---

I. THE CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD.

1. They fear Him. There is a twofold fear of God: —

(1)  A servile fear.

(2)  A filial fear: this is the fear intended in the text. This fear is promised (Jeremiah 32:40).

2. They keep God's precepts.

(1)  In purpose and resolution; they approve of them all (Psalm 119:117).

(2)  In affection (Psalm 19:10; Psalm 119:77).

(3)  They endeavour to observe them; and to observe them all (Psalm 119:1, 28).

II. WHAT IS IMPLIED IN BEING A COMPANION OF THOSE THAT FEAR GOD

1. A high esteem and affection for them (1 John 4:20, 21; Leviticus 19:18; John 13:34; John 15:12).

2. A delight in communion with them (Psalm 16:3).

3. Joining with them in public worship (Psalm 42:1, 2; Psalm 84:1, 2).

4. A readiness to converse with them (Malachi 3:16; Psalm 15:4; Romans 1:12).

5. To sympathize with them (Romans 12:15; Revelation 1:9; Hebrews 10:33).

6. A readiness to do them good (Galatians 6:10; James 2:15, 16; Matthew 25:34).

III. THE OBLIGATIONS WE ARE UNDER TO ASPIRE AFTER SUCH A TEMPER AND BEHAVIOUR.

1. The relation we profess to stand in to God. Children of one Father (1 John 3:1).

2. This temper and behaviour are represented as inseparably connected with true love to God Himself (1 John 3:14; 1 John 5:1).

3. Love to all who fear God is mentioned as the most essential and vital part of true religion (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13).

4. Jesus Christ, as our Redeemer, hath laid us under this obligation (John 13:34; 1 John 3:16-19; Galatians 2:20).

5. The utility or profit that resulteth from being a companion of those who fear God (Psalm 87:2).

(T. Hannam.)

---

---

KJV: I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.

WEB: I am a friend of all those who fear you, of those who observe your precepts.