Spurgeon PS0920
EXPOSITION.
One would think that men would not grow so vain as to deny themselves to be but men, but it appears to be a lesson which only a divine schoolmaster can teach to some proud spirits. Crowns leave their wearers _but men_, degrees of eminent learning make their owners not more than _men_, valour and conquest cannot elevate beyond the dead level of “_but men_;” and all the wealth of Croesus, the wisdom of Solon, the power of Alexander, the eloquence of Demosthenes, if added together, would leave the possessor but a man. May we ever remember this, lest like those in the text, we should be _put in fear_.
Before leaving this Psalm, it will be very profitable if the student will peruse it again as the triumphal hymn of the Redeemer, as he devoutly brings the glory of his victories and lays it down at his Father’s feet. Let us joy in his joy, and our joy shall be full.
EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS.
Verse 20.–“_Put them in fear, O Lord_,” etc. We should otherwise think ourselves gods. We are so inclined to sin that we need strong restraints, and so swelled with a natural pride against God, that we need thorns in the flesh to let out the corrupt matter. The constant hanging the rod over us makes us lick the dust, and acknowledge ourselves to be altogether at the Lord’s mercy. Though God hath pardoned us, he will make us wear the halter about our necks to humble us.–^Stephen Charnock.
Verse 20.–“_That the nations may know themselves to be but men_.” The original word is _