MAchalath] a kind of wind instrument; or, by in∣terpretatiō, [unspec 1] infirmitie: see Ps. 53. 1. leannoth] or, to sing by turnes, which is, when one part answe∣reth another in singing; it may also be interpreted to afflict (or humble.) This Psalme is the most dole∣full of all the Bible, full of complaints even to the end. Heman the Aezrachite] so the next Psalme is intituled of Aethan the Ezrachite: there were two of this name, Heman and Aethan, sonnes of Zerach the sonne of Iudah the Patriarch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Chron. 2. 4, 6. men renowned for their wisedome▪ 1. King. 4. 31. also Heman and Aethan, singers and musi∣cians of the posteritie of Levithe Patriarch, 1 Chr. 15. 17, 19. and 16. 42. Heman being son of Ioel the son Samuel the Prophet, 1 Sam. 6. 33. himselfe being also a Seer or Prophet in King Davids daies, 1 Chron. 25. 5. And of the kingdome promised to David, doth Aethan intreat, Psal. 89. 4. &c. Christs afflictions and kingdome are in these Psalmes fore-told; he was the true David, Hos. 3. 5.
Vers. 4. draweth neere] or toucheth hell, or the [unspec 4] grave. So, to touch (or come neere to) the gates of death, Psal. 107. 18.
Vers. 5. a man] Hebr. geber, that is, a strong man, [unspec 5] but without abilitie or power to helpe my selfe; as the Greeke saith, helplesse.
Vers. 6 free] that is, acquitted, or discharged from [unspec 6] the troubles and affaires of this life; for in death, the prisoners rest together, and the servant is free from his master, Iob. 3. 18. 19. or free, that is, seque∣stred, apart from others; as King Azariah being le∣prous, dwelt in an house of freedome, that is, alone, apart from other men, 2 King. 15. 5. from thine hand] that is, from thy care, helpe, guidance, &c. as King Azariah before said, was cut off from the house of the Lord, 2 Chr. 26. 21. or by thine hand; and so understand from the land of the living, as Isa. 53. 8.
Vers. 7. pit of the lowest places] the nether most pit, [unspec 7] as the Greeke saith; wch the Chaldee paraphraseth