NOTES ON The Book of PSALMS
We have now before us one of the choicest parts of the Old Testament, wherein there is
so much of Christ and his gospel, as well as of God and his law, that it has been called
the summary of both Testaments. The history of Israel; which we were long upon, instructed
us in the knowledge of God. The book of Job gave us profitable disputations, concerning
God and his providence. But this book brings us into the sanctuary, draws us off from
converse with men, with the philosophers or disputers of this world, and directs us into
communion with God. It is called, the Psalms, in Hebrew Tehillim, which properly signifies
Psalms of praise, because many of them are such; but Psalms is a more general word,
meaning all poetical compositions, fitted to be sung. St. Peter styles it, The book of
Psalms. It is a collection of Psalms, of all the Psalms that were divinely inspired,
composed at several times, on several occasions, and here put together, without any
dependence on each other. Thus they were preserved from being scattered and lost, and kept
in readiness for the service of the church. One of these is expressly said to be the
prayer of Moses. That some of them were penned by Asaph, is intimated, 2Chron 29:30,
where they are said to praise the Lord, in the words of David and Asaph, who is there
called a seer or prophet. And some of the Psalms seem to have been penned long after, at
the time of the captivity in Babylon. But the far greater part were wrote by David, who
was raised up for establishing the ordinance of singing Psalms in the church of God, as
Moses and Aaron were for settling the ordinance of sacrifice. Theirs indeed is superseded,
but this will remain, 'till it be swallowed up in the songs of eternity. There is little
in the book of Psalms of the ceremonial law. But the moral law is all along magnified, and
made honourable. And Christ the foundation, corner and top - stone of all religion, is
here clearly spoken of; both his sufferings, with the glory that should follow, and the,
kingdom he would set up in the world.
Chapter I
This psalm was put first as a preface to all the rest, as a powerful persuasive to
the serious study of the whole book, and of the rest of the holy scripture, taken from
that blessedness which attends upon the study and practice of it. It shews us, the
holiness and happiness of a good man, ver. 1 - 3 The sinfulness and misery of a wicked
man, ver. 4, 5. The ground and reason of both, ver. 6.
| 1 |
Blessed - The Hebrew words are very emphatical: O the blessedness of that man! Counsel
- That doth not lead his life according to their counsel, or manner of living. Standeth -
Which notes a more settled abode in it. Way - In their manner of conversation. Seat -
Which notes a constant and resolved perseverance in their wicked courses. Scornful - Of
those who make a mock of sin, and scoff at goodness and goodmen. Divers observe a
gradation in this verse; the following clause still exceeding the former, for standing is
more than walking, and sitting more than standing; and sinners in scripture use, are worse
than the ungodly, and the scornful are the worst of sinners. |
| 2 |
Day and night - Not seldom and slightly, but diligently, and constantly. |
| 3 |
Whither - His happiness is not short and transitory, but, like those trees which are
continually green and flourishing. |
| 4 |
Ungodly - Their condition is far different. Chaff - They are restless and unquiet:
their seeming felicity, hath no firm foundation, but quickly vanishes and flees away as
chaff before the wind. |
| 5 |
Not stand - Not endure the trial. Judgment - In the great and general judgment of the
world. |
| 6 |
Knoweth - He approves, loves, and delights in them, and therefore will recompence
them. Perish - All their designs and courses shall come to nothing, and they shall perish
with them. |
Chapter II
There is nothing in this psalm which is not applicable to Christ, but some things
which are not all applicable to David. Threatenings denounced against the adversaries of
Christ's kingdom, ver. 1 - 6. Promises made to Christ, ver. 7 - 9. Counsel given to all,
to submit to him, ver. 10 - 12.
| 1 |
Heathen - Who did so against David, 2Sam 5:6,17 1Chron 14:8, and against
Christ, Luke 18:32 Acts 4:25, &c. |
| 2 |
The kings - Herod, and Pilate and others with or after them. Earth - So called in way
of contempt and to shew their madness in opposing the God of heaven. Set - The word
denotes the combination of their counsels and forces. Anointed - Against the king whom God
hath chosen and exalted. |
| 3 |
And cast - The same thing expressed with more emphasis. Let us not only break off
their yoke and the cords by which it is fastened upon us, but let us cast them far away. |
| 4 |
Sitteth - As the king of the whole world. Heavens - As an evidence both of God's clear
and certain knowledge of all things that are done below, and of his sovereign and
irresistible power. Laugh - Shall despise them and all their crafty devices. |
| 6 |
Yet - Notwithstanding all their artifices and combinations. My king - Who ruleth in my
stead, and according to my will, and for my glory. Zion - Over my church and people. Zion
strictly taken, was an hill on the north part of Jerusalem, where there was a strong fort,
called the city of David, but in a more large sense it is put for the city of Jerusalem,
for the temple of Jerusalem, built upon the hill of Moriah, which was either a part of
mount Sion, or adjoining to it; for the church of the Jews, and for the Christian church. |
| 7 |
The decree - The will and appointment of God concerning this. My sin - Which tho' it
may in some sort be said to, or of David, yet much more properly belongs to Christ, who is
commonly known by this title both in the Old and New Testament, and to whom this title is
expressly appropriated by the holy ghost, who is the best interpreter of his own words, Acts
13:33 Heb 1:5. This day - This may be understood either,
- Of his eternal generation. This day, from all eternity, which is well described by this
day, because in eternity there is no succession, no [yesterday,] no [tomorrow,] but it is
all as one continued day or moment without change or flux; or,
- Of the manifestation of Christ's eternal son - ship in time; which was done both in his
birth and life, when his being the son of God was demonstrated by the testimony of the
angel, Luke 1:32, and of God the Father, Matt 3:17 17:5, and by
his own words and works; and in his resurrection, which seems to be here mainly intended,
of which day this very place is expounded, Acts 13:33. When Christ was in a
most solemn manner declared to be the son of God with power, Rom 1:4.
|
| 8 |
Earth - Not only the Jewish nation, but the whole world. |
| 9 |
Them - Those that will not quietly submit to thee, shall be crushed and destroyed by
thee. This was in part fulfilled, when the Jews who persisted in unbelief, were destroyed
by the Romans power: And in the destruction of the Pagan power, when the Christian
religion came to be established. But it will not be compleatly fulfilled, 'till all
opposing power and principality be put down. |
| 10 |
Now - While you have time for repentance and submission. |
| 11 |
Fear - With an awful sense of his great and glorious majesty. Rejoice - Do not esteem
his yoke your dishonour and grievance; but rejoice in this inestimable grace and benefit.
Trembling - This is added to warn them of taking heed that they do not turn this grace of
God into wantonness. |
| 12 |
Kiss - In token of your subjection and adoration; whereof this was a sign among the
eastern nations. The son - The son of God. Ye perish - Be taken out of the way by death or
destruction. Wrath - The least degree of his anger is terrible. |
Chapter III
David complains to God of his enemies, ver. 1, 2. Comforts himself in God, and the
experience of his goodness, ver. 3 - 6. Triumphs in the salvation of God, ver. 7, 8 A
psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.
| 2 |
My soul - Of me: the soul being commonly put for the person. In God - God hath utterly
forsaken him. Selah - This word is no where used but in this poetical book, and in the
song of Habakkuk. Probably it was a musical note, directing the singer either to lift up
his voice, to make a pause, or to lengthen the tune. But withal, it is generally placed at
some remarkable passage; which gives occasion to think that it served also to quicken the
attention of the singer and hearer. |
| 3 |
A shield - My defence. My glory - Thou hast formerly given, and wilt farther give
occasion of glorying in thy power and favour. Lifter up - Thou wilt restore me to my
former power and dignity. |
| 4 |
His hill - Out of heaven, so called, Psal 15:1. |
| 5 |
Slept - Securely, casting all my cares upon God. Awaked - After a sweet and
undisturbed sleep. |
| 7 |
Cheek bone - Which implies contempt and reproach. Teeth - Their strength and the
instruments of their cruelty. He compares them to wild beasts. |
Chapter IV
David prays, reproves the wicked, and testifies the happiness of the righteous,
ver. 1 - 3. Exhorts them to consider and serve God, ver. 4 - 5. Declares his own
experience of the grace of God, ver. 6 - 8. To the chief musician on Neginoth, A psalm of
David.
Title of the psalm. Chief musician - The director of the musick of the temple. Neginoth
- Or, on stringed instruments, as this word is translated, Hab 3:19.
| 1 |
O God - The witness and defender of my righteous cause. |
| 2 |
My glory - By his glory probably he means that honour which God had conferred upon
him. Vanity - Wickedness. Lying - Those calumnies which they raised against him, to make
him odious to all the people. |
| 3 |
Godly - Me, whom, though you traduce as an hypocrite, God hath pronounced to he a man
after his own heart, 1Sam 13:14. For himself - In his stead, or to be his
vicegerent, as all kings are, and especially the kings of God's own people. |
| 4 |
In awe - Be afraid, if not of me, yet of God, who hath engaged in my cause. Sin not -
By prosecuting your rebellion against God's authority. On your bed - Calmly consider these
things in the silent night, when you are at leisure from distracting business. Be still -
Compose your tumultuous minds. |
| 5 |
Offer - Unto God, that he may be reconciled to you. Righteousness - Righteous
sacrifices; which requires that the persons offering them be righteous and do righteous
things, and offer them with an honest mind, with faith and true repentance. Without which,
he intimates, that all their sacrifices were of no esteem with God, and would be wholly
unprofitable to them. |
| 6 |
Many - Of my followers, who are weary of waiting upon God. Who - Who will put an end
to our troubles, and give us tranquility. Lift up - Upon me and my friends. Give us an
assurance of thy love, and evidence it by thy powerful assistance. |
| 7 |
Thou hast - Whatsoever thou shalt do with me for the future, I have at present
unspeakable satisfaction in the testimonies of thy love to my soul; more than worldly
persons have in the time of a plentiful harvest. |
| 8 |
In peace - In tranquility of mind, resting securely upon God's promises. |
Chapter V
David beseeches God to hear his prayer, ver. 1 - 3. Assures himself of God's
justice against his enemies, ver. 4 - 6. Declares his resolution: to serve God, ver. 7.
Prays for himself and the people of God, and against his enemies, ver. 8 - 12. To the
chief musician upon Nehiloth, A psalm of David.
Title of the psalm. Nehiloth - This is no where else used in scripture. It is thought
to signify a wind - instrument, as Neginoth signified stringed instruments.
| 1 |
Meditation - My prayer accompanied with deep thoughts and fervent affections of soul. |
| 3 |
Morning - Every morning. As soon as I wake, I am still with thee, as he saith, Psal
139:18. The first thing that I do is to pray to thee. |
| 4 |
Surely - Thou dost not approve of, nor delight in them, or in their prayers. Dwelt -
Have any fellowship with thee. |
| 7 |
Come - With holy boldness and confidence. Mercy - Trusting only in thy great mercy.
Fear - With an holy dread and reverence of thy majesty. Towards - Looking towards it, when
I cannot come to it. |
| 8 |
Righteousness - In thy righteous laws. Because - That I may give them no occasion of
slandering me, or religion for my sake. The way - The way wherein thou wouldst have to one
walk. Plain - That I may clearly discern it, and readily walk in it. |
| 9 |
Throat - Wide opened ready to devour all that come within their reach. A metaphor from
wild beasts gaping for the prey. |
| 10 |
Destroy - Condemn and punish them. Cast - Out of thy land, and from among thy people. |
Chapter VI
David being sick both in body and mind, because he had offended God, presents his
misery before him, ver. 1 - 3. Begs the return of his favour, ver. 4 - 7. Assures himself
of an answer of peace, ver. 8 - 10. To the chief musician on Neginoth, upon Sheminith, A
psalm of David.
Title of the psalm. Upon Sheminith - Or, upon the eighth. It is thought to be the
loftiest note, as Alamoth is the lowest; but this is only conjecture; the Jews themselves
have no certain knowledge of their own ancient musick.
| 2 |
Bones - My inmost parts. |
| 5 |
In death - Among the dead. Remembrance - He speaks of the remembrance or celebration
of God's grace in the land of the living, to the edification of God's church, and the
propagation of true religion among men; which is not done in the other life. |
| 6 |
With my tears - It well becomes the greatest spirits to be tender, and to relent under
the tokens of God's displeasure. David who could face Goliath himself, melts into tears at
the remembrance of sin, and under the apprehension of Divine wrath, and it is no
diminution to his character. |
| 8 |
Hath heard - By the workings of God's grace upon his heart, he knew his prayer was
accepted. His tears had a voice, in the ears of the God of mercy. Silent tears are no
speechless ones. Our tears are cries to God. |
| 10 |
Ashamed - Of their vain confidence. Return - Repent of their sins and return to their
obedience. |
Chapter VII
David prays for deliverance from his enemies, ver. 1, 2. Appeals to God for his
innocence, ver. 3 - 5. Prays to him to judge his cause, ver. 6 - 9. Expresses his
confidence in God, ver. 10 - 17. Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the Lord,
concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite.
Title of the psalm. Shiggaion - This seems to be the name of a kind of song, or
instrument, which then was well known, but now is only matter of conjecture. Words - The
false report raised by him. Cush - Probably some eminent commander or courtier under Saul.
| 2 |
Lest - Mine enemy. Tear - Out of my body. |
| 3 |
Hands - Which Cush and others falsely lay to my charge. Iniquity - In my actions. |
| 4 |
Deliver - When it was in my power to destroy him, as 1Sam 24:2 - 6. |
| 6 |
Lift up - Glorify thyself, and shew thyself to be above them. Commanded - To execute
that righteous sentence, which thou hast commanded, appointed, and declared by thy prophet
Samuel. |
| 7 |
Compass - They will come from all parts to worship thee, and offer to thee praises and
sacrifices. High - To thy tribunal, to sit there and judge my cause. An allusion to
earthly tribunals, which generally are set up on high above the people. |
| 9 |
O - Put a stop to their wicked practices. |
| 11 |
Every day - Even then, when his providence seems to favour them, and they are most
secure and confident. |
| 12 |
He will - God will hasten, and speedily execute his judgments upon him. |
| 13 |
Him - For the wicked. Ordaineth - Designs or fits for this very use. Of all sinners,
persecutors are set up as the fairest marks of Divine wrath. They set God at defiance but
cannot set themselves out of the reach of his judgments. |
| 14 |
Travelleth - This metaphor denotes his deep design, and vigorous endeavours for doing
mischief, and his restlessness and pain 'till he have accomplished it. |
Chapter VIII
David extols the majesty, power, and providence of God, ver. 1, 2. And his loving -
kindness to mankind, ver. 3 - 5. In giving him dominion over this lower world, ver. 6 - 9.
To the chief musician upon Gittith, A psalm of David.
Title of the psalm. Gittith - This also is supposed to be the name of a tune, or
instrument.
| 1 |
In - Not only in Israel, but among all nations. Which shews that this psalm speaks of
the Messiah, and the times of the New Testament. Heavens - Where thy throne of glory is
established, where the blessed angels celebrate thy praises, where Christ sitteth at thy
right hand in glorious majesty, from whence he poureth down excellent gifts upon babes. |
| 2 |
Babes - Weak and foolish, and contemptible persons, who are frequently called babes or
children. Such are very unfit to grapple with an enemy: and therefore when such persons
conquer the most powerful and malicious enemies, it must needs confound them, and advance
the glory of God: as indeed it did, when such mean persons as the apostles, and disciples
of Christ, maintained and propagated the gospel, in spite of all the wit, power, and rage
of their enemies. Ordained - Perfectly or firmly settled strength; that is, the praise of
his strength or power, Mat 21:16, it is rendered praise. Still - Silence and
confound them. Avenger - The devil, and all who are his vassals and espouse his quarrel. |
| 3 |
The moon - Either the sun is included under this general title: or he omitted it,
because he made this psalm by night. Ordained - Placed in that excellent and unalterable
order, and directed to their several motions. |
| 4 |
What is man - How mean and inconsiderable a thing is man, if compared with thy
glorious majesty. Man - Heb. infirm, or miserable man. By which it is apparent that he
speaks of man, not according to the state of his creation, but as fallen into a state of
sin and misery, and mortality. Mindful - Carest for him, and conferest such high favours
upon him. The son - Heb. the son of Adam, that great apostate from God, the sinful son of
a sinful father, his son by likeness of disposition and manners, no less than by
procreation. All which tends to magnify the following mercy. Visitest - Not in anger, as
that word is sometimes used, but with thy grace and mercy. |
| 5 |
For - Thou hast in Christ mercifully restored man to his primitive estate, wherein he
was but one remove below the angels; from which he was fallen by sin. Crowned - Man,
fallen and lost man: who is actually restored to glory and dominion in Christ his head and
representative, who received this crown and dominion for man's good, and in his stead;
which he will in due time communicate to his members. And so the two expositions of this
place concerning mankind and concerning Christ, may be reconciled. For he speaks of that
honourable estate conferred first upon Christ, and then by his hands upon mankind. But the
words more literally rendered are, Thou madest him a little less than God. And hence some
have inferred, that man in his original state was the highest of all creatures. |
Chapter IX
David praises God for giving him victory over his enemies, ver. 1 - 6. Triumphs in
confidence that God would judge the world and protect his people, ver. 7 - 10. Calls
others to praise him, ver. 11, 12. Prays for help, and praises God, ver. 13 - 20. To the
chief musician upon Muth - labben, A psalm of David.
Title of the psalm. Muth - labben - This also seems to be a title of some tune, or
instrument: of which we may be content to be ignorant, as the Jewish doctors are.
| 3 |
Turned back - Put to flight. |
| 7 |
But - Though cities and people may perish, yet the Lord abides for ever. Which is
sufficient for the terror of his enemies, and the comfort of his church. |
| 10 |
Thy name - Thy infinite power and wisdom, and faithfulness and goodness. The name of
God is frequently put for God. Put their trust - The experience of thy faithfulness to thy
people in all ages, is a just ground for their confidence. |
| 11 |
Zion - Whose special and gracious presence is there. People - To the heathen nations. |
| 12 |
Blood - The bloodshed of his innocent and holy ones: which though he may not seem to
regard for a season, yet he will certainly call the authors of it to a severe account.
Them - The humble, as it follows, or the oppressed, ver.9, that trust in him,
and seek to him, ver.10, whom he seemed to have forgotten. |
| 14 |
Gates - In the great assemblies. These gates he elegantly opposes to the former. Of -
Of the people who live or meet together in Zion. For cities are as it were mothers to
their people, and the people are commonly called their daughters. So the names of the
daughters of Egypt, Jer 46:11, and of Edom, Lam 4:21,22, and of
Tyre, Psal 45:12, are put for the people of those places. |
| 16 |
Higgaion - This is either a musical term, or a note of attention, intimating that the
matter deserves deep meditation, or consideration, as the word signifies. |
| 17 |
Forget - That do not regard God, nor his precepts, nor his threatenings and judgments.
|
Chapter X
David complains of and describes the wicked, ver. 1 - 15. Prays to God to appear
against them, and rejoices in the prospect of it, ver. 12 - 18.
| 3 |
Boasteth - He glorieth in his very sins which are his shame, and especially in the
satisfaction of his desires. |
| 4 |
Countenance - So called, because though pride be properly seated in the heart, yet it
is manifest in the countenance. |
| 5 |
Judgments - Thy threatenings denounced against, and punishments inflicted upon
sinners. Are far - He doth not regard or fear them: yea he despises them, being confident
that he can blow them away with a breath. This is a gesture of contempt or disdain, both
in scripture, and other authors. |
| 7 |
Tongue - Under his fair and plausible speeches, mischief is hid and covered. Vanity -
Or, injury, the vexation or oppression of other men. |
| 8 |
Sitteth - Not within the villages, but in the ways bordering upon them, or leading to
them, as robbers use to do. Are set - Heb. Are hid. He watches and looks out of his
lurking - place. He alludes still to the practices of robbers. |
| 10 |
Croucheth - Like a lion (for he continues the same metaphor) which lies close upon the
ground, partly that he may not be discovered, and partly that he may more suddenly and
surely lay hold on his prey. |
| 13 |
Contemn - Why dost thou by giving them impunity, suffer and occasion them to despise
thee? |
| 14 |
Requite - Heb. to give (to restore or pay the mischief which they have done to others)
with thy hand, by thy own extraordinary providence, because the oppressed were destitute
of all other succours. Fatherless - Of such as have no friend or helper, one kind of them
being put for all. |
| 15 |
Seek - Search for it, and punish these wicked atheists. 'Till - No such wickedness be
left in the world, or at least in the church. |
| 16 |
Is king - To whom it belongs to protect his subjects. Therefore his peoples case is
never desperate, seeing he ever lives to help them. The heathen - The Canaanites; whom
God, as king of the world, expelled, and gave their land to his people. By which great
example he confirms his faith and hope for the future. His land - Out of Canaan, which God
calls his land, because he gave it to them, and fixed his presence and dwelling in it. |
| 17 |
Prepare - By thy grace and good spirit, that they may so pray as thou wilt hear. |
| 18 |
To judge - To give sentence for them, and against their enemies. The man - Earthly and
mortal men, who yet presume to contend with thee their maker. |
Chapter XI
David encourages himself in God, against the attempts of his enemies, ver. 1 - 3.
Asserts the dominion and providence of God, ver. 4 - 7 To the chief musician, A psalm of
David.
| 1 |
Ye - Mine enemies. |
| 2 |
For lo - David having directed his speech to his enemies, now turns it to God, and
pours out before him his complaints. Ready - They lay designs for my destruction and make
all things ready to execute them. |
| 3 |
Foundations - Piety, justice, fidelity, and mercy, which are the pillars or
foundations of a state or kingdom. What - The condition of all righteous men will be
desperate. |
| 4 |
Temple - In heaven; which is mentioned as an evidence of his glorious majesty, of his
sovereign power and dominion over all men and things, and of his accurate inspection into
all men and their actions. Throne - Where he sits to examine all causes, and to give
righteous sentence according to every man's works. Try - He throughly discerns all men,
their most inward and secret actions: and therefore he sees and will reward my innocency,
notwithstanding all the calumnies of mine enemies; and withal he sees all their secret
designs, and will discover and defeat them. |
| 5 |
Trieth - He chastens even righteous persons, yet still he loves them, and therefore
will in due time deliver them. But as for the wicked, God hates them, and will severely
punish them. |
| 6 |
Rain - Send them plentifully, swiftly, and suddenly, as rain commonly falls from
heaven. Snares - Grievous plagues or judgments, which are called snares, because wicked
men are often surprized with them when they least expect them. And because they cannot
escape them, or get out of them; but are held fast and destroyed by them. Horrible
tempests - Dreadful judgments so called, in allusion to the destruction of Sodom by these
means. But this he seems to speak not so much of present calamities, as of eternal
punishments. This - Is their portion, and as it were the meat and drink appointed them by
God. |
Chapter XII
David begs help of God, having no man whom he could trust, ver. 1, 2. Describes the
wicked and assures himself, that God would punish them, and preserve the just, ver. 3 - 8.
To the chief musician upon Sheminith, A psalm of David.
Title of the psalm. Sheminith - The same title is prefixed to Psalm 6:1.
| 4 |
Prevail - By raising and spreading evil reports concerning him. Our own - At our own
disposal to speak what we please, who can control or restrain us? |
| 5 |
Puffeth - From him that despises him, and hopes to destroy him with a puff of breath. |
| 6 |
Pure - Without the least mixture of falsehood; and therefore shall infallibly be
fulfilled. |
| 7 |
Thou shalt keep them - Thy words or promises: these thou wilt observe and keep, both
now, and from this generation for ever. |
| 8 |
Walk - They fill all places, and go about boldly and securely. |
Chapter XIII
David complains to God, ver. 1, 2. Prays for help, ver. 3, 4. Rejoices in hope,
ver. 5, 6. To the chief musician, A psalm of David.
| 2 |
How long - Shall I be in such perplexities, not knowing what course to take? |
| 3 |
Lighten - Revive and comfort, and deliver me from the darkness of death, which is
ready to come upon me. |
| 6 |
I will sing - It is a common thing for David and other prophets to speak of future
deliverances as if they were already come, that so they may signify both the infallible
certainty of the thing, and their firm assurance thereof. |
Chapter XIV
The atheism and corruption of mankind, ver. 1 - 3. An expostulation with sinners,
ver. 4 - 6. A prayer for the salvation of God, ver. 7. To the chief musician, A psalm of
David.
| 1 |
The fool - The wicked man. Good - That is, actions really good or pleasing to God. |
| 2 |
Looked - God knoweth all things without any enquiry: but he speaks after the manner of
men. Upon - Upon the whole Israelitish nation, and upon all mankind for he speaks of all
except his people, and the righteous ones, who are opposed to these, ver.4,5.
|
| 3 |
Gone - From God, and from the rule which he hath given them. Filthy - Loathsome and
abominable to God. |
| 4 |
Bread - With as little remorse, and with as much greediness. Call not - They are
guilty not only of gross injustice towards men, but also of horrid impiety and contempt of
God. |
| 5 |
There - Upon the spot, where they practised these insolences, God struck them with a
panick fear. For - God is on their side, and therefore their enemies have cause to
tremble. |
| 6 |
Because - This was the ground of their contempt, that he lived by faith in God's
promise and providence. |
| 7 |
O that - These words immediately concern the deliverance of Israel out of that sinful
state, in which they now were; which having described, he concludes, with a prayer to God
to help them out of Zion, where the ark then was, but principally they design the
spiritual redemption and salvation of all God's Israel by the Messiah. The captivity - His
captive people. The children of Jacob, as Aaron is named for his sons, 1Chron 12:27.
|
Chapter XV
The scope of this short, but excellent psalm, is to shew us the way to heaven. Here
is a question proposed, ver. 1. The answer to it, ver. 2 - 5. A psalm of David.
| 1 |
Who - Who shall so dwell in thy church here, as to dwell with thee for ever in heaven?
|
| 2 |
Uprightly - Loving, and serving God, and loving his neighbour not in word only, but in
truth; and this constantly. Worketh - Makes it his business to do justly, to give to every
one his due, first to God, and then to men. Speaketh - His words and professions to God
and men, agree with the thoughts and purposes of his heart. |
| 3 |
He - He that doth not speak evil of his neighbour. Neighbour - That is, any man. Nor
taketh - Into his mouth, doth not raise it, neither spread or propagate it; or believe it
without sufficient reason. |
| 4 |
Vile - An ungodly man. Honoureth - He highly esteems and loves them, though they be
mean as to their worldly condition, and though they may differ from him in some opinions
or practices of lesser moment. Sweareth - A promissory oath. Hurt - To his own damage. As
if a man solemnly swear, that he will sell him such an estate at a price below the full
worth; or that, he will give a poor man such a sum of money, which afterwards he finds
inconvenient to him. Changeth not - His purpose, but continues firm and resolved to
perform his promise. |
| 5 |
To usury - In such a manner as is contrary to God's law: of which see otherwise, Exod
22:25 Levit 25:36,37, &c. Reward - Or, a bribe for him who hath a bad cause.
Moved - He shall abide with God here, and when he dies be for ever with the Lord. |
Chapter XVI
David professes his trust in God, his adherence to him and love of his people, ver.
1 - 3. His satisfaction in God, ver. 4 - 7. He speaks in the person of Christ, of Gods
presence with him, of his resurrection and the glory that should follow, ver. 8 - 11.
Michtam of David.
Title of the psalm. Michtam - This seems to be a title belonging to the musick or the
song, which, with the rest, is now lost and unknown. As David was both a member, and an
eminent type, of Christ, he speaks of himself sometimes in the one and sometimes in the
other capacity: and therefore having spoken of himself as a member of Christ, in the
former part of the psalm, he proceeds to consider himself as a type of Christ, and being
inspired by the holy Ghost: towards the close he speaks such things, as though they might
be accommodated to himself in a very imperfect sense, yet could not properly, belong to
any but to Christ, to whom therefore they are justly appropriated in the New Testament.
| 2 |
To thee - Thou dost not need me or my service, nor art capable of any advantage from
it. |
| 3 |
But - I bear a singular respect and love to all saints, for thy sake, whose friends
and servants they are, and whose image they bear. This more properly agrees to David, than
to Christ, whose goodness was principally designed for, and imparted to sinners. |
| 4 |
Sorrows - Having shewed his affection to the servants of the true God, he now declares
what an abhorrency he has for those that worship idols. Offerings - In which the Gentiles
used sometimes to drink part of the blood of their sacrifices. Names - Of those other gods
mentioned before. |
| 5 |
The Lord - I rejoice in God as my portion, and desire no better, no other felicity.
Cup - The portion which is put into my cup, as the ancient manner was in feasts, where
each had his portion of meat, and of wine allotted to him. Lot - My inheritance divided to
me by lot, as the custom then was. |
| 6 |
Lines - My portion, which was measured with lines. Are fallen - In a land flowing with
milk and honey, and above all, blessed with the presence and knowledge of God. |
| 7 |
The Lord - Hath inspired that wisdom into me, by which I have chosen the Lord for my
portion, and am so fully satisfied with him. Reins - My inward thoughts and affections,
being inspired and moved by the holy spirit. Instruct - Direct me how to please God, and
put my whole trust in him. Night - Even when others are asleep, my mind is working upon
God, and improving the silence and solitude of holy meditations. |
| 8 |
I have set - I have always presented him to my mind, as my witness and judge, as my
patron and protector. Hitherto David seems to have spoken with respect to himself, but now
he is transported by the spirit of prophecy, and carried above himself, to speak as a type
of Christ, in whom this and the following verses were truly accomplished. Christ as man
did always set his father's will and glory before him. Right - hand - To strengthen,
protect, assist, and comfort me: as this assistance of God was necessary to Christ as man.
Moved - Though the archers shoot grievously at me, and both men and devils seek my
destruction, and God sets himself against me as an enemy, yet I am assured he will deliver
me out of all my distresses. |
| 9 |
My glory - My tongue, which is a man's glory and privilege, above all other living
creatures. Rejoiceth - Declares my inward joy. For this word signifies not so much eternal
joy, as the outward demonstrations of it. My flesh - My body shall quietly rest in the
grave. Shall rest - in confident assurance of its incorruption there, and of its
resurrection to an immortal life: the flesh or body is in itself, but a dead lump of clay;
yet hope is here ascribed to it figuratively, as it is to the brute creatures, Rom
8:19. |
| 10 |
Hell - In the state of the dead. Holy one - Me thy holy son, whom thou hast sanctified
and sent into the world. It is peculiar to Christ, to be called the holy one of God. To
see - To be corrupted or putrefied in the grave, as the bodies of others are. |
| 11 |
Life - Thou wilt raise me from the grave, and conduct me to the place and state of
everlasting felicity. Presence - In that heavenly paradise, where thou art gloriously
present, where thou dost clearly and fully discover the light of thy countenance; whereas
in this life thou hidest thy face and shewest us only thy back - parts. Right - hand -
Which he mentions as a place of the greatest honour, the place where the saints are placed
at the last day, and where Christ himself is said to sit, Psal 110:1.
Pleasures - All our joys are empty and defective: But in heaven there is fulness of joy.
Our pleasures here are transient and momentary; but those at God's right hand are
pleasures for evermore. For they are the pleasures of immortal souls, in the enjoyment of
an eternal God. |
Chapter XVII
David appealing to God for his integrity, begs for defence against his enemies,
ver. 1 - 9. Describes their wickedness, ver. 10 - 12. Prays for deliverance from them, and
rests in hope, ver. 13 - 15. A prayer of David.
| 1 |
The right - Regard my righteous cause. |
| 2 |
Sentence - Judgment on my behalf. Come - From thy tribunal. |
| 3 |
Proved - Or, searched or tried it, by many temptations and afflictions. Night - When
mens minds being freed from the distraction of business, and from the society of men, they
act more vigorously and freely, according to their several inclinations. Tried - As gold -
smiths do metals. Nothing - Nothing of unrighteousness. Purposed - I have resolved, upon
deliberation, as the word implies. Mouth - I am so far from practising against Saul's
life, as they charge me, that I will not wrong him so much as in a word. |
| 4 |
Concerning - Observing the works of the men of this age, how wicked they are, I was
resolved to take more care in ordering my own actions. By - By the help of thy blessed
word. Paths - The customs and practices. Destroyer - Or, of the violent man: such as Saul,
and his courtiers and soldiers. |
| 7 |
By - By thy great power. |
| 10 |
They - They live in splendor and prosperity. |
| 11 |
Steps - In all our ways. We go from place to place, to rocks, and caves, and woods;
but wheresoever we go they are at hand, and ready to surround us. Eyes - They keep their
eyes fixed upon us. Bowing - Couching down upon the earth, that they may watch the fittest
opportunity to surprize us. |
| 13 |
Sword - Thy instrument to execute vengeance upon thine enemies. Do not punish me with
this rod: let me fall into thy hands, and not into the hands of men. |
| 14 |
Thy hand - Wherewith thou dost correct me. World - Who set their hearts upon this
world, and neither have, nor desire any other portion. Belly - Mind or appetite, as that
word is used, Job 20:20. Prov 20:30. Treasure - With
extraordinary wealth and glory. Children - When many of thy faithful servants are barren,
these are blessed with a numerous posterity. |
| 15 |
I will - I do not place my portion in earthly treasures, but in beholding God's face,
in the enjoyment of God's presence and favour; which is enjoyed in part in this life, but
not fully. Satisfied - The time is coming, wherein I shall be abundantly satisfied with
beholding thy face. Awake - When I arise from he dead. Likeness - With the image of God
stamped upon my glorified soul. |
Chapter XVIII
David triumphs in God, ver. 1 - 3. Praises God for his past deliverances, ver. 4 -
19. Takes the comfort of his integrity, which God had thereby cleared up, ver. 20 - 28.
Gives God the glory of all his victories, ver. 29 - 42. Express his hope of what God would
do farther, ver. 43 - 50. This psalm with some few and small variations, is written, 2Sam
22:1 - 51. It was composed by David towards the end of his life, upon the occasion
here mentioned. To the chief musician, A psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who
spake unto the LORD the words of this song, in the day that the LORD delivered him from
the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul, and he said:
Title of the psalm. Servant - Who esteems it a greater honour to be thy servant, than
to be king of Israel. Saul - After the death of Saul, and the conquest of all his
succeeding enemies, and his own firm establishment in his kingdom.
| 1 |
Love - Most affectionately, and with my whole soul; as the Hebrew word signifies. |
| 2 |
Rock - To which I flee for refuge, as the Israelites did to their rocks. Horn - It is
a metaphor from those beasts whose strength lies in their horns. |
| 4 |
Death - Dangerous and deadly troubles. Floods - Their multitude, and strength, and
violent assaults, breaking in upon me like a flood. |
| 5 |
Sorrows - Which brought me to the brink of the grave. Death - Had almost taken hold of
me, before I was aware. |
| 6 |
Temple - Out of his heavenly habitation. |
| 7 |
Then - Then God appeared on my behalf in a glorious manner, to the terror and
confusion of all mine enemies, which is here compared to an earthquake. |
| 8 |
There went, &c. - All these seem to be figurative expressions, denoting the
greatness of his anger. |
| 9 |
Bowed - By producing thick and dark clouds, whereby the heavens seem to come down to
the earth. Came - Not by change of place, but by the manifestation of his presence and
power on my behalf. |
| 10 |
Cherub - Or, upon the cherubim, upon the angels, who are also called God's chariots, Psal
68:17, upon which he is said to sit and ride. All which is not to be understood
grossly, but only to denote God's using the ministry of angels, in raising such storms and
tempests. Fly - As swiftly as the wind. |
| 11 |
Darkness - He covered himself with dark clouds. Waters - Watery vapours. |
| 12 |
At - His glorious and powerful appearance. Passed - Or, passed away, vanished, being
dissolved into showers. |
| 14 |
Arrows - Lightnings. Them - Mine enemies. |
| 15 |
Discovered - By mighty earthquakes, which overturned the earth, and made its lower
parts visible. |
| 18 |
Prevented - They had almost surprized me. |
| 19 |
Brought - Out of my straits and difficulties, into a state of freedom and comfort. So
he ascribes all his mercies to God's good pleasure, as the first spring of them. |
| 20 |
Righteousness - Just cause. The innocency of my actions towards Saul, from whose blood
I kept my hands pure. |
| 22 |
Judgments - I diligently studied and considered them. |
| 24 |
Iniquity - From that sin which I was most inclined or tempted to. |
| 25 |
Upright - Thou metest to every one the same measure, which he meteth out to others;
and therefore thou wilt perform mercy and truth, to those who are merciful and true to
others. |
| 26 |
Pure - Free from the least mixture or appearance of unrighteousness, or
unfaithfulness. Froward - Thou wilt cross him and walk contrary to him. |
| 28 |
Lightest - Given me safety, and comfort, and glory, and posterity also. |
| 29 |
Troop - Broken through the armed troops of mine enemies. Wall - I have scaled the
walls of their strongest cites. |
| 30 |
Perfect - His providence, though it may sometimes be dark, yet is always wise and
just, and unblameable. Tried - The truth of God's promises is approved by innumerable
experiences. |
| 31 |
Who - Our Lord is the only God, and therefore there is none, that can hinder him from
accomplishing his own work. |
| 32 |
Perfect - Perfectly plain and smooth, and clear from impediments. |
| 33 |
High - places - Confirms me in that high estate into which he hath advanced me. |
| 35 |
Salvation - Thy protection, which hath been to me like a shield. Held - Kept me from,
falling into those mischiefs, which mine enemies designed. Gentleness - Thy clemency,
whereby thou hast pardoned my sins; thy grace and benignity. |
| 36 |
Slipt - As they are apt to do in narrow and uneven ways. |
| 43 |
People - From contentions, and seditions, under Saul, and Ishbosheth, and Absalom.
Heathens - Of the Ammonites, Moabites, Edomites, Syrians, and others. Not known - Even
barbarous and remote nations. |
| 44 |
Hear - As soon as they understand my will and pleasure, they shall instantly comply
with it. |
| 45 |
Close places - Out of their strong holds, where they shall lurk for fear of me. |
| 46 |
The Lord - He and he only is the true living God. |
| 48 |
Violent man - From Saul: whom for honour's sake he forbears to mention. |
| 49 |
Heathen - David is here transported beyond himself, and speaks this in special
relation to Christ who was to be his seed, and of whom he was an eminent type, and by whom
alone this was done. And therefore this is justly applied to him, and to his calling of
the Gentiles, Rom 15:9. |
| 50 |
His king - To the king whom God himself chose and anointed, and to all his posterity;
and especially to the Messiah, who is called David's seed, Acts 13:23 Rom 1:3.
|
Chapter XIX
The book of the creatures shews us the power and Godhead of the Creator, ver. 1 -
6. The book of the scriptures shews us his will; the excellency thereof, ver. 7 - 11. A
prayer against sin, ver. 12, 14. To the chief musician, A psalm of David.
| 1 |
The heavens - They are as a legible book, wherein he that runs may read it. The glory
- His eternal power and Godhead, his infinite wisdom and goodness. Firmament - Or, the
expansion, all the vast space extended from the earth to the highest heavens, with all its
goodly furniture. |
| 2 |
Day - Every day and night repeats these demonstrations of God's glory. Uttereth - Or,
poureth forth, constantly and abundantly, as a fountain doth water; So this Hebrew word
signifies. Knowledge - Gives us a clear knowledge or discovery of God their author. |
| 3 |
Heard - Or, understood; there are divers nations in the world, which have several
languages, so that one cannot discourse with, or be understood by another, but the heavens
are such an universal teacher, that they can speak to all people, and be clearly
understood by all. |
| 4 |
Line - Their lines, the singular number being put for the plural. And this expression
is very proper, because the heavens do not teach men audibly, or by speaking to their
ears, but visibly by propounding things to their eyes, which is done in lines or writings.
Gone - Is spread abroad. Earth - So as to be seen and read, by all the inhabitants of the
earth. Words - Their magnificent structure, their exquisite order, and most regular
course, by which they declare their author, no less than men discover their minds by their
words. Sun - Which being the most illustrious and useful of all the heavenly bodies, is
here particularly mentioned. |
| 5 |
Bridegroom - Gloriously adorned with light as with a beautiful garment, and smiling
upon the world with a pleasant countenance. Chamber - In which he is poetically supposed
to have rested all night, and thence to break forth as it were on a sudden. Strong man -
Conscious and confident of his own strength. |
| 6 |
The ends - His course is constant from east to west, and thence to the east again. So
that there is no part of the earth which doth not one time or other feel the benefit of
his light and heat. |
| 7 |
The law - The doctrine delivered to his church, whether by Moses, or by other
prophets. Having discoursed hitherto of the glory of God shining forth in, the visible
heavens, he now proceeds to another demonstration of God's glory, which he compares with
and prefers before the former. Perfect - Completely discovering both the nature and will
of God, and the whole duty of man, what he is to believe and practice, and whatsoever is
necessary to his present and eternal happiness. Whereas the creation, although it did
declare so much of God, as left all men without excuse, yet did not fully manifest the
will of God, nor bring men to eternal salvation. Converting - From sin to God, from whom
all men are naturally revolted. Testimony - His law, so called because it is a witness
between God and man, what God requires of man, and what upon the performance of that
condition, he will do for man. Sure - Heb. faithful or true, which is most necessary in a
witness: it will not mislead any man, but will infallibly bring him to happiness. Simple -
Even persons of the lowest capacities. |
| 8 |
Right - Both in themselves, and in their effect, as guiding men in the ready way to
eternal happiness. Rejoicing - By the discoveries of God's love to sinful men, in offers
and promises of mercy. Commandment - All his commands. Pure - Without the least mixture of
error. The eyes - Of the mind, with a compleat manifestation of God's will and man's duty:
both which, the works of nature, and all the writings of men discover but darkly and
imperfectly. |
| 9 |
The fear - The law and word of God, because it is both the object and the rule, and
the cause of holy fear. Clean - Sincere, not adulterated with any mixture. Constant and
unchangeable, the same for substance in all ages. Judgments - God's laws are frequently
called his judgments, because they are the declarations of his righteous will, and as it
were his judicial sentence by which he expects that men should govern themselves, and by
which he will judge them at the last day. |
| 12 |
Who - Thy law, O Lord, is holy and just and good. But I fall infinitely short of it.
Cleanse - Both by justification, through the blood of thy son; and by sanctification thro'
thy holy spirit. Though the first may seem to be principally intended, because he speaks
of his past sins. Secret - From the guilt of such sins as were secret either, from others;
such as none knows but God and my own conscience: or, from myself; such as I never
observed, or did not discern the evil of. Pardon my unknown sins, of which I never
repented particularly, as I should have done. |
| 13 |
Presumptuous - From known and evident sins, such as are committed against knowledge,
against the checks of conscience, and the motions of God's spirit. Dominion - If I be at
any time tempted to such sins, Lord let them not prevail over me, and if I do fall into
them, let me speedily rise again. |
| 14 |
Let - Having prayed that God would keep him from sinful actions, he now prays that God
would govern, and sanctify his words and thoughts: and this was necessary to preserve him
from presumptuous sins, which have their first rise in the thoughts. Redeemer - This
expression seems to be added emphatically, and with special respect to Christ, to whom
alone this word Goel can properly belong. |
Chapter XX
A prayer for the king, ver. 1 - 4. The king and the people rejoice in God, and pray
for his help, ver. 5 - 9. To the chief musician, A psalm of David.
| 1 |
God of Jacob - God had made a covenant with Jacob and his posterity. |
| 2 |
Sanctuary - From the tabernacle in Zion, where the ark then was; toward which the
Israelites directed their prayers. |
| 5 |
Rejoice - Hereby they shew their confidence in God, and their assurance of the
victory. Name - To the honour of God. Set up - In way of triumph. |
| 6 |
Now - We are already sure of victory by the consideration of God's power and
faithfulness and love to David, and to his people. They speak as one person, because they
were unanimous in this prayer. Saveth - Will certainly save. Strength - This shews how God
will hear him, even by saving him with a strong hand. |
| 7 |
Remember - Trust in it. |
| 8 |
Brought down - From their horses and chariots, to which they trusted. Stand - Stand
firmly, and keep the field. |
| 9 |
Let the king - God, the supreme monarch, the king of kings, and in a peculiar manner
the king of Israel. |
Chapter XXI
A thanksgiving for blessings received, ver. 1 - 6. An expression of confidence in
God, ver. 7 - 13. To the chief musician, A psalm of David.
Title of the psalm. Of David - The subject of this psalm is the same with the former,
both being made for the peoples use, concerning the king. Only the prayers there used, are
here turned into praises, for the blessings received in answer to their prayers. And as
David was an illustrious type of Christ, so in many of these expressions he looks beyond
himself to Christ, in whom they are properly, and fully accomplished.
| 3 |
Prevent - Crowning him with manifold blessings, both more and sooner than he expected.
With - With excellent blessings. |
| 4 |
For ever - Thou gavest him a long life and reign here, and after that didst translate
him to live with thee for ever. But this was more eminently fulfilled in Christ, who asked
of his father, life, or to be saved from death, Heb 5:7, though with
submission to his will: but his father, though he saw it necessary to take away his
temporal life, yet instantly gave him another, far more noble, even the perfect possession
of an everlasting life both in his soul and body, at his right hand. |
| 5 |
Glory - His fame or renown. Salvation - By reason of those great and glorious
deliverances which thou hast wrought both for him, and by him. |
| 6 |
Countenance - Smiling upon him, by thy grace and favour. |
| 9 |
Oven - Like wood, which when it is cast in there, is quickly consumed. |
| 10 |
Fruit - Their children. God will take away both root and branch, the parents and all
that wicked race. |
| 11 |
Thee - Against God, not directly, but by consequence, because it was against David,
whom God had anointed, and against the Lord's people, whose injuries God takes as done to
himself. |
| 13 |
Exalted - By thy own power, or by the manifestation thereof. |
Chapter XXII
It is confessed that David was a type of Christ, and that many passages of the
Psalms, though literally understood of David, yet had a further and mystical reference to
Christ. But there are some other passages, which were directly, and immediately intended
for, and are properly to be understood of the Messiah; though withal there may be some
respect and allusion to the state of the penman himself. And this seems to be the state of
this psalm, which is understood of the Messiah, by the Hebrew doctors themselves, and by
Christ himself and by his apostles. And there are many passages in it, which were
literally accomplished in him, and cannot be understood of any other. In this psalm David
speaks of the humiliation of Christ, ver. 1 - 21. Of the exaltation of Christ, ver. 22 -
31. To the chief musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A psalm of David.
Title of the psalm. Shahar - This was the title of some musical instrument, name, or
song, which was usually sung in the morning.
| 1 |
My God - Who art my friend and father, though now thou frownest upon me. The
repetition denotes, the depth of his distress, which made him cry so earnestly. Forsaken -
Withdrawn the light of thy countenance, the supports and comforts of thy spirit, and
filled me with the terrors of thy wrath: this was in part verified in David, but much more
fully in Christ. Roaring - My out - cries forced from me, by my miseries. |
| 3 |
But thou art - Just and true in all thy ways, this he adds to strengthen his faith,
and to enforce his prayers, and prevail with God for the honour of his holy name, to hear
and help him. Inhabitest - Whom thy people are perpetually praising. |
| 6 |
A worm - Neglected and despised. People - Not only of the great men, but also of the
common people. Which doth not so truly agree to David as to Christ. |
| 7 |
Shoot out - They gape with their mouths, in mockery. This and the next verse are
applied to Christ, Matt 27:39,43. |
| 12 |
Bulls - Wicked and violent, and potent enemies; for such are so called, Ezek
39:18 Amos 4:1. Of Bashan - As the cattle there bred were, and therefore fierce and
furious. |
| 14 |
Water - My spirits are spent and gone like water which once spilt can never be
recovered; my very flesh is melted within me, and I am become as weak as water. Bones - I
am as unable to help myself, and as full of torment, as if all my bones were disjointed.
Wax - Melted, through fear and overwhelming grief. |
| 15 |
Dried - I have in a manner no more moisture left in me, than is in a dry potsherd.
Cleaveth - Through excessive thirst and drought. Death - Thy providence, delivering me
into the power of mine enemies, and by thy terrors in my soul. |
| 16 |
Dogs - So he calls his enemies for their insatiable greediness, and implacable
fierceness against him. Pierced - These words cannot with any probability be applied to
David, but were properly and literally verified in Christ. |
| 17 |
May tell - By my being stretched out upon the cross. |
| 18 |
They part - This also cannot be applied to David, but was literally fulfilled in
Christ, Matt 27:35 John 19:24. |
| 20 |
Darling - Heb. my only one; his soul, which he so calls, because it was left alone and
destitute of friends and helpers. |
| 21 |
Heard - Answered and delivered me. |
| 22 |
Declare - When thou hast delivered me. Thy name - that power and faithfulness and
goodness, which thou hast manifested on my behalf. Congregations - The same whom he calls
the congregation, and the seed of Jacob and Israel: which also does not so fitly agree to
David, who never gives this title to any, but such as were near a - kin to him, as it does
to Christ, who extends this name to all his disciples, Matt 12:48,49, and to
whom this very text is applied, Heb 2:11,12. |
| 24 |
Abhorred - He did not turn away his face from it, as men do from things which they
abhor. From him - For ever: tho' he did so for a time. |
| 25 |
Great congregation - In the universal church, of Jews and Gentiles. |
| 26 |
Satisfied - This is doubtless to be understood, of those spiritual blessings, that
grace and peace, and comfort, which all believing souls have in the sense of God's love,
the pardon of their sins, and the influences of God's spirit. Seek him - That seek his
favour. Your heart - He speaks of the same persons still, though there be a change from
the third to the second person, as is usual in these poetical books. For ever - Your
comfort shall not be short and transitory, as worldly comforts are, but everlasting. |
| 27 |
The world - All nations from one end of the world to the other. So this is an evident
prophecy of the calling of the Gentiles, and a clear proof, that this psalm immediately
speaks of Christ; to whom alone, this and divers other passages of it, belong. Remember -
They shall remember their former wickedness with grief and shame, and fear; particularly
in worshiping dead and impotent idols. They shall remember their great and manifold
obligation to God, which they had quite forgotten, his patience in sparing them so long,
in the midst of all their impieties, and in giving his son for them: they shall remember
the gracious words and glorious works of Christ, what he did, and suffered for them; which
possibly divers of them had been eye and ear - witnesses of. The Lord - Into the only true
God, and unto Jesus Christ, to whom this name of Jehovah is often ascribed in scripture. |
| 28 |
For - This is added as a reason, why the Gentiles should be converted, because God is
not only God and the Lord of the Jews, but also of the Gentiles, and of all nations. |
| 29 |
Fat - Kings and princes, and the great men of the world. Shall eat - Shall feed upon
the bread of life, Christ and all his benefits. Worship - This is added to shew what kind
of eating he spoke of. Go down - That is, all mankind, for none can escape death. |
| 30 |
A seed - Christ shall not want a seed or posterity, for though the Jewish nation will
generally reject him, the Gentiles shall come in their stead. A generation - That
believing seed shall be reputed both by God and men, The generation, or people of the
Lord, as the Jews formerly were. |
| 31 |
They - The seed last mentioned. Come - From Judea and Jerusalem (from whence the
gospel was first to go forth) to the Gentile world, to the several parts whereof the
apostles went upon this errand. His - God's righteousness: his wonderful grace and mercy
unto mankind, in giving them Christ and the gospel; for righteousness is often put for
mercy or kindness. Unto - Unto succeeding generations. Whereby David gives us a key to
understand this psalm, and teaches us that he speaks not here of himself, but of things
which were to be done in after - ages, even of the spreading of the gospel among the
Gentiles, in the time of the New Testament. That he - They shall declare that this is the
work of God, and not of man. |
Chapter XXIII
David extolls the goodness of God as his shepherd, and expresses his confidence in
him, ver. 1 - 6. A psalm of David.
| 2 |
Lie down - To repose myself at noon, as the manner was in those hot countries. Green -
Where there is both delight and plenty of provisions. |
| 3 |
Restoreth - Heb. He bringeth it back; from its errors and wandering. For - Not for any
worth in me, but for the glory of his justice, and faithfulness, and goodness. |
| 4 |
Thy rod and thy staff - Two words denoting the same thing, and both designing God's
pastoral care over him. |
| 5 |
A table - Thou furnishest me with plenty of provisions and comforts. Oil - With
aromatic ointments, which were then used at great feasts; thy comforts delight my soul.
Runneth over - Thou hast given me a plentiful portions, signified by the cup, given to the
guests by the master of the feast. |
Chapter XXIV
This psalm is generally thought to have been composed by David, upon bringing the
ark of God from the house of Obed - edom, into the tabernacle which David had built for
it, 2Sam 6:12,17. Wherein he hath a farther prospect to the temple, which he
earnestly desired and intended to build. Moreover because the tabernacle, and temple, and
ark, were types of Christ, and of his church and of heaven. David extended his thoughts to
them also, or at least the Holy Ghost designed to comprehend them under these typical
expressions. He shews God's sovereignty over the world, ver. 1, 2. Who shall receive his
blessing, ver. 3 - 6. An exhortation to receive Christ, ver. 7 - 10. A psalm of David.
| 2 |
Seas - The whole collection of waters, as well as the sea and the rivers running into
it, as that great abyss of waters which is contained in the bowels of the earth. |
| 3 |
The hill - Zion or Moriah, the place of God's sanctuary and special presence. Having
asserted God's dominion over all mankind, he now proposes an important question, by whom
God will be served, and his blessing enjoyed? Stand - To minister before him. Standing is
the posture of ministers or servants. Who shall serve God, with God's acceptation. Holy
place - In the place which he hath sanctified for his service. |
| 4 |
He - Whose actions and conversation are holy and unblameable. Pure heart - Careful to
approve itself to God, as well as to men; ordering a man's very thoughts and affections
according to God's word. Vanity - Who doth not value or desire the vain things of this
life, such as honours, riches, pleasures; but makes God his portion. |
| 5 |
The blessing - Grace and glory, and all other good things. |
| 6 |
The generation - The true progeny which God regards. Face - His grace and favour,
which is often called God's face. |
| 7 |
Lift up - He speaks here of the gates and doors of the temple, which by faith and the
spirit of prophecy, he beheld as already built, whose doors he calls Everlasting, not so
much because they were made of strong and durable materials, as in opposition to those of
the tabernacle, which were removed from place to place. These gates he bids lift up their
heads, or tops, by allusion to those gates which have a portcullis, which may be let down
or taken up. And as the temple was a type of Christ, and of his church, and of heaven
itself; so this place may also contain a representation, either of Christ's entrance into
his church, or into the hearts of his faithful people, who are here commanded to set open
their hearts and souls for his reception: or of his ascension into heaven, where the
saints or angels are poetically introduced as preparing the way, and opening the heavenly
gates to receive their Lord and king, returning to his royal habitation with triumph and
glory. The king - The Messiah, the king of Israel, and of his church, called the King, or
Lord of glory, 1Cor 2:8 James 2:1, both for that glory which is inherent in
him, and that which is purchased by him for his members. |
| 8 |
The Lord - He is no ordinary person, no other than Jehovah, who hath given so many
proofs of his almightiness, who hath subdued all his enemies, and is now returned in
triumph. |
| 9 |
Lift up - The same verse is repeated again, to awaken the dulness of mankind, who are
so hardly brought to a serious preparation for such solemnities; and to signify the great
importance of the matter, contained under these expressions. |
| 10 |
Of hosts - Under whose command are all the hosts of heaven and earth, angels and men,
and all other creatures. |
Chapter XXV
David distrest, takes refuge in God, ver. 1 - 7. Shews the goodness of God to them
that fear him, ver. 8 - 15. Prays for help against his enemies, and for the church, ver.
16 - 22. A psalm of David.
| 2 |
Ashamed - Disappointed of my hope. |
| 3 |
Cause - Without any provocation of mine. |
| 4 |
Teach - Teach me my duty, and cause me to keep close to it, notwithstanding all
temptations. |
| 8 |
Upright - Holy and true, in all his declarations and offers of mercy to sinners.
Therefore - He will not be wanting to such poor sinners as I am, but will guide them into
the way of life and peace. |
| 9 |
The meek - Such as meekly submit themselves to God, and are desirous to be directed
and governed by him. Judgment - In the paths of judgment, in the right way. |
| 10 |
Paths - All the dealings of God with them, yea even those that are afflictive, are
done in kindness and faithfulness to them. |
| 11 |
For - Or, though (as this particle is often rendered) it be great. Possibly he speaks
of his sin against Uriah and Bathsheba. Great - Or, much or manifold. For the Hebrew word
signifies both great and much. |
| 12 |
Chuse - Which God appointeth. |
| 13 |
At ease - Heb. in Good; in the possession and enjoyment of the true good. The land -
Canaan; which was given as an earnest of the whole Covenant of Grace, and all its
promises. |
| 14 |
The secret - His love and favour, which is called his secret, Job 29:4 Prov 3:32,
because it is known to none but him that enjoyeth it. Will shew - He will make them
clearly to understand it, both its duties and its blessings; neither of which ungodly men
rightly understand. |
| 15 |
Pluck - He will deliver me out of all my troubles. |
| 20 |
Soul - My life. |
| 22 |
Israel - If thou wilt not help me, yet spare thy people who suffer for my sake, and in
my sufferings. |
Chapter XXVI
David professes his integrity, ver. 1 - 8. Deprecates the doom of the wicked, ver.
9, 10. Casts himself upon the mercy of God, ver. 11, 12. A psalm of David.
| 1 |
Trusted - I have committed my cause and affairs to thee. |
| 3 |
For - I dare appeal to thee, because thou knowest I have a deep sense of thy loving -
kindness, by which I have been led to love and obey thee. |
| 4 |
Sat - Continued with them. I have been so far from an imitation of their wicked
courses, that I have avoided their company. Vain - With false and deceitful persons. Go in
- Into their company. |
| 6 |
Compass - Approach to thine altar with my sacrifices: which I could not do with any
comfort, if I were conscious of those crimes, whereof mine enemies accuse me. |
| 8 |
House - Thy sanctuary and worship. Honour - Thy glorious and gracious presence. |
| 9 |
Gather not - Do not bind me up in the same bundle, or put me into the same accursed
condition with them. |
| 12 |
Standeth - I stand upon a sure and solid foundation, being under the protection of
God's promise, and his almighty and watchful providence. Congregations - I will not only
privately, but in the assemblies of thy people celebrate thy praise. |
Chapter XXVII
David declares his confidence in God, ver. 1 - 3. His desire to be in the house of
God, ver. 4 - 6. He prays for light and salvation, ver. 7 - 12. And exhorts others to wait
upon God, ver. 13, 14. A psalm of David.
| 2 |
Light - My counsellor in all my difficulties, and my comforter and deliverer in all my
distresses. Strength - The supporter and preserver of my life. |
| 3 |
In this - That God is my light. |
| 4 |
Dwell. &c. - Have opportunity of constant attendance upon God. To behold - That
there I may delight myself, in the contemplation of thy amiable and glorious majesty, and
of thy infinite wisdom, holiness, justice, truth, and mercy. |
| 5 |
The secret - In his tabernacle, into which mine enemies cannot come. He alludes to the
ancient custom of offenders, who used to flee to the tabernacle or altar. Rock - A place
high and inaccessible. |
| 9 |
Away - From thy face or presence, or from the place of thy worship. |
| 11 |
Because of - That I may neither fall into their hands by my folly, nor give them any
occasion of triumphing over me. |
| 13 |
The living - David was thus earnestly desirous of this mercy in this life, not because
he placed his portion in these things; but because the truth and glory of God, were highly
concerned in making good the promise of the kingdom to him. |
Chapter XXVIII
A prayer for help, ver. 1 - 3. The doom of the wicked, ver. 4, 5. A thanksgiving,
closed with prayer, ver. 6 - 9. A psalm of David.
| 2 |
Towards - Towards the holy of holies, because there the ark was; from whence God gave
oracular answers to his people. |
| 3 |
Draw not - Do not drag me; as thou dost these, to execution and destruction. |
| 5 |
Regard not - The providential works of God towards his people. |
| 7 |
I am helped - He speaks of it as past, because God assured him by his spirit, that he
had heard and accepted his prayers. |
Chapter XXIX
It is probable David wrote this psalm, during a storm of thunder, lightning, and
rain; as that he wrote the eighth in a moon - shining night, and the nineteenth in a sun -
shining morning. He calls on the great to give glory to God, ver. 1, 2. Observes his power
in thunder and lightning, Ver. 3 - 9. His dominion over the world and care over the
church, ver. 10, 11. A psalm of David.
| 1 |
Ye - Ye potentates and rulers of the earth. Glory - By an humble and thankful
acknowledgment of it. |
| 2 |
Give, &c. - The honour which he deserves: own him as the Almighty, and the only
true God. Holiness - Or, in his holy and beautiful house. |
| 3 |
The waters - Above in the clouds, which are called waters, Gen 1:7 Psal 18:11.
The Divine power displays itself in those high places, which are far above the reach of
all earthly potentates. Many - Upon the clouds, in which there are vast treasures of
water, and upon which God is said to sit or ride, Psal 18:10,11 104:3. |
| 5 |
Lebanon - A place famous for strong and lofty cedars. |
| 6 |
Them - The cedars; which being broken by the thunder, the parts of them are suddenly
and violently hurled hither and thither. Sirion - An high mountain beyond Jordan joining
to Lebanon. Lebanon and Sirion are said to skip or leap, both here, and Psal 114:4,
by a poetical hyperbole. |
| 7 |
The flames - The lightnings. |
| 8 |
Kadesh - An eminent wilderness, vast and terrible, and well known to the Israelites,
and wherein possibly they had seen, and observed some such effects of thunder. |
| 9 |
To calve - Through the terror it causes, which hastens the birth. He names the hinds,
because they bring forth their young with difficulty, Job 39:1,2. Discovereth
- Heb. maketh bare, of its trees, which it breaks or strips of their leaves. Glory -
Having shewed the terrible effects of God's power in other places, he now shews the
blessed privilege of God's people, that are praising God in his temple, when the rest of
the world are trembling under the tokens of his displeasure. |
| 10 |
The flood - The most violent waters, which sometimes fall from the clouds upon the
earth. These are fitly mentioned, as being many times the companions of great thunders.
And this may be alleged as another reason, why God's people praised him in his temple,
because as he sends terrible tempests and thunders, so he also restrains and over - rules
them. Sitteth - He doth sit, and will sit as king for ever, sending such tempests when it
pleaseth him. |
Chapter XXX
He praises God for delivering him, and exhorts others to praise him, ver. 1 - 5.
Recollects his former security, and his prayer when in trouble, ver. 6 - 10. And stirs
himself up to thankfulness, ver. 11, 12. A Psalm and song, at the dedication of the house
of David.
Title of the psalm. Song - A psalm to be sung with the voice to an instrument. David -
At the dedication of David's house, which was built, 2Sam 5:11, and doubtless
was dedicated, as God had commanded.
| 5 |
Cometh - Speedily and in due season. |
| 7 |
Mountain - My kingdom: kingdoms are usually called mountains in prophetical writings. |
| 9 |
Profit - What wilt thou gain by it? The dust - Shall they that are dead celebrate thy
goodness in the land of the living? Or, shall my dust praise thee? |
| 11 |
Sackcloth - Given me occasion to put off that sackcloth, which they used to wear in
times of mourning, Esth 4:1 Psal 35:13 Isa 32:11 Joel 1:13. Girded - With
joy, as with a garment, surrounding me on every side. |
| 12 |
My glory - My tongue. |
Chapter XXXI
David professes his confidence in God, intermixing prayer to him, ver. 1 - 8.
Complains to God and prays for deliverance, ver. 9 - 18. Concludes with giving glory to
God, and encouraging others to trust him, ver. 19 - 24. To the chief musician, A psalm of
David.
| 1 |
Ashamed - Of my confidence in thy promise. Deliver me - According to thy faithfulness
and goodness. |
| 5 |
My spirit - My soul or life; to preserve it from the malice of mine enemies. For -
Thou hast delivered me formerly, and therefore I commit myself to thee for the future. O
Lord, &c. - Who hast shewed thyself so, in making good thy promise. |
| 6 |
Vanities - Idols, which are often called Vanities, as Deut 32:21. Or,
curious arts, and all sorts of divinations. |
| 7 |
Known - Loved me, and cared for me. |
| 8 |
Room - Made way for me to escape, when I was encompassed by them. |
| 9 |
Grief - With continual weeping. |
| 10 |
Iniquity - For the punishment of mine iniquity. Consumed - The juice and marrow of
them bring almost dried up with grief. |
| 11 |
A fear - They were afraid to give me any countenance or assistance. Fled - To prevent
their own danger and ruin. |
| 12 |
A broken vessel - Which is irreparable, and useless, and therefore despised by all. |
| 13 |
Fear - Just cause of fear. |
| 15 |
My times - All the affairs and events of my life, are wholly in thy power. |
| 19 |
Laid up - His favour is not always manifested, to them, but it is laid up for them in
his treasure, whence it shall be drawn forth when they need it, and he sees it fit. Before
- Publickly and in the view of the world. |
| 20 |
The secret - Or, as in the secret of thy presence: either,
- As if they were in thy presence chamber, where thine own eye and hand girdeth them, from
all the assaults of their enemies; called his secret, partly, because the greatest part of
the world are strangers to God and his presence: and partly, because it is a safe and
secure place, such as secret and unknown places are. Or,
- As if they were in the secret of God's tabernacle, as it is called, Psal 27:5,
the place of God's special presence, where none might enter save the high - priest. With
thy secret favour and providence, which saves them by hidden and unknown methods.
From - From their vain - glorious boasting and threats, and from their bad and insolent
attempts. Pavilion - Or, tabernacle. Strife - From contentious and slandering tongues. |
| 21 |
City - In Keilah: where God wonderfully preserved me. |
| 22 |
Haste - When my passion took away my consideration, and weakened my faith. Cut off -
Cast out of thy sight, and out of the care of thy gracious providence. |
Chapter XXXII
The happiness of them whose sins are forgiven, ver. 1, 2. The necessity of
confessing our sins, and of prayer, ver. 3 - 6. God's promise to them that trust in him,
ver. 7 - 10. An exhortation to rejoice in God, ver. 11. A psalm of David, Maschil.
Title of the psalm. Maschil - Or, an instructor. This psalm is fitly so called, because
it was composed for the information of the church, in that most important doctrine, the
way to true blessedness.
| 2 |
Imputeth - Whom God doth not charge with the guilt of his sins, but graciously pardons
and accepts him in Christ. No guile - Who freely confesses all his sins, and turns from
sin to God with all his heart. |
| 3 |
Silence - From a full and open confession of my sins. Old - My spirit failed, and the
strength of my body decayed. Roaring - Because of the continual horrors of my conscience,
and sense of God's wrath. |
| 4 |
Hand - Thy afflicting hand. My moisture - Was dried up. |
| 5 |
The iniquity - The guilt of my sin. |
| 6 |
For this - Upon the encouragement of my example. Found - In an acceptable and
seasonable time, while God continues to offer grace and mercy. Waters - In the time of
great calamities. Not come - So as to overwhelm him. |
| 8 |
I will - This and the next verse seems to be the words of God, whom David brings in as
returning this answer to his prayers. Mine eye - So Christ did St. Peter, when he turned
and looked upon him. | |
