Westminster Annotations, Psalms · Psalm 119 – Psalm 131
PSAL. CXIX.
Vers. 1. BLessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord] See Psal. 128. 1.
the undefiled] Here they are not called blessed, which think themselves wise in their own judgement, nor which imagine to themselves a certain kinde of holinesse, but they whose conversation is without hypocrisie, Ezek. 28. 15.
undefiled] Or, perfect, or, sincere.
in the way] A good life is a good way, that leads to heaven.
V. 2. that keep his testimonies] Gods law testifies of his will, which else were unknown to us.
V. 3. They also do no iniquitie] They live not in a sinfull course of life: Sin is not their trade, as it is wicked mens, 1 John 3. 9.
do no] Or, that do, or commit.
walk] Or, that walk.
V. 5. O that my wayes were directed] David acknowledgeth his imperfection, desiring God to reform it, that his life may be conformable to Gods word, Vers. 80.
V. 7. thy righteous judgements] Heb. judgements of thy righteousnesse. That is, thy precepts; which contain perfect righteousnesse.
V. 8. O forsake me not utterly] He refuseth not to be tried by tentations; but he feareth, lest he faint, if God succour not his infirmity in time, but leave him wholly to himself.
V. 9. Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way] Because youth is most given to licenciousnesse, he chief…y warneth them to frame their lives betimes to Gods word, Eccles. 11. 9. and 12. 1.
V. 11. Thy word have I hid in mine heart] If Gods word be hid in our hearts, we shall be more able to resist the assaults of satan; which, therefore he desired carefully to treasure up, Psal. 37. 31. Luk. 2. 19, 51.
V. 14. I have rejoyced in the way of thy testimonies] The prophet doth not boast of his vertues, but setteth forth an example for others to follow Gods word, and leave worldly vanities.
in] Or, for.
V. 17. that I may live] He sheweth, that we ought not to desire to live, but to serve God, and that we cannot serve him aright, except he take away our naturall ignorance by the light of his spirit, that we may understand the spirituall meaning of his word.
and keep] Or, to keep.
V. 18. Open] Heb. Reveal.
V. 19. I am a stranger in the earth, hide not thy commandments from me] Gen. 47. 9. 1 Chro. 29. 15. Psa. 39. 12. Heb. 11. 13.
I am a stranger in the earth] Seeing mans life in this world, is but a passage to heaven, what should become of him, who knows not the way by nature, if Gods word did not guide him thither?
V. 20. My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgements at all times, Psal. 42. 1. and 63. 1. and 84. 1.
V. 21. Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed] In all ages thou hast plagued all such, which maliciously and contemptuously depart from thy truth.
V. 22. Remove from me] Or, Roll from upon me.
V. 23. Princes also did sit and speak against me] Verse 46. When the powers of the world gave false sentence against me, thy word was a guide and a counsellour, to teach me what to do, and to comfort me.
V. 24. Thy testimonies also are my delight] Heb. delights. That is, they did greatly delight me.
my counsellours] Heb. men of my counsell.
V. 25. My soul cleaveth unto the dust] That is, I am like one overcome in battell, mortally wounded, and tumbling in the dust, or one in danger to die, and turn to dust; Psal. 44. 25. and 22. 15. and without thy word I cannot live.
V. 26. I have declared my wayes] I have laid open my businesse, and dangers to thee in great difficulties, as to my chief friend, and thou hast advised me ever for my good.
teach me thy statutes] Psal. 25. 4. and 27. 11. and 86. 11.
V. 28. My soul melteth for heavinesse] Psal. 107. 26.
melteth] Heb. d…oppeth.
according unto thy word] That is, thy promise. If Gid did not maintain us by his word, our life would drop away like water, Psal. 22. 14.
V. 29. Remove from me the way of lying] Keep me out of those false wayes, that corrupt nature teacheth, and let thy law guide me in the true way to happinesse.
V. 32. when thou shalt enlarge my heart] By this he sheweth, that we can neither chuse good, cleave to Gods word, nor run forward in his way, except he make our hearts large to receive his grace, and willing to obey, by freeing from straits, filling us with joy and comfort, Isai. 60. 5. Psal. 4. 1.
V. 33. Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes] He sheweth, that he cannot follow on to the end, except God teach him oft-times, and lead him forward.
V. 34. with my whole heart] Not onelyonly in outward conversation, but also with inward affection.
V. 36. and not to covetousnesse] He prayeth specially against this evill affection, as being the root of all evill, 1 Tim. 6. 10. and withdrawing men from the love of God and goodnesse, Matth. 6. 24. 1 John 2. 15.
V. 37. Turn away] Heb. Make to passe.
Turn away mine eyes] Because they are chiefest inlets of sinfull objects, Job 31. 1. Isai. 33. 15. 2 Sam. 11. 2.
from beholding vanitie] Worldly things, that have no substance in them, nor are but shadows, Prov. 23. 5.
V. 39. for thy judgements are good] Let me not suffer reproach for obeying thy word, which is good.
V. 40. quicken me in thy righteousnesse] Restore life and strength to me, according to thy faithfull promise, Verse 37.
V. 41. Let thy mercies come also unto me] He sheweth, that Gods mercy and love, is the first cause of our deliverances.
V. 42. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me] Or, So shall I answer him that reproacheth me in a thing, or, in ought. When thy promise is effected, I can stop the mouth of my scoffing adversaries, Psal. 107. 42.
V. 43. take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth] Make me not ashamed to speak of thy promises any more, by not performing those thou hast made to me already.
V. 45. And I will walk at libertie] I shall be free from all distresse of soul and body, Vers. 32.
at liberty] Heb. at large.
V. 46. before kings] He sheweth, that the children of God ought not to be daunted from giving testimony to Gods truth, by any power or fear of princes, Dan. 3. 13, 16. Matth. 10. 18, 19. Vers. 23.
V. 48. My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments] I will addresse my self unto the doing of thy will, as a workman doth to his work.
V. 49. Remember the word unto thy servant] Though he feel Gods hand still to lie upon him, yet he resteth on his promise, and comforteth himself therein.
V. 51. The proud have had me greatly in derision] Meaning, the wicked, which contemn Gods word, and tread his religion under foot.
V. 52. I remembred thy judgements of old] That is, the examples, whereby thou declarest thy self to be judge of the world.
V. 53. H…rrour hath taken hold upon me] A vehement zeal for thy glory, and indignation against the wicked: or, dread of persecution from them.
because of the] Heb. from the.
V. 54. in the house of my pilgrimage] In all the places where I have been banished: or, in the course of my life, which is but a sorrowfull pilgrimage, Gen 47. 9.
pilgrimage] Heb. pilgrimages.
V. 55. in the night] Even when others sleep, Psal. 63. 6.
V. 56. This I had] This comfort in afflictions from thee day and night, vers. 54, 55.
V. 57. Thou art my portion, O Lord] Psal. 16. 5. and 142. 5. It may be read, O Lord, I have said, my portion is to keep thy word: that is, I am perswaded, that to keep thy …aw is an heritage, and great gain for me, John 4. 34.
my portion, O Lord] Or, O Lord my portion, Vers. 126.
V. 58. favour] Heb. face.
V. 59. I thought on my wayes] He called himself to account for his former courses, and amended what he found amisse in them, Lam. 3. 40.
V. 61. bands] Or, companies, 1 Sam. 10. 10.
V. 62. because of thy righteous judgements] Gods word is a great benefit, and he is worthy of great praise for giving i… to us: or, he promises to praise God night and day for his judgements executed upon his enemies, according to his word.
thy righteous judgements] Heb. thy judgements of righteousnesse.
V. 63. I am a companion of all them that fear thee] Not onelyonly by mutuall consent, but also by ayd and succour, Psal. 16. 3. to any godly, be they never so mean.
V. 64. The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy] As thou givest to every creature good things according to the nature of it, so give my soul spirituall knowledge.
V. 65. Thou hast dealt w…ll with thy servant] Having proved by experience, that God was true in his promise, he desireth that he would encrease in him knowledge and judgement.
V. 67. Before I was afflicted, I went astray] Jere. 31. 18, 19. The use of Gods rods, is to bring us home to God, Vers. 71. Heb. 12. 10, 11.
V. 70. Their heart is as fat as grease] Their heart is indurate and hardned, puffed up with prosperity, and vain estimation of themselves, Psal. 17. 10. Isai. 6. 10.
V. 71. It is good for me that I have been afflicted] He confesseth, that before he was chastned, he was rebellious, as man by nature is, Vers. 67.
V. 72. The law of thy mouth is better unto me, then thousands of gold and silver] Psal. 19. 10. Prov. 8. 11.
V. 73. Thy hands have made me, and fashioned me] Job. 10. 8.
Thy hands have made me] Because I am thy creature, teach me to serve thee, who art my maker, Psal. 95. 6. and 100. 2, 3. and 138. 8.
V. 74. They that fear thee, will be glad when they see me] When God sheweth his grace toward any, he testifieth to others, That he faileth not them that trust in him, and so makes them glad also.
V. 75. right] Heb. righteousnesse.
that thou in faithfulnesse hast afflicted me] That thou hast shewed thy faithfulnesse, even in correcting me, thy correction making for my good, Heb. 12. 10. 1 Pet. 4. 19.
thou in faithfulnesse] Or, it is faithfulnesse that thou.
V. 76. for my comfort] Heb. to comfort me.
V. 77. that I may live] That I may be freed from these afflictions, for men in adversity are like dead men.
thy law is my delight] See notes on vers. 24.
delight] Heb. delights, as vers. 92.
V. 79. turn unto me] Be comforted by my example, and joyn with me, vers. 74.
those that have known thy testimon…es] He sheweth, that the true fear of God is not without the knowledge of his word.
V. 80. that I be not ashamed] Which I should be, if I did not keep thy statutes, vers. 6. 31.
V. 81. My soul fainteth for thy salvation] Though my strength fail me, yet my soul groaneth and sigheth, resting still in thy word.
V. 82. Mine eyes fail for thy word] Psal. 69. 3.
V. 83. like a bottle in the smoke] Like as a skin bottle or bladder that is shrivelled in the smoke.
V. 84. How many are the dayes of thy servant?] How long wilt thou afflict thy servant? Psal. 89. 47.
V. 85. The proud have digged pits for me] They have not onelyonly oppressed me violently, but also craftily conspired against me, Psal. 35. 7.
V. 86. faithfull] Heb. faithfulnesse.
help thou me] He desireth the true God to help him against false dealing persecutours.
V. 87. upon earth] The uttermost that they could do, could not make me forsake thy law.
V. 88. Quicken me after thy loving kindnesse] Suffer me to live: or, raise me out of these troubles. See notes on ver. 40, 77.
V. 89. For ever, O Lord, thy word is setled in heaven] Because none should esteem Gods word, according to the changes of things in this world, he sheweth, that it abideth in heaven, and so abideth immutable: or, the permanency of it, is seen in the continuance of the heavens: so of the earth, vers. 90. and so vers. 91. They continue, that is, heaven and earth, for they are thy servants.
V. 90. unto all generations] Heb. to generation and generation.
abideth] Heb. standeth.
V. 91. They continue this day] Seeing the earth, and all creatures remain in that estate, wherein thou hast created them, much more thy truth remaineth constant and unchangeable.
V. 92. my delights] See notes on vers. 24.
V. 93. with them thou hast quickened me] See notes on v. 77, 88.
V. 94. I am thine, save me] He proveth by the effect, that he is Gods childe, because he seeketh to understand his will, that he may do it.
V. 96. I have seen an end of all perfection] There is nothing so perfect on earth, but it hath an end: onelyonly Gods word lasteth for ever, Isai. 40. 8.
V. 97. it is my meditation all the day] Our daily meditating of Gods law, is a sure token that we love it, Psal. 1. 2.
V. 98. Thou though thy commandments hast made me] Or, Each of thy commandments hath made me.
they are ever with me] Heb. it is ever with me.
V. 99. I have more understanding then all my teachers] Whosoever doth submit himself onelyonly to Gods word, shall not onelyonly be safe against the practices of his enemies, but also learn more wisdom, then they that professe it, and are men of experience, 2 Tim. 3.
V. 100. I understand more then the ancients] Job 32. 8.
V. 102. for thou hast taught me] God doth acquaint us with his will, that we may do it, Psal. 86. 11.
V. 103. How sweet are thy words unto my taste] Psal. 19. 10.
taste] Heb. palate.
V. 104. therefore I hate every false way] Vers. 128.
V. 105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet] Of our selves we are but darknesse, and cannot see, except we be enlightned with Gods word.
lamp] Or, candle. Prov. 6. 23.
V. 106. I have sworn] Nehe. 10. 29. By solemn oath and promise, he stirred up himself to embrace Gods word.
V. 107. quicken me] See notes on vers. 77, 88.
V. 108. the free-will-offerings of my mouth] Give me cause by delivering me, to praise thee, and offer what I have freely vowed, Psal. 116. 17, 18. and 54. 6.
V. 109. in my hand] I am continually in danger of my life. A thing in the hand, is easily taken away. See the like phrase, Judg. 12. 3. 1 Sam. 19. 5. and 28. 21. Job 13. 14.
V. 110. have laid a snare for me] Psal. 140. 5. and 141. 9.
V. 111. as an heritage for ever] Deut. 33. 4. I esteemed no worldly thing so, but made thy word mine inheritance.
V. 112. to perform] Heb. to do.
V. 113. I hate vain thoughts] Whosoever will embrace Gods word aright, must abhorre all fantasies and imaginations of himself and others, in Gods service, and the way to heaven.
V. 114. my hiding-place] Psal. 32. 7.
and my shield] Psal. 18. 2.
V. 115. Depart from me, ye evill doers] Matth. 7. 23. Ps…l. 6. 8. And hinder me not in keeping Gods law.
V. 116. let me not be ashamed of my hope] Which I shall be, if I have not the thing hoped for, Rom. 5. 5.
V. 117. Hold thou me up] He desireth Gods continuall assistance, lest he should faint in this race, which he had begun.
V. 118. their deceit it is falshood] The crafty practices of them who contemn thy law, shall be brought to nought.
V. 119. puttest away] Heb. causest to cease.
like drosse] Ezek. 22. 18, 22. Which infect thy people, as drosse doth the metall.
dresse] Heb. dresses. That is, the vilest drosse.
V. 120. My flesh trembleth for fear of thee] Thy judgements do not onelyonly teach me obedience, but also cause me to fear, considering mine own weaknesse, Hab. 3. 16.
V. 122. Be swety for thy servant for good] Put thy self between mine enemies and me, as if thou were my pledge.
V. 123. Mine eyes fail for thy salvation] Verse 82.
the word of thy righteousnesse] Or, thy ri…hteous word, as vers. 62.
V. 124. Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy] He boasteth not of his service to God, but desireth that as he made him by his grace, so he would continue his favour toward him.
V. 126. It is time for thee] The prophet sheweth, that when the wicked have brought all things to confusion, and Gods word to utter contempt, then it is Gods time to help and send remedy.
to work] To perform thy promise to me, lest I be destroyed by my foes, who will be kept in by no laws any longer, no not by the law of God.
V. 127. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold, yea, above fine gold] Psal. 19. 10. Prov. 8. 11.
Therefore I love thy commandments] Seeing they discourage men, so that few dare serve thee, I do it the more diligently lest thy service should fall to the ground.
V. 128. I hate every false way] Vers. 101, 104. That is, whatsoever dissenteth from the purity of thy word.
V. 129. Thy testimonies are wonderfull] Containing high and secret mysteries, so that I am moved with admiration, and reverence of them.
V. 130. The entrance of thy words giveth light] The simple idiots, that submit themselves to God, have their eyes opened, and their mindes illuminated, so soon as they begin to read Gods word, Psal. 19. 7, 8.
V. 131. and panted] My zeal toward thy word was so great. A metaphor from those that run after a thing they earnestly desire, till they be out of breath: or, from thirsty creatures, Psal. 42. 1.
V. 132. Look thou upon me, &c.] Psal. 106 4.
as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name] Heb. according to the custome towards those, &c.
V. 133. let not any iniquity have dominion ever me] Psa. 19. 13.
V. 135. to shine upon thy servant] Psal. 4. 6.
V. 136. Rivers of waters run down mine eyes] He sheweth, what ought to be the zeal of Gods children, when they see his word contemned.
V. 137. upright are thy judgements] It becomes those that confesse God to be righteous, to acknowledge his laws to be so also, and to live according to them.
V. 138. righteous] Heb. righteousnesse.
faithfull] Heb. faithfulnesse.
V. 139. Myzeal hath consumed me] Psal. 69. 9. Joh. 2. 17.
consumed me] Heb. …ut me off.
V. 140. Thy word is very pure] Gold had need to be fined, but thy word is perfection it self, Psal. 12. 6.
pure] Heb. tried, or, refined.
V. 141. I am small and despised] This is the true tryall, to stick to Gods law in adversitie.
V. 143. taken hold on me] Heb. sound me.
V. 144. and I shall live] So that the life of man, without the knowledge of God, is death.
V. 145. I cried with my whole heart] He sheweth, that all his affections and whole heart were bent to Godward, for to have help in his dangers.
V. 146. and I shall keep] Or, that I may keep.
V. 148. Mine eyes prevent the night watches] He was more earnest in the study of Gods word, then they that kept the watch, were in their charge, Psal. 130. 6.
V. 149. judgement] Or, custome, Vers 132.
V. 150. that follow after mischief] That earnestly seek to undo me.
V. 152. Concerning] Or, Out of.
V. 154. Plead my cause, and deliver me] Psal. 35. 1. and 43. 1.
according to thy word] For without Gods promise, there is no hope of deliverance.
V. 156. Great] Or, Many.
judgements] Or, customes.
V. 158. and was grieved] See notes on verse 136.
V. 159. Consider how I love thy precepts] Our love of Gods law is a good argument to move God to deliver us.
V. 160. Thy word is true. from the beginning] Heb. The beginning of thy word is true. Since thou first promisedst, even to the end, all thy sayings are true.
V. 161. Princes have persecuted me without a cause] The threatnings and persecutions of princes could not cause me to shrink from confessing thee, whom I more fear then men, verse 23, 42. or, they sought to kill me, but I durst not hurt them when I could, because I feared thy law, as 1 Sam. 24. 6.
V. 164. Seven times a day do I praise thee] That is, often and sundry times, Prov. 24. 16. and 26. 25.
V. 165. Great peace have they which love thy law] God takes care for their good, that take care to do him service according to his law.
nothing shall offend them] Heb. they shall have no stumblingblock.
V. 166. Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation] Gen. 49. 18.
and done thy commandments] They that make no conscience of obeying God, cannot hope for deliverance from him.
V. 168. for all my wayes are before thee] Job 34. 21. I had no respect of men, so as to offend thee, but set thee alwayes before mine eyes, as the judge of my doings, and therefore studied to please thee.
V. 169. Let my cry come near before thee] My earnest prayer.
according to thy word] As thou hast promised to be a teacher unto all them that depend upon thee.
V. 170. Let my supplication come before thee] My prayer for favour.
V. 171. My lips shall utter praise] Verse 7. This word signifieth, to pour forth continually, like a fountain, Psal. 78. 2.
when thou hast taught me thy statutes] All his prayer and desire is to profit in the word of God.
V. 173. for I have chosen thy precepts] Josh. 24. 22. Prov. 1. 29. To follow it of mine own accord: or, among all other things, for my chief good and treasure, wherewith I am satisfied.
V. 174. I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord] Vers. 166.
delight] Heb. delights.
V. 175. let thy judgements help me] That is, thy provident care over me, and wherewith thou wilt judge mine enemies.
V. 176. I have gone astray like a lost sheep] Isai. 53. 6. Being chased to and fro, by mine enemies, and having no resting place: Thou therefore that art the good shepherd, Luk. 15. 4. seek me, and bring me home into the church, which is thy fold.
PSAL. CXX.
Title. A song of degrees] Of lifting up: for they did lift up their voices sometimes in singing, 2 Chron. 20. 19. or, of excellencies, 1 Chron. 17. 17. or, to be sung on the steps of the temple, on high dayes: or, at their severall stations, as they returned from Babylon.
Vers. 1. IN my distresse I cryed unto the Lord] Psal. 118. 5. Albeit, the children of God ought to rejoyce, when they are in extremity; yet it is a great grief to the flesh, to hear evill for well doing.
V. 3. What shall be given unto thee? or, what shall be done unto
thee, thou false tongue?] Or, What shall the deceitfull tongue give untothee? or, What shall it profit thee? He assured himself, that God would turn their craft to their own destruction.
done] Heb. added.
V. 4. Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper] Or, It is as the sharp arrows of the mighty man with coals of juniper, Psal. 64. 3.
Sharp arrows of the mighty] God will send on them piercing sorrows, Psalm 45. 6. Deut. 32. 23. Ezek. 5. 16. Psalm 140. 10.
coals of juniper] Heb. of junipers. That is, of many junipers, which will last.
V. 5. in Mes…ch] These were people of Arabia, which came from Japhet, Gen. 10. 2.
of Kedar] Of Ishmaels posterity, Gen. 25. 13. which used, to live in tents, and remove from place to place, for the pasture of the cattell, Cant. 1. 5.
V. 7. I am for peace] Not those people, among whom he never was, but people like them for cruelty.
for peace] Or, a man of peace.
PSAL. CXXI.
Vers. 1. I Will lift up mine eyes unto the hils, from whence cometh my help] Or, Shall I lift up mine eyes to the hils? whence should my help come?
unto the hils] Sion and Moriah, where the sanctuary stood, Psal. 87. 1. or, to God, who is as high above all creatures, as the hils are above the valleys, Psal. 123. 1. or, to what end should I look up to them, as if I expected help from them, Jere. 3. 23. when as my help is from God: alluding to the situation of Jerusalem, encompassed with hils. Psal. 125. 2. See Jere. 3. 23.
V. 2. My help cometh from the Lord] Psal. 124. 8.
which made heaven and earth] He secretly accuseth mans ingratitude, who doth not depend upon Gods power.
V. 3. he that keepeth thee will not slumber] He sheweth, that Gods providence watcheth not onelyonly over his church in generall, but also over every member thereof in particular.
V. 4. shall neither slumber nor sleep] He will neglect no occasion of thy preservation, Psal. 127. 1. Isai. 27. 3.
V. 5. thy shade upon thy right hand] Isai. 25. 4.
V. 6. The sun shall not sinite thee by day] Neither heat nor cold, nor any discommodity shall be able to annoy thee, Psal. 91. 5.
V. 7. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evill] The LORD shall keep thee from danger both abroad, and at home, Deut. 28. 6.
PSAL. CXXII.
Vers. 1. I Was glad] He rejoyceth, that God had brought the ark to a place, where it should remain.
V. 2. Our feet shall stand] Whereas they were wont to wander to and fro, as the ark removed.
V. 3. that is compact together] By the artificiall joyning and beauty of the houses, is signified the concord and love that is between the citizens.
V. 4. the tribes go up] All the tribes do resort thither, and pray there.
unto the testimony of Israel] To the ark, the sign of Gods presence, and in which were the two tables, containing Gods testimony, how he would be served, and from whence God declared his presence by oracle, Exod. 25. 21, 22.
V. 5. are set] Heb. do sit.
the thrones of the house of David] In whose house God placed the throne of justice, and made it a figure of Christs kingdom.
V. 7. Peace be within thy wals] The favour of God give thee peace, and keep thee from all wars, Psal. 147. 14.
V. 8. For my brethren and companions sakes] Not onelyonly for mine own sake, but for all the faithfull, whom I account as my brethren, Psal. 119. 63.
PSAL. CXXIII.
Vers. 1. LIft I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens] Psal. 121. 1. Psal. 15. 3.
V. 2. untill that he have mercy upon us] Untill he deliver us out of this misery. This argues constancy in prayer, Luke 18. 1, 7.
V. 3. we are exceedingly filled with contempt] Psal. 88. 3. When the faithfull are so full, that they can no more endure the oppressions and scornings of the wicked, then with hungry desires they cry for help, not ceasing till they obtain it, 2 Chron. 20. 12.
PSAL. CXXIIII.
Vers. 1. IF it had not been the Lord] He sheweth, That God was ready to help at need, and that there was none other way to be delivered, but onelyonly by his power.
V. 3. Then they had swallowed us up quick] So unable were we to resist. A metaphor taken from ravenous beasts, who so speedily, and greedily devour their prey, that it seems to go quick down their throats, as Jonah did with the whale, Jonah 1. 17.
V. 4. Then the waters had overwhelmed us] Psal. 69. 2. He useth most proper similitudes of swallowing and drowning, to expresse the great danger that the church had been in, and out of which God miraculously had delivered them.
V. 7. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers] Psal. 91. 3.
as a bird out of the snare] For the wicked did not onelyonly furiously rage against the faithfull, but craftily imagined to destroy them.
PSAL. CXXV.
Vers. 1. WHich cannot be removed] Though the world be subject to mutations, yet the people of God shall stand sure, and be defended by Gods providence.
V. 3. the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous] Mic. 6. 9. Zech. 9. 1. Though God suffer his to be under the crosse, lest they should embrace wickednesse; yet this crosse shall not so rest upon them▪ that it should drive them from hope, and cause them to betake themselves to evill courses, Prov. 30. 9.
the wicked] Heb. wickednesse.
V. 5. As for such] He foretelleth the great prosperity of the church, when God shall have purged it from evill doers.
as turn aside unto their crooked wayes] Those that fall away from God, shall have their portion with those that never were with him, Psal. 73. 27.
peace shall be upon Israel] Psal. 128. 6. Gal. 6. 16.
PSAL. CXXVI.
Vers. 1. TƲrned again the captivity of Zion] Heb. returned the returning of Zion.
like them that dream] Their deliverance was as a thing incredible, and therefore seemed rather a dream, then a thing in truth performed, Acts 12. 9.
V. 2. Then was our mouth filled with laughter] He sheweth, how the godly ought to rejoyce, when God gathereth his church, or delivereth it.
then said they among the heathen] The very heathen could not but take notice of Gods handy work in our kingdom: and if the infidels confesse Gods wonderfull work, the faithfull can never shew themselves sufficiently thankfull.
hath done great things for them] Heb. hath magnified to do with them.
V. 4. as the streams in the south] It is as possible for thee to bring back the rest of the captives from Babylon, as to cause streams to break out in dry places, where the sun scorches in the south, Judg. 1. 15. or, it shall be as comfortable to us, as rivers of water in dry places.
V. 5. shall reap] Or, let them reap.
joy] Or, singing.
V. 6. bearing precious seed] That is, seed which was scarce and dear: meaning, that they which trusted in Gods promise to return, had their desire.
precious seed] Or, seed-basket.
shall doubtlesse come] Or, let him come.
doubtlesse come] Heb. coming come.
PSAL. CXXVII.
Title. for Solomon] Or, of Solomon, Psal. 72.
Vers. 1. EXcept the Lord build the house] It may be taken, for building the house, or encreasing the family, Exod. 1. 21.
that build it] Heb. that are builders of it in it: or, they labour in vain about it, that build it.
except the Lord keep the city] The publike estate of the common-wealth.
V. 2. It is vain for you to rise up early] Which watch and ward: or, which labour hard for your living.
to eat the bread of sorrows] Gotten by hard labour and care, Gen. 3. 19.
so he giveth] Or, he doth rightly give.
he giveth] Your care cannot bring you true rest, but Gods blessing will, Prov. 10. 22.
his beloved sleep] It may be an allusion to Solomons name, Jedidiah, 2 Sam. 12. 25.
V. 3. Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord] Gen. 33. 5. and 48. 4. Josh. 24. 3, 4. Begotten while their parents are young, and which may live to comfort them in their old age. See the contrary, Gen. 44. 20.
V. 5. hath his quiver full of them] Heb. hath filled his quiver with them.
they shall not be ashamed] Their children will be ready to plead for them, and to right them, when they are wronged by others: or, their enemies cannot shame them, with objecting to them the bad breeding, or vices of their children, if they have many good ones, Prov. 27. 11.
shall speak with] Or, shall subdue, as Psal. 18. 47. or, destroy.
in the gate] The wonted place of most opposition, either in civill quarrels, or in hostile attempts.
PSAL. CXXVIII.
Vers. 1. WAlketh in his wayes] Psal. 119. 1.
in his wayes] God approveth not our life, except it be reformed according to his word, Psal. 119. 9.
V. 2. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands] Isai. 3. 10. The world esteemeth them happy, which live in wealth and idlenesse: but the Holy Ghost approveth them best, that live of the profit of their labours.
V. 3. thy children like olive-plants] Because Gods favour appeareth in none outward thing, more then in increase of children, he promiseth to enrich the faithfull with this gift.
V. 5. out of Zion] With such blessings, as he granteth from Sion, the place of his speciall residence.
thou shalt see the good] See it with delight, and have a part in it, Psal. 27. 4.
of Jerusalem] The blessing on their own families is not comfortable to good men, except the church be blessed also, 2 Sam. 11. 11.
and peace upon Israel] Gal. 6. 16.
PSAL. CXXIX.
Vers. 1. MAny] Or, Much.
may Israel now say] The church now afflicted, ought to remember, how her condition hath ever been such from the beginning, to be molested most grievously by the wicked: yet in time it hath ever been delivered, Psalm 34. 19.
V. 2. from my youth] From the very first time, that I began to be a people distinguished from others, Jere. 2. 2.
V. 3. The plowers plowed upon my back] The extream crueltie of the enemies was such, That their bodies might seem to be furrowed thorowout with their stripes, their oppressions were so grievous.
V. 4. The Lord is righteous] Because God is righteous, he cannot but plague his adversaries, and deliver his, by dissipating the plots of the wicked, 2 Thessal. 1. 6, 7. 2 Peter 2. 9.
V. 5. Let them all be confounded] When they see their crafty plots disappointed.
turned back] By God.
that hate Zion] That is, the people of God.
V. 6. as the grasse upon the house tops] He wisheth, That the enemies of God, and of his people, who lift themselves most high, may be suddenly consumed with the heat of Gods wrath, Psal. 37. 2. and 73. 19.
V. 8. Neither do they which go by, say] That is, the wicked shall perish as that grasse; that, to which no man wisheth a blessing.
The blessing of the Lord be upon you] Ruth 2. 4.
PSAL. CXXX.
Vers. 1. OƲt of the depths] Being in great distresse and sorrow, he speaketh as one in the depth of some mighty waters overwhelming him, Psal. 42. 7. and 69. 1, 2, 14. Jon. 2. 5.
V. 3. If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities] So as to deal with man in extremitie of justice for his sin, Psal. 143. 2.
who shall stand] He declareth, that no man can be just before God, without forgivenesse of sins, Psal. 32. 1. Rom. 3. 23, 24.
V. 4. that thou mayest be feared] If they mercy did not spare sinners, none should live to serve thee, vers. 3.
V. 5. I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope] Isai. 8. 17. and 30. 18.
in his word do I hope] Which doth assure me of Gods mercy, and of the pardon of my sins.
V. 6. more then they that watch for the morning] More then those, that watching abroad in dangerous times, and tedious weather, look frequently after the peep of day, Isai. 21. 12. Psal. 119. 147, 148.
I say, more then they that watch for the morning] Or, which watch unto the morning.
V. 7. for with the Lord there is mercy] Psal. 86. 5. When I shall be assured of Gods mercy, the rest of Gods people may expect it, as I do.
PSAL. CXXXI.
Vers. 1. MY heart is not haughty] He setteth forth his humility, as an example to rulers and governours.
exercise] Heb. walk.
or in things too high for me] Which passed the measure of his apprehension, or limits of his vocation.
high] Heb. wonderfull.
V. 2. Surely I have behaved] The form of an oath, See psal. 95. 11.
my self] Heb. my soul.
as a childe that is weaned of his mother] He was void of ambition and malicious desires; which children, so young, are not subject unto, Matth. 18. 1, 3. 1 Cor. 14. 20.
V. 3. from henceforth] Heb. from now.