The desire of the believer to be kept in separation from a world that is going on to judgment.
(vv. 1-3) In the midst of a wicked nation that is going down to the pit, the godly Jew appeals to the Lord to hear his cry that he may not be drawn away with the wicked, or deceived by the fair show they may make―speaking peace to their neighbors, but with mischief in their hearts.
(vv. 4-5) The godly Jew looks for judgment on the wicked. This judgment will fall, first, because of their sins―the works of their hands; and, secondly, because they slight the works of the Lord.
These are the abiding principles of God’s ways in judgment. God cannot pass over sin, but God has made provision in the death of Christ to put away sin. If men neglect God’s provision in grace they will fall under God’s hand in judgment. This judgment, however, is not only on account of their sin, but also because of their neglect of Christ (Heb. 2:33How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; (Hebrews 2:3)).
(vv. 6-8) The godly soul has the consciousness that the Lord has heard his cry. He trusted, was helped, and rejoices. The ground of his confidence is Christ, for he can say that the Lord is not only the strength of the godly, but “He is the saving strength of his anointed one” (JND). Thus the godly avail themselves of God’s provision in grace and plead the Anointed One―Christ―who has intervened and suffered on their behalf, and was saved out of all His sufferings (Psa. 22:2121Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns. (Psalm 22:21)).
(vs. 9) If the Anointed One has been saved out of His sufferings, those for whom He suffered will be saved. Therefore the psalmist can with confidence say to God, “Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance.” Though for a time they may have to pass through suffering, and appear to be cast down, yet, even so, God will feed them and finally lift them up forever, in contrast to those who go down to the pit (vs. 1).