Annotations upon the Holy Bible. Vol. I wherein the sacred text is inserted, and various readings annex'd, together with parallel scriptures, the more difficult terms in each verse are explained, seeming contradictions reconciled, questions and doubts resolved, and the whole text opened / by the late reverend and learned divine Mr. Matthew Poole.

PSAL. XCIII.

This Psalm contains an assertion or declaration of Gods sove∣raign and universal dominion in and over the whole world. Which is here set forth partly for the comfort of Gods Church and People against all the assaults of their numerous and potent Adversaries; and partly to give an intimation and assurance of the accomplishment of that great Promise of the Kingdom of the Messias, which was not to be con∣fined to the Israelites, but to be extended to all the Nati∣ons of the Earth: which, though wonderful in our Eyes, the Supream and Almighty Ruler of the World could▪ easily effect. This and the six following Psalms, according to the opinion of the Hebrew Doctors, belong to the times of the Messias.

1 * 1.1 THE LORD reigneth a 1.2, * 1.3 he is clo∣thed with majesty, the LORD is clothed with strength b 1.4 wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is established, that it cannot be moved c 1.5.

2 * 1.6 Thy throne is established † 1.7 of old: thou art from everlasting. d 1.8.

3 The flouds e 1.9 have lifted up, O LORD, the flouds have lifted up their voice: the flouds lift up their waves f 1.10.

4 The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea g 1.11.

5 Thy testimonies h 1.12 are very sure: holiness becometh thine house i 1.13, O LORD, † 1.14 for ever.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Psal. 96. 1•…•… & 97. 1. & 9•…•… 1.
• a 1.2

  He is the King and Governour not onely of Israel but of the whole World, as the last clause of the Verse expounds it: and accordingly he will in his due time set up his Empire over all Nations in the hands of his Son the Messias.
• * 1.3

  Psal. 104. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• b 1.4

  That Majesty and strength which he always had in himself, he now hath and will shortly much more shew it forth in the Eyes of all people.
• c 1.5

  The effect of Gods Government of the World shall be this, that he will order and over-rule all the Confusi∣ons, and Divisions, and Hostilities in the World, so as they shall end in an orderly, peaceable and happy settlement, and in the erection of that Kingdom of the Messias which can ne∣ver be moved.
• * 1.6

  Psal. 45. 6.
• † 1.7

  Heb. from then.
• d 1.8

  And this Kingdom of thine is no new or up start King∣dom, as it may seem to the ignorant World, but the most antient of all Kingdoms, being from Everlasting to Everlast∣ing, although it was not always equally manifested in the World.
• e 1.9

  The Enemies of thy Kingdom, who are oft compared to Flouds for their numbers, force, rage, &c. See Isa. 8. 7, 8. and 17. 12, 13. Ier. 46. 7, 8.
• f 1.10

  Have both by their words and actions made opposition against it.
• g 1.11

  The King of Heaven is too strong for all Earthly Poten∣tates and will subdue them under his feet.
• h 1.12

  i. e. Thy words: either 1. thy Precepts, which are commonly called Gods testimonies. And so having spoken of Gods Kingdom, he now sheweth that the Laws of that King∣dom are just, and true, and holy; which is a singular com∣mendation of it. Or, 2. thy Promises, as may be gathered from the following words, are sure, or true, or faithful; which attribute properly belongs, and every where in Scripture is ascribed to Promises rather than to Precepts. And the Pro∣mises no less than the Precepts are Gods Testimonies, or the Witnesses or Declarations of his mind and will to Mankind. And he seems here to speak of those great and precious Pro∣mises concerning the erection and establishment of his King∣dom in the World by the Messias. Which, faith he, are in∣fallibly true and shall certainly be accomplished in thy time.
• i 1.13

  This is to be understood, either 1. of Gods Church or People, who are sometimes called Gods House, and whose business and delight is in Gods House and service there per∣formed. So the sence is, It becometh thy people to be holy in all their approaches to thee, and worshippings of thee. Or rather 2. of God himself, who dwelt in his House, from whence he gave forth his Oracles, and where all his testimo∣nies were kept upon record. This seems better to suit with the context, the business of this Psalm being rather to describe the Dominion of God than the duty of his people. And so the sence seems to be this, Holiness is the constant Ornament and glory of thy House. Or, it becometh thee who dwellest in thy House to be holy in all thy words and actions; and therefore thy testimonies are very sure, and thou wilt un∣doubtedly fulfil all thy Promises. For holiness seems to be here taken for Gods faithfulness, as it is Psal. 60. 6. and 89. 35. or, which comes to the same thing, for his justice or righteousness, whereby he is obliged to make good all his promises, as that word is very commonly used.
• † 1.14

  Heb. to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of days.