Paraphrase Upon the Books of the Psalms, Book 2 · Psalm 60 – Psalm 61
The Sixtieth Psalm.
TO the chief Musitian upon ‖the Hexachord of the Oracle, or Testimony.a.Shushan-Eduth, Michtham of David, to teach, when he strove with †Syria of the rivers.Aram Naharaim, and with *Sobah in Syria.Aram Zobah, when Joabb. returned and smote ‖Edom.of Edom in the vally of salt twelve thousand.
Paraphrase. The sixtieth Psalm was composed on occasion, and for the commemorating of Davids victories in Mesopotamia, (that part of Syria which is inco…past with Tigris and Euphrates) and particularly in Sobah, a Kingdome of Syria, 2 Sam. viii. 3.5. as also in Idumaea, where (after his return from smiting the Syrians, 1 Chron xviii. 5, 6, 7.) Abishai slew eighteen thousand in the valley of salt, 1 Chr. 18.12. and upon their rebelling again, Joab came upon them and slew twelve thousand n…e in the same place, and put garisons in Edom, throughout all Edom, and subdued the generality of the Idumaeans, 1 Chron. 18.13. This Psalm therefore from the matter of it, the recounting of such victories, is styled (as others formerly) his jewell, and was committed to the Praefect of his Musick, to be set to the instrument of six strings, that waited on the Arke of the Testimony, or was used in Eucharisticall commemorations.
1. O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast also been displeased:‖then shall turne, or hast turned foreign O turne thy selfe to us again.
O Gratious Lord, though for some time thou hast not favoured or prospered our attempts, but in thy displeasure punished us with defeats and discomfitures; yet now thou hast been pleased to return to thy wonted mercy, and prosper us exceedingly.
2. Thou hast made the earth to tremble, thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof, for it shaketh.
We have for a while been under thy displeasure, and felt a kinde of earthquake, wherein is first a trembling commotion, th…n a fissure or opening of the earth. And so have we been terribly shaken and wounded, agitated and broken asunder; but now thou art gratiously pleased to repair our breaches, to heal us, and restore us to a prosperous state again.
3. Thou hast shewed thy people hard things, thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.
Thou hast for a while exercised us with afflictions, shewed us a dispiriting dolefull prospect, given us a myrrhate draugh…, such as did cast us into great sadness.
4. Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be†lifted up displai'd because of thyc. truth. Selah.
But now thou hast given us a triumphal one, and abundantly made good thy promised mercy, and so thy truth and fidelity to us, in raising up and inabling our forces to atchieve this signal victory.
5. That thy beloved may be delivered, save with thy right hand, and hear me.
Thou hast shewed forth thy favour to thy servant David (whose name signifies beloved) rescued him from his enemies hands; and the same mercy thou wilt gratiously continue to me.
6. God hath spoken in his holiness, I will rejoyce, I will d.divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.
God hath made me a sure promise, which is now most fully performed, and so is matter of all triumph, rejoycing, and thanksgiving to me. I am not only fully and quietly possest of all the Kingdome, both of Israel and Judah, and now delivered from the assaults which were made against me by my malicious neighbours, see Psal. 108.7, &c.
7. Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of my head, Judah is my Law-giver.
8. Moab is my washpot, over Edom will I*cast cast out my shooe:‖shooe thou over Philistia. Philistia triumph thou because of me.
But even they that thus assaulted me, are themselves brought into subjection to me, subdued and perfectly brought under me, by name the Moabites, the Idumaeans, and the Philistines.
9. e.Who will bring me into the strong City? who will lead me into Edom?
10. Wilt not thou, O God, which‖hadst hast cast us off? and†or, wilt not thou, O God, goe out— thou, O God, which didst not goe out with our armies?
But this by no strength of my own▪ by no kinde of humane aids (the …nsuffi…iency of those was well seen when thou in thy displeasure lef…est us to our selves▪) but only by thy all powerfull conduct, who were formerly displeased, but now art gratiously returned to us, and by thy prospering hand and influence wilt work the greatest victories for us that we can want, or expect from thee.
11. Give us help from*distresse foreign trouble, for vain is the help of man.
To thee therefore alone is our resort and address, whether for relief in the greatest distress, or for strength and victory over our enemies; all other assist…nces, beside that of heaven, being perfectly unsufficient and vain, and absolutely superfluous and needless, if the Lord of hosts engage in our behalfe.
12. Through God we shall doe valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.
If he interpose his power for us, there is no enemy shall be able to stand before us: It is he, and not any puissance of ours, that hath and shall worke all our victories for us.
Annotations on Psalm LX.
Tit. Shushan-Eduth] That foreign foreign, from foreign six, signifies hexachordum, an instrument of six strings, see Psal. XLV. a. It signifies also a flower, whether rose or lilie. But here in the title of this Psalm (as also Psalm LXXX.) in all probability 'tis used in the same sense in the singular, as foreign was in the title of Psal XLV. and to that foreign inclines it, the Psalm being committed to the Praefect of the Musick, with directions to set it to that instrument. As for foreign foreignthat follows, from foreign testatus est, it may signifie the Oracle, or the Arke of the Testimony, as oft it doth, and so the Hexachord of the Oracle may probably be resolved to be an instrument that solemnly waited on that. Or else, taking it in the primary sense for testifications, or commemorations, i. e. solemne thanksgivings for mercies received from God, which were wont to be performed with Musick, the foreign hexachord of the testimonies] may fitly be set to signifie such a Musical instrument, used in thanksgivings. Adde to this, that foreign or foreign in Syriack, signifies a feast, that particularly of the Passeover; and if that may here be of any intimation, (and be not only a corruption brought in by later times from the Hebrew foreign, as some question not very probably) 'twill be no more than the festival Hexachord, or instrument solemnly used at feasts.
Tit. Return'd] It is evident in the story 2 Sam. viii. and 1 Chron. xvii. that Davids victory over the Idumaeans was diverse from that over the Syrians. foreignThe Syrians came to helpe Hadadezer marching towards Mesopotamia, farre from the borders of Edom and Ara…ia. And after this victory over the Syrians, 1 Chron. xviii. 5, 6. David returns to Jerusalem, v. 7. And then 'tis added v. 12. Moreover Abishai slew in the valley of salt eighteen thousand of the Edomites. These things therefore must be thus divided in the title of this Psalm, and the victory over the Idumaeans lookt on as distinct from that over the Syrians, and foreign rendred literally, and Joab returned, not when— But then whereas in that place of the story 1 Chron. xviii. 12. 'tis said that Abishai slew in that valley of salt eighteen thousand Edomites, and here that Joab smote Edom in the same valley twelve thousand, and 2 Sam. viii. 13. that David gat him a name when he returned from smiting the Syrians in the valley of salt being eighteen thousand men, (all which may be thought to set down the same passage, but yet differ in several circumstances one from the other) this foreign, or difficulty may be best salved, by interpreting these three places of three several passages in the story. For first the words 2 Sam. viii. 13. may thus be understood; David when he returned from smiting the Syrians, gat him a name, i. e. by smiting encreased his glory, in the valley of salt eighteen thousand men: which reading hath this to assist it, that there is a distinctive accent in foreign separating that of his smiting the Syrians, from the other passage of the eighteen thousand in the valley of salt. And indeed that the whole verse belongs not to the Syrians, but principally to the Idumaeans, appears by the next verse, And he put garrisons in Edom, &c. which must be founded in a victory over the Idumaeans (and not only of the Syrians) foregoing. Some would have foreign Syria to be there a mistake for foreign Edom; and accordingly the Lxxii. read foreign, Idumaea. But there is no need of that conjecture. The words duly rendred and pointed are, And David gat him a name, when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, eighteen thousand men, i. e. (as the Latine supply the Ellipsis, caesis decem & octo millibus) killing eighteen thousand men. This being premised of 2 Sam. viii. the place in the Chronicles agrees with it exactly, viz. that Abishai, Davids general, slew in the valley of salt eighteen thousand men. And then this in the title of the Psalm being still so different, not Abishai, but Joab, and not eighteen, but twelve thousand men, there is no reconciling them, but by distinguishing the times, viz. that Abishai killed at first eighteen thousand, and afterward they rebelling, Joab came upon them, and slew twelve thousand, which being the Edumaeans last defeat, is here mentioned in this Psalm most particularly. And thus Jarchi and R. Obadiah reconcile the difficulty.
V. 4. Truth] For foreign, which the Chaldee paraphrases by foreign foreignthe truth of Abraham, the Lxxii. read foreign a bow, reading, it seems, foreign a bow: And then to fit the verse for that sense, they render foreign (which from foreign, signifies the lifting up or displaying the foreign insigne precedent) by foreign to fly from, in a sense wherein that word is not found; and yet in all this the Latine and Syriack &c. and some latter learned interpreters have chosen to follow them, as if foreign were the truer reading. The word foreign doth here surely relate to foreign of the preceding verse, to which foreign hath so neer a literal affinity, as in like manner foreign answers to foreign, and foreign alludes to foreign: the poesy consisting in such analogies and allusions, as every where is observable, and particularly in the next verse, where foreign thy beloved] secretly alludes to Davids name, from foreign dilectus.
V. 6. Divide Sechem] Of Sechem and the valley of Succoth, or booths, foreignso called from Jacobs making booths and feeding his cattel there, see Gen. xxxiii. 17,foreign 18. By these are meant Samaria; and Davids dividing or meting them out,foreign is a phrase to express his dominion over them, it being part of the regal power to distribute his Province into cities and regions, and place Judges and Magistrates over them. To these the addition of Gilead (which conteins the whole region of Bashan &c. on the other side of Jordan) and then the mention of Manasseh and Ephraim, foreignforeignare designed, as by so many parts, to denote the Kingdome of Israel, or the ten tribes; foreignand their being his, and the strength of his head, notes him to be the Lord over them, and to make use of their strength in his warrs, for the defending, or inlarging his dominions. And then [Judah foreign foreignis my law-giver] as it referrs to Jacobs prophecy of the sceptre and law-giver not departing from Judah, denoting that to be the royal tribe; so by it is signified the Kingdome of Judah, (under which Benjamin is comprehended) that David is possest of that also. After which follows [Moab is my washpot,] foreignthe Moabites are subjected to me. The wash-pot, we know, is a mean part of household-stuffe, for the use of the feet (so the Syriack read foreign of my feet) the lowest part of the body: and so is a fit title for the Moabites, 2 Sam. viii. 2. where 'tis said, he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive: i. e. he divided them into three parts, two of which he destroyed, and the third he kept alive to be his subjects and tributaries, as there it follows; the Moabites became Davids servants, and brought him gifts. Then [Over Edom will I cast my shooe] the Lxxii. read foreign extend my shoe, and so the Latine extendam, as when the Master reaches out his shooe to his meanest servant, to be untyed and taken off by him; from whence the Syriack foreign I will loose or unty: unless perhaps their truer reading were foreign inijciam, I will cast; for so sure the Hebrew foreign foreignis to be rendred, I will cast my shooe, as that is an emblem of subjugating, or bringing down under the feet. So of the Edumaeans we finde 2 Sam. viii. 14. He put garisons in Edom, throughout all Edom put he garisons, and all they of Edom became Davids servants. Abu Walid would have foreign here to signify a fetter, I will cast my fetter, or chain on him; and so Kimchi in his roots, though in his Comment here he interpret it in the notion of a shooe. Lastly, foreign Over Philistia give a shout; for so from foreign to sound a trumpet, or give a shout, is foreign foreignin Hithpael in the Imperative mood; and being in the faeminine gender must refer either to his soule, shout O my soule, or, as the Chaldee paraphrase it, to the congregation of Israel, and so is but a forme of foreign, or celebrating a victory, such as he had over them 2 Sam. viii. 1. for foreign,foreign is not to be rendred over me, but simply over, and so joyned with foreign over Philistia: so the Chaldee, foreign over the Philistims; and the Lxxii. paraphrase it to this sense, foreign the Philistims are subjected to me; the Syriack more literally, foreign Over Palestine will I shout. And so Psal. Cviii. 9. where the latter part of this Psalm is again met with, 'tis foreign and foreign I will shout over Philistia.
V. 9. Who will bring] This Psalm is made up of two parts.foreign The former part of it, for the 3. first verses, is the recounting of their own weakness, when for their sins they were by God left to themselves. And the latter, in the five next verses, is the commemorating of their great successes and victories, by means of Gods favour and aids. And these two next verses are, as it were, the recapitulating of both, and so contain their own absolute impotence to goe on to any farther victory, unless God, who once forsook, be now pleased in a special manner to aid them. And 'tis poetically contrived by way of question, foreign foreignwho shall lead me— i. e. it is not possible for me by my own strength, or with any humane aids whatsoever, to enter any one place of strength, (the Chaldee names Tyre) to conquer Edumaea, unless God interpose in my behalfe, assist and prosper my attempts. It follows therefore v. 10. foreign foreignshalt not thou, O Lord? (i. e. None can except thou dost.) Thou foreign foreignwhich hast, or hadst forsaken us: foreign, say the Lxxii. qui repulisti nos, say the vulgar, thou which formerly hadst cast us off for some time; not complaining that he now doth so (that is quite contrary to the drift of the whole Psalm) but affirming and concluding from their improsperousness, when formerly he did forsake, that none can now aid successfully but he. And then concluding with confidence of his favour foreign foreignand wilt thou not (i. e. certainly, O Lord, thou wilt) goe out with our hosts? foreign; and wilt thou not goe forth? say the Lxxii. And so this well accords with the contexture and designe of the Psalm, to magnifie Gods aids, and the consequent thereof, all manner of good successe and prosperity.
The Sixty First Psalm.
TO the chief Musitian upon Neginoth, A Psalm of David.
Paraphrase. The sixty first Psalm is made up of thanksgiving and humble dependance on God for all his mercies. It was composed by David, and committed to the Prefect of his Musick, to be sung to the Harp or Psaltery, or other such stringed instrument, Psal. iv. 1.
1. Hear my cry, O God, attend unto my prayer.
O Gratious God, to thee is my only resort in all my distresses; be thou pleased to receive and answer my prayers.
2. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Though I am driven as far as from Absalom I was fain to fly, 2 Sam. xvii. 22. to the utmost parts of the land beyond Jordan, v. 23. how great so ever my trouble and streights are, yet to thee have I a sure retreat: when my condition is at the lowest, thou hast a fortress of impregnable safety to which thou wilt be sure to conduct me.
3. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
For thus have I alwayes experimented thy goodness to me; when men have assaulted, thou hast rescued and secured me.
4. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever; I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
And that teacheth me the wisdome of this resolution, of keeping me constantly under this safeguard, and that I may doe so, of continuing my daily dependance on thee, and addresses to thee, in that place where thou hast promised to be alwayes present.
5. For thou, O God, hast heard my vows; thou hast given‖or, an heritage to— foreign me the heritage of those that fear thy name.
To this none had greater incouragement than I; my offerings have alwayes been accepted, and my prayers heard by thee. This is the priviledge of all thy faithfull servants, and this thou hast been pleased to afford me.
6. Thou wilt‖adde daies to the daies of the King prolong the Kings life, and his years†generation and generation. as many generations.
Thou shalt bless me with a long and a prosperous life, and therein make me a type of the*foreign &c. Chald. Thou shalt adde dayes to the dayes of the King Messias, his years shall be as the generation of this world and of the world to come. Messias, whose Kingdome, when it commences, shall have no end.
7. He shall abide before God for ever. O prepare mercy and truth which may preserve him.
Thou shalt never cast me from thy favour, as long as I continue my fidelity to thee: thy free, but promised mercy, will not faile to perpetuate my prosperity.
8. So will I sing praise to thy name for ever, that I may daily performe my vows.
And this shall oblige me to bless and magnifie thy gracious and glorious Majesty as long as I live, to present my daily oblations to thee, and yeeld thee all the obedience of a thankfull heart for ever.