Psalm 142:7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise your name: the righteous shall compass me about; for you shall deal bountifully with me. I. A WRETCHED CONDITION. Some of the prisons in which we sometimes find ourselves confined. Fearfulness. (1) Lest our conversion is only a sham. (2) Lest we may not be finally saved. (3) Dread of death. 2. Carelessness. (1) About our soul's prosperity. (2) As to the use of our privileges. 3. Discontentedness. 4. Selfishness. (1) In belief. (2) In prayers. (3) In efforts. II. A SUITABLE PETITION. It is expressive of — 1. Consciousness. The spiritual dead feel not their awful condition. 2. Helplessness. We can do nothing; but He is faithful who has promised. 3. Tenderness. "Bring." The invalid cannot bear harsh treatment. And our compassionate Lord deals gently with us. Doubtless David had former proof of this, hence his present cry. Further, this would necessitate God's coming Himself, not even trusting His loved ones to His ministering spirits. "Come Lord Thyself, and bring my soul out of prison." Then it was a petition of — 4. Completeness. "Bring my soul out." It is well for our souls, when we get so dissatisfied with our prisons as to want to leave them entirely. III. A JUSTIFYING REASON. How could David praise God's name? 1. By making known His wondrous power. 2. By living near to God. 3. By warning others of their danger. (A. H. Stote.) Parallel Verses KJV: Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me. |
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