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Psalms 57:3

The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 57:3

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

Mercy and truth.

I. MARK GOD'S CHARACTER. When God proclaimed his Name to Moses, he put "mercy" in the forefront: "The Lord God merciful;" but "truth" had also its place, for it is added," abundant in truth" (). The same order is observed in the Psalms. Thus it is said (), "Thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth" (cf. ).

II. SHINE FORTH IN GOD'S JUDGMENTS. What God does shows what he is. His works express his character. "Mercy and truth" are, so to speak, the rails on which his judgments travel (; ).

III. CHARACTERIZE GOD'S DEALINGS WITH HIS PEOPLE. They need "mercy; and unto the Lord "belongeth mercy" (). They need "truth," and God is "the God of truth" (). In the salvation which God has wrought, both are blended in beautiful harmony (). As has been quaintly said, "Mercy and truth are but the transverse arms of the cross of Christ. Righteousness and peace are but its upper and lower limbs. The one springs out of the earth, the other has looked down from heaven, and they have kissed each other, in token of God's love and of his reconciliation with the sons of men."

IV. FOUNDATION OF HOPE TO THE CHILDREN OF MEN. Mercy and truth are the two outspread wings of God. Under them there is sure shelter and peace (; ). Here there is hope for the sinner. Here there is comfort for the troubled in heart (). Here there is inspiration for all who are minded to serve God (; ; ). Here there is earnest and foreshadowing of the everlasting rest (; ; ).—W.F.

HOMILIES BY C. SHORT

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