“Thy gentleness hath made me great.” — Psalm 18:35
The words are capable of being translated, “Thy goodness hath made me great.” David gratefully ascribed all his greatness not to his own goodness, but the goodness of God. “Thy providence,” is another reading; and providence is nothing more than goodness in action. Goodness is the bud of which providence is the flower, or goodness is the seed of which providence is the harvest. Some render it, “Thy help,” which is but another word for providence; providence being the firm ally of the saints, aiding them in the service of their Lord. Or again, “Thy humility hath made me great.” “Thy condescension” may, perhaps, serve as a comprehensive reading, combining the ideas mentioned, including that of humility. It is God’s making Himself little which is the cause of our being made great. We are so little, that if God should manifest His greatness without condescension, we should be…
trampled under His feet; but God, who muststoop to view the skies, and bow to see what angels do, turns His eye yetlower, and looks to the lowly and contrite, and makes them great. Thereare yet other readings, as for instance, the Septuagint, which reads, “Thydiscipline” — Thy fatherly correction — ”hath made me great;” while theChaldee paraphrase reads, “Thy word hath increased me.” Still the idea isthe same. David ascribes all his own greatness to the condescendinggoodness of his Father in heaven. May this sentiment be echoed in ourhearts this evening while we cast our crowns at Jesus’ feet, and cry, “Thygentleness hath made me great.” How marvellous has been our experienceof God’s gentleness! How gentle have been His corrections! How gentleHis forbearance! How gentle His teachings! How gentle His drawings!Meditate upon this theme, O believer. Let gratitude be awakened; lethumility be deepened; let love be quickened ere thou fallest asleep to-night.
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Producer: Todd Adkins
Voice Artist: Ian Cullen