COMPASSED ABOUT BY MERCY

This penitential psalm concludes on a triumphant note, vv. 10, 11, showing the completeness of David’s restoration. He had proved by his own lapses the truth of his words, “Many sorrows shall be to the wicked”, v. 10.

Let us consider this. Appearances often seem to belie these words, as Asaph wrote, “I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked … They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men … they have more than heart could wish”, Psa. 73. 3, 5, 7. This seemed like gross injustice to Asaph, until he recovered a true perspective, “When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction”, vv. 16-19. This corrected view of things convicted Asaph, “Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee”, vv. 21, 22.

Read David’s wise counsel in Psalm 37. 1-2.

Again in verse 10, “but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about”. Since God is trustworthy, His people should trust Him! When should we trust Him? “Trust in him at all times-, ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us”, Psa. 62. 8. How should we trust Him? “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding”, Prov. 3. 5. And why should we trust Him? Because (as our verse says) mercy will then compass us about. The psalms declare that it is folly to trust in chariots and in horses, Psa. 20. 7, in bows and swords, 44. 6, in wealth, 49. 6, or in oppression and robbery, 62. 10.

Let us savour the closing words of verse 10 in various renderings: “mercy shall compass him about” A.V.; “lovingkindness shall encompass him” J.N.D.; “stedfast love surrounds him” R.S.V.; “with lovingkindness he will encircle him” Maclaren. What security and comfort are available to the trusting heart! The disciples in the boat could have spared themselves their panic (and the Lord could have benefited from further sleep) had they only learned this lesson, Mark 6. 45-51.

“Where is your faith?’, Luke 8. 25.