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St. James says, "Is any merry? let him sing psalms" — that is, in everything acknowledge God. A true saint in prosperity gives God thanks for His mercies. Therefore when all are in prosperity, it is easy to distinguish the true from the false, because they take directions outwardly and manifestly different. The Church in her joy praises God, the world in its joy praises man. This psalm is a beautiful specimen of church music considered in its highest character, as aiming at the praise of God. It was sung in immediate connection with the dedication of the house of David. Such a dedication was, amongst Israel, deemed a thing of great solemnity and importance (Deuteronomy 12.). And now, entering in his new abode, David looks back upon the mercies of God.

I. THAT HIS ENEMIES HAD NOT BEEN ALLOWED TO REJOICE OVER HIM. He had many enemies, and there are few of us who are without them. If we are in good reputation and esteem, we have reason to thank God as David did.

II. GOD'S HEALING GRACE. "Thou hast healed me." Who has not such mercy to record?

III. THE MANY DELIVERANCES HE HAD EXPERIENCED. "Thou hast brought up my soul from the grave." And such deliverance, both of body and soul, we have known. And on such an occasion as entering a new home, how good it is, as did David, to remember God's mercies in the past.

IV. AND WE SHOULD SEEK TO ASSOCIATE OTHERS IN OUR PRAISE. "Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of His; and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness." It is His holiness which is the security of yours. And His anger, how momentary that compared with his life-long favour!

V. THE ANSWER TO HIS PRAYER. "Thou hast turned," etc.

(H. M'Neile, D. D.)

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KJV: {A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David.} I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.

WEB: I will extol you, Yahweh, for you have raised me up, and have not made my foes to rejoice over me.