The Pulpit Commentary — Psalms — Volume 1 — Section 180

leave to their own devices, but the meek Ver. 15.-Mine eyes are ever toward he will guide iu the paths of righteousness, the Lord. David is always lookin"' to God and the meek wi!l he teach hie way. (Ps. cxli. 8), waiting for him (Ps~ xl. I ; Ver .. 10.-All the paths of the Lord a.re !xii. 1, 5; hix. 3, eto.), expeotiug his pro- mercy and truth unto such as keep his videuces, anticipating his deli verancee (Pss. covenant and his testimonies. Mercy and iii. 7; v. 11; vii. 1; ix. 3, eto.). He is truth will meet together (Ps. lxxxv. 10) in now, apparently, iu some danger or diffi- the onse of those who, however they may culty, and in need of tho Divine succour have sinned, meekly submit themselves to (oom,,. ver. 2). For he shall pluck my feet God's guidance, and thenoefortll keep his out of the net (comp. Pss. ix. 15; x. 10; covenant and his testimonies. xxxi. 5; u:xv. 7, etc.). Ver. 11.-For thy Name's sake, O Lord, Ver. 16.-Turn thee unto m?, and have pardon mine iniquity. The psalmist here mercy npoa me. The approach of peril is resumes the attitude of prayer, which he regarded ns a sign that God has "turned had laid asiJe in ver. 8. Tbe" sins of his e.wn-y his face." He is besought, therefore, youth," and his other "transgressions," to turn towards one who needs his aid. which he harl asked God to forget (ver. 7), For I am desolate and afllictad (comp. vers. rankle in his own memory, and force him 17, 18). The affliction evidently comes from to cry out again and again for pardon (see enemies, either foreign or domestic (vers. 2, ver. 18: Pss. xxxii. 5: xxxviii. 18 ; xxxix. 19); but its nature is not further indicated. 8; xli. 4, elo.). Here he beseeches God to Vers. 17, 18.-The troubles of my heart pardon him "for his Name's sake," i.e. for are enlarged : 0 bring thou ma out of my the honour of his Name, that his mercy distresses. Look upon mine affliction and my may be known far and wide, and his good- pain; and forgive all my sins. 'l'he afflic- ness cause all the world to pruise Lim. He tion, of whatever kind it may have been. enforces his plea by the confession, For it was regarded by David as a punishment (i.e. his iniquity) is great; so great, that his sent on him for his sins. Of his sins he need of forgi vcness is exoessi ve; so great, was at this time deeply conscious (vers. 7, that to forgi.e it will be truly Godlike; so 11) and deeply repentaut. Probably they great, that, nukss forgiven, be must be 1/Jst. included his great sin (see the comment on (For his "great sin,"see 2 Sam. xi. 4-17.) ver. 11). Yer. 12.-What man is he that feareth Ver. 19.-Coneider mine enemies; for they the Lord 1 Once more we have a series of are many (comp. Pas. iii. 7; v. 8; vi. 7, 10; reflections (vers. 12-15)-first, with respect vii. I, 6; xvii. 9; xviii. 2, 17); and they to the God-fearing man. Every ,nch man hate me with oruel hatred. Thie would shall have favour shown him by God-him appear to point to domestic rather than shall he (i.e. God) teach in the way that he foreign foes (see 2 Sam. xvi. 6-8). shall choose. This is, of course, the right Ver. 20.-0 keep my soul, and deliver ms war-the way of God's commandments (Po, (comp. Pas. vi. 4; xvii. 3; xxii. 20, etc.): cxix. 30, 173). God shall make his way let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust plain to the God-fearing man. , in thee (see comment on ver. 2). \·er. 13.-Hie soul shall dwell at ease; Ver. 21.-Let integrity and uprightness rather, his soul ,hall drnell in bliss; i.e. he preserve mo. Scarcely his own inherent shall enjoy, while on earth, bles.inµ:s of integrity e.nd uprightness, the wo.nt of every kind. And his seed shall inherit the which he has deplored when confessing earth. Ilis posterity after him shall be that his iniquity is great (ver. 11). Rather continued upon the earth, and shall prosper an integrity o.nd uprightness whereto he (comp. Po. :x::xxvii. 11, 22, 29). There is 11 hopes to attain, by the grace of God, in ten<lency in righteousness to "inherit the clays to come-an integrity and uprightness ca.rlh," unly he:ld in check by accidental and for which he "waits:'' For I wait on thee. (it may be) temporary circumstances (P-ee Ver. 22.-Bedeem Israel, 0 Goi, out of all Butler's 'Analogy,' pt. i. oh. 3, pp. 78, 79). his troubles. It is supposed by some tl1nt Yer. 14.-The secret of the Lord ia with this verso was added during the "trouble" them that fear him. God favours those of the Captivity; and corlniuly its stanil.- who fear him with secret and oon!irlential ing outside th(l alphe.betical e.rro.ngemont communion (comp. Prov. iii. 32). He "comes favours this view; but the siu1ilar irregu- nnto them, and m1tkes his abode with them" larity at the clos(l of P;. xxxiv. rather makes (John xiv. 23), and" teaches them" (John ao-ainst it. David cvi<lently was not o. slave xiv. 26), and enlightens them, o.nd leads t; e. ruechanico.l arrangement; and any pious them in his way, e.nd learns them (ver. 5), Israelite, at o.ny age (tl1erefore certainly and "seals their instruction'' (Job xxxiiL David) might naturally append a pwycr 16). And he will show them his covenant; for hiR people to an outpouring _of P!nyor i.e. make them see the full forco of it, since for himself. Moreover, redemption IB an his "commandment is exceeding broad" idea familiar to Dnvid (Psa. xix. 14; xxvi. (Po. cxix. 96). 11 ; x:ui. 5; xxxh·. 22). PB, XXV, 1-22.] THE BOOK OF PSALMS. 183