Psalms

[airIam2worship]

Psalm 67

A hymn here meets us earnest in prayer, bright in prospects, shining in prophecies, glorious in anticipations. Hope gazes with delight on the fullness of the Gentiles—on the consequent ingathering of the Jews, and all the glories of the second Advent. May we here find a subject for our supplications—a theme for rejoicing hope!

1-2. "God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause His face to shine upon us. That Your way may be known upon earth, Your saving health among all nations."

 We rightly use the promises of God when we turn them into earnest prayer. We cannot doubt that we pursue a track which leads to all riches of fulfillment, when our lips plead that God would do unto us according to His word. Often are we assured that God is rich in mercy unto His people, and that His blessing is their promised heritage. How earnestly, then, and joyfully may we put God in remembrance, and plead with Him to be merciful unto us, and to bless us, and to lift up upon us the light of His countenance, and to cause the shining of His smile to beam around us.

But such prayer should not be limited to our own joys only. It should enfold in its embrace the whole family of man. Our supplications should beseech Him to look beyond our own needs, and to make known throughout the world His purpose, His will, His grace, His love, His design in sending Jesus to assume our flesh, His covenant of everlasting peace in Him. But such prayer lacks the essence of sincerity if it evaporates in word only, and makes no effort to secure fulfillment. How vain to pray and not to labor in the missionary cause!

3-4. "Let the people praise You, O God; let all the people praise You. O let the nations be glad, and sing for joy; for You shall judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth."

What a glorious prospect here rises to our view! What joy and gladness animate the scene! What sound prevails? It is the praises of our God. Where issue forth these precious notes? Not from one heart only; not from one family only, but from all who throng the earth. From every climate, from every nation, from all who breathe the breath of life, adoration is uplifted. "Let the people praise You, O God, let all the people praise You." How earnestly should we pray, 'Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly, and establish this reign of universal gladness. For then shall all nations sing for joy.'

How abundant will be the cause of this thanksgiving. The blessed Jesus shall sit upon the throne of His kingdom. His happy subjects shall adore Him as King of kings and Lord of lords. His rule shall be righteousness. The laws of His empire shall be perfect holiness. Sin, with all its miseries, shall be cast out. Its hideous features shall be no more seen. Nothing shall appear which shall mar the happiness of all the rejoicing subjects. The tabernacle of God shall be with them. The purposes of redeeming love shall be fully manifested. A righteous King shall govern righteous subjects. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly."

5-7. "Let the people praise You, O God; let all the people praise You. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him."

Again and again shall prayer ascend for the ingathering of the Gentiles into the fold of Christ. The blessing is promised, and no rest should be given until the happy consummation comes, and the fullness of these new subjects shall be as life from the dead to the expectant world. Then, as when renewed fertility crowns the surface of the earth with goodness, so every token of joy and blessedness shall be seen throughout the world's length and breadth. "God shall bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him." Who can conceive the blessings which Christ Jesus bestows on His ransomed heritage? How can we adequately love and bless and praise and adore Him! Let us go forth in faith, and ponder the coming wonders of His reign. Let our lips often cry, "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly."

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Psalm 68

Happy was the occasion of this hymn. David was permitted to see the joyful day when the ark, the type of the blessed Jesus, was brought to its resting-place in Zion. It was a fit occasion for joy and gladness; and joy and gladness were largely manifested. The hymn thus used looks back to the history, and looks onward to the time when Jesus, having subdued all foes, ascends in triumph to the heaven of heavens. God's mercies are throughout abundantly proclaimed. May we realize these mercies, and call upon our every faculty to give praise!

1-3. "Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered; let those also who hate Him flee before Him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God; yes, let them exceedingly rejoice."

God's glory is most dear to all His people. It is their anguish when His name is blasphemed and His cause reviled. Therefore their constant aspiration that God would arise and gird Himself with strength, and drive His foes into perdition. The prayer continually goes up that this ruin may be complete. Let smoke ascend in thick clouds and darken all the view. Let now a breeze arise; the mass immediately dissolves, and vanishes from sight. So let the enemies of God be driven into nothingness. As the wax seems to be a solid mass, but instantly dissolves and flows away when heat is applied, so let these enemies melt and be nowhere found; but let the righteous rejoice in God's gladdening favor; let there be no bounds to their exulting praise.

4-6. "Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the LORD— rejoice in his presence! Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But for rebels, there is only famine and distress."

How abundant are the topics of our praise! Who can reach the heights—who can fathom the depths—who can measure the infinitudes of the incommunicable name, Jehovah! This tells His glory as the cause of His own being, as the giver of life to all who live. Above the heaven of heavens He sits, thus surpassing all thoughts of glory. We cannot praise Him according to His greatness, but let us praise Him according to our abilities. But though He is thus infinitely great, He condescends to look in pity on the feeblest and weakest of our race; He supplies parental support to poor orphans; He does not permit the widow to be oppressed; He causes the inmates of the house to rejoice in happy fellowship, and mutually to supply each other's need; He delivers from captivity those who have been bound with fetters, and leads forth His people from Egyptian bondage.

7-8. "O God, when You went forth before Your people, when You marched through the wilderness; the earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God; even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel."

It is faith's happy exercise to fly back and ponder all God's gracious dealings from the birth of time. On all there is inscribed the evidence of His gracious care. All His attributes are manifested planning and executing mercies for His people. In the work past we have assurance of His present care and of His never-failing providence. He who loved the fathers of our family still loves with the same love, and will love forever. The Psalmist reverts to God's wondrous goodness as He preceded His people through the wilderness. The redemption from Egypt's bondage is a pledge of our redemption from the captivity of sin and Satan. The awesome marvels displayed on Sinai, when the Mount trembled, and terror shook all hearts, teach us to this day to regard with awe the majesty of our God.

9-10. "You, O God, sent a plentiful rain, whereby You confirmed Your inheritance, when it was weary. Your congregation has dwelt therein; You, O God, have prepared of Your goodness for the poor."

Did God supply the need of the camp? Did manna never cease to fall and the stream to trickle? So to the present hour His bounty sustains and replenishes His people. They may be poor and needy, but the Lord thinks on them, and makes preparation for them.

11-12. "The Lord gave the word; great was the company of those who published it. Kings of armies fled apace; and she who tarried at home divided the spoil."

It is not the Lord's will that His goodness should be disregarded or unacknowledged. Therefore in every age He has raised up faithful men to bear record of His grace and love. How earnestly should we pray that He would supply a band of faithful ministers, and give them the tidings that they should proclaim. Then all enemies will flee, and the weakest will be enriched with spoil.

13-14. "Though they lived among the sheepfolds, now they are covered with silver and gold, as a dove is covered by its wings. The Almighty scattered the enemy kings like a blowing snowstorm on Mount Zalmon."

The Lord's people sometimes lie in depths of degradation, and their hands are soiled by servile work. In Egypt the children of Israel were debased to the drudgery of the lowest slaves; but the time of vile service passed away, and they shone brightly as the honored and admired upon earth. They changed their garbs of degradation for the splendor of magnificent estate. When in Canaan, God appeared in their behalf, and the frightened kings fled in vain for concealment; then they shone forth arrayed in panoply of royal state; the snow-capped mountain glittering beneath the sun's rays was an emblem of their high supremacy. Believers now may be poorly clad in clothing of corruption; but yet a little while, and their corruptible shall put on incorruption, and they shall shine arrayed in glory far brighter than the sun in his strength.

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15-16. "The majestic mountains of Bashan stretch high into the sky. Why do you look with envy, O rugged mountains, at Mount Zion, where God has chosen to live, where the Lord himself will live forever?"

Zion is here presented to admiration as far surpassing in beauty all surrounding heights. This Zion is a type of the Church of Christ. Where shall we find words to commend its all-surpassing beauty? It is beautified with the glories of salvation, and shines as the chosen, the beloved, the honored of the Lord. How utterly vain is the self-exaltation of other institutions! how contemptible their puny efforts to aggrandize themselves! They are of the earth and earthy, and with the earth shall be laid low. The Church is of heaven and heavenly. It is the chosen abode of God. God is in the midst of her, therefore she shall not be moved. He dwells forever in her as His favored abode. Never will He leave her or desert her. Salvation is her walls and bulwarks. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but God will rest forever in His loved abode.

17-18. "The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels; the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place. You have ascended on high, You have led captivity captive; You have received gifts for men; yes, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them."

The terrors of Sinai are an instructive study. God is represented as moving in majestic procession, attended by countless hosts of angels. Let us clasp to our hearts the precious knowledge that He sends forth these spirits to be our constant guardians and to minister to our protection. The ark ascending Zion's hill has a prophetic voice. It foreshadows our Jesus returning to take His seat at God's right hand, the mighty Conqueror over sin and death and hell, and all the legion who had fought against Him. The cruel enemy who had subjugated man is dragged as a captive fast bound to our Lord's victorious chariot. The Conqueror receives for His people the gifts and graces which He had so gloriously won; He pours down sanctifying graces into His people's hearts, that so their hearts may be a fit abode for the indwelling God.

19-23. "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. He who is our God is the God of salvation; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death. But God shall wound the head of His enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goes on still in his trespasses. The Lord said, I will bring again from Bashan; I will bring my people again from the depths of the sea; that your foot may be dipped in the blood of your enemies, and the tongue of your dogs in the same."

The goodness of our God each day heaps blessings on us so vast that we can scarcely bear the load; for each, responsive thanks should swell to heaven. His crowning blessing is eternal salvation and deliverance from the grasp of death. Let us study the title—"God of our salvation." Let us study the blessing—Escape from "the issues of death." But while His people thus live and are thus saved, what terrors overwhelm the wretched multitudes who reject His offers of pardon and of life! What dreadful images predict their doom!

24-25. "They have seen Your goings, O God; even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary. The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels."

The grand design of public ordinances is here commended. The ways and works of God are openly proclaimed. His character is displayed. True worship should exhibit God in the wonders of His grace and love, His power and glory. We should attend the service of the sanctuary with hearts intent to learn saving lessons of redemption's design and work. Happy the worshiper who retires bearing testimony, 'I have seen the goings of my God, my King.'

Every faculty and every arrangement should be devoted to render due praise. In the infancy of the Church external rites were diligently used to teach the truth that devotion should engage all our powers. Now that the true light shines and symbols have passed away, the essence of true devotion should grow stronger.

26-27. "Bless God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel. There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali."

Happy is the congregation from which true praise ascends to heaven! It is the very foretaste of heaven, when united voices swell the chorus, and harmony with one heart is raised by delighted crowds. All who spring from the common lineage of Israel are here invited to this blessed work. But the call applies to us; for if we are Christ's, then we are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Let us obey, and bless the Lord in the assemblies of His people. In this happy service all the families of man should join. The tribes were all assembled to bring the ark with all rejoicing to the hill of Zion. So all ranks, all stations, all degrees should gladly join in publicly ascribing honor to our God.

28. "Your God has commanded your strength; strengthen, O God, that which You have wrought for us."

The covenant of grace contains all things needful for the Church's well-being. The command is therein registered, that strength for all service and all work should surely abound. It is our privilege to convert these provisions into prayer. Acceptance surely awaits the petitions which wrestle with God for the performance of His pledged design, and for perfecting the work begun in His servants.

29-31. "Because of Your temple at Jerusalem kings shall bring presents to You. Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, until everyone submit himself with pieces of silver; scatter the people who delight in war. Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God."

The public acknowledgment of God in the services of the temple shall attract extensive attention and awaken general homage. God's power shall subdue all adversaries. The rebels, senseless as creatures of the lowest grade, shall bring tokens of submission. The cruel, who take pleasure in the miseries and carnage of war, shall be dispersed. Potentates from afar shall recognize the supremacy of God, and shall flock to do homage, and to lay their treasures at His feet. Wise indeed are the rulers who reverence the King of kings and Lord of lords, and who rejoice to be His devoted subjects.

32-35. "Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises to the Lord. To Him who rides upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old; look, He sends out His voice, and that a mighty voice. Ascribe strength to God; His excellency is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds. O God, You are awesome out of Your holy places; the God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God."

It is the wisdom as also the duty of the kingdoms of the earth to give glory to God. The exhortation is predictive, and tells of the coming day, when the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of God and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever. All worship of idols, of stocks and stones, shall be cast to the bats, and God shall be adored enthroned in the heaven of heavens, and spreading awe throughout the world by the voice of His thunder. Let all might and power be ascribed to God. Let Him be adored as the giver of all strength to His people. Worthy indeed is He that every voice of every inhabitant of earth should shout from the inmost soul; "Blessed be God!"

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[airIam2worship]

Psalm 69

The Psalmist is involved in intensity of misery. The severest troubles in every form assail him. The downfall of his enemies is foreshadowed, and the conclusion of the hymn is praise.

1-2. "Save me, O God; for the waters have come in to my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing; I have come into deep waters where the floods overflow me."

The picture is exhibited of a drowning man. He sinks in overwhelming waters. There is no standing for his feet. There is no rescue for him from immediate ruin and a watery grave. In this scene of misery we see the man over whom the waves of affliction pitilessly break.

But the picture mainly represents the blessed Jesus. What sorrow ever was like His sorrow when He trod earth's path in human guise! Satan assailed Him with his utmost fury. No rest, no respite was permitted. This arch foe, also, stirred up ungodly men to wound Him with all the darts of malice and of rage. Jesus well knew that 'earth' could bring no help. He looked above, and prayed; "Save me, O God."

3. "I am weary of my crying; my throat is dried; my eyes fail while I wait for my God."

Incessant supplications tested His powers of utterance. He ceased not to pour forth cries. He looked above for support. He watched for replies until His failing eyes were dim.

4-5. "Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; those who would destroy me, being my enemies wrongfully, are mighty; then I restored that which I took not away. O God, You know my foolishness; and my sins are not hidden from You."

Jesus appeals to God that all this enmity, proceeding from such a host of mighty foes, was utterly without a cause. The persecution was wrongful malice. He did no wrong. His work was to render good for evil. He here allows that, though guiltless in Himself, He stood before God as laden with all the follies and all the sins of His people. He received the burden transferred by God to Him, and acknowledged His imputed guilt.

6-8. "Let not those who wait on You, O Lord God of hosts, be ashamed for my sake; let not those who seek You be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel. Because for Your sake I have borne reproach; shame has covered my face. I have become a stranger to my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children."

A new petition is preferred. Its intensity is seen by the strong expressions in which God is invoked; as the Lord God of hosts, clothed with universal power; as the God of Israel, loving His people with everlasting love. The petition is that the righteous who wait on God and seek His face should never be disheartened or cast down by sight of the troubles which were so multiplied. He deeply felt that reproaches were heaped upon Him; but feeling that they arose from His faithfulness to God, He drew encouragement from them in His approaches to the mercy-seat. Reproaches for the cause of God are highest honor. God's smile will more than compensate for all the sneers of man. But it is a grievous trial when those who are brought up in the same home, and are most closely joined by ties of blood, stand apart and evidence their alienation. Jesus knew this trial. His own brethren believed not on Him. The children brought up in His reputed father's house did not uphold Him.

9-12. "For the zeal of your house has eaten me up; and the reproaches of those who reproached You have fallen upon me. When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach. I made sackcloth also my garment; and I became a proverb to them. Those who sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards."

Intensity of zeal for true religion often occasions the derision of the wicked. The disciples remembered this word when they witnessed Christ's indignation in the polluted Temple. How keenly, also, were Christ's feelings moved when He heard His Father's name blasphemed. No pious conduct could check the impious sneer. Every kind of insult met Him. Even those who sat in the seats of justice refrained not their lips from slander, and the very drunkards made Him the jest of their insulting songs. How keen must have been the sufferings of the Lamb of God. Let us do not forget that they were all endured for us.

13. "But as for me, my prayer is unto You, O Lord, in an acceptable time; O God, in the multitude of Your mercy hear me, in the truth of Your salvation."

We draw sweet profit from affliction's cup when prayer is quickened by it, and trouble has no depths from which the face of God may not be seen. Therefore prayer is plied in the assurance that acceptance will not be denied. The time is always acceptable. Answers are always ready when supplications plead the name of Jesus. "He ever lives to make intercession for us." God's mercy, also, and His covenant engagements, are prevailing pleas. Mercy ceases to be mercy, truth fails, if faithful prayer should not be heard.

14-15. "Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink; let me be delivered from those who hate me, and out of the deep waters. Let not the water flood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me."

Troubles are again compared to deep and overwhelming water-floods, but God's helping hand is able to extricate from all the mire and all the depths; and prayer wrestles that this hand would help.

16. "Hear me, O Lord; for Your lovingkindness is good; turn to me according to the multitude of Your tender mercies."

Love is here seen as the source and origin of all God's gracious dealings. He loves, therefore He withholds nothing that is good; He loves, therefore He crowns us with lovingkindness. He has revealed His name as Love. On that name we may rest all our supplications.

His name, also, is Merciful. He is rich in mercy. His mercy reaches unto the heavens. His mercy endures forever. His mercies exceed all number; and as is their number, so is their tenderness. They will never fail, who pray to be dealt with according to the multitude of God's tender mercies.

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17-18. "And hide not Your face from Your servant; for I am in trouble; hear me speedily. Draw near to my soul, and redeem it; deliver me, because of my enemies."

When troubles darken around, it is faith's province to seek the light of God's countenance. If clouds should veil God's smile, trouble would indeed oppress. Faith knows this well, and is earnest for speedy help. If answers have long delay, then affliction is affliction indeed. But faith will follow God with cries, that He would in mercy draw near. It pleads; 'The enemy is near; come quickly to my help.' Such pleading will prevail. For sure is the promise, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."

19. "You have known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonor; my adversaries are all before You."

The believer's heart is comforted by the knowledge that his God is ever by his side. A voice is ever ringing in his ear, "Do not fear not, for I am with you." God's eye surveys his path. His ear receives his every breathing. He marks his every circumstance. All the malevolence of adversaries is clearly known. Therefore help in every hour of need may surely be expected.

20-21. "Reproach has 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. They gave Me also gall for My food; and in My thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink."

But still reproaches inflict painful wounds. Jesus drank this cup. His holy nature would peculiarly feel the painful touch of hellish malice. In our afflictions, also, the sympathy of friends gives sweet relief. This was denied to Jesus. In His deepest woe no human arm was stretched to help Him. The Spirit here takes us distinctly to the Cross. We see the fulfillment of this cruel mockery when, to the parched lips of Jesus, they extended a sponge filled with vinegar, and put it to His mouth. What misery was ever like His misery! But His sufferings were vicarious, and by His stripes we are healed.

22-24. "Let their table become a snare before them; and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap. Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake. Pour out Your indignation upon them, and let Your wrathful anger take hold of them."

The Spirit proceeds to predict the terrible vengeance which must fall upon Christ's foes. The believer reads the terrible decree, and meekly bows his head. He humbly acquiesces in the Lord's predicted wrath. He knows that God is love, and that in love He will do all things well.

Let us turn from the appalling picture, blessing from our hearts our gracious Lord, who saves His people from all the penalties of sin; and, waiting for His return from heaven, "whom God raised from the dead, even Jesus, who delivered us from the wrath to come."

25. "Let their habitation be desolate, and let no one dwell in their tents."

Judas stands as a dreadful monument of the fulfillment of this verse. In his miserable case we learn how surely the predicted wrath will come. There may be respite, but respite is not a full pardon. What God has righteously announced He will most righteously perform. What Truth has uttered shall be truly done. Let the ungodly take warning. The unrighteous shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal. Indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, are the sinner's inevitable doom.

26. "For they persecute Him whom You have smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom You have wounded."

The main feature of their sin is effort to destroy the cause of Christ. It pleased the Lord to bruise Him. He was smitten by the hand of justice for our iniquities; He was wounded for our transgressions; but the malice and hostility of man added great burdens to His crushed spirit. The persecution of Jesus extends to the persecution of all His members. The arresting voice checks Paul in his infuriate career; "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"

27-28. "Add iniquity to their iniquity; and let them not come into Your righteousness. Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous."

It is their miserable case that they are permitted to go on from sin to sin, and thus to fill up the measure of their iniquity. The decree has gone forth, "They are joined to idols; let them alone." No melting word softens their obdurate hearts; no converting grace turns them from the downward path. They never reach the happy land, in which all are clad in the beauties of God's righteousness. Their names cannot be found in the book of the living or in the catalogue of the righteous.

29-30. "But I am poor and sorrowful; let Your salvation, O God, set me up on high. I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving."

Jesus confesses that He stands among men despised and rejected—a very worm, and no man; but He well knew that He would be delivered from the oppressive burden of vicarious suffering, and raised to salvation's highest throne. He looked onward from the day, when His lips uttered humble and mournful prayer, to the day of triumphant gladness, when thanksgiving will be the endless song.

31-32. "This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock which has horns and hoofs. The humble shall see this, and be glad; and your heart shall live that seeks God. For the Lord hears the poor, and despises not His prisoners."

How condescending is the heart of God! The praises of His people are His chosen abode. While formal service without sincerity and warmth finds no acceptance, the voice of thanksgiving fills heaven with grateful fragrance. The humble followers of the Lamb mark such acceptance, and profit by such experience. They see how Jesus was upheld; they see how favor smiles upon His grateful followers; and they rejoice in the joy of their fathers in the faith. Happy are those who seek God, who make His word and will their constant study, and who in their every step follow hard after Him! They shall not be disappointed. Spiritual life shall now uplift them; eternal life shall soon be their glorious crown. For this earnestly have they prayed even in the prison-house of this poor flesh. Their prayer has not been in vain. The Lord has heard them. Their desires have obtained success.

34-36. "Let the heaven and earth praise Him, the seas, and every thing that moves therein; for God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah; that they may dwell there, and have it in possession. The seed also of His servants shall inherit it; and those who love His name shall dwell therein."

In prospect of God's saving mercies to His people, all the universe and every creature that has life is exhorted to abound in praise. But what praise can reach the glories of the prospect? Prosperity shall be granted to the earthly Zion; but such security was but a dim outline of the glories of the New Jerusalem. There the chosen seed shall dwell forever. There those who love His name shall have unending bliss. Their praises shall be vast as eternity, for every moment will give fresh cause for praise.

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[airIam2worship]

Psalm 70

Respite from trouble is not of long duration. The tide flows back with unabated strength. Earnest prayer is the ready refuge; the confusion of foes is confidently expected, and faith looks with undimmed eye for sure deliverance.

1. "Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O Lord."

When perils are urgent, destruction seems at hand. If they are not instantly removed all strength must fail. Unless the storm abates the little bark must soon be a wreck. Unless the devouring wolves are stayed the little lamb cannot escape. Unless returning light should dawn the footsteps will stumble in the darksome course. This sense of imminent destruction urges the Psalmist to be importunate in prayer. Boldness in supplication grows very strong. He prays the Lord to awaken from appearance of indifference—instantly to put forth His strength—without delay to hasten to his rescue. Blessed be God, such importunity is not forbidden—no, rather, it is earnestly encouraged.

2-3. "Let those be ashamed and confounded who seek after my soul; let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, who desire my hurt. Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha!"

The Psalmist clearly saw the wicked malice of his foes. Nothing would satisfy them but to stain their hands in his blood—to take away his life was their one object. He as clearly saw how God could defeat their schemes and lay them low in disappointment and in shame. He spreads this out before his God, "Let them be ashamed and confounded." They were rushing forward in all the fury of malignity, reckoning that success would soon be theirs. The Psalmist's hope was bright, and he appealed to God to turn them backward, and overwhelm them in confusion. He heard their mocking and derision. Their insulting cries were anguish to his heart; but he felt that their noisome sneers and wicked merriment would soon be exchanged for bitterness of woe.

The deliverance of the godly is just as sure as the deliverance of our great Head from the cruel taunts of those who mocked Him in His extremest anguish. They shall shine brightly as the sun in his strength, while the wicked shall cry in vain for rocks and mountains to conceal them.

4. "Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; and let those who love Your salvation say continually, Let God be magnified."

In the extremity of anguish the saint will look beyond his own sad case. The Psalmist prays not for his own deliverance only, but for the joy and gladness of the whole family of faith. This prayer should often swell, also, in our hearts. It will not go forth in vain, for peace and happiness are secured for us in the covenant of grace.

The desire is added, that one note should be full on the lips of those who delight to realize salvation's blessedness. That note should be, Let God be magnified! How can He be praised enough, who has wrought such wonders for us, and who never ceases to bless us and to do us good?

5. "But I am poor and needy; make haste unto me, O God; you are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, make no tarrying."

The sense of need returns, and again the prayer is urged, that God would speedily put forth His mighty arm to save. Confidence is added that God would arise when thus importuned; and the Psalmist avows that he has no other hope of rescue. "You are my help and my deliverer." Surely the God of our salvation will show Himself to be a God ready to extend all needful aid.

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Psalm 71

Weighed down under the burden of his many years, harassed by ingratitude and cruelty, David warmly expresses his unwavering confidence in God. Increasing afflictions seem to fan trust into a brighter blaze. Faith pursues its usual flight to the high throne of grace. May we thus trust, thus pray, and thus be comforted!

1-3. "In You, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be put to confusion. Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape; incline Your ear to me, and save me. Be my strong habitation, where I may continually resort; You have given commandment to save me; for You are my rock and my fortress."

We trust in those of whose love we have undoubted assurance, and of whose gracious dealings we have had much experience. We believe that what has been will be, and that help in time past will continue help unto the end. With what power do these motives awaken trust in God! He has loved us with an everlasting love—a love so mighty and so true, that He gave Jesus to every suffering and every shame, that He might save us and bring us home to Him. Let past days speak. Let the volume of our lives be read. They are all records that His goodness and His mercy, and His providential care, and His sustaining power have never ceased to follow us. These motives urge us to put full trust in Him. Harder than the nether millstone would be our hearts if this trust faltered or decayed.

When we avow this trust in Him, we may firmly clasp the assurance that we shall never sink in shame. Enemies indeed may never cease their vile attacks, but we may appeal to God's faithfulness and truth that He will raise us high above their malice; that He will incline His ear unto us and save us. Faith well knows that it has a high fortress of deliverance in God—an immovable Rock, on which it may take its stand, an abiding dwelling, to which it may always resort. It knows that such refuge is provided in the covenant of grace, that the Father stipulated for full deliverance, and that the Son undertook fully to accomplish the whole work. It draws near, therefore, with the sustaining cry, "You have given commandment to save me."

4-6. "Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked; out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth. By You have I been held up from the womb; You took me out of my mother's womb; My praise shall be continually of You."

In his petition he opens out his grievous trials. He was assailed by wicked and unrighteous and cruel men. They raised the hand of violence against him. They held back no efforts to destroy him. But he was far from hopeless. He knew that God had helped him in former extremities. His opening years had been years of trial and of persecution. In his earliest afflictions he had put all his trust in God, and he had found God to be an all-sufficient help. He looked back to days of infancy, and his earliest memories abounded in tokens of God's goodness. In his present trial, then, praise hastened to his lips, and all despondency vanished in thanksgiving.

7-9. "I am as a wonder unto many; but You are my strong refuge. Let my mouth be filled with Your praise and with Your honor all the day. Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength fails."

The trials and many afflictions of God's servants will often appear strange to the observer. It is a natural conclusion, that if God really befriended, He would drive troubles far away—that if He really loved, the bright shining of His smile would cause all to be bright and joyous around. Such taunt assailed our blessed Lord when He was uplifted on the accursed tree. But the believer knows that such dealings are not inconsistent with eternal love, nor in opposition to the terms of the everlasting covenant. Therefore, in his weakest moments he can appeal to God, "You are my strong refuge." He would give praise to God and ascribe honor to His name at every moment of his time, with every breath of his mouth. But he especially desired that old age might not find desertion. When strength fails and decrepitudes bring low, and energies can no more strive, and strength can no more show the brawny arm, false friends may turn aside with unconcern. Such are not the ways of God. Man's inability is His opportunity to display His power and His love. While God is God, let no believer fear.

10-13. "For my enemies speak against me; and those who lie in wait for my soul take counsel together, saying, God has forsaken him; persecute and take him; for there is no one to deliver him. O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste for my help. Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let those who seek my hurt be covered with reproach and dishonor."

Afflictions come in gloomy guise; they cast dark mantles over the downcast sufferers. The wicked see this, and they vainly think that this depression is desertion. They plot together, and in their ignorance exult that God has forsaken them, that their fortress is laid low, that protection utterly has failed, and that the afflicted are now exposed an easy prey to persecuting rage.

cont

[airIam2worship]

But how different is the sufferer's estimate of his condition. He knows that the cup of anguish is mixed and presented by a Father's hand; his prayer becomes more urgent for speedy deliverance, and that confusion may overwhelm the adversaries. It is no presumption; it is abounding faith to cry, "Do not be far from me; O my God, make haste for my help."

14-18. "But I will hope continually, and will yet praise You more and more. My mouth shall show forth Your righteousness and Your salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof. I will go in the strength of the Lord God; I will make mention of Your righteousness, even of Yours only. O God, You have taught me from my youth; and hitherto have I declared Your wondrous works. Now also, when I am old and grey-headed, O God, forsake me not, until I have shown Your strength unto this generation, and Your power to everyone that is to come."

Afflictions fan the flame of hope; they bring more fuel so the fire will burn more brightly; they add more oil so the flame will not expire. If no trials came, there would be no expectation of relief; if relief were not given, the voice of praise would not so loudly sing.

The Psalmist knew that righteousness and salvation were laid up for him in the covenant of grace, and he resolves that his lips should never cease to give due praise. The mercies of his God exceeded his powers to comprehend, therefore the praises should exceed all powers to calculate. He utterly excluded the thought of power in himself. His every step should be in realizing apprehensions that Omnipotence upheld him. Therefore God's righteousness should be his only confidence and his only song. He could look back on many days, in all of which God's gracious dealings had been his instruction. His constant testimony had been that He whose name was Wonderful had done wonders in his behalf. In this persuasion he implored that God would still be with him in the decrepitudes of age, and help him still to testify that God's power and strength could never fail.

19-21. "Your righteousness also, O God, is very high, who have done great things; O God, who is like You? You, who have shown me great and sore troubles, shall quicken me again, and shall bring me up again from the depths of the earth. You shall increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side."

Who can reach the summit of God's faithful dealings! In height they tower above the heaven of heavens. We mark, and can only humbly adore. O God, who is like You! Lips become mute when they presume to institute comparison. The joy of faith instantly super-abounds. Assurance comes that He who brings His people into great and sore troubles, and lays them in the lowest depths, shall quicken them again. Such resurrection often occurs in the experience of the afflicted, and is an emblem of the glorious change which shall be seen in the great day of the Lord, when death shall be swallowed up in victory.

22-24. "I will also praise You with the psaltery, even Your truth, O my God; I will sing to You with the harp, O Holy One of Israel. My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You; and my soul, which You have redeemed. My tongue also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long; for they are confounded, for they are brought to shame, who seek my hurt."

Resolves to give God thanks become more fervent. All the powers of lip and soul, all the energies of mind and body, all the instruments which are can furnish shall here find delighted exercise. The day will be too short to proclaim the mercies of entire deliverance. Ah! how sad the contrast! While believers thus sing, the adversaries are confounded and brought to shame.

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Psalm 72

This Psalm presents especial grandeur and magnificence. In the first instance we have a description of the glorious reign of Solomon. But this reign soon fades before the sublimities of the reign of Jesus, the glowing words portraying it in a diversity of aspects. An appropriate ascription of glory concludes.

1. "Give the king Your judgments, O God, and Your righteousness to the king's son."

The aged monarch looks with fervent interest on his successor. Well did he know that prosperity must be the gift of God, that no talents or possessions could prevail unless God upheld him. It is a blessed thing to know that every good and perfect gift is from above. David especially supplicates that justice and equity might be the rule of the young monarch's reign, and that all his doings might be ordered by desire to execute God's will.

2-3. "He shall judge Your people with righteousness, and Your poor with judgment. The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness."

The prayer is scarcely uttered before fulfillment is realized. The people are represented as prospering under righteous government—all orders of subordinate officers are represented as conducing to the peace and happiness of the subjects.

But a far greater than Solomon is here. We see our blessed Jesus seated on the throne of David, and wielding the scepter of His righteousness. His scepter indeed is a righteous scepter. All events regulated by Him bring peace and comfort to those who receive Him as their Lord and King. He will so govern that those who hold office in this world shall own His sway, and shall be guided according to His good pleasure to subserve the interests of His cause.

4-5. "He shall judge the poor of the people, He shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor. They shall fear You as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations."

The poor and needy seem to be Christ's especial care. They may have little of the things of earth, but Christ's smile and blessing marks them heirs of all things. Men may oppress them. But this mighty King will break the oppressor's rod.

This prediction finds its grand fulfillment when Jesus triumphs on the cross, and rises from the grave the mighty Conqueror of sin and Satan. The perfecting of His kingdom is next declared. He shall never lack subjects who, while they love Him, still serve with filial reverence. While the world lasts, His kingdom shall abide, and when the world passes away His kingdom shall shine forth in everlasting brightness.

6-7. "He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass; as showers that water the earth. In His days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endures."

A sweet and graphic emblem shows the fertilizing refreshment which His people shall receive. Let the eye look upon the pastures over which the scythe has passed. They seem brought low, they show no sign of fertility. But when the gentle rain descends and genial showers fall, how quickly will vitality spring up, and plenty flourish around. So our great King will visit the depressed hearts of people by His presence, by His Spirit, by His Word. Then sweet revivals shall occur, and grace uplift a joyous head.

The beauties of His kingdom are exceeding great. His people are all righteous, and all the fruits of righteousness abound in them, especially the fruits of peace. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you." The world may be in terrible commotion, but peace sweetly sings in the believer's heart—a peace which passes all understanding, a peace which this world can neither give nor take away. The King of Israel is "the Prince of Peace."

8-9. "He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. Those who dwell in the wilderness shall bow before Him; and His enemies shall lick the dust."

Omnipotence is the property of our great King. His dominion extends precisely as His will directs. Sometimes we seem to fear that His subjects are a little flock. But He has His hidden ones, and He shall see of the travail of His soul and be satisfied. The wildest nations shall be subdued when He is pleased to send His truth into their hearts; and those who oppose His sway shall lie low in shame. Come, Lord Jesus, reign in the midst of Your enemies!

10-11. "The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents; the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him; all nations shall serve Him."

These words receive a striking confirmation in the historian's page. The ships of Tarshish and of the neighboring isles come laden with their treasures to enrich King Solomon. Superabundance has poured in to give supplies to render the Temple the glory of the world. The Queen of Sheba comes in person to render her homage, and her train is splendid with presents from her land.

Thus, also, when Jesus lies a newborn babe at Bethlehem, Magi from the East are guided to His lowly dwelling, and spread their offerings at His feet. In after days Isaiah prolongs this prophecy that kings shall be Your nursing fathers and their queens Your nursing mothers. Does the historian relate that in fulfillment of these words, all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom and that he reigned over all kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt; and shall we doubt that universal sway shall be our Lord's dominion, and that the crown of all shall be assigned to Him?

12-14. "For He shall deliver the needy when he cries; the poor also, and him who has no helper. He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy. He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence; and precious shall their blood be in His sight."

We have here a sweet picture of the peaceful reign of Solomon; benevolent care protected all his subjects; their petitions found him ever ready to give audience; cruelty and oppression were checked, and all injury to them was regarded as the highest crime.

How sweetly do we see Jesus here! His subjects may be low in earthly state, their abode may be in the midst of poverty and need, but no earthly degradation lowers them in His esteem. They all have instant access to Him; and when their cry proclaims their need, His melting heart brings full deliverance. They may be permitted to suffer from deceit and violence, but their souls are safe in His redeeming arms. They may expire amid the martyr's pains, but injury to them is injury to Himself. He keeps them as the apple of His eye.

15-17. "And He shall live, and to Him shall be given of the gold of Sheba; prayer also shall be made for Him continually; and daily shall He be praised. There shall be a handful of corn 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. His name shall endure forever; His name shall be continued as long as the sun; and men shall be blessed in Him; all nations shall call Him blessed."

Other kings grow old; their strength declines, they go down to the grave. David, when he had served his generation, fell on sleep. Not so our glorious King. Immortality is His property—eternal days are the duration of His reign. It is the joy of His willing subjects to present their offerings to Him, and prayer continually encircles His high throne. His subjects, also, shall marvelously increase. The seed of His truth sown in places unlikely to yield fruit shall bring forth abundantly, as corn cast on the top of barren tops of mountains shall sometimes gladden with signs of fertility. The crowded city, also, shall be thronged with converts—they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the watercourses. Ages shall run their course; but while the sun hangs out its glorious light, the name of Jesus shall be magnified, and nations blessed by His favor, upheld by His power, and magnified in His might shall honor Him as the one source of blessedness, and shall adore Him forever as the blessed.

18-19. "Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. And blessed be His glorious name forever; and let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen."

This glorious hymn can have but one conclusion. Doxology must be its end! But how can we praise Him enough to whom alone the wonders of redemption appertain? forever and forever let blessings magnify His glorious name. Throughout the length and breadth of earth may His glory be resplendent! May our grateful hearts respond, "Amen and Amen!"

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Psalm 73

The mind is often sorely tried by seeing the wicked in such great prosperity. Doubts are disposed to rise in reference to God's righteous government. But these doubts soon vanish when His purpose and will are scripturally weighed. An increase of confidence is the happy result.

1. "Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart."

It is sweet happiness to have clear knowledge of the goodness of our God. It should be a frequent prayer that He would make all His goodness pass before us, and that He would proclaim in our hearts His glorious name, especially in the wonders of redemption.

We should, also, mark well our character to see if it be that of the family of His love. They are described as clean of heart. Not only are they clean from all outward stains of evil by the cleansing application of the expiating blood, but they are clean, also, by the mighty indwelling of the Spirit working through the wonders of the Word. "Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken to you."

2-3. "But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."

From the contemplation of God's goodness the Psalmist turns to confession of his own weakness. His steps had been tottering—not firmly set in the narrow way of life—not boldly climbing Zion's upward hill. He had wavered, he had stumbled, he almost had a grievous fall. But what was the occasion of such inconstancy? He saw the ungodly. Prosperity smiled on their path—their cup of happiness seemed to overflow. The Psalmist was staggered. Such dealings seemed inconsistent with God's righteous government.

4-5. "For there are no bands in their death; but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men."

Examples are given of their untroubled course. To many the bed of sickness is a bed of deep distress. Pains and weakness bring sufferings to the declining frame. From such anguish the wicked are sometimes free. They have lived in ease, in ease they now depart. The common lot of trouble has not been theirs. While other men were emptied from vessel to vessel of affliction, they have reposed on the soft pillow of comfort and of peace.

6-7. "Therefore pride compasses them about as a chain; violence covers them as a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness; they have more than heart could wish."

But is such prosperity in itself a blessing? Unsanctified by the grace of God, it really has the character of curse. Elated by their seeming superabundance, they regard themselves as high above their fellow-men. Pride seems to encompass them; violence is the robe in which they strut. Their very appearance indicates luxurious self-indulgence; and their possessions surpass their utmost desires. Such is the state to which prosperity will sink a graceless heart.

8-10. "They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression; they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens; and their tongue walks through the earth. Therefore His people return here; and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them."

There is no check to the workings of their deep-seated corruption. This is evidenced by the proud blasphemy of their words. They openly profess oppression. There are no limits on earth to the outgoings of their presumptuous language. They scale the very heaven of heavens, and madly insult God upon His throne.

11-12. "And they say, How does God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High? Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches."

The Psalmist confesses the evil conclusion which in his weakness he was prone to make. It seemed an easy inference that if God abhorred evil He would not distinguish the wicked by seeming tokens of approval. The increase of their wealth seems an evidence of their being in His favor. But a word is added which unmasks the cheat. They have prosperity indeed, but it is prosperity only in this world. But the world is a vain show. It passes away and the lusts thereof. They in their lifetime "receive their good things."

13-14. "Truly I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning."

We have dreadful warning here that Satan will often urge God's children to form erroneous conclusions. If they listen to his vile suggestions, how erroneously will they view themselves, and God's dealings with the wicked. Aware of the malice and the power of this tempter, let us pray more and more for the enlightening power of the Holy Spirit, and deliverance from the tempter's arts. Without God's light we stumble in dark paths.

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15. "If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of Your children."

The faculties of observation and deduction correct erroneous impressions of God's dealings. The Psalmist feels this, and pauses in his wrong conclusions. He feels that to give utterance to such thoughts would be to impinge against all which God's children in their experience had found.

16-17. "When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me. Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end."

But still he found that providential orderings were a mystery with which unaided reason could not grapple. Reason had no torch to illumine the dark passage, but full knowledge was provided. Let God's people study His ordinances and His revealed Word. In them all knowledge is plainly written. Those who are deeply versed in the declarations of the great Book are the wisest among the children of men. In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. To know Him is to know all things. Thus the Psalmist learned the true end of all this seeming prosperity. The path might be strewn with flowers and charms of beauty, but fearful indeed was the abyss to which it led.

18-20. "Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when one awakes; so, O Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image."

Their path seemed free from peril, and obviously to lead to joy and gladness. But the ground was slippery—there was no sure safety for the feet. We read, "Their feet shall slide in due time." Then what prop will sustain them—what arm will hold them up? No deliverance is near. Downward, downward they descend, like rolling stones from mountain-heights, until they plunge into destruction's gulf.

No time is granted to amend their ways. Terror utterly consumes them; and their sad beginning reaches an inevitable end. The state of the ungodly is at best but a vain dream. So when God comes forth in just displeasure, He shakes them from their vain imaginations, and shows how contemptible were the images of their sleeping hours.

21-22. "Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my spirit. So foolish was I, and ignorant I was as a beast before You."

The Psalmist, fully alive to the folly of his erroneous conclusions, feels bitter grief. We should indeed be pained when we indulge in thoughts not enlightened by the Word. We should open our eyes widely to our folly, and grant that the very brute creation teach us higher wisdom.

23-24. "Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have held me by my right hand. You shall guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory."

But comfort is not gone. Such folly has not drawn down the chastisement of desertion. The believer still adheres to God, and it is his joy to find that God's right hand is extended to hold him up. He is gladdened by the sweet assurance that grace would be his constant guide; that he would hear the voice, "This is the way," when he would turn to the right hand or to the left; and he knew that when the perils of the way were passed, he would have abundant entrance into the kingdom of heaven. His guide on earth would give him welcome at heaven's gate.

25. "Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside You!"

The believer has Jesus for his portion. Can heaven give him more? He rejoices in his superabundant possessions, and counts all things but loss for this inheritance. He who has Christ indeed has all things. He desires no more; for nothing could enlarge his treasure.

26-27. "My flesh and my heart fails; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever. For lo, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who go a whoring from You."

Flesh and heart fail in hours of strong temptation; flesh and heart often fail when death draws near. But the failure is not real. God's strength upholds; and eternal bliss is the sure issue. But then the ungodly lie down in woe.

28. "But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works."

It is the highest wisdom to draw near to God. The promise is sure, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." Let us put all our trust in our Heavenly Father's love, and devote all our time and our powers to show forth the wonders of His gracious works!

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[airIam2worship]

Psalm 74

Hostile invasion had brought ruin into the city. Grim desolation frowns where once the Temple magnificently stood. The outrage of the enemy is plaintively described. Importunity calls upon God to interfere, and confidence is expected that light would arise in darkness.

1-2. "O God, why have You cast us off forever? why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture? Remember Your congregation, which You have purchased of old; the tribe of Your inheritance, which You have redeemed; this Mount Zion, where You have dwelt."

The Psalmist thus writes with mournful eye fixed on the ruined city, and especially on the desolations of the Temple. In bitterness of heart he cries aloud to God. He seems to expostulate, 'Can it be that these miseries signify our final desertion!' The believer thus flies to the mercy-seat when adverse oppression casts him into the depths of grief. Let it be noted in what terms the aid of God is supplicated. His people are depicted as the sheep of His pasture. God is thus reminded of His tender office as the good and great Shepherd, who will never fail to tend His flock, and to protect them from all foes. They are described, also, as the congregation which He had purchased. Can Jesus ever forget the company for whom He shed His precious blood, and whom He bought at such high price out of the hands of their enslaving foes? They are described, moreover, as the portion assigned by the measuring-rod to be His inheritance—the possession which will be His pride and His glory. They are called, moreover, the Mount of His abode. Never will He withdraw His presence. He will always abide in them, and they in Him. Safe indeed must they be who thus can claim an interest in God.

3-4. "Lift up Your feet unto the perpetual desolations, even all that the enemy has done wickedly in the sanctuary. Your enemies roar in the midst of Your congregations; they set up their banners for signs."

The cry is earnest that God would no longer tarry, but advance to view the Temple's sad state. With noisome tumult the insulting foe had burst upon the assembled worshipers, and hostile banners had been erected in most holy places. This wretchedness is spread before the Lord. The feeling is deep that such iniquity would not be permitted to prevail.

5-8. "A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees. But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers. They have cast fire into Your sanctuary; they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of Your name to the ground. They said in their hearts, Let us destroy them together; they have burned up all the synagogues of God in the land."

It is high privilege in any way to be permitted to promote the interests of true religion. Fame rested on those who felled the trees of Lebanon to aid the erection of the Temple. Substance and tools are never better expended than in raising the sanctuary in which God will be worshiped and His name proclaimed. No honor will be theirs whose parsimony expends on luxury and self-indulgence the means which might erect or beautify sanctuaries for holy worship. The Psalmist witnessed the destruction of what piety had raised, and the noble works of former zeal a prey for the devouring flames. But neglect may gradually accomplish what violence may rapidly effect. May such neglect be ever absent from us!

9. "We see not our signs; there is no longer any prophet; neither is there among us any who knows how long."

The eyes of the disconsolate in Jerusalem no longer rested on tokens that God was in their midst. The symbols of His presence had disappeared in smoldering heaps. The voices of accredited ministers no longer spoke in the Lord's name. No cheering predictions gave hope that this misery would soon brighten into former joys. Grievous indeed was such trial. No greater misery can oppress any people than to be deprived of godly teachers.

10-11. "O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? Shall the enemy blaspheme Your name forever? Why do You withdraw Your hand, even Your right hand? pluck it out of Your bosom."

In such extremity of anguish prayer presents a ready refuge. All other help seems utterly to fail. But though the Temple be in ruins, God lives and loves, and is very near. He can repair the ruin; He can revive the services. To Him let approach be made. However hopeless the case may seem, let prayer be made, and all will be well.

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[airIam2worship]

12. "For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth."

When all is desolate, faith brightly sparkles. It sings amid surrounding ruins. It looks above all to God, overruling all things for His glory and His people's good. It is assured that through all the earth, in all events, His people will be safely guarded.

13-15. "You divided the sea by Your strength; You broke the heads of the dragons in the waters. You broke the heads of leviathan in pieces, and gave him to be food to the people inhabiting the wilderness. You cleaved the fountain and the flood; You dried up mighty rivers."

God's wonders of old are the joy and comfort and support of His people in all ages. They read in them His constant love and His unfailing strength. The perils of the Church of old seemed to exclude all hope. But out of the furnace of Egypt He led forth His oppressed people. The sea parted and opened a safe passage for their feet. The monsters of the deep could do no hurt. They perished as the host advanced. The carcasses of mangled foes were cast along the shore. Did waters fail? Did the vast multitude look in vain for means to relieve their thirst? Did the parched wilderness afford no ray of hope? God graciously appeared. He gave the word. The smitten rock opened, and gushing streams flowed forth. He who worked these wonders in olden times, is still the same in tender love, in watchful care, in all-controlling power. He has raised His people from extreme desolation. He still will be their Savior.

16-17. "The day is Yours, the night also is Yours; You have prepared the light and the sun. You have set all the borders of the earth; You have made summer and winter."

The works of creation teach as clearly as the works of providence and grace. In the realm of nature how wondrous are the changes which occur. The day brightly shines, but shadow soon overcasts the scene, and night in thick darkness hides all things from view. Again the morning dawns, the night and shadows flee away, and joy and gladness smile on the face of the awakened world. The wealth and rich luxuriance of summer robes earth with beauty—makes it as Eden's garden of delights, and fills it with the melody of heaven. But bright days shorten—winter comes, and strips the fields and groves and gardens of their bright attire, and binds the babbling streams in fetters of ice. All these changes are the work of God. We are thus taught that changes, also, will mark the course of grace. It may not always be a summer-day. But faith knows that receding summer will return, and winter has its limits. Earth, also, has varying climates. God sets all the borders of the earth. Happy is it to mark His overruling hand, and to know well that He has done and will do all things well.

18. "Remember this, that the enemy has reproached, O Lord, and that the foolish people have blasphemed Your name."

Faith will remind God that the persecution of the godly is war against His kingdom. It will stir up God to bear in mind that His people are His chosen heritage. To touch them is to touch the apple of His eye.

19-23. "O do not deliver the soul of Your turtle-dove to the multitude of the wicked; do not forget the congregation of Your poor forever. Have respect unto the covenant; for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty. O let not the oppressed return ashamed; let the poor and needy praise Your name. Arise, O God, plead Your own cause; remember how the foolish man reproaches You daily. Do not forget the voice of Your enemies; the tumult of those who rise up against You increase continually."

The Church is here set before God under the tender image of a turtle-dove—timid and meek amid scenes of desolation. The gentle bird seems to enlist all sympathies. So God is moved to pity His disconsolate people. The Psalmist concludes with earnest cries for God to arise, to maintain His own cause, to extinguish all the cruelty and oppression of the wicked. Let the conclusion in our hearts be deep assurance that, though distress may be very great, God is still near, and will in due time manifest Himself for their comfort and deliverance.

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Psalm 75

Notes of thanksgiving introduce this hymn. Resolution is professed to minister right government. Promises of renewed praise are added.

1. "Unto You, O God, do we give thanks, unto You do we give thanks; Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near."

It is a joyful exercise to render thanks unto the Lord. Why is not this our main employ? We rob our souls of much delight when lips are silent and not indulging in this happy work. What cause have we for never-ceasing adoration? God's wondrous works in providence and grace are always loudly speaking. Every moment brings new tokens of His loving-kindness—they tell us that He is always near in manifestation of His name, which is the united display of His wisdom, power, and love. Let us draw near to Him in praise. He will draw near to us and cause His presence to be felt.

2. "When I shall receive the congregation I will judge uprightly."

These words can leave no doubt that they proceed from one invested with supreme authority. A throne was his seat, a scepter was in his hands. David is thus before us, rescued from his many perils, and raised to be the King of Israel. No exaltation is evinced. His one desire is to execute the rule of righteousness. We see, also, our Jesus. The scepter of His kingdom is a right scepter. Righteousness is His rule, both in and for His people.

3-6. "The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved; I bear up the pillars of it. I said to the fools, Do not deal foolishly; and to the wicked, Do not lift up the horn. Do not lift up your horn on high; speak not with a stiff neck. For promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south."

David had seen the kingdom in weakness and confusion, without stability and strength, under the evil sway of Saul. That which should have a sure foundation was shifting and unstable as the sand. He profited by this sad misrule, and he resolved to regulate the empire, so as to sustain it in righteous ways. When will men learn that all wickedness is folly! None are truly wise, but those who seek wisdom in the Word of God, and strive to embody its holy precepts in their daily walk. David exhorted his subjects to depart from evil's ways, and thus to become truly wise. He saw, also, that pride was at the root of all their wrong judgments and wrong conduct. He called on them to walk humbly with their God, and to see clearly that all true honor comes from Him. Let us receive and treasure the sure word, "Those who honor Me I will honor."

7-8. "But God is the judge; He puts down one, and sets up another. For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and He pours out of the same; but the dregs thereof all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them."

God's mode of dealing is often wrapped in mystery. We fail to understand why one is elevated to the highest rank, while others seem to waste their days in poverty, obscurity, and low estate. But no misgivings should arise. It should be firmly fixed in our persuasions that in all these matters God's hand prevails. Thus, also, afflictions, sorrows, trials are all appointed by the same unerring wisdom. His hand holds a cup which is mixed in accordance with His righteous will. According to His good pleasure He causes the sons of men to drink from it. But what will be the portion of the wicked? Let them tremble. They are forewarned that they must wring out the dregs indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish forever.

9-10. "But I will declare forever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted."

In conclusion, we have the bright resolve of faith to uplift the voice of praise, to discountenance all evil, to proclaim the misery of God's adversaries, and the blessedness of His people. May this be our resolve, this our holy employ, until faith shall end in sight and hope in full reality! Grant it, O our God, for the sake of our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ!

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Psalm 76

Probably some illustrious victory was the occasion of this ode. It especially celebrates God's glory in the preservation of His Church. For this all praise is due. Unto Him all service should be rendered. Exhortations call to be earnest in such exercise. May we obey!

1-2. "In Judah is God known; His name is great in Israel. In Salem also is His tabernacle, and His dwelling-place in Zion."

Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, was Mount Zion. Its super-eminent glory was the tabernacle, in which God's presence resided. This sanctuary was the type of Christ. He is the revelation of God. He testifies—"He who has seen Me has seen the Father."

It represents, also, God's people. In them the glories of His name conspicuously shine. In them His perfections are revealed. They manifest Him as the God of grace and goodness, whose love from everlasting is love to everlasting. It is a grand word, "Unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places is known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God." In Christ is God known. His name is great in His Church. May His dwelling-place be in our hearts!

3. "There He broke the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the weapons of war."

Many foes at various times assailed the favored city. But God arose, and all their might was shattered. Arrows might fly, shields might glitter, swords might be brandished, and the battle might rage fiercely, but all was vain when God protected. Thus, also, Satan and all his legion use mighty weapons to destroy the Church. Fiery darts fall terribly. Incessant warfare rages. But God is a sure defense. No fatal wound is given. His people are all safe. They are wrapped in victory.

4. "You are more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey."

Zion is here extolled as grandly surpassing the mountain-tops in which ravenous beasts mangle the prey. So God's people, in whose hearts dwell the beauties of celestial grace, exceed in excellence all wild and savage powers who use their strength in cruelty and plunder.

5-6. "The stout-hearted are plundered, they have slept their sleep; and none of the men of might can lift their hands. At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep."

The enemy may come on fearless in courage, stout in resolve, but at God's word their prowess quickly dwindles. In vain they look for conquest from their own hands. Their arms hang down as broken reeds. They may command the chariot and the horse, but the God of Jacob speaks. The chariot and horse become weak as sleeping impotency.

7-9. "You, even You, are to be feared; and who may stand in Your sight when once You are angry? You caused judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still, when God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth."

Let us stand in awe of God. Who will not tremble at His wrath? Who among earth's sons can stand when His anger kindles? His eyes are on the madness of His foes. He will arise to save His meek and lowly servants. Then vengeance shall descend from heaven, and the trembling earth shall cease its proud resistance.

10. "Surely the wrath of man shall praise You; the remainder of wrath shall You restrain."

Man may rage, but God will use the raging hand. Persecution enlarges the Church. The threatening hurricane purifies the air. If wrath still lingers in the heart, His curb will check it.

11-12. "Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God; let all that be round about Him bring presents to Him who ought to be feared. He shall cut off the spirit of princes. He is dreadful to the kings of the earth."

Great is the Lord's glory in humbling the loftiest potentates. Let us be wise, and vow allegiance to the King of kings. Let us present to Him, as a willing offering, our bodies, souls, and spirits. He justly claims all reverence. His service is the luxury of life.

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