Hints to Preachers

Michtam of David.—Under the title of “The Golden Psalm,” Mr. Canon Dale has published a small volume, which is valuable as a series of good simple discourses, but ought hardly to have been styled “an exposition.” We have thought it right to give the headings of the chapters into which his volume is divided, for there is much showiness, and may be some solidity in the suggestions.

Verse 1.—The seeking of the gold. The believer conscious of danger, trusting in God only for deliverance.

Verses 2, 3.—The possessing of the gold. The believer looking for justification to the righteousness of God alone, while maintaining personal holiness by companionship with the saints.

Verses 4, 5.—The testing of the gold. The believer finding his present portion, and expecting his eternal inheritance in the Lord.

Verse 6.—The prizing or valuing of the gold. The believer congratulating himself on the pleasantness of his dwelling and the goodness of his heritage.

Verses 7, 8.—The occupying of the gold. The believer seeking instruction from the counsels of the Lord by night, and realising his promise by day.

Verses 9, 10.—The summing or reckoning of the gold. The believer rejoicing and praising God for the promise of a rest in hope and resurrection into glory.

Verse 11.—The perfecting of the gold. The believer realising at God’s right hand the fulness of joy and the pleasures for evermore.

Upon this suggestive Psalm we offer the following few hints out of many—

Verse 1.—The prayer and the plea. The preserver and the truster. The dangers of the saints and the place of their confidence.

Verse 2.—“Thou art my Lord.” The soul’s appropriation, allegiance, assurance and avowal.

Verses 2, 3.—The influence and sphere of goodness. No profit to God, or departed saints or sinners, but to living men. Need of promptness, etc.

Verses 2, 3.—Evidence of true faith. I. Allegiance to divine authority. II. Rejection of self-righteousness. III. Doing good to the saints. IV. Appreciation of saintly excellence. V. delight in their society.

Verse 3.—Excellent of the earth. May be translated noble, wonderful, magnificent. They are so in their new birth, nature, clothing, attendance, heritage, etc., etc.

Verse 3.—“In whom is all my delight.” Why Christians should be objects of our delight. Why we do not delight in them more. Why they do not delight in us. How to make our fellowship more delightful.

Verse 3.—Collection sermon for poor believers. I. Saints. II. Saints on the earth. III. These are excellent. IV. We must delight in them. V. We must extend our goodness to them.—Matthew Henry.

Verse 4.—Sorrows of idolatry illustrated in heathens and ourselves.

Second clause.—The duty of complete separation from sinners in life and lip.

Verse 5.—Future inheritance and present cup found in God. (See Exposition).

Last clause.—What our “lot” is. What danger it is in. Who defends it.

Verse 6.—“Pleasant places.” Bethlehem, Calvary, Olivet, Tabor, Zion, Paradise, etc. II. Pleasant purposes, which made these lines fall to me. III. Pleasant praises. By service, sacrifice, and song.

Verse 6 (second clause).—I. A heritage. II. A goodly heritage. III. I have it. IV. Yea, or the Spirit’s witness.

Verse 6.—“A goodly heritage.” That which makes our portion good is—I. The favour of God with it. II. That it is from a Father’s hand. III. That it comes through the covenant of grace. IV. That it is the purchase of Christ’s blood. V. That it is an answer to prayer, and a blessing from above upon honest endeavours.

Verse 6.—We may put this acknowledgment into the mouth of—I. An indulged child of providence. II. An inhabitant of this favoured country. III. A Christian with regard to his spiritual condition.—William Jay.

Verse 7.—Taking counsel’s opinion. Of whom? Upon what? Why? When? How? What then?

Verse 7.—Upward and inward, or two schools of instruction.

Verse 8.—Set the Lord always before you as—I. Your protector. II. Your leader. III. Your example. IV. Your observer.—William Jay.

Verses 8, 9.—A sense of the divine presence our best support. It yields. I. Good confidence concerning things without. “I shall not be moved.” II. Good cheer within. “My heart is glad.” III. Good music for the living tongue. “My glory rejoiceth.” IV. Good hope for the dying body. “My flesh also,” etc.

Verse 9 (last clause).—I. The saint’s Sabbath (rest). II. His sarcophagus (in hope). III. His salvation (for which he hopes).

Verses 9, 10.—Jesus cheered in prospect of death by the safety of his soul and body; our consolation in him as to the same.

Verse 10.—Jesus dead, the place of his soul and his body. A difficult but interesting topic.

Verses 10, 11.—Because he lives we shall live also. The believer, therefore, can also say, “Thou wilt show me the path of life.” This life means the blessedness reserved in heaven for the people of God after the resurrection. It has three characters. The first regards its source—it flows from “his presence.” The second regards its plenitude—it is “fulness” of joy. The third regards its permanency—the pleasures are “for evermore.”—William Jay.

Verse 11.—A sweet picture of heaven. (See Exposition.)