Psalm 73:22-25 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before you.… I. THE PILGRIM'S CHARACTER AND CONDITION before he was turned to the Lord. "So foolish... beast before Thee." What a hearty and thorough confession this is! Probably it was not so made at first. Men never accurately measure the depth of the pit they lay in until they are out of it. Note the terms he uses in this confession. See the cattle browsing on the grass. It is no shame to them to be beasts; but it is a shame for a man to be as a beast, for he was made in God's image. The beast never had a soul; and I have quenched the life of mine — put out its light. I was like a beast in having a body and life and appetites, and stopping short with these, as if these were all! They knew not a God to live for; and I lived without God. Being a man, I became as a beast. II. HIS PRESENT NEARNESS AND PEACE. "Nevertheless I am continually with Thee." What a difference — "I was as a beast"; but "I am with Thee." Transformations unknown in nature are accomplished in grace. The man has become new. How has it been brought about? There has been reconciliation; the saved are made nigh through the blood of Christ. And this nearness continues. III. THE CAUSE AND MANNER OF THIS GREAT DELIVERANCE. "Thou hast holden me by my right hand." It is God's doing, not his own. The picture represents a father leading his strayed child home. IV. THE COURSE THROUGH LIFE WHICH THE PENITENT NOW EXPECTS TO KEEP. "THOU SHALT GUIDE ME," ETC. V. THE ISSUE OF ALL IN ETERNITY. Look to the last three points, that we may mark their order and their relations. 1. Salvation accomplished by almighty grace: "Thou hast holden me." 2. New obedience now, according to the Word of God: "Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel." 3. Hope of glory afterward: "Thou shalt receive me." In the middle is the actual holiness — the new obedience of the saved man, and on either side of a strong one on whom it may lean. On the one side is salvation already accomplished; on the other is the hope of glory yet to come. (W. Arnot.) Parallel Verses KJV: So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.WEB: I was so senseless and ignorant. I was a brute beast before you. |
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