_A.M. 2989. B.C. 1015._ Whoever was the author of this Psalm, he was manifestly in great trouble when he composed it. What the trouble was does not appear; but whatever it was, the sting of it lay in this, that he apprehended himself to be forsaken of God: and, without doubt, this is, of all afflic... [ Continue Reading ]
_I cried unto God_, &c. This verse seems to contain the sum of the whole Psalm, consisting of two parts, namely, his earnest cry to God in his deep distress, and God's gracious answer to his prayers, by supporting him under his troubles, and giving him assurance of a good issue out of them; of both... [ Continue Reading ]
_In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord_ Being afflicted, he prayed, James 5:13, and being in an agony he prayed the more fervently: _he cried unto God._ He did not apply to the diversion of business, or of any recreation, that he might by that means shake off his trouble; but he had recourse to... [ Continue Reading ]
_I remembered God, and was troubled_ Yea, the thoughts of God, and of his infinite power, wisdom, truth, and goodness, which used to be very sweet and consolatory to me, were now causes of terror and trouble, because these divine attributes appeared to be all engaged against me; and God himself, my... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou holdest mine eyes waking_ By those bitter and continual griefs, and those perplexing and distressing thoughts and cares, which thou excitest within me. _I am so troubled that I cannot speak_ The greatness of my sorrow so stupifies and confuses my mind, that I can scarcely open my mouth to decl... [ Continue Reading ]
_I have considered the days of old_ The mighty works of God, wrought for his people in former times, if by that means I could get any comfort. _I call to remembrance my song in the night_ The many and great mercies and favours of God vouchsafed to me and his people, which have obliged me to adore hi... [ Continue Reading ]
_Will the Lord cast off for ever?_ “The psalmist now relates the process of his meditations, and of that controversy which arose in his heart between faith and distrust.” Most commentators suppose that the psalmist's distress and despondency were occasioned chiefly, if not solely, by public calamiti... [ Continue Reading ]
_And I said_ I thus answered these objections; _This is my infirmity_ These suspicions of God's faithfulness and goodness proceed from the weakness of my faith, and from the mistake of a diseased mind. _But I will remember the years_, &c. That is, the years in which God hath done great and glorious... [ Continue Reading ]
_I will remember the works of the Lord_ I will seriously consider what God has formerly done for his people, many times far above their expectation, and I will take comfort from hence, because he is still the same that he was, in power, goodness, and mercy, and, therefore, will pity and help in the... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thy way, O God_ That is, thy doings, or, the course of thy providence; the various methods and causes of thy dealings with thy people; _is in the sanctuary_ Is there contained and declared. As the prosperity of wicked men, so also the afflictions and troubles of God's people, are great riddles and... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou hast declared thy strength among the people_ By the mighty acts of it here following. _Thou hast redeemed thy people_ Namely, out of Egypt, after a long and hard bondage; which he here mentions to strengthen his faith in the present trouble. _The sons of Jacob and Joseph_ The people of the Jew... [ Continue Reading ]
_The waters saw thee, O God_ They felt the visible effects of thy powerful presence. _They were afraid_ And stood still, as men or beasts astonished commonly do. _The clouds poured out water_ Namely, upon the Egyptians. _The skies sent out a sound_ In terrible thunder; _thine arrows also went abroad... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thy way is in the sea_, &c. Or rather, _was_, at that time; thou didst walk and lead thy people in untrodden paths; _and thy footsteps_ Or, _though thy footsteps were not seen_ God walked before his people through the sea, though he left no footsteps of himself behind him. Thus “the dispensations a... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou leddest thy people_ First through the sea, and afterward through the vast howling wilderness to Canaan; _like a flock_ With singular care and tenderness, as a shepherd doth his sheep. The Psalm concludes abruptly, and does not apply those ancient instances of God's power to the present distres... [ Continue Reading ]