A Brief Explication of the Last Fifty Psalms, Psalm 118
PSALME CXVIII.
THe Psalmist in this thanksgiving for bringing him so wonderfully to the Kingdome, prophesieth in this Psalme of Christs troubles by his enemies, and of his victories over them, both in his own person, and in his mystical body. This Psalm hath such an eye and respect unto Christ and his Church, that whatsoever shadow of these things may be found in David, the main substance and accomplishment of all things herein contained, are to be found most clearly and fully in Christs wrastling with his enemies, and his triumphing over them for the comfort of the Church, and glory of the Father: and this the Church of Israel did perceive and acknowledge, as appeareth by their acclamation taken out of this Psalme, and made to Christ at his coming into Ierusalem as King riding, and by Christs interpretation, and appropriating of it unto himself, Mat. 21.9, 15, 42. For this cause also the Psalmist doth not prefixe his name unto this Psalme, whatsoever might be fit for his particular experience in it, but leaveth it to run the more clearly and directly toward the Messiah, or Christ, who is here mainly intended.
The Psalm may be divided into three parts. In the first, the Psalmist, and Christ represented by him, exhorteth the Church to praise God, and giveth sundry reasons for it, unto v. 14. In the second, he reneweth the song of Gods praise, and giveth new reasons for the same, to v. 19. In the third, Christs triumph is set down; wherein he goeth into the Temple and solemn Assembly of the Church, and here Christ by his rejoycing stirreth up the Church to rejoyce, and the Church giveth acclamation to him as their Lord and King, and all the company do rejoyce together, and Priests and people stir up one ano…her to praise the Lord, unto the end of the Psalme.
Ver. 1. O Give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.
2. Let Israel now say: that his mercy endureth for ever.
3. Let the house of Aaron now say: that his mercy endureth for ever.
4. Let them now that feare the LORD, say: that his mercy endureth for ever.
The exhortation is unto the visible Church in general, to thank God for his everlasting mercy, and to the house of Aaron, and to those that fear God more specially, to praise him for that same cause. Whence learn ▪ 1. Upon all occasions we ought to glorifie God, and stir up others to do so, especially when we consider what God doth for the Kingdom of Christ, and here let us say: O give thanks unto the Lord. 2. Albeit the wisdom, power and justice of God, be glorious matter of praising of him, yet none can heartily glorifie him for these reasons, till they first have experience of the sweetnesse of his goodness and merciemercy; Give thanks, for he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever. 3. Such as are partakers of the goodness which is purchased by Christ, may lay hold on everlasting mercies, and give thanks for those; Because his mercy endureth for ever. 4 Albeit all the elect have interest in Gods praise, for mercies purchased by Christ unto them, yet the elect of Israel have the first room in the song: for Christ is first promised to them, and came of them according to the flesh, and will be most marvellous about them: Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. 5. Men who have more gifts, higher place, and in special they who are Ministers of Gods house, should go before others in glorifying Gods mercy manifested in Christ: Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. 6. Whatsoever othe…s do, such as worship God in their spirits sincerely, should let forth their thankfulnesse for Gods grace manifested to them through Christ; Let them now that feare the Lord say, that his mercy endureth for ever. 7. As the salvation of the elect is one, and the love of God to them one: so should their song be one; as here foure several times it is said; His mercy endureth for ever. 8. Christ being come at length into the world, in the fulnesse of time, and having ended his sufferings, and entered into his Kingdome, notwithstanding all the provocations of men to move God to cut short this mercy, hath given proof once for all of his everlasting goodnesse and mercy: therefore is it said, Let Israel now; Let Aaron now; Let them that feare God now, say, that his mercy endureth for ever. And this is one reason of his praises.
Ver. 5. I called upon the LORD in distresse: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.
Another reason of this thanksgiving is, the Psalmists experience, representing Christs suffering and victory, he called to God and was delivered. Whence learn, 1. As the deliverance which David had out of his troubles, was a reason of joy to all the Kingdom of Israel, because of the benefits which they enjoyed under his Government: so the deliverance which Christ had out of his sufferings, is a reason of joy, thanksgiving, and glorifying God to all his subjects; I called upon the Lord in distresse, he answered me, and set me in a large place. 2. Albeit the Lord do bring his children into straits, yet he will not leave them in distresse, but will bring them forth into a large place, as this experience of the Psalmist, and of Christ our Head, both distressed and delivered for our sake, doth give assurance. 3. The distresse of the Lords children is not so bitter, as the delivery and enlargement out of it is sweet; For he answered me, and set me in a large place, is here the matter of victorious joy, and of Gods high praises. 4 Delivery out of any great danger, is a matter of glorifying God, especially when it is the returne of prayer, as here, I called on the Lord, and he answered me, &c.
Vers. 6. The LORD is on my side, I will not feare: what can man do unto me?
7. The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.
A third reason of praise is, because the Psalmist hath by this experience received such confirmation of Gods respect to him, as made him fearlesse for time to come, and assured of the overthrow of his enemies. Whence learn, 1. Experience of hearing our prayer should confirme us about Gods friendship: as here from his late experience he draweth this Conclusion; The Lord is on my side. 2. Gods favour and friendship believed should free us from the feare of men; The Lord is on my side. I will not feare. 3. Albeit the power of man be an ordinary tentation to divert the godly from their duty, yet when Gods favour and displeasure are well weighed, and compared with mans hatred and favour, it shall be found to be but little which mans either terrour or allurement can do, as rhis interrogation speaketh; What can man do unto me? 4. Faith obtaineth more good by deliveries, then it findeth hurt by assaults, and then is true saith victorious, when Gods friendship is opposed to whatsoever the wrath of the creature can do, as here is seen. 5. Albeit we have gotten some notable victories against our enemies, yet we must know our warfare is not ended: for so much doth the Psalmist insinuate, when he goeth to make party against his enemies; The Lord is on my side, the Lord taketh my part. 6. Albeit the Lords people do not despise meanes and helpers, yet they rely not on them, but on Gods help, who can blesse the meanes: The Lord taketh my part with them that help me. 7. Faith in its own victory by Gods assistance, seeth also the overthrow of the adversaries; The Lord taketh my part, therefore I shall see my desire on them that hate me. 8. Many good uses may a believer make of one benefit, one victory, one experience, as here the Psalmist doth, he confirmeth himself in his reconciliation and friendship with God, he encourageth himself against dangers to come, he exalteth God, and putteth down to nought the hatred and favour of man, he resolveth to use meanes, and to expect the blessing from God, with other sundry good uses which follow hereafter.
Ver. 8. It is better to trust in the LORD, then to put confidence in man.
9. It is better to trust in the LORD, then to put confidence in Princes.
A fourth reason of praise and thanks unto God, is for blessing the course of faith, and making it better then the course of policy or carnal reason; Whence learn, 1. As faith gathereth strength, when it seeth what blessing doth follow on beleeving, so God getteth praise by blessing the obedience of faith; It is better to trust in the Lord, then to put confidence in men. 2. Such as beleeve in God, in whatsoever mean condition they may be in, are in better case then the minions of Kings, who lean only to mens favour, and time will prove this to be true; That it is better to trust in the Lord, then to put confidence in Princes.
Vers. 10. All Nations compassed me about: but in the Name of the LORD will I destroy them.
11. They compassed me about, yea, they compassed me about: but in the Name of the LORD I will destroy them.
12. They compassed me about like bees, they are quenched as the fire of thornes: for in the Name of the LORD I will destroy them.
A fifth reason of thanks unto God, is Davids victory in the type, and Christs victory signified, begun and made sure to be perfected over a world of adversaries. Whence learn, 1. Many adversaries had David, but Christ hath more; for all the world are deadly adversaries to him, All Nations compassed me about. 2. The Church and Kingdom of Christ hath neither power to defend it self, nor way in this world to escape from its enemies; All Nations compassed me about, is thrice expressed. 3. Christs enemies are so despiteful, that in fighting against his Kingdome, they regard not what becomes of themselves, so be they may hurt his people; but as the Bee undoeth her self in stinging, and loseth her life or her power with her sting, so do they; They compassed me about like bees. 4. All that the enemies of Christs Church can do against his people, is but to trouble her externally▪ their wounds are like the sting of a Bee, that is▪ unto paine and swelling, and a short trouble only, but are not deadly. They compassed me about like bees. 5. The power whereby victory is obtained over the enemies of Christ and his people, is meerly divine, even the Omnipotency of the Godhead of our Lord, who fighteth all his own battels and ours: In the Name of the Lord will I destroy them, thrice expressed. 6. Particular victories now and then, do give ground of hope of compleat victory over all enemies; for Christ hath undertaken here to destroy them all; In the Name of the Lord I will destroy them. 7. The rejoycing of the enemies, and the putting forth of their malice against the Church, is but for a short time, and all to destroy themselves; They are quenched as the fire of thornes.
Ver. 13. Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.
A sixth reason of thanks, is, for delivery to Christ mystical, from the chief ruler of the adverse powers, that is, from Satan. Whence learn, 1. Whosoever be the instruments of persecution of Christ in his members, Satan is the prime Agent, the Captain of these cursed souldiers: for toward him mainly is this speech directed; Thou hast thrust sore at me. 2. The aime of Satan in his opposition unto the Church, is to drive them from their station which they have by faith in God, that they may despaire and sin: Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall. 3. How weak soever the Lords persecuted children are, when Satan raiseth persecution against them, and driveth his dar…s at them, yet doth he not prevaile, because God assisteth …hem; But th… Lord helped me. 4. The Lords servants being assisted in their trials, shall have such deliverances, as shall give them reason to insult, time out of minde, over Satan and all their enemies, as here the Psalmist, as a type and souldier of Christ, and Christ our Chieftain doth.
Ver. 14. The LORD is my strength and Song: and is become my salvation.
This we make the second part of the Psalme, wherein the song of praise and thanksgiving is renewed, and foure new reasons are added▪ And first, he giveth all the glory of his victory unto God his strength and salvation. Whence learn, 1. As humane strength is not sufficient to overcome Satan, so must the wrastler be emptied of the conceit of his own abilities, and betake himself unto God, as the compleat furnisher of him, as this example doth teach us. 2. He that hath renounced confidence in created strength, and hath betaken himself unto Gods furniture promised in his Word, shall have cause to sing, The Lord is my strength and song. 3. Experimental proof of the truth of Gods promises, is a new impression of believed truth, and a new taking up of it, which maketh a man say, I perceive of a truth that God is such as he calleth himself; He is become my salvation, doth import so much: and this is the first reason of his renewed song.
Ver. 15. The voice of rejoycing, and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doth valiantly.
16. The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
The second reason is from the joy which cometh to the justified through faith in Christ, for the certainty of their salvation purchased by his sufferings and battels. Whence learn, 1. Such as believe in Christ, and do endeavour new obedience, as they are the persons to whom Christ hath purchased salvation, so shall they finde the joy of the purchase, and acknowledge it to Gods glory: The voice of rejoycing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous. 2. Albeit the righteous be pilgrims and have no setled dwelling place, yet is their pilgrimage and private tabernacles made refreshful to them by the joy of their salvation; The voice of rejoycing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous. 3. The matter of the joy of the righteous, is the sight of Gods power employed for their safety, and victoriously working out their salvation and his own glory; The right hand of the Lord doth valiantly; The right hand of the Lord is exalted; The right hand of the Lord doth valiantly.
Ver. 17. I shall not die, but live: and declare the works of the LORD.
The third reason of thanksgiving, is assurance of compleat victory, and employment of all gifts given to him in Gods service. Whence learn, 1. The believer may be assured, that death shall not prevent him, till he have ended his appointed service: and that as death had not dominion over Christ, so shall it not have lasting dominion over him; I shall not die, but live: and declare the works of the Lord. 2. To honour and praise God in this life, should be life to the beleever, and dearer to him then his life, in regard he loveth this life, and the next also, mainly because he shall therein praise God: I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.
Ver. 18. The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.
The fourth reason of thanksgiving is, the Lords moderating all chastisements so, as the Psalmist is not destroyed by them. Whence learn, 1. As Christ our Head was chastised for our peace, and tasted of death, but was not given over unto it: so his servants, albeit not exempted from chastisements, yet they shall not be destroyed by them; The Lord hath chastened me sore, yet he hath not given me over to death, saith the type of Christ, speaking history of himself, and prophecie of Christ. 2. The moderation of chastisements and salvation wrought by them, should swallow up the grief of them, and make them the matter of our Song, as here we are taught; The Lord hath chastened me sore, yet he hath not given me over unto death. 3. It is wisdom to observe the moderation of chastisements, as well as their sharpnesse and weight, and to remember that when adversaries do trouble us, and would destroy us, God is about only to correct us, and do us good: as here is observed.
Ver. 19. Open to me the gates of righteousnesse: I will go into them, and will praise the LORD.
20. This is the gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.
The third part of the Psalme, wherein is set down the royal triumph of the Psalmist, as the type of Christ; First, his marching up to the Sanctuary, v. 19, 20. Then, his beginning the Song of praise, and exhorting all the Church to rejoyce with him, v. 21, 22, 23, 24. Thirdly, the Churches acclamation to her triumphing King, v. 25, …6, 27. Fourthly, the Psalmist as a type of Christ, glorifieth God reconciled by Covenant to the Church, and promiseth to praise him still, and closeth the Psalm with an exhortation to thanksgiving, as he began, v. 28, 29
As for the first, the Psalmist as the type of Christ, commands to make way for his entering into the Lords Temple, and assembly of the Saints where he may praise the Lord. Whence learn, 1. The place of Christs and the believers triumphing on the earth, is the Assembly of the Church, and they who are touched with the feeling of Gods grace and salvation, have and should have a great desire to have God glorified in the holy Assemblies: Open to me the gates of righteousnesse. 2. As the material Temple of Ierusalem was: so every visible Assembly of the Saints▪ is the place where the righteousnesse of faith and obedience is to be preached, where the Saints are to be edified in the course of righteousnesse, and toward which the truly righteous have and should have great affection and desire to frequent and honour these meetings: Open to me the gates of righteousnesse, in which the righteous enter: I will go into them. 3. The exercise of the Church met together, is mainly to proclaim the Lords praise: I will go into them, and praise the Lord. 4. The Church-assembly is the convenient place, where the Lord and the righteous do meet; This is the gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter. And this is the first part of the description of the triumph.
Ver. 21. I will praise thee, for thou hast heard me: and art become my salvation.
22. The stone which the builders refused, is become the head-stone of the corner.
23. This is the LORDS doing: it is marvellous in our eyes.
24. This is the day which the LORD hath made: we will rejoyce and be glad in it.
The second part of the description of the triumph▪ hath the song of the Psalmist, as the type of Christs song of praise, wherin he in his own name and in the name of all believers praiseth God for hearing of the intercession made for the Church, and for granting salvation to them. Whence learn, 1. The intercession of Christ, and the prayers also of the Saints put up in his Name, are all granted, and thereby God is greatly glorified: I will praise thee, for thou hast heard me. 2. The several victories of Christ, and of his militant members, are the fruits of Christs intercession, and evidence of salvation to his mystical members; Thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. 3. As David the type, so Christ represented by him, was first despised and set at nought by the chief Rulers, before he was exalted; for he was indeed that precious stone set at nought by men; The stone which the builders refused. 4. Men may have high place in the visible Church, who cannot take up Christ when he sheweth himself, who have little skill to embrace Christ, and apply him to themselves or others, as the builders of the Church, Priests, Scribes and Pharisees refused to acknowledge Christ so much as for a true member of the Church; He is that stone which the builders refused. 5. Albeit men do misregard Christ offering himself in his doctrine and ordinances, yet he is the rock whereon the Church is builded, the foundation whereupon to settle it, the corner-stone to hold the building compact together, and the head-stone of the corner for adorning and perfecting the building gloriously, Matth. 21. 9, 15, 42. He is become the head-stone of the corner. 6. In nothing more doth the wisdome, grace and power of God appear, then in the magnifying of Jesus Christ, and building of his Church; This is the work of the Lord. 7. When the weakness of the Church in her self, and the power of her manifold enemies▪ and the impediments of this work are looked upon, it is a wonder of wonders to see the going on of Gods work in it: This is the work of the Lord, and it is marvellous in our eyes. 8. Albeit there be no day which God hath not made, yet in the day of the manifestation of righteousnesse, and life immortal through Christ, the time of the Gospel, and most specially the day of the resurrection of Christ from the dead, wherein Christ was declared victoriously the only begotten Son of God, is made a day of light and gladnesse to poor self-condemned sinners: This is the day which the Lord hath made. 9. Christ alloweth joy and gladnesse to every beleever, and true member of his Church, and willeth them to glorifie God in this holy joy, wherein he will joyne with them; We will rejoyce and be glad in it.
Ver. 25. Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
26. Blessed be he that cometh in the Name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
27. God is the LORD which hath shewed us light, bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the hornes of the Altar.
This is the third part of the triumph, wherein the Church makes her Lord welcome, and congratulateth his victory, prayeth for a blessing upon his Kingdome, prophesieth of the blessings, and sets her self to offer the sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving to God for it. Whence learn, 1. As it is the duty, so is it the hearty desire of every believer to welcome Christ offering himself as our victorious Mediatour and King: for he is worthy, to whom Hosanna (as it is written, Matth. 21.) should be sung. 2. Where Christ cometh, salvation also and spiritual prosperity cometh, which was promised before, and shadowed forth in types: for, Save now, I beseech thee, send now prosperity, is a promising prayer. 3. Albeit Christ hath no need of our prayers, for advancing of his own Kingdome, yet will he have us to pray for his peoples sake, that his Kingdome may come, and will have all believers in testimony of their love to his honour, to draw the chariot of his triumph, that it may ride prosperously, saying, Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord, send now prosperity. 4. Christ is not come unsent into the world, but with commission to save his people from their sins; He cometh in the Name of the Lord. 5. Together with Christ all blessings do come, which every believer should heartily acknowledge and proclaim; Blessed be he that cometh in the Name of the Lord. 6. The Priests and Ministers of the Lord have warrant from the Lord to blesse all them that blesse Jesus Christ; for after the acclamation which the people give to Christ, the Ministers of the Lord pronounce the people, so many as do heartily receive him as thei… King, to be blessed: We have blessed you, (say they to the people) out of the house of the Lord. 7. Comfort against all sin and misery, is brought unto the Church by Christ, and they who sate in darknesse, in him have seen a great light, which should be acknowledged, as here, God is the Lord who hath shewen unto us light. 8. As the Ministers of the Lord do preach that believers in Christ are blessed, so should they set them all on work, and themselves also with them, to expresse by all means their thankfulnesse to God for the great grace sent by him; Binde the sacrifice with cords, even unto the bornes of the Altar.
Ver. 28. Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.
29. O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
In the last place, the Psalmist, as a type of Christ, proclaimeth the Covenant between the Father and Christ, and between God and himself in Christ, as a setled and ratified bargain, and exhorteth the Church to thanksgiving, as he began: as we take this for the speech of Christ triumphing in his Church; We learn, 1. The Father and Christ, both before he was incarnate and after, do stand agreed in the Covenant of Redemption: for Christ faith here to the Father, Thou art my God. 2. By vertue of the Covenant of Redemption between God and and Christ the Mediator, all sufferings and battels for the elect are undertaken, and such deliverance given from all troubles, and victory over all enemies is obtained, as the Mediatour is satisfied about it, and praiseth God: Thou art my God, and I will praise thee; and over again, Thou art my God, and I will exalt thee. 3. By vertue of the Covenant of Redemption God is the believers God also, and ought to be praised, and more and more exalted in our hearts, and outwardly by us; for as Ch…ist calleth God his Father, and our Father, his God and our God, so every one who do believe in him, may say to God, Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. 4. The goodnesse of the Lord, in sending Christ a Saviour unto us, and the constancy of his mercy to us …n him calleth for everlasting praise and thanks unto God from us; O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endureth for e…er.