Proverbs 18:10

thers suppose it to be penned by Ethan, who is mentioned in the story of Solomon, who, outliving that glorious prince, thus lamented the great disgrace done to the house of David in the next reign by the revolt of the ten tribes. I. The psalmist, in the joyful pleasant part of the psalm, gives glory to God, and takes comfort to himself and his friends. This he does more briefly, mentioning God's mercy and truth ( ver. 1 ) and his covenant ( ver. 2-4 ), but more largely in the following verses, wherein, 1. He adores the glory and perfection of God, ver. 5-14 . 2. He pleases himself in the happiness of those that are admitted into communion with him, ver. 15-18 . 3. He builds all his hope upon God's covenant with David, as a type of Christ, ver. 19-37 . II. In the melancholy part of the psalm he laments the present calamitous state of the prince and royal family ( ver. 38-45 ), expostulates with God upon it ( ver. 46-49 ), and then concludes with prayer for redress, ver. 50, 51 . In singing this psalm we must have high thoughts of God, a lively faith in his covenant with the Redeemer, and a sympathy with the afflicted parts of the church. The Divine Mercy and Faithfulness. 1 I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. 2 For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens. 3 I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, 4 Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah. The psalmist has a very sad complaint to make of the deplorable condition of the family of David at this time, an