To the end that my glory, &c.— The Philistines had invaded David soon after his establishment on the throne, and before he had taken possession of his new-built palace; so that he was engaged in fresh difficulties, and could not enjoy the tranquillity which he promised himself. In this unexpected exigency he applied himself to God; and the effect was, his being soon delivered out of all his fears, by the utter defeat of his enemies; which he describes by the pleasing expression of God's turning his mourning into dancing; putting off his sackcloth, and girding him with gladness. He had now an opportunity of dedicating his house, and taking possession of it, with all those tokens of joy which were usual on such occasions; and with those solemn praises to God which he owed him as his great deliverer, and the kind author of his prosperity. The word my not being in the original, this clause might be better rendered, That every one may sing glory to thee, and not be silent: "They who celebrate with me the dedication of my house, and all my people who see and share in my prosperity." Chandler.
REFLECTIONS.—1st, Every house of a child of God will be a sanctuary where prayer and praise are daily offered.
1. David begins with the voice of thanksgiving for the mercies that he had tasted; his foes sought his ruin, he was sick perhaps in body, and afflicted in mind; the grave seemed to be open to receive him; but he cried, and the Lord heard him, and delivered him out of all his troubles; therefore he well resolves, I will extol thee, for thou hast lifted me up; will declare thy greatness and goodness, and ascribe the whole of my salvation to thy power and grace. Note; (1.) We brought into the world with us the disease of mortal corruption; it is matter of unspeakable joy, if, by the blood and grace of Jesus, our dying souls are healed. (2.) Recoveries from sickness deserve songs of praise, and that the life preserved by God's mercy be anew devoted to his glory. (3.) In all afflictive cases, whether of body or mind, the prayer of faith availeth much,—always for consolation, and frequently for bodily health.
2. He calls upon others to join in the song of praise. Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his: this is the character of God's people; they are separated from sin, and by divine grace renewed in righteousness and true holiness; and therefore they give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness; pleased with beholding this glorious attribute of their God; satisfied in the righteousness of all his ways, and deriving comfort from the consideration that, as in a measure they resemble him now, they shall shortly awake up in his perfect image. For his anger endureth but a moment; not that we are to impute to him any such imperfection or turbulence in his holy mind as we feel; but, according as men chastise in anger those who offend them, God deals thus with those who sin against him; but to true believers, even this is not the stroke of an enemy, but the rod of a father, gently correcting us for our good. In his favour is life; spiritual life, eternal life, which is the sure portion of the faithful, notwithstanding momentary afflictions. Weeping may endure for a night; and some wearisome nights our sins and folly provoke God to make us feel, when he withdraws, and darkness and distress surround us; but joy cometh in the morning; the season of sorrow is short; and, as the welcome sun returning dispels the shadows of the night, so does God return to lift up the light of his countenance on his mourning saints, and wakens up their joyful praises. Note; In all our troubles here, we should remember that they are light afflictions, and but for a moment; the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory which is to follow, will abundantly compensate.
2nd, We are ever apt to be running to extremes, too elated with comfort, or too dejected in distress. This was David's case:
1. In his prosperity he grew secure, confident that he should never be moved: his foes all vanquished, and his throne firmly settled, he thought himself fixed as a mountain: and, though he ascribes it to divine grace, he seems to place some trust of his stability on himself. Note; Worldly prosperity is dangerously intoxicating; it is what lulls men in general asleep.
2. Trouble overtook him; and dejection of soul, from the fear of God's favour being withdrawn, sunk him low into the dust, yet not into despair; he cried unto the Lord, and made his supplication; finding his weakness, and feeling now where alone his strength lay, he pleads hard for mercy and help in this his time of need. Note; In our lowest frames, let nothing drive us from prayer; as long as we cry to God, there is hope in our end.
3. Soon the glad change appears; while he is speaking, God answers; his sorrows turn to joy; his mourning is ended, and songs of melody and love declare the praises of him who brought him out of darkness into his marvellous light: such experience engages his glory, his soul, his tongue to praise God for ever; and these lively expressions of his gratitude he trusts shall not only last while life and breath endure below, but be perpetuated through the countless ages of eternity. Go then, thou redeemed soul, and do likewise.