That thou, whose name alone, &c.— That thou, whose name is Jehovah, art alone the Most High, &c. Mudge.
REFLECTIONS.—The church on earth is ever militant; and would soon be crushed, were it not for the protection of their glorious Head.
1. The Psalmist directs his prayer to God. Keep not thou silence, but hear our cry, and send a word of encouragement to us amid the threatenings of our enemies. Hold not thy peace, as if unconcerned at their blasphemies, or conniving at their attempts; and be not still, O God, but arise to preserve and protect us from their malice and violence. Note; Sometimes the Lord appears to disregard his people's distress, but it is to quicken them to fly to him for succour with greater importunity.
2. He describes the confederacy formed; urges their wicked designs, and represents their rage and craftiness, against which the people of God would be unable to stand, unless the Lord appeared to strengthen them, and confound their foes. [1.] The quarrel was his own: they were his enemies, and hated him, his laws, and his worship; but, unable any other way to vent their enmity, turned it against his people, his hidden ones, who were covered with the shadow of his wings, and their excellencies unknown. Note; (1.) Whatever pretences men may make for their opposition against God's people, the real cause is enmity against God, whose holiness they cannot endure, and whose image they cannot see in their neighbour, without hatred. (2.) The faithful are hid with Christ in God, and impotent is the rage of their enemies against them. [2.] The confederacy was strong. Might and policy were united against them: ten nations, however divided in interests, were fast leagued against God's Israel; insolent, and confident of success; with schemes deep laid, and in tumultuous rage breathing out threatenings and slaughter; content with nothing less than the extirpation of the very name of Israel. Note; (1.) Whatever differences of sentiment men of the world entertain, or however otherwise at variance, all cordially unite in opposing the cause of God and truth. (2.) A wicked world would be heartily glad, if there were neither a preacher nor professor of true religion left; for these are ever their troublers. (3.) When all other help fails us, it is a comfort that we have that all-sufficient Lord to fly to, who can still the madness of the people. (4.) Men must know at last that the Lord Omnipotent reigneth, and the execution of deserved vengeance on the ungodly will redound to his everlasting glory.