A Brief Explication of the First Fifty Psalms, Psalm 18
PSAL. XVIII. 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.
David in this Psalme, as a Type of Christ, and fellow partaker of the sufferings of Christ in his mistical members, and of deliveries and victories over his and their enemies, being now setled in the Kingdom, praiseth God for his marvellous mercies; and as a Type of Christ, he prophesieth of the enlargement, & stability of his own Kingdome, and of Christs Kingdome, represented thereby; and first obligeth himself thankfully to depend upon God, whatsoever enemies he shal have to deale with, ver. 1, 2, 3. Secondly he giveth a reason of his resolution, from the experience of the Lords delivering of him out of his deepest distresses, ver. 4, 5. to ver. 19. Thirdly, He amplifieth this mercy, acknowledging that this was a fruit of his faith, & righteous dealing with his party adversary; the like whereof every believer might expect, as well as he for time coming, by reason of this his by-gon large experience, from ver. 20. to v. 30. Fourthly he praiseth God in particular, for the experience he hath had in time by-gon in warfare, and victories in battel, to ver. 43. Fifthly, As a Type of Christ, he promiseth to himself the enlargement of his own Kingdom, and prophesieth of the enlargment of Christs Kingdom among the Gentiles, for which he praiseth God unto the end of the Psalme, ver 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50.
In the inscription, he telleth the time, and occasion of his writing of this Song, Whence learn, 1. That after long trouble, the Lord wil give his children rest at last, one way or other, and delivery from all their enemies, as here is given to David from Saul and all his enemies. 2. When the Believer getteth relaxation from trouble, he should set himself to glorifie God for his delivery, and give evidence of his thankfulnesse, as David doth in penning of this Song, when God delivered him. 3. It is a greater honor to be a real servant of the Lord in any calling, then to have the honour of being a King, not being his servant: so esteemed David when he made this Inscription, A Psalm of David, the servant of the Lord.
Ver. 1. I Will love thee, O Lord, my strength.
2. The Lord is my rock, and my fortresse, and my deliverer: my God, my strength, in whom I wil trust, my buckler▪ and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
3. I wil call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shal I be saved from mine enemies.
IN the first part of the Psalme, he setleth his resolution yet more to love God, to believe in him, and to worship him still in all difficulties, knowing by experience, this to be the way to be saved from all his enemies. Whence learne, 1. The chiefe fruit of faith▪ and end of Gods mercies to us, is to grow in estimation of, and affection towards God: for so doth David, saying, I will love thee, O Lord. 2. Whatsoever a believer hath …eede of that will the Lord supply; that wil the Lord be himselfe unto him according to his need, as here he is Davids strength in weaknesse; his rock of refuge, when he is pursued; his fortresse, when besieged; and his deliverer when in extreme danger. 3. Experience of the Lords faithfulnesse, and kindnesse to us, should confirme us in the covenant of grace, and strengthen our resolution to believe in him: for upon this account David calleth the Lord, My God, my strength, in whom I will trust. 4. When the believer is yoaked in fight with whatsoever adversary, he shall be sure to have defence in it, delivery out of it, and preservation after it. Therefore doth David glory in God, as a Buckler to be opposed to all blowes, and throwes of darts from adversaries, as the horn of his salvation, powerfully fighting for his delivery and victory: And as his high Tower, whence he might look downe, and despise all the wit, malice, and power of his enemies. 5. Prayer and invocation of God, should be alwayes joyned with praises and thanksgiving, and used as a means, whereby faith may extract the good which it knoweth is in God, and of which he hath made promise, I wil call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised. 6. Delivery, safety, and peace may the believer expect, as the answer of his invocation upon God. So shall I be safe from mine enemy.
Ver. 4. The sorrowes of death compassed me, and the flouds of ungodly men made me afra… ▪
5. The sorrowes of hell compass… about: the snares of death prevented me.
In the second part, he bringeth forth his experience, whereby he was encouraged unto the foresaid duties. Whence learne, 1. Although the word of God be infinitely sure, and true in it selfe, yet experience of the truth thereof, helpeth much to strengthen our griping thereof, and to cherish hope, as here is declared. 2. The believer in his exercise, may be put hard to it, and brought in sight of apparent perishing of soul and body; while men seek his life, God for a time hideth his face: for David felt deadly fears, and extreme torment of soule, even the sorrows of death, the sorrowes of hell, and the snares of death preventing him, that he could not get free from them.
Ver. 6. In my distresse I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears▪
He hath set down the strait he was in, now he setteth downe the mean he used to be relieved, to wit, prayer to God, as in covenant with him; and how he was mercifully heard through Christ. Whence learne, 1. No strait is such, but God can …eliver out of it, no case is so desperate, as to make prayer needlesse or uselesse: for David saith in his deepest distresse, I called on the Lord. 2. It is necessary not to give over, when help is delayed; yea, it is necessary to grow more fervent, and for this end to lay hold on the covenant of reconciliation, and upon God in covenant with us: for hee addeth, I cried to my God. 3. By vertue of Christs sacrifice, and his intercession, notice is taken of prayer graciously, and answer cometh to the believer; for he addeth, He heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even unto his ears; He pointeth at the Temple, in regard of the Ark, and other figures representing Christ in his intercession for us in heaven.
Ver 7. Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hils moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.
8. There went up a smoak out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured, coles were kindled by it.
9. He … the heavens also, and came downe: and darknesse was under his feet.
10. And he rode upon a cherub, and di… flie: yea, he did flie upon the wings of the wind
11. He made darknesse his secret place: his pavilion round about him, were dark waters, and thick clouds of the skies.
12. At the brightnesse that was bef…re him, his thick clouds passed, hail-stones and coales of fire.
13. The Lord also thundred in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice, hail-stones and coals of fire.
14. Yea, he sent out his arrowes, and scattered them, and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.
15. Then the chanels of waters were seene, and the foundations of the world were discovered: at thy rebuke O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.
The manner of his delivery is set down in comparative speeches, alluding to the most glorious manifestations which eve… God gave of himselfe, in Mount Sinai, or in the dayes of Ioshua, or in the dayes of the Iudges, or Samuel, all which glorious manifestations of God to his people, David esteemeth to be re-acted in the wonderfulnesse of his delivery; so as he thinks he may justly compare the wonders shewn in his preservation from his enemies, to any of, or to all Gods former wonders, in saving his people. Whence learne, 1. Although our natural stupidity, unbeliefe, and enmity against God, do extenuate the works of Gods providence about his children; yet the believer should look upon them with a spiritual, and discerning eye, and should so set them forth to others, as David doth here. 2. The most sensible mutations in heaven and earth, are not so observed by the blind world, as a soul illuminate with spiritual light wil observe Gods spiritual providence in his works towards his people, and toward himselfe, as here Davids example doth shew. 3. The history of the Lords redeeming of his Church, set down in Scripture, and by David alluded unto, may be seen in Gods particular dealing with his children, as very like to the same, and as appendicles of the same work repeated. This is imported in Davids re-calling to memory what is said, Exod. 9.23, 24. and 9.18. Iosh. 10.11. Iudg. 5.4. 1 Sam. 12.18. concerning the Lords manifesting of himselfe. 4. The terriblenesse of God coming to judge his enemies, is a matter of consolation to the believer, and of praise to God: as here is set down.
Ver. 16. He sent from above, he tooke me, he drew me out of many waters.
17. He del…vered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.
18. They prevented me in the day of my calamnity: but the Lord was my stay.
19. Hee brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
Now he draweth forth his delivery in lower comparisons, and more proper words, for the more cleare capacity of the Church; to wit, that God delivered him as one in perill of drowning, ver. 16. As helping a weak man from a strong party, ver. 17. As upholding a man circumvented, and ready to fall and fail, ver. 18. And setting a man free from all danger, ver. 19. Whence learn, 1. Our weaknesse in the time of our delivery, commendeth Gods power, as Davids delivery is magnified, because it was as a drawing of him out of many waters, where he was like to drown. 2. Whether God use means or not in our deliveries, the work must ever be ascribed to him alone. He sent from above, and took me out. 3. Power of adversaries wil not hinder Gods helping hand; he can, and doth usually deliver his own from them that are too strong for them. 4. A soul sensible of Gods merciful worke, cannot satisfie it selfe with expressions about it. And as many new considerations as a believer hath of the circumstances of a mercy, as many new mercies doth he see; therefore is it that David repeateth the same worke of deliverance in moe and moe new expressions, and cannot expresse himself in one word, with satisfaction to himselfe. 5. When a man is inclosed, and prevented from escaping out of trouble, faith would faile, and then despaire should follow, if God did not interpose himselfe, and did not furnish strength in this difficulty. David being thus circumvented, saith, But the Lord was my stay. 6. The Lord doth not leave his work about his owne, til he perfect it, but he compleateth their delivery ere he cease, and doth crown his mercy with joy: To express this, David saith, He brought me forth also into a large place
Ver. 19 Hee brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
20. The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousnesse: according to the cleannesse of my hands hath he recompensed me.
21 For I have kept the wayes of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
22 For all his judgments were before me: and I did not put away his Statutes from me.
23. I was also upright before him: and I kept my selfe from mine iniquity.
24. Therefore hath the Lord recompensed me according to my righteousnesse, according to the righteousnesse of my hands in his eye sight.
The third part of the Psalme, wherein he goeth on to amplifie mercy sundry waies, and first from the cause of it, which is the meer good will and love of God. Whence learn, 1. That the cause of any mercy shewn to us, is not to be found in us, but in Gods free love, He delivered me, because he delighted in me. 2. The beliefe of Gods love sweetneth and commendeth the mercy exceedingly: The delivery here is great, but this word, because he delighted in me, is far more sweet, verse 20. There is another point of amplifying the mercy of his preservation and delivery, in the clearing of his innocency▪ and freeing of 'him from the slanders of ungratitude, rebellion, treachery against his Father in law, and his Prince, which was the fruit of another grace of God, given unto him, to wit, righteousnesse and innocency, in relation to his enemies, ver. 20. and a study to keep Gods commands, ver. 21. and the feare of God fastening him to Gods Statutes, ver. 22. and sincere and tender walking with God, and watching over the sin which did most beset him, ver. 23. where his delivery from his enemies, and clearing his innocency from calumnies, was a gracious reward, ver. 24. Whence learn, 1. In a good cause, it is necessary we have a good carriage, lest we marre our cause, and our comfort also: For David studied righteousnesse and cleannesse of hands, in relation to his enemies, when he was most unjustly persecuted. 2. A godly behaviour in a good cause shall not want the fruit: For the free love of God rewarded David according to his righteousnesse. 3. The conscience of a godly behaviour in time of persecution, is twice profitable: once under the trial and trouble, it doth support: againe, after the delivery, the looking back upon it, doth comfort, as here is shewne. 4. As we should at all times take heede to our conversation, so in special, when by persecution we are troubled for a good cause: For now we are upon the trial of our faith, patience, wisdome, and other graces, as David was: and should do as he doth here. 5. We have special rules of good behaviour set down in Davids example; first, we must be sure to follow such wayes, as Gods word doth allow, that wee may say, I have kept the wayes of the Lord. Secondly, if in our infirmity we be miscarried at any time, we must not persist in a wrong course, but return to the way of Gods obedience, That we may say▪ I have not wickedly departed from my God, neither in the point of belief, nor practical obedience. Thirdly, we must set all the commands of God, and his written judgments before us, to be observed, one as well as another, and must have respect to Gods threatned, and executed judgments also, that we may say with David, All his judgments were before mee. and I did not put away his statutes from mee. Fourthly, We must study sincerity in our carriage, doing good actions well from right principles, and for the right end, that we may say, I was also upright before him. Fifthly, We must keepe strict watch over our wicked nature, and most raging passions and affections, lest they break out; that our conscience may not contradict us, when we say, I have kept my selfe from mine iniquity. 6. It is wisdome to joyne one mercy with onother, in our reckoning, that we may say that we have gotten grace for grace, as David doth acknowledge, That as God had given to him grace to study righteousnesse and innocency, so had he recompensed him according to his righteousnesse. 7. When the world would bur… our innocency with slanders, it is lawful and expedient to defend our own good name, and to speak and write in defence of it, as David doth here.
Ver. 25. With the merciful thou wilt shew thy selfe merciful, with an upright man thou wilt shew thy selfe upright.
26. With the pure thou wilt shew thy self pure, and with the froward thou wilt shew thy self froward.
27. For thou wilt save the afficted people: but wilt bring downe high looks.
From his owne experience he draweth up a general doctrine, concerning the Lords holy, just, and wise manner of dealing with all men, according to their carriage towards him. Whence learne, 1. The experiences which any of the Saints have, of the effects of Gods word, are proofs of the certainty of Gods promises and threatnings, and pawns of the like effects to follow unto others; For here David draweth a general doctrine from his particular experience. 2. As a man would have a meeting from God, so must he study to behave himselfe toward God and man, for Gods cause; for with the bountifull, merciful, upright, and pure, he will deal accordingly. 3. Who…ever shall walke contrary unto God, and strive with him; or will not submit themselves unto him, he shall walke contrary unto them, and punish them seven times more, because of their stubbornesse; for toward the froward he will shew himself froward. 4. Asbeit the godly be for a while afflicted, and the wicked do prosper, yet after the affliction of the godly, salvation shall come to them; and after the prosperity, vaine and proud gloriation of the wicked, their destruction shall follow, For he will save the afflicted people, but will bring downe high looks.
Ver. 28. For thou wilt light my candle, the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
From by-gon experience he strengthens his own hope of further experience thereafter, as need should require. Whence learn, 1. Beleevers being delivered out of many by-gon troubles, must not promise to themselves exemption from new troubles hereafter, but rather make themselves ready for new exercise, and more sad passages of Gods dispensations towards them. For Davaid presupposeth here, that he may, yea, and that he shall be thereafter in darknesse, and want for a while the Candle light of consolation. 2. As the godly man may expect crosses, so may he be sure also of as many consolations, and sweet seasonings of his troubles▪ and deliverances out of them; so that he may say, both before trouble come, and in the midst of it, The Lord will light my Candle, and my God will enlighten my darknesse.
Ver. 29. For by thee I have run through a troup: and by my God have I leaped over a wall.
Here is another part of his experience, concerning his victories and good successe in battel, the glory whereof he ascribes altogether to God. Whence learne, 1. Although the courage, valour and successe of all souldiers is from the Lord, yet only the beleever doth give God the glory thereof, as David here. 2. Naturall courage, and whatsoever measure a man may have of it, now and then, may faint and fail altogether, when it meeteth with very strong opposition; But the spirituall courage which is from Faith, is from a more sure ground, and will not faile, when faith setteth it on, whatsoever be the apparent difficulty: for by Faith in God David was made to run through a troupe, or leap ov…r a wall into a Town, full of his enemies, with assurance of victory.
Ver. 30. As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tryed: he is a Buckler to all those that trust in him.
31. For who is God, save the Lord? or who is a rock, save our God?
The Fourth part of the Psalme, wherein he praiseth the Lord expresly, for what he had found in him; and in this he is a speciall type of Christ, in his conquest and victories. The reasons of his praysing, are four, set down in order. Whence learn, 1. The constant, equable, and old way of Gods dealing with those that beleeve in him, is a matter of Gods praise; and a reason why the experience of one beleever may be a ground of hope for another, to finde the like, because it is said here, As for God, his way is perfect. This is one reason of his praise, and of the beleevers hope. 2. In all times by-gon, experience hath proved the word of the Lord to be most solidly true. Which serveth for the second reason of praising God, and grounding of our hope; The word of the Lord is tryed. 3. There is none of the beleevers excepted from the benefit of his promises, which is a third reason of Gods praise, and our hope; for he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. He is a defence which we may constantly carry along with us, where ever we goe, and make use of his power and love, as of a buckler in all conflicts. 4. A fourth reason of Gods praise, and ground of our hope is, that as there is no true Religion, nor true Faith save one, so there is no true God save onelyonly one, whose true and tryed word, is with his true Church and Saints, who beleeve in him: For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God? 5. There is no fountain of comfort, or of strength or delivery, save the Lord, of whom onelyonly all things have their being: for who is God save the Lord? 6. There is no ground to build our confidence and felicity upon, save God alone, who is in Covenant through Christ with us: who is a rock save our God?
Ver. 32. It is God that girdeth me with strength, and makeh my way perfect.
33. He maketh my feet like hindes feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
34. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
23. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation, and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentlenesse hath made me great.
36. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; that my feet did not slip.
He goeth on to reckon the furniture, and ability for warre, which the Lord did give to him. Whence learne, 1. The man of God must resolve to be a man of war, and to yoake with adversaries of one sort or other; Such as was David, and Christ, and his followers represented by him. 2. The man whom the Lord sendeth out to fight his Battels, he will arme him compleatly from head to foot; He will gird him with strength, and make his way plaine and perfect; he will make his feet swift, he will furnish him with a retiring place on high, he will furnish him with a Bow of steel, and with all armes offensive, and will enable him with more skill and strength then to make use of them; he will furnish him also with a shield of salvation, which shall save him in effect: and with all arms defensive, and uphold him by his right hand, when he is like to be overcome; and by his tender care of him, wil make him a great man, a valiant man of war, and hold him on his feet, that he fall not in his service. Whereof David here hath experience in his warfare, bodily and spirituall. 3. What God hath done for a man, will be better seen after the trouble is ended, then in the mean time. The back-look upon the Lords assistance is most clear. As here David giveth the clearest compt of Gods assistance, when his experience is reviewed. 4. All the furniture of spirituall armour, in our spirituall warfare, which here is chiefly aimed at, is only from the Lord; for he, even he only is here declared the furnisher thereof, and without him the man is altogether weak, witlesse and naked.
37. I have pursued mine enemies and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.
38. I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: thy are fallen under my feet.
39. For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battel: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.
40. Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.
Here he maketh mention of the victories which God gave to him, as a Type of Christ, over all his enemies. Whence learn, 1. It was revealed to David, that as he himself had, so also Christ should have many enemies, and should fight against them, and prevail over them, and make all his followers victorious over them all; That he should pursue his, and their enemies, in every age, and not turn again till they shall be consumed, as is, ver. 37. till he cast them down, that they be not able to rise, vers. 38. till he hath subdued them all under his feet, and ours, ver. 39. till he have taken them captives and destroyed them, ver. 40. For Christs victories are common to him and his followers, in as far as their warfare is from him, and he is engaged to fight our battels for us, or by us, as he sees fit.
Ver. 41. They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the Lord, but he answered them not.
42. Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out, as the dirt in the streets.
In the type of some passages of some severe justice which David did execute against his enemies, he setteth forth the certain destruction of Christs enemies, in judgement mercilesse. Whence learne, 1. That whosoever do look for release out of their trouble, and that not through Christ, shall have no release at all. Though they cry, there shall be none to save them. 2. It may be some may think themselves friends to God, and God a friend to them, and pray to him, albeit they be enemies to Christ; but that prayer which is put up to God without reconciliation made through Christ, shall be rejected. Though they cry to the Lord, he shall not answer them. 3. If men pursued by Christ for their enmity against him, shall not under the rod at least, turn to him, there remaineth nothing for them, but that they be utterly destroyed, and as it were beaten as small as the dust. 4. The obstinate enemies of Christs Kingdome shall perish shamefully, and as they have de…pised the blood of Christ, and of his servants, so shall the Lord despise them; He shall cast them out as the dirt in the streets.
Ver. 43. Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me.
44. Ass…on as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.
In the fifth and last part of the Psalm, he promiseth to himselfe the setling and enlargement of his own Kingdome, and prophesieth also of Christs Kingdome represented thereby. Whence learn. 1. As was Davids, so is Christs Kingdom, subject to intestine commotions, tumults and dissentions; as in the one there was, so in the other hath been, and will be contentions, and strivings of the people, raised by Satan, fostered by wicked hypocrites, and by the corruption of the Lords children. 2. Such striving and dissention do put our Lords Kingdome in a sort of hazard, if we look to second causes, so as there will be need of Gods help for a delivery from it. But the Kingdome of Christ shall stand for all that, notwithstanding these contentions, that it may still be said of his Kingdome, as it is said here of the typicall Kingdome, and is prophesied of Christs Kingdome, Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people. 3. To the Prophet it was revealed, that Christs Kingdome was not to remaine straitned within the bounds of Iudea, but to be extended to the Gentiles, over whom Christ was to reign, and now hath he a long time reign'd. The Father, as he made David the Type, so hath he made Christ head of the heathen. 4. The wickednesse of a person or people, whose works have been most loathsome to the Lord, cannot hinder him to shew mercy to them through Christ, when he pleaseth to convert them. For he hath said, A people whom I have not known, shall serve me: which hath oft-times come to passe, and will yet more bee seen effectually. 5. The word of the Lord is the Scepter of his Kingdome, the sword whereby he subdueth people to himself; as soon as they hear of me, saith the Lord, in the mouth of his Type, and Prophet, they shall obey me. 6. The more room the word gets in a mans heart, and the sooner it be believed and obeyed, after signification of Gods will to him by his word, the more kindly is the conversion, and the more of the Lords power is evidenced: as here is imported in, assoon as they hear of me. 7. When Christ subdueth Nations to himselfe by his word, and doth convert the elect, or his own redeemed ones: strangers in heart will come also outwardly unto the society of his Church and Kingdome, though fainedly. The strangers shall submit themselves to me; fainedly, as the word importeth. 8. Even this outward offer of submission to Christs Kingdome, made by strangers, coming to the visible Church, is not refused, but received pro tanto, and made a matter of glorifying of Christ. The strangers shall fainedly submit themselves to me. For it is no small glory to Christ that the Majesty of his Word and Ordinances, doth make many stoop before him, who are not turned truely unto him. Mean time, albeit by entring into, and submitting to the external covenant, a man be admitted into the visible Church, and outer Court of Gods house, yet not without reall conversion is a man made a member of the invisible Church, and admitted into the inner Court of heaven.
Ver. 45. The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places.
He prophesieth what shall become of Christ enemies at length. Whence learne. 1. As some strangers shall come into the outward fellowship of Christs Kingdom, so others of them shall remain professed strangers, and dis-affected to his Kingdome, and whether strangers within, or without, shal continue to be strangers stil, both of them shall perish. For strangers shall fade away. 2. Albeit Christ at first, may have many enemies, and unfriends where he cometh to set up his Kingdome, yet where and when he pleaseth to stay, and keep up his Kingdom, his open enemies shall grow fewer. The strangers shall fade away: to wit, where he minds to stay, and for that end thinks good to diminish them. 3. Whether the Lord be pleased to convert strangers, or not, their strong holds, (whether their high imaginations, or their earthly power) shall not be able to stand before him; let him come to convert them outwardly or inwardly also, or destroy them, as he shall be pleased, his terrour shall affright them; For the strangers (before him) shall be afraid out of their close places.
Ver. 46. The Lord liveth, and blessed be my rock: and let the God of my salvation be exalted.
47. It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.
48. He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
Ver. 49. Therefore will I give thanks unto thee (O Lord) among the heathen: and sing praises unto thy name.
50. Great deliverance giveth he to his King, and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.
He concludeth the Psalme with thanksgiving, and praiseth the Lord for his personall preservation unto eternall life, verse 46. for overthrowing of his enemies, verse 47. for delivery of him from them, vers. 47, 48. and in Christs name he setteth forth the Lords glory, before the Gentiles, for the mercies following the Kingdome of Christ, and his own Kingdome, the type thereof, ver. 49, 50. Whence learne, 1. The end of all our speeches, concerning what we have been imployed into, and have done, or have had successe in, should be to shew forth the glory of God to others, and to offer praise and thanks to him: for this, Blessed be my rock, &c. is the end whereunto Davids example doth drive. 2. Life, and blessed life, quickening life ▪ the only fountain of life, is the proper stile of God, of whom most properly and deservedly we may say, The Lord liveth. 3. Because God is the Fountain of all blessednesse, to Angels and men; therefore should we acknowledge him, and proclaim him blessed, that the hearer may seek blessednesse in him alone. 4. The perfection of God in himselfe, the out-letting of his goodnesse to the creature, his immutability in his love to his own, his making himselfe to be as it were the proper good of the believer by covenant: and his giving the certainty of salvation to the believer, established by covenant: These and other perfections should exalt the Lord highly in estimation, and affection of the believer, and do make the believer heartily wish the Lord may be known to his praise: for this cause saith the Prophet, the Lord liveth, and blessed be my rock, and let the God of my salvati…n be exalted. 4. David, as a type of Christ, in name and behalfe of Christ, doth give unto God the glory of taking order with his enemies, for preserving and propagating his Kingdome, and for the delivering his people from cruell persecuters. It is God, saith he, that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me. He delivereth me from mine enemies; yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise u… against me: Thou hast delivered mee from the violent man.
Ver. 49. Therefore will I give thanks unto thee (O Lord) among the heathen; and sing praises unto thy name.
Besides present praising of God, he promiseth to insist in praise and thanksgiving. This the Apostle, Rom. 15.9. sheweth to be the speech of Christ, and a prophesie of the conversion of the Gentiles. Whence learn, 1. Beside all the victories given to the Church in Davids time, as a pledge of promises, it was foretold that the Gentiles should see many victories over the enemies of the Church of Christ, after his coming, and that they should joyne with the Iews in thanksgiving to God for the same; for upon account of the Lords lifting up Christ above his adversaries, and cruell persecuters, Thanks shall be given unto the Lord among the heathen. 2. The sacrifice of praise offered up in the Church, as it is the work of the Saints in one respect, so it is the work of Christ in another respect, because he raiseth by his Spirit the song in their hearts, and offereth up the sacrifice of thanks unto the Father. For it is Christ who here saith, I will give thanks unto thee (O Lord) among the heathen, and sing praises to thy name.
Ver. 50. Great deliverance giveth he to his King: and sheweth mercy unto his annointed: to David, and his seed, for evermore.
David as a Type of Christ, giveth a reason of perpetual praising of God; to wit, the constant course of Gods mercies shewn to him, and his house, and to be shewn to Christ, and his children, and house, for evermore. Whence learn, 1. As difficulties, enemies, and dangers of the Church, are many and great; so shall their victories over these evils be great also; For great deliverance giveth he, in a continuall tract and course, as it were, one after another, as need is. 2. All the deliverances are given to Christ principally, and in him to his Church, and particular soules through him. For it is said, Great deliverance giveth he to his King. 3. The chusing of a man for a service, shall by the calling of him to it, and qualifying him for it, and sustaining him in it, be confirmed to him, and by the course of mercy following him in all his difficulties, which he shall meet with in his calling. Therefore significantly doth he say, Great deliverance giveth he to his King, to David, a chosen Type, and to his annointed Christ, represented by him: He sheweth mercy to his annointed, Christ his seed. 4. It is meer mercy whereof Christs followers, Christs children and seed do stand in need: and mercy by course constantly shall follow them, not for a short time, but world without end, for the Lord sheweth mercy to David and his seed for evermore.