Psalm 106:47

EXPOSITION

Verse 47. This is the closing prayer, arranged by prophecy for those who would in future time be captives, and suitable for all who before David's days had been driven from home by the tyranny of the various scatterings by famine and distress which had happened in the iron age of the judges.

Save us, O Lord our God. The mention of the covenant encouraged the afflicted to call the Lord their God, and this enabled them with greater boldness to entreat him to interpose on their behalf and rescue them.

And gather us from among the Heathen. Weary now of the ungodly and their ways, they long to be brought into their own separated country, where they might again enjoy the means of grace, enter into holy fellowship with their brethren, escape from contaminating examples, and be free to wait upon the Lord. How often do true believers now a days long to be removed from ungodly households, where their souls are vexed with the conversation of the wicked.

To give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise. Weaned from idols, they desire to make mention of Jehovah's name alone, and to ascribe their mercies to his ever abiding faithfulness and love. The Lord had often saved them for his holy name's sake, and therefore they feel that when again restored they would render all their gratitude to that saving name, yea, it should be their glory to praise Jehovah and none else.

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 47. Gather us. Bishop Patrick says that, in his opinion, this verse refers to those, who, in the days of Saul, or before, were taken prisoners by the Philistines, or other nations; whom David prays God to gather to their own land again; that they might worship him in that place which he had prepared for the ark of his presence. --Thomas Fenton.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 47.

1. An earnest Prayer: "Save us, O Lord", etc.
2. A Believing Prayer: "O Lord our God."
3. A humble Prayer: "Gather us from among the heathen."
4. A sincere Prayer: "To give thanks unto thy holy name"; to own thy justice and holiness in all thy ways.
5. A confident Prayer: "To triumph in thy praise." None but bruised spices give forth such odours.

--G.R.