A Brief Explication of the Last Fifty Psalms, Psalm 119 · Part צ
TSADDI.
Ver. 137. Righteous art thou, O LORD: and upright are thy judgements.
In the last verse of this section, he prayeth for a greater measure of the saving knowledge of the Scripture, most ardently, and premiseth eight reasons before the prayer, from which he doth inferre his petition as a conclusion: The first reason of this petition, is from the righteousnesse of God, which appeareth in the Scripture, and in the execution of Gods Word. Whence learn, 1. The way set down in Scripture for justifying of men, and the way set down for sanctifying of men, and for the saving of such as follow the way prescribed of God for salvation, and the punishing of such as despise the way of life p…esc…ibed, are very righteous, when they are well considered: Upright are thy judgements. 2. The way of righteousnesse set down in Scripture, and of execution made according to it, may be demonstrated by the essential righteousnesse of Gods nature, because as he is righteous, so must his Word and working conforme the…eto be righteous also: Righteous art thou, O Lord, and …pright are thy judgements.
Vers. 138. Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded, are righteous: and very faithfull.
The second reason of the petition is, because the testimonies of Scripture which God hath commanded us to believe and obey, are not only righteous but also very faithfull, which can never faile a man that believeth and obeyeth them. Whence learn, 1. To the end that our faith and obedience may be solidly grounded, we must hold for a foundation, that the Scriptures are righteous and true, and that every truth revealed therein, doth include a command to believe it; and every duty of men declared therein, includeth a command to obey it: Thy testimonies which thou hast commanded, are righteous, and very faithfull. 2. It is needfull for a believer to labour to have the impression of the truth, and righteousnesse of the Word of God in Scripture stamped on his own heart by freequent meditation, and acknowledgement thereof, as the Psalmists example here doth teach us.
Ver. 139. My zeal hath consumed me: because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
The third reason of the petition is, because his zeal to the commands of God was so great, as the opposition which his enemies made unto them, did torment him, and such zeal required growing knowledge. Whence learn, 1. Zeal had great need of sound knowledge, that it misccary not, and he that findeth zeal kindled in his breast, should labour to informe himselfe well, as the Psalmist doth, v. 144. and here: My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy word. 2. Holy affections are able to work upon the body, no lesse then common and natural affections: My zeal hath consumed me. 3. The contempt and misregard of the Word of God, perceived in any, especially in professors within the visible Church, is a just reason of zeal, a just cause of grief and anger against such workers of iniquity: My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy word.
Ver. 140. Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
The fourth reason of his petition, is because he seeth such holinesse and unmixed truth in Gods Word, as he cannot choose but love it, and therefore must pray that he may know more of it. VVhence learn, 1. The Word of God is a Word clean from all mix…re of flattery or falsehood, tried to be true in the experience of all ages: Thy word is very pure. 2. New contemplations of the excellency of the Word of the Lord, draweth forth new commendations of it, and raiseth fresh affection of love to it: Thy word is very pure, therefore thy servant loveth it.
Ver. 141. I am small and despised: yet do I not forget thy precepts.
The fifth reason of his petition is, because the Word of God held up his heart, and comforted him against all the contempt of men. Whence learn, 1. The godly may readily lose reputation at wicked mens hands, when they will not comply with their wickednesse: I am small and despised. 2. Albeit we do lose estimation for adhering to the Word of God, yet the Word should not lose estimation for that with us: I am despised, yet do I not forget thy precepts.
Vers. 142. Thy righteousnesse is an everlasting righteousnesse: and thy Law is the truth.
The sixth reason of his petition, is because everlasting righteousnesse, and everlasting truth is in Gods Word, and may be found in experience by it. Whence learn, 1. This is the excellency of the Law of God above all the lawes of men, that not only it is righteous at the first giving out, but also righteous in all ages and times: Thy righteousnesse is an everlasting righteousnesse: and thy law is truth. 2. The righteousnesse which God hath devised and set down in his Word to justifie sinfull men, is an everlasting righteousnesse, even the righteousnesse by faith in Jesus Christ, borne witnesse unto by the Law and the Prophets: Thy righteousnesse is an everlasting righteousnesse, and thy Law is truth. 3. It is good for the setling and strengthning of the holds of our faith, to consider again and again, what excellent profit may be had by it, and how true it is, as here the Psalmist doth.
Ver. 143. Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy Commandments are my delight.
The seventh reason of his petition, is because the Word of God hath been his delight, when trouble and vexation hath befallen him for obedience of it. Whence learn, 1. The believer is not exempted from outward trouble for righteousnesse, nor from the vexation and inward anguish of spirit which may follow it: Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me. 2. After that the believer hath felt his own weaknesse, and the force of trouble, he may expect victory over trouble, and to be rid from the vexation of it, and brought even to rejoycing in tribulation▪ yet thy Commandements are my delight.
Vers. 144. The righteousnesse of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
The eighth reason of his petition, is because life everlasting is to be had by the everlasting righteousnesse set down in Gods VVord, therefore he prayeth to have more understanding thereof, that is, to have more clear knowledge and more strong faith in Gods testimonies. Whence learn, 1. This is the main Doctrine in all the Word of God, to teach men concerning everlasting righteousnesse, or how a man is justified before God, therefore is this again repeated, Thy righteousnesse, or, the righteousnesse of thy testimonies is everlasting. 2. The belief or saving understanding of this Doctrine bringeth eternal life to the believer: and for this end being joyned as the last reason with the former seven reasons, it should make a man seek to grow in the faith, or in the saving knowledge of the testimonies of God set down in his Word: Give me understanding, and I shall live.