Westminster Annotations, Psalms · Psalm 17 – Psalm 21
PSAL. XVII.
Title. A prayer] See Notes on the title of psal. 4.
Vers. 1. HEar the right] My plea for my righteous bause.
the right] Heb. justice.
attend unto my crie] Men pray earnestly, and cry out, in great troubles.
not out of feigned lips] Heb. without lips of deceit.
V. 2. Let my sentence come forth from thy presence] Make it known that I have a just cause.
V. 3. in the night] When none but thou couldst see me, and my soul free from businesse, was in its own posture.
thou hast tried me] Strictly examined me, as gold is tried by fire.
shalt finde nothing: I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgresse] Or, hast found nothing: I did purpose that my mouth should not transgresse.
my mouth shall not transgresse] Neither against thee, nor mine enemy, psal. 39. 1.
V. 5. Hold up my goings] I observed thy word as my circle, that I might walk uprightly by keeping within it.
Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not] Heb. To uphold my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps might not slip.
slip not] Heb. be not moved.
V. 6. for thou wilt hear me] Because thou usest to hear me, I believe thou wilt hear me now, psal. 116. 2.
V. 7. Shew thy marvellous loving kindnesse] Psal. 31. 21.
kindnesse] Heb. kindnesses.
that savest by thy right hand, &c.] Or, that savest them which trust in thee from those that rise up against thy right hand.
V. 8. Keep me as the apple of the eye] As men are carefull to keep their sight, Deut. 32. 10. Zech. 2. 8.
hide me under the shadow of thy wings] As a hen doth her chickens from the kite, or other ravenous creatures, Matth. 23. 37. psal. 91. 1, 2.
V. 9. that oppresse me] Heb. that waste me.
from my deadly enemies] Cruell enemies, that cannot be satisfied, but with my death, psal 35. 4.
my deadly enemies] Heb. my enemies against the soul. Or, who compasse me about for my life.
V. 10. in their own fat] Their prosperity makes my misery the more, Job 15. 27. psal. 73. 7. and 119. 70.
proudly] 1 Sam. 2. 3. psal. 31. 18.
V. 12. Like as a lion that is greedie of his prey] Heb. the likenesse of him (that is, of every one of them) is as a lion that desireth to ravin.
lurking] Heb. sitting.
V. 13. disappoint him] Heb. prevent his face.
which is thy sword] Or, by thy sword.
V. 14. From men which are thy hand] Or, from men by thine hand.
whose bellie thou fillest with thy hid treasure] That is, with food and other worldly comforts that come out of the earth: in these, wicked men abound sometimes, when good men want them, psal. 73. 7.
they are full of children] Or, their children are full.
V. 15. I will behold thy face in righteousnesse] I will not live wickedly, as they do, but righteously, and then I shall enjoy thy favour here, and heaven hereafter, Matth. 5. 8. 1 Cor. 13. 12.
when I awake] Out of trouble, or when I am …aised from death, Isai. 26. 19.
with thy likenesse] With being like thee here: or, with the visible signe of thy glory in heaven, 1 Joh. 3. 2.
PSAL. XVIII.
Title. servant of the Lord] Psal. 36. 1.
this song in the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, &c.] 2 Sam. 22.
from the hand of Soul] Especially of Saul, his greatest enemy, Mark 16. 7.
Vers. 1. I Will love thee] Intimately, as a mother loves her childe that comes out of her womb.
duplicate page duplicate page V. 2. The Lord is my rock, &c.] He useth this diversity of names, to shew, That as the wicked have many means to hurt, so God hath many means to help.
my strength] Heb. my rock.
V. 3. I will call] Or, I called.
who is worthy to be praised] For delivering me from all my enemies, Psal. 50. 15.
shall I be saved] Or, I was saved.
V. 4. The sorrows of death compassed me] Psal. 116. 3. He speaketh of his dangers, and of the malice of his enemies, from which God had delivered him.
ungodly men] Heb. Belial.
V. 5. sorrows] Or, cords.
hell] Or, the grave.
the snares of death prevented me] Deadly snares, or engines set for my death, Eccles. 9. 12. Prov. 13. 14. and 14. 27. See verse 3.
V. 7. Then the earth shook and trembled] Davids deliverance was miraculous, above the power of nature and humane strength.
V. 8. out of his] Heb. by his.
fire out of his mouth devowed] Consumed Davids enemies suddenly.
V. 9. Be bowed the heavens also and came down] Psal. 144. 5.
darknesse was under his feet] He came invisibly, to overcome the enemies of David.
V. 10. he did flie upon the wings of the winde] He came speedily and unexpectedly.
wings of the winde] Psal. 104. 3.
V. 13. the Highest gave his voice] Thundered, lightned and hailed, Job 37. 2, 4. Psal. 20. 3.
V. 14. he sent out his arrows] His lightnings.
V. 15. Then the chanels of waters were seen] Out of sundry and great dangers.
V. 16. many waters] Or, great waters.
V. 17. From my strong enemie] To wit, Saul.
they were too strong for me] Therefore God sent me succour.
V. 18. but the Lord was my stay] My staff, to keep me from falling.
V. 19. large place] Psal. 118. 5.
he delivered me] The cause of our deliverance is Gods favour to us.
V. 20. according to my righteousnesse] David was sure of his righteous cause, and good behaviour toward Saul and his enemies, and therefore was assured of Gods favour and deliverance.
V. 22. I did not put away his statutes from me] No danger could keep him from obeying God.
V. 23. before] Heb. with.
from mine iniquity] From following my corrupt affections to the sin I was most enclined unto.
V. 24. in his eye-sight] Heb. before his eyes.
V. 25. With the mercifull thou wilt shew thy self mercifull] He speaketh of God, according to our capacity, who sheweth mercy to his, and punisheth the wicked, Levit. 26. 21, 24, 27, 28.
V. 26. shew thy self froward] Or, wrestle.
V. 27. but wilt bring down high looks] When their sin is come to the full measure, Gen. 15. 16.
high looks] Isai. 2. 11. and 5. 15.
V. 28. candle] Or, lamp.
V. 29. For by thee I have run thorow a troup] He attributeth it to God, that he both gat the victory in the field, and also destroyed the cities of his enemies.
run] Or, broken.
V. 30. the word of the Lord is tried] Psal. 12. 6. and 119. 140. Prov. 30. 5. Be the dangers never so many or great, yet Gods promise must take effect.
tried] Or, refined.
V. 31. For who is God, save the Lord?] Deut. 32. 39. 1 Sam. 2. 2. Psal. 86. 8. Isai. 45. 5.
V. 32. girdeth me with strength] Psal. 93. 1.
and maketh my way perfect] Takes away all letts, and gives me victory in my wars.
V. 33. like hindes feet] He made me speedily to take the forts of the enemies, Deut. 32. 13. and 33. 29.
V. 34. He teacheth my hands to war] Psal. 144. 1.
so that a bowe of steel is broken by mine arms] Which is stronger then iron, Job 20. 24.
V. 35. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation] To defend me from dangers.
thy gentlenesse hath made me great] Or, with thy meeknesse thou hast multiplied me. He attributeth the beginning, continuance, and encrense of his good successe to Gods favour.
V. 36. Thou hast enlarged my steps] God gives me free room to walk, by removing my enemies, so that I need not tremble to make my feet slide under.
my feet] Heb. mine ancles.
V. 39. subdued] Heb. caused to bow.
V. 43. thou hast made me the head of the heathen] Which dwell round about me.
a people whom I have not known shall serve me] The Kingdom of Christ is in Davids kingdom prefigured, who by the preaching of the word, bringeth all to his subjection.
V. 44. Assoon as they hear of me] Heb. at the hearing of the ear.
the strangers shall submit themselves unto] Or, lye. Signifying subjection constrained, and not voluntary, Deut. 33. 29. Psal. 66. 3.
the strangers] Heb. the sons of the stranger.
submit themselves] Or, yeeld feigned obedience. Heb. lye.
V. 45. The strangers shall fade away] Fear shall cause them to come forth of their secret holes, to seek favour of me the conquerour.
V. 47. avengeth me] Heb. giveth avengements for me.
subdueth] Or, destroyeth.
V. 48. above] Or, from, psal. 69. 1.
from the violent man] That is, Saul, who of malice persecuted him.
violent man] Heb. man of violence.
V. 49. Therefore will I give thanks unto thee] This prophecie appertaineth to the Kingdom of Christ, and vocation of the Gentiles, as Rom. 15. 9.
give thanks] Or, confesse.
V. 50. and to his seed for evermore] This did not properly appertain to Solomon, but to Jesus Christ.
PSAL. XIX.
Vers. 1. THe heavens declare the glory of God] Gen. 1. 6. Rom. 1. 20. They shew to man, as in a table, Gods greatnesse and goodnesse, that he may praise God.
V. 2. Day unto day uttereth speech] The continuall succeeding of day and night, doth declare Gods power and providence.
V. 3. There is no speech nor language] The heavens are a schoolmaster to all nations, be they never so barbarous: or, though they have no power to speak, yet by them is Gods might and glory proclaimed to any ordinary understanding, Rom. 1. 20, 21.
where their voice is not heard] Or, without these their voice is heard. Heb. without their voice heard.
V. 4. Their line] Or, their rule, or direction.
Their line is gone out thorow all the earth] Rom. 10. 18. The heavens are as a line of great capitall letters, to shew unto us Gods glory, Isai. 28. 10.
a tabernacle for the sun] A place from whence the sun rises, as it were out of a bed-chamber, v. 5.
V. 5. Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber] Very beautifully arayed, as with nuptiall-garments.
V. 6. and his circuit unto the ends of it] He goes daily from one end of heaven to the other, in a circular course, Eccles. 1. 5.
from the heat thereof] No plant rooted so deep in the earth out of sight, but it is cherished by the heat of the sun.
V. 7. The law of the Lord] That is, the word of God: for some effects following belong to Gods promises.
law] Or, doctrine.
is perfect] Though the creatures cannot serve to lead us to God, yet his word can, psal. 29. 9. and 119. 96.
converting] Or, restoring.
V. 8. pure] Psal. 12. 6.
V. 9. the judgements of the Lord are true] Psal. 111. 7.
true] Heb. truth. So that all mans inventions and intentions are lyes.
righteous altogether] Every one, without exception, and in things, psal. 119. 128.
V. 10. More to be desired are they then gold] Except Gods word be esteemed above all worldly things, it is contemned.
yea, then much fine gold] Psal. 119. 72, 127. Prov 8. 19.
sweeter also then honey] Psal. 119. 103.
and the honey-comb] Heb. the dropping of the honey-combs; That which cometh forth without pressing and is counted the sweetest and purest honey.
V. 11. great reward] For God accepteth our endeavour, though it be far unperfect.
reward] Matth. 5. 12. Gen. 15. 1. Heb. 10. 35.
V. 12. Who can understand his errours?] Then there is no reward of duty, but of grace, Rom. 4. 4. for where sin is, there death is the reward, Rom. 6. 23.
V. 13. Keep back thy servant] Heb. Draw. For we are naturally prone to great sins.
from presumptuous sins] Which are done purposely, without fear of punishment, with an high hand, Num. 15. 30.
let them not] Or, that they may not.
dominion over me] Psal. 119. 133. Rom. 6. 12, 14.
the great] Or, much.
V. 14. and the meditation of my heart] That I may obey thee in thought, word and deed.
my strength] Heb. my reck.
PSAL. XX.
Vers. 1. THe Lord] Hereby kings are also admonished to call upon God in their affairs.
hear thee] The people pray thus for David their king, and he records their piety in a Psalm.
the name of the God of Jacob] The power of God: or, God himself, who is called the God of Jacob, Heb. 11. 16.
desend thee] H…b. set thee on an high place. Set thee in an high place, safe from thine adversaries.
V. 2. thee help] Heb. thy help.
strengthen thee] Heb. support thee.
strengthen thee out of Zion] For the battell, that thou mayest overcome thy foes.
V. 3. Remember] Part of the meat-offering was to be burnt on the altar for a memoriall, Levit. 2. 2. that God might remember to do good to the offerer.
all thy offerings] David before he went to war, offered sacrifices.
accept Heb. turn to ashes: or, make fat.
accept thy burnt-sacrifice] Burn to ashes by fire from heaven, as an extraordinary token of acceptation, Levit. 9. 24. Judg. 6. 21. 1 King. 18. 38. 1 Chron. 21. 26. 2 Chron. 7. 1.
V. 4. fulfill all thy counsell] Counsell is empty: performance makes it full.
V. 5. We will rejoyce in thy salvation] Safetie and deliverance granted to the king, in whose weal our felicity standeth.
we will set up our banners] In token of victory.
V. 6. Now know I, that the Lord saveth his anointed] So speaketh the priest that offered the sacrifice in the name of the people. It may be God had shewed some such sign as is mentioned, verse 3.
from his holy heaven] Heb. from the heaven of his holinesse.
with the saving strength of his right hand] Heb. by the strength of the salvation of his right hand.
V. 8. They are brought down] The worldlings that put not their onelyonly trust in God.
V. 9. Save Lord, let the king hear us] Or, Lord save the king and hear. Let the king be able to deliver us by thy strength, when we seek unto him for succour.
PSAL. XXI.
Verse 1. THe king shall joy in thy strength, O Lord] This Psalm is the peoples thanksgiving for confidence of victory to be given to the king. See notes on Psal. 20. 3, 6. So David records both their prayers, and praises for him.
how greatly shall he rejoyce!] When he shall overcome his enemies, which we doubt not of.
V. 2. Thou hast given him his hearts desire] As we prayed for him, Psal. 20. 4.
V. 3 thou preventest him with the blessings of goodnesse] Thou givest him more then he asked, yea, a kingdom he dreamed not of, 1 Sam. 16. 11, 13.
V. 4. He asked life of thee] He desired that Saul might not take his life away, and thou givest him eternall life to boot.
V. 6. thou hast made him most-blessed for ever] Heb. blessings. That is, most blessed in himself, and an instrument of blessing others, Gen. 12. 2. Ezek. 34. 26. Psal. 72. 17.
made him most blessed] Heb. set him to be blessings.
made him exceeding glad] Heb. gladed him with joy.
V. 8. Thine hand shall finde out all thine enemies] Thine hand, O king: for they had named him, verse 7. and his enemies they mention, verse 11. and Gods assisting him to destroy them, verse 9.
V. 9. them] Or, for them.
the Lord shall swallow them up in his wrath] This teacheth us patiently to endure the crosse, till God destroy the adversaries: whom he consumeth as fuell in an oven, Mal. 4. 1. Isai. 26. 11.
V. 11. For they intended evil against thee] Thy adversaries intended to destroy thee, O king. See notes on verse 8.
which they are not able to perform] Heb. He is not. That is, their leader, who brought them to destroy David.
V. 12. shalt thou make them turn their back] Or, thou shalt set them as a butt.
back] Heb. shoulder.
make ready thine arrows upon thy strings] Psal. 7. 12, 13.
V. 13. in thine own strength] Shew thy power in upholding king and state, that we may praise thee.