Psalm 116:9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. I. TO WALK BEFORE THE LORD IS A STYLE OF SPEAKING MADE USE OF TO REPRESENT THAT MANNER OF LIFE PECULIAR TO GOOD MEN. It may be considered as including in it — 1. That men live under a lively impression of the presence of God. 2. The exercise of a sincere love to Him, and such friendly intercourse with Him as this imperfect state admits. 3. To live in dutiful and constant subjection to His will. II. THE EXCELLENCE OF SUCH A COURSE OF LIFE. 1. There is joy in it. If you are really desirous to know whether it be so, go and consult the words of Him who cannot lie. They say that "gladness is sown for the upright in heart"; that "the voice of rejoicing is in the tabernacles of the righteous"; that "great peace have they who love God's law"; that "everlasting joy shall be upon them." If you ask, again, how these things are so, they will reply, that the righteous rejoice before God; that their hearts rejoice in Him, because they have trusted in His holy name; that their rejoicing is this, the testimony of their conscience, that, "in simplicity and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God," they have their conversation in the world. 2. There is honour in it. There is a dignity connected with walking before the Lord superior to everything celebrated by that name among men. "I will," says the Almighty, "guide them with Mine eye. I will never leave them nor forsake them. I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people." 3. There is a preparation for heaven in it. Every step they take in walking "before the Lord in the land of the living" is just so much progress in the path of life — every temptation overcome is a new advance to glory — every good disposition acquired will increase their happiness in the paradise of God. (W. F. Ireland, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. |
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