Hints to Preachers

Verse 1.—I. The only object of our praise—“thee, O Lord.” II. The abundant themes of praise—“all thy marvellous works.” III. The proper nature of praise—“with my whole heart.”—B. Davies.

Verse 1.—“I will show forth.” Endless employment and enjoyment.

Verse 1.—“Thy marvellous works.” Creation, Providence, Redemption, are all marvellous, as exhibiting the attributes of God in such a degree as to excite the wonder of all God’s universe. A very suggestive topic.

Verse 2.—Sacred song: its connection with holy gladness.

The duty, excellence, and grounds of holy cheerfulness.

Verse 4.—(1) The rights of the righteous are sure to be assailed, (2) but equally sure to be defended.

Verse 6.—I. The great enemy. II. The destructions he has caused. III. The means of his overthrow. IV. The rest which shall ensue.

Verse 7 (first clause).—The eternity of God—the comfort of saints, the terror of sinners.

Verse 8.—The justice of God’s moral government, especially in relation to the last great day.

Verse 9.—Needy people, needy times, all-sufficient provision.

Verse 10.—I. All-important knowledge—“know thy name.” II. Blessed result—“will put their trust in thee.” III. Sufficient reason—“for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.”—T. W. Medhurst.

Knowledge, Faith, Experience, the connection of the three.

Verse 10.—The names of God inspire trust. JEHOVAH Jireh, Tsidkenu, Rophi, Shammah, Shalom, Nissi, ELOHIM, SHADDAI, ADONAI, etc.

Verse 11.—I. Zion, what is it? II. Her glorious inhabitant, what doth he? III. The twofold occupation of her sons—“sing praises,” “declare among the people his doings.” IV. Arguments from the first part of the subject to encourage us in the double duty.

Verse 12.—I. God on awful business. II. Remembers his people; to spare, honour, bless, and avenge them. III. Fulfils their cries, in their own salvation, and overthrow of enemies. A consolatory sermon for times of war or pestilence.

Verse 13.—“Have mercy upon me, O Lord.” The publican’s prayer expounded, commended, presented, and fulfilled.

Verse 13.—“Thou liftest me up from the gates of death.” Deep distresses. Great deliverances. Glorious exaltations.

Verse 14.—“I will rejoice in thy salvation.” Especially because it is thine, O God, and therefore honours thee. In its freeness, fulness, suitability, certainty, everlastingness. Who can rejoice in this? Reasons why they should always do so.

Verse 15.—Lex talionis. Memorable instances.

Verse 16.—Awful knowledge; a tremendous alternative as compared with verse 10.

Verse 17.—A warning to forgetters of God.

Verse 18.—Delays in deliverance. I. Unbelief’s estimate of them—“forgotten,” “perish.” II. God’s promise—“not always.” III. Faith’s duty—wait.

Verse 19.—“Let not man prevail.” A powerful plea. Cases when employed in Scripture. The reason of its power. Times for its use.

Verse 20.—A needful lesson, and how it is taught.