Key Text: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
In thankful reflection, David gives goodness to the Lord in a lively series of epithets (Chapter 18): The Lord is my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my God, my strength, my buckler, the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. The psalmist understands his deliverance to be entirely the fruit of God’s grace, free and sovereign. His sincere and honest claims are that “I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God.” David has full assurance that God will be his light in his darkest hour: He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arm. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation. Thy right hand hath holden me up.” David is also witness to a strong revelation of God’s glory by His law and the witness of God’s glory in comparison to man. The glory of God is the sum of all of God’s perfections: The vastness of space declares the magnitude of God. The energy of a thousand suns is but a token of His divine energy. The perfect timing of planetary movements which declares His precision. And, the multifaceted declaration of the heavens which only begins to show the great glory of God.
The psalmist gives witness to testimony of the Law of the Lord , the entire doctrine of God, and the whole body of scripture as true and perfect. The statutes of the Lord are right. The commandment of the Lord is pure. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever. The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. The Word of God is more precious than the finest commodity man possesses, “Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” In keeping God’s Word, we are assured ultimate benefit. The psalmist prays for cleansing from sins unknown to him. He also prays, “Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins”: willful, intentional, and deliberate sins.” We are instructed to pray, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…” (Matthew 6:13). Then shall I be upright or blameless. By mediation of heart, David closes with a sweet prayer: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of heart be acceptable in thy sight.” After surveying the wonderful heavens that declare the glory of God and the wonderful Word of God that declare His glory, David can see himself in the light of these creations of God. David can see his own sinful condition and he can conclude with a prayer for God to sanctify him constantly. AMEN!
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