The Treasury of David
by C.H. Spurgeon

EXPOSITION OF THE PSALMS
(Psalms 119 Verse 93)

EXPOSITION

Verse 93. I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. When we have felt the quickening power of a precept we never can forget it. We may read it, learn it, repeat it, and think we have it, and yet it may slip out of our minds; but if it has once given us life or renewed that life, there is no fear of its falling from our recollection. Experience teaches, and teaches effectually. How blessed a thing it is to have the precepts written on the heart with the golden pea of experience, and graven on the memory with the divine stylus of grace. Forgetfulness is a great evil in holy things; we see here the man of God fighting against it, and feeling sure of victory because he knew the life giving energy of the word in his own soul. That which quickens the heart is sure to quicken the memory.

It seems singular that he should ascribe quickening to the precepts, and yet it lies in them and in all the words of the Lord alike. It is to be noted that when the Lord raised the dead he addressed to them the word of command. He said, "Lazarus, come forth," or "Maid, arise." We need not fear to address gospel precepts to dead sinners, since by them the Spirit gives them life. Remark that the Psalmist does not say that the precepts quickened him, but that the Lord quickened him by their means: thus he traces the life from tile channel to the source, and places the glory where it is due. Yet at the same time he prized the instruments of the blessing, and resolved never to forget them. He had already remembered them when he likened himself to a bottle in the smoke, and now he feels that whether in the smoke or in the fire the memory of the Lord's precepts shall never depart from him.

 

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 93. -- I will never forget thy precepts, etc. Forgetfulness must be striven against in every possible way, lest it should gradually creep in, through ingratitude, old age, weakness of mind, or other overwhelming cares. See Psalms 119:16; Psalms 119:61; Psalms 119:83. --Martin Geier.

Verse 93. -- I will never forget thy precepts, etc. This afflicted good man is now comforted; his comfort came from his delight in God's law; he thinks of it, he feels the force of it, and therefore to the end that he might ever receive the like comforts, he will bind himself by a promise to the Lord that he will never forget his precepts; adding a reason, namely, that they were to him spirit and life.

With them hast thou quickened me. Quickened he was, as he saith, by God, but yet also by the word, soundly preached, savingly understood, and particularly applied to the conscience. Thus then doth the power of Christ's death make us to walk on in newness of life. No aqua vitae, or celestis like unto this, by which we have inward peace of conscience, and an outward obedience to God's commandments. David rejoiced in this blessing,, so ought we: we desire to be ever quick, and cheerful to all good duties; it is only God, by his Spirit, in the word, that can give it. --Richard Greenham.

Verse 93. -- With them thou hast quickened me. The quickening Spirit delights to work by means of the word; but though the word be the means, yet the benefit comes from God: "For with them thou hast quickened me." Life comes, from the fountain of life. The gospel is a sovereign plaster; but it is God's hand that must apply it, and make it stick; make it to be peace, comfort, and quickening to our souls. There is a double quickening, when, from dead, we are made living; or when, from cold, and sad, and heavy, we are made lively...and so not only have life, but enjoy it more abundantly, according to Christ's gracious promise (John 10:10); that they may be living, lively, kept still in rigour. Now, this second quickening may be taken, either more largely, for the vitality of grace; or, strictly, for actual comfort Largely taken; so God quickens by increasing the life of: grace; either internally, by promising the life of grace; or morally and externally, by promising the life of glory. More strictly, his quickening may be taken for comfort and support in his affliction; so it is likely to be taken here: he had said immediately before, "Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in my affliction"; and now, "I will never forget thy precepts, for with them thou hast quickened me." It was great comfort and support to him; and therefore he should prize the word as long as he lived. -- Thomas Manton.

Verse 93. -- Thou hast quickened me. Leave not off reading the Bible till you find your hearts warmed. Read the word, not only as a history, but labour to be affected with it. Let it not only inform you, but inflame you. "Is not my word like a fire? saith the Lord": Jer 23:29. Go not from the word till you can say as those disciples, "Did not our hearts burn within us?" Luke 24:32. --Thomas Watson.

 

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 93. -- Experience fixes the word upon the memory.

Verse 93. --

  1. A good resolve: "I will never forget thy precepts."
(a) The precepts are worth remembering.
(b) Safety lies in remembering them.
(c) Fidelity to God cannot be without remembering them.
(d) Not to remember them is shameful ingratitude.

  1. An excellent reason for making it: "For with them thou hast quickened me."
    1. A reason founded upon personal experience: "me."
(b) A reason appreciative of the benefit received:
"quickened."
(c) A reason indicative of gratitude to God: "thou." --J.F.

Verse 93. -- Never forget; an often uttered phrase. Here golden.

  1. Something that could not be forgotten: life and pardon received. How could it?
  2. Something that should not be forgotten: the precious instrumentality. --W.B.H.

Verse 93. --

  1. The instrumental power of truth.
(a) Used by God in our regeneration:
Jas 1:18; Psalms 19:7.
(b) Used in our liberation: John 8:32.
(c) Used in our sanctification: John 17:7.

  1. Our consequent affection for it. We cannot forget.
(a) Our past obligations to it.
(b) Our present dependence upon it.
(c) Our future needs of it. --W.W.


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