Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 4. Return, O Lord ] Once I had the light of thy countenance, by sin I have forfeited this; I have provoked thee to depart: O Lord, return! It is an awful thing to be obliged to say, Return, O Lord, for this supposes backsliding; and yet what a mercy it is that a backslider may RETURN to God, with the expectation that God will return to him!
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-7 - These verses speak the language of a heart truly humbled, of a broke and contrite spirit under great afflictions, sent to awaken conscienc and mortify corruption. Sickness brought sin to his remembrance, and he looked upon it as a token of God's displeasure against him. The affliction of his body will be tolerable, if he has comfort in his soul. Christ's sorest complaint, in his sufferings, was of the troubl of his soul, and the want of his Father's smiles. Every page of Scripture proclaims the fact, that salvation is only of the Lord. Ma is a sinner, his case can only be reached by mercy; and never is merc more illustrious than in restoring backsliders. With good reason we ma pray, that if it be the will of God, and he has any further work for u or our friends to do in this world, he will yet spare us or them to serve him. To depart and be with Christ is happiest for the saints; but for them to abide in the flesh is more profitable for the church.
Original Hebrew שׁובה7725 יהוה3068 חלצה2502 נפשׁי5315 הושׁיעני3467 למען4616 חסדך׃2617
