c) God has refreshed his saints with divine consolations for the future.— John Farmer, 1744.
Verse 5. The soul choosing God.
1. Deliberately: "I cried unto thee, I said."
2. For all in all: "refuge", "portion."
3. Before every other "in the land of the living."— W.B.H.
Verse 5. "How we may bring our Hearts to bear Reproofs." See John Owen's Sermon in "The Morning Exercises", vol. 2, page 600, etc.; and in his "Works", vol. 16, p. 23, etc.
Verse 6. Two petitions and two arguments.
Verses 6-7.
1. The language of Despondency. "I am brought very low." "My enemies are stronger than I." "My soul is in prison."
2. Of Prayer. "Attend unto me." "Deliver me." "Bring me out of prison."
3. Of Praise.
a) For the congratulation of others.
b) For his own deliverance and prosperity.— G.R.
Verse 6. Low and Lowly. Here is David,
1. In a low place; the depths of a cave.
2. In a low way: "very low"; "stronger than I."
3. But see, "with the lowly is wisdom" (Pr 11:2); he prays.
4. The Lord "hath respect to the lowly", Ps 138:6. He will not pray in vain.— W.B.H.
Verse 7. A prisoner. A freedman. A singer. A centre. A wonder.
Verse 7. Prison Dreams.
1. What we image in our fetters.
a) Christ's brow girt about with rare praise.
b) Christ's people compassing and accompanying us in costliest service.
c) A new life of bounty and blessing—when we get out.
2. How far do our dreamings come true? Before peril and after; under conviction, and after conversion; sick room, and active service.
3. The duty of fidelity to prison vows and lessons.— W.B.H.
Verse 7. ( middle clause ). A Queen Bee. An under shepherd. A warm hearth. A Museum of wonders. Or, they shall surround me, interested in my story—"out of prison"; drawn by my song—"praise thy name"; attracted by likeness of character, and admiring the goodness of the Lord.
Verse 7. ( last clause ). Take this with Ps 116:7. "The Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee." Infer the future from the past.
WORK UPON THE HUNDRED AND FORTY-SECOND PSALM
In Chandler's "Life of David," vol. 1, pp. 157-160, there is an Exposition of this Psalm.