Psa 69 | MHCC | e4.org | 1-12 We should frequently consider the person of the Sufferer here spoken of, and ask why, as well as what he suffered, that, meditating thereon, we may be more humbled for sin, and more convinced of our danger, so that we may feel more gratitude and love, constraining us to live to His glory who died for our salvation. Hence we learn, when in affliction, to commit the keeping of our souls to God, that we may not be soured with discontent, or sink into despair. David was hated wrongfully, but the words far more fully apply to Christ. In a world where unrighteousness reigns so much, we must not wonder if we meet with those that are our enemies wrongfully. Let us take care that we never do wrong; then if we receive wrong, we may the better bear it. By the satisfaction Christ made to God for our sin by his blood, he restored that which he took not away, he paid our debt, suffered for our offences. Even when we can plead Not guilty, as to men's unjust accusations, yet before God we must acknowledge ourselves to deserve all that is brought upon us. All our sins take rise from our foolishness. They are all done in God's sight. David complains of the unkindness of friends and relations. This was fulfilled in Christ, whose brethren did not believe on him, and who was forsaken by his disciples. Christ made satisfaction for us, not only by putting off the honours due to God, but by submitting to the greatest dishonours that could be done to any man. We need not be discouraged if our zeal for the truths, precepts, and worship of God, should provoke some, and cause others to mock our godly sorrow and deadness to the world.

‏ Psalms 69

* David complains of great distress. (1-12) And begs for

succour. (13-21) He declares the judgments of God. (22-29) He

concludes with joy and praise. (30-36)1-12 We should frequently consider the person of the Sufferer

here spoken of, and ask why, as well as what he suffered, that,

meditating thereon, we may be more humbled for sin, and more

convinced of our danger, so that we may feel more gratitude and

love, constraining us to live to His glory who died for our

salvation. Hence we learn, when in affliction, to commit the

keeping of our souls to God, that we may not be soured with

discontent, or sink into despair. David was hated wrongfully,

but the words far more fully apply to Christ. In a world where

unrighteousness reigns so much, we must not wonder if we meet

with those that are our enemies wrongfully. Let us take care

that we never do wrong; then if we receive wrong, we may the

better bear it. By the satisfaction Christ made to God for our

sin by his blood, he restored that which he took not away, he

paid our debt, suffered for our offences. Even when we can plead

Not guilty, as to men's unjust accusations, yet before God we

must acknowledge ourselves to deserve all that is brought upon

us. All our sins take rise from our foolishness. They are all

done in God's sight. David complains of the unkindness of

friends and relations. This was fulfilled in Christ, whose

brethren did not believe on him, and who was forsaken by his

disciples. Christ made satisfaction for us, not only by putting

off the honours due to God, but by submitting to the greatest

dishonours that could be done to any man. We need not be

discouraged if our zeal for the truths, precepts, and worship of

God, should provoke some, and cause others to mock our godly

sorrow and deadness to the world. 13-21 Whatever deep waters of affliction or temptation we sink

into, whatever floods of trouble or ungodly men seem ready to

overwhelm us, let us persevere in prayer to our Lord to save us.

The tokens of God's favour to us are enough to keep our spirits

from sinking in the deepest outward troubles. If we think well

of God, and continue to do so under the greatest hardships, we

need not fear but he will do well for us. And if at any time we

are called on to suffer reproach and shame, for Christ's sake,

this may be our comfort, that he knows it. It bears hard on one

that knows the worth of a good name, to be oppressed with a bad

one; but when we consider what a favour it is to be accounted

worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus, we shall see that

there is no reason why it should be heart-breaking to us. The

sufferings of Christ were here particularly foretold, which

proves the Scripture to be the word of God; and how exactly

these predictions were fulfilled in Jesus Christ, which proves

him to be the true Messiah. The vinegar and the gall given to

him, were a faint emblem of that bitter cup which he drank up,

that we might drink the cup of salvation. We cannot expect too

little from men, miserable comforters are they all; nor can we

expect too much from the God of all comfort and consolation. 22-29 These are prophecies of the destruction of Christ's

persecutors. Verses #22,23|, are applied to the judgments of God

upon the unbelieving Jews, in #Ro 11:9,10|. When the supports of

life and delights of sense, through the corruption of our

nature, are made the food and fuel of sin, then our table is a

snare. Their sin was, that they would not see, but shut their

eyes against the light, loving darkness rather; their punishment

was, that they should not see, but should be given up to their

own hearts' lusts which hardened them. Those who reject God's

great salvation proffered to them, may justly fear that his

indignation will be poured out upon them. If men will sin, the

Lord will reckon for it. But those that have multiplied to sin,

may yet find mercy, through the righteousness of the Mediator.

God shuts not out any from that righteousness; the gospel

excludes none who do not, by unbelief, shut themselves out. But

those who are proud and self-willed, so that they will not come

in to God's righteousness, shall have their doom accordingly;

they themselves decide it. Let those not expect any benefit

thereby, who are not glad to be beholden to it. It is better to

be poor and sorrowful, with the blessing of the Lord, than rich

and jovial, and under his curse. This may be applied to Christ.

He was, when on earth, a man of sorrows that had not where to

lay his head; but God exalted him. Let us call upon the Lord,

and though poor and sorrowful, guilty and defiled, his salvation

will set us up on high. 30-36 The psalmist concludes the psalm with holy joy and

praise, which he began with complaints of his grief. It is a

great comfort to us, that humble and thankful praises are more

pleasing to God than the most costly, pompous sacrifices. The

humble shall look to him, and be glad; those that seek him

through Christ shall live and be comforted. God will do great

things for the gospel church, in which let all who wish well to

it rejoice. A seed shall serve him on earth, and his servants

shall inherit his heavenly kingdom. Those that love his name

shall dwell before him for ever. He that spared not his own Son,

but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also

freely give us all things? Arise, thou great Restorer of the

ancient places to dwell in, and turn away ungodliness from thy

people