he psalmist deprecates God's wrath, and begs for the return
of his favour. (1-7) He assures himself of an answer of peace.
(8-10)
Verses 1-7: These verses speak the language of a heart truly humbled,
of a broken and contrite spirit under great afflictions, sent to
awaken conscience and mortify corruption. Sickness brought sin
to his remembrance, and he looked upon it as a token of God's
displeasure against him. The affliction of his body will be
tolerable, if he has comfort in his soul. Christ's sorest
complaint, in his sufferings, was of the trouble of his soul,
and the want of his Father's smiles. Every page of Scripture
proclaims the fact, that salvation is only of the Lord. Man is a
sinner, his case can only be reached by mercy; and never is
mercy more illustrious than in restoring backsliders. With good
reason we may pray, that if it be the will of God, and he has
any further work for us or our friends to do in this world, he
will yet spare us or them to serve him. To depart and be with
Christ is happiest for the saints; but for them to abide in the
flesh is more profitable for the church.
Verses 8-10: What a sudden change is here! Having made his request
known to God, the psalmist is confident that his sorrow will be
turned into joy. By the workings of God's grace upon his heart,
he knew his prayer was accepted, and did not doubt but it would,
in due time, be answered. His prayers will be accepted, coming
up out of the hands of Christ the Mediator. The word signifies
prayer made to God, the righteous Judge, as the God of his
righteousness, who would plead his cause, and right his wrongs.
A believer, through the blood and righteousness of Christ, can
go to God as a righteous God, and plead with him for pardon and
cleansing, who is just and faithful to grant both. He prays for
the conversion of his enemies, or foretells their ruin.
he psalmist deprecates God's wrath, and begs for the return
of his favour. (1-7) He assures himself of an answer of peace.
(8-10)