Observations Upon the Old Testament, Commentary · Psalmes (3 of 3)
the wayes of them] Of the travellers that go up to God house, verse 5 and of such as have liberty so to do: or the high-wayes and causies themselves that leade to thy house.
of Baca] Or Mulberry trees, verse 6 which use to grow in dry places. A valley of this name was nigh Jerusalem, 2 Sam. V. 22, 23. Joshua XV. 8.
make it a Well] By digging Wells therein for water: no drought, or difficulties shall hinder them from coming to Gods house, but they will break through them. Or, make him a Well; that is, God in stead of a Well to them, Jer. II. 13. and XVII. 13. Psal. XXXVI. 9.
the rain also filleth the pools] Which they digged; God so provides for them. Or, the bountiful rain of Gods blessings, of grace and comfort, shall cover and comfort them.
from strength to strength] increasing so, verse 7 as Rom. I. 17. 2. Cor. III. 18. Or, from company to company; from troop to troop; as by troops they came up to Gods house thrice a year.
of thine anointed] David the type; verse 9 Messiah, the truth.
a door-keeper] Fixt▪ and a servant, verse 10 in the meanest office there; then to be free, and frolick, and flourishing in the highest degree, in the bravest tents of wickednesse.
grace and glory] Many referre grace to this life, verse 11 and glory to that which is to come. But grace rather may seeme here to signifie favour, estimation, honour, as Prov. III. 34. Iames IV. 6. 1 Pet. V. 5. Exod. III. 21. Num. chap. XII. 36. and XXXIII. 12. Gen. VI. 8. and XXXIX. 4. and L. 4. Esther II. 15. 17. and V. 2. Prov. XXII. 1. and chap I. 9. and IV. 9. Luke II. 52. and I. 28. compared with verse 30.
Thou hast been] chapter LXXXV verse 1 Formerly.
brought back] Out of Babylon. Some understand this of the bringing back of David to Ierusalem after the rebellion of Absalom. But not so likely.
covered all their sinne] See the Observations on Psal. LI. 4. verse 2
Turne us] Do now so again. verse 4
I will hear] Complaine no more; verse 8 but hearken to God, speaking, his promises to his people, and their duty.
are met] Will meet.
have kissed] Will kisse, verse 10 though for the present things are otherwise, verse 4, 5. This, and what followes had it most compleat fulfilling in and by the coming of Christ.
A Prayer] So is the Title of Psal. chapter LXXXVI XVII. And this seemes to be as a set forme of prayer for the godly in distresse; without any particular circumstances used in it of persons, places, or times; appliable to all; and may not unfitly be applied to Christ.
I am holy] So rather then as in the margin, verse 2 one whom thou favourest. The Hebrew word is foreign, which imports an active, rather then a passive signification. And so Psal. IV. 3. and XXXII. 6. and L. 5. and LXXIX. 2. This word is actively taken, and that rightly in our translations; though many learned men, not so well advised therein, render it passively, to denote, not the author and agent, and his quality, but the object spoken of.
Among the gods] Verse 10. verse 8 Psal. LXXXIX. 6. Deut. XXXII. 39. Esay XXXVII. 16▪ and XLIV. 6. 1 Cor. VIII. 4, 5, 6. Exod. XV. 1…. From the first Hebrew letters of which four words in Exodus came the name of the Maccabees, as is thought.
unite my heart to fear thy Name] Loose it from all other things, verse 11 and cares, and fears,; and knit it fast to thy fear only, without back-sliding ever.
give thy strength] Iohn XV. 5. verse 16 Phil. II. 13. and IV. 13.
a toaken] as in the end of the verse. verse 17
His foundation] Gods, chapter LXXXVII verse 1 and his Churches.
Mountains] Moriah, and Zion. Not now in a flitting Tabernacle.
Glorious things] See Esay LIV. and LX. verse 3 and LX. and LXII. and LXV. Apoc. XXI. and XXII. And see the Observations on Josh. 10. 1.
Rahab] So LXXXIX. 10. verse 4 Esay LI. 9. See the Observations on Gen. XII. 10. Egypt is meant hereby: And the calling of Egypt to the fellowship of the Church. Of whose calling, see Esay XIX. 19, 21, 25.
to them that know me] Or among them; as of my knowne familiars.
Philistia] Palestine, the Philistines, Psal. LX. 8.
this] And the rest afore named, were born in the Citie of God; by regeneration spiritual made the sonnes of God, and of the Church, verse… 5, 6. 1 Pet. I. 23. Iames I. 18. Esay XLIV. 5.
Singers] The spiritual joy both great, verse 7 and general, and of the Psalmist in particular, which shall be in those dayes, in the Church, and of, and for the Church; in an allusion haply to the Jewish service.
Springs] Of my joy, and of Gods spiritual gifts and graces also; Iohn VII. 38. Esay XII. 3. Ephes. III. 10.
A Song] See the Observations on Psal. chapter LXXXVIII XLVIII. title.
Mahalath] A kinde of winde-instrument, Psal. LIII.
Leannoth] May either make up the name of the Instrument; or may seeme to signifie to sing by turnes or courses, as Exod. XV. 21. Ezra. III▪ 11.
Heman] The next Psalm… is of Ethan. These were sacred Singers and Musitians, descended of Levi, 1 Chron. XV. 17, 19. and XVI. 41, 42. and VI. 44. Of Heman, see 1 Chron. XXV. 1. 4,—7. He was of the posterity of rebellious Korah, and grandchilde of Samuel the Prophet, 1 Chron. VI. 33. and himself King Davids Seer, 1 Chron. XXV. 5. There were two brethren, Heman, and Ethan, of the posterity of Judah, 1 Chron. II. 6. men renowned for their wisdome, 1 King. IV. 31.
This Psalm is one of the most doleful of all the Bible: And may serve as a set forme of a sad complaint to any man in his greatest distresse. Some make application of it to Christ in his Sufferings.
free among the dead] Psal. XXXI. 12. verse 5 Job. III. 18, 19.
I am shut up] As a close prisoner in the Dungeon of sorrowes, verse 8 and distresses.
wilt thou] Psal. VI. 5. verse 10 and XXX. 9. & CXV. 17. Esay XXXVIII. 18.
prevent thee] Psal. V. 3. verse 13 Hab. II. 1.
into darknesse] That they hide themselves from me, verse 18 none will appear to my releif; by reason of the darknesse wherein I am, buried as it were in the black Dungeon of calamities.
a Covenant] In faithfulnesse, verse 3 verse 1, 2. How then comes it to be made void? verse 38,—45.
David] The figure, and father of Christ; who is also called David, Ezek, XXXIV. 23. Jer. XXX. 9. Hos. III. 5. Of him this Psalme is chiefly to be understood; though not in all the particular passages.
Rahab] See the Observations on Psal. LXXXVII. 4. verse 10
Tabor] Westward, verse 12 see the Observations on Judg. IV▪ 6.
Hermon] Eastward, see the Ohervations on Deut. IV. 48.
joyful sound] Of the Trumpet, verse 15 and other sacred musical instruments, calling them to, and used in the sacred services, and solemnities.
to thy holy one] To Samuel, verse 19 who anointed David.
laid help upon one that is mighty] Or, help against the mighty: both wayes meaning David: who yet here may be taken as a Type of Christ.
I will set] Psal LXXII. 8. verse 25
my Father] This, verse 26 and verse 27, 28, 29. universaly and plenarily belong to Christ: And only imperfectly, as in a weak type, are applyable to David, or Solomon, 2 Sam. VII. 14. Heb. I. 5. Luke I. 32, 33.
my first-borne] The first-borne had the priviledges of double portion, verse 27 chief Rule, and Priesthood: This true in Christ, Col. I. 15, 18. Matth. I. 25. Rom. VIII. 29. Heb. I. 6. Apoc. I. 5.
His seede] Verse 36. Christians, his spiritual seed; Esay LIII. 10. Heb. verse 29 II. 13. whence Christ is called the everlasting Father, Esay IX. 6.
his throne] Verse 37. Heb. I. 8. Dan. II. 44. and VII. 14. Luke I. 33. The accomplishment of these Promises cannot be found in Solomon.
If his children] So 2 Sam. VII. 14, 15. verse 30 True of Solomon, and of his children; and cannot be understood of Christs person; who was not the natural of sonne of Solomon; but of his brother Nathan; And who was without sinne, 1 Pet. II. 22: But as he bare our sinnes, and was made a Sacrifice for sinne for us, 2 Cor. V. 21. Esay LIII. 6. Yet this may have a right understanding of Christs spiritual children, who are subject to the lapses and infirmities of sinne, 1 John I. 8. Rom. VII. 15.
sworne] Of Oaths, verse 35 see the Observations on Hos. IV. 15.
as the Moone] Which although it sometime waxeth, verse 37 and sometime waineth, and sometime seemes to be gone, (a fit resemblance of the state of Christs Church) yet is continualy renewed, and so stable.
Witnesse] See Jer. XXXIII. 20, 21. And Christ is so called, Apoc. I. 5. Esay LV. 4.
But thou] The Psalmist complaineth of the miseries of the Church, verse 38 whereby all the former Promises seeme to be frustrated.
youth hast thou shortned] Wherein by thy promises he should have flourished, verse 45 and grown up as a youth.
how short] How vaine, verse 47 momentanie, and uncertaine; yet am I thy creature.
the footsteps of thine Anointed.] verse 51 This may be referred to Christ, and his Offices, and Works in us, and for us: or to Christians, which follow his footsteps.
Blessed] The voice of faith, verse 52 and joy; as finding an issue out of the temptation, and rejoycing in the midst of tribulation. This is the end of the third Book of Psalmes. See the Observations on Psal. XLI. ult. and on LXXII. ult.
of Moses] This seemes inspired and penned by Moses for the use of the people, chapter XC when upon the returne of the Spies, they had murmured against God, and he had sentenced to death all above twenty years old, Num. XIV. 22, 23, 29, 34.
Returne] The body to the earth; verse 3 the soul to God that gave it.
watch] The night divided into four Watches; verse 4 the evening, midnight, cock-crowing, dawning.
threescore years and ten] So for the most part, verse 10 And so in David. And none of the Kings of Judah, or Israel, after him attained to those years. Or seventy here, in regard of that judgement denounced, Num. XIV. 29.
even according to thy fear, verse 11 so is thy wrath] Thy wrath is as thy feare teacheth it to be: which teacheth us to fear thee for thy wrath. But who knoweth the power of it?
to number] They might number the utmost extent of them, verse 12 upon that judgement, Num. XIV. But not how much sooner they might die.
establish] Esay XXVI. 12. verse 17
he shall deliver thee] Having practised in the second verse what he taught in the first; chapter XCI verse 3 Here he teacheth others to do the like, applies his example to them.
not be afraid] Esay XLIII. 2. verse 5 emphatical expressions, and rhetorical amplifications, allowed in all humane Authors. Not yet implying that we are actualy delive…ed in all such dangers; but that at least they shall work for our good, if we be not delivered out of them, Rom. VIII. 28.
his Angels charge over thee] Alledged by the Devil to Christ, verse 11 Mat. IV. 6.
in all thy wayes] Of holinesse and righteousnesse. These words the Devil omits; as making against his temptation, which was against the minde of the text.
tread upon the lion] Esay XI. 6,—9. verse 13 Hos. II. 18. without harme or damage. Not as the Pope applied it to his treading upon the neck of the Emperour.
on high] Safely above all perils and dangers. verse 14
with long life] If God shall see it good and fit for him. verse 16 Otherwise a good man may be cut off by Plague, or warre.
for the Sabbath day] For the Rest on this day, chapter XCII see the Observations on Exod. XII. 16. For Hallowing it; That was, by an holy convocation; by offering of Sacrifices; singing Psalmes; reading, and expounding, and hearing Scriptures; Praying; Disputing, and Conferring; by meditating on Gods word, and works; and doing works of mercy, Exod. XX. 10. Esay LVIII. 13. Jer. XVII. 21, 22. Levit. XXIII. 3. Num▪ XXVIII. 9, 10. Acts XIII. 15. and XV. 21. and XVI. 13. and XVII. 2. and XVIII. 4. Matth. XII. 2,—7, 8, 11, 12.
as the Palme tree] The LXX. read, foreign, verse 12 which signifies indeed a tree. As the Hebrew word here doth; And the meaning of the whole verse imports. Yet hence many learned men, taking it up one from another, have raised that fable of a wondrous bird called a Phoenix, which yet never was seene, or known in the world.
holinesse becometh thy house] In the services, chapter XCIII verse 5 and servants of it; and all professors of so holy a God.
The Lord knoweth] Cited, chapter XCIV verse 11 1 Cor. III. 20.
But judgement shall returne unto righteousnesse] Though they might seeme awhile parted; verse 15 yet they shall returne and meet; and the wicked shall be punished, and the godly rewarded.
O come] Davids Psalme; chapter XCV verse 1 though without his Title; as appears, Heb. III. 7. and IV. 7.
to day] This extends to the whole time wherein Christ speaketh by his Gospel, verse 7 Heb. III. 7. 13, 15. and IV. 7, 8. So 2 Cor. VI. 2.
Provocation] Meribah, verse 8 in the Hebrew.
temptation] Massah, in the Hebrew. See Exod. XVII. 1,—7. Num. XX. 1, 3, 13. Deut. VI. 16.
tempted me] Tempted Christ, verse 9 1 Cor. X. 9.
my work] Works, Heb. III. 9. of miraculous mercies; and judgements.
I sware] At Kadesh-barneah, verse 11 Num. XIV. 21, &c. Heb. III. 17, 19.
my rest.] Canaan; a Type of a better Rest, Heb. IV. 3, 8, 9, 11.
O sing] This Psalme, chapter XCVI verse 1 and Psalme CV. 1,—15. with small alterations, make up that Psalme composed by David, upon the bringing of the Ark from Obed-Edoms house, into the Citie of David, 1 Chron. XVI. 8,—36.
a new song] See the Observations on Psal. XXXIII. 3.
beauty of holinesse] In the glorious holy Sanctuary.
searoare] In token of joy. verse 9
the trees] Humane affections ascribed to insensible creatures; verse 11 thereby to set out mans duty. verse 12
for the cometh] Or, when he cometh. Which may relate to Christs coming into the world, verse 13 Matth. XII. 20. Acts X. 42. and ch. XVII. 31. Psal. XCVIII. 9. and CX. 6. Esay II. 4. and XI. 3, 4. and XVI. 5. 2 Tim. IV. 1. Apoc. XIX. 11.
The Lord reighneth] Here seemes the Kingdome, chapter XCVII verse 1 both of God, and of Christ to be majesticaly described.
a new song] See the Observations on Psal. chapter XCVIII verse 1 XXXIII. 3.
made known] Esay LII. 10.
Let the sea roare] Psal. verse 2 XCVI. 11.
let the people tremble] And so, chapter XCIX verse 7 the earth be moved; that is, with a reverend fear at his Presence and appearance. verse 1 Or, though they be stirred up with anger; Apoc. XI. 17, 18. Acts XVII. 13.
The Kings strength] God mixeth his power with justice, verse 4 Job XXXVI. 5.
Moses and Aaron among his Priests] Moses did many things of the Priestly office. verse 6 And the word Cohen here used, doth signifie also a Prince, and principal officer, as 2 Sam. VIII. 18. and in many other places.
though that tookest] Even when thou tookest vengeance of their inventions, verse 8 yet even then a forgiving God, a God answearing their prayers.
and not we Or, chapter C verse 3 and his we are; as the Hebrew in the margin readeth it, Deut. VII. 6, 7. and chap. IX. 4. &c. Psal. XCV. 5.
A Psalme of David] This seemes inspired and written by David, chapter CI when he was new made King. Or, as some, He promiseth what to do when he shall be made King; and how he will governe his own house in the meane time.
not know] Matth. chapter CII verse 4 VII 23.
of the afflicted] Or, for the afflicted. A set forme of Prayer for him, for any in a poor afflicted estate. And so divers other set formes of prayer are found in Scripture, in a set forme of words. As Num. VI. 24, 25, 26. Matth. VI. 9,—13. And again at another time, and upon another occasion, Luke XI. 1,—4. Psal. XX. and XXI. This Prayer may seeme inspired and composed by Daniel, or some other Prophet towards the end of the Babylonish Captivity, verse 13, 16. Zech. I. 12, 13.
the appointed time] Jer. verse 13 XXIX. 10. Dan. IX. 2, 24. &c.
in her stones] Neh. verse 14 II. 13. &c. and IV. 2. Zech. I. 22.
Of old] This verse, verse 25 and the two next are cited, Heb. I. 10, 11, 12. and applied to prove the Deity of Christ.
This Psalme, chapter CIII and the four following; containe the Praises of God; and the arguments of his Praise, both Ordinary, and Extraordinary, in relation to his Church, and to all his Creatures.
thy youth is renued like the Eagles] Thou keepest thy self fresh and vigorous, verse 5 as in thy youth; thou returning to the dayes of thy youth, Job XXXIII. 25. And like the Eagles youth, or strength and vigour; which abides so long, even to and in old age, and length of very many years; and seemes to renew her youth by the casting of her feathers yearly, not her bill; the upper beak whereof groweth at last in an extreme old age, so to over-grow and bend over the lower beak, as causeth the Eagle to die of famine, not of feeblenesse, Arist. lib. 9. cap. 32. de historia animalium. See Esay XL. 31.
hoasts ye Ministers] Both Angels, verse 21 and men, and all his creatures, Ephes. 3. 10. Col. I. 16. 1 Kings XXII. 19. Gen. XXXII. 2. Psal. CIV. 4. Dan. VII. 10 Apoc II. 1. Esay LXI. 6. Neh. IX. 6.
This Psalme is exquisite for loftinesse, chapter CIV and other ornaments,
with light, as with a garment] Gen. verse 2 I. 3. 1 Tim. VI. 16. He wholly so shines, as the eyes of any, no not of the Angels, are able to behold the luster and splendor thereof. As neither we, that of the Sunne.
the beams of his chambers in the waters.] Maketh and distinguisheth the regions of the aire, verse 3 as into lofts or upper chambers, in and by the watery clouds, ver. 13.
his Angels spirits] Alledged and interpreted of Angels, verse 4 Heb. I. 7. useth them being spiritual substances, as speedy, active messingers, ministers, and executors of his will, Heb. I. 14.
his ministers a flaming fire] The Angels such, 2 Kings II. 11. and chap. VI. 17. Or, the flashes of lightnings, and other meteors are his ministers to do his will.
waters stood above the mountains] At the Creation, verse 6 Gen. I. 2. And at the Flood, Gen. VII. 20.
to cover the earth] Job XXXVIII. 8, verse 9 10, 11. Jer. V. 22. Gen. IX. 11, 13, 15.
oile] Psal. XXIII. verse 15 5. and XCII. 10. Eccles. IX. 8. Matth. VI. 17.
her house] In them is her house, verse 17 Psal. LXXXIV. 4. Job XXIX. 18. Matth. VIII. 20. Luke IX. 58. Dan. IV. 12.
Conies] Prov. XXX. 24, verse 18 26.
in wisdome hast thou made them all] By wisdome here to understand Christ punctualy, verse 24 is more then the Text yeelds: Or, that Text either Prov. III. 19. though that be a sacred truth, Heb. I. 2.
Sea] Not that Psal. verse 25 CXIV. 3. but foreign that; which particle doth distinguish the great Midland Sea, from the other lesser.
go the ships] See verse 10. verse 26 Gen. II. 14. Esay XXXIII. 21.
Leviathan] The Whale, Job XLI.
renewest] By causing new creatures to come in the place of the old, verse 30 Eccles. I. 4.
Praise ye the Lord] In the Hebrew, verse 35 Halelu-jah, Praise ye Jah. This Halelu-jah is kept in the Greek, and in other languages; set sometimes in the beginnings, sometimes in the end of Psalmes. Apoc. XIX. 1, 3, 4, 6.
O give thanks] See the Observations on Psal. chapter CV verse 1 XCVI. 1. whereby most likely it is, that this is Davids Psalme.
his strength, seeke his face] The Ark, where God declared his power, and presence, Psal. LXIII. 2. and LXXVIII. 61. See the Observations on Psal. XXVII. 8.
his judgements] Esay XXVI. 9. verse 7 Specialy those upon the Egyptians, are famously known and spoken of.
oath unto Isaac] To Abraham, verse 9 in the Presence of Isaac, Gen. XXII. 17. and XXVI. 3.
mine anointed] This is spoken of the Patriarchs: verse 15 not of Kings.
my Prophets] So Abraham is called, Gen. XX. 7.
with fetters] Gen XXXIX. verse 18 20.
his word came] Gods word in dreams touching his advancement, verse 19 Gen. XXXVII. 7, 9. came to be fulfilled. Or, Josephs word in the interpretation of the dreams of Pharaohs Officers, and of Pharaoh himselfe.
He turned] See the Observations on Esay VI. verse 25 10.
they rebelled not] The Signes and Wonders did not: verse 28 Or, Moses, and Aaron did not rebel, &c.
haile for raine] Raine rare in Egypt, Zech. verse 32 XIV. 18. much more haile.
first-borne] Thus all the ten plagues of Egypt are reckoned up; verse 36 save the fifth of Murrain of Beasts; and the sixth of Boyles upon Man and Beast.
a cloud for a covering] A large cloud to cover all that hoast from the parching heat of the Sun. verse 39
Quailes] Twice; verse 40 Exod. XVI. 13. Num. XI. 31.
dry places] In the deserts of Sin, verse 41, and Zin: from the rocks of Rephidim, Exod. XVII. and Kadesh, Num. XX.
That they might] Obedience the end of all Gods mercies, verse 45 Exod. XIX. 4, 5, 6.
leannesse] By their ratson, chapter CVI verse 15 or lust, they purchased to themselves razon, leannesse; yea, a plague and death, Psal. LXXVIII. 30, 31. Esay X. 16.
Dathan] Korah is omitted here. verse 17
Oxe] Elsewhere the terme of Ca… is used. verse 20
Ham] Gen. verse 22 X. 6.
pleasant land] Deut. verse 24 XI. 11, 22. Ezek. XX. 6. See the Observations on Zech. VII. 14.
Baal-Peor] See the Observations on Judges VIII. verse 28 33. Baal signifieth Lord, Master, Husband, or Patron. Peor is the name of a mountaine: And Beth Pehor the name of Baals Temple there, Num. XXIII. 28. Deut. III. 29. For the idolatry committed to this idol, the Scripture sometimes for the word Baal, useth Bosheth, which signifieth shame. Hos. IX. 10. See Jer. III. 24. and XI. 13. and the Annotations of learned Master Gataker upon those places. verse 31
of the dead] Offered to those dead idols, Num. XXV. 2. Jer. X. 5.
And that was counted unto him for righteousnesse] i. e. this fact of Phineas was approved of God as just and righteous, and for such ever to be esteemed. The same phrase used Gen. XV. 6. hath another sense of justifying Abrahams person before God by faith, though a man without faults in himself otherwise. And so is rightly applied by Saint Paul, Rom. IV. 3, 5, 8, 9, 22, 23, 24. to the justification of sinner before God by Faith meerly.
for righteousnesse] A right and just action; not the fruit of a rash zeale; though done without ordinary authority.
unadvisedly] Num. XX.
Devils] Levit. verse 33 XVII. 7 See the Observations on Judges VIII. 33.
his Covenant] This, verse 37 and his Name sake, verse 8 are the ground of Gods free mercies. verse 45
among the heathen] among whom divers Israelites were scattered, verse 47 in the times of the Judges, and Saul, by reason of their often troubles at home, till the Kingdome came to David, whose words these are, 1 Chron. XVI. 35, 36.
This Psalme hath much elegancy and sublimity in it. chapter CVII
South] In the Hebrew, verse 3 Sea; meaning the Red Sea, which was South from Canaan. But much more usualy in Scripture by Sea is understood the West, because the great Mediterrane Sea lay West from Canaan.
mount up] And hyperbole. verse 26 Of them see the Observations on Josh. XI. 4.
them] Marriners, verse 30 and passingers.
rivers] Watery fruitful places. verse 33
dry] Barren, thirsty.
will observe] Not that such deliverances are vouchsafed alwayes to all in such dangers: verse 43 Gods wayes of his governing Providence are a great deep unsearchable: But those deliverances when they come, they come from him.
A Song, chapter CVIII a Psalme] See the Observations on the Title of Psalme XLVIII.
This Psalme is composed of Psal. LVII. 7,—11. and Psal. LX. 5,—12. See the Observations on both those Psalmes.
glorie] See the Observations on Psal XVI. verse 1 9.
wash-pot] So Psal. verse 9 LX. any washing pot, to wash the filth of my feet in. Without any allusion to the Marishes of Moab; or their Land to be washed in blood; or themselves wiped cleane away, as a pot is wiped. But rather to be used to servile, sordid, base offices.
of David] By the matter of the Psalme, chapter CIX it seemes to be penned and inspired towards the end of Sauls reigne, when all things were grown to a forlorne and wicked state. See 1 Sam. XXVI. 19.
unto Prayer] The use and comfort of Prayer.
Set] Many Imprecations follow. verse 4 And the like see in Psal. XXXV. verse 6 4,—8. and LIX. 5, 13. and LXIX. 22,—28. and LXXIX. 10. and CXIX. 84. and CXL. 10. Job XXXI. Nehem. VI. 4. 5. and VI. 6, 14. Esay II. 9. Jer. XI. 20. and XV. 15. and chap. XVII. 18. and XVIII. 21, 22, 23. and XX. 12. 2 Tim. IV. 14. And these with exquisite formes of speeches. And uttered by David, and the rest, against transcendent sinners, rather as Prophets, but of zeale to God and his glory therein, then in relation to their private passions of revenge, or respect to themselves as parties. And yet these, or the like Prayers and Imprecations may possibly be mixt with Humane infirmities; as those in Jeremy. See the Annotations on Nehem. IV. 5. Or in some they may be understood with silent limitations and reservations.
right hand] He plead and prevail against him.
condemned] Go out guilty, verse 7 or wicked.
become sinne] Let no suit, or defence of his avail for him, but rather hurt him.
8 his office] Applied to Judas, Acts I. 16, verse 8 20, 26.
their desolate places] Their houses and families that are desolate and destroyed. verse 10
fathers] Thus God punisheth to the third and fourth generation, verse 14 the wickednesse of the parents on their wicked children, Exod. XX. 5.
As he cloathed himself with cursing] See the Observations on Psal, verse 18 LXXIII. 6.
Let it be unto him] The curse wherein he delighted in cursing others; which pleased him as water, and oile, Let that same be unto him. Or, let a curse thus cover, and cleave unto him; and come into his bowels and bones. See the Observations on Psal. LXXIII. 6.
shaked their heads] Psal. verse 25 XXII. 7.
This Psalme is all Prophetical; chapter CX all of Christ; foretelling his Person, Natures, and Offices, specialy his Kingdome, and Priesthood. And of his Victory over his enemies, and of his Triumph afterwards. And hereupon it is cited, and made use of, Matth. XXII. 44. Mark XII. 36. Luke XX. 42. Acts II. 34. Heb. I. 13. and V. 6. and VII. 17.
The Lord] The Messias himself applies, verse 1 a…d appropriates this verse to himself, Matth. XXII: 44. Marke XII. 36. Luke. XX. 42. Saint Peter from this verse proves Christs Ascention into heaven, Acts II. 34. Saint Paul relates to it in the point of Christ reigne over all enemies, 1 Cor. XV. 25. Denying that the words of this verse were used, or could be used to any of the Angels, Heb. I. 13. And therefore they cannot be appliable to David himself, or to any meere man.
The Lord] Heb. Jehovah. See the Annotations of learned Master Gataker on Esay I. 2. and XXVI. 4. See also my Observations on Psalme LXXXIII. 18. and on LXXI. 5. and on LXVIII. 4. This Name of Essence never admits any affix in the Hebrew tongue. And it may lawfully be pronounced; though the ancient Jewes refrained from doing so, to gaine thereby the more reverence to it. And this Name is common to the three Persons; yet according to the sense and circumstances of divers texts and places, chapter CIII specialy when relation is had to another Person of the Trinity, it is taken Personaly. And so here for God the Father. As likewise, Psal. II. 7.
said] In his eternal Decree, predestinating his Sonne to be the Messias, to execute in time the Office of Mediatorship.
unto my Lord] Davids Lord, as well as his Sonne.
sit thou] This, and other phrases here, are not proper, but figurative: to be understood, not corporealy, but spiritualy. Christ is said in Scripture promiscuously, both to stand, and to sit at the right hand of God, Heb. I. 3. Acts VII. 55, 56. 1 Pet. III. 22.
at my right hand] The right hand signifies power and strength, Psal. CXVIII. 16. Exod. XV. 6. Psal. CXLIV. 8. Power to help, verse 5. Psal. XVI. 8. and CXLII. 4. Eccles. X. 2. To be or sit there, imports dignity and honour, 1 Kings II. 19. Matth. XX. 21. And such is the meaning here. And this dignity here expressed by this phrase is ascribed to Christ; not in relation to his Deity, for so he and the Father are one. Herein he is, and alwayes was of equal dignity with the Father: But in regard of his Humanity whereby the Father was greater then he: And wherein formerly he had emptied and humbled himself, and suffered, even to death; and so was made a little lower then the Angels. But now hereby he is crowned with glory and honour. Yet this dignity here is not ascribed to his Humanity singly in it self considered, but in supposito, as it hypostaticaly subsists in the Person of the Sonne of God. And this Dignity is not an elevation and exaltation of the Humanity of our Saviour into the Majesty and essential properties and prerogatives of the Divine-nature; and so to have a parity of Dignity with it, an equality in all points; realy communicated to the Humanity in it self, as the Ubiquitaries contend and plead for, and which they referre, not to the Person only; but to the very Humane nature also in the Person of the Sonne of God. But this Dignity of Christs Humanity is that which is next in degree under God and the Father, above that of the Angels, and all creatures, Heb. I. 3, 4. Ephes. I. 20, 21, 22, 23. given to him in time, after his Ascention, as a consequent and reward of his exinanition and passion, Phil. II. ult. Heb. II. 9. Luke XXIV. 26. This Dignity Saint Paul declares, 1 Cor. XV. 25. and Saint Peter, Acts V. 31. and X. 42. Iohn V. 27. In summe then, as Christ emptied himself, and subjected himself to the Father, not in regard of his Divine nature, but in regard of his Person God-man, and that only out of his Voluntary dispensation; So out of the same his voluntary dispensation it is, that he exercises this office of Mediation in both natures, And here after his Ascention; not before; in the Personal Union of both Natures; he receives this Dignity of sitting on the Fathers right hand; his Person reigning so in both natures. It is not then the Humanity in it self singly taken that sits on the right hand of God; but the Humanity of that Person that sits at the right hand of God: as in the Incarnation it came to passe, not that the Humanity became God, but that the Humanity became then the Humanity of God. And Christ now sitting at the right hand of God doth reigne every where▪ even as Man also; though his Humanity be not every where: as a King doth in his Kingdom, though his body be not every where▪ as the Head in the Body, though the Head be not every where as the Sun in the firmament enlightens, heats, cherisheth, quickeneth things below, though the Sun remaine in its own place above.
until] 1 Cor. XV. 14, 25, 28. Not yet that the Son shal then leave off all Rule and Reigne, and be subject to the Father simply: But that then he shall leave off his Office of Mediation, having then overcome his enemies, and fully gathered his Church; he shall not thenceforth use those meanes, and actings which formerly he did; the whole work being then finished; then shall he leave off the administration of that delegation which he had formerly freely undertaken, there being then no more need of it. But thenceforth shall he reigne together with the Father to all eternity; Dan. VII. 14. Luke I. 23. In a sense not unlike is this particle untill used, Psal. CXXIII. 2. Matth. ult. ult. Gen. XXVIII. 15. what is affirmed of the time past, is not denied for the time to come.
I make] I God the Father. Not excluding God the Sonne. For the same action is attributed to him, 1 Cor. XV. 25. Iohn XVI. 33, Opera Trinitatis ad extra sunt indivisa.
thine enemies] The Devill, John XIV. 30. 1 Cor. XV. 24. The World; John XVI. 33. and XV. 18. Antichrist; and all wicked men; Luke XIX. 27. Not, but that these are the enemies of God, and the Father also; John V. 23. And so both are joyned together, Psal. II. 2. yet more immediately and directly enemies to Christ the Sonne, who came into the world to destroy the works of the Devil, 1 John II. 8. enemies to his Kingdome, and his inheritance, Matth. XXI. 38.
thy foot-stoole.] All utterly subdued, and put under thy feete, 1 Cor. XV. 14. As Iudg. I. 7. Psal. XLVII. 3. and Psal. XVIII. 39, 40. 1 Kings V. 3. Iosh. X. 24. 25. Thus did Sapor the Persian King; Tamerlane the Scythian; and Pope Alexander the fourth to the Emperour Frederick the first. This Conquest was made by Christs Resurrection and Ascention, Col. II. 15. Ephes. IV. 8. Iohn XII. 3. and chap. XVI. 11. 33. They touch not Christs person now, as they did when he was upon earth. They have not power over his mystical body; and true members, to domineer over them, subdue them, or deadly destroy them: yet they have power to bite and bruise their heel; and so to persecute Christ in his members, Acts IX. 4. and ch. XXII. 7.
Zech. II. 8. And so the victory is not yet fully compleat, Rom. XVI. 20. And this makes for Christs greater glory, and his childrens good. But at the last day, in the end of the world, all the enemies shall be altogether utterly subdued, and destroyed, and punished everlastingly, 1 Cor. XV. 25,—28. Matth. XXV. 41, &c.
The Lord shall send] The Prophet David here turnes his speech to his Lord and Sonne; and speaks here of Iehovah, what he shall do to, and for him.
the rod of thy strength] Thy royal Scepter, or Shepherds staffe; thy Kingdome, and the Dominion thereof, Ier. XLVIII. 17. Ezek. XIX. 4, 11. thy royal power; which shall be strong, to overpower all the strength of the world opposing it, Rom. I. 16. And this is his Word and Gospel; not any temporal armes or power.
out of Zion] There began the promulgation, and thence sprang the Propagation of the Gospel, and of Christs Kingdome; which wondrously subdued all the world, Ps. II. 6, 8. Esay II. 2, 3. Mich. IV. 2.
rule thou in the midst of thine enemies] Here is the successe of Christs Kingdome, even among his enemies. He, and his Church Militant in this world shall still have enemies, Matth. X. 6. Yet he shall rule and reigne in the midst of them, in despight of them; and that with all confidence and boldnesse
Thy people] As by right of Creation; so chiefly here, verse 3 by right of Redemption. Here is the successe of Christs Kingdome, among his subjects.
shall be willing] Their first property; to be prompt, ready, devout, chearfully obedient, 1 Pet. II. 9. freely led thereto by Gods free Spirit, Psal. LI. 12. Rom. VIII. 14. Psal. LIV. 6. 2 Cor. IX. 7. As Iudg. V. 9. Nehem. XI. 2. Acts II. 41. Made such by Christ, of unwilling, to be so willing; Iohn VI. 44. Psal. CXIX. 10, 11. 108. and in many other places of that Psalme, Esay ELIX. 18. and LV. 5. and LX. 4.
in the day of thy power] When by the powerful preaching of thy Gospel, thou shalt rule in the midst of thine enemies; and powerfully convert thy people to so willing an obedience unto thee. The word here translated Power, signifies also an armie; and may relate to Christs mustering of his people, as armies, in the dayes of their solemn assemblies for his worship and service.
in the beauties of holinesse] Or in the comely honours of the Sanctuarie; meaning either the comely or honourable places of holinesse, the Sanctuary, or Church; or rather, in the beautiful ornaments of holinesse, that is, holy graces and vertues, which with admirable varietie adorne the faithful, and their inner man.
from the womb] The second propertie or condition of the subjects of Christs Kingdome, to be very numerous: as willing; so numerous: as the dew from the womb of the morning, 2 Sam. XVII. 12. by a sudden, unusual and wonderful increase and multiplication, Esay LIV. 1. Micah V. 7. Esay LXVI. 9. so numerous shall his youth be; his new-borne people; Iohn I. 13. and III. 3. Gal, IV. 19. Heb. II. 14. 1 Pet. II. 2. See Esay LIII. 10. So that these words are not to be understood of the temporal Nativity of Christ from the Virgin, or his eternal generation from the Father as some do; but of his active spiritual generation of his children, the subjects of his Kingdome.
The Lord hath sworne] The Vocation of Christ to his Office of verse 4 Priesthood. Jehovah is the Author of it.
hath sworne] Jehovah swears, to confirme matters of greatest moment: when, and where his wisdome pleaseth. And upon this point here of Christs eternal Priesthood mans salvation dependeth. He swears by himself; though that is not here expressed; because he hath no greater to swear by; Heb. VI. 13, 16. Gen. XXII 16. And so by his life, Esay XLIX. 18. by his soul, Jer. LI. 24. by his righthand, and the arme of his strength, Esay LXII. 8. The result of all which is the same with himself. And implying thereby thus much, Let me not be accounted what I am, namely God, the living God, the omnipotent God, if that which I speak be not true, or my promises or threatnings do faile of performance. Of Oaths, See the Observations on Jer. LI. 14. and my Annotations on Hos. IV. 15.
and will not repent] Will not change or retract what he hath sworne, Num. XXIII. 19. James I. 17. Repenting is sometimes ascribed to God; as Gen. VI. 6, 7. Psal. CVI. 45. 1 Sam. XV. 11. 35. Not that there is any change of minde of will in God; as there is in mans repenting: But the change is in the work; God eternally and unchangably decreeing both, as to do the thing, so again to change it upon mans repentance, or disobedience; Jer. XXVI. 3, 13, 19. Of this see more in the Observations on Jer. XV. 6. In all this God condescends to mans weaknesse, Heb. VI. 17, 18. Shewes the greatnesse, and excellency of the thing here avowed; that the Lord Christ was lawfully Called and Ordained to be an eternal Priest for us, and our salvation; for our greater confirmation, and consolation herein.
Thou art] The Lord Christ well knew this, and could not doubt of the will of the Father herein. What then needed this Oath to be made unto him? Answ. It was made to him, for the use of his Church; that his Church might know and be assured of it. As that John XI. 42.
art] God saying, is as much as doing.
a Preist] So Gen. XIV. 18. Heb. VII. 1. Melchizedec in type; Christ in truth, the Antitype. The Priests office was to Teach, Pray, and Sacrifice. The High Priest among the Jewes once a year entred into the most Holy place. Yet he in all things was not an absolute and sufficient Type of our High Priest Christ the Lord. For he is an eternal High Priest; and both King and Priest; and his Sacrifice of another nature; and himself of another Tribe.
for ever] Not so the Priests after the order of Aaron, Heb. VII. 23. 34 and chap. IX. 12.
after the order] Or similitude, Heb. V. 6. and chap. VII. 15.
of Melchizedec] Much question who this Melchizedec was. He was not the Sonne of God himself, our Lord and Christ. Very many take him to be Sem the Sonne of Noah, who saw both worlds, before, and after the Flood; and lived to the one hundred and fiftieth year of the age of Abraham. Yet because Sems genealogie is exactly set down in Scripture; and that the Levitical Priests themselves came from him after sundry descents: and the Land of Canaan seems not to be Sems habitation, which took its name from his younger brother Cham, or from Chams sonne Canaan: Neither would Abraham so long have forborne his due respects and visitation of Sem in Canaan, if Sem had lived there: Therefore divers learned men take this Melchizedec to be rather some eminent man in Canaan, raised up by God in those corrupt times, both good and godly, both King and Priest, living in Salem, after called Jerusalem; whose King in Joshuahs time was called Adoni-Zedeck, that is, Lord of righteousnesse, Josh. X. 1. As this man here is called Melchizedec, that is, King of righteousnesse. By which place, or near to it, Abraham in his returne from this warre and victory, was to passe.
Of this Melchizedec, and his Priesthood, and the difference of it from Aarons Priesthood, the Apostle to the Hebrews, chap, VII entreateth at large, and observeth divers things; his Name and Title; his greatnesse in that he blessed Abraham, and received Tythes of Abraham; his being mentioned in Scripture without any Pedegree, without father without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of dayes, nor end of life. All these he had; as our Saviour himself had them; but none of them recorded or registred in the Scripture; that he might so become a Type of the eternity of Christs Person, and Priesthood; verse 3. The Apostle further observeth his Offices, that he was both King and Priest; and that our Saviour was made such, with an oath of God the Father; and a Priest of a better Priesthood, Covenant, and Commandment; and that he was made, not after the Law of a carnal commandement, having carnal successors in his Priesthood; but after the power of an endlesse life, consecrated for evermore, having an eternal Priesthood, and unchangeable, continuing ever, and living ever to make intercession, and by his one, offering up himself once for all, saving them to the uttermost that come to God by him. In all which there are manifold resemblances between Christ and Melchizedec; and manifold differences between theirs and the Aaronical Priesthood. As for those fond and forced dreams of the Papist, That Melchizedec offered up to God the sacrifice of bread and wine; And therein was a Type and Figure of their sacrifice of the Masse; And that thereupon Christ our Lord is said to be a Priest after the order of Melchizedec; These may well befal to them, who for want of the love of the truth, are given up to beleeve lies; but are too weak, poor, and silly, for us to trouble our selves withal.
The Lord at thy right hand] The prophesie of Christ the Lord his administration of his Kingly Office, verse 5 in this, and the next verse.
The Lord, God, the Father, who will make thine enemies thy footstoole, He at thy right hand, ready to assist thee. O Christ; as Psal. XVI. 8. and CIX. 31. Shall strike through Kings, Psal. II. 2, 4, 5. even the highest Powers and Potentates that oppose Christ and his Kingdome, 2 Cor. X. 5. In the day of his wrath, the time appointed in Gods wisdome, the time of his just will so to punish them with plagues temporal, eternal, in this life, in that to come, 1 Thes. I. 9, 10. Not that Christ the Lord shall be exempted from this powerful conquest, and overthrow of his enemies; the Sonne being in all things coequal, consubstantial with the Father; And so the Act coming from the Father, by the Sonne; But in this speech relation is had to Christ, as foreign, God and Man, as the King Mediatour, and receiving his Office from the Father.
He shall judge] The Lord at thy right hand shall execute judgements and punishments. verse 6
among the heathen] Psal. II. 1. Acts IV. 27. all his enemies whatsoever.
he shall fill the places with the dead bodies] All places with the carkases of the slaine. See Jer. XVI. 4. A figurative and poetical expression of an huge slaughter; such as was that of the Jewes at the final destruction of Jerusalem, after the death of our Saviour.
he shall wound the head in many countries] Wound, or strike through. Head for heads collectively, Psal. LXVIII. 21. in many or great countries. See that Apoc. XX. 9, 10.
He] Christ the Lord. verse 7 Thus the Prophet passeth from the Father, to the Sonne. The Father acteth by the Sonne; the Sonne from the Father.
shall drink of the brook in the way] In pursuing the victory over his enemies; he shall do, as Gideons souldiers did, Judg. VII. 7. admit of no delaies; which occasioned that interdict, adjuration, and curse of Saul, 1 Sam. XIV. 24. Or rather, these words seeme to have relation to Christs state of Humiliation; and the rather because of that opposition thereunto in the words following. And so here we have Christs exinanition, and exaltation; his passion, and resurrection; whereby he was brought to sit at the right hand of the Father, verse 1.
drink] In passing through this valley of tears, in this world, he shall drink deeply of the cup of sorrowes: the waters, floods, and torrents of afflictions and miseries should overtake and encompasse him, if not overwhelme and drowne him, Psal. LXXXVIII. 7. 17. See Jer. XXV. 15, 16. and chap. XLIX. 12. Matth. XX. 22. John XVIII. 11. Matth. XXVI. 39.
in the way] Of this life; the way of doing his fathers will for the work of mans redemption, Phil. II. 7, 8. He hid for the time the luster and beams of his Divine Majesty; that it might not hinder the sufferings and death of his Humanity, 1 Cor. II. 8. Matth. XVII. 9.
therefore] Thus Christ came from his humiliation to his exaltation, from his Priesthood, to his Kingdome. Therefore here notes not a Merit preceding in Christ, meriting for himself this exaltation; or his glorie either in body, or soul, his life eternal; All necessarily followed upon that hypostatical Union, which he could not merit to himself. All Christ did, was to merit for us. The particle here notes the consequence or sequel, and order, the means and manner how he came to this exaltation.
shal he lift up the head] Be exalted; sit at Gods right hand. See for the phrase, Psal. III. 3. and XXVII. 6. Jer. LII. 31. Lam. II. 10. sublimi feriet sydera vertice.
Praise] This is one of the Alphabetical Psalmes. chapter CXI verse 1 And so is the next Psalme. Thereby to help memory, and to mark out the excellency of these Psalmes. See the Observations on the beginning of the Book of Psalmes.
wonderful works] In Egypt. verse 4. 5.
meat] Manna and Quails.
Covenant] Though they by their sinnes often and grievously provoked him.
heathen] Canaanites. verse 6
Praise] chapter CXII verse 1 See the former Psalme.
wealth] See the Observations on Psal. XXXVII. 1. verse 3
light in darknesse] Esay LVIII. 10. Job XI. 17. Psal. XXXVII. 6. verse 4
of evil tydings] Prov. I. 33. Otherwise is it with the wicked, verse 7 Jer. XLIX. 23.
gnash with his teeth] See that Luke XIII. verse 10 28.
who humbleth himself to behold] Psal. chapter CXIII verse 6 CXXXVIII. 6. and CXXXIX. 1, &c. Job XXXIV. 21, 22. Prov. V. 21. Jer. XVI. 17. contrary to that, Psal. LXXIII. 11. and LXIV. 6. and XCIV. 7,—10. Job XXII. 12, 13.
He raiseth] 1 Sam. II. 8. verse 7
mountains skipped] Sinai, chapter CXIV verse 4 Horeb, quaked and shaked, Exod. XIX. 18. Hab. III. 6, 10. Psal LXVIII. 8.
Their idols are] Not like unto our God, chapter CXV verse 4 verse 3.
are like unto them] As much without sense and reason, verse 8 as blocks and stones.
their help] Theirs that trust in him: or one person, verse 9 put for another, which is not unusual.
hath he given] To their use, verse 16 in this world. Or, the earth also is the Lords, which he hath given to the children of men.
The dead praise not] Psal. verse 17 VI. 5. and XXX. 9. and LXXXVIII. 10, 11, 12. Esay XXXVIII. 18.
I love] This may seeme to be Davids Psalme, chapter CXVI verse 1 upon his new coming to the Kingdome.
Therefore] The experience of Gods hearing our prayers, verse 2 doth hearten us to pray the more.
Pains of hell] The sorrowes and straits of death, verse 3 and the grave, Psal. XVIII. 5, 6.
Gratious] The issue and effect of Prayer. verse 5
thy rest] Thy quiet comfortable estate in God without trouble of conscience, verse 7 and that because of Gods goodnesse, and good dealing towards thee.
I beleeved] 2 Cor. verse 10 IV. 13. upon consideration of the Premises, his Faith thus triumphed; notwithstanding his afflictions.
I was greatly afflicted] The Hebrew word here hath an Active forme, but in a Passive signification. As sometimes an Hebrew word in a Passive forme, is of an Active signification. See Esay XXI. 10. and chap. XXV. 9. and LIII. 7. and Ezek XIV. 4, 7.
haste, verse 11 All men are liers] Even the Prophets, as Samuel that promised to me the Kingdome. Yea, all men, in comparison of God; unable to help in time of need, Rom. III. 4.
cup of salvations] Used in the Israelites Peace-offerings of Thanksgivings, verse 13 and in the Meat-offerings joyned to them, and to their wholeburnt offerings: and used in their holy Feasts, 1 Chron. XVI. 1, 2, 3 whence that seemes to be, Luke XXII. 17.
vowes] Made in mine adversity. verse 14 Of vowes, see the Annotations on Jonah I. 16.
Pretious] Psal. LXXII. verse 15 14. which God shewes in preserving my life from death, in the midst of all mine enemies.
Praise] The Apostle alledgeth this to prove Gods mercy to the Gentiles, chapter CXVII verse 1 that they should therefore glorifie him.
O give thanks] This may seeme to be Davids Psalme; chapter CXVIII verse 1 and likely inspired and composed upon his returne from his last victory over the Ammonites, 2 Sam. XII. 29.
on my side] Heb. verse 6 XIII. 6. Psal. LVI. 4. 11.
All nations] David had to deale with all the neighbouring nations round about him. verse 10
Thou] Speaking to the enemie. verse 13
Open to me] The gates of the Sanctuarie, verse 19 or house of God; the gates of the Court thereof; which the Levitical Porters were to do, for men to come and serve the Lord.
of righteousnesse] For the righteous and cleane only were to enter in thereat, 2 Chron. XXIII. 19. See Esay XXVI. 2. Apoc. XXI. 27.
The stone] David Typicaly; verse 22 His Sonne, the Messias, Realy; Mat. XXI. 42. Ephes. II. 20.
builders refused] The Rulers refused David in the reignes of Saul, and Ishbosheth. The Priests and Elders refused Christ, Mark XII. 2, 10. Luke XIX. 14. 1▪ Pet. II. 7.
the head stone] Acts IV. 11. Luke XX. 17. Of this stone see more, Esay XXVIII. 16. Dan. II. 34, 35, 45. Zech. III. 9. Rom. IX. 33.
the day] A chief and choise day of God shewing his merciemercy. verse 24
Save now…beseech thee] Heb. Hoshiah… na, verse 25 in Greek sounded Hosanna; wherewith Christ is welcomed to Jerusalem, and the Temple; Mat. XXI. 9, 15. Luke XIX. 37, 38.
we have blessed you] These seeme to be the Priests words, verse 26 relating to Num. VI. 23.
light] Prosperity, verse 27 under the Kingdome of David, and Christ.
even unto the hornes of the Altar] Likely the hornes of the Altar Exod. XXVII. 2. intended for that use. Or, sacrifices abundantly all the Court over till you come to the hornes of the Altar, Levit. IV. 7.
Blessed] Of this Psalme see the Observations on the beginning of the Book of Psalmes. chapter CXIX verse 1 David probably is the penman of it. The stile is plaine, fitted for all capacities. And the Alphabetical order was used for help of memory. It is full of the ardent pious affections of a religious soul. Petitions for saving knowledge, and gracious assistance from God, and Promises of all holy sincere obedience thereupon, are in every Octonarie; with wondrous art and variety of sense; yet running much upon the same words, without any tautologie.
Before I was afflicted] So verse 71. verse 67 Before I spake or answered, is not so proper an interpretation of this place, though it pleased Junius; unlesse we understand it thus, Before I cried out by reason of affliction.
my soul is continualy in my hand] i. e. verse 109 my life is dayly in danger. As Iudg. XII. 3. 1 Sam. XIX. 5. and chap. XXVIII. 21. Many read this text in thy hand, or hands, understanding Gods hand, which imports, not danger, but safety and security, as Psal. XXXI. 5. Luke XXIII. 46. 1 Pet. IV. 19. And is indeed a wrong reading; and breeds sundry senses, not consonant, or consisting with the tenour of this verse.
any iniquity] either in me, verse 133 subjective; or of others against me, objective. And so the later way may be understood that Gal. II. 7, 90 Ephes. VI. 12. Heb. XII. 4. Psal. XLIX. 5. and XL. 12. and LXV. 3. and XXXIX. 8.
A song of degrees] or ascensions, chapter CXX heights, or excellencies. This, and the fourteene Psalmes following, have this Title prefixed. The meaning whereof is variously conjectured; As thus, That they were to be sung with a loud voice, as 1 Chron. XV. 16. Or, upon the steps and degrees of the staires ascending to the Court of the people, or to that of the Priests, which, they say, were fifteene in number, according to these number of these Psalms. Or, in the coming of the Ark into the Temple. Or in their returne out of Babylon. Or to be sung in their returne into their own land in the time of the Messias. Others have other conjectures; yet without any certaine determination; neither is it much material. Of these, four bear Davids title, and some of the rest not unlikely were penned by him.
I] David likely. verse 1
from lying lips] Of such as falsely accused him to Saul. verse 2 1 Sam. XXIV. 9. and chap. XXVI. 19.
what shall be given] What good or profit shalt thou get or gaine by it. verse 3
sharp arrowes] Such is a false tongue: verse 4 or, such are the plagues God will render as a reward unto it.
Woe is me] Laments, verse 5 that in his exile he was forced to dwell so long with the cruel and barbarous posterity of Mesech, the sonne of Japhet, Gen. X. 2. and of Kedar, the sonne of Ishmael, Gen. XXV. 13. or rather, with men of like evil cruel conditions to them.
hills] Moriah, chapter CXXI verse 1 and Zion; where God dwelleth. But most to God himself, verse 2.
The Sunne] By its parching heat; verse 6 as Ionah IV. 8. Nor the Moon, by its cold vapors. Gen. XXXI. 40. nor any discommodity shall be able to annoy thee, Psal. XCI. 5.
I] David having brought the Ark of the testimony to Ierusalem, chapter CXXII verse 1 and setled the Thrones of judgement there, pens this Psalme of joy and gladnesse therefore: Praising the Citie; and praying for the prosperity of it.
testimonie] The Ark. verse 4 See the Observations on. Ex. 25. 16.
thrones of judgement] Both Ecclesiastical, verse 5 and Civil: as God had commanded, Deut. XVII. 8, &c.
the captivity of Zion] Out of Babylon: chapter CXXVI verse 1 which returne figured our Redemption by Christ.
that dreame] So incredible it was, and the joy of it, that we half doubted whether it were true, or but a dreame. As Peter did, Acts XII. 9, 11. See Esay XXIX. 7, 8. And the like speech we read of in Abdolominus when he was taken from manuring the earth, to possesse a Kingdome: and in Isaacus Angelus, when he was suddenly lifted up to the Empire: and in that famous Iohn Chrysostome, when he was first chosen into the Presbyterie.
Turn again] Prayes that the deliverance begun, verse 4 may be carried on, and brought to perfection. For it had many stops and hinderances; as appears in the books of Ezra, and Nehemiah.
They that sow in tears] That went mournfuly into captivity, verse 5 shall return joyfuly.
for Solomon] Seemes to be inspired and penned for Solomon, chapter CXXVII by David, a litle before his death, Psal. LXXII. title
Except the Lord] This is true generaly: verse 1 yet may relate to the future building of the Temple by Solomon, and the safe keeping of the Citie Ierusalem: or rather to the building of Solomons house and posterity.
so] By building, verse 2 keeping, blessing their labours without sorrow.
he giveth] Or surely will give, or rightly doth give.
his beloved] Whom he loves, and who in assurance of his love commits himself to him and his care. The Hebrew word Iedid seemes to allude to Solomons name Iedidiah, 2 Sam. XII. 25. his darling.
sleep] Or quiet rest, without carking care and sorrow. The Hebrew word is written with foreign a quiet dumb letter, otherwise then usual, to denote the more quietnesse. And this rest, not your care and toil, but Gods blessing, will bring unto you, Prov. X. 22.
Blessed] The Blessings that ordinarily follow them that Fear the Lord▪ chapter CXXVIII verse 1 Take in with this the main matter of that in Psal. LXXIII.
eate the labour] As on the other side it is true of the wicked, Prov. I. 31.
the cords] Wherewith they drew their Plough; chapter CXXIX verse 4 to make long furrows upon the back of the Church.
his bosome] Or armes; verse 7 as Esay XLIX. 22.
The blessing] As Ruth II. verse 8 4.
Out of the depths] Psal. chapter CXXX verse 1 LXIX. 1, 2.
forgiveness with thee; that thou mayst be feared] Hos III. verse 4 5. Gods fidelity, and the truth of his promises for the forgivenesse of our sins, his merciemercy, and our plenteous redemption, is the true cause of our fearing of him, and hoping in him, verse 7. If without this, God did strictly mark our iniquities, our hope in him, and reverential fear and worship of him, would utterly fail and perish.
shall redeem] Psal. verse 8 XXV. 22. and CIII. 3, 4.
not haughty] In aspiring to the Kingdome; chapter CXXXI verse 1 and that by Sauls ruine and destruction.
as a weaned childe] That is, verse 2 free from such ambitious thoughts. I rested quiet in thy will and promise.
Let Israel] By my example. verse 3
A Song] This seemes to be Davids, chapter CXXXII at his bringing of the Ark to Jerusalem. Some say, Solomons; acting what his father purposed and ordered, 2 Sam. VII. 8. with 2 Chron. VI. 41.
his afflictions] In coming to the crown; verse 1 and his afflicting cares, to bring home the Ark, and build God an House; as in the verses following.
surely] If I enter. verse 3 A form of an oath, or curse, Let me perish if I enter.
my house] Newly built, and mentioned, 1 Chron. XV. 1.
sleep] In that house. verse 4 Or at least he would never do so quietly, till the Ark were in its resting place.
we heard of it] We Bethleemites heard of the Ark. verse 6
at Ephratha] That it was, or had been at Shiloh in the tribe of Ephraim: or much rather, we at Bethlehem Ephratha, in our own countrey, heard of it, Micah V. 2. Gen. XXXV. 16, 19. 1 Sam. I. 1. See the Annotations on Micah V. 2.
we found it in the fields of the wood] Or Jaar; in Kiriath-jearim, a Citie seated in the woods, as the name importeth. And of Kiriath-jearim, See the Observations on 1 Sam. VII. 1.
Arise] 2 Chron. verse 8 VI. 41. Num. X. 35. Psal. LXVIII. 1.
thy rest] Ver. 13, 14. still flitting and wandering before.
cloathed] As with their sacred garments. verse 6 See Apoc. XIX. 8. Eph. IV. 24. Col. III. 10, 12, 14. Gal. III. 27. Rom. XIII. 14.
For thy servant Davids sake] Verse 1. verse 10 thy Covenant, and Promises made to him, 1 Kings 8. 25. Psal. LXXXIX. 20. Esay XXXVII. 35. And for Christs sake, called David, Hos. III. 5. See the Annotations upon that text.
of thine anointed] Me, thine anointed King.
of thy body] This relates to Christ, verse 11 Acts II. 30.
If thy children] Thus conditional to Davids posterity, verse 12 2 Sam. VII. 14. Psal. LXXXIX. 30—33.
for evermore] Verified only in Christ, the Sonne of David.
the horne of David to bud] Psal. LXXXIX. 24. Luke I. 69. verse 17
a lamp] 1 Kings XI. 36. and XV. 4. 2 Kings VIII. 19.
Hermon] See the Observations on Deut. chapter CXXXiif. verse 3 IV. 48. Hermon and Zion here are farre distant mountains. And so the dew of Hermon descends not upon the mountains of Zion; but the similitude is twice repeated, of the dew falling upon those two several distinct and distant mountains.
commanded] Psal. XLII. 8. and XLIV. 4. and LXVIII. 28. and LXXI. 3. Deut. XXVIII. 8.
by night] 1 Chron. chapter CXXXiV. verse 1 IX. 33. Psal. XCII. 3. and CXIX. 147. Luke I…. 37. 1 Sam. III. 3. Some think that this, and the next Psalme, were made for the use of such worshippers by night.
for the raine] Or, chapter CXXXV verse 7 with the raine; or to shew that raine is coming.
repent] Even in the judging of his people; verse 14 he will be so tender towards them.
Rivers] May comprehend here Euphrates, chapter CXXXvii. verse 1 and Tigris, or Eulaeus or Chabor, being then all under the Babylonish Empire.
of Babylon] In the seventy years captivity. Of Babylon, see the Observations on Dan. IV. 30.
of Edom] Obadiah, verse 7 verse 10,—16. Ezek XXV. 12. Jer. XLIX. 7. Lament. IV. 2.
thy little ones] Sinne enough in Babylon, verse 9 in the Land of Shinar, Zech. V. 8, 11. Sinne enough in these little ones: as in the litle ones of the old world drowned with Noahs flood: as in the little ones of Sodom, burned with brimstone: &c.
thy Word above all thy name] Or, chapter CXXXVIII verse 2 thy name above all things by thy Word. Or, thy Word with all thy name. Thy Promise in Christ concerning thy people is greater then all other things whereby thou hast made thy self known.
with strength.] Ephes. verse 3 III. 16, 20.
in the wayes of the Lord] Or, verse 5 of the wayes, Psal. CIII. 7. when they shall be converted.
will perfect] Phil. verse 8. 8. I. 6. Psal. LVII. 2.
my bed in hell] In the grave. chapter CXXXiX.
in the lowest parts of the earth] His mothers womb, verse 15 Eccles. XI. 5. So Ephes. IV. 9. may be understood of Christs Incarnation. Sometimes this phrase is meant of the Grave; as Psal. LXIII. 9.
when I awake I am still with thee] Still meditating of thee, verse 18 and finding new occasions to think of thee, and praise thee. Or, I watch night and day to be found still cleaving to thee. Or, when I have spent the whole day in those pretious thoughts of thee verse 17. the next morning I am where I was, I am but at the beginning still; the more I think of them, the more wonderful they appear to me still.
Surely] This may be rendered here as a Wish. verse 19
violent man] Saul, chapter CXL verse 1 and his Agents.
O God] Jehovih. verse 7 See the Observations on Esay XXVI. 4. and on Psal. LXXI. 5.
the strength of my salvation] Ephes. VI. 17.
of David] This may seeme inspired and composed by David when he was in the Wildernesse of En-gedi, chapter CXLI 1 Sam. XXIV. about the same time when the next Psalme, and Psalme LVII. were composed.
doore] In the Hebrew dal is contracted here for deleth: verse 3 as Chaji, 2. Sam. XXIII. 23. for Chajil, 1 Chron. XI. 22.
incline not] By Satan, verse 4 or my own corruption, James I. 13, 14. So Matth. VI. 13.
not eate of their dainties] Lest by their prosperity I should be allured to be wicked, as they are.
for yet my prayer] I will requite them with my best prayers, verse 5 when they most need them.
when their Judges] The Chieftains and Senators of mine adversaries. verse 6
in stonie places] Where they persecute, and pursue me.
they shall hear my words] Then; that they are sweet, pleasing, and inoffensive to mine adversaries.
Our bones] Davids, verse 7 and his followers; they are in such like present danger.
when he was in the cave] Psal LVII. 1 Sam. XXIV. 4. The later part of this prayer seemes, chapter CXLII as spoken in the cave. Yet it all might be composed after his deliverance out of it. As that Prayer Jonah II.
prison] This Cave, verse 7 wherein I am shut up, as in a close prison.
faithfulnesse] chapter CXLIII verse 1 For performance of thy faithful and true promises made to me.
righteousnesse] To maintaine and defend a righteous cause.
Enter not] Though my cause be just; verse 2 yet my person is sinful and unjust, not able to abide thy judgement, Rom. III. 20. So Job XXII. 4. and XIV. 3. Gal. II. 16.
no man living] Heb. not all living, i. e. not any living. As Mat. XXIV. 22. 1 John II. 21. 2 Pet. I. 20. Psal. LXXVI. 5.
is desolate] Or wondrously amazed, verse 4 upheld only by Gods power.
cause me] The work is Gods. verse 8 He the actor of it. And therefore to him he lifts up his soul. So verse 10.
good; lead me] Or, verse 10 by thy good Spirit lead me: Thus prayer-wise: or shall lead me; spoken in way of assurance.
of David] It seemes composed after he came to the crown, chapter CXLIV verse 3 and had got some victories over his enemies; and yet other enemies were ready to invade him, 2 Sam. V. & VIII.
what is man] Psal. VIII. 5. Job VII. 17. Heb. II. 6.
Bow the heavens] Shew thy self present on earth, verse 5 for my help; and my foes ruine, who are like mountains, in comparison of other men, 1 Sam. XXII. 10.
a right hand of falshood] Though they shake hands, verse 8 yet they keep not promise.
whose God is the Lord] This is opposed to all the other worldly wealth; verse 15 as farre more then over-poising it all.
of praise] His Hymne. chapter CXLV And the whole book in Hebrew is called the book of Hymnes, or Praises. This is an Alphabetical Psalme. Only the letter Nun is wanting. See the Observations on Psal. XXV. 1. and on the beginning of the book of Psalmes.
over all his works] Or, verse 9 towards.
upholdeth all that fall] Psal. verse 14 CXLVI. 8. all whom he in his goodnesse knows are to be upholden; without whom, and his goodnes none are upholden. But some fall, and never rise.
wait upon thee] Psal CIV. verse 15 27. 28.
in truth] This in Prayer requireth sincerity, verse 18 without hypocrisie; faith, repentance, earnestnes, and constancie.
the desire] Or will. We pray that Gods will may be done, verse 19 Matth. VI. 10 Here he doth his servants will. So he honoureth them that honour him, 1 Sam. II. 30. And their will agrees with his, 1 John V. 14.
Praise ye the Lord] Heb. chapter CXLVI verse 1 Halelu-jah. And thus do begin, and end likewise, the rest of the Psalmes that follow. In the Greek, it is Alleluia Apoc. XIX. 1. Halelu-jah, is in Psal. CIV. and CVI. and CXXXV. and in many others.
which executeth judgement] Who succours and relieves all, verse 7 in, and according to their several necessities; He it is that doth it; But that when, and how, in his wisdome and goodnesse it seemeth to him best.
out-casts] Deut. chapter CXLVII verse 2 XXX. 4.
telleth the number] Esay XL. verse 4 26. though to man they are innumerable, Ier. XXXIII. 22. at least in common opinion, and of him indeed cannot be all seene. The number of the stars is counted by ancient Astronomers; And all within, and without their several Constellations, in their several magnitudes, are reduced by all, much under the number of two thousand. Yet their number, in Scripturephrase, is marshaled with the sands of the sea, as innumerable. Which is spoken according to vulgar opinions and apprehensions; as that of the Sunne, and Moone Gen. I 16. And divers other things are in Scripture in like sort spoken of. And yet the innumerable multitude of them appears the more, in our times; Wherein Galileus, and others after him by their new instruments and Tubi Optici, have made such strange discoveries of many many numbers of them, never seene before.
young ravens] Iob XXXVIII. verse 9 41. Psal. CIV. 27, 28. Matth. VI. 26.
fat of wheat] Psal. verse 14 LXXXI. 16. Deut. XXXII. 14.
runneth] Psal. verse 15 XXXIII. 9.
snow like wooll] accordingly the phrase is, verse 16. 17. 19. fleeces of snow.
his yce like morsels] Frost, or frozen hailstones.
his word unto Jacob] This is singular merciemercy, and peculiar to his Church: farre beyond all those formerly mentioned: for which his Church is so bound to praise him.
stars of light] Job XXXVIII. chapter CXLVIII verse 3 7.
havens of heavens] The heaven of heavens is the highest heaven; verse 4 called the third heaven, 2 Cor. 2. XII. The sky where the starres are, is the second heaven. And the aire under it, and next us, is the first heaven: In the upper part whereof are the waters here mentioned. For this Text, and Gen. I, 6, 7. yeeld not a sure foundation whereon to build an Orbe of supercelestial waters, above the starry heavens; nor from the windowes of that Orbe came the waters in Noahs flood. But from the lowest region of the aire, called Heaven, and the firmament of Heaven, wherein the winds, clouds, and fowles do flie; and do divide between the sea-waters, and the watery clouds which moysten the earth, and make it bring forth fruit for the sustenance of man, and beast. See Gen. I. 20. Jer. LI. 16. Dan. VII. 2, 13. Psal. LXXVIII. 23. Mal. III. 10.
a decree] Statute, verse 6 Rule, and Ordinance, whereby every creature is bound to his set time, place, and function, Job XIV. 5. and XXVI. 10. and XXXVIII, 33. Jer. XXXI. 35. and XXXIII. 25.
the horne of his people] Psal. verse 14 LXXV. 10. the power, glory, and Kingdome of his people and Church: and that by Christ, who is the horne of salvation, Luke I. 69.
him that made him] Heb. chapter CXLIX verse 2 his makers. Likely relating to the Trinity of persons, as Gen. I. 26. and III. 22. and XI. 7. Job. XXXV. 10. Eccles. XII. 1. Esay VI. 8. LIV. 5.
King] Christ, of whom King David was a Type. As Mat. XXI. 5. Cant. I. 4,
upon their beds] Night and day, verse 5 Psal. LXIII. 6. Job XXXV. 10.
and a two-edged sword] Heb. verse 9 two-mouthed. This chiefly at least aimes at the spiritual sword, Ephes. VI. 17. Heb. IV. 12. Apoc. I. 16. which is the Word of God, coming out of Christs mouth.
To execute vengeance upon the heathen] Chiefly in and by the power and preaching of the Gospel, verse 7 2 Cor. X. 4, 5, 6, 8. See Esay XLI. 15, 16. John XVI. 8, 9.
To binder their Kings] Psal. verse 8 II. 2, 3, 9, 10. Esay XLV. 14. Mark VI. 20. Acts XXIV. 25. Apoc. XXI 24. Matth. XVI. 19.
the judgement written] This may have reference to that Law, verse 6 Deut. VII. 1, 2. Or, to the exact rule of Gods Word, without any addition, or diminution. Deut. XII. 32. Apoc. XXII. 18.
This honour] Deut. IV. 6, 7, 8.
Sanctuary] His holy place. chapter CL verse 1 Or, sanctity, in and for his holy essence.
firmament of his power] His power seene in the firmament, in the stretching out and spreading abroad of it, Psal. XIX. 2. Dan. XII. 3.
that hath breath] Apoc. verse 6 V. 13.