When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to
eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.--Psalm xxvii. 2.
The Psalm from which this verse is selected, was written by David
king of Israel, when under the teachings of the Holy Spirit.
David unquestionably proved himself a mighty man of valour; and
by the help of his God did he overcome troops of foes; indeed, as
a warrior, he is surpassed by none. But still these words are not
strictly applicable to David; though he slew many by the sword; yet
we never hear that any of his unwounded enemies fell before him:
and we find but one solitary instance on record, of a body of armed
men falling to the ground, only on a single word spoken by their
adversary. The instance to which we allude, was an event which
occurred in the garden of Gethsemane, when a company of men went
to apprehend Jesus. We find a band of Roman soldiers, armed as for
war, (sent by the Chief Priest,) attended by their officers, and a
large concourse of persons, who were also provided with weapons,
lanterns, and torches, that they might secure Jesus, whom we see
coming forth to meet them, unarmed, and accompanied only by the
disciples. With all the dignity of conscious innocence, we hear
him inquiring whom they seek; when told, Jesus of Nazareth, he
mildly answered, _I am_;[68] but instead of instantly seizing their
prey, they go backwards, and fall prostrate on the ground. Is this
the conduct of Roman warriors? What was it which so soon relaxed
the nerves, and damped the bravery of a soldiery, famed for their
discipline and valour? It was not threats nor menaces; it was not
promises nor bribes; nor was it the sight of a company more numerous
than themselves. It was none of those causes which usually paralyze
the exertions of soldiers. Surely then there was an almighty power
accompanying the word spoken, for we find all this dismay and
consternation was occasioned only at the simple word of Jesus. Then
was that prophecy of Isaiah accomplished, who, when speaking of the
Branch out of Jesse's Root, said, "He should smite the earth with
the Rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips should he
slay the wicked." Truly they had cause for dismay; for they were
contending with none other than the glorious personage, the Great
I AM, who appeared to Moses at the bush; and the same power which
smote them to the earth, could, if he had pleased, deprive them of
life. Surely this must be acknowledged to be one of the greatest
miracles performed by Jesus in the days of his flesh, as it was
produced by apparently the slightest exertion of his power.
[68] _I am._ The reader will observe the word _He_ is written in
italics, to denote that it was not in the original, but added by the
translators.