Psalm 84:5-7 Blessed is the man whose strength is in you; in whose heart are the ways of them.… I. THE DESCRIPTION GIVEN OF THE RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE OF GOD. 1. The state of their souls before God. (1) Strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. (2) Thoughts and affections interested with Divine and spiritual subjects; conversation in heaven. 2. The general tenor of their conduct in the world. To all such men this barren wilderness becomes a place of spiritual refreshment and purification. (1) They cordially believe the assurance that, "though the Lord causes grief, yet doth He not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men; that He chastens us only for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness." Under this impression they are mainly solicitous that their afflictions should produce in them the benefit which is designed. (2) The mercies and comforts which God bestows, they receive with devout and thankful hearts, as designed to cheer and support them on their way, and to inspire them with a thirst for more exalted blessings. II. THE SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS WHICH ATTEND THEM (ver. 7). 1. Their successful progress. Whether the way be rough or smooth; whether their road now lies through the valley of weeping, or whether they are permitted to drink of the cup of heavenly consolation; in any case, we are commissioned to say to the righteous, that at least it is well with their souls. They are instructed how to derive spiritual support and nourishment from every circumstance of life; as the bee extracts its honey even from the most unsavoury flowers. 2. The happy termination of their journey. They may be scattered far and wide from each ether, as they pass along their destined course: they must be prepared, from time to time, to lose for a season their friends and companions by the way. Some will get before, and leave us weeping in the vale. But still they all shall meet again. (E. Whieldon, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.WEB: Blessed are those whose strength is in you; who have set their hearts on a pilgrimage. |
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