Hints to Preachers

Verse 1.—The apparent length of sorrow, only apparent. Contrast with days of joy, with eternal misery and eternal joy. Impatience, and other evil passions, cause the seeming length. Means of shortening, by refusing to forestall, or to repine afterwards.

Verse 1 (second clause).—Hiding of the divine face. Why at all? Why from me? Why so long?

Verse 2.—Advice to the dejected, or the soul directed to look out of itself for consolation.—A. Fuller.

Verse 2 (first clause).—Self-torture, its cause, curse, crime, and cure.

Verse 2.—“Having sorrow in my heart daily.” I. The cause of daily sorrow. Great enemy, unbelief, sin, trial, loss of Jesus’ presence, sympathy with others, mourning for human ruin. II. The necessity of daily sorrow. Purge corruptions, excite graces, raise desires heavenward. III. The cure of daily sorrow. Good food from God’s table, old wine of promises, walks with Jesus, exercise in good works, avoidance of everything unhealthy.—B. Davis.

Verse 2. (second clause).—Time anticipated when defeat shall be turned into victory.

Verse 3.—By accommodating the text to the believer. I. True character of Satan, “enemy.” II. Remarkable fact that his enemy is exalted over us. III. Pressing enquiry, “How long?”—B. Davis.

Verse 3.—“Lighten mine eyes.” A prayer fit for (1) Every benighted sinner. (2) Every seeker of salvation. (3) Every learner in Christ’s school. (4) Every tried believer. (5) Every dying saint.—B. Davis.

Verse 4.—Noteth the nature of the wicked two ways; namely, the more they prevail the more insolent they are; they wonderfully exult over those that are afflicted.—T. Wilcocks.

Verse 5.—Experience and perseverance. “I have,” “my heart shall.”

Verse 6.—The bountiful giver and the hearty singer.

The whole Psalm would make a good subject, showing the stages from mourning to rejoicing, dwelling especially upon the turning point, prayer. There are two verses for each, mourning, praying, rejoicing.—A. G. Brown.