Annotations on the Pentateuch, Psalms, Song of Songs, Biblical commentary 6 · Book 5 · Commentary on psalm 14 – Commentary on psalm 25
PSAL. CXX.
The Prophet prayeth against, and reproveth the evill tongue: 5 and complaineth of his necessary conversation with the wicked.
A song of degrees.
VNtoUnto Iehovah, in my distressednesse, I cried, and he answered me. Iehovah, deliver thou my soule from the lip of falshood, from the tongue of deceit.
What shall it give thee, and what shall it adde to thee, tongue of deceit. Sharpe arrowes of a mightie one, with coales of Iuniper. Woe is me that I sojourne with Meshec, dwell with the tents of Kedar. My soule it hath much dwelt with him that hateth peace. I am for peace, and when I speak, they are for warre.
Annotations.
OF degrees] or, of ascensions, of heights: (Hebr. ham-mahaloth,) that is, a Psalme to be sung with an high voice; as the Levites are said to praise God with a great voice on high, (Hebr. le-mahlah,) 2 Chron. 20. 19. Or, this title noteth the excellencie of the song, for short, grave and pithy sentences; as Adam ham-mahalah, is a man of eminencie, (or of high degree,) 1 Chron. 17. 17. Sundry other waies is this title understood, as of the staires that went up to the house of the Lord, whereon the singers should stand; and this the Chaldee favoureth: also of the comming up from Babylon, (called mahalah, an a scension, Ezr. 7. 9,) &c. Fifteene Psalmes together have this title prefixed. distressednesse] that is, sore distresse: the Hebrew addeth a letter to increase the signification; so, helpfulnesse, for full helpe, Psal. 44. 27. cried] in Chaldee, prayed, and he received my prayer.
Vers. 3. What shall it give] or, (as the Greeke hath) what shall be given, that is, what good, or profit shalt thou get? meaning, none at all. The verbe active is often used passively; see Psal. 32. 9. and 36. 3. Or, what shall be (meaning God, or any one) give to thee, O deceitfull tongue? it adde] or be added, to wit, as good, or advantage: so Psal. 115. 14. tongue] this may also be read, what shall the tongue of deceit give to thee, that is, profit thee, speaking to the calumniator.
Vers. 4. arrowes, &c.] This may note out the hurt of a guileful tongue, whose evill words are like arrowes, Ps. 64. 4. Prov. 25. 18. or, the reward which God will give the deceitfull tongue, his plagues, like arrowes, Psal. 45. 6. Deut. 32. 23. Ezek. 5. 16. coales of Iuniper] which wood in burning smelleth sweet, but the coales thereof burne extremely, and last long; so that under the ashes the glowing coales may be kept (as some write) a yeere long. So it fitly noteth the long lasting infamy of an evill tongue. Or, if we referre it to Gods judgements, they are severe and durable, as Deut. 28. 59. Ps. 18. 9. and 140. 11.
Vers. 5. sojourne] or am a pilgrim, a stranger. with Meshec] that is, with a profane and barbarous people, like the posteritie of Meshec and Kedar, mentioned in Gen. 10. 2. and 21. 13. Meshec signifieth length or protraction, and so may here be taken for no proper name, but I sojourne so long; and thus the Greeke turneth it, my peregrination is prolonged. Tents of Kedar] the sonne of Ismael, Gen. 25. 13. whose children dwelt in Arabia, Esa. 21. 13,—17. therefore the Chaldee here turneth it Arabians, they dwelt in Tents or Cottages in the wildernesse, as shepherds. See also Esa. 42. 11. Ier. 49. 28, 29. Ezek. 27. 21.
Vers. 6. it hath much] or, to it selfe (in it own seeming) hath long dwelt: so Psal. 123. 4.
Vers. 7. for peace] or, to peace (as after for or to warre) that is, addicted thereto; or understand, a man of peace, that is, peacefull, as the Greeke expoundeth it; so Iob 5. 24. and 21. 9. 2 Sam, 17. 3. See the like phrase Psal. 109. 4. Also in Obad. 7. thy bread, for, men of thy bread.
PSAL. CXXI.
The great safetie of those that trust in Gods protection.
A Song of degrees.
I Lift up mine eies unto the mountaines, from whence shall come mine helpe. Mine helpe commeth from with Iehovah, which made heavens and earth. Let him not give thy foot to be moved, let him not slumber that keepeth thee. Loe he will not slumber nor sleepe, that keepeth Israel. Iehovah is thy keeper, Iehovah thy shadow upon thy right hand. The Sunne shall not smite thee by day, nor the Moone by night. Iehovah will keepe thee from all evill, he will keepe thy soule. Iehovah will keepe thy going out and thy comming in, from this time and for ever.
Annotations.
OF degrees] or, for-degrees, or, ascensions: see the first note on the former Psalme. the mountains] Sion and Merijah, where was the Sanctuary of God, who had his foundation in the holy mountains, Ps. 87. 1. wch was a figure of the heavens, Heb. 9. 24. and sometime mountaines and heavens are used for the same, as Ps. 18. 8. with 2 Sam. 22. 8. So the meaning is, that when he looked up to God for helpe, he received it. Or we may read it thus; Shall I lift up mine eyes to the mountaines? that is, to the places where Idols are worshipped, Deut. 12. 2. as if he should say, farre be it from me. For in vaine is helpe expected from the hills, or the multitude of the mountaines; but in Iehovah our God is the salvation of Israel, Ier. 3. 23. The lifting up of the eyes signifieth hope and expectation, Ezek. 18. 6. So Psal. 123. 1.
Vers. 3. to be moved] or, to slide, or to commotion, which meaneth a falling into evill: see Psal. 38. 17. not …ber] that is, not neglect any care or diligence for thy good, Psal. 132. 4. Prov. 6. 4. Esai. 5. 27.
Vers. 5. shadow] that is, protection, comfort and refreshing from heat, Esa, 25. 4. and 4. 6. Num. 14. 9. See also Psal. 1…9. 31.
Vers. 6. The Sunne] which annoyeth with heat, as the Moone doth with cold vapours, Ion. 4. 8. Gen. 31. 40. And the Sunne and Moone being rulers of day and night, Psal. 136. 8, 9. imply all other things whatsoever. But this hath reference to Gods protection of Israel in the wildernesse, Exod. 13. 21. Esai. 4. 5.
Vers. 8. Thy going out and oomming in] that is, all thy administration, affaires and actions. See the like phrase, Deut. 28. 6. 2 Chron. 1. 10. 2 Sam. 3. 25. Act. 1. 21. and 9. 28.
PSAL. CXXII.
Davids joy for the Church, and prayer for the peace thereof.
A Song of degrees, of David.
IRejoyced in them that said unto me, We will goe into the house of Iehovah. Our feet have beene standing in thy gates, O Ierusalem. Ierusalem builded as a citie that is joyned to it selfe together. Whither the tribes goe up, the tribes of Iah, to the testimonie of Israel, to confesseunto the name of Iehovah. For there are set thrones for judgement, thrones of the house of David. Aske ye the peace of Ierusalem; safe quietnesse have they that love thee. Peace be in thy fort, safe quietnesse in thy Palaces. Because of my brethren and my neighbours, I will speake, O peace be in thee. Because of the house of Iehovah our God, I will seeke good for thee.
Annotations.
IN them] or, for them: Greeke, for the things that were said. we will] or, let us goe, exhorting one another, as Deut. 33. 19. house] which the Chaldee expoundeth, house of the Sanctuarie of the Lord.
Vers. 3. joyned to it selfe] compact, fitly framed and builded together for an habitation of God through the spirit, Ephes. 2. 21, 22. so the curtaines of the tabernacle were conjoyned, Exod. 26. 3.
Vers. 4. to the testimony] that is, the Arke, wherein were the tables of testimonie, and from whence God testified his presence by oracle, Exod. 25. 21, 22. or, by the testimony to Israel, that is, according to the charge given for their comming thither, Deut. 16. 16, 17.
Vers. 5. are set] or sit thrones; that is, they stand; or remaine still, or; are set, active for passive, as Psal. 36. 3. of the house] or, for the house, that is, the posteritie; as Psal. 115. 10. The Chaldee saith, for the Kings of the house of David.
Vers. 6. Aske] that is, Desire, or pray for the peace; in Greeke, the things that belong to the peace: see the like speech, Luke 19. 42. Ier. 15. 5. … safe quietnesse have] or, they shall have safe ease, or tranquillitie, prosperitie: the word meaneth both quietnesse from troubles, and abundance of welfare: so Psal. 30. 7. and 73. 12.
Vers. 7. fort] or rampart. frontier; whereof hee speaketh in Lam. 2. 8.
Vers. 9. good for thee] or, thy good: see Neh. 2. 10.
PSAL. CXXIII.
A profession of patient confidence in God, and prayer to be delivered from contempt.
A Song of degrees.
VNtoUnto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that sittest in the heavens. Loe, as the eyes of servants are unto the hand of their Masters; as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistresse; so our eyes unto Iehovah our God, untill that hee be gracious unto us. Be gracious to us Iehovah, be gracious to us; for wee are very much filled with contempt. Our soule it is very much filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, the contempt of the proud.
Annotations.
SIttest] that is, reignest, governest, judgest: for heaven is Gods throne, Esai. 66. 1.
Vers. 2. that he be gracious] or shew merciemercy; this noteth continuall prayer without fainting, as Luke 18. 1,—7.
Vers. 4. it is or, to it selfe, as Psal. 120. 6. of the proud] or, be to the proud; as a Prayer that the evill may turne upon themselves.
PSAL. CXXIV.
David teacheth Israel to blesse God for their deliverance.
A Song of degrees of David.
EXcept Iehovah, that he had beene for us, now let Israel say: Except Iehovah, that he had been for us, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us. Then the waters had overflowed us, the streame had passed over our soule. Then the proud waters had passed over our soule. Blessed be Iehovah, who hath not given us for a prey unto their teeth. Our soule, as a bird is escaped out of the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our helpe is in the name of Iehovah, the maker of heavens and earth.
Annotations.
EXcept Iehovah, that he] or, But for Iehovah who was. The Chaldee saith, Except the word of the Lord, &c.
Vers. 2. men] in Chaldee, sinfull men.
Vers. 4. waters] that is, sinfull people, as Isa. 59. 19. Rev. 17. 15.
Vers. 5. proud waters] the Chaldee expoundeth it, the King whose Campe is like the high waters of the Sea.
PASL. CXXV.
The safety of such as trust in God. 4 A prayer for the godly, and against the wicked.
A Song of degrees.
THey that trust in Iehovah, shall be as mount Sion which is not moved, but remaineth for ever. Ierusalem, th… mountaines are round about it, and Iehovah is round about his people, from this time and for ever. For the rod of wickednesse shall not rest upon the lot of the just; that the just put not forth their hands unto any injurious evill. Doe good, O Iehovah, unto the good, and to the righteous in their hearts. But they that turne a side to their crookednesses, Iehovah will lead them away with the workers of painfull iniquitie: Peace shall be upon Israel.
Annotations.
THey that crust] The Chaldee explaineth it, The just which trust in the Word of the Lord.
Vers. 2. and Iehovah] that is, and so Iehovah, which the Chaldee expoundeth, the divine presence (or majestie) of the Lord.
Vers. 3. of wickednesse] that is, of the wicked, as pride, for proud men, Psal. 36. 12. and their rod meaneth their dominion, or power, as Psal. 2. 9. lot] that is, inheritance; as Ios. 18. 11. 1 Pet. 5. 3.
Vers. 5. crookednesses] crooked wayes, or, vices. lead them away] or, make them goe away, that is, to die, as 1 Chron. 17. 11. compared with 2 Sam. 7. 12. So the Chaldee paraphraseth, will lead them to Hell, and their part shall be with the workers of iniquitie.
PSAL. CXXVI.
The Church celebrating her incredible returne out of captivitie, prayeth for, and prophesieth the good successe thereof.
A Song of degrees.
VVHen Iehovah returned the captivitie of Sion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with joyfull shouting; then said they among the heathens, Iehovah hath done very great things with them. Iehovah hath done very great things with us, we are joyfull. Turne thou, O Iehovah, our captivitie, as the streames in the South. They that sow with teares, shall reap with joyfull shouting. He going goeth, and weepeth, bearing the sowing seed: he comming commeth with joyfull shouting, bearing his sheaves.
Annotations.
THe captivitie] or, the reversion, that is, the multitude of captives returning from bondage. See Psal. 14. 7. and 68. 19. Deut. 30. 3. The returne from Babels bondage figured our redemption by Christ, Esa. 10. 21, 22. Rom. 9. 27. And to returne the captivitie, sometime is to restore all that was lost, Iok 42. 10. that dreame] that felt joy and comfort incredible, which we doubted whether it were true or not; as did Peter, Act. 12. 9. See also Esai. 29. 7, 8. The Chaldee expoundeth it, like sleepers which wake from their dreames.
Vers. 2. joyfull shout] or song, or shrill singing: so vers. 5, 6. Compare Iob 8. 21. done very great things] or done magnificently, or magnified his doings, as the Greeke translateth this phrase, in Ioel 2. 20. the Hebraisme being, he hath magnified to doe, like that in 2 Chron. 33. 6. Manasseh multiplied to doe (that is, did much) evill. with them] or with these men.
Vers. 4. our captivitie] that is, the rest of the captives which remaine yet behind, bring them also. So captivitie i… for captives, Ezek. 11. 24, 25. in the South] that is, in the dry ground; for so the Hebrew word signifieth, and so South lands were waterlesse, Iudg. 1. 15. Here we may understand, this shall be to us as rivers in the South. The Chaldee paraphraseth, as the land is turned when water-springs breake forth into it, in time of drought.
Vers. 5. shall reape] or, let them reape: as continuing the former prayer: so after.
Vers. 6. He going goeth] that is, every sower fore-mentioned: therefore the Greeke saith, they did going goe: which phrase meaneth a continuall and diligent going. the sowing seed] the seed to bee sowne, Hebr. the drawing of the seed, that is, the seed of drawing, or, of sowing, as this phrase meaneth, Amos 9. 13. or, the dray of seed, that is, the seed-basket. Sometime drawing, is, purchasing, as Iob 28. 18. which may also be minded here, the purchased (that is, precious) seed.
PSAL. CXXVII.
The vertue of Gods blessings in all estates. 3 Good children are his gift.
A Song of degrees for Solomon.
IF Iehovah build not the house, in vaine doe the builders thereof labour therein: if Iehovah keepe not the citie, in vaine doth the keeper wake. It is vaine for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrowes; so he will give his beloved sleepe.
Loe, sonnes are an heritage of Iehovah; the fruit of the wombe, his wages. As arrowes in the hand of a mightie man, so are sonnes of the youth. O blessed is the man that hath filled his quiver with them: they shall not be abashed, when they shall speake with the enemies in the gate.
Annotations.
FOr Solomon] as Psal. 72. 1. or, of Solomon. the citie] in Chaldee, the citie Ierusalem.
Vers. 2. to rise early] or, to be early in rising, to be late in sitting, eating, &c. of sorrowes] that is, gotten with much sorrow or paines: as bread of wickednesse, Prov. 4. 17. is that which is wickedly gotten; or bread of sorrowes, may meane course meat, as bread of pleasures, Dan. 10. 3. is dainty fine meat. so] by building, keeping and blessing their labours without sorrow; or surely he will give. his beloved] or dearling; the Hebrew Iedid, hath reference to Solomons name Iedid-jah, 2 Sam. 12. 25. that is, Beloved of Iah: but the Greek turneth it plurally, his beloved ones. sleepe] quiet rest without carke and sorrow. Therefore also the Hebrew word Shena is written with foreign a quiet dumbe letter, (otherwise than usuall) to denote the more quietnesse.
Vers. 3. an heritage] that is, a reward (or blessing) given of the Lord: so Iob 20. 29. Isa. 54. 17. Psal. 61. 6. wages] or reward, which sometime is of debt, for service, Num. 18. 31. Gen. 30. 28. sometime of favour, Rom. 4. 4. as Gods rewards to his servants, Gen. 15. 1. Isa. 62. 11.
Vers. 4. sonnes of youth] that is, young men, who area helpe to their parents against the enemie, as arrowes in the battell. Compare 1 Ioh. 2. 14. Prov. 20. 29.
Vers. 5. his quiver with them] that is, his house full of children. when they shall speake] that is, plead in judgement; which was at the citie gates; see the contrary, Iob 5. 4. It may also be read, but they shall subdue the enemies in the gate. The Greek giveth the first interpretation. The Chaldee saith, when they contend with their adversaries in the gate of the judgement hall.
PSAL. CXXVIII.
The sundry blessings which follow them that feare God.
A Song of degrees.
O Happy is every one that feareth Iehovah, that walketh in his wayes. When thou shalt eat the labour of thy hands, O happy thou, and good shall it be unto thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitfull Vine by the sides of thine house, thy sonnes as Olive plants round about thy Table. Lo… surely thus shall the man be blessed that feareth Iehovah. Blesse thee will Iehovah out of Sion, and see thou the good of Ierusalem, all the dayes of thy life. And see thou thy sonnes sonnes, peace upon Israel.
Annotations.
O Happy] or Blessed: as Psal. 1. 1.
Vers. 2. When thou] or, For (surely) thou shalt eat. the labour] that is, things got with labour, according to the Law, Gen. 3. 19. and this is of Gods hand, Eccle. 2. 24. the contrary whereof is a curse, Deut. 28. 30, 31, 33. good] profitable, and pleasing, as Deut. 23. 16. The Chaldee explaineth it, Happy thou in this world, and good (shall it be) unto thee in the world to come.
Vers. 3. fruitfull] or, fructifying: see also this similitude, Ezek. 19. 10. Gen. 49. 22. Olive plants] alwayes greene, Psal. 52. 10. and legitimate, as the Olive admitteth no other graffe.
Vers. 5. will Iehovah] or, prayer-wise (as the Greeke hath it) Iehovah blesse thee. see thou] or, thou shalt see, that is, enjoy: looke the Notes on Psal. 27. 4. and 37. 3. the good] that is, the good things, as the Greeke hath it: see Psal. 65. 5.
Vers. 6. thy sonnes sonnes] or, sonnes to (or of) thy sonnes. See this fulfilled in Iob 42. 16. where Iob saw his sonnes, and his sonnes sonnes, even foure generations.
PSAL. CXXIX.
Many are the afflictions of Israel, but God delivereth them. 5 Their haters are cursed.
A Song of degrees.
OFten have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say. Often have they afflicted me from my youth, yet have they not prevailed against me. The plowers plowed upon my backe, they made long their furrow. Iehovah just, he hath cut asunder the cord of the wicked. Let them be abashed and turned backe, all that hate Sion. Let them be as the grasse of the house tops, which afore one pulleth it off, is withered. Wherewith he that moweth, filleth not his hand; or he that bindeth sheaves, his bosome. Neither doe they that passe by say, The blessing of Iehovah be upon you, we blesse you in the Name of Iehovah.
Annotations.
OFten] or Much, vehemently. from my youth] my first constitution, in Aegypt, Ezek. 23. 3. not prevailed] in Chaldee, they could not doe me evill.
Vers. 3. plowers] that plow iniquitie, Iob 4 8. the Greeke saith, sinners. furrow] and furrowes, that is, every of them; (for the Hebrew hath both readings) meaning their injuries, or iniquitie, as the Greeke turneth it.
Vers. 4. cord] for cords, or ropes; one put for many: see Psal. 8. 9. by cords, meaning counsels and enterprises, wherewith they drew the plough of their iniquitie, Esai. 5. 18.
Vers. 5. Let them] or, They shall be abashed.
Vers. 6. pulleth it off] or pulleth out, namely, the hooke to cut it. The Chaldee explaines it, which before it flourisheth, an East wind commeth and bloweth on it, and it withereth.
Vers. 7. his bosome] his armes; as Esai. 49. 22. or lap.
Vers. 8. we blesse you] the Chaldee addeth, and they answer them not, we blesse you, &c. taking this latter branch to be the harvest mens answer, as in Ruth 2. 4.
PSAL. CXXX.
The Psalmist praying out of deepe afflictions, professeth his hope and patience, and exhorteth Israel to the like.
A Song of degrees.
OVt of the deepes doe I call unto thee Iehovah. Lord, heare my voyce, let thine eares be attentive to the voyce of my supplications for grace. If thou shouldest observe iniquities, O Iah, Lord, who shall stand? But with thee is forgivenesse, that thou maist be feared. I earnestly expect Iehovah, my soule earnestly expecteth, and for his word doe I hopefully wait. My soule for the Lord, more than watchmen for the morning, watchmen for the morning. Let Israel hopefully wait for Iehovah, for with Iehovah there is mercy, and with him is much redemption. And he will redeeme Israel from all his iniquities.
Annotations.
DEeps] or low places, that is, great calamities, Psal. 69. 3. 15. with hearty deepe affections, and lowlinesse of minde.
Vers. 3. shall stand] or can subsist? meaning, no man can.
Vers. 6. watchmen] or, warders, keepers. Which the Chaldee explaineth thus, more than they which observe the morning watch, which they observe that they may offer the morning sacrifice. for] or to the morning.
Vers. 8. his] or their iniquities: see the note on Psal. 25. 22.
PSAL. CXXXI.
David professeth his humilitie, and exhorteth Israel to hope in God.
A Song of degrees of David.
IEhovah, mine heart is not haughty, neither are mine eyes lofty, neither walke I in great matters, and too marvellous for me. If I have not composed and stilled my soule, as a weaned child with his mother; as a weaned child with me is my soule. Let Israel hopefully wait for Iehovah, from this time and for ever.
Annotations.
HAughty] or lifted up, with pride: see Deut. 17. 20. Prov. 16. 5. 2 Chron. 32. 25, 26. Psal. 101. 5. marvellous] that is, too hard for me, high and above my reach: as Psal. 139. 6.
Vers. 2. If I have not] that is, Surely I have: an oath, whereof part is concealed; see Psal. 95. 11. Ier. 49. 20. composed, or put fit and in order. The Chaldee expoundeth it, If I have not put my hand on my mouth, and silenced my soule, till it might heare the words of the Law, as a weaned child on his mothers brests, &c. stilled] or, made silent, refraining it from noisome lusts. as a weaned child] that is, meeke, modest, humble, submissive, simple, &c. See Mat. 18. 1, 2, 3, 4.