Psa 8:2, Mat 11:25, Joh 7:17 | Barnes

Psalms 8:2

Matthew 11:25

Verses 25,26. From the wise and prudent. That is, from those who thought themselves wise--wise according to the world's estimation of wisdom--the men of philosophy, and self-conceit, and science, falsely so called, 1Cor 1:26,27.

Hast revealed them unto babes. To the poor, ignorant, and obscure; the teachable, simple, and humble. Such as his disciples were. He had reference here probably to proud and haughty scribes and Pharisees in Capernaum. They rejected his gospel; but it was the pleasure of God to reveal it to obscure and more humble men. The reason given, the only satisfactory reason is, that it so seemed good in the sight of God. In this the Saviour acquiesced, saying, Even so, Father: and in the dealings of God it is fit that all should acquiesce. Such is the will of God, is often the only explanation which can be offered in regard to the various events which happen to us on earth. Such is the will of God, is the only account which can be given of the reason of the dispensations of his grace. Our understanding is often confounded. We are stopped in all our efforts at explanation. Our philosophy fails, and all that we can say is, "Even so, Father: for so it seems good to thee." And this is enough. That GOD does a thing, is, after all, the best reason which we can have that it is right. It is a security that nothing wrong is done; and though now mysterious, yet light will hereafter shine upon it like the light of noon-day. I would have a better security that a thing was right if I could say that I knew such was the will of God, than I could to depend on my own reason. In the one case, I confide in the infallible and most perfect God; in the other, I rely on the reason of a frail and erring man. God never errs; but nothing is more common than for men to err.

(y) "At that time" Lk 10:21 (z) "revealed unto babes" Ps 8:2, Jer 1:7,8, 1Cor 1:27

John 7:17

Verse 17. If any man will do his will. Literally, if any man wills or is willing to do the will of God. If there is a disposition in anyone to do that will, though he should not be able perfectly to keep his commandments. To do the will of God is to obey his commandments; to yield our hearts and lives to his requirements. A disposition to do his will is a readiness to yield our intellects, our feelings, and all that we have entirely to him, to be governed according to his pleasure.

He shall know. He shall have evidence, in the very attempt to do the will of God, of the truth of the doctrine. This evidence is internal, and to the individual it is satisfactory and conclusive. It is of two kinds.

1st. He will find that the doctrines which Jesus taught are such as commend themselves to his reason and conscience, and such as are consistent with all that we know of the perfections of God. His doctrines commend themselves to us as fitted to make us pure and happy, and of course they are such as must be from God.

2nd. An honest desire to obey God will lead a man to embrace the great doctrines of the Bible. He will find that his heart is depraved and inclined to evil, and he will see and feel the truth of the doctrine of depravity; he will find that he is a sinner and needs to be born again; he will learn his own weakness, and see his need of a Saviour, of an atonement, and of pardoning mercy; he will feel that he is polluted, and needs the purifying influence of the Holy Spirit. Thus we may learn,

1st. That an honest effort to obey God is the easiest way to become acquainted with the doctrines of the Bible.

2nd. Those who make such an effort will not cavil at any of the doctrines of the Scriptures.

3rd. This is evidence of the truth of revelation which every man can apply to his own case.

4th. It is such evidence as to lead to certainty. No man who has ever made an honest effort to live a pious life, and to do all the will of God, has ever had any doubt of the truth of the Saviour's doctrines, or any doubt that his religion is true and is fitted to the nature of man. They only doubt the truth of religion who wish to live in sin.

5th. We see the goodness of God in giving us evidence of his truth that may be within every man's reach. It does not require great learning to be a Christian, and to be convinced of the truth of the Bible. It requires an honest heart, and a willingness to obey God.

Whether it be of God. Whether it be divine.

Or whether I speak of myself. Of myself without being commissioned or directed by God.

(i) "if any man do his will" Jn 8:43