04.03. Chapter 3
Psalms 11:1-7 "THE RIGHTEOUS LORD." When John Welsh and his fellow-captives were summoned from their prison on the Firth of Forth, to appear before the court, they sang this Psalm as they walked by night under guard to their trial. It is worth reading in the rugged Scotch version. The Psalm is a debate between fear and faith, and probably dates from the time when David was being persecuted by Saul. THE COUNSELS OF EXPEDIENCY.-(Psalms 11:1) Timid friends, anxious for his safety, urged him, not simply to flee to the literal mountains, which he did, but to desert the cause of God, and to renounce his faith-which he never did. Birds escape the dangers of the plains by winging their flight to the caves or woods of the hills. Such counsels of expediency were frequently given to Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:1-19). And the enemy has ever sought to dislodge the faithful servants of God by fear (Job 2:9-10; Luke 13:31). Luther’s diaries abound in similar references. And there is much force in the reasons alleged. The bow is already being bent; the darkness is in favor of evil stratagems (Psalms 11:2, R.V.); and the foundations of social order are undermined. Righteousness cannot avail: why should it not be relinquished? THE ANSWERS OF FAITH (Psalms 11:4-7).-The revolutions of earth cannot shake His throne. He permits the Evil One some license that the righteous may be tested (Job 1:1-22; Job 2:1-13; Luke 22:31-32). And when the limit is reached which His love apportions to His people’s trials, then their persecutors will first be entangled in snares, from which they shall not escape, and then overwhelmed as Sodom was. But in the meantime, whilst in the midst of persecution and sorrow, let the righteous remember that the eye of God not only beholds their patience, but exchanges glances of tenderness with his suffering ones (Exodus 3:7).
Psalms 12:1-8 "HELP, LORD!" The opening words suggest that this Psalm is an appeal for help in bad and evil days. There are days when sin seems rampant, sweeping all before it. The great and godly men one by one are taken away, and the ungodly reign supreme. But when there is no help in man, let us turn to God with the cry which broke from Peter’s lips when sinking in the waves. It is a very convenient cry, both from its brevity and its comprehensiveness. Help, Lord! (see Micah 7:2). THE NEED OF HELP (Psalms 12:1-2, Psalms 12:4).-Deceit is specially the sin of Orientals. A double heart is literally a heart and a heart; and such practise deceit on neighbors whom they should love. On the contrary, we are bidden to put away lying, and speak truth to our neighbors (Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:9). Oh for perfect transparency of heart and life! THE CERTAINTY OF HELP (Psalms 12:3-4).-The very prayer begotten in the heart carries the assurance of an answer. Besides, the world is so made that daring wickedness rarely goes unpunished. Let us never act as if we thought our lips were our own; for they too have been bought with the price of those dear parched lips which cried, I thirst. THE ARISING OF HELP (Psalms 12:5).-God hears sighs. One sigh will make Him arise, as the sighs of Stephen made Jesus stand (Acts 7:56). THE BLESSED PROMISE OF HELP (Psalms 12:6-7).-There is no mixture of error in the words of God; all dross has been removed: they may therefore be trusted to the uttermost. Bind the words of God to your heart, and go fearlessly forth into the midst of vile and wicked men: you shall be kept and preserved for evermore (Isaiah 54:17) .
Psalms 13:1-6 "HOW LONG, O LORD?" This Psalm evidently dates from the time of the Sauline persecutions. Four times the afflicted Psalmist cries, How long? The Psalm begins in the deepest dejection, but it clears as it proceeds; and the soul, lark-like, rises above the lower current of east wind, till it revels in the heaven of God’s love. Pray on, troubled believer: it is marvelous how certainly prayer proves to be a ladder from the deepest dungeon into the most radiant day.
DEPRESSION (Psalms 13:1-2).-Saul’s persecutions probably lasted for night or nine years; and no hope of termination appeared (1 Samuel 27:1). David was as a man who spends five hundred days passing through a forest: the tangled over-growth hides the sun; and he begins to despair of ever emerging. Some say that this Psalm is the cry of the Church (Revelation 6:10).
SUPPLICATION (Psalms 13:3-4).-How wise to hand over all worries and anxieties to God. If, instead of carrying them in our own heart, we made them all instantly known to Him, we should live more blessed and peaceful lives (Php 4:6-7). He had bemoaned four evils: he now entreats three blessings (Psalms 13:3). Oh for the enlightened eyes! (Ephesians 1:18). The holy soul is as eager for God’s honor, as for its own vindication (Psalms 13:4).
ASSURANCE (Psalms 13:5-6).-It is very delightful when we can sing, though not out of the wood, because so certain of the coming deliverance. Faith praises for the victory, before the fight has even reached its worst. After lying for some time in the Bishop of London’s coalhouse, Mr. John Philpot was rebuked for singing hymns in prison, and he answered: "I have so much joy that I cannot lament; but day and night I never was so merry before."
Psalms 14:1-7 "THE FOOL HATH SAID-’NO GOD!’" The creed, character, and doom of the Atheist are here depicted; and the Psalm is so important as to be repeated (Psalms 53:1-6), with slight alterations, which show this rendering more suitable for public use. The Hebrew word translated fool (naval) denotes one of withered intellect. THE ROOT OF ATHEISM.-It begins not in the head, but in the heart (Romans 1:21). Men do not like God; they try to ignore Him, and end by blatantly denying Him. The surest way of dealing with such is to treat them as rebels and sinners. THE EFFECT OF ATHEISM ON THE CHARACTER (Psalms 14:1-6).-Corruption as of a grave; abominable works; darkened understanding; filthiness of heart and life; persecution and shaming of the godly; but finally "great fear." What a terrible catalogue of crimes! These verses are largely quoted by the Apostle (Romans 3:10-12) as true of all men; because the seeds of this awful crop are by nature latent in us all, awaiting favorable conditions of germination. God comes as a seeker ("the Father seeketh": John 4:23), eagerly looking for those who abjure the ways of sin, and call upon Him; and these are picked out by Him as his choice jewels, for his own. The word because in ver. 6 would be better rendered but. The enemy may come up against the camp of the righteous, but God is in the midst of them; they cannot be moved (Psalms 46:1, Psalms 46:5). THE BEST ANSWER TO ATHEISM (Psalms 14:7).-The Church of God, of whom the Jewish people was a type, is too much in captivity to the world and the devil. Let us daily ask that our salvation may speedily come, the advent of which shall bring discomfiture to our foes, and long, glad rejoicings to us (Hebrews 9:28; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).
Psalms 15:1-5 WALKING WITH GOD. This Psalm was probably composed with Psalms 24:1-10-which it closely resembles-to celebrate the bringing of the Ark to Mount Zion. The first words are almost a repetition of the awe-struck question of the stricken men of Bethshemesh (1 Samuel 6:20). And the rest of the Psalm gives a description of those who may dwell with God. If we would have fellowship with God, and dwell in his house all the days of our earthly life, let us see that this character is ours, by the grace of the Holy Spirit! THE CHALLENGE OF THE SOLOIST (Psalms 15:1). THE ANSWER OF THE CHOIR (Psalms 15:2-5).-The answer is given, first, positively (Psalms 15:2), and then, negatively (Psalms 15:3); so also, in the-two following verses. It is very needful that we watch our walk, and work, and talk, if we would have fellowship with God. Those who would walk with God must be like God. We must abhor slander, evil, and reproach. When stories reach us, let them stop with us. Let us act as nonconductors. We must also mind what company we keep; withdrawing from the companionship of the vile, but drawing close to and honoring all who fear God, as children of the same Father, and therefore brethren and sisters in the same family, whatever their rank or sect. Usury, which is a very different thing to the taking of interest; and bribes-are equally inconsistent with the vision of God. If only we are heedful of all these matters, we shall not only be able to dwell in the royal palace, as priest and kings, but we shall remain steadfast and unmoveable amid the changes and convulsions around. Here is the secret of permanence and rest (Psalms 15:5).
Psalms 16:1-11 "MY HEART IS GLAD."
Michtam is derived by some from a word meaning golden.
And, indeed, that epithet may be truly applied, not only to this Psalm, but to Psalms 56:1-13, Psalms 57:1-11, Psalms 58:1-11, Psalms 59:1-17, Psalms 60:1-12. Others explain it as a secret; i.e., a song which leads the holy soul into those deep things of God which are hidden from the wise and prudent, and revealed to babes, by that Spirit who searches them, and loves to make them known to those for whom they are prepared (1 Corinthians 2:10-14). This, then, is the song of the golden secret. The key to the Psalm is given by the Apostle Peter, when, quoting from it, he says: "David speaketh concerning Him" (Acts 2:25). And in the following verses he goes on to show that the Psalm could not be true in all its wealth of meaning of David, but of David’s Lord (Acts 2:31). And the Apostle Paul makes a very remarkable reference to this Psalm, expressly ascribing it to God’s authorship through the Psalmist, and affirming that it spoke of Him through whom all who believe are justified (Acts 13:35-38). But, of course, in a lower sense, each one of us who are one with Jesus may appropriate these golden words.
Psalms 16:1. The believer turns from all creature confidence to his God, as his only hope and all-sufficient help. Trust in Him cannot be misplaced. It is an argument which God cannot withstand.
Psalms 16:2. The rendering of R.V. is very beautiful "I have no good beyond Thee." Satisfied with God; wanting nothing in wealth or comfort outside Him.
Psalms 16:3. The soul that loves God loves the people of God.
Psalms 16:4-6. Contrasted lots.-The R.V. brings out the sense. Those who exchange the Lord for another god shall have "sorrows multiplied"; those who live in God’s favor shall have "a goodly heritage." Fleeing idolatry in every form, the Lord is our portion; He will maintain our lot, assert our cause. The measuring lines are outstretched so as to divide off for us a liberal patrimony; they fall in pleasant places, and our allotment is one facing the sun, and including abundance of water. Oh to be as Levi, whose only portion was God Himself! (Numbers 18:20; Lamentations 3:24).
Psalms 16:7. Reins mean inmost thoughts (Psalms 7:9). God often speaks in the quiet heart through the language of thoughts.
Psalms 16:8. The one object of life is to do his will and please Him; and He is ever at the right hand to help-nearer than our accusers (compare Psalms 109:6, Psalms 109:31).
Psalms 16:9. My glory interpreted by Peter of "the tongue" (Acts 2:26). Speech is man’s glory: therewith he blesses God and teaches his brother.
Psalms 16:10-11. Thus the Lord Jesus might have softly sung to Himself as He descended into the lowest depths of his humiliation. Hell here is sheol; not the place of torment, but of disembodied spirits. Thine Holy One, i.e., one whom Thou favorest. The path of life is the upward path to life. God is at our right hand, and our lot is pleasant here; and ere long we shall be at his right hand, amid everlasting pleasures.
Psalms 17:1-15 "l SHALL BE SATISFIED!" This prayer dates from the SauIine persecutions. In the earlier verses David protests his innocence, and then proceeds to plead for deliverance from his foes, ending with glad anticipations of his vision of God’s face. It may have been composed for use at eventide; two at least of its verses point in that direction (Psalms 17:3 and Psalms 17:15).
PROTESTATIONS OF INTEGRITY (Psalms 17:1-5).-What a comfort to appeal from the accusations of men to the judgment-bar of God! Even if there have been unwise things in the behavior, yet God judges the motive and heart. The Hebrew word "tried" is "melted" (tzaraph); as gold is tried in the furnace and found to have no dross. But we can have no hope of preserving our integrity and keeping from the paths of the transgressor unless we avail ourselves of the Word of God to test and direct our goings. Use the Royal Guide-book if you would keep on the King’s highway. It is beautiful to notice how David follows up his assertion of buying kept in God’s ways with the cry that he may still be kept there.
PRAYER FOR DELIVERANCE (Psalms 17:6-14).-How safe we are! As the apple of the eye: the pupil of the eye is defended by eyelash, lid, brow, bony socket, the swiftly-uplifted hand (comp. Zechariah 2:8). Thy wings: the eaglet is gathered under the wing of the parent bird (Deuteronomy 32:11; Exodus 19:4). The R.V. gives a better sense of Psalms 17:13-14 : "by thy sword," "by thy hand." What a striking contrast there is between Psalms 17:14 and Psalms 16:5, Psalms 16:11.
GLAD ANTICIPATION (Psalms 17:15).-They are filled with this world-I with Thee: they look for the things of this life-I with the eternal and unseen: they satisfied with children-I with thy likeness (1 Corinthians 15:49; Php 3:21). We shall never be perfectly satisfied with anything less than the beatific vision. Most of that rapturous vision is veiled from sight; but when it shall be unveiled, it will be approved.
Psalms 18:1-50 MY ROCK AND MY FORTRESS.
There is another form of this Psalm on record-that in 2 Samuel 22:1-51. It recapitulates the deliverances of the past, and sets them to music. The Psalms 18:2 and Psalms 18:49 are quoted in New Testament as the words of the Lord Jesus (Hebrews 2:13; Romans 15:9). A GOOD RESOLVE (Psalms 18:1-3).-How beautiful is this array of metaphors; as if no single one were forcible enough to set forth the many-sided glory of God. And Faith puts its hand, my, on all that God is, and claims it for its own. Can we not also say: "I LOVE Thee"? Not indeed as we would, yet we can take John 21:17 : "Thou knowest." David’s word is a very intense one. THE STORY OF THE PAST (Psalms 18:4-19).-It is good to recall God’s gracious dealings. David does it in highly poetical language, borrowed from the scenes of the Red Sea and Sinai. And yet there was so much of God’s gracious help in his life, that he was warranted in comparing it with the deliverance from Egypt. We, too, have our Red Seas. And God will do for us as much as for David. In our distress let us also cry. "Far up within the bejewelled walls, and through the gates of pearl, the cry of the sufferer will be heard." My cry came before Him. The voice is thin and solitary, but the answer shakes creation. THE CLAIM OF THE RIGHTEOUS (Psalms 18:20-27).-The righteousness of which David boasted was not his own; for he was willing to admit that he was not free from impurity: but it rather indicates purity of motive and integrity of heart as contrasted with hypocrisy and wickedness. Compare Psalms 18:26 with Leviticus 26:21-24. Our moral character gives its shape to our thoughts of God.
JOYFUL ANTICIPATION (Psalms 18:28-45).-God’s way is perfect, and He maketh our way perfect. Walls and troops cannot oppose us, when God’s way lies through them, and we are on the line of his purpose. Swift and sure-footed in slippery places (Psalms 18:33). Strong in battle (Psalms 18:34). Oh, the gentleness of God! (Psalms 18:35). It has done more for us than severity. Instead of the word "gentleness" the Prayer-book version translates, "Thy loving correction." THE CLOSING HALLELUJAH (Psalms 18:46-50).- We must stint our words when we thank our fellows, lest we be extravagant. But mortal lips need never refrain themselves for fear of saying too much to God.
Psalms 19:1-14 THE WITNESS OF THE HEAVENS. The Psalm of the Two Books: the Book of nature, and the written Word. If Psalms 8:1-9 were written at night, this must have been penned by day. In the 1st verse God is called EL, the Strong One; in verses Psalms 19:7-9, Psalms 19:14, the Hebrew name JEHOVAH is translated LORD; as if his glory as Creator were the stepping-stone to loftier conceptions of Him in redemption. From both sources comes the sense of sin.
NATURE.-There is the blue tapestry of the azure, and the expanse of the firmament, woven by God. What a picture of the sacred silence of the dawn! "No speech, nor language; their voice cannot be heard" (R.V.). There is also the universality of their witness-bearing. "Line" is the compass or territory through which they speak; some translate it "chord"; but there is no tongue in which the works of God do not speak. Does not the picture of the dawn, in which the sun comes forth radiant as a bridegroom, strong as an athlete, make us think of the resurrection? And is not Jesus our Sun, from the heat of which no loving heart need be hid? (Malachi 4:2).
REVELATION.-Six synonyms-the law; the testimony; the statutes; the commandment; the fear; the judgments-are used of the Word of God; and twelve qualities are ascribed to it. How truly might our blessed Lord have appropriated Psalms 19:10! The man who, as David, lives a simple natural life, is he who best appreciates the Bible.
CONFESSION AND PRAYER (Psalms 19:12-14).-"Errors"; the same word is used Leviticus 4:2, Leviticus 4:13. "Errors" will, if not checked, lead on to presumptuous and deliberate sins. The "dominion" which the Psalmist feared is expressly referred to in Romans 6:14. What a claim we have on God when we can say, "Thy servant!" For the seventh time David repeats the covenant name "Jehovah," with two last, loving epithets, "Rock" and "Redeemer" (R.V.).
Psalms 20:1-9 "THE LORD ANSWER THEE!" This Psalm may have been written on such an occasion as that of 2 Samuel 10:1-19. It may be used especially when the armies of our King are going forth to war. THE PRAYER OF THE SOLDIERS (Psalms 20:1-4) .-Ready drawn up for the fight, the soldiers pray for their king, who was wont on the eve of battle to bring sacrifices and offerings for success. (Psalms 20:1) The Lord hear thee! literally, The Lord shall answer thee! The "name" of God is his character: and the God of Jacob will not reject or forsake any worms as weak as the patriarch was once. THE RESOLVE (Psalms 20:5).-As the banners wave in the breeze it is expressly said that God is the object of trust. The Lord is our banner (Exodus 17:15); and we succeed so far as we set forward in his name and for his glory. THE VOICE OF THE KING (Psalms 20:6).-The devotion of the soldiers seems to their leader an omen for good. God’s holiness is a guarantee of his faithfulness. The Hebrew for strength (gevooreoth, "powers) is plural, implying the infinitude of God’s resources. THE FINAL CHORUS OF THE HOST (Psalms 20:7-9).-As they look across the field to the embattled array, they contrast the chariots and cavalry of the foe with their slender equipment. But, lo! as they gaze, their enemies are scattered; and with the brief ejaculation, "Save!" they hurl themselves headlong in pursuit.