of its griefs. We must say, Blessed be the name of the Lord, who both gives and takes away. The
psalmist looked upon himself as a dying man; My days are like a shadow.
Verses 12–22
We are dying creatures, but God is an everlasting God, the protector of his church; we may be
confident that it will not be neglected. When we consider our own vileness, our darkness and
deadness, and the manifold defects in our prayers, we have cause to fear that they will not be
received in heaven; but we are here assured of the contrary, for we have an Advocate with the
Father, and are under grace, not under the law. Redemption is the subject of praise in the Christian
church; and that great work is described by the temporal deliverance and restoration of Israel. Look
down upon us, Lord Jesus; and bring us into the glorious liberty of thy children, that we may bless
and praise thy name.
Verses 23–28
Bodily distempers soon weaken our strength, then what can we expect but that our months
should be cut off in the midst; and what should we do but provide accordingly? We must own God's
hand in it; and must reconcile this to his love, for often those that have used their strength well,
have it weakened; and those who, as we think, can very ill be spared, have their days shortened. It
is very comfortable, in reference to all the changes and dangers of the church, to remember that
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. And in reference to the death of our bodies,
and the removal of friends, to remember that God is an everlasting God. Do not let us overlook the
assurance this psalm contains of a happy end to all the believer's trials. Though all things are
changing, dying, perishing, like a vesture folding up and hastening to decay, yet Jesus lives, and
thus all is secure, for he hath said, Because I live ye shall live also.
Chapter 103
Chapter Outline
An exhortation to bless God for his mercy. (1–5)
And to the church and to all men. (6–14)
For the constancy of his mercy. (15–18)
For the government of the world. (19–22)Verses 1–5
By the pardon of sin, that is taken away which kept good things from us, and we are restored
to the favor of God, who bestows good things on us. Think of the provocation; it was sin, and yet
pardoned: how many the provocations, yet all pardoned! God is still forgiving, as we are still sinning