5. For thou, O God, hast heard my vows. Proofs
of divine faithfulness are to be had in remembrance, and to be mentioned to the
Lord’s honor. The prayer of verse 1 is
certain of an answer because of the experience of verse 5, since we deal with an immutable God. Vows may rightly be
joined with prayers when they are lawful, well-considered, and truly for God’s
glory. It is great mercy on God’s part to take any notice of the vows and
promises of such faithless and deceitful creatures as we are. What we promise
him is his due already, and yet he deigns to accept our vows as if we were not
so much his servants as his free suitors who could give or withhold at pleasure.
Thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name. We are made
joint-heirs with all the saints. With this we ought to be delighted. If we
suffer, it is the heritage of the saints; if we are persecuted, are in poverty,
or in temptation, all this is contained in the title-deeds of the heritage of
the chosen. We have the same inheritance as the Firstborn himself; what better
is conceivable? Saints are described as fearing the name of God; they are
reverent worshipers; they stand in awe of the Lord’s authority; they are afraid
of offending him; they feel their own nothingness in the sight of the Infinite
One. To be treated by God with the same favor as he metes out to them is matter
for endless thanksgiving. All the privileges of all the saints are also the
privilege of each one.
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