Observations Upon the Old Testament, Commentary · Psalmes (2 of 3)
Kept holy day] Three solemne feasts in the year. verse 4 At their solemne Assemblies, and Sacrifices they kept feasts, with dancing and joy; Exod. XXIII. 14. and XXXII. 5, 6 19. Deut. XVI. 14, 15. Judg. XXI. 19, 21. Esay XXX. 29.
for the help of his countenance] Or, his presence is salvations i. e. verse 5 most ample, firme, absolute, and perfect salvation. For so the Plural number is used to advance and amplifie the matter subject whereunto it is applied, as in this word, Ps. XVIII. 2. & XXVIII. 8, and XLIV. 4. and LXXIV. 12. So in others; as may be seene in the Observations on Psal. LI. 17.
from the land of Jordan] From the places of his banishment, verse 6 in the borders of the land.
Deep] Afflictions upon afflictions, breaking in as billowes, wallowing as waves, verse 7 upon me: and the noise of one calling as it were for another.
Seemes written by David, chapter XLIII and upon the same occasion with the former.
hill, and to thy Tabernacles] The Ark was then at the hill of Kiriathjearim; verse 3 and the Tabernacle at Nob, or Gibeon.
This Psalme of Instruction, chapter XLIV concerning afflictions, and the right use of them. And seemes written, in the time of oppressions under the Philistines immediately before Davids reign; or of the Babylonish captivity; and not to be extended to the dayes of Antiochus Epiphanes.
and cast them out] Or rather didst propagate, verse 2 send forth, make spread, as the word signifieth, Psal. LXXX. 12. Ezek. XVII. 6.
them] That is, our fathers.
command] Psal. XLII. 8. Deut. XXVIII. 8. Psal. CXXXIII. 3. verse 4
But] Having remembred Gods former mercies, verse 9 he now bemoans their present miseries for want of Gods help. So Psal. LXXXIX.
Yet] They professe their integrity. verse 17
neither] In Hebrew it is, verse 18 and. But this particle is divers times taken to signifie neither. And so Psal. L. 8. and Prov. XXXI. 3. Esay XLI. 28. and chap. XXVIII. 27, 28. See the Cinnus p. 182, 183.
for thy sake are] Applied by Saint Paul, to the present state and condition of himself; verse 22 the Apostles, and Christians, in their times, Rom. VIII. 36.
Awake,] They beg his help, and merciemercy.
a song of loves] A marriage song or Epithalamion of the well-be-loved (Virgins) verse 9, chapter XLV verse 23 10, 14: sung by them. To this Hymne we may apply those words, Ephes. V. 32. It setteth forth Christ in his glory; and his Spouse, the Church, in her beauty. See Heb. I. 8. John III. 29. Apoc. XXI. 9, 10. Typified here in Solomon, and Pharaohs daughter; wherein yet some things are proper only to the Antitype.
My heart] Matth. XII. 34.
touching the King] My Poëms of the King. verse 1 He the matter subject of this Song.
Thou art fairer] Cant. V. 10,—16. verse 2 John I. 16. Heb. VII. 26.
lips] Cant. V. 13. Luke IV. 22. Esay L. 4. John I. 18. and III. 37.
gird thy sword] The spiritual sword is the Word of God, Ephes. VI. 17. verse 3 Therefore Christs sword properly cometh out of his mouth, Apoc. I. 16. And with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked, Esay. XI. 4.
ride prosperously] As in a triumphant Chariot, verse 4 Esay LIII. 10.
because of truth, &c.] Sitting and riding as it were, upon these three royal vertues and graces; & they, as it were, drawing the Chariot.
truth] Ephes. I. 13. Prov. XX. 28.
Meeknesse] Matth. XXI. 5. and chap. XI. 29. and chap. XII. 19, 20. Esay XLII. 2. Zech. IX. 9.
righteousnesse] Verse 7. Dan. IX. 24.
teach thee] Experimentaly, by its own actings, Psal. XCVIII. 1. Esay LXIII. 5.
Thine arrows] Heb. IV. 12. 2 Cor. II. 14, 15. and X. 4, 5. verse 5 This verse not so properly suits to Solomon, or befits him. Therefore a greater then Solomon is here, Matth. XII. 42. Esay XLIX. 2. Of these arrows is that true, 2 Sam. I. 22. and 2 King. XIII. 17.
Thy Throne] Heb. I. 8. 2 Sam. VII. 16. Psal. X. 16. Esay IX. 7. Luke I. 33. Dan. III. 44, 45. and VII. 14 Psal. CXLV. 13. John XVIII. 36. verse 6 Neither doth this sixth verse properly pertain to Solomon, either for the perpetuity of his Throne; or righteousnesse of his Scepter: But to Christ, who is here called God.
the Scepter] Esay XI. verse 7 3, 4. Psal. XCVI. 10.
Thou lovest righteousnesse] Esay XI. 3, 4, 5. and chap. IX. 7. and LXI. 8.
Therefore] To that end and purpose anointed; not anointed for that cause and merit, because he loved righteousnesse. As Esay LXI. 1. And so is therefore to be understood in the second verse aforegoing. So Gen. XVIII. 5. and XIX. 8.
God thy God] The first of these may be read either in the Nominative, or Vocative case. The later is God anointing; who is truly the God of the Messias; as Psal. XXII. 1.
hath anointed] God anointed him to his Offices of Prophet, Priest, and King: as such Officers were of old anointed, Exod. XXIX. 7. 1 Sam. IX. 16. 1 King. XIX. 17. But this anointing here is to be understood of spiritual, inward, invisible anointing, Acts X. 37, 38. And so Psal. CV. 15. The Patriarchs are stiled anointed, who never were so outwardly with material oile. And this spiritual Anointing here is the superabundant infusion of the gifts and graces of the holy Ghost, not into the Divine nature of Christ properly, which is incapable of grace infused, or of having any thing added to it; but into his Humane nature, plentifuly furnishing him with all abilities and graces for his execution of his said Offices, Luke IV. 17,—21. Esay LXI. 1. Dan. IX. 24. Yet as he is foreign, Emmanuel, the Mediatour, reserving ever the property of either nature intire to it self, He may be said to be anionted in both natures, taking anointed in that sense as it denotes the designation and inauguration of him to his said Offices. And this Anointing may be appliable specialy to the time of his Incarnation, of his Baptisme, and of his Rising from the dead.
above thy fellows] Both Kings, Priests, and Prophets, Psal. LXXXIX. 27. above all his fellows, in nature, Heb. II. 14. in Christian Prerogatives, 1 John II. 20, 27. Apoc. I. 6. 1 Pet. II. 5, 9. And this both extensively, and intensively; Esay XI. 2. John I. 16. and III. 24.
garments] Are odoriferous, verse 8 as these aromatique spices and smels; ot by suffumigation of them.
out of the Ivory palaces] 2 Kings XXII. 39. Amos III. 15. 1 Kings X. 20. Meaning, that either the King cometh out of them, as the bridegroome; like that Psal. XIX. 5. Or that the garments were taken out of such palaces or coffers.
Whereby they have made thee glad] By those odoriferous smels and perfumes: Prov. XXVII. 9. Or those that meet thee, or the bridegromes friends John III. 29. by their joyful acclamations and congratulations. Or, as some, more then theirs that make thee glad, i. e. thy garments more odoriferous then theirs, thy fellows and friends. All this was true in Solomon literaly. Much more in Christ spiritualy and mysticaly. Whereof his Spouse makes use, Cant. I. 3. Esay LXI. 10.
Kings daughters] The daughters of minor-Kings, verse 9 or great Princes: or such as for their deportment, port, and abiliments, might be so esteemed. As Judg. VIII. 18.
thy honourable women] Those beloved Virgins, intimated in the Title; honoured also by their invitation to this marriage, and honouring it, as the brides maids.
thy right hand] The prime place next the King: as the left hand is the second place; the King being in the middle. So Bathsheba, 1 King. II. 19. So Christ in respect of his Humanity, Matth. XXVI. 65.
did stand] Or sit; had her seat, or station. So both standing and sitting on Gods right hand, in one and the same sense, are ascribed to our Saviour, Mark XVI. 19. Acts VII. 56. For us, See Ephes. II. 6.
the Queene] This royal and honourable English word is very nigh the dishonest name of a Queane. And so the Hebrew word here used foreign for a Queene, a wife, is very nigh to the unseemely word foreign: for which the Massorets, as more mannerly forsooth, still in the margin put another word foreign, Deut. XXVIII. 30. Esay XIII. 16. Zech. XIV. 2. Jer. III. 2.
in gold] In cloath of gold; of threads of gold, of fine glistering gold, with rings, chains, and bracelets of gold, the most pure and splendent gold, Job XXXI. 24. Cant. V. 11. Dan. X. V. Of the several names of gold in the Hebrew, see the Annotations on Job XXVIII. 15,—19.
of Ophir] See the Observations on 1 King. X. 11.
He arken] Matth. XVII. 5. Rom. X. 17. verse 10
O daughter] John I. 13. Apoc. XXI. 9, 10.
forget also] Luke IX. 23. and XIV. 26. Matth. X. 37. As Abraham did, Gen. XII. 1. and Ruth, chap. I. 16, 17.
So shall] Upon these termes, verse 11 more and more.
greatly desire] This true in Solomon. But Christ loves his Spouse first, 1 John IV. 10. Loves her in her blood, Ezek. XVI. 6.
thy Lord] 1 Pet. III. 6. Judg. XIX. 26. And that no common or vulgar person. In the highest degree is Christ so to his Spouse the Church, even her Lord and God.
Worship thou him] Pharaohs daughter was with civil worship to do it to Solomon, with civil reverent incurvation and adoration. The Church to Christ, with religious worship.
of Tyre] Of this Citie, verse 12 see the Annotations on Amos I. 9. This rich Merchant-Citie, the prime Mart for traffick, should bring to Solomons Spouse gifts and nuptial presents. And much more, Tyre and all Heathen Nations should bring themselves, and their Gifts, with all offices of submission and subjection, to the Spouse of Christ, Esay XLIX. 23. and LXVI. 12. Psal. LXXXVII. 4.
the rich] Esay LX. 3, 10, 11, 16.
glorious within] 1 Pet. II. 4, 5. verse 13 Not Helen without, and Hecuba within. This true in Solomons Spouse partly. But in Christs Spouse true altogether, by her bridegroomes donation and operation, Ephes. V. 27.
brought] With pompe, verse 14 joy, and jubilation.
of needle-work] As formerly costly for matter; so here curious for Art and work. As the like, Exod. XXVIII. 6, 8, 15, 39.
with gladnesse] As is fit in marriage solemnities. verse 15
they be brought] The Spouse first; the Virgins and brides maids, following and waiting on her; Cant. IV. 8. Apoc. XIX. 7, 8, 9. 2 Cor. XI. 2.
palace] As the wise Virgins, Matt. XXV. 10.
thy children] We read not that Pharaoh's daughter had any child by Solomon. verse 16 But this is abundantly verified in the Church, the Spouse of Christ; Esay XLIX. 18,—21. and LIV. 1, 2, 3. Heb. II. 13.
I will] Saith the Psalmist; by himself; verse 17 and by informing others so to do.
thy Name] The name of the Bridegroome.
therefore] By my example; as well as for all the reasons foregoing in this Psalme.
praise thee] Christ the Bridegroome, for ever and ever: whereas Solomon by his foul fall worthily merited and inherited shame and dispraise.
present help] Deliverer; chapter XLVI verse 1 or Assistant.
will not we fear] Though a natural fear; as Prov. XIV. 16. and XXII. 3. verse 2 Matth. VIII. 26. yet not a godlesse, and faithlesse fear. Here faith triumphs over such a fear.
though the earth] Hyperbolical expressions, usualy intimating the fearful alterations of States, and Polities; or the most dreadful dangers.
a river] Alluding to that of Kidron, Gihon, verse 4 and Shiloah: intending chiefly that, Ezek. XLVII. 1. Joel III. 18. Apoc. XXII. 1. Or, the meaning of this seemes best expounded in the next verse; and in the two verses following.
He maketh] Esay XLV. 7. Amos III. 6. Psal. LXXVI. 3. verse 9
Exalted] Esay XXXIII. 9, 10. and XXX. 15. verse 10
O clap] A signe of joyful acclamation used at the coronation of Kings 2 Kings XI. chapter XLVII verse 1 12. and upon other joyous occasions. Ezek. XXV. 6. See Psal. XCVIII. 8. Esay LV. 12. Psal. LXVI. 1. The Psalmist exhorteth all people to sing Praises unto God, ver. 1. 7. A thing usual in the Psalmes.
For the Lord] Reasons, from Gods nature and properties; verse 2 appliable also to Christ; terrible to the wicked, his enemies: and a great King above all earthly Kings, Mal. I. 14. Matt. XXVIII. 18.
He shall subdue] The Jewes enemies. verse 3 And he had done so; the Canaanites, and others. And he will do so; the Churches enemies; Christ will call the Nations, and bring them into subjection under him, and his Church, Ezek. XX. 37.
He shall choose] He did choose Canaan for his people Israel, Psal. LXXVIII. 55. verse 4 And will choose and prepare that heavenly Canaan, that inheritance incorruptible, 1 Pet. I. 4. for all that beleeve and hope in him.
for us] The Jewes seeming here to include the Gentiles, as called by Christ into the same communion of the Covenant, for grace, and glory, John X. 16. Eph. II. 14.
the excellencie of Jacob] High and glorious excellencie, whereby Jacobs posterity excelled, Ezek. XXIV. 21. Amos VI. 8. and VIII. 7. Nahum. II. 2. viz. the Temple, Priesthood, &c. all those most excellent and precious promises and blessings made in Christ unto Iacob, and his posterity.
God is gone up] When the Ark was carried from Kiriathjearim to the house of Obed Edom: verse 5 thence to the Citie of David: thence by Solomon into the Oracle: 1 Chron. XIII. 8. and XV. 28. and 2 Chron. V. 13. Spiritualy and mysticaly, when Christ ascended with triumph into heaven. See Eph. IV. 8. Col. II. 15.
the King of all the earth] The universal Kingdome of God, and of Christ. verse 7 So again, verse 8. Differing from earthly Kings.
with understanding.] 1 Cor. XIV. 15. The word Maschil is here used for Psalme, which is the Title of sundry Psalmes, signifying an instructing Psalme. Thereby to instruct your selves, and others, of the Kingdome of God, and Christ; and of your duty.
of throne of his holinesse] Psal. IX. 4. Apoc. IV. 2.
The Princes] The voluntary, verse 8 bounteous Princes, and people, subject themselves to this King.
of the God of Abraham] His spiritual seed, Luke III. 8. verse 9 John VIII. 33. &c. Rom. IV. 16, 17.
Sheilds] He is the great Shield, Gen. XV. 1. Psal. V. 12. and XVIII. 35. the great conqueror, and protector of all. And Magistrates Sheilds under him; Hos. IV. 18. Psal. LXXXIX. 18.
greatly exalted] Psal. XCVII. 9.
A Song and Psalme] chapter XLVIII Wherein both voice and instrument were used; the voice began, and the instrument after; And where the Inscription is a Psalme and Song, there likely the instrument began, and the voice followed. Of the former sort are, as this Psalme; to Psal. LXVI. LXXXIII. CVIII. Of the later, are Psal. LXVII. LXVIII. LXXV. LXXXVII. and XCII.
whole earth] Or Land of Judea. verse 2 As Exod. X. 15. and most likely Matth. XXVII. 45.
the sides of the North] The Temple on Mount Moriah, and the City of Jerusalem, joyned North to Mount Sion. Moriah is the North part of Sion. So Esay XIV. 13.
the Kings were assembled] The Philistian Princes, 2 Sam. V. or those verse 4 in the dayes of Jehoshaphat, 2 Chron. XX. or of Ezekiah, 2 Kings XVIII. Upon some of which occasions this Psalme seemes to be composed and inspired, Psal. XLVI. 6.
marvailed, and were troubled] At Sions beauty, verse 5 and at her strength, and their own overthrow.
Thou breakest] As in a Shipwrack; verse 6 so thou didst break them. As 2 Sam. V. 20.
Tarshish] See the Observations on 1 Kings X. 22.
East wind] See Ezek. XVII. 10. and XIX. 12. Hos. XII. 1. and Ch. XIII. 15. Jonah IV. 8.
As we have heard] Psal. XLIV. 1. verse 8
seene] By experience.
because of thy judgements] In confounding thine enemies, verse 11 and defending the people.
tell the towers] Mark if any of them be demolished, verse 12 or hurt by the enemie.
that ye may tell it] How God had preserved and kept them. verse 13
a parable] A sententious, chapter XLIX verse 4 grave, witty, dark saying, Prov. I. 6. not beseeming simple ones, Prov. XXVI. 7. used by Balaam, Num. XXIII. and XXIV. by Ezekiel at Gods command, chap. XVII. 2. and XX. 49. and much by our Saviour himself in his preaching, Matth. XIII. 35. sometimes in plainer maner, Mark IV. 33 sometimes in intended obscurity, Luke VIII. 10. requiring sharpnesse of wit to understanded and expound them. Here the Psalmists extraordinary Preface ushering it in; and this enigmatical maner of delivering it, argues the matter to be of great weight and difficulty. As indeed it is that which so much troubleth and puzleth the wisest and the best men of the world; the afflictions and miseries of the godly, and the prosperities of the wicked. See Psal. XXXVII. 1. and LXXIII. 2, 12. and XCIV. 3, 4. Job XXI. 7, 13. Jer. XII. 1. Hab. I. 4, 5. And the wicked thereby take encouragement to evil, and nourish impious conceipts in their hearts touching God, and his providence; Iob XXI. 14, 15. Psal. X. 3, 6, 11, 13. and XIV. 1. and XCIV. 7, 8. Mal. II, 17. and III. 15. See more of this in the Observations on Psal. XXXVII. 1.
should I fear?] The godly should not fear, verse 5 dismay, or be discouraged at the evils and miseries of this life.
boast] The wicked, and wealthy, verse 6 cannot save the life of others, or their own life from death. And that ends all their jollity and prosperity.
wise men die] Eccl. II. 16. and III. 19. verse 10
Their inward thought] They hunted after honour, verse 11 and a famous memorial.
Neverthelesse] They shall have no more good by their honours, verse 12 then the others had by their riches; they abide not in life thereby one night the longer, Psal. XXXVII. 36. 1. Iohn II. 17.
abideth not] Heb. Abideth not for a night. Which text many Jews, and other Writers, both old and new, do urge for their opinion, that Adam fell the same day wherein he was created; which point the great Linguist and Chronologer Master Hugh Broughton doth presse and prosecute, even with some heat, and overmuch passion, at large. But the learned Gataker doth clear this text from any such meaning, and gives reasons most probable, That Adam did not fall the same day wherein he was created, in his Cinnus, p. 189.—198.
yet their posterity] Not warned thereby; verse 13 but commend their fathers foolish courses, and continue in them, Psal. X. 3.
like sheep] Rotten sheep that die of themselves. verse 14
feel on them] And devour them.
and the upright] The righteous in Christ, men of sincere integrity.
in the morning] Of the resurrection; when Christ the Sunne of righteousnesse shall arise at his second coming.
But God] This answers that question, verse 15 verse 5.
will redeeme, &c.] Raise up my body, and receive me into everlasting life; which is here opposed to all the worldly prosperity of faithlesse wicked men. See Gen. V. 24. Psal. LXXIII. 24. John XIV. 3. Acts VII. 15. 1 Thes. IV. 14. A clear testimony of the resurrection of the body, the immortality of the soul, and the life everlasting.
Be not thou afraid] Stumble not, verse 16 nor be offended at the prosperity of the wicked.
never see light] Job XXXIII. 28, 30. Psal. LVI. 13. nor the light of heaven, verse 19 Matth. VIII. 12.
man] Verse 12. verse 20
beasts] The Sheep, verse 14.
Asaph] Either the Author, chapter L 2 Chron. XXIX. 30. Or chief Singer; to whom, and his sons, and posterity it was committed, 1 Chron. XVI. 5, 7. and XXV. 2. to tune it, and sing it, and play it upon musical instruments. And thus, Psal. LXXIII. to LXXXIII. are entituled all to, or for Asaph.
The mighty God] God himself is brought in as a Judge upon the Bench, verse 1 arraigning, convincing, sentencing, and judging his people.
the perfection of beauty] Psal. XLVIII. 2. Lam. II. 15. verse 2
a fire] As at Mount Sinai, verse 3 when he gave his Law, Heb. XII. 18, 19.
call to the heavens] As Deut. IV. 26. verse 4 and XXX. 19. and XXXI. 28 and XXXII. 1. Esay I. 2. Micah VI. 1, 2.
not reprove thee for thy Sacrifices] Jer. VII. 22. verse 8 They used to weary God with outward Offerings; Esay I. 11, 14. and LXVI. 3. Micah VI. 6, 7 Hos. VI. 6. Amos IV. 4, 5. The meaning here is according to that 1 Sam. XV. 22.
Offer] The inward, verse 14 and real, and substantial part of the Covenant, is the thing which God requireth; obedience and service in spirit and truth. The rejecting the former; and the exacting this later, is the maine matter of this majestical Psalme, verse 23. Hos. XIV. 3. Heb. XII…. 15.
pay thy vowes] Of vowes, see the Annotations on Jonah I, 16.
But unto the wicked] Here God sentenceth those grosse hypocrites that place all Religion in outward Rites and Ceremonies: verse 16 neglecting the maine duties of Piety and Righteousnesse. Against whom is the maine bent and drift of this Psalme.
And speakest against] Psal. LXIX. 13. verse 20 The godly do otherwise, Psal. XXVI. 4. 5.
Nathan] To reprove him for his sinne, chapter LI so long unrepented, 2 Sam. XI. and XII. chapters. Written, upon that argument, though not at that time.
gone in] Gen. VI. 4.
Bathsheba] The daughter of Eliam, 2 Sam. XI. 3. called also Bathshua, daughter of Ammiel, 1 Chron. III. 5.
Have merciemercy] A rare example of repentance: verse 1 and useful against despair: as his fearful fall should make us watchful over our selves; not presume of our own strength; but ever to eye, trust to, and depend upon God and his preventing, assisting Grace. MercieMercy here, and the multitude of Gods tender mercies, is his Citie of Refuge, and shute-anchor. No defense for himself, no other plea can he make.
wash me] And so verse 7. verse 2 alluding to the Legal washings, Levit. XI. 25, 32. Exod. XIX. 10. Num. XIX. 19. Thus he prayes, and thus he deals throughout this Psalme; even after Nathans absolution. And thus true Penitents will do.
For I acknowledge] Prov. XXVIII. 13. 1. verse 3 John I. 9. So Esay LIX. 12. Jer. III. 13.
Cited, Rom. III. 4. with no variation in sense.
thee only] Not because he a King, and so exempt from the power of others: verse 4 But because this was his greatest grief, to offend God, 1 Sam. II. 24, 25. and such a God, so good to him, 2 Sam. VII. 18, 19. and that God should so suffer in this his sinne; 2 Sam. XII. 14. who yet only could pardon his sinne, Matth. IX. 3. as against whom, and whose commandment properly, all sinne is committed.
in thy sight] God then sees the sinnes of his Saints; yea more, he is offended with them, reproves them, makes his Saints smart for them; as in the Scripture plentifully appears. That place Num. XXIII. 21. is blindly brought against this truth, as if they would make God a blinde idol, and not an omniscient God. Or, as if that text had not relation to the Saints under the Old Testament, before that grace, which they say, is given in the New.
that thou mightest be justified] Acquitted, glorified, by this my confession, Josh. VII. 19.
when thou speakest] In thy reproof by Nathan.
and be clear] Clearly overcome, be unreprovable, and win the victory in judgement.
when thou judgest] In sentencing my sinne, and my punishment for it: Or, when thou art judged; in the opinion of men, and in their censures, for thy dealing with me. Saint Paul citing these words, Rom. III. 4. applies them from the hypothesis, in Davids singular case; to the thesis, to Gods general faith and truth in all his promises and proceedings. And thus the injustice of man doth commend the justice of God.
in iniquity] This we call Original sinne. verse 5 The Apostle calleth it inhabiting sinne, Rom. VII. 17. whereby all men are carnal, sold under sinne, John III. 6. Rom. VII. 14. The fountain of actual sinnes, John IX. 34. Ephes. II. 1. So as whole man is in evil, and whole evil is in man.
the hidden part] The hid man of the heart, 1 Pet. III. 4.
thou shalt make me] Thus rising up by faith to this hope: verse 6 Or, hast made me; thus opposing that integrity which God requires, to his present state of corruption by his foul fall contracted.
to know wisdome] 1 John II. 4. by his sinne now eclipsed.
with hysop] Exod. XII. 22. Levit. XIV. 4, 6, 49. verse 7 Num. XIX. 6, 18. Heb. IX. 19.
Create] Ephes. II. 10. and IV. 24. Jer. XXXII. 39. verse 10 Ezek. XI. 19. and XXXVI. 26.
take not] Yet Gods holy Spirit was in him; even in this case, verse 11 and state of extremity.
free spirit] Freely and bountifully bestowed, verse 12 freeing me from the bondage of sinne, making me free to righteousnesse, 2 Cor. III. 17. Rom. VI. 18. 22.
blood-guiltinesse] Bloods of Uriah, and others slaine with him. verse 14
Open thou my lips] Give me new occasion by the pardoning of my sinne: verse 15 yea, give me the grace both to will, and to do; the habit and ability, and the grace to bring the habit into act, to act it effectualy.
not Sacrifice] See the Observations on Psal. XL. 6. Indeed we finde not expressed any sacrifice for murder, verse 16 or adultery, or any capital crime.
the Sacrifices] The plural number is here used for the greater emphasis, and amplification. verse 17 And so Iudg. VII. 10. 2 Chron. XXIV. 25. and chap. XXVIII. 3. Prov. I. 20. Mal. I. 6. Lam. III. 22. 2. Sam, XXII. 1.
unto Sion] The whole Church was in danger of Gods judgement by his sinne: verse 18 as 2 Sam. XXIV. 15.
and whole-burnt-offering] See Levit. verse 19 VI. 23.
the Edomite] Of Edom, chapter LII or Idumea▪ or Adonite, from Adam, a Citie in Reuben; or Admah, a Citie in Iudah; or Adam▪ a towne in Naphtali; or Adummin, in the borders of Iudah and Benjamin. The History of this is in 1 Sam. XXI. and XXII. chapters. Here we have Davids … …ation of Doeg; and imprecation against him; and his own glorious … in God.
This … …uch like the fourteenth Psalme. chapter LIII And so as I have said, the LX. and … CVIII. Psalme are much alike.
… fear was] Deut. verse 5 XXVIII. 65. Levit. XXVI. 36. Iob XV. 21. … XVIII. 1.
… Citizens of Ziph in the tribe of Judah, chapter LIV Josh. XV. 24. having … and Wildernesse of that name by it.
said … ] This they did twise, 1 Sam. XXIII. 19. and againe, chap. XX…I. 1.
strangers] Though of the same tribe, verse 5 yet at least they carried themselves so to him: as Job complains, chap. XIX. 13, 14, 15. and so estranged from God, Psal. LVIII. 3. No strangers more strange then they that cast off the bands of civility, and nature, wherein they were bound.
cut them off in thy wrath.] Psal. CXLIII. 12. Of Imprecations, see the Observations on Psal. CIX. 14.
and make a noise] In the earnestnesse of his Prayer, verse 2 a doleful noise.
cast inquity upon me] From themselves upon me, chapter LV verse 3 by unjust imputation and defamation.
my heart] Psal. verse 4 XXXI. 9,—12.
O that I had] A passionate with, verse 6 as Psal. XIV. 7.
flee away] As a bird, Psal. XI. 1. swiftly and speedily.
wildernesse] As Apoc. verse 7 XII. 6, 14.
divide their tongues] Their language, verse 9 and counsels, as Gen. XI. 7. 2 Sam. XVII. 1, 5, 14.
not an enemie] Psal. verse 12 XLI. 9. John XIII. 18.
mine equal] My Peere, verse 13 and chief Counsellor. This most likely aimes at Achitophel: and the whole Psalme, to his distresse in his flight from Absolom, and his conspiracie.
quick into hell] As Num. verse 15 XVI. 32, 33.
Evening, verse 17] Dan. VI. 10. Acts III. 1. and chap. X. 9.
battel] 2 Sam. verse 18 XVIII. Psal. XXVII. 2, 3.
because they have no changes] In their temporal estate and prosperity, verse 19 Job X. 17. (David therefore blesseth God for afflictions, Psalme CXIX. 67, 71.) which yet should have made them change from evil to good; but it wrought no change in them, but the contrary; they were in evil unchangable, Jer. XIII. 23.
drawn swords] Psal. verse 21 LVII. 4. and LIX. 7. and Prov. XII. 18. and XXX. 14.
cast thy burden] 1 Pet. verse 22 V. 7. the duty, and triumph of Faith.
half their dayes] Job XV. verse 23 32, 33. and XXI. 21. Psal. XXXVII. 35, 36. Jeremie XVII. 11. Eccles. VIII. 12, 13.
Jonath Elem Rechokim] Many take not these words for a musical instrument; chapter LVI but thus translate them, concerning the dumb Dove in a farre place; understanding them of David himself, and his case and condition now in Gath. See Psal. XXXIV. and the Title. Of Gath, see the Annotations on Amos VI. 2. Michtam is a jewel, or golden Psalme.
I am afraid, verse 3 I will trust in thee] Faith and Fear stand together. And so Fear and Love.
In God I will praise his Word] So again verse 10. 1 Sam. XXX. 6. in his word and promise. verse 4 The Popish Text and Translation, and their wrested, and forced senses upon it, both here, and very frequently throughout this Book of the Psalmes, is not worth the while to take notice of them.
shall they escape by iniquity?] It is not fit so to do. verse 7 Let their painful iniquity breed their pain; as Psal. VII. 15. and IX. 15. and X. 2. Prov. V. 22.
my wandrings] From Sauls presence to Gath. verse 8 And he had many wandrings after this; to the Cave of Adullam; to Mizpeh in Moab; to the Forrest of Hareth in Judah; to Keilah; to the Wildernesse of Ziph; of Maon; to Engedi: hunted as a Partridge in the Mountaines.
wilt not thou] Verse 9. 2 Cor. I. 10. Surely thou wilt, verse 13 Psal. CXVI. 8. 9.
Al-taschith] That is, chapter LVII Destroy not: which seemes to be the subject-matter of this Psalme. The same is in the Titles of Psal. LVIII. LIX. LXXV. Possibly the word here may relate to that, 1 Sam. XXVI. 9. though that fell out after his being in the Cave.
Cave] 1 Sam. XXIV. 3. And in the Cave he made a Prayer, which is the CXLII. Psalme.
performeth all things for me] Psal. verse 2 CXXXVIII. 8. Phil. I. 6.
Some understand this Psalme in this sense, chapter LVIII to admonish Judges and Magistrates of their duties and offices: minding them of their high power received from God: who they are against whom they must exercise it, even wicked men, such as are here described. And so shall men count them worthy the title of gods, and acknowledge God in them, and their doings: Yet I would not in this Psalme, exclude all, or any relation had to Saul, and his wicked Courtiers.
Doye] He appeals to their consciences. verse 1
speak righteousnesse] Or dumb justice: boasting so to do, when indeed justice was dumb, and opened not her mouth.
O congregation] O assembly, company of Sauls Courtiers and Counsellors; complying with the King against David.
you weigh] Not justice; verse 2 but wrong for right, to serve your violence as you are able.
from the womb] Esay XLVIII. 8. John IX. 34. Ephes. IV. 18. verse 30 inbred, inveterate, incorrigible, Jer. XIII. 23.
Charmers] The Addars craft against them is recorded by divers Authors. verse 5 Some sinners like the Addars, Acts VII. 57. Charmers seem to practise thus upon Addars, Eccles. X. 11. Jer. VIII. 17. And Charmers are forbidded by Gods Law, Deut. XVIII. 11. Yet this may seeme a proverbial speech used by David, without any purpose to maintaine either the truth of the thing in matter of fact, no more then Sirenum voces, or Cygnea cantio do prove such things to be; or else the lawfulnesse of it in relation to God and his Law. And Proverbs and Similitudes may be taked from things in themselves unlawful; as from a thief, Apoc. XVI. 15. the unjust Steward, Luke XVI. 18.
O God] The plural word Elohim here used is most times meant of one true God in the singular number. verse 6 See Gen. XX. 13. and XXXV. 7. And so may be understood that in Exod. XXXII. 1. and verse 4. comparing therewith Neh. IX. 18.
Before your pots can feele the thornes] The general meaning is plain, verse 9 of the suddennesse of the destruction of those wicked men, in the former verses. Yet this proves a thorny text, to expound aright the simiiude of thornes here used, and the rest of the words contained in this verse. Pots, thornes, living, are words here of various significations; whence three maine renditions and interpretations do arise, thus: Before your pots can feele the fire of thornes, which is short, Eccles. VII. 6. so shall God take them away, as raw (flesh) by the heat of his indignation. Or thus, as quick, or as yet living, and flourishing, in his wrath. Or thus, Ere men shall perceive your young springs of thornes grow to a perfect pricking bramble, God will as with a whirlewinde destroy every one of them, even as alive or quick, even in wrath as in burning anger. Thus speaking to the wicked, of their sudden destruction. Or thus, As raw flesh is snatched out of the pot, or flesh snatched out of the pot, being yet raw, before the heat of that light bramble-fire be come to it; so God, &c. Thus variously we may extend our mindes and meanings; without any peremptory determination of any one particular.
wash his feet] As Psal. verse 10 LXVIII. 23. See Esay LXIII. 3. Mal. IV. 3. Apoc. XIV. 20.
at evening] Sauls messengers watching the house to kill David. chapter LIX verse 6 And so verse 14.
of his strength] Sauls. verse 9 Or, suddenly changing the person, as is sometimes in the Hebrew, as Deut. V. 10. Dan. IX. 4. Mich. I. 2. meaning Davids strength. And so it is verse 17.
my merciemercy] So by the vowels, verse 10 and in the margin of the Masorets. But in the Hebrew text, his merciemercy.
Slay them not] At once; verse 11 but by little and little. Yet verse 13. he saith Consume them—that they may not be. And in the next words, and let them know. All which may so well agree together, as needs no words of reconciliation.
Shushan-Eduth] Shushan signifieth an instrument of six strings, chapter LX from foreign six; or a Lillie called foreign, because it consists of six leaves: Eduth signifieth Testimony; either implying this Psalme to be a testimony of Davids faith and thankfulnesse; or to be sung by the Priests before the Ark of the testimonie; or rather, being joyned to the former word by a Maccaph, as in some kinde a part of it, it makes up the name of the musical instrument.
to teach] The Doctrine in this Psalme contained; that all might learn it. As Deut. XXXI. 19. 2 Sam. I. 18. 2 Chron. XXXV. 25.
when he strove] See the Histories, 2 Sam. VIII. 13. 1 Chron. XVIII. 12. And see the Observations on 2 Sam. VIII. 5, 13.
Edom] The Edomites joyning with the Syrians.
in the valley of salt] At the South end of the dead Sea. Or, that called the valley of Siddim, Gen. XIV. 8. Or the valley of Saveh, verse▪ 17.
twelve thousand] And after in the pursuit of the victory, six thousand, or these six thousand, by Abishai, before the main battel. From both doth arise the number of eighteen thousand. Which victory being archieved by Davids two Generals, Joab and Abishai, both under him, is ascribed to each of these three, in the places afore cited. And as David, and his Generals, obtained a victory here, 2 Sam. VIII. 13. So afterwards did Amatziah slay of Edom in the valley of Salt 10000. And other 10000. were cast down the top of the rock, or Selah, or Petra; which Amatziah took by warre, and they all were broken in pieces, 2 King. XIV. 7. 2 Chron. XXV. 11, 12.
Thou hast given] Now a banner of conquest and victory.
That] From hence to the end accords with Psal. CVIII. 6, verse 4 —13.
I will reioyce] David by reason of Gods truth, verse 5 word, and promises, verse 6 will triumph over his enemies, within the Land of Judea, and those bordering about it.
I will divide] This implieth a possession first.
Shechem] It was a Citie in Mount Ephraim near Samaria; given to the Kohathites-Levites, and a Citie of Refuge. Abram came thither. Jacob had his daughter Dinah ravished there. Joshua thither gathers all Israel, and renues Gods Covenant with them a little before his death. The Shechemites conspire against the house of Gideon to make Abimelech King, and he destroyes them. Thither Rehoboam came to be made King; but Jeroboam gaines the Kingdome of Israel, builds, or repairs Shechem, and dwels in it. Of this see the Annotations on Hos. VI. 9.
Succoth] Not that in Egypt, Exod. XII. 37. But that where Jacob built booths, Gen. XXXIII 5. Afterward a Citie in the Tribe of Gad, upon the river Jabbok, East of Jordan; justly destroyed by Gideon, Judg. VIII. But repaired after.
Gilead is mine] Thus David triumphs in having, verse 7 or in assurance to have▪ upon Gods word and promise, these utmost bounds, and Tribes of Judea beyond Jordan, though they stood longest out for Ishbosheth, Sauls sonne.
Moab is my washpot] I can and will use it to base offices, verse 8 as to wash my feet, use it as a conquered Nation, in servile and abject condition. See 2 Sam. 2. VIII. Psal. CVIII. 9.
Over Edom] Trample it under foot, or use it to base offices. See Matt. III. 11. as to pull off my shooe, to wipe my shooe; or as Sapores the Persian used Valerian the Romand Emperour; or Temerlan the Scythian used Bajazeth the Turk; or Pope Alexander the third used Frederik the Emperour; and Pope Caelestine the third did to Henry the Emperour: bring it to a base and ignominious subjection.
triumph thou] An ironical apostrophe, or bitter mock to Philistia, or the Philistines, in the West border of Palestine. And divers such ironies are in Scripture; See the Observations on Amos IV. 4.
who will] The answer is in the two next verses. verse 9
Through God] Davids wish, verse 12 and confidence. See 1 Chron. XIX. 13.
From the end of the earth] Of Judea; chapter LXI verse 2 being now likely driven thither, by Saul, or Absalom rather, 2 Sam. XVII. 24.
prolong] In this likely David hath a principal eye to Christ. verse 6
once, chapter LXII verse 11 twice] See the like Job XL. 5.
merciemercy; verse 12 for thou renderest] Even reward it self is of merciemercy.
in the wildernesse of Judah.] chapter LXIII 1 Sam. XXII. 5. and XXIII. 14, 15. Thus Davids Psalmes are not set down in this Book according to the Order of time, and occasions, wherein, and whereupon they were made and inspired.
seene thee in the Sanctuary] Davids desires to the Sanctuary, verse 2 and to Gods Ordinances therein, Psal. XXVII. 4. and LXV. 4.
meditate] Davids night-meditations. verse 6
my soul followeth hard after thee] 1 Cor. VI. 17. verse 8 Phil. III. 13, 14.
that sweareth by him] Swearing here taken for the whole worship of God, verse 11 Deut. VI. 13. Esay XLV. 23. and LXV. 16. Of Swearing; see the Observations on Hos. IV. 15.
O thou that hearest prayer, chapter LXV verse 2 to thee] An heavenly incouragement to Prayer.
choosest, verse 4 and causest] Gods free grace; not mans free will.
Thou visitest the earth] This Psalme may seeme composed after some year of famine. verse 9
with the river of God] The raine, Deut. XI. 10, 11.
submit] Though feignedly and falsely, chapter LXVI verse 3 Psal. XVIII. 44. 1 Sam. XXII. 45. As the faithfull shall obey God willingly and sincerely.
with the incense of rams] Meaning their fat which was burned on the Altar: verse 15 or incense with it; as in Peace-Offerings, Levit. II. 1, 2, 16. and VI. 15.
If I regard] John IX. 31. verse 18 James IV. 3. Job XXVII. 8, 9. Prov. I. 28, 29. Esay I. 15. Micah III. 4. Ezek. VIII. 18. Prov. XV. 29. He that turneth away his eare from hearing the Law, his prayer is abomination, Prov. XXVIII. 9.
David penned by inspiration this Psalme; chapter LXVIII It seemes; after his victories over the Philistines, and other neighbouring enemies; and upon the occasion of that publick joyful solemnity in bringing the Arke into the Citie of David, 2 Sam. VI. 1 Chron. XIII. XIV. XV. chapters. It consists most of Praises, and Prophesies.
Let God] These words Moses used, verse 1 Num. X. 35 at the removing of the Arke and Tabernacle from Mount Sinai. And may be taken as a Prayer, or a Prediction; or an assertion of what is done when God thus ariseth.
arise] To help his: to scatter his enemies. See Psal. III. 7. and X. 12. and LIX. 5.
extol him that rideth upon the heavens] Verse 33. Psal. XVIII. 10. Deut. XXXIII. 26. Esay 19. 1. some translate thus, verse 4 make an highway for him; prepare it, as Esay XL. 3, 4. Matth. III. 2. Luke I. 76. as Matth. XXI. 8. And thus was done. Or thus, him that rideth in the Deserts; that is, as he did in the Wildernesse of Arabia before his Arke and people, verse 7. This variety of interpretation is of small concernment.
Jah] Some would have it the contract of foreign as foreign is of foreign, if not of foreign, to signifie the strong God. Jah is used again, ver. 18. God is called also by the Heathens foreign and Jove or Jupiter, that is Iah-father; deemed by Varro to be the God of the Jewes. This is the proper name of God, Esay XLII. 8. Exod. VI. 3. 2 Chron. VI. 33. Acts XVII. 23, 25, 28. Psal. LXXXIII. 18. See more in the Observations on Esay XXVI. 4.
habitation] Of heaven; verse 5 and of his Sanctuary, 1. …ings VIII. 30, 38, 39.
solitarie in families] Senselesse here is the Popish text; verse 6 throughout the verse: and foolish is Bellarmines interpretation, and application. See Exod. I. 21. Psal. CXIII. 9. Ruth IV. 11.
a dry land] Without fountains of waters, or showers of raine. A special judgement in those hot countries.
when thou wentest forth] Iudg. verse 7 V. 4, 5. Gods praise in bringing his people out of Egypt; in giving them the possession of Canaan; in destroying the Kings their enemies, verse 7—13.
The earth shook] Ezod. verse 8 XIX. 18. Iudg. V. 4. Psal. CXIV. and CIV. 32. Heb. XII. 18.
Sinai] An hill of a great height. Of Sinai see more in the Observations on Exod. II. 11. and on XIX. 3.
a plentiful raine] God did blesse his inheritance of the Land of Canaan which he gave to them, verse 9 with raine, and all temporal blessings; which was an argument for their praising of him: And specially, as the inheritance of Canaan, and all temporal promises, and earthly blessings to them were shadowes and types, intimations, and pledges of spiritual blessings, and eternal life in heaven; Heb. XI. 13,—16 and 26. Iohn V. 39.
gave the word] The occasion; verse 11 it was his doing; he ministred the matter and speech unto them, in the glad tidings of victories. As Psal. CXVIII. 23.
of those that published it] The word here is of the feminine gender; and so may be understood of maids and women, entertaining, and publishing these good newes of victories with Songs and melody. As Exod. XV. 20. Judg. V. 11. and XI. 34. 1 Sam. XVIII. 6. Or of men, as the feminine is used for a masculine, in Koheleth, Eccl. I. 1. Such publishers, as 2 Sam. XVIII. 19.
did flee] Deut. verse 12 XXVIII. 7. As Exod. XIV. 25, 27. Josh. X. 11, 16. Judg. V. 19, 22. and VIII. 12. 2 Sam. V. 25. And in this verse again, the Popish text scarce bears any sense; and their interpretations are suitable.
though ye have lien among the pots] A promise and consolation for the future: verse 13 ministring more arguments of praising God. Though in the times of Heli and Saul ye have lien in black darknesse of afflictions, as a Skullion lies in a Campe or Leaguer among pots.
as the wings of a Dove] Shining and bright.
When the Almighty] foreign, verse 14 the alsufficient.
scattered] Dispersed, discomfited, vanquished the Kings by his powerful presence, that they did flee apace, verse 12. Or, when he shall so do: so continuing and amplifying the former Promise.
Kings] His, and their enemies, in Canaan.
in it] In thy inheritance, wherein thy Congregation did dwell.
it was white] An embleme of prosperity and joy; shall be black no more, as verse 13. but joyous and prosperous: or, white with the dead bones of the scattered slaughtered enemies.
Salmon] Judg. IX. 48. A Mountain nigh Shechem, and Samaria, in the tribe of Ephraim, not farre from Iordan: likely snow was much upon it.
as the hill of Bashan] Of Bashan, verse 15 see the Annotations on Micah VII. 14. The hill of Sion doth equal, yea excell it; by reason of all its spiritual prerogatives and priviledges; as verse 16. Or thus, the Hill of Bashan is an hill of God, i. e. a most excellent hill; for so the Hebrews expresse the most excellent things. See the Observations on Ionah III. 3. and on 1 Sam. XIV. 15. It is an high hill. All this is true: yet falls short of the hill of Sion; as it is in the next verse.
Why leap ye] Insult proudly, verse 16 vaunt it above the hill of Sion.
dwell] Psal. LXXXVII. 1, 2. and CXXXII. 13, 14. This doth infinitely advance this humble hill of Sion above you.
for ever] And not flit with his Ark and Tabernacle from place to place, as formerly.
The Chariots] Gods glory in Sion by the multitudes of his ministring Angels, verse 17 Heb. XII. 22. as it was in Sinai, when he gave the fiery Law, Deut. XXXIII. 2. Gal. III. 19. Acts VII. 53. Or rather these words may have a direct relation to the glorious maner of Christs Ascention, with the attendance of infinite Angels. Angels appeared and ministred at his Incarnation, Luke II. 9, 13. Heb. I. 6. And why not so, or more, at his Ascention into the highest heavens? See Acts I. 10. well might the Angels then sing that song, Apoc. V. 11, 12. We read of a Charet of fire, and horses of fire at the rapture of Elias. And of a mountain full of horses and Charets of fire round about Eliseus in his defense. And why not these Angels here to attend our Saviours triumphant Ascention, set down in the next verse.
Thou hast ascended] Literaly and typicaly true, verse 18 after a sort, in Gods dealing with David. But without any type, it is Mysticaly most tr…e, and most verified in Christ, and his Ascention into Heaven. And so David here turns his speech to Christ himself. Whereunto the Apostle doth apply it, Ephes. IV. 8. Ascended in his humane nature properly. In Eph. IV. 8, 9, 10. He is said to descend; which being understood of his Divine nature, is spoken improperly. But Christ being God and Man in one person, That one Person without dissolving it, by reason of the Union of both natures in it, admits properly and truly of such speeches as containe the Proprieties of either Nature; the natures themselvs, & their properties, neverthelesse remaining ever realy distinguished. The person then of Christ, without the conversion of the one Nature into the other, in proper speech did ascend in his Humanity, by the power of his Deity; localy from mount Olivet, into that third heaven of Paul, which our Saviour cals his Fathers house, Iohn XIV. 2. above these visible heavens, Eph. IV. 10. Our Saviours humane Nature then is contained in Heaven, Acts III. 21. is not in the Popish hoasts; and much lesse every where, according to the Ubiquitarian fancie. Though a time was, when Christ in his body was in the grave; in his soul in Paradise, in his Divine nature or Deity every where; yet without dissolving the Unity of his Person.
captivity captive] Lead and taken them captives; or a multitude of captives; subdued thine enemies unto thee, made them thy captives Judg. V. 12. Not leading the Fathers out of Limbus Patrum; but captiving the World, and the Flesh, Sinne, and Satan, Death, and Damnation, which otherwise held Gods people in captivity and slavery. Col. I. 15.
received gifts for men] Taken gifts for them i. e. receiving, gave; as the phrase is, Exod. XXV. 2. And in divers other places taking is used for giving, 1 King III. 24▪ and XVII. 10. Judg. XIV. 2. And giving is sometimes used for taking, as Gen. XLII. 30. What the chief of the Gifts were, are specified, Ephes. IV. 11, 12.
rebellious also] Even the most averse and rebellious of them, that God might dwell in them; as Soul made a Paul, Tit. III. 3, 4, 5.
dwell in them] Jah in them; not they dwell in the Church.
Blessed] David blesseth God, verse 19 as it may seeme, for the fruits and benefits of Christs Ascention, which do follow.
loadeth us] With those gifts and blessings which Christ received for us, verse 18.
and unto God the Lord] Here foreign hath the points of Elohim, verse 20 not of Adonai▪ And so still when foreign and Adonai are joyned together, lest otherwise Adonai should be twise read. But where Adonai is not conjoyned, foreign hath the pricks of Adonai more often then of Elohim. Or, Jehovi here may be used as a more pathetical kinde of expression; as in Gen. XV. 2, 8. Deut. III. 24.
issues from death] As 1 Cor. X. 13.
But God] This seemes to be the fruit and powerful effect of Christs Ascention, verse 21 upon his enemies.
The Lord said] Num. verse 22 XXI. 34. and Exod. XIV. 13, 14. i. e. as I did from Og, King of Bashan; and from Pharaoh at the red sea. Thus he recals to their memories these two great victories: and to strengthen their faith for like victories over their enemies in Davids dayes, or in times of future extremities.
thy foot may be dipped] So great should the slaughter of them be. verse 23 When God takes publike vengeance, and executes his judgements upon his enemies, the godly who execute the same, may therein rejoyce, and say as Jehu did, 2 Kings IX. 10, 36.
thy goings] In the procedure of the verse, verse 24 the Prophet goeth from the second person, to the third person. So Gen. XLIX. 9. And it is very frequent with the Hebrews to passe from one person to another. Thy goings then and thy doings, thy wayes and administrations, i. e. when God marched out of Egypt, through the Wildernesse before his people: or when David brought the Ark into Jerusalem.
The singers] All sorts, verse 25 in their rancks, praised God.
damzels] As Exod. XV. 20, 21. Iudg. V. 1. and Chap. XI. 34. 1 Sam. XVIII. 9, 7.
Blesse ye God] The beginning of their song, verse 26 or part of their praise. from the fountain of Israel] Ye that flow from that fountain, are of that progeny, Esay XLVIII. 2. Deut. XXXIII. 28. Deut. V. 15, 18.
There is] Both those near, verse 27 and those a farre off, meet and joyne in this praising of God. See Psal. LX. 9.
little Benjamin] The youngest sonne of Iacob; and least Tribe, since their fatal blow, Iudg. XX. and contesting most for Sauls house against David. Yet he here one, if not first among them. And all the rest likewise…joyne.
ruler] Of the enemies; or rather, of the Benjamites; but no way of the other Tribes.
Thy God] He petitions for strength and growth of blessings; verse 28 as God had formerly begun to work for them.
hath commanded] So Deut. XXVIII. 8. Psal. CXXXIII. 2. XLII. 8. and XLIV. 4. and LXXI. 3. See Psal. XXXIII. 9. Matth. VIII. 8, 9.
thy strength] The strength of the King, and of the people.
Because of thy Temple] Because of thy Promises made to thy Church, verse 29 and thy presence at thy Temple, Ark, and Tabernacle; therefore thou wilt grant and do according to the foresaid Petition.
Shall Kings] David, and his successors shall therefore with all grateful and thankful acknowledgement worship thee.
Rebuke] He petitions against the adversaries of the Church, verse 30 proud, cruel, and malitious▪ Rebuke them in word, and deed. The meaning is contained in the last words of the verse.
the company of spear-men] Of enemies armed with Lances and Spears; or Reeds fitted and used for Spears; or arrowes, as the maner of those times was.
buls with the calves] The robustick and strong enemies; with the rest of the rude and Epicurish multitude, Psal. XXII. 12. Amos. IV. 1.
submit himself with pieces of silver▪ ] Though hypocriticaly. Or rather, that glories and vaunts himself in his brave attire embroydered with pieces of silver▪ and out-braves and tramples upon others; or is so rich, as he seemes to tread silver under foot, yet indeed trusts in it, and boast himself of it. And such usually, though unprovoked, delight to break forth into warre and wrong-doing: such enemies of thy people rebuke and break.
Princes] Prophesying of the calling of the Gentiles to Christ, verse 31 he exhorteth them to praise God, Ephes. III. 5, 6. Esay XLIX. 6. and LXVI. 19.
stretch out her hands] In prayer, in offerings, in way of subjection.
a mighty voice] Psal. XXIX. His thunder, verse 33 Heb. IV. 11.
Ascribe] Adds arguments for Gods praise. verse 34
terrible] To be had in reverence in the assembly of his Saints; verse 35 and dreadful to his enemies.
faile while I waite] The constancie and earnestnesse of Davids hope and expectation. chapter LXIX verse 3
For the zeale of thine house] Literaly true in David, verse 9 Psal. XXVII. 8. Principaly true in Christ the Sonne of David; and to him applied by his disciples, John II. 15, 16, 17. And so are the later words of this verse, by the Apostle, Rom. XV. 3.
They gave me also gall] Verified in our Saviour: verse 21 and in relation had to this text, John XIX. 28, 29.
Let their table] This used by David against his enemies: verse 22 applyed by the Apostle against the Jewes in his time, Rom. XI. 9.
Let their habitation] That which David speaketh here of his enemies; verse 25 and, as Type of Christ, of Christs enemies, Saint Peter applieth to Judas the traitor, Acts I. 20.
blotted out] Phil. IV. 3. Apoc. III. 5. Luke X. 20. Heb. XII. 23. verse 28 Of Imprecations, see the Observations on Psal. CIX. 14, 15.
Sion] The Type of the Church. verse 36
inherit it] Under the temporal promises of the Land of Canaan, verse 35 are comprehended the promises of life everlasting to the faithful, and their posterity, Psal. CII. 28. to the true Israel of God, the true members of the Church, Esay XLIV. 26.
for to bring to remembrance] For to record. chapter LXX See the Title of Psal. XXXVIII. Both Psalmes are, not to remember any notable deliverance or benefit already received: But rather a time and case of affliction and distresse. For the matter of both shew, that they were inspired in such a time; and do make earnest petition for deliverance.
to deliver me] This Psalme is in a maner the same with Psal. XL. 13,—17. verse 1
Cause me to escape] Likely from Absalom. chapter LXXI verse 2 For this Psalme may seem to be penned by David, though his name be not in the Title, and in his old age.
God.] This word is Jehovih, verse 5 that is, with the vowels of Elohim. So again verse 16. and Psal. LXVIII. 20. And so it is usually written when, as I have said, Adonai goeth before it, or next followeth it. At other times having the vowels of Adonai, it is pronounced Lord. See 2 Sam. VII. 18, 19, 20.
a wonder] Esay VIII. 18. verse 7 Heb. II. 13. Zech. III. 8. and 1 Corinth. IV. 9.
even of thine only] not mine owne: verse 16 which is none to thine.
quicken me again, verse 20 and shalt bring me up] Me, me, in the Hebrew margin; but us, us, in the text.
For Solomon] Made by David for him; chapter LXXII verse ult▪ by David in his old age. The like inscription is Psal. CXXVII.
This Psalme is composed, as in the name of the Church. And contains a Prayer, a Praise, and a Prophesie, of the just, peaceable, righteous, merciful, plentiful, flourishing estate, and large extent and bounds of the Kingdome of Solomon; set out indeed with some hyperbolical expressions; scarcely appliable to him, or to any mortal man. So as Solomon may be the immediate object of the words, he literaly intended in them. But yet he so, as a Type of Christ, and of his Kingdome; who is in truth the maine subject of this Psalme. For all in a mystical sense is appliable to Christ more truly, then to Solomon; appliable to him in a spiritual sense, exactly without any hyperbole. For Solomon, see that 2 Sam. VII. 14. &c. For Christ, see that Heb. I. 5. And that passadge, Psal. LXXXIX. 19,—37. is not unlike the subject matter of this Psalme. This premised, may serve to clear the hardest places of this Psalme.
The prayers] Psalmes, verse 20 Hymnes, Songs.
are ended] As the like is said of Davids words, 2 Sam. XXIII. 1. The one may be as an Appendix of the other. This his last Prayer, though not placed in the last place. Or the last of those that David set in order before his death: or the last in this second part or book of the Psalmes, as they are all divided into five parts. Or his last, touching Solomon; and his prophesying of Christ and his Kingdome. So various may our thoughts and interpretations be; and so uncertaine and unsafe to pitch and fixe upon any single one.
Truly] The Psalmist premiseth this, chapter LXXIII verse 1 as his undoubted ground against all conflicting doubts; as a pacificatory protestation before this his contesting plea, Touching the prosperity of the wicked, and his own afflictions. See Ier. XII. 1. and Hab. I. 12, 13.
covereth them as a garment] They wear it, verse 6 and shew it openly as their garment. See the like phrase of cursing, Psal. CIX. 18, 19. But the meek, and godly cover and array themselves otherwise, Ephes. IV. 24. Col. III. 10, 12, 14. Phil. IV. 5. Gal. III. 27. Rom. XIII. 14. Ephes. III. 17. cum Gal. IV. 19.
Their eyes stand out] Stand out in the Hebrew is in the singular number. verse 7 Whereupon the plural number is here to be understood distributively, for either or each of their eyes. The like is Gen. XLIX. 22. Exod. XVII. 12. and XXXI. 14. Josh. II. 14. Job XII. 7. Prov. III. 18. and XIV. 1. and XXVII. 9. Joel I. 20.
Therefore his people returne hither] Gods own people turne to these thoughts and tentations following; verse 10 when they see withal their owne mournful miseries.
verily I] Thus subject to these dangerous tentations. verse 13
As a dreame when one awaketh] Job XX. 8. verse 20 Like to that, John XVI. 21. and to that Acts XII. 9. and to that Psal. CXXVI. 1.
when thou awakest] To judgement, Psal. LXXVIII. 65. and VII. 6. and XXXV. 20.
thou shalt despise their image] their pageant of worldly pomp, and pride, make it to be despised. Yea, in their owne eyes, if God awake their consciences.
Maschil] An instructing Psalme. chapter LXXIV
of Asaph] See on Psal. L in the Title. This Psalme most likely was committed to some of Asaphs posterity, long after Davids time, to tune, sing, and play it.
The time of desolation which this Psalme mentions, and bemoanes, seemes not to be that in the dayes of Antiochus Epiphanes; who prophaned and polluted much the Temple of Jerusalem; but did not cast it downe, and burne it to the ground. And he himself was long after the Canon of the Old Testament was concluded. But that rather in the dayes of Nebuchadnezzar, and Nebuzaradan, 2 Kings XXV. 8.
the rod] Or tribe; verse 2 which thou hast measured out for thine owne inheritance as with a line or rod, Jer. X. 16. Deut. XXXII. 9.
thy congregations] Meaning the Temple, where the holy Congregations assembled. verse 4 And verse 7. it is in the Hebrew, thy Sanctuaries in the Plural number, meaning the Temple. The Plural number being used discretively to note out, and designe one of many. And so is that Gen. XXIII. 6. Judg. VII. 10. and XII. 7. 2 Kings V. 13. 2 Chron. XXIV. 25. Iohn VI. 45. Acts XIII. 40. Zech. IX. 9. Mat. IV. 3 compared with Luke IV. 3. And so we may understand that, Matth. XXVII. 44. compared with Luke XXIII. 40▪ And that 2 Chr. chap. XXVIII. 3. compared with 2 Kings XXVIII. 3. And that Matth. XXVI. 8. compared with Iohn XII. 4.
no more any Prophet] Ezekiel, verse 9 and Jeremie, were now dead. Others haply not so well known or regarded, Lam. II. 9.
Dragons] The Princes of Pharaoh.
Leviathan] Pharaoh. verse 13
gavest him to be meat] Him, verse 14 and his, drowned, and cast upon the shoar, to be meat to the wilde beasts, and fowles of prey, called a people; as Prov. XXX. 25, 26. Or, their spoile, as meat to the Israelites. Or gavest meat, that is, Manna, to him, that is, thy people in the Wildernesse.
When I shall receive] This Psalme seemes to be penned by David, chapter LXXV verse 2 for Asaph to use; and likely at the time, and upon the occasion of the State of affairs at, and upon the murder of Abner by Joab, 2 Sam. III. which being then much shaken and shattered, he promiseth to uphold, and rectifie. And rebuking the foolish, proud, and presumptuous opposers of his Promotion, he renueth his resolution to proceed in judgment towards the wicked, and the righteous, uprightly.
the pillars of it] He did so, verse 3 by erecting, and sustaining, and maintaining good Magistrates, and chiefly Religion and righteousnesse, the maine pillars of a Kingdome. See Gal. II. 9.
cup See Esay LI. 17. verse 8 Ezek. XXIII. 32. Ier. XXV. 15. Apoc. XIV. 10.
In Salem] Of Salem, chapter LXXVI verse 2 see the Observations on Iosh. X. 1.
There brake he] This likely was done in the Assyrian Cam Gods Angel, verse 3 in the dayes of Hezekiah, 2 Chron. XXXII. 21. …p by
then the mountains of prey] A proverbial expression of greatest glory. verse 4 See Esay IX. 3. and LIII. 12. Or, from the mountains of prey, where the Assyrian armies were preying upon thy people, and now slain by thy glorious power, and given by thee as a prey to thy people.
their sleep] of death. verse 5
shall praise thee] Turne to thy praise. verse 10
the remainder] Keep within compasse the further attempts of our enraged enemies.
to Ieduthun] Psal. chapter LXXVII XXXIX. and LXII. 1 Chron. XXV. 2, 3.
my soar ran] Or, my hand was stretched out, verse 2 that is, in Prayer.
and was troubled] Or, verse 3 made a troubled noise.
Thy way, verse 13 O God▪ is in the Sanctuary] Or, in sanctity; most holy. And thy maner of administration and proceeding is to be learned in thy Word, which is taught in the Sanctuary, Psal. LXXIII. 17.
The waters saw thee] Psal. CXIV. 3, 5. verse 16 the waters of the red-Sea.
The clouds] Exod. XIV. 24. verse 17 Psal. LXVIII. 7, 8, 9, 33. and XVIII. 13, 14.
Thy way is in the Sea] The red-Sea, verse 19 Exod. XIV. 21.
footsteps are not known] Before or after; the waters returned, and hid that way, Exod. XIV. 27. Or more generaly, Gods wayes are unsearchable, Iob XXVI. 14. Psal. CVII. 23, 24. Rom. XI. 33, 34.
in a parable] Matth. chapter LXXVIII verse 2 XIII. 35. cited there by the Evangelist, in an allusion only to the word parable; and therefore with some alteration of the words of the Psalmist. And that forme of allegation is usual with the Evangelists, as well in allusive and indirect, as in more direct and proper applications. Of Parables, see more in the Observations on Psalme XLIX. 4.
The children of Ephraim] Some make this relate to that, verse 9 1 Chron. VII. 21, 22. while their father lived in Egypt. Others to the Ephramites flight before Jephthah, Judg. XII. 46. Others understanding all the Israelites under that name, referre this to their flight before the Philistines, 1 Sam. IV. 10. Or before Abijah, 2 Chron. XIII. 17. And others understanding by Ephraim, the ten Tribes, whereof Ephraim was the head, make it to relate to the final extirpation of that Kingdome, 2 Kings XVII. 7. &c. whereof Hosea prophesied, chap. X. 11, 14. So various expositions may these general words admit.
By sending evil angels] As Iob I. 12, 16. verse 49 as executioners of his fierce anger. Or angels, i. e. messengers of evils; which may be understood, either of good Angels; or of Moses and Aaron.
hinder parts] 1 Sam. V. 1, 6, 9, 12. verse 66 and VI. 4.
he refused] Shiloh, verse 67 in the tribe of Ephraim, the sonne of Ioseph: The Ark never came thither again.
his Sanctuary] Temple, verse 69 by Solomon. By this, and some other passages, this Psalme may seeme not to be composed by David; but by some later inspired Prophet.
the Heathen This Psalme seemes composed, chapter LXXIX verse 1 not in the times of Antiochus Epiphanes; but in the times of the Babylonish captivity rather. Bemoaning those miseries which were brought upon them by those barbarous Babylonians.
Poure] Ier. X. 25. verse 6
our neighbours seven-fold] That did not pitie us in our calamity; verse 12 but insulted over us. Gen. IV. 15, 24. Esay LXV. 6, 7.
Shoshannim Eduth] See the Observations on Psal. chapter LXXX LX. 1. and XLV. 1. some make Eduth here, which signifieth a testimony, to import the Churches testimony and profession of her faith in the promise of God for her deliverance out of the Babylonish captivity, at the end of seventy years, Ier. XXIX. 10. And so this Psalme to be made in the time of that captivity.
Asaph] See the Observations on Psal. L.
upon the man of thy right hand] Thy beloved one; verse 17 as Benjamin was, Gen. XXXV. 18. And here may be meant, David, in his posterity, Psal. CXXXII. 10, 11. and LXXXIX. 19, 20, 21, 35. Or, Zerubbabel particularly. But both as shadowes and types, of Christ the substance, principaly intended, Col. I. 13. Psal. XLV. 3. Luke XXIV. 19. Heb. II. 18.
in the new moone] chapter LXXXI verse 3 This Psalme seemes sung at the Jewish Feasts.
When he went] Or had gone.
I heard a language] Was a stranger.
in the secret place of thunder] In that pillar of a cloud, verse 7 Exod. XIV. 24. haply troubling the Egyptians with thunder, lightning, and tempest, Psal. LXXVII. 17, 18.
gave them up] See the Observations on Esay VI. 9. verse 12
congregation of the mighty] Assembly, chapter LXXXII verse 1 Assise, and Session, of God, of Magistrates, whose office is the Ordinance of God, Rom. XIII. 1, 2. and they so called gods, Exod. XXII. 8, 9, 28. John X. 34, 35. And the cause before them, the cause of God, Deut. I. 17. 2 Chron. XIX. 6.
all the foundations] Lawes, verse 5 Orders, estates, are all in confusion, turned up-side down.
Alledged by our Saviour, verse 6 Iohn X. 34.
like men] As Adam did. verse 7 As Hos. VI. 7. Iob XXXI. 33. But rather the sense is more general; ye shall die as other men do, that last line of death shall put an end to your height and haughtinesse, Psal. CXLVI. 3▪ 4. Ye die as the meanest men do; for so the word is most what taken, specialy when it is put in opposition, as here, Psal. XLIX. 2. and LXII. 9. Esay II. 9. and V. 15. Death makes no distinction between man and man; as is excellently expressed by Heathen Poets: die all shall, equaly and alike, one with another.
like one of the Princes] As one of the other Princes of the world, as other mortal men; as one, or any one, even the meanest, who among the rest of men make but a number, as it were.
A Song as Psalme] See the Observations on Psal. chapter LXXXIII XLVIII. title.
This Song seems composed and inspired, as a forme of Prayer, when the Church and people of the Jewes were in great danger by many enemies conspiring against them, to destroy them: And this likely either in the dayes of David, 2 Sam. VIII. or rather long after Davids time, in the dayes of Jehoshaphat; or of Ezekiah.
thy hidden ones] Hidden as his peculiar treasure, verse 3 Exod. XIX. 5. secret, preserved under the shadow of his wings, Psal. XVII. 8. & XXVII. 5. and XXXI. 20. Whose life also is hid with Christ in God, Col. III. 3.
Hagarens] And Hagarites, verse 6 1 Chro. V. 10, 19, 20. So called from Hagar, the mother of Ishmael, Gen. 16.
Gebal] The Giblites, verse 7 near Sidon, whence Solomon had stone-cutters, 1 Kings V. 18. Ezek. XXVII. 9. See Josh. XIII. 5.
Endor] In Manasseh; verse 10 East from Dor, which lay on the mid-land sea▪ Saul goeth to a Witch at Endor; which indeed was not farre from the mountains of Gilboa, where Saul was slaine. Taanach, and Megiddo not far from it.
whose name alone is Jehovah] Which hath his being of himself, verse 18 Exod. III. 14. Deut. VI. 4. An eternal Being, Esay XLIV. 6. Apoc. I. 4, 8. and IV. 8. and XI. 17. and XVI. 5. And giveth being to all things, Acts XVII. 25. to his word, and promises, and threatnings, Exod. VI. 3. Ezek. VII. 27. See the Observations on Esay XXVI. 4▪ of Jehovi, see the Observations on Psal. LXXI. 5. Of Jah, see the Observations on Psal. LXVIII. 4.
Gittith] So Psal. chapter LXXXIV VIII. and LXXXI. And Obed-Edom, a Levite, and Porter or Singer in the Tabernacle, is called a Gittite, 2 Sam. VI. 10. haply from Gath-rimmon, a Citie of the Levites, Iosh. XXI. 25. And there is Gath a Citie of the Philistines. The word then may signifie an Instrument of musick, not such as our Gitterne; such as was used in Gath; or rather used by the posterity of Obed-Edom the Gittite: Or it may import that those three Psalmes were sung upon occasion of Davids removing the Ark from Kiriathjearim to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite; and from thence to Jerusalem, 1 Chron. XIII. and XV. chapters. More certaintie is not found out.
Korah] See the Observations on Psal. XLII. Title.
thine Altars] The places near them might haply become the nests of birds, verse 3 Josh. XXIV. 26. Or this may relate to the Psalmists longing and crying after them, by an abrupt and pathetical exclamation and naming of them, Oh thine Altars, thine Altars: not yet excluding the force of that argument from the birds nestling, either near, or elsewhere. Some hence conceive, That this Psalme was penned by David in the time of his Exile and banishment from Gods house and service by the means of Saul, verse 9. not so likely of Absalom.