Chapter Outline
The desolations of the sanctuary. (1–11)
Pleas for encouraging faith. (12–17)
Petitions for deliverances. (18–23)Verses 1–11
This psalm appears to describe the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Chaldeans.
The deplorable case of the people of God, at the time, is spread before the Lord, and left with him.
They plead the great things God had done for them. If the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt was
encouragement to hope that he would not cast them off, much more reason have we to believe, that
God will not cast off any whom Christ has redeemed with his own blood. Infidels and persecutors
may silence faithful ministers, and shut up places of worship, and say they will destroy the people
of God and their religion together. For a long time they may prosper in these attempts, and God's
oppressed servants may see no prospect of deliverance; but there is a remnant of believers, the seed
of a future harvest, and the despised church has survived those who once triumphed over her. When
the power of enemies is most threatening, it is comfortable to flee to the power of God by earnest
prayer.
Verses 12–17
The church silences her own complaints. What God had done for his people, as their King of
old, encouraged them to depend on him. It was the Lord's doing, none besides could do it. This
providence was food to faith and hope, to support and encourage in difficulties. The God of Israel
is the God of nature. He that is faithful to his covenant about the day and the night, will never cast
off those whom he has chosen. We have as much reason to expect affliction, as to expect night and
winter. But we have no more reason to despair of the return of comfort, than to despair of day and
summer. And in the world above we shall have no more changes.
Verses 18–23
The psalmist begs that God would appear for the church against their enemies. The folly of
such as revile his gospel and his servants will be plain to all. Let us call upon our God to enlighten
the dark nations of the earth; and to rescue his people, that the poor and needy may praise his name.
Blessed Saviour, thou art the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Make thy people more than
conquerors. Be thou, Lord, all in all to them in every situation and circumstances; for then thy poor
and needy people will praise thy name.
Chapter 75