Verses 8–14
We have here the improvement which the people of God are to make of his glorious and gracious
appearances for them. Let our faith in the word of God be hereby confirmed. Let our hope of the
stability of the church be encouraged. Let our minds be filled with good thoughts of God. All the
streams of mercy that flow down to us, must be traced to the fountain of His loving-kindness. Let
us give to God the glory of the great things he has done for us. Let all the members of the church
take comfort from what the Lord does for his church. Let us observe the beauty, strength, and safety
of the church. Consider its strength; see it founded on Christ the Rock, fortified by the Divine
power, guarded by Him who neither slumbers nor sleeps. See what precious ordinances are its
palaces, what precious promises are its bulwarks, that you may be encouraged to join yourselves
to it: and tell this to others. This God, who has now done such great things for us, is unchangeable
in his love to us, and his care for us. If he is our God, he will lead and keep us even to the last. He
will so guide us, as to set us above the reach of death, so that it shall not do us any real hurt. He
will lead us to a life in which there shall be no more death.
Chapter 49
Chapter Outline
A call for attention. (1–5)
Folly of worldlings. (6–14)
Against fear of death. (15–20)Verses 1–5
We seldom meet with a more solemn introduction: there is no truth of greater importance. Let
all hear this with application to ourselves. The poor are in danger from undue desire toward the
wealth of the world, as rich people from undue delight in it. The psalmist begins with applying it
to himself, and that is the right method in which to treat of Divine things. Before he sets down the
folly of carnal security, he lays down, from his own experience, the benefit and comfort of a holy,
gracious security, which they enjoy who trust in God, and not in their worldly wealth. In the day
of judgment, the iniquity of our heels, or of our steps, our past sins, will compass us. In those days,
worldly, wicked people will be afraid; but wherefore should a man fear death who has God with
him?
Verses 6–14
Here is a description of the spirit and way of worldly people. A man may have wealth, and may
have his heart enlarged in love, thankfulness, and obedience, and may do good with it. Therefore
it is not men's having riches that proves them to be worldly, but their setting their hearts upon them