‏ Psalms 74

* The desolations of the sanctuary. (1-11) Pleas for encouraging

faith. (12-17) Petitions for deliverances. (18-23)1-11 This psalm appears to describe the destruction of

Jerusalem and the temple by the Chaldeans. The deplorable case

of the people of God, at the time, is spread before the Lord,

and left with him. They plead the great things God had done for

them. If the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt was

encouragement to hope that he would not cast them off, much more

reason have we to believe, that God will not cast off any whom

Christ has redeemed with his own blood. Infidels and persecutors

may silence faithful ministers, and shut up places of worship,

and say they will destroy the people of God and their religion

together. For a long time they may prosper in these attempts,

and God's oppressed servants may see no prospect of deliverance;

but there is a remnant of believers, the seed of a future

harvest, and the despised church has survived those who once

triumphed over her. When the power of enemies is most

threatening, it is comfortable to flee to the power of God by

earnest prayer. 12-17 The church silences her own complaints. What God had done

for his people, as their King of old, encouraged them to depend

on him. It was the Lord's doing, none besides could do it. This

providence was food to faith and hope, to support and encourage

in difficulties. The God of Israel is the God of nature. He that

is faithful to his covenant about the day and the night, will

never cast off those whom he has chosen. We have as much reason

to expect affliction, as to expect night and winter. But we have

no more reason to despair of the return of comfort, than to

despair of day and summer. And in the world above we shall have

no more changes. 18-23 The psalmist begs that God would appear for the church

against their enemies. The folly of such as revile his gospel

and his servants will be plain to all. Let us call upon our God

to enlighten the dark nations of the earth; and to rescue his

people, that the poor and needy may praise his name. Blessed

Saviour, thou art the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Make

thy people more than conquerors. Be thou, Lord, all in all to

them in every situation and circumstances; for then thy poor and

needy people will praise thy name