Psalm 119:52

(This is an entry from a devotional commentary I am working on from Psalm 119 entitled ‘God and His Word’.  The introduction can be found here, successive entries have covered the 22 sections of the Psalm, and following entries verse by verse.)

 

"I have remembered Your ordinances from of old,

O LORD, And comfort myself."

 

I remember the bedrock of my life, Your very word.  Truly Your faithfulness is of old and extends to every generation, Psalm 90:1-2.  How vital it is to come into Your presence, to hear from You for proper perspective and comfort, Psalm 73:17.  We notice that this verse is sandwiched between the derision of the arrogant (Psalm 119:51) and the disobedience of the wicked (Psalm 119:53).  What else can one do but look up!

 

‘When we see no present display of the divine power it is wise to fall back upon the records of former ages, since they are just as available as if the transactions were of yesterday, seeing the Lord is always the same. Our true comfort must be found in what our God works on behalf of truth and right, and as the histories of the olden times are full of divine interpositions it is well to be thoroughly acquainted with them. Moreover, if we are advanced in years we have the providences of our early days to review, and these should by no means be forgotten or left out of our thoughts… While in our own hearts we humbly drink of the mercy of God in quietude, we are not without comfort in seasons of turmoil and derision; for then we resort to God's justice, and remember how he scoffs at the scoffers: “He that sitteth in the heavens doth laugh, the Lord doth have them in derision.” [Psalm 2:4 KJV]

When he was greatly derided the Psalmist did not sit down in despair, but rallied his spirits. He knew that comfort is needful for strength in service, and for the endurance of persecution, and therefore he comforted himself… there is a Judge of all the earth who will avenge his own elect, and redress the ills of these disordered times.’[1]


[1] Spurgeon, Charles Haddon, Treasury of David, on Psalm 119:52, e-Sword edition


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