CONTENTS
This is a very beautiful Psalm, if read first with reference to Jesus, and then as suited to his people in him. Its general contents are, the full confidence there is in God's Christ, at all times, for his people. Some have recommended it to the traveler; and some have thought it suitable for the soldier and mariner. But every traveler to Zion way profit: ably use it; and so may every true soldier of Jesus Christ while Christ is kept in view.
A Song of degrees.
In the margin of our old Bibles this first verse is read by way of question; "Shall I lift up mine eyes to the hills? Whence should my help come?" And if the verse be read in this way of inquiry, the answer is given in another scripture: Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel, Jeremiah 3:23. But though this would be a beautiful method of inquiry, and as delightful an answer to a seeking soul to prompt the heart to rest on Jesus; yet I rather think the Psalm hath a more pointed direction to the Lord Jesus. The temple, it is well known, was built on the holy hill of Zion. Mount Moriah, that memorable mount, was not far remote. And as the temple in which was the ark, was an eminent type of Christ; may we not consider this verse as the pious resolution, arising from the teaching of the Spirit of some Old Testament saint, who saw the day of Christ afar off, rejoiced and was glad, and therefore was looking to God's Christ as his help, and rock, and Saviour? Read in this point of view, it is yet sweeter than the former. But, Reader! is there not a still higher view of these words, if we read them as the words of Christ himself? Looking unto Jesus in his human nature, as the sinner's surety, and husband, and representative; voluntarily standing up for the Redemption of his people; the Lamb of God cries out, I will lift up mine eyes to the hills, from whence cometh my help; that is, staying himself upon the Father in his covenant promises, to carry him through his vast undertaking, which, like the strong mountains and everlasting hills, abide forever. For is it not to Jesus that very scripture is spoken? The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee. Isaiah 54:10. I do not presume so to say, but I think it makes the Psalm more beautiful, so to read it. And as it tends in this point of view to endear Christ, so it tends no less equally to endear to the believer the love of God the Father. For it shows the hand of God the Father to have been with Christ as his helper, and stay, in all redemption-work. And it gives faith a warrant to stay upon Christ, when thus beholding Christ as the Christ of God.