Psalms 73:17

Psalms 73:17

I. What "the sanctuary" was into which David thus opportunely went, it is not very easy to decide. Perhaps the expression "sanctuary" meant the whole precincts of the tabernacle or Temple. Or, more likely still, it relates not to place at all, but to a certain frame of mind, or inner access of heart to God, of which the sanctuary was the emblem and type.

II. The thoughts which the word "sanctuary" would bring to the mind of a Jew were (1) the idea of separation being alone with God, unworldly, a thing dedicated; (2) stillness removal from the rush and the noise of life, and the conflict of opinions, and the strife of tongues; (3) holiness a reflection of God being on every side; (4) refuge a place of safety, where no avenger's step could ever tread, and no hurt could ever come; (5) the communion of saints where God's people are; (6) consultation where God's mind is revealed to those who seek it, either by intervention of priestly office, or by direct influence, specially communicated to those who are worshipping in spirit and in truth.

III. To every believer Christ is the sanctuary of God; in Christ the whole Deity enshrines itself; and he does not know yet what it is to go into the sanctuary who does not know what it is to run into Jesus, into the wounded side of that cleft Rock, and there shut in, into peace and holiness, to feel in sanctuary.

IV. We need the sanctuary (1) because we want calmness. The judicial functions of the mind want retreat. (2) It is in times of holy retirement that God is pleased to manifest Himself to His people, as He does not to the world.

J. Vaughan, Fifty Sermons,7th series, p. 104.

Reference: Psalms 73:17; Psalms 73:18. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. viii., No. 486. Psalms 73:22. Ibid., Morning by Morning,p. 210.