Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible

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away the gifts they have abused, they will not have a word to say. It is of great use to us to be fully
assured of God's goodness, and duly affected with it. It is our wisdom to mind our duty, and to
refer our comfort to him. A truly wise person will treasure in his heart this delightful psalm. From
it, he will fully understand the weakness and wretchedness of man, and the power and
loving-kindness of God, not for our merit, but for his mercy's sake.


Chapter 108


—We may usefully select passages from different psalms, as here, Ps 57; 60, to help our
devotions, and enliven our gratitude. When the heart is firm in faith and love, the tongue, being
employed in grateful praises, is our glory. Every gift of the Lord honours and profits the possessor,
as it is employed in God's service and to his glory. Believers may pray with assured faith and hope,
for all the blessings of salvation; which are secured to them by the faithful promise and covenant
of God. Then let them expect from him help in every trouble, and victory in every conflict. Whatever
we do, whatever we gain, God must have all the glory. Lord, visit all our souls with this salvation,
with this favour which thou bearest to thy chosen people.


Chapter 109


Chapter Outline
David complains of his enemies. (1–5)
He prophesies their destruction. (6–20)
Prayers and praises. (21–31)

Verses 1–5


It is the unspeakable comfort of all believers, that whoever is against them, God is for them;
and to him they may apply as to one pleased to concern himself for them. David's enemies laughed
at him for his devotion, but they could not laugh him out of it.


Verses 6–20


The Lord Jesus may speak here as a Judge, denouncing sentence on some of his enemies, to
warn others. When men reject the salvation of Christ, even their prayers are numbered among their
sins. See what hurries some to shameful deaths, and brings the families and estates of others to
ruin; makes them and theirs despicable and hateful, and brings poverty, shame, and misery upon
their posterity: it is sin, that mischievous, destructive thing. And what will be the effect of the
sentence, “Go, ye cursed,” upon the bodies and souls of the wicked! How it will affect the senses

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