I will behold, &c.— I will through righteousness behold thy face. Bishop Hare has observed, that the sense of the latter part of this verse, according to the genius of the Hebrew poetry, is the same with the former. By or through righteousness, implies the condition upon which he expected the return of God's mercy here, and the eternal vision of him hereafter: while worldly men, with all the abundance and prosperity wherewith they felicitate themselves in this life, shall be for ever banished from the presence of God, and deprived of that beatific vision. All the ideas in this verse are so magnificent, that the awaking which David here speaks of, can be properly applied to nothing but his resurrection; especially when we compare this verse with the last of the 16th psalm. As death is frequently represented in Scripture under the notion of sleep; so is the resurrection under that of awaking. See John 11:11. Others, however, think that David here refers to his approaching God's presence in the tabernacle in righteousness; and that, while the men of the world were filled and satisfied with the good things of it, he, whenever he awoke, i.e. every morning, applying to God in prayer, should be filled with the joy of God's countenance, and be satisfied with his likeness. The following paraphrase seems well to express the full meaning: "I will come to worship before thine ark with an honest and upright heart; and then I trust that my appearing in this manner before thee in this life, shall be an earnest of my mine perfect enjoyment of thee in the other life; when I shall awake out of the grave, and be made like thee, and shall by this means be so happy that I shall have nothing further to desire."
REFLECTIONS.—In this psalm, David, 1. Begs a hearing of his righteous cause; and, as he spoke from the simplicity of his heart, he hoped for an answer of peace from the heart-searching God. Note; When our conscience bears witness to our inward simplicity, then have we confidence to approach God.
2. He humbly sues for the gracious interposition of God in his behalf, that his uprightness might be made manifest, and by God's providential dealings the sentence of his justice might appear. Note; When we are traduced of men, it is an unspeakable comfort to have the testimony of our conscience, and boldness to look up to the omniscient God.
3. He appeals to God, who had proved him in the furnace of affliction, and comforted him under the darkest times of his distress; that nothing was found in him, no allowed guile, no secret malice against his bitterest enemies; and God knew that it was his purpose both to withhold his lips from every evil word, and his hands from every evil work. Note; We must not only abstain from acts of violence against those who injure us, but our lips must be kept with a bridle, that not an unkind reflection may be made concerning them.
4. He prays for continued support in this holy way, sensible that it was not in man that walketh to direct his steps; and that, if left but for a moment to himself, his feet must slide. Note; (1.) A deep sense of our own weakness and insufficiency is the surest way to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (2.) Every Christian walks in a slippery path, and many wait for his halting; he needs, therefore, watch and pray, that he faint not. (3.) Enemies to God's people are rebels against himself, and will be reckoned with accordingly. (4.) In the eyes of a believer, God's loving-kindness appears marvellous, and not only in his first gracious call, when he brought him out of his wretched state of sin, but especially in his many recoveries when his feet were well nigh gone; and, when he gets to heaven, he will still more wonder at himself, and stand to all eternity admiring God's amazing love.
5. Sensible that his help stood only in the Lord, the Psalmist redoubles his importunate prayer, Keep me as the apple of the eye; with such care as we guard the coats of that sensible organ: hide me under the shadow of thy wings; with such tenderness as the hen gathers her chickens; or in such safety as if lodged on the mercy-seat under the wings of the cherubim. Note; In vain does Satan rage against those whom God secures. His enemies, who oppressed him, and compassed him about, are described in lively colours, bespeaking their sensuality, pride, malice, craft, and cruelty. Note; When a Christian is thus beset, he had need look about him, and above him, if he would be preserved from falling. In the view of his danger, David cries to God; Arise, O Lord, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword, the instrument that God often uses for correction or judgment; and, however, men may purpose, they can only move and act as they are permitted by him: from the men which are thy hand; held in it, restrained by it, or used according to God's purposes and designs. Note; If we receive unkindness from man, let us think whose hand he is; and, though the action in him be evil, justify God in his corrections.
Finally, the Psalmist concludes with his great hope and joy: not the world, nor the things of it, did he grasp after; a nobler ambition filled his heart, even to be like and enjoy the blessed God. As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness; either walking now in the ways of God's will and worship, and therein enjoying the present sense of his favour and love; or, as expecting God's appearing in the great day when he should be exculpated from the accusations laid to his charge; or rather intimating the manner in which he expected to see God's face with comfort; I shall be satisfied with this, and nothing less than this, when I awake in thy likeness, when, on and after the glorious resurrection-day, I shall be eternally perfected in holiness, and made happy in the constant vision and eternal fruition of thy blessed Self. O that such may be our sentiments, such our desires, such our prayers!