Psalm 39:13 O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more. I. A DEPARTURE ANTICIPATED. Death is clearly referred to, not annihilation. The text suggests the idea of departure — "going hence." A traveller departs from an inn at which he has been refreshed; he pursues his journey, and reaches home. A mariner departs from the port at which he has touched; he completes his voyage, and arrives at the desired haven, Also, death is a going hence from present employments, and from present connections, trials, privileges, enjoyments, prospects. II. THE PRAYER PRESENTED. Here is implied a state of weakness — probably of the body. Or it may refer to political weakness.:But yet, more probably it refers to the state of the mind, its depression and declension. Hence he prays that his spiritual strength may be revived. No health is comparable to this in importance. Many are the motives which should lead us thus to pray. 1. Our safety. 2. Our comfort. 3. Activity. 4. Usefulness. Take notice of a man who has lost the power and spirit of religion; of what use is he in his family? He may have natural affection, and may be attentive to the temporal welfare of his connections; but in what does he benefit their souls? Of what use is this man in the church? He calls himself a member; his name is entered among those who have given themselves to the Lord and to one another, according to his will; but where is his zeal for the interest of the church? Would you be useful, as well as active and happy? You must feel the power of genuine religion; you must experience its vigour and its growth. "O spare me, that I may," etc. 5. Your dying well pleads for this prayer. Many professors of religion die in a very doubtful way; others give real cause to fear that all is not well; but "mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of this man is peace." It may not be triumph, though in some instances this is the case; but it is tranquil and happy. III. CONCLUSION. 1. Death is certain — then prepare for it. 2. Live to some good purpose. What is life unless lived to some good purpose? Remember we are Christ's, "bought with a price." Therefore, let us in life and death seek to glorify Him. (T. Kidd.) Parallel Verses KJV: O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more. |
    |