Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Psalms
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 120
Overview:
The safety of the godly.
- We must not rely upon men and means, instruments and second
causes. Shall I depend upon the strength of the hills? upon
princes and great men?
No; my confidence is in
God only. Or, we
must lift up our eyes above the hills; we must look to
God who
makes all earthly things to us what they are. We must see all
our help in
God; from him we must expect it, in his own way and
time. This psalm teaches us to comfort ourselves in the
Lord,
when difficulties and dangers are greatest. It is almighty
Wisdom that contrives, and almighty power that
Works the safety
of those that
Put themselves under
God's protection. He is a
wakeful, watchful Keeper; he is never weary; he not only does
not sleep, but he does not
So much as slumber. Under this shade
they may sit with delight and
Assurance. He is always near his
people for their protection and refreshment. The right
Hand is
the working
Hand; let them but turn to their duty, and they
shall find
God ready to give them success. He will take care
that his people shall not fall. Thou shalt not be hurt, neither
By the open assaults, nor
By the secret attempts of thine
enemies. The
Lord shall prevent the evil thou fearest, and
sanctify, remove, or lighten the evil thou feelest. He will
preserve the soul, that it be not defiled
By Sin, and disturbed
By affliction; he will preserve it from perishing eternally. He
will keep thee in
Life and
Death; going out to thy labour in the
morning of thy days, and coming home to thy
Rest when the
Evening of old
Age calls thee in. It is a protection for
Life.
The
Spirit, who is their Preserver and
Comforter, shall abide
with them for ever. Let us be found in our work, assured that
the blessings promised in this psalm are ours.