Psalm 29:11 The LORD will give strength to his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. Our text closes this wondrously beautiful psalm. There seems to be an allusion to the priestly benediction with which the sacred services of Israel were concluded — "The Lord bless thee and keep thee... and give thee peace." And it points us to that which, through Christ, we now obtain. Consider, therefore — I. THE NATURE OF THE BLESSING PROMISED, — peace. 1. The peace, or sweet and delightful composure of mind, which arises from the sense of reconciliation with God. 2. The peace which arises from the practical influence and operation of religion upon the human passions. Let the unconverted confess the truth that these are the sources of most painful and distressing agitation. Do they not carry the elements of wild disturbance within them? Now the influence of religion is to subdue all these and thus exempt the people of God from the chief miseries which have yet been felt upon earth. Christians — is it not so? II. WHAT ARE THE CONSIDERATIONS BY WHICH THIS BLESSING MAY BE MOST FULLY EXHIBITED in its surprising value? It is evidently intended, by the manner in which it is here spoken of, that we should consider it as of high and incomparable worth. It is the climax of the psalm. And this estimate of it is just, for — 1. This peace greatly exalts and dignifies the nature of those who possess it. 2. It is a sure antidote and support amidst all possible visitations of sorrow. See Isaiah 32, at end; Hebrews 11., and see the history of the apostles, the martyrs and Christ's Church in all ages. And the sweetness of this peace is the beginning of the quiet of the skies, the Sabbath of our God. III. WHAT ARE THE IMPRESSIONS THIS SUBJECT SHOULD PRODUCE? 1. Gratitude and devotedness. 2. Those who have it not should be filled with desire for it. You cannot know real peace until this is yours. (James Parsons.) Parallel Verses KJV: The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. |
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