The cause of gratitude.
To derive benefit from the study of any ancient writings, we must translate them into our present forms of thought and ways of thinking. David as king sang these hymns to God for the nation and to the nation, and for himself; for he and the people were one. It is difficult for us to realize this, being, as we are, in lower stations and with an intenser feeling of our individuality.
I. THE PRELUDE TO THIS SONG. He praises God for his marvellous works and for his supremacy.
1. They captivated and subdued his whole nature: "With my whole heart."
2. They filled him with joy.
3. He published them to others.
II. THE SPECIAL CAUSES OF HIS GRATITUDE. God had judged his cause and maintained the right by subduing his enemies.
1. We too have enemies to be subdued—difficulties and temptations and hindrances which threaten our safety and destroy our peace.
2. David overlooks his own instrumentality in his victories by thinking only of the great First Cause of them. He saw God in everything. We lose sight of the cause in the instrument, and are not so devout as he. We see law where he saw a person. The highest men see both—the law which prescribes the way of conquest, and him who imparts the needed strength to obey.
III. DAVID REJOICED OVER THE COMPLETE DESTRUCTION OF HIS ENEMIES.
1. He thought it right to rejoice over the destruction of human life; for he thought God sanctioned and did it.
2. Our outward difficulties may vanish, while the inward may remain.
3. We shall fully rejoice only when all our enemies, inward and outward, are vanquished.—S.