The Treasury of David
by C.H. Spurgeon
EXPOSITION OF THE PSALMS
(Psalms 112 Verse 8)
EXPOSITION
Verse 8. His heart is established. His love to God is deep and true, his confidence in God is firm and unmoved; his courage has a firm foundation, and is supported by Omnipotence. He has become settled by experience, and confirmed by years. He is not a rolling stone, but a pillar in the house of the Lord.
He shall not be afraid. He is ready to face any adversary -- a holy heart gives a brave face.
Until he see his desire upon his enemies. All through the conflict, even till he seizes the victory, he is devoid of fear. When the battle wavers, and the result seems doubtful, he nevertheless believes in God, and is a stranger to dismay. Grace makes him desire his enemies' good: though nature leads him to wish to see justice done to his cause, he does not desire for those who injure him anything by way of private revenge.
EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS
Verse 8. His heart is established. Happy surely, is the man whose heart is thus established. Others may be politic, he only is wise; others may be fortunate, he only is great; others may drink deeper draughts of sensual pleasure, he only can eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. He is an image of that great Being whom he trusts ... and in the midst of storms, and thunders, and earthquakes sits himself serene and undisturbed, bidding the prostrate world adore the Lord of the universe. --George Gleig, 1803.
Verse 8. Until he see his desire upon his enemies. His faith will not fail, nor shrink, nor change, while one by one his enemies are brought to the knowledge of the truth and the love of Christ, and he shall see his heart's desire fulfilled upon them, even that they may be saved. --Plain Commentary.
Verse 8. Until he see his desire upon his enemies. Or, according to the original, Until he looks upon his oppressors; that is, till he behold them securely, and, as we say, confidently looks in their faces; as being now no longer under their power, but being freed from their tyranny and oppression. -- Thomas Fenton.
HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS
Verse 8. Heart establishment, the confidence which flows from it, the sight which shall be seen by him who possesses it.
Verse 8.
- The security of the righteous: "his heart is established."
- His tranquillity: "he shall not be afraid;" and,
- His expectancy: "until," etc. --G.R.