Psalm 119 (52 of 190 notes)

46. He is free from fear of the greatest, proudest, and most tyrannical people. David was called to stand before kings when he was an exile; and afterwards, when he was himself a monarch, he knew the tendency of people to sacrifice their religion to pomp and statecraft; but it was his resolve to do nothing of the kind. He would sanctify politics, and make cabinets know that the Lord alone is governor among the nations. As a king he would speak to kings concerning the King of kings. He says, I will speak: prudence might have suggested that his life and conduct would be enough, and that it would be better not to touch upon religion in the presence of royal personages who worshiped other gods, and claimed to be right in so doing. He had already most fittingly preceded this resolve by the declaration, “I will walk,” but he does not make his personal conduct an excuse for sinful silence, for he adds, I will speak. David claimed religious liberty, and took care to use it, for he spoke out what he believed, even when he was in the highest company. In what he said he took care to keep to God’s own Word, for he says, I will speak of thy testimonies. No theme is like this, and there is no way of handling that theme like keeping close to the Book, and using its thought and language. The great hindrance to our speaking upon holy topics in all companies is shame, but the psalmist will not be ashamed; there is nothing to be ashamed of, and yet many are as quiet as the dead for fear some creature like themselves should be offended. When God gives grace, cowardice soon vanishes.