avid praises God for protecting his people. (1-10) And for
cause to praise him. (11-20)
Verses 1-10: If we would praise God acceptably, we must praise him in
sincerity, with our whole heart. When we give thanks for some
one particular mercy, we should remember former mercies. Our joy
must not be in the gift, so much as in the Giver. The triumphs
of the Redeemer ought to be the triumphs of the redeemed. The
almighty power of God is that which the strongest and stoutest
of his enemies are no way able to stand before. We are sure that
the judgment of God is according to truth, and that with him
there is no unrighteousness. His people may, by faith, flee to
him as their Refuge, and may depend on his power and promise for
their safety, so that no real hurt shall be done to them. Those
who know him to be a God of truth and faithfulness, will rejoice
in his word of promise, and rest upon that. Those who know him
to be an everlasting Father, will trust him with their souls as
their main care, and trust in him at all times, even to the end;
and by constant care seek to approve themselves to him in the
whole course of their lives. Who is there that would not seek
him, who never hath forsaken those that seek Him?
Verses 11-20: Those who believe that God is greatly to be praised, not
only desire to praise him better themselves, but desire that
others may join with them. There is a day coming, when it will
appear that he has not forgotten the cry of the humble; neither
the cry of their blood, or the cry of their prayers. We are
never brought so low, so near to death, but God can raise us up.
If he has saved us from spiritual and eternal death, we may
thence hope, that in all our distresses he will be a very
present help to us. The overruling providence of God frequently
so orders it, that persecutors and oppressors are brought to
ruin by the projects they formed to destroy the people of God.
Drunkards kill themselves; prodigals beggar themselves; the
contentious bring mischief upon themselves: thus men's sins may
be read in their punishment, and it becomes plain to all, that
the destruction of sinners is of themselves. All wickedness came
originally with the wicked one from hell; and those who continue
in sin, must go to that place of torment. The true state, both
of nations and of individuals, may be correctly estimated by
this one rule, whether in their doings they remember or forget
God. David encourages the people of God to wait for his
salvation, though it should be long deferred. God will make it
appear that he never did forget them: it is not possible he
should. Strange that man, dust in his and about him, should yet
need some sharp affliction, some severe visitation from God, to
bring him to the knowledge of himself, and make him feel who and
what he is.
avid praises God for protecting his people. (1-10) And for
cause to praise him. (11-20)