thy marvellous works."
III. The proper nature of praise—"with
my whole heart." B. Davies.
Verse 1. "I will show forth." Endless employment and
enjoyment.
Verse 1. "Thy marvellous works." Creation, Providence,
Redemption, are all marvellous, as exhibiting the attributes of God
in such a degree as to excite the wonder of all God's universe. A
very suggestive topic.
Verse 2. Sacred song: its connection with holy gladness.
Verse 4. (1) The rights of the
righteous are sure to be assailed,
(2) but equally sure to be defended.
Verse 6.
I. The great enemy.
II. The destruction he has caused.
III. The means of his overthrow.
IV. The rest which shall ensue.
Verse 7 ( first clause ). The eternity of God—the
comfort of saints, the terror of sinners.
Verse 8. The justice of God's moral government, especially in
relation to the last great day.
Verse 9. Needy people, needy times, all-sufficient
provision.
Verse 10.
I. All-important knowledge—"know thy
name."
II. Blessed result—"will put their
trust in thee."
III. Sufficient reason—"for thou, Lord,
hast not forsaken them that seek thee." T. W. Medhurst.
Knowledge, Faith, Experience, the connection of the three.
Verse 10. The names of God inspire trust. JEHOVAH Jireh,
Tsidkenu, Rophi, Shammah, Nissi, ELOHIM, SHADDAI, ADONAI, etc.
Verse 11.
I. Zion, what is it?
II. Her glorious inhabitant, what doth
he?
III. The twofold occupation of her
sons—"sing praises," "declare among the people his doings."
IV. Arguments from the first part of the
subject to encourage us in the double duty.
Verse 12.
I. God on awful business.
II. Remembers his people; to spare,
honour, bless, and avenge them.
III. Fulfils their cries, in their own
salvation, and overthrow of enemies. A consolatory sermon for times
of war or pestilence.
Verse 13. "Have mercy upon me, O Lord." The publican's
prayer expounded, commended, presented, and fulfilled.
Verse 13. "Thou that liftest me up from the gates of
death." Deep distresses, Great deliverances. Glorious
exaltations.
Verse 14. "I will rejoice in thy salvation." Especially
because it is thine, O God, and therefore honours thee. In its
freeness, fulness, suitability, certainty, everlastingness. Who can
rejoice in this? Reasons why they should always do so.
Verse 15. Lex talionis. Memorable instances.
Verse 16. Awful knowledge; a tremendous alternative as
compared with verse 10.
Verse 17. A warning to forgetters of God.
Verse 18. Delays in deliverance.
I. Unbelief's estimate of the—
"forgotten," "perish."
II. God's promise—"not always."
III. Faith's duty—wait.
Verse 19. "Let not man prevail." A powerful plea. Cases
when employed in Scripture. The reason of its power. Times for its
use.
Verse 20. A needful lesson, and how it is taught.