changes of life, Christ's kingdom will support itself. And he shall, by the graces and comforts of his Spirit, come down like rain upon the mown grass; not on that cut down, but that which is left growing, that it may spring again. His gospel has been, or shall be, preached to all nations. Though he needs not the services of any, yet he must be served with the best. Those that have the wealth of this world, must serve Christ with it, do good with it. Prayer shall be made through him, or for his sake; whatever we ask of the Father, should be in his name. Praises shall be offered to him: we are under the highest obligations to him. Christ only shall be feared throughout all generations. To the end of time, and to eternity, his name shall be praised. All nations shall call HIM blessed.

Praise to God. (18-20)

 
18-20 We are taught to bless God in Christ, for all he has done for us by him. David is earnest in prayer for the fulfilment of this prophecy and promise. It is sad to think how empty the earth is of the glory of God, how little service and honour he has from a world to which he is so bountiful. May we, like David, submit to Christ's authority, and partake of his righteousness and peace. May we bless him for the wonders of redeeming love. May we spend our days, and end our lives, praying for the spread of his gospel.

Ps 73:1 <<A Psalm of Asaph.>> Surely God is good to Israel, Even to such as are pure in heart.

Ps 73:2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; My steps had well nigh slipped.

Ps 73:3 For I was envious at the arrogant, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Ps 73:4 For there are no pangs in their death; But their strength is firm.

Ps 73:5 They are not in trouble as other men; Neither are they plagued like other men.

Ps 73:6 Therefore pride is as a chain about their neck; Violence covereth them as a garment.

Ps 73:7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: They have more than heart could wish.

Ps 73:8 They scoff, and in wickedness utter oppression: They speak loftily.

Ps 73:9 They have set their mouth in the heavens, And their tongue walketh through the earth

Ps 73:10 Therefore his people return hither: And waters of a full cup are drained by them.

Ps 73:11 And they say, How doth God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?

Ps 73:12 Behold, these are the wicked; And, being alway at ease, they increase in riches.

Ps 73:13 Surely in vain have I cleansed my heart, And washed my hands in innocency;

Ps 73:14 For all the day long have I been plagued, And  chastened every morning.

Ps 73:15 If I had said, I will speak thus; Behold, I had dealt treacherously with the generation of thy children.

Ps 73:16 When I thought how I might know this, It was too painful for me;

Ps 73:17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God, And considered their latter end.

Ps 73:18 Surely thou settest them in slippery places: Thou castest them down to destruction.

Ps 73:19 How are they become a desolation in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.

Ps 73:20 As a dream when one awaketh, So, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou wilt despise their image.

Ps 73:21 For my soul was grieved, And I was pricked in my heart:

Ps 73:22 So brutish was I, and ignorant; I was as a beast before thee.

Ps 73:23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: Thou hast holden my right hand.

Ps 73:24 Thou wilt guide me with thy counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.

Ps 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee.

Ps 73:26 My flesh and my heart faileth; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.

Ps 73:27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: Thou hast destroyed all them that play the harlot, departing from thee.

Ps 73:28 But it is good for me to draw near unto God: I have made the Lord Jehovah my refuge, That I may tell of all thy works.


Commentary on following page

MHCC

The psalmist's temptation. (1-14)


  1-14 The psalmist was strongly tempted to envy the prosperity of the wicked; a common temptation, which has tried the graces of many saints. But he lays down the great principle by which he resolved to abide. It is the goodness of God. This is a truth which cannot be shaken. Good thoughts of God will fortify against Satan's temptations. The faith even of strong believers may be sorely shaken, and ready to fail. There are storms that will try the firmest anchors. Foolish and wicked people have sometimes a great share of outward prosperity. They seem to have the least share of the troubles of this life; and they seem to have the greatest share of its comforts. They live without the fear of God, yet they prosper, and get on in the world. Wicked men often spend their lives without much sickness, and end them without great pain; while many godly persons scarcely know what health is, and die with great sufferings. Often the wicked are not frightened, either by the remembrance of their sins, or the prospect of their misery, but they die without terror. We cannot judge men's state beyond death, by what passes at their death. He looked abroad, and saw many of God's people greatly at a loss. Because the wicked are so very daring, therefore his people return hither; they know not what to say to it, and the rather, because they drink deep of the bitter cup of affliction. He spoke feelingly when he spoke of his own troubles; there is no disputing against sense, except by faith. From all this arose a strong temptation to cast off religion. But let us learn that the true course of sanctification consists in cleansing a man from all pollution both of soul and body. The heart is cleansed by the blood of Christ laid hold upon by faith; and by the begun works of the Lord's Spirit, manifested in the hearty resolution, purpose, and study of holiness, and a blameless course of life and actions, the hands are cleansed. It is not in vain to serve God and keep his ordinances.

How he gained a victory over it. (15-20)


15-20 The psalmist having shown the progress of his temptation, shows how faith and grace prevailed. He kept up respect for God's people, and with that he restrained himself from speaking what he had thought amiss. It is a sign that we repent of the evil thoughts of the heart, if we suppress them. Nothing gives more offence to God's children, than to say it is vain to serve God; for there is nothing more contrary to their universal experience. He prayed to God to make this matter plain to him; and he understood the wretched end of wicked people; even in the height of their prosperity they were but ripening for ruin. The sanctuary must be the resort of a tempted soul. The righteous man's afflictions end in peace, therefore he is happy; the wicked man's enjoyments end in destruction, therefore he is miserable. The prosperity of the wicked is short and uncertain, slippery places. See what their prosperity is; it is but a vain show, it is only a corrupt imagination, not substance, but a mere shadow; it is as a dream, which may please us a little while we are slumbering, yet even then it disturbs our repose.

 How he profited by it. (21-28)

21-28 God would not suffer his people to be tempted, if his grace were not sufficient, not only to save them from harm, but to make them gainers by it. This temptation, the working of envy and discontent, is very painful. In reflecting upon it, the psalmist owns it was his folly and ignorance thus to vex himself. If good men, at any time, through the surprise and strength of temptation, think, or speak, or act amiss, they will reflect upon it with sorrow and shame. We must ascribe our safety in temptation, and our victory, not to our own wisdom, but to the gracious presence of God with us, and Christ's intercession for us. All who commit themselves to God, shall be guided with the counsel both of his word and of his Spirit, the best counsellors here, and shall be received to his glory in another world; the believing hopes and prospects of which will reconcile us to all dark providences. And the psalmist was hereby quickened to cleave the closer to God. Heaven itself could not make us happy without the presence and love of our God. The world and all its glory vanishes. The body will fail by sickness, age, and death; when the flesh fails, the conduct, courage, and comfort fail. But Christ Jesus, our Lord, offers to be all in all to every poor sinner, who renounces all other portions and confidences. By sin we are all far from God. And a profession of Christ, if we go on in sin, will increase our condemnation. May we draw near, and keep near, to our God, by faith and prayer, and find it good to do so. Those that with an upright heart put their trust in God, shall never want matter for thanksgiving to him. Blessed Lord, who hast so graciously promised to become our portion in the next world, prevent us from choosing any other in this.

Ps 74:1 <<Maschil of Asaph.>> O God, why hast thou cast us off for ever? Why doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?

Ps 74:2 Remember thy congregation, which thou hast gotten of old, Which thou hast redeemed to be the tribe of thine inheritance; And mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.

Ps 74:3 Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual ruins, All the evil that the enemy hath done in the sanctuary.

Ps 74:4 Thine adversaries have roared in the midst of thine assembly; They have set up their ensigns for signs.

Ps 74:5 They seemed as men that lifted up Axes upon a thicket of trees.

Ps 74:6 And now all the carved work thereof They break down with hatchet and hammers.

Ps 74:7 They have set thy sanctuary on fire; They have profaned the dwelling-place of thy name by casting it to the ground.

Ps 74:8 They said in their heart, Let us make havoc of them altogether: They have burned up all the  synagogues of God in the land.

Ps 74:9 We see not our signs: There is no more any prophet; Neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.

Ps 74:10 How long, O God, shall the adversary reproach? Shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?

Ps 74:11 Why drawest thou back thy hand, even thy right hand? Pluck it out of thy bosom and consume them.

Ps 74:12 Yet God is my King of old, Working salvation in the midst of the earth.

Ps 74:13 Thou didst divide the sea by thy strength: Thou brakest the heads of the sea-monsters in the waters.

Ps 74:14 Thou brakest the heads of leviathan in pieces; Thou gavest him to be food to the people inhabiting the wilderness.

Ps 74:15 Thou didst cleave fountain and flood: Thou driedst up mighty rivers.

Ps 74:16 The day is thine, the night also is thine: Thou hast prepared the light and the sun.

Ps 74:17 Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: Thou hast made summer and winter.

Ps 74:18 Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O Jehovah, And that a foolish people hath blasphemed thy name.

Ps 74:19 Oh deliver not the soul of thy turtle-dove unto the wild beast: Forget not the life of thy poor for ever.

Ps 74:20 Have respect unto the covenant; For the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of violence.

Ps 74:21 Oh let not the oppressed return ashamed: Let the poor and needy praise thy name.

Ps 74:22 Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: Remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee all the day.

Ps 74:23 Forget not the voice of thine adversaries: The tumult of those that rise up against thee ascendeth continually.

Commentary on following page

MHCC

The desolations of the sanctuary. (1-11)

 
  1-11 This psalm appears to describe the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Chaldeans. The deplorable case of the people of God, at the time, is spread before the Lord, and left with him. They plead the great things God had done for them. If the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt was encouragement to hope that he would not cast them off, much more reason have we to believe, that God will not cast off any whom Christ has redeemed with his own blood. Infidels and persecutors may silence faithful ministers, and shut up places of worship, and say they will destroy the people of God and their religion together. For a long time they may prosper in these attempts, and God's oppressed servants may see no prospect of deliverance; but there is a remnant of believers, the seed of a future harvest, and the despised church has survived those who once triumphed over her. When the power of enemies is most threatening, it is comfortable to flee to the power of God by earnest prayer.

Pleas for encouraging faith. (12-17)

12-17 The church silences her own complaints. What God had done for his people, as their King of old, encouraged them to depend on him. It was the Lord's doing, none besides could do it. This providence was food to faith and hope, to support and encourage in difficulties. The God of Israel is the God of nature. He that is faithful to his covenant about the day and the night, will never cast off those whom he has chosen. We have as much reason to expect affliction, as to expect night and winter. But we have no more reason to despair of the return of comfort, than to despair of day and summer. And in the world above we shall have no more changes.

Petitions for deliverances. (18-23)

18-23 The psalmist begs that God would appear for the church against their enemies. The folly of such as revile his gospel and his servants will be plain to all. Let us call upon our God to enlighten the dark nations of the earth; and to rescue his people, that the poor and needy may praise his name. Blessed Saviour, thou art the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Make thy people more than conquerors. Be thou, Lord, all in all to them in every situation and circumstances; for then thy poor and needy people will praise thy name.

Ps 75:1 To the Chief Musician. Do not destroy. A Psalm of Asaph. A Song. To You, O God, we have given thanks, to You we have given thanks; for Your name is near, Your wonderful works declared.

Ps 75:2 When I take the appointed time, I will judge uprightly.

Ps 75:3 The earth and all its people are melting away; I hold up its pillars. Selah.

Ps 75:4 I said to the proud, Do not boast; and to the wicked, Do not lift up the horn;

Ps 75:5 do not lift up your horn on high; nor speak with a stiff neck.

Ps 75:6 For lifting up comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.

Ps 75:7 But God is the judge; He puts down one and sets up another.

Ps 75:8 For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is fully mixed; and He pours out from it; but the dregs of it, all the wicked of the earth shall drain its dregs and drink.

Ps 75:9 But I will declare forever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.

Ps 75:10 Also I will cut off all the horns of the wicked; but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.

Commentary on following page

MHCC

The psalmist declares his resolution of executing judgment. (1-5)

 1-5 We often pray for mercy, when in pursuit of it; and shall we only once or twice give thanks, when we obtain it? God shows that he is nigh to us in what we call upon him for. Public trusts are to be managed uprightly. This may well be applied to Christ and his government. Man's sin threatened to destroy the whole creation; but Christ saved the world from utter ruin. He who is made of God to us wisdom, bids us be wise. To the proud, daring sinners he says, Boast not of your power, persist not in contempt. All the present hopes and future happiness of the human race spring from the Son of God.

He rebukes the wicked, and concludes with resolutions to praise God. (6-10)

6-10 No second causes will raise men to preferment without the First Cause. It comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. He mentions not the north; the same word that signifies the north, signifies the secret place; and from the secret of God's counsel it does come. From God alone all must receive their doom. There are mixtures of mercy and grace in the cup of affliction, when it is put into the hands of God's people; mixtures of the curse, when it is put into the hands of the wicked. God's people have their share in common calamities, but the dregs of the cup are for the wicked. The exaltation of the Son of David will be the subject of the saints' everlasting praises. Then let sinners submit to the King of righteousness, and let believers rejoice in and obey him.

Ps 76:1 To the Chief Musician. For stringed instruments. A Psalm of Asaph. A Song. God is known in Judah, His name is great in Israel.

Ps 76:2 And His abode is in Salem; and His dwelling-place in Zion.

Ps 76:3 There He broke the fiery arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.

Ps 76:4 You are more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.

Ps 76:5 The stouthearted have been stripped; they slept their sleep; and none of the men of might have found their hands.

Ps 76:6 By Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the horse and the chariot have sunk into a sleep.

Ps 76:7 You, even You, are terrifying, and who can stand when once You are angry?

Ps 76:8 You cause judgment to be heard from Heaven; the earth feared and was still,

Ps 76:9 when God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.

Ps 76:10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise You; the wrath that is left, You shall bind up.

Ps 76:11 Vow, and pay to the LORD your God; let all that are around Him bring presents to the Fearful One.

Ps 76:12 He shall cut off the spirit in princes; He is feared by the kings of the earth.

MHCC

The psalmist speaks of God's power. (1-6)

  1-6 Happy people are those who have their land filled with the knowledge of God! happy persons that have their hearts filled with that knowledge! It is the glory and happiness of a people to have God among them by his ordinances. Wherein the enemies of the church deal proudly, it will appear that God is above them. See the power of God's rebukes. With pleasure may Christians apply this to the advantages bestowed by the Redeemer.

All have to fear and to trust in him. (7-12)

 
7-12 God's people are the meek of the earth, the quiet in the land, that suffer wrong, but do none. The righteous God seems to keep silence long, yet, sooner or later, he will make judgment to be heard. We live in an angry, provoking world; we often feel much, and are apt to fear more, from the wrath of man. What will not turn to his praise, shall not be suffered to break out. He can set bounds to the wrath of man, as he does to the raging sea; hitherto it shall come, and no further. Let all submit to God. Our prayers and praises, and especially our hearts, are the presents we should bring to the Lord. His name is glorious, and he is the proper object of our fear. He shall cut off the spirit of princes; he shall slip it off easily, as we slip off a flower from the stalk, or a bunch of grapes from the vine; so the word signifies. He can dispirit the most daring: since there is no contending with God, it is our wisdom, as it is our duty, to submit to him. Let us seek his favour as our portion, and commit all our concerns to him.

Ps 77:1 ¶ <<To the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm of Asaph.>> I cried out to God with my voice-To God with my voice; And He gave ear to me.

Ps 77:2 In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; My hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing; My soul refused to be comforted.

Ps 77:3 I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah

Ps 77:4 You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak.

Ps 77:5 I have considered the days of old, The years of ancient times.

Ps 77:6 I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart, And my spirit makes diligent search.

Ps 77:7 Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more?

Ps 77:8 Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore?

Ps 77:9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies? Selah

Ps 77:10 And I said, "This is my anguish; But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High."

Ps 77:11 ¶ I will remember the works of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.

Ps 77:12 I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds.

Ps 77:13 Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God?

Ps 77:14 You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples.

Ps 77:15 You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, The sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

Ps 77:16 The waters saw You, O God; The waters saw You, they were afraid; The depths also trembled.

Ps 77:17 The clouds poured out water; The skies sent out a sound; Your arrows also flashed about.

Ps 77:18 The voice of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; The lightnings lit up the world; The earth trembled and shook.

Ps 77:19 Your way was in the sea, Your path in the great waters, And Your footsteps were not known.

Ps 77:20 You led Your people like a flock By the hand of Moses and Aaron.



Commentary on following page

MHCC

The psalmist's troubles and temptation. (1-10)

1-10 Days of trouble must be days of prayer; when God seems to have withdrawn from us, we must seek him till we find him. In the day of his trouble the psalmist did not seek for the diversion of business or amusement, but he sought God, and his favour and grace. Those that are under trouble of mind, must pray it away. He pored upon the trouble; the methods that should have relieved him did but increase his grief. When he remembered God, it was only the Divine justice and wrath. His spirit was overwhelmed, and sank under the load. But let not the remembrance of the comforts we have lost, make us unthankful for those that are left. Particularly he called to remembrance the comforts with which he supported himself in former sorrows. Here is the language of a sorrowful, deserted soul, walking in darkness; a common case even among those that fear the Lord, Isa 50:10. Nothing wounds and pierces like the thought of God's being angry. God's own people, in a cloudy and dark day, may be tempted to make wrong conclusions about their spiritual state, and that of God's kingdom in the world. But we must not give way to such fears. Let faith answer them from the Scripture. The troubled fountain will work itself clear again; and the recollection of former times of joyful experience often raises a hope, tending to relief. Doubts and fears proceed from the want and weakness of faith. Despondency and distrust under affliction, are too often the infirmities of believers, and, as such, are to be thought upon by us with sorrow and shame. When, unbelief is working in us, we must thus suppress its risings.

He encourages himself by the remembrance of God's help of his people. (11-20)

11-20 The remembrance of the works of God, will be a powerful remedy against distrust of his promise and goodness; for he is God, and changes not. God's way is in the sanctuary. We are sure that God is holy in all his works. God's ways are like the deep waters, which cannot be fathomed; like the way of a ship, which cannot be tracked. God brought Israel out of Egypt. This was typical of the great redemption to be wrought out in the fulness of time, both by price and power. If we have harboured doubtful thoughts, we should, without delay, turn our minds to meditate on that God, who spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, that with him, he might freely give us all things.

Ps 78:1 ¶ <<A Contemplation of Asaph.>> Give ear, O my people, to my law; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

 2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old,

 3 Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us.

 4 We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.

 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children;

 6 That the generation to come might know them, The children who would be born, That they may arise and declare them to their children,

 7 That they may set their hope in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments;

 8 And may not be like their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that did not set its heart aright, And whose spirit was not faithful to God.

 9 ¶ The children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, Turned back in the day of battle.

 10 They did not keep the covenant of God; They refused to walk in His law,

 11 And forgot His works And His wonders that He had shown them.

 12 Marvelous things He did in the sight of their fathers, In the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.

 13 He divided the sea and caused them to pass through; And He made the waters stand up like a heap.

 14 In the daytime also He led them with the cloud, And all the night with a light of fire.

 15 He split the rocks in the wilderness, And gave them drink in abundance like the depths.

 16 He also brought streams out of the rock, And caused waters to run down like rivers.

 17 But they sinned even more against Him By rebelling against the Most High in the wilderness.

 18 And they tested God in their heart By asking for the food of their fancy.

 19 Yes, they spoke against God: They said, "Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?

 20 Behold, He struck the rock, So that the waters gushed out, And the streams overflowed. Can He give bread also? Can He provide meat for His people?"

 21 Therefore the LORD heard this and was furious; So a fire was kindled against Jacob, And anger also came up against Israel,

 22 Because they did not believe in God, And did not trust in His salvation.

 23 Yet He had commanded the clouds above, And opened the doors of heaven,

 24 Had rained down manna on them to eat, And given them of the bread of heaven.

 25 Men ate angels' food; He sent them food to the full.

 26 He caused an east wind to blow in the heavens; And by His power He brought in the south wind.

 27 He also rained meat on them like the dust, Feathered fowl like the sand of the seas;

 28 And He let them fall in the midst of their camp, All around their dwellings.

 29 So they ate and were well filled, For He gave them their own desire.

 30 They were not deprived of their craving; But while their food was still in their mouths,

 31 The wrath of God came against them, And slew the stoutest of them, And struck down the choice men of Israel.

 32 In spite of this they still sinned, And did not believe in His wondrous works.

 33 Therefore their days He consumed in futility, And their years in fear.

 34 When He slew them, then they sought Him; And they returned and sought earnestly for God.

 35 Then they remembered that God was their rock, And the Most High God their Redeemer.

 36 Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouth, And they lied to Him with their tongue;

 37 For their heart was not steadfast with Him, Nor were they faithful in His covenant.

 38 But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, And did not destroy them. Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, And did not stir up all His wrath;

 39 For He remembered that they were but flesh, A breath that passes away and does not come again.

 40 ¶ How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, And grieved Him in the desert!

 41 Yes, again and again they tempted God, And limited the Holy One of Israel.

 42 They did not remember His power: The day when He redeemed them from the enemy,

 43 When He worked His signs in Egypt, And His wonders in the field of Zoan;

 44 Turned their rivers into blood, And their streams, that they could not drink.

 45 He sent swarms of flies among them, which devoured them, And frogs, which destroyed them.

 46 He also gave their crops to the caterpillar, And their labor to the locust.

 47 He destroyed their vines with hail, And their sycamore trees with frost.

 48 He also gave up their cattle to the hail, And their flocks to fiery lightning.

 49 He cast on them the fierceness of His anger, Wrath, indignation, and trouble, By sending angels of destruction among them

 50 He made a path for His anger; He did not spare their soul from death, But gave their life over to the plague,

 51 And destroyed all the firstborn in Egypt, The first of their strength in the tents of Ham.

 52 But He made His own people go forth like sheep, And guided them in the wilderness like a flock;

 53 And He led them on safely, so that they did not fear; But the sea overwhelmed their enemies.

 54 And He brought them to His holy border, This mountain which His right hand had acquired.
 55 He also drove out the nations before them, Allotted them an inheritance by survey, And made the tribes of Israel dwell in their tents.

 56 Yet they tested and provoked the Most High God, And did not keep His testimonies,

 57 But turned back and acted unfaithfully like their fathers; They were turned aside like a deceitful bow.

 58 For they provoked Him to anger with their high places, And moved Him to jealousy with their carved images.

 59 When God heard this, He was furious, And greatly abhorred Israel,

 60 So that He forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, The tent He had placed among men,

 61 And delivered His strength into captivity, And His glory into the enemy's hand.

 62 He also gave His people over to the sword, And was furious with His inheritance.

 63 The fire consumed their young men, And their maidens were not given in marriage.

 64 Their priests fell by the sword, And their widows made no lamentation.

 65 Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, Like a mighty man who shouts because of wine.

 66 And He beat back His enemies; He put them to a perpetual reproach.

 67 Moreover He rejected the tent of Joseph, And did not choose the tribe of Ephraim,

 68 But chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion which He loved.

 69 And He built His sanctuary like the heights, Like the earth which He has established forever.

 70 He also chose David His servant, And took him from the sheepfolds;

 71 From following the ewes that had young He brought him, To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance.

 72 So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.
(NKJV)

Commentary onf following page

MHCC

Attention called for. (1-8)

1-8 These are called dark and deep sayings, because they are carefully to be looked into. The law of God was given with a particular charge to teach it diligently to their children, that the church may abide for ever. Also, that the providences of God, both in mercy and in judgment, might encourage them to conform to the will of God. The works of God much strengthen our resolution to keep his commandments. Hypocrisy is the high road to apostasy; those that do not set their hearts right, will not be stedfast with God. Many parents, by negligence and wickedness, become murderers of their children. But young persons, though they are bound to submit in all things lawful, must not obey sinful orders, or copy sinful examples.

The history of Israel. (9-39)

9-39 Sin dispirits men, and takes away the heart. Forgetfulness of God's works is the cause of disobedience to his laws. This narrative relates a struggle between God's goodness and man's badness. The Lord hears all our murmurings and distrusts, and is much displeased. Those that will not believe the power of God's mercy, shall feel the fire of his indignation. Those cannot be said to trust in God's salvation as their happiness at last, who can not trust his providence in the way to it. To all that by faith and prayer, ask, seek, and knock, these doors of heaven shall at any time be opened; and our distrust of God is a great aggravation of our sins. He expressed his resentment of their provocation; not in denying what they sinfully lusted after, but in granting it to them. Lust is contented with nothing. Those that indulge their lust, will never be estranged from it. Those hearts are hard indeed, that will neither be melted by the mercies of the Lord, nor broken by his judgments. Those that sin still, must expect to be in trouble still. And the reason why we live with so little comfort, and to so little purpose, is, because we do not live by faith. Under these rebukes they professed repentance, but they were not sincere, for they were not constant. In Israel's history we have a picture of our own hearts and lives. God's patience, and warnings, and mercies, embolden them to harden their hearts against his word. And the history of kingdoms is much the same. Judgments and mercies have been little attended to, until the measure of their sins has been full. And higher advantages have not kept churches from declining from the commandments of God. Even true believers recollect, that for many a year they abused the kindness of Providence. When they come to heaven, how will they admire the Lord's patience and mercy in bringing them to his kingdom!

Their settlement in Canaan. (40-55)

40-55 Let not those that receive mercy from God, be thereby made bold to sin, for the mercies they receive will hasten its punishment; yet let not those who are under Divine rebukes for sin, be discouraged from repentance. The Holy One of Israel will do what is most for his own glory, and what is most for their good. Their forgetting former favours, led them to limit God for the future. God made his own people to go forth like sheep; and guided them in the wilderness, as a shepherd his flock, with all care and tenderness. Thus the true Joshua, even Jesus, brings his church out of the wilderness; but no earthly Canaan, no worldly advantages, should make us forget that the church is in the wilderness while in this world, and that there remaineth a far more glorious rest for the people of God.

Continued

The mercies of God to Israel contrasted with their ingratitude. (56-72)

56-72 After the Israelites were settled in Canaan, the children were like their fathers. God gave them his testimonies, but they turned back. Presumptuous sins render even Israelites hateful to God's holiness, and exposed to his justice. Those whom the Lord forsakes become an easy prey to the destroyer. And sooner or later, God will disgrace his enemies. He set a good government over his people; a monarch after his own heart. With good reason does the psalmist make this finishing, crowning instance of God's favour to Israel; for David was a type of Christ, the great and good Shepherd, who was humbled first, and then exalted; and of whom it was foretold, that he should be filled with the Spirit of wisdom and understanding. On the uprightness of his heart, and the skilfulness of his hands, all his subjects may rely; and of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end. Every trial of human nature hitherto, confirms the testimony of Scripture, that the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, and nothing but being created anew by the Holy Ghost can cure the ungodliness of any.

Ps 79:1 <<A Psalm of Asaph.>> O God, the nations are come into thine inheritance; Thy holy temple have they defiled; They have laid Jerusalem in heaps.

Ps 79:2 The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be food unto the birds of the heavens, The flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth.

Ps 79:3 Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; And there was none to bury them.

Ps 79:4 We are become a reproach to our neighbors, A scoffing and derision to them that are round about us.

Ps 79:5 How long, O Jehovah? wilt thou be angry for ever? Shall thy jealousy burn like fire?

Ps 79:6 Pour out thy wrath upon the nations that know thee not, And upon the kingdoms that call not upon thy name.

Ps 79:7 For they have devoured Jacob, And laid waste his habitation.

Ps 79:8 Remember not against us the iniquities of our forefathers: Let thy tender mercies speedily meet us; For we are brought very low.

Ps 79:9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name; And deliver us, and  forgive our sins, for thy name's sake.

Ps 79:10 Wherefore should the nations say, Where is their God? Let the avenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed Be known among the nations in our sight.

Ps 79:11 Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee: According to the greatness  of thy power preserve thou  those that are appointed to death;

Ps 79:12 And render unto our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom Their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.

Ps 79:13 So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture Will give thee thanks for ever: We will show forth thy praise to all generations.

commentary on following page

MHCC

The deplorable condition of the people of God. (1-5)


  1-5 God is complained to: whither should children go but to a Father able and willing to help them? See what a change sin made in the holy city, when the heathen were suffered to pour in upon them. God's own people defiled it by their sins, therefore he suffered their enemies to defile it by their insolence. They desired that God would be reconciled. Those who desire God's favour as better than life, cannot but dread his wrath as worse than death. In every affliction we should first beseech the Lord to cleanse away the guilt of our sins; then he will visit us with his tender mercies.

A petition for relief. (6-13)

 
6-13 Those who persist in ignorance of God, and neglect of prayer, are the ungodly. How unrighteous soever men were, the Lord was righteous in permitting them to do what they did. Deliverances from trouble are mercies indeed, when grounded upon the pardon of sin; we should therefore be more earnest in prayer for the removal of our sins than for the removal of afflictions. They had no hopes but from God's mercies, his tender mercies. They plead no merit, they pretend to none, but, Help us for the glory of thy name; pardon us for thy name's sake. The Christian forgets not that he is often bound in the chain of his sins. The world to him is a prison; sentence of death is passed upon him, and he knows not how soon it may be executed. How fervently should he at all times pray, O let the sighing of a prisoner come before thee, according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die! How glorious will the day be, when, triumphant over sin and sorrow, the church beholds the adversary disarmed for ever! while that church shall, from age to age, sing the praises of her great Shepherd and Bishop, her King and her God.

Ps 80:1 <<For the Chief Musician, set to aShoshanim Eduth.. A Psalm of Asaph.>> Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; Thou that  sittest above the cherubim, shine forth.

Ps 80:2 Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, stir up thy might, And come to save us.

Ps 80:3 Turn us again, O God; And cause thy face to shine, and we shall be saved.

Ps 80:4 O Jehovah God of hosts, How long  wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people?

Ps 80:5 Thou hast fed them with the bread of tears, And given them tears to drink in large measure.

Ps 80:6 Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbors; And our enemies laugh among themselves.

Ps 80:7 Turn us again, O God of hosts; And cause thy face to shine, and we shall be saved.

Ps 80:8 Thou broughtest a vine out of Egypt: Thou didst drive out the nations, and plantedst it.

Ps 80:9 Thou preparedst room before it, And it took deep root, and filled the land.

Ps 80:10 The mountains were covered with the shadow of it, And  the boughs thereof were like  cedars of God.

Ps 80:11 It sent out its branches unto the sea, And its shoots unto the River.

Ps 80:12 Why hast thou broken down its walls, So that all they that pass by the way do pluck it?

Ps 80:13 The boar out of the wood doth ravage it, And the wild beasts of the field feed on it.

Ps 80:14 Turn again, we beseech thee, O God of hosts: Look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine,

Ps 80:15 And  the stock which thy right hand planted, And the  branch that thou madest strong for thyself.

Ps 80:16 It is burned with fire, it is cut down: They perish at the rebuke of thy countenance.

Ps 80:17 Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, Upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself.

Ps 80:18 So shall we not go back from thee: Quicken thou us, and we will call upon thy name.

Ps 80:19 Turn us again, O Jehovah God of hosts; Cause thy face to shine, and we shall be saved.

Commentary on following page

MHCC

The psalmist complains of the miseries of the church. (1-7)

1-7 He that dwelleth upon the mercy-seat, is the good Shepherd of his people. But we can neither expect the comfort of his love, nor the protection of his arm, unless we partake of his converting grace. If he is really angry at the prayers of his people, it is because, although they pray, their ends are not right, or there is some secret sin indulged in them, or he will try their patience and perseverance in prayer. When God is displeased with his people, we must expect to see them in tears, and their enemies in triumph. There is no salvation but from God's favour; there is no conversion to God but by his own grace.

 Its former prosperity and present desolation. (8-16)

 
8-16 The church is represented as a vine and a vineyard. The root of this vine is Christ, the branches are believers. The church is like a vine, needing support, but spreading and fruitful. If a vine do not bring forth fruit, no tree is so worthless. And are not we planted as in a well-cultivated garden, with every means of being fruitful in works of righteousness? But the useless leaves of profession, and the empty boughs of notions and forms, abound far more than real piety. It was wasted and ruined. There was a good reason for this change in God's way toward them. And it is well or ill with us, according as we are under God's smiles or frowns. When we consider the state of the purest part of the visible church, we cannot wonder that it is visited with sharp corrections. They request that God would help the vine. Lord, it is formed by thyself, and for thyself, therefore it may, with humble confidence, be committed to thyself.


A prayer for mercy. (17-19)

7-19 The Messiah, the Protector and Saviour of the church, is the Man of God's right hand; he is the Arm of the Lord, for all power is given to him. In him is our strength, by which we are enabled to persevere to the end. The vine, therefore, cannot be ruined, nor can any fruitful branch perish; but the unfruitful will be cut off and cast into the fire. The end of our redemption is, that we should serve Him who hath redeemed us, and not go back to our old sins.

Ps 81:1 <<For the Chief Musician; set to the Gittith. A Psalm of Asaph.>> Sing aloud unto God our strength: Make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.

Ps 81:2 Raise a song, and  bring hither the timbrel, The pleasant harp with the psaltery.

Ps 81:3 Blow the trumpet at the new moon, At the full moon, on our feast-day.

Ps 81:4 For it is a statute for Israel, An ordinance of the God of Jacob.

Ps 81:5 He appointed it in Joseph for a testimony, When he went out  over the land of Egypt, Where I heard  a language that I knew not.

Ps 81:6 I removed his shoulder from the burden: His hands were freed from the basket.

Ps 81:7 Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder; I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah

Ps 81:8 Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wouldest hearken unto me!

Ps 81:9 There shall no strange god be in thee; Neither shalt thou worship any foreign god.

Ps 81:10 I am Jehovah thy God, Who brought thee up out of the land of Egypt: Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.

Ps 81:11 But my people hearkened not to my voice; And Israel would none of me.

Ps 81:12 So I let them go after the stubbornness of their heart, That they might walk in their own counsels.

Ps 81:13 Oh that my people would hearken unto me, That Israel would walk in my ways!

Ps 81:14 I would soon subdue their enemies, And turn my hand against their adversaries.

Ps 81:15 The haters of Jehovah should  submit themselves unto him: But their time should endure for ever.

Ps 81:16 He would feed them also with the  finest of the wheat; And with honey out of the rock would I satisfy thee.

Commentary on following page

MHCC

God is praised for what he has done for his people. (1-7)

  1-7 All the worship we can render to the Lord is beneath his excellences, and our obligations to him, especially in our redemption from sin and wrath. What God had done on Israel's behalf, was kept in remembrance by public solemnities. To make a deliverance appear more gracious, more glorious, it is good to observe all that makes the trouble we are delivered from appear more grievous. We ought never to forget the base and ruinous drudgery to which satan, our oppressor, brought us. But when, in distress of conscience, we are led to cry for deliverance, the Lord answers our prayers, and sets us at liberty. Convictions of sin, and trials by affliction, prove his regard to his people. If the Jews, on their solemn feast-days, were thus to call to mind their redemption out of Egypt, much more ought we, on the Christian sabbath, to call to mind a more glorious redemption, wrought out for us by our Lord Jesus Christ, from worse bondage.

 Their obligations to him. (8-16)

 
8-16 We cannot look for too little from the creature, nor too much from the Creator. We may have enough from God, if we pray for it in faith. All the wickedness of the world is owing to man's wilfulness. People are not religious, because they will not be so. God is not the Author of their sin, he leaves them to the lusts of their own hearts, and the counsels of their own heads; if they do not well, the blame must be upon themselves. The Lord is unwilling that any should perish. What enemies sinners are to themselves! It is sin that makes our troubles long, and our salvation slow. Upon the same conditions of faith and obedience, do Christians hold those spiritual and eternal good things, which the pleasant fields and fertile hills of Canaan showed forth. Christ is the Bread of life; he is the Rock of salvation, and his promises are as honey to pious minds. But those who reject him as their Lord and Master, must also lose him as their Saviour and their reward.

Ps 82:1 A Psalm of Asaph. God stands in the congregation of God; in the midst of the gods He judges.

Ps 82:2 How long will you judge unjustly and lift up the faces of the wicked? Selah.

Ps 82:3 Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy.

Ps 82:4 Deliver the poor and needy; save them out of the hand of the wicked.

Ps 82:5 They neither know nor will understand; they walk on in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

Ps 82:6 I have said, You are gods; and all of you sons of the Most High.

Ps 82:7 But you shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.

Ps 82:8 Arise, O God, judge the earth; for You shall inherit in all nations.


MHCC

An exhortation to judges. (1-5)

 1-5 Magistrates are the mighty in authority for the public good. Magistrates are the ministers of God's providence, for keeping up order and peace, and particularly in punishing evil-doers, and protecting those that do well. Good princes and good judges, who mean well, are under Divine direction; and bad ones, who mean ill, are under Divine restraint. The authority of God is to be submitted to, in those governors whom his providence places over us. But when justice is turned from what is right, no good can be expected. The evil actions of public persons are public mischiefs.

The doom of evil rulers. (6-8)

 
6-8 It is hard for men to have honour put upon them, and not to be proud of it. But all the rulers of the earth shall die, and all their honour shall be laid in the dust. God governs the world. There is a righteous God to whom we may go, and on whom we may depend. This also has respect to the kingdom of the Messiah. Considering the state of affairs in the world, we have need to pray that the Lord Jesus would speedily rule over all nations, in truth, righteousness, and peace.[/u]


My Own Words

Brothers and Sisters the latter part of the above comment, the one I have underlined are so true for today. If you have been following up with the current news and the things going on in Israel you too will agree that we have need to pray that the Lord would speedily rule. 

Ps 83:1 A Song. A Psalm of Asaph. Keep not silence, O God; do not be speechless, and be not still, O God.

Ps 83:2 For lo, Your enemies roar; and those who hate You have lifted up their head.

Ps 83:3 They take shrewd counsel against Your people, and plot against Your hidden ones.

Ps 83:4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, so that the name Israel may be remembered no more.

Ps 83:5 For with one heart they have plotted together; they have made a covenant against You--

Ps 83:6 the tents of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarites;

Ps 83:7 Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the people of Tyre;

Ps 83:8 and Assyria has joined with them; they have helped the sons of Lot. Selah.

Ps 83:9 Do to them as to Midian, as to Sisera, as to Jabin at the torrent Kishon;

Ps 83:10 who perished at Endor; they became as dung for the earth.

Ps 83:11 Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb; yea, all their princes like Zebah, and like Zalmunna;

Ps 83:12 who said, Let us take possession for ourselves of the houses of God.

Ps 83:13 O my God, make them like a wheel; like the stubble before the wind.

Ps 83:14 As the fire burns a forest, and as the flame sets the mountains on fire,

Ps 83:15 so pursue them with Your tempest, and make them afraid with Your storm.

Ps 83:16 Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek Your name, O LORD.

Ps 83:17 Let them be ashamed and troubled forever; yea, let them be put to shame, and lost;

Ps 83:18 so that men may know that Your name is JEHOVAH, that You alone are the Most High over all the earth.


Commentary on following page

MHCC


The designs of the enemies of Israel. (1-8)

 1-8 Sometimes God seems not to be concerned at the unjust treatment of his people. But then we may call upon him, as the psalmist here. All wicked people are God's enemies, especially wicked persecutors. The Lord's people are his hidden one; the world knows them not. He takes them under his special protection. Do the enemies of the church act with one consent to destroy it, and shall not the friends of the church be united? Wicked men wish that there might be no religion among mankind. They would gladly see all its restraints shaken off, and all that preach, profess, or practise it, cut off. This they would bring to pass if it were in their power. The enemies of God's church have always been many: this magnifies the power of the Lord in preserving to himself a church in the world.

Earnest prayer for their defeat. (9-18)

 
9-18 All who oppose the kingdom of Christ may here read their doom. God is the same still that ever he was; the same to his people, and the same against his and their enemies. God would make their enemies like a wheel; unsettled in all their counsels and resolves. Not only let them be driven away as stubble, but burnt as stubble. And this will be the end of wicked men. Let them be made to fear thy name, and perhaps that will bring them to seek thy name. We should desire no confusion to our enemies and persecutors but what may forward their conversion. The stormy tempest of Divine vengeance will overtake them, unless they repent and seek the pardoning mercy of their offended Lord. God's triumphs over his enemies, clearly prove that he is, according to his name JEHOVAH, an almighty Being, who has all power and perfection in himself. May we fear his wrath, and yield ourselves to be his willing servants. And let us seek deliverance by the destruction of our fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.

Ps 84:1 To the Chief Musician. On Gittith. A Psalm for the sons of Korah. How lovely are Your tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!

Ps 84:2 My soul longs, yea, even faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh shout for joy to the living God.

Ps 84:3 Even the sparrow has found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself where she may lay her young, Your altars, O LORD of hosts, my king and my God.

Ps 84:4 Blessed are they who dwell in Your house; they will still praise You. Selah.

Ps 84:5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in You; Your ways are in their hearts.

Ps 84:6 Passing through the valley of weeping, they will make it a fountain; the early rain also covers it with blessings.

Ps 84:7 They go from strength to strength, appearing in Zion before God.

Ps 84:8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.

Ps 84:9 Behold, O God, our shield, and look on the face of Your anointed.

Ps 84:10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Ps 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Ps 84:12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You.

Commentary on following page.

MHCC


The psalmist expresses his affection to the ordinances of God. (1-7)


  1-7 The ordinances of God are the believer's solace in this evil world; in them he enjoys the presence of the living God: this causes him to regret his absence from them. They are to his soul as the nest to the bird. Yet they are only an earnest of the happiness of heaven; but how can men desire to enter that holy habitation, who complain of Divine ordinances as wearisome? Those are truly happy, who go forth, and go on in the exercise of religion, in the strength of the grace of Jesus Christ, from whom all our sufficiency is. The pilgrims to the heavenly city may have to pass through many a valley of weeping, and many a thirsty desert; but wells of salvation shall be opened for them, and consolations sent for their support. Those that press forward in their Christian course, shall find God add grace to their graces. And those who grow in grace, shall be perfect in glory.

His desire towards the God of the ordinances. (8-12)

 
8-12 In all our addresses to God, we must desire that he would look on Christ, his Anointed One, and accept us for his sake: we must look to Him with faith, and then God will with favour look upon the face of the Anointed: we, without him, dare not show our faces. The psalmist pleads love to God's ordinances. Let us account one day in God's courts better than a thousand spent elsewhere; and deem the meanest place in his service preferable to the highest earthly preferment. We are here in darkness, but if God be our God, he will be to us a Sun, to enlighten and enliven us, to guide and direct us. We are here in danger, but he will be to us a Shield, to secure us from the fiery darts that fly thick about us. Through he has not promised to give riches and dignities, he has promised to give grace and glory to all that seek them in his appointed way. And what is grace, but heaven begun below, in the knowledge, love, and service of God? What is glory, but the completion of this happiness, in being made like to him, and in fully enjoying him for ever? Let it be our care to walk uprightly, and then let us trust God to give us every thing that is good for us. If we cannot go to the house of the Lord, we may go by faith to the Lord of the house; in him we shall be happy, and may be easy. That man is really happy, whatever his outward circumstances may be, who trusts in the Lord of hosts, the God of Jacob.

Ps 85:1 <<For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah.>> Jehovah, thou hast been favorable unto thy land; Thou hast  brought back the captivity of Jacob.

Ps 85:2 Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people; Thou hast covered all their sin. Selah

Ps 85:3 Thou hast taken away all thy wrath; Thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger.

Ps 85:4 Turn us, O God of our salvation, And cause thine indignation toward us to cease.

Ps 85:5 Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? Wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?

Ps 85:6 Wilt thou not quicken us again, That thy people may rejoice in thee?

Ps 85:7 Show us thy lovingkindness, O Jehovah, And grant us thy salvation.

Ps 85:8 I will hear what God Jehovah will speak; For he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: But let them not turn again to folly.

Ps 85:9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him, That glory may dwell in our land.

Ps 85:10 Mercy and truth are met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Ps 85:11 Truth springeth out of the earth; And righteousness hath looked down from heaven.

Ps 85:12 Yea, Jehovah will give that which is good; And our land shall yield its increase.

Ps 85:13 Righteousness shall go before him, And shall  make his footsteps a way to walk in.

Commentary on following page

MHCC

Prayers for the continuance of former mercies. (1-7)

1-7 The sense of present afflictions should not do away the remembrance of former mercies. The favour of God is the fountain of happiness to nations, as well as to particular persons. When God forgives sin, he covers it; and when he covers the sin of his people, he covers it all. See what the pardon of sin is. In compassion to us, when Christ our Intercessor has stood before thee, thou hast turned away thine anger. When we are reconciled to God, then, and not till then, we may expect the comfort of his being reconciled to us. He shows mercy to those to whom he grants salvation; for salvation is of mere mercy. The Lord's people may expect sharp and tedious afflictions when they commit sin; but when they return to him with humble prayer, he will make them again to rejoice in him.

Trust in God's goodness. (8-13)

8-13 Sooner or later, God will speak peace to his people. If he do not command outward peace, yet he will suggest inward peace; speaking to their hearts by his Spirit. Peace is spoken only to those who turn from sin. All sin is folly, especially backsliding; it is the greatest folly to return to sin. Surely God's salvation is nigh, whatever our difficulties and distresses are. Also, his honour is secured, that glory may dwell in our land. And the truth of the promises is shown by the Divine mercy in sending the Redeemer. The Divine justice is now satisfied by the great atonement. Christ, the way, truth, and life, sprang out of the earth when he took our nature upon him, and Divine justice looked upon him well pleased and satisfied. For his sake all good things, especially his Holy Spirit, are given to those who ask him. Through Christ, the pardoned sinner becomes fruitful in good works, and by looking to and trusting in the Saviour's righteousness, finds his feet set in the way of his steps. Righteousness is a sure guide, both in meeting God, and in following him

Ps 86:1 ¶ <<A Prayer of David.>> Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.

Ps 86:2 Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.

Ps 86:3 Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.

Ps 86:4 Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

Ps 86:5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

Ps 86:6 Give ear,

O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.

Ps 86:7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.

Ps 86:8 ¶ Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.

Ps 86:9 All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.

Ps 86:10 For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.

Ps 86:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

Ps 86:12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.

Ps 86:13 For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.

Ps 86:14 O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.

Ps 86:15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

Ps 86:16 O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.

Ps 86:17 Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

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MHCC

The psalmist pleads his earnestness, and the mercy of God, as reasons why his prayer should be heard. (1-7)

 1-7 Our poverty and wretchedness, when felt, powerfully plead in our behalf at the throne of grace. The best self-preservation is to commit ourselves to God's keeping. I am one whom thou favourest, hast set apart for thyself, and made partaker of sanctifying grace. It is a great encouragement to prayer, to feel that we have received the converting grace of God, have learned to trust in him, and to be his servants. We may expect comfort from God, when we keep up our communion with God. God's goodness appears in two things, in giving and forgiving. Whatever others do, let us call upon God, and commit our case to him; we shall not seek in vain.

He renews his requests for help and comfort. (8-17)

8-17 Our God alone possesses almighty power and infinite love. Christ is the way and the truth. And the believing soul will be more desirous to be taught the way and the truth of God, in order to walk therein, than to be delivered out of earthly distress. Those who set not the Lord before them, seek after believers' souls; but the compassion, mercy, and truth of God, will be their refuge and consolation. And those whose parents were the servants of the Lord, may urge this as a plea why he should hear and help them. In considering David's experience, and that of the believer, we must not lose sight of Him, who though he was rich, for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich.

Ps 87:1 ¶ <<A Psalm or Song for the sons of Korah.>> His foundation is in the holy mountains.

Ps 87:2 The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

Ps 87:3 Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.

Ps 87:4 ¶ I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.

Ps 87:5 And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.

Ps 87:6 The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.

Ps 87:7 As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.


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MHCC

The glory of the church. (1-3)

1-3 Christ himself is the Foundation of the church, which God has laid. Holiness is the strength and firmness of the church. Let us not be ashamed of the church of Christ in its meanest condition, nor of those that belong to it, since such glorious things are spoken of it. Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, even Jesus Christ. The glorious things spoken of Zion by the Spirit, were all typical of Christ, and his work and offices; of the gospel church, its privileges and members; of heaven, its glory and perfect happiness.

It is filled with the Divine blessing. (4-7)

4-7 The church of Christ is more glorious and excellent than the nations of the earth. In the records of heaven, the meanest of those who are born again stand registered. When God renders to every man according to his works, he shall observe who enjoyed the privileges of his sanctuary. To them much was given, and of them much will be required. Let those that dwell in Zion, mark this, and live up to their profession. Zion's songs shall be sung with joy and triumph. The springs of the joy of a carnal worldling are in wealth and pleasure; but of a gracious soul, in the word of God and prayer. All grace and consolation are derived from Christ, through his ordinances, to the souls of believers.

Ps 88:1 ¶ <<A Song or Psalm for the sons of Korah, to the chief Musician upon Mahalath Leannoth, Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite.>> O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee:

Ps 88:2 Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry;

Ps 88:3 For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.

Ps 88:4 I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength:

Ps 88:5 Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand.

Ps 88:6 Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.

Ps 88:7 Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah.

Ps 88:8 Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.

Ps 88:9 Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.

Ps 88:10 ¶ Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.

Ps 88:11 Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? or thy faithfulness in destruction?

Ps 88:12 Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

Ps 88:13 But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.

Ps 88:14 LORD, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me?

Ps 88:15 I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.

Ps 88:16 Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off.

Ps 88:17 They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together.

Ps 88:18 Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.

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MHCC

The psalmist pours out his soul to God in lamentation. (1-9)


 1-9 The first words of the psalmist are the only words of comfort and support in this psalm. Thus greatly may good men be afflicted, and such dismal thoughts may they have about their afflictions, and such dark conclusions may they make about their end, through the power of melancholy and the weakness of faith. He complained most of God's displeasure. Even the children of God's love may sometimes think themselves children of wrath and no outward trouble can be so hard upon them as that. Probably the psalmist described his own case, yet he leads to Christ. Thus are we called to look unto Jesus, wounded and bruised for our iniquities. But the wrath of God poured the greatest bitterness into his cup. This weighed him down into darkness and the deep.

He wrestles by faith, in his prayer to God for comfort. (10-18)

0-18 Departed souls may declare God's faithfulness, justice, and lovingkindness; but deceased bodies can neither receive God's favours in comfort, nor return them in praise. The psalmist resolved to continue in prayer, and the more so, because deliverance did not come speedily. Though our prayers are not soon answered, yet we must not give over praying. The greater our troubles, the more earnest and serious we should be in prayer. Nothing grieves a child of God so much as losing sight of him; nor is there any thing he so much dreads as God's casting off his soul. If the sun be clouded, that darkens the earth; but if the sun should leave the earth, what a dungeon would it be! Even those designed for God's favours, may for a time suffer his terrors. See how deep those terrors wounded the psalmist. If friends are put far from us by providences, or death, we have reason to look upon it as affliction. Such was the calamitous state of a good man. But the pleas here used were peculiarly suited to Christ. And we are not to think that the holy Jesus suffered for us only at Gethsemane and on Calvary. His whole life was labour and sorrow; he was afflicted as never man was, from his youth up. He was prepared for that death of which he tasted through life. No man could share in the sufferings by which other men were to be redeemed. All forsook him, and fled. Oftentimes, blessed Jesus, do we forsake thee; but do not forsake us, O take not thy Holy Spirit from us.

Ps 89:1 ¶ <<Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite.>> I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.

Ps 89:2 For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.

Ps 89:3 I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant,

Ps 89:4 Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.

Ps 89:5 ¶ And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.

Ps 89:6 For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?

Ps 89:7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.

Ps 89:8 O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?

Ps 89:9 Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.

Ps 89:10 Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.

Ps 89:11 The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them.

Ps 89:12 The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name.

Ps 89:13 Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.

Ps 89:14 Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.

Ps 89:15 ¶ Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.

Ps 89:16 In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.

Ps 89:17 For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted.

Ps 89:18 For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.

Ps 89:19 ¶ Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.

Ps 89:20 I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:

Ps 89:21 With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.

Ps 89:22 The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.

Ps 89:23 And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.

Ps 89:24 But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.

Ps 89:25 I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers.

Ps 89:26 He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.

Ps 89:27 Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.

Ps 89:28 My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.

Ps 89:29 His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven.

Ps 89:30 If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments;

Ps 89:31 If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments;

Ps 89:32 Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.

Ps 89:33 Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.

Ps 89:34 My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

Ps 89:35 Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.

Ps 89:36 His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.

Ps 89:37 It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.

Ps 89:38 ¶ But thou hast cast off and abhorred, thou hast been wroth with thine anointed.

Ps 89:39 Thou hast made void the covenant of thy servant: thou hast profaned his crown by casting it to the ground.

Ps 89:40 Thou hast broken down all his hedges; thou hast brought his strong holds to ruin.

Ps 89:41 All that pass by the way spoil him: he is a reproach to his neighbours.

Ps 89:42 Thou hast set up the right hand of his adversaries; thou hast made all his enemies to rejoice.

Ps 89:43 Thou hast also turned the edge of his sword, and hast not made him to stand in the battle.

Ps 89:44 Thou hast made his glory to cease, and cast his throne down to the ground.

Ps 89:45 The days of his youth hast thou shortened: thou hast covered him with shame. Selah.

Ps 89:46 How long, LORD? wilt thou hide thyself for ever? shall thy wrath burn like fire?

Ps 89:47 Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?

Ps 89:48 What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.

Ps 89:49 Lord, where are thy former lovingkindnesses, which thou swarest unto David in thy truth?

Ps 89:50 Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; how I do bear in my bosom the reproach of all the mighty people;

Ps 89:51 Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O LORD; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed.

Ps 89:52 Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen.

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God's mercy and truth, and his covenant. (1-4)


  1-4 Though our expectations may be disappointed, yet God's promises are established in the heavens, in his eternal counsels; they are out of the reach of opposers in hell and earth. And faith in the boundless mercy and everlasting truth of God, may bring comfort even in the deepest trials.

The glory and perfection of God. (5-14)

5-14 The more God's works are known, the more they are admired. And to praise the Lord, is to acknowledge him to be such a one that there is none like him. Surely then we should feel and express reverence when we worship God. But how little of this appears in our congregations, and how much cause have we to humble ourselves on this account! That almighty power which smote Egypt, will scatter the enemies of the church, while all who trust in God's mercy will rejoice in his name; for mercy and truth direct all he does. His counsels from eternity, and their consequences to eternity, are all justice and judgment.


The happiness of those in communion with him. (15-18)

 
15-18 Happy are those who so know the joyful sound of the gospel as to obey it; who experience its power upon their hearts, and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives. Though believers are nothing in themselves, yet having all in Christ Jesus, they may rejoice in his name. May the Lord enable us to do so. The joy of the Lord is the strength of his people; whereas unbelief dispirits ourselves and discourages others. Though it steals upon us under a semblance of humility, yet it is the very essence of pride. Christ is the Holy One of Israel; and in him was that peculiar people more blessed than in any other blessing.


God's covenant with David, as a type of Christ. (19-37)


19-37 The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings, deliverance, glory, and authority, in whom alone these predictions and promises are fully brought to pass. He is the mighty God. This is the Redeemer appointed for us, who alone is able to complete the work of our salvation. Let us seek an interest in these blessings, by the witness of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. As the Lord corrected the posterity of David for their transgressions, so his people shall be corrected for their sins. Yet it is but a rod, not a sword; it is to correct, not to destroy. It is a rod in the hand of God, who is wise, and knows what he does; gracious, and will do what is best. It is a rod which they shall never feel, but when there is need. As the sun and moon remain in heaven, whatever changes there seem to be in them, and again appear in due season; so the covenant of grace made in Christ, whatever alteration seems to come to it, should not be questioned.



A calamitous state lamented, Prayer for redress. (38-52)

Ps 90:1 ¶ <<A Prayer of Moses the man of God.>> Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.

Ps 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

Ps 90:3 Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men.

Ps 90:4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

Ps 90:5 Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up.

Ps 90:6 In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth.

Ps 90:7 ¶ For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled.

Ps 90:8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.

Ps 90:9 For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told.

Ps 90:10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

Ps 90:11 Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.

Ps 90:12 ¶ So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Ps 90:13 Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.

Ps 90:14 O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

Ps 90:15 Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil.

Ps 90:16 Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.

Ps 90:17 And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.


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The eternity of God, the frailty of man. (1-6)

 1-6 It is supposed that this psalm refers to the sentence passed on Israel in the wilderness, Nu 14:1-45. The favour and protection of God are the only sure rest and comfort of the soul in this evil world. Christ Jesus is the refuge and dwelling-place to which we may repair. We are dying creatures, all our comforts in the world are dying comforts, but God is an ever-living God, and believers find him so. When God, by sickness, or other afflictions, turns men to destruction, he thereby calls men to return unto him to repent of their sins, and live a new life. A thousand years are nothing to God's eternity: between a minute and a million of years there is some proportion; between time and eternity there is none. All the events of a thousand years, whether past or to come, are more present to the Eternal Mind, than what was done in the last hour is to us. And in the resurrection, the body and soul shall both return and be united again. Time passes unobserved by us, as with men asleep; and when it is past, it is as nothing. It is a short and quickly-passing life, as the waters of a flood. Man does but flourish as the grass, which, when the winter of old age comes, will wither; but he may be mown down by disease or disaster.



Submission to Divine chastisements. (7-11)

 
7-11 The afflictions of the saints often come from God's love; but the rebukes of sinners, and of believers for their sins, must be seen coming from the displeasure of God. Secret sins are known to God, and shall be reckoned for. See the folly of those who go about to cover their sins, for they cannot do so. Our years, when gone, can no more be recalled than the words that we have spoken. Our whole life is toilsome and troublesome; and perhaps, in the midst of the years we count upon, it is cut off. We are taught by all this to stand in awe. The angels that sinned know the power of God's anger; sinners in hell know it; but which of us can fully describe it? Few seriously consider it as they ought. Those who make a mock at sin, and make light of Christ, surely do not know the power of God's anger. Who among us can dwell with that devouring fire?


Prayer for mercy and grace. (12-17)

12-17 Those who would learn true wisdom, must pray for Divine instruction, must beg to be taught by the Holy Spirit; and for comfort and joy in the returns of God's favour. They pray for the mercy of God, for they pretend not to plead any merit of their own. His favour would be a full fountain of future joys. It would be a sufficient balance to former griefs. Let the grace of God in us produce the light of good works. And let Divine consolations put gladness into our hearts, and a lustre upon our countenances. The work of our hands, establish thou it; and, in order to that, establish us in it. Instead of wasting our precious, fleeting days in pursuing fancies, which leave the possessors for ever poor, let us seek the forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance in heaven. Let us pray that the work of the Holy Spirit may appear in converting our hearts, and that the beauty of holiness may be seen in our conduct.

Ps 91:1 ¶ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Ps 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Ps 91:3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

Ps 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Ps 91:5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

Ps 91:6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

Ps 91:7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

Ps 91:8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

Ps 91:9 ¶ Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

Ps 91:10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
Pr 12:21

Ps 91:11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

Ps 91:12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Ps 91:13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

Ps 91:14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

Ps 91:15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

Ps 91:16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

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MHCC

The safety of those who have God for their refuge. (1-8)

 1-8 He that by faith chooses God for his protector, shall find all in him that he needs or can desire. And those who have found the comfort of making the Lord their refuge, cannot but desire that others may do so. The spiritual life is protected by Divine grace from the temptations of Satan, which are as the snares of the fowler, and from the contagion of sin, which is a noisome pestilence. Great security is promised to believers in the midst of danger. Wisdom shall keep them from being afraid without cause, and faith shall keep them from being unduly afraid. Whatever is done, our heavenly Father's will is done; and we have no reason to fear. God's people shall see, not only God's promises fulfilled, but his threatenings. Then let sinners come unto the Lord upon his mercy-seat, through the Redeemer's name; and encourage others to trust in him also.

Their favour with Him. (9-16)

 
9-16 Whatever happens, nothing shall hurt the believer; though trouble and affliction befall, it shall come, not for his hurt, but for good, though for the present it be not joyous but grievous. Those who rightly know God, will set their love upon him. They by prayer constantly call upon him. His promise is, that he will in due time deliver the believer out of trouble, and in the mean time be with him in trouble. The Lord will manage all his worldly concerns, and preserve his life on earth, so long as it shall be good for him. For encouragement in this he looks unto Jesus. He shall live long enough; till he has done the work he was sent into this world for, and is ready for heaven. Who would wish to live a day longer than God has some work to do, either by him or upon him? A man may die young, yet be satisfied with living. But a wicked man is not satisfied even with long life. At length the believer's conflict ends; he has done for ever with trouble, sin, and temptation.

TOD


 
  Ver. 14. Here we have the Lord himself speaking of his own chosen one.
 
  Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him. Not because he deserves to be thus kept, but because with all his imperfections he does love his God; therefore not the angels of God only, but the God of angels himself will come to his rescue in all perilous times, and will effectually deliver him.  When the heart is enamoured of the Lord, all taken up with him, and intensely attached to him, the Lord will recognise the sacred flame, and preserve the man who bears it in his bosom. It is love, -- love set upon God, which is the distinguishing mark of those whom the Lord secures from ill.
 
  I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. The man has known the attributes of God so as to trust in him, and then by experience has arrived at a yet deeper knowledge, this shall be regarded by the Lord as a pledge of his grace, and he will set the owner of it above danger or fear, where he shall dwell in peace and joy. None abide in intimate fellowship with God unless they possess a warm affection towards God, and an intelligent trust in him; these gifts of grace are precious in Jehovah's eyes, and wherever he sees them he smiles upon them. How elevated is the standing which the Lord gives to the believer.  We ought to covet it right earnestly. If we climb on high it may be dangerous, but if God sets us there it is glorious.

Ver. 15. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him. He will have need to pray, he will be led to pray aright and the answer shall surely come. Saints are first called of God and then they call upon God; such calls as theirs always obtain answers. Not without prayer will the blessing come to the most favoured, but by means of prayer they shall receive all good things.
 
  I will be with him in trouble, or "I am with him in trouble." Heirs of heaven are conscious of a special divine presence in times of severe trial. God is always near in sympathy and in power to help his tried ones.
 
  I will deliver him, and honour him. The man honours God, and God honours him. Believers are not delivered or preserved in a way which lowers them, and makes them feel themselves degraded; far from it, the Lord's salvation bestows honour upon those it delivers.  God first gives us conquering grace, and then rewards us for it.

Ver. 16. With long life will I satisfy him. The man described in this Psalm fills out the measure of his days, and whether he dies young or old he is quite satisfied with life, and is content to leave it. He shall rise from life's banquet as a man who has had enough, and would not have more even if he could.
 
  And shew him my salvation. The full sight of divine grace shall be his closing vision. He shall look from Amana and Lebanon. Not with destruction before him black as night, but with salvation bright as noonday smiling upon him he shall enter into his rest.

Ps 92:1 ¶ <<A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath day.>> It is good to give thanks to the LORD, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;

Ps 92:2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night,

Ps 92:3 On an instrument of ten strings, On the lute, And on the harp, With harmonious sound.

Ps 92:4 For You, LORD, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands.

Ps 92:5 O LORD, how great are Your works! Your thoughts are very deep.

Ps 92:6 A senseless man does not know, Nor does a fool understand this.

Ps 92:7 ¶ When the wicked spring up like grass, And when all the workers of iniquity flourish, It is that they may be destroyed forever.

Ps 92:8 But You, LORD, are on high forevermore.

Ps 92:9 For behold, Your enemies, O LORD, For behold, Your enemies shall perish; All the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.

Ps 92:10 But my horn You have exalted like a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil.

Ps 92:11 My eye also has seen my desire on my enemies; My ears hear my desire on the wicked Who rise up against me.

Ps 92:12 The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Ps 92:13 Those who are planted in the house of the LORD Shall flourish in the courts of our God.

Ps 92:14 They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing,

Ps 92:15 To declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

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MHCC

Praise is the business of the sabbath. (1-6)

 
  1-6 It is a privilege that we are admitted to praise the Lord, and hope to be accepted in the morning, and every night; not only on sabbath days, but every day; not only in public, but in private, and in our families. Let us give thanks every morning for the mercies of the night, and every night for the mercies of the day; going out, and coming in, let us bless God. As He makes us glad, through the works of his providence for us, and of his grace in us, and both through the great work of redemption, let us hence be encouraged. As there are many who know not the designs of Providence, nor care to know them, those who through grace do so, have the more reason to be thankful. And if distant views of the great Deliverer so animated believers of old, how should we abound in love and praise!

The wicked shall perish, but God's people shall be exalted. (7-15)

 
7-15 God sometimes grants prosperity to wicked men in displeasure; yet they flourish but for a moment. Let us seek for ourselves the salvation and grace of the gospel, that being daily anointed by the Holy Spirit, we may behold and share the Redeemer's glory. It is from his grace, by his word and Spirit, that believers receive all the virtue that keeps them alive, and makes them fruitful. Other trees, when old, leave off bearing, but in God's trees the strength of grace does not fail with the strength of nature. The last days of the saints are sometimes their best days, and their last work their best work: perseverance is sure evidence of sincerity. And may every sabbath, while it shows forth the Divine faithfulness, find our souls resting more and more upon the Lord our righteousness.
 

Ps 93:1 ¶ The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The LORD is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength. Surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved.

Ps 93:2 Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting.

Ps 93:3 The floods have lifted up, O LORD, The floods have lifted up their voice; The floods lift up their waves.

Ps 93:4 The LORD on high is mightier Than the noise of many waters, Than the mighty waves of the sea.

Ps 93:5 Your testimonies are very sure; Holiness adorns Your house, O LORD, forever.



MHCC

The majesty, power, and holiness of Christ's kingdom.

- The Lord might have displayed only his justice, holiness, and awful power, in his dealings with fallen men; but he has been pleased to display the riches of his mercy, and the power of his renewing grace. In this great work, the Father has given all power to his Son, the Lord from heaven, who has made atonement for our sins. He not only can pardon, but deliver and protect all who trust in him. His word is past, and all the saints may rely upon it. Whatever was foretold concerning the kingdom of the Messiah, must be fulfilled in due time. All his people ought to be very strictly pure. God's church is his house; it is a holy house, cleansed from sin, and employed in his service. Where there is purity, there shall be peace. Let all carefully look if this kingdom is set up in their hearts.

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MHC


 INTRODUCTION TO PSALM CHAPTER 93
 
This short psalm sets forth the honour of the kingdom of God among men, to his glory, the terror of his enemies, and the comfort of all his loving subjects. It relates both to the kingdom of his providence, by which he upholds and governs the world, and especially to the kingdom of his grace, by which he secures the church, sanctifies and preserves it. The administration of both these kingdoms is put into the hands of the Messiah, and to him, doubtless, the prophet here hears witness, and to his kingdom, speaking of it as present, because sure; and because, as the eternal Word, even before his incarnation he was Lord of all. Concerning God's kingdom glorious things are here spoken.
 
  I. Have other kings their royal robes? So has he Ps 93:1.
 
  II. Have they their thrones? So has he, Ps 93:2.
 
  III. Have they their enemies whom they subdue and triumph over? So has he, Ps 93:3-4.
 
  IV. Is it their honour to be faithful and holy? So it is his, Ps 93:5. In singing this psalm we forget ourselves if we forget Christ, to whom the Father has given all power both in heaven and in earth.
 
Ver. 1. thru Ver. 5.
 
Next to the being of God there is nothing that we are more concerned to believe and consider than God's dominion, that Jehovah is God, and that this God reigns Ps 93:1, not only that he is King of right, and is the owner and proprietor of all persons and things, but that he is King in fact, and does direct and dispose of all the creatures and all their actions according to the counsel of his own will. This is celebrated here, and in many other psalms: The Lord reigns. It is the song of the gospel church, of the glorified church Re 19:6, Hallelujah; the Lord God omnipotent reigns.  Here we are told how he reigns.
 
  I. The Lord reigns gloriously: He is clothed with majesty. The majesty of earthly princes, compared with God's terrible majesty, is but like the glimmerings of a glow-worm compared with the brightness of the sun when he goes forth in his strength. Are the enemies of God's kingdom great and formidable? Yet let us not fear them, for God's majesty will eclipse theirs.
 
  II. He reigns powerfully. He is not only clothed with majesty, as a prince in his court, but he is clothed with strength, as a general in the camp. He has wherewithal to support his greatness and to make it truly formidable. See him not only clad in robes, but clad in armour.  Both strength and honour are his clothing. He can do every thing, and with him nothing is impossible.
 
1. With this power he has girded himself; it is not derived from any other, nor does the executing of it depend upon any other, but he has it of himself and with it does whatsoever he pleases. Let us not fear the power of man, which is borrowed and bounded, but fear him who has power to kill and cast into hell.
 
2. To this power it is owing that the world stands to this day. The world also is established; it was so at first, by the creating power of God, when he founded it upon the seas; it is so still, by that providence which upholds all things and is a continued creation; it is so established that though he has hanged the earth upon nothing Job 26:7 yet it cannot be moved; all things continue to this day, according to his ordinance. Note, The preserving of the powers of nature and the course of nature is what the God of nature must have the glory of; and we who have the benefit thereof daily are very careless and ungrateful if we give him not the glory of it.  Though God clothes himself with majesty, yet he condescends to take care of this lower world and to settle its affairs; and, if he established the world, much more will he establish his church, that it cannot be moved.
 
  III. He reigns eternally Ps 93:2: Thy throne is established of old.
 
1. God's right to rule the world is founded in his making it; he that gave being to it, no doubt, may give law to it, and so his title to the government is incontestable: Thy throne is established; it is a title without a flaw in it. And it is ancient: it is established of old, from the beginning of time, before any other rule, principality, or power was erected, as it will continue when all other rule, principality, and power shall be put down, 1Co 15:24.
 
2. The whole administration of his government was settled in his eternal counsels before all worlds; for he does all according to the purpose which he purposed in himself; The chariots of Providence came down from between the mountains of brass, from those decrees which are fixed as the everlasting mountains Zec 6:1: Thou art from everlasting, and therefore thy throne is established of old; because God himself was from everlasting, his throne and all the determinations of it were so too; for in an eternal mind there could not but be eternal thoughts.
 
  IV. He reigns triumphantly, Ps 93:3-4. We have here,
 
1. A threatening storm supposed: The floods have lifted up, O Lord! (to God himself the remonstrance is made) the floods have lifted up their voice, which speaks terror; nay, they have lifted up their waves, which speaks real danger. It alludes to a tempestuous sea, such as the wicked are compared to, Isa 57:20. The heathen rage Ps 2:1 and think to ruin the church, to overwhelm it like a deluge, to sink it like a ship at sea. The church is said to be tossed with tempests Isa 54:11, and the floods of ungodly men make the saints afraid, Ps 18:4. We may apply it to the tumults that are sometimes in our own bosoms, through prevailing passions and frights, which put the soul into disorder, and are ready to overthrow its graces and comforts; but, if the Lord reign there, even the winds and seas shall obey him.
 
2. An immovable anchor cast in this storm Ps 93:4: The Lord himself is mightier. Let this keep our minds fixed,
 
(1.) That God is on high, above them, which denotes his safety (they cannot reach him, Ps 29:10) and his sovereignty; they are ruled by him, they are overruled, and, wherein they rebel, overcome, Ex 18:11.
 
(2.) That he is mightier, does more wondrous things than the noise of many waters; they cannot disturb his rest or rule; they cannot defeat his designs and purposes. Observe, The power of the church's enemies is but as the noise of many waters; there is more of sound than substance in it. Pharaoh king of Egypt is but a noise, Jer 46:17.  The church's friends are commonly more frightened than hurt. God is mightier than this noise; he is mighty to preserve his people's interests from being ruined by these many waters and his people's spirits from being terrified by the noise of them. He can, when he pleases, command peace to the church Ps 65:7, peace in the soul, Isa 26:3. Note, The unlimited sovereignty and irresistible power of the great Jehovah are very encouraging to the people of God, in reference to all the noises and hurries they meet with in this world, Ps 46:1-2.
 
  V. He reigns in truth and holiness, Ps 93:5.
 
1. All his promises are inviolably faithful: Thy testimonies are very sure. As God is able to protect his church, so he is true to the promises he has made of its safety and victory. His word is passed, and all the saints may rely upon it. Whatever was foretold concerning the kingdom of the Messiah would certainly have its accomplishment in due time.  Those testimonies upon which the faith and hope of the Old- Testament saints were built were very sure, and would not fail them.
 
2. All his people ought to be conscientiously pure: Holiness becomes thy house, O Lord!  for ever. God's church is his house; it is a holy house, cleansed from sin, consecrated by God, and employed in his service. The holiness of it is its beauty (nothing better becomes the saints than conformity to God's image and an entire devotedness to his honour), and it is its strength and safety; it is the holiness of God's house that secures it against the many waters and their noise. Where there is purity there shall be peace.  Fashions change, and that which is becoming at one time is not so at another; but holiness always becomes God's house and family, and those who belong to it; it is perpetually decent; and nothing so ill becomes the worshippers of the holy God as unholiness.

Ps 94:1 ¶ O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongs-O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth!

Ps 94:2 Rise up, O Judge of the earth; Render punishment to the proud.

Ps 94:3 LORD, how long will the wicked, How long will the wicked triumph?

Ps 94:4 They utter speech, and speak insolent things; All the workers of iniquity boast in themselves.

Ps 94:5 They break in pieces Your people, O LORD, And afflict Your heritage.

Ps 94:6 They slay the widow and the stranger, And murder the fatherless.

Ps 94:7 Yet they say, "The LORD does not see, Nor does the God of Jacob understand."

Ps 94:8 Understand, you senseless among the people; And you fools, when will you be wise?

Ps 94:9 He who planted the ear, shall He not hear? He who formed the eye, shall He not see?

Ps 94:10 He who instructs the nations, shall He not correct, He who teaches man knowledge?

Ps 94:11 The LORD knows the thoughts of man, That they are futile.

Ps 94:12 ¶ Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD, And teach out of Your law,

Ps 94:13 That You may give him rest from the days of adversity, Until the pit is dug for the wicked.

Ps 94:14 For the LORD will not cast off His people, Nor will He forsake His inheritance.

Ps 94:15 But judgment will return to righteousness, And all the upright in heart will follow it.

Ps 94:16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?

Ps 94:17 Unless the LORD had been my help, My soul would soon have settled in silence.

Ps 94:18 If I say, "My foot slips," Your mercy, O LORD, will hold me up.

Ps 94:19 In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.

Ps 94:20 Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law, Have fellowship with You?

Ps 94:21 They gather together against the life of the righteous, And condemn innocent blood.

Ps 94:22 But the LORD has been my defense, And my God the rock of my refuge.

Ps 94:23 He has brought on them their own iniquity, And shall cut them off in their own wickedness; The LORD our God shall cut them off.


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MHCC

The danger and folly of persecutors. (1-11)

  1-11 We may with boldness appeal to God; for he is the almighty Judge by whom every man is judged. Let this encourage those who suffer wrong, to bear it with silence, committing themselves to Him who judges righteously. These prayers are prophecies, which speak terror to the sons of violence. There will come a day of reckoning for all the hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against God, his truths, and ways, and people. It would hardly be believed, if we did not witness it, that millions of rational creatures should live, move, speak, hear, understand, and do what they purpose, yet act as if they believed that God would not punish the abuse of his gifts. As all knowledge is from God, no doubt he knows all the thoughts of the children of men, and knows that the imaginations of the thoughts of men's hearts are only evil, and that continually. Even in good thoughts there is a want of being fixed, which may be called vanity. It concerns us to keep a strict watch over our thoughts, because God takes particular notice of them. Thoughts are words to God.

Comfort and peace to the persecuted. (12-23)


12-23 That man is blessed, who, under the chastening of the Lord, is taught his will and his truths, from his holy word, and by the Holy Spirit. He should see mercy through his sufferings. There is a rest remaining for the people of God after the days of their adversity, which shall not last always. He that sends the trouble, will send the rest. The psalmist found succour and relief only in the Lord, when all earthly friends failed. We are beholden, not only to God's power, but to his pity, for spiritual supports; and if we have been kept from falling into sin, or shrinking from our duty, we should give him the glory, and encourage our brethren. The psalmist had many troubled thoughts concerning the case he was in, concerning the course he should take, and what was likely to be the end of it. The indulgence of such contrivances and fears, adds to care and distrust, and renders our views more gloomy and confused. Good men sometimes have perplexed and distressed thoughts concerning God. But let them look to the great and precious promises of the gospel. The world's comforts give little delight to the soul, when hurried with melancholy thoughts; but God's comforts bring that peace and pleasure which the smiles of the world cannot give, and which the frowns of the world cannot take away. God is his people's Refuge, to whom they may flee, in whom they are safe, and may be secure. And he will reckon with the wicked. A man cannot be more miserable than his own wickedness will make him, if the Lord visit it upon him.

Ps 95:1 ¶ Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.

Ps 95:2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.

Ps 95:3 For the LORD is the great God, And the great King above all gods.

Ps 95:4 In His hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the hills are His also.

Ps 95:5 The sea is His, for He made it; And His hands formed the dry land.

Ps 95:6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.

Ps 95:7 ¶ For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice:

Ps 95:8 "Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, As in the day of trial in the wilderness,

Ps 95:9 When your fathers tested Me; They tried Me, though they saw My work.

Ps 95:10 For forty years I was grieved with that generation, And said, 'It is a people who go astray in their hearts, And they do not know My ways.'

Ps 95:11 So I swore in My wrath, 'They shall not enter My rest.'"


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An exhortation to praise God. (1-7 part)

 
  1-7 Whenever we come into God's presence, we must come with thanksgiving. The Lord is to be praised; we do not want matter, it were well if we did not want a heart. How great is that God, whose the whole earth is, and the fulness thereof; who directs and disposes of all! The Lord Jesus, whom we are here taught to praise, is a great God; the mighty God is one of his titles, and God over all, blessed for evermore. To him all power is given, both in heaven and earth. He is our God, and we should praise him. He is our Saviour, and the Author of our blessedness. The gospel church is his flock, Christ is the great and good Shepherd of believers; he sought them when lost, and brought them to his fold.

A warning not to tempt Him. (7-11)

 
7-11 Christ calls upon his people to hear his voice. You call him Master, or Lord; then be his willing, obedient people. Hear the voice of his doctrine, of his law, and in both, of his Spirit: hear and heed; hear and yield. Christ's voice must be heard to-day. This day of opportunity will not last always; improve it while it is called to-day. Hearing the voice of Christ is the same with believing. Hardness of heart is at the bottom of all distrust of the Lord. The sins of others ought to be warnings to us not to tread in their steps. The murmurings of Israel were written for our admonition. God is not subject to such passions as we are; but he is very angry at sin and sinners. That certainly is evil, which deserves such a recompence; and his threatenings are as sure as his promises. Let us be aware of the evils of our hearts, which lead us to wander from the Lord. There is a rest ordained for believers, the rest of everlasting refreshment, begun in this life, and perfected in the life to come. This is the rest which God calls his rest.

Ps 96:1 ¶ Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth.

Ps 96:2 Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.

Ps 96:3 Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.

Ps 96:4 For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.

Ps 96:5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens.

Ps 96:6 Honor and majesty are before Him; Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.

Ps 96:7 Give to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Give to the LORD glory and strength.

Ps 96:8 Give to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come into His courts.

Ps 96:9 Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth.

Ps 96:10 ¶ Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns; The world also is firmly established, It shall not be moved; He shall judge the peoples righteously."

Ps 96:11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; Let the sea roar, and all its fullness;

Ps 96:12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice

Ps 96:13 before the LORD. (96:13) For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with His truth.


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MHCC

A call to all people to praise God. (1-9)

  1-9 When Christ finished his work on earth, and was received into his glory in heaven, the church began to sing a new song unto him, and to bless his name. His apostles and evangelists showed forth his salvation among the heathen, his wonders among all people. All the earth is here summoned to worship the Lord. We must worship him in the beauty of holiness, as God in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself. Glorious things are said of him, both as motives to praise and matter of praise.

God's government and judgment. (10-13)

10-13 We are to hope and pray for that time, when Christ shall reign in righteousness over all nations. He shall rule in the hearts of men, by the power of truth, and the Spirit of righteousness. His coming draws nigh; this King, this Judge standeth before the door, but he is not yet come. The Lord will accept the praises of all who seek to promote the kingdom of Christ. The sea can but roar, and how the trees of the wood can show that they rejoice we know not; but He that searches the heart knows what is the mind of the Spirit, and understands the words, the broken language of the weakest. Christ will come to judge the earth, to execute just vengeance on his enemies, and to fulfil his largest promises to his people. What then are we? Would that day be welcome to us? If this be not our case, let us now begin to prepare to meet our God, by seeking the pardon of our sins, and the renewal of our souls to holiness.

Ps 97:1 ¶ The LORD reigns; Let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of isles be glad!

Ps 97:2 Clouds and darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.

Ps 97:3 A fire goes before Him, And burns up His enemies round about.

Ps 97:4 His lightnings light the world; The earth sees and trembles.

Ps 97:5 The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

Ps 97:6 The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples see His glory.

Ps 97:7 Let all be put to shame who serve carved images, Who boast of idols. Worship Him, all you gods.

Ps 97:8 ¶ Zion hears and is glad, And the daughters of Judah rejoice Because of Your judgments, O LORD.

Ps 97:9 For You, LORD, are most high above all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.

Ps 97:10 You who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.

Ps 97:11 Light is sown for the righteous, And gladness for the upright in heart.

Ps 97:12 Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.


My Comments: Brothers and Sisters what a comforting passage of Scripture this is for us today!!!! With all the turmoil and pestilences going on in the world today, is not the Psalm uplifting?? God cares for and loves His people, His Awesome Majesty, Might and Power cannot be compared.

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MHCC

The Lord Jesus reigns in power that cannot be resisted. (1-7)


  1-7 Though many have been made happy in Christ, still there is room. And all have reason to rejoice in Christ's government. There is a depth in his counsels, which we must not pretend to fathom; but still righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne. Christ's government, though it might be matter of joy to all, will yet be matter of terror to some; but it is their own fault that it is so. The most resolute and daring opposition will be baffled at the presence of the Lord. And the Lord Jesus will ere long come, and put an end to idol worship of every kind.

His care of his people, and his provision for them. (8-12)


8-12 The faithful servants of God may well rejoice and be glad, because he is glorified; and whatever tends to his honour, is his people's pleasure. Care is taken for their safety. But something more is meant than their lives. The Lord will preserve the souls of his saints from sin, from apostasy, and despair, under their greatest trials. He will deliver them out of the hands of the wicked one, and preserve them safe to his heavenly kingdom. And those that rejoice in Christ Jesus, and in his exaltation, have fountains of joy prepared for them. Those that sow in tears, shall reap in joy. Gladness is sure to the upright in heart; the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment. Sinners tremble, but saints rejoice at God's holiness. As he hates sin, yet freely loves the person of the repentant sinner who believes in Christ, he will make a final separation between the person he loves and the sin he hates, and sanctify his people wholly, body, soul, and spirit.

Ps 98:1 ¶ <<A Psalm.>> Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.

Ps 98:2 The LORD has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations.

Ps 98:3 He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Ps 98:4 ¶ Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.

Ps 98:5 Sing to the LORD with the harp, With the harp and the sound of a psalm,

Ps 98:6 With trumpets and the sound of a horn; Shout joyfully before the LORD, the King.

Ps 98:7 Let the sea roar, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell in it;

Ps 98:8 Let the rivers clap their hands; Let the hills be joyful together

Ps 98:9 before the LORD, (98:9) For He is coming to judge the earth. With righteousness He shall judge the world, And the peoples with equity.

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The glory of the Redeemer. (1-3)


  1-3 A song of praise for redeeming love is a new song, a mystery hidden from ages and generations. Converts sing a new song, very different from what they had sung. If the grace of God put a new heart into our breasts, it will put a new song into our mouths. Let this new song be sung to the praise of God, in consideration of the wonders he has wrought. The Redeemer has overcome all difficulties in the way of our redemption, and was not discouraged by the services or sufferings appointed him. Let us praise him for the discoveries made to the world of the work of redemption; his salvation and his righteousness fulfilling the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament. In pursuance of this design, God raised up his Son Jesus to be not only a Light to lighten the Gentiles, but the glory of his people Israel. Surely it behooves us to inquire whether his holy arm hath gotten the victory in our hearts, over the power of Satan, unbelief, and sin? If this be our happy case, we shall exchange all light songs of vanity for songs of joy and thanksgiving; our lives will celebrate the Redeemer's praise.

The joy of the Redeemer. (4-9)

 
4-9 Let all the children of men rejoice in the setting up the kingdom of Christ, for all may benefit by it. The different orders of rational creatures in the universe, seem to be described in figurative language in the reign of the great Messiah. The kingdom of Christ will be a blessing to the whole creation. We expect his second coming to begin his glorious reign. Then shall heaven and earth rejoice, and the joy of the redeemed shall be full. But sin and its dreadful effects will not be utterly done away, till the Lord come to judge the world in righteousness. Seeing then that we look for such things, let us give diligence that we may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Ps 99:1 ¶ The LORD reigns; Let the peoples tremble! He dwells between the cherubim; Let the earth be moved!

Ps 99:2 The LORD is great in Zion, And He is high above all the peoples.

Ps 99:3 Let them praise Your great and awesome name-He is holy.

Ps 99:4 The King's strength also loves justice; You have established equity; You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.

Ps 99:5 Exalt the LORD our God, And worship at His footstool-He is holy.

Ps 99:6 ¶ Moses and Aaron were among His priests, And Samuel was among those who called upon His name; They called upon the LORD, and He answered them.

Ps 99:7 He spoke to them in the cloudy pillar; They kept His testimonies and the ordinance He gave them.

Ps 99:8 You answered them, O LORD our God; You were to them God-Who-Forgives, Though You took vengeance on their deeds.

Ps 99:9 Exalt the LORD our God, And worship at His holy hill; For the LORD our God is holy.

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The happy government God's people are under. (1-5)

1-5 God governs the world by his providence, governs the church by his grace, and both by his Son. The inhabitants of the earth have cause to tremble, but the Redeemer still waits to be gracious. Let all who hear, take warning, and seek his mercy. The more we humble ourselves before God, the more we exalt him; and let us be thus reverent, for he is holy.

Its happy administration. (6-9)


6-9 The happiness of Israel is made out by referring to the most useful governors of that people. They in every thing made God's word and law their rule, knowing that they could not else expect that their prayers should be answered. They all wonderfully prevailed with God in prayer; miracles were wrought at their request. They pleaded for the people, and obtained answers of peace. Our Prophet and High Priest, of infinitely greater dignity than Moses, Aaron, or Samuel, has received and declared to us the will of the Father. Let us not only exalt the Lord with our lips, but give him the throne in our heart; and while we worship him upon his mercy-seat, let us never forget that he is holy.

Ps 100:1 ¶ <<A Psalm of Thanksgiving.>> Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!

Ps 100:2 Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.

Ps 100:3 Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Ps 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

Ps 100:5 For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

MHCC

An exhortation to praise God, and rejoice in him.
 
- This song of praise should be considered as a prophecy, and even used as a prayer, for the coming of that time when all people shall know that the Lord he is God, and shall become his worshippers, and the sheep of his pasture. Great encouragement is given us, in worshipping God, to do it cheerfully. If, when we strayed like wandering sheep, he has brought us again to his fold, we have indeed abundant cause to bless his name. The matter of praise, and the motives to it, are very important. Know ye what God is in himself, and what he is to you. Know it; consider and apply it, then you will be more close and constant, more inward and serious, in his worship. The covenant of grace set down in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, with so many rich promises, to strengthen the faith of every weak believer, makes the matter of God's praise and of his people's joys so sure, that how sad soever our spirits may be when we look to ourselves, yet we shall have reason to praise the Lord when we look to his goodness and mercy, and to what he has said in his word for our comfort.

Ps 101:1 ¶ <<A Psalm of David.>> I will sing of mercy and justice; To You, O LORD, I will sing praises.

Ps 101:2 I will behave wisely in a perfect way. Oh, when will You come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

Ps 101:3 I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me.

Ps 101:4 A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness.

Ps 101:5 Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure.

Ps 101:6 My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, That they may dwell with me; He who walks in a perfect way, He shall serve me.

Ps 101:7 He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence.

Ps 101:8 Early I will destroy all the wicked of the land, That I may cut off all the evildoers from the city of the LORD.

MHCC

 David's vow and profession of godliness.
 
- In this psalm we have David declaring how he intended to regulate his household, and to govern his kingdom, that he might stop wickedness, and encourage godliness. It is also applicable to private families, and is the householder's psalm. It teaches all that have any power, whether more or less, to use it so as to be a terror to evil-doers, and a praise to them that do well. The chosen subject of the psalm is God's mercy and judgment. The Lord's providences concerning his people are commonly mixed; mercy and judgment. God has set the one over against the other, both to do good, like showers and sunshine. When, in his providence, he exercises us with the mixture of mercy and judgment, we must make suitable acknowledgments to him for both. Family mercies and family afflictions are both calls to family religion. Those who are in public stations are not thereby excused from care in governing their families; they are the more concerned to set a good example of ruling their own houses well. Whenever a man has a house of his own, let him seek to have God to dwell with him; and those may expect his presence, who walk with a perfect heart, in a perfect way. David resolves to practise no evil himself. He further resolves not to keep bad servants, nor to employ those about him that are wicked. He will not admit them into his family, lest they spread the infection of sin. A froward heart, one that delights to be cross and perverse, is not fit for society, the bond of which is Christian love. Nor will he countenance slanderers, those who take pleasure in wounding their neighbour's reputation. Also, God resists the proud, and false, deceitful people, who scruple not to tell lies, or commit frauds. Let every one be zealous and diligent to reform his own heart and ways, and to do this early; ever mindful of that future, most awful morning, when the King of righteousness shall cut off all wicked doers from the heavenly Jerusalem.

Ps 102:1 ¶ <<A Prayer of the afflicted when he is overwhelmed and pours out his complaint before the LORD.>> Hear my prayer, O LORD, And let my cry come to You.

Ps 102:2 Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my trouble; Incline Your ear to me; In the day that I call, answer me speedily.

Ps 102:3 For my days are consumed like smoke, And my bones are burned like a hearth.

Ps 102:4 My heart is stricken and withered like grass, So that I forget to eat my bread.

Ps 102:5 Because of the sound of my groaning My bones cling to my skin.

Ps 102:6 I am like a pelican of the wilderness; I am like an owl of the desert.

Ps 102:7 I lie awake, And am like a sparrow alone on the housetop.

Ps 102:8 My enemies reproach me all day long, Those who deride me swear an oath against me.

Ps 102:9 For I have eaten ashes like bread, And mingled my drink with weeping,

Ps 102:10 Because of Your indignation and Your wrath; For You have lifted me up and cast me away.

Ps 102:11 My days are like a shadow that lengthens, And I wither away like grass.

Ps 102:12 ¶ But You, O LORD, shall endure forever, And the remembrance of Your name to all generations.

Ps 102:13 You will arise and have mercy on Zion; For the time to favor her, Yes, the set time, has come.

Ps 102:14 For Your servants take pleasure in her stones, And show favor to her dust.

Ps 102:15 So the nations shall fear the name of the LORD, And all the kings of the earth Your glory.

Ps 102:16 For the LORD shall build up Zion; He shall appear in His glory.

Ps 102:17 He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, And shall not despise their prayer.

Ps 102:18 This will be written for the generation to come, That a people yet to be created may praise the LORD.

Ps 102:19 For He looked down from the height of His sanctuary; From heaven the LORD viewed the earth,

Ps 102:20 To hear the groaning of the prisoner, To release those appointed to death,

Ps 102:21 To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, And His praise in Jerusalem,

Ps 102:22 When the peoples are gathered together, And the kingdoms, to serve the LORD.

Ps 102:23 ¶ He weakened my strength in the way; He shortened my days.

Ps 102:24 I said, "O my God, Do not take me away in the midst of my days; Your years are throughout all generations.

Ps 102:25 Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands.

Ps 102:26 They will perish, but You will endure; Yes, they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will change them, And they will be changed.

Ps 102:27 But You are the same, And Your years will have no end.

Ps 102:28 The children of Your servants will continue, And their descendants will be established before You."

MHCC

A sorrowful complaint of great afflictions. (1-11)

 
  1-11 The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer; but here, as often elsewhere, the Holy Ghost has put words into our mouths. Here is a prayer put into the hands of the afflicted; let them present it to God. Even good men may be almost overwhelmed with afflictions. It is our duty and interest to pray; and it is comfort to an afflicted spirit to unburden itself, by a humble representation of its griefs. We must say, Blessed be the name of the Lord, who both gives and takes away. The psalmist looked upon himself as a dying man; My days are like a shadow.


Encouragement by expecting the performances of God's promises to his church. (12-22


12-22 We are dying creatures, but God is an everlasting God, the protector of his church; we may be confident that it will not be neglected. When we consider our own vileness, our darkness and deadness, and the manifold defects in our prayers, we have cause to fear that they will not be received in heaven; but we are here assured of the contrary, for we have an Advocate with the Father, and are under grace, not under the law. Redemption is the subject of praise in the Christian church; and that great work is described by the temporal deliverance and restoration of Israel. Look down upon us, Lord Jesus; and bring us into the glorious liberty of thy children, that we may bless and praise thy name.


The unchangeableness of God. (23-28)

23-28 Bodily distempers soon weaken our strength, then what can we expect but that our months should be cut off in the midst; and what should we do but provide accordingly? We must own God's hand in it; and must reconcile this to his love, for often those that have used their strength well, have it weakened; and those who, as we think, can very ill be spared, have their days shortened. It is very comfortable, in reference to all the changes and dangers of the church, to remember that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. And in reference to the death of our bodies, and the removal of friends, to remember that God is an everlasting God. Do not let us overlook the assurance this psalm contains of a happy end to all the believer's trials. Though all things are changing, dying, perishing, like a vesture folding up and hastening to decay, yet Jesus lives, and thus all is secure, for he hath said, Because I live ye shall live also.

Ps 103:1 ¶ <<A Psalm of David.>> Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

Ps 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:

Ps 103:3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,

Ps 103:4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

Ps 103:5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Ps 103:6 ¶ The LORD executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed.

Ps 103:7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.

Ps 103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.

Ps 103:9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever.

Ps 103:10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities.

Ps 103:11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;

Ps 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Ps 103:13 As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him.

Ps 103:14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.

Ps 103:15 As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.

Ps 103:16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more.

Ps 103:17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children,

Ps 103:18 To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them.

Ps 103:19 ¶ The LORD has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all.

Ps 103:20 Bless the LORD, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word.

Ps 103:21 Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.

Ps 103:22 Bless the LORD, all His works, In all places of His dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!

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An exhortation to bless God for his mercy. (1-5)

 1-5 By the pardon of sin, that is taken away which kept good things from us, and we are restored to the favour of God, who bestows good things on us. Think of the provocation; it was sin, and yet pardoned: how many the provocations, yet all pardoned! God is still forgiving, as we are still sinning and repenting. The body finds the melancholy consequences of Adam's offence, it is subject to many infirmities, and the soul also. Christ alone forgives all our sins; it is he alone who heals all our infirmities. And the person who finds his sin cured, has a well-grounded assurance that it is forgiven. When God, by the graces and comforts of his Spirit, recovers his people from their decays, and fills them with new life and joy, which is to them an earnest of eternal life and joy, they may then be said to return to the days of their youth, Job 33:25.

And to the church and to all men. (6-14)

6-14 Truly God is good to all: he is in a special manner good to Israel. He has revealed himself and his grace to them. By his ways we may understand his precepts, the ways he requires us to walk in; and his promises and purposes. He always has been full of compassion. How unlike are those to God, who take every occasion to chide, and never know when to cease! What would become of us, if God should deal so with us? The Scripture says a great deal of the mercy of God, and we all have experienced it. The father pities his children that are weak in knowledge, and teaches them; pities them when they are froward, and bears with them; pities them when they are sick, and comforts them; pities them when they are fallen, and helps them to rise; pities them when they have offended, and, upon their submission, forgives them; pities them when wronged, and rights them: thus the Lord pities those that fear him. See why he pities. He considers the frailty of our bodies, and the folly of our souls, how little we can do, how little we can bear; in all which his compassion appears.



 For the constancy of his mercy. (15-18)

15-18 How short is man's life, and uncertain! The flower of the garden is commonly more choice, and will last the longer, for being sheltered by the garden-wall, and the gardener's care; but the flower of the field, to which life is here compared, is not only withering in itself, but exposed to the cold blasts, and liable to be cropped and trod on by the beasts of the field. Such is man. God considers this, and pities him; let him consider it himself. God's mercy is better than life, for it will outlive it. His righteousness, the truth of his promise, shall be unto children's children, who tread in the footsteps of their forefathers' piety. Then shall mercy be preserved to them.


For the government of the world. (19-22)

19-22 He who made all, rules all, and both by a word of power. He disposes all persons and things to his own glory. There is a world of holy angels who are ever praising him. Let all his works praise him. Such would have been our constant delight, if we had not been fallen creatures. Such it will in a measure become, if we are born of God. Such it will be for ever in heaven; nor can we be perfectly happy till we can take unwearied pleasure in perfect obedience to the will of our God. And let the feeling of each redeemed heart be, Bless the Lord, O my soul.

Ps 104:1 ¶ Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty,

Ps 104:2 Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain.

Ps 104:3 He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind,

Ps 104:4 Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire.

Ps 104:5 You who laid the foundations of the earth, So that it should not be moved forever,

Ps 104:6 You covered it with the deep as with a garment; The waters stood above the mountains.

Ps 104:7 At Your rebuke they fled; At the voice of Your thunder they hastened away.

Ps 104:8 They went up over the mountains; They went down into the valleys, To the place which You founded for them.

Ps 104:9 You have set a boundary that they may not pass over, That they may not return to cover the earth.

Ps 104:10 ¶ He sends the springs into the valleys, They flow among the hills.

Ps 104:11 They give drink to every beast of the field; The wild donkeys quench their thirst.

Ps 104:12 By them the birds of the heavens have their home; They sing among the branches.

Ps 104:13 He waters the hills from His upper chambers; The earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your works.

Ps 104:14 He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, And vegetation for the service of man, That he may bring forth food from the earth,

Ps 104:15 And wine that makes glad the heart of man, Oil to make his face shine, And bread which strengthens man's heart.

Ps 104:16 The trees of the LORD are full of sap, The cedars of Lebanon which He planted,

Ps 104:17 Where the birds make their nests; The stork has her home in the fir trees.

Ps 104:18 The high hills are for the wild goats; The cliffs are a refuge for the rock badgers.

Ps 104:19 ¶ He appointed the moon for seasons; The sun knows its going down.

Ps 104:20 You make darkness, and it is night, In which all the beasts of the forest creep about.

Ps 104:21 The young lions roar after their prey, And seek their food from God.

Ps 104:22 When the sun rises, they gather together And lie down in their dens.

Ps 104:23 Man goes out to his work And to his labor until the evening.

Ps 104:24 O LORD, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions-

Ps 104:25 This great and wide sea, In which are innumerable teeming things, Living things both small and great.

Ps 104:26 There the ships sail about; There is that Leviathan Which You have made to play there.

Ps 104:27 These all wait for You, That You may give them their food in due season.

Ps 104:28 What You give them they gather in; You open Your hand, they are filled with good.

Ps 104:29 You hide Your face, they are troubled; You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.

Ps 104:30 You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the earth.

Ps 104:31 ¶ May the glory of the LORD endure forever; May the LORD rejoice in His works.

Ps 104:32 He looks on the earth, and it trembles; He touches the hills, and they smoke.

Ps 104:33 I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

Ps 104:34 May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the LORD.

Ps 104:35 May sinners be consumed from the earth, And the wicked be no more. Bless the LORD, O my soul! Praise the LORD!

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God's majesty in the heavens, The creation of the sea, and the dry land. (1-9)

 1-9 Every object we behold calls on us to bless and praise the Lord, who is great. His eternal power and Godhead are clearly shown by the things which he hath made. God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. The Lord Jesus, the Son of his love, is the Light of the world.

His provision for all creatures. (10-18)

10-18 When we reflect upon the provision made for all creatures, we should also notice the natural worship they render to God. Yet man, forgetful ungrateful man, enjoys the largest measure of his Creator's kindness. the earth, varying in different lands. Nor let us forget spiritual blessings; the fruitfulness of the church through grace, the bread of everlasting life, the cup of salvation, and the oil of gladness. Does God provide for the inferior creatures, and will he not be a refuge to his people?

The regular course of day and night, and God's sovereign power over all the creatures. (19-30)

 
19-30 We are to praise and magnify God for the constant succession of day and night. And see how those are like to the wild beasts, who wait for the twilight, and have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. Does God listen to the language of mere nature, even in ravenous creatures, and shall he not much more interpret favourably the language of grace in his own people, though weak and broken groanings which cannot be uttered? There is the work of every day, which is to be done in its day, which man must apply to every morning, and which he must continue in till evening; it will be time enough to rest when the night comes, in which no man can work. The psalmist wonders at the works of God. The works of art, the more closely they are looked upon, the more rough they appear; the works of nature appear more fine and exact. They are all made in wisdom, for they all answer the end they were designed to serve. Every spring is an emblem of the resurrection, when a new world rises, as it were, out of the ruins of the old one. But man alone lives beyond death. When the Lord takes away his breath, his soul enters on another state, and his body will be raised, either to glory or to misery. May the Lord send forth his Spirit, and new-create our souls to holiness.

A resolution to continue praising God. (31-35)


31-35 Man's glory is fading; God's glory is everlasting: creatures change, but with the Creator there is no variableness. And if mediation on the glories of creation be so sweet to the soul, what greater glory appears to the enlightened mind, when contemplating the great work of redemption! There alone can a sinner perceive ground of confidence and joy in God. While he with pleasure upholds all, governs all, and rejoices in all his works, let our souls, touched by his grace, meditate on and praise him

Ps 105:1 ¶ Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!

Ps 105:2 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works!

Ps 105:3 Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD!

Ps 105:4 Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore!

Ps 105:5 Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,

Ps 105:6 O seed of Abraham His servant, You children of Jacob, His chosen ones!

Ps 105:7 He is the LORD our God; His judgments are in all the earth.

Ps 105:8 ¶ He remembers His covenant forever, The word which He commanded, for a thousand generations,

Ps 105:9 The covenant which He made with Abraham, And His oath to Isaac,

Ps 105:10 And confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, To Israel as an everlasting covenant,

Ps 105:11 Saying, "To you I will give the land of Canaan As the allotment of your inheritance,"

Ps 105:12 When they were few in number, Indeed very few, and strangers in it.

Ps 105:13 When they went from one nation to another, From one kingdom to another people,

Ps 105:14 He permitted no one to do them wrong; Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes,

Ps 105:15 Saying, "Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm."

Ps 105:16 Moreover He called for a famine in the land; He destroyed all the provision of bread.

Ps 105:17 He sent a man before them-Joseph-who was sold as a slave.

Ps 105:18 They hurt his feet with fetters, He was laid in irons.

Ps 105:19 Until the time that his word came to pass, The word of the LORD tested him.

Ps 105:20 The king sent and released him, The ruler of the people let him go free.

Ps 105:21 He made him lord of his house, And ruler of all his possessions,

Ps 105:22 To bind his princes at his pleasure, And teach his elders wisdom.

Ps 105:23 Israel also came into Egypt, And Jacob dwelt in the land of Ham.

Ps 105:24 He increased His people greatly, And made them stronger than their enemies.

Ps 105:25 ¶ He turned their heart to hate His people, To deal craftily with His servants.

Ps 105:26 He sent Moses His servant, And Aaron whom He had chosen.

Ps 105:27 They performed His signs among them, And wonders in the land of Ham.

Ps 105:28 He sent darkness, and made it dark; And they did not rebel against His word.

Ps 105:29 He turned their waters into blood, And killed their fish.

Ps 105:30 Their land abounded with frogs, Even in the chambers of their kings.

Ps 105:31 He spoke, and there came swarms of flies, And lice in all their territory.

Ps 105:32 He gave them hail for rain, And flaming fire in their land.

Ps 105:33 He struck their vines also, and their fig trees, And splintered the trees of their territory.

Ps 105:34 He spoke, and locusts came, Young locusts without number,

Ps 105:35 And ate up all the vegetation in their land, And devoured the fruit of their ground.

Ps 105:36 He also destroyed all the firstborn in their land, The first of all their strength.

Ps 105:37 He also brought them out with silver and gold, And there was none feeble among His tribes.

Ps 105:38 Egypt was glad when they departed, For the fear of them had fallen upon them.

Ps 105:39 He spread a cloud for a covering, And fire to give light in the night.

Ps 105:40 The people asked, and He brought quail, And satisfied them with the bread of heaven.

Ps 105:41 He opened the rock, and water gushed out; It ran in the dry places like a river.

Ps 105:42 For He remembered His holy promise, And Abraham His servant.

Ps 105:43 He brought out His people with joy, His chosen ones with gladness.

Ps 105:44 He gave them the lands of the Gentiles, And they inherited the labor of the nations,

Ps 105:45 That they might observe His statutes And keep His laws. Praise the LORD!

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A solemn call to praise and serve the Lord. (1-7)

 1-7 Our devotion is here stirred up, that we may stir up ourselves to praise God. Seek his strength; that is, his grace; the strength of his Spirit to work in us that which is good, which we cannot do but by strength derived from him, for which he will be sought. Seek to have his favour to eternity, therefore continue seeking it while living in this world; for he will not only be found, but he will reward those that diligently seek him.


His gracious dealings with Israel. (8-23)

8-23 Let us remember the Redeemer's marvellous works, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth. Though true Christians are few in number, strangers and pilgrims upon earth, yet a far better inheritance than Canaan is made sure to them by the covenant of God; and if we have the anointing of the Holy Spirit, none can do us any harm. Afflictions are among our mercies. They prove our faith and love, they humble our pride, they wean us from the world, and quicken our prayers. Bread is the staff which supports life; when that staff is broken, the body fails and sinks to the earth. The word of God is the staff of spiritual life, the food and support of the soul: the sorest judgment is a famine of hearing the word of the Lord. Such a famine was sore in all lands when Christ appeared in the flesh; whose coming, and the blessed effect of it, are shadowed forth in the history of Joseph. At the appointed time Christ was exalted as Mediator; all the treasures of grace and salvation are at his disposal, perishing sinners come to him, and are relieved by him.


Their deliverance from Egypt, and their settlement in Canaan. (24-45)


24-45 As the believer commonly thrives best in his soul when under the cross; so the church also flourishes most in true holiness, and increases in number, while under persecution. Yet instruments shall be raised up for their deliverance, and plagues may be expected by persecutors. And see the special care God took of his people in the wilderness. All the benefits bestowed on Israel as a nation, were shadows of spiritual blessings with which we are blessed in Christ Jesus. Having redeemed us with his blood, restored our souls to holiness, and set us at liberty from Satan's bondage, he guides and guards us all the way. He satisfies our souls with the bread of heaven, and the water of life from the Rock of salvation, and will bring us safely to heaven. He redeems his servants from all iniquity, and purifies them unto himself, to be a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Ps 106:1 ¶ Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Ps 106:2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? Who can declare all His praise?

Ps 106:3 Blessed are those who keep justice, And he who does righteousness at all times!

Ps 106:4 Remember me, O LORD, with the favor You have toward Your people; Oh, visit me with Your salvation,

Ps 106:5 That I may see the benefit of Your chosen ones, That I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, That I may glory with Your inheritance.

Ps 106:6 ¶ We have sinned with our fathers, We have committed iniquity, We have done wickedly.

Ps 106:7 Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; They did not remember the multitude of Your mercies, But rebelled by the sea-the Red Sea.

Ps 106:8 Nevertheless He saved them for His name's sake, That He might make His mighty power known.

Ps 106:9 He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it dried up; So He led them through the depths, As through the wilderness.

Ps 106:10 He saved them from the hand of him who hated them, And redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.

Ps 106:11 The waters covered their enemies; There was not one of them left.

Ps 106:12 Then they believed His words; They sang His praise.

Ps 106:13 ¶ They soon forgot His works; They did not wait for His counsel,

Ps 106:14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, And tested God in the desert.

Ps 106:15 And He gave them their request, But sent leanness into their soul.

Ps 106:16 When they envied Moses in the camp, And Aaron the saint of the LORD,

Ps 106:17 The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan, And covered the faction of Abiram.

Ps 106:18 A fire was kindled in their company; The flame burned up the wicked.

Ps 106:19 They made a calf in Horeb, And worshiped the molded image.

Ps 106:20 Thus they changed their glory Into the image of an ox that eats grass.

Ps 106:21 They forgot God their Savior, Who had done great things in Egypt,

Ps 106:22 Wondrous works in the land of Ham, Awesome things by the Red Sea.

Ps 106:23 Therefore He said that He would destroy them, Had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach, To turn away His wrath, lest He destroy them.

Ps 106:24 Then they despised the pleasant land; They did not believe His word,

Ps 106:25 But complained in their tents, And did not heed the voice of the LORD.

Ps 106:26 Therefore He raised up His hand in an oath against them, To overthrow them in the wilderness,

Ps 106:27 To overthrow their descendants among the nations, And to scatter them in the lands.

Ps 106:28 They joined themselves also to Baal of Peor, And ate sacrifices made to the dead.

Ps 106:29 Thus they provoked Him to anger with their deeds, And the plague broke out among them.

Ps 106:30 Then Phinehas stood up and intervened, And the plague was stopped.

Ps 106:31 And that was accounted to him for righteousness To all generations forevermore.

Ps 106:32 They angered Him also at the waters of strife, So that it went ill with Moses on account of them;

Ps 106:33 Because they rebelled against His Spirit, So that he spoke rashly with his lips.

cont'd

Ps 106:34 ¶ They did not destroy the peoples, Concerning whom the LORD had commanded them,

Ps 106:35 But they mingled with the Gentiles And learned their works;

Ps 106:36 They served their idols, Which became a snare to them.

Ps 106:37 They even sacrificed their sons And their daughters to demons,

Ps 106:38 And shed innocent blood, The blood of their sons and daughters, Whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; And the land was polluted with blood.

Ps 106:39 Thus they were defiled by their own works, And played the harlot by their own deeds.

Ps 106:40 Therefore the wrath of the LORD was kindled against His people, So that He abhorred His own inheritance.

Ps 106:41 And He gave them into the hand of the Gentiles, And those who hated them ruled over them.

Ps 106:42 Their enemies also oppressed them, And they were brought into subjection under their hand.

Ps 106:43 Many times He delivered them; But they rebelled in their counsel, And were brought low for their iniquity.

Ps 106:44 Nevertheless He regarded their affliction, When He heard their cry;

Ps 106:45 And for their sake He remembered His covenant, And relented according to the multitude of His mercies.

Ps 106:46 He also made them to be pitied By all those who carried them away captive.

Ps 106:47 Save us, O LORD our God, And gather us from among the Gentiles, To give thanks to Your holy name, To triumph in Your praise.

Ps 106:48 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel From everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, "Amen!" Praise the LORD!

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The happiness of God's people. (1-5)

 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.


Israel's sins. (6-12)

 
6-12 Here begins a confession of sin; for we must acknowledge that the Lord has done right, and we have done wickedly. We are encouraged to hope that though justly corrected, yet we shall not be utterly forsaken. God's afflicted people own themselves guilty before him. God is distrusted because his favours are not remembered. If he did not save us for his own name's sake, and to the praise of his power and grace, we should all perish.


Their provocations. (13-33)

 
13-33 Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have leanness in their souls: no love to God, no thankfulness, no appetite for the Bread of life, and then the soul must be lean. Those wretchedly forget themselves, that feast their bodies and starve their souls. Even the true believer will see abundant cause to say, It is of the Lord's mercies that I am not consumed. Often have we set up idols in our hearts, cleaved to some forbidden object; so that if a greater than Moses had not stood to turn away the anger of the Lord, we should have been destroyed. If God dealt severely with Moses for unadvised words, what do those deserve who speak many proud and wicked words? It is just in God to remove those relations that are blessings to us, when we are peevish and provoking to them, and grieve their spirits.


Their rebellions in Canaan. (34-46)

 
34-48 The conduct of the Israelites in Canaan, and God's dealings with them, show that the way of sin is down-hill; omissions make way for commissions: when they neglected to destroy the heathen, they learned their works. One sin led to many more, and brought the judgments of God on them. Their sin was, in part, their own punishment. Sinners often see themselves ruined by those who led them into evil. Satan, who is a tempter, will be a tormentor. At length, God showed pity to his people for his covenant's sake. The unchangeableness of God's merciful nature and love to his people, makes him change the course of justice into mercy; and no other change is meant by God's repentance. Our case is awful when the outward church is considered. When nations professing Christianity, are so guilty as we are, no wonder if the Lord brings them low for their sins. Unless there is general and deep repentance, there can be no prospect but of increasing calamities. The psalm concludes with prayer for completing the deliverance of God's people, and praise for the beginning and progress of it. May all the people of the earth, ere long, add their Amen.


Prayer for more complete deliverance. (47,48)

Ps 107:1 ¶ Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Ps 107:2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,

Ps 107:3 And gathered out of the lands, From the east and from the west, From the north and from the south.

Ps 107:4 They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way; They found no city to dwell in.

Ps 107:5 Hungry and thirsty, Their soul fainted in them.

Ps 107:6 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He delivered them out of their distresses.

Ps 107:7 And He led them forth by the right way, That they might go to a city for a dwelling place.

Ps 107:8 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!

Ps 107:9 For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.

Ps 107:10 ¶ Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, Bound in affliction and irons-

Ps 107:11 Because they rebelled against the words of God, And despised the counsel of the Most High,

Ps 107:12 Therefore He brought down their heart with labor; They fell down, and there was none to help.

Ps 107:13 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses.

Ps 107:14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, And broke their chains in pieces.

Ps 107:15 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!

Ps 107:16 For He has broken the gates of bronze, And cut the bars of iron in two.

Ps 107:17 ¶ Fools, because of their transgression, And because of their iniquities, were afflicted.

Ps 107:18 Their soul abhorred all manner of food, And they drew near to the gates of death.

Ps 107:19 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses.

Ps 107:20 He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions.

Ps 107:21 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!

Ps 107:22 Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare His works with rejoicing.

Ps 107:23 ¶ Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business on great waters,

Ps 107:24 They see the works of the LORD, And His wonders in the deep.

Ps 107:25 For He commands and raises the stormy wind, Which lifts up the waves of the sea.

Ps 107:26 They mount up to the heavens, They go down again to the depths; Their soul melts because of trouble.

Ps 107:27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits' end.

Ps 107:28 Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses.

Ps 107:29 He calms the storm, So that its waves are still.

Ps 107:30 Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven.

Ps 107:31 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!

Ps 107:32 Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of the people, And praise Him in the company of the elders.

Ps 107:33 ¶ He turns rivers into a wilderness, And the watersprings into dry ground;

Ps 107:34 A fruitful land into barrenness, For the wickedness of those who dwell in it.

Ps 107:35 He turns a wilderness into pools of water, And dry land into watersprings.

Ps 107:36 There He makes the hungry dwell, That they may establish a city for a dwelling place,

Ps 107:37 And sow fields and plant vineyards, That they may yield a fruitful harvest.

Ps 107:38 He also blesses them, and they multiply greatly; And He does not let their cattle decrease.

Ps 107:39 When they are diminished and brought low Through oppression, affliction and sorrow,

Ps 107:40 He pours contempt on princes, And causes them to wander in the wilderness where there is no way;

Ps 107:41 Yet He sets the poor on high, far from affliction, And makes their families like a flock.

Ps 107:42 The righteous see it and rejoice, And all iniquity stops its mouth.

Ps 107:43 Whoever is wise will observe these things, And they will understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.

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God's providential care of the children of men in distresses, in banishment, and dispersion. (1-9)

1-9 In these verses there is reference to the deliverance from Egypt, and perhaps that from Babylon: but the circumstances of travellers in those countries are also noted. It is scarcely possible to conceive the horrors suffered by the hapless traveller, when crossing the trackless sands, exposed to the burning rays of the sum. The words describe their case whom the Lord has redeemed from the bondage of Satan; who pass through the world as a dangerous and dreary wilderness, often ready to faint through troubles, fears, and temptations. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, after God, and communion with him, shall be filled with the goodness of his house, both in grace and glory.


In captivity. (10-16)

10-16 This description of prisoners and captives intimates that they are desolate and sorrowful. In the eastern prisons the captives were and are treated with much severity. Afflicting providences must be improved as humbling providences; and we lose the benefit, if our hearts are unhumbled and unbroken under them. This is a shadow of the sinner's deliverance from a far worse confinement. The awakened sinner discovers his guilt and misery. Having struggled in vain for deliverance, he finds there is no help for him but in the mercy and grace of God. His sin is forgiven by a merciful God, and his pardon is accompanied by deliverance from the power of sin and Satan, and by the sanctifying and comforting influences of God the Holy Spirit.

In sickness. (17-22)

 
17-22 If we knew no sin, we should know no sickness. Sinners are fools. They hurt their bodily health by intemperance, and endanger their lives by indulging their appetites. This their way is their folly. The weakness of the body is the effect of sickness. It is by the power and mercy of God that we are recovered from sickness, and it is our duty to be thankful. All Christ's miraculous cures were emblems of his healing diseases of the soul. It is also to be applied to the spiritual cures which the Spirit of grace works. He sends his word, and heals souls; convinces, converts them, makes them holy, and all by the word. Even in common cases of recovery from sickness, God in his providence speaks, and it is done; by his word and Spirit the soul is restored to health and holiness.


Danger at sea.(23-32)


23-32 Let those who go to sea, consider and adore the Lord. Mariners have their business upon the tempestuous ocean, and there witness deliverances of which others cannot form an idea. How seasonable it is at such a time to pray! This may remind us of the terrors and distress of conscience many experience, and of those deep scenes of trouble which many pass through, in their Christian course. Yet, in answer to their cries, the Lord turns their storm into a calm, and causes their trials to end in gladness.


 God's hand is to be seen by his own people. (33-43)

33-43 What surprising changes are often made in the affairs of men! Let the present desolate state of Judea, and of other countries, explain this. If we look abroad in the world, we see many greatly increase, whose beginning was small. We see many who have thus suddenly risen, as suddenly brought to nothing. Worldly wealth is uncertain; often those who are filled with it, ere they are aware, lose it again. God has many ways of making men poor. The righteous shall rejoice. It shall fully convince all those who deny the Divine Providence. When sinners see how justly God takes away the gifts they have abused, they will not have a word to say. It is of great use to us to be fully assured of God's goodness, and duly affected with it. It is our wisdom to mind our duty, and to refer our comfort to him. A truly wise person will treasure in his heart this delightful psalm. From it, he will fully understand the weakness and wretchedness of man, and the power and loving-kindness of God, not for our merit, but for his mercy's sake.

Ps 108:1 ¶ <<A Song. A Psalm of David.>> O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.

Ps 108:2 Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn.

Ps 108:3 I will praise You, O LORD, among the peoples, And I will sing praises to You among the nations.

Ps 108:4 For Your mercy is great above the heavens, And Your truth reaches to the clouds.

Ps 108:5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, And Your glory above all the earth

Ps 108:6 ¶ That Your beloved may be delivered, Save with Your right hand, and hear me.

Ps 108:7 God has spoken in His holiness: "I will rejoice; I will divide Shechem And measure out the Valley of Succoth.

Ps 108:8 Gilead is Mine; Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is the helmet for My head; Judah is My lawgiver.

Ps 108:9 Moab is My washpot; Over Edom I will cast My shoe; Over Philistia I will triumph."

Ps 108:10 Who will bring me into the strong city? Who will lead me to Edom?

Ps 108:11 Is it not You, O God, who cast us off? And You, O God, who did not go out with our armies?

Ps 108:12 Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless.

Ps 108:13 Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.

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- We may usefully select passages from different psalms, as here, Ps 57:1-11; 60:1-12, to help our devotions, and enliven our gratitude. When the heart is firm in faith and love, the tongue, being employed in grateful praises, is our glory. Every gift of the Lord honours and profits the possessor, as it is employed in God's service and to his glory. Believers may pray with assured faith and hope, for all the blessings of salvation; which are secured to them by the faithful promise and covenant of God. Then let them expect from him help in every trouble, and victory in every conflict. Whatever we do, whatever we gain, God must have all the glory. Lord, visit all our souls with this salvation, with this favour which thou bearest to thy chosen people.


MHC

 
 INTRODUCTION TO PSALM CHAPTER 108
 
This psalm begins with praise and concludes with prayer, and faith is at work in both.
 
  I. David here gives thanks to God for mercies to himself, Ps 108:1-5.
 
  II. He prays to God for mercies for the land, pleading the promises of God and putting them in suit, Ps 108:6-13.  The former part it taken out of Ps 57:7, &c., the latter out of Ps 60:5, &c., and both with very little variation, to teach us that we may in prayer use the same words that we have formerly used, provided it be with new affections. It intimates likewise that it is not only allowable, but sometimes convenient, to gather some verses out of one psalm and some out of another, and to put them together, to be sung to the glory of God. In singing this psalm we must give glory to God and take comfort to ourselves.
 
Ver. 1. thru Ver. 5.
 
We may here learn how to praise God from the example of one who was master of the art.
 
1. We must praise God with fixedness of heart. Our heart must be employed in the duty (else we make nothing of it) and engaged to the duty (Ps 108:1): O God! my heart is fixed, and then I will sing and give praise. Wandering straggling thoughts must be gathered in, and kept close to the business; for they must be told that here is work enough for them all.
 
2. We must praise God with freeness of expression: I will praise him with my glory, that is, with my tongue.  Our tongue is our glory, and never more so than when it is employed in praising God. When the heart is inditing this good matter our tongue must be as the pen of a ready writer, Ps 45:1. David's skill in music was his glory, it made him famous, and this should be consecrated to the praise of God; and therefore it follows, Awake my psaltery and harp.  Whatever gift we excel in we must praise God with.
 
3. We must praise God with fervency of affection, and must stir up ourselves to do it, that it may be done in a lively manner and not carelessly (Ps 108:2): Awake, psaltery and harp; let it not be done with a dull and sleepy tune, but let the airs be all lively. I myself will awake early to do it, with all that is within me, and all little enough. Warm devotions honour God.
 
4. We must praise God publicly, as those that are not ashamed to own our obligations to him and our thankful sense of his favours, but desire that others also may be in like manner affected with the divine goodness (Ps 108:3): I will praise thee among the people of the Jews; nay, I will sing to thee among the nations of the earth. Whatever company we are in we must take all occasions to speak well of God; and we must not be shy of singing psalms, though our neighbours hear us, for it looks like being ashamed of our Master.
 
5. We must, in our praises, magnify the mercy and truth of God in a special manner (Ps 108:4), mercy in promising, truth in performing.  The heavens are vast, but the mercy of God is more capacious; the skies are high and bright, but the truth of God is more eminent, more illustrious. We cannot see further than the heavens and clouds; whatever we see of God's mercy and truth there is still more to be seen, more reserved to be seen, in the other world.
 
6. Since we find ourselves so, defective in glorifying God, we must beg of him to glorify himself, to do all, to dispose all, to his own glory, to get himself honour and make himself a name (Ps 108:5): Be thou exalted, O God! above the heavens, higher than the angels themselves can exalt thee with their praises, and let thy glory be spread over all the earth. Father, glorify thy own name. Thou hast glorified it; glorify it again. It is to be our first petition, Hallowed be thy name.

Ps 109:1 ¶ <<To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.>> Do not keep silent, O God of my praise!

Ps 109:2 For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful Have opened against me; They have spoken against me with a lying tongue.

Ps 109:3 They have also surrounded me with words of hatred, And fought against me without a cause.

Ps 109:4 In return for my love they are my accusers, But I give myself to prayer.

Ps 109:5 Thus they have rewarded me evil for good, And hatred for my love.

Ps 109:6 ¶ Set a wicked man over him, And let an accuser stand at his right hand.

Ps 109:7 When he is judged, let him be found guilty, And let his prayer become sin.

Ps 109:8 Let his days be few, And let another take his office.

Ps 109:9 Let his children be fatherless, And his wife a widow.

Ps 109:10 Let his children continually be vagabonds, and beg; Let them seek their bread also from their desolate places.

Ps 109:11 Let the creditor seize all that he has, And let strangers plunder his labor.

Ps 109:12 Let there be none to extend mercy to him, Nor let there be any to favor his fatherless children.

Ps 109:13 Let his posterity be cut off, And in the generation following let their name be blotted out.

Ps 109:14 Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the LORD, And let not the sin of his mother be blotted out.

Ps 109:15 Let them be continually before the LORD, That He may cut off the memory of them from the earth;

Ps 109:16 Because he did not remember to show mercy, But persecuted the poor and needy man, That he might even slay the broken in heart.

Ps 109:17 As he loved cursing, so let it come to him; As he did not delight in blessing, so let it be far from him.

Ps 109:18 As he clothed himself with cursing as with his garment, So let it enter his body like water, And like oil into his bones.

Ps 109:19 Let it be to him like the garment which covers him, And for a belt with which he girds himself continually.

Ps 109:20 Let this be the LORD'S reward to my accusers, And to those who speak evil against my person.

Ps 109:21 ¶ But You, O GOD the Lord, Deal with me for Your name's sake; Because Your mercy is good, deliver me.

Ps 109:22 For I am poor and needy, And my heart is wounded within me.

Ps 109:23 I am gone like a shadow when it lengthens; I am shaken off like a locust.

Ps 109:24 My knees are weak through fasting, And my flesh is feeble from lack of fatness.

Ps 109:25 I also have become a reproach to them; When they look at me, they shake their heads.

Ps 109:26 Help me, O LORD my God! Oh, save me according to Your mercy,

Ps 109:27 That they may know that this is Your hand-That You, LORD, have done it!

Ps 109:28 Let them curse, but You bless; When they arise, let them be ashamed, But let Your servant rejoice.

Ps 109:29 Let my accusers be clothed with shame, And let them cover themselves with their own disgrace as with a mantle.

Ps 109:30 I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; Yes, I will praise Him among the multitude.

Ps 109:31 For He shall stand at the right hand of the poor, To save him from those who condemn him.

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David complains of his enemies. (1-5)

 1-5 It is the unspeakable comfort of all believers, that whoever is against them, God is for them; and to him they may apply as to one pleased to concern himself for them. David's enemies laughed at him for his devotion, but they could not laugh him out of it.


He prophesies their destruction. (6-20)

 
6-20 The Lord Jesus may speak here as a Judge, denouncing sentence on some of his enemies, to warn others. When men reject the salvation of Christ, even their prayers are numbered among their sins. See what hurries some to shameful deaths, and brings the families and estates of others to ruin; makes them and theirs despicable and hateful, and brings poverty, shame, and misery upon their posterity: it is sin, that mischievous, destructive thing. And what will be the effect of the sentence, "Go, ye cursed," upon the bodies and souls of the wicked! How it will affect the senses of the body, and the powers of the soul, with pain, anguish, horror, and despair! Think on these things, sinners, tremble and repent.


Prayers and praises. (21-31)

 
21-31 The psalmist takes God's comforts to himself, but in a very humble manner. He was troubled in mind. His body was wasted, and almost worn away. But it is better to have leanness in the body, while the soul prospers and is in health, than to have leanness in the soul, while the body is feasted. He was ridiculed and reproached by his enemies. But if God bless us, we need not care who curses us; for how can they curse whom God has not cursed; nay, whom he has blessed? He pleads God's glory, and the honour of his name. Save me, not according to my merit, for I pretend to none, but according to thy mercy. He concludes with the joy of faith, in assurance that his present conflicts would end in triumphs. Let all that suffer according to the will of God, commit the keeping of their souls to him. Jesus, unjustly put to death, and now risen again, is an Advocate and Intercessor for his people, ever ready to appear on their behalf against a corrupt world, and the great accuser.

Ps 110:1 ¶ <<A Psalm of David.>> The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool."

Ps 110:2 The LORD shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies!

Ps 110:3 Your people shall be volunteers In the day of Your power; In the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning, You have the dew of Your youth.

Ps 110:4 The LORD has sworn And will not relent, "You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek."

Ps 110:5 ¶ The Lord is at Your right hand; He shall execute kings in the day of His wrath.

Ps 110:6 He shall judge among the nations, He shall fill the places with dead bodies, He shall execute the heads of many countries.

Ps 110:7 He shall drink of the brook by the wayside; Therefore He shall lift up the head.

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Christ's kingdom.
 
- Glorious things are here spoken of Christ. Not only he should be superior to all the kings of the earth, but he then existed in glory as the eternal Son of God. Sitting is a resting posture: after services and sufferings, to give law, to give judgment. It is a remaining posture: he sits like a king for ever. All his enemies are now in a chain, but not yet made his footstool. And his kingdom, being set up, shall be kept up in the world, in despite of all the powers of darkness. Christ's people are a willing people. The power of the Spirit, going with the power of the world, to the people of Christs, is effectual to make them willing. They shall attend him in the beautiful attire of holiness; which becomes his house for ever. And he shall have many devoted to him. The dew of our youth, even in the morning of our days, ought to be consecrated to our Lord Jesus. Christ shall not only be a King, but a Priest. He is God's Minister to us, and our Advocate with the Father, and so is the Mediator between God and man. He is a Priest of the order of Melchizedek, which was before that of Aaron, and on many accounts superior to it, and a more lively representation of Christ's priesthood. Christ's sitting at the right hand of God, speaks as much terror to his enemies as happiness to his people. The effect of this victory shall be the utter ruin of his enemies. We have here the Redeemer saving his friends, and comforting them. He shall be humbled; he shall drink of the brook in the way. The wrath of God, running in the curse of the law, may be considered as the brook in the way of his undertaking. Christ drank of the waters of affliction in his way to the throne of glory. But he shall be exalted. What then are we? Has the gospel of Christ been to us the power of God unto salvation? Has his kingdom been set up in our hearts? Are we his willing subjects? Once we knew not our need of his salvation, and we were not willing that he should reign over us. Are we willing to give up every sin, to turn from a wicked, ensnaring world, and rely only on his merits and mercy, to have him for our Prophet, Priest, and King? and do we desire to be holy? To those who are thus changed, the Saviour's sacrifice, intercession, and blessing belong.

Ps 111:1 ¶ Praise the LORD! I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.

Ps 111:2 The works of the LORD are great, Studied by all who have pleasure in them.

Ps 111:3 His work is honorable and glorious, And His righteousness endures forever.

Ps 111:4 He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; The LORD is gracious and full of compassion.

Ps 111:5 He has given food to those who fear Him; He will ever be mindful of His covenant.

Ps 111:6 ¶ He has declared to His people the power of His works, In giving them the heritage of the nations.

Ps 111:7 The works of His hands are verity and justice; All His precepts are sure.

Ps 111:8 They stand fast forever and ever, And are done in truth and uprightness.

Ps 111:9 He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name.

Ps 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.

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The Lord is to be praised for his works.
 
- The psalmist resolves to praise God himself. Our exhortations and our examples should agree together. He recommends the works of the Lord, as the proper subject, when we are praising him; and the dealings of his providence toward the world, the church, and particular persons. All the works of the Lord are spoken of as one, it is his work; so admirably do all the dispensations of his providence centre in one design. The works of God, humbly and diligently sought into, shall all be found just and holy. God's pardoning sin is the most wonderful of all his works, and ought to be remembered to his glory. He will ever be mindful of his covenant; he has ever been so, and he ever will be so. His works of providence were done according to the truth of the Divine promises and prophecies, and so were verity, or truth; and by him who has a right to dispose of the earth as he pleases, and so are judgment, or righteous: and this holds good of the work of grace upon the heart of man, ver. 7,8. All| God's commandments are sure; all have been fulfilled by Christ, and remain with him for a rule of walk and conversation to us. He sent redemption unto his people, out of Egypt at first, and often afterwards; and these were typical of the great redemption, which in the fulness of time was to be wrought out by the Lord Jesus. Here his everlasting righteousness shines forth in union with his boundless mercy. No man is wise who does not fear the Lord; no man acts wisely except as influenced by that fear. This fear will lead to repentance, to faith in Christ, to watchfulness and obedience. Such persons are of a good understanding, however poor, unlearned, or despised.

Ps 112:1 ¶ Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who delights greatly in His commandments.

Ps 112:2 His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed.

Ps 112:3 Wealth and riches will be in his house, And his righteousness endures forever.

Ps 112:4 Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

Ps 112:5 A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion.

Ps 112:6 ¶ Surely he will never be shaken; The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.

Ps 112:7 He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

Ps 112:8 His heart is established; He will not be afraid, Until he sees his desire upon his enemies.

Ps 112:9 He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever; His horn will be exalted with honor.

Ps 112:10 The wicked will see it and be grieved; He will gnash his teeth and melt away; The desire of the wicked shall perish.


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 The blessedness of the righteous.
 
- We have to praise the Lord that there are a people in the world, who fear him and serve him, and that they are a happy people; which is owing entirely to his grace. Their fear is not that which love casts out, but that which love brings in. It follows and flows from love. It is a fear to offend. This is both fear and trust. The heart touched by the Spirit of God, as the needle touched with the loadstone, turns direct and speedily to God, yet still with trembling, being filled with this holy fear. Blessings are laid up for the faithful and their children's children; and true riches are bestowed on them, with as much of this world's possessions as is profitable for them. In the darkest hours of affliction and trial, the light of hope and peace will spring up within them, and seasonable relief shall turn mourning into joy. From their Lord's example they learn to be kind and full of compassion, as well as just in all their dealings; they use discretion, that they may be liberal in that manner which appears most likely to do good. Envy and slander may for a time hide their true characters here, but they shall be had in everlasting remembrance. They need not fear evil tidings. A good man shall have a settled spirit. And it is the endeavour of true believers to keep their minds stayed upon God, and so to keep them calm and undisturbed; and God has promised them both cause to do so, and grace to do so. Trusting in the Lord is the best and surest way of establishing the heart. The heart of man cannot fix any where with satisfaction, but in the truth of God, and there it finds firm footing. And those whose hearts are established by faith, will patiently wait till they gain their point. Compare all this with the vexation of sinners. The happiness of the saints is the envy of the wicked. The desire of the wicked shall perish; their desire was wholly to the world and the flesh, therefore when these perish, their joy is gone. But the blessings of the gospel are spiritual and eternal, and are conferred upon the members of the Christian church, through Christ their Head, who is the Pattern of all righteousness, and the Giver of all grace.

Ps 113:1 ¶ Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, Praise the name of the LORD!

Ps 113:2 Blessed be the name of the LORD From this time forth and forevermore!

Ps 113:3 From the rising of the sun to its going down The LORD'S name is to be praised.

Ps 113:4 The LORD is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens.

Ps 113:5 Who is like the LORD our God, Who dwells on high,

Ps 113:6 Who humbles Himself to behold The things that are in the heavens and in the earth?

Ps 113:7 He raises the poor out of the dust, And lifts the needy out of the ash heap,

Ps 113:8 That He may seat him with princes-With the princes of His people.

Ps 113:9 He grants the barren woman a home, Like a joyful mother of children. Praise the LORD!

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An exhortation to praise God.
 
- God has praise from his own people. They have most reason to praise him; for those who attend him as his servants, know him best, and receive most of his favours, and it is easy, pleasant work to speak well of their Master. God's name ought to be praised in every place, from east to west. Within this wide space the Lord's name is to be praised; it ought to be so, though it is not. Ere long it will be, when all nations shall come and worship before him. God is exalted above all blessing and praise. We must therefore say, with holy admiration, Who is like unto the Lord our God? How condescending in him to behold the things in the earth! And what amazing condescension was it for the Son of God to come from heaven to earth, and take our nature upon him, that he might seek and save those that were lost! How vast his love in taking upon him the nature of man, to ransom guilty souls! God sometimes makes glorious his own wisdom and power, when, having some great work to do, he employs those least likely, and least thought of for it by themselves or others. The apostles were sent from fishing to be fishers of men. And this is God's constant method in his kingdom of grace. He takes men, by nature beggars, and even traitors, to be his favourites, his children, kings and priests unto him; and numbers them with the princes of his chosen people. He gives us all our comforts, which are generally the more welcome when long delayed, and no longer expected. Let us pray that those lands which are yet barren, may speedily become fruitful, and produce many converts to join in praising the Lord.

Ps 114:1 ¶ When Israel went out of Egypt, The house of Jacob from a people of strange language,

Ps 114:2 Judah became His sanctuary, And Israel His dominion.

Ps 114:3 The sea saw it and fled; Jordan turned back.

Ps 114:4 The mountains skipped like rams, The little hills like lambs.

Ps 114:5 What ails you, O sea, that you fled? O Jordan, that you turned back?

Ps 114:6 O mountains, that you skipped like rams? O little hills, like lambs?

Ps 114:7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, At the presence of the God of Jacob,

Ps 114:8 Who turned the rock into a pool of water, The flint into a fountain of waters.

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An exhortation to fear God.
 
- Let us acknowledge God's power and goodness in what he did for Israel, applying it to that much greater work of wonder, our redemption by Christ; and encourage ourselves and others to trust in God in the greatest straits. When Christ comes for the salvation of his people, he redeems them from the power of sin and Satan, separates them from an ungodly world, forms them to be his people, and becomes their King. There is no sea, no Jordan, so deep, so broad, but, when God's time is come, it shall be divided and driven back. Apply this to the planting the Christian church in the world. What ailed Satan and his idolatries, that they trembled as they did? But especially apply it to the work of grace in the heart. What turns the stream in a regenerate soul? What affects the lusts and corruptions, that they fly back; that prejudices are removed, and the whole man becomes new? It is at the presence of God's Spirit. At the presence of the Lord, not only mountains, but the earth itself may well tremble, since it has lain under a curse for man's sin. As the Israelites were protected, so they were provided for by miracles; such was that fountain of waters into which the flinty rock was turned, and that rock was Christ. The Son of God, the Rock of ages, gave himself to death, to open a fountain to wash away sins, and to supply believers with waters of life and consolation; and they need not fear that any blessing is too great to expect from his love. But let sinners fear before their just and holy Judge. Let us now prepare to meet our God, that we may have boldness before him at his coming.

Ps 115:1 ¶ Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, But to Your name give glory, Because of Your mercy, Because of Your truth.

Ps 115:2 Why should the Gentiles say, "So where is their God?"

Ps 115:3 But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.

Ps 115:4 Their idols are silver and gold, The work of men's hands.

Ps 115:5 They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see;

Ps 115:6 They have ears, but they do not hear; Noses they have, but they do not smell;

Ps 115:7 They have hands, but they do not handle; Feet they have, but they do not walk; Nor do they mutter through their throat.

Ps 115:8 Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them.

Ps 115:9 ¶ O Israel, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their shield.

Ps 115:10 O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their shield.

Ps 115:11 You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their shield.

Ps 115:12 The LORD has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron.

Ps 115:13 He will bless those who fear the LORD, Both small and great.

Ps 115:14 May the LORD give you increase more and more, You and your children.

Ps 115:15 May you be blessed by the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.

Ps 115:16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S; But the earth He has given to the children of men.

Ps 115:17 The dead do not praise the LORD, Nor any who go down into silence.

Ps 115:18 But we will bless the LORD From this time forth and forevermore. Praise the LORD!

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Glory to be ascribed to God. (1-8)

1-8 Let no opinion of our own merits have any place in our prayers or in our praises. All the good we do, is done by the power of his grace; and all the good we have, is the gift of his mere mercy, and he must have all the praise. Are we in pursuit of any mercy, and wrestling with God for it, we must take encouragement in prayer from God only. Lord, do so for us; not that we may have the credit and comfort of it, but that thy mercy and truth may have the glory of it. The heathen gods are senseless things. They are the works of men's hands: the painter, the carver, the statuary, can put no life into them, therefore no sense. The psalmist hence shows the folly of the worshippers of idols.

by trusting in him and praising him. (9-18)

 
9-18 It is folly to trust in dead images, but it is wisdom to trust in the living God, for he is a help and a shield to those that trust in him. Wherever there is right fear of God, there may be cheerful faith in him; those who reverence his word, may rely upon it. He is ever found faithful. The greatest need his blessing, and it shall not be denied to the meanest that fear him. God's blessing gives an increase, especially in spiritual blessings. And the Lord is to be praised: his goodness is large, for he has given the earth to the children of men for their use. The souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the burdens of the flesh, are still praising him; but the dead body cannot praise God: death puts an end to our glorifying him in this world of trial and conflict. Others are dead, and an end is thereby put to their service, therefore we will seek to do the more for God. We will not only do it ourselves, but will engage others to do it; to praise him when we are gone. Lord, thou art the only object for faith and love. Help us to praise thee while living and when dying, that thy name may be the first and last upon our lips: and let the sweet savour of thy name refresh our souls for ever.

Ps 116:1 ¶ I love the LORD, because He has heard My voice and my supplications.

Ps 116:2 Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.

Ps 116:3 The pains of death surrounded me, And the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me; I found trouble and sorrow.

Ps 116:4 Then I called upon the name of the LORD: "O LORD, I implore You, deliver my soul!"

Ps 116:5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful.

Ps 116:6 The LORD preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me.

Ps 116:7 Return to your rest, O my soul, For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.

Ps 116:8 For You have delivered my soul from death, My eyes from tears, And my feet from falling.

Ps 116:9 I will walk before the LORD In the land of the living.

Ps 116:10 ¶ I believed, therefore I spoke, "I am greatly afflicted."

Ps 116:11 I said in my haste, "All men are liars."

Ps 116:12 What shall I render to the LORD For all His benefits toward me?

Ps 116:13 I will take up the cup of salvation, And call upon the name of the LORD.

Ps 116:14 I will pay my vows to the LORD Now in the presence of all His people.

Ps 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints.

Ps 116:16 O LORD, truly I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have loosed my bonds.

Ps 116:17 I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, And will call upon the name of the LORD.

Ps 116:18 I will pay my vows to the LORD Now in the presence of all His people,

Ps 116:19 In the courts of the LORD'S house, In the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!

MHCC

The psalmist declares his love to the Lord. (1-9)

1-9 We have many reasons for loving the Lord, but are most affected by his loving-kindness when relieved out of deep distress. When a poor sinner is awakened to a sense of his state, and fears that he must soon sink under the just wrath of God, then he finds trouble and sorrow. But let all such call upon the Lord to deliver their souls, and they will find him gracious and true to his promise. Neither ignorance nor guilt will hinder their salvation, when they put their trust in the Lord. Let us all speak of God as we have found him; and have we ever found him otherwise than just and good? It is of his mercies that we are not consumed. Let those who labour and are heavy laden come to him, that they may find rest to their souls; and if at all drawn from their rest, let them haste to return, remembering how bountifully the Lord has dealt with them. We should deem ourselves bound to walk as in his presence. It is a great mercy to be kept from being swallowed up with over-much sorrow. It is a great mercy for God to hold us by the right hand, so that we are not overcome and overthrown by a temptation. But when we enter the heavenly rest, deliverance from sin and sorrow will be complete; we shall behold the glory of the Lord, and walk in his presence with delight we cannot now conceive.


His desire to be thankful. (10-19)

 
10-19 When troubled, we do best to hold our peace, for we are apt to speak unadvisedly. Yet there may be true faith where there are workings of unbelief; but then faith will prevail; and being humbled for our distrust of God's word, we shall experience his faithfulness to it. What can the pardoned sinner, or what can those who have been delivered from trouble or distress, render to the Lord for his benefits? We cannot in any way profit him. Our best is unworthy of his acceptance; yet we ought to devote ourselves and all we have to his service. I will take the cup of salvation; I will offer the drink-offerings appointed by the law, in token of thankfulness to God, and rejoice in God's goodness to me. I will receive the cup of affliction; that cup, that bitter cup, which is sanctified to the saints, so that to them it is a cup of salvation; it is a means of spiritual health. The cup of consolation; I will receive the benefits God bestows upon me, as from his hand, and taste his love in them, as the portion not only of mine inheritance in the other world, but of my cup in this. Let others serve what masters they will, truly I am thy servant. Two ways men came to be servants. By birth. Lord, I was born in thy house; I am the son of thine handmaid, and therefore thine. It is a great mercy to be children of godly parents. By redemption. Lord, thou hast loosed my bonds, thou hast discharged me from them, therefore I am thy servant. The bonds thou hast loosed shall tie me faster unto thee. Doing good is sacrifice, with which God is well pleased; and this must accompany giving thanks to his name. Why should we offer that to the Lord which cost us nothing? The psalmist will pay his vows now; he will not delay the payment: publicly, not to make a boast, but to show he is not ashamed of God's service, and to invite others to join him. Such are true saints of God, in whose lives and deaths he will be glorified.

Ps 117:1 ¶ Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!

Ps 117:2 For His merciful kindness is great toward us, And the truth of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!

MHCC

All people called upon to praise God.
 
- Here is a solemn call to all nations to praise the Lord, and proper matter for that praise is suggested. We are soon weary of well-doing, if we keep not up the pious and devout affections with which the spiritual sacrifice of praise ought to be kindled and kept burning. This is a gospel psalm. The apostle, Ro 15:11, quotes it as a proof that the gospel was to be preached to the Gentile nations, and that it would be entertained by them. For many ages, in Judah only was God known, and his name praised; this call was not then given to any Gentiles. But the gospel of Christ is ordered to be preached to all nations, and by him those that were afar off are made nigh. We are among the persons to whom the Holy Spirit here speaks, whom he calls upon to join his ancient people in praising the Lord. Grace has thus abounded to millions of perishing sinners. Let us then listen to the offers of the grace of God, and pray for that time when all nations of the earth shall show forth his praises. And let us bless God for the unsearchable riches of gospel grace.

Ps 118:1 ¶ Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Ps 118:2 Let Israel now say, "His mercy endures forever."

Ps 118:3 Let the house of Aaron now say, "His mercy endures forever."

Ps 118:4 Let those who fear the LORD now say, "His mercy endures forever."

Ps 118:5 I called on the LORD in distress; The LORD answered me and set me in a broad place.

Ps 118:6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

Ps 118:7 The LORD is for me among those who help me; Therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me.

Ps 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man.

Ps 118:9 It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in princes.

Ps 118:10 All nations surrounded me, But in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

Ps 118:11 They surrounded me, Yes, they surrounded me; But in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

Ps 118:12 They surrounded me like bees; They were quenched like a fire of thorns; For in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

Ps 118:13 You pushed me violently, that I might fall, But the LORD helped me.

Ps 118:14 The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.

Ps 118:15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation Is in the tents of the righteous; The right hand of the LORD does valiantly.

Ps 118:16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted; The right hand of the LORD does valiantly.

Ps 118:17 I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the LORD.

Ps 118:18 The LORD has chastened me severely, But He has not given me over to death.

Ps 118:19 ¶ Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, And I will praise the LORD.

Ps 118:20 This is the gate of the LORD, Through which the righteous shall enter.

Ps 118:21 I will praise You, For You have answered me, And have become my salvation.

Ps 118:22 The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.

Ps 118:23 This was the LORD'S doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.

Ps 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Ps 118:25 Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity.

Ps 118:26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD.

Ps 118:27 God is the LORD, And He has given us light; Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.

Ps 118:28 You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God, I will exalt You.

Ps 118:29 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

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It is good to trust in the Lord. (1-18)

1-18 The account the psalmist here gives of his troubles is very applicable to Christ: many hated him without a cause; nay, the Lord himself chastened him sorely, bruised him, and put him to grief, that by his stripes we might be healed. God is sometimes the strength of his people, when he is not their song; they have spiritual supports, though they want spiritual delights. Whether the believer traces back his comfort to the everlasting goodness and mercy of God, or whether he looks forward to the blessing secured to him, he will find abundant cause for joy and praise. Every answer to our prayers is an evidence that the Lord is on our side; and then we need not fear what man can do unto us; we should conscientiously do our duty to all, and trust in him alone to accept and bless us. Let us seek to live to declare the works of God, and to encourage others to serve him and trust in him. Such were the triumphs of the Son of David, in the assurance that the good pleasure of the Lord should prosper in his hand


The coming of Christ in his kingdom. (19-29)


19-29 Those who saw Christ's day at so great a distance, saw cause to praise God for the prospect. The prophecy, ver. 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.

Friends, due to the lengthiness of Psalm 119, I will be posting it in small portions.


Ps 119:1 ¶  Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the LORD!

Ps 119:2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart!

Ps 119:3 They also do no iniquity; They walk in His ways.

Ps 119:4 ¶ You have commanded us To keep Your precepts diligently.

Ps 119:5 Oh, that my ways were directed To keep Your statutes!

Ps 119:6 Then I would not be ashamed, When I look into all Your commandments.

Ps 119:7 ¶ I will praise You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments.

Ps 119:8 I will keep Your statutes; Oh, do not forsake me utterly!

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 The general scope and design of this psalm is to magnify the Divine law, and make it honourable. There are ten words by which Divine revelation is called in this psalm, and each expresses what God expects from us, and what we may expect from him.
 
1. God's law; this is enacted by him as our Sovereign. 2. His way; this is the rule of his providence. 3. His testimonies; they are solemnly declared to the world. 4. His commandments; given with authority. 5. His precepts; not left as indifferent matters to us. 6. His word, or saying; it is the declaration of his mind. 7. His judgments; framed in infinite wisdom. 8. His righteousness; it is the rule and standard of what is right. 9. His statutes; they are always binding. 10. His truth or faithfulness; it is eternal truth, it shall endure for ever.
 
  1-8 This psalm may be considered as the statement of a believer's experience. As far as our views, desires, and affections agree with what is here expressed, they come from the influences of the Holy Spirit, and no further. The pardoning mercy of God in Christ, is the only source of a sinner's happiness. And those are most happy, who are preserved most free from the defilement of sin, who simply believe God's testimonies, and depend on his promises. If the heart be divided between him and the world, it is evil. But the saints carefully avoid all sin; they are conscious of much evil that clogs them in the ways of God, but not of that wickedness which draws them out of those ways. The tempter would make men think they are at liberty to follow the word of God or not, as they please. But the desire and prayer of a good man agree with the will and command of God. If a man expects by obedience in one thing to purchase indulgence for disobedience in others, his hypocrisy will be detected; if he is not ashamed in this world, everlasting shame will be his portion. The psalmist coveted to learn the laws of God, to give God the glory. And believers see that if God forsakes them, the temper will be too hard for them.

Ps 119:9 ¶ How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.

Ps 119:10 ¶ With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!

Ps 119:11 ¶ Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You!

Ps 119:12 ¶ Blessed are You, O LORD! Teach me Your statutes!

Ps 119:13 ¶ With my lips I have declared All the judgments of Your mouth.

Ps 119:14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches.

Ps 119:15 I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways.

Ps 119:16 I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.

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9-16 To original corruption all have added actual sin. The ruin of the young is either living by no rule at all, or choosing false rules: let them walk by Scripture rules. To doubt of our own wisdom and strength, and to depend upon God, proves the purpose of holiness is sincere. God's word is treasure worth laying up, and there is no laying it up safe but in our hearts, that we may oppose God's precepts to the dominion of sin, his promises to its allurements, and his threatenings to its violence. Let this be our plea with Him to teach us his statutes, that, being partakers of his holiness, we may also partake of his blessedness. And those whose hearts are fed with the bread of life, should with their lips feed many. In the way of God's commandments there is the unsearchable riches of Christ. But we do not meditate on God's precepts to good purpose, unless our good thoughts produce good works. I will not only think of thy statutes, but do them with delight. And it will be well to try the sincerity of our obedience by tracing the spring of it; the reality of our love by cheerfulness in appointed duties.

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Ps 119:17 ¶ Deal bountifully with Your servant, That I may live and keep Your word.

Ps 119:18 ¶ Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law.

Ps 119:19 ¶ I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me.

Ps 119:20 ¶ My soul breaks with longing For Your judgments at all times.

Ps 119:21 ¶ You rebuke the proud-the cursed, Who stray from Your commandments.

Ps 119:22 ¶ Remove from me reproach and contempt, For I have kept Your testimonies.

Ps 119:23 ¶ Princes also sit and speak against me, But Your servant meditates on Your statutes.

Ps 119:24 ¶ Your testimonies also are my delight And my counselors.

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17-24 If God deals in strict justice with us, we all perish. We ought to spend our lives in his service; we shall find true life in keeping his word. Those that would see the wondrous things of God's law and gospel, must beg him to give them understanding, by the light of his Spirit. Believers feel themselves strangers on earth; they fear missing their way, and losing comfort by erring from God's commandments. Every sanctified soul hungers after the word of God, as food which there is no living without. There is something of pride at the bottom of every wilful sin. God can silence lying lips; reproach and contempt may humble and do us good, and then they shall be removed. Do we find the weight of the cross is above that we are able to bear? He that bore it for us will enable us to bear it; upheld by him we cannot sink. It is sad when those who should protect the innocent, are their betrayers. The psalmist went on in duty, and he found comfort in the word of God. The comforts of the word of God are most pleasant to a gracious soul, when other comforts are made bitter; and those that would have God's testimonies to be their delight, must be advised by them. May the Lord direct us in exercising repentance of sin, and faith in Christ.

Ps 119:25 ¶ My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word.

Ps 119:26 ¶ I have declared my ways, and You answered me; Teach me Your statutes.

Ps 119:27 Make me understand the way of Your precepts; So shall I meditate on Your wondrous works.

Ps 119:28 ¶ My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your word.

Ps 119:29 Remove from me the way of lying, And grant me Your law graciously.

Ps 119:30 ¶ I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me.

Ps 119:31 I cling to Your testimonies; O LORD, do not put me to shame!

Ps 119:32 I will run the course of Your commandments, For You shall enlarge my heart.

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25-32 While the souls of the children of this world cleave to the earth as their portion, the children of light are greatly burdened, because of the remains of carnal affections in their hearts. It is unspeakable comfort to a gracious soul, to think with what tenderness all its complaints are received by a gracious God. We can talk of the wonders of redeeming love, when we understand the way of God's precepts, and walk in that way. The penitent melts in sorrow for sin: even the patient spirit may melt in the sense of affliction, it is then its interest to pour out its soul before God. The way of lying means all false ways by which men deceive themselves and others, or are deceived by Satan and his instruments. Those who know and love the law of the Lord, desire to know it more, and love it better. The way of serious godliness is the way of truth; the only true way to happiness: we must always have actual regard to it. Those who stick to the word of God, may in faith expect and pray for acceptance with God. Lord, never leave me to do that by which I shall shame myself, and do not thou reject my services. Those that are going to heaven, should still press forward. God, by his Spirit, enlarges the hearts of his people when he gives them wisdom. The believer prays to be set free from sin.

Ps 119:33 ¶ Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes,

Ps 119:34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

Ps 119:35 ¶ Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it.

Ps 119:36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies, And not to covetousness.

Ps 119:37 ¶ Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way.

Ps 119:38 ¶ Establish Your word to Your servant, Who is devoted to fearing You.

Ps 119:39 ¶ Turn away my reproach which I dread, For Your judgments are good.

Ps 119:40 ¶ Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me in Your righteousness.

MHCC

 
33-40 Teach me thy statutes, not the mere words, but the way of applying them to myself. God, by his Spirit, gives a right understanding. But the Spirit of revelation in the word will not suffice, unless we have the Spirit of wisdom in the heart. God puts his Spirit within us, causing us to walk in his statutes. The sin here prayed against is covetousness. Those that would have the love of God rooted in them, must get the love of the world rooted out; for the friendship of the world is enmity with God. Quicken me in thy way; to redeem time, and to do every duty with liveliness of spirit. Beholding vanity deadens us, and slackens our pace; a traveller must not stand gazing upon every object that presents itself to his view. The promises of God's word greatly relate to the preservation of the true believer. When Satan has drawn a child of God into worldly compliances, he will reproach him with the falls into which he led him. Victory must come from the cross of Christ. When we enjoy the sweetness of God's precepts, it will make us long for more acquaintance with them. And where God has wrought to will, he will work to do.

Ps 119:41 ¶ Let Your mercies come also to me, O LORD-Your salvation according to Your word.

Ps 119:42 So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word.

Ps 119:43 ¶ And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I have hoped in Your ordinances.

Ps 119:44 So shall I keep Your law continually, Forever and ever.

Ps 119:45 ¶ And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts.

Ps 119:46 I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, And will not be ashamed.

Ps 119:47 And I will delight myself in Your commandments, Which I love.

Ps 119:48 My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, Which I love, And I will meditate on Your statutes.

MHCC

41-48 Lord, I have by faith thy mercies in view; let me by prayer prevail to obtain them. And when the salvation of the saints is completed, it will plainly appear that it was not in vain to trust in God's word. We need to pray that we may never be afraid or ashamed to own God's truths and ways before men. And the psalmist resolves to keep God's law, in a constant course of obedience, without backsliding. The service of sin is slavery; the service of God is liberty. There is no full happiness, or perfect liberty, but in keeping God's law. We must never be ashamed or afraid to own our religion. The more delight we take in the service of God, the nearer we come to perfection. Not only consent to his law as good, but take pleasure in it as good for us. Let me put forth all the strength I have, to do it. Something of this mind of Christ is in every true disciple.

Ps 119:49 ¶ Remember the word to Your servant, Upon which You have caused me to hope.

Ps 119:50 ¶ This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life.

Ps 119:51 ¶ The proud have me in great derision, Yet I do not turn aside from Your law.

Ps 119:52 ¶ I remembered Your judgments of old, O LORD, And have comforted myself.

Ps 119:53 ¶ Indignation has taken hold of me Because of the wicked, who forsake Your law.

Ps 119:54 ¶ Your statutes have been my songs In the house of my pilgrimage.

Ps 119:55 ¶ I remember Your name in the night, O LORD, And I keep Your law.

Ps 119:56 This has become mine, Because I kept Your precepts.

MHCC


49-56 Those that make God's promises their portion, may with humble boldness make them their plea. He that by his Spirit works faith in us, will work for us. The word of God speaks comfort in affliction. If, through grace, it makes us holy, there is enough in it to make us easy, in all conditions. Let us be certain we have the Divine law for what we believe, and then let not scoffers prevail upon us to decline from it. God's judgments of old comfort and encourage us, for he is still the same. Sin is horrible in the eyes of all that are sanctified. Ere long the believer will be absent from the body, and present with the Lord. In the mean time, the statutes of the Lord supply subjects for grateful praise. In the season of affliction, and in the silent hours of the night, he remembers the name of the Lord, and is stirred up to keep the law. All who have made religion the first thing, will own that they have been unspeakable gainers by it.

Ps 119:57 ¶ You are my portion, O LORD; I have said that I would keep Your words.

Ps 119:58 ¶ I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; Be merciful to me according to Your word.

Ps 119:59 ¶ I thought about my ways, And turned my feet to Your testimonies.

Ps 119:60 I made haste, and did not delay To keep Your commandments.

Ps 119:61 ¶ The cords of the wicked have bound me, But I have not forgotten Your law.

Ps 119:62 ¶ At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, Because of Your righteous judgments.

Ps 119:63 ¶ I am a companion of all who fear You, And of those who keep Your precepts.

Ps 119:64 ¶ The earth, O LORD, is full of Your mercy; Teach me Your statutes.

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57-64 True believers take the Lord for the portion of their inheritance, and nothing less will satisfy them. The psalmist prayed with his whole heart, knowing how to value the blessing he prayed for: he desired the mercy promised, and depended on the promise for it. He turned from by-paths, and returned to God's testimonies. He delayed not. It behooves sinners to hasten to escape; and the believer will be equally in haste to glorify God. No care or grief should take away God's word out of our minds, or hinder the comfort it bestows. There is no situation on earth in which a believer has not cause to be thankful. Let us feel ashamed that others are more willing to keep from sleep to spend the time in sinful pleasures, than we are to praise God. And we should be more earnest in prayer, that our hearts may be filled with his mercy, grace, and peace.

Ps 119:65 ¶ You have dealt well with Your servant, O LORD, according to Your word.

Ps 119:66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, For I believe Your commandments.

Ps 119:67 ¶ Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word.

Ps 119:68 ¶ You are good, and do good; Teach me Your statutes.

Ps 119:69 ¶ The proud have forged a lie against me, But I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart.

Ps 119:70 Their heart is as fat as grease, But I delight in Your law.

Ps 119:71 ¶ It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.

Ps 119:72 ¶ The law of Your mouth is better to me Than thousands of coins of gold and silver.