The Treasury of David
by C.H. Spurgeon

EXPOSITION OF THE PSALMS
(Psalms 9 Verse 14)

Verse 14. We must not overlook David's object in desiring mercy, it is God's glory: that I may show forth all thy praise. Saints are not so selfish as to look only to self; they desire mercy's diamond that they may let others see it flash and sparkle, and may admire Him who gives such priceless gems to his beloved. The contrast between the gates of death and the gates of the New Jerusalem is very striking; let our songs be excited to the highest and most rapturous pitch by the double consideration of whence we are taken, and to what we have been advanced, and let our prayers for mercy be made more energetic and agonizing by a sense of the grace which such a salvation implies. When David speaks of his showing forth all God's praise, he means that, in his deliverance grace in all its heights and depths would be magnified. Just as our hymn puts it: --

"O the length and breadth of love!
Jesus, Saviour, can it be? All thy mercy's height I prove, All the depth is seen in me."

Here ends the first part of this instructive Psalm, and in pausing awhile we feel bound to confess that our exposition has only flitted over its surface and has not digged into the depths. The verses are singularly full of teaching, and if the Holy Spirit shall bless the reader, he may go over this Psalm, as the writer has done scores of times, and see on each occasion fresh beauties.

 

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 14. That I may show forth all thy praise, etc. To show forth all God's praise is to enter largely into the work. An occasional "God, I thank thee," is no fit return for a perpetual stream of rich benefits. William S. Plumer.

 

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 14. I will rejoice in thy salvation. Especially because it is thine, O God, and therefore honours thee. In its freeness, fulness, suitability, certainty, everlastingness. Who can rejoice in this? Reasons why they should always do so.