Comfort and peace to the persecuted. (12–23)Verses 1–11
We may with boldness appeal to God; for he is the almighty Judge by whom every man is
judged. Let this encourage those who suffer wrong, to bear it with silence, committing themselves
to Him who judges righteously. These prayers are prophecies, which speak terror to the sons of
violence. There will come a day of reckoning for all the hard speeches which ungodly sinners have
spoken against God, his truths, and ways, and people. It would hardly be believed, if we did not
witness it, that millions of rational creatures should live, move, speak, hear, understand, and do
what they purpose, yet act as if they believed that God would not punish the abuse of his gifts. As
all knowledge is from God, no doubt he knows all the thoughts of the children of men, and knows
that the imaginations of the thoughts of men's hearts are only evil, and that continually. Even in
good thoughts there is a want of being fixed, which may be called vanity. It concerns us to keep a
strict watch over our thoughts, because God takes particular notice of them. Thoughts are words
to God.
Verses 12–23
That man is blessed, who, under the chastening of the Lord, is taught his will and his truths,
from his holy word, and by the Holy Spirit. He should see mercy through his sufferings. There is
a rest remaining for the people of God after the days of their adversity, which shall not last always.
He that sends the trouble, will send the rest. The psalmist found succour and relief only in the Lord,
when all earthly friends failed. We are beholden, not only to God's power, but to his pity, for spiritual
supports; and if we have been kept from falling into sin, or shrinking from our duty, we should
give him the glory, and encourage our brethren. The psalmist had many troubled thoughts concerning
the case he was in, concerning the course he should take, and what was likely to be the end of it.
The indulgence of such contrivances and fears, adds to care and distrust, and renders our views
more gloomy and confused. Good men sometimes have perplexed and distressed thoughts concerning
God. But let them look to the great and precious promises of the gospel. The world's comforts give
little delight to the soul, when hurried with melancholy thoughts; but God's comforts bring that
peace and pleasure which the smiles of the world cannot give, and which the frowns of the world
cannot take away. God is his people's Refuge, to whom they may flee, in whom they are safe, and
may be secure. And he will reckon with the wicked. A man cannot be more miserable than his own
wickedness will make him, if the Lord visit it upon him.
Chapter 95
Chapter Outline
part. An exhortation to praise God. (1–7)
A warning not to tempt Him. (7–11)