Annotations on the Pentateuch, Psalms, Song of Songs, Biblical commentary 6 · Book 5 · Commentary on psalm 13
PSAL. CXIX.
This Psalme containeth manifold praises of the Law of God, and effects of the same; with sundrie prayers, and professions of obedience.
O Blessed are they that are perfect in way, they that walke in the law of Iehovah. 2. O blessed are they that keepe his testimonies, they that seeke him with all the heart. 3. Also, they that worke not iniquity, but walke in his waies. 4. Thou hast commanded thy precepts to be observed vehemently. 5. Oh that my waies were directed to observe thy statutes. 6. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandements. 7. I will confesse thee with righteousnesse of heart, when I shall learne the judgements of thy justice. 8. I will observe thy statutes, forsake thou me not very much.
9. Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed, according to thy word. 10. With all my heart have I sought thee, let me not wander from thy commandements. 11. In mine heart have I hid thy sayings, that I might not sinne against thee.
12. Blessed art thou, Iehovah, learne mee thy statutes. 13. With my lips have I told all the judgements of thy mouth. 14. In the way of thy testimonies have I joyed, as above all store of riches. 15. In thy precepts will I meditate, and will have respect unto thy waies. 16. In thy statutes will I delight my selfe, I will not forget thy words.
17. Bounteously reward unto thy servant, that I may live and observe thy word. 18. Vncover mine eyes, that I may see the marvellous things of thy law. 19. A stranger I am in the earth, hide not thou from me thy commandements. 20. My soule is broken small with desire unto thy judgements in all time.
21. Thou hast rebuked the proud accursed, that wander from thy commandements.
22. Turne thou from mee reproach and contempt, for I have kept thy testimonies. 23. Princes also did sit, they spake against me, thy servant meditateth in thy statutes. 24. Also thy testimonies are my delights; the men of my counsell.
25. My soule cleaveth to the dust, quicken thou me according to thy word. 26. I told my waies, and thou answeredst me; teach me thy statutes. 27. Make mee to understand the way of thy precepts, and I will meditate on thy marvellous workes. 28. My soule droppeth for heavinesse; raise thou me up, according to thy word. 29. Take away from me the way of falshood, and graciously give me thy law. 30. The way of faithfulnesse I have chosen, thy judgements I have proposed. 31. I have cleaved to thy testimonies; Iehovah, let me not be abashed. 32. I will run the way of thy Commandements, when thou shalt inlarge mine heart.
33. Teach me, O Iehovah, the way of thy statutes, that I may keepe it unto the end.
34. Make me to understand, that I may keep … law, and observe it with all the heart.
35. Make mee to tread in the path of thy commandements, for in it I take pleasure.
36. Incline mine heart unto thy testimonies, and not unto covetousnesse. 37. Turne away mine eies from seeing false vanity; quicken me in thy waies. 38. Confirme to thy servant thy saying, which is given to the feare of thee. 39. Turne away my reproach, which I am afraid of, for thy judgements are good.
40. Loe I have a desire to thy precepts; in thy justice quicken thou me.
41. And let thy mercies come to mee, O Iehovah; thy salvation, according to thy saying. 42. And I shall answer him that reproacheth me, because I have trusted in thy word. 43. And pull not thou out of my mouth the word of truth very much, because I have hopefully waited for thy judgements.
44. And I will observe thy law continually, for ever and perpetuall aye. 45. And I shall walke in a large roomth, because I have sought thy precepts. 46. And I will speake of thy testimonies in the presence of Kings, and not be ashamed. 47. And I will delight my selfe in thy commandements, which I have loved. 48. And I will lift up my hands to thy commandements which I have loved, and will meditate on thy statutes.
49. Remember the word to thy servant, for which thou hast made me hopefully to wait. 50. This is my comfort in mine affliction, that thy saying quickeneth mee.
51. The proud have scorned me very greatly; from thy law I have not declined. 52. I remembred thy judgements of old, O Iehovah, and conforted my selfe. 53. A burning horrour hath taken hold on me for the wicked, the forsakers of thy law. 54. Thy statutes have beene songs to me, in the house of my pilgrimages. 55. I remembred in the night thy name, O Iehovah, and observed thy law.
56. This was to mee, because I kept thy precepts.
57. My portion, Iehovah, I have said, to observe thy words. 58. I have earnestly besought thy face with all the heart; be gratious to mee according to thy saying. 59. I thought upon my waies, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. 60. I made haste, and delayed not, to observe thy commandements. 61. Bands of the wicked have robbed mee; thy law I have not forgotten. 62. At mid-night will I rise to confesse unto thee, for the judgements of thy justice. 63. I am a companion to all that feare thee, and that observe thy precepts. 64. The earth is full of thy mercy, Iehovah; learne me thy statutes.
65. Thou hast done good with thy servant, Iehovah, according to thy word. 66. Learne mee goodnesse of reason and knowledge, for I have beleeved in thy commandements. 67. Before I was afflicted, I was astray; but now I observe thy saying. 68. Good art thou, and doest good; learne me thy statutes. 69. The proud have forged against me falshood; I, with all the heart, doe keep thy precepts. 70. Their heart is grosse as fat; I, in thy law have delighted my selfe
71. It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learne thy statutes. 72. The law of thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver.
73. Thine hands have made mee, and fashioned me; make me to understand, that I may learne thy commandements. 74. They that feare thee, shall see me and rejoyce, because I have hopefully waited for thy word. 75. I know, Iehovah, that thy judgements are justice, and with faithfulnesse thou hast afflicted me. 76. Oh let thy mercy be to comfort me, according to thy saying unto thy servant. 77. Let thy tender mercies come to me, that I may live, for thy law is my delights. 78. Let the proud be abashed, for with falshood they have depraved me: I doe meditate in thy precepts. 79. Let those turne to mee that feare thee, and that know thy testimonies. 80. Let my heart be perfect in thy statutes, that I be not abashed.
81. My soule fainteth for thy salvation, I hopefully wait for thy word. 82. Mine eies faile for thy word, saying, when wilt thou comfort me? 83. Though I am like a bottell in the smoake, I have not forgotten thy statutes. 84. How many are the dayes of thy servant? When wilt thou doe judgement on my persecutors? 85. The proud have digged for mee pits of corruption, which are not according to thy law. 86. All thy commandements are faithfulnesse; with falshood do they persecute me, help thou me.
87. Almost they had consumed me in the earth, but I have not forsaken thy precepts. 88. According to thy mercy quicken thou me, and I will observe the testimonie of thy mouth.
89. For ever, O Iehovah, thy word is stedfast in the heavens. 90. Thy faithfulnesse is to generation and generation; thou hast stablished the earth, and it shall stand. 91. To thy judgements they stand this day, for they all are thy servants. 92. Vnlesse thy law had beene my delights, then had I perished in mine affliction. 93. For ever I will not forget thy precepts, for by them thou hast quickened me. 94. I am thine, save thou me, for I have sought thy precepts. 95. The wicked have waited for me to destroy me; I consider thy testimonies. 96. Of all perfection I have seene an end; large is thy commandement vehemently.
97. O how I love thy law! all the day it is my meditation. 98. Thou makest mee wiser than mine enemies, by thy commandements; for, for ever it is with me. 99. I am more prudent than all my teachers, for thy testimonies are my meditation. 100. I am of more understanding than the Elders, because I have kept thy precepts. 101. I have restrained my feet from every evill way, that I may observe thy word. 102. I have not departed from thy judgements, for thou hast taught me. 103. How sweet are thy sayings to my palate! more than honey to my mouth. 104. By thy precepts I have gotten understanding, therefore I hate every path of falshood.
105. Thy word is a lampe to my foot, and a light to my path. 106. I have sworne, and will ratifie it, to observe the judgements of thy justice. 107. I am afflicted very vehemently; Iehovah, quicken thou mee according to thy word. 108. The free-offerings of my mouth, favourably accept thou, oh Iehovah; and learne mee thy judgements. 109. My soule is in my hand continually, and thy law I have not forgotten. 110. The wicked have laid a snare for me, and from thy precepts I have not strayed. 111. I possesse for heritage thy testimonies for ever, for they are the joy of mine heart. 112. I have inclined mine heart to doe thy statutes, for ever to the end.
113. I hate vaine thoughts, and I love thy law. 114. Thou art my secret place, and my shield, I hopefully wait for thy word. 115. Depart from me yee evill doers, that I may keepe the commandements of my God.
116. Vphold me according to thy saying, that I may live; and let me not be abashed for my hope. 117. Sustaine me, and I shall be saved, and I will delight in thy statutes continually. 118. Thou hast troden downe all them that stray from thy statutes, for their deceit is falshood. 119. Like drosse thou makest cease all the wicked of the earth, therfore I love thy testimonies. 120. My flesh feeleth horrour for dread of thee, and I feare for thy judgements.
121. I have done judgement and justice, leave me not to mine oppressours. 122. Be surety for thy servant, for good; let not the proud oppresse mee. 123. Mine eyes faile for thy salvation, and for the sayings of thy justice. 124. Doe with thy servant according to thy mercy, and learne mee thy statutes. 125. I am thy servant, give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
126. It is time for Iehovah to doe, they have made frustrate thy law. 127. Therfore I love thy commandements, above gold, and above fine gold. 128. Therefore, all thy precepts of every thing I hold righteous; I hate every way of falshood.
129. Marvellous are thy testimonies, therfore doth my soule keepe them. 130. The opening of thy words giveth light, giving understanding to the simple. 131. I opened wide my mouth and panted, for I longed for thy commandements. 132. Turne the face unto me, and be gracious to me, according to the judgement towards those that love thy name. 133. Firmely direct my steps in thy saying, and let not any iniquitie have dominion over mee. 134. Redeeme mee from the oppression of men, and I will observe thy precepts. 135. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant, and learne mee thy statutes. 136. Rivers of waters runne downe mine eyes, because they observe not thy law.
137. Iust art thou Iehovah, and righteous thy judgements. 138. Thou hast commanded the justice of thy testimonies, and faithfulnesse vehemently. 139. My zeale suppresseth me, because my distressers have forgotten thy words. 140. Thy saying is fined vehemently, and thy servant loveth it.
141. I am small and despised, thy precepts I have not forgotten. 142. Thy justice is a justice for ever, and thy law is the truth. 143. Distresse and anguish have found me, thy commandements are my delights. 144. The justice of thy testimonies is for ever; make me to understand, that I may live.
145. I have called with the whole heart: answer me, Iehovah; I will keepe thy statutes. 146. I have called upon thee, save thou me, and I w…l observe thy testimonies. 147. I have prevented in the twilight, and cried; I hopefully waited for thy word. 148. Mine eyes have prevented the night-watches, to meditate in thy saying. 149. Heare my voice, according to thy mercy, Iehovah; according to thy judgement quicken thou me. 150. They draw neare that follow after a mischievous purpose, they are farre off from thy law. 151. Neare art thou, Iehovah, and all thy commandements are truth. 152. Of old I have knowne of thy testimonies, that thou hast founded them forever.
153. See mine affliction, and release me, for I have not forgotten thy law. 154. Plead my plea and redeeme mee, according to thy saying quicken thou me. 155. Salvation is farre from the wicked, because they seeke not thy statutes. 156. Thy tender mercies are many, O Iehovah; according to thy judgements quicken thou me. 157. Many are my persecutors, and my distressers; from thy testimonies I have not declined. 158. I saw unfaithfull transgressours, and was grieved, for that they observed not thy saying. 159. See, that I love thy precepts; Iehovah, according to thy mercy quicken thou me. 160. The beginning of thy word is truth, and for ever is every judgement of thy justice.
161. Princes have persecuted me without cause, & for thy word mine heart doth stand in awe. 162. I am joyfull for thy saying, as one that findeth much spoile. 163. Falsehood I hate, and I abhorre; thy law I doe love. 164. Seven times in a day doe I praise thee, for the judgements of thy justice. 165. Much peace is to them that love thy law, and to them is no stumbling-blocke. 166. I have hoped for thy salvation, Iehovah, and have done thy commandements. 167. My soule hath observed thy testimonies, and I love them vehemently. 168. I have observed thy precepts and thy testimonies, for all my wayes are before thee.
169. Let my shouting crie come neare before thee, Iehovah; according to thy word give thou me understanding. 170. Let my supplication for grace come before thee; according to thy saying, deliver thou mee. 171. My lips shal utter praise, when thou hast learned mee thy statutes. 172. My tongue shall resound thy saying, for all thy commandements are justice. 173. Let thine hand be to helpe me, for I have chosen thy precepts.
174. I have longed for thy salvation, Iehovah, and thy law is my delights. 175. Let my soule live, that it may praise thee; and let thy judgments help me. 176. I have strayed like a lost sheepe; seeke thou thy servant, for I have not forgotten thy commandements.
Annotations.
PErfect in way] intire (or unblemished) in their state or conversation: See Ezek. 28. 15. Psalm. 1. 1.
Vers. 2. seeke him] with hope and trust, as the word also importeth, Esay 11. 10. with Rom. 15. 12. See also Deut. 4. 29. Ier. 29. 13. 2 Chron. 15. 15. The Chaldee translateth, seeke his doctrine.
Vers. 3. Also they &c.] the Greeke turneth it thus; For, not they that worke iniquitie, doe walke in his wayes.
Vers. 4. to be observed] or, for men to observe. See the notes on Psal. 36. 3.
Vers. 5. O that] or, My wishes are that &c. The Chaldee expounds it, It is good for me that I have directed my waies.
Vers. 8. very much] or unto vehemencie, vehemently, that is, utterly: a like prayer is against Gods anger, Esay 64. 9. Or, it may here have reference to the former, I will keepe thy statutes with vehemencie, if thou forsake me not.
Vers. 10. let me not wander] o… make mee not to erre; in Greeke, repell me not.
Vers. 14. as above] as that which is superiour to all riches; or, as for all abundant wealth.
Vers. 16. delight] or solace, recreate my selfe.
Vers. 18. Vncover] or unveile. that I may] or, and I shall: so after in this and other Psalmes often. See Psal. 43. 4.
Vers. 19. in the earth] or in the land: See Psal. 39. 13.
Vers. 20. sor desire] or, with desiring, or to desire; as the Greeke saith, my soule coveteth to desire. A like forme of the Hebrew word is in Ierem. 31. 12.
Vers. 23. spake] or talked of me; spake largely and freely: See the word in this forme, Ezek. 33. 30.
Vers. 24. men of my counsell] that is, my counsellours, they with whom I consult. So in Esay 40. 13. man of his counsell, is turned in Greeke Sumbo… los, Rom. 11. 34. that is, Counsellour.
Vers. 25. quicken me] or, spare my life, as Ios. 9. 15.
Vers. 26. answeredst me] which the Chaldee expoundeth, acceptedst my prayer.
Vers. 27. and I will] or, that I may; as vers. 18. and 33.
Vers. 28. droppeth] to wit, teares, that is, weepeth: as Iob 16. 20. raise up] or, confirme, stablish, as vers. 38. and 106.
Vers. 30. of faithfulnesse] or faith, that is, a sure and faithfull way. proposed] to wit, before me, as Psal. 16. 8.
Vers. 32. inlarge] that is, amplifie and increase with wisdome, as 1 King. 4. 29. (as to want an heart, is to be foolish, Prov. 9. 4.) or, with comfort, as Isa. 60. 5. or love, as 2 Cor. 6. 11.
Vers. 33. to the end] Greeke, continually; some turne it, for rewards, as after the Greeke doth, vers. 112. The Hebrew properly is the heele or foot-sole; figuratively the end, and sometime reward: see Psal. 19. 12. that I may] or, and I shall keepe &c. So vers. 34.
Vers. 37. Turne away] or Make passe, transferre: so vers. 39. from seeing] or, that they see not, Psal. 69. 24. and 66. 18.
Vers. 38. Confirme] or raise up, that is, performe and doe it, as 2 Sam. 7. 25. and that continually, as Deut. 27. 26. with Gal. 3. 10. So, to confirme words, 2 King. 23. 3. is …o doe them, 2 Chron. 34. 31. which] that is, which servant is given (or addicted) to thy feare, or which word is given for the feare of thee, that thou mayest be feared.
Vers. 41. come] that is, be performed, as Iudg. 13. 12.
Vers. 42. answer] Hebr. answer him word, that is, returne him answer, as this phrase importeth, 2 Sam. …4. 13. 1 King. 20. 9. and 12. 16. so Prov. 27. 11. Or, answer him the matter.
Vers. 43. very much] or, unto vehemencie, vehemently, as vers. 8. and it may be referred to the word, vehemently true; or to the former, pull not utterly.
Vers. 45. in a large roomth] or, in widenesse, that is, at libertie, cheerefully, free from feares, distresses, &c. Psal. 4. 2. and 18. 20. and 118. 5.
Vers. 48. lift my hands] that is, put my hands to the practise of thy law with earnestnesse.
Vers. 53. A burning horrour] a storme of terrour and dismay, as the Greeke saith, swow…ing or fainting: see Psal. 11. 6. for] or from the wicked; a storme of trouble raised by them.
Vers. 54. songs] theames, or arguments of singing. the house] the earthly house of this tabernacle, where man sojourneth in his body; as 2 Cor. 5. 1, &c. in Greeke, the place, that is, wheresoever I sojourne.
Vers. 56. This was] Thus ordered I the course of my life; or, this varietie of estate, persecution, consolation, &c. befell me.
Vers. 57. my portion] that is, as the Greeke explaineth, O Lord thou art my portion, as Psal. 142. 6. and 16. 5. Ier. 10. 16. or, my portion, O Lord, shall be to keepe thy words.
Vers. 58. besought] or intreated: see Psalm. 45. 13.
Vers. 59. thought upon] considered and counted; the Chaldee saith, I thought to make good my wayes.
Vers. 60. delayed not] or, distracted not my selfe, to wit, with worldly cares, feares, pleasures, &c.
Vers. 61. Bands] or Cords, as the Greeke also turneth it, or Companies, as the Chaldee explaineth it: so a band of Prophets, for a company of them, 1 Sam. 10. 10.
Vers. 66. reason] or behaviour: Hebr. taste or savour: see Psal. 34. 1.
Vers. 67. afflicted] or answered, cried, to wit, for my affliction.
Vers. 69. forged] or composed, adjoyned: so Iob 13. 4.
Vers. 70. grosse] congealed, and so made hard and senselesse; in Greeke, crudled as milk. Compare Act. 28. 27. Ephes. 4. 18.
Vers. 72. thousands] to wit, of peeces, as is expressed, Psal. 68. 31. the Chaldee expoundeth it, of talents.
Vers. 73. fashioned] or fitted, composed. Compare Iob 10. 8.
Vers. 75. with faithfulnesse] or in faith, or truth. God is faithfull, which wil not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able, but will give the issue with the temptation, &c. 1 Cor. 10. 13.
Vers. 78. depraved] perverted, wronged mee, dealt perversly with me; or, would pervert me from the right way.
Vers. 79. turne to me] in Chaldee, turne to my doctrine.
Vers. 80. perfect] sincere, in Greeke, without spot, unblemished, as vers. 1.
Vers. 81. fainteth] faileth, or, is consumed, to wit, with desire. So Psal. 84. 2. faile] or, are consumed, as before, and vers. 123. See Psal. 69. 4. 1 Sam. 2. 33.
Vers. 83. in the smoake] that is, drie and wrincled. Compare Psal. 32. 4. and 102. 4.
Vers. 84. daies] to wit, of affliction: see Psal. 37. 12. and 116. 2.
Vers. 85. digged pits] to take away my life, Psal. 35. 7. the Greeke saith, told me tales, to intrap mee with errours.
Vers. 86. faithfulnesse] or faith, that is, faithfull, true.
Vers. 89. is stedfast] or, standeth fast, abideth: compare Isa. 40. 8.
Vers. 90. stablished] or fitly setled: See Eccles. 1. 4.
Vers. 91. To thy] that is, According to thy ordinations; or, For thy judgements; in the manner and to the ends that thou appointedst them, they stand and continue, as Psal. 33. 9.
Vers. 96. of all perfection] or consummation, that is, of every most perfect thing. large] or broad, wide, meaning infinite.
Vers. 98. thou makest] or it maketh. it is with me] or, it is mine, that is, thy law (or every one of thy commandements,) is mine.
Vers. 103. my palate] that is, my taste.
Vers. 105. a lampe] or, a candle, lanterne: so Prov. 6. 23. Compare Iob 19. 8.
Vers. 106. sworne] making covenant to walke in thy law, as Nehem. 10. 29. ratifie] performe, or stablish.
Vers. 108. free-offerings] or, voluntaries: see Psal. 54. 8.
Vers. 109. in my hand] or palme, that is, I goe in danger of my life. See the like phrase, Iudg. 12. 3. 1 Sam. 19. 5. and 28. 21. So the Chaldee explaineth it, my soule is in danger, as if it were upon my hand.
Vers. 112. to the end] as vers. 33. Here the Greeke turneth it, for reward, respecting the end and reward of faith and obedience, as Psal. 19. 12. Heb. 11. 26. 1 Pet. 1. 8, 9.
Vers. 113. vaine thoughts] or wavering cogitations, or vaine thinkers, as the Chaldee explaineth it; the Greeke also turning it, transgressors of law. It hath the name of top-branches of trees; figuratively applied to the thoughts or opinions of the minde, wavering and uncertaine, as 1 King. 18. 21. or persons distracted with their owne cogitations.
Vers. 117. delight] or, have respect, or contemplate, meditate delightfully.
Vers. 119. Like drosse] consumed with the fire of thy wrath. See Ezek. 22. 18,—22. Prov. 25. 4, 5. makest cease] that is, removest, or takest away.
Vers. 120. feeleth horrour] as when the haire stands up for feare; and by flesh, may be meant the haire of his flesh, as is expressed, Iob 4. 15. from whence this phrase seemeth to be taken.
Vers. 121. Be surety] answering for, and defending him. Or, give sweetnesse (or delight,) unto him.
Vers. 126. to doe] or worke, shewing his power: The Chaldee otherwise, It is time to doe the will of the Lord. made frustrate] of none effect, or dissipated: See Psal. 33. 10.
Vers. 128. hold righteous] or make righteous, that is, doe esteeme, and defend to be most right, and doe rightly use them.
Vers. 130. The opening] or doore, that is, the declaration (as the Greeke interpreteth it;) or the first entrance into them.
Vers. 132. according to the judgement] that is, as is right and meet, and behoveth; or, after the manner, wont and custome that thou usest. So judgement is for manner, or custome, Gen. 40. 13. Ios. 6. 15. 1 Sam. 2. 13. and 27. 11.
Vers. 136. they] men in generall, or the wicked; as after, vers. 158.
Vers. 137. righteous] to wit, is every of thy judgements; or, upright art thou in thy judgements.
Vers. 138. justice of thy testimonies] that is, thy just and very faithfull testimonies. Or, justice, thy testimonies and faith.
Vers. 139. suppresseth] or cutteth off, that is, consumeth. Compare Psal. 69. 10.
Vers. 140. fined] purified as in fire, Psal. 12. 7.
Vers. 142. for ever] that is, everlasting: so vers. 144.
Vers. 143. found] that is, come upon me, as Psal. 116. 3.
Vers. 144. justice of &c.] or, Thy testimonies are just &c.
Vers. 147. prevented] to wit, thee, with prayer, as Psal. 88. 14. and 95. 2. twilight] the dawning of the morning, as the Chaldee explaineth it, and the Hebrew sometime signifieth, Iob 7. 4.
Vers. 148. watches] see Psal. 63. 7. and 90. 4. and 119. 62. The Chaldee saith, the morning and evening watches.
Vers. 149. judgement] equitie, or custome, as vers. 132.
Vers. 160. the beginning,] or, the head, but the Greeke and Chaldee doe explaine it, from the beginning thy word is truth; and so for ever. Or, taking head for excellencie, thy most excellent word is truth.
Vers. 164. Seven times] that is, often; for seven is used for many, as Levit. 26. 18. Prov. 24. 16. and 26. 25. 1 Sam. 2. 5.
Vers. 165. is no stumbling blocke] or, they have no offence, (or scandall.) So in 1 Ioh. 2. 10. he that loveth his brother, there is no scandall in him. Hee walkes without feare of falling.
Vers. 172. resound] or, sing; Hebr. answer.
Vers. 175. Let my soule live] that is, Let mee wholly live: as on the contrary, let my soule die, Iudg. 16. 30.
Vers. 176. a lost sheepe] a sheepe of perdition, or perishing, that is, ready to perish. All we like sheepe have gone astray, Isa. 53. 6.