Hints to Preachers

Verse 1.—“Chalmers’ Astronomical Discourses” will suggest to the preacher many ways of handling this theme. The power, wisdom, goodness, punctuality, faithfulness, greatness, and glory of God are very visible in the heavens.

Verses 1-5.—Parallel between the heavens and the revelation of Scripture, dwelling upon Christ as the central Sun of Scripture.

Verse 1.—“The heavens declare the glory of God.” Work in which we may unite, the nobility, pleasure, usefulness, and duty of such service.

Verse 2.—Voices of the day and of the night. Day and night thoughts.

Verse 3.—The marginal reading, coupled with verse four, suggests the eloquence of an unobtrusive life—silent yet heard.

Verse 4.—In what sense God is revealed to all men.

Verses 4, 5, 6.—The Sun of righteousness. I. His tabernacle. II. His appearance as a Bridegroom. III. His joy as a champion. IV. His circuit and his influence.

Verse 5.—“Rejoiceth as a strong man,” etc. The joy of strength, the joy of holy labour, the joy of the anticipated reward.

Verse 6.—The permeating power of the gospel.

Verse 7 (first clause).—Holy Scripture. I. What it is—“law.” II. Whose it is—“of the Lord.” III. What is its character—“perfect.” IV. What its result—“converting the soul.”

Verse 7 (second clause).—I. Scholars. II. Class-book. III. Teacher. IV. Progress.

Verses 7, 8, 9.—The Hexapla. See Notes.

Verse 7 (last clause).—The wisdom of a simple faith.

Verse 8 (first clause).—The heart-cheering power of the Word. I. Founded in its righteousness. II. Real in its quality. III. Constant in its operation.

Verse 8 (second clause).—Golden ointment for the eyes.

Verse 9.—The purity and permanence of true religion, and the truth and justice of the principles upon which it is founded.

Verse 10.—Two arguments for loving God’s statutes—Profit and Pleasure.

Verse 10.—The inexpressible delights of meditation on Scripture.

Verse 11 (first clause).—I. What? “Warned.” II. How? “By them.” III. Who? “Thy servant.” IV. When? “Is”—present.

Verse 11 (second clause).—Evangelical rewards—“In,” not for keeping.

Verse 12.—See “Spurgeon’s Sermons,” No. 116. “Secret Sins.”

Verses 12, 13.—The three grades of sin—secret, presumptuous, unpardonable.

Verse 13.—See “Spurgeon’s Sermons,” No. 135. “Presumptuous Sins.”

Verse 13 (last clause).—“The great transgression.” What it is not, may be, involves, and suggests.

Verse 14.—A prayer concerning our holy things.

Verse 14.—All wish to please. Some please themselves. Some please men. Some seek to please God. Such was David. I. The prayer shows his humility. II. The prayer shows his affection. III. The prayer shows a consciousness of duty. IV. The prayer shows a regard to self-interest.—William Jay.

Verse 14.—The harmony of heart and lips needful for acceptance.