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ps17.13
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1993-03-27
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EXPOSITION.
"_Arise, O Lord_." The more furious the attack, the more
fervent the Psalmist's prayer. His eye rests singly upon the
Almighty, and he feels that God has but to rise from the seat of
his patience and the work will be performed at once. Let the lion
spring upon us, if Jehovah steps between we need no better
defence. When God meets our foe face to face in battle, the
conflict will soon be over. "_Disappoint him_." Be beforehand
with him, outwit and outrun him. Appoint it otherwise than he has
appointed, and so disappoint him. "_Cast him down_." Prostrate
him. Make him sink upon his knees. Make him bow as the conquered
bows before the conqueror. What a glorious sight will it be to
behold Satan prostrate beneath the foot of our glorious Lord!
Haste, glorious day! "_Deliver my soul from the wicked, which is
thy sword_." He recognizes the most profane and oppressive as
being under the providential rule of the King of kings, and used
as a sword in the divine hand. What can a sword do unless it be
wielded by a hand? No more could the wicked annoy us, unless the
Lord permitted them so to do. Most translators are, however,
agreed that this is not the correct reading, but that it should
be as Calvin puts it, "Deliver my soul from the ungodly man by
thy sword." Thus David contrasts the sword of the Lord with human
aids and reliefs, and rests assured that he is safe enough under
the patronage of heaven.
EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS.
Verse 13.--"_The wicked, which is thy sword_."--The devil
and his instruments both are God's instruments, therefore "_the
wicked_" are called his "_sword_," his "axe" (#Ps 17:13; Isa
10:15|); now let God alone to wield the one, and handle the
other. He is but a bungler that hurts and hackles his own legs
with his own axe; which God should do if his children should be
the worse for Satan's temptations. Let the devil choose his way,
God is a match for him at every weapon. If he will try it by
force of arms, and assaults the saints by persecution, as the
"Lord of hosts" he will oppose him. If by policy and subtlety, he
is ready there also. The devil and his whole council are but
fools to God; nay, their wisdom foolishness.--^William Gurnall.
Verses 13,14.--"_Thy sword. ...thy hand_." Thou canst as
easily command and manage them, as a man may wield his sword, or
move his hand. Wilt thou suffer thine own sword, thine own hand,
to destroy thine own servant?--^J. Howe.