Verses 1 to 4 give an outline of the sinfulness of man.
Verses 5 to 9 set forth some of the Attributes of God.
Verses 10 to 12 are a prayer on behalf of the Lord's people.
Verse 1. "The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes." There was a voice within David's heart that told him in resounding terms what man was before God by nature, and that voice was man's behaviour. The "transgression of the wicked" showed clearly that there was "no fear of God before his eyes."
Verse 2. "For he flattereth himself in his own eyes …" There was "no fear of God before his eyes," in holy awe, therefore, he puts himself there in Unholy admiration. He who makes little of God makes much of himself. They who forget adoration fall into adulation. The eyes must see something, and if they admire not God they will flatter self.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Verse 2. "… he flattereth himself …" (1) Some flatter themselves that there is no such thing as another world. (2) Some flatter themselves that death is a long way off and that they will seek salvation later on. (3) Some flatter themselves that they lead moral and good lives, and therefore think they shall not be dammed. (4) Some flatter themselves with their own intentions; they intend to give themselves liberty for a while longer and then, reform.
Jonathan Edwards
Verse 5. "Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens …" When men sin so impudently, as the first four verses remind us, who does not admire the divine longsuffering!
Sebastian Munster
Verse 6. "… thy judgments are a great deep …" God's judgments are: –
(1) Often unfathomable: we cannot discover the foundation or cause and spring of them.
(2) Safe sailing: for ships never strike on rocks out on the great deeps of the oceans.
(3) The place of treasure: for as much treasure lies concealed in the depth of the sea, so much treasure abides in God's judgments.
(4) A highway of communion with God, linking us with the throne of heaven itself.
Hints to the Village Preacher.
Verse 8. "They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house …" And saith one of the fathers, "Do you ask me what heaven is?" I answer, "When I meet you there I will tell you."
Thomas Brooks
Verse 9. "… In thy light shall we see light." If the "Day-star" be risen in your hearts, live in the pleasant and cheerful expectation of a perfect day.
Timothy Cruso.
The light of nature is like a spark; the light of the gospel a lamp; the light of grace a star; but the light of glory the sun itself.
Thomas Adams
Verse 9. "… In thy light." Make a point of seeing all things in God's light. Many content themselves with seeing things in the light in which great and good men have placed them; but, though angels, they are not the true light: they all view things but partially. If what they say be true, yet, if we receive it merely on their representation, our faith will stand in the wisdom of men, and not in the power of God. That knowledge or faith which has not God's word for its foundation will not stand.
Andrew Fuller
Verse 10. "O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee." When God begins to show forth mercies to His children He does not stop after a time, but continues the work. When Rachel had her first son, she called his name Joseph, which signifies "adding", or, "increase"; for she said, "The Lord shall add to me another son." (Genesis 30 verse 24) So, when the Lord hath bestowed one mercy on you, you may name it "Joseph", for God will bestow another upon you, for once God begins to open the door of mercy unto you He will not close it after a time.
William Greenhill
Verse 10. "O continue … thy righteousness to the upright in heart." Yet, learn from this verse, that although a continuance of mercy is guaranteed in the covenant, we are, nevertheless, to make it a matter of prayer. For this good thing will the Lord be enquired of.
C.H. Spurgeon
This Page Title – Gleanings in the Psalms – Psalm 36 The Wicket Gate Magazine "A Continuing Witness". Internet Edition number 75 – placed on line November 2008 Magazine web address – www.wicketgate.co.uk |