Psalms 59-61

In these words we hear the voice of David when a prisoner in his own house; the voice of Christ when surrounded by his merciless enemies; the voice of the church when under bondage in the world; and the voice of the Christian when under temptation, affliction, and persecution. And thus earnestly should we pray daily, to be defended and delivered from our spiritual enemies, the temptations of Satan, and the corruptions of our own hearts. We should fear suffering as evil-doers, but not be ashamed of the hatred of workers of iniquity. It is not strange, if those regard not what they themselves say, who have made themselves believe that God regards not what they say. And where there is no fear of God, there is nothing to secure proper regard to man.

It is our wisdom and duty, in times of danger and difficulty, to wait upon God; for he is our defence, in whom we shall be safe. It is very comfortable to us, in prayer, to look to God as the God of our mercy, the Author of all good in us, and the Giver of all good to us. The wicked can never be satisfied, which is the greatest misery in a poor condition. A contented man, if he has not what he would have, yet he does not quarrel with Providence, nor fret within himself. It is not poverty, but discontent that makes a man unhappy. David would praise God because he had many times, and all along, found Him his refuge in the day of trouble. He that is all this to us, is certainly worthy of our best affections, praises, and services. The trials of his people will end in joy and praise. When the night of affliction is over, they will sing of the Lord's power and mercy in the morning. Let believers now, in assured faith and hope, praise Him for those mercies, for which they will rejoice and praise him for ever.

David owns God's displeasure to be the cause of all the hardships he had undergone. And when God is turning his hand in our favour, it is good to remember our former troubles. In God's displeasure their troubles began, therefore in his favour their prosperity must begin. Those breaches and divisions which the folly and corruption of man make, nothing but the wisdom and grace of God can repair, by pouring out a spirit of love and peace, by which only a kingdom is saved from ruin. The anger of God against sin, is the only cause of all misery, private or public, that has been, is, or shall be. In all these cases there is no remedy, but by returning to the Lord with repentance, faith, and prayer; beseeching him to return to us. Christ, the Son of David, is given for a banner to those that fear God; in him they are gathered together in one, and take courage. In his name and strength they wage war with the powers of darkness.

If Christ be ours, all things, one way or another, shall be for our eternal good. The man who is a new creature in Christ, may rejoice in all the precious promises God has spoken in his holiness. His present privileges, and the sanctifying influences of the Spirit, are sure earnests of heavenly glory. David rejoices in conquering the neighbouring nations, which had been enemies to Israel. The Israel of God are through Christ more than conquerors. Though sometimes they think that the Lord has cast them off, yet he will bring them into the strong city at last. Faith in the promise will assure us that it is our Father's good pleasure to give us the kingdom: But we are not yet made complete conquerors, and no true believer will abuse these truths to indulge sloth, or vain confidence. Hope in God is the best principle of true courage, for what need those fear who have God on their side? All our victories are from him, and while those who willingly submit to our anointed King shall share his glories, all his foes shall be put under his feet.

David begins with prayers and tears, but ends with praise. Thus the soul, being lifted up to God, returns to the enjoyment of itself. Wherever we are, we have liberty to draw near to God, and may find a way open to the throne of grace. And that which separates us from other comforts, should drive us nearer to God, the fountain of all comfort. Though the heart is overwhelmed, yet it may be lifted up to God in prayer. Nay, I will cry unto thee, for by that means it will be supported and relieved. Weeping must quicken praying, and not deaden it. God's power and promise are a rock that is higher than we are. This rock is Christ. On the Divine mercy, as on a rock, David desired to rest his soul; but he was like a ship-wrecked sailor, exposed to the billows at the bottom of a rock too high for him to climb without help. David found that he could not be fixed on the Rock of salvation, unless the Lord placed him upon it. As there is safety in Him, and none in ourselves, let us pray to be led to and fixed upon Christ our Rock. The service of God shall be his constant work and business: all must make it so who expect to find God their shelter and strong tower. The grace of God shall be his constant comfort.

There is a people in the world that fear God's name. There is a heritage peculiar to that people; present comforts in the soul, earnests of future bliss. Those that fear God have enough in him, and must not complain. We need desire no better heritage than that of those who fear God. Those abide to good purpose in this world, who abide before God, serve him, and walk in his fear; those who do so, shall abide before him for ever. And these words are to be applied to Him of whom the angel said, the Lord shall give unto him the throne of his father David, and of his kingdom there shall be no end, Lu 1:32. God's promises, and our faith in them, are not to do away, but to encourage prayer. We need not desire to be better secured than under the protection of God's mercy and truth. And if we partake of that grace and truth which came by Jesus Christ, we may praise him, whatever be our outward circumstances. But renewed experience of God's mercy and truth towards his people in Christ, is the main matter of our joy in him, and our praise unto him.

defend me--(Compare Margin). rise up ... me--(Compare Ps 17:7).

scope is very similar to that of the fifty-seventh: prayer in view of malicious and violent foes, and joy in prospect of relief.

(Compare Ps 5:5; 6:8).

prepare, &c.--literally, "set themselves as in array." awake--(Compare Ps 3:7; 7:6), appeals to God in His covenant relation to His people (Ps 9:18).

They are as ravening dogs seeking prey, and as such, belch out--that is, slanders, their impudent barkings.

for who, say they--For the full expression with the supplied words, compare Ps 64:5.

(Compare Ps 2:4; 37:13).

By judicious expositors, and on good grounds, this is better rendered, "O my strength, on Thee will I wait" (Ps 59:17). defence--(Compare Ps 18:3).

prevent me--(Ps 21:3). see my desire--in their overthrow (Ps 54:7). enemies--as in Ps 5:8.

Slay them not--at once (Jud 2:21-23); but perpetuate their punishment (Ge 4:12; Nu 32:13), by scattering or making them wander, and humble them.

let them even be ... taken in their pride--while evincing it--that is, to be punished for their lies, &c.

Though delayed for wise reasons, the utter destruction of the wicked must come at last, and God's presence and power in and for His Church will be known abroad (1Sa 17:46; Ps 46:10, 11).

Meanwhile let the rapacious dogs prowl, they cannot hurt the pious; yea, they shall wander famished and sleepless.

grudge if, &c.--literally, "they shall stay all night," that is, obtain nothing.

Contrast the lot of God's servant, who employs his time in God's praise. sing aloud ... in the morning--when they retire famishing and disappointed, or it may denote delightful diligence in praise, as in Ps 30:5. PSALM 60

beauty (see on Ps 45:1, title). As a description of the Psalm, those terms combined may denote a beautiful poem, witnessing--that is, for God's faithfulness as evinced in the victories referred to in the history cited. Aram-naharaim--Syria of the two rivers, or Mesopotamia beyond the river (Euphrates) (2Sa 10:16). Aram-zobah--Syria of Zobah (2Sa 10:6), to whose king the king of the former was tributary. The war with Edom, by Joab and Abishai (2Ch 18:12, 25), occurred about the same time. Probably, while doubts and fears alternately prevailed respecting the issue of these wars, the writer composed this Psalm, in which he depicts, in the language of God's people, their sorrows under former disasters, offers prayer in present straits, and rejoices in confident hope of triumph by God's aid. 1-3. allude to disasters. cast ... off--in scorn (Ps 43:2; 44:9). scattered--broken our strength (compare 2Sa 5:20). Oh, turn thyself--or, "restore to us" (prosperity). The figures of physical, denote great civil, commotions (Ps 46:2, 3).

drink ... wine of astonishment--literally, "of staggering"--that is, made us weak (compare Ps 75:8; Isa 51:17, 22).

Yet to God's banner they will rally, and pray that, led and sustained by His power (right hand, Ps 17:7; 20:6), they may be safe.

hear me--or, "hear us." 6-10. God hath spoken in--or, "by." his holiness--(Ps 89:35; Am 4:2), on the pledge of His attributes (Ps 22:3; 30:4). Taking courage from God's promise to give them possession (Ex 23:31; De 11:24) (and perhaps renewed to him by special revelation), with triumphant joy he describes the conquest as already made. Shechem, and ... Succoth--as widely separated points, and--

Gilead ... and Manasseh--as large districts, east and west of Jordan, represent the whole land. divide ... and mete out--means to have entire control over. Ephraim--denotes the military (De 33:17); and-- Judah--(the lawgiver, Ge 49:10), the civil power. Foreign nations are then presented as subdued.

Moab--is a my washpot--the most ordinary vessel. over--or, "at" Edom--(as a slave) he casts his shoe. Philistia, triumph, &c.--or, rather, "shout." for me--acknowledges subjection (compare Ps 108:9, "over Philistia will I triumph").

He feels assured that, though once angry, God is now ready to favor His people. who will lead me--or, who has led me, as if the work were now begun.

Wilt not thou?--or, "Is it not Thou?"

Hence he closes with a prayer for success, and an assurance of a hearing. PSALM 61

his usual spiritual privileges, perhaps by Absalom's rebellion, the Psalmist prays for divine aid, and, in view of past mercies, with great confidence of being heard. 1-3. From the end--that is, places remote from the sanctuary (De 28:64).

heart is overwhelmed--literally, "covered over with darkness," or, "distress." to the rock--(Ps 18:2; 40:2). higher than I--which otherwise I cannot ascend.

shelter ... and strong tower--repeat the same sentiment.

I will abide--So I desire to do (compare Ps 23:6). trust in the covert, &c.--make my refuge, in the shadow (compare Ps 17:8; 36:7).

the heritage--or, part in the spiritual blessings of Israel (Ps 21:2-4). vows--implies prayers.

the king--himself and his royal line ending in Christ. Mercy and truth personified, as in Ps 40:11; 57:3.

abide before God--literally, "sit as a king in God's presence," under His protection.

Thus for new blessings will new vows of praise ever be paid. PSALM 62