[In every period of the world, God has had a peculiar people. They have been distinguished with special tokens of his love''; and though they were not set apart for their holi- ness, they have invariably been made holy ; moreover, when they were holy, God delighted in them as holy^]
Nor is it a matter of trifling concern —
[The Psalmist evidently speaks of it as deserving deep attention ; and if it related only to this present state, it were M'orthy of notice. But the present separation of God's people for himself is a pledge and earnest of a future separation : in the day of judgment, God will complete what he here began*. What distinguished honour will he then confer upon the godly"! Then he will be their joy, and they his glory, for ever''.]
Let the ungodly therefore know this to their shame —
[The Psalmist suggests the thought peculiarly in this view ; and well may they be ashamed who despise what God loves. In vain do any hope to be God's hereafter, who are not his now. Let the ungodly therefore be ashamed of their false confidences. Let them set themselves apart for God, if they would have God set them apart for himself. Let them learn to live the life of the righteous, if they would die his death.]
But let the godly know it, to their unspeakable
consolation —
[They who are beloved of God, have little reason to regard the contempt of men. God would have them assured of his superintending care. He would have them know their secu- rity, who take him for their God^. Let the godly then rejoice in the honour conferred upon them. Let them look forward with joy to the final completion of God's gracious purposes towards them, and let them devote themselves more than ever to his service.]
"■ Abel, Gen. iv. 4. Enoch, Noah, &c. Heb. xi. 5, 7. Paul, Acts ix. 15.
s 1 Pet. iii. 4. t Matt. xxv. 32, 83. " Mai. iii. 17.
^ Rev. xxii. 3, 4. y Rom. viii. 31.