raise is the business of the sabbath. (1-6) The wicked shall
perish, but God's people shall be exalted. (7-15)
Verses 1-6: It is a privilege that we are admitted to praise the Lord,
and hope to be accepted in the morning, and every night; not
only on sabbath days, but every day; not only in public, but in
private, and in our families. Let us give thanks every morning
for the mercies of the night, and every night for the mercies of
the day; going out, and coming in, let us bless God. As He makes
us glad, through the works of his providence for us, and of his
grace in us, and both through the great work of redemption, let
us hence be encouraged. As there are many who know not the
designs of Providence, nor care to know them, those who through
grace do so, have the more reason to be thankful. And if distant
views of the great Deliverer so animated believers of old, how
should we abound in love and praise!
Verses 7-15: God sometimes grants prosperity to wicked men in
displeasure; yet they flourish but for a moment. Let us seek for
ourselves the salvation and grace of the gospel, that being
daily anointed by the Holy Spirit, we may behold and share the
Redeemer's glory. It is from his grace, by his word and Spirit,
that believers receive all the virtue that keeps them alive, and
makes them fruitful. Other trees, when old, leave off bearing,
but in God's trees the strength of grace does not fail with the
strength of nature. The last days of the saints are sometimes
their best days, and their last work their best work:
perseverance is sure evidence of sincerity. And may every
sabbath, while it shows forth the Divine faithfulness, find our
souls resting more and more upon the Lord our righteousness.
raise is the business of the sabbath. (1-6) The wicked shall
perish, but God's people shall be exalted. (7-15)