156. This verse is exceedingly like verse 149, and yet it is no vain repetition. In the first case he mentions prayer, but leaves the method of its accomplishment with the wisdom or judgment of God, while here he pleads to be quickened by judgments rather than to be left to spiritual lethargy. We may take it for granted that an inspired author is never so short of thought as to be obliged to repeat himself: where we think we have the same idea in this psalm we are misled by our neglect of careful study. Great are thy tender mercies, O Lord. Here the psalmist pleads the largeness of God’s mercy, the immensity of his tender love; he speaks of mercies—many, tender, great; and with the glorious Jehovah he makes this a plea for his one leading prayer, the prayer for quickening. Quickening is a great and tender mercy; and it is many mercies in one. Shall one so greatly good permit his servant to die? Quicken me according to thy judgments. A measure of awakening comes with the judgments of God; they are startling and arousing; and hence the believer’s quickening thereby. David would have every severe stroke sanctified to his benefit, as well as every tender mercy. The first clause of this verse may mean “Many,” or “manifold are thy compassions, O Jehovah.” This he remembers in connection with the “many persecutors” of whom he will speak in the next verse. By all these many mercies he pleads for enlivening grace.
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