4 they are led by the counsel of the wicked, in the way of sinners, to the seat of the scornful they have no delight in the law of God they bring forth no fruit but what is evil. For this purpose no time is amiss.Ĥ-6 The ungodly are the reverse of the righteous, both in character and condition. We must have constant regard to the word of God, as the rule of our actions, and the spring of our comforts and have it in our thoughts night and day. (4-6)ġ-3 To meditate in God's word, is to discourse with ourselves concerning the great things contained in it, with close application of mind and fixedness of thought. (1-3) The sinfulness and misery of a wicked man, The ground and reason of both.
The holiness and happiness of a godly man. In the language of this Divine book, the prayers and praises of the church have been offered up to the throne of grace from age to age. Whatever devout affection is working in us, holy desire or hope, sorrow or joy, we may here find words to clothe it sound speech which cannot be condemned. If we make the psalms familiar to us, whatever we have to ask at the throne of grace, by way of confession, petition, or thanksgiving, we may be assisted from thence. By the psalmist's expressions, the Spirit helps us to pray. Their value, in this view, is very great, and the use of them will increase with the growth of the power of true religion in the heart.
Whether burdened with affliction, struggling with temptation, or triumphing in the hope or enjoyment of deliverance whether admiring the Divine perfections, thanking God for his mercies, mediating on his truths, or delighting in his service they form a Divinely appointed standard of experience, by which we may judge ourselves. And the psalms are the language of the believer's heart, whether mourning for sin, thirsting after God, or rejoicing in Him. Every psalm either points directly to Christ, in his person, his character, and offices or may lead the believer's thoughts to Him. But all were written by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost and no part of the Old Testament is more frequently quoted or referred to in the New. Looking by faith upon the cross of Christ will cause us to mourn for sin after a godly sort.David was the penman of most of the psalms, but some evidently were composed by other writers, and the writers of some are doubtful. It is fulfilled in all who sorrow for sin after a godly sort they look to Christ crucified, and mourn for him. This mourning is a fruit of the Spirit of grace, a proof of a work of grace in the soul, and of the Spirit of supplications. There is a holy mourning, the effect of the pouring out of the Spirit a mourning for sin, which quickens faith in Christ, and qualifies for joy in God. At the time here foretold, the Jews will know who the crucified Jesus was then they shall look by faith to him, and mourn with the deepest sorrow, not only in public, but in private, even each one separately. He, also, is the Spirit of supplications, and shows men their ignorance, want, guilt, misery, and danger.
The Holy Spirit is gracious and merciful, and is the Author of all grace or holiness. In his second coming he will complete their destruction, when he shall put down all opposing rule, principality, and power and death itself shall be swallowed up in that victory. In Christ's first coming he bruised the serpent's head, and broke all the powers of darkness that fought against God's kingdom among men. The day here spoken of, is the day of Jerusalem's defence and deliverance, that glorious day when God will appear for the salvation of his people. Desirable indeed is it that the examples and labours of Christians should render them as fire among wood, as a torch in a sheaf, to kindle the flame of Divine love, to spread religion on the right hand and on the left. The exact meaning is not clear but God often begins by calling the poor and despised and in that day even the feeblest will resemble David, and be as eminent in courage and every thing good. It is promised that God will make foolish the counsels, and weaken the courage of the enemies of the church. But it is for Israel for their comfort and benefit. Here is a Divine prediction, which will be a heavy burden to all the enemies of the church.