Observations Upon the Old Testament

Christ: And only imperfectly, as in a weak type, are appliable to David, or Solomon, 2 Sam. VII. 14. Heb. I. 5. Luke I. 32, 33.

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

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

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

If his children ] So 2 Sam. VII. 14, 15. [verse 30] True of Solomon, and of his children; and cannot be understood of Christ's person; who was not the natural of son of Solomon; but of his brother Nathan; And who was without sin, 1 Pet. II. 22: But as he bare our sins, and was made a Sacrifice for sin for us, 2 Cor. V. 21. Isaiah LIII. 6. Yet this may have a right understanding of Christ's spiritual children, who are subject to the lapses and infirmities of sin, 1 John I. 8. Rom. VII. 15.

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

as the Moon ] Which although it sometime waxeth, [verse 37] and sometime waineth, and sometime seems to be gone, (a fit resemblance of the state of Christ's Church) yet is continually renewed, and so stable.

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

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

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

how short ] How vain, [verse 47] momentary, and uncertain; yet am I thy creature.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

establish] Isaiah XXVI. 12. [verse 17]

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

not be afraid] Isaiah XLIII. 2. [verse 5] emphatical expressions, and rhetorical amplifications, allowed in all human Authors. Not yet implying that we are actualy delive • ed in all such dangers; but that at least they shall work for our good, if we be not delivered out of them, Rom. VIII. 28.

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

in all thy ways ] Of holiness and righteousness. These words the Devil omits; as making against his temptation, which was against the mind of the text.

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

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

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

for the Sabbath day ] For the Rest on this day, [chapter XCII] see the Observations on Exod. XII. 16. For Hallowing it; That was, by an holy convocation; by offering of Sacrifices; singing Psalms; reading, and expounding, and hearing Scriptures; Praying; Disputing, and Conferring; by meditating on God's word, and works; and doing works of mercy, Exod. XX. 10. Isaiah LVIII. 13. Jer. XVII. 21, 22. Levite. XXIII. 3. Num▪ XXVIII. 9, 10. Acts XIII. 15. and XV. 21. and XVI. 13. and XVII. 2. and XVIII. 4. Matth. XII. 2,—7, 8, 11, 12.

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

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

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

But judgment shall return unto righteousness ] Though they might seem awhile parted; [verse 15] yet they shall return and meet; and the wicked shall be punished, and the godly rewarded.

O come] David's Psalm; [chapter XCV] [verse 1] though without his Title; as appears, Heb. III. 7. and IV. 7.

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

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

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

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

my work ] Works, Heb. III. 9. of miraculous mercies; and judgments.

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

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

O sing ] This Psalm, [chapter XCVI] [verse 1] and Psalm CV. 1,—15. with small alterations, make up that Psalm composed by David, upon the bringing of the Ark from Obed-Edom's house, into the City of David, 1 Chron. XVI. 8,—36.

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

beauty of holiness ] In the glorious holy Sanctuary.

searoare ] In token of joy. [verse 9]

the trees ] Human affections ascribed to insensible creatures; [verse 11] thereby to set out man's duty. [verse 12]

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

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

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

made known] Isaiah LII. 10.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This Psalm is exquisite for loftiness, [chapter CIV] and other ornaments,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leviathan ] The Whale, Job XLI.

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

Praise ye the Lord ] In the Hebrew, [verse 35] Halelu-jah, Praise ye Jah. This Halelu-jah is kept in the Greek, and in other languages; set sometimes in the beginnings, sometimes in the end of Psalms. Apoc. XIX. 1, 3, 4, 6.

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

his strength, seek his face ] The Ark, where God declared his power, and presence, Psal. LXIII. 2. and LXXVIII. 61. See the Observations on Psal. XXVII. 8.

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

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

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

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

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

his word came ] God's word in dreams touching his advancement, [verse 19] Gen. XXXVII. 7, 9. came to be fulfilled. Or, Josephs word in the interpretation of the dreams of Pharaohs Officers, and of Pharaoh himself.

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

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

hail for rain ] Rain rare in Egypt, Zech. [verse 32] XIV. 18. much more hail.

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

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

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

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

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

leanness ] By their ratson, [chapter CVI] [verse 15] or lust, they purchased to themselves razon, leanness; yea, a plague and death, Psal. LXXVIII. 30, 31. Isaiah X. 16.

Dathan] Korah is omitted here. [verse 17]

Ox ] Elsewhere the term of Ca •• is used. [verse 20]

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

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

Baal-Peor ] See the Observations on Judges VIII. [verse 28] 33. Baal signifieth Lord, Master, Husband, or Patron. Peor is the name of a mountain: And Beth Pehor the name of Baals Temple there, Num. XXIII. 28. Deut. III. 29. For the idolatry committed to this idol, the Scripture sometimes for the word Baal, useth Bosheth, which signifieth shame. Hos. IX. 10. See Jer. III. 24. and XI. 13. and the Annotations of learned Master Gataker upon those places. [verse 31]

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

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

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

unadvisedly] Num. XX.

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

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

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

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

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

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

them ] Mariners, [verse 30] and passingers.

rivers ] Watery fruitful places. [verse 33]

dry ] Barren, thirsty.

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

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

This Psalm is composed of Psal. LVII. 7,—11. and Psal. LX. 5,—12. See the Observations on both those Psalms.

glory ] See the Observations on Psal XVI. [verse 1] 9.

wash-pot ] So Psal. [verse 9] LX. any washing pot, to wash the filth of my feet in. Without any allusion to the Marishes of Moab; or their Land to be washed in blood; or themselves wiped clean away, as a pot is wiped. But rather to be used to servile, sordid, base offices.

of David ] By the matter of the Psalm, [chapter CIX] it seems to be penned and inspired towards the end of Saul's reign, when all things were grown to a forlorn and wicked state. See 1 Sam. XXVI. 19.

unto Prayer ] The use and comfort of Prayer.

Set ] Many Imprecations follow. [verse 4] And the like see in Psal. XXXV. [verse 6] 4,—8. and LIX. 5, 13. and LXIX. 22,—28. and LXXIX. 10. and CXIX. 84. and CXL. 10. Job XXXI. Nehem. VI. 4. 5. and VI. 6, 14. Isaiah II. 9. Jer. XI. 20. and XV. 15. and chap. XVII. 18. and XVIII. 21, 22, 23. and XX. 12. 2 Tim. IV. 14. And these with exquisite forms of speeches. And uttered by David, and the rest, against transcendent sinners, rather as Prophets, but of zeal to God and his glory therein, then in relation to their private passions of revenge, or respect to themselves as parties. And yet these, or the like Prayers and Imprecations may possibly be mixed with Human infirmities; as those in Jeremy. See the Annotations on Nehem. IV. 5. Or in some they may be understood with silent limitations and reservations.

right hand ] He plead and prevail against him.

condemned ] Go out guilty, [verse 7] or wicked.

become sin ] Let no suit, or defense of his avail for him, but rather hurt him.

8 his office ] Applied to Judas, Acts I. 16, [verse 8] 20, 26.

their desolate places ] Their houses and families that are desolate and destroyed. [verse 10]

fathers ] Thus God punisheth to the third and fourth generation, [verse 14] the wickedness of the parents on their wicked children, Exod. XX. 5.

As he clothed himself with cursing] See the Observations on Psal, [verse 18] LXXIII. 6.

Let it be unto him ] The curse wherein he delighted in cursing others; which pleased him as water, and oil, Let that same be unto him. Or, let a curse thus cover, and cleave unto him; and come into his bowels and bones. See the Observations on Psal. LXXIII. 6.

shaked their heads] Psal. [verse 25] XXII. 7.

This Psalm is all Prophetical; [chapter CX] all of Christ; foretelling his Person, Natures, and Offices, specially his Kingdom, and Priesthood. And of his Victory over his enemies, and of his Triumph afterwards. And hereupon it is cited, and made use of, Matth. XXII. 44. Mark XII. 36. Luke XX. 42. Acts II. 34. Heb. I. 13. and V. 6. and VII. 17.

The Lord ] The Messias himself applies, [verse 1] a • d appropriates this verse to himself, Matth. XXII: 44. Mark XII. 36. Luke. XX. 42. Saint Peter from this verse proves Christ's Ascension into heaven, Acts II. 34. Saint Paul relates to it in the point of Christ reign over all enemies, 1 Cor. XV. 25. Denying that the words of this verse were used, or could be used to any of the Angels, Heb. I. 13. And therefore they cannot be appliable to David himself, or to any mere man.

The Lord] Heb. Jehovah. See the Annotations of learned Master Gataker on Isaiah I. 2. and XXVI. 4. See also my Observations on Psalm LXXXIII. 18. and on LXXI. 5. and on LXVIII. 4. This Name of Essence never admits any affix in the Hebrew tongue. And it may lawfully be pronounced; though the ancient Jews refrained from doing so, to gain thereby the more reverence to it. And this Name is common to the three Persons; yet according to the sense and circumstances of divers texts and places, [chapter CIII] specially when relation is had to another Person of the Trinity, it is taken Personaly. And so here for God the Father. As likewise, Psal. II. 7.

said ] In his eternal Decree, predestinating his Son to be the Messias, to execute in time the Office of Mediatorship.

unto my Lord] David's Lord, as well as his Son.

sit thou ] This, and other phrases here, are not proper, but figurative: to be understood, not corporealy, but spiritually. Christ is said in Scripture promiscuously, both to stand, and to sit at the right hand of God, Heb. I. 3. Acts VII. 55, 56. 1 Pet. III. 22.

at my right hand ] The right hand signifies power and strength, Psal. CXVIII. 16. Exod. XV. 6. Psal. CXLIV. 8. Power to help, verse 5. Psal. XVI. 8. and CXLII. 4. Eccles. X. 2. To be or sit there, imports dignity and honor, 1 Kings II. 19. Matth. XX. 21. And such is the meaning here. And this dignity here expressed by this phrase is ascribed to Christ; not in relation to his Deity, for so he and the Father are one. Herein he is, and always was of equal dignity with the Father: But in regard of his Humanity whereby the Father was greater then he: And wherein formerly he had emptied and humbled himself, and suffered, even to death; and so was made a little lower then the Angels. But now hereby he is crowned with glory and honor. Yet this dignity here is not ascribed to his Humanity singly in itself considered, but in supposito, as it hypostaticaly subsists in the Person of the Son of God. And this Dignity is not an elevation and exaltation of the Humanity of our Savior into the Majesty and essential properties and prerogatives of the Divine-nature; and so to have a parity of Dignity with it, an equality in all points; realy communicated to the Humanity in itself, as the Ubiquitaries contend and plead for, and which they refer, not to the Person only; but to the very Human nature also in the Person of the Son of God. But this Dignity of Christ's Humanity is that which is next in degree under God and the Father, above that of the Angels, and all creatures, Heb. I. 3, 4. Ephes. I. 20, 21, 22, 23. given to him in time, after his Ascension, as a consequent and reward of his exinanition and passion, Phil. II. ult. Heb. II. 9. Luke XXIV. 26. This Dignity Saint Paul declares, 1 Cor. XV. 25. and Saint Peter, Acts V. 31. and X. 42. John V. 27. In sum then, as Christ emptied himself, and subjected himself to the Father, not in regard of his Divine nature, but in regard of his Person God-man, and that only out of his Voluntary dispensation; So out of the same his voluntary dispensation it is, that he exercises this office of Mediation in both natures, And here after his Ascension; not before; in the Personal Union of both Natures; he receives this Dignity of sitting on the Fathers right hand; his Person reigning so in both natures. It is not then the Humanity in itself singly taken that sits on the right hand of God; but the Humanity of that Person that sits at the right hand of God: as in the Incarnation it came to pass, not that the Humanity became God, but that the Humanity became then the Humanity of God. And Christ now sitting at the right hand of God doth reign everywhere▪ even as Man also; though his Humanity be not everywhere: as a King doth in his Kingdom, though his body be not everywhere▪ as the Head in the Body, though the Head be not everywhere as the Sun in the firmament enlightens, heats, cherisheth, quickeneth things below, though the Sun remain in its own place above.

until ] 1 Cor. XV. 14, 25, 28. Not yet that the Son shall then leave off all Rule and Reign, and be subject to the Father simply: But that then he shall leave off his Office of Mediation, having then overcome his enemies, and fully gathered his Church; he shall not thenceforth use those means, and actings which formerly he did; the whole work being then finished; then shall he leave off the administration of that delegation which he had formerly freely undertaken, there being then no more need of it. But thenceforth shall he reign together with the Father to all eternity; Dan. VII. 14. Luke I. 23. In a sense not unlike is this particle until used, Psal. CXXIII. 2. Matth. ult. ult. Gen. XXVIII. 15. what is affirmed of the time past, is not denied for the time to come.

I make ] I God the Father. Not excluding God the Son. For the same action is attributed to him, 1 Cor. XV. 25. John XVI. 33, Opera Trinitatis ad extra sunt indivisa.

thine enemies ] The Devil, John XIV. 30. 1 Cor. XV. 24. The World; John XVI. 33. and XV. 18. Antichrist; and all wicked men; Luke XIX. 27. Not, but that these are the enemies of God, and the Father also; John V. 23. And so both are joined together, Psal. II. 2. yet more immediately and directly enemies to Christ the Son, who came into the world to destroy the works of the Devil, 1 John II. 8. enemies to his Kingdom, and his inheritance, Matth. XXI. 38.

thy foot-stool. ] All utterly subdued, and put under thy feet, 1 Cor. XV. 14. As Judge. I. 7. Psal. XLVII. 3. and Psal. XVIII. 39, 40. 1 Kings V. 3. Josh. X. 24. 25. Thus did Sapor the Persian King; Tamerlane the Scythian; and Pope Alexander the fourth to the Emperor Frederick the first. This Conquest was made by Christ's Resurrection and Ascension, Col. II. 15. Ephes. IV. 8. John XII. 3. and chap. XVI. 11. 33. They touch not Christ's person now, as they did when he was upon earth. They have not power over his mystical body; and true members, to domineer over them, subdue them, or deadly destroy them: yet they have power to bite and bruise their heel; and so to persecute Christ in his members, Acts IX. 4. and ch. XXII. 7.

Zech. II. 8. And so the victory is not yet fully complete, Rom. XVI. 20. And this makes for Christ's greater glory, and his children's good. But at the last day, in the end of the world, all the enemies shall be altogether utterly subdued, and destroyed, and punished everlastingly, 1 Cor. XV. 25,—28. Matth. XXV. 41, &c.

The Lord shall send ] The Prophet David here turns his speech to his Lord and Son; and speaks here of Jehovah, what he shall do to, and for him.

the rod of thy strength ] Thy royal Scepter, or Shepherds staff; thy Kingdom, and the Dominion thereof, Ier. XLVIII. 17. Ezek. XIX. 4, 11. thy royal power; which shall be strong, to overpower all the strength of the world opposing it, Rom. I. 16. And this is his Word and Gospel; not any temporal arms or power.

out of Zion ] There began the promulgation, and thence sprang the Propagation of the Gospel, and of Christ's Kingdom; which wondrously subdued all the world, Ps. II. 6, 8. Isaiah II. 2, 3. Mich. IV. 2.

rule thou in the midst of thine enemies ] Here is the success of Christ's Kingdom, even among his enemies. He, and his Church Militant in this world shall still have enemies, Matth. X. 6. Yet he shall rule and reign in the midst of them, in despite of them; and that with all confidence and boldness

Thy people ] As by right of Creation; so chiefly here, [verse 3] by right of Redemption. Here is the success of Christ's Kingdom, among his subjects.

shall be willing ] Their first property; to be prompt, ready, devout, cheerfully obedient, 1 Pet. II. 9. freely led thereto by God's free Spirit, Psal. LI. 12. Rom. VIII. 14. Psal. LIV. 6. 2 Cor. IX. 7. As Judge. V. 9. Nehem. XI. 2. Acts II. 41. Made such by Christ, of unwilling, to be so willing; John VI. 44. Psal. CXIX. 10, 11. 108. and in many other places of that Psalm, Isaiah ELIX. 18. and LV. 5. and LX. 4.

in the day of thy power ] When by the powerful preaching of thy Gospel, thou shalt rule in the midst of thine enemies; and powerfully convert thy people to so willing an obedience unto thee. The word here translated Power, signifies also an army; and may relate to Christ's mustering of his people, as armies, in the days of their solemn assemblies for his worship and service.

in the beauties of holiness ] Or in the comely honors of the Sanctuary; meaning either the comely or honorable places of holiness, the Sanctuary, or Church; or rather, in the beautiful ornaments of holiness, that is, holy graces and virtues, which with admirable variety adorn the faithful, and their inner man.

from the womb ] The second property or condition of the subjects of Christ's Kingdom, to be very numerous: as willing; so numerous: as the dew from the womb of the morning, 2 Sam. XVII. 12. by a sudden, unusual and wonderful increase and multiplication, Isaiah LIV. 1. Micah V. 7. Isaiah LXVI. 9. so numerous shall his youth be; his new-borne people; John I. 13. and III. 3. Gal, IV. 19. Heb. II. 14. 1 Pet. II. 2. See Isaiah LIII. 10. So that these words are not to be understood of the temporal Nativity of Christ from the Virgin, or his eternal generation from the Father as some do; but of his active spiritual generation of his children, the subjects of his Kingdom.

The Lord hath sworn ] The Vocation of Christ to his Office of [verse 4] Priesthood. Jehovah is the Author of it.

hath sworn] Jehovah swears, to confirm matters of greatest moment: when, and where his wisdom pleaseth. And upon this point here of Christ's eternal Priesthood man's salvation dependeth. He swears by himself; though that is not here expressed; because he hath no greater to swear by; Heb. VI. 13, 16. Gen. XXII 16. And so by his life, Isaiah XLIX. 18. by his soul, Jer. LI. 24. by his righthand, and the arm of his strength, Isaiah LXII. 8. The result of all which is the same with himself. And implying thereby thus much, Let me not be accounted what I am, namely God, the living God, the omnipotent God, if that which I speak be not true, or my promises or threatenings do fail of performance. Of Oaths, See the Observations on Jer. LI. 14. and my Annotations on Hos. IV. 15.

and will not repent ] Will not change or retract what he hath sworn, Num. XXIII. 19. James I. 17. Repenting is sometimes ascribed to God; as Gen. VI. 6, 7. Psal. CVI. 45. 1 Sam. XV. 11. 35. Not that there is any change of mind of will in God; as there is in man's repenting: But the change is in the work; God eternally and unchangeably decreeing both, as to do the thing, so again to change it upon man's repentance, or disobedience; Jer. XXVI. 3, 13, 19. Of this see more in the Observations on Jer. XV. 6. In all this God condescends to man's weakness, Heb. VI. 17, 18. Shewes the greatness, and excellency of the thing here avowed; that the Lord Christ was lawfully Called and Ordained to be an eternal Priest for us, and our salvation; for our greater confirmation, and consolation herein.

Thou art ] The Lord Christ well knew this, and could not doubt of the will of the Father herein. What then needed this Oath to be made unto him? Answ. It was made to him, for the use of his Church; that his Church might know and be assured of it. As that John XI. 42.

art ] God saying, is as much as doing.

a Priest ] So Gen. XIV. 18. Heb. VII. 1. Melchizedek in type; Christ in truth, the Antitype. The Priests office was to Teach, Pray, and Sacrifice. The High Priest among the Jews once a year entered into the most Holy place. Yet he in all things was not an absolute and sufficient Type of our High Priest Christ the Lord. For he is an eternal High Priest; and both King and Priest; and his Sacrifice of another nature; and himself of another Tribe.

forever ] Not so the Priests after the order of Aaron, Heb. VII. 23. 34 and chap. IX. 12.

after the order ] Or similitude, Heb. V. 6. and chap. VII. 15.

of Melchizedek ] Much question who this Melchizedek was. He was not the Son of God himself, our Lord and Christ. Very many take him to be Sem the Son of Noah, who saw both worlds, before, and after the Flood; and lived to the one hundred and fiftieth year of the age of Abraham. Yet because Shem genealogy is exactly set down in Scripture; and that the Levitical Priests themselves came from him after sundry descents: and the Land of Canaan seems not to be Shem habitation, which took its name from his younger brother Cham, or from Chams son Canaan: Neither would Abraham so long have forborne his due respects and visitation of Sem in Canaan, if Sem had lived there: Therefore divers learned men take this Melchizedek to be rather some eminent man in Canaan, raised up by God in those corrupt times, both good and godly, both King and Priest, living in Salem, after called Jerusalem; whose King in Joshuas time was called Adoni-Zedeck, that is, Lord of righteousness, Josh. X. 1. As this man here is called Melchizedek, that is, King of righteousness. By which place, or near to it, Abraham in his return from this war and victory, was to pass.

Of this Melchizedek, and his Priesthood, and the difference of it from Aaron's Priesthood, the Apostle to the Hebrews, chap, VII entreateth at large, and observeth divers things; his Name and Title; his greatness in that he blessed Abraham, and received Tythes of Abraham; his being mentioned in Scripture without any Pedegree, without father without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life. All these he had; as our Savior himself had them; but none of them recorded or registered in the Scripture; that he might so become a Type of the eternity of Christ's Person, and Priesthood; verse 3. The Apostle further observeth his Offices, that he was both King and Priest; and that our Savior was made such, with an oath of God the Father; and a Priest of a better Priesthood, Covenant, and Commandment; and that he was made, not after the Law of a carnal commandment, having carnal successors in his Priesthood; but after the power of an endless life, consecrated for evermore, having an eternal Priesthood, and unchangeable, continuing ever, and living ever to make intercession, and by his one, offering up himself once for all, saving them to the uttermost that come to God by him. In all which there are manifold resemblances between Christ and Melchizedek; and manifold differences between theirs and the Aaronical Priesthood. As for those fond and forced dreams of the Papist, That Melchizedek offered up to God the sacrifice of bread and wine; And therein was a Type and Figure of their sacrifice of the Mass; And that thereupon Christ our Lord is said to be a Priest after the order of Melchizedek; These may well befall to them, who for want of the love of the truth, are given up to believe lies; but are too weak, poor, and silly, for us to trouble ourselves withal.

The Lord at thy right hand ] The prophesy of Christ the Lord his administration of his Kingly Office, [verse 5] in this, and the next verse.

The Lord, God, the Father, who will make thine enemies thy footstool, He at thy right hand, ready to assist thee. O Christ; as Psal. XVI. 8. and CIX. 31. Shall strike through Kings, Psal. II. 2, 4, 5. even the highest Powers and Potentates that oppose Christ and his Kingdom, 2 Cor. X. 5. In the day of his wrath, the time appointed in God's wisdom, the time of his just will so to punish them with plagues temporal, eternal, in this life, in that to come, 1 Thes. I. 9, 10. Not that Christ the Lord shall be exempted from this powerful conquest, and overthrow of his enemies; the Son being in all things coequal, consubstantial with the Father; And so the Act coming from the Father, by the Son; But in this speech relation is had to Christ, as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , God and Man, as the King Mediator, and receiving his Office from the Father.

He shall judge ] The Lord at thy right hand shall execute judgments and punishments. [verse 6]

among the heathen] Psal. II. 1. Acts IV. 27. all his enemies whatsoever.

he shall fill the places with the dead bodies ] All places with the carcases of the slain. See Jer. XVI. 4. A figurative and poetical expression of an huge slaughter; such as was that of the Jews at the final destruction of Jerusalem, after the death of our Savior.

he shall wound the head in many countries ] Wound, or strike through. Head for heads collectively, Psal. LXVIII. 21. in many or great countries. See that Apoc. XX. 9, 10.

He ] Christ the Lord. [verse 7] Thus the Prophet passeth from the Father, to the Son. The Father acteth by the Son; the Son from the Father.

shall drink of the brook in the way ] In pursuing the victory over his enemies; he shall do, as Gideon's soldiers did, Judge. VII. 7. admit of no delays; which occasioned that interdict, adjuration, and curse of Saul, 1 Sam. XIV. 24. Or rather, these words seem to have relation to Christ's state of Humiliation; and the rather because of that opposition thereunto in the words following. And so here we have Christ's exinanition, and exaltation; his passion, and resurrection; whereby he was brought to sit at the right hand of the Father, verse 1.

drink ] In passing through this valley of tears, in this world, he shall drink deeply of the cup of sorrows: the waters, floods, and torrents of afflictions and miseries should overtake and encompass him, if not overwhelm and drown him, Psal. LXXXVIII. 7. 17. See Jer. XXV. 15, 16. and chap. XLIX. 12. Matth. XX. 22. John XVIII. 11. Matth. XXVI. 39.

in the way ] Of this life; the way of doing his fathers will for the work of man's redemption, Phil. II. 7, 8. He hid for the time the luster and beams of his Divine Majesty; that it might not hinder the sufferings and death of his Humanity, 1 Cor. II. 8. Matth. XVII. 9.

therefore ] Thus Christ came from his humiliation to his exaltation, from his Priesthood, to his Kingdom. Therefore here notes not a Merit preceding in Christ, meriting for himself this exaltation; or his glory either in body, or soul, his life eternal; All necessarily followed upon that hypostatical Union, which he could not merit to himself. All Christ did, was to merit for us. The particle here notes the consequence or sequel, and order, the means and manner how he came to this exaltation.

shall he lift up the head ] Be exalted; sit at God's right hand. See for the phrase, Psal. III. 3. and XXVII. 6. Jer. LII. 31. Lam. II. 10. sublimi feriet sydera vertice.

Praise ] This is one of the Alphabetical Psalms. [chapter CXI] [verse 1] And so is the next Psalm. Thereby to help memory, and to mark out the excellency of these Psalms. See the Observations on the beginning of the Book of Psalms.

wonderful works] In Egypt. [verse 4. 5.]

meat ] Manna and Quails.

Covenant ] Though they by their sins often and grievously provoked him.

heathen ] Canaanites. [verse 6]

Praise ] [chapter CXII] [verse 1] See the former Psalm.

wealth ] See the Observations on Psal. XXXVII. 1. [verse 3]

light in darkness] Isaiah LVIII. 10. Job XI. 17. Psal. XXXVII. 6. [verse 4]

of evil tidings] Prov. I. 33. Otherwise is it with the wicked, [verse 7] Jer. XLIX. 23.

gnash with his teeth ] See that Luke XIII. [verse 10] 28.

who humbleth himself to behold] Psal. [chapter CXIII] [verse 6] CXXXVIII. 6. and CXXXIX. 1, &c. Job XXXIV. 21, 22. Prov. V. 21. Jer. XVI. 17. contrary to that, Psal. LXXIII. 11. and LXIV. 6. and XCIV. 7,—10. Job XXII. 12, 13.

He raiseth ] 1 Sam. II. 8. [verse 7]

mountains skipped] Sinai, [chapter CXIV] [verse 4] Horeb, quaked and shaked, Exod. XIX. 18. Hab. III. 6, 10. Psal LXVIII. 8.

Their idols are ] Not like unto our God, [chapter CXV] [verse 4] verse 3.

are like unto them ] As much without sense and reason, [verse 8] as blocks and stones.

their help ] Theirs that trust in him: or one person, [verse 9] put for another, which is not unusual.

hath he given ] To their use, [verse 16] in this world. Or, the earth also is the Lord's, which he hath given to the children of men.

The dead praise not] Psal. [verse 17] VI. 5. and XXX. 9. and LXXXVIII. 10, 11, 12. Isaiah XXXVIII. 18.

I love ] This may seem to be David's Psalm, [chapter CXVI] [verse 1] upon his new coming to the Kingdom.

Therefore ] The experience of God's hearing our prayers, [verse 2] doth hearten us to pray the more.

Pains of hell ] The sorrows and straits of death, [verse 3] and the grave, Psal. XVIII. 5, 6.

Gratious ] The issue and effect of Prayer. [verse 5]

thy rest ] Thy quiet comfortable estate in God without trouble of conscience, [verse 7] and that because of God's goodness, and good dealing towards thee.

I believed ] 2 Cor. [verse 10] IV. 13. upon consideration of the Premises, his Faith thus triumphed; notwithstanding his afflictions.

I was greatly afflicted ] The Hebrew word here hath an Active form, but in a Passive signification. As sometimes an Hebrew word in a Passive form, is of an Active signification. See Isaiah XXI. 10. and chap. XXV. 9. and LIII. 7. and Ezek XIV. 4, 7.

haste, [verse 11] All men are liars ] Even the Prophets, as Samuel that promised to me the Kingdom. Yea, all men, in comparison of God; unable to help in time of need, Rom. III. 4.

cup of salvations ] Used in the Israelites Peace-offerings of Thanksgivings, [verse 13] and in the Meat-offerings joined to them, and to their wholeburnt offerings: and used in their holy Feasts, 1 Chron. XVI. 1, 2, 3 whence that seems to be, Luke XXII. 17.

vows ] Made in mine adversity. [verse 14] Of vows, see the Annotations on Jonah I. 16.

Pretious] Psal. LXXII. [verse 15] 14. which God shows in preserving my life from death, in the midst of all mine enemies.

Praise ] The Apostle alledgeth this to prove God's mercy to the Gentiles, [chapter CXVII] [verse 1] that they should therefore glorify him.

O give thanks ] This may seem to be David's Psalm; [chapter CXVIII] [verse 1] and likely inspired and composed upon his return from his last victory over the Ammonites, 2 Sam. XII. 29.

on my side] Heb. [verse 6] XIII. 6. Psal. LVI. 4. 11.

All nations] David had to deal with all the neighbouring nations round about him. [verse 10]

Thou ] Speaking to the enemy. [verse 13]

Open to me ] The gates of the Sanctuary, [verse 19] or house of God; the gates of the Court thereof; which the Levitical Porters were to do, for men to come and serve the Lord.

of righteousness ] For the righteous and clean only were to enter in thereat, 2 Chron. XXIII. 19. See Isaiah XXVI. 2. Apoc. XXI. 27.

The stone] David Typicaly; [verse 22] His Son, the Messias, Realy; Mat. XXI. 42. Ephes. II. 20.

builders refused ] The Rulers refused David in the reigns of Saul, and Ishbosheth. The Priests and Elders refused Christ, Mark XII. 2, 10. Luke XIX. 14. 1▪ Pet. II. 7.

the head stone] Acts IV. 11. Luke XX. 17. Of this stone see more, Isaiah XXVIII. 16. Dan. II. 34, 35, 45. Zech. III. 9. Rom. IX. 33.

the day ] A chief and choice day of God showing his mercy. [verse 24]

Save now • beseech thee ] Heb. Hoshiah • na, [verse 25] in Greek sounded Hosanna; wherewith Christ is welcomed to Jerusalem, and the Temple; Mat. XXI. 9, 15. Luke XIX. 37, 38.

we have blessed you ] These seem to be the Priests words, [verse 26] relating to Num. VI. 23.

light ] Prosperity, [verse 27] under the Kingdom of David, and Christ.

even unto the horns of the Altar ] Likely the horns of the Altar Exod. XXVII. 2. intended for that use. Or, sacrifices abundantly all the Court over till you come to the horns of the Altar, Levite. IV. 7.

Blessed ] Of this Psalm see the Observations on the beginning of the Book of Psalms. [chapter CXIX] [verse 1] David probably is the penman of it. The style is plain, fitted for all capacities. And the Alphabetical order was used for help of memory. It is full of the ardent pious affections of a religious soul. Petitions for saving knowledge, and gracious assistance from God, and Promises of all holy sincere obedience thereupon, are in every Octonarie; with wondrous art and variety of sense; yet running much upon the same words, without any tautology.

Before I was afflicted ] So verse 71. [verse 67] Before I spake or answered, is not so proper an interpretation of this place, though it pleased Junius; unless we understand it thus, Before I cried out by reason of affliction.

my soul is continually in my hand] i. e. [verse 109] my life is daily in danger. As Judge. XII. 3. 1 Sam. XIX. 5. and chap. XXVIII. 21. Many read this text in thy hand, or hands, understanding God's hand, which imports, not danger, but safety and security, as Psal. XXXI. 5. Luke XXIII. 46. 1 Pet. IV. 19. And is indeed a wrong reading; and breeds sundry senses, not consonant, or consisting with the tenor of this verse.

any iniquity ] either in me, [verse 133] subjective; or of others against me, objective. And so the later way may be understood that Gal. II. 7, 90 Ephes. VI. 12. Heb. XII. 4. Psal. XLIX. 5. and XL. 12. and LXV. 3. and XXXIX. 8.

A song of degrees ] or ascensions, [chapter CXX] heights, or excellencies. This, and the fourteen Psalms following, have this Title prefixed. The meaning whereof is variously conjectured; As thus, That they were to be sung with a loud voice, as 1 Chron. XV. 16. Or, upon the steps and degrees of the stairs ascending to the Court of the people, or to that of the Priests, which, they say, were fifteen in number, according to these number of these Psalms. Or, in the coming of the Ark into the Temple. Or in their return out of Babylon. Or to be sung in their return into their own land in the time of the Messias. Others have other conjectures; yet without any certain determination; neither is it much material. Of these, four bear David's title, and some of the rest not unlikely were penned by him.

I] David likely. [verse 1]

from lying lips ] Of such as falsely accused him to Saul. [verse 2] 1 Sam. XXIV. 9. and chap. XXVI. 19.

what shall be given ] What good or profit shalt thou get or gain by it. [verse 3]

sharp arrows ] Such is a false tongue: [verse 4] or, such are the plagues God will render as a reward unto it.

Woe is me ] Laments, [verse 5] that in his exile he was forced to dwell so long with the cruel and barbarous posterity of Mesech, the son of Japheth, Gen. X. 2. and of Kedar, the son of Ishmael, Gen. XXV. 13. or rather, with men of like evil cruel conditions to them.

hills] Moriah, [chapter CXXI] [verse 1] and Zion; where God dwelleth. But most to God himself, verse 2.

The Sun ] By its parching heat; [verse 6] as Jonah IV. 8. Nor the Moon, by its cold vapors. Gen. XXXI. 40. nor any discommodity shall be able to annoy thee, Psal. XCI. 5.

I] David having brought the Ark of the testimony to Jerusalem, [chapter CXXII] [verse 1] and settled the Thrones of judgment there, pens this Psalm of joy and gladness therefore: Praising the City; and praying for the prosperity of it.

testimony ] The Ark. [verse 4] See the Observations on. Ex. 25. 16.

thrones of judgment ] Both Ecclesiastical, [verse 5] and Civil: as God had commanded, Deut. XVII. 8, &c.

the captivity of Zion ] Out of Babylon: [chapter CXXVI] [verse 1] which return figured our Redemption by Christ.

that dream ] So incredible it was, and the joy of it, that we half doubted whether it were true, or but a dream. As Peter did, Acts XII. 9, 11. See Isaiah XXIX. 7, 8. And the like speech we read of in Abdolominus when he was taken from manuring the earth, to possess a Kingdom: and in Isaacus Angelus, when he was suddenly lifted up to the Empire: and in that famous John Chrysostom, when he was first chosen into the Presbyterie.

Turn again ] Prayes that the deliverance begun, [verse 4] may be carried on, and brought to perfection. For it had many stops and hindrances; as appears in the books of Ezra, and Nehemiah.

They that sow in tears ] That went mournfuly into captivity, [verse 5] shall return joyfuly.

for Solomon ] Seemes to be inspired and penned for Solomon, [chapter CXXVII] by David, a little before his death, Psal. LXXII. title

Except the Lord ] This is true generally: [verse 1] yet may relate to the future building of the Temple by Solomon, and the safe keeping of the City Jerusalem: or rather to the building of Solomon's house and posterity.

so ] By building, [verse 2] keeping, blessing their labors without sorrow.

he giveth ] Or surely will give, or rightly doth give.

his beloved ] Whom he loves, and who in assurance of his love commits himself to him and his care. The Hebrew word Iedid seems to allude to Solomon's name Jedediah, 2 Sam. XII. 25. his darling.

sleep ] Or quiet rest, without carking care and sorrow. The Hebrew word is written with 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a quiet dumb letter, otherwise then usual, to denote the more quietness. And this rest, not your care and toil, but God's blessing, will bring unto you, Prov. X. 22.

Blessed ] The Blessings that ordinarily follow them that Fear the Lord▪ [chapter CXXVIII] [verse 1] Take in with this the main matter of that in Psal. LXXIII.

eat the labor ] As on the other side it is true of the wicked, Prov. I. 31.

the cords ] Wherewith they drew their Plough; [chapter CXXIX] [verse 4] to make long furrows upon the back of the Church.

his bosom ] Or arms; [verse 7] as Isaiah XLIX. 22.

The blessing ] As Ruth II. [verse 8] 4.

Out of the depths] Psal. [chapter CXXX] [verse 1] LXIX. 1, 2.

forgiveness with thee; that thou mayst be feared] Hos III. [verse 4] 5. God's fidelity, and the truth of his promises for the forgiveness of our sins, his mercy, and our plenteous redemption, is the true cause of our fearing of him, and hoping in him, verse 7. If without this, God did strictly mark our iniquities, our hope in him, and reverential fear and worship of him, would utterly fail and perish.

shall redeem] Psal. [verse 8] XXV. 22. and CIII. 3, 4.

not haughty ] In aspiring to the Kingdom; [chapter CXXXI] [verse 1] and that by Saul's ruin and destruction.

as a weaned child ] That is, [verse 2] free from such ambitious thoughts. I rested quiet in thy will and promise.

Let Israel ] By my example. [verse 3]

A Song ] This seems to be David's, [chapter CXXXII] at his bringing of the Ark to Jerusalem. Some say, Solomon's; acting what his father purposed and ordered, 2 Sam. VII. 8. with 2 Chron. VI. 41.

his afflictions ] In coming to the crown; [verse 1] and his afflicting cares, to bring home the Ark, and build God an House; as in the verses following.

surely ] If I enter. [verse 3] A form of an oath, or curse, Let me perish if I enter.

my house ] Newly built, and mentioned, 1 Chron. XV. 1.

sleep ] In that house. [verse 4] Or at least he would never do so quietly, till the Ark were in its resting place.

we heard of it ] We Bethleemites heard of the Ark. [verse 6]

at Ephratha ] That it was, or had been at Shiloh in the tribe of Ephraim: or much rather, we at Bethlehem Ephratha, in our own country, heard of it, Micah V. 2. Gen. XXXV. 16, 19. 1 Sam. I. 1. See the Annotations on Micah V. 2.

we found it in the fields of the wood ] Or Jaar; in Kiriath-jearim, a City seated in the woods, as the name importeth. And of Kiriath-jearim, See the Observations on 1 Sam. VII. 1.

Arise ] 2 Chron. [verse 8] VI. 41. Num. X. 35. Psal. LXVIII. 1.

thy rest ] Ver. 13, 14. still flitting and wandering before.

clothed ] As with their sacred garments. [verse 6] See Apoc. XIX. 8. Eph. IV. 24. Col. III. 10, 12, 14. Gal. III. 27. Rom. XIII. 14.

For thy servant David's sake] Verse 1. [verse 10] thy Covenant, and Promises made to him, 1 Kings 8. 25. Psal. LXXXIX. 20. Isaiah XXXVII. 35. And for Christ's sake, called David, Hos. III. 5. See the Annotations upon that text.

of thine anointed ] Me, thine anointed King.

of thy body ] This relates to Christ, [verse 11] Acts II. 30.

If thy children ] Thus conditional to David's posterity, [verse 12] 2 Sam. VII. 14. Psal. LXXXIX. 30—33.

for evermore ] Verified only in Christ, the Son of David.

the horn of David to bud] Psal. LXXXIX. 24. Luke I. 69. [verse 17]

a lamp ] 1 Kings XI. 36. and XV. 4. 2 Kings VIII. 19.

Hermon ] See the Observations on Deut. [chapter CXXXiif.] [verse 3] IV. 48. Hermon and Zion here are far distant mountains. And so the dew of Hermon descends not upon the mountains of Zion; but the similitude is twice repeated, of the dew falling upon those two several distinct and distant mountains.

commanded] Psal. XLII. 8. and XLIV. 4. and LXVIII. 28. and LXXI. 3. Deut. XXVIII. 8.

by night ] 1 Chron. [chapter CXXXiV.] [verse 1] IX. 33. Psal. XCII. 3. and CXIX. 147. Luke I • . 37. 1 Sam. III. 3. Some think that this, and the next Psalm, were made for the use of such worshippers by night.

for the rain ] Or, [chapter CXXXV] [verse 7] with the rain; or to show that rain is coming.

repent ] Even in the judging of his people; [verse 14] he will be so tender towards them.

Rivers ] May comprehend here Euphrates, [chapter CXXXvii.] [verse 1] and Tigris, or Eulaeus or Chabor, being then all under the Babylonish Empire.

of Babylon ] In the seventy years captivity. Of Babylon, see the Observations on Dan. IV. 30.

of Edom] Obadiah, [verse 7] verse 10,—16. Ezek XXV. 12. Jer. XLIX. 7. Lament. IV. 2.

thy little ones ] Sin enough in Babylon, [verse 9] in the Land of Shinar, Zech. V. 8, 11. Sin enough in these little ones: as in the little ones of the old world drowned with Noah's flood: as in the little ones of Sodom, burned with brimstone: &c.

thy Word above all thy name ] Or, [chapter CXXXVIII] [verse 2] thy name above all things by thy Word. Or, thy Word with all thy name. Thy Promise in Christ concerning thy people is greater then all other things whereby thou hast made thyself known.

with strength.] Ephes. [verse 3] III. 16, 20.

in the ways of the Lord ] Or, [verse 5] of the ways, Psal. CIII. 7. when they shall be converted.

will perfect] Phil. [verse 8. 8.] I. 6. Psal. LVII. 2.

my bed in hell ] In the grave. [chapter CXXXiX.]

in the lowest parts of the earth ] His mothers womb, [verse 15] Eccles. XI. 5. So Ephes. IV. 9. may be understood of Christ's Incarnation. Sometimes this phrase is meant of the Grave; as Psal. LXIII. 9.

when I awake I am still with thee ] Still meditating of thee, [verse 18] and finding new occasions to think of thee, and praise thee. Or, I watch night and day to be found still cleaving to thee. Or, when I have spent the whole day in those precious thoughts of thee verse 17. the next morning I am where I was, I am but at the beginning still; the more I think of them, the more wonderful they appear to me still.

Surely ] This may be rendered here as a Wish. [verse 19]

violent man] Saul, [chapter CXL] [verse 1] and his Agents.

O God ] Jehovih. [verse 7] See the Observations on Isaiah XXVI. 4. and on Psal. LXXI. 5.

the strength of my salvation] Ephes. VI. 17.

of David ] This may seem inspired and composed by David when he was in the Wilderness of En-gedi, [chapter CXLI] 1 Sam. XXIV. about the same time when the next Psalm, and Psalm LVII. were composed.

door ] In the Hebrew dal is contracted here for deleth: [verse 3] as Chaji, 2. Sam. XXIII. 23. for Chajil, 1 Chron. XI. 22.

incline not ] By Satan, [verse 4] or my own corruption, James I. 13, 14. So Matth. VI. 13.

not eat of their dainties ] Lest by their prosperity I should be allured to be wicked, as they are.

for yet my prayer ] I will requite them with my best prayers, [verse 5] when they most need them.

when their Judges ] The Chieftains and Senators of mine adversaries. [verse 6]

in stony places ] Where they persecute, and pursue me.

they shall hear my words ] Then; that they are sweet, pleasing, and inoffensive to mine adversaries.

Our bones] David's, [verse 7] and his followers; they are in such like present danger.

when he was in the cave] Psal LVII. 1 Sam. XXIV. 4. The later part of this prayer seems, [chapter CXLII] as spoken in the cave. Yet it all might be composed after his deliverance out of it. As that Prayer Jonah II.

prison ] This Cave, [verse 7] wherein I am shut up, as in a close prison.

faithfulness ] [chapter CXLIII] [verse 1] For performance of thy faithful and true promises made to me.

righteousness ] To maintain and defend a righteous cause.

Enter not ] Though my cause be just; [verse 2] yet my person is sinful and unjust, not able to abide thy judgment, Rom. III. 20. So Job XXII. 4. and XIV. 3. Gal. II. 16.

no man living ] Heb. not all living, i. e. not any living. As Mat. XXIV. 22. 1 John II. 21. 2 Pet. I. 20. Psal. LXXVI. 5.

is desolate ] Or wondrously amazed, [verse 4] upheld only by God's power.

cause me ] The work is God's. [verse 8] He the actor of it. And therefore to him he lifts up his soul. So verse 10.

good; lead me ] Or, [verse 10] by thy good Spirit lead me: Thus prayer-wise: or shall lead me; spoken in way of assurance.

of David ] It seems composed after he came to the crown, [chapter CXLIV] [verse 3] and had got some victories over his enemies; and yet other enemies were ready to invade him, 2 Sam. V. & VIII.

what is man] Psal. VIII. 5. Job VII. 17. Heb. II. 6.

Bow the heavens ] Shew thyself present on earth, [verse 5] for my help; and my foes ruin, who are like mountains, in comparison of other men, 1 Sam. XXII. 10.

a right hand of falsehood ] Though they shake hands, [verse 8] yet they keep not promise.

whose God is the Lord ] This is opposed to all the other worldly wealth; [verse 15] as far more then over-poising it all.

of praise ] His Hymn. [chapter CXLV] And the whole book in Hebrew is called the book of Hymns, or Praises. This is an Alphabetical Psalm. Only the letter Nun is wanting. See the Observations on Psal. XXV. 1. and on the beginning of the book of Psalms.

over all his works ] Or, [verse 9] towards.

upholdeth all that fall] Psal. [verse 14] CXLVI. 8. all whom he in his goodness knows are to be upholden; without whom, and his goodness none are upholden. But some fall, and never rise.

wait upon thee] Psal CIV. [verse 15] 27. 28.

in truth ] This in Prayer requireth sincerity, [verse 18] without hypocrisy; faith, repentance, earnestness, and constancy.

the desire ] Or will. We pray that God's will may be done, [verse 19] Matth. VI. 10 Here he doth his servants will. So he honoreth them that honor him, 1 Sam. II. 30. And their will agrees with his, 1 John V. 14.

Praise ye the Lord ] Heb. [chapter CXLVI] [verse 1] Halelu-jah. And thus do begin, and end likewise, the rest of the Psalms that follow. In the Greek, it is Alleluia Apoc. XIX. 1. Halelu-jah, is in Psal. CIV. and CVI. and CXXXV. and in many others.

which executeth judgment ] Who succors and relieves all, [verse 7] in, and according to their several necessities; He it is that doth it; But that when, and how, in his wisdom and goodness it seemeth to him best.

outcasts] Deut. [chapter CXLVII] [verse 2] XXX. 4.

telleth the number] Isaiah XL. [verse 4] 26. though to man they are innumerable, Ier. XXXIII. 22. at least in common opinion, and of him indeed cannot be all seen. The number of the stars is counted by ancient Astronomers; And all within, and without their several Constellations, in their several magnitudes, are reduced by all, much under the number of two thousand. Yet their number, in Scripturephrase, is marshaled with the sands of the sea, as innumerable. Which is spoken according to vulgar opinions and apprehensions; as that of the Sun, and Moon Gen. I 16. And divers other things are in Scripture in like sort spoken of. And yet the innumerable multitude of them appears the more, in our times; Wherein Galileus, and others after him by their new instruments and Tubi Optici, have made such strange discoveries of many many numbers of them, never seen before.

young ravens] Job XXXVIII. [verse 9] 41. Psal. CIV. 27, 28. Matth. VI. 26.

fat of wheat] Psal. [verse 14] LXXXI. 16. Deut. XXXII. 14.

runneth] Psal. [verse 15] XXXIII. 9.

snow like wool ] accordingly the phrase is, [verse 16. 17. 19.] fleeces of snow.

his ice like morsels ] Frost, or frozen hailstones.

his word unto Jacob ] This is singular mercy, and peculiar to his Church: far beyond all those formerly mentioned: for which his Church is so bound to praise him.

stars of light] Job XXXVIII. [chapter CXLVIII] [verse 3] 7.

havens of heavens ] The heaven of heavens is the highest heaven; [verse 4] called the third heaven, 2 Cor. 2. XII. The sky where the stars are, is the second heaven. And the air under it, and next us, is the first heaven: In the upper part whereof are the waters here mentioned. For this Text, and Gen. I, 6, 7. yield not a sure foundation whereon to build an Orbe of supercelestial waters, above the starry heavens; nor from the windows of that Orbe came the waters in Noah's flood. But from the lowest region of the air, called Heaven, and the firmament of Heaven, wherein the winds, clouds, and fowls do fly; and do divide between the sea-waters, and the watery clouds which moisten the earth, and make it bring forth fruit for the sustenance of man, and beast. See Gen. I. 20. Jer. LI. 16. Dan. VII. 2, 13. Psal. LXXVIII. 23. Mal. III. 10.

a decree ] Statute, [verse 6] Rule, and Ordinance, whereby every creature is bound to his set time, place, and function, Job XIV. 5. and XXVI. 10. and XXXVIII, 33. Jer. XXXI. 35. and XXXIII. 25.

the horn of his people] Psal. [verse 14] LXXV. 10. the power, glory, and Kingdom of his people and Church: and that by Christ, who is the horn of salvation, Luke I. 69.

him that made him ] Heb. [chapter CXLIX] [verse 2] his makers. Likely relating to the Trinity of persons, as Gen. I. 26. and III. 22. and XI. 7. Job. XXXV. 10. Eccles. XII. 1. Isaiah VI. 8. LIV. 5.

King ] Christ, of whom King David was a Type. As Mat. XXI. 5. Cant. I. 4,

upon their beds ] Night and day, [verse 5] Psal. LXIII. 6. Job XXXV. 10.

and a two-edged sword ] Heb. [verse 9] two-mouthed. This chiefly at least aims at the spiritual sword, Ephes. VI. 17. Heb. IV. 12. Apoc. I. 16. which is the Word of God, coming out of Christ's mouth.

To execute vengeance upon the heathen ] Chiefly in and by the power and preaching of the Gospel, [verse 7] 2 Cor. X. 4, 5, 6, 8. See Isaiah XLI. 15, 16. John XVI. 8, 9.

To binder their Kings] Psal. [verse 8] II. 2, 3, 9, 10. Isaiah XLV. 14. Mark VI. 20. Acts XXIV. 25. Apoc. XXI 24. Matth. XVI. 19.

the judgment written ] This may have reference to that Law, [verse 6] Deut. VII. 1, 2. Or, to the exact rule of God's Word, without any addition, or diminution. Deut. XII. 32. Apoc. XXII. 18.

This honor] Deut. IV. 6, 7, 8.

Sanctuary ] His holy place. [chapter CL] [verse 1] Or, sanctity, in and for his holy essence.

firmament of his power ] His power seen in the firmament, in the stretching out and spreading abroad of it, Psal. XIX. 2. Dan. XII. 3.

that hath breath] Apoc. [verse 6] V. 13.