The Earthly Temple
Psalm 11:4
The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.


How are we to be assured of the truth that the Lord is in His holy temple? We have no visible sign; but He reveals Himself in our hearts, and requires that we should know and feel His presence there. How, then, are we to meet Him in the temple?

1. We come as created beings to offer a tribute of gratitude. Are any so worn with trouble as to think the gift of existence not worth the expression of gratitude? Let such remember that here we are but preparing for a blessed immortality, and that our trials, well endured, will add to the measure of our bliss hereafter.

2. We are dependent creatures. Then we should offer our thanks for the past, and supplications for the future.

3. We are sinful creatures. Then we should make confession to our God, whom we have so often and deeply offended.

4. We are accountable creatures. Then we should come here to learn His holy will, and of our obedience to it exact account will be required.

5. We are social creatures. Then we should ask blessings, not for ourselves only, but also for others. The sinner, the penitent, the believer, the sorrowful, the sufferer — all are remembered in our prayers. Learn so to worship that you may ever feel that you have indeed been with the Lord in His holy temple.

(Edward Rice, M. A.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

WEB: Yahweh is in his holy temple. Yahweh is on his throne in heaven. His eyes observe. His eyes examine the children of men.




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