Annotations on five poetical books of the Old Testament (viz.) Job, Psalmes, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Canticles / by Edward Leigh ...

About this Item

Title
Annotations on five poetical books of the Old Testament (viz.) Job, Psalmes, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Canticles / by Edward Leigh ...
Author
Leigh, Edward, 1602-1671.
Publication
London :: Printed by A.M. for T. Pierpoint ... E. Brewster ... and M. Keinton ...,
1657.
Rights/Permissions

To the extent possible under law, the Text Creation Partnership has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above, according to the terms of the CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/). This waiver does not extend to any page images or other supplementary files associated with this work, which may be protected by copyright or other license restrictions. Please go to http://www.textcreationpartnership.org/ for more information.

Subject terms
Bible. -- O.T. -- Job -- Commentaries.
Bible. -- O.T. -- Psalms -- Commentaries.
Bible. -- O.T. -- Proverbs -- Commentaries.
Bible. -- O.T. -- Ecclesiastes -- Commentaries.
Bible. -- O.T. -- Song of Solomon -- Commentaries.
Link to this Item
http://name.umdl.umich.edu/A50049.0001.001
Cite this Item
"Annotations on five poetical books of the Old Testament (viz.) Job, Psalmes, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Canticles / by Edward Leigh ..." In the digital collection Early English Books Online. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A50049.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed June 1, 2024.

Pages

Page 25

ANNOTATIONS Upon the Book of PSALMES.

SO our Lord himself intitleth it, Luke 20. 42. but the Hebrew title, Tehillim signifieth Hymnes or Praises.* 1.1

According to the Greek it is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Psalter. Though it consist much of the first part of, prayer, and be full of petitions, yet in Hebrew it is called, Sepher Te∣hillim, the Book of Praises, from the more honourable part.

The Book of the Psalmes is an Epitome of the whole Bible, and is called by Jerom the Treasury of Learning.

First take your greatest travell with the help of some learned Interpreter, in un∣derstanding St Johns Gospel, and the Epistle to the Romans, the summe of the New Testament: Isaiah the Prophet, and the Psalmes of David, the summe of the Old. Dr Reinolds Letter to his friend Dr Villerius, concerning the study of Divinity.

The profit of the Psalmes is great, whether we beg counsell in difficulties, pro∣tection in dangers, consolation in troubles; or lastly, if we desire to celebrate the praises of God, and give him due thanks.

Page 26

There are 150 Psalmes, which some divide into five Parts or Books, as Bucer Enarr. in Psal. Praefat. hath observed. Rivet. Praefat. in Psal. Prophet. and Ainsw. in beginning of Psal. 41.

  • The first, from the beginning to the 40.
  • The second from the 40 to the 72.
  • The third, from the 72 to 89.
  • The fourth, from 89 to 106.
  • The fifth, from 106 to 150.

David was the Author of most of the Psalmes, saith Ainsworth; of the whole Book of Psalmes, saith Dr Gouge on Heb. 5. 7. §. 44.

PSAL. I.

IT is put down without any Inscription or Title, and therefore it is uncertain by* 1.2 whom it was penned, whether by David, as most like it was, or by Ezra, who is rather thought to have gathered them together, and joyned them thus in one Volume, as now we have them. Quidam dicunt hunc Psalmum quasi praesationem esse Spiritus sancti, & ideo titulum non habere. Hieron.

The scope of the first Psalm is to direct men unto true happiness. It begins and ends with blessedness.

It consists of two parts, Proposition and Confirmation, Junius. Doctrine and Use.

First, Doctrine, describing a righteous man with his happiness, and the wicked with his misery.

The Doctrine hath two heads.

I. Concerning good men, the summe of which is, a good man is happy. He and his happiness are described:

  • 1. Negatively, shewing what he doth carefully shun.
  • 2. Affirmatively, shewing what he doth embrace and follow.

1. A description of a good man from the things he doth not, viz. sinne; set out in three degrees, which are,

  • 1. He doth not walk in, that is, practise the counsell of evil or ungodly men; that is, the evil which men of corrupt natures do in their own mindes like of and advise to do, and also perswade others to do. He neither approveth and liketh of sinne to practise it out of that liking himself hath to it, nor yet is ruled by the ill perswasions of evil men seeking to approve such bad courses.
  • 2. He doth not stand in the way of sinners, that is, he doth not go on in the practise of those evils which corrupt men habituating themselves in the waies of wickedness, do with constancy and greediness follow. Evil men notes the natu∣rall corruption, sinners the habit of evil by constant practise.
  • 3. He doth not sit in the seat of scorners, he is not so setled in sinne, as to mock, scorn and deride admonitions, reproofs and threatnings, as the wicked which have attained the highest degree of sinfulness are accustomed to do, neither is he a companion with such sinfull men.

2. His description from what he doth, viz. all good, set out in two principall parts.* 1.3

  • 1. For his affections, and particularly that of Joy, they are rectified by Gods Word. His delight is in the Law of the Lord, that is, he placeth his comfort

Page 27

  • and felicity in the Word of God, in the knowing and following of it, and injoy∣ing the fruit of obedience to it.
  • 2. For his practise, he exerciseth himself in that Law day and night, that is, he useth all means to conform himself unto it constantly, by meditating, confer∣ring, reading, hearing. Vide Mas. Comment. in 1 c. Jos. p. 25.

2. A description of his happiness, both

  • 1. Allegoricall and figurative, under comparison of a tree, in which are three things.
    • 1. Planting by the rivers of water, so is he grounded and planted in the* 1.4 Church, the body of Christ, where are rivers of water of life flowing con∣tinually.
    • 2. Bringing forth fruit in season, that is, abounding with the fruits of righteousness, for the very doing good is a part of a good mans felicity.
    • 3. Freedom from fading, he never dieth, he looseth oot the sap and life of grace which is in him.
  • 2. Plain and express, all that he doth shall prosper, every thing shall succeed well with him, and work for his good.

II. Concerning bad men to illustrate the former point the more, which is

  • 1. Briefly propounded by way of opposition, not so the wicked, howsoever men judge, yet they shall not, neither do prosper.
  • 2. More at large discovered in regard of their* 1.5
    • 1. Sinfulness and present misery, by a similitude, they are the chaff which the winde blows up and down, that is, they are tossed to and fro by sinfull lusts and temptations, as also by the judgements and curses of Gods hand.
    • 2. Unhappiness future, in that
      • 1. They shall not stand in judgement, see Rev. 6. three last verses, where* 1.6 there is an ample description of this judgement. That is, they shall not at the last day stand with boldness, not acquitted nor absolved when they appear before Gods judgement seat.
      • 2. Nor stand in the Congregation of the righteous, that is, shall not have a place among the godly, when they shall be gathered together and assembled unto Jesus Christ.

Secondly, The Use, v. 6.* 1.7

Vers. 6. For the Lord knoweth, that is, loveth, the way of the righteous.] That is, their godliness, and their practising it, therefore they must needs prosper.

But the way of the ungodly shall perish.] He hates the way of the wicked, which must be understood and therefore that way, that is, they in the way shall perish, they shall be cut off in their sinfull courses.

PSAL. II.

THis Psalm is a Prophesie of Christs Kingdom, and the establishing of it not∣withstanding all attempts to the contrary. Some of the Ancients conceived this Psalm to be part of the first Psalm, Vide Hieron. But it is called the second Psalm, Act. 13. 33. it is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, wants a title, as the first Psalm; but though it have no Title prefixed to shew the Penman of it, yet it was penned by David, Act. 4. 25. It is of a mixt kinde, in respect of the matter Problematicall and Didascalicall and Exhortatory, in respect of the end Consolatory.

Page 28

Four things are evidently set forth in this Psalm.* 1.8

  • 1. The enemies combination against the Lord and his anointed; the Heathens, Kings, Princes, multitudes, authority, the power of Laws and Arms.
  • 2. Their consultation, Counsels united.
  • 3. The resolution they take up in the prosecution of these counsels, set them∣selves firmly, purpose.
  • 4. The frustration of all these in the fourth verse.

Vers. 1. Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?] An in∣terrogation of admiration, the Prophet conceiving it a rash inconsiderable act: they have not cause. The Heathens, the Gentiles; The People, the Jews, Act. 4. 25. both which were enemies to this Kingdom.

Rage.] Ragasch signifies to meet tumultuously, to convene with rage, and declares the fury of the multitude, which is carried with a blinde force and like a torrent, and doth all things inconsiderately and seditiously. The Greek word whereby it is translated, Act. 4. 25. denoteth rage, pride, and fierceness, as of horses that neigh and rush into the Battell.

Imagine, or meditate.] This word is taken in a good sense, Psal. 1. 2.

Vain thing.] Not only vain because there was no true ground why they should imagine or do such a thing, but because successless, they labour in vain, they could not do it.

Vers. 2. The Kings of the earth set themselves.] Will stand up, a word taken from them that set themselves in rank and file, as when they intend a Battel. This word is used, Numb. 22. 31. 1 Chron. 11. 14.

Vers. 3. Let us break their bands asunder.] Tam Christi quam ministrorum ejus, it signifies to break with ase, it is used also Judg. 16. 12,

And cast away their cords from us.] This is the same with the other in another expression, Eandem rem bis dicit at diversis dictionibus, sic enim mos est linguae san∣ctae. Kimchius in loc.

Vers. 4. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh.] Sitting notes potestatem judi∣ciariam. Aug. Ezek. 1. 26. God rules all things here below. Sedet, id est, perma∣net vel potius tanquam judex qui pro tribunali sedet jus dicturus, ut Psal. 9. 5. Drus. Quaes. Heb. God laughs at mens sinnes and destruction, Prov. 1. 27. Something is done by God which holds a proportion with deriding the courses that others take. Humanitus dictum. Junius.

Vers. 6. Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Sion.] He rules for the Fa∣ther* 1.9 and from him. John 17. 4. Him hath God the Father saled.

Vers. 7. I will declare the decree.] Not secret, but manifested in the word.

Thou art my Sonne, this day have I begotten thee.] Declared it by his resurrecti∣on, Act. 13. 33. Rom. 1. 4. so Lorinus on 1 Pet. 1. 3. expounds it.

Vers. 8. Ask of me, and I will give thee the Heathen for thine inheritance, and the* 1.10 uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.] An allusion to great Princes, when they would shew great affections to their Favourites, they bid them ask what they will, as Ahashuerus and Herod.

Vers. 9. Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potters vessel.] This signifies their utter destruction, so that there is no hope of recovery, a Potters vessel broken cannot be made up again, Jer. 9. 11. Isa. 30. 14. see Dau. 2. 44. This Proverb also signifies facility in destroying them.

Page 29

Vers. 11. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoyce with trembling.] Inwardly reve∣rence* 1.11 and outwardly obey him. Gladness and trembling are here joyned together, as fear and joy, Matth. 28 8.

Vers. 12. Kiss the Son lest he be angry.] The Hebrew hath Kiss the Son lest he be angry: The Vulgar Latine otherwise, Apprehend you discipline. Herein the* 1.12 Hebrew, (as Bellarm l. 2. De verbo Dei▪ c. 2. confesseth) doth more perplex the Jews and invincibly prove Christ the Messias to be God.

Kiss him osculo amoris, honoris, subjectionis, 1 King. 9. 18. Hos. 13. 2. Job 31. 1. Adore the Sonne, saith Jerome ad Pammach. 27. See Gen. 41. 40. 1 Sam. 10. 2.

And ye perish from the way.] The Syriack Interpreter saith, From his way. Christ is the only way to his Father.

When his wrath is kindled but a little; blessed are all they that put their trust in him.] The very horrour of the word makes David presently (as it were) to bless himself, like a man astonished and half frighted, or he makes a kinde of sudden stop, as it were an Aposiopesis, as if he durst not have said what followed.

PSAL. III.

THe Titles of the Psalmes are Canonicall Scripture, as ancient as the Psalmes* 1.13 themselves.

This is called a Psalm of David, because it intreateth particularly and literally of him.

Potest hic Psalmus & ad David, & ad Christum, & per eum ad omnes sanctos pertinere. Hieron.

Vers. 2. There is no help for him in God.] The Hebrew hath a letter more than ordinary, which letter added doth adde to the signification, saith Kimchi.

As if he should say, There is no help for him here in this world, nor any help for him hereafter in the world to come.

Vers. 3. A shield to me, my glory.] All my glory and defence is in him.

Vers. 7. Arise, O Lord, save me, O my God, for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone, thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.] q. d. In former times when I have been as hardly distressed as now, by the assaults of many and violent enemies, thou hast put them all to rebuke and shame, and quite destroyed their strength, and delivered me, therefore now do the same for me, yea I know thou wilt do the same▪ 1 Sam. 17. 34.

Vers. 8. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord.] The Hebrew is, Salvation unto the Lord, Salus Domini, Arias Mont. so much his, that the holy Ghost putteth no∣thing between it and him.

Thy blessing is upon thy people.] Is is not in the Hebrew, we supply the sense: The blessing of God imports all good things, and the love of God with them.

Page 30

Selah.] The Hebrew word signifieth Elevation, or lifting up, whether of the* 1.14 minde, to mark, or of the voice to strain it, or of both. Mr Wheatly reading the Psalmes in English, never read it. Menasseh Ben Israel saith, it signifies Eternity, and that the Jews reading the Old Testament in their Synagogues, do also mention this word when it occurres.

PSAL. IV.

Verse 3. THe Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself.] Wonderfully, gloriously,* 1.15 miraculously, for communion and service.

The Lord will hear when I call unto him.] Hear with approbation, that is, accept his desire, or hear with effect, that is, grant the thing desired.

Vers. 4. Stand in awe and sinne not, commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.] Here are four duties, 1. Stand in awe of God. 2. Sin not. 3. How to keep us from sinne, commune with your own heart upon your bed; and be still, in unquiet times have a quiet heart.

Vers. 6. There be many that say, who will shew us any good.] The word transla∣ted Say, signifies also think, there is verbum cordis & oris.

Who will shew us any good?] It is usual with the Hebrews to express wishes by questions, Psal. 14. 4. & 1 Chron. 11. 17. Rom. 7. 18.

Shew us.] Cause us to see, Ostendere bonum est benefacere, Vide Toletum in Joan. 899. When this word refers to good, it signifies to enjoy, as Eccles. 2. 1. & 3. 13. being propounded by way of interrogation, it signifies a vehement wish, as 1 Chron. 11. 17. Psal. 55. 7. Rom. 7. 24.

Good.] The word signifies real or apparent good, temporall or spirituall good; here temporall, as the following words shew. Any is not in the Hebrew, Who will shew us good, as if all happiness were found in temporall goods.

Lord lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.] As if he should say, Let* 1.16 the most of the world seek what they will, as riches, pleasures, and so forth, yet my desire is of thy love and favour above all. The Psalmist useth such expressions often, Cause thy face to shine upon us, Psal. 119. 130. It is a metaphor from the Spring-sunne rising, the trees bud and blossom, the birds sing, and all things flou∣rish and rejoyce thereat, or from the cheerfull countenance of men, Gen. 31. 5. All affections are displaied in the countenance, that is, give us a cheerfull sense of thy reconciliation with us. This lifting up of his face is opposed to hiding of his face, a sign of his anger, Isa 54. 8.

Vers. 5. Thou hast put gladness in my heart.] The gladness is greater, and put into the heart, more intimate.

More than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.] Theirs in regard of* 1.17 possession, estimation and choice, they placed their happinesse in these earthly things.

Page 31

PSAL. V.

Verse 3. IN the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and look up] Here are two mili∣tary* 1.18 words, 1. Marshal his prayer, Order it as in battel-array, Job 33. 5. & 32. 14. 2. Would be a Spie upon a Tower to see whether he prevailed, whether he got the day, Hab. 2. 1.

Vers. 4. For thou art not a God that hast pleasure in wickednesse] He describes God from his own nature; As if he should say, O God, thou wilt free me from Saul and his wicked flatterers, because thou art such a God as hast not pleasure in wickedness. See Hab. 1. 12.

Vers. 6. I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy] That is, The Court of the house. See Nehem. 6. 11. trusting in thy mercy.

Will I worship] Bow my self, Incurvabo me. Jun.

Vers. 9. Their inward part is very wickednesse] Wickednesses, Heb. in the ab∣stract and plural number.

Vers. 12. Wilt blesse the righteous] Benedicere in Deo est benefacere.

With favour thou wilt compasse him as with a shield] The Hebrew word signifies to compass about as the crown the head, Coronabis eum. Chald. Par. Arias Montan. the LXX. and Vulg. Lat. Coronasti nos.

PSAL. VI.

Verse 1. O Lord rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.] A Father saith; he doth not say, Lord rebuke me not at all, but not in thy* 1.19 wrath; nor do not chasten me at all (For he chasteneth every son whom he receiveth) but chasten me not in thy displeasure.

Vers 6. All the night I make my bed to swim, I water my couch with my tears.]* 1.20 These are excessive figurative speeches, to express the greatness of his sorrow. In the Hebrew they are also in the future time, I shall melt, I shall make swim, that is, I usually melt and bathe, noting the continuance of his affliction.

Totus ecce liquesco lacrymando, Ipsis dum gemo conscius tenebris, Thoro prae lacrymis meis madente, Thoro, inquam, in lacrymis meis natante. Beza.

Vers. 9. The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.] Sometimes God neither hears nor receives a prayer, as of the wicked: Sometimes he hears and doth not receive, Quando audit pios ad salutem, non accipit autem ad voluntatem eorum, cùm nempe non conveniat cum ipsorum salute, as Paul when he sought to be freed from the Angel he was not freed, 2 Cor. 12. Sometimes he both hears and receives the prayer, as here Davids. Cujus & voluntati & saluti prospex∣erit, & desideriis illius sanctis satisfecit.

Page 32

PSAL. VII.

CUsh the Benjamite.] Cush, that is, an AEthiopian or Blackmoor, Saul so cal∣led* 1.21 for his black and ill conditions, otherwise he was an Israilite of the Tribe of Benjamin. Because (saith R. David Kimchi in loc.) he carried himself as an AEthiopian, as the AEthiopian doth not change his skin, so Saul did not change his hatred toward David.

Vers. 7. So shall the Congregation of the people compass thee about.] It is an allusi∣on* 1.22 unto the manner of the peoples compassing the Mount of God, and the Taber∣nacle in the wilderness.

Vers. 12. If he turn not, he will whet his Sword, he hath bent his Bow, and made it ready.] There is mention made of two sorts of weapons which in the battels of old time did the greatest hurt to the enemy, the Sword and the Bow, the Sword when he was at hand, the Bow when he was far off.

PSAL. VIII.

Verse 2. OUt of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength.] Not only* 1.23 the providence of God in new-born babes, framing them in the belly, pro∣viding nourishment for them when they are born, and making them to suck the brests; but also the giving of saving knowledge to some of them in their tender years, is able to refute all Atheists, and profane despisers of the glory of the Lord. Dickson.

Some apply it to the preaching of the Gospel by the Apostles and Ministers of the Gospel.

Strengthen their mouths in confession, Luke 21. 25. In prayers: See Revel. 11. 5. 6. The cry of a childe moves the bowels of a father.

The enemy.] All imployed by the Devil.* 1.24

And the avenger.] The Devil principally, he sins properly out of revenge to God.

Vers. 3. The work of thy fingers.] Not the works of his hands, but of his fin∣gers,* 1.25 to note his singular industry, his exquisite workmanship and art, and also his special love and care over these works.

Vers. 4. What is man, that thou art mindfull of him? and the son of man that thou visitest him?] He speaks of Christ as Mediator. See Heb. 2. 5.

〈◊〉〈◊〉] Not as the day-spring from on high doth the earth, Luke 1. 78. but, as

Page 33

if a great Prince should go into an Hospital to look on a loathsome diseased crea∣ture.

Vers. 5. For thou hast made him a little lower than the Angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.] It is spoken of Christ, as the Apostle expounds it, Heb. 2. 6, 7. Who was a little time lower than the Angels (so it may well be rendred) in respect of his sufferings and death. See Junius. Or he was made a little lower than the Angels, in taking upon him our Nature; The Angelical Nature being high∣er than the Humane, as considered in it self.

Vers. 6. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands] It is not spoken of Christ as God, so he had a natural Kingdom, but this is by donation, Christ as Mediator.

PSAL. IX.

Verse 10. ANd they that know thy Name will put their trust in thee.] Know thy name spi∣ritually, experimentally, especially his Goodness, Power, Faithfulness and Wisdom. See Isa. 30. 18.

Vers. 13. Liftest me up from the gates of death] Natural, Spiritual, and Eternal Death.

Vers. 16. The wicked is suared in the work of his own hands, Higgaion, Selah.] Goliah was killed with his own Sword. R. David Kimchi.* 1.26

Christs Justice hath two acclamatory Notes, Higgaion, Selah, the like is not found in all the Scripture, as worthy both of present admiration and perpetual Me∣ditation.

Selah is used ninety two times in Scripture, as these joyned here, signifie ex∣traordinary praise, joy, meditation.

Vers. 20 Put them in fear, O Lord: that the Nations may know themselves to be but men.] That is, weak, mortal, miserable, in Hebrew Enoch, given to every man for his dolefull state and mortality, Psal. 8. 5.

PSAL. X.

Verse 1. THis Psalm is in the Greek version a continuance and part of the former ninth;* 1.27 Whereupon the account of the Psalms following, doth in the Greek books, and such as follow them, differ from the Hebrew; the 11th Psalm being reckoned for the 10th, the 12th for the 11th, and so forward: Yet to make up the number of 150 Psalms, they divide the 147 into two. Likewise the 114th and 115th Psalms they make one, and the 116th they part in two. Ainsw.

Vers. 1. Why standest thou afar off, O Lord?] Heb. Why wilt thou stand? This form of expostulation implieth an earnest prayer, Lord, stand not far off.

Why hidest thou thy self?] Heb. Why wilt thou hide, (viz.) thine eyes, as Isa. 1. 15.

Page 34

Vers. 3. And blesseth the covetous whom the Lord abhorreth.] He thinks him not blessed, because he doth covet, but because he hath the things he longs for: Or it may be read, and so is by Ainsworth, The covetous blesseth himself, he abhorreth the Lord, so in the Margent, sometimes expresly he sets his heart against God, ever interpretatively.

Vers. 4. God is not in all his thoughts.] Or, all his thoughts are, there is no God, Nullum esse Deum, hae sunt omnes cogitationes ejus. Jun. The Text will bear both. He studieth Atheism, as Psal. 14. 1.

Vers. 5. As for all his enemies he puffeth at them.] The gesture of one contemn∣ing and refusing a thing with pride, as Mal. 1. 13.

Vers. 11. He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten.] Oblivio & reminiscentia sunt rerum praeteritarum, All things are present with God.

Vers. 14. The poor committeth himself to thee.] That is, his wayes and soul.* 1.28

Vers. 17. Lord thou hast heard the desire of the humble.] That is, of humbled per∣sons, and them which are in distress either of body or minde.

Thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear.] That is, he pre∣pares our hearts to put up our desires, and layes a command upon his own ear to hear.

PSAL. XI.

Verse 1. FLee as a Bird to your Mountain.] This noteth his danger, who was hunted as a* 1.29 Partrich on the mountains, 1 Sam. 26. 20. and his fear, as in Isa. 16. 2.

Vers. 3. If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?] That is,* 1.30 Laws are nothing worth. See Psal. 82. 5. Grtius.

Vers. 5. His soul hateth.] That is, Gods soul doth hate, see Levit. 26. 11. When the Hebrews would express a thing highly, they say, my soul, Saw ye him, whom my soul loveth? Cant. 6. My soul rejoyceth in God my Saviour, said the blessed Vir∣gin, Luk. 1.

Vers. 6. Upon the wicked.] That is, the hypocrite.

He shall rain snares.] Some expound it of ensnaring the conscience.

Fire and brimstone. Such was the wrath that fell on Sodom, and the Cities by it, Gen. 19. 24. and figureth the vengeance of eternal fire.

Vers. 7. For the righteous Lord loveth righteousuess.] Loveth vehemently righ∣teousnesses,* 1.31 Heb. Inward and outward righteousness, all manner of righteousness in all the actings, that is, righteous persons, the Abstract for the Concrete, and in the plural number, to shew, that he only is righteous, who hath all the parts and kindes of righteousness, so the word is in the plural, Isa. 35. 15.

His Countenance.] Heb. His faces, Every discovery of God in mercy is his* 1.32 face, they shall have all his several wayes of gracious discovery, all the wayes of love and delight.

Page 35

PSAL. XII.

Verse 2. THey speak vanity.] They speak injuriously, every one deceiveth, or would cir∣cumvent and overreach his neighbour. See Psal. 25. 4.

With a double heart do they speak.] Heb. An heart and a heart.* 1.33

Vers. 6. As silver tried in the fornace of earth.] He speaks de experiontia viva san∣ctorum,* 1.34 every time any promise is fulfilled, there is a trial of the sincerity of Gods intention.

Purified seven times.] That is, Compleatly and perfectly; compare Ps. 119. 164. with Psal. 34. 1.

PSAL. XIII.

Verse 1. HIde thy face.] That is, Withdraw thy favour. This is contrary to the lifting up of the light of Gods face, Psal. 4. 7. and importeth trouble and grief, and is caused by sinne, the Prophet often prayeth against it, Psal. 30. 8. & 104. 29. & 88. 15. & 69. 18. & 102. 3. & 243. 7. & 27. 9.

PSAL. XIV.

Vers. 1. THe fool hath said in his heart, there is no God.] It is rather an option, than an* 1.35 opinion, Austin. He could be content there were none.

In his heart.] None dare speak it, though he dare think it.

There is none that doth good.] Of these three verses, the first, the second, the third, see Junius lib. 2. Parallel. 4. Rom. 3. 10, 11, 12. Isa. 59. 7. 8.

Vers. 3. They are altogether become filthy.] Or rotten and stinking.* 1.36

There is none that doth good, no not one.] That is, Very few, naturally consider∣ed, Non est qui faciat bonum. Jun. Id latinius diseretur non est qui faciat bene, ne quidem unus. Druf. Observ. Sac. l. 2. c. 11.

Vers. 4. Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread?] q. d. If they knew whom they did devour, they would never devour them.

Page 36

My people] That is, The poor, they are Gods people, both because they are within the Covenant, as also in respect of their estate and condition, because they are poor the Lord taketh protection of them.

As they eat bread.] Without fear and resistance, with delight, continually.

Vers. 7. When the Lord bringeth back the Captivity of his people, Jacob shall re∣joyce,* 1.37 and Israel shall be glad.] He means it of the spiritual Captivity (for neither his, nor his Subjects in his time were molested with the natural, God having sub∣dued to him all his enemies round about) then Jacob and Israel, that is, all Gods chosen so delivered shall rejoyce and be glad.

PSAL. XV.

THe substance of the whole Psalm is a Question and an Answer.

The Question is, Who are the members of Gods Church upon earth, that shall come to life eternal in Heaven?

Vers 1. Who shall abide in thy Tabernacle?] That is, Who shall have communi∣on with the Church here?

Tabernacle fitly expresseth the movable estate of the Church in this world, Exod. 26. 2. Sam. 7. 1, 6. 1 Chron. 17. 5.

Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?] Be received to Heaven: This notes a durable estate. Ainsw. And Grotius interprets it of Mount Sion, Psal. 2. 6. In Sione regia Davidis, ubi tunc erat arca. Grot.

The Answer is made in the rest of the Psalm. And in this Answer is contained a Description of the parties:

1. By their Properties and Marks, vers. 2.* 1.38

  • 1. He that walketh uprightly.] That is, In truth and sincerity of Religion, which standeth in the sincerity of faith, and a good conscience.
  • 2. And worketh righteousness.] He speaks of particular justice here, that whereby we give to every man his right or due.
  • 3. And speaketh the truth in his heart.] Without all guile or flattery.

And because we are easily deceived in general sins, in the third, fourth and fifth verses, there are set down more evident and sensible notes of sincerity, justice and truth.

Vers. 3. He that backbiteth not with his tongue.] That is, Speaks to his neighbours disgrace behinde his back.

Nor doth evil to his Neighbour.] In any act of injustice or cruelty to his hurt.

Nor taketh up a reproach against his Neighbour.] That is, Receives and entertains willingly any reproachfull tale against him. Some expound it, Greedy to take it up* 1.39 when another reports it. The word signifies elevare, to lift up a report, one sayes a little, and he sayes more.

Vers. 4. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned.] He contemns wicked persons See examples of such carriage, 2 King. 13. 14. Esth. 3. 2. Luk. 23. 9.

But he honoureth them that fear the Lord.]

He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.] Makes conscience of his word and promise, especially if it be confirmed by oath.

Vers. 5. He that putteth not out his money to usury.] Some interpret it of oppres∣sive* 1.40 lending: Others of taking increase for bare lending to the poor. Usury is fitly called Biting, because it consumeth the borrower and his substance.

Nor taketh reward against the Innocent.] Gives testimony without bribery or partiality.

He that doth these things shall never be moved.] He that in his endeavour doth all these things shall never be cut off from the Church as an Hypocrite.

Hac quisquis vitam ratione exegerit; ille. Ille Dei foelix aeternum monte quieseat. Beza.

Page 37

PSAL. XVI.

THe whole Psalm (say some) is to be understood of Christ, as well as David,* 1.41 as Act. 2. shews.

Vers. 2. My goodness extendeth not to thee.

3. But to the Saints that are in the earth; and to the excellent in whom is all* 1.42 my delight.] It was from the Father that Christ was sent, and that his service was accepted, as Mediator, it may be opened by Heb. 10 5. God was not profited by all that he did.

The Excellent.] The word in the original signifies the magnificent ones, those which have magnificent spirits, and are exceeding glorious.

Vers. 4. Their drink offerings of bloud will I not offer.] The drink-offerings were* 1.43 an appendix to other Offerings. They signifie two things, 1. The pouring out of their souls in the service of God. 2. The satisfaction that they took therein. Paul alludes to this, Phil. 2. 17.

Some think he means the Gentiles which poured out bloud as a drink-of∣fering.

Parisiensis de legibus gives three reasons why their drink-offerings were of bloud, Major Honor, Difficilior Servitus, Humilior Subjectio. Nothing so near to the soul as the bloud; Therefore it was a greater honour to the Devil, yea the bloud of their Sonnes and Daughters. God required but the bloud of beasts.

Vers. 5. The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance.] Christ speaks this as Me∣diator, thou maintainest my lot. Some referre it to the words following, Christs inheritance in his people: Others to the words fore-going, God is my portion, both may be meant.

Vers. 6. The lines or cords are fallen unto me in pleasant places.] An allusion to the division of inheritances, which was by lines, Psal. 105. 11. & 78. 55. 2 Sam. 8. 2.

Vers. 7. My reins also instruct me in the night season.] My most inward thoughts* 1.44 chasten me for my daily sins. The reins are the inmost parts of a man, Psal. 26. 2. Psal. 139. 3. Psal. 51. 8.

Junius thus explains it, Spiritus ejus omni quietis tempore intimas meas voluntates, & studia dirigit, quorum sedem renibus Scriptura tribuit.

Vers. 8. I have set the Lord alwayes before me.] As a Judge and observer in point of reverence and dependance.

There are three things in that expression, 1. Dignitas objecti, the object he al∣wayes looked upon, God. 2. Firmitas fidei, Christ walkt by faith as well as we, though not faith in a Mediatour. 3. Temporis diuturnitas, lookt alwayes on him.

Because he is at my right hand.] Will stand by me as a second.

I shall not be moved.] Shall keep my standing in the way of grace.

Vers. 10. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine holy* 1.45 one to see corruption.] Neither by way of putrefaction here, nor dissolution here∣after.

Now Calvin and Beza sometime corrupt this Text, alwayes pervert the sense, and most absurdiy oppose themselves against all ancient holy Fathers concerning the Article of Christs descending in soul into the part of hell called Limbus Patrum is largely noted, Gen. 37. Act. 2. & 1 Pet. 3. and Protestants here translate grave for hell. But of this place Rivet solidly disputes in his Comment, so doth Chamier,

Page 38

Junius, Ames upon Bellarmines 2d Controversie. Beza and Drusius upon the 2d of* 1.46 the Acts.

Vers. 11. Thou will shew me the path of life.] Christ speaks this of himself, his glory; For he spake before of his own Resurrection. Rivet saith, It is to be understood of experimental knowledge, when the thing it self is given and pos∣sessed.

In thy presence is fulnesse of joy, at thy right hand there are pleasures for ever more.]* 1.47 Pleasure is the sweetness of joy, the joyes that the Saints have there, shall be sweet and refreshing.

PSAL. XVII.

Verse 3. I Am purposed.] That is, I have designed so, Psal. 37. 12.* 1.48

Vers. 6. I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God.] I do call up∣on thee, because thou hearest me, O strong God. So Junius.

Vers. 8. Keep me as the apple of the eye.] David to express the special care that* 1.49 God hath over his sons, saith thus, thou hast a special care over me, thou guardest me many wayes, as the apple of the eye is guarded with five tunicles.

Vers. 10. They are inclosed in their own fat.] That is, They are very fat, Et de∣sideriis suis omnibus circumfluunt, Jun.

Vers. 11. They have now compassed us in our steps] And elswhere, They mark my* 1.50 steps. It is an allusion to hunters, who go poring upon the ground to prick the Hare, or to finde the print of the Hares claw, when the Hounds are at a losse, and can make nothing of it by the sent.

Vers. 14. From men which are thy hand] Wicked men are so called, because of their violence, so the scourge of God.

Men of the world] Meer worldly men, whose spirits, desires, hopes, ends are worldly. See next words.

Which have their portion in this life,] Two things make a thing ones portion,* 1.51 1. That which he chooseth. 2. That wherein he receives satisfaction, hoc est, Ni∣hil cum altera vita commune habent. Jun.

Whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure] It is hid to them who it is that filleth* 1.52 their bellies, viz. God; They know him not, neither do they acknowledge his gifts.

Vers. 15. I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness] The perfection* 1.53 of the Image of God wrought in the Saints after this life. Mollerus seems to ap∣prove of this. The Spirit of God useth but this and two other words, for the I∣mage of God in us. This word is used for a corporeal similitude, Exod. 20. 4. 2. Intellectual, Numb. 20. 8. so here, God shall then gloriously manifest himself to his people.

Page 39

With thy likenesse] It may be referred to awake with, or in thy Image, having thy glory imprinted upon me, 1 Cor. 15. 49. or it may be referred to satisfie, I shall be perfectly like thee, both of them may be taken in, as 1 John 3. 2.

PSAL. XVIII.

THe servant of the Lord] So in the Title of the 36th Psalm, so called, 1. For* 1.54 his eminent holinesse, a man after Gods own heart.

2. Because of his publick imployment, fought the Lords battels, had thirty de∣liverances, and eight from Saul, his special enemy.

Vers. 2. The Lord is my rock, and my fortresse, and my deliverer, my God, and my strength in whom I will trust, my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high Tower.] q. d. There is an allsufficiency in God on which I will relie.

In this one verse David hath nine several expressions, to shew God to be the full object of his faith in the times of all his distresses; As 1. He is Jehovah. 2. He is my Rock. 3. My Fortresse. 4. My Deliverer. 5. My God. 6. My Strength. 7. My Buckler. 8. The Horn of my Salvation. 9. My high Tower.

Vers. 4. The flouds of ungodly men made me afraid] It is frequent in Scripture to* 1.55 compare Nations and people to waters, especially in the Revelation, when violent to flouds.

Vers. 20. The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousnesse.]

Object. Psal. 143. 2.

Answ. There is a two-fold Righteousnesse, One of the Cause, Another of the Person; His Cause was good, there was no such thing as they laid to his charge, But in thy sight, no flesh living shall be justified, in respect of the righteousnesse of the person.

Vers. 21. I have not wickedly departed from my God] Though I have and do sin* 1.56 every day, yet is not a departure from God.

Vers. 23. I was also upright before him, and I kept my self from mine iniquity] Some conceive this sin was lying. David often dissembled, therefore he prayeth Psal. 119. Take from me the way of lying: Others think it was uncleannesse, there∣fore he saith in the same Psalm, Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity.

Vers. 25, 26. With the mercifull thou wilt shew thy self mercifull, with an upright* 1.57 man thou wilt shew thy self upright.

With the pure thou wilt show thy self pure, and with the froward thou wilt shew thy self froward.]

The meaning is no more in general, but Gods judgement shall agree with their manners. God will carry himself otherwise to the wicked than the godly. God reckons up three kinds of good men, Mercifull, Upright and Pure; Froward, Crooked or Perverse is opposed to all three, 2 Sam. 22. 27. The same matter is handled, but the letters transposed, to note some singular thing in this, how the Lord changeth himself to the subtil and crafty deceivers, and takes them in their own craft.

Vers. 32. It is God that girdeth me with strength] That is, Raiseth up a strong re∣solution* 1.58 in me.

Vers. 33. He maketh my feet like * 1.59 Hindes feet, and setteth me upon my high places] 2 Sam. 22. 24. Hab, 3. 19.

Page 40

PSAL. XIX.

Verse 1. THe Heavens declare the glory of God] That is, Offer unto us fit occasion of* 1.60 glorifying God when we see their excellency and order.

Vers. 2. Day unto day uttereth speech] That is, The providences and turnings of* 1.61 every day declare the glory of God, and shew his handy work.

Vers. 4. Their line is gone out through all the world.] By which word he shews, that the heavens being so curious a fabrick, made (as it were) by line and level, do clearly, though silently preach the skill and perfection of God.

Vers. 5. Which is as a Bridegroom coming out of his Chamber] Because his beams* 1.62 are prolifical.

Vers. 7. The Law of the Lord is perfect] Having spoken in the beginning of the* 1.63 Psalm of the Heavens, and Sunne; now he treats of the word of God, which is as necessary as the Sunne. Satiùs est ut Sol non luceat quam ut non doceat Chry∣sostomus.

The whole word of God, all these titles here are used promiscuously for the word of God.

Vers. 9. The fear of the Lord is clean] That is, The Doctrine of the fear of God.

Vers. 10. Sweeter also than honey, and the honey-comb] He doth not mean the honey-comb barely, that is the vessel wherein the honey is kept, but the honey that flows or drops immediately, and naturally without any art, which is the purest honey.

Vers. 11. In keeping of them there is great reward.] And from keeping them,* 1.64 not only a reward after, or for the keeping of them, but the observing of Gods Commandments is a reward to it self.

Vers. 12. His errours.] Practical, not Doctrinal.

Cleanse thou me from secret faults.] Secret not only to other men, but himself, even such secret sins as grew from errours, of which he said, Who can understand his errours?

Vers. 13. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins.] Two things make* 1.65 a presumptuous sin:

  • 1. When committed against knowledge.
  • 2. When resolutely.

Some say this Psalm was penned after Davids great revolt from God, he inti∣mates, that there is a great deal of pride and presumption in every such revolt from the Lord.

The great transgression.] That is, The unpardonable sin, it is above presump∣tuous sins.

Vers. 14. Let the words of my mouth.] The outward acts of prayer and praise.

And the meditations of my heart.] That is, Inward ejaculations.

Page 41

PSAL. XX.

Verse 3. REmember all thy Offerings, and accept thy burnt Sacrifice.] Or turn thy burnt* 1.66 Offering into ashes. It is translated, the Lord accept, because God had sometime witnessed his acceptance by sending down fire to burn the Sacrifice, Levit. 9. 12.

Vers. 4. Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfill all thy counsel,] That is, Fulfill not only thy desire and aim of thy prayer, but in that very way, by that very means, which thy judgement and counsel pitcht upon in thine own thoughts See Ainsw.

Vers. 9. Save Lord, let the King hear.] So Junius, and we. The LXX have it,* 1.67 Lord, save the King, and hear us in the day that we call upon thee.

PSAL. XXI.

Verse 3. FOr thou preventest him with the blessing of goodnesse. That is, When David never* 1.68 asked such blessings at Gods hands, even then did the Lord bestow his liberal blessings upon him, as namely this, when David was following his Fathers sheep, and walking in his calling, thence the Lord took him to be King over Israel.

Vers. 6. Most blessed.] Blessings, Heb. not Benedictum, but Benedictiones. See* 1.69 Calvin, Full of blessings. A good Magistrate.

PSAL. XXII.

THis Psalm is a prophecie of the Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Christ,* 1.70 and the glorious fruit that shall follow thereupon in the seed and service that shall be performed unto God.

It is wholly spoken in the Person of Christ, because the New Testament doth ap∣ply sundry passages of this Psalm unto Christ, as Mat. 27. 46. John 19. 23, 24. John* 1.71 20. 25, 27. Heb. 2. 12.

It is called the Hinde of the morning, Cantic. 2. 9 Christ is lovely as the Hart. Swift to save his Church, as the Hart, Cantic. 2. 17. Beset with Dogs as the Hart, vers. 16. Is at warre with the Serpent, as the Hart. See Ainsw.

Page 42

Vers. 2. My God, my God.] Mi Deus fortis, mi Deus fortis. Junius. Christ* 1.72 speaketh this Psalm to God his Father, The Hebrew is AEli, AEli, Lammah ga∣zahtani; which words our Lord uttered on the Crosse, Matth. 27. 46. (save for the later be used the Syiack, Sabachtani, of the same signification) At which the prophane Jews mocked, saying, That he called for Elias, Matth. 27. 47, 49.

In that he calleth God twice his, and pours out his complaints into his bosom, it is not an obscure Confession of Faith, saith Calvin. According to faith, he saith, My God, my God: According to present feeling, Why hast thou for∣saken me?

Vers. 3. But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel!] That is a glorious Title which God hath, Psal. 56. 2. Tremellius with the Vulgar renders it, Laus Israëlis. Ainsworth, The praises of Israel, and so they apply it to God. He is frequently called the praise of Israel, and Israel the praise of God, Deut. 10. 21. Jer. 17. 14. as he is called the hope of Israel, and the fear of Isaac, the object of their praise, because the God to whom Israel gives praise: Others reade it as we, or Inhabiting the praises of Israel.

To inhabit praise signifies two things:

  • 1. That he alwayes gives them matter of praise.
  • 2. Makes them to perform the duty of praise. Where God hath his con∣stant residence, he is said to dwell, as in Heaven, and in the souls of his people.

Vers. 4. Our Fathers trusted in thee, they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.] Christ helpt his faith in his Agony with the experience of the great things God had done for his people of old.

Vers. 11. For there is none to help.] Nullus prater te, Junius. He that looks up* 1.73 to God for help, acknowledgeth that there is no help in any thing else.

Vers. 12. Many Buls have compassed me.] Now he complains of the cruelty and fury of his enemies: And first, He compares them to Buls, then to Lions, and thirdly to Dogs.

Buls] Full of might and malice, Psal. 68. 31. Scimus ubi accensa est taurorum ira, quàm terribili impetu ferantur. Calvin.

Strong Buls of Bashan have beset me round.] That is, fat ones, that mountain was famous for fat pastures, Deut. 32. 14.

Vers. 14. All my bones are out of joynt.] Disparted, are sundred, in the Hebrew, Et separaverunt se. Rivet.

Vers. 15. My strength is dried up like a potsherd.] Which is baked in the fire, that* 1.74 is, there is no more moisture in me than in a bak'd potsheard, he was almost resol∣ved into dust already.

Vers. 16. For Dogs have compassed me.] 1. In respect of churlishnesse, Mat. 7. 6. 2. Of filthinesse, 2 Pet. 1. 22.

They pierced my hands and my feet.] Some of the Jews have striven with great malice to corrupt this Text, for in stead of Caru, they pierced, they will needs* 1.75 reade Caari, that is, as a Lion, but the Massorites who registred the words and letters in the Bible, do testifie, (or rather R. Jacob Chajim and Compiler of the Masora) that in some corrected Copies it is written Caru, they pier∣ced, and in the Margent Caari, both put together, because they pierced Christs

Page 43

hands and feet with Lion-like cruelty; such a piercing as was like digging, or such a piercing as a Lion maketh with his claws.

The LXX. have it, They pierced my hands. John Isaac the Jew in his answer to Lindanus, saith, that he saw an old copy in his kindreds hand, in which the Text had Caru.

Vers. 20. The sword.] A violent death, 2 Sam. 12. 10.

My darling.] That is, my soul, or my life.* 1.76

From the power of the dog.] All his enemies which he called dogs before, now he cals dog, to signifie their union in evil.

Vers. 21. Save me from the Lions mouth,] Full of rage and fury. See 2 Tim. 4. 17.

Vers. 29. All they that be fat upon earth.] Not only men that have a corporall* 1.77 fatness, but metaphoricall; the great rich men: id est, secundis rebus fruentes, prosperantes; periphrasis, Junius.

Shall eat.] This refers either to holy things, receiving the word, or shall enjoy their worldly good things.

PSAL. XXIII.

Verse 1. THe Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.] This verse contains a summary col∣lection* 1.78 of the whole Psalm. By the supply of one proposition it makes up a full syllogsm. He whose shepherd is the Lord cannot want, My shepherd is the Lord, Therefore I cannot want.

The word Lord, especially in the Psalmes, and with the note of propriety, notes Christ the Mediatour, Psal. 110. 1. & 147. 5. Christ often cals himself the good Shepherd in John, Joh. 12. and elswhere. Two things especially commend a shep∣herd, his care and his love.

My shepherd.] That is, such a one as hath speciall care of and love to me as his sheep, See Psal. 77. 21. & 78. 53.

I shall not want.] Want is opposed, 1. To perfection, Perfectum est cui nihil deest, so it implies imperfection. 2. To fruition, so it implies destitution, desola∣tion, so here.

Vers. 4. Of the shadow of death.] That is, the greatest dangers. That darkness* 1.79 which comes upon a dying man a little before he gives up the ghost. Tenebrae de∣sissimae quales oboriuntur jamjam morituris. Vide Job 10. v. 21. Rivetus.

Vers. 5. My cup runneth over.] An allusion to the Hebrew feasts, one had his portion of meat and cup set together. So Rivet.

Vers. 6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the daies of my life.] Not only I shall have goodness and mercy exercised for me now and no more, but they shall follow me. The Hebrew word signifies to persecute, to follow summo studio & dili∣gentia. Its the same word that is used Psal. 34. 15.

Page 44

PSAL. XXIV.

Verse 1. THe earth is the Lords and the fulness thereof.] The Apostle Paul, 1 Cor. 10. in* 1.80 two places inculcates this speech, v. 26. & 28. with a different end, and yet most conveniently for both, by which he shews us, how profitably out of one and the same place of Scripture, by necessary illation, divers instructions may be drawn; and how dexterously it is to be done.

Vers. 2. For thou hast founded it upon the seas.] viz. The earth, because the wa∣ters* 1.81 which naturally would stand above the high mountains, are by the Word of God gathered together, and thrust under the earth, that the dry land might be inhabited. See Job 28. 25.

Vers. 6. This is the generation of them that seek him.] Not only so at one age or some time, but the generation. Dor among the Hebrews is taken, pro aetate, seculo, and pro hominibus unius aetatis, or unius seculi. See Gen. 6. 9.

That seek thy face, O Jacob, Selah.] The paricle O is not in the Originall, and* 1.82 therefore it may be read thus, That seek the face of Jacob, in the Genetive case, as well as in the Vocative. This is the generation of them that seek him, even of Jacob, and then he turns to God, and seek thy face. Vide Rivetum in loc. Of the word Selah, see also Rivet.

Vers. 7. Lift up your heads, O ye gates.] This place is made difficult (saith Rivet) by divers interpretations: All agree in this, that it is to be understood of the en∣trance of the King of glory, that is, of God; and Christian Interpreters referre that with one consent to Christ. But in explaining (saith Rivet) those gates and heads, sunt fere rot sensus quot capita.

All the faculties of the soul. Metonymically and Metaphorically Kings, Princes, Magistrates, they used to sit in the gates.

And be ye lift up ye everlasting doors.] The Temple door so called in opposition* 1.83 to that of the Tabernacle, which continued for a while, or because made of Cedar. You Church men.

The Fathers, Justin Martyr, Enthimius and others, interpret it of Gods well∣coming Christ to heaven after his ascension.

He is compared to some victorious triumphant Captain.

Vers. 9. Lift up your heads, O ye gates.] Because it is a matter of great conse∣quence, I repeat it again.

Page 45

PSAL. XXV.

THis Psalm is composed after the order of the Hebrew letters or Alphabet,* 1.84 which care denoteth the weight and excellency of the matter in it. The same is to be observed of some other Psalmes, as the 34. & 37. & 111. & 112. & 119. & 145.

Vers. 1. Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.] The Chaldee addeth in prayers. That expression signifies to desire earnestly, Psal. 24. 4.

Vers. 11. O Lord pardon mine iniquity for it is great.] So Innius and we, others would have it read, O Lord pardon my sinne though it be great, and the Hebrew bears it. The word also translated great, sounds both magnum & multum, such as was his sinne in the matter of Uriah, many sinnes in one, Adultery, murther and Treachery: q. d. The expiation of such a sinne will be the work of infinite mercy.

Vers. 13. His soul shall dwell at ease.] The soul at ease, that is the greatest, as its trouble, and dwell at ease.

Vers. 14. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him.] There is a three∣fold* 1.85 secret of God: 1. Of doctrine or holy truths, he makes known his minde and word to such. 2. Of providence to come, Shall I hide from Abraham the thing that I will do? And past, he makes them to see his power, goodness. 3. The secret of his favour, that speciall love he bears to them.

I think he means that great secret of his purpose to save them, which is one of the deepest things of God that cannot be revealed by any, but by the Spirit of God.

And he will shew them his Covenant.] It should rather be rendred, And to make known his Covenant to them, ad notificandum iis, Montanus.

PSAL. XXVI.

Verse 2. EXamine me, O Lord, and prove me, try my reins and my heart.] The words here* 1.86 are not the same, but all different, to note how earnest the Psalmist was to know well his state.

Vers. 5. I have hated the Congregation of evil doers: and will not sit with the* 1.87 wicked.] He shews how much he abhorres wicked persons.

Vers. 6. I will wash my hands in innocency, so will I compass thine Altar, O Lord.] He alludes to the Ceremony of the Priests washing at the brazen laver, before they* 1.88 ministred at the Altar, Exod. 30. 18, 20, 21. & 40. 32. to let us see that though this Ceremony belonged only to the Priests, yet the morality belongs to all, they must wash before they meddle with holy services. See Isa. 1. 15, 16. 1 Tim. 2. 8.

Vers. 9. Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men.] The holy* 1.89 Ghost speaks of a bundle of the living; Abner praies for David that God would binde up his soul in the bundle of life; and of a bundle of the dead, God will ga∣ther

Page 46

the tares together in a bundle; therefore the godly and wicked are said both to be gathered to their Fathers, that is, they go to men of their own rank and condition.

PSAL. XXVII.

Verse 1. THe Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?] A godly man is acted nec spe nec metu, from outward things.

Vers. 5. One thing have I desired of the Lord.] One principall thing: That will I seek after: chiefly, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the daies of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his Temple.] To enjoy him in his* 1.90 Ordinances.

Vers. 8. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face.] That is, by injections of holy* 1.91 thoughts, and the actuall excitation of his grace. By Gods face is meant, 1. God himself, Exod. 20. 3. before my face, that is, before me. 2. His favour, will shew them the back and not the face, Prov. 29. 26. Seek his presence and fa∣vour.

Vers. 13. I had fainted, unless I had beleeved to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.] The first words are not in the Hebrew, David could not tell what to say, I had despaired, been in a hell of darkness, what you will.

The goodness of the Lord.] That is, the good things promised by him. Heaven is properly the land of the living, though it mean Canaan in the letter, so the Chal∣dee, in the land of life eternall: i. in hac ipsa vita, ut Psal. 116. 9. Junius.

Vers. 14. And he shall strengthen thine heart.] Chazak signifies to lay hold on a thing strongly, it is used, Job 2. 6. & 8. 14.

PSAL. XXVIII.

Verse 1. UNto thee will I cry, O Lord my rock, be not silent to me; left if thou be silent* 1.92 to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.] David professeth that if God when he prayed did not answer him (that is, give some comfortable assu∣rance that he accepted and took his prayer in good part) it would be even a death to him.

PSAL. XXIX.

Verse 1: GIve unto the Lord (Oye mighty) Give unto the Lord glory and strength. Vers. 2. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his Name.] Here are three Gives, either because such great persons are backward to give God his due, or because God desires great persons to come in, or because God would have such to go on if they once begin. Princes of all men should be most carefull to glorifie God, and yet it is most rare to see them humble themselves before him, for naturall corruption is as strong in them as in others; their education doth breed them to high and stately thoughts of themselves, their riches and power puffeth them up, and flatterers ordinarily following them, do make them forget themselves and

Page 47

God also. Therefore are they here thrice exhorted to give glory to God. Dickson.

O ye mighty.] Or sonnes of the mighty, that is, ye mighty men or potentates;* 1.93 so Psal. 9. 7. The Chaldee referreth it to the company of Angels.

Give unto the Lord glory and strength.] That is, a strength which is glorious.

Vers. 2. Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.] That is, the Temple, so cal∣led, because the Lord appears there dispensing holineis, 1 Chron. 16. 29.

Vers. 3. The voice of the Lord is powerfull.] David cals thunder so: It is called simply voice, Exod. 20. 18. The people saw the voices: but when the word Lord is added, the metaphor is made more magnificent, and is more fit to express the force of thunder, Job 37. 2. & 41. 5. a Poeticall metaphor plainly. God is often said to thunder, to signifie his presence either in punishments or rewards, as Psal. 18. 14. Joel 3. 16. Exod. 19. 16. & 20. 18. Jer. 25 0.

Vers. 9. The voice of the Lord maketh the hindes to calve.] Though of all other* 1.94 creatures they bring forth with most trouble, Job 39. 4, 6.

PSAL. XXX.

Verse 7. LOrd by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong.] That is, his* 1.95 Kingdom; Who art thou, O mountain, before Zerubabel, that is, the Persian Monarchy.

And I was troubled.] Like a withered flower that loseth sap and vigour, so Exod. 15. 15.

Vers 11. Thou hast put off my sackcloth.] That is, hast taken away my mourning,* 1.96 because mourners were cloathed with sackcloth.

Vers. 12. My glory.] i. Lingua praeco gloriae, ut 16. 9. Junius. That is, my tongue, so Gen. 49. 5. because it should be the trumpeter of Gods glory.

PSAL. XXXI.

Verse 1. DEliver me in thy righteousness.] That is, that faithfulness whereby thou de∣fendest* 1.97 thine own children according to thy promise.

Vers. 5. O Lord God of truth.] As truth notes faithfulness in promises, so it is from him. 2. As it notes true doctrine, John 14. 6.

Page 48

Vers. 15. My times are in thy hand.] He saith not, my whole time or course of* 1.98 life, but times in the plural, to shew that every point and period of ones life de∣pendeth upon God. The seasons of his comforts, and of his sorrows, all the turn∣ings and changes of his life from one condition to another, were cast and ordered by the power and wisdom of God.

Vers. 19. O how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear* 1.99 thee.] David stands in admiration of the riches of goodness which God hath pro∣vided for those which fear him, as if he wanted words to express it, as indeed he did.

A figurative speech taken from carefull parents which lay up for their children, Col. 1. 5.

Vers. 20. Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man.] In the Temple and Tabernacle there was a most holy place, where none but the High-priest might enter on pain of death but once a year, there one was safe from danger. See Psal. 83. 4.

Vers. 23. O love the Lord, all ye his Saints.] Here is an hortatory conclusion to* 1.100 the love of God in this verse, and to the confirmation of their faith and love toward him, in the following verse.

PSAL. XXXII.

Verse 1. BLessed.] Ashrei. The Jews cannot give a cleer Grammatical understanding of this word, whether it be an Adverb or plural Nown. Vide Bucer. in Psal. 1. 1. Blessed is he.] Or the blessedness of that man, for the word is a Substantive and* 1.101 of the plural number; q. d. O the compleat, the full, the infinite happiness of that man whose transgression is forgiven, sin covered, and to whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity. Mr Hildersam.

Whose transgression is forgiven, whose sinne is covered.] Here and v. 2. are three expressions, as Exod. 34. 7.

1. Whose transgression is forgiven.] Heb. whose transgression as a burden is ta∣ken off, sin is compared to a burden.

2. Whose sinne is covered.] An allusion to that which is filthy, Psal. 85. 2. to the Israelites which were wont to go with a paddle and cover their excrements, Deut. 23. 13, 14.

Vers. 2. Blesseá is the man to whom the Lord imputeth no iniquity.]

Sinne is thirdly compared to a debt, as Matth 6. Forgiveness hath respect to* 1.102 the merit of Christ, Isa. 53. 6. Covering to his righteousness, or the adjudi∣cation of the fruit of his merit to us, not imputing to his mediation and inter∣cession.

The holy Ghost useth such vehement inculcating, because David had felt the burden of sinne, and to awaken the secure.

And in whose spirit is no outl.] No wilfull guile, no guile which they are not willing to discern, which they tolerate in themselves, none but what they resist.

Page 49

Vers. 3. When I kept silence.] That is, did forbear a free, plain and full con∣fession of my sinnes to God. My bones waxed old, through my roaring all the day long.

Vers. 5. I acknowledged my sinne unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid: I* 1.103 said I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord, and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sinne. Selah.] Then he confest his iniquity, and said he would confess it, that is, upon a full resolution that this was the best course, did break through all objecti∣ons and performed it; then did God pass by the punishment of his sinne, that is, give him some comfortable assurance, that he had pardoned him.

Selah is not only a musicall note, but as some think a note of observation, to* 1.104 move us to mark the things that are set down, as being of speciall weight and moment.

Vers. 8. I will guide thee with mine eye.] Mine eye shall be upon thee. Heb.* 1.105

Vers. 10. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked.] Or great, many for number, great for weight.

Vers. 11. Be glad in the Lord.] That is, conceive an inward joy; And rejoyce ye righteous.] Testifie that inward joy by outward demonstration.

And shout for joy all ye that are upright in heart.] Be full of joy, which our last translation hath exprest well in that word, shout for joy, that is, extend your joy to others.

PSAL. XXXIII.

Verse 15. HE fashioneth their hearts alike.] There is not an apprehension or affection in our hearts, but the Lord fashioneth it.

Vers. 18. Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him.] Not on all, but on them that fear him, that is, the Lord hath a special eye and regard to them, the phrase is weighty, it carries this sense, that the Lord as it were sits in his watch∣tower, spying the wants and necessities of them that fear him.

PSAL. XXXIV.

Verse 2. MY soul shall make her boast in the Lord.] See Psal. 40. 8. & 97. 7.* 1.106

Vers. 4. And delivered me from all my fears.] That is, not from all the things he feared, but from the fear of them while the troubles remained.

Vers. 7. The Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him.] That is, the Angels, for he speaketh of an Host.

Encampeth round about.] A similitude taken from warres, as Psal. 27. 3. See Psal. 91. 11, 12.

Vers. 8. He saith, Taste and see that the Lord is good.] viz. in allowing his chil∣dren so gracious attendance. There is scientia gustus, a feeling experimentall knowledge.

Blessed is the man that trusteth in him.] viz. In regard of so happy prote∣ction.

Vers. 10. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger.] Which are strong and active to seek their prey: That is, 1. All wicked Rulers, men of the highest place, as the lion is the King among beasts, Ezek. 32. 2. Prov. 28. 15. 2. All cruell op∣pressing

Page 50

great men, Prov. 30. 30. 3. All the subtill politicians of the earth, Ezek. 38. 13. The lion lurks secretly for his prey, men of the greatest state, deepest pow∣er and policy.

Vers. 16. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil.] Either his anger or his knowledge, he seeth, and his wrath goeth forth against what he seeth.

PSAL. XXXV.

Verse 13. MY praier returned into mine own bosom.] That is, say some, though they got* 1.107 no good by my prayers, yet my own soul did: Rather thus, I prayed of∣ten and much for them, even from my heart; the returning of the prayer signifies his frequent minding of them, and a bosom both secrecy and affectionatness in prayer for them.

Or we may reade the words thus, Let my prayer return into thy bosom: That is, I wished no worse to them than to my self, let me receive that of God for my por∣tion which I have desired may be theirs.

Vers. 14. I bowed down heavily.] Heb. I bowed down black, viz. in black and* 1.108 mournfull attire.

Vers. 15. They rejoyced, and gathered themselves together.] That is, they gathered themselves together for joy, or to rejoyce.

The abjects.] Such as all honest or civil men had cast out of their company, asso∣ciated themselves into companies.

They did tear me.] That is, my good name. See Matth. 7. 6.

Vers. 19. Neither let them wink with the eye, that hate me without a cause.] That* 1.109 is, let not mine enemies have any occasion to scorn and deride me, to boast and insult over me.

PSAL. XXXVI.

Verse 1. THe transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God* 1.110 before his eyes.] That is, it offers this thought to my imagination, or trespass saith to the wicked, that is, perswadeth, imboldneth, hardneth him. Ainsw.

Vers. 4. He setteth himself in a way that is not good.] The same word that is used, Psal. 2. 2. set themselves, this notes premeditation and resolution, he resolves to go on and continue in it. See Isa. 55. 2.

Vers. 6. Mountains of God.] That is, high, mighty or excellent mountains. The Hebrew useth to note excellent things, by adding the name of God, as Psal. 80. 11. & 65. 10 & 68. 16. Gen. 30. 5. Rev. 15. 2.

Vers. 8. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house.] Fatness notes the best and most excellent, the most excellent spirituall blessings.

And thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.] Not only those* 1.111 which thou art Lord of to dispose, but which thou thy self dost take.

Page 51

Vers. 9. For with thee is the fountain of life.] Lives, naturall, spirituall and eternall.

In thy light shall we see light.] Or enjoy light, that is, knowledge, comfort, joy.

Vers. 10. O continue thy loving kindness to them that know thee.] The Hebrew, draw* 1.112 forth, or draw out thy loving kindness. Trahe misericordiam tuam. Montanus. A metaphor either taken from vessels of wine, which being set abroach once, yield many cups, or from a mother who hath her breasts full of milk, draws them out for her child, not once but often, or from a line which is extended.

Some think it is the same metaphor with that, 1 Cor. 7. 29. There is abundance of love folded up, and but little winded off; there is an eternity to spend.

Vers. 11. Let not the foot of pride come against me.] Pride is to the soul what the foot is to the body, it bears up the bulk.

PSAL. XXXVII.

IN this Psalm is shewed how the righteous are preserved, ver. 3, 17, 23, 25, 28. and the usuall objections against their safety answered.

Vers. 5. Commit thy way unto the Lord, trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass.] Thy way in reference to duty and success, and the event shall be answerable to thy expectation.

Vers. 13. His day is coming.] That is, a day of destruction, of great judgement and eternall misery.

Vers. 16. A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wick∣ed.] See Prov. 15. 16. That is, a competent and mean portion, though but very little.

Vers. 25. I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the righteous for∣saken,* 1.113 nor his seed begging bread.] Lazarus was brought to beggery, see Luke 8. 3.

Some say it is understood of extremity of poverty, so as to finde no relief.

2. Others say David saith not it was never so, but in his experience he never found it so.

3. Not begging their bread forsaken, they had a peculiar providence then with them.

PSAL. XXXVIII.

Verse 4. FOr mine iniquities are gone over mine head.] They have prevailed against* 1.114 me.

Vers. 5. My wounds stink and are corrupt, because of my foolishness.] Sinne and the guilt and trouble of conscience that ariseth thence.

Vers. 10. My heart panteth.] Throbbeth, beateth about, through trouble and di∣stemperature,

Page 52

Drus. Went round about, Circuivit cor meum, Montanus. Cal∣vinus. A metaphor taken from Merchants that compass sea and land, traffick here and there. So the heart of man is troubled * 1.115 about sundry things, and the letters are doubled here to signifie the great care and trouble that David had, when he sought after these things, as the Merchant seeketh for his gain.

PSAL. XXXIX.

Verse 1. I Will take heed to my waies, that I sinne not with my tongue.] One reading this place, said he had been 38 years a learning this lesson, and had not learn'd it* 1.116 throughly.

Vers. 2. I was dumb with silence, I held my peace even from good.] David laid a law upon his tongue. He useth three words in this and the former verse all to the same purpose, as if he should say in plain English, I was silent, I was silent, I was silent, and all this to express how he kept in his passion, that he might not offend with his tongue.

Vers. 4. Lord make me to know mine end, and the measure of my daies, what it ••••; that I may know how frail I am.] Not the particular end but generall, that it will be shortly, he explains himself so in the end of the verse.

Vers. 5. Behold thou hast made my daies as an hand breadth.] The breadth of the* 1.117 hand is taken two waies: 1. In the largest extent, for a span, or the whole space between the top of the thumb and the little finger stretched out. 2. In the lesser extent, for the breadth only of four fingers, which is the measure which David takes of the daies of a man. Vide Calvinum.

Verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity.] An affirmation is prefixed, every man in the heighth and perfection of all creature-comforts, in his setled estate.

Not some man, but every man, all Adam, Heb. is not vain, but * 1.118 vanity; not in some measure, but altogether; not in his childhood or decrepit age, but in his best estate: Neither is it spoken as a thing doubtfull or probable only, but as most certain, verily.

No man by nature, or further than he is acted by the spirit of life, hath any solidity in him. See Psal. 62 9.

Vers 11. Thou as a moth * 1.119 makest his beauty to consume.]

Vers. 12. For I am a stranger with thee.] 1. Because not at home with God. 2. Liable to injuries from men. 3. Know not the way I should go, Psal. 119. 19.

And a sojournir.] A stranger is one that is not in his native Country, a Pilgrim or sojourner, one that is travelling homeward; so some: but the Israelites were sojourners in Egypt, when they were not travelling toward Canaan.

Page 53

PSAL. XL.

Verse 5. ANd thy thoughts which are to us-ward.] Of bringing sinners to glory by Christ.

Vers. 6. Mine ears hast thou opened.] An allusion to that custom among the* 1.120 Jews, Exod, 21. Christ did it electively, he would not be free, though he were re∣leased. With the Jews one eat was bored, here are ears in the plurall number, a token of that perfect desirable subjection which he, as Mediator was in to his Father.

Vers. 7. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me.]* 1.121 He read the Law, and there he found a Kings duty, and so his part.

In capite libri.] So the Vulgar and LXX. See Heb. 10. 7. by which not only* 1.122 the first Chapter of Genesis and the first verse, but the whole book of the Law, or the Pentateuch is understood, of which Christ, John 5. 46. Or rather as others expound it (saith Rivet) of the summe of the whole Law and Prophets. The Law is called the Book or Volume of the Covenant, Exod. 24. 7. In the Hebrew it is In the volume of the book, so the Jews roll up the Law which they keep written in parchment in their Synagogues; See Jer. 36. 2. Ezek. 2. 9. Zech. 5. 1, 2. Hence those speeches, Luke 4. 17. & 20. Hence in Latine, Volumen, evolvere libros, in the volume of thy book, that is, thy book.

Vers. 8. I delight to do thy will; O my God, Yea thy law is within my heart.] By* 1.123 the Law of God he understands all his Commandments, as well common to all men, as that singular Commandment which he had from his Father, of laying down his life, John 10. 19.

In the midst of my bowels, the Hebrew, and Chald. Par. these note the tendrest affections, Col. 1. 12. Phil. 1. 8. a Law of love to the Saints, John 10. 18.

Vers. 10. I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart.] There is a threefold hiding, 1. Out of envy, as here, as being unwilling that others should partake of it, so Matth. 23. 13. 2. Out of sloath, Matth. 25. 25. 3. Out of care, Matth. 13. 44. Psal. 119. 11.

Vers. 11. For thy loving kindness and thy truth continually preserve me.] Loving kindness and truth are fitly joyned, in the first of which that is promised which is not owed, in the other that is performed, which is promised.* 1.124

Vers. 12. Mine iniquities have taken hold upon me.] Christ confesseth our sinnes as his own. See Heb. 10. 6, 7. This whole Psalm is of Christ, this is a very remark∣able place, they were his sinnes (say some) by imputation and voluntary ac∣ceptation.

Page 54

PSAL. XLI.

Verse 3. THou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.] Heb. turn. Either he sends us health* 1.125 (so some expound it) he turns the bed of sickness into a bed of health, or turns our bed for us in our sickness; that is, refresheth us, giveth us ease when we lie upon our sick bed; it is a metaphor borrowed from those which attend sick per∣sons, that help to make their bed easie and soft, and turn them that they may lie at ease.

Vers. 6. His heart gathereth iniquity to it self.] The word signifies dispersum ali∣quid congregare.

Vers. 9. Yea in own familiar friend.] Heb. The man of my peace; an Hebraism, that is, my familiar friend which was at peace with me, Judas Christs own disciple, John 13. 18.

Hath lift up his heel against me.] An expression of the highest pride and greatest* 1.126 contempt.

PSAL. XLII.

Verse 1: AS the Hart panteth after the water-brooks.] The Hart is a thirsty creature of it* 1.127 self, but especially when it is chased. The Hine the female is here meant▪ and in females the passions are stronger than in males.

Vers. 7. Deep calleth upon deep.] Deep, that is, great afflictions, Ezek. 26. 19.* 1.128 Jon. 2. 5. The depth of our misery on the depth of Gods mercy.

Vers. 8. Yet the Lord will command his loving kindness.] It is a phrase taken from Kings and Princes, and great Commanders in the field, whose words of com∣mand stand for Laws. It signifies effectually and powerfully to command; if God will command loving kindness it will act.

Vers. 10. Where is thy God?] That is, thy God is no where, thou hast none to help or deliver thee.

Page 55

PSAL. XLIII.

Vers. 2. FOr thou art the God of my strength.] In whom all my strength and power is laid* 1.129 up thiue essentially, mine federally. See Col. 1. 11.

Vers. 3. send out thy light and thy truth.] The Hebrew word signifies to send an Ambassadour, 2 Kings 14▪ 8. and to send out with authority and commission from heaven, that it may enlighten and guide me in the way. By light Calvin un∣derstands favour, and saith, he adds truth, because he hoped for light only from Gods promises.

Vers. 5. Why art thou disquieted within me?] The word in that conjugation sig∣nifies, He disquieted himself.

I shall yet praise him.] In after-times praise him for this very dispensation, under which my heart is now discouraged. I shall be delivered, and my mourning shall be turned into singing.

The health of my countenance.] That is, my present help which stands before me continually, as the shew-bread was called the bread of countenance or faces, be∣cause it stood still before God.

PSAL. XLIV.

Verse 12. THou sellest thy people for nought.] Thou hast so contemned thy people, that* 1.130 without any gain thou hast delivered them into servitude, one while to the Moabites, another while to the Canaanites and Philistims, which histories are in the Book of Judges. See Deut. 32. 30. Isa. 52. 3.

Vers. 19. Though thou hast sore broken us in the place of Dragons.] The Hebrew word (Ainsworth saith) is common both for land and water dragons; So Psal. 148. 7. that is, either the desolate wildernesse where the Dragons inhabit, or into the bottom of the Sea.

PSAL. XLV.

THis Psalm (say some) is an Epithalamium, or Congratulatory Hymne made* 1.131 at Salomons wedding, when he married Pharaohs daughter, she being a Pro∣selie to the Jewish Church, was a Type of the Gentiles.

Many expound it therefore historically: Christs excellency is set out in this Psalm,* 1.132 the Apostle expresly applies it to him▪ Heb. 1. 8.

Vers. 1. My heart is enditing a good matter.] Boyling or frying, see Psal. 119. 171. In both places there is a Metaphor (as some think) from a fountain that* 1.133 continually bubleth up water; or as others, from a full stomack, and they translate it eructare, belching proceeds from fullnesse of stomack. See Rivet.

Page 56

Vers. 2 Thou art fairer than the children of men] The Hebrew word Japhiaphi∣ta* 1.134 is of double form, to note out double, that is, very excellent beauty. This fairness is not of body only, but specially of the minde in wisdome, holinesse, Heb. 7. 26. Fairer, more comely, desirable, excellent, glorious.

Grace is poured into thy lips.] See Cant. 5. 13. Christ was amiable in speaking, he spake gracious words abundantly, this is that which they call in French, La grace de bien parler, or La bonne grace, See Luke 4. 22.

The Chaldee expoundeth it, The Spirit of prophecy is given into thy lips.

Vers. 7. Therefore God, thy God hath annointed thee with the oyl of gladnesse above* 1.135 thy fellows.] The oyl wherewith Christ was annointed, is called the oyl of glad∣nesse, ab effectu (saith Calvin) it fils the soul of his members with spiritual glad∣nesse, and it was the oyl also of holinesse.

Above thy fellows.] That is, Christs manhood was filled with the gifts and gra∣ces of God both in measure number and degree, above all men and Angels.

The word signifies a Collegue, Companion, Consort, Partaker of the same suf∣ferings* 1.136 and priviledges with Christ, as he is called Gods fellow, so the Saints in some respect are fellows with Christ.

Vers. 10. Forget also thine own people, and thy Fathers house.] That which is* 1.137 commanded to Salomons wife, is commanded to all Christians. This wife of Salo∣mon is the soul of every Christian, the Spouse of Christ, the true Salomon, who by nature is daughter to Heathen Pharaoh, that is, to sinne, corruption and wrath, but being married to Christ, must forget her own kindred and Fathers house, that is, their own nature and carnal desires, and then shall Christ our King and spiri∣tual husband take pleasure in us, and rejoyce to do us good.

Vers. 12. And the daughter of Tyre.] The inhabitants of Tyre. Tyre was the rich Merchant-city.

Even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.] Beg that they may enjoy of thy priviledges.* 1.138

Vers. 13. The Kings Daughter is all glorious within.] A good Expositor thinks [within] here is not opposed to outward glory, because it presently follows in what externals she is glorious, therefore he taketh it as opposite to that which is adventitious and painted, she hath it not from others, Isa. 49 5.

Her cloathing is of wrought gold.] That is, the righteousnesse of Christ, shining, precious, durable, and desirable as gold.

Vers. 14. In raiment of Needle-work.] That is, the several graces of the Spirit of God, which puts a beauty upon the soul, as the variety in Needle-work makes it beautifull.

PSAL. XLVI.

The Title.

THis Psalm is by many styled Luthers Psalm, because Luther oft said and sung it,* 1.139 especially in the time of any trouble.

A Song upon Alamoth.] The hidden ones of God, because the providence of God strongly watcheth over these in times of warre.

Page 57

Vers. 1. A very present help in trouble.] These words may be considered: As

  • 1. Verba contemplantia, words of such as see God in the mercy for which they celebrate his praise.
  • 2. Verba agnoscentia.
  • 3. Verba gratulantia, they return all the praise to God.
  • 4. Verba fidentia, they are raised up from this particular mercy to trust more in God.
  • 5. Verba triumphantia.
  • 6. Verba exaltantia, as the words of one that exalts God.

There is some diversity in the reading of those words, Some reade the words, He* 1.140 is a help in tribulations, that have found us vehemently.

The Hebrew words may admit of such a translation, God is a help in troubles which* 1.141 is found. See Numb 32. 23.

Others refer it to God and his help, some of those render it by the verb Auxi∣lium* 1.142 invenimus abundé.

Calvin saith, It is to be read in the Preterperfect tense, then it is a speech of ex∣perience, Eccles. 7. 26.

Others render it, Ut auxilium inventum valde, auxilium praesentissimum, To it is* 1.143 a speech of one who looks upon God as unchangeable.

  • 1. The thing attributed to God, a help or helper.
  • 2. The Persons to whom he is so, to that peculiar people which have an interest in these Attributes.
  • 3. In the greatest trouble or straits, in the plural number troubles, many great continued troubles. It comes from a word that signifies to straighten, binde up, presse into a narrow place, it is rendred Augustia in Latine, and by us straight, 2 Sam. 24. 14. Lam. 3. it notes affliction, which is a straightning to man in his way, and the extremity of it.
  • 4. The nature of this help described, A present help, a help greatly found, the Hebrew word in a secondary sense signifies to be sufficient, Numb. 11. 22. a suffici∣ent help, you need no other.

Vers. 2. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed: and though the* 1.144 mountains be carried into the midst of the Sea.] These words are a conclusion from the former premisses, come in with an Ergo.

  • 1. An In erence, which refers to what goes before.
  • 2. A Supposition, suppose this should be our condition.
  • 3. A fiducial Resolution, we will not fear. They that have the Lord for their re∣fuge, help and strength in trouble, need not fear, but we have so, therefore, upon this ground, for this cause.
Si fractus illabatur orbis. Impavidum ferient ruinae. Horace.

Vers. 4. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God] It is an allusion to the river Siloe which ran softly, yet surely, a still river that refresh∣eth and supporteth on all occasions.

PSAL. XLVII.

Verse 5. WIth the sound of a Trumpet.] That is, most gloriously, as a triumphing* 1.145 Conquerour, as the Apostle explains it, Col. 2. 15. These things are spoken humanitus. Piscator holds, That by the Ascension or going up here, no∣thing else is understood, but that God under the symbol of the Ark of the Cove∣nant is gone into the Temple, but the comparing of the New Testament, and the

Page 58

evidence of the thing shews, that the Psalmist understands some sublimer thing in those words, and Piscator here departs from Tremellius and Junius, whom for the most part he diligently follows.

Vers. 7. Sing ye praises with understanding.] Zameru Maschil. Sing praises every one that hath understanding, or sing praises understandingly, or with un∣derstanding,* 1.146 or (as Maschil also signifies, as appears by the Title of divers Psalms) Sing a Psalm of instruction. Ainsworth renders it an instructing Psalm, and gives this Annotation, Maschil, the Title of Psal. 32. and many others, here used in like sense for a Psalm to give instruction, or as in Psal. 14. 1. for a prudent under∣standing person; In this sense, Sing Psalm every one that is prudent; or, as the Greek explaineth it, Sing prudently; The Chaldee, With good understanding. See Muis.

Vers. 9. For the shields of the earth belong unto God.] Magistrates are shields to* 1.147 protect the people from Gods vengeance, as well as mans violence, by executing Ju∣stice, Psal. 89. 19. Hos. 4. 18.

Dickson expounds it thus, The hearts and power of all the Kings of the earth are in the Lords hand, and he hath the disposing of shields, armies and ammunition, with all their Commanders and Rulers in the world.

Calvin saith, That is the best sense, the world is protected and kept by God alone.

PSAL. XLVIII.

Verse 14. FOr this God is our God for ever and ever.] Tolle meum, tolle Deum. It was the top* 1.148 of Christs glory that God was his God.

PSAL. XLIX.

Verse 2. BOth low and high.] Bene Ish, or Filii viri, that is, Nobles, sonnes of great* 1.149 men, and Bene Adam, or Filii hominis, the sonnes of men of common rank, Tam filii hominum (ignobilium) quam filii eujuscunque nobilis.

Adam is so called of Adamah the earth, whence this Title is given to the baser sort of people. The Greek translateth it here earth born, 1 Cor. 15. 47. See Muis.

Ish is the name of man in respect of heat, valour, nobleness and dignity, it meaneth the great or noble sort of people.

Vers. 4. I will open my dark saying upon the harp.] That dark saying (as the context shews) is the vanity of all worldly things, and the happinesse of Gods favour.

Vers. 5. When the iniquity of my heels shall compasse me about.] That is, as the* 1.150 most judicious Interpreters, Calvin and Mollerus understand it, when wicked men

Page 59

that trace me, pursuing me close at the heels, or observing my heels, Psal. 56. 6. that is, my steppings, and seek to supplant me, do on every side be∣set me.

Some think even in the hour of death, when a mans sins use to come closest un∣to him, the wickednesse of my actions, say some, sins contracted by my daily walking, heels for goings, and goings for moral actions. Not only afflictions, but the guilt of sin comes in with the sorrow. See Ainsw.

Vers. 9. That he should live for ever, and not see corruption.]* 1.151

Vers. 12. Neverthelesse, man being in honour, abideth not.] Adam lodged not* 1.152 one night in honour, for so are the words if they be properly translated. The word is Lun, which signifies pernoctare, to lodge or stay all night. The word is of the future tense, which yet frequently in the Hebrew bears the signification of the past, though it have not vau conversivum. See Ainsw.

Vers. 14. Death shall feed on them.] It is intended primarily of corporal and natural death, the Chaldee Paraphrase expounds it of the judgement of hell. See 9. and 15. verses.

The upright shall have dominion over them in the Morning.] Of the Resur∣rection.

Vers. 18. He blessed his soul] That is, pronounceth himself in his own heart a blessed man, to be in a blessed estate.

Vers. 20. Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that per∣ish.]* 1.153 Plainly shewing, that his honour above the beast was his right understanding. He means not one that is a natural fool, that hath not the principle of reason in him, but one that hath not a spiritual understanding, doth not exercise his under∣standing, or act suitably to it, meaning, they die even as beasts, without any sense or apprehension of a better life, or without any true care of eter∣nity.

Is like them, not in perishing, but in the want of true understanding, as Ne∣buchadnezzar.

PSAL. L.

Verse 2. THe perfection of beauty.] Arias Montanus translates it, Universitate decoris,* 1.154 the Universality of beauty, that is, which is wholly and perfectly beautifull. See the like praise of Sion, Psal. 48. 3. Lam. 2. 15.

Vers. 15. And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt* 1.155 glorifie me.] He skips over the act of hearing.

Vers. 17. Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behinde thee.] This expression is used two wuyes in Scripture:

  • 1. When it speaks of a thing hatefull and troublesom, Ezek. 23. 35.
  • 2. To forget that thing, Isa. 38. 17. God is there said to cast our sinnes be∣hinde him.

Vers. 20. Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother, thou slanderedst thine own mothers son.] The backbiter is called Dophi, which the Rabbins interpret do duo, and pios, because he speaks with a double tongue.

Page 60

Vers. 21. These things hast thou done, and I kept silence.] That is, I did not break forth in wrath, thunder against thee in judgement.

Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thy self.] Not displeased with the wayes of sin.

Set in order.] viz. Thy faults; As the Greek explaineth it, I will set thy sins before thy face.

Vers. 22. Now consider this.] Meaning the account that God will take with them.

Lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.] A similitude taken from Lions, which catch and tear their prey, from whose jaw none can rescue.

Vers. 23. Who so offereth praise, glorifieth me, and to him that ordereth his conver∣sation* 1.156 aright, will I shew the salvation of God.] As if he had said, I will cause him to see and know that he shall be saved.

PSAL. LI.

The Title.

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the Prophet came unto him after he had gone in to Bathsheba.

The Inscription shews four things:

  • 1. The person to whom the writing was committed, viz. The chief Musician. For when David had appointed singers and players of Instruments for the Temple, he did also divide them into several Companies, and over every company there was one chief to whom the ordering of the Song and Tune did appertain, and as it may seem also one principal overseer of all, to whose custody the Psalm was delivered, and by whose appointment it was sung in the Temple at fit times, as may be seen, 1 Chron. 25. The whole number was 288, and they were divided into 24 compa∣nies, twelve in a company.
  • 2. The Nature of the writing, A Psalme, that is, holy matter framed in∣to musical numbers, and fitted to be sung upon an Instrument or Instru∣ments.
  • 3. The Authour or Penman of the Psalm, David, the King of Israel, who is famous for his sweet singing, and excellent Psalmes left unto the Church.
  • 4. The Occasion thereof; 1. Nearer, the coming to him of a certain man, set out here by his name, Nathan, which signifies a gift, and by his Office a Prophet, chosen of God to admonish him for his sinne. Prophets were men appointed by God in a special manner to direct the Church of God in his truth and service. Na∣than was an extraordinary Prophet, he came to David. The Errand on which he came, and his manner of behaviour in doing his Errand, is fuilly and plainly related 2 Sam. 12. 1, 2, 3 2. More remote, his sin in going in to Bathsheba, in committing adultery with her, as the Hebrew phrase modestly signifieth. See 2 Sam. 11. & 12. Chapters.

Verse 1. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindenesse: Ac∣cording unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.]

Deal graciously with me, or be favourable to me, q. d. Whereas I by my sinnes have deserved to be cast out of thy favour, and do finde and feel in my self the sense of thy displeasure, I beseech thee be pleased graciously to receive me into thy fa∣vour, and cause me to know that thou hast freely and undeservedly loved me.

Kindnesse is a word of a larger signification than either grace or compassion, and it signifies the excellent property of Gods Nature, whereby he is apt for his own sake to do good unto his creatures, which are weak and need his goodnesse, and cannot be happy without it; this is well alledged as a reason of craving Gods fa∣vour, for therefore is he ready to accept into favour those which have deserved his

Page 61

displeasure, and are no way able to merit his favour, because the excellent sweet∣nesse and kindnesse of his Nature makes him ready to shew goodnesse unto all those creatures which depend upon him. Grace cannot be shewed but to a sinner which hath offended, kindnesse is, and may be shew'd unto those creatures which have not offended, by bestowing a good estate upon them, and establishing them in that good estate that they cannot fall from it.

The multitude of thy tender mercies.] Bowels, that is, by a Metaphor, that in∣ward moving and earning of the bowels, which in a kinde disposition is stirred up by beholding the misery of another.

Here are three phrases in this and the second verse.

Blot out my rebellions.] Sins are rebellions, or acts of disobedience done by any under government against the Authority and Rule of the Governour, sinne is a lifting up of our souls against the Authority and Power which God hath over us, by preterring our own will before his.

Blot out.] Sinne is compared to a debt written in a debt-book, to make the Debtor obnoxious to the Creditor; and remission of sins is compared to the blotting out the debt, that it may no longer stand in force to make the Debtor liable to an action of debt.

Vers. 2. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin]* 1.157

The second phrase here is, Wash me throughly (or multiply to wash me, or play the Fuller upon me) from mine iniquity. The Hebrew word signifies crookedness or wrinesse; Sinne is a crookednesse of the soul or actions, bowing it from the straight Rule of Gods will, wash it away, so as no stain nor blemish thereof may remain behinde to defile me; Sinne is here compared to bodily filthinesse, or foul∣nesse of any kinde, which disgraceth him in whom it is, and makes him unfit to be received into any good company; and remission of sinne to the cleansing of such foulnesse by means of often and much washing with water, till it become altogether pure and clean, and free from spots.

The third phrase is, Cleanse or purge me from my sinne, where sinne is compared to the legal pollutions of the old Law, which did make a man unclean and unfit to partake in the Tabernacle of any of the services of God, and remission of sinnes is compared to those purgations appointed in the Law to deliver the party from all such uncleannesse, that he might approach to Gods Ordi∣nances.

Vers. 3. For I acknowledge my transgressions; and my sinne is ever be∣fore me.]

It was an ancient custom for the accuser to stand before the accused, 1 Kings 21. 10. the Prophet alludes to this, that is, sometimes I have my eye upon the ac∣cuser,* 1.158 sometimes on the Judge, as the malefactors at their trial.

That is said to be before a man, which is just in his sight, before his eyes or face, so that he looketh still on it. He did present sinne before his own minde willingly, and took those thoughts into his minde that tended to make him more and more see and detest it.

Vers. 4. Against thee, thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight.] He* 1.159 had sinn'd against his own body by fornication, his own soul, because he lost his peace, and brought a decay of his grace, against Uriahs wife, person, family, the Commonwealth of Israel, his own house, the souls of all the accessaries, the Hea∣then that blasphemed the name of God by this act, David speaks comparatively, the offence was committed against God, that weighed down all the rest, Luke 15. 18.

That thou mightst be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.] He noteth not the intent and purpose of his sin, but the event of it, and purpose of his minde in confessing of it, viz. to justifie God.

Judgest.] Executest punishment. He cleareth Gods justice by taking shame unto himself; It is as much as if he should say, Lord, I have so sinned, that thou maist most rightly perform against me all the things which thou hast threatned.

Page 62

Vers. 5. Behold I was shapen in iniquity, and in sinne did my mother conceive me.]* 1.160 Not meaning properly his parents sinne (for he was born in lawfull marri∣age) but his own hereditary sinne, whereof he was guilty in his mothers womb.

Vers. 6. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts; and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.] That is, He had not only light against sin in a common way, but a peculiar work of God upon him.* 1.161

Vers. 7. Purge me with hysop, and I shall be clean.] All the Sacrifices of expiati∣on of sin in the old Law, were done by bloud, and that bloud was sprinkled upon the people by an instrument of a certain plant, which because the word in Hebrew is Ezob, for the nearnesse of the sound, and the indifference of the matter, the In∣terpreters have ever used in all languages to call the word Hyssop.

That is, Wash away my sin with the bloud of thy Son, which is shadowed in the legal sprinklings made with hyssop.

Vers. 8. Cause me to hear joy and gladnesse: that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoyce.] That is, Thou shalt by the hearing of the glad tidings and gracious promise of the life work this joy in me.

Bons broken rejoyce.] That is, the soul exceedingly grieved and sorrowfull for* 1.162 its sins, and so affected with the sense of them, as a living man would be with the sense of his arm or leg, if it were broken in divers shivers.

Vers. 9. Hide thy face from my sinne: and blot out all mine iniquities.] That is a* 1.163 figurative speech taken from the custom of men, who when they are angry with any person or thing, do inflame their wrath yet more by earnest looking upon that thing or person. By Gods face is meant his angry displeasure which David beseecheth him to hide from his sins, that is, from him in regard of his sins, q. d. Look not so upon my sins, as to shew thy self angry against me for the same. In the repetition, Blot out all mine iniquity, he useth the same word that he had used in the first verse, only here adding the note of generality to the subject of his Petition, which he understood.

Vers. 10. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.] To create signifies properly to make of nothing, and David using this word not as if he had not already some beginnings of sanctity; but that God must work it in him out of nothing (he had wisdom before this, and therefore sanctity) but to encourage himself from Gods omnipotent power secretly included in the word Create. He alludeth to the making of the world at first, intimating that if he were as destitute of grace now, as once all things were of being, yet God that gave be∣ing to things that were not, is able also to give grace to him.

By the word [heart] is figuratively meant the inward faculties of the soul, chiefly the thoughts, motions, affections and desires. The word clean or pure sig∣nifies that which is free from the admixture of any base stuff which may impair its beauty and worth.

To renew is to repair or make sound again that which by age or other casualty is decayed or perished, and this word being used after that of creating, shews that David in prayer did gather more comfortable sense of the work of Sanctification. For he that asks to have a thing created, finds nothing of it in himself; he that ask∣eth to have it renewed, finds some remainder and reliques which needs some mend∣ing and addition.

By Spirit is signified the whole inward man in all the faculties of it, and David useth both the words of heart and spirit, which in Scripture are used to note the whole man, because he wisheth an universal reformation, wherein every part shall be amended in its kinde.

The word translated right, in the Text, is Constant in the Margin; The

Page 63

word in the Original notes ordinarily firm, constant and established, as 2 Sam. 7. 16, 26.

Vers. 11. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy holy Spirit from* 1.164 me.] Vox indignantis, Indignation is a compounded affection of shame, hatred and anger.

That is, Deprive me not of that happy union with thee, and that assurance and enjoyment of thy love. By the word Spirit joyned with this epithete Holy, is still meant in Scripture the Spirit of Sanctification, working holinesse in the hearts of Gods people.

Vers. 12. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with thy free Spi∣rit.] To restore a man to any thing, is to give him that again which once he had, but now hath not.

Restore hath five things in it: 1. That once he had a sense of Gods love. 2. He remembers that he had it. 3. It was now lost. 4. He saw a way to gain it. 5. By prayer.

Joy of thy salvation.] That is, the comfort I had in the work of thy grace, strengthening me against sinne, and assuring me of eternal happinesse.

The salvation of God is that work of his grace by which he delivers his people from every evil work and thing, and bringeth them safe to his heavenly kingdom, as 2 Tim. 4. 18. The joy of Gods salvation is that comfort, delight, content, satisfaction of heart, which the heart is filled withall, out of the assurance of this work of grace. It is therefore as much as if David had said, Lord, time hath been that I had great comfort in the sense of the work of thy grace, delivering me from sinne, and all the enemies of my soul, and the assurance of the continuance of this work, till it had brought me safely to the Kingdom, but now I have long wanted this comfort, I humbly beseech thee vouchsafe to give it me again.

Establish or uphold me with thy free Spirit.] That is, so confirm me by thy Spirit in the wayes of goodnesse, that I may no more run into such grosse and soul sins, as my weaknesse otherwise will quickly carry me into.

Free Spirit.] Free,

1. Subjectively, or in it self, giving out liberally to us.* 1.165

2. In the effects it makes us free, Psal. 110. 3. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Vers. 13. Then will I teach transgressours thy wayes.] Both the things thou hast commanded them to do and forbear for thine authority sake, and also the things that thou wilt do to them, for Gods wayes signifie both the wayes he would have men walk in towards him, and wherein he himself hath walked, and will walk in toward them.

Vers. 14. Deliver me from bloud guiltinesse, O God.] Or, as the word signifies,* 1.166 from blouds, that is, the sin of murder, wherewith it may seem his conscience was most defiled and laden.

And my tongue shall sing loud of thy righteousnesse.] That is, I will abundantly praise and magnifie thee, as for all other thine excellencies, so for thy righteous∣nesse in keeping promise, and walking justly with sinners in forgiving their sins for which their surety hath satisfied.

Vers. 15. O Lord open thou my lips.] Though the words be translated, O Lord* 1.167 open my lips, as a prayer, yet the Margin hath it, Lord thou shalt open my lips, as if it had been Lord open, yea I know thou wilt open my lips.

Give me power and strength to be truly thankfull.

Shew forth thy praise.] Publish abroad to others thy praise, that is, such things as make to the honour and commendation of thy great name.

Vers. 16. For thou requirest not Sacrifice, else would I give it, thou delight∣est not in Burnt-offering.] First, God never required Sacrifices compara∣tively, that is, in comparison of a broken heart it's nothing, it is not to be compared with it, as Hos. 6. 6. Joel 2. 13. Secondly, God required them abstractly, and severed from a broken heart. See Isa. 1. 11, 12, 13, 16. and 58. 4, 5.

Page 64

Vers. 17. The Sacrifices of God are a broken Spirit.] It is the Plural* 1.168 Number.

Sacrifices of God.] That is, most eminent, according to the usual Hebraism, the only Sacrifice which God will accept of.

A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.] A broken heart is opposed to a whole heart, which is insensible, unhumbled for sinne, a sensible heart, and afflicted for sin. Contrite is that which is broken to pouder, ready to receive any impression. A Miosis, that is, highly esteem, as 1 John 5. 3. Heb. 12. 5.

Vers. 18. Do good in thy good pleasure unto Sion, build thou the walls of Jerusa∣lem.] Sion was a hill in Jerusalem where David had placed the Ark of God, and it signifies the state of the Church in regard of things Ecclesiastical and spiritual. Je∣rusalem was the chief City of the Kingdom, which David had wonne out of the hands of the Jebusites, and signified the State Civil or Temporal, and by building up the walls thereof, is meant fortifying and defending it against all sorts of ene∣mies; The sense is, Beftow upon us all good things necessary for Church and Com∣monweal, and save us from all evil things that may be harmfull to either of them.

Vers. 19. Then shalt thou be pleased with the Sacrifices of righteousnesse, with Burnt-offering, and whole Burnt-offering, then shall they offer Bullocks upon thine Altar.

Sacrifices of righteousnesse.] That is, righteously offered, the true study of righ∣teousnesse with the Sacrifices.

Bullocks.] That is, all kinde of beasts.

Altar.] Offered to God in the place and manner appointed.

PSAL. LII.

Verse 9. I Will praise thee for ever.] That is, he will hope in God; Hope is the con∣tinuation of our thanksgiving, it gives God the glory of his Might, Mercy, Wisdome.* 1.169

Vers. 10. But I am like a green Olive-tree in the house of God.] Alwayes fresh and flourishing. See Psal, 37. 35. Jer. 11. 16.

PSAL. LIII.

THis Psalm is the same in effect, and almost in words, with the 14th Psalm, some few things changed.

PSAL. LIV.

Verse 6. I Will freely Sacrifice unto thee.] Such Sacrifices the Law mentioneth, Levit. 7. 16.

Page 65

PSAL. LV.

Verse 13. BUt it was thou, a man, mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.

Vers. 14. We took sweet counsel together, and walked into the house of God in company.] Some say * 1.170 Ahitophel, Calvin dislikes that; a great friend of Davids that pretended much to Religion.

Vers. 21. Yet were they drawn Swords.] It is the custom of the Scripture, to name hard pernicious and dangerous words by a similitude, darts and arrows, as in the Psalms, their tongue is a sharp arrow, Gen. 49. 23.

Vers. 22. Cast thy burden upon the Lord.] Omnia vocationis officia, saith one, Om∣nium* 1.171 actionum eventa, another.

  • 1. The burden of duties, in him is all our fruit found.
  • 2. Of suffering.
  • 3. Of losse.

The event and successe of all.

Montanus and others render it donum tuum, though the Lord hath bestowed gifts* 1.172 on thee to use, and for thy comfort, yet trust them with God.

Sustain thee.] Or foster and nourish thee, with food and all other necessa∣ries.

Vers. 23. Bloudy and deceitfull men.] Men of blouds, that is, blondy men, as* 1.173 Psal. 5. 7.

Shall not live out half their dayes.] Heb. Shall not halfen their dayes; that is, not half the dayes which they might live for the strength of their constitutions. See Psal. 102. 24. Job 15. 32, 33.

Grotius interprets it, Non pervenient ad tatem, ad quam hominum multi perveniut, & ipsi pervenire potuerant.
PSAL. LVI.

Verse 8. THou tellest my wandrings.] That is, all those weary steps he took in passing over those two great forets, when he fled from Saul.

Vers. 9. When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back.] David speaks as if there were victory in the moment of his supplication.

Vers. 10. In God will I praise his Word: In the Lord will I praise his Word.] q. d. I have cause to blesse God for his Word, he doubleth it for the greater em∣phasis.

I never knew what sweetnesse, fulnesse, comfort was in the promises, till I was in distresse.

Vers. 12. Thy vows are upon me.] That is, the vows which I have made to thee are lying upon me.

Vers. 13. For thou hast delivered my soul from death. Wilt not thou deliver my feet* 1.174 from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?] As if he should say, thou hast redeemed me, and effectually called, and justified, and sanctified

Page 66

me in some measure, and wilt not thou keep me from falling from thy truth into any damnable errour?

PSAL. LVII.

Verse 4. MY soul is among Lions.] Called here Lebaim, hearty, stout, couragious Li∣ons,* 1.175 of Leb heart, courage. See 2 Sam. 17. 10. Saul and his Courtiers are here Lions to David; and so was the Roman Emperour to Paul, 2 Tim. 4. 17. and all wicked Rulers over the poor people, Prov. 28. 15.

PSAL. LVIII.

Verse 4. THey are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear.] She stops one ear with earth,* 1.176 the other with her tail, as Austin and Cassiodorus say of Adders, that they may not be charmed.

Vers. 10. The righteous shall rejoyce when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.] This speech was taken from the custom of those Countries, that were wont after their travels to wash their feet with cold water* 1.177 and that did refresh them: so the blood of the wicked should be refreshment to the righteous.

Not rejoyce in the evil of their enemies, as it is their proper hurt, but as it is the matter of Gods glory, Non de malo inimici, sed de bono Judice. Anselm.

Quia quando illi damnantur in paenis, illi laetificantur in praemiis. Hieron.
PSAL. LIX.

Verse 6. THey make a noise like a dog] Slanderers are called dogs for their indefatigable∣ness, insatiableness and barking.

Vers. 10. The God of my mercy shall prevent me.] See ver. 17. As if he had said, his mercy is mine, it belongeth unto me. A wicked man may say God is a God of* 1.178 mercy, but only those that are in Covenant may say this.

Prevent me.] Shall be present seasonably to help me.

Vers. 14. Let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the City.] Dogs are greedy and hungry creatures, have alwaies an appetite, therefore course up and down for suftenance, but for most part in vain.

Page 67

PSAL. LX.

Verse 8. MOab is my wash pot.] An allusion to the manner of those Eastern Countries,* 1.179 every night they used to wash their feet, had a vessell for that end. That is, Moab shall serve me in the basest service I shall put them unto.

Over Edom will I cast my shoe.] Meaning thereby that he would bring the poste∣rity of Esau into a base and low estate of subjection unto him, as we may see veri∣fied, 2 Sam. 8. 14. Idumaeos conculcabo, ac pessundabo. Muis.

PSAL. LXI.

Verse 7. O Prepare mercy and truth.] The word signifies to distribute or set out mercy* 1.180 and truth, either David begs a spirit of mercy and truth, that by this means he may be established in his Kingdom, or rather, that God would give with himself, mercy and truth, to preserve him. See Prov. 20. 28.

PSAL. LXII.

Verse 2. I Shall not be greatly moved.] As if he should say, somewhat I may be moved, but* 1.181 much I shall not. See Psal. 37. 24.

Vers. 9. To be laid in the ballance.] Of Scripture or right reason.

They are altogether lighter than vanity.] If all men together be put in one bal∣lance, and vanity in another, they will be lighter than vanity it self. The word Hebel here used, denoteth a vain light thing, as the breath of ones mouth or bubble in the water.

Vers. 10. If riches increase, set not your heart on them.] The Hebrews put the* 1.182 heart for all those things quorum sedes est in corde. 1. Your thoughts, 2 King. 5. 26. let not them ingross your thoughts and consultations. 2. Affections, 1 Sam. 4. 20. take off your love, desire, joy, hope from the things of this life. 3. Con∣fidence, place not your confidence in them, be not puffed up with pride, because you are rich.

Vers. 11. God hath spoken once, twice have I heard this, that power belongeth unto* 1.183 God.]

Page 68

The meaning is, either, that God spake it often, or that David heard it often, though he spake but once, that is, throughly considered it. That is, (saith Dr Taylor) once by the Scriptures, and another time by the holy Ghost. A speech like that Job. 10. 5. it is repeated for confirmation, power in the extent, latitude of it, all power belongs to God as a property.

Vers. 12. Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy, for thou rendrest to every man according to his work.]

The Pal••••ist useth three arguments here to urge men to rely on God. 1. He hath power. 2. Will, to inable him to do any good. 3. Mercy, to render accord∣ing to any good you do.

PSAL. LXIII.

Verse 1. EArly will I seek thee.] That is, every morning the beginning of my work* 1.184 shall be to look towards thee, I will begin my duties in faithfull invocating thy help and ad.

Vers. 3. Because thy loving kindness is better than life.] With all its revenues. One may be weary of life, never of the love and favour of God, Psal. 73. 28. In the Hebrew it is lives, put many lives together, there is more excellency in the disco∣very of Gods love. Of living, viz. men, so Muis saith it may be read.

Vers. 8. My soul followeth hard after thee.] This notes 1. The strength of his* 1.185 intention, Dan. 9. 3. 2. The strength of his affection, Psal. 119. 20. 3. The constancy of a mans pursuit, as that phrase, fulfill after God, Numb. 14. 24. notes the perfection of a mans obedience. See Muis.

Vers. 10. They shall be a portion for Foxes.] That is, lie unburied for Foxes and other wilde beasts to prey upon. Not ordinary Foxes which are so dainty mouth'd that they will not feed on any carkass but what they kill themselves; rather Jackals mungrill creatures, deriving cruelty from the Wolves their fires, and craft from the Foxes their dams, and are very ravening creatures.

PSAL. LXIV.

Verse 6. THey accomplish a diligent search.] Or, a search searched out: that is, a curi∣ous* 1.186 diligent search. The Greek translateth, they are consumed searching out searches: meaning, that they spend both their time and themselves, in searching out evils against the just.

PSAL. LXV.

Verse 1. PRaise waiteth for thee, O God.] Mercy is not yet come, we expect it, whilst thou* 1.187 art preparing the mercy we are preparing the praise.

Vers. 2. O thou that hearest praier, unto thee shall all flesh come.] That is, all sorts* 1.188 of men, as Gen. 6. 12. Psal. 145 21. Act. 2. 17. For this cause he hears prayer, that men might be incouraged to come and seek to him.

Page 69

Vers. 8. The outgoing of the morning and evening to rejoyce.] Outgoings of the* 1.189 morning, the rising of the Stars before the Sun rise.

And evening.] That is, when the Moon riseth and the Stars with her. So Muis.

Vers. 9. With the river of God full of water.] That is, the clouds figuratively de∣scribed.

Vers. 11. And thy paths drop fatness.] Gods paths are said to be there where he* 1.190 much manifests himself. That is, the clouds, the dust of Gods feet, Nah. 1. 3.

PSAL. LXVI.

Verse 3. SUbmit themselves unto thee.] In the Originall it is mentientur tibi, they shall lie un∣to* 1.191 thee, and so it is translated by Arias Montanus, and Calvin, Chald. Par.* 1.192 Vulg. Lat. noting hereby, that a forced submission unto God is seldom in truth. See Psal. 81. 16.

Vers. 16. Come and hear all ye that fear God.] The words are without a copulative in the Hebrew. Venite, audite, Calvinus. Come, hearken, like that Gen. 19. 14. it not only imports an invitation, but the affection also of him that speaks.

Vers. 18. If I regard iniquity in my heart.] If I have seen iniquity, the word is* 1.193 Raath, it noteth the clearest kinde of seeing, such as is with conviction, 1 Sam. 12. 17. Perceive and see, or be convinced, the later word is this here. If I have a minde to wickedness.

PSAL. LXVII.

Verse 1. ANd cause his face to shine upon us.] Or to be light, that is, cheerfull and fa∣vourable.* 1.194 Non illum tristem videamus in peccatis nostris, sed gaudentem in vir∣tutibus. Non eum sentiamus judicem, sed patrem. Hieron. See Prov. 16. 15.

Page 70

PSAL. LXVIII.

Verse 4. EXtoll him that rideth upon the heavens by his Name Jah.] It is an Elogy of the* 1.195 great power of God, because he rides upon the clouds or heavens. See Deut. 33. 26. Isa. 19. 1. It is his proper Name, the Name of his essence; exalt him as the first cause, the chief good and utmost end, as him who is being of beings, and gives being to all creatures, behold this excellency in God, admire him, and have thy heart taken up with high thoughts of him.

Vers. 9. Thou O God didst send a plentifull rain.] That is, dispensations of the* 1.196 Spirit in a more open observable way. See Micah 5. 7. & Muis in loc.

Vers. 11. Great was the company of those that published it.] Great was the compa∣ny* 1.197 of the Preacheresses, the word is Feminine: See Exod. 15. 20. 1 Sam. 18. 16. quia receptum erat vetusto more, epiniia cani à mulieribus. Calvinus. See Muis.

Vers. 14. Though ye have lien among the pots.] Though you look like a black scullion among the pots, fullied and full of filth.

White as the snow in Salmon] Salmon was a great grove in the mountains of* 1.198 Sichem, Judg. 9. 49. where the snow lying there came a great light to the places below.

Vers. 18. Thou hast ascended on high.] Thou Lord Jesus, Ephes. 4. 8. When he* 1.199 ascended up on high. The Psalmist is Propheticall, the Apostle Historicall.

Thou hast led captivity captive.] Or, thou hast captivated captivity, that is, thou hast led those captive, who had captivated thy people; or, he led his people who were miserable captives to Satan, to a blessed captivity to himself. See Rivet. in loc.

Captivasti nos, qui captivi tenebamur à diabolo. Hieron.

Thou hast received gifts for men▪] Ephes. 4. 8. it is gave gifts, because taking is* 1.200 put for giving, 1 King. 3. 24. & 17. 10. and Christ received gifts that he might give them, for men, Heb. in the man, that is, in the humane nature. Accepit ut home, dat ut Deus: & quod accepit, hominibus accepit ut det. Hieron.

Yea for the rebellious also.] That is, say some, those which formerly were so, but now are subdued by the power of the Gospel, but God gives gifts to the re∣bellious, and those that remain so.

That the Lord God might dwell among them.] That is, might have a Church * 1.201 a∣mong them.

Vers. 19. Blessed be the Lord who daily loadeth us.] A gratulatory Epiphonema. Some say, with his mercies; others, with afflictions: He speaks of the benefits of

Page 71

Christs ascension in the former verse, and therefore I suppose with Rivet, it is ra∣ther to be interpreted, bestowing of gifts plentifully.

Vers. 20. The God of salvation.] Of salvations: He only can save and none can save but him, Isa. 43. 11. He hath all orts and waies of salvations, a God of it, it is his priviledge, and belongs to him as he is a God. He is not only power∣full, but skilfull to save. Ideò utitur numero multitudinis & salutes dicit, ut often∣dat, quamvis innumera pericula circumstent, innumeros quoque servandi modos Deum in promptu habere. Rivetus.

And unto God the Lord belong the issues from death.] Or the goings out from death.* 1.202 That is, deliverances from death and deadly danger.

It is an allusion to one that keepeth a passage or a door, that is, God hath all the waies which lead out from death in his own keeping.

Vers. 22. The hairy scalp.] That is, even the most fearfull enemies, that with* 1.203 their gastly visage, deformed with long hair, would strike a terrour into the hearts of beholders.

Vers. 30. Rebuke the company of spear-men.] Or the beast of the reeds, of which* 1.204 spears were anciently made, and to which they are like in fashion. The Chaldee Paraphrase interprets it of Egypt, a Country of reeds; he alludes to the Crocodile the proper beast of that Country, which living both in land and water, usually lies amongst the reeds. See Muis.

Vers. 34. Ascribe ye strength unto God.] Acknowledge it, attribute it to him, give him the honour of it.

PSAL. LXIX.

Verse 4. THey that hate me without a cause, are moe than the hairs of mine head: they that* 1.205 would destroy me being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty.] Christs speech, and true of all his people.

Vers. 9. For the zeal of thine house.] Or jealousie, indignation for polluting of* 1.206 thine house, and studious care to have it conserved holy. See John 2. 15, 16, 17.

Hath aton me up.] Devoured or consumed. See Psal. 119. 139.

Vers. 27. Adde iniquity to their iniquity.] Permissivè, Do thou leave them to themselves that they may adde iniquity to their iniquity. 2. Punitivè, in a way of spirituall judgement, a measure of sin prepares for judgement, as well as a measure of grace for glory.

Page 72

Vers. 28. Let them be blotted out of the book of the living.] Or book of life, That* 1.207 is, declare that they were never written there. See Exod. 32. 32.

PSAL. LXX.

THis Psalm is the same in substance, and almost in words, with the end of Psal. 40.

PSAL. LXXI.

Verse 14. ANd will yet praise thee more and more.] I will adde to thy praise, so the words* 1.208 are in the Originall, as if he should say, God hath had some praise in the world already, I would fain adde something for my part; I would come in with my share, and that he might have some more praise for me.

Vers. 16. I will go in the strength of the Lord God.] That is to go forth

1. In a right apprehension of a mans interest in God by vertue of the new Co∣venant, by which one hath an interest in all his attributes.

2. To go forth in the former experiments that he hath had of God.

Austin (saith Calvin) plus centies ad evertenda operum merita hoc testimonio utitur.
PSAL. LXXII.

Verse 1. GIve the King thy judgements. O God, and thy righteousness unto the Kings son.]* 1.209 Judgement is an ability to know what we ought to do, 1 King. 3. 15. Righte∣ousness is a willingness to do what we know.

Vers. 3. The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hils by righte∣ousness.] Some understand it literally from all parts of the Land, so Calvin: rather the supream and inferiour Magstrates.

Vers. 6. He shall come down like rain upon the mowen grass.] Or as some write it* 1.210 (for so the Originall will bear it.) He shall come down like rain upon the Fleece: having relation to Gideons Fleece. It is chiefly understood of Christ, yet of Salomon also as a type of Christ, and indeed of every good Governour. See 1 King. 4. 25.

Vers. 9. And his enemies shall lick the dust.] They shall fall down so low when* 1.211 they worship him, that their mouthes shall touch the earth. Scimus Orientales hac caeremonia fuisse usos. Calvinus.

Page 73

Vers. 17. His Name shall be continued as long as the Sunne.] Filiabitur nomen ejus,* 1.212 Montanus. Shall be continued as the Name of the Father in the Son. The Greek turneth it, his name continueth.

The sense is, That there shall alwaies be a true Church even to the end of the world, in which Christ gets to himself, in which he is worshipped and praisd Glass. Onomat. See Muis.

PSAL. LXXIII.

Verse 1. TRuly God is good to Israel.] What ever God doth, though wicked men prosper,* 1.213 and the godly be much afflicted. Israel is the common name of the people of God in the Old Testament. See Whitefoot on Gen. 47. 29.

Vers. 4. For there are no bands in their death.] Are not held long a dying, had no lingering disease or consumption.

Vers. 23. Thou hast holden me by my right hand.] That is, helpt him in any thing he did. See Isa. 45. 1.

Vers. 24. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsell.] That is, shalt give me counsell,* 1.214 (I will not take counsell of my self) and that counsell shall be my guide.

Vers. 25. Whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is none upon earth that I de∣sire* 1.215 besides thee?] He had communion with Christ, the glorious Angels, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. See Heb. 12. 23, 24. The substantials of blessedness lie in God, these are but accidentals.

He had beautifull and wise children on earth.

Vers. 26. My flesh and my heart faileth.] Flesh, that is, the outward man, and my heart, that is, the inward man, the courage.

But God is the strength of my heart.] His at last gasp.

And my portion for ever.] That is, the lot wherewith he was content.* 1.216

Vers. 28. But it is good for me to draw near to God.] Best, see vers. 25. 1 In* 1.217 respect of the act of prayer to have communion with God. 2. In respect of the issue of it, all graces are exercised and increased, sins mortified, mercies sanctified and sweetned.

Page 74

PSAL. LXXIV.

Verse 9. WE see not our signes.] That is, the Ordinances.* 1.218

Vers. 11. Pluck it out of thy bosom.] This denoteth a performance of the work* 1.219 without slackness. See Prov. 26. 15. Ainsw.

Vers. 13. Thou brakest the heads of the Dragons in the waters.] That is, the Egyptians, the Noblemen of Egypt, who pursuing the Israelites were drowned in the red sea, Exod. 14. 28. For great persons are likened to Dragons or Whale-fishes, as Ezek 29. 3. Ainsw.

Regem & principes AEgyptios, as Grotius.

Vers. 14. Thou brakest the heads of Leviathan, or Whale, in pieces.] That is, Pharaoh King of Egypt.

And gavest him to be meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness.] For their faith, not bellies. While they were in the wilderness they remembred Gods mercy to them at the red sea.

Vers. 19. O deliver not the soul of thy turtle Dove into the multitude of the wick∣ed.] The Church is so called, for as the Turtle Dove hath but one mate, so the* 1.220 Church must have God only for her love, and is exposed to prey.

PSAL. LXXV.

Verse 3. THe earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved.] Salomon almost ruin∣ed* 1.221 all.

I bear up the pillars of it.] Not by any industry of men. Omnis potestas a summa potestate. Aug.

Vers. 6. For promotion cometh neither from the East, nor from the West, nor from the* 1.222 South.] The desart, that is, the South or North, for desarts were in both ends of the Land of Canaan.

Vers. 8. For in the hand of the Lord there is a Cup.] There is a twofold Cup,* 1.223 1. Of blessing, salvation. 2. Of cursing, wrath, death, as here, and Psal. 11. 6. See Hab. 2. 16. Ezek. 23 31, 32. Jer. 25. 28.

And the wine is red.] Wine is wrath, Job 21. 20. Red, noting fiery indignation: Full of mixture.] Of all manner of judgements, as Rev. 14. 10. It is said to be without mixture, of mercy.

And he poureth out of the same.] viz. Unto his own people, Jer. 25. 17, 18. keeps it not in the Cup.

But the dregs thereof all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out.] Shall wring out the dregs, how bitter soever they be.

Page 75

Significat his figuris Propheta, non posse impios effugere quin sugendo ad ultimam usque guttam, calicem bibant à Deo propinatum. Calvinus.
PSAL. LXXVI.

Verse 4. THe mountains of prey.] Either those places where conquering Armies divided* 1.224 the spoil after a victory obtained: or where robbers preyed upon pas∣sengers.

Vers. 10. Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee.] Which is not so meant, as* 1.225 if the wicked in their rage should praise God, but that their rage should yield great store of matter for God to raise his praise and glory thereby, to make his power, providence and wisdom, to be known to men.

Vers. 12. He shall cut off the spirit of Princes.] The word is, he slippeth off as* 1.226 one should slip a cluster of Grapes from a Vine; so soon and easily is it done.

PSAL. LXXVII.

Verse 10. THe years of the right hand of the most high.] The years and times of my life, wherein I had experience of Gods mercy and love, for so is this phrase inter∣preted, Psal. 17. 7. & 80. 17.

Vers. 19. Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters.] As he led the* 1.227 people at the red sea.

PSAL. LXXVIII.

Verse 2. I Will open my mouth in a parable.] Parables are sententious speeches, speeches* 1.228 filled with weight of wisdom. To open the mouth in a parable is to have an active intention of the Spirit, preparing and fitting the mouth to open.

Vers. 8. A stubborn and rebellious generation.] A metaphor taken from beasts* 1.229 that will not be guided by their rider.

Page 76

Vers. 25. Man did eat Angels food.] Bread of the Mighties, that is, of the* 1.230 Angels (as the Chaldee and Greek explaineth it) which are mighty in strength, Psal. 103. 20. and Manna is called their bread, either because by their Ministry God sent it, so Austin; or because it came from heaven, the habitation of Angels, as the Chaldee paraphraseth; or because it was excellent, so as the Angels (if they needed any food) might eat it. See 1 Cor. 13. 1.

Vers. 27. As dust, as the sand of the sea.] Three things in the Scripture are used proverbially to declare a great multitude, The dust of the earth, the sand of the sea, and the starres of heaven, Gen. 13. 16. Numb. 13. 10. Gen. 22. 17. Deut. 1. 10. Gen. 32. 13. Jer. 15. 8. Hab. 1. 9. Isa. 10. 22. & 48. 19. Hos. 1. 10.

Vers. 32. And beleeved not for his wondrous works.] They did beleeve the History of his works, viz. that such things as are there recorded, were done, but they did not beleeve the prophesie or promise which was virtually in those works, viz. that God would do more wonders for them, till he had finisht and accomplisht their deliverance.

Vers. 36. And they lied unto him with their tongues.] Saying to Moses, whatso∣ever* 1.231 the Lord shall say to us, that will we do. Jerome. One cannot speak too highly of God, but because they beleeved him not to be their Rock and Re∣deemer.

Vers. 38. And did not stirre up all his wrath.] Which was in him, or which their sinne deserved.

Vers. 39. For he remembred that they were but flesh.] That is, weak, or in oppo∣sition* 1.232 to Spirit. See Psal. 56. 5.

Vers. 41. And limited the holy one of Israel.] There is a threefold limiting God, 1. To means. 2. To time, so they limited him. 3. To manner.* 1.233

Vers. 42. They remembred not his hand.] That is, they walkt not answerably to so great a deliverance.

Vers. 49. By sending evil angels among them.] That is, say some, good Angels* 1.234 so called, because of the effects, they may be instruments of temporall evils: but the Hebrew Rang is scarce so used in Scripture, and as Tarnovius saith, the good Angels are never so called. Rather evil in themselves, the devil and evil spirits.

Others incline to the Rabbins and others, who by evil angels understand the evils or plagues themselves sent upon Egypt, and the rather because that expression* 1.235 is familiar with the Hebrews of old, Psal. 89. 49. The Chaldee Paraphrast, And shall not see the Angel of death, Hab. 3. 5. The Chaldee, From before him was sent the Angel of death.

Ainsw. and Grotius say, hereby may be meant Moses and Aaron, whom the Lord sent to denounce these plagues before they came, and by their hand brought them on Egypt, Exod. 7. 1, 2, 19. & 18. 1, 2, 5. 16, 21. & 14, 15. Rather the ten se∣verall plagues, saith Dr Clerke.

Vers. 57. They were turned aside like a deceitfull bow.] When a man shoots with a deceitfull bow, though he levell his arrow directly toward the mark, and think with himself to hit it, yet the arrow goes a clean contrary way.

Page 77

PSAL. LXXIX.

Verse 12. ANd render our neighbours sevenfold into their bosoms.] That is, fully and a∣bundantly.* 1.236 The third and seventh number is used by sacred and prophane Writers, for any great multitude, Levit. 4. 6, 7. & 26. 18, 21, 24, 28. Amos 1. 3, 6. Psal. 13. 7. Job 5. 19. Prov. 9. 1. & 24. 16. So the Latines say,

Ter faelix, ter beatus. Falices ter & amplius. Terque quaterque beati.

Into their bosoms.] That is, largely and that it may affect and cleave unto them, Isa. 65. 7. A speech familiar with the Hebrews, Jer. 32. 18. Luke 6. 38.

PSAL. LXXX.

Verse 4. HOw long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people?] Every word hath* 1.237 its Emphasis: How long? a great while: Wilt thou be angry, The word sig∣nifies to breath out anger and fury. Ainsworth renders it smoak. With the prayer (it self) of thy people.

Vers. 17. Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand.] Christ is called the* 1.238 man of Gods right hand, which implies three things, Gods love to him, Christs honour and defence.

PSAL. LXXXI.

Verse 3. BLow the trumpet in the new Moon.] The Lord would have them to keep these* 1.239 new Moons holy to him, to teach them, that it was he who ruled and govern∣ed the world, and all the changes and vicissitudes of it, for as the Moon is predo∣minant over all the inferiour creatures, so doth Gods providence rule all things here below.

Vers. 10. Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it.] As little birds open their mouthes* 1.240 and the old fils them.

Open thy mouth wide.] That is, earnestly, confidently call upon me. Our Savi∣our openeth this sentence, John 15. 17.

And I will fill it.] That is, I will satisfie thy desire to the full.

Page 78

Vers. 16. Fed them also with the finest of wheat: and with honey out of the Rock* 1.241 should have satisfied thee.] God never caused honey to come out of the Rock, but their appetite made it seem honey to them.

PSAL. LXXXII.

Verse 2. SElah.] Wheresoever thou readest this word think there is in the same verse some special and notable thing to be mark'd. As in this verse it signifies as much in Eng∣lish,* 1.242 as though David had said, Oh how great offence is it before God to pervert at one mans request, Justice!

Vers. 6. Ye are gods.] In office, not in nature, not participatione Divinae essentiae,* 1.243 but similitudine divinae potentiae.

PSAL. LXXXIII.

Verse 3. ANd consulted against thy hidden ones.] Things that we would keep safe we bring not ordinarily to common view.

Either those that the Lord undertook to protect, or that were to him as his hid∣den* 1.244 treasure.

PSAL. LXXXIV.

Verse 4. BLessed are they that dwell in thy house.] Or, Congregation, which attend conti∣nually* 1.245 upon holy services.

Vers. 7. They go from strength to strength.] From company to company, or troop to troop, in allusion to the custom of the Jews, all the Males went up thrice a year to Jerusalem, and they went with their flocks and in troops, those that were forward would overtake this, and that troop.

Vers. 11. For the Lord God is a Sunne and Shield: the Lord will give grace and glo∣ry:* 1.246 no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.]

This contains an abridgement of the Covenant of Grace, it is the largest promise* 1.247 we finde in the whole book of God.

The good things are exprest:

  • 1. Metaphorically, Among all inanimate creatures the Sunne is the most excel∣lent; Among all artificial creatures, a Shield is chiefest, and was of greatest use in

Page 79

  • those dayes. The Sunne notes all manner of excellency and prosperity, Isa. 60. 20. Prov. 30. 26. A Shield notes all manner of protection whatsoever, Psal. 3. 4. God will not only provide good things and protect, but is these to you.
  • 2. Literally, 1. All spiritual good things under the name of grace. 2. All E∣ternal under the name of glory. 3. Temporal, no good thing will he withhold, Them that walk uprightly. God pitcheth on this grace of sincerity chiefly, as a badge of our being in the Covenant.
    • 1. Because a sincere heart is the Lords for ever, Prov. 16. 17.
    • 2. It is the touchstone of all other graces, and holds them all together, Ephes. 6. 14. This is, 1, In faith, 1 Tim. 4. 5. 2. In love, 2 Cor. 8. 8. 3. Obedience, Josh. 24. 14. Sincerity is not required from them as the cause, but in them as the subject of it, here is a promise to uprightnesse, and Ezek. 36. 25, 26. of upright∣nesse.
PSAL. LXXXV.

Verse 8. I Will hear what the Lord God will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his Saints.] As if he had said, Certainly it will not be long before God gi∣veth to every soul that truly feareth him, a comfortable assurance of his favour, though he do delay it for a time, surely he will do it ere long.

God speaks peace, when he sends or gives peace, that is, all good things, and* 1.248 when he by secret eccho returns a word of assurance to the Petitioners heart, that he will give peace.

Vers. 10. Mercy and truth are met together: Righteousnesse and peace have kissed each other.] He speaks as if there were a conflict between these Attributes, in re∣lation to us there may seem to be so, righteousnesse calleth for vengeance, mercy moveth to pity, but now Christ hath satisfied justice, and accomplished truth, and so they sweetly meet in the Covenant of Grace.

PSAL. LXXXVI.

Verse 16 GIve thy strength unto thy servant.] That is, put forth almighty power for my succour, some expound it of strength in the inward man. See Psal. 43. 2.

PSAL. LXXXVII.

Verse 3. GLorious things are spoken of thee (rather in thee) O City of God.] That is, Je∣rusalem,* 1.249 so called also Psal. 46 5. & 48. 2. a figure of the Church and Babylon.

Vers. 4. I will make mention of Rahab.] Rahab signifieth pride and insolency, that is, Egypt, so called for its pride, Psal. 89. 10. Babylon held the people of God in captivity, and sorely oppressed them.

Page 80

Vers. 7. As well the Singers as the players on Instruments.] He speaks of the man∣ner* 1.250 of praising of God under the Law with singing and musical Instruments, 1 Chron. 9. 33. & 25. 1, 2.

All my springs are in thee.] That is, all my springs of truth that are revealed to* 1.251 me, all the springs of comfort that I have communicated to my soul, all the springs of grace that I have to quicken me, they are all in thee, in the joynt society and communion with Gods people.

PSAL. LXXXVIII.

OF Heman.] One of the holiest and wisest men then living, 1 King. 4. 31. un∣der the heaviest trouble almost that can befall a Saint.

Vers. 5. Free among the dead like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou remem∣brest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand.] My eternal state is cast, there is no hope of mercy for me.

Free among the dead.] The word signifieth to set a servant free, my name is en∣tred* 1.252 among the dead.

Vers. 15. When I suffer thy terrours, I am distracted.] The word doth not pro∣perly signifie the distraction of one that is mad, but of one that is in doubt, and yet that distraction doth often lead to a degree of this.

Brought to such endlesse doubts, that I know not what to say or do.

PSAL. LXXXIX.

Verse 4. BUild up thy Throne to all Generations.] Make it flourish and establish it, that it* 1.253 shall never be moved.

Vers. 7. God is greatly to be feared.] The word signifies a dreadfull fear, a fear of destruction.

Vers. 14. Mercy and Truth shall go before my face.] Mercy and truth, or faith∣fulnesse, or words to that purpose, are six times coupled in this Psalm, vers. 1, 2. vers. 24, 28, 33.

Go before thy face.] As prest and ready at hand to do the creatures good.

Vers. 15. Blessed is the people that know the joyfull sound.] Which have a sweet* 1.254 taste of thy grace, an allusion to the silver Trumpets which sounded at their feasts, Congregations, when liberty was to be given to those that were in bondage.

The sounding of the Trumpets among the Jews, was

  • 1. At the removing of the Camp.
  • 2. At the calling of the Assembly.
  • 3. At the year of Jubilee, when deliverance was proclaimed.

Vers. 19. I have laid help upon one that is mighty.] It is literally expounded of* 1.255 David, but of him as a type of Christ.

Laid help.] It is understood two wayes: 1. Put all assistance in his power. 2. Have committed all assistance by way of office to his charge, not onely to deliver us from the guilt of sinne, but the weaknesses which it hath brought upon us.

Vers. 22. The enemy shall not exact upon him.] The word translated exact, sig∣nifies* 1.256 to seduce, cheat and deceive, and so is rendred Jer. 29. 8.

Nor the son of wickednesse. The Hebrews tell us, it is properly the naughtinesse of

Page 81

some evil natured children, which bite the nipple that giveth them milk, who uck and bite both at once.

Vers. 37. And his Throne as the Sunne before me.] That is, perpetuall* 1.257 and glorious (as the Chaldee explaineth it, Shall shine as the Sunne.) See Psal. 72. 5.

PSAL. XC.

AUstin doubts whether Moses made this Psalm, but Jerom saith, It was Moses that wrote the Pentateuch, because call'd the man of God. So Deus. 33. 1.

Aben Ezra saith, In my opinion Moses our Lord or Master (as they use to style him) composed this Psalm. Euthymius saith, it belongs to the baptized taken out* 1.258 of the water, which is the Etymology of Moses his name, Quia per baptism•••••• ef∣fiiuntur homines D••••. Euthymius Prolog. in Psal.

Some refer it to be made in Exod. 32. on that occasion. Ainsworth refers it to that History, Numb. 14. See Hackw. Apol. p. 148.

This Psalm is a Tract of the shortnesse of life. Moses in fourty years saw six hun∣dred thousand men swept off the stage of this world, besides women and children, therefore he knew this well▪

Vers. 1. Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.] 1. Because* 1.259 he constantly resides with his people. 2. He constantly retires thither to inde rest. 3. One retreats to his house for safety when danger comes, that is his Castle; This word is refuge, God is the refuge of his people, Deut. 32. 27. there the same word is used.

Vers. 4. For a thousand years in thy ight ar but as yesterday.] That is, a thousand yeares with man in respect of the Eternity of God, are but as a day.

Vers. 10. The dayes of our years are threescore years and t••••.] Seventy years is mans age, 1 Kings 1. 1. 1 Chron. 19. 20. Eighty years, so long Plato lived. Sen. Epist. 51. 2 Sam. 19. 32, 35.

And if by reason of strength, they be fourscore years, yt is their strength, labour* 1.260 and sorrow.] In the Original it is Rohebam superbia, the strength of creatures is called pride, because it often inclineth unto pride.

And we flie away.] That is, our souls.

Vers. 11. Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is* 1.261 thy wrath.] q. d. The wrath of God surpasseth knowledge, who seriously consi∣ders what it is to offend God, those poor souls that are under the terrour of the Lord consider it.

Fear what you can, there is something in the wrath of God answerable to it, and beyond it, according to the dreadfulnesse of thy displeasure, so is thy wrath. We over-fear the wrath of men, but cannot have too dreadfull apprehensions of the wrath of God.

Vers. 12. So teach us to number our dayes, that we may apply our hearts unto wis∣dom.] To be so perswaded of, and to think of the uncertainty of our lives, as we may seriously study and endeavour to please th••••, and provide for the salvation of our own souls.

Vers. 14. O satisfie us early.] Or in the morning, that is, after the dark night of afflictions. See Psal. 15. 4. & 30. 6.

Page 82

Vers. 17. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us.] Either that which he puts upon us, and works in us, or which shines upon us in his favour; the face is the seat of beauty, love shining in his face, is the beauty of God up∣on us.

And establish thou the work of our hands upon us.] He meaneth, Strengthen and* 1.262 inable us to do the works thou commandest us to do.

Yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.] There is an emphasis in the words, he repeats them again, to expresse the greatnesse of his desire.

PSAL. XCI.

THis Psalm seemeth to have been made, when the destroying Angel in the dayes of King David having slain seventy thousand, did at the Lords command cease, 2 Sam. 20. 16.

Vers. 1. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High.] Dwelling notes inti∣mate communion, I will come unto him, and dwell with him.

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.] It is a Metaphor from a Bird, when a Kite stoops at her young ones, she keeps them under her Wing.

Vers. 2. He is my refuge.] That is, I have good cause so to say.

Vers. 3. From the snare of the Fowler.] Or, Hunter, the Devil who hunts for souls;* 1.263 the pestilence is here compared to a net, because it came suddenly upon the people, as the snare upon the Bird.

And from the noisom pestilence.] Or, From the pestilence of griefs, so the Hebrew, because it is most grievous to those that are visited with it. Some distinguish the snare from the pestilence, as a hidden evil from a manifest one, as if the Prophet had said, whether the Devil privily lay snares for us, or openly oppose us, God will be ready to help us, quod mihi nou displicet, saith Calvin.

Vers. 4. His truth.] Or faithfulnesse in performing * 1.264 promises.

Vers. 6. Nor the pestilence that walketh in darknesse.] The pestilence work∣eth strongly and forcibly to death in the dark, it spreadeth secretly and close∣ly, as they go unseen: Some say it is more violent in the night, because the air is thick.

Nor for the destruction that wasteth at Noon-day.] The word signifies a cutting or* 1.265 sore biting, such as makes a common slaughter.

Some say men are most apt at Noon-day to receive poison, because then the pores of the body are opened.

Vers. 11. For he shall give his Angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy* 1.266 wayes.] The promise was made primarily to Christ, but is true of his members. The holy Angels shall be as carefull for the safety of Gods children in common calamities of famine, pestilence, as the Nurse is over her tender childe to hold it in her hands, and bear it up in her arms, lest it should fall and hurt it self, alwayes provided, that the childe of God keep himself in his wayes, that is, in obedience to Gods Commandments, in the duties of his lawfull calling. See Psalm 34. 8. & Heb. 1. 14.

Page 83

Calvin urgeth this place against that opinion, That every one hath his peculiar Angel, and saith, The heavenly host are solicitous for the safety of every Saint, and that it is behovefull for the godly to hold this firm, that as they are to conflict with many enemies, so they are guarded with many keepers.

Vers. 13. Thou shalt tread upon the Lion and Adder: The young Lion and the Dra∣gon* 1.267 shalt thou trample under feet.] Despise the most deadly dangers, it notes Sub∣jectionem & contemptum; that is, thou shalt go safely and happily through the most dangerous works of thy calling, and prevail against thy most violent and mighty foes. This promise is so chiefly made to Christ our Head, as that we have each his part in it by participation from our Head.

PSAL. XCII.

The Title.

A Psalm, or Song for the Sabbath-day.] Calvin saith, he doubts not but they* 1.268 were wont to sing this Psalm on the Sabbath-day, as the Inscription shews, and it appears from other places, that some other Psalms were properly destinated to this use.

Vers. 5. Thy thoughts are very deep.] So deep that the line of mans under∣standing is not able to fathom them. The thoughts of God are his decrees and* 1.269 counsels.

Vers. 7. It is, that they may be destroyed for ever.] That is, a demonstration, God doth this that they may be destroyed for ever.

Vers. 10. I shall be annointed with fresh oyl.] Shall have a fresh pouring out of* 1.270 the Spirit.

Vers. 12. The righteous shall flourish like the Palm-tree.] There is a double mot∣to of the Palm-tree, 1. Perpetuò viret, it is alwayes green. 2. Sub pondere crescit, the more it is loaden, the deeper it is rooted, therefore the branches carried in the hand, worn in garlands, were signs of victory, Revel. 7. 9

He shall grow like a Cedar in Lebanon.] The Cedar of all trees is most durable, and shoots up highest.

Vers. 14. They shall bring forth fruit in old age.] When the outward man* 1.271 is withered, all other things decay with age. Sola Ecclesia perpetuò viget & viret.

Page 84

PSAL. XCIII.

Verse 1. THe Lord reigneth] This upheld Luther amidst his oppositions, Christu vivit & regnat.

He is cloathed with Majesty.] 1. Full of Majesty, Psal 65. 14. 2. His Majesty* 1.272 is eminent and conspicuous to all the world, therefore he is said to be the King of glory.

Cloathed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself.] Girding with strength* 1.273 implies two things: 1. The great strength which God hath. 2. His readinesse to help his Subjects in danger. See Isa. 8. 9. Luke 12. 35.

Vers. 3. The flouds have lifted up their voice.] Flouds, that is, troubles, Ps. 65. 8.* 1.274 & 18. 5. Isa. 17. 12, 13.

Have lifted up their voice] Come with great dread.

PSAL. XCIV.

Verse 12. BLessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy Law]* 1.275 The holy Ghost useth six Arguments to prove that a man is blest who is cha∣stened.

  • 1. Because he is instructed by affliction, as here. See Isa. 48. 17.
  • 2. The end why God layes afflictions on his people, is to give them rest from the dayes of adversity, vers. 13. this is more than after adversity, because greater affli∣ctions are coming on them for the future, and God spiritually supports them under trouble.
  • 3. Untill the pit be digged for the wicked, in the same verse, while their hearts are swelling, and they fill up the measure of their sins.
  • 4. God will support them, vers. 14.
  • ...

    5. There shall be a glorious restauration.

    Vers. 15. But judgement shall return unto righteousnesse] There should be a hap∣py conjunction of them, by mans sin they are severed.

  • 6. All the upright in heart shall follow it, in the same verse, after God, say some, who is the authour of this restauration, Isa. 51. 7.

Vers. 19. In the multitude of my thoughts within me] Confusion of thoughts* 1.276 was within him, whether to stick to God, or to leave him.

My carefull troubled thoughts, perplexed as the branches of a tree (for so the word properly signifieth) therefore the Greek turneth it sorrows, so Psal. 139. 43. Ainsw.

Thy comforts] Not efficiently but objectively, the consideration of what thou art to me.

Delight my soul] Revive and keep it from sinking.

Page 85

PSAL. XCV.

Verse 6. OCome, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.]* 1.277 Tribus verbis rem unam designat, ut scilicet filii Abrahae se ttos Deo addicunt. Calvinus. He expresseth one thing in three words, viz. that the sons of Abraham should give themselves wholly to God.

Vers. 11. That they should not enter into my rest] Canaan was but a type. See Heb. 3. 11, 12. & 4. 3, 8, 9, 11.

PSAL. XCVI.

THis Psalm is a part of that Song wherewith God was celebrated, when the Ark of his Covenant was brought with joy into Davids City from O∣bed. Edoms house, 1 Chron. 16. 23. It containeth a Prophecie of Christs Kingdome, and of calling the Gentiles from Idols to serve and praise the li∣ving God.

PSAL. XCVII.

THis Psalm is of Christ and his Reign, as the seventh verse manifesteth.* 1.278

Vers. 1. The Lord reigneth.] That is, Christ, the Government of all the creatures is committed to him, as Mediator, and all the Attributes of God are ma∣naged by him as Mediatour, therefore let the earth rejoyce.

Let the multitude of Isles be glad thereof.] That is, the converted Gentiles which* 1.279 live in the Isles. Compare Isa. 42. 4. with Mat. 12. 21.

Vers. 2. Clouds and darknesse are round about him.] As when Christ was concei∣ved by the holy Ghost, the power of the most High overshadowed the Virgin. Je∣rom thinks he means the Cloud which covered Christ in the transfiguration.

Clouds and darknesse about God or Christ expresse,

  • 1. The terriblenesse of his administrations, Psal. 18. 11. Nahum 1. 3. Zeph. 1. 15.* 1.280 because whirlwinds, hail and storm, which strike terrour, usually come out of the clouds.
  • 2. His Occulta judicia. therefore when he came down on Mount Sinai, he was covered with a Cloud, not only to signifie his Majesty, but the mysticalnesse of those administrations they were to be under, a Cloud covered the Temple for the same reason.

Righteousnesse and judgement are the habitation of his Throne] That is, his righte∣ous* 1.281 judgement, or his judgement according to righteousnesse

Habitation] Establishment or base. See Psal. 89. 15.

Vers. 7. Worship him all ye gods] That is, all that excell in power, eminency, au∣thority,* 1.282 whether Magistrates here, or Angels above, Heb. 1. 6.

Page 86

Quicquid habetur pro Deo, cedat & se submittat, ut emineat Deus unus. Calvinus.

Vers. 10, Ye that love the Lord hate evil.] Hatred of evil ariseth from love to God.

  • 1. Because to will and nill the same thing is true friendship, Prov. 8. 13.
  • 2. Sin is the greatest enemy to God, 2 Sam. 12. 9. Rom. 8. 7.
  • 3. It will endanger his love to them, Isa. 59▪ 2.
  • 4. It is as natural to grace to hate evil, as to love God, as love was made for God, so hatred for evil.

Hatred of sinne is inferred from the love of Gods Law, Psal. 119. 113. here from love to him.

Our hatred of sin must be,

  • 1. Universal, Psal. 119. 104.
  • 2. Implacable, Rom. 7. 24.

It is discovered,

  • 1. By a constant jealousie and watchfulnesse.
  • 2. By a serious resisting the temptation.
  • 3. By a bitter grief after.

He preserveth the souls of his Saints] 'Tis true of their lives, much more of their souls, it is interpreted both wayes.

Vers. 11. Light is sown for the righteous, and gladnesse for the upright in heart]* 1.283 Light and joy belong unto them: But how? It is sown, that is, it is in hope and ex∣pectation, and not alwayes in fruition, as the Husband-mans seed will come and bring increase with it.

PSAL. XCVIII.

Verse 1. O Sing unto the Lord a new Song.] That is, praise him, Psal. 40. 3. See* 1.284 Psal. 33. 3.

PSAL. XCIX.

THis Psalm is a Psalm of praise, stirring up the people of God to that duty by a three-fold exhortation. The first in the three first verses. The second in the fourth and fifth, the third in the four last.

The Prophet layes down the grounds of the duty:

1. Gods universal Sovereignty over all things.

Vers. 1. The Lord reigneth.] Exerciseth kingly Authority, which is supream Sovereign and absolute, having no Superiour nor partner.

2. His gracious presence in his Church set out figuratively in that phrase, He sitteth between the Cherubims. The Cherubims were Images of flying men, which shadowed the Mercy-seat, or covering of the Ark with their faces toward one ano∣ther, and looking downward upon the Ark, and seem to have been types of the holy Angels, both looking into the great Mystery of Christs Incarnation, and the Redemption of mankinde wrought by him, and also standing prepared and ad∣dressed to yeeld their service unto Christ, as ministring spirits for the good of his

Page 87

Church in any imploiment, and from thence did God give answers to his people by the Ministry of the High-priest, and there did he vouchsase some visible sign of his Divine Majesty, so that it was a testimony to Gods people of his being graciously present with them in Christ to do all spiritual good for them.

3. The effects of both these, viz. the trembling of all people, and shaking of the earth. Trembling and shaking are effects of a great measure of fear, over∣coming the person in whom it is, and leaving him destitute of all power to resist and oppose, or flie from the thing feared. The meaning seemeth to be, that all men, yea, and all things shall even faint and shrink before the Lord, as utterly un∣able to stand against him when he comes to fight for his Church, and defeat their projects and practices against it.

4. Gods greatnesse in his Church, vers. 2. The Lord is great in Zion, and he is high above all people.] By Zion, a part put for the whole, is meant the whole Church, where Christ is acknowledged, and the name of God called upon in him. God is said to be great there, because in the Church, and for the maintenance and guidance of it, he principally declares his greatnesse.

High above all people] Not alone in respect of authority or right to govern, but also in respect of strength, power and sufficiency, so that he is able to effect his own will amongst and against them, and they cannot hinder his designs and purpose, or effect any thing contrary to his good pleasure.

Secondly, The Prophet layes down the duty it self:

In the third verse is the matter of the Exhortation, with a reason to confirm it also, Let them praise] Or, They shall or ought to praise; it is so an Exhor∣tation to a duty, that it also shews a necessity, and fore-tels the perform∣ance of it.

Thy great and terrible Name] That is, thy self that art great and fearfull.

For it holy] So it is concisely in the Original, and may be meant of the name of God or himself, all is one; for when the name of God is said to be holy, the mea∣ning is, Himself is, and known so to be. The Name of God signifies his re∣nown and honour, and sometimes those things by which he is made known and called, and sometimes himself so called and made known, as here.

Vers. 4. The Kings strength also loveth Judgment] By it here may be meant wis∣dom and understanding to moderate justice. Justice is,

  • 1. Commutative, which stands in the right behaviour of one person to another in all things, as also toward the Governour.
  • 2. Distributive, which is proper to Superiours and Governours, and standeth in the right ordering of their Inferiours by punishing and rewarding them according to their works.

Thou dost establish equity] To establish equity is to appoint and ordain by his powerfull authority, the doing of that which is right and equal, to ratifie it as a* 1.285 Law, which cannot be altered or disanulled.

Thou executest judgement and righteousnesse in Jacob] Thou givest to every man* 1.286 according to his works, Psal. 99. 14. In Jacob, in the Church.

Vers. 5. Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool: For he is holy.] Ut sit excelsus in cordibus vestris. Hieron.

To exalt is to lift on high, not in place but worth, so termed figuratively, be∣cause it makes him eminent, the meaning is, take notice of, confesse, acknowledge, make known and set forth Gods excellency.

To worship is to bow down the head or whole body in testimony of doing honour.

Page 88

The Footstool of God is his Ark, Temple or Tabernacle. A footstool is the* 1.287 lower part of a Throne prepared for him to rest his feet upon that sits on the Throne.

This Hebrew word here translated Footstool is six times used in the Old Testa∣ment, and hath alwayes the word feet added to it, as 1 Chron. 28. 2. Psal. 132. 7. & 110. 1. Isa. 66. 1. Lam. 2. 1. and here.

The LXX who translated the Hebrew into Greek, do herein follow the Hebrew, so do the Pen-men of the New Testament, who wrote in Greek, and that in eight several places, as Matth. 5. 35. & 22. 44. Mark 12. 36. Luke 20. 43. Acts 2. 35. & 7. 49. Heb. 1. 13. & 10. 13. Once the word Footstool is singly used with∣out the addition of the other phrase of feet, Jam. 2. 3. Doctor Guge on Heb. 1. 14. Sect. 154.

These signs were fitly called his footstool, there his feet as it were are set, a littlelow expression of his greatnes is here, a mean and scant manifestation of his excellencies, but the fulnesse of his Majesty is seen alone in Heaven.

For he is holy] Gods holinesse is thrice repeated in this Psalm. Holinesse in God is that Excellency of his Nature, whereby he is separated to himself, re∣gards himself, knows himself, esteems himself, loves himself, doth all for himself.

Vers. 6. Moses and Aaron among his Priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name.] The Lord raised up holy Priests and Prophets for his people, Mo∣ses and Aaron were Priests, Moses extraordinarily, Aaron ordinarily, Samuel a Prophet called on his Name in behalf of his people to turn away punishment from them. See Jer. 15. 1.

They called upon the Lord, and he answered them.] God heard them, and at their request did forbear to plague the people.

Vers. 7. He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the Ordinance that he gave them.] This is meant not alone of those particular times, when God spake out of a cloudy pillar to Moses and Aaron, as he did often, but of his giving unto the people the whole Law out of Mount Sinai, which was full of darknes and fire to, Exod. 19. 18. and that because he telleth of their keeping the Laws after in the next clause.

Vers. 8. Thou answeredst them, O Lord our God: thou wast a God that forgavest* 1.288 them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.] That is, that didst sometimes forbear to punish them, and forgavest their sins, and sometimes again didst severe∣ly punish them for their sins, or that pardoned the penitent amongst them, but did a∣venge himself upon the impenitent, didst punish their inventions, or works, or deed.

PSAL. C.

THis is a Psalm of praise, that is, a Psalm made for this purpose to be sung to the praise of God in the Assemblies of his Saints.

Vers. 1. Make a joyfull noise unto the Lord.] Shout to him out of great glad∣nesse in respect of his goodnesse, and the benefits he gives us, especially himself, or out of applause of his excellent works. The word is used to signifie the blowing of an alarm with Trumpets, Levit. 10. 5. the Prophet may well allude to this cu∣stome of blowing with Trumpets over their Sacrifices, as they were wont to do in their new Moons, and this they did to expresse the greatnesse of their joy in God.

Page 89

All ye Lands.] Heb. All the earth, not alone all the Land of Israel at that time,* 1.289 but all the world after Christs coming.

Vers. 2. Serve the Lord with gladnesse.] That is, Do his works, submit to his Laws, acknowledge his Sovereignty over us, and be ruled by him, and that cheerfully.

Come before his presence with singing] The face of God here signifies his gracious presence in his Tabernacle.

Come before.] That is, present ones self in that place', with reference to this presence, and with observation of it. The singing of Psalms with great joy and gladnesse.

Vers. 3. Know ye that the Lord he is God, it is he that hath made us, and not we our selves, we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.] Here is the reason of the former, he to whom this service is to be performed is indeed God, and therefore worthy to be served, and the benefits he hath done for us re∣quire no lesse.* 1.290

Made us.] Formed each of us in the womb.

Not we our * 1.291 selves.] This work is wholly and only Gods.

We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture] Admits us to be his, and provides us pasture as a shepherd for his sheep.

Vers. 4. Enter into his Gates with thankesgiving, and into his Courts with praise, be thankefull unto him, and blesse his Name.] Gates and Courts of the Tabernacle and Temple, he requireth to give thanks, and praise him pub∣lickly when they met together at the place appointed by God for that pur∣pose.

Vers. 5. For the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting.] Apt to procure welfare to himself eternally and infinitely, and also to all creatures.

And his truth endureth to all generations] Faithfull in keeping Covenant, and ma∣king good his promises.

PSAL. CI.

THe tenour of this Psalm sheweth, that David coming to his Kingdom, 1. Reformeth his Person.

2. His Court and Family.

3. His Countrey.

In this Psalm David bindeth himself to be thankfull unto God for his advance∣ment to the Kingdom of Israel. He bindes himself to a thankfull acknowledgement of Gods goodnesse, and praising God for this benefit in the first verse.

2. Rightly to behave himself in the rest of the Psalm.

Vers. 1. I will sing of mercy and judgement, unto thee, O Lord, will I sing.]* 1.292 Sing and play on the Instrument, for so the second word signifies, which is transla∣ted sing.

The matter of this Song is Mercy and Judgement, the end of it, To thee, O Lord, that is, to thy praise and honour, to shew my gratitude to thee. Mercy is kinde∣nesse

Page 90

or beneficence, doing good out of favour, bestowing benefits of all sorts; This is one part of Davids Song, the great benefits which the Lord had vouchsa∣fed. These he resolveth gladly to set forth and inlarge in his Song. Judgement here signifieth the righteous execution of punishment upon his enemies which ha∣ted him, and sought to hinder him of the Kingdom, which God had promised un∣to him.

The second part of the Psalm, shews another way of declaring his thankfulnesse, viz. by behaving himself virtuously in the Kingdom, by a faithfull discharge of his duty, both in respect of his personal walking for his own particular conversation, vers. 2, 3. and in his government both of his Family and Court, vers 4, 5, 6, 7. and also of his whole Kingdom, vers. 8.

Vers. 2. I will behave my self wisely in a perfect way] That is, Would use pru∣dence* 1.293 and discretion in considering his actions seriously, and applying his minde with all diligence to know what is fit to be done, and to do it accordingly in the due time and order.

In a perfect way] Order all and each of his actions obediently, and according to the rule of Gods Law.

O, when wilt thou come unto me] It may be interpreted three wayes of Gods com∣ing* 1.294 to him, in fulfilling his promise, and making him King, If he made this Psalm before he was setled in his Kingdom, or of Gods coming to him by gracious help in his Kingdom, or of Gods coming to him by death, the second interpretation seems the best.

Ainsworth expounds it, When wilt thou come] viz. To assist me in the perfor∣mance hereof: Or, When thou shalt come.] viz. To call me to an account of my life.

I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.] Not only when I am abroad, that is, in all his private carriage at home within his private wals.

Medium domus sua palatio & publicis aedibus opponit: ac si diceret intra privates parietes. Calvinus.

A perfect heart.] A will resolved in all things to please God. To walk with a perfect heart, is constantly to look to his heart, that it may be, and he may shew it to be perfect.

Vers. 3. I will set no wicked thing before mine eres.] To set a thing before ones eyes, is to consider of it, how he may do it, an evil thing, or thing of Belial, is* 1.295 any manner of wicked deed. The word Belial signifies without yoke or profit, and is a name and title of the Devil himself, 2 Cor. 6. 15. Evil things are fitly so cal∣led, because the Devil brought sinne into the world, and he still moveth men to sinne.

I hate the work of them that turn aside, it shall not cleave to me.] q. d. If my heart* 1.296 rise not against such sins, if I should not dislike and hate them, ome blot would cleave to me, but not now.

Such as turned away from the worship of the true God, and from his Laws and Statutes.

Vers. 4. A froward heart shall depart from me.] I will not converse with them fa∣miliarly.

I will not know a wicked person.] That is, love, favour, approve, countenance them, Psal. 1. 6.

Vers. 5. Who so privily slandereth his Neighbour, him will I cut off.] He would* 1.297 suffer no backbiter, nor endure to come near them, or have them about him, nor let them passe away unchastened that were proud.

Page 91

Vers. 6. Mine eyes shall be upon the faithfull of the Land, that they may dwell with* 1.298 me.] That is, he will diligently and carefully enquire after such, that he might pick even the choicest of them for his service.

He saith not another mans eyes, but mine eyes, he would not put all the trust upon others, he would himself make what proof and triall he could.

Vers. 8. I will early destroy all the wicked of the Land.] Constantly, diligently,* 1.299 seasonably and speedily. See Psal. 73. 14.

That I may cut off all wicked doers from the City of the Lord.] Severely punish with death, if the nature of their faults require it.

The City of the Lord.] The whole Land, Jerusalem especially.

PSAL. CII.

THe Penman of this Psalm is unknown. It was made either in the time of the* 1.300 Babylonish Captivity, or Prophetically before it, for the benefit of the Saints in that time.

Poureth out his complaint, or meditation.] Pouring forth intimates plenty of matter and earnestness in uttering it, but withall a kinde of disrespecting of words and order.

Vers. 1. Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come unto thee.] It is an ear∣nest asking with loudness of the desire, though not of the voice.

Come unto thee] Sig. to give heed unto it.

Vers. 2. Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble.] He notes a desire of favour in deprecating the contrary.

Incline thine ear unto me in the day when I call, answer me speedily.] Whensoever I call, make haste. Answer me speedily.] To answer is more than to hear, viz. returning word again to a person concerning the matter whereof he hath spoken, and to incline ones ar is to use great and favourable attention, as a man which gives another leave to come so near him, that he may even lay his ear to his mouth and hear his whisperings, if he had more secret and important matter to speak of.

Vers. 3. For my daies are consumed like smoak] Without all comfort, vainly, and* 1.301 to no purpose.

And my boxes are burnt as an hearth.] That is, all his strength was quite dried up, so that no marrow and moisture remained.

Page 92

Vers. 4. My heart is smitten and withered like grass.] This is more emphaticall,* 1.302 say some, than I am smitten.

Vers. 5. My bones cleave to my skin, or flesh.] So Calvin and Ainsw.* 1.303

Vers. 6. I am like a Pellican of the wilderness.] A bird living in wilde and desolate* 1.304 places, Zeph 2. 14. Isa. 34. 11. Hierom writing upon these words, saith, when the Pellican beholdeth her young ones brought almost to death by the sting of a Ser∣pent, she diggeth a hole in her breast with her beak, and from thence fetcheth out blood, which lighting upon, and besprinkling them, doth kill the poison of the Serpents sting, and restore them to life; but Christ was contented to have his breast, his head, his sides, his hands and feet pierced and opened, that he might besprinkle us with his blood, and so revive us that were dead in sins, by the poy∣sonous sting of the old Serpent, Rev. 12. 9.

Vers. 7. I watch, and I am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.] Was kept* 1.305 sleepless and unable to take his naturall rest, and that by reason of his being com∣fortless and friendless, and destitute of all means of safeguarding him from danger, as a sparrow alone upon the house top.

Vers. 8. Mine enemies reproach me all the day: and they that are mad against me,* 1.306 are sworn against me.] His enemies traduced him, and bound themselves with oaths to do him mischief.

Nish bagnu jurant in me, that is, they wish all evil to befall me, that I may become an execration, so Numb. 5. 27. & Isa. 65. 15. a pattern of misery, so that all men might say when they cursed, the Lord make thee like David.

Vers. 9. For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping.] That is, when I did eat and drink, I had then little joy in my food, for I wept a∣bundantly in the midst of my meals.

He did count himself so vile a sinner, that he was not worthy to feed upon any better food, and that dust and ashes were too good for him. In the daies of old they were wont in times of sorrow and sadness in a Fast, to sprinkle dust and ashes upon their heads, from whence our Ashwednesday hath its name, being dies cinerum, a day wherein men humbled themselves before the Lord in dust and ashes; he means he did fast exceeding much.

Vers. 10. Because of thine indignation and thy wrath, for thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down.] That is, had most vehemently cast him down, as a man which lifts up a thing first, that he may throw it down with more strength and ve∣hemency.

Vers. 11. And I am withered like grass.] Before he said his heart withered like grass, that is, all his comfort and cheerfulness was dashed, now he saith himself was withered, which is something more then the withering of his heart, it signifies that he was even ready to die and perish through extremity of sorrow.

Vers. 12. But thou, O Lord, shalt endure for ever, and thy remembrance unto all generations.] God himself is eternall, and he will give cause to those which live

Page 93

in one age as well as another to remember his truth, goodness and great works.

Vers. 13. Thou shalt arise and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea the set time is come.] Gods power is noted in the word Arise, the appointed* 1.307 time is come, God had limited their Captivity to seventy years, which were ready to be expired.

Vers. 14. For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof.] That is, were greatly gladded to think of her repairing and re-edifying, and pi∣tied her dust, that is, were moved with great remorse and compassion at the con∣sideration of her ruines.

Vers. 15. So the Heathen shall fear the Name of the Lord: and all the Kings of the earth thy glory.] That is, become true Christians, and shew it, as by perform∣ing his whole worship, so by fearing his Name, shall know the glorious mystery of the Gospel, so as shall work them to a holy fear of that glory: Or by the glory of God may be meant Christ here, who is made known in the Gospel, whom Simcon calleth the glory of the people of Israel.

Vers. 16. When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in glory.] That is, the Church, he shall then appear in his spirituall glory.

Vers. 17. He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.] Some take the word rendred destitute, to signifie the heath or wilderness, so we translate it, Jer. 17. 6. Utterly broken, so others, Jer. 51. 58. The Hebrew word signifies a poor shrub that stands alone in the wilderness, liable to every blast, trodden by the feet of beasts, that is, when they pray he will cast a favourable eye, and grant their requests.

Vers. 18. This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which* 1.308 shall be created, shall praise the Lord] This, that is, the coming of Christ in glo∣ry and goodness to the poor destitute soul. Shall be written, that is, set down in a book, recorded and published by the Scriptures of the Apostles and Evangelists, and propagated to all succeeding ages to the worlds end.

Vers. 19. For he hath looked down from the height of his Sanctuary: from heaven did the Lord behold the earth.] His high and holy place, this is taken from Deut. 26. 15. the sons of men which inhabit the earth.

Vers. 20. To hear the groaning of the prisoner, to loose those that are appointed to death.] Not only such who are imprisoned for well-doing, but all those to whom sin is a prison, whether they be otherwise prisoners or not.

Those that are appointed to death] Which have deserved death for sin, and such as are by men condemned to death for their righteousness sake, free them from the danger of eternall death.

Vers. 21. To declare the Name of the Lord in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem.] The Jews the inhabitants of it should magnifie it.

Vers. 22. When the people are gathered together, and the Kingdoms to serve the Lord.] That is, when the Gentiles which shall be converted shall meet together to perform publick worship unto God.

Vers. 23. He weakned my strength in the way] This present life which is as it were a way leading to the life that is to come hereafter.

Vers. 24. I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my daies: thy years are throughout all generations.] He deprecates eternall death, of which untimely is a forerunner. q. d. I resolved to pray and beseech the Lord, because he is my God joyned to me in a faithfull Covenant of grace, that he would be pleased not to let this affliction continue so grievous upon me, as to bring me to death untime∣ly, even in the midst of my daies, in so undue a time, when after the course of na∣ture I might have continued as long again in the world.

Thy years are throughout all generations.] That is, thou livest for ever, and there∣fore art able to save thy people from destruction, how extream and heavy soever their affliction be.

Vers. 25. Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth.] That is, from the be∣ginning of the world before time anciently when things first begun to be laid, ma∣king

Page 94

and setling it in the place and standing wherein it is, before thou madest other things, as the foundation of that great building.

And the heavens are the work of thy hands.] A thing created by thee: by hands metaphorically are meant Gods mighty power, because they which work any thing do it usually with their hands.

Vers. 26. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure, yea all of them shall wax old like a garment, as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed.] Heaven and earth, and so the things therein perish, that is, come to nothing and cease to be.

Endure.] That is, continually the same for ever, without change or end. Heb. stand, that is, be the same constantly, Heb. 1. 11.

A garment.] Which by little and little grows rotten and comes to nothing. God shall by little and little bring the world and all things in it to end.

Vers. 27. But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.] Constant with∣out alteration.

Thou art he.] That is, the same that thou promisedst to be, and thy people ex∣pected thee to be.

Vers. 28. The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be esta∣blished for ever.] Children, that is, godly sons of godly parents, qui a fide paren∣tum non dsciscunt. Thou shalt have a Church here in the midst of all the changes of the world, and they also shall inherit everlastingness.

Their seed.] That is, by thy power shall be made stedfast and firm in heavenly glory.

PSAL. CIII.

THe Penman of the Psalm is David. The matter of it thanksgiving. The duty is propounded in the two first verses, inlarged and confirmed in the rest to the twentieth, pressed, inforced, and concluded to the end.

Vers. 1. Bless the Lord O my soul; and all that is within me bless his holy Name.]* 1.309 His soul, not alone his tongue: and all his inwards, that is, the powers and facul∣ties of his soul, not the bodily parts, liver, lights, but the minde, affections. This noteth a most fervent, earnest and vehement manner of doing the exhortation, it being adorned with the rhetoricall figures of repeating the same word, and of speaking unto his own soul, to note the great desire which David had to become a pattern, as of all piety, so principally of this thanksgiving unto the Church.

His holy Name.] Or the Name of his Holiness, that is, himself as he hath in his Word shewed himself to be most holy and excellent.

Vers. 2. Bless the Lord O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.] As much as to say, by an ordinary Hebraism, Forget not any of all his benefits.

Vers 3. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth* 1.310 all thy diseases.] He enu∣merates particular benefits. He meaneth the spirituall maladies of sinne, which only God could heal. He begins with pardon of sinne, because free reconciliation is the fountain of all other blessings.

Vers. 4. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction.] Frees thee from dangers of sudden and violent death, conspired against thee by thine enemies; and withall, from the second death, everlasting condemnation.

Who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies.] To Crown is to ad∣vance to a Kingdom by that sign of setting a Crown on the head, that being the ensign of Kings; and also this assured him of advancement to a heavenly King∣dom.

Page 95

To Crown with mercy and compassions, is out of great kindness and pity to bestow▪ most excellent things.

Vers. 5. Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things, so that thy youth is renewed* 1.311 like the Eagles.] Perhaps it might be more simply, and more to the letter transla∣ted thus▪ Thou shalt renew thy self, thy youth shall be as an Eagle. To renew the youth is to retain the same strength and health which youth afforded for a long season, that is, thou continuest long in health and strength as that bird doth. The Eagle casteth her feathers yearly, and new grow up, whereby she seemeth fresh and young, flieth high, and liveth long, whence the Proverb, Aquilae senectus.

Vers. 6. The Lord executeth righteousness and judgement for all that are oppressed.] All manner of righteousness, or most▪ full and compleat righteousness, all manner of judgements, or most full and exact judgement. The oppressed are those which are wronged by strong hand; oppression is an injury done by violence: Those to whom such violence is offered, they are oppressed. Justice or righteousness is the giving to every man his own. Judgements signifie punishments here: Davids meaning is, he executeth just judgements in behalf of wronged and oppressed men and women, by delivering them out of the hands of the wrong doers, and punish∣ing the wrong doers accordingly.

Vers. 7. He made known his waies unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.]* 1.312 Those waies which he requireth us to walk in his statutes and judgements which God prescribed to them, for they were given to Moses that he might teach the people.

Vers. 8. The Lord is mercifull and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.] Mercy is that vertue by which one is ready to pity and help the miserable and affli∣cted. Graciousness signifies a promptness to do good, out of the free will of the doer, not out of any motive found in the receiver; slow to anger, or long of wrath, as the words are in the originall. To stand so disposed, that one is ready to bear much injury, and great provocations and indignities before he will punish.

Much, or abundant, or great in kindness. Kindness is an affection quite contra∣ry* 1.313 to anger. It is a readiness to accept and requite any courtesie, passing by the defects and weaknesses of it.

Vers. 9. He will not alwaies chide, neither will he keep his anger for▪ ever.] He will neither be angry too much, nor too long, nor too often.

Vers. 11. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.] This is the highest comparison which the world will afford, yet not sufficient to express the greatness of Gods mercy.

Vers. 12. As farre as the East is from the West, so farre hath he removed our* 1.314 transgressions from us.] They are at such a distance that they cannot come together. The two points of heaven, East and West, can never concurre. The word tran∣slated transgressions, properly signifies wilfull acts of rebellion▪ God will pardon their sins of obstinacy.

Vers. 17. And his righteousness unto childrens children.] He meaneth those which succeed one another from time to time▪ Righteousness taken here for faithfulness in standing to his word, and keeping his promises.

Vers. 20. Bless the Lord ye his Angels, that excell in strength, that do his Com∣mandments, hearkening unto the voice of his Word.] Angels are set out, 1. By their power, they excell in strength. 2. Do his Commandments. 3. Have an eye to

Page 96

the precept. 4. Descibes them by their multitude, Hosts, vers. 21. they are Mi∣nisters* 1.315 of God in that verse also. That Hebrew word being spoken of men, Isa. 61. 6. signifies not any servant promiscuously, but only such a one as gives atten∣dance upon his Masters person in his presence.

Vers. 22. Bless the Lord all his works.] The Hebrew word signifies both motum & rem motu factam, the action and the effect or work thereby produced. The former, Psal. 19. 1. that is, the excellency of the workmanship, whereby it was made; the later, Psal. 102. 25. and here.

PSAL. CIV.

HE speaks of Creation to the 10th vers. of Government to the 27th, of Pre∣servation to the end.

Vers. 2. Who coverest thy self with light as with a garment.] He first comman∣ded* 1.316 light to shine out of darkness, 2 Cor. 4. 6. wherewith he decked the world, Gen. 1. 3. and dwelleth in the light that none can artain unto. See D r Hackw. Apol. p. 72, 73.

Who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain.] That is, as a canopy or tent, Cantic. 1. 5. Jerem. 49. 29. See Genesis 1. 6. Isaiah 44. 24. & 51. 13. Job 37. 18.

Vers. 5. Who laid the foundation of the earth.] Heb. He hath founded the earth upon her bases; he useth the plurall number, because he speaks popularly, for great buildings are wont to be upheld with props and bases. See Psal. 24. 2 & 78. 69. Job 38. 4, 6.

Vers. 13. The earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.] That is, the rain* 1.317 which God only giveth, Jer. 14. 22. & 10. 13. and consequently the corn and herbs that grow after rain; compare Job 38. 26, 27, 28. Deut. 11. 14, 15.

Vers. 15. And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oyl to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth mans heart.] Which three are here Synecdo∣chically put for all things needfull to strength, ornament and delight. See Judg. 9. 8, 9, 12, 13.

With oyl.] Wherewith they used to anoint them, Psal. 23. 5. or more then oyl,* 1.318 that is, wine makes the face seem more cheerfull than if it were oynted.

Vers. 16. The trees of the Lord.] That is after expounded, which he planted.* 1.319 So the Chaldee expoundeth, Trees which the Lord created.

Page 97

Vers. 26. There is that Leviathan, which thou hast made to play therein.] Or, play∣ing* 1.320 in it, as Job 40. 15. That is, to expatiate and take his swinge.

PSAL. CV.

THe first part of this Psalm is part of that which David appointed to laud the Lord with, when his Ark was seated in Jerusalem, 1 Chron. 16. 7, 8, 22.

Vers. 1. Call upon his Name.] That is, desire him to act attributes for you ac∣cording to your necessities.

Vers. 3. Glory ye in his holy Name, let the heart of them rejoyce that seek the Lord.] That is, the heart of them shall rejoyce that seek the Lord.

Vers. 4. Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his face evermore.] Since those that* 1.321 seek the Lord shall have such cause to rejoyce, then seek the Lord again, and again I say, seek him.

Vers. 14. He suffered no man to do them wrong, yea he reproved Kings for their sakes.] Reproved by restraining their power, this hath speciall reference to the sto∣ry of Abraham, Gen. 20.

Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my Prophets no harm.] Meaning not* 1.322 only Patriarchs, Kings and Prophets, but all true beleevers who are indued with the gifts of the same spirit in some measure, wherewith Christ in his manhood was filled above measure. Unctos vocat quos sibi sanctificavit in peculium▪ Calvin. He calleth his faithfull by the name of Prophets, because they ought to have the knowledge of his will, and be able in due time and upon just occasion to teach the same to others, that so the Gospel of Christ may flourish.

Vers. 18. Whose feet they hurt with fetters, he was laid in irons.] That is, he was so laden with chains, that his flesh was eaten with them. Quod tametsi à Mose non narratur, certum est tamen ut dere nota & vulgata loqui. Calvinus.

Vers. 24. And he increased his people greatly.] See Exod. 1. 7, 9. of 70 souls* 1.323 in 220 years, the increase was 60000 men, besides women and children.

Vers. 25. He turned their heart to hate his people.] The sin was the Kings, God only gave the occasion. 2. He also let out their thoughts that way, God withdrew his restraint.

Vers. 33. He sote their Vines also, and their Fig-trees.] As in the promises where mention is made of pleasures granted by God, the Fig-tree and Vine are joyned together, 1 King. 4. 25. 2 King. 18. 31. Isa. 36. 16. Jer. 5. 17. Joel 2. 22. Micah 4. 4. So on the contrary in the comminations they are seldom separated, Hos. 2. 11. Hag. 2. 19.

Page 98

Vers. 45. That they might observe his Statutes, and keep his Laws.] Shamar tran∣slated here observe, imports▪

  • 1. To minde or reserve in memory, Gen. 37. 11.
  • 2. To preserve in safety, Gen. 28. 20.

Natzar translated keep, properly signifies to keep with care and vigilancy, as* 1.324 ammunition is preserved from fire and false hands, when an enemy is expected, Nah. 2. 1.

Statutes.] The Hebrew word Coch is translated, 1. A decree, Psal 148. 6. 2. A portion, Prov. 31. 15.

Laws.] Thorah is used for any Law or prescript, as the Law (Thorath) of the sin-offering, the Law of the trespass offering.

PSAL. CVI.

Verse 7. BUt provoked him at the sea, even at the red sea.] Some reade it, provoked him* 1.325 in the sea when they saw that glorious work: The new Testament calleth it the red sea, Heb. 11. 29. The Hebrew is the sea suph, that is, the sea of sedges or weeds which grew thereon.

Vers. 8. Nevertheless he saved them for his Nams sake] With an outward salva∣tion. The Name of God is that whereby he is made known unto us, his working for his Names sake is opposed to our deservings, that it might not be polluted, or that his glory might shine out the more, Isa. 63. 11, 12, 13, 14.

Vers. 13. They soon forgat his works, they waited not for his counsels.] Not the history, but so as to have their faith strengthened by them.

Counsels] may be taken

  • 1. For direction given us.
  • 2. For Gods determination what to do with or for us, so rather here, waited not the time when his counsell was to be fulfilled concerning them.

Vers. 15. But sent leanness into their soul.] That is, the Lord did not bless their* 1.326 meat to their nourishment, but it proved to their destruction; so it is commonly expounded, but both a spirituall and temporall judgement went together. See Psal. 36. 8. & 63. 23.

Vers. 20. Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an Oxe that eateth grass.] That is, whereas God had shewed himself unto them gloriously in the Pil∣lar* 1.327 and Cloud, otherwise they could not be satisfied with these glorious signes of his presence, but they must needs set up the Image of an Oxe, a most beneficiall creature, whose labour did yield them, through Gods blessing, the best means of maintenance. They did like the Heathens, Rom. 1. 23.

Vers. 23. Had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach.] In the gap which their sinne had opened for God, as an enemy to enter and destroy them. A similitude taken from War, when by a breach in the wall the enemy entreth the Ci∣ty:* 1.328 so Eze. 13. 5. & 22. 30. But Moses earnest prayer stopped this breach, Ex. 32. 11, 14.

Vers. 28. They joyned themselves unto Baal-peor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.] The Fathers make him to be the beastly God Priapus. See Athanasius Kirchers Odipus AEgyptiacus, Tom. 1. Syntag. 4. c. 5.

Page 99

Sacrifices of the dead.] Meat offerings to the Idoll, a liveless, dull, dead and inanimate thing, therefore God in opposition thereto is above thirty times styled the living God: See Jer. 10. 5, 10. 1 Thess. 1. 9.

Vers. 30. Then stood up Phinehas and executed judgement, and so the plague was stayed.] Vajephallel, and he prayed, saith one translation; and he executed judge∣ment, saith another. The Originall word bears both, to note, that Religion doth marvellously fit a man for works of justice.

Vers. 31. And that was counted unto him for righteousness.] Not to justifie him,* 1.329 God approved the work, and imputed it to him as an eminent service, and rewar∣ded him accordingly. Though he was a Priest, and not a publick Magistrate, and the thing was done without ordinary authority.

Vers. 33. Because they provoked his spirit.] Imbittered or exasperated, it being in Hiphil, some take it transitively, that the people caused Moses to rebell, quod mihi non displicet, saith Calvin.

Vers. 37. Yea they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils.] God ne∣ver* 1.330 required this but of Abraham, and would not let him do it, they would not be behind Abraham.

PSAL. CVII.

HEre are four instances of Gods providence in this Psalm.

  • 1. To pilgrims or strangers, vers. 3. which he concludes with, Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderfull works to the children of men! v. 8.
  • 2. To the captives and imprisoned, ver. 10. and concludes likewise as formerly, vers. 15.
  • 3. To such as were sick and diseased, ver. 17, 18. and concludes so, v. 21.
  • 4. To those that go to sea, ver. 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30. and concludes so, ver. 31.

Vers. 20. He sent his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destru∣ctions.]* 1.331 The Serpent lifted up by Moses, in it self, and by its own vertue, was a bare sign and no remedy to cure distressed Israelites, but they were cured by their faith in the word of Gods promise annexed unto the sign. The cure (saith Austin) came not from the Serpent, but from Gods Commandment obeyed, and his pro∣mise beleeved.

Vers. 23. They that go down to the Sea in Ships, that do business in great waters.]* 1.332 Here in another kinde the Prophet shews what great care God hath of mankinde, while he brings those that suffer shipwrack into the haven, as if he should raise them up out of the grave.

Vers. 26. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again into the depths, their soul is melted because of trouble.]

Vers. 42. And all iniquity shall stop her mouth.] Will be forced to be silent, the same kinde of speech there is Job 5. 16.* 1.333

Page 100

Vers. 43. Who is wise, and will observe those things, even they shall understand* 1.334 the loving kindness of the Lord.] The loving kindness of God may not so clearly appear in every action, one had need to be wise to discern that.

PSAL. CVIII.

THis Psalm is composed of the 57 Psalm, from the 8 v. to the end, and of the 60 Psalm, from the 7 v. to the end.

Vers. 1. O God my heart is fixed.] Fixed as a throne. See Psal. 57. 7. that is, I will go to duty, I have got a heart fit for it; Heb. a heart established and setled, there is a fixed heart in regard of Gods providences and various dispensations, Psal 112. 2. in reference to the word of God, so here.

Vers. 2. I my self will awake early.] In the Originall it is more emphaticall,* 1.335 Hagnira shahber, I will awaken the morning: As if David should say, the morn∣ing never took me napping, but I wakened it still.

Vers. 9. Moab is my washpot, over Edom will I cast out my shoe.] or, washing pot.* 1.336

PSAL. CIX.

Verse 4. BUt I give my self unto prayer.] A broken spech, But I prayer, or I was all* 1.337 prayer. So, I peace, Psal. 120. 7.

Vers 6. And let Satan stand at his right hand.] To hinder him in action, or let* 1.338 him in his accusation overcome him, Zach. 3. 1. An allusion to the custom of an∣cient times, in which the adversary stood at the right hand of him that was con∣demned, and at the left hand of him that was acquitted.

PSAL. CX.

CHrist applies the first verse of this Psalm to himself* 1.339

Rabbi Saadia Gaon upon Daniel interprets this Psalm of the Messiah.

Vers. 1. Jehovah.] That is, God the Father.

Assuredly said.] See Psal. 36. 2.

To my Lord.] That is, to Christ.

Page 101

Sit thou at my right hand untill. I make thine enemies thy footstool.] Sitting notes* 1.340 reigning with continuance, 1 Cor. 15. 25. Heb. 10. 12, 13. This implies,

  • 1. Victory, a perfect conquest over them, conquerours used to make their enemies their footstool.* 1.341
  • 2. Ignominy, the lowest subjection. Sapores King of Persia overcoming Vale∣rian the Emperour in battel, used his back after for a stirrup, when he got upon his horse: so Tamberlane served Bajazet.

The footstool is a piece of State, and both raiseth and easeth him that sits on the Throne, so Christs enemies raise and ease him.

Vers. 2. The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion.] Or Scepter. Hoc est insigne regiae potestatis. Hieron. The Gospel.

Vers. 3. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power.] The people of God* 1.342 are Christs five waies, 1. By way of gift, Psal. 2. John 17. 6. 2. By purchase and redemption, Gal. 3. 13. 3. By way of conquest. 4. By way of Covenant, Luk 1. 57. Servus a servando. 5. By way of communion, 1 Cor. 3. ult.

Willing.] Willingnesses, the abstract, and in the plural number, see Psal. 68. 10.* 1.343 as if the holy Ghost could not speak enough how willing they are, to note exceed∣ing great willingness to submit to every Commandment of the Lord; or it may sig∣nifie free-will offerings, voluntary oblations.

In the day of thy power.] That is, on the Sabbath day, when his people are as∣sembled before him, as an Army before the Generall: or in that day when thou sendest forth thy Army, that is, the Apostles and other Preachers of the Gospel into the world.

In the beauties of holiness.] In, with, or by the beauties of holiness. The Tem∣ple, say some, Ezek. 7. 20. That is, thy people shall be willing when they come* 1.344 to publick Ordinances, glorious and beautifull. Others interpret it when God dis∣covers holiness in its beauty.

From the womb of the morning.] The Greeks translated divinely, From the womb* 1.345 before the morning starre have I begotten thee.

Thou hast the dew of thy youth.] The holiness and righteousness of Christ is cal∣led the dew of the morning, not in regard of its fading nature, as ours, Hos. 6. 4. but in regard of its multitude, because it maketh dewy.

Vers. 6. He shall wound the heads over many Countries.] Satan the head of all the ungodly, as Conquerours use to do, Gen. 3. 15. In the head of the Serpent lies both virus & dolus.

Vers. 7. He shall drink of the brook in the way; therefore shall he lift up the head.]* 1.346 An allusion to the brook Kedron, wherein they were wont to throw all the car∣nages of the Temple.

Page 102

By the way is meant the whole course of Christs life, every man is resembled to a traveller or wayfaring man, Psal. 119. 1. The whole course of a godly mans life is called a narrow way, Matth. 7. 14. by brook a Land-flood. Waters in Scripture* 1.347 note afflictions, miseries, Psal. 18. 5. & 69. 1. Great miseries are called many wa∣ters. The expression implies

  • 1. A great measure of afflictions, therefore they are not called a Cup, but a Brook, Psal. 36 8.
  • 2. A confluence of all manner of misery.

To drink of this river, is to suffer and sustain all these evils, Psal. 60. 3. Jer. 25. 15, 16. Matth. 20. 22. or it may mean a short refreshing of himself, and then a hot* 1.348 pursuit of his enemies without delay, till he hath got a full conquest of them. See Judg. 7. 4, 5, 6.

Lift up the head.] An allusion to the release of Pharaohs Butler, He shall lift up thy head, Gen. 40. 13. so Christ, as one that saw an end of his troubles, and enjoy∣ed a better state, Luke 21. 28.

PSAL. CXI.

Verse 2. THe works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.] The word signifies serious and diligent enquiry. The Jews called their School Domus inquisitionis, because there they diligently sought after truth.

PSAL. CXII.

Verse 3. WEalth and riches shall be in his house.] That is, things sufficient and com∣petent, Psal. 37. 16.

2. If by riches be understood abundance, the words must be taken with this condition, if they be for their good, for all temporall promises must be under∣stood with exception.

Vers. 10. And melt away.] By degrees, so the Hebrew word signifies.

PSAL. CXIII.

Verse 6. WHo humbleth himself.] The word notes a great degree of humiliation.

Vers. 7. He raiseth the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the* 1.349 dunghill.] From the dust, That is, from base estate, as 1 King. 16. 2. This speech is taken from 1 Sam. 2. 8.

The last words signifie a most abject condition.

Page 103

PSAL. CXIV.

Verse 2. FRom a people of strange language.] This word is here only used, and meaneth all* 1.350 speech that was not understood of Gods people; which he that speaketh is called of the Apostle a Barbarian, that is, a stranger, 1 Cor. 14. 11. even as here also the Chaldee turneth it.

R. Salomon and Kimchi expound it, a people speaking any other language besides the Hebrew, such they called Lognazim, as the Greeks and Romans called all be∣sides themselves Barbaros.

PSAL. CXV.

Verse 1. NOt unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy Name give glory, for thy mercy,* 1.351 and for thy truths sake.] It is redoubled for the greater emphasis, the Prophet eacheth us to pray twice against our own praise; we are so apt to praise our selves, so ready to glory in our prosperity, Repetitio ardorem indicat. Muis.

Some Divines think it is repeated as a rebuke of a temptation, because they had thick thoughts of revenge, they say, it is not a Doxology, but a prayer when the people of God went out against Pagan adversaries, they did not desire revenge or deliverance, but prosperity and successe, that Gods mercy and truth might be mag∣nified.

These two Attributes are mentioned,

  • 1. Because they are the chief part of the divine glory.
  • 2. They yeeld most consolation to the creature.
  • 3. For the better strengthning of their abnegation.
  • 4. Because these are the two federal Attributes, and fit for the Church to men∣tion, Psal. 25. 10. The Covenant was made in mercy, and kept in truth, Micah 7. 20.

Vers. 4. Their Idols are silver and gold: the work of mens hands.* 1.352

5. They have mouths but they speak not: Eyes have they, but they see not.] The Psalmist even as if he should set forth the vanity of babes and children about their puppets, so doth he describe the Heathen Idols, Inanitatem idolorum deridet potius quam deseribit. Bucerus.

They cannot be beneficial to men, which have their whole existence from them. He derides their madnesse who worship mute and empty Images, and adore the work of their own fingers.

Vers. 8. They that make them, are like unto them.] That is, they have even as* 1.353 little wit and reason as they.

Vers. 16. The Heaven, even the Heavens are the Lords.] Made for the manife∣station of his own glory, and the habitation of Angels.

But the earth hath he given to the children of men.] q. d. The Lord hath challeng∣ed

Page 104

the Heavens to himself in which he lives a blessed life, he hath given this earth* 1.354 to men in which they should live and glorifie him.

PSAL. CXVI.

Verse 1. I Love the Lord.] There is but one word in the Hebrew, I love, but he sheweth* 1.355 not whom he loveth; its a broken word, because as Ambros faith, he loved the most desirable thing.

Vers. 7. Return unto thy rest, O my soul.] Rests in the plural number, all man∣ner* 1.356 of rests, because it hath attained its chief good.

Vers. 11. I said in my haste, All men are liars.] That is, when I remem∣bred* 1.357 not the word of God: but forgat my own duty, and was carried away with the stream of my own affections against faith, then I failed and was foiled.

Id est, quum pracops raperer in perturbationes carnis, ut accipitur, Psal. 31. 23. Juniu.

Vers. 16. Oh Lord, truly I am thy servant, I am thy servant.] Repettio valet ad exaggerandum. Muis. He doubleth it, and addes an asseveration truly, q. d. Lord, I am all thine, and thou maist do with me what ever thou pleasest.

PSAL. CXVII.

Verse 1. GEtiles.] Or, Nations; All which are exhorted to glorifie God, for obtain∣ing* 1.358 mercy by Christ, who hath received us into the glory of God, as the A∣postle sheweth from this Scripture, Rom. 15. 7.—11.

PSAL. CXVIII.

Verse 6. WHat man can do unto me.] Some reade it by way of Interrogation, What* 1.359 can man do unto me?

Vers. 12. They compassed me about like Bees.] 1. For multitude, go by troops.* 1.360 2. Malice, they sting him. 3. Very fierce, the Bees will destroy themselves to hurt another.

Ani ásque in vuluere pnunt. Virg Georg. l. 4.

Page 105

Vers. 13. Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall.] Some expound it of the enemies, some of God, he thrusts with the one hand, and relieves with the other, but the words following oppose this interpretation. In the Hebrew it is, Thrusting, thou thrust est me to fall; the iteration of the same verb notes a great force, and a vehement impression of his enemies, and the great danger into which they had cast him. It is an apostrophe (saith Simeon de Muis) to some peculiar enemy, which he and Bucer thinks to be Saul.

Vers. 24. This is the day which the Lord hath made.] That is, the day of the Re∣surrection. To make a day is put for sanctifying of it, 1 Sam. 12. 2▪ Exod. 34. 22. Deut. 5 15. made it otherwise then all other dayes.

Divers of the Ancients bring this Scripture to prove the change of the Sab∣bath-day.

Vers. 27. Binde the Sacrifice with cords.] Aisworth reads it, Binde ye the feast∣offerings* 1.361 with cords. This word is sometimes used figuratively for the Sacrifices of∣fered at those feasts, as Exod. 23. 18. Isa. 29. 1. and so the Chaldee explaineth it here.

PSAL. CXIX.

THis Psalm was not penned according to the present frame of his heart, but a* 1.362 recollection of all the several frames of his heart.

It is wholly taken up in the commendation of the word, and high expressions of Davids affection thereto, the Word was his Councellor and Comforter, he loves it exceedingly, it is his meditation all the day, the more grace any one hath, the more he prizeth the Word.

Here in this Psalm are ten words, which are used to set out the Law or Word of* 1.363 God.

  • 1. Way, vers. 1. Whereby is meant that course which God hath set before us to walk in.
  • 2. Law, vers. 1. Whereby the will of God is made known unto us, and we en∣joyned to conform our selves thereto.
  • 3. Testimony, vers. 2. Whereby testimony or witnesse is given of that which is good or evil.* 1.364
  • 4. Precepts, vers. 4.
  • 5. Statutes, vers. 5. These do especially intend those ceremonial Laws to which the Jews were bound.* 1.365
  • 6. Commandments, vers. 6. Such as declared the power and authority of God over us.
  • 7. Judgements, vers. 7. By these that mutual equity, or righteous dealing which should be betwixt man and man is taught.
  • 8. Righteousnesse, or Justice, vers. 7. By which is manifested what is due to eve∣ry one.
  • 9. Word, vers. 9. There is also another Noun, vers. 11. which we translate Word, it is translated Promise, Psal. 77. 8.

Page 106

Most of the sentences of this Psalm are independent.

David prayeth several times in this Psalm to God to quicken him, ver. 37, 88, 107, 149, 154, 156, 159.

This Psalm is divided according to the Hebrew Alphabet, every eighth verse being under one letter.

Totus hic Psalmus est scriptus secundum ordinem literarum, ita ut ab una litera octo versus incipiant, & rursum à sequenti octo alii compleantur. Hieron.

Rationem hujus plaerique reddere conati sunt: sed nihil dum certi attulerunt, neque mihi quod afferam daum est, isi id vates fecerit causa vel ornatus, vel memoriae ju∣vandae, vel certè utriusque. Bucerus.

Hic Psalmus est tantò praestantior, quantò prolixior, vigiti duobus videlicet octo∣stichis conscriptus, ea methodo, ut primi octo versus omnes à prima alphabeti litera 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 incipiant: it a secundum ctostichium à 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, tertium à 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 incipiat, & sic deinceps: quod tantum ad memoriam juvandam videtur factum. Simeon de Muis.

Vers. 1. Blessed are the undefiled in the way.] This word is used of the beast, which was to be offered without any blemish or spot, here it is to be taken for such as do not defile themselves in thoughts or actions against Gods word, so it is used Deut. 8. 13.

Who walk in the Law of the Lord.] This explains the former word, such are un∣defiled in the way, qui ex Legis divinae praescripto vivunt.

Walking is a progressive motion, we are to go forward, be still growing.

The Law.] The whole word of God, which is for our instruction, though sometimes it be used more specially. To walk in it, is to make all those instructions our paths to walk in, do nothing which it forbids, and every thing it commands, in that manner and measure.

Walking implieth also diligence and familiarity, Enoch walked with God; and conformity of our lives with Gods word, Can two walk together except they be agreed?

Blessed, 1. Because he walketh in the light, and so will not easily stumble. 2. Peace will be to him, if we receive direction from Gods word, we shall re∣ceive consolation also. 3. Because in this way he shall have everlasting happi∣nesse.

Vers. 3. They also do no iniquity.] That is, they live not in the service, in the willing and ordinary practice of any thing that is knowne to them to be sinne.

Vers. 4. Thou * 1.366 hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.] That is, with all our might and strength.

Vers. 5. O that my wayes were directed to keep thy Statutes.] This is as much, saith Austin, as if David should say, I have learned of thee, O Lord my Master, that it is necessary to keep thy Commandments, I now desire thine help, that I may keep them, for thou givest both the will and the deed.

Vers. 6. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect to all thy Commandments]* 1.367 Shall I not blush, Heb. Though we cannot keep all, nor any one, as we ought, yet we must have regard unto all, and that equally without respect or difference of any. The Hebrew word signifies summa cura & voluptate apicere, he desires to perform duties with greatest care and delight.

Vers. 8. I will keep thy statutes, O forsake me not utterly.] As if he should say,* 1.368 If it be thy pleasure to try me by leaving me to my self, yet, O Lord, let it be but for a while, forsake me not over-long.

Page 107

Vers. 9. Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto ac∣cording* 1.369 to thy Word.] q. d. It is a hard thing for a young man to get his heart cleaned.

Vers. 11. Thy Word have I hid in my heart.] As a treasure that I might not lose it, and as a rule that I might not transgresse it.

Vers. 12. Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy Statutes.] See vers. 26. Not to know more rules of duty, but the right way of answering those rules.

Vers. 15. And have respect unto thy wayes.] That is, look to them, and to my self, that I may observe them.

Vers. 18. Open thou mine eyes.] i 1.370 Those of my minde.

That I may behold wonderous things out of thy Law.] The Hebrew word signifies* 1.371 arda, occulta, mirabilia, things hard, hidden, wonderfull, all these things are in the Law.

Vers. 19. I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy Commandments from me.] When God gives thee over, either to thy own natural blindnesse, or suffers the god of this world to blinde thee.

Vers. 29. Remove from me the way of lying.] David doth not mean the special sin of lying, but he cals sin in general the way of lying. For,

First, The way of lying is opposed to Gods Law, and grant me thy Law gra∣ciously.

Secondly, In the original it is Derech Shakar, as ver. 104. & 128. other Hebrew* 1.372 words are rendred false way, and it is without question that all sinne is meant thereby.

Vers. 30. I have chosen the way of Truth: thy Judgements have I laid be∣fore* 1.373 me.

Laid before me.] As the adequate rule by which my actions and heart should be guided and directed.

Vers. 32. I will runne the way of thy Commandments: when thou shalt enlarge my heart.]

Run the way] That is, be abundant in the work of the Lord.

If, or when, or because, it is either Conditional, or Causall, or particula tem∣poris.

The heart is commonly put for the whole soul, all the faculties of the inward man; the understanding, God gave Salomon a wise and understanding heart; Will, a willing heart; Conscience, Your heart condemn you; Memory, Mary laid up these things in her heart; Affections, Davids heart went out after Absalom; If riches increase set not your hearts on them; Joy and sorrow, a merry heart; But the enlarge∣ment of the heart is restrained to two faculties, the understanding, 1 King. 4. 29. and the affections, 2 Cor. 6. 11.

Vers. 33. And I shall keep it unto the end.] Greek Continually, some turn it for* 1.374 rewards, as after the Greek doth, vers. 112.

Vers. 45. And I will walk at liberty, for I seek thy precepts.] That is, he found his Spirit at the greatest liberty, when he walked in Gods Statutes, 2 Cor. 3. 17.

Page 108

then his minde was set on the noblest objects. 2. This is to enjoy communion with God.

Vers. 48. My hands also will I lift up unto thy Commandments which I have loved] Lifting up hands when it is done to God, notes either praying to him, or swearing* 1.375 by him; To the Commandments, notes, some say, obedience to perform the duties it commands, to catch at, to take it for my own; As they say in Latine, Ego tuas lit∣teras obviis ulnis excipiam. Ezra takes it in this sense, Kimchi and others say, this phrase notes to put the hands to work.

A new expression, and hath not a parallel that I know of in all the Scripture. There is an emphasis in both words. I will lift up, this implies, The Command∣ments are sublime in nature in respect of the original, in the matter of them, hea∣venly Oracles. My hands, as a sign or testimony of lifting up his heart.* 1.376

And I will meditate in thy Statutes.] The Commandments of God are called Statutes, because they are immovable, they cannot be changed, they are sure, sted∣fast* 1.377 and faithfull. The Latine word signifies stability, the Hebrew visitation. God visits for breaking of them.

Vers. 49. Remember the Word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to* 1.378 hope.] q. d Lord, thou hast invited me to hope, therefore now satisfie it, he pleads two things, the grant of a promise, and the gift of faith.

Vers. 57. Thou art my portion* 1.379, O Lord] The meaning is, Let others have their riches, honours, and other things of that kinde, but I, O Lord, so purpose, my part and portion is (neither do I wish another) to obey thy Word.

I have said.] That is, Resolved.

Vers. 59. I thought on my wayes.] In the original, I thought on my wayes ad∣visedly,* 1.380 seriously, studiously.

Vers. 60. made haste, and delayed not.] Did not delay my self, it is in* 1.381 Hithpael.

Vers. 69. The proud have forged a lie against me.] In the original it is Taphlu* 1.382 gnalai sheker, Assuunt mendacium mendacio, they have sowed one lie to ano∣ther.

Vers. 70. Their heart is as fat as grease, but I delight in thy Law.] Fatnesse is* 1.383 put for that which makes the creature to be refractory, Deut. 32. 15. void of all sense, so here.

Vers. 71. It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy Sta∣tutes.] That is, Afflictions are good by event or accident, partly by Gods over∣ruling providence that can turn them to good, and partly by grace in the elect who make a good use of them.

Vers. 81. But I hope in thy Word.] That is, thy promise, whereby thou hast as∣sured me that thou wilt satisfie my desire.

Page 109

Vers. 89. For ever, O Lord, thy Word is setled in heaven.] Heb. Stands fast, a* 1.384 Metaphor from a Champion, or an Army of souldiers that stand fast and keep their ground.

Heaven and earth are opposed, things below are changed, not above in Heaven.

2. Heaven is put for the Decree of God, Isa. 34. 5. in Coelo used for firmly and without doubt.

3. Established as a pillar, so the Hebrew.

Vers. 92. Unlesse thy Law had been my delights: I should then have perished in mine affliction.] He speaketh in the plural number, as it he had said, Instar omnium, in stead of all manner of delights unto me.

Some think he alludes to 1 Sam. 30. 6.* 1.385

Vers. 93. I will never forget thy precepts.] Remembring and not forgetting Gods Law often mentioned in this Psalm, implies,

  • 1. The Knowledge of Gods word, Jam. 1. 24. Jude v. 5.
  • 2. A retaining or keeping of what we know, 1 Cor. 11. 2. Heb. 2. 1.
  • 3. A calling back of it to our mindes, termed remembrance, 2 Pet. 3. 1. Isa. 46. 8.

4. A special application of that I know, retain and remember, feel the fruit of such a truth, Jam. 1. 22, 23, 24. as we say, Do you remember me? that is, do what I desired.

Vers. 94. I am thine, save me.] Heb. I am for thee, others are for them∣selves.* 1.386

Vers. 96. I have seen an end of all perfection.] Not in the concrete, of perfect things, but in the abstract, of perfection, and of all perfection.

But thy Commandment is exceeding broad.] That is, exceedingly broader than any of those perfections, I cannot see the end of it, and I know it shall never have an end; there is a vastnesse of purity and spiritualnesse in the Law.

Vers. 98. Thou through thy Commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.

99. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for thy testimonies are my Meditation.

100 I understand more than the Ancients: because I keepe thy precepts.]

There are three steps or gradations: David saith,

  • 1. He is wiser than his enemies, it taught him how to out-wit them, though sub∣til* 1.387 and malicious.
  • 2. Then his teachers, they read it but perfunctorily.
  • 3. Then the Ancients, who have their own and others experiences. See Job 32. 8, 9.

Vers. 101. I have refrained my feet from every evil way.] That is, my affe∣ctions, from the love and delight of evil.* 1.388

Page 110

Vers. 109. My soul is continually in my hand.] That is, I go in danger of my life.* 1.389 See Judg. 12. 3. So the Chaldee explaineth it, My soul is in danger, as if it were upon my hand.

Vers. 111. Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever.] Testimony is usu∣ally* 1.390 put for the whole Word of God, Psal. 19. 7. It is called the testimony of God, because it is that by which God testifieth his will to the sons of men; sometimes it is called the counsell, will, and minde of God, the record, 1 John 5. 11. therefore those that hold forth this testimony are called the witnesses▪ of God, Rev. 11. 3. and they that suffer for it, Martyrs: All Divine truths are to be examined by this, Isa. 8. 20. Rom. 3. 21. Act. 10. 43. 2 Because it is that which shall testifie against men, Rev. 20. 20.

An heritage for ever.] Et hic, & in futurum. Hieron.

Vers. 113. I hate thoughts.] So the Hebrew: He means wicked and sinnefull* 1.391 thoughts, the most secret and lowest offences, not only dislike them, but perfectly hate them.

Vers. 116. And let me not be ashamed of my hope.] As shame ariseth from doing a thing against known light, and common principles, so also from loosing or suf∣fering a thing against known hope, and common expectation.

Vers. 121. I have done judgement and justice.] That is, have done judge∣ment* 1.392 justly, exactly; judgement against the wicked, and justice toward the good.

Vers. 126. It is time for thee, Lord, to work, for they have made void thy Law.] The Hebrew word signifies to abrogate, disanull, to take away the force and strength of a thing, they live as if there were no Law.

Vers. 129. Thy testimonies are wonderfull, therefore doth my soul keep them.]* 1.393 I have high thoughts of thy testimonies, I look upon them as glorious things: I see much of thy self in thy testimonies, and therefore doth my soul keep them: He doth not say, therefore do I keep them, but my very soul is in keeping thy testimonies. Idcirco lubens & ex animo me iis observandis totum addico. Muis.

Vers. 130. The entrance of thy words giveth light.] The first entrance into* 1.394 them.

Vers. 136. Rivers of waters runne down mine eyes, because they keep not thy Law.]* 1.395 Davids grief is set out by the quantity, and cause of it; the quantity is expressed in that hyperbolicall phrase, Rivers of waters; an hyperbole, like that Psal. 6. 6. yet not false or feigned, his sorrow was very great, and withall constant, in that it did shew it self by continuall and abundant streams of tears. The cause, because they keep not thy Law: They, some referre it to eyes, the immediate antecedent, so Simeon de Muis. Rather because men: More particularly, Saul and his Cour∣tiers, vers. 139. See vers. 58. To keep the Law is to observe it diligently, retain it in their hearts, and practise it.

Vers. 137. Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgements.] So the* 1.396

Page 111

Emperour Muritius confessed in the same words, when he saw his children slain before his face, and was himself after them to be slain by Phocas.

Vers. 143. Thy Commandments are my delight.] They are to me in stead of all delights and pleasures in the world.

Vers. 152. Concerning thy testimonies I have known of old, that thou hast founded them for ever.] God intended the [Word as an everlasting monument of his Will.

Vers. 160. Thy Word is true from the beginning, and every one of thy righteous* 1.397 judgements endureth for ever.] A great expression.

Vers. 161. Princes have persecutedme without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy Word.] That is, I did incurre the displeasure of the greatest men, and they vented their dislike against me, yet I never complied with them.

Vers. 165. Great peace have they which love thy Law, and nothing shall offend them.] Abundance of peace, inward comfort, sweetness, contentment, though not out∣ward peace, and nothing shall make them turn from the Commandment of God, Matth. 11. 6. else David was sensible of outward evils, vers. 143. and spiri∣tuall 158.

Vers. 168. I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies.] viz. sincerely and con∣stantly.

Vers. 173. For I have chosen thy precepts.] viz. before all things. The word sig∣nifies to choose upon triall and examination.

Vers. 175. Let thy judgements help me.] He speaks not of judgements executed, but of doctrinall judgements, the doctrine of the Gospel, and promises of grace.

PSAL. CXX.

A Song of degrees.] Canticum excellentissimum, an excellent Song, Junius, as* 1.398 the Hebrew word will well bear.

Among the Jews themselves these fifteen Psalmes were distinguished and digni∣fied by the name of Psalmes of Degrees, either from ascent into the Temple, in∣tension of the spirit, or elevation of the voice, or for their excellency.

Some will have these fifteen Psalmes together to have the name of Songs of Degrees, 1. From the history, because they were penned, or at least repeated and sung by the Jews in their ascending or coming up from Babylon into their own Country, and this conceit is the more probable, because some of the Psalmes speak expresly of their return from Captivity.

Others deduce it from the Ceremony or Rite used in the singing of them, who say that the Priest sang these Psalmes upon the stairs or steps, as they marched up into the house of the Lord, which were fifteen steps between the peoples Courts and the Priests, and these Psalmes were sung in order, as they went up those steps; so Grotius: See Ezek. 40.

A third sort from the musick they say these Psalmes were sung with, ascensions or raising up the voice by degrees: as it is said, the Levites praised God with a great voice, or a voice on high, 2 Chron 20. 19.

4. From the matter and speciall contents of them, the verses of these Psalmes be∣ing like the rounds of Jacobs ladder, on which we may ascend up to heaven, as the Angels did upon that.

Page 112

Vers. 4. With coales of junipr * 1.399.] They burn hot, last long, and give a sweet smell, so Gods judgements.

Vers. 5. In, or with the tents of Kedar.] The Chaldee turneth it, Arabians,* 1.400 they dwelt in tents in the wilderness as shepherds.

Vers. 7. I peace.] So the Hebrew, as if his spirit were transformed into peace. See the like phrase, Psal. 109. 4.

PSAL. CXXI.

Verse 1. I Lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.] That is, towards* 1.401 Sion, or rather heaven, Heb. 9. 24. This Psalm seems to be written when he had warre with Absalom, saith Grotius.

Vers. 2. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.] A speech* 1.402 of contempt: Looks for help no other way.

Vers. 3. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved.] viz. to thy ruine.

Vers. 4. Behold he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.] Non dormi∣tabit, ac multo minus dormiet. Bucer. Muis. He shall be so farre from sleeping, that he shall not so much as slumber. The phrase is taken from watchmen, who stand on wals in time of warre, to foresee the approach of enemies and give warn∣ing, they may be treacherous or sleepy; The Capitol of Rome had been taken by the Gaules, if the Geese had not been more waking than the watchmen of the walls.

Vers. 5. The Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.] That is, protection, comfort* 1.403 and refreshing from heat, Isa. 25. 4. & 4. 6. Num. 14. 9.

The French and we say, ready at hand.

Vers. 6. The sunne shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.] The stars* 1.404 have, in reference to the curse, severall noxious influences, they shall nourish and

Page 113

cherish the Saints, they shall have benign influences on them.

The Sun and Moon being rulers of day and night, Psal. 136. 8, 9. imply all other things whatsoever; but this hath reference to Gods protection of Israel in the wi••••••••ness, Exod. 13. 21. Isa. 4. 5. Ainsw.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 hose hot regions, as the heat of the day was intolerable: so the cold of the night was hurtfull. He means God would drive away all evils, at what time soever they came.

Vers. 8. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and coming in.] That is, prospers all thy actions at home and abroad, Numb. 27. 17. 1 King. 3. 7. 2 Chron. 1. 10. See Dut. 28. 6. 2 Sam. 3. 25. Act. 1. 21. & 9. 28. Vitae actiones Scriptura egressum & ingressum vocat. Bucerus.

Thy going out.] To warre.

And coming in.] That is, returning into thine house, when the warre is ended. Muis.

PSAL. CXXII.

Verse 6. PRay for the peace of Jerusalem.] The originall words have such elegancy here,* 1.405 as (I think) all the Scripture cannot parallell this verse. The words do so excellently answer one another in matchless Paranomasie: It is in English unexpres∣sible, Shaalu Shelm Jerushalaim.

PSAL. CXXIII.

Verse 2. OUr eyes are upon the Lord our God.] For direction and protection. Vers. 4. Of those that are at ase.] Not taken for absence of pain, such as are drencht with pleasure.

PSAL. CXXIV.

Verse 3. THen they had swallowed us up] or down, quick. A metaphor taken from ra∣venous* 1.406 beasts that devour their prey so suddenly, that it seems to go quick down their throats.* 1.407

Page 114

PSAL. CXXV.

Verse 2. AS the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people, from hence forth even for evr.] Heb. 13. 5. As the City Jerusalem is every where compassed with mountains, so God compasseth and will for ever compass the Church.

Vers. 3. Least the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.] Noting, that if* 1.408 the godly should be too much afflicted, they could not hold out, but would turn aside to sinfull courses. See Deut. 20. 18.

Vers. 5. As for such a turn aside unto their crooked waies.] Ainsworth renders* 1.409 it, crcokednesses; it signifies to be crooked in his way, serpentum more, as Numb. 22. 23.

PSAL. CXXVI.

THis Psalm was penned after their return from Captivity out of Babylon. This Psalm is divided into Halelujahs and Hosannahs, Praises and Pe∣titions.

Vers. 1. Zion] The people of God, the Ark was there placed, and there God was worshipt.

We were like them that dream.] That is, we, as it were, forgat what our state and* 1.410 condition, but lately was; as a dreamer forgets how it was with him, did not know whether it was true or no, we were so amazed with the greatness of the deli∣verance.

Dreams are 1. Things unthought of. 2. Unlaboured for. 3. Of strange things, Jacob of a ladder reaching to heaven; that a Heathen King (Cyrus) of his own accord, on a sudden should give them commission to return out of Babylon, Ezra 1. 1. See Luke 24. 41. Act. 12. 9.

PSAL. CXXVII.

IT is a Psalm concerning Salomon, whom David foresaw to be his successor, he is called Jedidiah, 2 Sam. 12. 25. that is, beloved of Jah, so here. Vers. 2. Idid his beloved or dearling, it hath reference to Salomons name.

Vers. 2. For so he giveth his beloved sleep.] So, how is that? that is notwithstand∣ing* 1.411 all the hard labour and pains they take, yet the Lord giveth them sleep, and sleep makes them forget all their former labour.

Page 115

Some say it should be translated, For he rightly giveth his beloved sleep, as the same Hebrew particle is used elsewhere, Numb. 27. 7.

He means not bodily sleep, but a quieting of the soul in God: Some mysticall Divines speak of obdormiti animae in Deo.

PSAL. CXXVIII.

Verse 2. FOr thou shalt at the labour of thine hands.] That is, the fruit of thy labours, or* 1.412 thou shalt take delight in the very labour it self, as Christ saith, It was his meat and drink to do his Fathers will.

Vers. 3. Thy wie shall be as a fruitfull Vine by the ides of thine house.] The Vine* 1.413 tree brings forth liquor of the Vine, most profitable to nourish the body, and cheer the heart.

Secondly, Fruitfulness is commended in the Vine tree, so in women. 1. Not a wanderer abroad, as Dina, but a house-wife. 2. In the house side, not the house top; she is in thy side who was taken out of thy side. 3. The Vine is of a bending and yeelding nature, so she must be flexible to her husband. 4. A Vine is an ex∣cellent shade against the schorching Sun, so should she refresh her husband in his greatest misery.

Thy children like Olive plants round about thy table.] He mentions here the Vine and the Olive, two of the best fruits, the one for cheering the heart, the other for cleering the face, Psal. 104. 15. the one for sweetness, the other for fatness, Judg. 9. 13. Christ himself is compared to these two trees, John 15. 1. Rom. 11. 24.

  • 1. Numerous, round about.* 1.414
  • 2. Legitimate, one cannot graff any thing in an Olive, but the Olive.
  • 3. Flourishing, that is alwaies green, Psal. 52. 10.

That he faith, about thy table, he expresseth the delight which they bring to the Father, while many of them, and those pretty ones, stand alwaies in his sight.

Vers. 5. The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion.] That was Gods speciall re∣sidence.

PSAL. CXXIX.

Verse 8. NEither do they which go by say, The blessing of the Lord be upon you; we bless you in the Name of the Lord.] Shewing evidently, that it was a good and* 1.415 commendable custom of the people of God then, to crave Gods blessing on the corn, grass or other fruits that they saw upon the earth, in these or the like words, God bless it, or God save it.

Page 116

PSAL. CXXX.

Verse 3. IF thou Lord shouldst mark iniquities: O Lord, who shall stand?] That is, rectus* 1.416 in curia. It is the posture of those that would boldly defend their cause.

Vers. 6. My soul waiteth for the Lord, more then they which watch for the morn∣ing▪]* 1.417 As the weay Sentinell which is we with the dews of the night, waits for the appearance of the morning, or as the Levites watched in the Temple when the morning would come, that they might be taken off from their work.

Vers. 7. With him is plenteous redemption.] From all ine, and all the conse∣quences of it.

PSAL. CXXXI.

Verse 2. AS a childe that is weaned of his mother, my soul is even as a weaned childe.] See* 1.418 Isa. 32. That is, was carefull of nothing, as a weaned childe, and as he de∣pends on his mothers are, so doth he commit the event to God, and wholly depend on him.

PSAL. CXXXII.

Verse 8. ARise, O Lord, into thy rest, tho, and the Ark of thy strength.] The royall* 1.419 Prophet having setled himself in his Kingdom, according to his own desire; and besides, having after many wandrings to and fro, at length brought back again the Ark unto Jerusalem, maketh here most zealous and devout prayers to God for the continuance of his favour both to the Church and Commonwealth committed to his Government.

Vers. 9. Let thy Priests be cloathed with righteousness.] The Priests had linnen* 1.420 cloathes reaching down to their feet, so Christ our Highpriest, Rev. 1. 13. Linnen signifies righteousness in the Scripture, Rev. 17. 8. To this David alludes here. To this petition here God answers, v. 16. and to Davids petition, v. 10. God an∣swers, v 17. to the end of the Psalm.

Vers. 11. Of the fruit of thy body.] Thy womb or belly, th•••• is, thy children See* 1.421 2 Sam. 7. 12. This prophesie respecteth Christ, Act. 2. 30.

Page 117

PSAL. CXXXIII.

Verse 1. BEhold how good and how pleasant it is.] How good, that is, how much would* 1.422 come to the persons by it; by way of admiration, and how pleasant!

Omne tulit punctum qui miscuit ••••i•••• dulci.

Some things are good which are not pleasant, as afflictions, repentance, self∣deniall, rendring good for evil; some things pleasant which are not good, as sen∣suall pleasures; some things neither good nor pleasant, as envy, despair, impa∣tience; some things both good and pleasant, as the happiness in heaven.

Vers. 2, 3. He useth two comparisons answering to good and pleasant; the se∣cond verse answering pleasant, the third answering to good.

Vers. 2. It is like the precious oyntment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aarons beard, that went down to the skirts of his garments.] It signifies that the spirituall oyl was first of all poured upon our Head Christ, and from thence consequently derived to all his members.

Vers. 3. As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of* 1.423 Zion, for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.] Hermon was a very fruitfull hill, inter pascua celebratur.

Ter] Where brethren dwell in unity.

Commanded] Appointed and sent effectually. See Psal. 42. 9.

PSAL. CXXXIV.

Verse 3. THe Lord that made heaven and earth, bless thee out of Zion.] He doth not say,* 1.424 The Lord that made the earth, bless thee out of heaven, nor the Lord that made heaven, bless thee out of heaven, but bless thee out of Zion, as if he would teach us, that all blessings come as immediatly and primarily from heaven, so medi∣atly and secondarily from Zion, where the Temple stood.

PSAL. CXXXV.

Verse 6. WHatsoever the Lord pleased▪ that did he in haven and in earth, in ths••••s, and all deep places.] A holy Minister said, that Scripture did ••••••ch con∣tent him; Such a thing pleased God, said he, why should it not please me.

Page 118

PSAL. CXXXVI.

Verse 10: To him that s••••••te AEgypt in their first-born.]

Here are four particulars:

  • 1. God hath judgements for a whole Nation, Exod. 12. 30.* 1.425
  • 2. God punisheth his enemies in what is neerest to them, Zech. 12. 10.
  • 3. God proportions his judgements to mens sins, Exod. 1. they drowned the Is∣raelites first-born.
  • 4. This judgement brake Pharaohs heart.

Vers. 11. And brought out Israel from among them] The bondage of the Israelites was great,

  • 1. In regard of their bodies, it is called an iron-fornace. See Exod. 3. 7, 9.
  • 2. In regard of their souls, great Idolatry; The AEgyptians worshipt almost every thing,* 1.426 the Crocodile, River, Ox, Herbs in the garden, Rev. 11. Rome is cal∣led AEgypt, this was therefore a great deliverance.

Vers. 13. To him which divided the Red Sea into parts.] Or, Divisions. By the* 1.427 Jews tradition, the Red Sea was parted into twelve several parts, for every of the twelve Tribes to goe thorow. But Bucer and Muis mislike that Interpre∣tation.

Vers. 14. And made Israel to passe thorow the midst of it.] He shews for whom this was done, Israel, Exod 14. 22, 29. not the AEgyptians, Heb. 11. 29.

2. God gave Israel courage and faith to venture, Heb. 11.

Vers. 15. But overthrew.] Shook them off in the original, as a man would shake* 1.428 a worm off his garment.

Ainsworth and Grotius render it Shook off. See Exod. 14. 27.

PSAL. CXXXVII.

Verse 6. ABove my chief joy.] Heb. The head of my joy.* 1.429

PSAL. CXXXVIII.

Verse 1. BEfore the gods will I sing praise unto thee.] The Kings and Princes of the earth,* 1.430 as vers. 4. called gods, Psal. 82. 1, 6. before such David used to confesse the Lord, Psal. 119. 46.

Page 119

Vers. 2. For thou hast magnified thy Word above all thy Name.] The Name of God appears in his great work of Creation and Providence:* 1.431

  • 1. Because there is more of God discovered in his Word then in his works.
  • 2. He works greater things by his Word then by his works, converting the soul, and comforting afflicted consciences.
  • 3. Gives it authority over the conscience.
PSAL. CXXXIX.

Verse 3. THou compassest my paths.] That is, markest me which way soever I goe.

Vers. 13. For thou hast possessed my reins.] That is, my secret cogitations, for* 1.432 the kidneys lie in a hid and secret place of the body, Jer. 12. 2.

Vers. 14. For I am fearfully and wonderfully made.] Made, as it were, and com∣posed* 1.433 altogether in wonders.

Vers. 15. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and cu∣riously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.] So he cals the womb; because* 1.434 curious work-men, when they have some choice piece in hand, perfect it in private, and then bring it forth to light for men to gaze at.

Vers. 17. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me.] Some expound it of the* 1.435 thoughts he had of God, he valued nothing so much as high thoughts of him. See vers. 18.

Others interpret it of Gods thoughts of him, comparing it with Psal. 40. 5.

Vers. 22. I hate them with perfect hatred.] I hate the wicked, that is, so farre as* 1.436 wicked, viz. their practices and actions, not their persons.

Vers 24. And lead me in the way everlasting.] That is, lead me by heavenly* 1.437 light in my whole life, the way of my age.

PSAL. CXL.

Verse 3. ADders poison, or the poison of Aspes is under their lips.] See Psal. 14. 1, 2, 3. Rom.* 1.438 3. 15. that is, the words which come from their lips, are more hurtfull than the poison of Asps.

Vers. 11. Let not an evil speaker e established in the earth.] Heb. A man of* 1.439 tongue, that is, a pratler or evil speaker, that hath tongue at will to use and abuse.

Evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him] The evil of sinne. 2. Of pu∣nishment.* 1.440 3. Satan.

There are four things in hunting.

  • 1. A great deal of Industry.
  • ...

Page 120

  • 2. Art.
  • 3. Pleasure.
  • 4. That the creature taken may be destroyed.
PSAL. CXLI.

Verse 3. SEt a watch (O Lord) before my mouth.] Or, Ward, custody, to keep me from* 1.441 speaking amisse.

Vers. 4. Let me not eat of their dainties.] Some understand it of their sins. Others* 1.442 of their flatteries, they will flatter thee in a way of sin.

Vers. 5. Let the righteous smite me.] Or, Hammer me, the same word with that which is spoken of Jael when she slew Sisera, Judg. 5. 26. with a deserved censure, as if he had said, If I have done amisse, let me hear of it, yea, let me smart for it by a faithfull reproof.

It shall be an excellent oyl.] As oyl for my head, to annoint my head with, or* 1.443 head-oyl, most excellent oyl, as Cant. 4. 14. & Ezek. 27. 22.

PSAL. CXLII.

Verse 4. I Looked on my right hand.] A Scripture very remarkable.* 1.444

The right-hand is the great instrument of action, therefore assistance given is said to come on the right-hand.

PSAL. CXLIII.

Vers. 4. MY heart within me is desolate.] Laid waste or become a wildernesse. The word in Hithpael signifies to lay ones self waste, void of comfort.

Vers 6. As a thirsty Land.] As in a dry Land parcht with the heat of the Sun,* 1.445 there is a great want of moisture, so in our souls must be retained a sense of the want of the graces of God, with an hearty sorrow of our want, we must feel our selves even dried and parched with the heat of Gods wrath due unto our sinnes, untill the sweet waters flowing from the Sanctuary have graciously refreshed us.

2. As a dry Land parched with drought gapeth and openeth it self wide, as if it would swallow up the Clouds, for rain: So must our hearts preserve within them an earnest appetite, and insatiable desire after Christ and his merits.

Vers. 10. Lead me into the Land of uprightnesse.] Some expound it of heaven, both the uprightnesse in this life and heaven.

Page 121

PSAL. CXLIV.

Verse 1. WHich teacheth my hands to warre, and my fingers to fight.] That is, gave him that skill, courage and successe in the warre, that he got a com∣pleat victory.

Vers. 4. Man is like to vanity.] Adam damah la hebel, Adam is like to Habel man* 1.446 to vanity. Adam the earthly man, what possession (Kyman) soever he gat, all is Habel vanity. Broughton of the first ten Fathers.

Vers. 8. Their right-hand is a right-hand of falshood.] Either referre it to their oaths to God, so Glassius. When they sware to him, they used to lift up their right∣hand, Revel. 10. 5. Or their Covenant with men, their manner was to give the right-hand when they made a Covenant, Ezek. 17. 8. men whom neither oath to God, nor their Covenant with men would hold.* 1.447

Vers. 11. Deliver me from the hand of strange children.] The Jews.

Vers. 12. May be as corner stones polished after the similitude of a palace.] Or, Tem∣ple, so the LXX.

Vers. 13. Affording all manner of store.] The Chaldee Paraphrast paraphraseth it ab anno in annum, from one year to another. Ainsworth renders it from meat to meat, or from sort to sort, that is, all sorts and store of victuals.

Vers. 15. Happy is that people that is in such a case: yea happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.]

David having prayed for many temporal blessings in the behalf of his people, from vers. 12. to this verse, at length he windeth up all indeed with this Epiphonema or conclusion, Blessed be the people that are in such a case: but presently comes with an Epanorthosis, or a correcting of his former speech, Yea rather happy is that peo∣ple whose God is the Lord; As if he had said, that indeed is a thing to happinesse in some kinde, but nothing to this, that is but temporal, this eternal.* 1.448

The Lord is said to be his peoples God two wayes:

  • 1. Spiritually, when he takes them into Covenant with himself.
  • 2. Visibly, when he takes them into Church-fellowship, so he was the God of* 1.449 Israel.
PSAL. CXLV.

Verse 9. ANd his tender mercies are over all his works.] There is no work of his hands* 1.450 which receiveth not from him some mercy.

Vers. 10. All thy works praise thee, O Lord: and the Saints shall blesse thee.] To blesse and praise differ, praise declareth his excellency, blesse, that is, acknow∣ledge his benefits.

Vers. 18. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.] Which intimates,

  • 1. That there is a calling upon God, and not in truth.
  • 2. That there is no losse of a prayer which is made in truth, for God is near.

In truth.] That is, in faith and confidence, that they shall obtain the thing which they pray for.

Page 122

PSAL. CXLVI.

Verse 2. VVHile I live, will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God, while I have any being.] There is no phrase more usual in the Psalms then to sing forth praises unto God, and it is not used without a special emphasis. For it is one thing to praise, and another to sing praises, as this verse sheweth. This is to pub∣lish, to declare, to speak of abundantly, to utter the memory of Gods great good∣nesse, that one generation may derive praises unto another, as the expressions are Psal. 145. 4, 7.

Vers. 3. Put not your trust in Princes, nor in the sonne of man, in whom there is no help.]

There are two reasons why David instanceth in Princes:

  • 1. Because all are apt to idolize men in power, Regis ad exemplum, &c.
  • 2. Because David himself had been miserably deceived, he trusted much in the Courtiers of Saul and Jonathan. It is applicable to all sorts of men, therefore it is added, Nor in the son of man.
PSAL. CXLVII.

HAllelujah.] That is, Praise ye Jah. See Psal. 135. 1.* 1.451

Vers. 1. Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God: for it is pleasant, and praise is comely.] There are good things which are not pleasant, as afflictions, Heb. 12. 11. There are pleasant things which yet are not comely, as foolish jesting, Ephes. 5. 4. but singing of Psalms is good, pleasant and comely. Good in its own nature, pleasant to the hearers, and comely to the user.

Vers. 10. He taketh no pleasure in the legs of a man.] Either because the strength of a man lies there, or his agility is manifested there.

Any indowments of a man that are not grace, as the opposition makes mani∣fest,* 1.452 vers. 11.

Vers. 11. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him.] In their persons* 1.453 and services.

Vers. 13. For he hath strengthened the barres of thy Gates.] Against ene∣mies.* 1.454

Vers. 16. He giveth snow like wool.] Not only because of the likenesse in co∣lour,* 1.455 but also because it warmeth the ground, and preserveth the corn that is sown, Qui dat nivem candidam sicut lanam. Chaldaeus.

Page 123

PSAL. CXLVIII.

Verse 4. PRaise him ye heavens of heavens: and ye waters that be above the heavens.]* 1.456 Heavens of heavens.] That is, the highest heavens.

Ye waters that be above the heavens.] That is, the clouds praise him, as they are the wonderfull work of God, and give men matter to praise him.

Vers. 1. Kings of the earth, and all people: Princes, and all Judges of the earth.

12. Both young men and maidens, old men and children.]* 1.457

He invites all men of every condition, age and sex, lest any should think himself exempt from this duty.

PSAL. CXLIX.

Verse 6. LEt the high praises of God be in their mouth.] When God puts forth high acts of grace, he expects high praises.

Vers. 9. To execute upon them the judgement written.] In the book of God the* 1.458 Lord hath declared against some enemies, as Amalek and the Antichristian party.

PSAL. CL.

Verse 2. ACcording to his excellent greatnesse.] So we reade, but the Hebrew and Greek according to the multitude of his greatnesse, and so Ainsworth.* 1.459

Vers. 4. Organ.] Or, The Organon, as the Greek translateth it: The Hebrew name* 1.460 signifieth a lovely (or delightfull) instrument: It is one of the ancientest of the world, invented by Jubal. Gen. 4. 23. and an instrument of joy, Job 21. 12. & 30. 31.

Notes

Do you have questions about this content? Need to report a problem? Please contact us.