Psalm 20:4

EXPOSITION

Verse 4. Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel. Christ's desire and counsel were both set upon the salvation of his people; the church of old desired for him good speed in his design, and the church in these latter days, with all her heart desires the complete fulfilment of his purpose. In Christ Jesus sanctified souls may appropriate this verse as a promise; they shall have their desire, and their plans to glorify their Master shall succeed. We may have our own will, when our will is God's will. This was always the case with our Lord, and yet he said, "not as I will, but as thou wilt." What need for submission in our case; if it was necessary to him, how much more for us?

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 4. Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel. Let us here call to mind the zealous and earnest desire of the Redeemer to accomplish his work, "I have a baptism to be baptised with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished." Luke 12:50 . "With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer" ( Luke 22:15 ); that he might leave a memorial of his sufferings and death, for the strengthening and refreshing of their souls. These earnest desires and anticipations did the Father satisfy, as of one with whom he was well pleased. W. Wilson.

Verse 4. Fulfil all thy counsel; whatever was agreed upon in the counsel and covenant of peace between him and his Father, relating to his own glory, and the salvation of his people. John Gill.

Verse 4. Fulfil all thy counsel. Answer thee, ad cardinem desiderii, as a father, Augustine, expresses it; let it be unto thee even as thou wilt. Sometimes God doth not only grant a man's prayer, but fulfils his counsel; that is, in that very way, by that very means, which his judgment pitched upon in his thoughts. John Trapp.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 3-4. The great privilege of this fourfold acceptance in the Beloved.