Observations Upon the Old Testament

[verse 3]

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

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

with thy likeness] 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 happened, but of the marvelous manner of God's mighty presence, assistance, and concurrence in David's victories, in some sort Poeticaly set forth.

thundered ] Thunder is called God's 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. Isaiah XXIX, 6. Apoc. IV. 5. and 8. 5. Some proud blasphemers have labored to imitate the thunder: and some impious Tyrants have exceedingly feared it.

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

thyself froward ] Meet with them in their own way. [verse 26] As Levite. XXVI. 23, 24.

Bow of steel. [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 Messiah, his Christ, as Psal. II. 2. to David literaly; to Christ mysticaly called 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, Isaiah 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 succession of day and night speaketh much divine knowledge. The assiduity, 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 language and idiom 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 Testimony to his own purpose; not derogating thereby from the truth of the literal sense. As that Exod. XVI. 18. is applied, 2 Cor. VIII. 15. Or rather the Apostle retains the literal sense, for the preaching of the Gospel to all the world, Rom. XV. 19. Col. I. 6, 23. And out of this testimony of the Psalm in its literal sense proves that the Gentiles had heard and learned somewhat of God and piety 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 sum, the Apostle herein follows the LXX. And applies this to the preaching of the Gospel to the Heathens; as God had formerly taught them, in another & a weaker manner and degree, by his works of Creation. They had as a voice to speak; so a line to write, rule, direct, and instruct, as Isaiah XXVIII. 10.

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

to run a race ] His race, is without intermission, or weariness; and the swiftness of his running, [verse 5] being so great a body, in its own orbe, is even to amazement, and astonishment, almost beyond imagination. That the Sun should stand, and the Earth so move, as some brains fancy, is no less then a prodigious Paradox.

The Law ] From the Book of God's works, [verse 7] he comes now to the Book of his Word, in five verses. And in this School, each verse in a manner doth express the name, the nature, the effects, the preciousness of this Word; much against all those imbasements and impeachments 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 Isaiah XIII. 12.

great reward ] Which reward yet is of grace, [verse 11] not of merit, Rom. VIII. 3. through God's 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 sins reigning; and not reigning, but rebelling, [verse 13] Rom. VI. 12, 22. and VII. 15,—20.

The Lord hear thee ] This Psalm, [chapter XXI] [verse 1] and the next, are composed by David, for a public form of a Prayer in the one, of a Thanksgiving in the other, to be used by the people, for himself the King. They seem to stretch this Psalm too far, and that without ground, who make it to be a Prophesy of Christ's Sufferings, and his deliverances out of them, for which the Church with him triumpheth. As also the next Psalm 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.

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

Thine hand] King David's hand. [chapter XXII] [verse 8]

In some Psalms there are passages that properly and literaly belong to David; and to Christ only, as David was a Type of him. But in this Psalm, 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 Psalm, Matth. XXVII. 46, 35, 43. Heb. II. 12. and the body of the Psalm itself do show, 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 Cross little before his death, [verse 1] about the ninth hour, cried out these words with a loud voice, Matth. XXVII. 46. Heb. V. 7. upon the weight of God's wrath, under the burden of our sins; The Deity by a special providence and dispensation withdrawing and suspending its influence from the Humanity for this time; God withdrawing all sense of his favor from him. Not that the hypostatical union of both natures was then or ever severed or dissolved. But yet he suffered chiefly in his soul, all the pains, pangs and agonies of a justly angry and punishing God, even more then can either be expressed or imagined, even so far above the measure of ordinary sufferings, as himself was above ordinary men; without any influence, or joy, or comfort streaming from the Vision of God upon his mind and will 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, innocence, dignity of the person of Christ our Surety and Savior. 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 firm faith in him. But they are a Protestation of the bitterness of his Passion, so stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted, and so far prevailing on him, in whom the spirit of fortitude had his residence.

forsaken me ] This sense of dereliction and carencie of Divine favor for the time, as it was the Fathers pleasure to have it so, so the Sons office called him unto it; and he did not contract it by any fault of his, but did voluntarily undertake it for our sins, and the expiation of them: as he did the death itself. 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. bewrays the sense of the flesh; but joined with the obedience of the Spirit in him: A double Will in him, against Monothelites: but joined both in one holy obedience and subjection. All which show the nature of sin, the infinite wrath of God against it; the infinite Love of the Father, and the Son, towards the children of men; and the verity of Christ's Human Nature, both in body and soul.

roaring ] Like that of Lions Psal. XXXII. 3. and XXXVIII. 8. Matth. XXVI. 38. Mark XIV. 33. Luke XXII. 44. so that he had need of an Angel for his Comforter. Yet he so wrestles and prevails, that no sign of halting was left remaining after; no sign or voice of despair; as some are shamelessly wronged to charge upon him. All the agonies of Christ's 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 holy 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, bows and moves God to mercy.

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

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

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

laugh me to scorn] Matth. XXVII. 39.

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

But thou art ] This verse, [verse 9] and the next, show 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 loss or laesion of Blessed Mary's 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. Isaiah XLVI. 3. and XLIX. 1. Luke I. 15, 41.

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

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

for trouble is near ] Death itself.

none to help] Isaiah 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 Jews, in our Savior's days.

Bashan] See the Annotations on Micah VII. 14.

roaring Lion ] Even they forced Pilate, [verse 13] notwithstanding all his pleadings for Jesus, to condemn 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 God's wrath.

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

They pierced ] Our Hebrew Bibles have 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , as a Lion. Which yet by anomalie in Grammar may signify 〈 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 〉 is confessed to be found in some ancient Copies, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ; So that the text here may be said to admit divers readings. Yet the Spirit of God in the New Testament doth constantly render it, they pierced. The ancient Jews maintain 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 seems 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 signify foderunt also. And thus they dealt with our Savior 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 soldiers that had the chardge of the execution, did so. But other soldiers, with their Captain or Centurion, were there present.

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

my darling] Psal. [verse 20] XXXV. 17. or my only 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 goodness, 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 ] Christ's 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, Isaiah LIII. 3.

he heard] Heb. V. 7.

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

vows ] See the Annotations on Jonah I. 16.

The meek ] Spiritual feeding, [verse 26] and blessings are here mainly intended; by allusion likely to the feastings at Peace-offerings; as at that 2 Sam. VI. 18, 19. See Isaiah 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. Isaiah XLIX. 22. Acts XIII. 47. and XIV. 14.

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

For the Kingdom ] His Kingdom of Grace, [verse 28] revealed to the Gentiles, whereby he reigneth in their hearts, Isaiah 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. Isaiah XLIX. 23. and the poor hungry ones ready to die and perish, Matth. XI. 5.

A seed ] Christ's Church shall be Catholic, [verse 30] as for places, and persons; so here for time and duration, Isaiah LIII. 10. Those worshippers 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 immortal seed of his Word.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

dwell in the house of the Lord ] The place of God's worship, [verse 6] Judge. XIX. 18. Psal. LXVI. 13. and XXVII. 4. yet God dwells not in Temples made with hands, Isaiah LXVI. 1. Acts VII. 48.

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

hill of the Lord ] Though all the earth be the Lord's, [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 Isaiah II. 2, 3. Micah IV. 1. See Psal. XV. 1.

holy place ] Place, not capable of holiness in itself, of any inherent holiness: But of a relative holiness, in a relation to God's presence therein, for the time, either by extraordinary signs and tokens as Exod. III. 5. or by appointing his ordinary means of worship therein; ceremonial under the Old Testament; which now is done away, and not to be recalled; or spiritual, under the New. The former, though of God's appointment and ordination, had not in themselves, nor could give absolute holiness to the worship therein performed: And much more now the Places of God's 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] Isaiah XXXIII. [verse 4] 15, 16.

clean hands] Psal. XVIII. 21. Isaiah 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, Isaiah XIX. 18. Lawfull in the Old Testament, by God's 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, Isaiah 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 practice of the Pharisees, and their false interpretation of God's Law concerning swearing, as if swearing, so as God's name were not directly used in it, and no falsehood or perjury contained in it, were no sin with them; but ever and altogether lawful, though it were never so lightly and slightly, vainly, and customarily, unnecessarily, and causelessly done, where yea and nay had been sufficient. Thus Christ opposeth and forbiddeth even all swearing as much as lieth in us; but forbids not lawful 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 Catholic 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 judgment of God; The later only equivocaly, externaly, materialy, not formaly and essentialy, in show, in the opinion of men as rotten members, or ill humors in the body, 2 Tim. III. 5. Gal. V. 24. These are in the visible Church, as chaff 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 themselves; and again, not our own, and wholly from ourselves, and besides 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 God's free grace, rich mercy, bountiful 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 perform his promise, 1 John I. 9. 2 Tim. IV. 7.

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

righteousness ] Of Justification, and of Sanctification; Righteousness, with the increase, fruit, and reward of it, according to God's righteous promise and performance.

This is the generation ] This kind of men. [verse 6] As Luke XI. 29. and XVI. 8. Matth. XII. 39. Not those that brag of being Abraham's or Jacob's seed, Matth. III. 9. John 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, Isaiah LXV. 1, 2.

thy face O Jacob ] O God of Jacob. Or, this in Jacob; or the generation of Jacob, that seek God's 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 seem 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 refer 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 entertain 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 Isaiah VI. 1. with John XII. 41. Even Jehovah our righteousness, Ier. XXIII. 6. the mighty God, Isaiah IX. 6. the increase of whose Kingdom and government shall have no end, Isaiah IX. 7. Dan. VII. 14. Mat. XXVIII. 18. for whose in-coming the doors of our hearts and affections 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 〉 to seem wanting in the beginning 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 mercy, [verse 11] great mercy.

seek ye my face,] [chapter XXVII] [verse 8] Deut. IV. 29. David's 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. God's command here was David's request, and the thing he aimed at.

regard not] Isaiah V. [chapter XXVIII] [verse 5] 12. do not attend, and wisely consider of them; of the mysteries of God's providence and ways; in bringing David to the Crown; in managing the matters of this world, as to the godly, and as to the wicked; in husbanding man's salvation by contraries, &c. Rom. XI. 33.

in the beauty of holiness ] [chapter XXIX] [verse 2] In the comely honor 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] Isaiah XXVI. [chapter XXX] [verse 5] 20. and LIV. 7, 8.

in my blood ] By any violent death, [verse 9] through Saul's 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] Isaiah LXIV. [verse 19] 4. 1 Cor. II. 9.

in a ] As in a fenced City. [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 justification 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 only acteth in the point of our justification before God, applying Christ and the Promises, believing according to the Covenant of the Gospel; whereby Christ doth become ours his righteousness our justification; and all the benefits of his redemption do redound and amount to our salvation.

imputeth ] Frequent is the use of this word in the point of justification. [verse 2]

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

near unto thee ] To hurt thee: or not near to thee to do thee service, unless forced by the bridle, I am. III 3.

Harp ] Invented by Iubal, [chapter XXXIII] [verse 2] Gen. IV. 21. made by Solomon of Almug trees, 1 Kings X. 12. called the pleasant Harp, Psal. LXXXI. 2 much used for mirth and joy, Gen. XXXI. 27. Job XXI. 12. Isaiah V. 12. Ezek. XXVI. 13. And much used in God's 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 public, 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 Latins seem 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 renewed. 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 Jerusalem, Apoc. III. 12. New Heavens, and a New Earth, Isaiah LXV. 17. a New name, a New man, Eph. II. 15. Isaiah 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 City of the Philistines, 1 Sam. XXI. 10. The LVI. Psalm is also upon this same occasion. And this one of the Alphabetical Psalms: 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 believe it of them, [chapter XXXVI] [verse 1] by reason of their heinous transgressions, which indeed proclaim it.

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

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

The matter of this Psalm, [chapter XXXVII] or the first main part of it, is that grand point, of the prosperity of the wicked, and afflictions of the godly, in this life; and of God's 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 Psalms also insist upon it more or less; as Psal. XLIX. and LXXIII. and XC. Jeremiah professedly, chap. XII. 1. &c. And Habakkuk somewhat, chap. I. 13. The case in point of fact is plain and undeniable. The Providence, Wisdom, and Justice of God in it, is a Mystery to man. Yet to the Christian who believes the Resurrection of the body, and eternal life, things not so clearly revealed in the infancy of the Church, the difficulty is now soon dissolved. And the well and wise weighing of the point by an Heathen, or natural man, may much avail 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 seem to be this, How these same occurrences of administrations in God's Providence may stand with such constant, continual, and abundant promises of God's blessings in temporal things to the godly in this life, 1 Tim. IV. 8. and with his like threatenings of plagues and punishments to the wicked in this world. The issue will be, That these Promises and Threatenings, specially 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 prosperity; and a short, and momentary prosperity in relation to eternity; and many ways disadvantageous and hurtful to them; and ends with an overthrow sudden, and terrible, and everlasting: And again, That the affliction of the godly is but momentary, 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 God's wisdom and ways of Providence are not commensurate with man's finite and shallow capacity, Psal. XXXVI. 6. Rom. XI. 33. Gen. XVIII. 25. Isaiah LV. 8, 9.

Fret not ] Another Alphabetical Psalm. [verse 1] Wherein, not every verse, but every second verse, begins with the letter of the Hebrew Alphabet 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 manner, and measure, Ephes. IV. 31. yet in itself 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 David's experience in his time. [verse 25] It follows not to be so in all ages.

to bring to remembrance ] That he might remember God's chastisement upon him for his sin; [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 posterity, 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 mouth ] The mouth is suddenly crushed, [verse 11] Job IV. 19. and doth insensibly consume a garment, Job XIII. 28. Hos. V. 12.

That this Psalm should wholly be understood of Christ; [chapter XL] excluding David; may seem not so safe and warrantable.

I waited ] They are David's words throughout this Psalm. [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 applied to Christ by the Apostle, Heb. X. 7, 8, 9.

and heard my cry ] Thus from experience of mercy formerly received, in God's hearing his Prayers, and delivering him from deepest dangers, in the former part of the Psalm; he strengthens his faith in Prayer for obtaining like mercy, and deliverance, in the later part of the Psalm: so as there is no show of opposition or contradiction, between the beginning, and ending of it.

an horrible pit ] Not that imaginary Limbus Patrum: [verse 2] nor that state of sin before regeneration; whereunto their own preparatory dispositions, to their conversion, did avail and prevail, whiles they were in that state of sin, to their deliverance out of it, by merit of congruity. But this pit is the depth of miseries, the evils of punishments, the gulf of temporal afflictions, wherein David was plunged after his conversion, and the graces of faith, hope, and invocation appearing 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 conjoined in a pious soul; fear, and faith; a reverent fear, and trust in God's mercy, Psal. CXXX. 4.

unto our God ] To god, and Christ.

his trust ] Whose sure mercy 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 goodness and mercy towards man, and in ordering the means of his salvation. So that he riseth up now to a more general admiration of God's wonderful works and thoughts towards his; and of the number, quantity, and quality of them.

Sacrifice ] Christ's 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 God's wonderful works and thoughts towards mankind, doth in this manner 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 sin, 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 all-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 Mass.

mine ears hast thou opened ] Digged open, or pierced; made me obedient to thy voice: or bored, to make me thy servant forever; 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 ways, in issue. Besides that varieties of readings in both places are alleged 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 quotation. The variation is but a change of the figurative phrase into a proper, to express 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.

Sin-offering ] Heb Sin. Put often in the Law for the Sin-offering. So Levite. IV. 3. 24. Exod. XXIX. 14. In which sense Christ is called Sin, 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 rolled 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 generally 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 Cross, Phil. II. 8. Thus Christ in regard of his human nature was truly less then the Father, John XIV. 28. was subject to him; his will to the will of his Father; took upon him the form of a servant, Phil. II. 7. was truly a servant, Isaiah XLII. 1. obeyed 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 righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, Rom. VIII. 4. And these are not figurative and metaphorical, but proper elocutions, in regard of Christ's human nature; not making a Person in itself, distinct from the Person of the Son of God, with Nestorius; nor yet hereby making the Person of the Son of God hypostaticaly uniting to himself the Human Nature, inferior to the Person of the Father, as Arius would.

I have preached ] Though God's works were such as the fifth verse expresseth; [verse 9] and specially that work of man's redemption; yet Christ, as he took a body, by the sacrifice of it, as a Priest, to satisfy the Father; so here as the great Prophet of the Church, he doth preach and publish it, John XVII. 6. Luke XXIV. 47. even God's righteousness, faithfulness, truth, loving-kindness, salvation, to the great Congregation of his people, Rom. III. 21, 22. Isaiah LXI. 1, 2, 3. and XLIX. 6. which office and duty David also the Type, in his degree, and all Christ's messengers in their place and function, do perform.

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

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

Be pleased ] Hence to the end of the Psalm 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] David's 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 mere prophetical prediction of evils to befall 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 inconsiderate zeal; but moved and inflamed rather by the Spirit of God; acting herein the public cause of God, and of his glory; against those whom they knew by the spirit of discerning, 1 Cor. XII. 10. to be God's, and their forlorn foes. Yet possible that in some of these imprecations some mixture of human infirmities might be: as in Jeremiah XV. 15, 16, 17. But for us; touching private and personal enemies, our duty is, as we read, Matth. V. 44. as we find in the example of Christ, Luke XXIII. 34. and of Stephen, Acts VII. 60. and 1 Pet. II. 23. And for public 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 Saul's make them Paul's; and lest we incur 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 Observations on Psal. CIX. 14. and the Annotations on Neh. IV. 5.

Let all those] David's 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 Psalm by some is applied to Christ; [chapter XLI] [verse 1] but very hardly.

deliver him ] That is, the poor or sick weakling: David so comforts 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 sickness ] Make it to his ease. [verse 3]

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

eat of my bread ] This our Savior 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 Psalms.

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

This Psalm seems written by David; and when he was banished by Absalom, or Saub rather, from the Sanctuary, and sacred Assemblies, and Solemnities, verse 1, 2, 4, 6. 9.

As the Hart ] Or Hind. [verse 1] The LXX. hath it, the Hind; 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 Ass 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 solemn feasts in the year. [verse 4] At their solemn Assemblies, and Sacrifices they kept feasts, with dancing and joy; Exod. XXIII. 14. and XXXII. 5, 6 19. Deut. XVI. 14, 15. Judge. XXI. 19, 21. Isaiah XXX. 29.

for the help of his countenance ] Or, his presence is salvations i. e. [verse 5] most ample, firm, absolute, and perfect salvation. For so the Plural number is used to advance and amplify 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 seen in the Observations 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 billows, wallowing 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 Kiriathjearim; [verse 3] and the Tabernacle at Nob, or Gibeon.

This Psalm of Instruction, [chapter XLIV] concerning afflictions, and the right use of them. And seems written, in the time of oppressions under the Philistines immediately before David's reign; or of the Babylonish captivity; and not to be extended to the days of Antiochus Epiphanes.

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 remembered God's former mercies, [verse 9] he now bemoans their present miseries for want of God's help. So Psal. LXXXIX.

Yet ] They profess their integrity. [verse 17]

neither ] In Hebrew it is, [verse 18] and. But this particle is divers times taken to signify neither. And so Psal. L. 8. and Prov. XXXI. 3. Isaiah 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 condition of himself; [verse 22] the Apostles, and Christians, in their times, Rom. VIII. 36.

Awake, ] They beg his help, and mercy.

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 Hymn we may apply those words, Ephes. V. 32. It setteth forth Christ in his glory; 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 subject 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. Isaiah 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 Christ's sword properly cometh out of his mouth, Apoc. I. 16. And with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked, Isaiah. XI. 4.

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

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

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

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

righteousness] Verse 7. Dan. IX. 24.

teach thee ] Experimentaly, by its own actings, Psal. XCVIII. 1. Isaiah 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 greater then Solomon is here, Matth. XII. 42. Isaiah XLIX. 2. Of these arrows is that true, 2 Sam. I. 22. and 2 King. XIII. 17.

Thy Throne] Heb. I. 8. 2 Sam. VII. 16. Psal. X. 16. Isaiah 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 righteousness of his Scepter: But to Christ, who is here called God.

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

Thou lovest righteousness] Isaiah 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 righteousness. As Isaiah LXI. 1. And so is therefore to be understood in the second verse aforegoing. So Gen. XVIII. 5. and XIX. 8.

God thy God ] The first of these may be read either in the Nominative, 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 understood of spiritual, inward, invisible anointing, Acts X. 37, 38. And so Psal. CV. 15. The Patriarchs are styled anointed, who never were so outwardly with material oil. 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 anything added to it; but into his Human nature, plentifuly furnishing him with all abilities and graces for his execution of his said Offices, Luke IV. 17,—21. Isaiah LXI. 1. Dan. IX. 24. Yet as he is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , Emmanuel, the Mediator, reserving ever the property of either nature entire to itself, 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 specially to the time of his Incarnation, of his Baptism, 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 Prerogatives, 1 John II. 20, 27. Apoc. I. 6. 1 Pet. II. 5, 9. And this both extensively, and intensively; Isaiah XI. 2. John I. 16. and III. 24.

garments ] Are odoriferous, [verse 8] as these aromatique spices and smells; 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 bridegroom; 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 smells and perfumes: Prov. XXVII. 9. Or those that meet thee, or the bridegromes friends John III. 29. by their joyful acclamations and congratulations. 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 spiritually and mysticaly. Whereof his Spouse makes use, Cant. I. 3. Isaiah 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 Judge. VIII. 18.

thy honorable women ] Those beloved Virgins, intimated in the Title; honored also by their invitation to this marriage, and honoring 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 God's right hand, in one and the same sense, are ascribed to our Savior, Mark XVI. 19. Acts VII. 56. For us, See Ephes. II. 6.

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

in gold ] In clothe 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 several 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 Abraham did, Gen. XII. 1. and Ruth, chap. I. 16, 17.

So shall ] Upon these terms, [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. Judge. 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 City, [verse 12] see the Annotations on Amos I. 9. This rich Merchant-City, the prime Mart for traffick, should bring to Solomon's Spouse gifts and nuptial presents. And much more, Tyre and all Heathen Nations should bring themselves, and their Gifts, with all offices of submission and subjection, to the Spouse of Christ, Isaiah XLIX. 23. and LXVI. 12. Psal. LXXXVII. 4.

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

glorious within ] 1 Pet. II. 4, 5. [verse 13] Not Helen without, and Hecuba within. This true in Solomon's Spouse partly. But in Christ's Spouse true altogether, by her bridegroom’s donation and operation, Ephes. V. 27.

brought ] With pomp, [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 gladness ] 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; Isaiah 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 Bridegroom.

therefore ] By my example; as well as for all the reasons foregoing in this Psalm.

praise thee ] Christ the Bridegroom, forever 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 godless, and faithless fear. Here faith triumphs over such a fear.

though the earth ] Hyperbolical expressions, usually 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: intending chiefly that, Ezek. XLVII. 1. Joel III. 18. Apoc. XXII. 1. Or, the meaning of this seems best expounded in the next verse; and in the two verses following.

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

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

O clap ] A sign 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. Isaiah LV. 12. Psal. LXVI. 1. The Psalmist exhorteth all people to sing Praises unto God, ver. 1. 7. A thing usual in the Psalms.

For the Lord ] Reasons, from God's nature and properties; [verse 2] appliable 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 Jews 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 believe and hope in him.

for us ] The Jews 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 excellency of Jacob ] High and glorious excellency, whereby Jacob's posterity excelled, Ezek. XXIV. 21. Amos VI. 8. and VIII. 7. Nahum. II. 2. viz. the Temple, Priesthood, &c. all those most excellent and precious promises and blessings made in Christ unto Jacob, 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 City of David: thence by Solomon into the Oracle: 1 Chron. XIII. 8. and XV. 28. and 2 Chron. V. 13. Spiritualy and mysticaly, when Christ ascended with triumph into heaven. See Eph. IV. 8. Col. II. 15.

the King of all the earth ] The universal Kingdom 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 Psalm, which is the Title of sundry Psalms, signifying an instructing Psalm. Thereby to instruct yourselves, and others, of the Kingdom of God, and Christ; and of your duty.

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

The Princes ] The voluntary, [verse 8] bounteous Princes, and people, subject 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 Psalm ] [chapter XLVIII] Wherein both voice and instrument were used; the voice began, and the instrument after; And where the Inscription is a Psalm and Song, there likely the instrument began, and the voice followed. Of the former sort are, as this Psalm; 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, joined North to Mount Zion. Moriah is the North part of Zion. So Isaiah XIV. 13.

the Kings were assembled ] The Philistian Princes, 2 Sam. V. or those [verse 4] in the days of Jehoshaphat, 2 Chron. XX. or of Hezekiah, 2 Kings XVIII. Upon some of which occasions this Psalm seems to be composed and inspired, Psal. XLVI. 6.

marveled, and were troubled ] At Zion's 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]

seen ] By experience.

because of thy judgments ] In confounding thine enemies, [verse 11] and defending the people.

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

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 God's command, chap. XVII. 2. and XX. 49. and much by our Savior himself in his preaching, Matth. XIII. 35. sometimes in plainer manner, Mark IV. 33 sometimes in intended obscurity, Luke VIII. 10. requiring sharpness of wit to understanded and expound them. Here the Psalmists extraordinary Preface ushering it in; and this enigmatical manner 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 conceits in their hearts touching God, and his providence; Job 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 discouraged 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 prosperity.

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

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

Nevertheless ] They shall have no more good by their honors, [verse 12] then the others had by their riches; they abide not in life thereby one night the longer, Psal. XXXVII. 36. 1. John 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 press 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 fathers 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 integrity.

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

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

will redeem, &c. ] Raise up my body, and receive me into everlasting life; which is here opposed to all the worldly prosperity of faithless 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 instruments. And thus, Psal. LXXIII. to LXXXIII. are entitled 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. Isaiah I. 2. Micah VI. 1, 2.

not reprove thee for thy Sacrifices] Jer. VII. 22. [verse 8] They used to weary God with outward Offerings; Isaiah I. 11, 14. and LXVI. 3. Micah VI. 6, 7 Hos. VI. 6. Amos IV. 4, 5. The meaning here is according 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 main matter of this majestical Psalm, verse 23. Hos. XIV. 3. Heb. XII • . 15.

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

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

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

Nathan ] To reprove him for his sin, [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 Bathshua, daughter of Ammiel, 1 Chron. III. 5.

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

wash me ] And so verse 7. [verse 2] alluding to the Legal washings, Levite. XI. 25, 32. Exod. XIX. 10. Num. XIX. 19. Thus he prays, and thus he deals throughout this Psalm; even after Nathan's absolution. And thus true Penitents will do.

For I acknowledge] Prov. XXVIII. 13. 1. [verse 3] John I. 9. So Isaiah 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 sin; 2 Sam. XII. 14. who yet only could pardon his sin, Matth. IX. 3. as against whom, and whose commandment properly, all sin is committed.

in thy sight ] God then sees the sins 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 blind 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 judgment.

when thou judgest ] In sentencing my sin, 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 David's singular case; to the thesis, to God's general faith and truth in all his promises and proceedings. And thus the injustice of man doth commend the justice of God.

in iniquity ] This we call Original sin. [verse 5] The Apostle calleth it inhabiting sin, Rom. VII. 17. whereby all men are carnal, sold under sin, John III. 6. Rom. VII. 14. The fountain of actual sins, 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 present state of corruption by his foul fall contracted.

to know wisdom ] 1 John II. 4. by his sin now eclipsed.

with hyssop] Exod. XII. 22. Levite. 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 God's 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 sin, making me free to righteousness, 2 Cor. III. 17. Rom. VI. 18. 22.

blood-guiltiness ] Bloods of Uriah, and others slain with him. [verse 14]

Open thou my lips ] Give me new occasion by the pardoning of my sin: [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 find 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 emphasis, and amplification. [verse 17] And so Judge. VII. 10. 2 Chron. XXIV. 25. and chap. XXVIII. 3. Prov. I. 20. Mal. I. 6. Lam. III. 22. 2. Sam, XXII. 1.

unto Zion ] The whole Church was in danger of God's judgment by his sin: [verse 18] as 2 Sam. XXIV. 15.

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

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

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

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

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

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

strangers ] Though of the same tribe, [verse 5] yet at least they carried themselves so to him: as Job complains, chap. XIX. 13, 14, 15. and so estranged 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 earnestness of his Prayer, [verse 2] a doleful noise.

cast iniquity upon me ] From themselves upon me, [chapter LV] [verse 3] by unjust imputation 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.

wilderness] 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 enemy] Psal. [verse 12] XLI. 9. John XIII. 18.

mine equal ] My Peer, [verse 13] and chief Counselor. This most likely aims at Achitophel: and the whole Psalm, to his distress in his flight from Absalom, and his conspiracy.

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

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

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

because they have no changes ] In their temporal estate and prosperity, [verse 19] Job X. 17. ( David therefore blesseth God for afflictions, Psalm 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 unchangeable, 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 days] Job XV. [verse 23] 32, 33. and XXI. 21. Psal. XXXVII. 35, 36. Jeremiah 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 far 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 Psalm.

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 Psalms, 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 painful iniquity breed their pain; as Psal. VII. 15. and IX. 15. and X. 2. Prov. V. 22.

my wanderings ] From Saul's presence to Gath. [verse 8] And he had many wanderings after this; to the Cave of Adullam; to Mizpah in Moab; to the Forest of Hareth in Judah; to Keilah; to the Wilderness of Ziph; of Maon; to Engedi: hunted as a Partridge in the Mountains.

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 seems to be the subject-matter of this Psalm. 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. Psalm.

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

Some understand this Psalm 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 exercise 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 Psalm, exclude all, or any relation had to Saul, and his wicked Courtiers.

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

speak righteousness ] Or dumb justice: boasting so to do, when indeed justice was dumb, and opened not her mouth.

O congregation ] O assembly, company of Saul's Courtiers and Counselors; complying with the King against David.

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

from the womb] Isaiah XLVIII. 8. John IX. 34. Ephes. IV. 18. [verse 30] inbred, inveterate, incorrigible, Jer. XIII. 23.

Charmers ] The Adders craft against them is recorded by divers Authors. [verse 5] Some sinners like the Adders, Acts VII. 57. Charmers seem to practice thus upon Adders, Eccles. X. 11. Jer. VIII. 17. And Charmers are forbidded by God's Law, Deut. XVIII. 11. Yet this may seem a proverbial speech used by David, without any purpose to maintain 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 lawfulness of it in relation to God and his Law. And Proverbs and Similitudes may be taked from things in themselves unlawful; 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. comparing therewith Neh. IX. 18.

Before your pots can feel the thorns ] The general meaning is plain, [verse 9] of the suddenness of the destruction of those wicked men, in the former verses. Yet this proves a thorny text, to expound aright the simiiude of thorns here used, and the rest of the words contained in this verse. Pots, thorns, living, are words here of various significations; whence three main renditions and interpretations do arise, thus: Before your pots can feel the fire of thorns, which is short, Eccles. VII. 6. so shall God take them away, as raw (flesh) by the heat of his indignation. Or thus, as quick, or as yet living, and flourishing, in his wrath. Or thus, Ere men shall perceive your young springs of thorns grow to a perfect pricking bramble, God will as with a whirlwind destroy everyone of them, even as alive or quick, even in wrath as in burning 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 minds and meanings; without any peremptory determination of any one particular.

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

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

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

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

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 〉 six; or a Lily called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , because it consists of six leaves: Eduth signifieth Testimony; either implying this Psalm to be a testimony of David's faith and thankfulness; or to be sung by the Priests before the Ark of the testimony; or rather, being joined to the former word by a Maccaph, as in some kind a part of it, it makes up the name of the musical instrument.

to teach ] The Doctrine in this Psalm 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 joining 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 thousand, or these six thousand, by Abishai, before the main battle. From both doth arise the number of eighteen thousand. Which victory being archieved by David's 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 war, 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 rejoice] David by reason of God's truth, [verse 5] word, and promises, [verse 6] will triumph over his enemies, within the Land of Judea, and those bordering about it.

I will divide ] This implieth a possession first.

Shechem ] It was a City in Mount Ephraim near Samaria; given to the Kohathites-Levites, and a City of Refuge. Abram came thither. Jacob had his daughter Dinah ravished there. Joshua thither gathers all Israel, and renues God's Covenant with them a little before his death. The Shechemites conspire against the house of Gideon to make Abimelech King, and he destroys them. Thither Rehoboam came to be made King; but Jeroboam gains the Kingdom of Israel, builds, or repairs Shechem, and dwells 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 City in the Tribe of Gad, upon the river Jabbok, East of Jordan; justly destroyed by Gideon, Judge. VIII. But repaired after.

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

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 underfoot, or use it to base offices. See Matt. III. 11. as to pull off my shoe, to wipe my shoe; or as Sapores the Persian used Valerian the Romand Emperor; or Temerlan the Scythian used Bajazeth the Turk; or Pope Alexander the third used Frederik the Emperor; and Pope Caelestine the third did to Henry the Emperor: 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] David's 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 thither, 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.

mercy; [verse 12] for thou renderest ] Even reward itself is of mercy.

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

seen thee in the Sanctuary] David's desires to the Sanctuary, [verse 2] and to God's Ordinances therein, Psal. XXVII. 4. and LXV. 4.

meditate] David's 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. Isaiah 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 encouragement to Prayer.

choosest, [verse 4] and causest ] God's free grace; not man's free will.

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

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

submit ] Though feignedly and falsely, [chapter LXVI] [verse 3] Psal. XVIII. 44. 1 Sam. XXII. 45. As the faithful 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, Levite. 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. Isaiah I. 15. Micah III. 4. Ezek. VIII. 18. Prov. XV. 29. He that turneth away his ear from hearing the Law, his prayer is abomination, Prov. XXVIII. 9.

David penned by inspiration this Psalm; [chapter LXVIII] It seems; after his victories over the Philistines, and other neighbouring enemies; and upon the occasion of that public joyful solemnity in bringing the Ark into the City of David, 2 Sam. VI. 1 Chron. XIII. XIV. XV. chapters. It consists most of Praises, and Prophesies.

Let God ] These words Moses used, [verse 1] Num. X. 35 at the removing of the Ark 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. Isaiah 19. 1. some translate thus, [verse 4] make an highway for him; prepare it, as Isaiah 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 Wilderness of Arabia before his Ark and people, verse 7. This variety of interpretation is of small concernment.

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

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

solitary in families ] Senselesse here is the Popish text; [verse 6] throughout the verse: and foolish is Bellarmine's interpretation, and application. See Exod. I. 21. Psal. CXIII. 9. Ruth IV. 11.

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

when thou wentest forth] Judge. [verse 7] V. 4, 5. God's praise in bringing his people out of Egypt; in giving them the possession of Canaan; in destroying the Kings their enemies, verse 7—13.

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

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

a plentiful rain ] God did bless his inheritance of the Land of Canaan which he gave to them, [verse 9] with rain, 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 blessings to them were shadows and types, intimations, and pledges of spiritual blessings, and eternal life in heaven; Heb. XI. 13,—16 and 26. John V. 39.

gave the word ] The occasion; [verse 11] it was his doing; he ministered 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 news of victories with Songs and melody. As Exod. XV. 20. Judge. 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. Judge. 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] ministering more arguments of praising God. Though in the times of Heli and Saul ye have lien in black darkness 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 〉 , [verse 14] the all-sufficient.

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 emblem 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] Judge. IX. 48. A Mountain nigh Shechem, and Samaria, in the tribe of Ephraim, not far from Jordan: 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 Zion doth equal, yea excel it; by reason of all its spiritual prerogatives and privileges; as verse 16. Or thus, the Hill of Bashan is an hill of God, i. e. a most excellent hill; for so the Hebrews express the most excellent things. See the Observations on Jonah III. 3. and on 1 Sam. XIV. 15. It is an high hill. All this is true: yet falls short of the hill of Zion; as it is in the next verse.

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

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

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

The Chariots ] God's glory in Zion by the multitudes of his ministering 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 manner of Christ's Ascension, with the attendance of infinite Angels. Angels appeared and ministered at his Incarnation, Luke II. 9, 13. Heb. I. 6. And why not so, or more, at his Ascension 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 Savior's triumphant Ascension, set down in the next verse.

Thou hast ascended ] Literaly and typicaly true, [verse 18] after a sort, in God's dealing with David. But without any type, it is Mysticaly most tr • e, and most verified in Christ, and his Ascension into Heaven. And so David here turns his speech to Christ himself. Whereunto the Apostle doth apply it, Ephes. IV. 8. Ascended in his human nature properly. In Eph. IV. 8, 9, 10. He is said to descend; which being understood 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 contain the Proprieties of either Nature; the natures themselves, & their properties, nevertheless remaining ever realy distinguished. 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 heaven of Paul, which our Savior calls his Fathers house, John XIV. 2. above these visible heavens, Eph. IV. 10. Our Savior's human Nature then is contained in Heaven, Acts III. 21. is not in the Popish hosts; and much less everywhere, according to the Ubiquitarian fancy. Though a time was, when Christ in his body was in the grave; in his soul in Paradise, in his Divine nature or Deity everywhere; 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 captives Judge. V. 12. Not leading the Fathers out of Limbus Patrum; but captiving the World, and the Flesh, Sin, and Satan, Death, and Damnation, which otherwise held God's people in captivity and slavery. 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. Judge. 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 seem, for the fruits and benefits of Christ's Ascension, 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 〉 hath the points of Elohim, [verse 20] not of Adonai▪ And so still when 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and Adonai are joined together, lest otherwise Adonai should be twice read. But where Adonai is not conjoined, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 hath the pricks of Adonai more often then of Elohim. Or, Jehovi here may be used as a more pathetical kind of expression; as in Gen. XV. 2, 8. Deut. III. 24.

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

But God ] This seems to be the fruit and powerful effect of Christ's Ascension, [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 recalls to their memories these two great victories: and to strengthen their faith for like victories over their enemies in David's days, or in times of future extremities.

thy foot may be dipped ] So great should the slaughter of them be. [verse 23] When God takes public vengeance, and executes his judgments upon his enemies, the godly who execute the same, may therein rejoice, 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 pass from one person to another. Thy goings then and thy doings, thy ways and administrations, i. e. when God marched out of Egypt, through the Wilderness before his people: or when David brought the Ark into Jerusalem.

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

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

Bless 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, Isaiah XLVIII. 2. Deut. XXXIII. 28. Deut. V. 15, 18.

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

little Benjamin ] The youngest son of Jacob; and least Tribe, since their fatal blow, Judge. XX. and contesting most for Saul's house against David. Yet he here one, if not first among them. And all the rest likewise • join.

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; therefore thou wilt grant and do according to the foresaid Petition.

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

Rebuke ] He petitions against the adversaries of the Church, [verse 30] proud, cruel, and malicious▪ Rebuke them in word, and deed. The meaning 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 arrows, as the manner of those times was.

bulls 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 embroidered with pieces of silver▪ and out-braves and tramples upon others; or is so rich, as he seems to tread silver underfoot, yet indeed trusts in it, and boast himself of it. And such usually, though unprovoked, delight to break forth into war 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. Isaiah 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 God's praise. [verse 34]

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

fail while I wait ] The constancy and earnestness of David's hope and expectation. [chapter LXIX] [verse 3]

For the zeal of thine house ] Literaly true in David, [verse 9] Psal. XXVII. 8. Principaly true in Christ the Son 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 Savior: [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] applied by the Apostle against the Jews in his time, Rom. XI. 9.

Let their habitation ] That which David speaketh here of his enemies; [verse 25] and, as Type of Christ, of Christ's enemies, Saint Peter applieth 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.

Zion ] 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 members of the Church, Isaiah XLIV. 26.

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

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

Cause me to escape ] Likely from Absalom. [chapter LXXI] [verse 2] For this Psalm 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 ] Isaiah VIII. 18. [verse 7] Heb. II. 13. Zech. III. 8. and 1 Corinth. IV. 9.

even of thine only ] not mine own: [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 Psalm is composed, as in the name of the Church. And contains a Prayer, a Praise, and a Prophesy, of the just, peaceable, righteous, merciful, plentiful, flourishing estate, and large extent and bounds of the Kingdom of Solomon; set out indeed with some hyperbolical expressions; scarcely appliable to him, or to any mortal man. So as Solomon may be the immediate object of the words, he literaly intended in them. But yet he so, as a Type of Christ, and of his Kingdom; who is in truth the main subject of this Psalm. For all in a mystical sense is appliable to Christ more truly, then to Solomon; appliable to him in a spiritual sense, exactly without any hyperbole. 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 unlike the subject matter of this Psalm. This premised, may serve to clear the hardest places of this Psalm.

The prayers] Psalms, [verse 20] Hymns, Songs.

are ended ] As the like is said of David's 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 Psalms, as they are all divided into five parts. Or his last, touching Solomon; and his prophesying of Christ and his Kingdom. So various may our thoughts and interpretations be; and so uncertain and unsafe to pitch and fixe upon any single one.

Truly ] The Psalmist premiseth this, [chapter LXXIII] [verse 1] as his undoubted ground against 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 show 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 distributively, 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 return hither ] God's own people turn to these thoughts and temptations following; [verse 10] when they see withal their own mournful miseries.

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

As a dream 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 judgment, 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 own eyes, if God awake their consciences.

Maschil ] An instructing Psalm. [chapter LXXIV]

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

The time of desolation which this Psalm mentions, and bemoanes, seems not to be that in the days of Antiochus Epiphanes; who profaned and polluted much the Temple of Jerusalem; but did not cast it down, and burn it to the ground. And he himself was long after the Canon of the Old Testament was concluded. But that rather in the days of Nebuchadnezzar, and Nebuzaradan, 2 Kings XXV. 8.

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

thy congregations ] Meaning the Temple, where the holy Congregations assembled. [verse 4] And verse 7. it is in the Hebrew, thy Sanctuaries in the Plural number, meaning the Temple. The Plural number being used discretively to note out, and design one of many. And so is that Gen. XXIII. 6. Judge. VII. 10. and XII. 7. 2 Kings V. 13. 2 Chron. XXIV. 25. John 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 John XII. 4.

no more any Prophet] Ezekiel, [verse 9] and Jeremiah, were now dead. Others 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 shore, to be meat to the wild beasts, and fowls of prey, called a people; as Prov. XXX. 25, 26. Or, their spoil, as meat to the Israelites. Or gavest meat, that is, Manna, to him, that is, thy people in the Wilderness.

When I shall receive ] This Psalm seems 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 rectify. And rebuking the foolish, proud, and presumptuous opposers of his Promotion, he reneweth his resolution to proceed in judgment towards the wicked, and the righteous, uprightly.

the pillars of it ] He did so, [verse 3] by erecting, and sustaining, and maintaining good Magistrates, and chiefly Religion and righteousness, the main pillars of a Kingdom. See Gal. II. 9.

cup See Isaiah 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 Josh. X. 1.

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

then the mountains of prey ] A proverbial expression of greatest glory. [verse 4] See Isaiah 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 ] Turn to thy praise. [verse 10]

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

to Jeduthun] 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 manner 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 generally, God's ways are unsearchable, Job 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 alteration of the words of the Psalmist. And that form 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 Psalm 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 Ephraimites flight before Jephthah, Judge. XII. 46. Others understanding all the Israelites under that name, refer 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 Ephraim was the head, make it to relate to the final extirpation of that Kingdom, 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 Job I. 12, 16. [verse 49] as executioners of his fierce anger. Or angels, i. e. messengers of evils; which may be understood, 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 son of Joseph: The Ark never came thither again.

his Sanctuary ] Temple, [verse 69] by Solomon. By this, and some other passages, this Psalm may seem not to be composed by David; but by some later inspired Prophet.

the Heathen This Psalm seems composed, [chapter LXXIX] [verse 1] not in the times of Antiochus Epiphanes; but in the times of the Babylonish captivity rather. Bemoaning those miseries which were brought upon them by those barbarous Babylonians.

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

our neighbors seven-fold ] That did not pity us in our calamity; [verse 12] but insulted over us. Gen. IV. 15, 24. Isaiah 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 Psalm 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 posterity, Psal. CXXXII. 10, 11. and LXXXIX. 19, 20, 21, 35. Or, Zerubbabel particularly. But both as shadows and types, of Christ the substance, principally intended, Col. I. 13. Psal. XLV. 3. Luke XXIV. 19. Heb. II. 18.

in the new moon ] [chapter LXXXI] [verse 3] This Psalm seems 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 tempest, Psal. LXXVII. 17, 18.

gave them up] See the Observations on Isaiah 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 ] Laws, [verse 5] Orders, estates, are all in confusion, turned up-side down.

Alledged by our Savior, [verse 6] John X. 34.

like men ] As Adam did. [verse 7] As Hos. VI. 7. Job 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 haughtiness, Psal. CXLVI. 3▪ 4. Ye die as the meanest men do; for so the word is most what taken, specially when it is put in opposition, as here, Psal. XLIX. 2. and LXII. 9. Isaiah 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 among the rest of men make but a number, as it were.

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

This Song seems composed and inspired, as a form of Prayer, when the Church and people of the Jews were in great danger by many enemies conspiring against them, to destroy them: And this likely either in the days of David, 2 Sam. VIII. or rather long after David's time, in the days of Jehoshaphat; or of Hezekiah.

thy hidden ones ] Hidden as his peculiar treasure, [verse 3] Exod. XIX. 5. secret, 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 far from the mountains of Gilboa, where Saul was slain. Taanach, and Megiddo 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, Isaiah 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 threatenings, Exod. VI. 3. Ezek. VII. 27. See the Observations on Isaiah 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 City of the Levites, Josh. XXI. 25. And there is Gath a City of the Philistines. The word then may signify an Instrument of music, not such as our Gitterne; such as was used in Gath; or rather used by the posterity of Obed-Edom the Gittite: Or it may import that those three Psalms were sung upon occasion of David's 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 certainty 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 elsewhere. Some hence conceive, That this Psalm was penned by David in the time of his Exile and banishment from God's house and service by the means of Saul, verse 9. not so likely of Absalom.

the ways 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-ways and causies themselves that lead 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 God's 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 God's blessings, of grace and comfort, 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 God's 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 frolic, and flourishing in the highest degree, in the bravest tents of wickedness.

grace and glory ] Many refer grace to this life, [verse 11] and glory to that which is to come. But grace rather may seem here to signify favor, estimation, honor, as Prov. III. 34. James 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 bringing back of David to Jerusalem after the rebellion of Absalom. But not so likely.

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

Turn 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 kiss, [verse 10] though for the present things are otherwise, verse 4, 5. This, and what follows had it most complete fulfilling in and by the coming of Christ.

A Prayer ] So is the Title of Psal. [chapter LXXXVI] XVII. And this seems to be as a set form of prayer for the godly in distress; without any particular 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 favourest. The Hebrew word is 〈 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 quality, but the object spoken of.

Among the gods] Verse 10. [verse 8] Psal. LXXXIX. 6. Deut. XXXII. 39. Isaiah 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 backsliding ever.

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

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

His foundation ] God's, [chapter LXXXVII] [verse 1] and his Churches.

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

Glorious things ] See Isaiah LIV. and LX. [verse 3] and LX. and LXII. and LXV. Apoc. XXI. and XXII. And see the Observations on Josh. 10. 1.

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

to them that know me ] Or among them; as of my known familiars.

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

this ] And the rest afore named, were born in the City of God; by regeneration spiritual made the sons of God, and of the Church, verse • 5, 6. 1 Pet. I. 23. James I. 18. Isaiah XLIV. 5.

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

Springs ] Of my joy, and of God's spiritual gifts and graces also; John VII. 38. Isaiah XII. 3. Ephes. III. 10.

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

Mahalath ] A kind of wind-instrument, Psal. LIII.

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

Heman ] The next Psalm • is of Ethan. These were sacred Singers and Musicians, 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 grandchild of Samuel the Prophet, 1 Chron. VI. 33. and himself King David's Seer, 1 Chron. XXV. 5. There were two brethren, Heman, and Ethan, of the posterity of Judah, 1 Chron. II. 6. men renowned for their wisdom, 1 King. IV. 31.

This Psalm is one of the most doleful of all the Bible: And may serve as a set form of a sad complaint to any man in his greatest distress. 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 sorrows, [verse 8] and distresses.

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

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

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

a Covenant ] In faithfulness, [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 David, Ezek, XXXIV. 23. Jer. XXX. 9. Hos. III. 5. Of him this Psalm is chiefly to be understood; though not in all the particular passages.

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

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

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

joyful sound ] Of the Trumpet, [verse 15] and other sacred musical instruments, calling them to, and used in the sacred services, and solemnities.

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

laid help upon one that is mighty ] Or, help against the mighty: both ways 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 belong to Christ: