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?
Verses 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.
Chapter 10
Chapter Outline
The psalmist complains of the wickedness (1–11)
of the wicked.
He prays to God to appear for the relief of (12–18)
his people.Verses 1–11
God's withdrawings are very grievous to his people, especially in times of trouble. We stand
afar off from God by our unbelief, and then complain that God stands afar off from us. Passionate
words against bad men do more hurt than good; if we speak of their badness, let it be to the Lord
in prayer; he can make them better. The sinner proudly glories in his power and success. Wicked
people will not seek after God, that is, will not call upon him. They live without prayer, and that
is living without God. They have many thoughts, many objects and devices, but think not of the
Lord in any of them; they have no submission to his will, nor aim for his glory. The cause of this
is pride. Men think it below them to be religious. They could not break all the laws of justice and
goodness toward man, if they had not first shaken off all sense of religion.