Bible Commentaries

Psalms 21:3

I. God prevents us with the blessings of His goodness when we come into the world.

II. When we become personal transgressors.

III. When we enter upon the duties and the cares of mature life.

IV. When, in the general course of life, we enter upon new paths.

V. In the dark valley of the shadow of death.

VI. By giving us many mercies without our asking for them.

VII. By opening to us the gate of heaven, and by storing heaven with every provision for our blessedness.

S. Martin, Westminster Chapel Pulpit, 1st series, No. 2.

References: Psalms 21:3.—Preacher's Monthly, vol. v., p. 15; J. E. Vaux, Sermon Notes, 4th series, p. 62.

Psalms 21:4

This verse, which King David was taught by the Spirit of God to set down as the greatest possible happiness, carries to most of our ears rather a disappointing and modifying sound with it. For although it be true that every man is fond of life, yet it is certain that very few appear much concerned about life eternal. Such is their perverseness that what they love best in the world when God offers it to them as His own gift and in the very highest perfection, loses its value directly in their eyes.

I. The chief reason is this, that men have got such a liking for the pleasures and profits of this bad world that without them the thought even of eternal happiness seems something dull and tiresome. No sensual or worldly-minded man can in earnest desire to go to such a place as heaven. Though he earnestly desires to live, yet he cares not for eternal life. Such is the miserable folly in which we lose ourselves when we set our hearts upon anything on this side the grave, rather than upon the glorious things which Jesus Christ bought for us with His own blood.

II. Something of the same sort is the case with many of us in the sickness and death of dear friends. We ask life for them, and yet are disappointed when God gives them a long life, even for ever and ever. How absurd it is in a Christian to be much troubled at the shortness either of his friend's life or his own. It would be as if labourers should complain of their employer for paying them their wages and sending them home before their day's work was done.

III. To ask life of God without a sincere purpose to repent of all our sins is only adding sin to sin; and to be discontented at His refusing us life or health, or any other outward blessing, is only showing that we do not indeed care for the blessing of eternal life. And if we do not care for it, we may be sure that we shall not enjoy it. Jesus Christ has taught us to pray, "Thy will be done." And what we pray for every day we must practise every hour.

Plain Sermons by Contributors to "Tracts for the Times," vol. iv., p. 98.

Reference: Psalm 21—I. Williams, The Psalms Interpreted of Christ, p. 380.