he desolations of the sanctuary. (1-11) Pleas for encouraging
faith. (12-17) Petitions for deliverances. (18-23)
Verses 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.
Verses 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.
Verses 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.
he desolations of the sanctuary. (1-11) Pleas for encouraging
faith. (12-17) Petitions for deliverances. (18-23)