1_He that dwelleth in the secret place of the High One. _Some Hebrew interpreters read the three first verses as one continuous sentence, down to the words, _he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler _The whole would then run thus — “He who dwells in the covert of the Most High, and abides... [ Continue Reading ]
In the second verse he repeats the truth which he had already inculcated, showing at the same time that he speaks from his personal feeling and experience as a believer. This is very necessary in one who would be a teacher; for we cannot communicate true knowledge unless we deliver it not merely wit... [ Continue Reading ]
In verse third the Psalmist expresses his assurance that the trust of which he had spoken would not be vain and delusory, but that God would prove at all times the deliverer of his people. He is evidently to be considered as addressing himself, and in this way encouraging his own heart to hope in th... [ Continue Reading ]
4_He shall protect thee with his wings. _This figure, which is employed in other parts of Scripture, is one which beautifully expresses the singularly tender care with which God watches over our safety. When we consider the majesty of God, there is nothing which would suggest a likeness such as is h... [ Continue Reading ]
5_Thou shalt not fear for the terror of the night. _The Psalmist continues to insist upon the truth which I have just adverted to, that, if we confide with implicit reliance upon the protection of God, we will be secure from every temptation and assault of Satan. It is of importance to remember, tha... [ Continue Reading ]
7_A thousand shall fall at thy side. _(579) He proceeds to show that, though the state of all men may to appearance be alike, the believer has the special privilege of being exempted from evils of an imminent and impending nature; for it might be objected that he was but man, and, as such, exposed w... [ Continue Reading ]
9_Because thou, Jehovah, art my protection. _He dwells at this length in commendation of the providence of God, as knowing how slow men naturally are to resort to God in a right manner; and how much they need to be stimulated to this duty, and to be driven from those false and worldly refuges in whi... [ Continue Reading ]
11_For he has given his angels charge concerning thee. _This is added by the Psalmist expressly with the view of obviating any fears which might arise from our infirmity; so that we cannot fail to be struck with the benignant condescension of God in thus not only forgiving our diffidence, but propos... [ Continue Reading ]
12_They shall bear thee upon their hands. _He gives us a still higher idea of the guardianship of the angels, informing us, that they not only watch lest any evil should befall us, and are on the alert to extend assistance, but bear up our steps with their hands, so as to prevent us from stumbling i... [ Continue Reading ]
13._Thou shalt walk over the lion and asp. _The same truth is here expressed in different words. He had already spoken of the obstacles which Satan throws in our course under the figure of a _stone. _Now he speaks of the formidable troubles to which we are exposed in the world under the figures of t... [ Continue Reading ]
14._Because he hath trusted in me, I will deliver him. _It may prevent any feeling of disgust or weariness under the repetition and enlargement of the Psalmist upon his present subject, to remember, that, as I have already observed, he is influenced in this by a due consideration of our weakness, ev... [ Continue Reading ]
15._He shall call upon me. _He now shows more clearly what was meant by trusting in God, or placing our love and delight in him. For that affection and desire which is produced by faith, prompts us to call upon his name. This is another proof in support of the truth, which I had occasion to touch up... [ Continue Reading ]