A Brief Explication of the Other Fifty Psalms, Psalm 89

A Brief Explication of the Other Fifty Psalms · Psalm 89

p. 306PSAL. LXXXIX. Maschil of Ethan the Ezr…ite.

THis Psalme is intit…led Maschil, or a Psalme written for instruction by Ethan the Ezra…ite, who af…er Solomon was another of the …our w…st men in Israel: …is man survivi…; the glory of Solomons Kingdome, and beholding the diminishing o… the glory of Davids house, lamenteth the desolation thereof unto God.

The Psalme hath three parts. In the fi…st he sette…h his saith upon God, and laboureth to strengthen it against the te…ation which was boyling in his breast, to ve…. 9. In the second part he expoundeth the …umme of the Covenant of Grace, made between God and Christ, typi…ied by David: wherein indeed, alb…it David hath his own interest, yet the substa…ce was t… be found only in Christ, who came of David according to th… …esh, from ver. …9, to 38. In the thi…d part is a lamentatio… of the apparent dissolving of this Covenant with Davids …, and a prayer for repairing the ruines of ha… ▪ Kingdome, … the glory of God: which prayer he … himselfe shall be granted.

From the inscription; Learn, 1. Wisdome do…h not exempt a man from grief and anguish from tentation of fai…h and hard exercise of minde: for here is another ex…mple beside Heman; to wit, Ethan the Ezrahite, a man of the …ame family with Heman. 2. The Lord d…th … unto men their in…ard exercises, that one may have his trouble fo… one …ause, and another have it …or …th … cau…e as it ple…seth him to measure out in his wisdome; … He…ans …ouble is made abou… his own p…ivate condition, but Ethans trouble is about the publi…k calamity of Church, an Kingdome Not tha… we think …eman …as insensible of the publick▪ or Ethan not acquainted with trouble for his own pa…ticular also, but bec…use the Lord will have the one exemplary in the one sort of exercise, and the other …xemplary in the other sort of exercise, and will have the exercise of both p. 307to be the instruction of his people: Maschil of Heman, and Ethan both.

Ver. 1. I Will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulnesse to all generations.

Before he utter his tentation, or bring forth his lamentation for the apparently dissolved Covenant between God and David, he obligeth himselfe to maintain the glory of the mercy and faithfulnesse of God, ver. 1, …. in relation to the stability of the Covenant made with David particularly, ver. 3, 4. and to this end he strengtheneth his faith by a numbor of reasons to ver. 19 The fi…st is, from his resolution to hold fast the b…liefe of Gods mercy and faithfulnesse, notwithstanding it did at this time seem th…t God had dissolved the Covenant with Davids house. Whence learn, 1. Whatso…ver promises the Lord hath made to his people, they must not wonder, albeit sometime he makes it very improbable to carnall sense and reason, that ever they shall be performed: for this is needful for the exercise of faith, as in this example we see. 2. In the conflict of faith with misbelief, it is wisdome for the believer to suppresse the suggestions of unbelief, to take part with saith, to break through the throng of desperate thoughts, and without disputation close with the mercy of Good, and with the faithfulnesse of his Word, and to avow faith, and to engage hims…lfe to maintain faith, before he utter his tentation unto misbelief▪ or suffer it to vent it selfe; as here the Psalmist doth re…ch by his example, saying, I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever, &c. 3. The mercy of God, and the faithfulnesse of God, are two strong pillars of confidence in God: mercy to take away sin and mi…ery, and faithfulnesse to perform all the promises of every good unto the believer: I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulnesse to all generations.

Ver. 2. For I have said▪ Mercy shall be built up for …ver: thy faithfulnesse shalt thou establish in the very heavens.

He addeth a reason of his resolution to give the glory of mercy p. 308and truth unto God, because he was pe swaded the work of Gods mercy promised to David in the Messiah, should go on and be perfected and settled for ever, and that the evidence of Gods faithfull promise should bee manifested from heaven, albeit sometime it should disappear in the earth. Whence learn, 1 It is believing with the heart which sealeth Gods truth, and maketh the mouth to consesse unto God: With my mouth will I make known thy faith fulnesse, for I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever. 2. The sure mercies promied to David in special concerning the Redeemers taking flesh of his stock, is like a building which hath a foundation already laid by a wise and powerful builder, and shall come up certainly to perfection, and endure for ever; I have said that mercy shall be built up for ever. 3. When the effect of Gods truth disappeareth on earth, it is to be found in heaven in Gods decree, good will, power, and faithfulnesse, whence it will not faile to manifest it selfe in due time: Thy faithfulnesse shalt thou establish in the very heavens.

Ver. 3. I have made a covenant with my chosen: I have sworne unto David my servant.

4. Thy seed will I establish for ever: and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.

That which he meaneth by the Lords truth and faithfulnesse in general, he expoundeth in particular to be in relation to the Lords promise made to David concerning the perpetuity of the Kingdom in his posterity for the good of the Church; which promise hath accomplishment in Christ the Sonne of David according to the flesh Whence learne, 1. As all the Lords promises, so especially these which concern Christ, and all saving graces in him (which are called the sure mercies of David) should be narrowly looked upon, that nothing be passed by, whereof faith may take advantage: for what is promised concerning Christ, doth concern all believers in him to the worlds end; and this the example of the Psalmist here doth teach us: for he observeth the promise-maker, I the Lord; and the qualification of the receiver of the promise, clothed with the stiles of Christ, whom David represented, and in whose favour chiefly the promise is made: Thy chosen servant; and the nature of the promise by way of solemn …ovenant; and the consirmation of it by an …ath; I have sworne; and the substance of the promise, that p. 309one should come of David who should be of everlasting continuance, stablished by divine power for ever; to wit, Christ the Lord: and that the kingdom of Israel called Davids throne, which was erected for governing the people of God, as it was now well founded upon the decrce of God, and begun to be builded already, should be builded up, and grow unto a perspicuous perfection, from one generation to another; and be perpetuated for ever: Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. When disappearance of hoped good things doth brangle faith, then the Word of God and his promises must be called to memory, upon which faith must fixe it selfe, as this example teacheth. 3▪ The mercy and faithfulnesse of God, which are the common grounds of the stability of all he Lords promises, being believed in the generall, should be applied particularly to every promise, as we have need thereof, that we may strengthen our faith by reasoning from this ground thus; Gods mercy and faithfulnesse do make all his promises fast, and therefore do make fast this particular promise also, whereupon I do row pitch, as the example of the Psalmist doth teach us. 4. As all the promises of God are worthy to be taken notice of; so in speciall these promises that are made to Christ in favour of Believers, who are the subjects of his Kingdome, in whom all the promises are made Yea and Amen, to the benefit of the subjects: for this are we taught to do by the example of the Psalmist, who when desolation was like to swallow up both Church and Kingdome, doth make fast to his own faith the promise of Ch…lst, and of the stability of his Kingdome; which promise being sure of necessity, the tribe of Iudah, and the posterity of David behooved to be preserved, and continued till Christ came.

Ver. 5. And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulnesse also in the congregation of the saints.

He laboureth to strengthen his faith in this promise by ten reasons further. The first whereof is this, The heavens are an evidence both of Gods power to work wonders for his people, and of his faithfulnesse to perform promises unto the Church; therefore will he say, I have reason for me to believe this promise made to David concerning Christ▪ Kingdom. Whence learne, 1. The consideration of the power of God manifested in the p. 310works of creation, to be able to perform whatsoever he promiseth, were it never so wonderful, may and should confirm our faith in his promise, how improbable soever it appeare: For the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O Lord. 2. As the heavens are a pawne of Gods power, in respect of their first framing them out of nothing: so are they a patern of Gods faithfulnesse, in their constant and orderly motion according to his Word since their framing; The heavens shall praise thy faithfulnesse also. 3. However the power and faithfulnesse of God may be seen and heard in the work and speech of the heavens by all men, yet are they not observed and hearkened unto, except in the Church by Gods children; Therefore saith he, They shall praise thy faithfulnesse also in the Congregation of the Saints.

Ver. 6. For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who amongst the sonnes of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?

The second reason to confirme his faith is this, God is above all Angels in heaven and men on earth, and hath them all under him to perfect by them what work he pleaseth; and presuppose they had a minde to hindet any purpose of God concerning performance of his promise, they could not hinder him, they being infinitely inferiour in all excellencies unto God, and no way to be compared with him: Therefore will he say, I have reason to believe his promise concerning the stability of Christs Kingdome. Whence learne, 1. The height of Gods excellency is above the reach of our thoughts, and we cannot take him up otherwayes then by climbing up upon the shoulders and tops of all created eminency, and there to proclaime God to be greater then them all: for Who in heaven can be compared unto the Lo…d? Who among the sonnes of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord? 2. God hath given power natural, most of all to Angels; and power accessory, most of all to Princes and Magistrates and Potentates in the earth, whom here he calleth the sonnes of the mighty; in whose power and authority we may see somewhat of God, if they bee for God; and may see Princes to bee nothing, p. 311if they be against God; for, Who in heaven can be compared unto the Lord? who among the sonnes of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord?

Ver. 7. God is greatly to bee feared in the assembly of the Saints: and to bee had in reverence of all them that are about him.

A third reason to confirme his faith, is this; God is terrible, and to be stood in awe of by all his people, and it were a fearfull injury for his Saints not to give him the glory of his power and sidelity; Therefore will he say, I have reason to believe what he hath promised concerning the Kingdome of Christ. Whence learne, 1. Holy Angels and sanctified men, of all creatures have nearest accesse unto God, and are most like to the domesticks and Courtiers of a King, who attend him daily, and wait upon him; for they are here said to bee about him. 2. The feare and reverence of God imprinted on Angels and Saints, doth evidence the greatnesse of Gods power, excellency, and majesty; God is greatly to be feared in the Assembly of the Saints. 3. The terriblenesse of Gods holy Majesty, and the reverence due to him from all his Saints, should make us afraid to misbelieve his Word and Promises; for this is made a reason of the Psalmists believing the Lords Word: God is greatly to be feared in the Assembly of the Saints, and to be had in reverence by all them that are about him.

Ver. 8. O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulnesse round about thee?

A fourth reason to confirme his faith, is this; GOD is LORD of Hosts, and incomparable in strength and faithfulnesse, whereby he is compassed on all hands round about; therefore will he say, I have reason to believe his promise concerning Christs Kingdome. Whence learn, 1. As the p. 312Lord only knoweth persectly his owne Omnipotency, and his own Excellency in all perfections; so we know GOD b…st when we come to him, and acknowledge that he only knoweth himself fully, and do give unto him this glory, as the Psalmist di…ecting his speech to GOD immediately doth t…ach us: O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? 2 The same power which serveth to humble a man by afflicting of him, serveth also to comfort him, and strengthen his faith in affliction, when he doth draw neare unto God: for the Psalmist maketh use of the same stile here, both to direct his saith, and to keep down his pride, his s…etting and repining against God, saying, O LORD God of hosts. 3. As the Lord is (as it were) compassed about on all hands with power, and is incomparably strong in all difference of time past, present, and to come, above all his creatures; so also first and l…st, in all difference of time, he is incomparably faithfull above all his creatures: O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto thee? or to thy faithfulnesse round about thee?

Ver. 9. Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.

A fifth reason to strengthen his faith, is; The LORD who doth rule the raging Sea, is able to suppresse and compose all tumults and troubles, whatsoever are raised, or shall be raisd against his Church; Therefore I have cause, will he say, to believe his promise concerning Christs Kingdome. Whence learn, That the power of GOD in ruling and calming the raging Sea, may strengthen the faith of his children, amidst all the tumults of people against Christs Kingdome.

Ver. 10. Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slaine: thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arme.

p. 313The sixth reason, is this; GOD hath done as much already for delivering his Church, by destroying Rahab, or the Egyptians, and scattering of his enemies from time to time, as may assure me both what he can, and what he will do for his people, therefore I may be quiet. Whence learne, 1. Faith may, and should make use of every example of GODS working for his people in all times after, and in speciall the overthrow of the Egyptians, as a perpetual pawne of GODS promise to tread down and destroy all the enemies of his Church and Kingdome: for Thou hast b…oken Rahab in pieces, is here and else-where frequently called to rememb…ance for this end. 2. It is as easie for GOD to dest…oy a Nation of enemies, were they never so many or powerful, as to wound or kill one man: Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong hand.

Ver. 11. The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulnesse thereof, thou hast founded theu.

Ver. 12 The North and the South, thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoyce in thy Name.

The seventh reason for confirmation of his faith, is: Heaven and earth, and all creatures in all corners of the world, are the LORDS work sustained by him, and cared for by him, and there is not a mountaine or hill greater or lesser, such as Tabor or Hermon, which do bear grasse, or corne, or herbs, or trees, or whatsoever may make them look as it were chearfully and rejoyce, but it is by the power of GODS Name: Therefore I may be sure, GOD will much more care for his Church, and for the stability of the Kingdome of Christ. Whence learn 1. The heaven and earth, and fulnesse thereof, belongeth to the LORD by due right, and are cared for by him as his own possession: The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and fulnesse thereof, thou h… … sounded them. 2. The making and governing of the world, which was made and is governed for the use of man, may give assurance that his Church and people, (for whose cause especially all was made,) shall be continued from age to age, to long as heaven and▪ earth do remaine; and shall be more particularly cared for, then any other part or p. 314piece of his workmanship: for to this end doth the Psalmist make mention of other creatures appointed to serve man. 3. Seeing the Lord maketh the hills and mountaines, after Winter-blasts of frost and snow, to change their countenance, and as it were look joyfully and rejoyce; we may be perswaded that his Church after troubles shall much more change its countenance,, and reioyce in Gods Name: For to this end is it said, that these mountaines Tabor and Hermon shall rejoyce in thy Name.

Ver. 13. Thou hast a mighty arme: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.

The eight reason is taken from the exceeding great power of GOD, to do more then ever he hath done for his Church. Whence learne, If a greater work then the making and upholding of the world; or if a greater work then any thing which is done by GOD hitherto, were needful to be done for the good of the Church, there is power enough, infinite power in GOD to effect it; Thou hast a mighty arme: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.

Ver. 14. Iustice and judgement are the habitation of thy throne; mercy and truth shall go before thy face.

The ninth reason for strengthening his faith, taken from the properties and attendants of GODS Kingdome, is this: Justice and judgemet are the supporters of his throne; and mercy and truth are his officers, preparing way for the LORD, when he is about to do justice in favour of his people: therefore I need not fear that the promise of Christs Kingdome shall faile. Whence learn, 1. Whatsoever oppression or desolation the Lords people may be under, the unalterable tighseousnesse of GOD cannot f…ile to execute justice and judgement for punishing of the oppressour, and relieving of his people: for Iustice and judgement are the habitation of his throne: or the base whereupon his throne is setled. 2. Albeit the sinnes of the Lords people might stop the way of relief coming to them, or prejudice them of having any benefit from justice; yet mercy and truth are ready p. 315at hand, to prepare the way by pardon of their sins, and performing all promises unto them: Mercy and truth shall go before his face.

Ver. 15. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.

16. In thy Name shall they rejoyce all the d…y: and in thy righteousnesse shall they be exalted.

17. For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horne shall be exalted.

18 For the Lord is our defence: and the holy One of Israel is our King.

The tenth reason for strengthening of his faith, is taken from the blessednesse of Believers in GOD, whose properties and priviledges are set …own in order, six: all of them proving GODS people to be blessed. Whence learn. 1. Whatsoever are the afflictions of the LORDS people, and in what danger and difficulty soever they be in, yet are they certainly blessed: Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound. 2. Those are to be accounted GODS people, who with a good heart joyne with others at GODS command in the worship and service of GOD; Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: for the joyful sound was the sound of the silver trumpets, which were blowne at the joyning in battel in their warres, or for their journeys, or gathering of Assemblies, or intimation of solemne feasts, and at the offering of the sacrifices of Israel, Psal. 81. Numb. 10. Ioel 2. And the knowing of this joyful sound signifieth the alacritie of Gods people to serve and obey the Lord, as he in his Ordinances should warne, direct and guide them. 3. The properties and priviledges of B…lievers in GOD, make sure proof of their blessednesse; for they live in grace and favour with GOD, whether they do sensibly feell it or not: as their persons, so also their carriage in faith, and upright endeavour to please GOD, are alwayes acceptable to GOD: And this is the first priviledge of GODS people, They shall walke, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. 4. Believers have matter and just cause to rejoyce in GOD for their interest in him, what soever be their present condition; In thy Name shall they p. 316rejoyce all the day. This is another priviledge of Gods people. 5. The joy of Believers is underpropped and enlarged, when they consider that Gods righteousnesse (which is by faith in Christ,) is imputed unto them, and Gods righteousnesse in performing his promises is set on work for their direction, encouragement, reformation and defence; And in thy righteousnesse shall they be exalted. This is the third priviledge of Believers. 6. Albeit the godly finde no power in themselves, either to do or suffer, no power either to defend themselves, or oppose their enemies; yet they want not strength, either imployed for them, or furnished (as they need) unto them, by God in a glorious manner, as they will see, if his helping them be rightly looked upon; For thou, Lord, (saith he) art the glory of their strength, wherein they may glory in their weakest condition. And this is the fourth priviledge of GODS people. 7. The free grace and love of GOD graciously tendered to Believers, is the ground of their strength, comfort, confidence and gloriation, because it is the fountaine of all their felicity, and well-spring of life to them, to look unto this, that they are in favour with GOD; And in thy favour our horne shall be exalted. And this is the fifth priviledge of the LORDS people. 8. Albeit B…lievers be destitute of help from men; yet they are neither left without protection, nor without government, because God or Christ who is God, is the Churches King, to protect, guide and governe her; for The Lord is our defence or shield; and the holy One of Israel is our King: the O…iginal also will bear of and to, The Lord is our defence of and to, the holy One of Israel is our King; whereby what may be said of the typical King, David, and of the true King, Christ, considered as man, may give assurance that God would be their defence and King, because David, ann Christ as man, were Gods Kings, and Kings for Gods service and honour, authorized of God, and devoted to him. And this is the sixth priviledge of GODS people. All which priviledges are so many proofes of the blessednesse of the Believers, in whatsoever condition they are. 9. It is wisdome for every Believer, when he is about to reckon the riches of GODS people; and to set forth their priviledges, to make application thereof to himself in amongst the rest of that number, as the example of the Psalmist here doth teach us, who in the later part of this computa…ion doth so: In thy favour our horne shall be exalted, the Lord is our defence, our King.

p. 317Ver. 19, Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy One: and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty: I have exalted one chosen out of the people.

20. I have found David my servant, with my holy oile have I anointed him.

In the second part of the Psalmist, for the further comfort of the Church in her saddest condition, and to strengthen yet more the godly in their troubles. 1. He expoundeth the Covenant of Grace made with Christ, represented typically by David, because he must be looked upon only as the shadow, but Christ as the chief party and as he in whom the reall substance is accomplished perfectly. Therefore shall we speak of both, as the word doth relate unto the one, or unto the other, or to both in severall respects. And first of the circumstances of the Covenant, and then of the several Articles thereof: for the Psalmist marketh, 1. The time of revealing of the Covenant; They, to wit, when it pleased God to let it be known, that he purposed to take a course for the comfortable governing of his Church and People. 2. He observeth the way of revealing it, which he sheweth to be by vision; he spake to his holy servant, to wit, Samuel or Nathan. 3 He commendeth the man who was to rule, as fit and able to be helpful to his people; I have laid help upon one that is mighty. 4. He sheweth the cause of his prese…ment, to be his owne free love and good will; I have exalted one chosen o…t of the people. 5. He nameth him and his offi…e: I have found David my servant. 6. He telleth of his spiritual furniture, figured sorth by anointing; With my holy Oile have I anointed him. Whence learn, 1. Albeit the Lord hath alwayes a special care of the governing of his people, yet doth he not at all times alike clearly make manifest this care, by giving comfortable Governours he hath his own times, as to hide his face in this particular, so his own then also, when to shew his love; Then thou spakest. 2. The Lords minde is not to be found by conjectures, but by his Word revealed to his holy Prophets; Then thou spakest to thy holy One in vision and said. 3. As the Lo…ds people stand in need of a good King, a man of power, able and willing to be helpful to the subjects, and not hurtful: so God must be the inabler of him, and designer of him after the way he pleaseth, and the maker of him to be effectually helpful: I have laid help upon p. 318one that is mighty. 4. It is conducible, to the intent a Ruler may be helpful to the subjects, that there be some naturall tie between him and them: for this God did provide for in the appointing comfortable Governours over his own people; I have exalted one, chosen out of the people. 5. That one is preferred before another, or advanced to any place of power or trust over others in mercy, it is of Gods grace, free choice and good will; I have exalted one, chosen out of the people. 6. The man who must in his government do good to Gods people, must be a man for God, Gods servant, not by office and duty onelyonly, but of a set purpose also: I have sound David my servant. 7. The man whom God imployeth in Government for his people, must be furnished with gifts and graces of his Spirit, figured by holy oyle; With my holy oyle have I anointed him. 8. As David was in type, so Christ is in truth, and in all respects more eminently then David… strong helper, mighty to save, appointed of the Father to help us in all cases; and to whom we are directed to go, that we may finde helpe, on whom helpe doth lie, in whom we sha… surely finde help; he is one of our kinde, taken out from among the people, acquainted with the meanest condition his subjects can be in, exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour, chosen and predestinated (as man) for the office before the world was, devoted to the service of the Redemption, sanctification, government, and salvation of his people; and filled, as man, with the holy Ghost above measure, that out of his fulnesse we may all receive grace for grace: of whom it is most really true, With my holy oyle have I anointed him.

Ver. 21. With Whom my hand shall be established: mine arme also shall strengthen him.

From this ver. to the 38. he bringeth forth tenne promises, as so many heads and articles of this Covenant, whereof this is the first, concerning assistance to be given to David in type, and to Christ more substantially, and in more eminent effects. Whence learn, …. As to David in his Kingdome: so to Christ as man in his Kingdom, God hath engaged his outwardly assisting power constantly: With whom my hand shall be established. 2. As to David: so to Christ full furniture of power for all the parts …f government is p…omised in favour of all the subjects of his Kingdom…: Mine arme also shall strengthen him; as the p. 319work is great or difficult, divine strength shall enable him to go about it and do it.

Ver. 22. The enemy shall not exact upon him: nor the sonne of wickednesse afflict me.

The second promise is, that as Davids subjects, albeit they had many battels, yet were they not subdued in his time, nor made tributaries to their enemies, nor made miserable by them: so shall Christs subjects and kindly converts unto him, be sound during his time, which is from generation to generation, and for ever; albeit troubled by the spiritual enemies of his Kingdome, yet they shall not be made tributaries, voluntary servants, or miserable slaves to them: for sinne shall not have dominion over them, nor shall Satan or persecuters have such power, as to drive them away from their liege Lord Jesus Christ, the true David, the true King of the I…rael of God: The enemy shall not exact upon him, nor the sonne of wickednesse afflict him, or make him really miserable: for all things shall work together for their good.

Ver. 23. And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.

The third promise, is of the destroying the enemies of Davids and Christs Kingdome, which albeit they should not want enemies, both open enemies, openly envading the Kingdome, or opposing it to their power, and also inward secret enemies, who in heart should wish the hurt and harm of their Kingdom, yet God should dest…oy as Davids enemies, so far as might serve the type, so Christs enemies more eminently, and in a more compleat manner and measure: I will beat down his enemies before his face, this is for open enemies: I will plague them that bate him, this is for secret intestine enemies in special: both these sorts shall be permitted to exercise Christs subjects, but shall at length be fully destroyed.

Ver. 24. But my faithfulnesse and my mercy shall be with him: and in my Name shall his horne be exalted.

p. 320The fourth promise is, for removing all difficulties and impediments which might hinder the growing of Christs-Kingdom, and of his subjects unto full glory: for here the promi…e, as it relates unto the type, hath not the accomplishment clearly and fully. Whence learn, 1. There are two things which do oppugne and assault faith: the one is, the greatnesse of the work and benefit promised: the other is, the sinnes of these to whose behoof the promise is made; but Gods faithfulnesse and mercy promised to be with Christ for the benefit of his subjects, doth answer both those obstacles: for Gods promise must be accomplished; how great things soever he hath promised, there is nothing too hard for him: and Gods mercy taketh away the obstacle of unworthiness and ill-deserving by reason of sin: Mercy holdeth truth on upon the course thereof toward us, when justice otherways might break it off from us; But my faithfulnesse and my mercy shall …e with him. 2. The subjects of Christs Kingdom want not matter of gloriation, albeit they have nothing in themselves to boast of: Gods power, misdom, goodnesse and mercy manifested in the Word, is the only ground of their gloriation: In my Name shall his horne be exalted; for when Christs subjects glory in God through him, Christs glory is exahed in Gods Name.

Ver. 25. I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers.

The fifth promise made to David in the shadow, but to Christ in the most real substance, is the inlarging of his Kingdom through the world by sea and land, continent and is…es: and so Christs Kingdom must not be confined to more narrow bounds then his charter doth beare him unto, but must be stretched out to the due length and breadth, even to whither soever he sendeth out his Gospel: and doth extend his hand to subdue and conquer subjects unto himself, and to bring them within the visible Church; for, I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers: sheweth, that the Kingdom must reach beyond the bounds of Canaan, whether we look to David the type, or to Christ the Antitype; we are led by this speech to the largenesse of this Kingdom.

p. 32126. He shall cry unto me, Thou art my Father: my God, and the rock of my salvation.

The sixth promise, properly belonging to Christ, according as it is declared by the Apostle, Heb. 1. 4. from this place, and from a Sam 17. 19. For albeit David and Solomon were God; sonnes by adoption, office of Government, and chosen types, yet Christ who came of David according to the flesh was Gods Sonne by personal union of the humane nature with the Word or second Person of the Trinity. And here he is promised as Head and Prince of the Covenant of salvation, made in favour of the elect, only Mediatour and Intercessor for all the redeemed. Whence learn, 1. The Covenant of grace is consolidated in Christ our Head: and he hath the first right as man, to say unto the Father, that which is here said as Intercessor and Mediatour for the elect; He shall cry unto me, Thou art my Father: my God, and the rock of my salvation. 2. Hereby it is intimated also, that both Christ in his own person, and the persons of his redeemed ones also, (in whose name Christ taketh the right of what is promised to his subjects) was to be exercised with trouble, and was to be put to it, to make use of the Covenant, and of the priviledges and promises of it for sustentation and salvation; Thou art my Father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.

Ver. 27. Also I will make him my first-borne, higher then the Kings of the earth.

The seventh promise most proper also to Christ, who in respect of his humane nature personally united with the divine nature of the eternal only begotten Sonne, is made and declared to be the Fathers first-born, and more excellent then all the Kings of the earth, how despicable soever his Kingdom doth seem; for all ear…hly Kings are under his foo…stool, and of them none can make or preserve the life of one of his subjects, nor his own; Also I will make him my first-borne, higher then the Kings of the earth. Davids prerogative above other Kings, was but a shadow of this, and of short continuance.

Ver. 28. My mercy will I keep for him for evermore: and my covenant shall stand fact with him.

The eighth promise is of everlasting mercy to Christs subjects, p. 322to be kept in store for Christs dispensing forth thereof; My mercy will I keep for him for ever; and this is the ground of the Cov…nant, and the sweetest consolation of the Covenant, which shall never he disannulled, because established in Christ, and to him for our behoof; My Covenant shall stand fast with him.

Ver. 29. His seed also will I make to endure for ever: and his throne as the dayes of Heaven.

The ninth promise is, of the continuance and increase of his off spring and Kingdome, while the world standeth, which cannot be fulfilled but in Christ. Whence learn, 1. Christ hath from age to age a succession of children, whom he by his Word and Spirit begetteth unto a spiritual life; and this succession shall not be cut off, but one generation shall follow another: His seed also will I make to endure for ever. 2. As Christ shall not want subjects in any age to shall he not cease to govern his people in any age; His throne shall be as the dayes of Heaven.

Ver. 30. If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgements:

31. If they break my statutes, and keep not my Commandments:

32. Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquitie with stripes.

33. Neverthelesse, my loving kindnesse will I not utterly take from him: nor suffer my faithfulnesse to faile.

The tenth promise is of a merciful manner of dealing with Christs subjects, (that is, with persons regenerate and reconciled with God, by correcting them with temporal rods, when they break forth into offences, and do turn back or go aside from obedience to Gods law, that being corrected they may repent, and so be saved. Whence learn, 1. The Covenant here made with David in type, and with Christ the Antitype, is for the p. 323behoof and benefit of the children, as this article maketh evident; If his children forsake my law. 2. There is a provision in the Covenant, against the sins which may fall out in the persons covenanted, and might marre all our comfort if remission were not covenanted; If his children forsake my law. 3. If the Lords children watch not over their own corrupt nature, and against tentations, they are in danger of falling, and certainly will fall into fits of fearful sinning against Gods revealed will, both by way of commission and omission, so as they may seem not renewed, as here is presupposed; If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments: if they break my statutes, and keep not my Commandments. 4. The Lord doth not allow sin in his own children more then in others, but will testifie his indignation against the sins of his own children with …ad judgements; If they keep not my commandments, then w…ll I visit their transgressions with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. 5. The sharpest rods and forest stripes, wherewith God doth visit the children of Christ, may stand, and do stand with loving kindnesse unto them; for they are fatherly corrections, medicinal pre…ervatives against sinning afterward, and tokens of Gods hating of sinne, and not of rejection of their persons, but rather effects of his love to the persons corrected; Neverthelesse, my loving kindnesse will I not utterly take from him. 6. The mercy shewen to the children, is with respect to the Father with whom the Covenant is made in favour of the children: My loving kindnesse will I not utterly take from him: that is, from David as type, and Christ as Antitype, for whose sake the kindnesse is derived to the children. 7. Except the Covenant of grace had this article in it, for remission of sinne, and for fatherly correction, to drive unto repentance, that the penitent person coming to God by faith, might have sinne forgiven him, and loving kindnesse shewen to him; this Covenant should faile us no lesse then the Covenant of works: My loving kindnesse I will not take from him, nor suffer my faithfulnesse to faile.

Ver. 34. My covenant will I not break: nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

35. Once have I sworn by my holinesse, that I will not lie unto David.

36. His seed shall endure for ever; and his throne as the Sunne before me.

p. 32437. It shall be established for ever as the Moone: and as a faithful witnesse in heaven. Selah.

After the articles of the Covenant, he subjoyneth the confirmation of it; first, by the subscribed Peomise of God, …or evidencing of the immutability of it, ver. 34 Secondly, by ratification of his oath formerly made for the stabili…y of it, ver. 35. Thirdly, by witnesses and pledges o… the indu…ance of it, to wit, the Sunne and the Moone, ver. 36. 37. Whence learn, 1. Albeit the sinnes of Gods children do b…eak the Covenant on their pa…t, ve… do they not dissolve the Covenant on Gods part, or make God to break his part of the Covenant, which is to correct and chastise the sinner, and bring him back by repentance, and not take away his loving kindness… from the sinner; My Covenant will I not break. 2. Th… Covenant of grace is that which is revealed in the Gosp…l for …emedy of sin, and relief from wrath; and what is revealed we may be sure shall not be altered: My Covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my mouth. 3. As we are … to be naturally averse from beleeving God, who do stand …n need of confirmation by his …ath: so God by ratification of his promise by oath doth declare his will to the uttermost, that we should beleeve in him, and rest upon this Covenant, and so make an end of controverting with him any more by …r misbeli…f in this matter; Once have I sworn. 4. There can be no…, eater security, then the true Ch…istian hath for his sal…tion; for God hath laid in pawn his t…uth and his holinesse whi…h is the glory of all his attributes, that he will not take his loving kindnesse away from any of Ch…ist, children: Once have I sworne by my holinesse, that I will not lie unto David. 5. The stability of Davids seed which is Christ; and the pe…petuity of his kingdome for the comfort of all his subjects, as it is confirmed by an oath, and by pledges laid down for assurance thereof: so hath the Lord taken the Sunne an… Moone to be witnesse, of this Covenant of grace, as the r…inebow is wi…nesse of that Covenant for not destroying the worl… wi…h a flood: …is seed shall endure for ever; and his throne as the Sunne before me. 6. As the witnesses of the Covenant, the Sunne and the Moon, do remaine in heaven whatsoever change do seeme in them, and howsoever both of them do disappear every day once, and the Moon every day and every monethmonth seemeth to change something in the measure p. 325of her light, yet is the…e no question made about them, but they shall appear again in due season. so the Covenant of grace made with us in Christ, (whatsoever alterations do seem to come therin, and howsoever it doth disappear at some times) should not be called in question, but esteemed faithful as the witnesses of …; It shall be established for ever as the Moon, and as a faithful witnesse in heaven.

Ver. 38. But thou hast cast off and abhorred: thou hast been wroth with thine anointed.

In the third part of the Psalme he falleth upon a sad lamentation, and representeth the affaires and Kingdome of David, as in appearance close contrary to the Covenant, to v. 46 where be taketh up himself, and prayeth to God …or remedy o… all those evils, and closeth the Psalme with thanksgiving and prai…e.

In his lamentation he b…oaneth fi…st, as it seemed to him, that David and his house we…e rejected of God, and that in wrath, v. 38. Next, that the Covenant was dissolved and the Kingdome and Crown ruined …ogether, ver. 39. Thirdly, that all …ences and strong holds were removed and thrown down, ver. 40. Fourthly, that he was made a prey to any that pleased to spoile him, and a reproach to his neighbou…s, ver. 4. Fifthly, that his enemies were assisted of …od, and he being … in b…ttel was put to flight, ver. 42, 43. Six…hly, that all th… priviledges and prerogatives of his Kingdome were abolished, ver. …4. Seventhly, that the happinesse of his Kingdom had lasted a very short time, and that …ll expectation of hoped for blessings were blasted, and turned to matter of sh…me and confusion, ver. 45. Whence learn, 1. From the order and place of the lamentation; It is not time for us to enter the lists with …entations and doubts, till first we have fixed our heart… by faith in the Lords promises against all tentations, and doubts, and feares, and appearances of evil, as the P…almist doth here. 2. The esta…e of Christs Kingdom, no l…sse then of Davids Kingdom, may at some times seem to humane sense in a condition qui…e contrary to what is promised concerning it' as this lamenta…ion, wherein the hopes of Christs Kingdom is questioned by the Psalmists tentation, doth m…ke evident. 3. The only relief of Gods distressed people at such a time, is to follow the ex…mple of the Psalmist, that is, to st…engthen their faith, contrary to p. 326what appeareth outwardly to sense, and then lay out the doubts, feares and tentations before God, to be answered by him, as here the Prophet doth. 4. All those calamities might come upon Davids civil Kingdhm, and yet this Covenant made with him as the type of Christ not be dissolved, as experience hath proved, because the Covenant was not made to exempt him, or his family, or Kingdome from the rods of men, in case by their miscarriage and transgressions they should provoke the Lord; for the last article in the Covenant, in ver. 30, 31, 32. expresly holdeth out the contrary. Secondly, because the Covenant in the main scope belonged to Christ and his spiritual Kingdom; to David and his children and Kingdom, as to a type and shadow of Christ and his Kingdom, or as they were members of Christs Kingdome for their spiritual good. 5. Sense and carnal reason may misrepresent the Lords dispensation, as if it were contrary to his Covenant and Promise, and contrary to what the godly do beleeve according to Gods Word; as here we see, comparing this lamentation with the former part of the Psalme. 6. If the godly do hold fast to the Word of God, and beleeve what the Lord hath promised, whatsoever appear in the contrary, then may they with great freedom, (yea, and they should of duty and wisdom) lay forth all their tentations, and what carnal reason and sense speaketh to them before the Lord, who is able to solve all doubts, and satisfie faith, without feare of being mistaken, as this lamentation compared with what precedeth, maketh manifest. 7. Whatsoever calamity shall crosse the beleevers hope, God still must be esteemed and held the sender out of the calamity, as well as the Author of the Promise, which the dispensation seemeth to crosse: that the glory, both of justice wounding his childe, and of mercy healing him, may be given to the Lord, as the example of the Psalmist doth teach, who in all the complaint fasteneth all the branches of the calamity upon Gods doing.

Ver. 46. How long, LORD, wilt thou hide thy self, for ever? shall thy wrath burne like fire?

47. Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?

48. What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.

p. 32749. Lord, where are thy former loving kindnesses, which thou swarest unto David in thy truth?

50. Remember (Lord) the reproach of thy servants: how I do beare in my bosome the reproach of all the mighty people.

51. Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O LORD: Wherewith they have reproached the footstops of thine anointed.

52. Blessed be the LORD for evermore; Amen, and Amen.

Here he turneth his complaint into prayer for remedy, to shew that he did not fre…; but beleeve, that the Lord both could and would give relief. The reasons for strengthening of his faith are foure. First, because the wrath of God against his people cannot be everlasting, ver. 46. The second, because the Lords afflicted people were of a short life, and did expect comfort before they died, ver. 47, 48. The third, because former experience, and Gods sworn Covenant behooved to have evident comfortable effects, ver. 49. The fourth, because the mockerie of the enemie against Gods people, and Christs Kindom was insupportable, ver. 50, 51. After which, as being assured of a good answer, he closeth the Psalme with p…ayer and thanksgiving. Whence learn, 1. From the first …eason; The children of God are more affected with Gods displeasure, then with the t…ouble they a…e put unto; How long, Lord, wilt thou hide thy face? This sheweth their chief wound. 2. Whatsoever be the Lords purpose in afflicting, yet sore trouble doth alwayes speak the wrath of God, to the apprehension of the afflicted; Shall thy wrath burne like fire? 3. As God cannot be angry for ever with his people; so his people cannot endure any appearance of everlasting wrath, and utter destruction; How long, Lord, wilt thou hide thy face, for ever? shall thy w…ath burne like fire?

From the second reason, to confirm his hope to be heard, set down, ver. 47, 48. Learn, 1. As our life is short, and the shortnesse of it should be a spu…e to seek the sense of Gods good will to us while we are in this life: so may all Gods children expect, how short soever their life be, to finde sensible proofs in this life of Gods love to them, and care of them; for, Remember how short my time is: doth import so much in the Psalmists p. 328reasoning. 2. Albeit God hath created no man in vaine, but for his own glory one way or other, yet Gods children have little or no estimation of this life, except that they therein may finde God reconciled, and have communion with him in this life; for this passionate expression, Wherefore hast thou made all men in vaine? doth import as much; as we count our life in vaine, and nothing worth to us, if thou shalt not be reconciled unto us. 3. Albeit our words in prayer should be well weighed, yet in sad affliction and grief of heart, words sometime may escape a Saint, which cannot be justified, as here this speech giveth us an instance: for this is a limiting of God to crave comfort in this life to the afflicted, at the time when they shall prescribe, or else to make all their formerly received comforts, and life it self to be in vaine given unto them: for presuppose a man should suffer Gods terror from his youth up, as Heman did, and be as a distracted man, because of the terrour of God, and should end his life, as Heman doth the preceding Psalm without comfort; yet life eternal might make up the troubles of the wrestling of such a mans …aith, and soon recompense the losse of comfort in this life: and yet such is the weaknesse even of Champions like Ethan; as to vent some passionate expressions in their trouble: Why hast thou made all men in vain? 4. Mortality and shortnesse of life is common to all men: but to be stirred up thereby to the more earnest seeking of spiritual comfort, and preparation for eternal life, is the propertie of a childe of God only; such as the Psalmist is, who for this very end, that he might have spiritual comfort, draweth an … from mortality; What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death?

From the third reason set down, ver. 49. taken from the experience of mercies, and sworn promises made to David; Learn, 1. Albeit a man were in never so hard a condition for his own case, or the case of other godly persons, yet that which God hath done and promised to do unto any beleever, may sustain him when he misseth all comfort or appearance of it; Lord, where are thy former loving kindnesses unto David? 2. When the beleever doth misse the comfort which he or any other hath got … of God, he should go to the same fountain to have some new experience thereof, as the Palmists example doth teach. 3. The beleever taketh Gods part against all doubts, and disappearances of the performing of his promises, as we see in the Psalmist, who when he is missing Gods former loving kindnesse, the continuance whereof was promised and sworn; p. 329he asserteth the truth of the promise, saying, Which thou swarest unto David in thy truth.

From the fourth reason of his hope to have a gracious answer to his prayer, taken from the reproaching of the enemies, as it is set down, ver. 50, 51. Learn, 1. Beside inward tentations unto misbelief in the day of trouble, the Lords people use to meet with the mockings of the wicked, insolently scorning their faith in God, which as it vexeth the godly, so is it taken notice of by God: Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants. 2. The mocking of Religion in the day of the Churches calamity, is so much the more a terrible tentation, as the adversaries who do insult over Religion, are many and powerful to annoy Gods people, and tread down Religion; Remember the reproach of all the mighty people. 3. The reproach of Religion and of the godly doth lie near, and should lie near the heart of every lively member of the Church: Remember the reproach which I do beare in my bosome. 4. Such as do reproach Religion and the godly in their calamity, are Gods enemies, and against them God is engaged; Remember the reproaches, wherewith the enemies have reproached, O Lord. 5. The blasphemies which do strike against Gods promised salvation in Christ, and the progresse of his Kingdom, are of all tentations most heavie, and are resented of God most deeply; Remember the reproaches, wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed; for as Davids posterity and succession went on one generation after another, so Christ made his approaches nearer to his incarnation; and when the family of David seemed to grow weak, the godly were assaulted with feares and doubts about the coming of the Messiah: and the ungodly mocked the matter of Chris…s coming altogether, and reproached the promise of his progresse.

From the close of the Psalm, ver. 52. Learn, 1. Presuppose a beleever should not finde present comfort in his sad condition, yet it is an ease to have poured out his complaint before the Lord: and this liberty of speech is a gift worthy of thanksgiving; for, Blessed be the Lord, doth the Prophet adde, when he hath said all he would say. 2. We should close and leave our prayer before God in good termes, however he shall answer us, or seem to dispose of matters towards us: and we should blesse him, do what he pleaseth as the Psalmist doth here: Blessed be the Lord for evermore. 3. The beleever may be sure to have his lawful requests granted unto him, and may … to his seal to Gods promises without feare, as the Psalmist teacheth us in his p. 330saying, Amen. Yea the more tentation doth drive us unto misbelief, the more should faith look for a deliverance, and adhere to the truth of Gods Covenant, as here the Prophet doth by doubling his seale, say,

Amen, and Amen.