THE PRECIOUS SECRET Meditations in the Psalms (Psalm 16:1-3)
A golden, precious Psalm; called a Michtam (poem or song) of David. The root of the word means to stamp or grave, and hence it is regarded as denoting a composition so precious as to be worthy to be engraved on a durable tablet for preservation; or, as others render, “a Psalm precious as fine or stamped gold.” J.A. Alexander (1809-60) “the word is most probably a word derived from a word that signifies to hide, and speaks of a secret or mystery. It is all of Christ and Christ is all in it, as is evident in Peter and Paul’s reference to it. Peter gives a direct quote of v.8 in Acts 2:25; again he quotes vs. 8-9 in Acts 2:29-31. Paul quotes v.10 in Acts 13:35-38. One writer calls it “David’s Jewel, or Notable Song.” Our Lord Jesus prayed this for us, to be engraved upon our hearts. Synchronizing in this Psalm: Ps.25:14, Pro.3:32, Matt.13:10: the Bible is not written to be understood by the world but to believers! “Preserve me, (Watch over me) O God (v1); this is a prayer of faith (Heb.4:14), who’s praying here? Messiah! “Preserve Me”, though sinless, yet as a man and as a pattern for us, His sight by faith was always heavenward seeking the Father for preservation. When He prayed He prayed for Himself in every sense, not only that His physical body see not corruption, but also His mystical body see not corruption (Gal.2:16, 20; 3:22; Eph.2:8-9). Read John 17:11, if we, weak and careless creatures fail, be assured, He did not. What blessed access and warrant we have to pray! Father, make good Your Son’s request, keep us in the knowledge and worship of Yourself, don’t let us fall away. “In Thee do I put My trust”; in every peril, circumstance and weakness He cast Himself, while in this world, upon His Fathers care. If the Head found rest and resolve in the Father’s care, cannot we, the mystical members of His body also (Ps.91:4). Do you pray for daily preservation? “O my soul, Thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord:” (v2), the declaration of faith is in Jehovah alone. It is one thing to declare this with the lips but altogether another to declare it from the soul; to declare it to men is one thing, to declare it to God is another altogether. Some can talk well to one another ABOUT God, but cannot talk TO God Himself. “My goodness extendeth not to Thee”; His work, His incarnation, His uprightness, His atonement; His practical obedience and penal substitution was not needful and necessary on God’s account, it added nothing to the Divine Being. Jehovah would have been infinitely glorious had all perished and no atonement been made. It was for our sakes redemption was accomplished; “But to the saints that are in the earth” (v3); the word saint simply means set apart ones; God set apart a certain number to be affected by His Gospel, those are the ones to whom His goodness extended. “And to the excellent, in whom is all My delight,” how contrary His opinion from mine. I look and see weakness, faults, failure and corruption. He holds me in high esteem; He calls us His excellent in who is all His delight. Why not? He poured out His intrinsic blood for me. “Jehovah is the portion of mine inheritance”; if He is His, He must be mine, I’m joint-heir. ~~WTW
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