Psalm 59:16

EXPOSITION

Verse 16. But I will sing of thy power. The wicked howl, but I sing and will sing. Their power is weakness, but thine is omnipotence; I see them vanquished and thy power victorious, and for ever and ever will I sing of thee.

Yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning. When those lovers of darkness find their game is up, and their midnight howlings die away, then will I lift up my voice on high and praise the lovingkindness of God without fear of being disturbed. What a blessed morning will soon break for the righteous, and what a song will be theirs! Sons of the morning, ye may sigh tonight, but joy will come on the wings of the rising sun. Tune your harps even now, for the signal to commence the eternal music will soon be given; the morning cometh and your sun shall go no more down for ever.

For thou hast been my defence. The song is for God alone, and it is one which none can sing but those who have experienced the lovingkindness of their God. Looking back upon a past all full of mercy, the saints will bless the Lord with their whole hearts, and triumph in him as the high place of their security.

And refuge in the day of my trouble. The greater our present trials the louder will our future songs be, and the more intense our joyful gratitude. Had we no day of trouble, where were our season of retrospective thanksgiving? David's besetment by Saul's bloodhounds creates an opportunity for divine interposition and so for triumphant praise.

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 16. We must not pass by the contrast with the wretched condition of the wicked, which is indicated by the pronoun hmh, they, in Psalms 59:15 , an ygaw, but I, which are in exact antithesis; also the "evening," mentioned above, and the "morning," now occurring for the times of trouble and happiness, and the dog like noise of the wicked, and the singing with joyful sound of David, to pass by other particulars, likewise give to the diverse states additional difference. Hermann Venema.

Verse 16. Cantabo and exaltabo, I will sing, and I will sing aloud. Here is singing only of God's power; but there is singing aloud of his mercy; as if his mercy were more exaltable than his power, and that reached the very heavens; this unto the clouds. Psalms 26:5 . From Humphrey Sydenham's Sermon, entitled, "The Well toned Cymball," 1637.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 16. The heavenly chorister.

1. His song is sweet in contrast with the revilings of
   others -- but I.
   
2. It treats of subjects which terrify others -- thy
   power.
   
3. It grows louder on tender themes -- thy mercy.
   
4. It has its choice seasons -- in the morning.
   
5. It is tuned by experience -- for thou hast.
   
6. It is all to God's glory -- thy power,
   thy mercy, thou hast.