Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
back to: Psalms
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 129

Overview:
The psalmist's Hope in Prayer. (1-4) His patience in Hope.
(5-8)

1-4 The only way of relief for a Sin-entangled soul, is By
applying to God alone. Many things present themselves as
diversions, many things offer themselves as remedies, but the
soul finds that the Lord alone can heal. And until men are
sensible of the guilt of Sin, and quit all to come at once to
God, it is in vain for them to expect any relief. The Holy Ghost
gives to such Poor souls a fresh sense of their Deep necessity,
to stir them up in Earnest applications, By the Prayer of Faith,
By crying to God. And as they Love their souls, as they are
concerned for the Glory of the Lord, they are not to be wanting
in this duty. Why is it that these matters are So long uncertain
with them? Is it not from sloth and despondency that they
content themselves with common and customary applications to
God? Then let us up and be doing; it must be done, and it is
attended with safety. We are to humble ourselves before God, as
guilty in his sight. Let us acknowledge our sinfulness; we
cannot justify ourselves, or plead not guilty. It is our
unspeakable comfort that there is forgiveness with him, for that
is what we need. Jesus Christ is the great Ransom; he is ever an
Advocate for us, and through him we Hope to obtain forgiveness.
There is forgiveness with thee, not that thou mayest be presumed
upon, but that thou mayest be feared. The fear of God often is
Put for the whole Worship of God. The only motive and
encouragement for sinners is this, that there is forgiveness
with the Lord.

5-8 It is for the Lord that my soul waits, for the Gifts of his
Grace, and the working of his power. We must Hope for that only
which he has promised in his Word. Like those who wish to see
the dawn, being very desirous that Light would come long before
Day; but still more earnestly does a good Man long for the
tokens of God's favour, and the visits of his Grace. Let all
that devote themselves to the Lord, cheerfully stay themselves
On him. This Redemption is Redemption from all Sin. Jesus Christ
saves his people from their sins, both from the condemning and
from the commanding power of Sin. It is plenteous Redemption;
there is an all-sufficient Fulness in the Redeemer, enough for
all, enough for each; therefore enough for me, says the
believer. Redemption from Sin includes Redemption from all other
evils, therefore it is a plenteous Redemption, through the
atoning Blood of Jesus, who shall redeem his people from all
their sins. All that wait On God for Mercy and Grace, are sure
to have peace.