SO WILL I COMPASS THINE ALTAR

The psalmist has appealed for vindication, v. 1, and based his petition on his relation to God. He affirms complete freedom from sinful intention, and that he has always trusted in the Lord. It is no case of self-righteously claiming perfection; he appeals only to the deepest aim of his heart, as being absolutely turned to God. He has invited God to examine, try and prove him, v. 2. Thus God proved Abraham, Gen. 22. 1, and Israel, Deut. 8. 2, 16. The purpose of such heart searching is “to give every man according to his ways”, Jer. 17. 10, to purge out the dross, and to demonstrate trust and faithfulness.

The psalmist then provides reasons why he should not be involved in the fate of the ungodly. Firstly, he refers to his conduct in the past and his resolve for the future, vv. 4-7; note the verbs “I have not… neither will I… I have …and will not … I will … so will I”. Secondly, he points to his concern for God’s house, vv. 8-12, “the place where thine honour dwelleth”, and where “in the congregations” he can praise the Lord. Central to the psalm is his statement, “so will I compass thine altar, O Lord”, v. 6.

Conditions of personal life precede this statement. He speaks of separation from evil ways and evil persons, vv. 4, 5, 9, 10. “Vain persons” is a general term for the ungodly; the word “vain” passes judgment on the way of life which is content with the world, its transient pleasures, its tinsel attraction, and its blindness to the truth. One who loves the habitation of God’s house, and who walks in the truth, is not going to sit in an easy association, nor “go” with those who have no such desires. In the daily routine of living, association with such men is necessary, but it is impossible for one whose heart is truly in touch with God not to feel ill at ease in the company of those who do not share his deepest feelings. His longings instinctively turn to his heart’s home, the sanctuary. The more a man feels out of sympathy with a godless world, the more longingly will he seek communion with his God. The Christian must note and practice such separation. His joy should be in the company of God’s people, vv. 8, 12, and only then does he stand secure, v. 12. Fellowship with the Lord is only possible when there is no fellowship with evil, 1 John 1. 6, 7.