Bible Commentary

Psalms 39:12

The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 39:12

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears. Tears appeal to the Divine pity in an especial way. "Weep not!" said our Lord to the widow woman at Nain; and to Mary Magdalene, "Why weepest thou?"

He himself offered up his supplications with strong crying and tears" (); and so his faithful servants ( : ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ).

Hezekiah's tears especially moved God to pity him (). For I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner. "Here we have no continuing city" (), but are "strangers and pilgrims on the earth" ().

Hence, being so weak and dependent, we may the more confidently claim God's pity. As all my fathers were (comp. Le 25:23, "The land is mine; ye are strangers and sojourners with me ").

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