he danger and folly of persecutors. (1-11) Comfort and peace
to the persecuted. (12-23)
Verses 1-11: We may with boldness appeal to God; for he is the almighty
Judge by whom every man is judged. Let this encourage those who
suffer wrong, to bear it with silence, committing themselves to
Him who judges righteously. These prayers are prophecies, which
speak terror to the sons of violence. There will come a day of
reckoning for all the hard speeches which ungodly sinners have
spoken against God, his truths, and ways, and people. It would
hardly be believed, if we did not witness it, that millions of
rational creatures should live, move, speak, hear, understand,
and do what they purpose, yet act as if they believed that God
would not punish the abuse of his gifts. As all knowledge is
from God, no doubt he knows all the thoughts of the children of
men, and knows that the imaginations of the thoughts of men's
hearts are only evil, and that continually. Even in good
thoughts there is a want of being fixed, which may be called
vanity. It concerns us to keep a strict watch over our thoughts,
because God takes particular notice of them. Thoughts are words
to God.
Verses 12-23: That man is blessed, who, under the chastening of the
Lord, is taught his will and his truths, from his holy word, and
by the Holy Spirit. He should see mercy through his sufferings.
There is a rest remaining for the people of God after the days
of their adversity, which shall not last always. He that sends
the trouble, will send the rest. The psalmist found succour and
relief only in the Lord, when all earthly friends failed. We are
beholden, not only to God's power, but to his pity, for
spiritual supports; and if we have been kept from falling into
sin, or shrinking from our duty, we should give him the glory,
and encourage our brethren. The psalmist had many troubled
thoughts concerning the case he was in, concerning the course he
should take, and what was likely to be the end of it. The
indulgence of such contrivances and fears, adds to care and
distrust, and renders our views more gloomy and confused. Good
men sometimes have perplexed and distressed thoughts concerning
God. But let them look to the great and precious promises of the
gospel. The world's comforts give little delight to the soul,
when hurried with melancholy thoughts; but God's comforts bring
that peace and pleasure which the smiles of the world cannot
give, and which the frowns of the world cannot take away. God is
his people's Refuge, to whom they may flee, in whom they are
safe, and may be secure. And he will reckon with the wicked. A
man cannot be more miserable than his own wickedness will make
him, if the Lord visit it upon him.
he danger and folly of persecutors. (1-11) Comfort and peace
to the persecuted. (12-23)