Division 12 (Lamed)
The abiding faithfulness of God to His immutable Word, the stay of the godly in the midst of trial.
(vs. 89) The godly man, looking beyond his trials, sees that God’s Word is “settled in the heavens.” Thus beyond the reach of man, it is unaffected by all that takes place on earth.
(vv. 90-91) Not only is God’s Word settled in the heavens, but, on earth God is faithful in fulfilling His Word throughout all generations. Moreover, creation is the abiding witness of God’s faithfulness to His Word. All created things continue according to the fixed laws by which they were set in motion. They are His servants doing His bidding. Thus the purpose of God is settled in the heavens; the faithfulness of God to carry out that purpose continues on earth; and all created things in heaven and earth bear continual witness to this faithfulness of God.
(vv. 92-93) The psalmist has thus expressed his confidence in God’s Word. There comes a time, however, when his faith is put to the test. Adverse circumstances are allowed of such an overwhelming character that to sight they would appear to be beyond the control of God. Will the tried soul, in these circumstances, retain its faith in God? It is indeed sustained, for in his inward soul he delights in God’s Word, when, in his outward circumstances, he can no longer see God’s hand. With this inward delight in God’s Word the soul is revived.
(vv. 94-96) As quickened and revived, the godly man can say, “I am thine.” He had prayed for comfort (vs. 76), and waited for comfort (vs. 82); now he receives the comfort in learning the settled purpose of God. However, he still looks for final deliverance from his enemies, who have waited to destroy him. While waiting for God’s salvation, he finds his present strength in considering God’s testimonies (vs. 95). Around him he sees nothing but universal failure.
Amongst men nothing reaches to perfection. Nevertheless, he finds that God’s Word is exceeding broad―broad enough to reach to every detail of life, and thus guide in every circumstance that can arise.