I will extol Thee, O Lord; for Thou hast lifted me up.
A Psalm of deliverance
The title of this psalm is apparently a composite, the usual “Psalm of David” having been enlarged by the awkward insertion of “A Song at the Dedication of the House,” which probably indicates its later liturgical use, and not its first destination. Its occasion was evidently a deliverance from grave peril; and, whilst its tone is strikingly inappropriate if it had been composed for the inauguration of temple, tabernacle, or palace, one can understand how the venerable words, which praised Jehovah for swift deliverance from impending destruction, would be felt to fit the circumstances and emotions of the time when the Temple, profaned by the mad acts of Antiochus Epiphanes, was purified and the ceremonial worship restored. Never had Israel seemed nearer going down to the pit; never had deliverance come more suddenly and completely. The intrusive title is best explained as dating from that time and indicating the use then found for the song. (A. Maclaren, D. D.)
A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David
It was doubtless very different from the cottage he occupied when he was a shepherd. But there was no impropriety in this change. As a king he was obliged to do many things from a regard to his station rather than from personal choice. Yet he was godly there as in his former abode. Hence, entering his new house, he consecrates it to God. Let it be our concern that our dwelling may be the house of God while we live, and the gate of heaven when we die. David was a poet, and he here elaborates his deliverance from a dangerous disease.
I. David’s mind before his affliction--he had thought and said, “1 shall never be moved. Hence the need of affliction.
II. under it. He cried to the Lord.
III. after the affliction Renewed consecration to God. Hence his vow to build a house for the Lord. (W. Jay.)
Mercies remembered
St. James says, “Is any merry? let him sing psalms”--that is, in everything acknowledge God. A true saint in prosperity gives God thanks for His mercies. Therefore when all are in prosperity, it is easy to distinguish the true from the false, because they take directions outwardly and manifestly different. The Church in her joy praises God, the world in its joy praises man. This psalm is a beautiful specimen of church music considered in its highest character, as aiming at the praise of God. It was sung in immediate connection with the dedication of the house of David. Such a dedication was, amongst Israel, deemed a thing of great solemnity and importance (Deuteronomy 12:1-32.). And now, entering in his new abode, David looks back upon the mercies of God.
I. that his enemies had not been allowed to rejoice over him. He had many enemies, and there are few of us who are without them. If we are in good reputation and esteem, we have reason to thank God as David did.
II. God’s healing grace. “Thou hast healed me.” Who has not such mercy to record?
III. the many deliverances he had experienced. “Thou hast brought up my soul from the grave.” And such deliverance, both of body and soul, we have known. And on such an occasion as entering a new home, how good it is, as did David, to remember God’s mercies in the past.
IV. and we should seek to associate others in our praise. “Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of His; and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.” It is His holiness which is the security of yours. And His anger, how momentary that compared with his life-long favour!
V. the answer to his prayer. “Thou hast turned,” etc. (H. M’Neile, D. D.)
Christian elevation
Though believers in Christ may not be lifted up like the psalmist in a temporal point of view, yet they are all, like him, lifted up in a spiritual point of view.
1. Above all danger from the wrath to come.
2. To the enjoyment and possession of spiritual life.
3. To a place in God’s graciously adopted family.
4. Above all fatal evil from enemies, whether of a temporal or spiritual description.
5. To the hope of a safe death, a blessed resurrection, and a joyful eternity. (T. Adam.)
The first and the final stage in true worship
I. The first stage--gratitude.
1. He points to God’s mercy as having come to him in various ways.
(1) As an extrication from difficulties.
(2) As a protection from enemies.
(3) As a restoration to health.
(4) As preservation of life.
2. The gratitude from which true worship springs implies the beliefs
(1) That the favours received are utterly undeserved.
(2) That they were intended to serve us.
II. The final stage--adoration.
1. On account of the holiness of God’s character. In heaven His character attracts all eyes, absorbs all thoughts, transports all souls, inspires all anthems. Let us aspire to this highest stage of worship.
2. On account of the eternal flow of His love. Suffering is always--
(1) Brief.
(2) Preliminary. (Homilist)