Annotations on Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon, Annotations 2 · Psalm 119 – Psalm 143

Annotations on Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon · Annotations 2 · Psalm 119 – Psalm 143

p. 105PSAL. CXIX.

THis Psalm was not penned according to the present frame of his heart, but aSee Verses 14, 15, 16, 24, 47, 72, 111, 127, 131, 143, 162. Amongst 176 verses there are scarce four or five wherein there is not some commendation of the Word. I admire, said D^r Olesworth (a little before he died) at Davids gr eio… heart, who so often in Scripture, (but especially in the 119. Psalme) extolleth the worth and value of the Word of God, and yet quantillum Scripturae, how little of the Word of God had they in that Age, the Pentateuch, the Book of Job, and some of the Hagiographa, how much have we now thereof, since the accession of the Prophets, but especially of the New Testament, and yet alas the more we have of the Word of God, the less it is generally regarded. Fullers History of the University of Cambridge. recollection of all the several frames of his heart.

It is wholly taken up in the commendation of the word, and high expressions of Davids affection thereto, the Word was his Councellor and Comforter, he loves it exceedingly, it is his meditation all the day, the more grace any one hath, the more he prizeth the Word.

Here in this Psalm are ten words, which are used to set out the Law or Word ofVoluit Author ista varietate appellationum cò plus reverentiae & dignitatis doctrinae divinae conciliare. Muis. God.

1. Way, vers. 1. Whereby is meant that course which God hath set before us to walk in.

2. Law, vers. 1. Whereby the will of God is made known unto us, and we enjoyned to conform our selves thereto.

3. Testimony, vers. 2. Whereby testimony or witnesse is given of that which is good or evil.D^r Gouge o… Heb. 7. 5. Sect. 38.Heb 7:5

4. Precepts, vers. 4.

5. Statutes, vers. 5. These do especially intend those ceremonial Laws to which the Jews were bound.See Muis on this Psalm.

6. Commandments, vers. 6. Such as declared the power and authority of God over us.

7. Judgements, vers. 7. By these that mutual equity, or righteous dealing which should be betwixt man and man is taught.

8. Righteousnesse, or Justice, vers. 7. By which is manifested what is due to every one.

9. Word, vers. 9. There is also another Noun, vers. 11. which we translate Word, it is translated Promise, Psal. 77. 8.

p. 106Most of the sentences of this Psalm are independent.

David prayeth several times in this Psalm to God to quicken him, ver. 37, 88, 107, 149, 154, 156, 159.

This Psalm is divided according to the Hebrew Alphabet, every eighth verse being under one letter.

Totus hic Psalmus est scriptus secundum ordinem literarum, ita ut ab una litera octo versus incipiant, & rursum à sequenti octo alii compleantur. Hieron.

Rationem hujus plaerique reddere conati sunt: sed nihil dum certi attulerunt, neque mihi quod afferam da…um est, …isi id vates fecerit causa vel ornatus, vel memoriae juvandae, vel certè utriusque. Bucerus.

Hic Psalmus est tantò praestantior, quantò prolixior, vigi…ti duobus videlicet octostichis conscriptus, ea methodo, ut primi octo versus omnes à prima alphabeti litera foreign incipiant: it a secundum …ctostichium à foreign, tertium à foreign incipiat, & sic deinceps: quod tantum ad memoriam juvandam videtur factum. Simeon de Muis.

Vers. 1. Blessed are the undefiled in the way.] This word is used of the beast, which was to be offered without any blemish or spot, here it is to be taken for such as do not defile themselves in thoughts or actions against Gods word, so it is used Deut. 8. 13.

Who walk in the Law of the Lord.] This explains the former word, such are undefiled in the way, qui ex Legis divinae praescripto vivunt.

Walking is a progressive motion, we are to go forward, be still growing.

The Law.] The whole word of God, which is for our instruction, though sometimes it be used more specially. To walk in it, is to make all those instructions our paths to walk in, do nothing which it forbids, and every thing it commands, in that manner and measure.

Walking implieth also diligence and familiarity, Enoch walked with God; and conformity of our lives with Gods word, Can two walk together except they be agreed?

Blessed, 1. Because he walketh in the light, and so will not easily stumble. 2. Peace will be to him, if we receive direction from Gods word, we shall receive consolation also. 3. Because in this way he shall have everlasting happinesse.

Vers. 3. They also do no iniquity.] That is, they live not in the service, in the willing and ordinary practice of any thing that is knowne to them to be sinne.

Vers. 4. Thou **Mutatio personae per Apostrophen ad Deum. Muis. Non tepido corde, nec dissoluto animo, sed fortiter & attentè nos …ua mandata edocet custodi…e. Hieron.hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.] That is, with all our might and strength.

Vers. 5. O that my wayes were directed to keep thy Statutes.] This is as much, saith Austin, as if David should say, I have learned of thee, O Lord my Master, that it is necessary to keep thy Commandments, I now desire thine help, that I may keep them, for thou givest both the will and the deed.

Vers. 6. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect to all thy Commandments]Non alia praetermittere, & alia observare est congruum: sed omnia aequaliter custodire oportet: ne in futuro judicio confundamur. Hieron. Shall I not blush, Heb. Though we cannot keep all, nor any one, as we ought, yet we must have regard unto all, and that equally without respect or difference of any. The Hebrew word signifies summa cura & voluptate a…picere, he desires to perform duties with greatest care and delight.

Vers. 8. I will keep thy statutes, O forsake me not utterly.] As if he should say,Et si ad tempus relinquimur, non tantum usquequaque relinquimur ut pereamus. Hieron. If it be thy pleasure to try me by leaving me to my self, yet, O Lord, let it be but for a while, forsake me not over-long.

p. 107Vers. 9. Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according Verbo mundandi significare vult, ineunti aetati multas hae…cre sordes & m… culas, quas, nisi Lex divin…, nihil possit eluere. Simeon de Muis. Hae…et mihi semper in animo tua Lex, …e unquam ab illa declinem, & qua in re t… offendam. Simeon de Muis.to thy Word.] q. d. It is a hard thing for a young man to get his heart clean…ed.

Vers. 11. Thy Word have I hid in my heart.] As a treasure that I might not lose it, and as a rule that I might not transgresse it.

Vers. 12. Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy Statutes.] See vers. 26. Not to know more rules of duty, but the right way of answering those rules.

Vers. 15. And have respect unto thy wayes.] That is, look to them, and to my self, that I may observe them.

Vers. 18. Open thou mine eyes.] iiQuamdiu vi. vo peregrè à Domino, 2 Cor. 5. 6. Junius. See Luk. 7. 41.2 Cor 5:6Luke 7:41Those of my minde.

That I may behold wonderous things out of thy Law.] The Hebrew word signifiesRevela oculos meos, Sensus Aperi mihi oculos mentis ut capere possim, …que as…equi quae legi tuae subsunt. Simeon de Muis. ard…a, occulta, mirabilia, things hard, hidden, wonderfull, all these things are in the Law.

Vers. 19. I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy Commandments from me.] When God gives thee over, either to thy own natural blindnesse, or suffers the god of this world to blinde thee.

Vers. 29. Remove from me the way of lying.] David doth not mean the special sin of lying, but he cals sin in general the way of lying. For,

First, The way of lying is opposed to Gods Law, and grant me thy Law graciously.

Secondly, In the original it is Derech Shakar, as ver. 104. & 128. other HebrewId est, Falsa & prava dogma…, errores. Simeon de Muis▪ words are rendred false way, and it is without question that all sinne is meant thereby.

Vers. 30. I have chosen the way of Truth: thy Judgements have I laid before Legem tuam scilicet. Opponitur hoc priori parti praecedentis versus. Simeon de Muis.me.

Laid before me.] As the adequate rule by which my actions and heart should be guided and directed.

Vers. 32. I will runne the way of thy Commandments: when thou shalt enlarge my heart.]

Run the way] That is, be abundant in the work of the Lord.

If, or when, or because, it is either Conditional, or Causall, or particula temporis.

The heart is commonly put for the whole soul, all the faculties of the inward man; the understanding, God gave Salomon a wise and understanding heart; Will, a willing heart; Conscience, Your heart condemn you; Memory, Mary laid up these things in her heart; Affections, Davids heart went out after Absalom; If riches increase set not your hearts on them; Joy and sorrow, a merry heart; But the enlargement of the heart is restrained to two faculties, the understanding, 1 King. 4. 29. and the affections, 2 Cor. 6. 11.

Vers. 33. And I shall keep it unto the end.] Greek Continually, some turn it forId est, Tota vita. Junius. Ec…b propri… Calcaneum significat. Cum igitur Calcaneus sit oxtrema pars pedis, suspicati sumus Ec… etiam finem significare, & Davide… hoc dicere, s…rvabo eam in finem, hoc est, semper, in qua sententia me confirmavit au…or interpretationis Chaldaicae, & Graeci vertunt foreign ve…bum Ec…b idem ver. 112▪ planè significat. Drus. Observ. Sac. lib. 8. cap. 20. rewards, as after the Greek doth, vers. 112.

Vers. 45. And I will walk at liberty, for I seek thy precepts.] That is, he found his Spirit at the greatest liberty, when he walked in Gods Statutes, 2 Cor. 3. 17. p. 108then his minde was set on the noblest objects. 2. This is to enjoy communion with God.

Vers. 48. My hands also will I lift up unto thy Commandments which I have loved] Lifting up hands when it is done to God, notes either praying to him, or swearingId est, Praecepta tua, ut rem mihi longè charissimam avidè tun… complectar, & obviis velut manibus excipiam. Simeon de Muis. by him; To the Commandments, notes, some say, obedience to perform the duties it commands, to catch at, to take it for my own; As they say in Latine, Ego tuas litteras obviis ulnis excipiam. Ezra takes it in this sense, Kimchi and others say, this phrase notes to put the hands to work.

A new expression, and hath not a parallel that I know of in all the Scripture. There is an emphasis in both words. I will lift up, this implies, The Commandments are sublime in nature in respect of the original, in the matter of them, heavenly Oracles. My hands, as a sign or testimony of lifting up his heart.D^r Holesworth.

And I will meditate in thy Statutes.] The Commandments of God are called Statutes, because they are immovable, they cannot be changed, they are sure, stedfast2 Pet. 1. 19. Rom. 4. 16.2 Pet 1:19Rom 4:16 and faithfull. The Latine word signifies stability, the Hebrew visitation. God visits for breaking of them.

Vers. 49. Remember the Word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to Intelligo hoc de promisso Dei verbis cum Davide per Nathan Prophetam inito, quòd scilicet non esset moriturus ob peccatum. Vide 2 Sam. 12. 13 Simeon de Muis.2 Sam 12:13hope.] q. d Lord, thou hast invited me to hope, therefore now satisfie it, he pleads two things, the grant of a promise, and the gift of faith.

Vers. 57. Thou art my portion **Pars mea Domine, valet illud portio mea Dominus, sed pars …helck dicitur portio maneh, quorum hoc à conviviis, illud sumptum à partibus haereditatum, itaque pars quandoque haereditas. Drus. Misc. Cent. 2 c. 29., O Lord] The meaning is, Let others have their riches, honours, and other things of that kinde, but I, O Lord, so purpose, my part and portion is (neither do I wish another) to obey thy Word.

I have said.] That is, Resolved.

Vers. 59. I thought on my wayes.] In the original, I thought on my wayes advisedly,Cogitavi seu Reputavi, & diligenter quidem (nam verbum est Piel) facultate mihi primum data, quum duas cernerem vias, unam voluptatis, seu peccati, alteram virtutis & tuorum mandatorum, utram ingredi melius esset, tandemque suppu…ato damno praecep…icum praemio, & contrà peccati praemio cum damno, in viam ▪me tuorum mandatorum dedi. Simeon de Muis. seriously, studiously.

Vers. 60. … made haste, and delayed not.] Did not delay my self, it is inRe cognita, nihil sum cunctatus, sed mox praeceptis tuis servandis incubui. Simeon de Muis Hithpael.

Vers. 69. The proud have forged a lie against me.] In the original it is Taphlu Or, Composed, adjoyned, so Job 13. 4. Ainsw.Job 13:4gnalai sheker, Assuunt mendacium mendacio, they have sowed one lie to another.

Vers. 70. Their heart is as fat as grease, but I delight in thy Law.] Fatnesse isMark the opposition. Compare Acts 28. 27. Ephes. 4. 18. Prosperitate illorum cor, ceu adeps pinguefactum erat, ut ad omnia Dei planè stu▪ pescerent. Bucerus.Acts 28:27Eph 4:18 put for that which makes the creature to be refractory, Deut. 32. 15. void of all sense, so here.

Vers. 71. It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy Statutes.] That is, Afflictions are good by event or accident, partly by Gods overruling providence that can turn them to good, and partly by grace in the elect who make a good use of them.

Vers. 81. But I hope in thy Word.] That is, thy promise, whereby thou hast assured me that thou wilt satisfie my desire.

p. 109Vers. 89. For ever, O Lord, thy Word is setled in heaven.] Heb. Stands fast, aEzra hunc versum de Dei decretis intelligit, quae firma & stabilia si…t in Coelis. Kimhi de verbo, per quod Coelos Deus condidit, quod quidem verbum aeternum in Coelis perstabit, siquidem Coeli, eorumque exercitus nunquam desituri sint. Simeon de Muis. Metaphor from a Champion, or an Army of souldiers that stand fast and keep their ground.

Heaven and earth are opposed, things below are changed, not above in Heaven.

2. Heaven is put for the Decree of God, Isa. 34. 5. in Coelo used for firmly and without doubt.

3. Established as a pillar, so the Hebrew.

Vers. 92. Unlesse thy Law had been my delights: I should then have perished in mine affliction.] He speaketh in the plural number, as it he had said, Instar omnium, in stead of all manner of delights unto me.

Some think he alludes to 1 Sam. 30. 6.At such a pinch, in such an extremity.

Vers. 93. I will never forget thy precepts.] Remembring and not forgetting Gods Law often mentioned in this Psalm, implies,

1. The Knowledge of Gods word, Jam. 1. 24. Jude v. 5.

2. A retaining or keeping of what we know, 1 Cor. 11. 2. Heb. 2. 1.

3. A calling back of it to our mindes, termed remembrance, 2 Pet. 3. 1. Isa. 46. 8.

4. A special application of that I know, retain and remember, feel the fruit of such a truth, Jam. 1. 22, 23, 24. as we say, Do you remember me? that is, do what I desired.

Vers. 94. I am thine, save me.] Heb. I am for thee, others are for themselves.Quippe qui totus sum in tuae Legis studio: …gitur salvum me …ac nunc, quum in maximis periculis versor. Simeon de Muis.

Vers. 96. I have seen an end of all perfection.] Not in the concrete, of perfect things, but in the abstract, of perfection, and of all perfection.

But thy Commandment is exceeding broad.] That is, exceedingly broader than any of those perfections, I cannot see the end of it, and I know it shall never have an end; there is a vastnesse of purity and spiritualnesse in the Law.

Vers. 98. Thou through thy Commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.

99. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for thy testimonies are my Meditation.

100 I understand more than the Ancients: because I keepe thy precepts.]

There are three steps or gradations: David saith,

1. He is wiser than his enemies, it taught him how to out-wit them, though subtilAd verbum praecepta tua, id est, un…mquodque praeceptorum tuorum: ideóque verbum est sing. num. Simeon de Muis. Saul and his Courtiers, A…itophel. and malicious.

2. Then his teachers, they read it but perfunctorily.

3. Then the Ancients, who have their own and others experiences. See Job 32. 8, 9.

Vers. 101. I have refrained my feet from every evil way.] That is, my affections, from the love and delight of evil.Haec & similia; … quisquam ad externa facta, & non ad animi pii propositum, ac studium referre voluerit, deprehendetur esse mentitus: n…si peccatum contra Uria… commissum non fuerit contra mandata, testimonia & judicia Dei. Vide Musc. loc. de peccat. Quaest. 3. Joan. 8. 34.

p. 110Vers. 109. My soul is continually in my hand.] That is, I go in danger of my life.Eo quòd paratus sum martyrium sustinere, propter Christum. Hieron. Id est, quotidie in periculum vitae meae vocor, 1 Sam. 19. 5. & 28. 21. Cosaub. in Athen. Vide Junium. Loquendi genus Hebraeum, quod summa pericula significat: quia quod manu tenemus, facilè eripi nobis potest. Sic 1 Sam. 28. 21. Job 13. 14. Grotius in loc. Alii formam loquendi in…e sumptam putant, quod quicquid in manu est, non satis sit tutum, cùm facile aufe…ri, & excidere possit. Simeon de Muis.1 Sam 19:51 Sam 28:21Job 13:14 See Judg. 12. 3. So the Chaldee explaineth it, My soul is in danger, as if it were upon my hand.

Vers. 111. Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever.] Testimony is usuallyAs the Deeds and …vidence of mine eternall inheritance. Hilder…ham. put for the whole Word of God, Psal. 19. 7. It is called the testimony of God, because it is that by which God testifieth his will to the sons of men; sometimes it is called the counsell, will, and minde of God, the record, 1 John 5. 11. therefore those that hold forth this testimony are called the witnesses▪ of God, Rev. 11. 3. and they that suffer for it, Martyrs: All Divine truths are to be examined by this, Isa. 8. 20. Rom. 3. 21. Act. 10. 43. 2 Because it is that which shall testifie against men, Rev. 20. 20.

An heritage for ever.] Et hic, & in futurum. Hieron.

Vers. 113. I hate thoughts.] So the Hebrew: He means wicked and sinnefullOr vain thinkers, as the Chaldee explaineth it thoughts, the most secret and lowest offences, not only dislike them, but perfectly hate them.

Vers. 116. And let me not be ashamed of my hope.] As shame ariseth from doing a thing against known light, and common principles, so also from loosing or suffering a thing against known hope, and common expectation.

Vers. 121. I have done judgement and justice.] That is, have done judgementSee Psal. 33. 5. & M^r Caryll on Job 8. 3. of the difference of these two words.Ps 33:5Job 8:3 justly, exactly; judgement against the wicked, and justice toward the good.

Vers. 126. It is time for thee, Lord, to work, for they have made void thy Law.] The Hebrew word signifies to abrogate, disanull, to take away the force and strength of a thing, they live as if there were no Law.

Vers. 129. Thy testimonies are wonderfull, therefore doth my soul keep them.]Christus est mirabilis, Psal. …9. 27. & verba ejus sunt mitabilia, & quidem, …. Propter Christi manifestationem Job. 5. 39. 2. Propter mysteriorum profunditatem. 3. Propter mirandorum effectuum veritatem. Glass. Onomat.Ps 9:27Job 5:39Job 5:2 I have high thoughts of thy testimonies, I look upon them as glorious things: I see much of thy self in thy testimonies, and therefore doth my soul keep them: He doth not say, therefore do I keep them, but my very soul is in keeping thy testimonies. Idcirco lubens & ex animo me iis observandis totum addico. Muis.

Vers. 130. The entrance of thy words giveth light.] The first entrance intoDictio Ebraica qua hic usus David non tam ostium designat quam aperturam sive apertionem; Aperire est clausa recludere, hoc est, obscura illustrare Drusius. them.

Vers. 136. Rivers of waters runne down mine eyes, because they keep not thy Law.]Ver… est poenitentia …ugiter fletibus commissa diluere & abluta non iterare. Micron. Not wrongs and persecutious against himself, but … and wickedness against God did procure his great sorrow. Davids grief is set out by the quantity, and cause of it; the quantity is expressed in that hyperbolicall phrase, Rivers of waters; an hyperbole, like that Psal. 6. 6. yet not false or feigned, his sorrow was very great, and withall constant, in that it did shew it self by continuall and abundant streams of tears. The cause, because they keep not thy Law: They, some referre it to eyes, the immediate antecedent, so Simeon de Muis. Rather because men: More particularly, Saul and his Courtiers, vers. 139. See vers. 58. To keep the Law is to observe it diligently, retain it in their hearts, and practise it.

Vers. 137. Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgements.] So theOmnia quae mandante te patimur, justa, recta, ac vera sunt, quia aut pro peccatis nostris ingruunt, aut ut probari manifestemur, eveniunt. Hieron. p. 111Emperour M…uritius confessed in the same words, when he saw his children slain before his face, and was himself after them to be slain by Phocas.

Vers. 143. Thy Commandments are my delight.] They are to me in stead of all delights and pleasures in the world.

Vers. 152. Concerning thy testimonies I have known of old, that thou hast founded them for ever.] God intended the [Word as an everlasting monument of his Will.

Vers. 160. Thy Word is true from the beginning, and every one of thy righteous Praestantissimum verbum tuum est ipsa veritas. Jun. i. Certissimum est, fidelissimum, constantissimum. Id. …b.judgements endureth for ever.] A great expression.

Vers. 161. Princes have persecutedme without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy Word.] That is, I did incurre the displeasure of the greatest men, and they vented their dislike against me, yet I never complied with them.

Vers. 165. Great peace have they which love thy Law, and nothing shall offend them.] Abundance of peace, inward comfort, sweetness, contentment, though not outward peace, and nothing shall make them turn from the Commandment of God, Matth. 11. 6. else David was sensible of outward evils, vers. 143. and spirituall 158.

Vers. 168. I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies.] viz. sincerely and constantly.

Vers. 173. For I have chosen thy precepts.] viz. before all things. The word signifies to choose upon triall and examination.

Vers. 175. Let thy judgements help me.] He speaks not of judgements executed, but of doctrinall judgements, the doctrine of the Gospel, and promises of grace.

PSAL. CXX.

A Song of degrees.] Canticum excellentissimum, an excellent Song, Junius, asCanticum graduum vel ascensionum. Hic est titulus hujus Psalm & Psalmorum sequentium usque ad Psal. 135. Quindecimisti Psalmi hoc titulo praenotantu…, quia Judaei Captivitate Babylonica ascendentes anno primo Cyri, hos Psalmos elegerunt, quos in itinere sive in ascensione decantarent. Vox Mahhalah sie usurpatur, Ezra 7. 9. Foord in loc.Ps 135Ezra 7:9 the Hebrew word will well bear.

Among the Jews themselves these fifteen Psalmes were distinguished and dignified by the name of Psalmes of Degrees, either from ascent into the Temple, intension of the spirit, or elevation of the voice, or for their excellency.

Some will have these fifteen Psalmes together to have the name of Songs of Degrees, 1. From the history, because they were penned, or at least repeated and sung by the Jews in their ascending or coming up from Babylon into their own Country, and this conceit is the more probable, because some of the Psalmes speak expresly of their return from Captivity.

Others deduce it from the Ceremony or Rite used in the singing of them, who say that the Priest sang these Psalmes upon the stairs or steps, as they marched up into the house of the Lord, which were fifteen steps between the peoples Courts and the Priests, and these Psalmes were sung in order, as they went up those steps; so Grotius: See Ezek. 40.

A third sort from the musick they say these Psalmes were sung with, ascensions or raising up the voice by degrees: as it is said, the Levites praised God with a great voice, or a voice on high, 2 Chron 20. 19.

4. From the matter and speciall contents of them, the verses of these Psalmes being like the rounds of Jacobs ladder, on which we may ascend up to heaven, as the Angels did upon that.

p. 112Vers. 4. With coales of junip…r **Ferunt lignum hoc ignem multo tempore conservate, ita ut si prunae ejus cinere fuerunt opertae, usque ad annum perveniant. Drus. in …rov. Class. 2. l. 5. Prov. 48..] They burn hot, last long, and give a sweet smell, so Gods judgements.

Vers. 5. In, or with the tents of Kedar.] The Chaldee turneth it, Arabians,Cedareni populus Arabiae degunt in tentoriis nec alias domus habent. Causam nominis inde ducunt nonnulli quòd colore sint fusco. Alii à Cedar filio Ismaelis dictos tradunt Cedareno…. Ut ut sit, certum tentoria eorum fusca fuisse: ex quo simile apud Salomonem Cant 1. 5… nec solum tentori… fusca erant, sed etiam ipso gens. Per tentoria Cedar meo animo significat ipsos Cedarenos, hoc primum, deinde Cedarenos voluit intelligi, non nomen proprium, sed homines improbos, & pravis moribus imbutos. Nigrum in metaphora idem quod pravum. Hic …iger est, hunc tu Romane caveto. Drus. Prov. Class. 2. l. 3.Song 1:5 they dwelt in tents in the wilderness as shepherds.

Vers. 7. I peace.] So the Hebrew, as if his spirit were transformed into peace. See the like phrase, Psal. 109. 4.

PSAL. CXXI.

Verse 1. I Lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.] That is, towardsTota hujus Psalmi oratio militaris est. …taque existimo hoc carmen à Davide, aut aliquo vate scriptum in castris. Ejus autem summa est, A solo Deo opem expectandam, qui pro suorum salute perpetuo excubet. Simeon de Muis. Sion, or rather heaven, Heb. 9. 24. This Psalm seems to be written when he had warre with Absalom, saith Grotius.

Vers. 2. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.] A speechCanit unde auxilium sibi expectet, nimir…m à solo & cuncti-potente Deo: quem laudat fictorem coelorum & terrae, quo refricata potentiae ejus memoria, spem sibi efficacius confirmet. Bucerus. of contempt: Looks for help no other way.

Vers. 3. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved.] viz. to thy ruine.

Vers. 4. Behold he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.] Non dormitabit, ac multo minus dormiet. Bucer. Muis. He shall be so farre from sleeping, that he shall not so much as slumber. The phrase is taken from watchmen, who stand on wals in time of warre, to foresee the approach of enemies and give warning, they may be treacherous or sleepy; The Capitol of Rome had been taken by the Gaules, if the Geese had not been more waking than the watchmen of the walls.

Vers. 5. The Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.] That is, protection, comfortSententia est: umbra tus, & ad manum dextram tuam. Ad manum dextram esse dicitur, qui alicui praesto est, paratus ad eum juvandum, si opus sit. Drus. in Observat. Sac. and refreshing from heat, Isa. 25. 4. & 4. 6. Num. 14. 9.

The French and we say, ready at hand.

Vers. 6. The sunne shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.] The starsSunt qui vehementer istam interpretationem reprehendunt, luna urit per noctem. Siquidem luna frigore nocet non urit, quod caloris verbum est. Itaque emendabant ex Ebraeo non feriet te, quod tam ad lunam quam ad solem pertinet; & rectè hi quidem, si nativam ac primigeniam verbi Ebraici significationem spectemus, verum si ad sensum respicimus, plutimum non interest, hoc an illo modo locus Davidis transferatur. Nam quia non dissimilis vis caloris & frigoris, ideo utendi verbo utimur in frigore. Itaque poetarum nescio quis: Aut Boreae, inquit, penetrabile frigus adurat. Dru… Observat. Sac. l. 7. c. 8. Vide Vales. de Sac. Philos. c. 71. have, in reference to the curse, severall noxious influences, they shall nourish and p. 113cherish the Saints, they shall have benign influences on them.

The Sun and Moon being rulers of day and night, Psal. 136. 8, 9. imply all other things whatsoever; but this hath reference to Gods protection of Israel in the wi…ness, Exod. 13. 21. Isa. 4. 5. Ainsw.

… …hose hot regions, as the heat of the day was intolerable: so the cold of the night was hurtfull. He means God would drive away all evils, at what time soever they came.

Vers. 8. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and coming in.] That is, prospers all thy actions at home and abroad, Numb. 27. 17. 1 King. 3. 7. 2 Chron. 1. 10. See D…ut. 28. 6. 2 Sam. 3. 25. Act. 1. 21. & 9. 28. Vitae actiones Scriptura egressum & ingressum vocat. Bucerus.

Thy going out.] To warre.

And coming in.] That is, returning into thine house, when the warre is ended. Muis.

PSAL. CXXII.

Verse 6. PRay for the peace of Jerusalem.] The originall words have such elegancy here,D^r Clerke. as (I think) all the Scripture cannot parallell this verse. The words do so excellently answer one another in matchless Paranomasie: It is in English unexpressible, Shaalu Shel…m Jerushalaim.

PSAL. CXXIII.

Verse 2. OUr eyes are upon the Lord our God.] For direction and protection. Vers. 4. Of those that are at …ase.] Not taken for absence of pain, such as are drencht with pleasure.

PSAL. CXXIV.

Verse 3. THen they had swallowed us up] or down, quick. A metaphor taken from ravenousGatak. … Numb. 23. 21.Num 23:21 beasts that devour their prey so suddenly, that it seems to go quick down their throats.Tanta tuno erat eorum rabies, ut nisi Deus adfuisset, nos quasi ferae bestiae uno impetu vivos essent absorpturi ac dev…aturi. Simeon de Muis.

p. 114PSAL. CXXV.

Verse 2. AS the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people, from hence forth even for ev…r.] Heb. 13. 5. As the City Jerusalem is every where compassed with mountains, so God compasseth and will for ever compass the Church.

Vers. 3. Least the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.] Noting, that ifUt non cogitent quid mihi prodest quod justus sum, si semper persequantur me iniqui. Hieron. the godly should be too much afflicted, they could not hold out, but would turn aside to sinfull courses. See Deut. 20. 18.

Vers. 5. As for such a… turn aside unto their crooked waies.] Ainsworth rendersSuis tortuositatibus. Montanus. it, crcokednesses; it signifies to be crooked in his way, serpentum more, as Numb. 22. 23.

PSAL. CXXVI.

THis Psalm was penned after their return from Captivity out of Babylon. This Psalm is divided into Halelujahs and Hosannahs, Praises and Petitions.

Vers. 1. Zion] The people of God, the Ark was there placed, and there God was worshipt.

We were like them that dream.] That is, we, as it were, forgat what our state andSensus planus est, Postquam nos in patriam è Babylonia Deus reduxit, profectò nobis videbamur somniare: tantum fuit, & tam inopinatum bonum. Dubitamus ferè de maximis gaudiis quasi quae fidem superent. Genes. 47. 26. Simeon de Muis. Videbamur nobis prae laetitiae magnitudine, non reipsa cornere eam foelicitatem, Act. …2. 9. Bucerus. Like unto them that are restored to health. Chalam signifies convaluit, revixit, Job 39. 4. Isa. 38. 16. The same word is used of Hez. kiahs recovery Men have not their lives filled with laughier after a bodily dream, but when after sickness they are restored to health: so Cajetan and Sanctius interpret it. Vide Mayeri Philol. Sac. & Gr…tium.Gen 47:26Acts 2:9Job 39:4Isa 38:16 condition, but lately was; as a dreamer forgets how it was with him, did not know whether it was true or no, we were so amazed with the greatness of the deliverance.

Dreams are 1. Things unthought of. 2. Unlaboured for. 3. Of strange things, Jacob of a ladder reaching to heaven; that a Heathen King (Cyrus) of his own accord, on a sudden should give them commission to return out of Babylon, Ezra 1. 1. See Luke 24. 41. Act. 12. 9.

PSAL. CXXVII.

IT is a Psalm concerning Salomon, whom David foresaw to be his successor, he is called Jedidiah, 2 Sam. 12. 25. that is, beloved of Jah, so here. Vers. 2. I…did his beloved or dearling, it hath reference to Salomons name.

Vers. 2. For so he giveth his beloved sleep.] So, how is that? that is notwithstandingJor] nota affirmationis & certitudinis. The Hebrew word for sleep, Shena, is written with foreign, a quiet dumb letter (otherwise then usuall) to denote the more quietness. Ainsw. Hoc est securam omnium & cunctis bonis afflue…tem quietem, videtur Salomon seipsum ut hujus exemplum indicasse. Ei namque nec petenti quidem. nedum anxie laboranti, Deus tanta suppeditarat, ut nulli unquam fuerint qui potuislent foelicitate ipsi conterri. Eum quoque Nathan vocavit Jedidiah, id est dilectum exsistentis. Proinde videtur dicti hujus sensus esse: En sic dabit cuivis dilecto suo Deus somnum, & dormienti cuncta affa…im suppeditabit: ut videtis mihi dilecto fuo nihil tale vel optan…i, tam securum somnum, id est omnium re…um securissimam abundantiam donasse. Bucerus in loc. all the hard labour and pains they take, yet the Lord giveth them sleep, and sleep makes them forget all their former labour.

p. 115Some say it should be translated, For he rightly giveth his beloved sleep, as the same Hebrew particle is used elsewhere, Numb. 27. 7.

He means not bodily sleep, but a quieting of the soul in God: Some mysticall Divines speak of obdormiti… animae in Deo.

PSAL. CXXVIII.

Verse 2. FOr thou shalt …at the labour of thine hands.] That is, the fruit of thy labours, orVives honesto labore partis, nemini supplex. Gr…tius. i. e. Cibum labore manuum tuarum partum. Amama. This is, things got with labour according to the Law, Gen. 3. 19. Ainsw.Gen 3:19 thou shalt take delight in the very labour it self, as Christ saith, It was his meat and drink to do his Fathers will.

Vers. 3. Thy wi…e shall be as a fruitfull Vine by the …ides of thine house.] The VineInnuit hon… stam matronam se conti nere & rarò pr…dire in publicum. Drus. Prov. Clas. 2. l. 2. Tenue & pr…aridum lignum habet vitis, quod …eipsum nequit sustentare, & dulcem tamen adeò a… suavem profert fructum: sic …xor imbecille organum, ne… ferè potens absque praesidio mariti vivere, parit tamen elegantissimos …ilios. Buccru…. tree brings forth liquor of the Vine, most profitable to nourish the body, and cheer the heart.

Secondly, Fruitfulness is commended in the Vine tree, so in women. 1. Not a wanderer abroad, as Dina…, but a house-wife. 2. In the house side, not the house top; she is in thy side who was taken out of thy side. 3. The Vine is of a bending and yeelding nature, so she must be flexible to her husband. 4. A Vine is an excellent shade against the schorching Sun, so should she refresh her husband in his greatest misery.

Thy children like Olive plants round about thy table.] He mentions here the Vine and the Olive, two of the best fruits, the one for cheering the heart, the other for cleering the face, Psal. 104. 15. the one for sweetness, the other for fatness, Judg. 9. 13. Christ himself is compared to these two trees, John 15. 1. Rom. 11. 24.

1. Numerous, round about.Cur liberos hominis pil similes facit plantis olearum? An quia olea perperuò viret? An potius respexit ad naturam oleae, cui nulla arbor inseri potest? ut significet eos legitimos, non insitivos aut spurios▪ esse. Drus. Prov. Class. 2. l. 5. Liberos rectè facie similes olivarum, non solum quia submissionis atque obedientiae symbolum est, sed etiam quia paci… nuncias. Marti…ns de R…a. Sing. Vol. 1. l. 4. c. 5.

2. Legitimate, one cannot graff any thing in an Olive, but the Olive.

3. Flourishing, that is alwaies green, Psal. 52. 10.

That he faith, about thy table, he expresseth the delight which they bring to the Father, while many of them, and those pretty ones, stand alwaies in his sight.

Vers. 5. The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion.] That was Gods speciall residence.

PSAL. CXXIX.

Verse 8. NEither do they which go by say, The blessing of the Lord be upon you; we bless you in the Name of the Lord.] Shewing evidently, that it was a good andRuth 2. 4.Ruth 2:4 commendable custom of the people of God then, to crave Gods blessing on the corn, grass or other fruits that they saw upon the earth, in these or the like words, God bless it, or God save it.

p. 116PSAL. CXXX.

Verse 3. IF thou Lord shouldst mark iniquities: O Lord, who shall stand?] That is, rectus Utique illud quis hic nullus est, saith Chrysostom. Surely that [who] is no body at all.in curia. It is the posture of those that would boldly defend their cause.

Vers. 6. My soul waiteth for the Lord, more then they which watch for the morning▪ ]E…cubitores malutini attente diem expectant, ut a… excubia…um labore leventur. Repetitio autem vocum in canticis suavitatem qua…dam habet. Groti…. Repetitione ingen… desiderium exprimit. Simeon de Muis. As the wea…y Sentinell which is we… with the dews of the night, waits for the appearance of the morning, or as the Levites watched in the Temple when the morning would come, that they might be taken off from their work.

Vers. 7. With him is plenteous redemption.] From all …in…e, and all the consequences of it.

PSAL. CXXXI.

Verse 2. AS a childe that is weaned of his mother, my soul is even as a weaned childe.] SeeHoc est, non secus arque infans à …acte depulsus totus à cura matris pendet, de nulla re prorsus soll…citus. Simeon d… Muis. Id…m repe…i…, quasi dicere…, animus meus apud me quie…t, nihil sollicitus, non secu… atque infans à lacte depulsus. Id. ib. Isa. 32. That is, was carefull of nothing, as a weaned childe, and as he depends on his mothers …are, so doth he commit the event to God, and wholly depend on him.

PSAL. CXXXII.

Verse 8. ARise, O Lord, into thy rest, tho…, and the Ark of thy strength.] The royallGo… answers to this petition, vers. 14. See Num. 10. 35.Num 10:35 Prophet having setled himself in his Kingdom, according to his own desire; and besides, having after many wandrings to and fro, at length brought back again the Ark unto Jerusalem, maketh here most zealous and devout prayers to God for the continuance of his favour both to the Church and Commonwealth committed to his Government.

Vers. 9. Let thy Priests be cloathed with righteousness.] The Priests had linnenThat is, let them justly and holily administer their Priests office. See Job 29. 4…. Hoc est, Justitiam deinceps perpetuo colant, & quasi vestem induant, ita ut illa omnium oculis patea…. Simeon de Muis.Job 29:4 cloathes reaching down to their feet, so Christ our Highpriest, Rev. 1. 13. Linnen signifies righteousness in the Scripture, Rev. 17. 8. To this David alludes here. To this petition here God answers, v. 16. and to Davids petition, v. 10. God answers, v 17. to the end of the Psalm.

Vers. 11. Of the fruit of thy body.] Thy womb or belly, th… is, thy children… See Homines alii fructus sunt ventris, sed non solius ventris: sed ventris & lumborum, & renum. Ventris matrum, lumborum & renum, patrum, Christ … solius ventris fructus est. Musc. Conc. 1^a de Nat.2 Sam. 7. 12. This prophesie respecteth Christ, Act. 2. 30.

p. 117PSAL. CXXXIII.

Verse 1. BEhold how good and how pleasant it is.] How good, that is, how much wouldDuo dicit bonum & jucundum. Bonum est Martyrium, sed non est jucundum: habet enim supplicia & paenas; & semper in cruciatibus …olo… est, & unique in dolore non est jucunditas. Rursum voluptas jucunda est. Hic ergo duo posuit & quod …ibi videbatur esse contrarium, bonum scilicet & jucundum uno sermone conjunxi…. H…ro…. in …oc. come to the persons by it; by way of admiration, and how pleasant!

Omne tulit punctum qui miscuit …i… dulci.

Some things are good which are not pleasant, as afflictions, repentance, selfdeniall, rendring good for evil; some things pleasant which are not good, as sensuall pleasures; some things neither good nor pleasant, as envy, despair, impatience; some things both good and pleasant, as the happiness in heaven.

Vers. 2, 3. He useth two comparisons answering to good and pleasant; the second verse answering pleasant, the third answering to good.

Vers. 2. It is like the precious oyntment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aarons beard, that went down to the skirts of his garments.] It signifies that the spirituall oyl was first of all poured upon our Head Christ, and from thence consequently derived to all his members.

Vers. 3. As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Sicut r… Hermon qui descendit super montes Sion.] Sic habent Grae…i & vulgata de verbo ad verbum ex Hebraeo, sed nullo sensu. Nimis enim mons Hermon a monte Sion remotus erat, ut ros de … i… alterum descendere po…uit. Rectè ergo Ki…chi supplet …llip…in, sicut ros Hermon, & sicut r…s qui descendit in montes Sion. Hul…ius.Zion, for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.] Hermon was a very fruitfull hill, inter pascua celebratur.

T…er… ] Where brethren dwell in unity.

Commanded] Appointed and sent effectually. See Psal. 42. 9.

PSAL. CXXXIV.

Verse 3. THe Lord that made heaven and earth, bless thee out of Zion.] He doth not say,The …oice… merci… which God hath to communicate, are out of Zion, among his people joyned together in a way of worship. See Psal. 128. 5.Ps 128:5 The Lord that made the earth, bless thee out of heaven, nor the Lord that made heaven, bless thee out of heaven, but bless thee out of Zion, as if he would teach us, that all blessings come as immediatly and primarily from heaven, so mediatly and secondarily from Zion, where the Temple stood.

PSAL. CXXXV.

Verse 6. WHatsoever the Lord pleased▪ that did he in h…aven and in earth, in th…s…s, and all deep places.] A holy Minister said, that Scripture did …ch content him; Such a thing pleased God, said he, why should it not please me.

p. 118PSAL. CXXXVI.

Verse 10: To him that s…te AEgypt in their first-born.]

Here are four particulars:

1. God hath judgements for a whole Nation, Exod. 12. 30.AEgypt] AEgyptians. See Psal. 78. 43, 51.Ps 78:43Ps 78:51

2. God punisheth his enemies in what is neerest to them, Zech. 12. 10.

3. God proportions his judgements to mens sins, Exod. 1. they drowned the Israelites first-born.

4. This judgement brake Pharaohs heart.

Vers. 11. And brought out Israel from among them] The bondage of the Israelites was great,

1. In regard of their bodies, it is called an iron-fornace. See Exod. 3. 7, 9.

2. In regard of their souls, great Idolatry; The AEgyptians worshipt almost every thing,**Vide Athan. Kirch. Oedip. AEgypt. Tom. 1. Syntag. 3. c. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7. the Crocodile, River, Ox, Herbs in the garden, Rev. 11. Rome is called AEgypt, this was therefore a great deliverance.

Vers. 13. To him which divided the Red Sea into parts.] Or, Divisions. By theDissect … fuerunt aquae in multas vias, juxta numerum tribuum, idque in medium Arcus rotundi. Paul. F…g. Pirk. Aboth. Jews tradition, the Red Sea was parted into twelve several parts, for every of the twelve Tribes to goe thorow. But Bucer and Muis mislike that Interpretation.

Vers. 14. And made Israel to passe thorow the midst of it.] He shews for whom this was done, Israel, Exod 14. 22, 29. not the AEgyptians, Heb. 11. 29.

2. God gave Israel courage and faith to venture, Heb. 11.

Vers. 15. But overthrew.] Shook them off in the original, as a man would shakeExcussit Phar… ] id est, Praecip…tavit. Grotim. a worm off his garment.

Ainsworth and Grotius render it Shook off. See Exod. 14. 27.

PSAL. CXXXVII.

Verse 6. ABove my chief joy.] Heb. The head of my joy.Si non praetulero luctum urbis Jerusalem vel summo gaudio, quod mihi contingere potest. Simeon de Muis. Idem est atque si dixisset▪ omni laetitiae praetulero luctum pro Jerusalem. Bucerus.

PSAL. CXXXVIII.

Verse 1. BEfore the gods will I sing praise unto thee.] The Kings and Princes of the earth,Coram Diis, alii enarr…nt coram Angelis, ut Graeci, alii coram judicibus. Sed neged E…bim quod exponi potest, coram Deo, nonnunquam valet, coram Arca Deus pro Area, us in i…lo ▪ De… venit in castra coram Angelis, sensus est inter sanctos, sive in coetu piorum, ubi talis coetus, ibi Angeli sunt, Itaque Apostolus praecipit faeminis in Ecclesia ut vel…to capite sint propter Angelos. Angeli enim semper intersunt, aut veriùs praesunt coetibus hominum sanctorum. Coram judicibus ita enarrat optimus inter Ebraeos autor. Camius. Sic Deorum vocabulo usus est idem David, Psal. 28. 1. & sic Exod. 22. 9. Entres expositiones: quarum una à me est, aliae duae ab aliis etiam notatae fuerunt. Ex his quisque eliget quam optimam esse purabit. Drus. Observat. See. l. 9. c. 23. Vide Sim. de Mui… & Bucerum.Ps 28:1Exod 22:9 as vers. 4. called gods, Psal. 82. 1, 6. before such David used to confesse the Lord, Psal. 119. 46.

p. 119Vers. 2. For thou hast magnified thy Word above all thy Name.] The Name of God appears in his great work of Creation and Providence:His Power, Sovereignty, Grace.

1. Because there is more of God discovered in his Word then in his works.

2. He works greater things by his Word then by his works, converting the soul, and comforting afflicted consciences.

3. Gives it authority over the conscience.

PSAL. CXXXIX.

Verse 3. THou compassest my paths.] That is, markest me which way soever I goe.

Vers. 13. For thou hast possessed my reins.] That is, my secret cogitations, forFinxisti eos▪ quare penitissimè cognoscere eos vales. Bucerus. the kidneys lie in a hid and secret place of the body, Jer. 12. 2.

Vers. 14. For I am fearfully and wonderfully made.] Made, as it were, and composedMirificatus sum mirabilibus operibus tuis. Montanus. altogether in wonders.

Vers. 15. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.] So he cals the womb; becauseEmbroidered] That is, Cunningly wrought with nerves, sinews, veins, and variety of limbs. A similitude taken from broidery worke. Psalm. 45. 15.Ps 45:15 curious work-men, when they have some choice piece in hand, perfect it in private, and then bring it forth to light for men to gaze at.

Vers. 17. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me.] Some expound it of theSome say be speaks here of Gods providence thoughts he had of God, he valued nothing so much as high thoughts of him. See vers. 18.

Others interpret it of Gods thoughts of him, comparing it with Psal. 40. 5.

Vers. 22. I hate them with perfect hatred.] I hate the wicked, that is, so farre asVide Thom. 2da, …dae. Qu. 34. Art. 1. & 2. August in loc. & Matth. 5. 44Matt 5:44 wicked, viz. their practices and actions, not their persons.

Vers 24. And lead me in the way everlasting.] That is, lead me by heavenlyIn viam saeculi He means continuum vitae cur…um. light in my whole life, the way of my age.

PSAL. CXL.

Verse 3. ADders poison, or the poison of Aspes is under their lips.] See Psal. 14. 1, 2, 3. Rom. Aspis ab aspergendo dicitur. I…idor, Etym. The Asp hath his name from his nature, which is dispersive. Pliny writes, That when a man is bitten of an Asp, it seems at first to tickle and delight him, but ere long it disperseth the poison throughout all the veins.3. 15. that is, the words which come from their lips, are more hurtfull than the poison of Asps.

Vers. 11. Let not an evil speaker …e established in the earth.] Heb. A man of Ish …ashon… ▪ Vulg. vir lingvosus. Jun. Vir maledicus.tongue, that is, a pratler or evil speaker, that hath tongue at will to use and abuse.

Evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him] The evil of sinne. 2. Of punishment.Hunt.] As a Blood hound follows the seut till it overtakes. 3. Satan.

There are four things in hunting.

1. A great deal of Industry.

p. 1202. Art.

3. Pleasure.

4. That the creature taken may be destroyed.

PSAL. CXLI.

Verse 3. SEt a watch (O Lord) before my mouth.] Or, Ward, custody, to keep me fromMors & vita in manibus linguae. Hieron. Sensus est, quod quemadmodum arces muniuntur, validis portis, & praeterea vigilum custodiâ, sicque defunduntur à vi hostili, ita Deus os suum validâ veluti porta communiat, ne quod verbum, quasi transfuga aliquis, inde elabatur, quo hostibus suis prodatur. Capel. Critic. Sac. l. 4. c. 13. speaking amisse.

Vers. 4. Let me not eat of their dainties.] Some understand it of their sins. OthersThe Chaldee expoundeth it, of their Songs at banque…. See. Psal. 74. 6. Magna est ita Del quando non nobis Irascitur, Hieron. in loc.Ps 74:6 of their flatteries, they will flatter thee in a way of sin.

Vers. 5. Let the righteous smite me.] Or, Hammer me, the same word with that which is spoken of Jael when she slew Sisera, Judg. 5. 26. with a deserved censure, as if he had said, If I have done amisse, let me hear of it, yea, let me smart for it by a faithfull reproof.

It shall be an excellent oyl.] As oyl for my head, to annoint my head with, orMagis amat objurgatorem sanantem, quam adulatorem ungentem caput. August. Epist. 8. head-oyl, most excellent oyl, as Cant. 4. 14. & Ezek. 27. 22.

PSAL. CXLII.

Verse 4. I Looked on my right hand.] A Scripture very remarkable.See Psa. 73. 23.Ps 73:23

The right-hand is the great instrument of action, therefore assistance given is said to come on the right-hand.

PSAL. CXLIII.

Vers. 4. MY heart within me is desolate.] Laid waste or become a wildernesse. The word in Hithpael signifies to lay ones self waste, void of comfort.

Vers 6. As a thirsty Land.] As in a dry Land parcht with the heat of the Sun,Sicut terra sine aqua sitit, & quaerit imbrem: ita & anima mea desiderat, & sitit te Deum suum. Hieron. in loc. there is a great want of moisture, so in our souls must be retained a sense of the want of the graces of God, with an hearty sorrow of our want, we must feel our selves even dried and parched with the heat of Gods wrath due unto our sinnes, untill the sweet waters flowing from the Sanctuary have graciously refreshed us.

2. As a dry Land parched with drought gapeth and openeth it self wide, as if it would swallow up the Clouds, for rain: So must our hearts preserve within them an earnest appetite, and insatiable desire after Christ and his merits.

Vers. 10. Lead me into the Land of uprightnesse.] Some expound it of heaven, both the uprightnesse in this life and heaven.