he security of the righteous. (1-3) Prayer for them, The ruin
of the wicked. (4,5)
Verses 1-3: All those minds shall be truly stayed, that are stayed on
God. They shall be as Mount Zion, firm as it is; a mountain
supported by providence, much more as a holy mountain supported
by promise. They cannot be removed from confidence in God. They
abide for ever in that grace which is the earnest of their
everlasting continuance in glory. Committing themselves to God,
they shall be safe from their enemies. Even mountains may
moulder and come to nothing, and rocks be removed, but God's
covenant with his people cannot be broken, nor his care of them
cease. Their troubles shall last no longer than their strength
will bear them up under them. The rod of the wicked may come,
may fall upon the righteous, upon their persons, their estates,
their liberties, their families names, on any thing that falls
to their lot; only it cannot reach their souls. And though it
may come upon their lot, it shall not rest thereon. The Lord
will make all work together for their good. The wicked shall
only prove a correcting rod, not a destroying sword; even this
rod shall not remain upon them, lest they distrust the promise,
thinking God has cast them off.
Verse 4,5: God's promises should quicken our prayers. The way of
holiness is straight; there are no windings or shiftings in it.
But the ways of sinners are crooked. They shift from one purpose
to another, and turn hither and thither to deceive; but
disappointment and misery shall befal them. Those who cleave to
the ways of God, though they may have trouble in their way,
their end shall be peace. The pleading of their Saviour for
them, secures to them the upholding power and preserving grace
of their God. Lord, number us with them, in time, and to
eternity.