dove] which being a fearfull bird, flieth fast to de∣sarts and rocks to hide it selfe, Ier. 48. 28. wing is put for wings, as fowle for fowles, Psal 8. 9. that I might flie] or, I would flie, and dwell, to wit, somewhere, where I can finde safety; but no place is named, to note the more uncertainty.
Vers. 8. in the wildernesse] the place whither the [unspec 8] woman (the Church) also flieth in her persecuti∣on, Rev. 12. 6. 14.
Vers. 9. hasten safe escaping, &c.] or, I would speed my evasion, hasten any deliverance. So David [unspec 9] hastened his flight from Absalom, 2 Sam. 15. 14▪ &c. from wind of driving forward] that is, from the driving (stormy) wind, that beareth all things away before it. meaning the storme of persecution, which forced him to flie. The Greeke turneth it, from pusillanimitie (or seeblenesse of spirit;) intima∣ting his inly feares driving him to this flight.
Vers. 10. Swallow] that is, destroy. It hath re∣spect to Dathan and Abirams death, who with their [unspec 10] company were swallowed alive into the earth, Numb. 16. 32. as after in the 16 verse here is explained. divide their tongue] for, their tongues, that is, their language, counsels, plots, &c. As at Babel tongues were confounded, Gen. 11. 7. so tongues of Absa∣loms Counsellors (that persecuted David) were divided, 2 Sam. 17. 1,—5,—14.
Vers. 11. they compasse it] to wit, violent wrong and strife before mentioned, which were as wals [unspec 11] about the towne: or they, that is, those wicked per∣sons.
Vers. 13. For, not an enemie] or, Because it was no enemie that reproached me: the Greeke turneth it [unspec 13] thus, for if an enemy reproached me, I could suffer it, &c. for I could beare] Hebr. and I could beare it: and being in stead of for, or otherwise, as in Psal. 60. 13. and 51. 18. magnified] that is, spake great and boastfull words: See before, Psal. 35. 26.
Vers. 14. But thou] Hebr. And thou; and is often used for but, as Gen. 42. 10. Isa. 10. 20. So in [unspec 14] Greeke, Rom. 1. 13. and often in the Psalmes. The Chaldee addeth, But thou Achi••ophel a man like to me, &c. esteemed of as my selfe] or, according to mine order, or estimation, that is, my very equall, my p••••re: of as much regard and worth as my selfe. The Greeke turneth it, like minded: a word which the Apostle useth, Phil. 2. 20. my guide] or, my Duke, my Chiefetaine, or master. So the Hebrew All••ph is used generally for a Duke or Chiefe go∣vernour▪ Gen. 36. ••5. &c. and so the Greeke turneth it here. It is also used in speciall for ••••hiefe friend, P••••. 16. 28. and 17. 9. Mic. 7. 5. which sense is good in this place. A〈…〉〈…〉l may be the man here ai∣med at, as the Chaldee nameth him, who was one of Davids▪ Princes and friends, even his chiefe counsellor, and became a traitor, 2 Sam. 15. 12. 31. and 16. 23. my knowne acquaintance] or, my fa∣miliar whom I acquainted with my counsels, purposes, &c. as Psal. 31. 12.
Vers. 15. made sweet secret counsell] that is, sweetly communicated our secret affaires each to other, or [unspec 15] the mystory of god〈…〉〈…〉▪ whereof see Psal. 25. 14. These were fulfilled betweene David and Ach••to∣phel, Christ and Iudas the traitor. with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or, in the concourse, company, that is, the multitude that runne together, frequenting the publike assemblies. And this was done with cutward haste and hurtling together, and with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 minds: wherefore the Greeke hereturneth it una∣nimitie or concord. This word is after used for a company or concourse, Psalm. 64. 3. and hath the name of tumultuous running together, Psal. 2. 1.
Vers. 16. Let death seize] o••, Death shall seize, [unspec 16] exact his due as a creditor on his debtor. The Chaldee expoundeth it, Let sentence of death make them guiltie. upon them] and, on him, as the Hebrew forme noteth, that is, on every of them. to hell] to the place and state of death, Psal. 16. 10. as the conspirators with Korah went downe quicke into hell, Numb. 16. 30, 33. in their dwelling place] or, in their ••••journing place; for this life is a pilgrimage where men are but guests. in their inmost part] or, within them, in the midst of them, meaning their heart.
Vers. 18. and at noone] These three times in [unspec 18] the day they used to pray in Israel, as David here practised, and Daniel afterwards, Dan. 6. 10. and at the sixt houre (which was their ••oone tide) Pe∣ter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to prayer, Act. 10. 9. Though the day was then divided into twelve houres, Ioh. 11. 9. yet of old they had but these three times or houres▪ meditate] or pray: see the note on verse 3. and Psal▪ 77. 4.
Vers. 19. from the battell against me] from the [unspec 19] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sigh•• (the conflict) with me: the Greeke saith, from them that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 neere to me, meaning his foes; as Psal, 27. 2. with many] or, in many were they with me. This is doubtfull whether it be meant of foes, or friends. If of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, it may be resolved thus, for with many (with a great multitude) they were fighters with me. If of friends, it may be under∣stood of Gods Angels, that in a great number were with him, pitching campe for his aid, Psal. 34. 8. as Elishah said, many moe are with us than with them, 2 Kings 6. 16, 17. The Chaldee explaineth it, for in many afflictions his word was for my helpe.
Vers. 20. even he that sitteth] that is, the eter∣nall, [unspec 20] that abideth one and the same, in counsell, power, &c. no changes] or alterations from evill to good, and are not bettered. Thus the Chaldee Paraphrast taketh it, of sinners which change not their evillway. It may also be meant no alterations of their good estate, that is, no adversi∣ties, as Io•• 10. 17.
Vers. 21. He sent forth his hand] that is, laid [unspec 21] violent hands: as Nehem. 13. 21. his peaceable friends] or, them that were at peace with him.
Vers. 22. drawne swords] that is, wounding [unspec 22] deadly. A like similitude Solomon useth, Prov. 12. 18. There is that speaketh words like the prick∣ings of a sword. See also Psal. 57. 5.
Vers. 23. thy carefull burden] or thy gift, that is, [unspec 23] whatsoever thou art carefull to have given thee in all thy wants and need, or whatsoever ••e giveth thee to exercise thy faith & patience, by advers••••ies. The Greeke well turneth it, thy care: which phrase the Apostle useth, 1 Pet. 5. 7. Cast all