Be glad in the Lord— Bishop Hare supposes that this verse belongs to the next psalm, because it has no connection with the foregoing verse, or any part of this psalm; but if placed at the beginning of the next, the two first verses agree very well together, and correspond with great propriety. As a further support of this conjecture, it may be observed, that almost throughout that psalm the verses are exegetical, containing the same or a similar sense; whence it is likewise probable, that this psalm was performed in parts by two divisions of the choir. See Bishop Hare and Mudge.
REFLECTIONS.—1st, We have here,
1. A declaration of the rich grace of God, made to returning sinners in Christ, and the blessedness thence accruing. Their transgression is forgiven, be it never so great, never so aggravated, never so long persisted in; their sin is covered; the blood of Jesus blots out the dread account; their iniquity is not imputed, no charge lieth against them, because he who knew no sin, was purely spotless in himself, hath become sin for them, and has borne all the wrath, which was the wages of sin, that they might be made the righteousness of God in him; might be, as considered in him, treated as righteous persons, who never had offended: these are blessed; no terrors of conscience dismay them, no fear of death need trouble them, nor any dread of judgment distress them; for there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. Such is their privilege, and their practice is answerable thereto: in their spirit there is no guile; the same grace which justifies the guilty sanctifies the unholy: they are blessed with simplicity of heart before God, and yield themselves up to the guidance of his word and Spirit.
2. He describes his miserable state, while sin reigned in him and over him; God's hand was heavy upon him in some violent disease, which parched up his body as the drought in summer; and the anguish made his very bones wax old, he appeared so emaciated thereby. Note; (1.) Miserable is the state of the impenitent sinner. (2.) However severe the scourge which drives us to God, we have abundant reason to kiss the rod.
3. At length his silence broke, and he spoke with his tongue in penitent confession; with deep and unfeigned humiliation laying bare his bosom before the heart-searching God, and desiring to hide none of his transgressions. Note; (1.) It is a blessed symptom when the sinner is brought to his knees. (2.) They who are truly awakened by God's Spirit, desire to take shame to themselves; not palliating their offences, but in their aggravated guilt acknowledging and lamenting them.
4. While he was speaking God, heard and pardoned. I said I will confess, &c. and (possibly ere the purpose was formed into a prayer) thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin, sealed the pardon to my conscience. Note; (1.) All who come to God in Christ, will find him readier to pardon than we to pray; what an encouragement to the chief of sinners! (2.) It is not our penitence, or our prayers, but God's free grace, to which alone we are indebted.
2nd, They who have a pardoning God cannot but rejoice in hope.
1. David professes his confidence in God, and his expectations from him. Thou, the bleeding lamb of God, whose wounds are open for me, thou art my hiding-place, whither my poor and sinful soul hath fled, and where it lies secure from all the accusations of conscience, the charges of Satan, and the fears of wrath: there no trouble can approach, but songs of deliverance compass me about, for guilt pardoned, for corruption subdued, for heaven opened. Note; They who have fled to Jesus for refuge have found matter for eternal praise.
2. By sweet experience he can now teach others the way to rest and peace, and pardon and joy unspeakable. I will instruct thee, &c. will point the path that I myself have trod; and in which whoever walks will find the same blessedness. Note; (1.) They who speak from experience will preach most effectually. (2.) A teachable spirit is the way to true wisdom. (3.) God's word and ministers, under the blessing of the Spirit, are our appointed guides, and we must hear them.
3. He warns the obstinate and incorrigible of their approaching misery, and cautions them to avoid it. They must not, like brute beasts, be slaves to their appetites, nor refractory against the divine word and warnings; for then their sorrows would be multiplied, and their torments insupportable and endless.
4. He encourages the faithful to adhere to God, and rejoice in him: while they trust in God, his mercy shall compass, his power guard them. Therefore, be glad and rejoice, ye righteous; glory in your privileges, and shout for joy all ye that are upright in heart; ascribe the praise to him to whom you are indebted for all the grace bestowed upon you; and look forward, with holy transport, to the kingdom that he hath provided for you, Amen! Amen.