9. Hide not thy face far from me. The word
far is not in the original, and is a very superfluous addition of the
translators, since even the least hiding of the Lord’s face is a great
affliction to a believer. The command to seek the Lord’s face would be a
painful one if the Lord, by withdrawing himself, rendered it impossible for the
seeker to meet with him. A smile from the Lord is the greatest of comforts, his
frown the worst of ills. Put not thy servant away in anger. Other
servants had been put away when they proved unfaithful, as for instance his
predecessor Saul; and this made David, while conscious of many faults, most
anxious that divine long-suffering should continue him in favor. Thou hastbeen my help. To spiritual people ingratitude is unnatural and detestable. Leaveme not, neither forsake me. If the Lord had meant to leave us, why did he
begin with us? Leave me not may refer to temporary desertions, and neitherforsake me to the final withdrawal of grace; both are to be prayed against,
and concerning the second we have immutable promises to urge. O God of mysalvation. A sweet title worthy of much meditation.
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