A commentary upon the whole Old Testament, added to that of the same author upon the whole New Testament published many years before, to make a compleat work upon the whole Bible. Vols. 2-4. Wherein the divers translations and expositions, literall and mysticall, of all the most famous commentators both ancient and modern are propounded, examined, and judged of, for the more full satisfaction of the studious reader in all things, and many most genuine notions inserted for edification in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. A work, the like unto which hath never yet been published by any man, yet very necessary, nor only for students in divinity; but also for every Christian that loveth the knowledge of divine things, or humane, whereof this comment is also full. Consisting of IV parts. I Upon the Pentateuch, or five books of Moses. II Upon the historical part, from Joshua to Esther. III Upon Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Solomons Song. IV Upon all the prophets both great and small. By John Mayer, doctor of divinity.

PSAL. CXXV.

THis is another Psalm of Degrees, wherein the Prophet yet ascendeth higher, in speaking of the Faithfull, Psal. 124. he speaketh of God in them; but here he setteth them forth as being in Gods compassing them a∣bout so, that no evill can come unto them.

First, He saith, They that trust in God, are like mount Zion, that shall never * 1.1 be moved: So the Faithfull is built upon a rock, and stands unmoveable what weather soever comes.

Then he likens them them to Jerusalem, about which the mountaines stand, making it inaccessible by enemies. * 1.2

Verse 3. The rod of the wicked shall not alwayes be upon the back of the right ous, that the righteous stretch not out their hands to wickednesse: By Rod here Expositors generally understand a Scepter, or Dominion, to which the faithfull are often times subject, and so do suffer greivously, as it is sayd, * 1.3 When the Righteous are exalted, there is joy, but when the wicked rule, sor∣row and heavynesse: And to such they are made subject for their sins, notwith∣standing their safe being hitherto spoken of. But their comfort is, that God will put an end to these their sufferings, and so keep them that they shall not, being overcome by the Tediousnesse thereof, fall away from their godly care to serve the Lord; but by Experience finding, that to be thus afflicted was profitable for them, be the more confirmed herein.

Therefore when such gracious promises of safety are made as before, they are to be understood of safety from being moved by Enemies prevailing to

cast away their faith and hope in God, and consequently their care of God∣liness.

For none either men or Devills shall ever thus prevail against the truly faithfull; but they shall stand firm as mount Zion; and if any being broken [Note.] by afflictions are overcome, it is a signe that they were Hypocrites: For a true Job, being thus tempted to fall from his righteousness, will say, Shall we receive Good at the hands of God, and not Evill?

Such as turne aside to their crooked wayes, the Lord shall lead them forth * 1.4 with the Workers of iniquity.

Here he concludeth on the contrary side against Hypocrites, that under a pretence of Godliness are licentious in their lives, being full of deceit and Guile; covertly seeking worldly profit and honour amongst men. Such he threatneth, that God shall lead, awe, as the word signifieth, make them go with the Workers of iniquity, that is, Into Hell, as it is said, Goe * 1.5 yee cursed into Hell fire, &c. They being all alike before God, both that profess the faith dissemblingly, and that are notorious for their wicked lives. And indeed they are also workers of iniquity, what shew soever they * 1.6 make; and therefore it is just, that they should go altogether to the same place of torment.

To expresse which, the singing Psalm hath it, Such will the Lord scattter abroad, with ••ypocrites thrown down to Hell.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Vers. 1. Matth. 7
• * 1.2

  Vers. 2.
• * 1.3

  Psal. 2. 9.
• * 1.4

  Vers. 5.
• * 1.5

  Matth. 25.
• * 1.6

  Matth. 7. 22