The Treasury of David
by C.H. Spurgeon

EXPOSITION OF THE PSALMS
(Psalms 81 Verse 7)

 

EXPOSITION

Verse 7. Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee. God heard his people's cries in Egypt, and at the Red Sea: this ought to have bound them to him. Since God does not forsake us in our need, we ought never to forsake him at any time. When our hearts wander from God, our answered prayers cry "shame" upon us.

I answered thee in the secret place of thunder. Out of the cloud the Lord sent forth tempest upon the foes of his chosen. That cloud was his secret pavilion, within it he hung up his weapons of war, his javelins of lightning his trumpet of thunder; forth from that pavilion he came and overthrew the foe that his own elect might be secure.

I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. They had proved him and found him faithful, he afterwards proved them in return. Precious things are tested, therefore Israel's loyalty to her King was put to trial, and, alas, it failed lamentably. The God who was adored one day for his goodness was reviled the next, when the people for a moment felt the pangs of hunger and thirst. The story of Israel is only our own history in another shape. God has heard us, delivered us, liberated us, and too often our unbelief makes the wretched return of mistrust, murmuring, and rebellion. Great is our sin; great is the mercy of our God: let us reflect upon both, and pause a while.

Selah. Hurried reading is of little benefit; to sit down a while and meditate is very profitable.

 

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 7. To answer in the secret place of thunder, refers us to the pillar of cloud and fire, the habitation of the awful Majesty of God, whence God glanced with angry eyes upon the Egyptians, filled them with consternation and overthrew them. Venema.

 

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 7.

  1. Answered prayers, -- bonds of gratitude.
  2. Former testing times, -- warning memories.
  3. The present a time for new answers as it is also for fresh tests.

Verse 7. Waters of Meribah. The various test points of the believer's life.


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