OF David] This Psalme is composed after the [unspec 1] order of the Hebrew letters or Alphabet: which care denoteth the weight and excellencie of the matter in it. The same is to be observed of some other Psalmes, as the 34. and 37. and 111. and 112. and 119. and 145. Lift I up my soule] The Chaldee addeth, in prayer. This signifieth an ear∣nest desire, with delight and expectation or hope to have what he would. For to lift up the soule, is to desire, Ier. 22. 27. and 44. 14. and a like phrase in Ezek. 24. 25. implieth both desire and delight; and in Deut. 24. 15. the poore man is said to lift up his soule unto his hire or wages, hoping by it to have his life sustained. In this place, every of these hath use, and so in Psal. 86. 4.
Vers. 2. In thee] the Chaldee expoundeth it, In [unspec 2] thy Word: so in vers. 3. not be abashed] that is, not disappointed of my hope, nor vanquished by my foes. See Psal. 6. 11. shew gladnesse] insult or triumph for ioy, as having got the victory, 2 Chron. 20. 27.
Vers. 3. yea all] or, Yea any: for, whosoever be∣leeveth [unspec 3] in God shall not be ashamed, Rom. 10. 10. earnestly expect] or patiently hope. they shall be] or prayer-wise, let them be. Unfaithfully transgresse] that deale disloyally, contrary to dutie, promise, and trust reposed in them. So elsewhere he prayeth, that no grace be shewed to such, Psa. 59. 6. in vaine] or without cause, and without fruit, Psal. 7. 5.
Vers. 4. Thy wayes] that is, thy true faith and re∣ligion, [unspec 4] as Act. 18. 25, 26. and thy guidance of mee therein. So Moses prayed, Exod. 33. 13. learne me thy paths,] inure me with thy paths, or journeyes. Learning implieth are and exercise, and informing by customable practise.
Vers. 5. Make me to tread] or to goe; guide my [unspec 5] way in thy truth, that is, in thy word, for that is the truth, Ioh. 17. 17. 3 Joh. 3. So after, vers. 9.
Vers. 6. tender mercies] or bowels of compassion: [unspec 6] See Psal. 18. 2. This word noteth the inward affe∣ctions, as the next, kinde mercies, imply the actions or effects of love. from eternitie] or, from ever. This in humane affaires sometime meaneth but of old, or a long while, Gen. 6. 4. Esay 42. 14. But here and else-where it noteth the eternitie of Gods love, which was firme unto his before the world was, 2 Tim. 1. 9. Eph. 1. 4. so shewed throughout all ge∣nerations, and is in like sort for ever, or to eternity, Psal. 100. 5. because our firme happinesse shall have no end, Dan. 12. 3. 1 Pet. 1. 4. And these both are conjoyned, Psal. 103. 17.
Vers. 7. Sinnes of my youth] The imagination [unspec 7] of mans heart is evill from his youth, Gen. 8. 21. and of all mans life, youth commonly is most vaine, Eccles. 11. 9, 10. for which God often punisheth men in their age, so making them (as Iob saith) to inherit the iniquities of their youth, Iob 13. 26. Ier. 3. 25.
Vers. 8. will he teach] or informe with the law; [unspec 8] for of this word the Law is derived, Psal. 19. 8. sinners in the way] that is, such as sinne and misse the right way, God will teach and reduce them: thus the Greeke interpreteth it. Or, those that are sinners he will teach and informe in the way that is right, or in his way, as vers. 9.
Vers. 9. to tread in judgement] to walke judicious∣ly, [unspec 9] and as is right and fit.
Vers. 10. his covenant] his testament all bond or [unspec 10] league, called in Hebrew Brith, wch hath the signi∣fication of brotherly or friendly parting, & of explai∣ning the conditions of agreement. For at the making of solemne covenants, beasts were killed and parted