Jehovah's victories.
This psalm is almost an echo of Psalms 96:1-13; and, like that, tells of the triumphant issue of the Lord's great battle. No doubt the psalmist had some special event in the history of God's people in his mind—some glorious victory given to them; but his words here bring to our thoughts God's spiritual victories, far larger and wider triumphs than any that Israel ever knew. Consider, therefore—
I. THE VICTORIES OF THE LORD WHICH THIS PSALM REMINDS US OF.
1. There is that of the past—for humanity generally, for the whole world. Mankind was in sore distress; and he had no help in himself, he had become the devil's prey. But how was this to be remedied? The Incarnation, the Atonement, the gift of the Holy Ghost, were the answer. And so now forevery child of man who will avail himself of it, there is full salvation provided. The guilt of our sin, our corrupt nature, and the holy Law of God, were all against us; but in this great victory of the Lord, guilt was put away, man's evil nature subdued, and the Law honoured as it had never been or could be before. Well may we say with St. Paul, "Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57).
2. There is that of the present—that which the individual believer rejoices in for himself. The sense of condemnation is gone, the power of sin is broken, the tyranny of the devil trampled on, the might of sorrow and care gone, the fear of death vanished, and eternal life won—that is the victory which is given now to many a believing soul, to every soul who will have it.
3. That of the future—that of the Church triumphant, when every foe is vanquished, when all that have tried and troubled us is no more, and when we are presented "faultless before the presence of the Lord's glory with exceeding joy."
II. WHAT IS HERE SAID OF THEM.
1. They are marvellous. Are they not so? Think of what stood in the way of each.
2. They are all of God. "His right hand, and his holy arm, hath," etc. How evident this is! Did ever any hear of a really saved soul saying aught else than this? And:
3. They are victories of believers. Not of mere compassion, still less of mere power, but it was "his holy arm "that triumphed. The law of righteousness and truth was maintained.
4. They demand a new song. And they have it, and will forevermore. Let us be in that choir.—S.C.