Psalms 119:88

Verse Psalms 119:88. Quicken me] Make and keep me alive.

So shall I keep] Without the spiritual life there is no obedience; we must therefore rise from the dead, and be quickened by the Spirit of Christ.

ANALYSIS OF LETTER CAPH. - Eleventh Division

I. In this section the psalmist laments his being grieved with some inward anguish.

II. Complains of his enemies.

III. Expresses his hope and constancy; and,

IV. Prays to God for comfort and grace.

I. 1. He begins with a sad complaint: "My soul fainteth." As the body will fail if it want natural food, so will the soul if it get not the bread of life.

2. His eyes also failed with looking up. The blessing was long delayed.

3. Yet he hoped in God's word. He knew that it would not fail.

4. He made complaint: "When wilt thou comfort me?"

5. His state was most deplorable; his body dried and shrivelled up through long fasting and affliction, so that it resembled a leathern bottle hung up in the smoke.

6. Yet still he continued faithful: "I do not forget thy statutes."

II. He complains against his enemies.

1. How long he should be obliged to suffer them.

2. He inquires "when the Lord will execute judgments."

He describes these enemies from their qualities: -

1. They were proud. They would not bow down to nor acknowledge God.

2. They were treacherous. They digged pits for him - used every kind of means in order to destroy him; cruel, treacherous, and cowardly.

3. They were impious. In heart and conduct they were not "according to God's law."

4. They acted without a shadow of justice; wrongfully against law and justice.

III. He prays for succour: "Help thou me." Here are three things of especial note: 1. O Thou, who art infinite.. 2. Help; for thou hast all power in heaven and in earth. 3. Me, who cannot stand against my enemies; but "I trust in thee."

IV. 1. He closes with a frequent petition: "Quicken thou me - make me alive." All true religion consists in the LIFE of God in the SOUL of man.

2. The manner in which he wishes to be quickened: "After thy loving-kindness." He wishes not to be raised from the death of sin by God's thunder, but by the loving voice of a tender Father.

3. The effect it should have upon him: "So shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth." Whatever thou speakest I will hear, receive, love, and obey.