Psalms 9:17
Verse
Context
I Will Give Thanks to the LORD
16The LORD is known by the justice He brings; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion Selah 17The wicked will return to Sheol— all the nations who forget God. 18For the needy will not always be forgotten; nor the hope of the oppressed forever dashed.
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
(Heb.: 9:18-19) Just as in Psa 9:8. the prospect of a final universal judgment was opened up by Jahve's act of judgment experienced in the present, so here the grateful retrospect of what has just happened passes over into a confident contemplation of the future, which is thereby guaranteed. The lxx translates ישׁוּבוּ by αποστραφήτωσαν, Jer. convertantur, a meaning which it may have (cf. e.g., Ch2 18:25); but why should it not be ἀναστραφήτωσαν, or rather: ἀναστραφήσονται, since Psa 9:19 shows that Psa 9:18 is not a wish but a prospect of that which is sure to come to pass? To be resolved into dust again, to sink away into nothing (redactio in pulverem, in nihilum) is man's return to his original condition, - man who was formed from the dust, who was called into being out of nothing. To die is to return to the dust, Psa 104:29, cf. Gen 3:19, and here it is called the return to Sheτl, as in Job 30:23 to death, and in Psa 90:3 to atoms, inasmuch as the state of shadowy existence in Hades, the condition of worn out life, the state of decay is to a certain extent the renewal (Repristination) of that which man was before he came into being. As to outward form לשׁאולה may be compared with לישׁעתה in Psa 80:3; the ל in both instances is that of the direction or aim, and might very well come before שׁאולה, because this form of the word may signify both ἐν ᾅδου and εἰς ᾅδου (cf. מבּבלה Jer 27:16). R. Abba ben Zabda, in Genesis Rabba cap. 50, explains the double sign of the direction as giving intensity to it: in imum ambitum orci. The heathen receive the epithet of שׁכחי אלהים (which is more neuter than שׁכחי, Psa 50:22); for God has not left them without a witness of Himself, that they could not know of Him, their alienation from God is a forgetfulness of Him, the guilt of which they have incurred themselves, and from which they are to turn to God (Isa 19:22). But because they do not do this, and even rise up in hostility against the nation and the God of the revelation that unfolds the plan of redemption, they will be obliged to return to the earth, and in fact to Hades, in order that the persecuted church may obtain its longed for peace and its promised dominion. Jahve will at last acknowledge this ecclesia pressa; and although its hope seems like to perish, inasmuch as it remains again and again unfulfilled, nevertheless it will not always continue thus. The strongly accented לא rules both members of Psa 9:19, as in Psa 35:19; Psa 38:2, and also frequently elsewhere (Ewald 351, a). אביון, from אבה to wish, is one eager to obtain anything = a needy person. The Arabic ‛bâ, which means the very opposite, and according to which it would mean "one who restrains himself," viz., because he is obliged to, must be left out of consideration.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
shall be turned--or, "shall turn," retreating under God's vengeance, and driven by Him to the extreme of destruction, even hell itself. Those who forget God are classed with the depraved and openly profane.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the needy shall not always be forgotten,.... The people of God are poor and needy for the most part; they are so in things temporal, and they are poor in spirit, or in things spiritual, of which they are sensible; their needs are many, and frequently return; but God has provided a throne of grace for them to come to for help in time of need, and he will supply all their wants out of the fulness of grace in Christ; nor is he unmindful of them, and of his covenant with them; strictly speaking, they are never forgotten by him, being engraven on his hands, and set as a seal on his heart; but they sometimes seem to be so both to themselves and others, Psa 42:3; and they may continue so long; God may seem for a long time to take no notice of them, but suffer them to lie under affliction and persecution; the holy city is trodden under foot forty two months, or one thousand two hundred and sixty days, that is, so many years; so long the witnesses prophesy in sackcloth, so long the church is in the wilderness, and so long will be the reign of antichrist, Rev 11:2; but as great Babylon will come up in remembrance before God, and he will remember her sins, and render her double; the set time to favour his poor and needy will come, and he will arise and have mercy on them, and bring them into a glorious and comfortable state and condition; the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever; the negative particle, though not in the original text, is rightly supplied from the preceding clause, as it is by the Targum, Jarchi, Aben Ezra, and Kimchi, and as the sense requires; and the expectation of Christ's poor ones is not only a supply of grace here and eternal happiness hereafter; but they expect a glorious state of the church on earth, and that Christ will descend in person from heaven, and his tabernacle will be among men; and that they shall be kings and priests, and possess the kingdom, and reign with Christ a thousand years; and though these things may seem to be deferred, and their expectation put off to a length of time, yet it shall not perish for ever; there will be a performance of the things promised and expected.
Psalms 9:17
I Will Give Thanks to the LORD
16The LORD is known by the justice He brings; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion Selah 17The wicked will return to Sheol— all the nations who forget God. 18For the needy will not always be forgotten; nor the hope of the oppressed forever dashed.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(John the Baptist Comes to Town) - Part 4 Turn or Burn!
By Rolfe Barnard2.8K25:18John The BaptistGEN 6:9PSA 9:17MAT 4:17LUK 13:3JHN 3:36ACT 17:30ROM 6:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance as the only command that God has for sinners. He states that God does not have time to argue or negotiate with sinners, but instead demands that they turn away from their sinful ways. The preacher highlights the message of John the Baptist, who proclaimed the need for repentance and warned of the consequences of not turning to God. He also emphasizes that through the grace of God and belief in Jesus Christ, sinners can receive forgiveness and be set free from the punishment of hell.
Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 6
By Alan Cairns2.6K08:12DEU 30:19PSA 9:17PRO 14:34JER 2:34MAT 12:30This sermon emphasizes the importance of not forgetting the innocent bloodshed and the consequences of a nation turning away from God's covenant mercies. It warns against being divorced from God and His covenant, highlighting the need for nations to remember God to avoid destruction. The message stresses the idea that there is no neutral ground in the spiritual battle, quoting Jesus' words that one is either for Him or against Him, with no middle ground.
Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 5
By Alan Cairns2.6K09:42PSA 9:17PRO 14:34ISA 5:20MAT 16:26ROM 6:23This sermon emphasizes the reality of hell and the warning it presents to individuals and nations. It discusses the downfall of once-great superpowers who neglected their spiritual responsibilities, leading to their ultimate destruction. The message highlights the importance of a nation's relationship with God and the consequences of turning away from Him, using historical examples to illustrate the dangers of forsaking God for worldly pursuits.
Paul's Gospel
By Rolfe Barnard1.9K57:36PSA 9:17ROM 9:15ROM 12:21CO 2:1COL 3:171PE 2:111PE 4:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the central belief of Christianity that Jesus is Lord. He explains that Jesus' Lordship is not just a theory, but a reality that was established through his sacrificial death on the cross. The preacher highlights that the gospel is the good news of this costly action by God on behalf of humanity. He also raises concerns about the current state of the gospel, questioning why it has become so popular without resulting in true transformation and conformity to the image of Christ.
The Neglected Place Called Hell
By David Legge1.6K42:14PSA 9:17PRO 14:27MAT 25:41MRK 9:43LUK 16:19JHN 3:16ACT 4:12ROM 6:23HEB 9:27REV 20:15This sermon delves into the neglected truth of the reality of hell, emphasizing the importance of understanding its existence as a real place of torment. Through the story in Luke 16, the speaker vividly describes the consequences of rejecting faith in Jesus Christ and the eternal separation from God in hell. The sermon passionately urges listeners to consider the seriousness of their spiritual condition and the urgent need to turn to Christ for salvation to avoid the eternal consequences of sin.
The Great White Throne Judgement
By David Legge1.6K39:33PSA 9:17PRO 9:10MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 6:23HEB 9:27REV 20:15In this sermon, Dr. Ironside begins by reading John 3:16, emphasizing God's love for the world and the gift of His only begotten Son. He then shares a story about a man on a plane facing imminent danger, highlighting the importance of being prepared for judgment. Dr. Ironside emphasizes the penalty of judgment and the accountability for every word spoken. He also mentions the concept of one's life flashing before their eyes in life-threatening situations. Throughout the sermon, Dr. Ironside references various Bible verses to support his points and concludes by highlighting the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice and the vastness of the sun compared to the earth.
Robert Murray Mccheyne
By Thomas Martin1.3K41:43BiographyJOS 10:12PSA 9:17ISA 61:1In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of a church that started praying fervently for the work of God, for backslidden members, and for individuals. One man's simple prayer, asking God to give him back his tears, became the catalyst for a powerful revival in the church. The speaker emphasizes the importance of genuine compassion and sympathy that melts our hearts to tears, rather than hyped-up emotions. He also highlights the significance of being a person of prayer, drawing inspiration from the example of Robert Murray McShane, who dedicated himself to prayer and had a profound impact on his community. The sermon encourages listeners to prioritize their relationship with God and to channel their energies into serving Him rather than worldly pursuits.
Red Light of Hell
By Percy Ray1.3K57:58JOB 14:4PSA 9:17MAT 25:46LUK 16:19ROM 3:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the inevitability of death and the judgment of God that awaits everyone. He highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating God's goodness, which is demonstrated through the sacrifice of His son. The preacher explains that Satan, as the prince of this world, blinds the minds of unbelievers, causing confusion and stagnation. He shares a story of a boy who stole food out of desperation, illustrating the consequences of ignoring the cross and the shed blood of Jesus. The sermon concludes with a warning that those who ignore the sacrifice of Christ will face eternal punishment in hell. The preacher references Romans 3:2-3,5, 2 Corinthians 4:4, and quotes Jesus' teachings on hell.
Joshua Miktarian Funeral - Part 3
By Jason Robinson1.3K05:02PSA 9:17JHN 3:16ACT 4:12ROM 10:9EPH 2:8HEB 11:1JAS 2:172PE 3:9REV 21:8This sermon emphasizes the consequences of sin and the necessity for punishment due to God's holiness. It delves into the concept of hell as a place of eternal separation from God for those who reject Him. However, it also presents the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty for sin on the cross, offering a way to bridge the gap between humanity and God through faith and repentance.
The Reality of Hell
By Don Perkins1.2K45:49HellPSA 9:17ISA 5:13MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of teaching about the reality of hell in churches. He prays for God to open the scriptures and help the congregation understand the eternal judgment and the place called hell. The preacher describes hell as a place of torment where people feel the flames and are unable to find relief. He also highlights the urgency of sharing the message of salvation with others to prevent them from experiencing the same fate. The preacher references the story of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16:19-31 to illustrate the consequences of rejecting God and the plea for compassion from those in hell.
The Damnation of Hell - Part 1 (Voice Only)
By Compilations1.1K28:29CompilationPSA 9:17MAT 12:36LUK 15:10LUK 16:25ROM 6:23HEB 9:27REV 20:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the seriousness of idle words and their consequences in the judgment. He passionately expresses his concern for the listeners, urging them to recognize the gravity of their actions. The preacher also addresses the question of the fairness of eternal punishment for sin, explaining that it is justified because sin is ultimately against God. He shares a personal story of witnessing his wife's agony and relates it to God's forsaking of Jesus on the cross. The sermon highlights the need for repentance and the importance of understanding the weight of our words and actions.
Revival Stories: Jonathan Edwards
By E.A. Johnston92318:44BiographyDEU 32:35PSA 9:17MAT 25:41ROM 3:23HEB 9:27JUD 1:23REV 3:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need to study the lives of great men of God who have brought revival in their time. He encourages the audience to learn from their experiences and understand how God moved among his people during those times. The preacher also highlights the urgency of seeking God's face and praying for revival in the present day. He references a sermon by Mr. Edwards of Northampton, who preached a powerful message on the wrath of God and the need for salvation. The sermon had a profound impact on the listeners, leading to cries for salvation and a deep awareness of the impending judgment of hell. The preacher concludes by urging the audience to reach out to sinners and share the message of Christ's sacrifice, while also praying for revival in America.
Israel
By Walter Wilson54934:22IsraelPSA 9:17PSA 119:105ISA 10:18ISA 14:23MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ACT 5:41In this sermon, the speaker discusses various aspects of the Bible and its accuracy. They mention the fulfillment of prophecies, such as the destruction of Babylon and the reestablishment of Israel. The speaker also highlights the significance of the Passover and how millions of Jewish people celebrate it every year, which they argue is evidence of its historical occurrence. Additionally, the speaker mentions the efforts to replant trees in Israel due to their previous destruction. The sermon emphasizes the power and influence of the Bible on people's lives, as demonstrated by a personal anecdote about a saloon car where the presence of a Bible led to a change in behavior.
The Very Place in Which the Wicked Shall Lodge
By Thomas Brooks0Salvation through ChristEternal JudgmentPSA 9:17MAT 25:41MRK 9:43LUK 16:23JHN 3:36ROM 6:231TH 1:101TH 5:92TH 1:9REV 20:10Thomas Brooks emphasizes the certainty and severity of hell for the wicked, describing it as a place of eternal torment where divine justice holds them captive. He vividly illustrates the horrors of hell, likening it to a bottomless pit and a fiery furnace, and questions why anyone would choose to dwell there even for a moment. Brooks highlights the contrast of this dreadful fate with the salvation offered through Jesus Christ, who rescues believers from impending wrath. He calls for gratitude and exaltation of Christ, who endured hellish sorrows to free us from sin and its consequences. The sermon serves as a stark reminder of the eternal stakes involved in our choices regarding faith and righteousness.
Despair
By Thomas Brooks0DespairEternal JudgmentPSA 9:17ISA 66:24MAT 13:50MAT 25:46MRK 9:48LUK 16:26ROM 6:232TH 1:9HEB 10:27REV 20:10Thomas Brooks preaches about the despair that accompanies eternal damnation, emphasizing that the wicked are imprisoned in hell due to their inability to pay the price for their sins. He describes despair as an inevitable companion of the damned, who face hopelessness and the certainty of their eternal punishment. The sermon highlights the irreversible nature of God's justice, leaving the sinner in a state of utter misery with no hope of escape from hell. Brooks illustrates the profound anguish of those who realize their fate and the great gulf that separates them from salvation.
Turned Into Beasts, Birds, Stones, Trees, or Air
By Thomas Brooks0SalvationJudgmentPSA 9:17MAT 25:41MRK 9:48LUK 16:23JHN 3:36ROM 2:61TH 5:92TH 1:9HEB 12:29REV 20:15Thomas Brooks emphasizes the terrifying reality of God's judgment, portraying Him as a consuming fire that will expose the ungodly to their sins and divine justice. He vividly describes the horror and despair that will engulf those who have turned away from God, as they face the consequences of their actions and the reality of hell. The sermon serves as a stark reminder of the urgency for repentance and the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ, contrasting the fate of the ungodly with the promise of salvation for believers.
What Man Thinks - God Says
By D.L. Moody0Faith vs. WorksSalvationPSA 9:17JHN 3:3JHN 3:36ROM 3:22ROM 5:1EPH 2:91JN 4:19D.L. Moody emphasizes the contrast between human perceptions and divine truths, illustrating that our self-assessments often fall short of God's standards. He points out that while we may think we are not as bad as others, all have sinned and need redemption. Moody stresses that salvation is not based on our works or efforts but solely on faith in Jesus Christ. He also addresses misconceptions about God's love and the reality of hell, urging listeners to recognize the necessity of being born again to enter the kingdom of heaven.
A Woman to Be Remembered
By J.C. Ryle0True FaithWorldlinessGEN 19:17PSA 9:17MAT 5:28MRK 16:16LUK 17:32HEB 11:6JAS 4:42PE 2:81JN 2:15REV 3:17J.C. Ryle emphasizes the dire warning of Jesus to 'Remember Lot’s wife,' illustrating the peril of worldliness and the futility of relying solely on religious privileges without true faith. Lot's wife, despite her religious background and the privileges she enjoyed, looked back at Sodom and faced immediate judgment, serving as a cautionary tale for believers today. Ryle urges Christians to examine their hearts and ensure they are not merely going through the motions of faith while being attached to worldly desires. He warns that many who seem to be on the path to salvation may ultimately be lost if they do not genuinely embrace the grace of the Holy Spirit. The sermon serves as a call to vigilance and sincerity in one's faith, reminding listeners of the reality of judgment and the importance of true conversion.
God's Rectitude in Future ...
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne0God's RighteousnessEternal JudgmentJOB 33:24PSA 9:17MAT 13:50MAT 23:33MRK 16:16LUK 16:241CO 9:272TH 1:61JN 1:9REV 20:10Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the reality and seriousness of hell, drawing from biblical references to illustrate its eternal nature and the righteousness of God in punishing sin. He argues that the warnings about hell are rooted in love and truth, as seen in the teachings of David, Paul, John, and Christ, who all spoke of hell's torment. M'Cheyne explains that hell is not annihilation but eternal suffering, and he stresses that God's justice demands punishment for sin due to its infinite nature. He concludes by urging believers to cherish their salvation through Christ, while warning the careless and unrepentant of the suddenness and certainty of hell's judgment.
The Inspiration of the Bible, and Its Requirements
By B.A. Cundiff0PSA 1:5PSA 9:17PRO 14:32ISA 3:10JHN 17:21ACT 17:301TH 4:32TI 3:16HEB 13:122PE 1:21B.A. Cundiff discusses the inspiration behind the Bible, arguing that it could not have been written by wicked men due to its condemnation of wickedness, nor by good men without divine inspiration as claimed by the writers. He emphasizes the importance of believing in the Bible as an inspired book, linking it to the doctrine of entire sanctification as evidenced by various scriptures that speak of sanctification through Jesus' blood and the Holy Spirit. Cundiff challenges listeners to consider whether they believe in the Bible's teaching on sanctification and the requirement for all to be sanctified, urging them to seek sanctification through faith and prayer.
Hell
By Richard Sipley0PSA 9:17MAT 10:28MAT 25:41MRK 9:43REV 21:8Dick Sipley preaches about the reality of hell as depicted in the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31. He emphasizes that hell is a conscious existence of torment, where the spiritual part of a being goes, with eternal flames that burn the spirit but not the body. Those who end up in hell will have a perfect memory of every sin committed, experiencing eternal torment and separation from God.
On Forgetfulness of God
By Thomas Reade0PSA 9:17PSA 119:11ECC 12:1MAL 3:17MAT 6:331CO 10:31PHP 1:20HEB 11:6Thomas Reade preaches on the dreadful consequences of forgetting God, emphasizing that sin, in all its forms, is an infinite evil that leads to eternal destruction. He urges believers to meditate on God's mercy and to delight in Him, as they are His precious jewels purchased by the blood of Jesus. Reade highlights the importance of having right views and feelings towards God, as forgetfulness of Him is a heinous sin that leads to disorder in one's life. He encourages a heartfelt compliance with seeking God's kingdom first as the best preservative against forgetfulness, enabling believers to walk uprightly and magnify Christ in their lives.
The Punishment of the Wicked Dreadful and Interminable.
By Edward Payson0PSA 9:17PRO 24:20ISA 66:24MAT 10:28MAT 25:46MRK 9:442TH 1:9HEB 10:31REV 14:11Edward Payson preaches a powerful sermon on the eternal punishment that awaits impenitent sinners in a future state, emphasizing the importance of preaching the whole truth of the Bible, including the doctrine of future punishment. He vividly describes the sufferings of the soul, including the gnawing worm of passions and desires, and the torment of conscience, as well as the unquenchable fire of God's presence and displeasure. Payson stresses the endless nature of these sufferings, urging both sinners and professing Christians to heed the warnings and turn to Christ for salvation.
Anguish of Parents at the Perverseness of Children
By Edward Payson02SA 18:33PSA 9:17PRO 22:6MAT 7:13MRK 9:24LUK 15:20EPH 6:41TI 5:8HEB 12:6JAS 4:17Edward Payson preaches about the grief of King David upon hearing of his son Absalom's death, emphasizing the anguish of a parent fearing for the eternal fate of their unprepared child. He highlights the distress pious parents feel over their children's spiritual well-being, urging sinners with pious parents to consider the pain they cause by neglecting to prepare for death. Payson also warns negligent parents of the consequences of failing to fulfill their duty in guiding their children towards a life of faith and righteousness.
Eternity
By Martin Knapp0PSA 9:17EZK 33:11MAT 25:41MRK 8:36JHN 3:16ROM 6:23HEB 9:272PE 3:9REV 20:15REV 21:27Martin Knapp preaches a powerful sermon on the concept of Eternity, emphasizing the never-ending duration and the significance of where each soul will spend it, whether in eternal despair separated from God or in a glorious eternity free from pain and sorrow. The sermon highlights the urgency of making a decision about where one will spend Eternity, as illustrated through various cautionary tales of individuals who missed salvation and faced eternal damnation.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
(Heb.: 9:18-19) Just as in Psa 9:8. the prospect of a final universal judgment was opened up by Jahve's act of judgment experienced in the present, so here the grateful retrospect of what has just happened passes over into a confident contemplation of the future, which is thereby guaranteed. The lxx translates ישׁוּבוּ by αποστραφήτωσαν, Jer. convertantur, a meaning which it may have (cf. e.g., Ch2 18:25); but why should it not be ἀναστραφήτωσαν, or rather: ἀναστραφήσονται, since Psa 9:19 shows that Psa 9:18 is not a wish but a prospect of that which is sure to come to pass? To be resolved into dust again, to sink away into nothing (redactio in pulverem, in nihilum) is man's return to his original condition, - man who was formed from the dust, who was called into being out of nothing. To die is to return to the dust, Psa 104:29, cf. Gen 3:19, and here it is called the return to Sheτl, as in Job 30:23 to death, and in Psa 90:3 to atoms, inasmuch as the state of shadowy existence in Hades, the condition of worn out life, the state of decay is to a certain extent the renewal (Repristination) of that which man was before he came into being. As to outward form לשׁאולה may be compared with לישׁעתה in Psa 80:3; the ל in both instances is that of the direction or aim, and might very well come before שׁאולה, because this form of the word may signify both ἐν ᾅδου and εἰς ᾅδου (cf. מבּבלה Jer 27:16). R. Abba ben Zabda, in Genesis Rabba cap. 50, explains the double sign of the direction as giving intensity to it: in imum ambitum orci. The heathen receive the epithet of שׁכחי אלהים (which is more neuter than שׁכחי, Psa 50:22); for God has not left them without a witness of Himself, that they could not know of Him, their alienation from God is a forgetfulness of Him, the guilt of which they have incurred themselves, and from which they are to turn to God (Isa 19:22). But because they do not do this, and even rise up in hostility against the nation and the God of the revelation that unfolds the plan of redemption, they will be obliged to return to the earth, and in fact to Hades, in order that the persecuted church may obtain its longed for peace and its promised dominion. Jahve will at last acknowledge this ecclesia pressa; and although its hope seems like to perish, inasmuch as it remains again and again unfulfilled, nevertheless it will not always continue thus. The strongly accented לא rules both members of Psa 9:19, as in Psa 35:19; Psa 38:2, and also frequently elsewhere (Ewald 351, a). אביון, from אבה to wish, is one eager to obtain anything = a needy person. The Arabic ‛bâ, which means the very opposite, and according to which it would mean "one who restrains himself," viz., because he is obliged to, must be left out of consideration.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
shall be turned--or, "shall turn," retreating under God's vengeance, and driven by Him to the extreme of destruction, even hell itself. Those who forget God are classed with the depraved and openly profane.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the needy shall not always be forgotten,.... The people of God are poor and needy for the most part; they are so in things temporal, and they are poor in spirit, or in things spiritual, of which they are sensible; their needs are many, and frequently return; but God has provided a throne of grace for them to come to for help in time of need, and he will supply all their wants out of the fulness of grace in Christ; nor is he unmindful of them, and of his covenant with them; strictly speaking, they are never forgotten by him, being engraven on his hands, and set as a seal on his heart; but they sometimes seem to be so both to themselves and others, Psa 42:3; and they may continue so long; God may seem for a long time to take no notice of them, but suffer them to lie under affliction and persecution; the holy city is trodden under foot forty two months, or one thousand two hundred and sixty days, that is, so many years; so long the witnesses prophesy in sackcloth, so long the church is in the wilderness, and so long will be the reign of antichrist, Rev 11:2; but as great Babylon will come up in remembrance before God, and he will remember her sins, and render her double; the set time to favour his poor and needy will come, and he will arise and have mercy on them, and bring them into a glorious and comfortable state and condition; the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever; the negative particle, though not in the original text, is rightly supplied from the preceding clause, as it is by the Targum, Jarchi, Aben Ezra, and Kimchi, and as the sense requires; and the expectation of Christ's poor ones is not only a supply of grace here and eternal happiness hereafter; but they expect a glorious state of the church on earth, and that Christ will descend in person from heaven, and his tabernacle will be among men; and that they shall be kings and priests, and possess the kingdom, and reign with Christ a thousand years; and though these things may seem to be deferred, and their expectation put off to a length of time, yet it shall not perish for ever; there will be a performance of the things promised and expected.