A Brief Explication of the Last Fifty Psalms, Psalm 119 · Part ג
GIMEL.
In this section he prayeth the Lord for continuance of his life, that he may have occasion of further service, which he desireth may be done by him, and for this end also he prayeth, that he may have a deeper insight in the mysteries of Gods Word, v. 17, 18. And these two petitions he presseth by three reasons, v. 19, 20, 21. He prayeth also for clearing of his innocency, and for removing reproach from him, for other three reasons, v. 22, 23, 24.
Ver. 17. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.
18. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wonderous things out of thy law.
From the first two petitions; Learn, 1. As lengthening of life is the good gift of God in it self, and no small benefit to the man who purposeth to employ it well: so life may be lawfully prayed for: Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live. 2. As the end of our life should be, that God may be served: so life should not be desired not loved, except for that end, but willingly laid down, rather then we should forsake his command: Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live and keep thy Word. 3. A faithful servant should count his by-past service richly rewarded, by being employed yet more in further service, as this prayer teacheth: Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live and keep thy Word. 4. The whole Word of God is a law, a Canon or rule, whereby we should square our faith and conversation, for it is here called also, Thy law. 5. We by nature are blinde, and cannot see the light which doth shine in the Word of God, till he open our eyes to behold it, therefore prayeth he. Open thou mine eyes. 6. The Word of God is full of wonders, high and heavenly mysteries, and he who seeth them best, doth wonder most: Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
Vers. 19. I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy Commandments from me.
20. My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgements at all times.
21. Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed: which do erre from thy Commandments.
Of the three reasons of his petition: one is, because he is but a stranger here, except for service: another is, because he longeth much to know more of Gods Word. The third is, because he seeth Gods vengeance following them who studie not to serve God. Wh…nce learn, 1. Albeit the believer live on the earth, yet he is not at home, so long as he is on the earth; I am a stranger in the earth. 2. Whatsoever possession a godly man hath in the earth, were it a Kingdome, he should be a stranger for the matter of estimation of, or affection to any thing on earth: I am a stranger in the earth. 3. Acquaintance with the Word of God, is able to make up all the losses of the pilgrim, and to season all his griefs, it is able to supply the room of friends and counsellors, to furnish light, joy, strength, food, armour and defence; and whatsoever else the pilgrim needeth: for the Lords Word shall either bring all these good things to the pilgrim, or lead him to God, where he shall finde them all; I am a stranger in the earth, hide not thy Commandments from me. 4. There is a hiding of the Word of God, when meanes to hear it explained by Preachers, are wanting: and there is a hiding of the comfortable and lively light of the Spirit, who must quicken the Word unto us, and from both those evils may we, and should we pray to be saved; Hide not thy Commandments from me. 5. Albeit the godly be the dearest souls unto God of all men in the world, yet will he exercise them with heart-breaking, especially for spiritual causes, that so he may raise in them an estimation of his own presence, and furnish work in the mean time to their faith; My heart breaketh for the longing which it hath unto thy judgements. 6. It is not every faint and cold wish, which maketh a beleever profit in Gods school, there must be some heat and earnestness in holy desires: and this affection, as it may not be cold, so neither must it be fle…ting, but constant; My heart breaketh for the longing which it hath at all times. 7. These are proud men before God, who are not penitent for their sin, and are not subjected to his obedience; for so are they here called. 8. The Word of God condemneth the proud, and pronounceth a curse upon them, so long as they continue proud and impenitent; Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed. 9. To dare to wander after a mans own will, and go away from the direction which God giveth us, is pride indeed, and a bold hazarding where God commandeth to fear: The proud erre from thy Commandments.
Vers. 22. Remove from me reproach and contempt: for I have kept thy testimonies.
23. Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
24. Thy testimonies also are my delight: and my counsellors.
He prayeth also to be cleared in his innocency, and that his reproach may be removed, and giveth three reasons thereof. One is, because indeed he was innocent in the point wherein he was challenged by his enemies; Another, because he had sustained the wrath of Princes, for his obedience to God: And the third, because he had chosen Gods Word for counsellors and comforters. Whence learn, 1. As it is no strange exercise for the godly, to be traduced, calumniated and reproached, so it is no light burden to bear it, but such as the godly have cause to seek the removal of it; Remove from me reproach and contempt. 2. A good conscience is a ground of comfort, in the case of being reproached, and a ground of confidence, to seek of God reliefe from it: Remove contempt, for I have kept thy testimonies. 3. It is not strange to see, not only the rascal multitude, but also Judges and Rulers who should defend the godly, to be their enemies; Princes also did sit, and speak against me. 4. Troubles will try men whether they do feare God or men most, and except the godly take heed to Gods Word, they cannot stand under the tentations wherewith they may meet; Princes did speak against me, but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes. 5. The Word of God is able, not only to uphold a man in his trouble, but also to make him rejoyce in his trouble: Thy testimonies are my delight. 6. A King with his cabinet-councel, shall not be so well furnished to persecute the innocent, as the godly Patient shall be advised by the Word of God, how to answer and carry himself in his trouble; Thy testimonies are my delight and my counsellors.