The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 73:26

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

The failing flesh and the strengthening God.

Here is a vivid and blessed contrast. Consider—

I. THE FAILING OF HEART AND FLESH here told of.

1. Some understand this as the result of his foolish conflict with God; and here, as all who contend with God are, he was worsted and brought low.

2. Others, as telling of his passionate desire after God, how he was "sick of love," broken down with his longing for God.

3. Others, as telling of his heavy load of trouble. "He had a God's rod instead of a good piece of bread for his breakfast every morning; and the table was covered with sackcloth, and furnished with the same bitter herbs both at dinner and supper."

4. Anyway, it is a fact that heart and flesh do fail, both of the evil and of the good. The best herbs wither as well as the worst weeds. There is no discharge in this war.

5. What a rebuke it is to those whose treasures are all of the world!

II. THE STRENGTHENING GOD. How does he accomplish his gracious work?

1. By his Spirit in our hearts.

2. By his Word of promise for the future. The Spirit and the Word are his "rod and staff," which comfort us.—S.C.

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