PSALM XX. THE SAFETY OF GOD'S PEOPLE.

In this short but comprehensive Psalm our thoughts are again led to the subject already treated in the 21st Lesson, Psalm xci; but the latter deals more in promises, and this one in prayer-the one the source, the other the result. This Psalm has also been interpreted as Messianic in its meaning-the church imploring blessings on Messiah, and expressing her faith in his being divinely protected. But the secondary sense is also an important one-the Christian's safety in trouble, sought and obtained from God.

Note three chief points :

I. WHERE SAFETY IS TO BE SOUGHT.

II.

III.

HUMAN CONFIDENCE AND ITS RESULTS, AS CONTRASTED WITH-
RELIGIOUS FAITII, AND ITS RESULTS.

I. WHERE SAFETY IS TO BE SOUGHT, for the king or the nation, or for individuals, is set before us in this Psalm. It was in the name of the Lord of Hosts that David went forth to slay Goliath, 1 Sam. xvii. 45. It was God who saved his people from Sennacherib, in answer to Hezekiah's prayers, 2 Kings xix. 19, 32-34;—and it was God who preserved the lonely Jacob in his wanderings, when he committed himself by prayer into His holy keeping, Gen. xxviii. 15, 20, 21. It is ever the believer's comfort that God is ready to receive him, and to relieve him of his burden, Ps. lv. 22; and it is this which removes all anxiety and fear from his mind, Phil. iv. 6; 1 Pet. v. 7; Ps. xlvi. 42.

II. HUMAN CONFIDENCE is set before us, and ITS RESULTS, that we may see how useless it is, v. 6-8. Men rest on second causes for success and prosperity, and think that the greater the number of "chariots and horses" they can bring into the battle of life, the more certain they are to win the victory; but THE RESULT is not in their power, see Eccl. ix. 11, 12. Indeed, these sources of earthly dependence often cause more signal overthrow; see the instance of the Syrian chariots and horsemen, 2 Sam. viii. 4, 5. So too, in our spiritual conflicts, it will not avail us to rest on human wisdom or strength, or on any worldly help, Jer. xvii. 5; Prov. iii. 5; Micah vii. 5, 7, but on the armour of God, Ephes. vi. 11-18. If our own experience did not teach us the folly of dependence upon any other source than God, his own word, at all events, condemns it, whether it be trust in riches, Job xxxi. 24-28; 1 Tim. vi. 17; or in human aid, Ps. xxxiii. 16, 17; Isa. xxx. 1; or our own skill, Ps. xliv. 6; and still more in wrong doing, Ps. lxii. 10. III. But if we contrast with this human confidence, and its failure to sustain or save men, the RESULT OF RELIGIOUS FAITH IN GOD, we shall see how great is the blessedness of those whose safety is in Him. He hears them in the day of trouble, v. 1, and defends them by the strength of his own name, see Prov. xviii. 10. He sends them special blessings and help from his own presence, "the sanctuary," and spiritual gifts from Zion, v. 2; gives them tokens of acceptance of their offerings, and fulfils the desire of their minds, v. 3, 4. Thus all anxiety and fear are removed, Isa. xxx. 15, and the feeling of confidence that God knows all our wants, and is so loving that he will supply them, gives peace and security to the heart under all circumstances, Matt. vi. 25-32. A believing, obedient trust in God is the surest way both to prosperity and ultimate success, v. 8; Prov. iii. 6.

We are taught in this Psalm the duty of the people of a nation to pray for its sovereign, and for God's blessing upon the country over which he rules, Prov. xxi. 1; and we see the privileges of the members of Messiah's kingdom, who are permitted thus to pray for the success of the Captain of their salvation, and to behold in his exaltation and victory, their own deliverance from their enemies, Ps. lxviii. 18.

PSALM XLVI.-GOD THE REFUGE OF HIS PEOPLE.

HERE again we have another lesson on the same grand truth, “BE NOT AFRAID ;" and the more we experience of fightings without and fears within, the more shall we value the consolation of knowing that God sits on the throne, and makes all things work to the good of his people.

In this Psalm we have striking pictures of war, violence, and impious enmity, under the emblems of earthly convulsions, and then we are led to feel that in such troubles, as in all others, the child of God has a sure and certain refuge, together with a share in rich spiritual blessings.

I.

II.

THE EARTH IS FULL OF REBELLION AGAINST GOD.
GOD IS KING.

III. HIS PEOPLE ARE SAFE IN HIS CARE.

I. THE EARTH IS FULL OF REBELLION AGAINST GOD. The heathen raged, v. 6, at the progress of God's people of old time in Egypt, Exod. i. and xv.; atthe establishment of the people in the land of Canaan, Josh. ix. 1, 2; at the conquests of David, 2 Sam. viii.; and yet more at the establishment of Christ's kingdom, Ps. ii. 1.; Acts xix, 28, 29. It is this opposition to God's government which is likened to the disturbed elements and the convulsed earth, v. 2, 3. They represent kingdoms and states in confusion, embroiled in wars, tossed with tumults, shaken by revolution, and combining together against the people of God, endeavouring to disturb their peace, and frustrate their King's purpose concerning them. But such opposition is vain, v. 9, for God overrules their designs, and stops the battle. Ps. cvii. 25-29.

II. For GOD IS KING. He is the Ruler over all the world, Dan. iv. 17; and can either build up or overthrow the nations of the earth when and how he pleases, Job xii. 23; Jer. xviii. 7, 9; and it is only by his permission that princes reign, Prov. viii. 15, 16; 1 Tim. vi. 15. Of what avail then is rebellion against Him? for who can resist his will, or prosper when He opposes them? But while this shows us the folly of rebellion against God, the knowledge of his sovereignty and power teaches us that

III. HIS PEOPLE ARE SAFE IN HIS CARE. Troubles may beset them from without, or spiritual enemies may assault their souls, but still God is their refuge and strength, v. 1; enabling them by his grace and help to surmount their difficulties, and proving an all-sufficient support in the greatest dangers. If the earth be removed, v. 2, they need not fear, for their treasure is not there, Matt. vi. 19, 20; not even in the last great overthrow, for then their redemption draweth nigh, Luke xxi. 28. The troubled waters of affliction may rise higher and higher, v.3, yet there is a Rock for the believer "higher than they on which he rests in safety, Psa."lxi. 2; and within his own soul there is a stream of consolation, rivers of spiritual joy and pleasure, John vii. 37-39, as refreshing and satisfying as was the stream of Siloam, which went softly by Jerusalem of old, Isa. viii. 6, 7, and sustained its inmates in time of need, Isa, xxii. 10, 11. God's presence was Zion's safety then, v. 5-7; and it is the consciousness of being united to Christ that now keeps the believer. He can calm the rage of evil opposition to his rule, he can melt the hard heart, and overcome all the powers of earth or hell which are raised against those whom He has promised to protect. Therefore may we be still, v. 10, assured that if God be our God, we are safe.

PSALM CXXI. GOD'S CONSTANT CARE.

In this Psalm the servant of God will find a full and rich assurance of his safety, depending, as it does, not on his own strength or wisdom, but on the protection of Him whose power is almighty, whose wisdom is infinite, and whose tender care knows no interruption. God is not only the refuge of his people in times of trouble, and their guide in perplexity (Psalms xx., xlvi., already considered) but their constant safeguard in daily life, when no danger appears to threaten, but when, nevertheless, they are just as dependent on Him.

Note I. HUMAN DEPENDENCE.

II. DIVINE TENDERNESS.

I. HUMAN DEPENDENCE is the occasion of that constant care on the part of God, which is so touchingly described in this Psalm. In all our ways there is so little in our own control, that we are necessarily obliged to lean upon the Divine Arm for support and guidance. The powers of our bodies, the faculties of our minds, the energies of our souls, proceed from Him; and in the world around us, adverse influences,-unseen, unexpected, and irresistible,—may overtake us. In our "going out and coming in," verse 8, from day to day, there is the continual need of support, both to our bodies and souls. Seasons of sickness, adversity, oppression, or reproach may come upon us; and if none of these are our portion, yet is there the constant encounter with spiritual foes to be kept up, and the approach of death to be prepared for. Who is sufficient for these things? 2 Cor. iii. 5.

II. The DIVINE TENDERNESS of our FATHER'S CARE will meet all our need. As the pious Jew of old looked to the mountains of Zion and Moriah, verse 1, where Jerusalem was built, and from whence Jehovah assisted his people in their distress, so may every child of God look to his tender care for help in every time of need, Heb. iv. 16, with the certain knowledge that, being the Creator of all, He is able, and being the Father of all, He is willing, to supply all his wants, Matt. vi. 30-33. If the path we have to tread be difficult, He will preserve our feet from falling, verse 3; nor will his guardian watchfulness over us be relaxed or remitted, as all earthly protection would be, by natural infirmity and necessity for rest, verse 4. As Israel in the wilderness was defended from the burning heat of the sun, by the moist and refreshing shadow of the cloud, and secured against the inclement influences of the night air, by the warmth and light diffused from the pillar of fire (Ex. xiii. 20-22), so do we cling to the promise, verses 5, 6, that God will so protect us at all seasons, that the sultry gleams of prosperity may not estrange our hearts from Him, and that we shall not be frozen by the chilling blast of adversity. He is our shade," verse 5, keeping as close to us as the shadow does to the body, shielding us from harm, Isa. xxxii. 2; and thus, by keeping us from evil which is too great for us, verse 7,-either by turning it aside, or to our advantage, Ps. lxxiii. 2, 23; 2 Cor xiii. 7,—He preserves our soul, verse 7, continuously and unceasingly to the end, verse 8. Thus are God's servants kept in perfect peace, amidst trials and dangers, among enemies, or in solitude, in life and in death, by the light and support within them of the Helper's presence; who, while the greatest of Beings, is nevertheless willing to be their Defender, their glory, and the lifter-up of their heads.

Do we know the happiness of the man "whose help cometh from the Lord ?"

PSALM CXLV.-GOD'S GREATNESS AND GOODNESS.

In it,

THIS glorious Psalm takes a wider range than the preceding Lessons. the royal Psalmist, kindling with his subject, goes far beyond his own individual causes for gratitude, many and great as they had been, and proclaims God's greatness and goodness "in all the earth (comp. Psalm viii. 1). We may thus learn, by the way, a lesson on the sympathy that binds together all the children of God, in the spirit of Rom. xii. 15; 1 Cor. xii. 26; and thus feel how we ought to give God thanks, not only for the mercies bestowed on ourselves, but for all his world-wide goodness.

The two great points are

I. THE MAJESTY OF GOD; and

II. THE GOODNESS OF GOD.

I. THE MAJESTY OF GOD is one of the two great motives for the Psalmist's praise, but one beyond his reach, verse 3. How unsearchable is God! Job xxxvi. 26; 1 Tim. vi. 16. His works in the world around us are too wonderful for our comprehension; what, then, must their Author be? Job xxxvii. 14, 15, 16; Is. xl. 12. He is the Eternal One, verse 13, from everlasting to everlasting, Ps. xc. 2; cii. 27; ruling the world in righteousness, verses 7, 17. He is just in all his ways, Acts x. 34, 35; and although, according to our narrow judgment, good and evil meet not with their reward in this life, yet in the end we shall see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, Eccles. viii. 12, 13; and behold the overthrow of the impenitent, v. 20, and the salvation of his people, Ezek. xviii. 10. Whether, therefore, we look at the outward world, declaring his glory, verse 5, the shining heavens above us, the carth, with its myriads of created objects, the ocean, in its vast impenetrable depths; or man, "fearfully and wonderfully made; or turn to the record of the "terrible acts," verse 6, by which God has displayed his power, as the destruction of the old world in the flood; of the nations of Sodom and Gomorrah by fire; of Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea; of the nations of Canaan by the sword; or by the victory gained over sin and death by the resurrection of Christ; in all, we have proofs of the majesty of Him whose praises, as his glory and might, are inexhaustible, Eph. iii. 18.

The

III. THE GOODNESS OF GOD, also, calls for our praise, and is better to be understood by us in our present finite state. In weakness and misery, in shame and sorrow, we can comprehend and feel the love which pities us, verse 8, although the infinite majesty of God may be too high for us to grasp. tenderness of the mother to her child is an imperfect type of God's mercy to his fallen creatures, Is. xlix. 15. Yet He is just to all, Rom. xi. 22, while full of compassion; and over all his works, in nature and in grace, there is the impress of the hand of Divine love, verse 9. This goodness is further shown in his mindful provision for the necessities of his people, upholding them, verse 14, by his grace, and raising the fallen, as our Lord did the sinking Peter on the water, and the woman bowed down with infirmity; and yet more touchingly in that unceasing supply of the wants "of every living thing," to which reference is made in verses 15, 16. The whole animate world, as they received life from God, "wait upon Him" in due season, to be fed from his hand : although they know not God, the inferior creatures instinctively rest upon his bounty, Matt. vi. 26; Ps. civ. 21. So, too, Christ giveth to us the Bread of Life (John vi. 35), and the

Waters of Salvation (Rev. xxi. 6), freely and abundantly; and fulfilling the desire

of his people, will save them to the uttermost, Heb. vii. 25.

Can we join in this Psalm of praise to that God who, while infinitely great, is so good to all his creatures?

PSALM VIII.-GOD'S CONDESCENSION.

THIS Psalm fitly follows the preceding lesson. Does God uphold the weak, and provide for them? He does even more. It is not enough for His goodness that He should merely protect and provide for his people. He CONDESCENDS to crown them with glory and honour, and that wonderful condescension justly adds another to the many reasons why we should adore Him. The point especially noticed is, that amidst the wonders of the universe, man appears insignificant, yet that God has condescended to treat him as if he were just the contrary.

The quotation of this Psalm in Heb. ii. shows that it finds its full accomplishment in "the Man Christ Jesus," and thus we are led to the very highest proof of Divine Condescension, viz., that Christ should stoop to take our nature upon Him. But for the purposes of the present Lesson it will be better to dwell only on the first interpretation: and notice—

I.-MAN'S NATURAL INSIGNIFICANCE.

II.-GOD'S CONDESCENSION IN EXALTING HIM.

I.-MAN'S NATURAL INSIGNIFICANCE renders the condescension of God towards him all the greater and more wonderful. Job likens man to the worm, Job xxv. 6; and the Preacher shows how vain are all his human efforts for good, Eccles. ii. 4—11; or for acquiring knowledge, viii. 16; or retaining his possessions, v. 15, 16. How little power he has over his own frame, we know from Matt. v. 36; vi. 27, and no time beyond the present moment is at his disposal, Prov. xxvii. 1. This weakness is the fruit of sin, Rom. v. 12, 19; Psalm xiv. 1, 2; and when we think of our constant rebellion against God, we may well wonder with Job, vii. 17, 18, that God should look upon man with any favour.

II.-How great, then, is God's CONDESCENSION IN EXALTING HIM! That He who made the heavens in their glory and brightness, verse 3, should be mindful of so sinful and degraded a creature as man, verse 4, would be difficult to understand, if we did not remember the original estate from which he has fallen. Man was only lower than the angels, verse 5, when first created, because in his body he was allied to the earth, but in the resurrection God ordains that men should be angels' peers, Luke xx. 36. God gave him an honour peculiar to himself among the orders of creation, verse 5, and invested him with a sovereign dominion over the inferior creatures, verses 6-8. This was given at the first, Gen. i. 28, and renewed after the flood, Gen. ix. 2. And we see, in the subjection of all things to the wants and convenience of man, James iii. 7, how that God endowed him with a superior knowledge and power for loving purposes of his own, Job xxxv. 11. All these things are the fruits of God's condescension, and not of man's natural superiority over the rest of the creation. It is His name that is excellent in all the earth, verse 1, even as it is still more gloriously seen and known in the heavens. Man accomplishes nothing of real value in his own strength; the weakest are often made the instruments of the greatest power. The meanest and the hum. blest, the youngest and the feeblest, are chosen to acknowledge the power and Majesty of God, and to accomplish his designs, see verse 2, and its fulfilment in Matt. xxi. 16. Thus it has been in the ordering of God's Providence from the beginning, and so it is also in the dispensation of His grace, that the power may be seen to be not of man, but of God, 1 Cor. i. 27, 28.

Since God is thus mindful of us, let us not be unmindful of Him; since He condescends to bestow mercies upon us, in temporal gifts and spiritual blessings, let us employ them all to his glory.