Going back from God.
This psalm, this verse, is a penitent confession that Israel had been guilty of this sin, and it is a prayer for pardon and restoration. But such backsliding did not cease with Israel. We have here—
I. A CONFESSION OF THE SIN. Israel needed to make such confession. But so do others now.
1. Apostates, like Demas, Judas, etc.
2. Those who know God has called them, but from fear of man refuse to confess him.
3. Those who have confessed him, but live inconsistent lives.
4. Those who, after special seasons of nearness to God, go back to indulge their old sins. These, and yet others, need this confession.
II. A PORTRAYAL OF ITS MISERY. (See Psalms 80:5, Psalms 80:6, Psalms 80:12, Psalms 80:13, Psalms 80:16.) The backslider is the most miserable man on the face of the earth. He can never forget that he has known the better way, and has chosen the worse.
III. AN ASSURANCE OF ITS PREVENTION.
1. Such prevention needed; for going back is so easy, so secret, so perilous, so shameful, so condemned of God.
2. And is sure, by the grace of God turning us again, leading us into the possession and retainment of the fulness of his grace, and giving us the joy of his salvation.—S.C.
HOMILIES BY R. TUCK