Choice observations and explanations upon the Old Testament containing in them many remarkable matters, either not taken notice of, or mistaken by most, which are additionals to the large annotations made by some of the Assembly of Divines : to which are added some further and larger observations of his upon the whole book of Genesis perused and attested by the Reverend Bishop of Armagh, and Mr. Gataker Pastor of Rederith / by ... John Richardson ...

Psalmes.

PSALMES, Luke XXIV. 44. Or Book of Psalmes, Luke XX. 42. Acts I. 20. is divided by the Hebrewes into these five Parts: The first part ending with Psal. XLI. The second part, with Psal. LXXII. The third, with Psalme LXXXIX. The fourth, with Psalm CVI. The fifth, with Psalme CL.

The Division of them, from the Subject-matters of them, is very various. There are Psalmes Laudatorie, of Praises; Gratulatorie, of Thanksgiving: Psalmes of Supplications; of Deprecations; of Con∣solations; of Comminations; of Imprecations: There are Peneten∣tial Psalmes; Psalmes to teach; to give instruction; Psalmes to bring to Remembrance, things past; Psalmes Prophetical, of things to come: And many Psalmes are mixt of many, or most of these matters. So as out of them, as out of a store-house, every man may richly fit and fur∣nish himself for all and every particular occasion, either publike, or else private, according to his several conditions, in prosperity, or ad∣versity, in all his devotions, and addresses to God; still finding his own estate in some one Psalme or other; These Psalmes containing the ve∣ry Anatomy of the soul, the characters and representations of the thoughts, meditations, affections, and workings of it, towards God, towards man, towards herself, throughout all the changes of her pil∣grimage in this world.

The number of them is one hundred and fifty. The LXX. and vulgar Latin, do divide the ninth Psalme into two. And so their rec∣koning of the number doth constantly go on to exceed ours by one, un∣to the CXLVII. Psalm: which Psalm doth contain their CXLVI. and CXLVII. And so in the conclusion all agree in the same number of CL.

Of these, eighty two bear Davids title. Whereof these are upon several special occasions, as appears in their Inscriptions▪ viz. the III. VII. XXX. LI. LII. LIV. LIX. LX. LXIII. And at Gath, before Achish or Abimelech, XXXIV. LVI. And when he was in the Cave, Psalm LVII. and CXLII. His Psalms of Prayer are Psalm 17. and 86.

Some are his Psalmes, and yet without his name in the Title as Psal. II. Acts IV. 25. And Psal. XCV. Hebr. IV. 7. See also Psal. XCVI.

and CV. and CVI. See 1 Chron. XVI. 7. and LXXII. 20.

Other Psalmes, without Davids name, which have special Titles, are Psalmes XLV. LXXII. And, of or for Asaph, Psalmes, L. LXXIII. to LXXXIII. See 2 Chron. XXIX. 30. Of, or for the sonnes of Ko∣rah, LXXXIV. LXXXV. LXXXVII. Of Heman, for the sonnes of Korah, LXXXVIII. Of Ethan, LXXXIX. Of Moses, XC. For the Sabbath, XCII. A Prayer of, or for the Afflicted, CII. Psalmes of Degrees, CXX. to CXXXIV. Having Titles, are 125. The rest be∣ing XXV. the sixth part of the whole number, are without any Title or Inscription at all.

In the Titles we have the persons, by whom they were written; or for whom they were written; or to whom they were committed. And these last are either generaly described, by their skill in Musick; or more particularly named to be of the Quire or Posterity of Jeduthun, of Korah, or of Asaph.

In some we have also the Times when they were made; or when to be used. In some also their Quality and Excellencie. In some their Matter Subject, as of Prayer, of Deprecation, as Destroy not; of obtestation; of Gratulation or Thanksgiving; of Praise; of Instru∣ction, and Doctrine; of Commemoration, or for Remembrance; of nuptial love.

The Musick, either by voice, or instrument mentioned in some Ti∣tles, is but little known in our dayes; yet for the voice, some Psalmes may seeme to point to the Base, some to the Tenor, some to the Coun∣ter-tenor: And again, in some mens opinions, some Psalmes do inti∣mate that the voice should leade, and the instrument follow; as in those Titles 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: Some, that the instruments should leade, and the voice follow; as in those Titles 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 But the truth is, That howsoever Selah in the Text, used some seventy times in this Book, and three times in that prayer of Habakkuk, chap. III. sometimes in the middle of a verse, but mostwhat in the end; may seeme to be a Musi∣cal Note; And Neginoth to be an hand or stringed instrument; Shoshan∣nim, of six strings; from Shesh, six, as Shalishim of three strings, 1, Sam. XVIII. 6. Sheminith, of eight strings; Nehiloth, a wind-instrument; Ma∣halath, likewise. And so other guesses may be made of other words mentioned in sundry Titles of sundry Psalms; as Shoshannim Eduth, Shu∣shan Eduth, Mahaloth Leannoth, Muthlabben, Altaskith, Gittith, Ala∣moth, Hammagneloth, Aijgeleth Shahar, Jonath-Elem-rehochim: As al∣so of Higgajon, Michtam, Maschil: All which belonging to those instruments, Musick, or Poetry, then in use, now unknown, nor great∣ly material for us now to know, may admit of conjectural probabili∣ties; yet no certainties can be had for the exact notions and significa∣tions of them.

Psalme XIV. and LIII. are much the same. And so again, Psalme LX. and CVIII. and Psalme XVIII. and 2 Sam XXII. are more the same. And Psal. CVIII. 1,—5. are the same with the end of the LVII. Psalme. And ver. 6,—18. are the same with the end of the LX. Psalme.

Psalme XXV. begins each verse almost with the several letters of the Hebrew Alphabet, in order. And so in a maner doth the XXXIV. Psal. CXI. and CXII. begin each half verse with the letters of the Hebrew Alphabet, in order: save that the two last verses in both Psalmes, take up three letters apiece, to fill up the number of the two and twenty letters of the Hebrew Alphabet. Psal. XXXVII. begins every second verse with the letters of the Hebrew Alphabet in order. Psalme CXIX. without Davids Title, begins each of the first eight ver∣ses with the first letter of the Hebrew Alphabet: and each of the eight next verses with the second letter of the Hebrew Alphabet. And so continues along to the end of the Alphabet. Psalme CXLV. begins each verse with the letters of the Hebrew Alphabet; omitting only the letter Nun.

Some Psalmes composed long before David was borne; as Psalme XC. Some long after he was dead; as Psalme LXXIV. LXXXIII. CXXVI. CXXXVII. Whereby it appears that the Psalmes were put into the forme and order they now have, after the returne of the Jewes from Babylon.

Some are set-formes, as Psalmes XX. XXI. CII. CXXXVI. Esay XXVI. 1.

The Book of Psalmes authentical with the Papists, and by them fathered upon Jerome, is confessed by him to be but a Translation out of the Greek LXX. not out of the Hebrew text. And the Popish Bonaventure ventures but badly when he substitutes the word Mary, or Lady, in stead of Lord or God; and with some other alterations ap∣plies them to the Virgin Mary.

This Book of the Psalmes is much cited in the New Testament: As doth appear in this Table following.

Psalmes;	Alledged, or Alluded to in
2. 1.	Acts 4. 25.
7.	Acts 13 33.
	Hebr. 1. 5.
9.	Apoc. 2. 27.
	19 15.
5. 9.	Rom. 3. 13.
8. 2.	Matth. 21. 16.
4, 5, 6.	Heb 2. 6, 7, 8.
	1 Co. 15. 27.
10. 7.	Rom. 3. 14.
14. 2.	Rom. 3. 10.
16. 8—11.	Acts 2. 25—28. 31.
	13. 35.
18. 2.	Hebr. 2. 13.
49.	Rom. 15. 9.
19. 4.	Rom. 10. 1••.
22. 1.	Matth. 27. 46.
	Mark 15. 34.
7, 8.	Matth. 27. 35, 39, 43.
16, 18.	Mark. 15. 24.
	Luke 23. 33.
	John 19. 23. 24. 34. 37
22.	Hebr. 2. 12.
24. 1.	1 Cor. 10. 26, 28.
31. 5.	Luke 23. 46.
32. 1, 2.	Rom. 4. 6, 7, 8.
34. 12—16	1 Pet. 3 10, 11, 12.
37. 11.	Matth. 5 5.
40. 6, 7, 8.	Hebr. 10. 5 6 7.
41. 9.	John 13. 18.
44. 22.	Rom. 8. 36.
45. 6, 7.	Hebr. 1. 8, 9.
49. 4.	Matth. 13. 35.
50. 12.	1 Cor. 10. 26.
51. 4.	Rom. 3. 4.
53. 1, 2, 3.	Rom. 3. 10, 11, 12.
62. 12.	Matth. 16. 27.
68. 18.	Ephes. 4. 8.
69. 9.	John. 2. 17.
	Rom. 15. 3.
21.	John 19. 28, 29.
22, 23.	Rom. 11. 9, 10.
78. 2.	Matth. 13. 35.
25.	John. 6. 31.
81. 12.	Acts 14. 6
82. 6.	John 10. 34.
90. 4.	2 Pet. 3. 8.
91. ••1.	Matth. 4. 6.
	Luke 4. 10.
94. 11.	1 Cor. 3. 20.
95. 8—11.	Hebr. 3. 7—11.
	4. 7.
97. 7.	Hebr. 1. 6.
102. 25, 26, 27	Heb. 1 10, 11, 12.
104 4.	Hebr. 1. 7.
105. 41.	1 Cor. 10. 4.
109. 8.	Acts 1. 20▪
110. 1.	Mat. 22. 43, 44.
	Mark 12. 36.
	Luke 12. 42.
	Acts 2. 34, 35.
	Hebr. 1. 13.
4.	Hebr. 5. 6.
	7. 16.
112. 9.	2 Cor. 9. 9.
116. 10.	2 Cor. 4. 13.
1••.	Rom 3. 4.
117 1.	Rom. 15. ••1.
118. 6.	Hebr. 13. 6.
22, 23.	Matth. 21. 42.
	Mar. 12. 10, 11.
	Luke 20. 17.
	Acts 4. 11.
25, 26.	Matth. 21. 9.
132. 11.	Acts 2. 30.
17, 18.	Luke 1. 69, 70.
140. 3.	Rom. 3. 13, 14.
143. 2.	Rom. 3. 20.
	Gal. 2. 16.
144. 3.	Hebr. 2. 6.

In these Citations and Allegations, and Allusions, The Penmen of Scripture regard more oftentimes the sense and intent of the Text cited, then the precise termes, where the one swerves not much from the other, and what is in the words so read or implyed, is of undoubt∣ed truth. And sometimes they cite not the entire Text, nor tie them∣selves to the precise words of the place, nor observe strictly the Or∣der of them, as they lie in the Text; but pick only out of them so much as may serve for their present purpose; which in quotation of places is sufficient. So John XII. 40. Matth. IV. 15, 16. Ezek. XX. 7. And in Citations in the New Testament, the holy Penmen in some places follow the LXX. as then most in use in Synagogues, & Schools, publikely, & privately, though therein departing from the Hebrew, but yet only in matters of no concernment as to the present Allegation. Some are Accommodations only; when Prophesies besides their Lit∣teral sense; have sometimes another in this sort affixed to them, To which when they are accommodated, they are said to be fulfilled, i. e. to have a more eminent accomplishment in a higher sense; As Esay IX. 1, 2. the great Light and comfort and deliverance from Sennaohe∣rib, and out of Babylon, is accommodated, Matth. IV. 13,—16. to Christs preaching the Light and comfort of the Gospel, and his deli∣verance of them from the bondage of Sin and Satan.

Blessed] This is the maine end man aimes at. [chapter I] [verse 1]

Walketh not] Some here observe a Climax, or treble Climax, gra∣dation, or ascension, from the lesse and lower, to the greater and higher: And so there is indeed in the sins here mentioned: But not in the shun∣ning and avoiding of sinne, as some conceive. For so the first degree here mentioned seemes to them to be the highest of the three, in that kind. And so the speech doth not ascend, but descend lower, in each degree. A true Climax is that Rom. VIII. 29, 30. And again, ver. 34. And Jer. XV. 5. The sense here agrees with Davids words, Psal. XXVI. 4, 5.

He shall be like] Jer. XVII. 7, 8. [verse 3] Job VIII. 16, 17. Ezek. XIX. 10. and XXXI. 4. Psal. XCII. 12, 13, 14.

a tree] No minde or mention here of the Palme tree, or allusion to the tree of Life in Paradise.

not so] Thus are these words used, [verse 4] Gen. XLVIII. 18. Exod. X. 11. Num. XII. 7. Deut. XVIII. 14. Prov. XV. 7. Esay XVI. 6. repeated Jer. XLVIII. 30. Ephes. IV. 20. And in Matth. XX. 26. where Christ forbids not the exercise of Superiority among Christians, or among Ministers of the Gospel, or requires parity of authority among them; but saith, that those things, though good and lawful in them∣selves, yet have no place in, nor relation to, his spiritual Kingdome, which is in the soul.

not stand] As Num. XXX. 5, 12. [verse 5] Josh. II. 11. and VII. 12, 13.

Knoweth] Acknowledge and own; [verse 6] approveth, regardeth, reward∣eth. As Exod. III. 7. Deut. XXXIV. 10. Psal. XXXI. 8. and XXXVII. 18. and CXLII. 5. and CXLIV. 12. Prov. XII. 10. Hos. XIII. 5.

Matth. VII. 23. Rom. VII. 15. John X. 14. Job XXIII. 10. Prov. II. 8.

Why] I his Psalme by many of the Ancients is joyned to the for∣mer, [chapter II] [verse 1] as a part of it; And they take the former, as a Preface to this; or rather to the whole Book of the Psalmes. But Saint Paul doth di∣stinguish them, Acts XIII. 33. And the Church doth ascribe this Psalme to David, though it bear not his Title, Acts IV. 25. And in this Psalme David bears a Type of Christ, who is here more realy, pro∣perly, principaly, and immediately intended. All which appears Acts IV. 25, 26. and XIII. 33. Heb. I. 5. and V. 5. So that the first and open sense points to David; the mystical and more abstruse to the Messias. And no doubt, but this, and such allusions more, were out of all question, even from the beginning so fore-cast, and appointed, as it were, by the holy Ghost.

Why] The Psalmist demands, and wonders at the banding and conspiring of all, and all sorts of enemies, against David and his King∣dome typicaly, as did Saul, Ishbosheth, Abner, the Philistines, Jebusites, and others: But against Christ, and his Kingdome principaly, as is the prime purpose▪ maine scope, and intent of this Psalme, Acts IV. 25, 26. Mark III. 6. John XI. 53. Luke XIX. 14. Though all in vaine, ver. 1, 2, 3.

The Kings] 2 Sam. VIII. and X. [verse 2] Chapters.

heavens] 1 King. VIII. [verse 4] 27. Jer. XXII. 24. Psal. CXXXIX. 7. The King of heaven against those Kings of the earth, ver. 2.

laugh] And have them in derision, as Job XLI 29. dictum 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; intelligendum 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Psal. XXXVII. 12, 13. and LIX. 8. Prov. I. 26.

wrath] No passion properly hath any place in Gods will. [verse 5] It is not in him, but without him; not in his affection, but in his act. These expressions are but condescentions to the weaknesse of our capacities, Psal. LXXVI. 6,—9. and CIV. 32.

yet have I] God the Father who makes and orders all earthly King∣domes, [verse 6] Dan. IV. 14. and II. 21. and VII. 14. Ezra I. 1.

my King] Prov. VIII. 22,—30. Acts II. 36.

Sion] See the Observations on Deut. III. 9. and on 1 Chron. XI. 5. See Psal. LXXVIII. 68. and LXVIII. 17. and CXXXII. 13. and LXXXVII. 2. Esay II. 2, 3, 4. and IV. 4.

I will declare] David typicaly; [verse 7] Christ principaly who is in the bosome of the Father, the Word and Wisdome of the Father.

The Lord hath said] Hebr. V. 5. Psal. CX. 1.

my sonne] Not as holy men. Princes, David, or Angels are called the sonnes of God, John I. 12. Jer. XXXI. 9. Psal. LXXXII 6. Job I. 6. But in a peculiar maner farre above all these, Hebr. I. 4, 5, 9. not by adoption or grace, but by nature.

This day] Relates to his Nativity, as man; not to his Divinity, as God. And as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, he is called the Sonne of God, Luke I. 35. Heb. I. 5. And that raising up of Jesus, Acts XIII. 33. relates to this

Exhibition of him in the flesh, mentioned also, ver. 23. That other raising him from the dead speaks plainly of his resurrection from the grave, Acts XIII. ver. 34,—37. Rom. I. 4.

have I begotten thee] Not relating here to his eternal generation as the Sonne of God, the second Person and Hypostasis in the Trinity: But to his gigniture 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, when he revealed him to the world.

Aske of me] God Decrees, [verse 8] as the End, so the Means. As Assuerus to Ester, chap. V. 3. And Herod to the daughter of Herodias, Mark VI. 23. And God himself to Solomon, 1 King. III. 5. So, and much more here God the Father to Christ his Sonne, the Mediatour. Thus Christ asked and prayed, in the dayes of his flesh; and was ever heard in whatsoever he asked, according to the nature of his asking, John XI. 22, 42. Heb. V. 7. John XVII. 9.

and the uttermost] Psal. XXII. 29, 30. Heb. I. 2. Dan. II. 44.

them] Thine enemies, [verse 9] ver. 1, 2, 3.

rod of iron] Esay XXX. 14. Jer. XIX. 11. See the actual execu∣tion, Apoc. II. 26. and chap. XII. 5. and XIX. 15. Esay XI. 4.

Be wise] Take better counsel then that, [verse 10] ver. 2; use better wis∣dome.

now] Heb. V. 7. Prov. V. 7. and VII. 24. and VIII. 32. Esay XLIV. 1. Delay is dangerous.

Kings] Ye, ver. 2.

serve] Kings; [verse 11] and all other yet enemies serve him, Luke I. 74, 75. Psal. CXVI. 16.

with fear] A filial fear, which is joyned with joy, Psal. C. 2.

rejoyce with trembling] These two also are coëxistent; joy, Rom. XIV. 17. Ps. IX. 2. 14. Phil. IV. 4. Trembling, Phil. II. 12. The regene∣rate man is a kinde of mixt person; hath, as Rebecca, two strugling in him.

Kisse] A signe, [verse 12] of Love amongst equals, Gen. XXXIII. 4. 1 Sam. XX. 41. Rom. XVI. 16. 1 Cor. XVI. 20. Of Subjection in inferiours, Gen. XLI. 40. 1 Sam. X. 1. Prov. XXIV. 26. Of religious adoration, 1 King. XIX. 18. Job XXXI. 27.

the Sonne] 1 John II. 23. John V. 23.

lest he be angry] Gen. III. 3. Certainly he will, ver. 5. 2 Thes. I. 8. Apoc. VI. 16, 17.

and ye perish from the way] The way of happinesse; you, and your way perish, Psal. I. 6. or your way of combination against Christ, ver. 1, 2. or in the way of your conceited peace and secure prosperity.

Blessed] Apoc. XIX. 9. Rom. IX. 33. John III. 36.

ten thousands of people] And likely more now gathered against him, [chapter III] [verse 6] by means of Absolom. Most of Davids Psalmes in order of time go before this Psalme.

my glorie] The glorie of my Kingdome which God hath promised me, [verse 2] and whereunto he hath anointed me.

godly] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, [chapter IV] [verse 3] In an active signification. Whence the Asideans, 1 Macc. 7. 13. 2 Macc. XIV. 6. may seeme to have their name.

And whence the Pelican hath the name of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from the pious be∣nignity it shews, as to her young ones, so to her dam when over-grown with years, as some write. And from her Greek name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ariseth the Greek Proverb 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to denotate a retribution and recom∣pensation of pious duties, offices, and benefits, such as the Pelican u∣seth. The same word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, is taken also and used by some for the Stork, as Jer. VIII. 7. the Stork having the like pious benigne pro∣perties and qualifications.

stand in awe and sinne not] Ephes. IV. 26. [verse 4] Be anrgy, and sinne not. And that sense the word here used will bear; David speaking thus to his friends; Let not your indignation, and just resentment of these scandals and confusions in my sufferings, proceed to a sinful murmur∣ing against God; but consider of it wisely in your most retired thoughts, and be silent, contented, and quiet.

into thy house] [chapter V] [verse 7] So farre as it was lawful for David.

toward thy holy Temple] And so David, Psal. XXVII. 4. and XXIX. 9. and LXV. 4. and LXVIII. 29. and CXXXVIII. 2. And yet in Davids dayes the Temple was not built. He minded that which af∣ter his dayes he knew presently should be: And meane time he stiles the Arke, or Tabernacle, by the name of the Temple. See the Obser∣vations on Exod. XXXIII. 7.

rebuke me not] Psal. [chapter VI] [verse 1] XXXVIII. 1.

heale me] David was in some soar sicknesse at this time. [verse 2]

bed to swim] See the Observations on Josh. XI. 4. [verse 6]

If I have done this] Whereof Cush Sauls Courtier or Favourite, [chapter VII] [verse 3] one of his Tribe, doth falsely accuse me.

return thou on high] To ascend, [verse 7] and set thy self on thy high tribu∣nal and judgement-seat, 1 Kings X. 19. And this; to judge for me; and against Cush; as it followeth in the rest of the Psalme.

Out of the mouth] This is alluded to Mat. [chapter VIII] [verse 2] XXI. 16.

What is man] This, [verse 4] and ver. 5, 6. are applied to Christ by the A∣postle, Heb. II. 6,—9. 1 Cor. XV. 27. Ephes. I. 22. so taking in both Christ the head; and mankinde, specialy the faithful, as members; shewing thereby that mysticaly and propheticaly in these words is in∣timated the humiliation and exaltation of the man Christ Jesus.

O thou enemie] A kinde of scoff and derision, [chapter IX] [verse 6] whereby David up∣braids him for his bloody designes and threats.

Know thy name will] Know experimentaly, [verse 10] practicaly, verse 20. in all their hearts, and souls; in themselves; as the phrases of Scrip∣ture are, Josh. XXIII. 14. 1 Sam. VI. 9. Heb. X. 34. Of this know∣ledge is that Iohn XVII. 3. and 1 Iohn II. 3, 4, 5. and chap. III. 19 24. and chap. IV. 6, 7, 8, 13. and chap. V. 2. 18, 19. 20. Noëtical, specu∣lative knowledge, swimming only in the braine, and not sinking into the heart, is none of this knowledge.

till thou finde none] Rid the world of them, [chapter X] [verse 15] and their sinnes, at once.

flee a bird] 1 Sam. [chapter XI] [verse 1] XXVI. 19.

If the foundations] In Church and Kingdome. [verse 3]

what can] He help; but suffer in such a general ruine?

The fool] Psal. [chapter XIV] [verse 1] X. 4. and LIII. 1. The three first verses of this Psalme are by Saint Paul applied to all mankinde in general, in the state of the Fall, and natural corruption, Rom. III. 10, 11, 12.

usury] Of this see Exod. [chapter XV] [verse 5] XXII. 25. Levit. XXV. 36, 37. Deut. XXIII. 19, 20. Neh. V. 17. Levit. XXVIII. 8. And the Annotations on Ezek. XVIII. 8. and XXII. 12, 13. Mat. XXV. 27.

that hasten] Or give gifts to another god. [chapter XVI] [verse 4] See Ezek. XVI. 33, 34. The true God needs them not, ver. 2. But false gods do; which gifts do redound in the end to the dammage and sorrowes of the givers.

their drink-offerings of blood] Their Offerings and Sacrifices of mans blood. The drink-offerings to the true God, were of wine, ac∣cording to his Law, Num. XV. 5. But Idolaters in stead thereof did many times offer mans blood. Pauls readinesse to be offered, Phil. II. 17. 2 Tim. IV. 6. imports no more then his willingnesse to die and spend his blood, for Christs cause, and the good of his Church and people.

their names] See the Observations on Josh. XXIII. 7.

I have set the Lord] Acts II. 25,—31. [verse 8] and XIII. 35,—37. Da∣vid speaks here of himself, in this regard, as having Christ in his loins, in a Prophetical spirit relating to Christ.

right hand] Psal. CIX. 31. & CX. 5. & CXXI. 5.

not be moved] Psal. CXVIII. 6. CXXXV. 1. Rom. VIII. 31, &c.

my glory] My tongue, [verse 9] Acts II. 26. Psal. XXX. 12. and LVII. 8. and CVIII. 2. Gen. XLIX. 6.

my flesh also] As Rom. VIII. 19. 21.

my soul in hell] A Prophesie of Christs Resurrection. [verse 10] David speaks here in the Person of Christ.

Soul] Sometimes is taken properly, sometimes improperly, for the whole person of man, Gen. XIV. 12. Acts XXVII. 37. sometimes for the life of the person, sometimes for the body, Gen. XVII. 21. sometimes for the dead carkasse, Levit. XIX. 28. and XXI. 1, 2. Num. VI. 6. and V. 2, 9, 10. Hag. II. 14. And so 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is taken also. Here, my soul, i. e. my self.

hell] the Hebrew 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is taken for the grave, Psal. CXLI. 7. and LXXXVI. 13. and XXX. 13. and LV. 15. Gen. XXXVII. 35. and XLII. 3. 1 Kings II. 6, 9. Num. XVI. 30. Jonah II. 1, 2. Not for a place of souls under the earth. See Doctor Rainolds, Praelect. 81. & 82. upon the Apocryphal books: and Robert Parker upon Christs Des∣cent into hell; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is taken for death, or the state of the dead: for the place invisible; for the grave, in relation to the body, Acts II. 27. And in relation to the soul, for heaven to the godly soul, as in our Creed; and for Hell, to the soul ungodly; and so most usualy. Christs soul did not descend to the lower parts, or that imaginary place of Limbus Patrum. This place here meant is a place of punishment, and

therefore it is mentioned as a mercy, that Christ was thence deliver∣ed; Christs soul was not therefore there in triumph. The scope of the Apostles in citing this place is not to deale about the deliverance of Christs soul out of Hell, but punctualy of Christs Resurrection: They inferre nothing else out of this Text. But Resurrection is properly of the Body, not of the Soul. Gehenna is sometimes taken for the Grave; and most-times further, for Hell it self. The true meaning and sense of the Article of Christs Descent into Hell, as the Latines very improperly translate the words, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, seemes to be thus rendered rather, he went into the place of invisible souls: and to be understood of Christs Soul; for his body remained in the Grave; And his soul in that interim to passe to the place of souls; to Heaven or Paradise; as the souls of the godly did, and his principaly. As the souls of the wicked went to Hell. For 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 as a general name doth cer∣tainly and evidently signifie both places. And thus the Articles go on methodicaly, without any tautologie; That after Christs death, his body was buried in the Grave, his Soul went to the place of blessed souls; and the third day, both soul and body were reunited in his Re∣surrection. This verse then, and two before, and one following, are most properly meant of Christ, and of his Resurrection. Acts II. 25,—28, 31. and XIII. 35, 36, 37.

Thou wilt shew me] Experimentaly.

me] Christ spea••s of himself.

the path of life] Of glory after his Resurrection. [verse 11] All this true of Christ the head; and in and by him, true also of David, of all his mem∣bers. Christs Resurrection, and Glorification is the beginning of ours; he the Author, and meanes of it to us; in our first Resurrection here by Regeneration, to the life of Grace; whereby Christ lives in us, Gal. II. 20. He in us, and we in him by Faith, Ephes. III. 17. Rom. I. 17 And in our second Resurrection, to the life of Glory; as followes in. this verse.

In thy presence] Before thy face; in the light of thy coun∣tenance. See Gen. XXXII. and Exod. XXXIII. 14, 15. Num. VI. 23. Psal. IV. 6. and XXXI. 16. and LXXX. 3. Deut. XXXIV. 10. Esay VI.

fulnesse] Yet all the former but in part, whiles we are in the way; in fulnesse, when we come to our countrey, or heavenly Canaan, Job XIX. 26, 27. 1 John III. 2. 1 Cor. XIII. 12. Matth. V. 8. And yet this beatifical Vision of God in glory shall be to our fulnesse; not to his. The fulnesse of his infinite Essence, by any created power of Saint, or Angel by the eye of flesh, though glorified, or by the intellectual eye of a soul or spirit glorified cannot be seene, 1 Tim. VI. 16. But to our fulnesse, as farre as creatures are capable of, our vessel thrown into this infinite Sea, shall be brim full, though it containe not all this O∣cean, Psal. XVII. 15. And how great then shall this fulnesse then be, when of things in this kinde revealed of God to his Apostles in this life, by his Spirit, the Apostle so speaketh, as we read, 1 Cor. XI. 9.

out of Esay LXIV. 4? This is a fulnesse beyond all that of Faith, and Hope, a fulnesse that fills up all desires, a fulnesse of fruition, of sa∣tisfaction, without satiety. Apoc. III. Consider that saying of the Queen of Sheba, 1 King. X. 8. and of the Disciples at Christs Trans∣figuration, Mat. XVII. 4.

At thy right hand] And by thy right hand, Psal. XX. 7. LXIII. 9. CXVIII. 16.

for evermore] Without which eternity there were no true felicity.

right] My plea for my righteous cause; [chapter XVII] [verse 1] my righteous cause and complaint, ver. 2.

I am purposed] Psal. XXXIX. 1. [verse 3]

of thy lips] Guiding and directing me. [verse 4]

when I awake] Our of the sleep of death, [verse 15] Esay XXVI. 19.

with thy likenesse] 1 Cor. XV. 49. 1 John III. 2. Apoc. XXII. 4.

Horne] Signifieth power, [chapter XVIII] [verse 2] and glory, Psal. XCII. 10. Amos VI. 13. And Christ called the Horne of Salvation, Luke I. 69.

earth shook] Here, [verse 7] and hereafter are sublime expressions, not of what historicaly hapned, but of the marvelous maner of Gods migh∣ty presence, assistance, and concurrence in Davids victories, in some sort Poeticaly set forth.

thundered] Thunder is called Gods voice, [verse 13] Apoc. X. 3, 4. and XIX. 6. Of thunder. See Psal. XXIX. 3, 10. and LXXVII. 18. and CIV. 7. Exod. XIX. 16. & XX. 18. Jer. X. 13. Job. XXVI. 14 & XXXVIII. 25. Esay XXIX, 6. Apoc. IV. 5. and 8. 5. Some proud blasphemers have laboured to imitate the thunder: and some impious Tyrants have ex∣ceedingly feared it.

according to my righteousnesse] The justnesse of my Cause against Saul, [verse 24] and others; and my sincere desire and endeavour to serve and obey God: though not for any merit of my works.

thy self froward] Meet with them in their own way. [verse 26] As Levit. XXVI. 23, 24.

Bow of steele. [verse 34]

Therefore will I give thanks unto thee] This verse is applied, [verse 49] Rom. XV. 9. to the Calling of the Gentiles to the faith of Christ, and praise unto God therefore. And so formerly, ver. 43, 44. and again, verse 50. are more truly verified in Christ, then in David.

to his Anointed, [verse 50] to David, and to his seed for evermore] To his Mes∣siah, his Christ, as Psal. II. 2. to David literaly; to Christ mysticaly cal∣led by the name of David, Jer. XXX. 9. Ezek. XXXIV. 23, 24. and chap. XXXVII. 24. Hos. 5. to his seed, both himself properly, called the seed of David, Rom. I. 3. Acts XIII. 23. as the seed of Abraham, Gal. III. 16. and to his seed, Esay LIII. 10. Heb. II. 13. And thus properly it is for evermore.

Day unto day] Or day after day: [chapter XIX] [verse 2] the vicissitude or continual suc∣cession of day and night speaketh much divine knowledge. The as∣siduity, and constancy without any intermission by the Heavens preaching is hereby expressed.

There is no speech] Among all variety of Languages, [verse 3] yet this lan∣guage and idiome of the heavens is one and the same, understood of all, and heard of all, ver. 4.

Their line] Rom. X. 18. [verse 4] the Apostle hath it their sound, or voice. And such a like difference is found in Micah V. 2. with Matth. chap. II. 6. And again in Rom. IX. 33. with Isa. chap. XXVIII. 16. The Apostle fits this Testimonie to his own purpose; not derogating there∣by from the truth of the literal sense. As that Exod. XVI. 18. is ap∣plied, 2 Cor. VIII. 15. Or rather the Apostle retaines the literal sense, for the preaching of the Gospel to all the world, Rom. XV. 19. Col. I. 6, 23. And out of this testimonie of the Psalme in its literal sense proves that the Gentiles had heard and learned somewhat of God and pietie before, out of the book of the Creation, Rom. I. 19. Acts XIV. 17. Which was a forerunner to this more ample Doctrine and School of the Gospel, which now God was pleased to vouchsafe unto them. In summe, the Apostle herein followes the LXX. And applies this to the preaching of the Gospel to the Heathens; as God had formerly taught them, in another & a weaker maner and degree, by his works of Creation. They had as a voice to speak; so a line to write, rule, direct, and instruct, as Esay XXVIII. 10.

sunne] The carbuncle of heaven; the eye, and heart of the world, for its light, and heat.

to runne a race] His race, is without intermission, or wearinesse; and the swiftnesse of his running, [verse 5] being so great a body, in its owne orbe, is even to amazement, and astonishment, almost beyond imagi∣nation. That the Sunne should stand, and the Earth so move, as some braines fancie, is no lesse then a prodigious Paradox.

The Law] From the Book of Gods works, [verse 7] he comes now to the Book of his Word, in five verses. And in this Schoole, each verse in a maner doth expresse the name, the nature, the effects, the precious∣nesse of this Word; much against all those imbasements and impeach∣ments which the Papists would put upon it.

gold] Gold of Havilah, [verse 10] good, Gen. II. 11, 12. Ophir, 1 Kings IX. 28. Uphaz, Jer. X. 9. This is the chiefest gold, Dan X. 5. Job XXVIII. 15. Psal. CXIX. 72. See the Observations on Esay XIII. 12.

great reward] Which reward yet is of grace, [verse 11] not of merit, Rom. VIII. 3. through Gods free grace and bounty; not the merit of our works. The Apostle doth thus distinguish of merit, Rom. IV. 4, 5. and XI. 6. There is no merit properly, if the work be not properly out own; and not otherwise due debt; and justly equal to the reward. They are justly due out of his true and free promise.

who can] Where then is that possibility, [verse 12] and facility of fulfilling the Law, even unto works of Supererogation, whereof Papists do so much brag?

dominion over me] There are sinnes reigning; and not reigning, but rebelling, [verse 13] Rom. VI. 12, 22. and VII. 15,—20.

The Lord hear thee] This Psalme, [chapter XXI] [verse 1] and the next, are composed by

David, for a publike forme of a Prayer in the one, of a Thanksgiving in the other, to be used by the people, for himself the King. They seeme to stretch this Psalme too farre, and that without ground, who make it to be a Prophesie of Christs Sufferings, and his deliverances out of them, for which the Church with him triumpheth. As also the next Psalme to gratulate the victory and Salvation of Christ.

Save Lord, [verse 9] let the King hear us] Most here understand God, or the Messias. Some David. The LXX. not observing or keeping the Hebrew distinction Athnach, render it thus, Lord save the King, and hear us when we call upon thee.

for ever and ever] Psal. [chapter XXI] [verse 4] LXXXIX. 29, 36, 37. and LXI. 6, 7. Da∣vid lived but seventy years: yet in his royal posterity, for many ages; and in Christ, the Sonne of David, Matth. XXII. 42. for ever and ever, eternaly, Rom. VI. 9. Apoc. I. 18. Heb. VII. 25. See the Observations on Deut. XV. 17.

Thine hand] King Davids hand. [chapter XXII] [verse 8]

In some Psalmes there are passages that properly and literaly belong to David; and to Christ only, as David was a Type of him. But in this Psalme, are some Passages, as ver. 16, 17, 18. (besides many other which are applied to Christ in the New Testament, as ver. 1, 7, 8, 22, 27.) which literaly and properly belong to Christ, and are appliable to him only, or to him more then to David. Then here is no place left for that question of the Eunuch, Acts VIII. 34. The allegations out of this Psalme, Matth. XXVII. 46, 35, 43. Heb. II. 12. and the body of the Psalme it self do shew, that little of it can be applied to David, as a Type, most of it is proper and peculiar to Christ alone, as I formerly said, 1 Pet. I. 11, 12.

my God] Jesus on the Crosse little before his death, [verse 1] about the ninth hour, cryed out these words with a loud voice, Matth. XXVII. 46. Heb. V. 7. upon the weight of Gods wrath, under the burden of our sinnes; The Deity by a special providence and dispensation withdraw∣ing and suspending its influence from the Humanity for this time; God withdrawing all sense of his favour from him. Not that the hyposta∣tical union of both natures was then or ever severed or dissolved. But yet he suffered chiefly in his soul, all the paines, pangs and agonies of a justly angry and punishing God, even more then can either be ex∣pressed or imagined, even so farre above the measure of ordinary suf∣ferings, as himself was above ordinary men; without any influence, or joy, or comfort streaming from the Vision of God upon his mind and wil for that time. So that he suffered as in body, so in soul, in his whole man; as in his sensual part, so in his intellectual also, in his whole soul, and body, and in all the parts, powers, and faculties of them. And the greatest sufferings, as was said, that could be sustained in this life, Lam. I. 12. yet without any derogation to the integrity, purity, innocencie, dignity of the person of Christ our Surety and Saviour. These words then are not a complaint out of impatience, ignorance, disobedience, or diffidence. They are the words of sense, not of infidelity. See ver.

24. Luke XXIII. 46. He strongly calls him his God, even in that instant of these suffering; so expressing his firme faith in him. But they are a Protestation of the bitternesse of his Passion, so stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted, and so farre prevailing on him, in whom the spi∣rit of fortitude had his residence.

forsaken me] This sense of dereliction and carencie of Divine fa∣vour for the time, as it was the Fathers pleasure to have it so, so the Sonnes office called him unto it; and he did not contract it by any fault of his, but did voluntarily undertake it for our sinnes, and the ex∣piation of them: as he did the death it self. So that in this then there could not be any defect or defanlt of faith, and hope requisite in him, And likewise that Prayer and Speech, Matth. XXVI. 39. bewrayes the sense of the flesh; but joyned with the obedience of the Spirit in him: A double Will in him, against Monothelites: but joyned both in one holy obedience and subjection. All which shew the na∣ture of sinne, the infinite wrath of God against it; the infinite Love of the Father, and the Sonne, towards the children of men; and the ve∣rity of Christs Humane Nature, both in body and soul.

roaring] Like that of Lions Psal. XXXII. 3. and XXXVIII. 8. Matth. XXVI. 38. Marke XIV. 33. Luke XXII. 44. so that he had need of an Angel for his Comforter. Yet he so wrestles and prevailes, that no signe of halting was left remaining after; no signe or voice of despair; as some are shamelesly wronged to charge upon him. All the agonies of Christs soul ceased with his death.

but thou hearest not] We read that God ever heard him, [verse 2] ver. 24. John XI. 42. Heb. V. 7. But here this Prayer was only conditional; a signification of a natural desire; not an absolute, and plenary Prayer.

inhabit the praises of Israel] Whose praise thou art, [verse 3] Deut. X. 21. And they praise thee, in thy House and Sanctuary. Thou art still praised by them for thy benefits to them, and acknowledged their ho∣ly one.

Our fathers] And shall I be so forsaken, [verse 4] not heard, nor holpen, nor delivered? Thus he aggravates his complaint, rouzeth up his faith, bowes and moves God to mercie.

Cried] Crying or clamor, [verse 5] and Prayer, are oft conjoyned, Psal III. 4. and XVIII. 7. Jer. VII. 16. Jonas III. 8. Micah III. 4.

a worme] So vile and contemptible in the eyes of men, [verse 6] Esay LIII. 2, 3. as Job XXV. 6. Esay XLI. 14. Not only made lower then the Angels, Psal. VIII. 5. Heb. II. 7. but disesteemed more then Barra∣bas, or the two theives.

All they that see me] This verse, [verse 7] and the next, we see fulfilled in the History of Christs Passion, Matth. XXVII. 39,—44. Luke XXIII. 35. Not that Christ herein murmurs against God; but de∣clares and deplores his own misery, whereunto for mans sake, and his redemption, he willingly subjects himself.

laugh me to scorne] Matth. XXVII. 39.

He trusted] Matt. [verse 8] XXVII. 43.

But thou art] This verse, [verse 9] and the next, shew his Hope in God. The like see in David, Psal. LXXI. 5, 6, 7.

out of the womb] By a natural, not miraculous way; as David was, Psal. LXXI. 5. by the opening of the womb, without any losse or laesion of Blessed Maries Virginity; not by a miraculous penetration of dimensions and substances, to keep the womb still closed and shut.

breasts] So Job XXXI. 18. Psal. LXXI. 6. 2 Tim. III. 15. Esay XLVI. 3. and XLIX. 1. Luke I. 15, 41.

I was cast] By him saved from Herods intended murder, [verse 10] Mat. II.

Be not farre from me] Therefore he was not utterly forsaken, [verse 11] ver. 1. So Psal. X. 1. and XXXVIII. 22, 23. So againe, Esay XLVIII. 9.

for trouble is near] Death it self.

none to help] Esay LXIII. 3, 5. His Disciples fled; Peter forswears him: none but God could help him.

Many Bulls] So afterwards Lions, [verse 12] ver. 13. Dogs, ver. 16, 20. Such were his enemies to him; the Devil and his instruments; the Priests, and Rulers of the Jewes, in our Saviours dayes.

Bashan] See the Annotations on Micah VII. 14.

roaring Lion] Even they forced Pilate, [verse 13] notwithstanding all his plead∣ings for Jesus, to condemne him. See Matth. XXVII. 17.—26. John XIX. 1,—13.

like water] Such is his state. [verse 14] As 2 Sam. XIV. 14. His bones, heart, bowels, melted, burnt, as it were, with the heat of Gods wrath.

the Assembly] In their Councils, [verse 16] Marke XIV. 55. and XV. 1. John XI. 47.

They pierced] Our Hebrew Bibles have 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as a Lion. Which yet by anomalie in Grammer may signifie 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, they pierced. And such anomalies are found sometimes in the Hebrew text, as Ezra X. 16. 44. Psal. X. 15. And 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is confessed to be found in some anci∣ent Copies, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; So that the text here may be said to admit di∣vers readings. Yet the Spirit of God in the New Testament doth con∣stantly render it, they pierced. The ancient Jewes maintaine this reading; And some of the moderne. The other reading as a Lion, is but a various reading; and though in the text, yet in good sense it seemes not so well to stand; and therefore this foderunt, set in the margin, is to be read. And some Copies have foderunt in the text; yea, and the other reading as was said by anomalie in Grammar, not unusual in Scripture, will signifie foderunt also. And thus they dealt with our Saviour Jesus Christ, John XX. 25. Luke XXIV. 40. Zech. XII. 10. compared with John XIX. 37.

stare upon me] As Psal. XXXV. 21. [verse 17] and LIV. 9. They fed their eyes with my miserable spectacle; with all pleasure, and without any pitying of me.

parted my garments] John XIX. 23, 24. [verse 18] The four souldiers that had the chardge of the execution, did so. But other souldiers, with

their Captaine or Centurion, were there present.

lots] Of Lots, see the Annotations on Jonah I. 7. Lots are for di∣vision; or consultation, and Divination.

my darling] Psal. [verse 20] XXXV. 17. or my onely one, which is without an helper, ver. 11.

Unicorns] See the Observations on Num. XXIII. [verse 21] 22.

I will declare] Recount, [verse 22] publish, and praise; thy bounty, and goodnesse, all thy Divine attributes, perfections, and actions.

unto my brethren] Heb. II. 10, 11, 12. brethren in that one and common sanctification.

ye that fear the Lord] Christs speech and exhortation to his Church, to praise, [verse 23] and worship God, Psal. CXXXV. 1. &c.

hath not despised] Christ, in his low and base estate; [verse 24] though men did, Esay LIII. 3.

he heard] Heb. V. 7.

my praise] As Christ exhorted others; so himself will not be be∣hinde, [verse 25] but an example to them, to praise his Father.

vowes] See the Annotations on Jonah I. 16.

The meek] Spiritual feeding, [verse 26] and blessings are here mainly inten∣ded; by allusion likely to the feastings at Peace-offerings; as at that 2 Sam. VI. 18, 19. See Esay LV. 1, 2. Prov. IX. 5, 6.

All the ends] The large bounds of the Church of Christ, [verse 27] Psal. II. 8. Gen. XVII. 18. and XLVIII. 10. Esay XLIX. 22. Acts XIII. 47. and XIV. 14.

worship] 1 Sam. I. 3▪ 19, 28. John IV. 20,—24.

For the Kingdome] His Kingdome of Grace, [verse 28] revealed to the Gen∣tiles, whereby he reigneth in their hearts, Esay II. 4.

All they] All sorts and conditions of men shall worship before him, [verse 29] James I. 9. the rich and great ones, Psal. XLV. 12. Esay XLIX. 23. and the poor hungry ones ready to die and perish, Matth. XI. 5.

A seed] Christs Church shall be Catholike, [verse 30] as for places, and per∣sons; so here for time and duration, Esay LIII. 10. Those worship∣pers in the former verse, shall have a seed and succession to continue from generation to generation, Psal. LXXXVII. 5, 6. Acts XV. 16.

They shall come] They that are first in Christ, [verse 31] begotten by the im∣mortal seed of his Word.

shall declare his righteousnesse] In performing his promises, in the exhibition of the Messias, and the benefits of redemption and salvati∣on by him, Psal. XL. 10. and LXXI. 15.

that he hath done this] Like that Psal. XXXVII. 5.

Shepheard] A frequent similitude: [chapter XXIII] [verse 1] none oftner used in Scripture; yet may David the more willingly use it, as having been a Shepheard himself. It is used of God; of Christ; and of Magistrates, and Mi∣nisters under them. And the godly are called by the name of sheepe. The texts are numerous.

I shall not want] 1 Cor. III 21. Mat. V. 33.

in green pastures] Ezek. [verse 2] XXXIV. 14. Esay XLIX. 10.

thou art with me] Gen. XV. 1. and chap. XXI. 22. 1 Chron. XI. 9. 2 Kings VI. [verse 4] [verse 16] Judg. VI. 12. Acts XVIII. 9. Jer. XV. 20. Esay XLIII. 2.

Thy rod and thy staffe] Micah VII. 14. Zech. XI. 7.

dwel in the house of the Lord] The place of Gods worship, [verse 6] Judg. XIX. 18. Psal. LXVI. 13. and XXVII. 4. yet God dwells not in Temples made with hands, Esay LXVI. 1. Acts VII. 48.

The earth] 1 Cor. [chapter XXIV] [verse 1] X. 26, 28. twise alledged by the Apostle; and to two several purposes; and both appositely

hill of the Lord] Though all the earth be the Lords, [verse 3] verse 1. yet the hill of Zion, Psal. II. 6. is his holy place. As Exod. XIX. 5. Deut. X. 14. Of this hill, see Esay II. 2, 3. Micah IV. 1. See Psal. XV. 1.

holy place] Place, not capable of holinesse in it self, of any inhe∣rent holinesse: But of a relative holinesse, in a relation to Gods pre∣sence therein, for the time, either by extraordinary signes and tokens as Exod. III. 5. or by appointing his ordinary means of worship there∣in; ceremonial under the Old Testament; which now is done away, and not to be recalled; or spiritual, under the New. The former, though of Gods appointment and ordination, had not in themselves, nor could give absolute holinesse to the worship therein performed: And much more now the Places of Gods worship do not make holy the Services therein performed; but by them rather are made holy only relatively, being appointed to such holy uses.

He that hath] Esay XXXIII. [verse 4] 15, 16.

clean hands] Psal. XVIII. 21. Esay LVI. 2. Ezek. XVIII. 8.

pure heart] Matth. XV. 19. Prov. II. 19. Jer. XVII. 9. yet Acts XV. 9. 1 Tim. I. 5. Psal. CI. 2.

nor sworn deceitfully] Oaths are taken in a strict and proper sense; or at a great latitude. They are Assertorie, or Promissorie; single, or with a curse or execration annexed; lawful in themselves; an act of Religion, Esay XIX. 18. Lawfull in the Old Testament, by Gods precept, promise, and examples of holy men. Lawful in the New Testament by same nature, and use of them, as in the Old, Hebr. VI. 16. by those warrants, Esay XLV. 1. Jer. XII. 16. speaking of the times of the New Testament; by the example of the Angel, Apoc. X. 16. of the Apostle, Rom. I. 9. 2 Cor. I. 23. That text, Matth. V. 34. and so that James V. 12. is not to be understood simply and absolutely; but relatively, as Christ thereby opposeth the corrupt practise of the Pharisees, and their false interpretation of Gods Law concerning swearing, as if swearing, so as Gods name were not directly used in it, and no falshood or perjury contained in it, were no sinne with them; but ever and altogether lawful, though it were never so lightly and slightly, vainly, and customarily, unnecessarily, and causelesly done, where yea and nay had been sufficient. Thus Christ opposeth and for∣biddeth even all swearing as much as lieth in us; but forbids not law∣full swearing, upon just, urgent and necessary occasions. Of Oaths, see more in the Observations on Hos. IV. 15.

He shall] He is a true member of the invisible and Catholike Church, [verse 5] and he only; whereas hypocrites and wicked persons may be members of the visible and of particular Churches, by reason of their external profession only, Rom. IX. 6. Matth. VII 21. The former are members properly, univocaly, essentialy, formaly, inwardly, in truth, and in the judgement of God; The later only equivocaly, exter∣naly, materialy, not formaly and essentialy, in shew, in the opinion of men as rotten members, or ill humours in the body, 2 Tim. III. 5. Gal. V. 24. These are in the visible Church, as chaffe is among the wheat.

receive] Not by merit of condignity, for the worth of his works, Dan. IX. 18. Rom. VIII. 18. For the works are imperfect in them∣selves; and again, not our own, and wholy from our selves, and be∣sides due debt otherwise, without this reward; and lastly no wise equivalent, and equipollent to this reward. But receive the blessing and reward by and because of Gods free grace, rich mercie, bounti∣ful promise, whereby he hath freely engaged himself to give such and so superabundant a remuneration. And so he gives it in justice now because engaged and obliged thereunto by the truth of his so free, gracious, and bountiful a promise. God is just to performe his pro∣mise, 1 John I. 9. 2 Tim. IV. 7.

Blessing] Gen. XII. 2. Gal. III. 9. Eph. I. 2. Mat. XXV. 34.

righteousnesse] Of Justification, and of Sanctification; Righteous∣nesse, with the encrease, fruit, and reward of it, according to Gods righteous promise and performance.

This is the generation] This kinde of men. [verse 6] As Luke XI. 29. and XVI. 8. Matth. XII. 39. Not those that brag of being Abrahams or Iacobs seed, Matth. III. 9. Iohn VIII. 33. but these are the true seed and generation, Gal. III. 7, 29. Rom. IX. 6, 7. These are the true Israel of God, that seek him.

that seek] Deut. IV. 29. Psal. XXVII. 8. 2 Kings XX. 3, 4. which grace comes of God, Esay LXV. 1, 2.

thy face O Iacob] O God of Jacob. Or, this in Jacob; or the ge∣neration of Jacob, that seek Gods face; as Jacob did, Gen. XXXII. 24, 30. See John I. 47. Rom. IX. 6. and II. 28, 29.

Lift up] Having mentioned the hill of the Lord, [verse 7] and his holy place, ver. 3. This may seeme to relate to the gates and doors of the Temple, vowed by David, and to be built by Solomon; and to the coming in of the Ark into it: or rather, proceeding from the Type to the Truth, we may mysticaly referre this to the Church of Christ, and the true members of it, to lift up the gates and doors of their hearts and everlasting souls, that the Lord whom they seek may come into his Temple, Mal. III. 2. that they prepare themselves to receive and entertaine him at his coming in the flesh, at his coming into their hearts, Apoc. III. 20. who is indeed the true King of glory. Apoc. XVII. 14. 2 Cor II. 8. the true Jehovah, Exod III. 15. Psal. LXXXIII. 18. Col. II. 9. and Christ, compare Num. XXI, 5. with 1 Cor. X. 9. and Esay VI. 1. with John XII. 41. Even Iehovah our righteousnesse,

Ier. XXIII. 6. the mighty God, Esay IX. 6. the increase of whose King∣dome and government shall have no end, Esay IX. 7. Dan. VII. 14. Mat. XXVIII. 18. for whose in-coming the doors of our hearts and affecti∣ons should lie open.

To make the Alphabetical order perfect in this Psalm, [chapter XXV] some would have the verses in it not to be rightly all distinguished: as namely, the second, and the fifth. And 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to seeme wanting in the begin∣ning of the seventeenth verse. And, the last verse to be only the later part of the foregoing verse.

without cause] Given on my part; [verse 3] not provoked by me.

for it is great] And so needs much mercie, [verse 11] great mercie.

seek ye my face,] [chapter XXVII] [verse 8] Deut. IV. 29. Davids soul did most seek it, to be near where the Ark of God was, and so before the face of the Lord, as the Scripture phraseth it: being out of heart when he was barred from it, ver. 4. Psal. LXV. 4. Psal. LXXXIV. and XLII. 1 Sam. XXVI. 19. Gods command here was Davids request, and the thing he aimed at.

regard not] Esay V. [chapter XXVIII] [verse 5] 12. do not attend, and wisely consider of them; of the mysteries of Gods providence and wayes; in bringing David to the Crown; in managing the matters of this world, as to the god∣ly, and as to the wicked; in husbanding mans salvation by contraries, &c. Rom. XI. 33.

in the beauty of holinesse] [chapter XXIX] [verse 2] In the comely honour of the Sanctuary, Psal. XCVI. 9. the glorious, holy Sanctuary.

The voice of the Lord] Of thunder, [verse 3] see Exod. IX. 23. Job XXXVII, 4, 5. and XL. 9. See the Observations on Psal. XVIII. 13.

Sirion] See the Observations on Deut. [verse 6] III. 9.

but a moment] Esay XXVI. [chapter XXX] [verse 5] 20. and LIV. 7, 8.

in my blood] By any violent death, [verse 9] through Sauls means.

into thy hands] Luke XXIII. [chapter XXXI] [verse 5] 46. 1 Pet. IV. 19.

My times] And troubles, [verse 15] and changes therein.

O how great] Esay LXIV. [verse 19] 4. 1 Cor. II. 9.

in a] As in a fensed Citie. [verse 21]

in my hast] 1 Sam. XXIII. 26. [verse 22] Or in my hasty thoughts, through the extremity of my imminent instant danger. So Psal. LXXVII. 7. &c. 2 Cor. I. 8, 9. yet this might stand mixed with faith; as Psal. XXII. 1. And as Fear and Confidence are not altogether inconsistent, Phil. II. 12. Heb. III. 6, 14.

Blessed] Saint Paul, [chapter XXXII] [verse 1] Rom. IV. 6, 7, 8. alledgeth this to prove justi∣fication by Faith, without Works. Faith and Works are inseparable, Ephes. II. 8, 9, 10. James II. 14, 17, 18, 20,—26. That Faith which is without Works is dead, no true Faith. But Faith onely acteth in the point of our justification before God, applying Christ and the Promises, beleeving according to the Covenant of the Gospel; where∣by Christ doth become ours his righteousnesse our justification; and all the benefits of his redemption do redound and amount to our sal∣vation.

imputeth] Frequent is the use of this word in the point of justi∣fication. [verse 2]

mule] See the Annotations on Gen. [verse 9] XXXVI. 24.

neer unto thee] To hurt thee: or not neer to thee to do thee service, unlesse forced by the bridle, Iam. III 3.

Harp] Invented by Iubal, [chapter XXXIII] [verse 2] Gen. IV. 21. made by Solomon of Al∣mug trees, 1 Kings X. 12. called the pleasant Harp, Psal. LXXXI. 2 much used for mirth and joy, Gen. XXXI. 27. Iob XXI. 12. Esay V. 12. Ezek. XXVI. 13. And much used in Gods worship and service, in the praising of him, by ordinance in the Temple, 1 Chron. XV. 21. and XXV. 1, 3, 6. And upon other religious occasions•• both pub∣like, as 1 Sam. X. 5. 2 Sam. VI. 5. 1 Chron. XV. 16. 2 Chron. V. 12. Nehem. XII. 27. and private, wherein David excelled, 1 Sam. XVI. 16, 23. and abounded, Psal. LVII. 8. and CVIII. 3. And much in holy use with others also; as here; and so XLIII. 4. and LXXI. 22. and XCVIII. 5. And of spiritual harps we read in the Revelation, chap. V. 8. and XIV. 2. and XV. 2.

Psalterie] Or Lute, or Viol. In Hebrew Nebel. Whence the Greeks and Latines seeme to have the names of their instruments Nablium, Naulon.

a new Song] So Psal. XL. 3. [verse 3] and XCVI. 1. and XCVIII. 1. and CXLIV. 9. New still, upon new and fresh occasions renued. As Love is said to be both an old and a new Commandment. Yet in Scripture phrase very much, Things appertaining to the times of the Gospel, are called New; as a New Covenant, Heb. VIII. 13. a New Testament, 1 Cor. XI. 25. a New Ierusalem, Apoc. III. 12. New Heavens, and a New Earth, Esay LXV. 17. a New name, a New man, Eph. II. 15. Esay LXII. 2. a New Commandment, John XIII. 34. a New way, Heb. X. 28. a New heart, Ezek. XXXVI. 26. yea and all things New, 2 Cor. V. 17. Apoc. XXI. 5. See that Song, Luke II. 14.

Abimelech] The common name of the Kings of the Philistines, [chapter XXXIV] signifying my-father-King: Achish being the proper name for this King of Gath, a Citie of the Philistines, 1 Sam. XXI. 10. The LVI. Psalme is also upon this same occasion. And this one of the Alphabe∣tical Psalmes: Only Zain is omitted, and Phe twice used.

They looked unto him] To God; [verse 5] and to his dealing with David.

afflictions] They serve to them as cures, [verse 19] or preservatives from spiritual evils, Psal. CXIX. 67, 71. Heb. XII. 6, &c.

not one of them is broken] See Exod. [verse 20] XII. 46. Num. IX. 12. John XIX. 36. The sense here is more general.

Let them] See the Observations on Psal. [chapter XXXV] [verse 4] CIX.

False witnesses] Mat. [verse 11] XXVI. 59.

my prayer returned] Though they got no good by it, [verse 13] yet I did.

my darling] Psal. XXVI. 20,—23. [verse 17]

within my heart] I verily beleeve it of them, [chapter XXXVI] [verse 1] by reason of their heinous transgressions, which indeed proclaime it.

not good] Extremely bad. [verse 4] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. See the Observations on Prov. XX. 23.

great mountains] Mountains of God. [verse 6] See the Observations on Jo∣nah III. 3. and on 1 Sam. XIV. 15.

The matter of this Psalme, [chapter XXXVII] or the first maine part of it, is that grand point, of the prosperity of the wicked, and afflictions of the god∣ly, in this life; and of Gods Providence therein. Heathens have much debated this matter. Job is much upon it, as chap. XXI. 7. &c. and chap. XXIV: and chap. XXVII. and in other places. Divers other Psalmes also insist upon it more or lesse; as Psal. XLIX. and LXXIII. and XC. Jeremie professedly, chap. XII. 1. &c. And Habakkuk some∣what, chap. I. 13. The case in point of fact is plain and undeniable. The Providence, Wisdome, and Justice of God in it, is a Mystery to man. Yet to the Christian who believes the Resurrection of the bo∣dy, and eternal life, things not so clearly revealed in the infancie of the Church, the difficulty is now soone dissolved. And the well and wise weighing of the point by an Heathen, or natural man, may much availe him for his further and better information in matters of great consequence and concernment. See the Annotations on Psal. XLI. 1. The greatest doubt arising hence to the godly, may seeme to be this, How these same occurrences of administrations in Gods Providence may stand with such constant, continual, and abundant promises of Gods blessings in temporal things to the godly in this life, 1 Tim. IV. 8. and with his like threatnings of plagues and punishments to the wicked in this world. The issue will be, That these Promises and Threatnings, specialy under the Law, are spoken to vulgar capacities, in those times; and yet have their exceptions and limitations in the Word: And that the prosperity of the wicked is but a seeming prospe∣rity; and a short, and momentany prosperity in relation to eternity; and many wayes disadvantageous and hurtful to them; and ends with an overthrow suddaine, and terrible, and everlasting: And again, That the affliction of the godly is but momentany, nothing to eternity, and mainly profitable for the work of Grace here, more then abundantly recompensing and over-poizing their afflictions; and for the increase of Glory hereafter. Yet super-adding this, That Gods wisdome and wayes of Providence are not commensurate with mans finite and shal∣low capacity, Psal. XXXVI. 6. Rom. XI. 33. Gen. XVIII. 25. Esay LV. 8, 9.

Fret not] Another Alphabetical Psalme. [verse 1] Wherein, not every verse, but every second verse, begins with the letter of the Hebrew Alpha∣bet in order. Only verse 7, 20, 29, 34. stand single in their due order, without any other letter or verse interposed.

cease from anger] Upon unjust causes, [verse 8] in an unjust maner, and mea∣sure, Ephes. IV. 31. yet in it self lawful, Ephes. IV. 26. Mark III. 5.

A little] Prov. XV. [verse 16] 16. and XVI. 8. and X. 22. Eccl. IX. 7.

I have been young] This was Davids experience in his time. [verse 25] It fol∣lowes not to be so in all ages.

to bring to remembrance] That he might remember Gods chastise∣ment upon him for his sinne; [chapter XXXVIII] or that God might remember him to help and deliver him out of it.

lest otherwise] A like argument or expression God useth, [verse 16] Deut. XXXII. 27.

to Jeduthun] Or for him, [chapter XXXIX] and his posteritie, 1 Chron. XXV. 3. So Psal. LXXVII. title.

Even from good] Not much unlike that idiotisme and expression, [verse 2] Gen. XXXI. 29. Num. XXIII. 25.

the fire burned] See Jer. XX. 9. Job XXXII. 18, 19. [verse 3]

a moath] The moath is suddenly crushed, [verse 11] Job IV. 19. and doth in∣sensibly consume a garment, Job XIII. 28. Hos. V. 12.

That this Psalme should wholly be understood of Christ; [chapter XL] exclud∣ing David; may seeme not so safe and warrantable.

I waited] They are Davids words throughout this Psalme. [verse 1] Yet he being in some things a Type of Christ; and was to be the Father of Christ according to the flesh, he useth some words propheticaly of Christ, speaking them as in the person of Christ, which are directly applyed to Christ by the Apostle, Heb. X. 7, 8, 9.

and heard my cry] Thus from experience of mercie formerly re∣ceived, in Gods hearing his Prayers, and delivering him from deepest dangers, in the former part of the Psalme; he strengthens his faith in Prayer for obtaining like mercie, and deliverance, in the later part of the Psalme: so as there is no shew of opposition or contradiction, be∣tween the beginning, and ending of it.

an horrible pit] Not that imaginarie Limbus Patrum: [verse 2] nor that state of sinne before regeneration; whereunto their own preparato∣rie dispositions, to their conversion, did availe and prevaile, whiles they were in that state of sinne, to their deliverance out of it, by merit of congruity. But this pit is the depth of miseries, the evils of punish∣ments, the gulph of temporal afflictions, wherein David was plunged after his conversion, and the graces of faith, hope, and invocation ap∣pearing in him, ver. 1.

a new song] For new benefits and deliverances; [verse 3] and those such and so new, as the like were scarce heard of before.

many shall] Psal. XXXII. 6.

fear, and shall trust.] These two conjoyned in a pious soul; fear, and faith; a reverent fear, and trust in Gods mercie, Psal. CXXX. 4.

unto our God] To god, and Christ.

his trust] Whose sure mercie to them is such, [verse 4] as we read, 1 Tim. IV. 10. Deut. I. 31. and XXXII. 10, 11, 12. John III. 16.

Many, O Lord my God] David speaking to God and Christ; [verse 5] if not in the person of Christ, as his Type, with admiration of his infinite goodnesse and mercy towards man, and in ordering the meanes of his salvation. So that he riseth up now to a more general admiration of Gods wonderful works and thoughts towards his; and of the num∣ber, quantity, and quality of them.

Sacrifice] Christs words, [verse 6] Heb. X. 5. So that these words, and the next are spoken unto God, in the person of the Messias, who was to come of the seed of David, Heb. X. 5, 6, 7. See the like before,

XVI. 10. David having spoken in the former verse of Gods wonder∣full works and thoughts towards mankinde, doth in this maner in the words of the Messias rise up to the very highest of them all in these two verses. For Sacrifices, see my Table of them in Leviticus.

not desire] Jer. VII. 22. Hos. VI. 6. Prov. XXI. 3. 1 Sam. XV. 22. Psal. L. 5,—16. Matth. XII. 7. Mark XII. 33. And Christ was now to put an end to them, Dan. IX. 27. as not able in themselves to purge away sinne, Heb. X. 4. Therefore God desired them not simply of themselves, without inward piety concurring, as the very life and soul of them; Or, in comparison of the spiritual worship of God; or, in comparison of that al-sufficient Sacrifice of Christ, which he was to offer in the body of his flesh, Heb. X. 1, 4. Rom. VIII. 3, 4. After which these Legal Typical Sacrifices were to be abolished, as was said. And that Sacrifice of Christ one offered never to be reiterated, Heb. IX. and X. chapters; contrary to that blasphemous sacrifice of Christ in the Popish Masse.

mine ears hast thou opened] Digged open, or peirced; made me o∣bedient to thy voice: or bored, to make me thy servant for ever; in allusion to the Law Exod. XXI. 6. For these words here, we read, Heb. X. 5. but a body hast thou prepared me, or fitted me. Wherein the Apostle either followeth the LXX. or cites, not the words, but the sense, Rom. VIII. 3. Phil. II. 7. it being the same both wayes, in issue. Besides that varieties of readings in both places are alledged out of ancient Copies by the learned. Papists themselves deny not this text to be incorrupt. The Apostle faithfuly retaining the sense and scope of the place, without tying himself to the letter of the words in his quo∣tation. The variation is but a change of the figurative phrase into a pro∣per, to expresse the ready obedience of Christ to do the will of his Father in the work of the redemption of mankind, John V. 30. VI. 38. and IV. 34. whereunto by framing him a body God had fitted him.

Sinne-offering] Heb Sinne. Put often in the Law for the Sinne-offering. So Levit. IV. 3. 24. Exod. XXIX. 14. In which sense Christ is called Sinne, 2 Cor. V. 21.

Then said I, [verse 7] Lo, I come] When thou hadst so fitted me, Mark X. 32, 33, 34.

In the volume] or Scroll rowled up, Jer. XXXVI. 2. Ezek. II. 9. The Volume of the Law and Scripture, Luke XXIV. 27, 44. John V. 39.

of the Book] Sepher, or Book generaly signifies any writings, Court-rools, &c. Deut. XXIV. 1. 2 Kings V. 5, 6. Jer. XXXII. 11.

it is written of me] So Christ himself saith, Matth. XXVI. 24 John V 46. See Luke XXIV. 44, 46. Acts XIII. 29.

I delight] Luke XXII. 15. Heb. X. 10.

to do thy will] Heb. X. 10. John VI. 38. Luke XXII. 42. In all things to be performed by me in my flesh, which are required by thee for the redemption and salvation of man; even to my obedience in suffering the death of the Crosse, Phil. II. 8. Thus Christ in regard of

his humane nature was truly lesse then the Father, John XIV. 28. was subject to him; his will to the will of his Father; took upon him the forme of a servant, Phil. II. 7. was truly a servant, Esay XLII. 1. obey∣ed the mandates of the Father, John XII. 49. and XIV. 31. and XV. 10. Being our Surety, was made under the Law, Gal. IV. 4. under the Law of Moses, Moral, and Ceremonial; that the righteousnesse of the Law might be fulfilled in us, Rom. VIII. 4. And these are not figura∣tive and metaphorical, but proper elocutions, in regard of Christs hu∣mane nature; not making a Person in it self, distinct from the Person of the Sonne of God, with Nestorius; nor yet hereby making the Person of the Sonne of God hypostaticaly uniting to himself the Hu∣mane Nature, inferiour to the Person of the Father, as Arius would.

I have preached] Though Gods works were such as the fifth verse expresseth; [verse 9] and specialy that work of mans redemption; yet Christ, as he took a body, by the sacrifice of it, as a Priest, to satisfie the Fa∣ther; so here as the great Prophet of the Church, he doth preach and publish it, John XVII. 6. Luke XXIV. 47. even Gods righteousnesse, faithfulnesse, truth, loving-kindnesse, salvation, to the great Congre∣gation of his people, Rom. III. 21, 22. Esay LXI. 1, 2, 3. and XLIX. 6. which office and duty David also the Type, in his degree, and all Christs messengers in their place and function, do performe.

with-hold not thou] David prayes here for what he had preached in the former verse, [verse 11] containing in it the fountain, and the epitome of blessings and happinesse to man.

heart faileth me] Psal. [verse 12] XXII. 14. and XXXVIII. 10.

Be pleased] Hence to the end of the Psalme agrees with Psal. LXX. David petitions, [verse 13] for his deliverance, in this verse; the confusion of his enemies, verse 14, 15. to the joy of the godly, and the glory of God, verse 16.

confounded] Davids imprecation against his enemies. [verse 14] This is more then a passionate unfolding of their injuries, and leaving the revenge to God: more then that 2 Sam. XV. 31. and Acts IV. 29. and Psal. LXXXIII. 16. more then a meer prophetical prediction of evills to be∣fall them. Here is more: And so Psal. XXXV. 4. and LXX. 2, 3. and CIX. 7. &c. & LIX. 13. and 2 Tim. IV. 14. And in many other places. David here, and other holy Prophets do not thunder thus against their enemies, desperate sinners, out of any immoderate carnal passions, of private hatred, or desire of revenge; or out of any rash and inconsi∣derate zeal; but moved and inflamed rather by the Spirit of God; acting herein the publike cause of God, and of his glory; against those whom they knew by the spirit of discerning, 1 Cor. XII. 10. to be Gods, and their forlorne foes. Yet possible that in some of these imprecations some mixture of humane infirmities might be: as in Je∣remie XV. 15, 16, 17. But for us; touching private and personal ene∣mies, our duty is, as we read, Matth. V. 44. as we finde in the exam∣ple of Christ, Luke XXIII. 34. and of Stephen, Acts VII. 60. and 1 Pet. II. 23. And for publick enemies of God and his Church; we

may not absolutely use execrations against their persons; as not knowing but God may convert them afterwards, of Sauls make them Pauls; and lest we incurre that rebuke, with those Disciples, Luke IX. 55. Let us stay till we know that we be of their spirit before we do as these Prophets did. Of imprecations, see more in the Obser∣vations on Psal. CIX. 14. and the Annotations on Neh. IV. 5.

Let all those] Davids prayer for those that seek God, [verse 16] and love his salvation.

But I] He concludes with commending his own case to God, [verse 17] his help, and deliverer.

Blessed] This Psalme by some is applied to Christ; [chapter XLI] [verse 1] but very hardly.

deliver him] That is, the poor or sick weakling: David so com∣forts the poor afflicted. So we must judge charitably, that God in his ordinary course of providence will in due time, raise and restore them whom for a while he hath cast down. Some by him understand him that considereth the poor.

his bed in his sicknesse] Make it to his ease. [verse 3]

[verse 8] an evil disease] As Acts XXVIII. [verse 4]

eate of my bread] This our Saviour applieth to Judas, John XIII. 18. See Psal. LV. 12, 13, 14. [verse 9]

Amen] A concurrence of wishes, [verse 13] and confidence. An end of the first Book of Psalmes.

Korah] This, [chapter XLII] and ten other Psalmes, without Davids name in the Title, are inscribed for Korah's posterity, to be sung in the Temple, with voice, and instrument. Heman the singer, the grandchilde of Samuel the Prophet, being one of his posterity, 1 Chron. VI. 33,—43. See the Observations on Num. XVI. 32.

This Psalme seemes written by David; and when he was banish∣ed by Absolom, or Saub rather, from the Sanctuary, and sacred As∣semblies, and Solemnities, verse 1, 2, 4, 6. 9.

As the Hart] Or Hinde. [verse 1] The LXX. hath it, the Hinde; reading the Hebrew here in the foeminine gender; for which the Hebrews render divers reasons. And though the Hebrews have a word of the masculine gender for the Hart, and of the foeminine gender for the Hind; yet by either of them many times the other sex is understood. And so it is also in other names of beasts with the Hebrews. As in Zech. IX. 9. the word for Asse is of the masculine gender, yet the female sex is thereby understood, Matth. XXI. 2. So the name of the fish which swallowed Jonas is named both in the masculine, and in the foeminine termination. See Jer. II. 24.

Kept holy day] Three solemne feasts in the year. [verse 4] At their solemne Assemblies, and Sacrifices they kept feasts, with dancing and joy; Exod. XXIII. 14. and XXXII. 5, 6 19. Deut. XVI. 14, 15. Judg. XXI. 19, 21. Esay XXX. 29.

for the help of his countenance] Or, his presence is salvations i. e. [verse 5] most ample, firme, absolute, and perfect salvation. For so the Plural

number is used to advance and amplifie the matter subject whereunto it is applied, as in this word, Ps. XVIII. 2. & XXVIII. 8, and XLIV. 4. and LXXIV. 12. So in others; as may be seene in the Observati∣ons on Psal. LI. 17.

from the land of Jordan] From the places of his banishment, [verse 6] in the borders of the land.

Deep] Afflictions upon afflictions, breaking in as billowes, wal∣lowing as waves, [verse 7] upon me: and the noise of one calling as it were for another.

Seemes written by David, [chapter XLIII] and upon the same occasion with the former.

hill, and to thy Tabernacles] The Ark was then at the hill of Kiri∣athjearim; [verse 3] and the Tabernacle at Nob, or Gibeon.

This Psalme of Instruction, [chapter XLIV] concerning afflictions, and the right use of them. And seemes written, in the time of oppressions under the Philistines immediately before Davids reign; or of the Babylo∣nish captivity; and not to be extended to the dayes of Antiochus E∣piphanes.

and cast them out] Or rather didst propagate, [verse 2] send forth, make spread, as the word signifieth, Psal. LXXX. 12. Ezek. XVII. 6.

them] That is, our fathers.

command] Psal. XLII. 8. Deut. XXVIII. 8. Psal. CXXXIII. 3. [verse 4]

But] Having remembred Gods former mercies, [verse 9] he now bemoans their present miseries for want of Gods help. So Psal. LXXXIX.

Yet] They professe their integrity. [verse 17]

neither] In Hebrew it is, [verse 18] and. But this particle is divers times ta∣ken to signifie neither. And so Psal. L. 8. and Prov. XXXI. 3. Esay XLI. 28. and chap. XXVIII. 27, 28. See the Cinnus p. 182, 183.

for thy sake are] Applied by Saint Paul, to the present state and con∣dition of himself; [verse 22] the Apostles, and Christians, in their times, Rom. VIII. 36.

Awake,] They beg his help, and mercie.

a song of loves] A marriage song or Epithalamion of the well-be-loved (Virgins) verse 9, [chapter XLV] [verse 23] 10, 14: sung by them. To this Hymne we may apply those words, Ephes. V. 32. It setteth forth Christ in his glo∣ry; and his Spouse, the Church, in her beauty. See Heb. I. 8. John III. 29. Apoc. XXI. 9, 10. Typified here in Solomon, and Pharaohs daughter; wherein yet some things are proper only to the Antitype.

My heart] Matth. XII. 34.

touching the King] My Poëms of the King. [verse 1] He the matter sub∣ject of this Song.

Thou art fairer] Cant. V. 10,—16. [verse 2] John I. 16. Heb. VII. 26.

lips] Cant. V. 13. Luke IV. 22. Esay L. 4. John I. 18. and III. 37.

gird thy sword] The spiritual sword is the Word of God, Ephes. VI. 17. [verse 3] Therefore Christs sword properly cometh out of his mouth, Apoc. I. 16. And with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked, Esay. XI. 4.

ride prosperously] As in a triumphant Chariot, [verse 4] Esay LIII. 10.

because of truth, &c.] Sitting and riding as it were, upon these three royal vertues and graces; & they, as it were, drawing the Chariot.

truth] Ephes. I. 13. Prov. XX. 28.

Meeknesse] Matth. XXI. 5. and chap. XI. 29. and chap. XII. 19, 20. Esay XLII. 2. Zech. IX. 9.

righteousnesse] Verse 7. Dan. IX. 24.

teach thee] Experimentaly, by its own actings, Psal. XCVIII. 1. Esay LXIII. 5.

Thine arrows] Heb. IV. 12. 2 Cor. II. 14, 15. and X. 4, 5. [verse 5] This verse not so properly suits to Solomon, or befits him. Therefore a great∣er then Solomon is here, Matth. XII. 42. Esay XLIX. 2. Of these ar∣rows is that true, 2 Sam. I. 22. and 2 King. XIII. 17.

Thy Throne] Heb. I. 8. 2 Sam. VII. 16. Psal. X. 16. Esay IX. 7. Luke I. 33. Dan. III. 44, 45. and VII. 14 Psal. CXLV. 13. John XVIII. 36. [verse 6] Neither doth this sixth verse properly pertain to Solomon, either for the perpetuity of his Throne; or righteousnesse of his Scep∣ter: But to Christ, who is here called God.

the Scepter] Esay XI. [verse 7] 3, 4. Psal. XCVI. 10.

Thou lovest righteousnesse] Esay XI. 3, 4, 5. and chap. IX. 7. and LXI. 8.

Therefore] To that end and purpose anointed; not anointed for that cause and merit, because he loved righteousnesse. As Esay LXI. 1. And so is therefore to be understood in the second verse aforego∣ing. So Gen. XVIII. 5. and XIX. 8.

God thy God] The first of these may be read either in the Nomina∣tive, or Vocative case. The later is God anointing; who is truly the God of the Messias; as Psal. XXII. 1.

hath anointed] God anointed him to his Offices of Prophet, Priest, and King: as such Officers were of old anointed, Exod. XXIX. 7. 1 Sam. IX. 16. 1 King. XIX. 17. But this anointing here is to be un∣derstood of spiritual, inward, invisible anointing, Acts X. 37, 38. And so Psal. CV. 15. The Patriarchs are stiled anointed, who never were so outwardly with material oile. And this spiritual Anointing here is the superabundant infusion of the gifts and graces of the holy Ghost, not into the Divine nature of Christ properly, which is incapable of grace infused, or of having any thing added to it; but into his Hu∣mane nature, plentifuly furnishing him with all abilities and graces for his execution of his said Offices, Luke IV. 17,—21. Esay LXI. 1. Dan. IX. 24. Yet as he is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Emmanuel, the Mediatour, re∣serving ever the property of either nature intire to it self, He may be said to be anionted in both natures, taking anointed in that sense as it denotes the designation and inauguration of him to his said Offices. And this Anointing may be appliable specialy to the time of his In∣carnation, of his Baptisme, and of his Rising from the dead.

above thy fellows] Both Kings, Priests, and Prophets, Psal. LXXXIX. 27. above all his fellows, in nature, Heb. II. 14. in Christian Preroga∣tives,

1 John II. 20, 27. Apoc. I. 6. 1 Pet. II. 5, 9. And this both ex∣tensively, and intensively; Esay XI. 2. John I. 16. and III. 24.

garments] Are odoriferous, [verse 8] as these aromatique spices and smels; ot by suffumigation of them.

out of the Ivory palaces] 2 Kings XXII. 39. Amos III. 15. 1 Kings X. 20. Meaning, that either the King cometh out of them, as the bride∣groome; like that Psal. XIX. 5. Or that the garments were taken out of such palaces or coffers.

Whereby they have made thee glad] By those odoriferous smels and perfumes: Prov. XXVII. 9. Or those that meet thee, or the bride∣gromes friends John III. 29. by their joyful acclamations and con∣gratulations. Or, as some, more then theirs that make thee glad, i. e. thy garments more odoriferous then theirs, thy fellows and friends. All this was true in Solomon literaly. Much more in Christ spiritualy and mysticaly. Whereof his Spouse makes use, Cant. I. 3. Esay LXI. 10.

Kings daughters] The daughters of minor-Kings, [verse 9] or great Princes: or such as for their deportment, port, and abiliments, might be so esteemed. As Judg. VIII. 18.

thy honourable women] Those beloved Virgins, intimated in the Title; honoured also by their invitation to this marriage, and honour∣ing it, as the brides maids.

thy right hand] The prime place next the King: as the left hand is the second place; the King being in the middle. So Bathsheba, 1 King. II. 19. So Christ in respect of his Humanity, Matth. XXVI. 65.

did stand] Or sit; had her seat, or station. So both standing and sitting on Gods right hand, in one and the same sense, are ascribed to our Saviour, Mark XVI. 19. Acts VII. 56. For us, See Ephes. II. 6.

the Queene] This royal and honourable English word is very nigh the dishonest name of a Queane. And so the Hebrew word here u∣sed 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 for a Queene, a wife, is very nigh to the unseemely word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: for which the Massorets, as more mannerly forsooth, still in the margin put another word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Deut. XXVIII. 30. Esay XIII. 16. Zech. XIV. 2. Jer. III. 2.

in gold] In cloath of gold; of threads of gold, of fine glistering gold, with rings, chains, and bracelets of gold, the most pure and splendent gold, Job XXXI. 24. Cant. V. 11. Dan. X. V. Of the se∣veral names of gold in the Hebrew, see the Annotations on Job XXVIII. 15,—19.

of Ophir] See the Observations on 1 King. X. 11.

He arken] Matth. XVII. 5. Rom. X. 17. [verse 10]

O daughter] John I. 13. Apoc. XXI. 9, 10.

forget also] Luke IX. 23. and XIV. 26. Matth. X. 37. As Abra∣ham did, Gen. XII. 1. and Ruth, chap. I. 16, 17.

So shall] Upon these termes, [verse 11] more and more.

greatly desire] This true in Solomon. But Christ loves his Spouse

first, 1 John IV. 10. Loves her in her blood, Ezek. XVI. 6.

thy Lord] 1 Pet. III. 6. Judg. XIX. 26. And that no common or vulgar person. In the highest degree is Christ so to his Spouse the Church, even her Lord and God.

Worship thou him] Pharaohs daughter was with civil worship to do it to Solomon, with civil reverent incurvation and adoration. The Church to Christ, with religious worship.

of Tyre] Of this Citie, [verse 12] see the Annotations on Amos I. 9. This rich Merchant-Citie, the prime Mart for traffick, should bring to Solomons Spouse gifts and nuptial presents. And much more, Tyre and all Hea∣then Nations should bring themselves, and their Gifts, with all offices of submission and subjection, to the Spouse of Christ, Esay XLIX. 23. and LXVI. 12. Psal. LXXXVII. 4.

the rich] Esay LX. 3, 10, 11, 16.

glorious within] 1 Pet. II. 4, 5. [verse 13] Not Helen without, and Hecuba within. This true in Solomons Spouse partly. But in Christs Spouse true altogether, by her bridegroomes donation and operation, Ephes. V. 27.

brought] With pompe, [verse 14] joy, and jubilation.

of needle-work] As formerly costly for matter; so here curious for Art and work. As the like, Exod. XXVIII. 6, 8, 15, 39.

with gladnesse] As is fit in marriage solemnities. [verse 15]

they be brought] The Spouse first; the Virgins and brides maids, following and waiting on her; Cant. IV. 8. Apoc. XIX. 7, 8, 9. 2 Cor. XI. 2.

palace] As the wise Virgins, Matt. XXV. 10.

thy children] We read not that Pharaoh's daughter had any child by Solomon. [verse 16] But this is abundantly verified in the Church, the Spouse of Christ; Esay XLIX. 18,—21. and LIV. 1, 2, 3. Heb. II. 13.

I will] Saith the Psalmist; by himself; [verse 17] and by informing others so to do.

thy Name] The name of the Bridegroome.

therefore] By my example; as well as for all the reasons forego∣ing in this Psalme.

praise thee] Christ the Bridegroome, for ever and ever: whereas Solomon by his foul fall worthily merited and inherited shame and dispraise.

present help] Deliverer; [chapter XLVI] [verse 1] or Assistant.

will not we fear] Though a natural fear; as Prov. XIV. 16. and XXII. 3. [verse 2] Matth. VIII. 26. yet not a godlesse, and faithlesse fear. Here faith triumphs over such a fear.

though the earth] Hyperbolical expressions, usualy intimating the fearful alterations of States, and Polities; or the most dreadful dangers.

a river] Alluding to that of Kidron, Gihon, [verse 4] and Shiloah: intend∣ing chiefly that, Ezek. XLVII. 1. Joel III. 18. Apoc. XXII. 1. Or, the meaning of this seemes best expounded in the next verse; and in the two verses following.

He maketh] Esay XLV. 7. Amos III. 6. Psal. LXXVI. 3. [verse 9]

Exalted] Esay XXXIII. 9, 10. and XXX. 15. [verse 10]

O clap] A signe of joyful acclamation used at the coronation of Kings 2 Kings XI. [chapter XLVII] [verse 1] 12. and upon other joyous occasions. Ezek. XXV. 6. See Psal. XCVIII. 8. Esay LV. 12. Psal. LXVI. 1. The Psalmist exhorteth all people to sing Praises unto God, ver. 1. 7. A thing usu∣al in the Psalmes.

For the Lord] Reasons, from Gods nature and properties; [verse 2] appli∣able also to Christ; terrible to the wicked, his enemies: and a great King above all earthly Kings, Mal. I. 14. Matt. XXVIII. 18.

He shall subdue] The Jewes enemies. [verse 3] And he had done so; the Canaanites, and others. And he will do so; the Churches enemies; Christ will call the Nations, and bring them into subjection under him, and his Church, Ezek. XX. 37.

He shall choose] He did choose Canaan for his people Israel, Psal. LXXVIII. 55. [verse 4] And will choose and prepare that heavenly Canaan, that inheritance incorruptible, 1 Pet. I. 4. for all that beleeve and hope in him.

for us] The Jewes seeming here to include the Gentiles, as called by Christ into the same communion of the Covenant, for grace, and glory, John X. 16. Eph. II. 14.

the excellencie of Jacob] High and glorious excellencie, whereby Jacobs posterity excelled, Ezek. XXIV. 21. Amos VI. 8. and VIII. 7. Nahum. II. 2. viz. the Temple, Priesthood, &c. all those most ex∣cellent and precious promises and blessings made in Christ unto Iacob, and his posterity.

God is gone up] When the Ark was carried from Kiriathjearim to the house of Obed Edom: [verse 5] thence to the Citie of David: thence by So∣lomon into the Oracle: 1 Chron. XIII. 8. and XV. 28. and 2 Chron. V. 13. Spiritualy and mysticaly, when Christ ascended with triumph in∣to heaven. See Eph. IV. 8. Col. II. 15.

the King of all the earth] The universal Kingdome of God, and of Christ. [verse 7] So again, verse 8. Differing from earthly Kings.

with understanding.] 1 Cor. XIV. 15. The word Maschil is here used for Psalme, which is the Title of sundry Psalmes, signifying an in∣structing Psalme. Thereby to instruct your selves, and others, of the Kingdome of God, and Christ; and of your duty.

of throne of his holinesse] Psal. IX. 4. Apoc. IV. 2.

The Princes] The voluntary, [verse 8] bounteous Princes, and people, sub∣ject themselves to this King.

of the God of Abraham] His spiritual seed, Luke III. 8. [verse 9] John VIII. 33. &c. Rom. IV. 16, 17.

Sheilds] He is the great Shield, Gen. XV. 1. Psal. V. 12. and XVIII. 35. the great conqueror, and protector of all. And Magistrates Sheilds under him; Hos. IV. 18. Psal. LXXXIX. 18.

greatly exalted] Psal. XCVII. 9.

A Song and Psalme] [chapter XLVIII] Wherein both voice and instrument were

used; the voice began, and the instrument after; And where the In∣scription is a Psalme and Song, there likely the instrument began, and the voice followed. Of the former sort are, as this Psalme; to Psal. LXVI. LXXXIII. CVIII. Of the later, are Psal. LXVII. LXVIII. LXXV. LXXXVII. and XCII.

whole earth] Or Land of Judea. [verse 2] As Exod. X. 15. and most likely Matth. XXVII. 45.

the sides of the North] The Temple on Mount Moriah, and the City of Jerusalem, joyned North to Mount Sion. Moriah is the North part of Sion. So Esay XIV. 13.

the Kings were assembled] The Philistian Princes, 2 Sam. V. or those [verse 4] in the dayes of Jehoshaphat, 2 Chron. XX. or of Ezekiah, 2 Kings XVIII. Upon some of which occasions this Psalme seemes to be com∣posed and inspired, Psal. XLVI. 6.

marvailed, and were troubled] At Sions beauty, [verse 5] and at her strength, and their own overthrow.

Thou breakest] As in a Shipwrack; [verse 6] so thou didst break them. As 2 Sam. V. 20.

Tarshish] See the Observations on 1 Kings X. 22.

East wind] See Ezek. XVII. 10. and XIX. 12. Hos. XII. 1. and Ch. XIII. 15. Jonah IV. 8.

As we have heard] Psal. XLIV. 1. [verse 8]

seene] By experience.

because of thy judgements] In confounding thine enemies, [verse 11] and de∣fending the people.

tell the towers] Mark if any of them be demolished, [verse 12] or hurt by the enemie.

that ye may tell it] How God had preserved and kept them. [verse 13]

a parable] A sententious, [chapter XLIX] [verse 4] grave, witty, dark saying, Prov. I. 6. not beseeming simple ones, Prov. XXVI. 7. used by Balaam, Num. XXIII. and XXIV. by Ezekiel at Gods command, chap. XVII. 2. and XX. 49. and much by our Saviour himself in his preaching, Matth. XIII. 35. sometimes in plainer maner, Mark IV. 33 sometimes in in∣tended obscurity, Luke VIII. 10. requiring sharpnesse of wit to under∣standed and expound them. Here the Psalmists extraordinary Preface ushering it in; and this enigmatical maner of delivering it, argues the matter to be of great weight and difficulty. As indeed it is that which so much troubleth and puzleth the wisest and the best men of the world; the afflictions and miseries of the godly, and the prosperities of the wicked. See Psal. XXXVII. 1. and LXXIII. 2, 12. and XCIV. 3, 4. Job XXI. 7, 13. Jer. XII. 1. Hab. I. 4, 5. And the wicked thereby take encouragement to evil, and nourish impious con∣ceipts in their hearts touching God, and his providence; Iob XXI. 14, 15. Psal. X. 3, 6, 11, 13. and XIV. 1. and XCIV. 7, 8. Mal. II, 17. and III. 15. See more of this in the Observations on Psal. XXXVII. 1.

should I fear?] The godly should not fear, [verse 5] dismay, or be discou∣raged at the evils and miseries of this life.

boast] The wicked, and wealthy, [verse 6] cannot save the life of others, or their own life from death. And that ends all their jollity and prospe∣rity.

wise men die] Eccl. II. 16. and III. 19. [verse 10]

Their inward thought] They hunted after honour, [verse 11] and a famous memorial.

Neverthelesse] They shall have no more good by their honours, [verse 12] then the others had by their riches; they abide not in life thereby one night the longer, Psal. XXXVII. 36. 1. Iohn II. 17.

abideth not] Heb. Abideth not for a night. Which text many Jews, and other Writers, both old and new, do urge for their opinion, that Adam fell the same day wherein he was created; which point the great Linguist and Chronologer Master Hugh Broughton doth presse and prosecute, even with some heat, and overmuch passion, at large. But the learned Gataker doth clear this text from any such meaning, and gives reasons most probable, That Adam did not fall the same day wherein he was created, in his Cinnus, p. 189.—198.

yet their posterity] Not warned thereby; [verse 13] but commend their fa∣thers foolish courses, and continue in them, Psal. X. 3.

like sheep] Rotten sheep that die of themselves. [verse 14]

feel on them] And devour them.

and the upright] The righteous in Christ, men of sincere inte∣grity.

in the morning] Of the resurrection; when Christ the Sunne of righteousnesse shall arise at his second coming.

But God] This answers that question, [verse 15] verse 5.

will redeeme, &c.] Raise up my body, and receive me into ever∣lasting life; which is here opposed to all the worldly prosperity of faithlesse wicked men. See Gen. V. 24. Psal. LXXIII. 24. John XIV. 3. Acts VII. 15. 1 Thes. IV. 14. A clear testimony of the resurrection of the body, the immortality of the soul, and the life everlasting.

Be not thou afraid] Stumble not, [verse 16] nor be offended at the prosperity of the wicked.

never see light] Job XXXIII. 28, 30. Psal. LVI. 13. nor the light of heaven, [verse 19] Matth. VIII. 12.

man] Verse 12. [verse 20]

beasts] The Sheep, verse 14.

Asaph] Either the Author, [chapter L] 2 Chron. XXIX. 30. Or chief Singer; to whom, and his sons, and posterity it was committed, 1 Chron. XVI. 5, 7. and XXV. 2. to tune it, and sing it, and play it upon musical in∣struments. And thus, Psal. LXXIII. to LXXXIII. are entituled all to, or for Asaph.

The mighty God] God himself is brought in as a Judge upon the Bench, [verse 1] arraigning, convincing, sentencing, and judging his people.

the perfection of beauty] Psal. XLVIII. 2. Lam. II. 15. [verse 2]

a fire] As at Mount Sinai, [verse 3] when he gave his Law, Heb. XII. 18, 19.

call to the heavens] As Deut. IV. 26. [verse 4] and XXX. 19. and XXXI. 28 and XXXII. 1. Esay I. 2. Micah VI. 1, 2.

not reprove thee for thy Sacrifices] Jer. VII. 22. [verse 8] They used to wea∣ry God with outward Offerings; Esay I. 11, 14. and LXVI. 3. Micah VI. 6, 7 Hos. VI. 6. Amos IV. 4, 5. The meaning here is accord∣ing to that 1 Sam. XV. 22.

Offer] The inward, [verse 14] and real, and substantial part of the Covenant, is the thing which God requireth; obedience and service in spirit and truth. The rejecting the former; and the exacting this later, is the maine matter of this majestical Psalme, verse 23. Hos. XIV. 3. Heb. XII••. 15.

pay thy vowes] Of vowes, see the Annotations on Jonah I, 16.

But unto the wicked] Here God sentenceth those grosse hypocrites that place all Religion in outward Rites and Ceremonies: [verse 16] neglecting the maine duties of Piety and Righteousnesse. Against whom is the maine bent and drift of this Psalme.

And speakest against] Psal. LXIX. 13. [verse 20] The godly do otherwise, Psal. XXVI. 4. 5.

Nathan] To reprove him for his sinne, [chapter LI] so long unrepented, 2 Sam. XI. and XII. chapters. Written, upon that argument, though not at that time.

gone in] Gen. VI. 4.

Bathsheba] The daughter of Eliam, 2 Sam. XI. 3. called also Bath∣shua, daughter of Ammiel, 1 Chron. III. 5.

Have mercie] A rare example of repentance: [verse 1] and useful against despair: as his fearful fall should make us watchful over our selves; not presume of our own strength; but ever to eye, trust to, and depend upon God and his preventing, assisting Grace. Mercie here, and the multitude of Gods tender mercies, is his Citie of Refuge, and shute-an∣chor. No defense for himself, no other plea can he make.

wash me] And so verse 7. [verse 2] alluding to the Legal washings, Levit. XI. 25, 32. Exod. XIX. 10. Num. XIX. 19. Thus he prayes, and thus he deals throughout this Psalme; even after Nathans absolution. And thus true Penitents will do.

For I acknowledge] Prov. XXVIII. 13. 1. [verse 3] John I. 9. So Esay LIX. 12. Jer. III. 13.

Cited, Rom. III. 4. with no variation in sense.

thee only] Not because he a King, and so exempt from the power of others: [verse 4] But because this was his greatest grief, to offend God, 1 Sam. II. 24, 25. and such a God, so good to him, 2 Sam. VII. 18, 19. and that God should so suffer in this his sinne; 2 Sam. XII. 14. who yet only could pardon his sinne, Matth. IX. 3. as against whom, and whose commandment properly, all sinne is committed.

in thy sight] God then sees the sinnes of his Saints; yea more, he is offended with them, reproves them, makes his Saints smart for them; as in the Scripture plentifully appears. That place Num. XXIII. 21. is blindly brought against this truth, as if they would make God a

blinde idol, and not an omniscient God. Or, as if that text had not relation to the Saints under the Old Testament, before that grace, which they say, is given in the New.

that thou mightest be justified] Acquitted, glorified, by this my confession, Josh. VII. 19.

when thou speakest] In thy reproof by Nathan.

and be clear] Clearly overcome, be unreprovable, and win the victory in judgement.

when thou judgest] In sentencing my sinne, and my punishment for it: Or, when thou art judged; in the opinion of men, and in their censures, for thy dealing with me. Saint Paul citing these words, Rom. III. 4. applies them from the hypothesis, in Davids singular case; to the thesis, to Gods general faith and truth in all his promises and pro∣ceedings. And thus the injustice of man doth commend the justice of God.

in iniquity] This we call Original sinne. [verse 5] The Apostle calleth it inhabiting sinne, Rom. VII. 17. whereby all men are carnal, sold un∣der sinne, John III. 6. Rom. VII. 14. The fountain of actual sinnes, John IX. 34. Ephes. II. 1. So as whole man is in evil, and whole evil is in man.

the hidden part] The hid man of the heart, 1 Pet. III. 4.

thou shalt make me] Thus rising up by faith to this hope: [verse 6] Or, hast made me; thus opposing that integrity which God requires, to his pre∣sent state of corruption by his foul fall contracted.

to know wisdome] 1 John II. 4. by his sinne now eclipsed.

with hysop] Exod. XII. 22. Levit. XIV. 4, 6, 49. [verse 7] Num. XIX. 6, 18. Heb. IX. 19.

Create] Ephes. II. 10. and IV. 24. Jer. XXXII. 39. [verse 10] Ezek. XI. 19. and XXXVI. 26.

take not] Yet Gods holy Spirit was in him; even in this case, [verse 11] and state of extremity.

free spirit] Freely and bountifully bestowed, [verse 12] freeing me from the bondage of sinne, making me free to righteousnesse, 2 Cor. III. 17. Rom. VI. 18. 22.

blood-guiltinesse] Bloods of Uriah, and others slaine with him. [verse 14]

Open thou my lips] Give me new occasion by the pardoning of my sinne: [verse 15] yea, give me the grace both to will, and to do; the habit and ability, and the grace to bring the habit into act, to act it effectualy.

not Sacrifice] See the Observations on Psal. XL. 6. Indeed we finde not expressed any sacrifice for murder, [verse 16] or adultery, or any capital crime.

the Sacrifices] The plural number is here used for the greater em∣phasis, and amplification. [verse 17] And so Iudg. VII. 10. 2 Chron. XXIV. 25. and chap. XXVIII. 3. Prov. I. 20. Mal. I. 6. Lam. III. 22. 2. Sam, XXII. 1.

unto Sion] The whole Church was in danger of Gods judgement by his sinne: [verse 18] as 2 Sam. XXIV. 15.

and whole-burnt-offering] See Levit. [verse 19] VI. 23.

the Edomite] Of Edom, [chapter LII] or Idumea▪ or Adonite, from Adam, a Citie in Reuben; or Admah, a Citie in Iudah; or Adam▪ a towne in Naphtali; or Adummin, in the borders of Iudah and Benjamin. The History of this is in 1 Sam. XXI. and XXII. chapters. Here we have Davids 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ation of Doeg; and imprecation against him; and his own glorious 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in God.

This 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••uch like the fourteenth Psalme. [chapter LIII] And so as I have said, the LX. and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 CVIII. Psalme are much alike.

〈…〉〈…〉 fear was] Deut. [verse 5] XXVIII. 65. Levit. XXVI. 36. Iob XV. 21. 〈…〉〈…〉 XVIII. 1.

〈…〉〈…〉 Citizens of Ziph in the tribe of Judah, [chapter LIV] Josh. XV. 24. having 〈…〉〈…〉 and Wildernesse of that name by it.

said 〈…〉〈…〉] This they did twise, 1 Sam. XXIII. 19. and againe, chap. XX••I. 1.

strangers] Though of the same tribe, [verse 5] yet at least they carried them∣selves so to him: as Job complains, chap. XIX. 13, 14, 15. and so e∣stranged from God, Psal. LVIII. 3. No strangers more strange then they that cast off the bands of civility, and nature, wherein they were bound.

cut them off in thy wrath.] Psal. CXLIII. 12. Of Imprecations, see the Observations on Psal. CIX. 14.

and make a noise] In the earnestnesse of his Prayer, [verse 2] a doleful noise.

cast inquity upon me] From themselves upon me, [chapter LV] [verse 3] by unjust impu∣tation and defamation.

my heart] Psal. [verse 4] XXXI. 9,—12.

O that I had] A passionate with, [verse 6] as Psal. XIV. 7.

flee away] As a bird, Psal. XI. 1. swiftly and speedily.

wildernesse] As Apoc. [verse 7] XII. 6, 14.

divide their tongues] Their language, [verse 9] and counsels, as Gen. XI. 7. 2 Sam. XVII. 1, 5, 14.

not an enemie] Psal. [verse 12] XLI. 9. John XIII. 18.

mine equal] My Peere, [verse 13] and chief Counsellor. This most likely aimes at Achitophel: and the whole Psalme, to his distresse in his flight from Absolom, and his conspiracie.

quick into hell] As Num. [verse 15] XVI. 32, 33.

Evening, [verse 17] ] Dan. VI. 10. Acts III. 1. and chap. X. 9.

battel] 2 Sam. [verse 18] XVIII. Psal. XXVII. 2, 3.

because they have no changes] In their temporal estate and prospe∣rity, [verse 19] Job X. 17. (David therefore blesseth God for afflictions, Psalme CXIX. 67, 71.) which yet should have made them change from evil to good; but it wrought no change in them, but the contrary; they were in evil unchangable, Jer. XIII. 23.

drawn swords] Psal. [verse 21] LVII. 4. and LIX. 7. and Prov. XII. 18. and XXX. 14.

cast thy burden] 1 Pet. [verse 22] V. 7. the duty, and triumph of Faith.

half their dayes] Job XV. [verse 23] 32, 33. and XXI. 21. Psal. XXXVII. 35,

36. Jeremie XVII. 11. Eccles. VIII. 12, 13.

Jonath Elem Rechokim] Many take not these words for a musical instrument; [chapter LVI] but thus translate them, concerning the dumb Dove in a farre place; understanding them of David himself, and his case and condition now in Gath. See Psal. XXXIV. and the Title. Of Gath, see the Annotations on Amos VI. 2. Michtam is a jewel, or golden Psalme.

I am afraid, [verse 3] I will trust in thee] Faith and Fear stand together. And so Fear and Love.

In God I will praise his Word] So again verse 10. 1 Sam. XXX. 6. in his word and promise. [verse 4] The Popish Text and Translation, and their wrested, and forced senses upon it, both here, and very frequently throughout this Book of the Psalmes, is not worth the while to take notice of them.

shall they escape by iniquity?] It is not fit so to do. [verse 7] Let their pain∣ful iniquity breed their pain; as Psal. VII. 15. and IX. 15. and X. 2. Prov. V. 22.

my wandrings] From Sauls presence to Gath. [verse 8] And he had many wandrings after this; to the Cave of Adullam; to Mizpeh in Moab; to the Forrest of Hareth in Judah; to Keilah; to the Wildernesse of Ziph; of Maon; to Engedi: hunted as a Partridge in the Moun∣taines.

wilt not thou] Verse 9. 2 Cor. I. 10. Surely thou wilt, [verse 13] Psal. CXVI. 8. 9.

Al-taschith] That is, [chapter LVII] Destroy not: which seemes to be the subject-matter of this Psalme. The same is in the Titles of Psal. LVIII. LIX. LXXV. Possibly the word here may relate to that, 1 Sam. XXVI. 9. though that fell out after his being in the Cave.

Cave] 1 Sam. XXIV. 3. And in the Cave he made a Prayer, which is the CXLII. Psalme.

performeth all things for me] Psal. [verse 2] CXXXVIII. 8. Phil. I. 6.

Some understand this Psalme in this sense, [chapter LVIII] to admonish Judges and Magistrates of their duties and offices: minding them of their high power received from God: who they are against whom they must ex∣ercise it, even wicked men, such as are here described. And so shall men count them worthy the title of gods, and acknowledge God in them, and their doings: Yet I would not in this Psalme, exclude all, or any relation had to Saul, and his wicked Courtiers.

Doye] He appeals to their consciences. [verse 1]

speak righteousnesse] Or dumb justice: boasting so to do, when in∣deed justice was dumb, and opened not her mouth.

O congregation] O assembly, company of Sauls Courtiers and Counsellors; complying with the King against David.

you weigh] Not justice; [verse 2] but wrong for right, to serve your vio∣lence as you are able.

from the womb] Esay XLVIII. 8. John IX. 34. Ephes. IV. 18. [verse 30] in∣bred, inveterate, incorrigible, Jer. XIII. 23.

Charmers] The Addars craft against them is recorded by divers Authors. [verse 5] Some sinners like the Addars, Acts VII. 57. Charmers seem to practise thus upon Addars, Eccles. X. 11. Jer. VIII. 17. And Charmers are forbidded by Gods Law, Deut. XVIII. 11. Yet this may seeme a proverbial speech used by David, without any purpose to maintaine either the truth of the thing in matter of fact, no more then Sirenum voces, or Cygnea cantio do prove such things to be; or else the lawfulnesse of it in relation to God and his Law. And Pro∣verbs and Similitudes may be taked from things in themselves unlaw∣ful; as from a thief, Apoc. XVI. 15. the unjust Steward, Luke XVI. 18.

O God] The plural word Elohim here used is most times meant of one true God in the singular number. [verse 6] See Gen. XX. 13. and XXXV. 7. And so may be understood that in Exod. XXXII. 1. and verse 4. com∣paring therewith Neh. IX. 18.

Before your pots can feele the thornes] The general meaning is plain, [verse 9] of the suddennesse of the destruction of those wicked men, in the for∣mer verses. Yet this proves a thorny text, to expound aright the si∣miiude of thornes here used, and the rest of the words contained in this verse. Pots, thornes, living, are words here of various significati∣ons; whence three maine renditions and interpretations do arise, thus: Before your pots can feele the fire of thornes, which is short, Eccles. VII. 6. so shall God take them away, as raw (flesh) by the heat of his indig∣nation. Or thus, as quick, or as yet living, and flourishing, in his wrath. Or thus, Ere men shall perceive your young springs of thornes grow to a perfect pricking bramble, God will as with a whirlewinde destroy every one of them, even as alive or quick, even in wrath as in burn∣ing anger. Thus speaking to the wicked, of their sudden destruction. Or thus, As raw flesh is snatched out of the pot, or flesh snatched out of the pot, being yet raw, before the heat of that light bramble-fire be come to it; so God, &c. Thus variously we may extend our mindes and meanings; without any peremptory determination of a∣ny one particular.

wash his feet] As Psal. [verse 10] LXVIII. 23. See Esay LXIII. 3. Mal. IV. 3. Apoc. XIV. 20.

at evening] Sauls messengers watching the house to kill David. [chapter LIX] [verse 6] And so verse 14.

of his strength] Sauls. [verse 9] Or, suddenly changing the person, as is sometimes in the Hebrew, as Deut. V. 10. Dan. IX. 4. Mich. I. 2. meaning Davids strength. And so it is verse 17.

my mercie] So by the vowels, [verse 10] and in the margin of the Masorets. But in the Hebrew text, his mercie.

Slay them not] At once; [verse 11] but by little and little. Yet verse 13. he saith Consume them—that they may not be. And in the next words, and let them know. All which may so well agree together, as needs no words of reconciliation.

Shushan-Eduth] Shushan signifieth an instrument of six strings, [chapter LX]

from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 six; or a Lillie called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because it consists of six leaves: Eduth signifieth Testimony; either implying this Psalme to be a testimony of Davids faith and thankfulnesse; or to be sung by the Priests before the Ark of the testimonie; or rather, being joyn∣ed to the former word by a Maccaph, as in some kinde a part of it, it makes up the name of the musical instrument.

to teach] The Doctrine in this Psalme contained; that all might learn it. As Deut. XXXI. 19. 2 Sam. I. 18. 2 Chron. XXXV. 25.

when he strove] See the Histories, 2 Sam. VIII. 13. 1 Chron. XVIII. 12. And see the Observations on 2 Sam. VIII. 5, 13.

Edom] The Edomites joyning with the Syrians.

in the valley of salt] At the South end of the dead Sea. Or, that called the valley of Siddim, Gen. XIV. 8. Or the valley of Saveh, verse▪ 17.

twelve thousand] And after in the pursuit of the victory, six thou∣sand, or these six thousand, by Abishai, before the main battel. From both doth arise the number of eighteen thousand. Which victory be∣ing archieved by Davids two Generals, Joab and Abishai, both under him, is ascribed to each of these three, in the places afore cited. And as David, and his Generals, obtained a victory here, 2 Sam. VIII. 13. So afterwards did Amatziah slay of Edom in the valley of Salt 10000. And other 10000. were cast down the top of the rock, or Selah, or Petra; which Amatziah took by warre, and they all were broken in pieces, 2 King. XIV. 7. 2 Chron. XXV. 11, 12.

Thou hast given] Now a banner of conquest and victory.

That] From hence to the end accords with Psal. CVIII. 6, [verse 4] —13.

I will reioyce] David by reason of Gods truth, [verse 5] word, and promises, [verse 6] will triumph over his enemies, within the Land of Judea, and those bor∣dering about it.

I will divide] This implieth a possession first.

Shechem] It was a Citie in Mount Ephraim near Samaria; given to the Kohathites-Levites, and a Citie of Refuge. Abram came thi∣ther. Jacob had his daughter Dinah ravished there. Joshua thither ga∣thers all Israel, and renues Gods Covenant with them a little before his death. The Shechemites conspire against the house of Gideon to make Abimelech King, and he destroyes them. Thither Rehoboam came to be made King; but Jeroboam gaines the Kingdome of Israel, builds, or repairs Shechem, and dwels in it. Of this see the Annotations on Hos. VI. 9.

Succoth] Not that in Egypt, Exod. XII. 37. But that where Jacob built booths, Gen. XXXIII 5. Afterward a Citie in the Tribe of Gad, upon the river Jabbok, East of Jordan; justly destroyed by Gideon, Judg. VIII. But repaired after.

Gilead is mine] Thus David triumphs in having, [verse 7] or in assurance to have▪ upon Gods word and promise, these utmost bounds, and Tribes of Judea beyond Jordan, though they stood longest out for Ishbosheth, Sauls sonne.

Moab is my washpot] I can and will use it to base offices, [verse 8] as to wash my feet, use it as a conquered Nation, in servile and abject condition. See 2 Sam. 2. VIII. Psal. CVIII. 9.

Over Edom] Trample it under foot, or use it to base offices. See Matt. III. 11. as to pull off my shooe, to wipe my shooe; or as Sapores the Persian used Valerian the Romand Emperour; or Temerlan the Scythian used Bajazeth the Turk; or Pope Alexander the third used Frederik the Emperour; and Pope Caelestine the third did to Henry the Emperour: bring it to a base and ignominious subjection.

triumph thou] An ironical apostrophe, or bitter mock to Philistia, or the Philistines, in the West border of Palestine. And divers such ironies are in Scripture; See the Observations on Amos IV. 4.

who will] The answer is in the two next verses. [verse 9]

Through God] Davids wish, [verse 12] and confidence. See 1 Chron. XIX. 13.

From the end of the earth] Of Judea; [chapter LXI] [verse 2] being now likely driven thi∣ther, by Saul, or Absalom rather, 2 Sam. XVII. 24.

prolong] In this likely David hath a principal eye to Christ. [verse 6]

once, [chapter LXII] [verse 11] twice] See the like Job XL. 5.

mercie; [verse 12] for thou renderest] Even reward it self is of mercie.

in the wildernesse of Judah.] [chapter LXIII] 1 Sam. XXII. 5. and XXIII. 14, 15. Thus Davids Psalmes are not set down in this Book according to the Order of time, and occasions, wherein, and whereupon they were made and inspired.

seene thee in the Sanctuary] Davids desires to the Sanctuary, [verse 2] and to Gods Ordinances therein, Psal. XXVII. 4. and LXV. 4.

meditate] Davids night-meditations. [verse 6]

my soul followeth hard after thee] 1 Cor. VI. 17. [verse 8] Phil. III. 13, 14.

that sweareth by him] Swearing here taken for the whole worship of God, [verse 11] Deut. VI. 13. Esay XLV. 23. and LXV. 16. Of Swearing; see the Observations on Hos. IV. 15.

O thou that hearest prayer, [chapter LXV] [verse 2] to thee] An heavenly incouragement to Prayer.

choosest, [verse 4] and causest] Gods free grace; not mans free will.

Thou visitest the earth] This Psalme may seeme composed after some year of famine. [verse 9]

with the river of God] The raine, Deut. XI. 10, 11.

submit] Though feignedly and falsely, [chapter LXVI] [verse 3] Psal. XVIII. 44. 1 Sam. XXII. 45. As the faithfull shall obey God willingly and sincerely.

with the incense of rams] Meaning their fat which was burned on the Altar: [verse 15] or incense with it; as in Peace-Offerings, Levit. II. 1, 2, 16. and VI. 15.

If I regard] John IX. 31. [verse 18] James IV. 3. Job XXVII. 8, 9. Prov. I. 28, 29. Esay I. 15. Micah III. 4. Ezek. VIII. 18. Prov. XV. 29. He that turneth away his eare from hearing the Law, his prayer is abomi∣nation, Prov. XXVIII. 9.

David penned by inspiration this Psalme; [chapter LXVIII] It seemes; after his vi∣ctories

over the Philistines, and other neighbouring enemies; and up∣on the occasion of that publick joyful solemnity in bringing the Arke into the Citie of David, 2 Sam. VI. 1 Chron. XIII. XIV. XV. chap∣ters. It consists most of Praises, and Prophesies.

Let God] These words Moses used, [verse 1] Num. X. 35 at the removing of the Arke and Tabernacle from Mount Sinai. And may be taken as a Prayer, or a Prediction; or an assertion of what is done when God thus ariseth.

arise] To help his: to scatter his enemies. See Psal. III. 7. and X. 12. and LIX. 5.

extol him that rideth upon the heavens] Verse 33. Psal. XVIII. 10. Deut. XXXIII. 26. Esay 19. 1. some translate thus, [verse 4] make an high∣way for him; prepare it, as Esay XL. 3, 4. Matth. III. 2. Luke I. 76. as Matth. XXI. 8. And thus was done. Or thus, him that rideth in the Deserts; that is, as he did in the Wildernesse of Arabia before his Arke and people, verse 7. This variety of interpretation is of small concern∣ment.

Jah] Some would have it the contract of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, if not of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to signifie the strong God. Jah is used again, ver. 18. God is called also by the Heathens 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and Jove or Jupiter, that is Iah-father; deemed by Varro to be the God of the Jewes. This is the proper name of God, Esay XLII. 8. Exod. VI. 3. 2 Chron. VI. 33. Acts XVII. 23, 25, 28. Psal. LXXXIII. 18. See more in the Observations on Esay XXVI. 4.

habitation] Of heaven; [verse 5] and of his Sanctuary, 1. ••ings VIII. 30, 38, 39.

solitarie in families] Senselesse here is the Popish text; [verse 6] through∣out the verse: and foolish is Bellarmines interpretation, and applica∣tion. See Exod. I. 21. Psal. CXIII. 9. Ruth IV. 11.

a dry land] Without fountains of waters, or showers of raine. A special judgement in those hot countries.

when thou wentest forth] Iudg. [verse 7] V. 4, 5. Gods praise in bringing his people out of Egypt; in giving them the possession of Canaan; in de∣stroying the Kings their enemies, verse 7—13.

The earth shook] Ezod. [verse 8] XIX. 18. Iudg. V. 4. Psal. CXIV. and CIV. 32. Heb. XII. 18.

Sinai] An hill of a great height. Of Sinai see more in the Obser∣vations on Exod. II. 11. and on XIX. 3.

a plentiful raine] God did blesse his inheritance of the Land of Ca∣naan which he gave to them, [verse 9] with raine, and all temporal blessings; which was an argument for their praising of him: And specially, as the inheritance of Canaan, and all temporal promises, and earthly bles∣sings to them were shadowes and types, intimations, and pledges of spiritual blessings, and eternal life in heaven; Heb. XI. 13,—16 and 26. Iohn V. 39.

gave the word] The occasion; [verse 11] it was his doing; he ministred the matter and speech unto them, in the glad tidings of victories. As Psal. CXVIII. 23.

of those that published it] The word here is of the feminine gender; and so may be understood of maids and women, entertaining, and publishing these good newes of victories with Songs and melody. As Exod. XV. 20. Judg. V. 11. and XI. 34. 1 Sam. XVIII. 6. Or of men, as the feminine is used for a masculine, in Koheleth, Eccl. I. 1. Such publishers, as 2 Sam. XVIII. 19.

did flee] Deut. [verse 12] XXVIII. 7. As Exod. XIV. 25, 27. Josh. X. 11, 16. Judg. V. 19, 22. and VIII. 12. 2 Sam. V. 25. And in this verse again, the Popish text scarce bears any sense; and their interpretations are suitable.

though ye have lien among the pots] A promise and consolation for the future: [verse 13] ministring more arguments of praising God. Though in the times of Heli and Saul ye have lien in black darknesse of afflictions, as a Skullion lies in a Campe or Leaguer among pots.

as the wings of a Dove] Shining and bright.

When the Almighty] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, [verse 14] the alsufficient.

scattered] Dispersed, discomfited, vanquished the Kings by his powerful presence, that they did flee apace, verse 12. Or, when he shall so do: so continuing and amplifying the former Promise.

Kings] His, and their enemies, in Canaan.

in it] In thy inheritance, wherein thy Congregation did dwell.

it was white] An embleme of prosperity and joy; shall be black no more, as verse 13. but joyous and prosperous: or, white with the dead bones of the scattered slaughtered enemies.

Salmon] Judg. IX. 48. A Mountain nigh Shechem, and Samaria, in the tribe of Ephraim, not farre from Iordan: likely snow was much upon it.

as the hill of Bashan] Of Bashan, [verse 15] see the Annotations on Micah VII. 14. The hill of Sion doth equal, yea excell it; by reason of all its spi∣ritual prerogatives and priviledges; as verse 16. Or thus, the Hill of Bashan is an hill of God, i. e. a most excellent hill; for so the Hebrews expresse the most excellent things. See the Observations on Ionah III. 3. and on 1 Sam. XIV. 15. It is an high hill. All this is true: yet falls short of the hill of Sion; as it is in the next verse.

Why leap ye] Insult proudly, [verse 16] vaunt it above the hill of Sion.

dwell] Psal. LXXXVII. 1, 2. and CXXXII. 13, 14. This doth infinitely advance this humble hill of Sion above you.

for ever] And not flit with his Ark and Tabernacle from place to place, as formerly.

The Chariots] Gods glory in Sion by the multitudes of his mini∣string Angels, [verse 17] Heb. XII. 22. as it was in Sinai, when he gave the fiery Law, Deut. XXXIII. 2. Gal. III. 19. Acts VII. 53. Or rather these words may have a direct relation to the glorious maner of Christs A∣scention, with the attendance of infinite Angels. Angels appeared and ministred at his Incarnation, Luke II. 9, 13. Heb. I. 6. And why not so, or more, at his Ascention into the highest heavens? See Acts I. 10. well might the Angels then sing that song, Apoc. V. 11, 12. We

read of a Charet of fire, and horses of fire at the rapture of Elias. And of a mountain full of horses and Charets of fire round about Eliseus in his defense. And why not these Angels here to attend our Savi∣ours triumphant Ascention, set down in the next verse.

Thou hast ascended] Literaly and typicaly true, [verse 18] after a sort, in Gods dealing with David. But without any type, it is Mysticaly most tr••e, and most verified in Christ, and his Ascention into Hea∣ven. And so David here turns his speech to Christ himself. Whereunto the Apostle doth apply it, Ephes. IV. 8. Ascended in his humane na∣ture properly. In Eph. IV. 8, 9, 10. He is said to descend; which being un∣derstood of his Divine nature, is spoken improperly. But Christ being God and Man in one person, That one Person without dissolving it, by reason of the Union of both natures in it, admits properly and truly of such speeches as containe the Proprieties of either Nature; the natures themselvs, & their properties, neverthelesse remaining ever realy distin∣guished. The person then of Christ, without the conversion of the one Nature into the other, in proper speech did ascend in his Humanity, by the power of his Deity; localy from mount Olivet, into that third hea∣ven of Paul, which our Saviour cals his Fathers house, Iohn XIV. 2. above these visible heavens, Eph. IV. 10. Our Saviours humane Nature then is contained in Heaven, Acts III. 21. is not in the Popish hoasts; and much lesse every where, according to the Ubiquitarian fancie. Though a time was, when Christ in his body was in the grave; in his soul in Paradise, in his Divine nature or Deity every where; yet without dissolving the Unity of his Person.

captivity captive] Lead and taken them captives; or a multitude of captives; subdued thine enemies unto thee, made them thy cap∣tives Judg. V. 12. Not leading the Fathers out of Limbus Patrum; but captiving the World, and the Flesh, Sinne, and Satan, Death, and Damnation, which otherwise held Gods people in captivity and sla∣very. Col. I. 15.

received gifts for men] Taken gifts for them i. e. receiving, gave; as the phrase is, Exod. XXV. 2. And in divers other places taking is used for giving, 1 King III. 24▪ and XVII. 10. Judg. XIV. 2. And giving is sometimes used for taking, as Gen. XLII. 30. What the chief of the Gifts were, are specified, Ephes. IV. 11, 12.

rebellious also] Even the most averse and rebellious of them, that God might dwell in them; as Soul made a Paul, Tit. III. 3, 4, 5.

dwell in them] Jah in them; not they dwell in the Church.

Blessed] David blesseth God, [verse 19] as it may seeme, for the fruits and benefits of Christs Ascention, which do follow.

loadeth us] With those gifts and blessings which Christ received for us, verse 18.

and unto God the Lord] Here 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 hath the points of Elohim, [verse 20] not of Adonai▪ And so still when 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and Adonai are joyned to∣gether, lest otherwise Adonai should be twise read. But where Adonai is not conjoyned, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 hath the pricks of Adonai more often then

of Elohim. Or, Jehovi here may be used as a more pathetical kinde of expression; as in Gen. XV. 2, 8. Deut. III. 24.

issues from death] As 1 Cor. X. 13.

But God] This seemes to be the fruit and powerful effect of Christs Ascention, [verse 21] upon his enemies.

The Lord said] Num. [verse 22] XXI. 34. and Exod. XIV. 13, 14. i. e. as I did from Og, King of Bashan; and from Pharaoh at the red sea. Thus he recals to their memories these two great victories: and to strengthen their faith for like victories over their enemies in Davids dayes, or in times of future extremities.

thy foot may be dipped] So great should the slaughter of them be. [verse 23] When God takes publike vengeance, and executes his judgements upon his enemies, the godly who execute the same, may therein re∣joyce, and say as Jehu did, 2 Kings IX. 10, 36.

thy goings] In the procedure of the verse, [verse 24] the Prophet goeth from the second person, to the third person. So Gen. XLIX. 9. And it is very frequent with the Hebrews to passe from one person to another. Thy goings then and thy doings, thy wayes and administrations, i. e. when God marched out of Egypt, through the Wildernesse before his people: or when David brought the Ark into Jerusalem.

The singers] All sorts, [verse 25] in their rancks, praised God.

damzels] As Exod. XV. 20, 21. Iudg. V. 1. and Chap. XI. 34. 1 Sam. XVIII. 9, 7.

Blesse ye God] The beginning of their song, [verse 26] or part of their praise. from the fountain of Israel] Ye that flow from that fountain, are of that progeny, Esay XLVIII. 2. Deut. XXXIII. 28. Deut. V. 15, 18.

There is] Both those near, [verse 27] and those a farre off, meet and joyne in this praising of God. See Psal. LX. 9.

little Benjamin] The youngest sonne of Iacob; and least Tribe, since their fatal blow, Iudg. XX. and contesting most for Sauls house against David. Yet he here one, if not first among them. And all the rest likewise••joyne.

ruler] Of the enemies; or rather, of the Benjamites; but no way of the other Tribes.

Thy God] He petitions for strength and growth of blessings; [verse 28] as God had formerly begun to work for them.

hath commanded] So Deut. XXVIII. 8. Psal. CXXXIII. 2. XLII. 8. and XLIV. 4. and LXXI. 3. See Psal. XXXIII. 9. Matth. VIII. 8, 9.

thy strength] The strength of the King, and of the people.

Because of thy Temple] Because of thy Promises made to thy Church, [verse 29] and thy presence at thy Temple, Ark, and Tabernacle; there∣fore thou wilt grant and do according to the foresaid Petition.

Shall Kings] David, and his successors shall therefore with all grate∣ful and thankful acknowledgement worship thee.

Rebuke] He petitions against the adversaries of the Church, [verse 30] proud,

cruel, and malitious▪ Rebuke them in word, and deed. The mean∣ing is contained in the last words of the verse.

the company of spear-men] Of enemies armed with Lances and Spears; or Reeds fitted and used for Spears; or arrowes, as the maner of those times was.

buls with the calves] The robustick and strong enemies; with the rest of the rude and Epicurish multitude, Psal. XXII. 12. Amos. IV. 1.

submit himself with pieces of silver▪] Though hypocriticaly. Or rather, that glories and vaunts himself in his brave attire embroydered with pieces of silver▪ and out-braves and tramples upon others; or is so rich, as he seemes to tread silver under foot, yet indeed trusts in it, and boast himself of it. And such usually, though unprovoked, de∣light to break forth into warre and wrong-doing: such enemies of thy people rebuke and break.

Princes] Prophesying of the calling of the Gentiles to Christ, [verse 31] he exhorteth them to praise God, Ephes. III. 5, 6. Esay XLIX. 6. and LXVI. 19.

stretch out her hands] In prayer, in offerings, in way of subjection.

a mighty voice] Psal. XXIX. His thunder, [verse 33] Heb. IV. 11.

Ascribe] Adds arguments for Gods praise. [verse 34]

terrible] To be had in reverence in the assembly of his Saints; [verse 35] and dreadful to his enemies.

faile while I waite] The constancie and earnestnesse of Davids hope and expectation. [chapter LXIX] [verse 3]

For the zeale of thine house] Literaly true in David, [verse 9] Psal. XXVII. 8. Principaly true in Christ the Sonne of David; and to him applied by his disciples, John II. 15, 16, 17. And so are the later words of this verse, by the Apostle, Rom. XV. 3.

They gave me also gall] Verified in our Saviour: [verse 21] and in relation had to this text, John XIX. 28, 29.

Let their table] This used by David against his enemies: [verse 22] applyed by the Apostle against the Jewes in his time, Rom. XI. 9.

Let their habitation] That which David speaketh here of his ene∣mies; [verse 25] and, as Type of Christ, of Christs enemies, Saint Peter appli∣eth to Judas the traitor, Acts I. 20.

blotted out] Phil. IV. 3. Apoc. III. 5. Luke X. 20. Heb. XII. 23. [verse 28] Of Imprecations, see the Observations on Psal. CIX. 14, 15.

Sion] The Type of the Church. [verse 36]

inherit it] Under the temporal promises of the Land of Canaan, [verse 35] are comprehended the promises of life everlasting to the faithful, and their posterity, Psal. CII. 28. to the true Israel of God, the true mem∣bers of the Church, Esay XLIV. 26.

for to bring to remembrance] For to record. [chapter LXX] See the Title of Psal. XXXVIII. Both Psalmes are, not to remember any notable deliver∣ance or benefit already received: But rather a time and case of afflicti∣on and distresse. For the matter of both shew, that they were inspired in such a time; and do make earnest petition for deliverance.

to deliver me] This Psalme is in a maner the same with Psal. XL. 13,—17. [verse 1]

Cause me to escape] Likely from Absalom. [chapter LXXI] [verse 2] For this Psalme may seem to be penned by David, though his name be not in the Title, and in his old age.

God.] This word is Jehovih, [verse 5] that is, with the vowels of Elohim. So again verse 16. and Psal. LXVIII. 20. And so it is usually written when, as I have said, Adonai goeth before it, or next followeth it. At other times having the vowels of Adonai, it is pronounced Lord. See 2 Sam. VII. 18, 19, 20.

a wonder] Esay VIII. 18. [verse 7] Heb. II. 13. Zech. III. 8. and 1 Corinth. IV. 9.

even of thine only] not mine owne: [verse 16] which is none to thine.

quicken me again, [verse 20] and shalt bring me up] Me, me, in the Hebrew margin; but us, us, in the text.

For Solomon] Made by David for him; [chapter LXXII] verse ult▪ by David in his old age. The like inscription is Psal. CXXVII.

This Psalme is composed, as in the name of the Church. And con∣tains a Prayer, a Praise, and a Prophesie, of the just, peaceable, righ∣teous, merciful, plentiful, flourishing estate, and large extent and bounds of the Kingdome of Solomon; set out indeed with some hy∣perbolical expressions; scarcely appliable to him, or to any mortal man. So as Solomon may be the immediate object of the words, he li∣teraly intended in them. But yet he so, as a Type of Christ, and of his Kingdome; who is in truth the maine subject of this Psalme. For all in a mystical sense is appliable to Christ more truly, then to Solo∣mon; appliable to him in a spiritual sense, exactly without any hyper∣bole. For Solomon, see that 2 Sam. VII. 14. &c. For Christ, see that Heb. I. 5. And that passadge, Psal. LXXXIX. 19,—37. is not un∣like the subject matter of this Psalme. This premised, may serve to clear the hardest places of this Psalme.

The prayers] Psalmes, [verse 20] Hymnes, Songs.

are ended] As the like is said of Davids words, 2 Sam. XXIII. 1. The one may be as an Appendix of the other. This his last Prayer, though not placed in the last place. Or the last of those that David set in order before his death: or the last in this second part or book of the Psalmes, as they are all divided into five parts. Or his last, touch∣ing Solomon; and his prophesying of Christ and his Kingdome. So various may our thoughts and interpretations be; and so uncertaine and unsafe to pitch and fixe upon any single one.

Truly] The Psalmist premiseth this, [chapter LXXIII] [verse 1] as his undoubted ground a∣gainst all conflicting doubts; as a pacificatory protestation before this his contesting plea, Touching the prosperity of the wicked, and his own afflictions. See Ier. XII. 1. and Hab. I. 12, 13.

covereth them as a garment] They wear it, [verse 6] and shew it openly as their garment. See the like phrase of cursing, Psal. CIX. 18, 19. But the meek, and godly cover and array themselves otherwise, Ephes.

IV. 24. Col. III. 10, 12, 14. Phil. IV. 5. Gal. III. 27. Rom. XIII. 14. Ephes. III. 17. cum Gal. IV. 19.

Their eyes stand out] Stand out in the Hebrew is in the singular number. [verse 7] Whereupon the plural number is here to be understood di∣stributively, for either or each of their eyes. The like is Gen. XLIX. 22. Exod. XVII. 12. and XXXI. 14. Josh. II. 14. Job XII. 7. Prov. III. 18. and XIV. 1. and XXVII. 9. Joel I. 20.

Therefore his people returne hither] Gods own people turne to these thoughts and tentations following; [verse 10] when they see withal their owne mournful miseries.

verily I] Thus subject to these dangerous tentations. [verse 13]

As a dreame when one awaketh] Job XX. 8. [verse 20] Like to that, John XVI. 21. and to that Acts XII. 9. and to that Psal. CXXVI. 1.

when thou awakest] To judgement, Psal. LXXVIII. 65. and VII. 6. and XXXV. 20.

thou shalt despise their image] their pageant of worldly pomp, and pride, make it to be despised. Yea, in their owne eyes, if God awake their consciences.

Maschil] An instructing Psalme. [chapter LXXIV]

of Asaph] See on Psal. L in the Title. This Psalme most likely was committed to some of Asaphs posterity, long after Davids time, to tune, sing, and play it.

The time of desolation which this Psalme mentions, and bemoanes, seemes not to be that in the dayes of Antiochus Epiphanes; who pro∣phaned and polluted much the Temple of Jerusalem; but did not cast it downe, and burne it to the ground. And he himself was long after the Canon of the Old Testament was concluded. But that ra∣ther in the dayes of Nebuchadnezzar, and Nebuzaradan, 2 Kings XXV. 8.

the rod] Or tribe; [verse 2] which thou hast measured out for thine owne inheritance as with a line or rod, Jer. X. 16. Deut. XXXII. 9.

thy congregations] Meaning the Temple, where the holy Con∣gregations assembled. [verse 4] And verse 7. it is in the Hebrew, thy Sanctu∣aries in the Plural number, meaning the Temple. The Plural num∣ber being used discretively to note out, and designe one of many. And so is that Gen. XXIII. 6. Judg. VII. 10. and XII. 7. 2 Kings V. 13. 2 Chron. XXIV. 25. Iohn VI. 45. Acts XIII. 40. Zech. IX. 9. Mat. IV. 3 compared with Luke IV. 3. And so we may understand that, Matth. XXVII. 44. compared with Luke XXIII. 40▪ And that 2 Chr. chap. XXVIII. 3. compared with 2 Kings XXVIII. 3. And that Matth. XXVI. 8. compared with Iohn XII. 4.

no more any Prophet] Ezekiel, [verse 9] and Jeremie, were now dead. O∣thers haply not so well known or regarded, Lam. II. 9.

Dragons] The Princes of Pharaoh.

Leviathan] Pharaoh. [verse 13]

gavest him to be meat] Him, [verse 14] and his, drowned, and cast upon the shoar, to be meat to the wilde beasts, and fowles of prey, called a peo∣ple;

as Prov. XXX. 25, 26. Or, their spoile, as meat to the Israe∣lites. Or gavest meat, that is, Manna, to him, that is, thy people in the Wildernesse.

When I shall receive] This Psalme seemes to be penned by David, [chapter LXXV] [verse 2] for Asaph to use; and likely at the time, and upon the occasion of the State of affairs at, and upon the murder of Abner by Joab, 2 Sam. III. which being then much shaken and shattered, he promiseth to uphold, and rectifie. And rebuking the foolish, proud, and presumptuous op∣posers of his Promotion, he renueth his resolution to proceed in judg∣ment towards the wicked, and the righteous, uprightly.

the pillars of it] He did so, [verse 3] by erecting, and sustaining, and main∣taining good Magistrates, and chiefly Religion and righteousnesse, the maine pillars of a Kingdome. See Gal. II. 9.

cup See Esay LI. 17. [verse 8] Ezek. XXIII. 32. Ier. XXV. 15. Apoc. XIV. 10.

In Salem] Of Salem, [chapter LXXVI] [verse 2] see the Observations on Iosh. X. 1.

There brake he] This likely was done in the Assyrian Cam Gods Angel, [verse 3] in the dayes of Hezekiah, 2 Chron. XXXII. 21. ••••p by

then the mountains of prey] A proverbial expression of greatest glory. [verse 4] See Esay IX. 3. and LIII. 12. Or, from the mountains of prey, where the Assyrian armies were preying upon thy people, and now slain by thy glorious power, and given by thee as a prey to thy people.

their sleep] of death. [verse 5]

shall praise thee] Turne to thy praise. [verse 10]

the remainder] Keep within compasse the further attempts of our enraged enemies.

to Ieduthun] Psal. [chapter LXXVII] XXXIX. and LXII. 1 Chron. XXV. 2, 3.

my soar ran] Or, my hand was stretched out, [verse 2] that is, in Prayer.

and was troubled] Or, [verse 3] made a troubled noise.

Thy way, [verse 13] O God▪ is in the Sanctuary] Or, in sanctity; most holy. And thy maner of administration and proceeding is to be learned in thy Word, which is taught in the Sanctuary, Psal. LXXIII. 17.

The waters saw thee] Psal. CXIV. 3, 5. [verse 16] the waters of the red-Sea.

The clouds] Exod. XIV. 24. [verse 17] Psal. LXVIII. 7, 8, 9, 33. and XVIII. 13, 14.

Thy way is in the Sea] The red-Sea, [verse 19] Exod. XIV. 21.

footsteps are not known] Before or after; the waters returned, and hid that way, Exod. XIV. 27. Or more generaly, Gods wayes are un∣searchable, Iob XXVI. 14. Psal. CVII. 23, 24. Rom. XI. 33, 34.

in a parable] Matth. [chapter LXXVIII] [verse 2] XIII. 35. cited there by the Evangelist, in an allusion only to the word parable; and therefore with some alterati∣on of the words of the Psalmist. And that forme of allegation is usual with the Evangelists, as well in allusive and indirect, as in more direct and proper applications. Of Parables, see more in the Observations on Psalme XLIX. 4.

The children of Ephraim] Some make this relate to that, [verse 9] 1 Chron.

VII. 21, 22. while their father lived in Egypt. Others to the E∣phramites flight before Jephthah, Judg. XII. 46. Others understand∣ing all the Israelites under that name, referre this to their flight before the Philistines, 1 Sam. IV. 10. Or before Abijah, 2 Chron. XIII. 17. And others understanding by Ephraim, the ten Tribes, whereof E∣phraim was the head, make it to relate to the final extirpation of that Kingdome, 2 Kings XVII. 7. &c. whereof Hosea prophesied, chap. X. 11, 14. So various expositions may these general words admit.

By sending evil angels] As Iob I. 12, 16. [verse 49] as executioners of his fierce anger. Or angels, i. e. messengers of evils; which may be un∣derstood, either of good Angels; or of Moses and Aaron.

hinder parts] 1 Sam. V. 1, 6, 9, 12. [verse 66] and VI. 4.

he refused] Shiloh, [verse 67] in the tribe of Ephraim, the sonne of Ioseph: The Ark never came thither again.

his Sanctuary] Temple, [verse 69] by Solomon. By this, and some other pas∣sages, this Psalme may seeme not to be composed by David; but by some later inspired Prophet.

the Heathen This Psalme seemes composed, [chapter LXXIX] [verse 1] not in the times of An∣tiochus Epiphanes; but in the times of the Babylonish captivity ra∣ther. Bemoaning those miseries which were brought upon them by those barbarous Babylonians.

Poure] Ier. X. 25. [verse 6]

our neighbours seven-fold] That did not pitie us in our calamity; [verse 12] but insulted over us. Gen. IV. 15, 24. Esay LXV. 6, 7.

Shoshannim Eduth] See the Observations on Psal. [chapter LXXX] LX. 1. and XLV. 1. some make Eduth here, which signifieth a testimony, to import the Churches testimony and profession of her faith in the promise of God for her deliverance out of the Babylonish captivity, at the end of seventy years, Ier. XXIX. 10. And so this Psalme to be made in the time of that captivity.

Asaph] See the Observations on Psal. L.

upon the man of thy right hand] Thy beloved one; [verse 17] as Benjamin was, Gen. XXXV. 18. And here may be meant, David, in his pos∣terity, Psal. CXXXII. 10, 11. and LXXXIX. 19, 20, 21, 35. Or, Zerubbabel particularly. But both as shadowes and types, of Christ the substance, principaly intended, Col. I. 13. Psal. XLV. 3. Luke XXIV. 19. Heb. II. 18.

in the new moone] [chapter LXXXI] [verse 3] This Psalme seemes sung at the Jewish Feasts.

When he went] Or had gone.

I heard a language] Was a stranger.

in the secret place of thunder] In that pillar of a cloud, [verse 7] Exod. XIV. 24. haply troubling the Egyptians with thunder, lightning, and tem∣pest, Psal. LXXVII. 17, 18.

gave them up] See the Observations on Esay VI. 9. [verse 12]

congregation of the mighty] Assembly, [chapter LXXXII] [verse 1] Assise, and Session, of God, of Magistrates, whose office is the Ordinance of God, Rom. XIII. 1, 2. and they so called gods, Exod. XXII. 8, 9, 28. John X. 34, 35. And

the cause before them, the cause of God, Deut. I. 17. 2 Chron. XIX. 6.

all the foundations] Lawes, [verse 5] Orders, estates, are all in confusion, turn∣ed up-side down.

Alledged by our Saviour, [verse 6] Iohn X. 34.

like men] As Adam did. [verse 7] As Hos. VI. 7. Iob XXXI. 33. But rather the sense is more general; ye shall die as other men do, that last line of death shall put an end to your height and haughtinesse, Psal. CXLVI. 3▪ 4. Ye die as the meanest men do; for so the word is most what ta∣ken, specialy when it is put in opposition, as here, Psal. XLIX. 2. and LXII. 9. Esay II. 9. and V. 15. Death makes no distinction between man and man; as is excellently expressed by Heathen Poets: die all shall, equaly and alike, one with another.

like one of the Princes] As one of the other Princes of the world, as other mortal men; as one, or any one, even the meanest, who a∣mong the rest of men make but a number, as it were.

A Song as Psalme] See the Observations on Psal. [chapter LXXXIII] XLVIII. title.

This Song seems composed and inspired, as a forme of Prayer, when the Church and people of the Jewes were in great danger by many e∣nemies conspiring against them, to destroy them: And this likely either in the dayes of David, 2 Sam. VIII. or rather long after Davids time, in the dayes of Jehoshaphat; or of Ezekiah.

thy hidden ones] Hidden as his peculiar treasure, [verse 3] Exod. XIX. 5. se∣cret, preserved under the shadow of his wings, Psal. XVII. 8. & XXVII. 5. and XXXI. 20. Whose life also is hid with Christ in God, Col. III. 3.

Hagarens] And Hagarites, [verse 6] 1 Chro. V. 10, 19, 20. So called from Hagar, the mother of Ishmael, Gen. 16.

Gebal] The Giblites, [verse 7] near Sidon, whence Solomon had stone-cutters, 1 Kings V. 18. Ezek. XXVII. 9. See Josh. XIII. 5.

Endor] In Manasseh; [verse 10] East from Dor, which lay on the mid-land sea▪ Saul goeth to a Witch at Endor; which indeed was not farre from the mountains of Gilboa, where Saul was slaine. Taanach, and Megid∣do not far from it.

whose name alone is Jehovah] Which hath his being of himself, [verse 18] Exod. III. 14. Deut. VI. 4. An eternal Being, Esay XLIV. 6. Apoc. I. 4, 8. and IV. 8. and XI. 17. and XVI. 5. And giveth being to all things, Acts XVII. 25. to his word, and promises, and threatnings, Exod. VI. 3. Ezek. VII. 27. See the Observations on Esay XXVI. 4▪ of Jehovi, see the Observations on Psal. LXXI. 5. Of Jah, see the Observations on Psal. LXVIII. 4.

Gittith] So Psal. [chapter LXXXIV] VIII. and LXXXI. And Obed-Edom, a Levite, and Porter or Singer in the Tabernacle, is called a Gittite, 2 Sam. VI. 10. haply from Gath-rimmon, a Citie of the Levites, Iosh. XXI. 25. And there is Gath a Citie of the Philistines. The word then may sig∣nifie an Instrument of musick, not such as our Gitterne; such as was used in Gath; or rather used by the posterity of Obed-Edom the Git∣tite: Or it may import that those three Psalmes were sung upon occa∣sion of Davids removing the Ark from Kiriathjearim to the house of

Obed-Edom the Gittite; and from thence to Jerusalem, 1 Chron. XIII. and XV. chapters. More certaintie is not found out.

Korah] See the Observations on Psal. XLII. Title.

thine Altars] The places near them might haply become the nests of birds, [verse 3] Josh. XXIV. 26. Or this may relate to the Psalmists longing and crying after them, by an abrupt and pathetical exclamation and naming of them, Oh thine Altars, thine Altars: not yet excluding the force of that argument from the birds nestling, either near, or else∣where. Some hence conceive, That this Psalme was penned by Da∣vid in the time of his Exile and banishment from Gods house and service by the means of Saul, verse 9. not so likely of Absalom.

the wayes of them] Of the travellers that go up to God house, [verse 5] and of such as have liberty so to do: or the high-wayes and causies them∣selves that leade to thy house.

of Baca] Or Mulberry trees, [verse 6] which use to grow in dry places. A valley of this name was nigh Jerusalem, 2 Sam. V. 22, 23. Joshua XV. 8.

make it a Well] By digging Wells therein for water: no drought, or difficulties shall hinder them from coming to Gods house, but they will break through them. Or, make him a Well; that is, God in stead of a Well to them, Jer. II. 13. and XVII. 13. Psal. XXXVI. 9.

the rain also filleth the pools] Which they digged; God so provides for them. Or, the bountiful rain of Gods blessings, of grace and com∣fort, shall cover and comfort them.

from strength to strength] increasing so, [verse 7] as Rom. I. 17. 2. Cor. III. 18. Or, from company to company; from troop to troop; as by troops they came up to Gods house thrice a year.

of thine anointed] David the type; [verse 9] Messiah, the truth.

a door-keeper] Fixt▪ and a servant, [verse 10] in the meanest office there; then to be free, and frolick, and flourishing in the highest degree, in the bravest tents of wickednesse.

grace and glory] Many referre grace to this life, [verse 11] and glory to that which is to come. But grace rather may seeme here to signifie favour, estimation, honour, as Prov. III. 34. Iames IV. 6. 1 Pet. V. 5. Exod. III. 21. Num. chap. XII. 36. and XXXIII. 12. Gen. VI. 8. and XXXIX. 4. and L. 4. Esther II. 15. 17. and V. 2. Prov. XXII. 1. and chap I. 9. and IV. 9. Luke II. 52. and I. 28. compared with verse 30.

Thou hast been] [chapter LXXXV] [verse 1] Formerly.

brought back] Out of Babylon. Some understand this of the bring∣ing back of David to Ierusalem after the rebellion of Absalom. But not so likely.

covered all their sinne] See the Observations on Psal. LI. 4. [verse 2]

Turne us] Do now so again. [verse 4]

I will hear] Complaine no more; [verse 8] but hearken to God, speaking, his promises to his people, and their duty.

are met] Will meet.

have kissed] Will kisse, [verse 10] though for the present things are other∣wise,

verse 4, 5. This, and what followes had it most compleat fulfil∣ling in and by the coming of Christ.

A Prayer] So is the Title of Psal. [chapter LXXXVI] XVII. And this seemes to be as a set forme of prayer for the godly in distresse; without any particu∣lar circumstances used in it of persons, places, or times; appliable to all; and may not unfitly be applied to Christ.

I am holy] So rather then as in the margin, [verse 2] one whom thou favour∣est. The Hebrew word is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which imports an active, rather then a passive signification. And so Psal. IV. 3. and XXXII. 6. and L. 5. and LXXIX. 2. This word is actively taken, and that rightly in our translations; though many learned men, not so well advised therein, render it passively, to denote, not the author and agent, and his quali∣ty, but the object spoken of.

Among the gods] Verse 10. [verse 8] Psal. LXXXIX. 6. Deut. XXXII. 39. Esay XXXVII. 16▪ and XLIV. 6. 1 Cor. VIII. 4, 5, 6. Exod. XV. 1••. From the first Hebrew letters of which four words in Exodus came the name of the Maccabees, as is thought.

unite my heart to fear thy Name] Loose it from all other things, [verse 11] and cares, and fears,; and knit it fast to thy fear only, without back-sliding ever.

give thy strength] Iohn XV. 5. [verse 16] Phil. II. 13. and IV. 13.

a toaken] as in the end of the verse. [verse 17]

His foundation] Gods, [chapter LXXXVII] [verse 1] and his Churches.

Mountains] Moriah, and Zion. Not now in a flitting Tabernacle.

Glorious things] See Esay LIV. and LX. [verse 3] and LX. and LXII. and LXV. A∣poc. XXI. and XXII. And see the Observations on Josh. 10. 1.

Rahab] So LXXXIX. 10. [verse 4] Esay LI. 9. See the Observations on Gen. XII. 10. Egypt is meant hereby: And the calling of Egypt to the fel∣lowship of the Church. Of whose calling, see Esay XIX. 19, 21, 25.

to them that know me] Or among them; as of my knowne fami∣liars.

Philistia] Palestine, the Philistines, Psal. LX. 8.

this] And the rest afore named, were born in the Citie of God; by regeneration spiritual made the sonnes of God, and of the Church, verse•• 5, 6. 1 Pet. I. 23. Iames I. 18. Esay XLIV. 5.

Singers] The spiritual joy both great, [verse 7] and general, and of the Psal∣mist in particular, which shall be in those dayes, in the Church, and of, and for the Church; in an allusion haply to the Jewish service.

Springs] Of my joy, and of Gods spiritual gifts and graces also; Iohn VII. 38. Esay XII. 3. Ephes. III. 10.

A Song] See the Observations on Psal. [chapter LXXXVIII] XLVIII. title.

Mahalath] A kinde of winde-instrument, Psal. LIII.

Leannoth] May either make up the name of the Instrument; or may seeme to signifie to sing by turnes or courses, as Exod. XV. 21. Ezra. III▪ 11.

Heman] The next Psalm•• is of Ethan. These were sacred Singers and Musitians, descended of Levi, 1 Chron. XV. 17, 19. and XVI. 41,

42. and VI. 44. Of Heman, see 1 Chron. XXV. 1. 4,—7. He was of the posterity of rebellious Korah, and grandchilde of Samuel the Prophet, 1 Chron. VI. 33. and himself King Davids Seer, 1 Chron. XXV. 5. There were two brethren, Heman, and Ethan, of the poste∣rity of Judah, 1 Chron. II. 6. men renowned for their wisdome, 1 King. IV. 31.

This Psalm is one of the most doleful of all the Bible: And may serve as a set forme of a sad complaint to any man in his greatest distresse. Some make application of it to Christ in his Sufferings.

free among the dead] Psal. XXXI. 12. [verse 5] Job. III. 18, 19.

I am shut up] As a close prisoner in the Dungeon of sorrowes, [verse 8] and distresses.

wilt thou] Psal. VI. 5. [verse 10] and XXX. 9. & CXV. 17. Esay XXXVIII. 18.

prevent thee] Psal. V. 3. [verse 13] Hab. II. 1.

into darknesse] That they hide themselves from me, [verse 18] none will ap∣pear to my releif; by reason of the darknesse wherein I am, buried as it were in the black Dungeon of calamities.

a Covenant] In faithfulnesse, [verse 3] verse 1, 2. How then comes it to be made void? verse 38,—45.

David] The figure, and father of Christ; who is also called Da∣vid, Ezek, XXXIV. 23. Jer. XXX. 9. Hos. III. 5. Of him this Psalme is chiefly to be understood; though not in all the particular pas∣sages.

Rahab] See the Observations on Psal. LXXXVII. 4. [verse 10]

Tabor] Westward, [verse 12] see the Observations on Judg. IV▪ 6.

Hermon] Eastward, see the Ohervations on Deut. IV. 48.

joyful sound] Of the Trumpet, [verse 15] and other sacred musical instru∣ments, calling them to, and used in the sacred services, and solem∣nities.

to thy holy one] To Samuel, [verse 19] who anointed David.

laid help upon one that is mighty] Or, help against the mighty: both wayes meaning David: who yet here may be taken as a Type of Christ.

I will set] Psal LXXII. 8. [verse 25]

my Father] This, [verse 26] and verse 27, 28, 29. universaly and plenarily be∣long to Christ: And only imperfectly, as in a weak type, are apply∣able to David, or Solomon, 2 Sam. VII. 14. Heb. I. 5. Luke I. 32, 33.

my first-borne] The first-borne had the priviledges of double por∣tion, [verse 27] chief Rule, and Priesthood: This true in Christ, Col. I. 15, 18. Matth. I. 25. Rom. VIII. 29. Heb. I. 6. Apoc. I. 5.

His seede] Verse 36. Christians, his spiritual seed; Esay LIII. 10. Heb. [verse 29] II. 13. whence Christ is called the everlasting Father, Esay IX. 6.

his throne] Verse 37. Heb. I. 8. Dan. II. 44. and VII. 14. Luke I. 33. The accomplishment of these Promises cannot be found in Solomon.

If his children] So 2 Sam. VII. 14, 15. [verse 30] True of Solomon, and of his children; and cannot be understood of Christs person; who was not the natural of sonne of Solomon; but of his brother Nathan; And

who was without sinne, 1 Pet. II. 22: But as he bare our sinnes, and was made a Sacrifice for sinne for us, 2 Cor. V. 21. Esay LIII. 6. Yet this may have a right understanding of Christs spiritual children, who are subject to the lapses and infirmities of sinne, 1 John I. 8. Rom. VII. 15.

sworne] Of Oaths, [verse 35] see the Observations on Hos. IV. 15.

as the Moone] Which although it sometime waxeth, [verse 37] and some∣time waineth, and sometime seemes to be gone, (a fit resemblance of the state of Christs Church) yet is continualy renewed, and so stable.

Witnesse] See Jer. XXXIII. 20, 21. And Christ is so called, Apoc. I. 5. Esay LV. 4.

But thou] The Psalmist complaineth of the miseries of the Church, [verse 38] whereby all the former Promises seeme to be frustrated.

youth hast thou shortned] Wherein by thy promises he should have flourished, [verse 45] and grown up as a youth.

how short] How vaine, [verse 47] momentanie, and uncertaine; yet am I thy creature.

the footsteps of thine Anointed.] [verse 51] This may be referred to Christ, and his Offices, and Works in us, and for us: or to Christians, which fol∣low his footsteps.

Blessed] The voice of faith, [verse 52] and joy; as finding an issue out of the temptation, and rejoycing in the midst of tribulation. This is the end of the third Book of Psalmes. See the Observations on Psal. XLI. ult. and on LXXII. ult.

of Moses] This seemes inspired and penned by Moses for the use of the people, [chapter XC] when upon the returne of the Spies, they had murmur∣ed against God, and he had sentenced to death all above twenty years old, Num. XIV. 22, 23, 29, 34.

Returne] The body to the earth; [verse 3] the soul to God that gave it.

watch] The night divided into four Watches; [verse 4] the evening, mid∣night, cock-crowing, dawning.

threescore years and ten] So for the most part, [verse 10] And so in David. And none of the Kings of Judah, or Israel, after him attained to those years. Or seventy here, in regard of that judgement denounced, Num. XIV. 29.

even according to thy fear, [verse 11] so is thy wrath] Thy wrath is as thy feare teacheth it to be: which teacheth us to fear thee for thy wrath. But who knoweth the power of it?

to number] They might number the utmost extent of them, [verse 12] upon that judgement, Num. XIV. But not how much sooner they might die.

establish] Esay XXVI. 12. [verse 17]

he shall deliver thee] Having practised in the second verse what he taught in the first; [chapter XCI] [verse 3] Here he teacheth others to do the like, applies his example to them.

not be afraid] Esay XLIII. 2. [verse 5] emphatical expressions, and rhetorical amplifications, allowed in all humane Authors. Not yet implying that we are actualy delive••ed in all such dangers; but that at least they

shall work for our good, if we be not delivered out of them, Rom. VIII. 28.

his Angels charge over thee] Alledged by the Devil to Christ, [verse 11] Mat. IV. 6.

in all thy wayes] Of holinesse and righteousnesse. These words the Devil omits; as making against his temptation, which was against the minde of the text.

tread upon the lion] Esay XI. 6,—9. [verse 13] Hos. II. 18. without harme or damage. Not as the Pope applied it to his treading upon the neck of the Emperour.

on high] Safely above all perils and dangers. [verse 14]

with long life] If God shall see it good and fit for him. [verse 16] Otherwise a good man may be cut off by Plague, or warre.

for the Sabbath day] For the Rest on this day, [chapter XCII] see the Observations on Exod. XII. 16. For Hallowing it; That was, by an holy convocati∣on; by offering of Sacrifices; singing Psalmes; reading, and ex∣pounding, and hearing Scriptures; Praying; Disputing, and Con∣ferring; by meditating on Gods word, and works; and doing works of mercy, Exod. XX. 10. Esay LVIII. 13. Jer. XVII. 21, 22. Levit. XXIII. 3. Num▪ XXVIII. 9, 10. Acts XIII. 15. and XV. 21. and XVI. 13. and XVII. 2. and XVIII. 4. Matth. XII. 2,—7, 8, 11, 12.

as the Palme tree] The LXX. read, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, [verse 12] which signifies in∣deed a tree. As the Hebrew word here doth; And the meaning of the whole verse imports. Yet hence many learned men, taking it up one from another, have raised that fable of a wondrous bird called a Phoenix, which yet never was seene, or known in the world.

holinesse becometh thy house] In the services, [chapter XCIII] [verse 5] and servants of it; and all professors of so holy a God.

The Lord knoweth] Cited, [chapter XCIV] [verse 11] 1 Cor. III. 20.

But judgement shall returne unto righteousnesse] Though they might seeme awhile parted; [verse 15] yet they shall returne and meet; and the wicked shall be punished, and the godly rewarded.

O come] Davids Psalme; [chapter XCV] [verse 1] though without his Title; as appears, Heb. III. 7. and IV. 7.

to day] This extends to the whole time wherein Christ speaketh by his Gospel, [verse 7] Heb. III. 7. 13, 15. and IV. 7, 8. So 2 Cor. VI. 2.

Provocation] Meribah, [verse 8] in the Hebrew.

temptation] Massah, in the Hebrew. See Exod. XVII. 1,—7. Num. XX. 1, 3, 13. Deut. VI. 16.

tempted me] Tempted Christ, [verse 9] 1 Cor. X. 9.

my work] Works, Heb. III. 9. of miraculous mercies; and judge∣ments.

I sware] At Kadesh-barneah, [verse 11] Num. XIV. 21, &c. Heb. III. 17, 19.

my rest.] Canaan; a Type of a better Rest, Heb. IV. 3, 8, 9, 11.

O sing] This Psalme, [chapter XCVI] [verse 1] and Psalme CV. 1,—15. with small altera∣tions, make up that Psalme composed by David, upon the bringing

of the Ark from Obed-Edoms house, into the Citie of David, 1 Chron. XVI. 8,—36.

a new song] See the Observations on Psal. XXXIII. 3.

beauty of holinesse] In the glorious holy Sanctuary.

searoare] In token of joy. [verse 9]

the trees] Humane affections ascribed to insensible creatures; [verse 11] there∣by to set out mans duty. [verse 12]

for the cometh] Or, when he cometh. Which may relate to Christs coming into the world, [verse 13] Matth. XII. 20. Acts X. 42. and ch. XVII. 31. Psal. XCVIII. 9. and CX. 6. Esay II. 4. and XI. 3, 4. and XVI. 5. 2 Tim. IV. 1. Apoc. XIX. 11.

The Lord reighneth] Here seemes the Kingdome, [chapter XCVII] [verse 1] both of God, and of Christ to be majesticaly described.

a new song] See the Observations on Psal. [chapter XCVIII] [verse 1] XXXIII. 3.

made known] Esay LII. 10.

Let the sea roare] Psal. [verse 2] XCVI. 11.

let the people tremble] And so, [chapter XCIX] [verse 7] the earth be moved; that is, with a reverend fear at his Presence and appearance. [verse 1] Or, though they be stir∣red up with anger; Apoc. XI. 17, 18. Acts XVII. 13.

The Kings strength] God mixeth his power with justice, [verse 4] Job XXXVI. 5.

Moses and Aaron among his Priests] Moses did many things of the Priestly office. [verse 6] And the word Cohen here used, doth signifie also a Prince, and principal officer, as 2 Sam. VIII. 18. and in many other places.

though that tookest] Even when thou tookest vengeance of their inventions, [verse 8] yet even then a forgiving God, a God answearing their prayers.

and not we Or, [chapter C] [verse 3] and his we are; as the Hebrew in the margin read∣eth it, Deut. VII. 6, 7. and chap. IX. 4. &c. Psal. XCV. 5.

A Psalme of David] This seemes inspired and written by David, [chapter CI] when he was new made King. Or, as some, He promiseth what to do when he shall be made King; and how he will governe his own house in the meane time.

not know] Matth. [chapter CII] [verse 4] VII 23.

of the afflicted] Or, for the afflicted. A set forme of Prayer for him, for any in a poor afflicted estate. And so divers other set formes of prayer are found in Scripture, in a set forme of words. As Num. VI. 24, 25, 26. Matth. VI. 9,—13. And again at another time, and upon another occasion, Luke XI. 1,—4. Psal. XX. and XXI. This Prayer may seeme inspired and composed by Daniel, or some other Prophet towards the end of the Babylonish Captivity, verse 13, 16. Zech. I. 12, 13.

the appointed time] Jer. [verse 13] XXIX. 10. Dan. IX. 2, 24. &c.

in her stones] Neh. [verse 14] II. 13. &c. and IV. 2. Zech. I. 22.

Of old] This verse, [verse 25] and the two next are cited, Heb. I. 10, 11, 12. and applied to prove the Deity of Christ.

This Psalme, [chapter CIII] and the four following; containe the Praises of God; and the arguments of his Praise, both Ordinary, and Extraordinary, in relation to his Church, and to all his Creatures.

thy youth is renued like the Eagles] Thou keepest thy self fresh and vigorous, [verse 5] as in thy youth; thou returning to the dayes of thy youth, Job XXXIII. 25. And like the Eagles youth, or strength and vigour; which abides so long, even to and in old age, and length of very many years; and seemes to renew her youth by the casting of her feathers yearly, not her bill; the upper beak whereof groweth at last in an extreme old age, so to over-grow and bend over the lower beak, as causeth the Eagle to die of famine, not of feeblenesse, Arist. lib. 9. cap. 32. de historia animalium. See Esay XL. 31.

hoasts ye Ministers] Both Angels, [verse 21] and men, and all his creatures, Ephes. 3. 10. Col. I. 16. 1 Kings XXII. 19. Gen. XXXII. 2. Psal. CIV. 4. Dan. VII. 10 Apoc II. 1. Esay LXI. 6. Neh. IX. 6.

This Psalme is exquisite for loftinesse, [chapter CIV] and other ornaments,

with light, as with a garment] Gen. [verse 2] I. 3. 1 Tim. VI. 16. He whol∣ly so shines, as the eyes of any, no not of the Angels, are able to be∣hold the luster and splendor thereof. As neither we, that of the Sunne.

the beams of his chambers in the waters.] Maketh and distinguisheth the regions of the aire, [verse 3] as into lofts or upper chambers, in and by the watery clouds, ver. 13.

his Angels spirits] Alledged and interpreted of Angels, [verse 4] Heb. I. 7. useth them being spiritual substances, as speedy, active messingers, mi∣nisters, and executors of his will, Heb. I. 14.

his ministers a flaming fire] The Angels such, 2 Kings II. 11. and chap. VI. 17. Or, the flashes of lightnings, and other meteors are his ministers to do his will.

waters stood above the mountains] At the Creation, [verse 6] Gen. I. 2. And at the Flood, Gen. VII. 20.

to cover the earth] Job XXXVIII. 8, [verse 9] 10, 11. Jer. V. 22. Gen. IX. 11, 13, 15.

oile] Psal. XXIII. [verse 15] 5. and XCII. 10. Eccles. IX. 8. Matth. VI. 17.

her house] In them is her house, [verse 17] Psal. LXXXIV. 4. Job XXIX. 18. Matth. VIII. 20. Luke IX. 58. Dan. IV. 12.

Conies] Prov. XXX. 24, [verse 18] 26.

in wisdome hast thou made them all] By wisdome here to understand Christ punctualy, [verse 24] is more then the Text yeelds: Or, that Text either Prov. III. 19. though that be a sacred truth, Heb. I. 2.

Sea] Not that Psal. [verse 25] CXIV. 3. but 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that; which particle doth di∣stinguish the great Midland Sea, from the other lesser.

go the ships] See verse 10. [verse 26] Gen. II. 14. Esay XXXIII. 21.

Leviathan] The Whale, Job XLI.

renewest] By causing new creatures to come in the place of the old, [verse 30] Eccles. I. 4.

Praise ye the Lord] In the Hebrew, [verse 35] Halelu-jah, Praise ye Jah. This Halelu-jah is kept in the Greek, and in other languages; set sometimes

in the beginnings, sometimes in the end of Psalmes. Apoc. XIX. 1, 3, 4, 6.

O give thanks] See the Observations on Psal. [chapter CV] [verse 1] XCVI. 1. whereby most likely it is, that this is Davids Psalme.

his strength, seeke his face] The Ark, where God declared his pow∣er, and presence, Psal. LXIII. 2. and LXXVIII. 61. See the Obser∣vations on Psal. XXVII. 8.

his judgements] Esay XXVI. 9. [verse 7] Specialy those upon the Egyptians, are famously known and spoken of.

oath unto Isaac] To Abraham, [verse 9] in the Presence of Isaac, Gen. XXII. 17. and XXVI. 3.

mine anointed] This is spoken of the Patriarchs: [verse 15] not of Kings.

my Prophets] So Abraham is called, Gen. XX. 7.

with fetters] Gen XXXIX. [verse 18] 20.

his word came] Gods word in dreams touching his advancement, [verse 19] Gen. XXXVII. 7, 9. came to be fulfilled. Or, Josephs word in the in∣terpretation of the dreams of Pharaohs Officers, and of Pharaoh him∣selfe.

He turned] See the Observations on Esay VI. [verse 25] 10.

they rebelled not] The Signes and Wonders did not: [verse 28] Or, Moses, and Aaron did not rebel, &c.

haile for raine] Raine rare in Egypt, Zech. [verse 32] XIV. 18. much more haile.

first-borne] Thus all the ten plagues of Egypt are reckoned up; [verse 36] save the fifth of Murrain of Beasts; and the sixth of Boyles upon Man and Beast.

a cloud for a covering] A large cloud to cover all that hoast from the parching heat of the Sun. [verse 39]

Quailes] Twice; [verse 40] Exod. XVI. 13. Num. XI. 31.

dry places] In the deserts of Sin, [verse 41,] and Zin: from the rocks of Re∣phidim, Exod. XVII. and Kadesh, Num. XX.

That they might] Obedience the end of all Gods mercies, [verse 45] Exod. XIX. 4, 5, 6.

leannesse] By their ratson, [chapter CVI] [verse 15] or lust, they purchased to themselves ra∣zon, leannesse; yea, a plague and death, Psal. LXXVIII. 30, 31. Esay X. 16.

Dathan] Korah is omitted here. [verse 17]

Oxe] Elsewhere the terme of Ca•••• is used. [verse 20]

Ham] Gen. [verse 22] X. 6.

pleasant land] Deut. [verse 24] XI. 11, 22. Ezek. XX. 6. See the Observati∣ons on Zech. VII. 14.

Baal-Peor] See the Observations on Judges VIII. [verse 28] 33. Baal signifi∣eth Lord, Master, Husband, or Patron. Peor is the name of a moun∣taine: And Beth Pehor the name of Baals Temple there, Num. XXIII. 28. Deut. III. 29. For the idolatry committed to this idol, the Scrip∣ture sometimes for the word Baal, useth Bosheth, which signifieth shame. Hos. IX. 10. See Jer. III. 24. and XI. 13. and the Annotations

of learned Master Gataker upon those places. [verse 31]

of the dead] Offered to those dead idols, Num. XXV. 2. Jer. X. 5.

And that was counted unto him for righteousnesse] i. e. this fact of Phineas was approved of God as just and righteous, and for such ever to be esteemed. The same phrase used Gen. XV. 6. hath another sense of justifying Abrahams person before God by faith, though a man without faults in himself otherwise. And so is rightly applied by Saint Paul, Rom. IV. 3, 5, 8, 9, 22, 23, 24. to the justification of sinner before God by Faith meerly.

for righteousnesse] A right and just action; not the fruit of a rash zeale; though done without ordinary authority.

unadvisedly] Num. XX.

Devils] Levit. [verse 33] XVII. 7 See the Observations on Judges VIII. 33.

his Covenant] This, [verse 37] and his Name sake, verse 8 are the ground of Gods free mercies. [verse 45]

among the heathen] among whom divers Israelites were scattered, [verse 47] in the times of the Judges, and Saul, by reason of their often troubles at home, till the Kingdome came to David, whose words these are, 1 Chron. XVI. 35, 36.

This Psalme hath much elegancy and sublimity in it. [chapter CVII]

South] In the Hebrew, [verse 3] Sea; meaning the Red Sea, which was South from Canaan. But much more usualy in Scripture by Sea is un∣derstood the West, because the great Mediterrane Sea lay West from Canaan.

mount up] And hyperbole. [verse 26] Of them see the Observations on Josh. XI. 4.

them] Marriners, [verse 30] and passingers.

rivers] Watery fruitful places. [verse 33]

dry] Barren, thirsty.

will observe] Not that such deliverances are vouchsafed alwayes to all in such dangers: [verse 43] Gods wayes of his governing Providence are a great deep unsearchable: But those deliverances when they come, they come from him.

A Song, [chapter CVIII] a Psalme] See the Observations on the Title of Psalme XLVIII.

This Psalme is composed of Psal. LVII. 7,—11. and Psal. LX. 5,—12. See the Observations on both those Psalmes.

glorie] See the Observations on Psal XVI. [verse 1] 9.

wash-pot] So Psal. [verse 9] LX. any washing pot, to wash the filth of my feet in. Without any allusion to the Marishes of Moab; or their Land to be washed in blood; or themselves wiped cleane away, as a pot is wiped. But rather to be used to servile, sordid, base offices.

of David] By the matter of the Psalme, [chapter CIX] it seemes to be penned and inspired towards the end of Sauls reigne, when all things were grown to a forlorne and wicked state. See 1 Sam. XXVI. 19.

unto Prayer] The use and comfort of Prayer.

Set] Many Imprecations follow. [verse 4] And the like see in Psal. XXXV. [verse 6]

4,—8. and LIX. 5, 13. and LXIX. 22,—28. and LXXIX. 10. and CXIX. 84. and CXL. 10. Job XXXI. Nehem. VI. 4. 5. and VI. 6, 14. Esay II. 9. Jer. XI. 20. and XV. 15. and chap. XVII. 18. and XVIII. 21, 22, 23. and XX. 12. 2 Tim. IV. 14. And these with ex∣quisite formes of speeches. And uttered by David, and the rest, a∣gainst transcendent sinners, rather as Prophets, but of zeale to God and his glory therein, then in relation to their private passions of re∣venge, or respect to themselves as parties. And yet these, or the like Prayers and Imprecations may possibly be mixt with Humane infir∣mities; as those in Jeremy. See the Annotations on Nehem. IV. 5. Or in some they may be understood with silent limitations and reserva∣tions.

right hand] He plead and prevail against him.

condemned] Go out guilty, [verse 7] or wicked.

become sinne] Let no suit, or defence of his avail for him, but ra∣ther hurt him.

8 his office] Applied to Judas, Acts I. 16, [verse 8] 20, 26.

their desolate places] Their houses and families that are desolate and destroyed. [verse 10]

fathers] Thus God punisheth to the third and fourth generation, [verse 14] the wickednesse of the parents on their wicked children, Exod. XX. 5.

As he cloathed himself with cursing] See the Observations on Psal, [verse 18] LXXIII. 6.

Let it be unto him] The curse wherein he delighted in cursing o∣thers; which pleased him as water, and oile, Let that same be unto him. Or, let a curse thus cover, and cleave unto him; and come in∣to his bowels and bones. See the Observations on Psal. LXXIII. 6.

shaked their heads] Psal. [verse 25] XXII. 7.

This Psalme is all Prophetical; [chapter CX] all of Christ; foretelling his Person, Natures, and Offices, specialy his Kingdome, and Priesthood. And of his Victory over his enemies, and of his Triumph afterwards. And hereupon it is cited, and made use of, Matth. XXII. 44. Mark XII. 36. Luke XX. 42. Acts II. 34. Heb. I. 13. and V. 6. and VII. 17.

The Lord] The Messias himself applies, [verse 1] a••d appropriates this verse to himself, Matth. XXII: 44. Marke XII. 36. Luke. XX. 42. Saint Peter from this verse proves Christs Ascention into heaven, Acts II. 34. Saint Paul relates to it in the point of Christ reigne over all enemies, 1 Cor. XV. 25. Denying that the words of this verse were used, or could be used to any of the Angels, Heb. I. 13. And therefore they cannot be appliable to David himself, or to any meere man.

The Lord] Heb. Jehovah. See the Annotations of learned Master Gataker on Esay I. 2. and XXVI. 4. See also my Observations on Psalme LXXXIII. 18. and on LXXI. 5. and on LXVIII. 4. This Name of Es∣sence never admits any affix in the Hebrew tongue. And it may law∣fully be pronounced; though the ancient Jewes refrained from do∣ing so, to gaine thereby the more reverence to it. And this Name is common to the three Persons; yet according to the sense and cir∣cumstances

of divers texts and places, [chapter CIII] specialy when relation is had to another Person of the Trinity, it is taken Personaly. And so here for God the Father. As likewise, Psal. II. 7.

said] In his eternal Decree, predestinating his Sonne to be the Messias, to execute in time the Office of Mediatorship.

unto my Lord] Davids Lord, as well as his Sonne.

sit thou] This, and other phrases here, are not proper, but figura∣tive: to be understood, not corporealy, but spiritualy. Christ is said in Scripture promiscuously, both to stand, and to sit at the right hand of God, Heb. I. 3. Acts VII. 55, 56. 1 Pet. III. 22.

at my right hand] The right hand signifies power and strength, Psal. CXVIII. 16. Exod. XV. 6. Psal. CXLIV. 8. Power to help, verse 5. Psal. XVI. 8. and CXLII. 4. Eccles. X. 2. To be or sit there, imports dignity and honour, 1 Kings II. 19. Matth. XX. 21. And such is the meaning here. And this dignity here expressed by this phrase is ascribed to Christ; not in relation to his Deity, for so he and the Father are one. Herein he is, and alwayes was of equal dignity with the Father: But in regard of his Humanity whereby the Father was greater then he: And wherein formerly he had emptied and hum∣bled himself, and suffered, even to death; and so was made a little lower then the Angels. But now hereby he is crowned with glory and honour. Yet this dignity here is not ascribed to his Humanity singly in it self considered, but in supposito, as it hypostaticaly subsists in the Person of the Sonne of God. And this Dignity is not an elevation and exaltation of the Humanity of our Saviour into the Majesty and essential properties and prerogatives of the Divine-nature; and so to have a parity of Dignity with it, an equality in all points; realy com∣municated to the Humanity in it self, as the Ubiquitaries contend and plead for, and which they referre, not to the Person only; but to the very Humane nature also in the Person of the Sonne of God. But this Dignity of Christs Humanity is that which is next in degree un∣der God and the Father, above that of the Angels, and all creatures, Heb. I. 3, 4. Ephes. I. 20, 21, 22, 23. given to him in time, after his Ascention, as a consequent and reward of his exinanition and passion, Phil. II. ult. Heb. II. 9. Luke XXIV. 26. This Dignity Saint Paul de∣clares, 1 Cor. XV. 25. and Saint Peter, Acts V. 31. and X. 42. Iohn V. 27. In summe then, as Christ emptied himself, and subjected him∣self to the Father, not in regard of his Divine nature, but in regard of his Person God-man, and that only out of his Voluntary dispensati∣on; So out of the same his voluntary dispensation it is, that he exer∣cises this office of Mediation in both natures, And here after his As∣cention; not before; in the Personal Union of both Natures; he re∣ceives this Dignity of sitting on the Fathers right hand; his Person reigning so in both natures. It is not then the Humanity in it self sing∣ly taken that sits on the right hand of God; but the Humanity of that Person that sits at the right hand of God: as in the Incarnation it came to passe, not that the Humanity became God, but that the Hu∣manity

became then the Humanity of God. And Christ now sitting at the right hand of God doth reigne every where▪ even as Man also; though his Humanity be not every where: as a King doth in his King∣dom, though his body be not every where▪ as the Head in the Body, though the Head be not every where as the Sun in the firmament en∣lightens, heats, cherisheth, quickeneth things below, though the Sun remaine in its own place above.

until] 1 Cor. XV. 14, 25, 28. Not yet that the Son shal then leave off all Rule and Reigne, and be subject to the Father simply: But that then he shall leave off his Office of Mediation, having then overcome his enemies, and fully gathered his Church; he shall not thenceforth use those meanes, and actings which formerly he did; the whole work being then finished; then shall he leave off the administration of that delegation which he had formerly freely undertaken, there being then no more need of it. But thenceforth shall he reigne together with the Father to all eternity; Dan. VII. 14. Luke I. 23. In a sense not un∣like is this particle untill used, Psal. CXXIII. 2. Matth. ult. ult. Gen. XXVIII. 15. what is affirmed of the time past, is not denied for the time to come.

I make] I God the Father. Not excluding God the Sonne. For the same action is attributed to him, 1 Cor. XV. 25. Iohn XVI. 33, Opera Trinitatis ad extra sunt indivisa.

thine enemies] The Devill, John XIV. 30. 1 Cor. XV. 24. The World; John XVI. 33. and XV. 18. Antichrist; and all wicked men; Luke XIX. 27. Not, but that these are the enemies of God, and the Father also; John V. 23. And so both are joyned together, Psal. II. 2. yet more immediately and directly enemies to Christ the Sonne, who came into the world to destroy the works of the Devil, 1 John II. 8. enemies to his Kingdome, and his inheritance, Matth. XXI. 38.

thy foot-stoole.] All utterly subdued, and put under thy feete, 1 Cor. XV. 14. As Iudg. I. 7. Psal. XLVII. 3. and Psal. XVIII. 39, 40. 1 Kings V. 3. Iosh. X. 24. 25. Thus did Sapor the Persian King; Tamerlane the Scythian; and Pope Alexander the fourth to the Emperour Frederick the first. This Conquest was made by Christs Resurrection and Ascention, Col. II. 15. Ephes. IV. 8. Iohn XII. 3. and chap. XVI. 11. 33. They touch not Christs person now, as they did when he was upon earth. They have not power over his mystical body; and true members, to domineer over them, subdue them, or deadly destroy them: yet they have power to bite and bruise their heel; and so to persecute Christ in his members, Acts IX. 4. and ch. XXII. 7.

Zech. II. 8. And so the victory is not yet fully compleat, Rom. XVI. 20. And this makes for Christs greater glory, and his childrens good. But at the last day, in the end of the world, all the enemies shall be al∣together utterly subdued, and destroyed, and punished everlastingly, 1 Cor. XV. 25,—28. Matth. XXV. 41, &c.

The Lord shall send] The Prophet David here turnes his speech to

his Lord and Sonne; and speaks here of Iehovah, what he shall do to, and for him.

the rod of thy strength] Thy royal Scepter, or Shepherds staffe; thy Kingdome, and the Dominion thereof, Ier. XLVIII. 17. Ezek. XIX. 4, 11. thy royal power; which shall be strong, to overpower all the strength of the world opposing it, Rom. I. 16. And this is his Word and Gospel; not any temporal armes or power.

out of Zion] There began the promulgation, and thence sprang the Propagation of the Gospel, and of Christs Kingdome; which wondrously subdued all the world, Ps. II. 6, 8. Esay II. 2, 3. Mich. IV. 2.

rule thou in the midst of thine enemies] Here is the successe of Christs Kingdome, even among his enemies. He, and his Church Militant in this world shall still have enemies, Matth. X. 6. Yet he shall rule and reigne in the midst of them, in despight of them; and that with all confidence and boldnesse

Thy people] As by right of Creation; so chiefly here, [verse 3] by right of Redemption. Here is the successe of Christs Kingdome, among his subjects.

shall be willing] Their first property; to be prompt, ready, de∣vout, chearfully obedient, 1 Pet. II. 9. freely led thereto by Gods free Spirit, Psal. LI. 12. Rom. VIII. 14. Psal. LIV. 6. 2 Cor. IX. 7. As Iudg. V. 9. Nehem. XI. 2. Acts II. 41. Made such by Christ, of un∣willing, to be so willing; Iohn VI. 44. Psal. CXIX. 10, 11. 108. and in many other places of that Psalme, Esay ELIX. 18. and LV. 5. and LX. 4.

in the day of thy power] When by the powerful preaching of thy Gospel, thou shalt rule in the midst of thine enemies; and powerfully convert thy people to so willing an obedience unto thee. The word here translated Power, signifies also an armie; and may relate to Christs mustering of his people, as armies, in the dayes of their solemn assemblies for his worship and service.

in the beauties of holinesse] Or in the comely honours of the San∣ctuarie; meaning either the comely or honourable places of holinesse, the Sanctuary, or Church; or rather, in the beautiful ornaments of holinesse, that is, holy graces and vertues, which with admirable vari∣etie adorne the faithful, and their inner man.

from the womb] The second propertie or condition of the subjects of Christs Kingdome, to be very numerous: as willing; so numerous: as the dew from the womb of the morning, 2 Sam. XVII. 12. by a sudden, unusual and wonderful increase and multiplication, Esay LIV. 1. Micah V. 7. Esay LXVI. 9. so numerous shall his youth be; his new-borne people; Iohn I. 13. and III. 3. Gal, IV. 19. Heb. II. 14. 1 Pet. II. 2. See Esay LIII. 10. So that these words are not to be understood of the temporal Nativity of Christ from the Virgin, or his eternal generation from the Father as some do; but of his active spi∣ritual generation of his children, the subjects of his Kingdome.

The Lord hath sworne] The Vocation of Christ to his Office of [verse 4]

Priesthood. Jehovah is the Author of it.

hath sworne] Jehovah swears, to confirme matters of greatest moment: when, and where his wisdome pleaseth. And upon this point here of Christs eternal Priesthood mans salvation dependeth. He swears by himself; though that is not here expressed; because he hath no greater to swear by; Heb. VI. 13, 16. Gen. XXII 16. And so by his life, Esay XLIX. 18. by his soul, Jer. LI. 24. by his right∣hand, and the arme of his strength, Esay LXII. 8. The result of all which is the same with himself. And implying thereby thus much, Let me not be accounted what I am, namely God, the living God, the omnipotent God, if that which I speak be not true, or my promi∣ses or threatnings do faile of performance. Of Oaths, See the Ob∣servations on Jer. LI. 14. and my Annotations on Hos. IV. 15.

and will not repent] Will not change or retract what he hath sworne, Num. XXIII. 19. James I. 17. Repenting is sometimes as∣cribed to God; as Gen. VI. 6, 7. Psal. CVI. 45. 1 Sam. XV. 11. 35. Not that there is any change of minde of will in God; as there is in mans repenting: But the change is in the work; God eternally and unchan∣gably decreeing both, as to do the thing, so again to change it upon mans repentance, or disobedience; Jer. XXVI. 3, 13, 19. Of this see more in the Observations on Jer. XV. 6. In all this God condes∣cends to mans weaknesse, Heb. VI. 17, 18. Shewes the greatnesse, and excellency of the thing here avowed; that the Lord Christ was lawfully Called and Ordained to be an eternal Priest for us, and our salvation; for our greater confirmation, and consolation herein.

Thou art] The Lord Christ well knew this, and could not doubt of the will of the Father herein. What then needed this Oath to be made unto him? Answ. It was made to him, for the use of his Church; that his Church might know and be assured of it. As that John XI. 42.

art] God saying, is as much as doing.

a Preist] So Gen. XIV. 18. Heb. VII. 1. Melchizedec in type; Christ in truth, the Antitype. The Priests office was to Teach, Pray, and Sacrifice. The High Priest among the Jewes once a year entred into the most Holy place. Yet he in all things was not an ab∣solute and sufficient Type of our High Priest Christ the Lord. For he is an eternal High Priest; and both King and Priest; and his Sa∣crifice of another nature; and himself of another Tribe.

for ever] Not so the Priests after the order of Aaron, Heb. VII. 23. 34 and chap. IX. 12.

after the order] Or similitude, Heb. V. 6. and chap. VII. 15.

of Melchizedec] Much question who this Melchizedec was. He was not the Sonne of God himself, our Lord and Christ. Very many take him to be Sem the Sonne of Noah, who saw both worlds, before, and after the Flood; and lived to the one hundred and fiftieth year of the age of Abraham. Yet because Sems genealogie is exactly set down in Scripture; and that the Levitical Priests themselves came from him

after sundry descents: and the Land of Canaan seems not to be Sems habitation, which took its name from his younger brother Cham, or from Chams sonne Canaan: Neither would Abraham so long have forborne his due respects and visitation of Sem in Canaan, if Sem had lived there: Therefore divers learned men take this Melchizedec to be rather some eminent man in Canaan, raised up by God in those corrupt times, both good and godly, both King and Priest, living in Salem, after called Jerusalem; whose King in Joshuahs time was cal∣led Adoni-Zedeck, that is, Lord of righteousnesse, Josh. X. 1. As this man here is called Melchizedec, that is, King of righteousnesse. By which place, or near to it, Abraham in his returne from this warre and victory, was to passe.

Of this Melchizedec, and his Priesthood, and the difference of it from Aarons Priesthood, the Apostle to the Hebrews, chap, VII en∣treateth at large, and observeth divers things; his Name and Title; his greatnesse in that he blessed Abraham, and received Tythes of A∣braham; his being mentioned in Scripture without any Pedegree, without father without mother, without descent, having neither be∣ginning of dayes, nor end of life. All these he had; as our Saviour himself had them; but none of them recorded or registred in the Scripture; that he might so become a Type of the eternity of Christs Person, and Priesthood; verse 3. The Apostle further observeth his Offices, that he was both King and Priest; and that our Saviour was made such, with an oath of God the Father; and a Priest of a better Priesthood, Covenant, and Commandment; and that he was made, not after the Law of a carnal commandement, having carnal succes∣sors in his Priesthood; but after the power of an endlesse life, conse∣crated for evermore, having an eternal Priesthood, and unchangeable, continuing ever, and living ever to make intercession, and by his one, offering up himself once for all, saving them to the uttermost that come to God by him. In all which there are manifold resemblances between Christ and Melchizedec; and manifold differences between theirs and the Aaronical Priesthood. As for those fond and forced dreams of the Papist, That Melchizedec offered up to God the sacri∣fice of bread and wine; And therein was a Type and Figure of their sacrifice of the Masse; And that thereupon Christ our Lord is said to be a Priest after the order of Melchizedec; These may well befal to them, who for want of the love of the truth, are given up to beleeve lies; but are too weak, poor, and silly, for us to trouble our selves withal.

The Lord at thy right hand] The prophesie of Christ the Lord his administration of his Kingly Office, [verse 5] in this, and the next verse.

The Lord, God, the Father, who will make thine enemies thy footstoole, He at thy right hand, ready to assist thee. O Christ; as Psal. XVI. 8. and CIX. 31. Shall strike through Kings, Psal. II. 2, 4, 5. even the highest Powers and Potentates that oppose Christ and his Kingdome, 2 Cor. X. 5. In the day of his wrath, the time appointed in

Gods wisdome, the time of his just will so to punish them with plagues temporal, eternal, in this life, in that to come, 1 Thes. I. 9, 10. Not that Christ the Lord shall be exempted from this powerful con∣quest, and overthrow of his enemies; the Sonne being in all things coequal, consubstantial with the Father; And so the Act coming from the Father, by the Sonne; But in this speech relation is had to Christ, as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, God and Man, as the King Mediatour, and receiving his Office from the Father.

He shall judge] The Lord at thy right hand shall execute judge∣ments and punishments. [verse 6]

among the heathen] Psal. II. 1. Acts IV. 27. all his enemies what∣soever.

he shall fill the places with the dead bodies] All places with the carkases of the slaine. See Jer. XVI. 4. A figurative and poeti∣cal expression of an huge slaughter; such as was that of the Jewes at the final destruction of Jerusalem, after the death of our Saviour.

he shall wound the head in many countries] Wound, or strike through. Head for heads collectively, Psal. LXVIII. 21. in many or great countries. See that Apoc. XX. 9, 10.

He] Christ the Lord. [verse 7] Thus the Prophet passeth from the Father, to the Sonne. The Father acteth by the Sonne; the Sonne from the Father.

shall drink of the brook in the way] In pursuing the victory over his enemies; he shall do, as Gideons souldiers did, Judg. VII. 7. admit of no delaies; which occasioned that interdict, adjuration, and curse of Saul, 1 Sam. XIV. 24. Or rather, these words seeme to have re∣lation to Christs state of Humiliation; and the rather because of that opposition thereunto in the words following. And so here we have Christs exinanition, and exaltation; his passion, and resurrection; whereby he was brought to sit at the right hand of the Father, verse 1.

drink] In passing through this valley of tears, in this world, he shall drink deeply of the cup of sorrowes: the waters, floods, and tor∣rents of afflictions and miseries should overtake and encompasse him, if not overwhelme and drowne him, Psal. LXXXVIII. 7. 17. See Jer. XXV. 15, 16. and chap. XLIX. 12. Matth. XX. 22. John XVIII. 11. Matth. XXVI. 39.

in the way] Of this life; the way of doing his fathers will for the work of mans redemption, Phil. II. 7, 8. He hid for the time the luster and beams of his Divine Majesty; that it might not hinder the suffer∣ings and death of his Humanity, 1 Cor. II. 8. Matth. XVII. 9.

therefore] Thus Christ came from his humiliation to his exaltati∣on, from his Priesthood, to his Kingdome. Therefore here notes not a Merit preceding in Christ, meriting for himself this exaltation; or his glorie either in body, or soul, his life eternal; All necessarily fol∣lowed upon that hypostatical Union, which he could not merit to him∣self. All Christ did, was to merit for us. The particle here notes the consequence or sequel, and order, the means and manner how he came to this exaltation.

shal he lift up the head] Be exalted; sit at Gods right hand. See for the phrase, Psal. III. 3. and XXVII. 6. Jer. LII. 31. Lam. II. 10. sublimi feriet sydera vertice.

Praise] This is one of the Alphabetical Psalmes. [chapter CXI] [verse 1] And so is the next Psalme. Thereby to help memory, and to mark out the excel∣lency of these Psalmes. See the Observations on the beginning of the Book of Psalmes.

wonderful works] In Egypt. [verse 4. 5.]

meat] Manna and Quails.

Covenant] Though they by their sinnes often and grievously pro∣voked him.

heathen] Canaanites. [verse 6]

Praise] [chapter CXII] [verse 1] See the former Psalme.

wealth] See the Observations on Psal. XXXVII. 1. [verse 3]

light in darknesse] Esay LVIII. 10. Job XI. 17. Psal. XXXVII. 6. [verse 4]

of evil tydings] Prov. I. 33. Otherwise is it with the wicked, [verse 7] Jer. XLIX. 23.

gnash with his teeth] See that Luke XIII. [verse 10] 28.

who humbleth himself to behold] Psal. [chapter CXIII] [verse 6] CXXXVIII. 6. and CXXXIX. 1, &c. Job XXXIV. 21, 22. Prov. V. 21. Jer. XVI. 17. contrary to that, Psal. LXXIII. 11. and LXIV. 6. and XCIV. 7,—10. Job XXII. 12, 13.

He raiseth] 1 Sam. II. 8. [verse 7]

mountains skipped] Sinai, [chapter CXIV] [verse 4] Horeb, quaked and shaked, Exod. XIX. 18. Hab. III. 6, 10. Psal LXVIII. 8.

Their idols are] Not like unto our God, [chapter CXV] [verse 4] verse 3.

are like unto them] As much without sense and reason, [verse 8] as blocks and stones.

their help] Theirs that trust in him: or one person, [verse 9] put for another, which is not unusual.

hath he given] To their use, [verse 16] in this world. Or, the earth also is the Lords, which he hath given to the children of men.

The dead praise not] Psal. [verse 17] VI. 5. and XXX. 9. and LXXXVIII. 10, 11, 12. Esay XXXVIII. 18.

I love] This may seeme to be Davids Psalme, [chapter CXVI] [verse 1] upon his new com∣ing to the Kingdome.

Therefore] The experience of Gods hearing our prayers, [verse 2] doth hearten us to pray the more.

Pains of hell] The sorrowes and straits of death, [verse 3] and the grave, Psal. XVIII. 5, 6.

Gratious] The issue and effect of Prayer. [verse 5]

thy rest] Thy quiet comfortable estate in God without trouble of conscience, [verse 7] and that because of Gods goodnesse, and good dealing to∣wards thee.

I beleeved] 2 Cor. [verse 10] IV. 13. upon consideration of the Premises, his Faith thus triumphed; notwithstanding his afflictions.

I was greatly afflicted] The Hebrew word here hath an Active

forme, but in a Passive signification. As sometimes an Hebrew word in a Passive forme, is of an Active signification. See Esay XXI. 10. and chap. XXV. 9. and LIII. 7. and Ezek XIV. 4, 7.

haste, [verse 11] All men are liers] Even the Prophets, as Samuel that promi∣sed to me the Kingdome. Yea, all men, in comparison of God; un∣able to help in time of need, Rom. III. 4.

cup of salvations] Used in the Israelites Peace-offerings of Thanks∣givings, [verse 13] and in the Meat-offerings joyned to them, and to their whole∣burnt offerings: and used in their holy Feasts, 1 Chron. XVI. 1, 2, 3 whence that seemes to be, Luke XXII. 17.

vowes] Made in mine adversity. [verse 14] Of vowes, see the Annotations on Jonah I. 16.

Pretious] Psal. LXXII. [verse 15] 14. which God shewes in preserving my life from death, in the midst of all mine enemies.

Praise] The Apostle alledgeth this to prove Gods mercy to the Gentiles, [chapter CXVII] [verse 1] that they should therefore glorifie him.

O give thanks] This may seeme to be Davids Psalme; [chapter CXVIII] [verse 1] and like∣ly inspired and composed upon his returne from his last victory over the Ammonites, 2 Sam. XII. 29.

on my side] Heb. [verse 6] XIII. 6. Psal. LVI. 4. 11.

All nations] David had to deale with all the neighbouring nations round about him. [verse 10]

Thou] Speaking to the enemie. [verse 13]

Open to me] The gates of the Sanctuarie, [verse 19] or house of God; the gates of the Court thereof; which the Levitical Porters were to do, for men to come and serve the Lord.

of righteousnesse] For the righteous and cleane only were to enter in thereat, 2 Chron. XXIII. 19. See Esay XXVI. 2. Apoc. XXI. 27.

The stone] David Typicaly; [verse 22] His Sonne, the Messias, Realy; Mat. XXI. 42. Ephes. II. 20.

builders refused] The Rulers refused David in the reignes of Saul, and Ishbosheth. The Priests and Elders refused Christ, Mark XII. 2, 10. Luke XIX. 14. 1▪ Pet. II. 7.

the head stone] Acts IV. 11. Luke XX. 17. Of this stone see more, Esay XXVIII. 16. Dan. II. 34, 35, 45. Zech. III. 9. Rom. IX. 33.

the day] A chief and choise day of God shewing his mercie. [verse 24]

Save now••beseech thee] Heb. Hoshiah•• na, [verse 25] in Greek sounded Hosan∣na; wherewith Christ is welcomed to Jerusalem, and the Temple; Mat. XXI. 9, 15. Luke XIX. 37, 38.

we have blessed you] These seeme to be the Priests words, [verse 26] relating to Num. VI. 23.

light] Prosperity, [verse 27] under the Kingdome of David, and Christ.

even unto the hornes of the Altar] Likely the hornes of the Altar Exod. XXVII. 2. intended for that use. Or, sacrifices abundantly all the Court over till you come to the hornes of the Altar, Levit. IV. 7.

Blessed] Of this Psalme see the Observations on the beginning of the Book of Psalmes. [chapter CXIX] [verse 1] David probably is the penman of it. The stile

is plaine, fitted for all capacities. And the Alphabetical order was u∣sed for help of memory. It is full of the ardent pious affections of a religious soul. Petitions for saving knowledge, and gracious assi∣stance from God, and Promises of all holy sincere obedience there∣upon, are in every Octonarie; with wondrous art and variety of sense; yet running much upon the same words, without any tautologie.

Before I was afflicted] So verse 71. [verse 67] Before I spake or answered, is not so proper an interpretation of this place, though it pleased Junius; unlesse we understand it thus, Before I cried out by reason of affliction.

my soul is continualy in my hand] i. e. [verse 109] my life is dayly in danger. As Iudg. XII. 3. 1 Sam. XIX. 5. and chap. XXVIII. 21. Many read this text in thy hand, or hands, understanding Gods hand, which im∣ports, not danger, but safety and security, as Psal. XXXI. 5. Luke XXIII. 46. 1 Pet. IV. 19. And is indeed a wrong reading; and breeds sundry senses, not consonant, or consisting with the tenour of this verse.

any iniquity] either in me, [verse 133] subjective; or of others against me, ob∣jective. And so the later way may be understood that Gal. II. 7, 90 Ephes. VI. 12. Heb. XII. 4. Psal. XLIX. 5. and XL. 12. and LXV. 3. and XXXIX. 8.

A song of degrees] or ascensions, [chapter CXX] heights, or excellencies. This, and the fourteene Psalmes following, have this Title prefixed. The meaning whereof is variously conjectured; As thus, That they were to be sung with a loud voice, as 1 Chron. XV. 16. Or, upon the steps and degrees of the staires ascending to the Court of the people, or to that of the Priests, which, they say, were fifteene in number, accord∣ing to these number of these Psalms. Or, in the coming of the Ark into the Temple. Or in their returne out of Babylon. Or to be sung in their returne into their own land in the time of the Messias. Others have other conjectures; yet without any certaine determination; neither is it much material. Of these, four bear Davids title, and some of the rest not unlikely were penned by him.

I] David likely. [verse 1]

from lying lips] Of such as falsely accused him to Saul. [verse 2] 1 Sam. XXIV. 9. and chap. XXVI. 19.

what shall be given] What good or profit shalt thou get or gaine by it. [verse 3]

sharp arrowes] Such is a false tongue: [verse 4] or, such are the plagues God will render as a reward unto it.

Woe is me] Laments, [verse 5] that in his exile he was forced to dwell so long with the cruel and barbarous posterity of Mesech, the sonne of Japhet, Gen. X. 2. and of Kedar, the sonne of Ishmael, Gen. XXV. 13. or rather, with men of like evil cruel conditions to them.

hills] Moriah, [chapter CXXI] [verse 1] and Zion; where God dwelleth. But most to God himself, verse 2.

The Sunne] By its parching heat; [verse 6] as Ionah IV. 8. Nor the Moon, by its cold vapors. Gen. XXXI. 40. nor any discommodity shall be able to annoy thee, Psal. XCI. 5.

I] David having brought the Ark of the testimony to Ierusalem, [chapter CXXII] [verse 1] and setled the Thrones of judgement there, pens this Psalme of joy and gladnesse therefore: Praising the Citie; and praying for the pro∣sperity of it.

testimonie] The Ark. [verse 4] See the Observations on. Ex. 25. 16.

thrones of judgement] Both Ecclesiastical, [verse 5] and Civil: as God had commanded, Deut. XVII. 8, &c.

the captivity of Zion] Out of Babylon: [chapter CXXVI] [verse 1] which returne figured our Redemption by Christ.

that dreame] So incredible it was, and the joy of it, that we half doubted whether it were true, or but a dreame. As Peter did, Acts XII. 9, 11. See Esay XXIX. 7, 8. And the like speech we read of in Abdolominus when he was taken from manuring the earth, to possesse a Kingdome: and in Isaacus Angelus, when he was suddenly lifted up to the Empire: and in that famous Iohn Chrysostome, when he was first chosen into the Presbyterie.

Turn again] Prayes that the deliverance begun, [verse 4] may be carried on, and brought to perfection. For it had many stops and hinderan∣ces; as appears in the books of Ezra, and Nehemiah.

They that sow in tears] That went mournfuly into captivity, [verse 5] shall return joyfuly.

for Solomon] Seemes to be inspired and penned for Solomon, [chapter CXXVII] by David, a litle before his death, Psal. LXXII. title

Except the Lord] This is true generaly: [verse 1] yet may relate to the fu∣ture building of the Temple by Solomon, and the safe keeping of the Citie Ierusalem: or rather to the building of Solomons house and po∣sterity.

so] By building, [verse 2] keeping, blessing their labours without sorrow.

he giveth] Or surely will give, or rightly doth give.

his beloved] Whom he loves, and who in assurance of his love com∣mits himself to him and his care. The Hebrew word Iedid seemes to allude to Solomons name Iedidiah, 2 Sam. XII. 25. his darling.

sleep] Or quiet rest, without carking care and sorrow. The He∣brew word is written with 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a quiet dumb letter, otherwise then usual, to denote the more quietnesse. And this rest, not your care and toil, but Gods blessing, will bring unto you, Prov. X. 22.

Blessed] The Blessings that ordinarily follow them that Fear the Lord▪ [chapter CXXVIII] [verse 1] Take in with this the main matter of that in Psal. LXXIII.

eate the labour] As on the other side it is true of the wicked, Prov. I. 31.

the cords] Wherewith they drew their Plough; [chapter CXXIX] [verse 4] to make long furrows upon the back of the Church.

his bosome] Or armes; [verse 7] as Esay XLIX. 22.

The blessing] As Ruth II. [verse 8] 4.

Out of the depths] Psal. [chapter CXXX] [verse 1] LXIX. 1, 2.

forgiveness with thee; that thou mayst be feared] Hos III. [verse 4] 5. Gods fidelity, and the truth of his promises for the forgivenesse of our sins,

his mercie, and our plenteous redemption, is the true cause of our fearing of him, and hoping in him, verse 7. If without this, God did strictly mark our iniquities, our hope in him, and reverential fear and worship of him, would utterly fail and perish.

shall redeem] Psal. [verse 8] XXV. 22. and CIII. 3, 4.

not haughty] In aspiring to the Kingdome; [chapter CXXXI] [verse 1] and that by Sauls ruine and destruction.

as a weaned childe] That is, [verse 2] free from such ambitious thoughts. I rested quiet in thy will and promise.

Let Israel] By my example. [verse 3]

A Song] This seemes to be Davids, [chapter CXXXII] at his bringing of the Ark to Jerusalem. Some say, Solomons; acting what his father purposed and ordered, 2 Sam. VII. 8. with 2 Chron. VI. 41.

his afflictions] In coming to the crown; [verse 1] and his afflicting cares, to bring home the Ark, and build God an House; as in the verses following.

surely] If I enter. [verse 3] A form of an oath, or curse, Let me perish if I enter.

my house] Newly built, and mentioned, 1 Chron. XV. 1.

sleep] In that house. [verse 4] Or at least he would never do so quietly, till the Ark were in its resting place.

we heard of it] We Bethleemites heard of the Ark. [verse 6]

at Ephratha] That it was, or had been at Shiloh in the tribe of E∣phraim: or much rather, we at Bethlehem Ephratha, in our own coun∣trey, heard of it, Micah V. 2. Gen. XXXV. 16, 19. 1 Sam. I. 1. See the Annotations on Micah V. 2.

we found it in the fields of the wood] Or Jaar; in Kiriath-jearim, a Citie seated in the woods, as the name importeth. And of Kiriath-jea∣rim, See the Observations on 1 Sam. VII. 1.

Arise] 2 Chron. [verse 8] VI. 41. Num. X. 35. Psal. LXVIII. 1.

thy rest] Ver. 13, 14. still flitting and wandering before.

cloathed] As with their sacred garments. [verse 6] See Apoc. XIX. 8. Eph. IV. 24. Col. III. 10, 12, 14. Gal. III. 27. Rom. XIII. 14.

For thy servant Davids sake] Verse 1. [verse 10] thy Covenant, and Promi∣ses made to him, 1 Kings 8. 25. Psal. LXXXIX. 20. Esay XXXVII. 35. And for Christs sake, called David, Hos. III. 5. See the Anno∣tations upon that text.

of thine anointed] Me, thine anointed King.

of thy body] This relates to Christ, [verse 11] Acts II. 30.

If thy children] Thus conditional to Davids posterity, [verse 12] 2 Sam. VII. 14. Psal. LXXXIX. 30—33.

for evermore] Verified only in Christ, the Sonne of David.

the horne of David to bud] Psal. LXXXIX. 24. Luke I. 69. [verse 17]

a lamp] 1 Kings XI. 36. and XV. 4. 2 Kings VIII. 19.

Hermon] See the Observations on Deut. [chapter CXXXiif.] [verse 3] IV. 48. Hermon and Zion here are farre distant mountains. And so the dew of Hermon descends not upon the mountains of Zion; but the similitude is twice repeated, of the dew falling upon those two several distinct and distant moun∣tains.

commanded] Psal. XLII. 8. and XLIV. 4. and LXVIII. 28. and LXXI. 3. Deut. XXVIII. 8.

by night] 1 Chron. [chapter CXXXiV.] [verse 1] IX. 33. Psal. XCII. 3. and CXIX. 147. Luke I••. 37. 1 Sam. III. 3. Some think that this, and the next Psalme, were made for the use of such worshippers by night.

for the raine] Or, [chapter CXXXV] [verse 7] with the raine; or to shew that raine is com∣ing.

repent] Even in the judging of his people; [verse 14] he will be so tender to∣wards them.

Rivers] May comprehend here Euphrates, [chapter CXXXvii.] [verse 1] and Tigris, or Eulaeus or Chabor, being then all under the Babylonish Empire.

of Babylon] In the seventy years captivity. Of Babylon, see the Observations on Dan. IV. 30.

of Edom] Obadiah, [verse 7] verse 10,—16. Ezek XXV. 12. Jer. XLIX. 7. Lament. IV. 2.

thy little ones] Sinne enough in Babylon, [verse 9] in the Land of Shinar, Zech. V. 8, 11. Sinne enough in these little ones: as in the litle ones of the old world drowned with Noahs flood: as in the little ones of So∣dom, burned with brimstone: &c.

thy Word above all thy name] Or, [chapter CXXXVIII] [verse 2] thy name above all things by thy Word. Or, thy Word with all thy name. Thy Promise in Christ concerning thy people is greater then all other things whereby thou hast made thy self known.

with strength.] Ephes. [verse 3] III. 16, 20.

in the wayes of the Lord] Or, [verse 5] of the wayes, Psal. CIII. 7. when they shall be converted.

will perfect] Phil. [verse 8. 8.] I. 6. Psal. LVII. 2.

my bed in hell] In the grave. [chapter CXXXiX.]

in the lowest parts of the earth] His mothers womb, [verse 15] Eccles. XI. 5. So Ephes. IV. 9. may be understood of Christs Incarnation. Some∣times this phrase is meant of the Grave; as Psal. LXIII. 9.

when I awake I am still with thee] Still meditating of thee, [verse 18] and finding new occasions to think of thee, and praise thee. Or, I watch night and day to be found still cleaving to thee. Or, when I have spent the whole day in those pretious thoughts of thee verse 17. the next morning I am where I was, I am but at the beginning still; the more I think of them, the more wonderful they appear to me still.

Surely] This may be rendered here as a Wish. [verse 19]

violent man] Saul, [chapter CXL] [verse 1] and his Agents.

O God] Jehovih. [verse 7] See the Observations on Esay XXVI. 4. and on Psal. LXXI. 5.

the strength of my salvation] Ephes. VI. 17.

of David] This may seeme inspired and composed by David when he was in the Wildernesse of En-gedi, [chapter CXLI] 1 Sam. XXIV. about the same time when the next Psalme, and Psalme LVII. were composed.

doore] In the Hebrew dal is contracted here for deleth: [verse 3] as Chaji, 2. Sam. XXIII. 23. for Chajil, 1 Chron. XI. 22.

incline not] By Satan, [verse 4] or my own corruption, James I. 13, 14. So Matth. VI. 13.

not eate of their dainties] Lest by their prosperity I should be al∣lured to be wicked, as they are.

for yet my prayer] I will requite them with my best prayers, [verse 5] when they most need them.

when their Judges] The Chieftains and Senators of mine adver∣saries. [verse 6]

in stonie places] Where they persecute, and pursue me.

they shall hear my words] Then; that they are sweet, pleasing, and inoffensive to mine adversaries.

Our bones] Davids, [verse 7] and his followers; they are in such like pre∣sent danger.

when he was in the cave] Psal LVII. 1 Sam. XXIV. 4. The later part of this prayer seemes, [chapter CXLII] as spoken in the cave. Yet it all might be composed after his deliverance out of it. As that Prayer Jonah II.

prison] This Cave, [verse 7] wherein I am shut up, as in a close prison.

faithfulnesse] [chapter CXLIII] [verse 1] For performance of thy faithful and true promises made to me.

righteousnesse] To maintaine and defend a righteous cause.

Enter not] Though my cause be just; [verse 2] yet my person is sinful and unjust, not able to abide thy judgement, Rom. III. 20. So Job XXII. 4. and XIV. 3. Gal. II. 16.

no man living] Heb. not all living, i. e. not any living. As Mat. XXIV. 22. 1 John II. 21. 2 Pet. I. 20. Psal. LXXVI. 5.

is desolate] Or wondrously amazed, [verse 4] upheld only by Gods power.

cause me] The work is Gods. [verse 8] He the actor of it. And therefore to him he lifts up his soul. So verse 10.

good; lead me] Or, [verse 10] by thy good Spirit lead me: Thus prayer-wise: or shall lead me; spoken in way of assurance.

of David] It seemes composed after he came to the crown, [chapter CXLIV] [verse 3] and had got some victories over his enemies; and yet other enemies were ready to invade him, 2 Sam. V. & VIII.

what is man] Psal. VIII. 5. Job VII. 17. Heb. II. 6.

Bow the heavens] Shew thy self present on earth, [verse 5] for my help; and my foes ruine, who are like mountains, in comparison of other men, 1 Sam. XXII. 10.

a right hand of falshood] Though they shake hands, [verse 8] yet they keep not promise.

whose God is the Lord] This is opposed to all the other worldly wealth; [verse 15] as farre more then over-poising it all.

of praise] His Hymne. [chapter CXLV] And the whole book in Hebrew is called the book of Hymnes, or Praises. This is an Alphabetical Psalme. On∣ly the letter Nun is wanting. See the Observations on Psal. XXV. 1. and on the beginning of the book of Psalmes.

over all his works] Or, [verse 9] towards.

upholdeth all that fall] Psal. [verse 14] CXLVI. 8. all whom he in his good∣nesse

knows are to be upholden; without whom, and his goodnes none are upholden. But some fall, and never rise.

wait upon thee] Psal CIV. [verse 15] 27. 28.

in truth] This in Prayer requireth sincerity, [verse 18] without hypocrisie; faith, repentance, earnestnes, and constancie.

the desire] Or will. We pray that Gods will may be done, [verse 19] Matth. VI. 10 Here he doth his servants will. So he honoureth them that honour him, 1 Sam. II. 30. And their will agrees with his, 1 John V. 14.

Praise ye the Lord] Heb. [chapter CXLVI] [verse 1] Halelu-jah. And thus do begin, and end likewise, the rest of the Psalmes that follow. In the Greek, it is Alle∣luia Apoc. XIX. 1. Halelu-jah, is in Psal. CIV. and CVI. and CXXXV. and in many others.

which executeth judgement] Who succours and relieves all, [verse 7] in, and according to their several necessities; He it is that doth it; But that when, and how, in his wisdome and goodnesse it seemeth to him best.

out-casts] Deut. [chapter CXLVII] [verse 2] XXX. 4.

telleth the number] Esay XL. [verse 4] 26. though to man they are innu∣merable, Ier. XXXIII. 22. at least in common opinion, and of him in∣deed cannot be all seene. The number of the stars is counted by an∣cient Astronomers; And all within, and without their several Con∣stellations, in their several magnitudes, are reduced by all, much un∣der the number of two thousand. Yet their number, in Scripture∣phrase, is marshaled with the sands of the sea, as innumerable. Which is spoken according to vulgar opinions and apprehensions; as that of the Sunne, and Moone Gen. I 16. And divers other things are in Scripture in like sort spoken of. And yet the innumerable multitude of them appears the more, in our times; Wherein Galileus, and o∣thers after him by their new instruments and Tubi Optici, have made such strange discoveries of many many numbers of them, never seene before.

young ravens] Iob XXXVIII. [verse 9] 41. Psal. CIV. 27, 28. Matth. VI. 26.

fat of wheat] Psal. [verse 14] LXXXI. 16. Deut. XXXII. 14.

runneth] Psal. [verse 15] XXXIII. 9.

snow like wooll] accordingly the phrase is, [verse 16. 17. 19.] fleeces of snow.

his yce like morsels] Frost, or frozen hailstones.

his word unto Jacob] This is singular mercie, and peculiar to his Church: farre beyond all those formerly mentioned: for which his Church is so bound to praise him.

stars of light] Job XXXVIII. [chapter CXLVIII] [verse 3] 7.

havens of heavens] The heaven of heavens is the highest heaven; [verse 4] called the third heaven, 2 Cor. 2. XII. The sky where the starres are, is the second heaven. And the aire under it, and next us, is the first heaven: In the upper part whereof are the waters here mentioned. For this Text, and Gen. I, 6, 7. yeeld not a sure foundation whereon to build an Orbe of supercelestial waters, above the starry heavens; nor from the windowes of that Orbe came the waters in Noahs flood. But from the lowest region of the aire, called Heaven, and the firma∣ment

of Heaven, wherein the winds, clouds, and fowles do flie; and do divide between the sea-waters, and the watery clouds which moy∣sten the earth, and make it bring forth fruit for the sustenance of man, and beast. See Gen. I. 20. Jer. LI. 16. Dan. VII. 2, 13. Psal. LXXVIII. 23. Mal. III. 10.

a decree] Statute, [verse 6] Rule, and Ordinance, whereby every creature is bound to his set time, place, and function, Job XIV. 5. and XXVI. 10. and XXXVIII, 33. Jer. XXXI. 35. and XXXIII. 25.

the horne of his people] Psal. [verse 14] LXXV. 10. the power, glory, and Kingdome of his people and Church: and that by Christ, who is the horne of salvation, Luke I. 69.

him that made him] Heb. [chapter CXLIX] [verse 2] his makers. Likely relating to the Tri∣nity of persons, as Gen. I. 26. and III. 22. and XI. 7. Job. XXXV. 10. Eccles. XII. 1. Esay VI. 8. LIV. 5.

King] Christ, of whom King David was a Type. As Mat. XXI. 5. Cant. I. 4,

upon their beds] Night and day, [verse 5] Psal. LXIII. 6. Job XXXV. 10.

and a two-edged sword] Heb. [verse 9] two-mouthed. This chiefly at least aimes at the spiritual sword, Ephes. VI. 17. Heb. IV. 12. Apoc. I. 16. which is the Word of God, coming out of Christs mouth.

To execute vengeance upon the heathen] Chiefly in and by the pow∣er and preaching of the Gospel, [verse 7] 2 Cor. X. 4, 5, 6, 8. See Esay XLI. 15, 16. John XVI. 8, 9.

To binder their Kings] Psal. [verse 8] II. 2, 3, 9, 10. Esay XLV. 14. Mark VI. 20. Acts XXIV. 25. Apoc. XXI 24. Matth. XVI. 19.

the judgement written] This may have reference to that Law, [verse 6] Deut. VII. 1, 2. Or, to the exact rule of Gods Word, without any addition, or diminution. Deut. XII. 32. Apoc. XXII. 18.

This honour] Deut. IV. 6, 7, 8.

Sanctuary] His holy place. [chapter CL] [verse 1] Or, sanctity, in and for his holy es∣sence.

firmament of his power] His power seene in the firmament, in the stretching out and spreading abroad of it, Psal. XIX. 2. Dan. XII. 3.

that hath breath] Apoc. [verse 6] V. 13.