2 Samuel 22:26-28 - David's Psalm Of Thanksgiving.

( Psalms 18:25-27 )

Divine rectitude.

Consider the righteousness of God as it appears in:

1 . The supreme importance which he attaches to moral distinctions amongst men. Such distinctions are often made light of in comparison with wisdom, might, and riches ( Jeremiah 9:23 ); and those who possess the latter despise and trample upon the ignorant, the weak, and the poor ( 2 Samuel 22:27 ). But God has chiefly respect to men in their moral attitude toward himself, their relation to the law of right, their personal character ( 1 Samuel 2:30 ). With him the great distinction is that between the righteous and the wicked ( Psalms 34:15 , Psalms 34:16 ). Whilst his infinite greatness dwarfs earthly power and honour into insignificance, his perfect righteousness exalts moral worth beyond measure.

2 . The different treatment which he adopts toward men of different character. In himself he is always the same ( 1 Samuel 15:29 ); but the aspect which his character and dealings assume toward them is determined by their own character and conduct, and is the necessary manifestation of his unchangeable rectitude—on the one hand, toward the "loving," etc; full of love (all that is kind, desirable, and excellent); on the other, toward the "perverse," perverse (contrary, antagonistic, "as an enemy," Lamentations 2:5 ; Le 26:23, 24; Hosea 2:6 ), inflicting severe chastisement. "There is a higher law of grace, whereby the sinfulness of man but draws forth the tenderness of a father's pardoning pity; and the brightest revelation of his love is made to froward prodigals. But this is not the psalmist's view here, nor does it interfere with the law of retribution in its own sphere" (Maclaren).

3 . The signal change which he makes in their relative positions; saving and exalting the oppressed and afflicted, and humbling the proud oppressor; his purpose therein being to vindicate, honour, and promote righteousness, and to restrain, correct, and put an end to iniquity ( 1 Samuel 2:8 , 1 Samuel 2:10 ). "What is God doing now?" it was asked of Rabbi Jose, and the reply was, "He makes ladders on which he causes the poor to ascend and the rich to descend" (The Midrash).—D.