The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1917-10-04
LESSON FOR OCTOBER T.
PSALMS OF OELIvERANcE.


sins Of the people, prays for their
restoration to the Divine favor, and
with the eagle eye OF faith anticipates
the Joyful day of spiritual and tenn
poral blessings because Of restoration
: to the Divine favor. Doubtless such
patriotism would be pleasing to the
Lord on the part of us all.
Psalm IS.
I. Praises for Mereles Received
( wv. 1-3).
Praise is given for
~ DelIverance from Captivity ".
He had in mind the specific mercies
Of given time; perhaps 1t was one
Of the expressions Of the Philistines
from which they had been delivered.
(o) Forgiveness Of Sin wv, ., 81.
" "Thou hast forgiven the iniquity-
covered nll their SIM" Gods restora-
hon was the proof that he had par.
doned. Great indeed was the sin Of
Jacob, but Gods forgiveness was great
err. He is peculiarly a God Of mercy.
Having forgiven the sins his anger is
taken away. He stayed his hand from
the Judgment which would have justly
fallen, to show his mercy.
II. Prayer for Restoration From
Baekslidlne wv. 40.
He knew how worthless the outward
blessings OF the Lord would he unless
the people inwardly turned to the
Lord. BE. therefore, besought the
Lord to give them the greater blessing,
that Of change Of heart. Without the
change of heart forgiveness would be
futile. A change of heart can only be
by Gods help.
~ That God would turn the hearts
Of his people toward himself ". ~.
Knowing the peoples utter helpless
uess to turn to Gcd, he cried out to
God to save them by turning them to
himself. He knew that Gods anger
could not turn from the people as long
as they were impenltent.
(2) That God would take away the
very remembrance of their sins wv.
90.
(a) The ending Of his anger (v. 81.
The desire seems to be that he would
wipe out the very marks OF his dis
pleasure by not longer allowing pun
ishment to be mcted out to them.
N (b) The return 10 the peoples joy
Nv. 81.
Their joy could only he realized
through revival from Cod The
Psalmist now becomes more bold In his
eauests.
c)Shall show them mercy ". y.
Snake 1t visible" is his cry. Gods
Judgment was most real. Ills desire is
hnt his mercy would be just rs real.
a III. Exultant Anticipation wv. S-13).
Having spoken the sentiment Of the
tepentnnt people, the poet expresses
confidence Of the Lords response. SO
faithful is God that those who sin
cerely pray to him can go forward
With the assurance of petitions granted.
~ HE will speak peace" ". s..
he knew that gentle answer would
come, but Its continuance would de.
pend upon the fidelity of the peor ,.
Turning to folly would provoke again
his wrath.
t2) VIII bring his salvation near
". 81.
Only as lis salvation was near could
glory be in the lNrd.
(S) Derlso way BY which Mercy
and truth" righteousness and peace"
may be united W.. 10, 11).
he did not suggest way. He may
not have kno"n it. Faith now sees
the way In Christ. In him such
union has been Glessedly effected.
~ The land shall become fruitful
". III.
When sin Is removed. temporal pros
perity shall follow. EartA's barren
1ess is due to sin. When the curse is
removed fruitfulness shall follow.
(5) Righteousness shall be the
guide Of his people ". 12).
In that golden, glad age Gods right.
eous ways will leave a track in which
ais own may walk with security.
Psalm 126.
!. The Fact Of zlon's DeIiverance
wv 1, p.
NJ oy nhOLn w. LIE Iue LOru.
(2) Effect Of wv. 1,2).
(a) The people were scarcely able
20 believe it. So sudden and unexpect-
I'd was their deliverance that IT
seemed to them us a dream. They ex-
pressed their feeling in joyful laughter.
(b) The heather noted their deliver
lnce as marvellous, and ascribed it to
God ". 2). %Ty
Song and Prayer. ]
II. The Song of the People ". 81.
{ They ascribed their dellverance to
The Lord and expressed their gratitude
IN singing Gods praise.
III. The Prayer ". A..
The people cried to God to visit their
restoration with fruItfulness, even 20
lshe streams from the South spread out
Ind make country fruitful. ..
( w. The Promise wv. s, g.. reF%
Though the people were still obliged
o suffer the consequences Of their
inns, they were encouraged to 20 on
q sowing though in tears, as the reap
lng would bring Joy.