Psalms 17:13

This is a beautiful verse, and the doctrine of it is as important as the verse is beautiful. Jesus eyes the hand of the Father in his afflictions. Satan will advance; the enemies of salvation will arise: but the Lord Jehovah is in the permission and appointment: and at the cross also, though Jesus was taken and by wicked hands, crucified and slain; yet, that we may not overlook the first and grand predisposing cause, the Holy Ghost puts it into the mouth of Peter to say, that all this was by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God. Acts 2:23. Reader, it is most profitable, it is blessed, to be always looking beyond second causes in all our trials and distresses, and to discern the Lord's hand, in infinite love and wisdom, appointing all. For this brings the soul into a state of resignation and tranquility at least, if not of holy Joy. I was dumb: I opened not my mouth, because thou didst it. Psalms 39:9.