his people: the roaring lion shall not destroy their souls, any more than he could that of Christ, their
Surety. They trust their souls in his hands, they are one with him by faith, are precious in his sight,
and shall be rescued from destruction, that they may give thanks in heaven.
Chapter 36
Chapter Outline
The bad state of the wicked. (1–4)
The goodness of God. (5–12)Verses 1–4
From this psalm our hearts should be duly affected with hatred of sin, and seek satisfaction in
God's loving-kindness. Here is the root of bitterness, from which all the wickedness of wicked men
comes. It takes rise from contempt of God, and the want of due regard to him. Also from the deceit
they put upon their own souls. Let us daily beg of God to preserve us from self-flattery. Sin is very
hurtful to the sinner himself, and therefore ought to be hateful; but it is not so. It is no marvel, if
those that deceive themselves, seek to deceive all mankind; to whom will they be true, who are
false to their own souls? It is bad to do mischief, but worse to devise it, to do it with plot and
management. If we willingly banish holy meditations in our solitary hours, Satan will soon occupy
our minds with sinful imaginations. Hardened sinners stand to what they have done, as though they
could justify it before God himself.
Verses 5–12
Men may shut up their compassion, yet, with God we shall find mercy. This is great comfort
to all believers, plainly to be seen, and not to be taken away. God does all wisely and well; but what
he does we know not now, it is time enough to know hereafter. God's loving-kindness is precious
to the saints. They put themselves under his protection, and then are safe and easy. Gracious souls,
though still desiring more of God, never desire more than God. The gifts of Providence so far satisfy
them, that they are content with such things as they have. The benefit of holy ordinances is sweet
to a sanctified soul, and strengthening to the spiritual and Divine life. But full satisfaction is reserved
for the future state. Their joys shall be constant. God not only works in them a gracious desire for
these pleasures, but by his Spirit fills their souls with joy and peace in believing. He quickens whom
he will; and whoever will, may come, and take from him of the waters of life freely. May we know,
and love, and uprightly serve the Lord; then no proud enemy, on earth or from hell, shall separate
us from his love. Faith calleth things that are not, as though they were. It carries us forward to the
end of time; it shows us the Lord, on his throne of judgment; the empire of sin fallen to rise no
more.