This is the last of the acrostic or alphabetical psalms, and should therefore contain twenty two verses, corresponding with the number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet. But the verse which begins with the letter נ nun, has been lost from the Hebrew text, and is not found in any printed copy of the Hebrew bible. It is preserved however by the LXX, the Vulgate, and other Versions, and is as follows: “The Lord is faithful in all his words, and merciful in all his works.” This should form Psalms 145:14 of the psalm, and would thus complete the number of twenty two verses.
REFLECTIONS.
The character of this psalm as a devotional piece stands high. No one properly acquainted with David's history, and with his own heart, can possibly read it without being kindled with devotion. A review of God's perfections, of his works, and signal providence, must at all times affect and interest the heart. He had a divine right to say that the Lord was good to all, both temporally and spiritually. See how he cares for tender insects, and gives them food in summer, and shelter in winter. Much more then are his mercies over man.
This psalm closes with very comfortable inferences. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him. He will fulfil their desire: in a thousand places he has promised so to do, and his attributes incline him to it. He has already given his only-begotten Son, the greatest of all gifts, and he will not withhold the least; but will pardon and purify. All his saints, however tried, however persecuted, bear witness that the Lord heareth prayer. Yea, he preserveth all them that love him, as he most wonderfully preserved David; and he never suffers a saint to die, but when his death is better than life. Then the hand, or the circumstance, which inflicts the blow, is of small moment.
On the contrary, the Lord will destroy all the wicked. Look at David's enemies: see them fall on Gilboa; see them fly with Absalom, and perish in the wood of Ephraim. So, oh my soul, shall all thy spiritual foes fall before thee; and so shall all the enemies of the Lord, and of his Christ, perish in their own ways.