The Treasury of David

Posted on January 12, 2023 by brucesbiblepage

Psalm 70

Exposition
Explanatory Notes and Quaint Sayings
Hints to the Village Preacher

TITLE.To the Chief Musician, A Psalm of David. So far the title corresponds with Psalm 40, of which this is a copy with variations. David appears to have written the full-length Psalm, and also to have made this excerpt from it, and altered it to suit the occasion. It is a fit pendant to Psalm 69, and a suitable preface to Psalm 71. To bring to remembrance. This is the poor man’s memorial. David personally pleads with God that he may not be forgotten, but David’s Lord may be heard here also. Even if the Lord seems to forget us, we must not forget him. This memorial Psalm acts as a connecting link between the two Psalms of supplicatory expostulation and makes up with them a precious triad of the song.

EXPOSITION

(The Reader is referred for full Exposition and Notes to Ps 40:13-17, in “Treasury of David, “Vol. 2, pp 267-268.)

Verse 4. Anger against enemies must not make us forget our friends, for it is better to preserve a single citizen of Zion than to kill a thousand enemies. Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee. All true worshippers, though as yet in the humble ranks of seekers, shall have cause for joy. Even though the seeking commences in darkness, it shall bring light with it. And let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified. Those who have tasted divine grace, and are, therefore, wedded to it, are a somewhat more advanced race, and these shall not only feel joy, but shall with holy constancy and perseverance tell abroad their joy, and call upon men to glorify God. The doxology, “Let the Lord’s name be magnified, “is infinitely more manly and ennobling than the dog’s bark of “Aha, aha.”

Singing Psalms 70