THE curtain is raised in verse one upon a happy man. The reason for his happiness is given; viz. transgression forgiven, sin covered. This is fitting language for the Old Testament. But the Cross of Christ removes not only sin, but the order of man who is incapable of doing anything else but sin. This fact remembered makes us happy.
Note the orderly sequence that follows. Verse 3 speaks of silence. This always follows upon the committal of sin. The Garden of Eden for instance. It is Satan’s object to silence and destroy what is of Christ, here. Many voices that should be raised in testimony and lips in praise are hushed on account of unconfessed sin.
Verse 4 Suffering. It must be so. The Psalmist says, “Thy hand was heavy upon me.” God would seek to rouse our consciences and hearts to what is due to Him, not only from His Word, but from the pressure of circumstances. There will be no necessity for bit and bridle if we will be guided by His eye (verse 8). But He does not afflict willingly, and the Psalmist seeks the means whereby the pressure of His hand may be lifted. verse 5 shows this in speech. “I acknowledged” — the result: “Thou forgavest.” John tells us that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. It is good for the soul to keep short accounts with God; or, better still, to keep no account at all by instant confession. That open confession is good for the soul is evidenced by verse 6. Confession may be likened to a safety-valve. There is safety in telling God everything. He knoweth the secrets of men’s hearts. So the Psalmist says, “Thou art my hiding-place” speaking of safety and security.”
Still continue to follow his experience, and to what does it lead? The knowledge that he is right with God unloosens his tongue, and his lips break forth into praise (verse 7). Songs of deliverance. He alone is able to give songs in the night. He: made it possible for Paul and Silas to sing praises at night; and though it is generally agreed that the days are difficult and dark, God can — and will — give power to the silent harp which you may have hung on the willow. Then as a climax: if unable to contain his joy and gladness there is his shout of joy (verse 11). When the foundations of the temple were laid in Ezra’s time, there was the shout of praise — something that others could hear. What a glorious moment that will be when the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout! To be forever with the Lord! May this inspire our hearts to put wrong things right with each other, and to walk before the Lord here as a vessel for his pleasure.
The Psalm summed up appears thus: — verse 1, sin; verse 3, silence; verse 4, suffering; verse 5, speech; verse 7, safety; verse 7, songs; verse 8, stability; verse 11, shoutings. Praise ye the Lord!
C. Wallach.