‏ Psalms 105

* A solemn call to praise and serve the Lord. (1-7) His gracious

dealings with Israel. (8-23) Their deliverance from Egypt, and

their settlement in Canaan. (24-45)1-7 Our devotion is here stirred up, that we may stir up

ourselves to praise God. Seek his strength; that is, his grace;

the strength of his Spirit to work in us that which is good,

which we cannot do but by strength derived from him, for which

he will be sought. Seek to have his favour to eternity,

therefore continue seeking it while living in this world; for he

will not only be found, but he will reward those that diligently

seek him. 8-23 Let us remember the Redeemer's marvellous works, his

wonders, and the judgments of his mouth. Though true Christians

are few number, strangers and pilgrims upon earth, yet a far

better inheritance than Canaan is made sure to them by the

covenant of God; and if we have the anointing of the Holy

Spirit, none can do us any harm. Afflictions are among our

mercies. They prove our faith and love, they humble our pride,

they wean us from the world, and quicken our prayers. Bread is

the staff which supports life; when that staff is broken, the

body fails and sinks to the earth. The word of God is the staff

of spiritual life, the food and support of the soul: the sorest

judgment is a famine of hearing the word of the Lord. Such a

famine was sore in all lands when Christ appeared in the flesh;

whose coming, and the blessed effect of it, are shadowed forth

in the history of Joseph. At the appointed time Christ was

exalted as Mediator; all the treasures of grace and salvation

are at his disposal, perishing sinners come to him, and are

relieved by him. 24-45 As the believer commonly thrives best in his soul when

under the cross; so the church also flourishes most in true

holiness, and increases in number, while under persecution. Yet

instruments shall be raised up for their deliverance, and

plagues may be expected by persecutors. And see the special care

God took of his people in the wilderness. All the benefits

bestowed on Israel as a nation, were shadows of spiritual

blessings with which we are blessed in Christ Jesus. Having

redeemed us with his blood, restored our souls to holiness, and

set us at liberty from Satan's bondage, he guides and guards us

all the way. He satisfies our souls with the bread of heaven,

and the water of life from the Rock of salvation, and will bring

us safely to heaven. He redeems his servants from all iniquity,

and purifies them unto himself, to be a peculiar people, zealous

of good works