t is good to trust in the Lord. (1-18) The coming of Christ
in his kingdom. (19-29)
Verses 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.
Verses 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.
t is good to trust in the Lord. (1-18) The coming of Christ
in his kingdom. (19-29)