The Pulpit Commentary — Psalms — Volume 1 — Section 200

complaint of God when men do not seek him (Isa. xliii. 23-26). And still more the declared joy of God when souls are at rest in him (Zeph. iii. 17). See this taken over to the Now Testament (John iv. 23). But the grandest illustration of all i~ in the fact (Luke xix.10) of which the whole of Luke's fifteenth chapter is the fullest declaration (still further, see Rev. iii. 20). In fact, hnd it not beea for this self-manifestation of (fad's heart, we must all have been agnostics for ever 1 2. Wheresoever men open the hearl to God:s invitation, he proves himself worthy of himself. The student may well luxuriate in the various names which the psalmist delights to apply to God as his God. Note: (1) The terms themselve;. (a) Light (ver. 1), "There shines on him [the psalmist] a sun that sets not and knows no eclipse. This sublime, infinitely profound name for God, '"J1N, is found only in this passage" (Delitzscb, in loc.). (b) Salvation (ver. 1). Spiritually as well as temporally. (c) '!'be Fortress of his life (ver. 1), in which be was perpetually hidden. (d) Guardian (ver.10). One who would manifest a tenderer care and love than even parents feel, and who, when they are removed from us, will be our Guardian 1 still. (e) Helper (ver. 9). Coming with timely aid in every emergency. Note: (2) The individualizing care of God. 'l'he word" my" should be emphasized in each case: "my Light;" "my Salvation," etc. The experience of those who fling themselves on God's care and love is that he manages as beautifully and precisely for them as if he had no one else for whom to care. Hence the prophet's rebuke of the unbelieving suggestion to the contrary (Isa. xl. 27). If God were less than infinite, doubts might creep in. .As Faber sings- " That greatness which is infinite has room For all things in its lap to lie: We should be crushed by a magnificence Short of infinity I" II. THE BRSPONSES OF BELmVING HEARTS TO Go»'s SELF-lllANIFESTATION ARE VAl:IED AS TIJE EXPERIENCES OF. LIFE. 'l'lle whole psalm is one of responsive faith; though that response me.y be sometimes a plea, or a sigh, yea, even a groan, and e.t other times a shout of song as with trumpet-power. Wo havo all these stages in this very psalm. Listen to the varied phases of the psalmist's words. Here is : 1. Faith seeking. (Ver. 8.) It is an infinite mercy to hear the sweet whisper of God to tho heart, "Seek me." It is so wonderful that there should be any such sound from God to the sinful heart-any sound so tender and sweet. And what should the responce be but this, "Thy face, Lor<l, will I seek" ? \Ve may well seek the acquaintance of God as our God, to be our Leader, Guide, and Sovereign Lord, even unto death. Note: Let the coming sinner never forget that, if he is seeking God, God has sought him first. \Vo may never lose sight of the Di vine onler, "We love him, because he first loved us" (1 John iv. Ul). 2. Faith rejoicing in Divine companionship. (Ver. 4.) In the Lord's house, his presence was specially manifested; and those who know the Lord know well that there is no home like being by their Saviour's side, in his home. There they see tho "beauty" of the Lord; i.e. his grace, his love, his mercy. There their eyes see "the King in his be:\uty." They" inquire" in llis temple for directions for daily life; or they mnse on the glories of the temple ns the seat of Jehovah's presence. Yea, God's love and caro make them so hnppy that they must give vent to their joy ns with trumpet-song. \Ve often long for greater physical power to praise God in shouting; and the use of trumpet and organ gratifies this longing. Wa praise God, but the organ gives the voice-power (see ver. 6, Hebrew). 3. Faith u·atching. (Ver. 2; cf. Ps. xcii.11, Aut-horized Version, but leave out the words in italics; P~. xxxvii. 34-47.) H should be no joy to the righteous to see any ono in trouble; yet they cannot but praise God when infamous plots are discovered, and the saints of God are delivered. 4. Faith sheltering. (Vers.1, 5; Ps. xci.) No one-in earth or hell-can ever forge the dart or weapon that can pierce the saints' stronghold. When the Lord is the Fortress of their lire, they are in a citadel that can never he invaded. 5. Faith dreading. (Ver. 9.) The thing most to be dreadod is the hiding of God's face, and being cast off by him. And can faith evor dread this? Yes, indeed; for there are moments when the sins of • 'l;ll?~\ "will take me np "-" ns n chilcl disowned by its parents, an<l taken up by tho ndoptive father from the streets" (Fau.88et). 204 THE BOOK OF PSALMS. [PS. xxv1t. 1-14.