‏ Psalms 9

* David praises God for protecting his people. (1-10) And for

cause to praise him. (11-20)1-10 If we would praise God acceptably, we must praise him in

sincerity, with our whole heart. When we give thanks for some

one particular mercy, we should remember former mercies. Our joy

must not be in the gift, so much as in the Giver. The triumphs

of the Redeemer ought to be the triumphs of the redeemed. The

almighty power of God is that which the strongest and stoutest

of his enemies are no way able to stand before. We are sure that

the judgment of God is according to truth, and that with him

there is no unrighteousness. His people may, by faith, flee to

him as their Refuge, and may depend on his power and promise for

their safety, so that no real hurt shall be done to them. Those

who know him to be a God of truth and faithfulness, will rejoice

in his word of promise, and rest upon that. Those who know him

to be an everlasting Father, will trust him with their souls as

their main care, and trust in him at all times, even to the end;

and by constant care seek to approve themselves to him in the

whole course of their lives. Who is there that would not seek

him, who never hath forsaken those that seek Him? 11-20 Those who believe that God is greatly to be praised, not

only desire to praise him better themselves, but desire that

others may join with them. There is a day coming, when it will

appear that he has not forgotten the cry of the humble; neither

the cry of their blood, or the cry of their prayers. We are

never brought so low, so near to death, but God can raise us up.

If he has saved us from spiritual and eternal death, we may

thence hope, that in all our distresses he will be a very

present help to us. The overruling providence of God frequently

so orders it, that persecutors and oppressors are brought to

ruin by the projects they formed to destroy the people of God.

Drunkards kill themselves; prodigals beggar themselves; the

contentious bring mischief upon themselves: thus men's sins may

be read in their punishment, and it becomes plain to all, that

the destruction of sinners is of themselves. All wickedness came

originally with the wicked one from hell; and those who continue

in sin, must go to that place of torment. The true state, both

of nations and of individuals, may be correctly estimated by

this one rule, whether in their doings they remember or forget

God. David encourages the people of God to wait for his

salvation, though it should be long deferred. God will make it

appear that he never did forget them: it is not possible he

should. Strange that man, dust in his and about him, should yet

need some sharp affliction, some severe visitation from God, to

bring him to the knowledge of himself, and make him feel who and

what he is