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. LXXXVI.

THE Contents of this Psalme shew, that David was persecuted by his Enemies, when he made it; but whether by Saul, or Absolom, is uncer∣tain: Calvin thinketh by Saul.

Preserve my soule, for I am holy. This may seem to be some pleading for * 1.1 favour, in respect of merit in himselfe, but the word rendred holy, is, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 mercifull, or kinde, or one that is in the state of grace, an Object of mercy, and in respect of his kinde dealing with all men, for which he was not wor∣thy to be persecuted by any, he speaketh thus; to incline the Lord the more to stand for him, who is the Patron of all those that suffer wrong, and against all such as requite evill for good. Basil applyeth this both to David and Hezekiah, invaded by the Assyrians, and expoundeth these words, I am holy. I have given them no cause, and in comparison of them, a Saint: for I know * 1.2

and feare God, they do not, they persecute, and I suffer. Augustine referreth * 1.3 it to Christ, who only can say of himselfe, I am holy. But this reason is too weak, as we may see by the sense given hereof before: and therefore I take it for a prayer of David, as the Title sheweth, concerning his person in dan∣ger by Enemies, and teaching us how to pray in the like case. Yet Verse 9. * 1.4 is a prophesie of the conversion of the Gentiles under the Gospell; being moved by Gods wonderfull works; that is, The Miracles done by his A∣postles, * 1.5 and Ministers sent out to preach, and by his miraculous Death and Resurrection. And their conversion is set forth by coming and worshipping before God; as Isa. 45. 23. by bowing the knee, and swearing by his * 1.6 name.

Teach thy way O Lord. How this should be applyed to Christ, who is the wisdome of the Father, and one with him, I cannot see; and therefore it must be understood of David.

Thou hast delivered my Soule from the nethermost Hell. That is, out of deadly danger, wherein I often have been: A Pattern to be followed by e∣very [Note.] faithfull person, after deliverances to celebrate Gods praises; and if for corporeall, much more for deliverance from Hell and Damnation for ever. For the words, Nethermost Hell, Hebrew it is, Hell, or the Grave below. And therefore no ground is here, as Jerome noteth, for two places: whereby the insulsity of the Papist appeareth, that will have Purgatory here inti∣mated, as under which Hell the place of the damned for ever is.

Shew me some token of good. Hebrew, Make with me a token, or signe for * 1.7 good. Whereby he implyeth, that there was now no signe of favour shewed him, whereby he might be confirmed, in respect of Gods grace and favour towards him; and therefore admirable was his faith, to beleive notwith∣standing, that he should come out of these troubles, and be set upon the Throne promised; for this faith is intimated by his praying. Others have prayed for signes, as Gideon, and they have been granted; but blessed is he that beleiveth, and seeth no signe; as Christ said to Thomas: for signes are for unbeleivers, and when the faithfull aske them, although none be shew∣ed, * 1.8 they are not shaken in their faith hereby.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Vers. 2 Calvin.
• * 1.2

  Basil.
• * 1.3

  August.
• * 1.4

  Vers. 9.
• * 1.5

  Vers. 10.
• * 1.6

  Vers. 11.
• * 1.7

  Vers. 17.
• * 1.8

  1 Cor 14.