Psalm 73:10
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EXPOSITION
Verse 10. Therefore his people return hither. God's people are driven to fly to his throne for shelter; the doggish tongues fetch home the sheep to the Shepherd. The saints come again, and again, to their Lord, laden with complaints on account of the persecutions which they endure from these proud and graceless men.
And waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. Though beloved of God, they have to drain the bitter cup; their sorrows are as full as the wicked man's prosperity. It grieves them greatly to see the enemies of God so high, and themselves so low, yet the Lord does not alter his dispensations, but continues still to chasten his children, and indulge his foes. The medicine cup is not for rebels, but for those whom Jehovah Rophi loves.
EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS
Verse 2-14. See Psalms on "Psalms 73:2" for further information.
Verse 10. Therefore his people return hither. It seems impossible to ascertain, with any degree of precision, the meaning of this verse, or to whom it relates. Some think it intends those people who resort to the company of the wicked, because they find their temporal advantage by it; while others are of opinion that the people of God are meant, who, by continually revolving in their thoughts the subject here treated of, namely, the prosperity of the wicked, are sore grieved and forced to shed tears in abundance. Mr. Mudge translates the verse thus: Therefore let his (God's) people come before them, and waters in full measure would be wrung out from them; that is, should God's people fall into their hands, they would squeeze them to the full, they would wring out all the juice out of their bodies. He takes waters in full measure to have been a proverbial expression. Samuel Burder.
HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS
Verse 10.
- The believer's cup is bitter.
- It is full.
- Its contents are varied waters.
- It is but a cup, measured and limited.
- It is the cup of his people, and, consequently,
works good in the highest degree.