b) For self consecration: "We will worship at his footstool."— G. R.
Verses 8-9.
1. The Presence of God desired—
a) That it may be signally manifested: "Arise" and enter.
b) That it may be gracious: "Thou and the ark"—that he may be present on the mercyseat.
c) That it may be felt: accompanied with power: "The ark of thy strength."
d) That it may be abiding: "Arise into thy rest."
2. The reasons for this desire.
a) With respect to the priests or ministers: "Let thy priests", etc.: not their own righteousness, but as a clothing: let them speak of "garments of salvation" and "robes of righteousness."
b) With respect to the worshippers: "And let thy saints", etc. Let ministers preach the gift of righteousness; not that which grows out of man's nature, but that which is "unto all and upon all them that believe", and saints will shout for joy.— G. R.
Verse 9. Consider,
1. The importance of a righteous ministry in the church.
2. The connection between such a ministry and a joyous people.
3. The dependence of both on the gracious working of God.— J. F.
Verse 9. ( second clause ).
1. Saints.
2. Shouting.
3. Explaining—"for joy."
4. Encouraging—"Let thy saints shout."
Verse 9. ( second clause ).—The connection between holiness and joy.
Verses 9, 16. The Spiritual Vestry.
1. The Vestments:
a) Righteousness; for which the costliest stole is a poor substitute.
b) Salvation: learning, oratory, etc., of small account in comparison.
2. The Procuring of the vestments:
a) Must be from God.
b) Earnest prayer should constantly arise from all saints.
3. The Robing:
a) By God's own hand!
b) Their beauty and power who are so invested.
c) The persons are "thy priests."— W. B. H.
Verses 9, 16.
1. Priests and Saints.
2. Vestments.
3. "Hymns Ancient and Modern."
4. The Real Presence: God giving the garments and the joy.
Verse 10.
1. An evil to be deprecated: "Turn not away the face"—so that he cannot see thee, or be seen of thee, or accepted, or allowed to hope.
2. A plea to be employed, "for thy servant David's sake"—thy covenant with him, his zeal, his consecration, his afflictions, his service. Good gospel pleading, such as may be used on many occasions.
Verse 11.
1. The divine oath.
2. Its eternal stability.
3. The everlasting Kingship.
Verse 11. ( middle clause ).—Our confidence: "He will not turn from it." He is not a changing God. He foreknew everything. He is able to carry out his purpose. His honour is bound up in it. His oath can never be broken.
Verse 12. Family favour may be perpetual, but the conditions must be observed.
Verse 13.
1. Sovereign choice.
2. Condescending indwelling.
3. Eternal rest.
4. Gracious reason—"I have desired it."
Verse 14.
1. God finding rest in his church.
a) The three persons honoured.
b) The divine nature exercised.
c) Eternal purposes fulfilled.
d) Almighty energies rewarded.
e) Tremendous sacrifices remembered.
f) Glorious attributes extolled.
g) Dearest relationships indulged.
2. This rest enduring for ever.
a) There will always be a church.
b) That church will always be such as God can rest in.
c) That church will therefore be secure on earth.
d) That church will be glorified eternally in heaven.
Verse 15.
1. Blessed provision.
2. Satisfied people—"satisfy her poor."
3. Glorified God—"I will."
4. Happy place—Zion.
Verse 16, 18. Two forms of clothing: salvation and shame, prepared for his priests and Iris enemies. Which will you wear?
Verse 17. A Lamp ordained for God's Anointed. Being the Substance of Two Sermons, by Ebenezer Erskine. Works, Vol. 3, pp. 3-41.
Verses 17-18.
1. The budding horn of growing power.
2. The perpetual lamp of constant brightness.
3. The sordid array of defeated foes.
4. The unfading wreath of glorious sovereignty.
Verse 18.
1. His enemies clothed.
a) Who are they? The openly profane. The moral but irreligious. The self righteous. The hypocritical.
b) How clothed with shame? In repentance, in disappointment, in remorse, in destruction. Sin detected. Self defeated. Hopes scattered.
c) Who clothes them The Lord. He will shame them thoroughly.
2. Himself crowned.
a) His crown: his dominion and glory.
b) Its flourishing. Glory extending. Subjects increasing. Wealth growing. Foes fearing, etc.
Verse 18. ( last clause ). The Lord Jesus himself the source, sustenance, and centre of the prosperity of his kingdom.
WORK UPON THE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SECOND PSALM
In "The Works of John Boys," 1626, folio, pp. 821-5, there is an Exposition of Psalm 132. This is a poor and lean performance.