Psalm 109:28

EXPOSITION

Verse 28. Let them curse, but bless thou, or, they will curse and thou wilt bless. Their cursing will then be of such little consequence that it will not matter a straw. One blessing from the Lord will take the poison out of ten thousand curses of men.

When they arise, let them be ashamed. They lift up themselves to deal out another blow, to utter another falsehood, and to watch for its injurious effects upon their victim, but they see their own defeat and are filled with shame.

But let thy servant rejoice. Not merely as a man protected and rescued, but as God's servant in whom his master's goodness and glory are displayed when he is saved from his foes. It ought to be our greatest joy that the Lord is honoured in our experience; the mercy itself ought not so much to rejoice us as the glory which is thereby brought to him who so graciously bestows it.

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 28. Let them curse, but bless thou. Fear not thou, who art a saint, their imprecations; this is but like false fire in the pan of an uncharged gun, it gives a crack, but hurts not; God's blessings will cover thee from their curse. --William Gurnall.

Verse 28. (first clause). Men's curses are impotent, God's blessings are omnipotent. --Matthew Henry.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 28. The divine cure for human ill will; and the saint's temper when he trusts therein - - "let thy servant rejoice."