Davids Music, Psalm 3
The third Pſalme.
THE ARGVMENT.
IN this Pſalme (beeing mixt) Dauid now driuen out of his kingdome by Abſolom, doth complaine to God of the number and grieuouſneſſe of his enemies, not onelyonly breaking forth into an open inſurrection againſt him, but alſo with blasphemies against God, and contumelies againſt himſelfe, inſulting ouer him, as a man vtterly forſaken and forlorne. Yet neuertheleſſe he gathereth comfort to himſelfe from Gods defence, which hee aſſureth himſelfe of, from the experience that hee formerly had of his helpe at hand, when he called vponupon him. Thus being confirmed, he ſheweth his ſecurity and confidence againſt the greateſt dangers, and that through Gods protection, which hee moſt earneſtly craueth, aſcribing the praiſe of his deliuerance to him alone.
The vſe and profit of this Pſalme.
THis Pſalme is of great vſe and profit to the Church, eſpecially to ſuch as be vnderunder the Croſſe and rod of God; for here a man may ſee as in a glaſſe, by Dauids behauiour, what he is to do, to whom to flye, to whom to complaine, how to be comforted in ſuch trouble and diſtreſſe, how to ſhake off all worldly feare, and in whom to truſt; laſtly how to be exerciſed in ſo great perill, and to whom to aſcribe the glory of deliuerance and victory.
The reſolution of this Pſalme.
This containeth,
1. The title, or inſcription, ſhewing
1. The Author, Dauid.
2. The occaſion, the rebellion of Abſolom.
2. The Pſalme it ſelfe, which hath
1. A patheticall complaint: admiring and queſtioning, concerning
1. The number of his enemies, verſ. 1.
2. The danger and grieuouſneſſe of them, aggrauated from their
1. Hoſtile inſurrection, v. 1.
2 Inſulting cō tumelies againſt him, verſ. 2.
2. A narration, cōtaining
1. A profeſſion, & that
1. Of his confidence, confirmed
1. From the office of God, who hath vndertaken for him to be his
1. Defēce.
2. Glorie.
3. Aduācer againſt their
Rebellion.
Contumalies.
Depreſſiō, verſ. 3.
2. From the experience he had hereof in former times, when God heard him praying vntounto him, verſ. 4.
2. Of his ſecurity, amplified frō
1. The adiunct or cōſequent hereof, which is
Sleep, and the quietnes and ſoundneſſe thereof.
2. The ground of it, which is Gods ſuſtentation, verſ 6.
2. A gloriation and triumph, not to feare
1. For the number of his enemies.
2. Or the imminentnes of the danger, verſ 6.
3. A prayer cōtaining
1. Petition
1. For himſelf, wherein is noted,
2. For his people, that his bleſſing might be on them, verſ. 8.
1. The ſubiect or thing which he prayeth for, which is deliuerance.
2. The reaſon, frō his wonted goodnes in former deliuerances, verſ. 7.
2. A thankfull acknowledgement of ſafetie vntounto his people, ver. 8.
The generall obſeruations.
VVHen Dauid had beene diuers yeares ſetled in his kingdom peaceably, it pleaſed God after his fearfull fall, to exerciſe him a little while with a ſore temptation, with a ſtormy tempeſt of rebellion by his own ſon, and many of his hollow-harted ſubiects, for the triall of his faith and patience; vponupon which occaſion, as the title ſheweth, hee penned this Pſalme for the inſtruction of Gods Church, whence wee may learne .I. That in Gods mercy, a Dauids afflictions, that is, a godly mans troubles turne to the Churches profit, and make good for the ſame: for heereby hauehave wee this and many other Pſalmes, the hiſtory of Iob, the ſong of Hezekiah, &c .II. That the beſt ſhall not want their trialls, nor the greateſt (ſometime) their troubles. III. That nothing can make a faithfull man ſtart backe from cleauing faſt to God, neither words nor deeds,Pſalm. 112. 7. 8. as heere we ſee, verſ. 1. 2. 3. and the ſame is confirmed in Iob, who by afflictions, and the words of his wife & friends, yet truſted in God: for true faith ſurmounts all difficulties and diſtreſſes whatſoeuer. IV. That Gods protection giueth ſufficient ſecurity, for if God bee with vsus,Rom. 8. 31. none can bee againſt vsus. V. And laſtly, they that truſt in God, come who will, or how many ſoeuer againſt them, ſhall in the end hauehave cauſe to praiſe him, for his mercy in their ſafety from all enemies: for the eyes of the Lord behold all the earth, 2. Chron. 16. 9.to ſhew himſelfe ſtrong with them that are of a perfect hart towards him.
Of the Title.
THis is the firſt Pſalme that hath a title, the titles are diuers in ſundry Pſalmes, and ſome of them make very much to the vnderſtanding of the Pſalme, containing briefly the argument of it, as this title doth, and do ſhew who is the penman, and vponupon what occaſion penned, and when it was indited: the variety may be obſerued in other places, as we ſhal come heereafter vntounto them, thus much of this in generall for the preſent.
A Pſalm. Explanation.] The Apoſtle mentioneth three kinds of ſongs, Epheſ. 5. 19. ſo are there in this booke Tehillah, in Greeke foreign, a hymne or praiſe; Shir foreign, a ſong or laye; and heere this mizmor foreign, it commeth of zamar, to prune or cut off ſuperfluous twigs, and noteth, that this kinde is an artificially framed ſong, in a certaine full number of words and meaſure, ſuperfluous words being cut away. Note hence,
That it is lawfull to vſe ſweet ſongs artificially modulated, Doct.(the ditty being holy and heauenly) as well as other, the Apoſtle giues liberty in all, Eph. 5. 19. ſo it be in the heart, and vntounto the Lord, with vnderſtanding and to edification.
To vſe heerein our Chriſtian liberty,Vſe. ſo it be holy as becommeth true godlineſſe, and men endued with grace.
Of Dauid. Explanation.] Or to Dauid, for to or of may bee both one, the Hebrew ſpeech vſeth theſe indifferently, as the learned in that tongue affirme, as appeareth plainely in the title of the Pſalme, 120. & 121. where Hammagnaloth, and Pammagnaloth, are made one; ſo in Greeke we do read foreign, Mar. 2. 18. and foreign. So this ſhewes it was a Pſalme of Dauid which he did penne, and a Pſalme to Dauid for his owne inſtruction, as well as for others: teaching,
That it is nothing derogatory to the Maieſty of Regall authority,Doct. 1. for Kings with all Art and skill, to compoſe and to bee cunning in Poems; Dauid a renowned King, wiſe and valiant, was heerein excellent, ſo Moſes, Pſal. 90. and Salomon, as Canticles ſhew, and alſo Hezechiah, Eſay. 38. 9.
To eſteeme of this excellent gift,Vſe. & none to vilifie or baſely account thereof: it was an excellent gift in the Primitiue Church, 1. Corinth. 14. 26. The abuſe onelyonly maketh it contemptible; there is profitable and ſingular vſe to bee made thereof.
That Dauid imployed this excellent gift to the publike good of the Church:Doct. 2. yet ſo a Pſalme of Dauid for others, as it was alſo to Dauid, for his owne benefit.
To vſe our gifts to the Churches edification;Vſe. therein excell, 1. Cor. 14. 12. but yet ſo be a teacher vntounto others, as we may alſo profit our ſelues, ſpeake to others and to our ſelues, Eph. 5. 19. that while we preach vntounto others, we our ſelues be not reprooued, 1. Cor. 9. 27.
When he fled. Explanation] Bebarhu in flying or auoyding him: now did he penne this Pſalme, ſhewing,
That croſſes and afflictions (though grieuous) hinder not the piety and deuotion of Gods children, Doct.but rather yeeld matter & further occaſion thereof, Pſalm. 7. 2. Sam. 16. 17. Pſalm. 52. 1. Sam. 22. 9. there be many Pſalmes penned vponupon ſuch occaſion, for God by troubles teacheth his people many things, which elſe they would neuer practiſe.
To bleſſe God that giueth ſuch wiſedome and grace vntounto his Children,Vſe. 1. to make ſo happy gaine to themſelues, and to others, of their troubles.
To pray for this wiſedome and grace,Vſe 2. that we may be able to make this holy vſe of afflictions.
A condemnation to ſuch as by croſſes and afflictions are driuen from all deuotion,Vſe. 3. and through impatience and want of faith doe forſake goodneſſe.
Dauid was a moſt ſtout champion,Explanation and very valiant, and yet heere hee is noted to flye. A valiant man, ſometime (without any diſgrace to him) may flye to auoid imminent and moſt certaine perill of death to him and his, as Dauid doth heere, 2 Sam. 15. 13. 14.
Not to hold it a diſgrace in ſuch a caſe to flye:Vſe. neither impute it to any for cowardlineſſe: but rather to iudge the deſperate hazard foole-hardlineſſe, and ſuch mad aduenturers (if they dye) little leſſe then ſelfe-murtherers.
From the face of his ſonne. Explanation.] From the face, is from his perſon, ſo taken, Leuit. 19. 15. or from his wrath and ferity. Gen. 32. 20. becauſe the ſigne of wrath appeareth in the face: here is a ſonnes wrath kindled ſo againſt the Father (yet moſt vniuſtly) as he dares not abide his preſence.
Good & godly parents may hauehave most leaud children,Doct. 1. Adam a Caine, Abraham an Iſhmael, Iſaac an Eſau, &c.
To make men know that grace is not by nature, Vſe.example, or education: but by the holy ghoſt, and therefore to pray God for them.
That the godly may hauehave enemies ariſing out of their owne bowells, Doct. 2.as heere we ſee the ſonne againſt the Father, of ſuch Chriſt foretells, Mat. 10. 35. 36.
When ſuch afflictions befall any of Gods children,Vſe. not to hold it ſtrange.
This riſing of Dauids ſonne againſt him,Explanation. came as God foretold, to puniſh his adultery and murther, 2 Sam. 12. 11. and 16. 22. thus the Lord raiſeth vp this inſtrument, and heauily doth chaſtiſe Dauids great offence, by which he had cauſed Gods name to be blaſphemed, 2. Sam. 12. 14.
God will and may raiſe vp what inſtruments hee pleaſeth to puniſh offenders,Doct. 1. thus he raiſed Hadad, Reizen, and Ieroboam againſt Salomon, 1. King. 11. 14. 23. 26. and heere the ſonne againſt the Father, 2. Sam. 12. 11.
Learne therefore to feare the Lord,Vſe. that wee ſinne not againſt him: for he hath his inſtruments ſuch as hee will, and where he pleaſeth to raiſe them vp againſt vsus, if we prouoke him to wrath.
Great ſinnes receiue heauy chaſtiſements, Doct. 2.(a Dauid heere feeleth it) if we doe conſider his ſinnes, and heare his ſonnes act of rebellion,Vſe. withall the circumſtances of both.
As thou doſt ſinne, ſo looke for puniſhment, behold Iezabels ſinnes and puniſhment, 1. King. 21. 23. 2. Kings. 9. 33. ſo Iehoram, 2. Chron. 21. 4. 14. 17. 18. 19. terrible vengeance for their execrable wickedneſſes.
It may ſeeme very ſtrange,Explanation. that Dauid a valiant man, who would ſo often be nigh to Saul, and come to ſpeake to him, when he came with an hoaſt againſt him. 1. Sam. 24. 9. and 26. and yet dare not abide his ſonnes comming: but the reaſon was, that Dauid ſaw him ſo vnnaturall, as hee knew hee would be moſt cruell, heereby teaching,
That none may bee held more ſauage and mercileſly cruell,Doct. then ſuch as hauehave loſt the light and inſtinct of nature: ſee this in Caine to Abell, Gen. 4. Iehoram againſt his brethren, 2. Chron. 21. 4. Abimelech. Iudg. 9. 5.
To ſuſpect the worſt of theſe inhumane monſters,Vſe 1. except the Lord bridle their fury. Gen. 32. 11.
To take heed that we become not vnnaturall,Vſe 2. for then we will turne Tygres, and deuouring beaſts, without ſparing the neereſt and deereſt of our bloud.
Abſalom. Explanatiō.] This is the Rebell and Conſpirator, euen Abſolom Dauids darling, the ſonne of a King, and of a Kings daughter, 2. Sam. 3. 3. moſt comely, cap. 14. 25. and well brought vp, 1. Chron. 27. 32. Prou. 4. 3. 4. and 31. 1. beloued of his Father, 2. Sam. 18. 5. 33. pardoned of his great offence. 2. Sam. 13. and 14. allowed large maintainance, 2. Sam. 15. 1. yet now ſeeketh his fathers death.
From whome in reaſon ſhould come all comfort and kindnes: Doct. 1.from them often ariſeth the greateſt miſchiefe. Example here: ſo in Hazael againſt Benhadad, 2. King. 7. 8. 15. Senacharths ſonnes againſt him, 2. Kings 19. 37. and Ioaſh againſt Ie…o…adahs ſonne, who had done him great honour, 2. Chron. 22. 11. 12. and 23. 11. 16. but he rewarded him euill in his Son. cap. 24. 21.
Not to expect alwaies an anſwerable recompence to thy goodnes:Vſe. but rather (ſuch is mans ingratitude) to receiue ſometimes euill for good: as Dauid complaineth in the Pſal. 35. 12—16. and 38. 20. and 59. 3. And our Sauiour who did good and no euill, found the people moſt vngratefull, and wickedly bent againſt him.
It is not nobleneſſe of birth,Doct. 2. not nature, not good education, not benefits receiued, not comelineſſe of perſon, that can reſtraine from helliſh outrage, if grace be wanting: this is apparent in this Abſolom.
To eſteeme highly of grace and the feare of God,Vſe. and earneſtly to begge it at Gods hands, as being more forcible to bridle corruption, & to make vsus to eſchew euill, than al theſe.
In that a remembrance is kept of Dauids perſecution, and that by the vnnaturall rebellion of his owne ſonne, to glorifie God, and to benefit the Church: we doe learne,
That the godly are not partiall, Explanatiō.in publiſhing things as they be without reſpect of perſons: they record the truth to the glory of God, and the Churches good. Such a Chronicler was Moſes, and all other pen-men of Gods ſpirit.
A reproofe to the deceitfull and flattering records of men in our times,Doct. in which truth is much falſified, by addition of vertues, where they neuer were; by couering vices where they were moſt notorious, and by a licentious enlarging or abbreuiating, ſo as ſtories become a fabricke of flattery, and almoſt a fable after the pen-mans pleaſure.
Thus much touching the title of this Pſalme,Vſe. ſhewing the occaſion of Dauids penning thereof: the Pſalme it ſelfe followeth.
VERSE .I.
Lord how are mine aduerſaries encreaſed?Text. how many riſe againſt me?
O Lord though I am now flying from my ſonne,Paraphraſe. yet do I flye vntounto thee, and am bould to poure forth my complaint in thy preſence: truth it is that I did deſpiſe thy commandements aSam. 12. 11.in killing Vriah with the ſword, and for this thou didſt iuſtly threaten to raiſe vp euill againſt mee out of mine owne houſe; but loe how now mine enemies are multiplied, which bring mee into great ſtraights on eueryevery ſide! how many riſe vp in armes and open rebellion? and that not onelyonly out of mine owne houſe, but out of my whole kingdome is euill raiſed againſt mee; not onelyonly Abſolom my ſonne, whom I ſo called, hoping hee ſhould hauehave beene the Fathers peace, is now become the Fathers care and greefe; but he hathb2. Sam. 15. 6. ſtollen the hearts of my ſubiects from me,cverſ 31. Achitophell alſo is ioyned with him, and the Elders ofd2. Sam. 17. 4. Iſrael, and the conſpiracy is great,echap. 15. 12. yea the people flocke vntounto him more and more.
Lord. Explanation.] Dauid in his afflictions when many came againſt him, hath recourſe onelyonly vntounto God, to helpe him againſt them all.
The godly in their troubles hauehave recourſe vntounto the Lord,Doct. as to their refuge and ſuccour againſt the power of men, Pſalme 7. 1. 2. Chr. 20. 4. 6. 12. and 14. 11. and 13. 14. Ex. 14. 15. Prou. 18. 10. 11.
Heerein to follow the godly to ſeeke vntounto the Lord,Vſe. 1. for ſo are we commanded. Pſal. 50. and he will heare vsus. Pſal. 9. 12. and 10. 17. and 34. 15. 17.
A reproofe to ſuch as truſt not in God.Vſe 2. Pſalm. 52. 7. but take aduiſe of the wicked, as in Pſal. 11. 1. and do after their way. To relye on men, as is noted, Ier. 43. 5. 6. contrary to Gods commandement. Ierem. 42. 10—14. as Achaz did, 2. Kings. 16. 7. 2. Chronicles. 28. 16—22. and as Aſah did, 2. Chron. 16. 7—9.
In that Dauid being puniſhed of God for his ſinne,Explanation. as hee well knew that this came vponupon him (as God had ſaid) for the ſinne againſt Vriah, yet now being repentant, Dauid neuertheleſſe, through faith, which was not loſt, (2. Sam. 15. 25. 26. 32.) goeth vntounto the Lord for helpe, we do learne,
That former ſinnes committed, Doct.and preſent afflictions ſent of God for them, cannot withhold the repentant faithfull from ſeeking vntounto God. Such is the power of faith in a repentant ſpirit, as Dauids was, 2. Sam. 12. 13. & Manaſſes, 2. Chr. 33. 12. 13.
Not to bee daunted vnderunder afflictions for thy treſpaſſes,Vſe. to goe vntounto God for deliuerance, if thou be repentant, for God is exceeding mercifull, Pſal. 103. 8. 9. 13. 14. and 111. 4. Mich. 7. 18. He is nigh to all that are truly repentant, Pſal. 34. 18. and 51. 17. Let this be our comfort againſt the knowledge of our ſinne, and iuſt deſerts, in time of our trouble.
How] Dauid is ſtricken into an admiration of this conſpiracie,Explanation. and alſo doth make a complaint; which ſhew, that hee held himſelfe vnworthily handled of them: elſe he could not hauehave admired and complained iuſtly.
God is iuſt in puniſhing:Doct. and wee worthily deſerue it: yet may we be innocent towards ſuch as be Gods rod, and ſo admire at them and complaine of them, as Dauid doth here, and Pſal. 35. 7.
To conſider of the inſtruments by whom wee be afflicted:Vſe. for God vſeth not alwaies to puniſh vsus by them whom wee hauehave wronged, but ſometimes by them whom we hauehave done good vntounto, or not offended; that in reſpect of them, we might craue helpe of God againſt them, which is not a ſmall comfort: to hauehave God one way for vsus, and not both God and man iuſtly againſt vsus.
In that Dauid here ſheweth his griefe,Explanation. to bee thus vnnaturally, and vnthankfully dealt with of thoſe, whom he had done and wiſhed ſo great good vntounto, we may learne,
That a good man is troubled and grieued to hauehave thoſe to riſe vp in hatred againſt him,Doct. whom he wiſheth well vntounto. How heauily Dauid tooke this, ſee 2. Sam. 15. 30. Ieremy was herewith vexed, chap. 15. 10.
Not to paſſe ouer without any care ſuch things: Vſe.for as a learned man ſaith, Mali animi indicium eſt, ſuſque de que facere, ameriſne vel odio habearis ab illis, quibuſcum viuendum eſt.
Are increaſed. Explanatiō.] The hiſtorie doth ſhew the conſpiracie began but with a few, 2. Sam. 15. 11. but after increaſed, verſe 12. and 18. 7.
Nothing ſo wickedly and heinouſly begun, Doct.eſpecially by the mightie, but eaſily will get liking of a multitude: See this in the conſpiracie of Corah, Numb. 16. 1. 2. 19. and in Iudas treaſon againſt Chriſt, Ioh. 13. 30. with Mat. 26. 47. and 27. 1. 20. the like in Act. 19. 24. 29. ſee before Pſal. 2. 1. 2.
Not to iudge well of a cauſe becauſe of a multitude:Vſe 1. for worſt cauſes hauehave vſually moſt followers, becauſe the worſt are the greateſt number, whoſe hearts are ſet on euill, and they only want opportunitie; which once offered, they are as preſt ſouldiers, readie at the leaſt alarum to runne to miſchiefe.
To keepe vnderunder the wicked,Vſe. 2. for of ſmall beginnings they will increaſe to a multitude: as did Antichriſt and his followers: Reuel. 13. 11. 16. and 17. 2.
Mine aduerſaries. Explanatiō.] The word Tſarim are enemies, which incloſe and keepe ſtraight (without elbow roome, as we ſay) ſuch as they come againſt, 2. King. 6. 1. 25. the word is there vſed: and of this number was Abſolom his ſonne, Achitophel his friend and Counſellor, with other men of place, &c. 2. Samuel 15. 12. 13. and 16. 15. and 17. 4. whom he calleth heere aduerſaries to him. Whence note,
That ſuch as be friends at one time, Doct. 1.may proue malicious enemies at another: as theſe here proue to Dauid, whom hee ſuſpected not, 2. Sam. 15. 9. Pſal. 41. 9. and 55. 13. 14.
Seeing men are ſo wicked,Vſe. it is meete to walke euer warily, and circumſpectly, one towards another. All are not faithful that are preſent friends, eſpecially in proſperity when they cannot be diſcerned well. Pro. 14. 20.
That as men ſhew themſelues, Doct. 2.ſo are they to be taken and iudged: for Dauid here calleth them enemies, and ſo accounteth them euen in his complaint to God, who otherwiſe were before all as friends, and ſome yet of his blood and kinred.
To vſe our libertie of iudgement, if we finde men aduerſaries indeed (though neuer ſo nigh in blood,Vſe. affinitie, neighbourhood, or otherwiſe) then ſo to hold them, till they ſhew the contrary: right iudgement is one thing: and mercifully to forgiue is another; and both may ſtand together.
It may not be omitted that Dauid here calleth them aduerſaries onelyonly,Explanation. and not malicious, vngratefull, vnnaturall, and cruell, as elſewhere, Pſalme 35. 11. and 43. 1. and 59. 2. 5. and 71. 4. for heere was his ſonne, but others with him miſled, 2. Sam. 15. 11. and all of them as Gods rod for the preſent to afflict him: which no doubt he well weighed.
Naturall affection to ſome that are our aduerſaries,Doct. error in other ſome miſled (as here, 2. Sam. 15. 11.) that all are alſo Gods preſent rod of chastiſement for ſinne: and lastly, not without hope to be reconciled againe, (as Dauid hoped, 2. Sam. 15. 25. 26.) are great meanes to restraine our thoughts, and to moderate our words towards them.
To temper our ſelues towards ſuch as doe ſhew themſelues aduerſaries againſt vsus,Vſe. euen in an high degree, let vsus yet conſider what they are to vsus, how they are led, what hope of reconcilement, and that God by them doth humble vsus, ſo ſhall wee not be inraged againſt them.
Many are they that riſe vp. Explanatiō.] As before he calleth them aduerſaries, ſo now hee declareth what manner of aduerſaries, and the number to be many.
Godly men may be exerciſed and humbled,Doct. not with one or a few, but with many aduerſaries, as Dauid heere: ſo Ieremy, and Chriſt Ieſus, S. Paul, &c.
Not to thinke therefore this triall ſtrange,Vſe. if ſo wee thus be exerciſed, and finde not one, or a few, but very many aduerſaries.
Aduerſaries in an inſurrection and rebellion:Explanatiō. they at the firſt came together but at the ſacrifice, 2. Sam. 15. 11. 12. but after it proued a treaſonable flocking, breaking out into open rebellion.
Popular flockings vntounto an aſpiring ſpirit (as was Abſolō) breeds rebellion, Doct.which vponupon fit occaſion, time, and place, will openly breake foorth, as we doe here ſee, and Chronicles ſhew.
A caueat for Princes to ſee vntounto this:Vſe. Abſoloms are ſeditious, and the ſeditious ſeeke only euill, Pro. 17. 11. The ſaying of Salomon, verſ. 14. is moſt true in ſtrife of this kinde for a kingdome: but hee that exalteth his gate ſeeketh deſtruction, verſ. 19.
Againſt me. Explanatiō.] Euen againſt Dauid a good and vertuous King, Pſal. 78. 72. yet againſt him doe theſe riſe, who had no cauſe to be his enemies: but yet by theſe God chaſtiſed him for his ſinne: teaching,
That moſt excellent good and holy men,Doct. 1. Kings, and Prophets, may hauehave aduerſaries, and traiterous rebels againſt them, without any cauſe on their part: Daniel 6. 4. Pſalme 59. 3. for ſome hate goodneſſe it ſelfe, Pſalme 38. 20. and thoſe that are good, Ioh. 15. 19.
Let not any,Vſe. 1. whether Princes or Paſtors thinke to be without aduerſaries in this world, though they ſhould liue neuer ſo innocently.
Not to thinke therefore men are alwaies worthie blame,Vſe 2. becauſe they hauehave aduerſaries, though great, learned, noble, and many of them: for ſo had innocent Daniel, yea Ieſus Chriſt; nor to iudge Princes wicked, becauſe ſome proue rebels and traitors againſt them, as were here againſt good Dauid.
That albeit Princes doe not deſerue ſuch traiterous practiſes,Doct. 2. and rebellions, from their ſubiects; yet may the ſame be Gods correction for ſinne againſt them: as this was vponupon Dauid, 2. Chr. 24. 25. and 25. 27.
The mighty to conſider themſelues in ſuch rebellions,Vſe. and bee reconciled vntounto God, who ſubdueth the people vnderunder their hands, Pſalme 7. For albeit they may bee innocent towards their ſubiects, yet the Lord is euer iuſt in his proceedings.
Note that rebellion is called a riſing vp, Explanation.(when other ſinnes are compared to falling) in regard of high hearts, and proud aſpiring ſpirits, as alſo of the high dignitie of Kings, which they oppoſe themſelues againſt rebelliouſly.
They that are rebels ſinne highly,Doct. in pride of ſpirit, and againſt kingly maieſtie, the moſt high calling vponupon earth: but as they ariſe high, they fall downe low, as the example in hand ſheweth, and experience in all ages confirmeth.
Take heed of rebellion:Vſe. Feare God and honour the King. Dauid had a deadly aduerſarie of Saul, hee was a troubler of the people, and a murtherer of the Lords Prieſts: yet being the Lords annointed, he would not meddle with him. We are forbidden to hauehave euill thoughts in our hearts againſt kings: Eccleſiaſt. 10. 20.
VERSE .II.
Many ſay to my ſoule,Text. there is no helpe for him in God.
NOt content herewith to driue me out of my kingdome,Paraphraſe. many of them do further alſo perſecute me with words of hatred, andaPſal. 69. 20. vexe my ſoule with contumelies and reproches. For this indeed goeth to the very heart of me, that when I might hauehave looked for ſome to hauehave pitie on me, they contrarily extoll themſelues againſt me, with rebukes and taunts, as if I were vtterly forlorne, and paſt all hope, ſaying, There, there, ſo would wee hauehave it;bPſal. 71. 11. God hath forſaken him, purſue him, and take him, for there is none to deliuer himcPſal. 41. 8.; a miſchiefe is light vponupon him, and now he is downe he ſhall riſe vp no more, God himſelfe whom hee did pretend to ſerue, and truſt in for aide and ſuccor, hath nowd2. Sam. 16. 8. taken him in his wickedneſſe, and hath no helpe in ſtore for him.
Heere Dauid bringeth in his enemies words,Explanation. by which no doubt they encouraged themſelues in this foule fact, and ſought to confound the ſpirit of him heereby, of which hee here doth chiefly complaine, and mention vntounto the Lord.
Such as relie vponupon the Lord,Doct. doe tell him in particular of their enemies words and deeds, Pſalme 10. and 22. 7. 8. Act. 4. 27. 29. 2. Chron. 20. 10. 11.
To learne to vnfold our griefes into the boſome of God,Vſe. as the godly hauehave done: for great is the benefit in reſpect of the comfort, and aſſurance which commeth thereby, as the euent ſheweth in the examples of holy men, and experience telleth other in theſe times.
Many] That is,Explanation. all that treaſonable flocke, and rebellious rout ſo ſaid, and yet it was an error.
Error and falſehood (and eſpecially that which is for the ouerthrow of the godly) gets ſoone many fauourites, Doct.as appeareth by that curſed falſe report ſpread by the ſouldiers, Matth. 28. 15. ſo againſt the Apoſtle, Act. 16. 19.—22. and 21. 27. 28. 29. 30.
Therefore beware of credulitie,Vſe. and before we doe entertaine ſpeeches, let vsus weigh them well, and only by triall approue, leſt we be deceiued, ſeeing falſehood getteth ſo ſoone fauour with men, many may ſay that which yet is not true.
Say] The word is ſaying,Explanatiō. as ſhewing in their riſing vp, they thus ſpake of Dauid, and heartened one another: they doe not onelyonly diſtreſſe him with deedes, but vexe him alſo with words.
The wicked eueryevery way by words and deedes ſeeke to vexe the godly,Doct. cruell in act, contumelious and deſpitefull in ſpeeches, Pſal. 35. 15. 16. 22. 7. 8. 13. Mat. 27. 29. 30.—42.
To prepare our ſelues as well for reproches,Vſe. as other croſſes; for the godly hauehave had their part in both, Iob. 30. 1. 9. 10. Lam. 3. 14. 63. Heb. 11. 36.
To my ſoule] Lenaphſhi, Explanation.this word ſome tranſlate of my ſoule, and ſo the ſoule put for the whole man, as is vſuall: but the word will beare the other ſenſe, and is more forcible: for Dauid doth not only ſhew what they ſpake, but how he tooke it, euen as a ſword piercing to his ſoule.
Words (ſuch may they be many times) will cauſe more trouble to the afflicted,Doct. and adde ſorrow to other preſent outward croſſes: Pſal. 69. 20. and 42. 10. Lam. 2. 15. 16.
Not to breake out into inſulting,Vſe. contumelious taunting, or otherwiſe diſgracefull ſpeeches towards others, eſpecially the afflicted: for though they be but words, yet may they be wounding, and encreaſe anguiſh in ſoule, and may make ſad the hearts of the righteous; a ſinne which God one day will puniſh, Ezek. 13. 22. 23.
There is no helpe for him in God. Explanatiō.] The Hebrew word Ieſugnah is Ieſugnathah, a letter added for to encreaſe the ſignification, as if it were ſaid, there is no manner of helpe at all: the like is in Pſal. 44. 27. and 92. 16. and 94. 17. and 63. 8. and 12. 1. 2. Iob. 5. 16. This is their iudgement of him, yet they incouraged themſelues againſt him, with this, that he could not now hope for deliuerance from God.
This is the peruerſe iudgement of the wicked,Doct. 1. to thinke that if God afflict his children, and let them alone a while, he indeed hath vtterly forſaken them: Pſal. 41. 8. 2. Sam. 16. 7. 8.
The wicked to learne hereby to rectifie this iudgement,Vſe 1. ſeeing the caſe is farre otherwiſe, Pſal. 103. 9. he chaſtiſeth in louelove, and not in hatred, Heb. 12. 6. Reuel. 3. 19. Pro. 3. 12.
The godly not to regard what the wicked thinke of them,Vſe 2. their iudgement is peruerſe.
It is a ſtrong motiue in the wicked,Doct. 2. being conceited (though falſly) that God is for them, and againſt the godly, to riſe vp and vexe them. Pſal. 71. 11.
Godly to pray for their enemies,Vſe 1. to reforme their opinion herein, which ſo heartens them in euill.
The wicked to conſider,Vſe 2. how they are by the lying ſpirit deceiued, when they riſe againſt the godly; behold the end God made for Dauid, againſt Abſolom, Achitophel, and the reſt, who being in preſent proſperitie, and perhaps remembring Nathans words againſt Dauid, 2. Sam. 12. 10. 11. conclude thus wickedly, as it may ſeeme, 2. Sam. 16. 8. but the end ſheweth they were deceiued.
In that Dauid complaineth of this ſpeech,Explanation. and not of his ſonnes vnnaturalnes, the ingratitude of others, or of any other outward euill done by them in particular in their rebellion, but only this it doth teach,
That to be iudged as vtterly forſaken of God, Doct.is a greater temptation then all outward troubles, Pſal. 42. 10. for they cannot ouercome this heauie temptation but by the eſpeciall grace of God, giuing ſtrength of faith in this combat.
Godly to pray with Dauid, Vſe. 1.Pſal. 35. 3. and to hauehave hope, as he had. 2. Sam. 16. 10. 12.
Not to torment the poore afflicted with ſuch a dart of Sathan.Vſe. 2.
This may terrifie the wicked:Vſe. 3. for if the godly be troubled herewith, who know the contrary by the word: how ſhould not horror poſſeſſe their hearts, when they may heare this againſt themſelues eueryevery where in the word, and ſhall at the laſt day be manifeſt to the world? Matth. 7. and 25.
God] The word is Elohim, Explanation.his firſt name in Scripture, Gen. 1. 1. it is the plurall number, commonly ioyned with a word of the ſingular, 1. Chron. 17. 21. though ſometime with a plurall. 2. Sam. 7. 23. Pſal. 58. 12. to teach,
That there is a plurality of perſons,Doct. in the ſingularity of the eſſence, expreſſed in his other name Iehouah, ver. 3. 4. both ſet downe in ver. 7.
To acknowledge this diuine myſtery,Vſe. that God is Iehouah Elohim. one, and yet three.
Selah. Explanatiō.This word is read onelyonly in Pſalmes, and in Hab. 3. 3. 9. a note of aſſeueration, or admiration, referred to the minde, it is to giuegive attention to muſicke, it notes an eleuation of voyce. Shindelerus ſaith, it is as vox enclitica ſine ſenſu, diuerſly tranſlated: if here to marke then obſerue,
That it is worthy of pauſing vponupon, Doct.to conſider the folly of the wicked in proſperity: how highly they thinke of themſelues, and contemptuouſly of the godly, as alſo yet how by faith the godly ouercome this temptation, verſ. 8. there is Selah.
We may therefore by this obſerue a ſtay,Vſe. or pauſing time, and that we are not ſpeedily to runne ouer what is there noted, as worthy our marking, as heer in this place of theſe two things obſerued.
VERSE .III.
But thou Lord art a buckler for me:Text. my glory, and the lifter vp of my head.
BVt let them thinke and ſpeake contemptuouſly of mee as they will,Paraphraſe. and ſooth and pleaſe themſelues with ſuch fond imaginations; yet this is but to ſing the triumph before they hauehave gotten the victory. For I beleeue Lord, and am aſſured of thy deſence.aPſalm. 26. I know that thou wilt helpe thine annointed, and heare him from thy ſanctuary, by the mighty helpe of thy right hand, for thou haſt taken it vponupon thee as a part of thine office, amongſt other thy ſeruants to defend me alſo: tobPſal. 18. 2 & 27. 5. and 31. 3. and 62. 7. couer mee with thy defence, and ſet thy might as a fortification about me. And though now they defame mee and caſt me out of my kingdome, yetcPſal. 21. 5. my glory hath beene great in thy ſaluation, worſhip and honour haſt thou laid vponupon me; thou haſt aduanced me to the throne, and thou wilt reſtore me to it, and my kingly dignity; my head which now hangs down with ſhame and ſorrow, thou wilt lift vpdPſal. 27. 6. with ioy and triumph, and cauſe the Crowne to flouriſh thereon againe.
But thou Lord art, Explanation.&c.] Dauid here recalleth his thoughts from his enemies comfortleſſe ſpeeches, profeſſing his faith in God, not beleeuing their wicked ſpeeches: but reſteth in the Lords powerful protection, whatſoeuer they ſay againſt him: from this courſe of this holy Prophet we may learne,
That the godly wiſe doe ſo take knowledge of their temptations,Doct. 1 to be there with in ſoule perplexed, as yet they recall their thoughts from thence, to comfortable meditations, which may giuegive them ſtrength in God, Pſ. 119. 23. 92. Pſ. 27. 13. 2. Cor. 4. 16. 18.
To admoniſh the ſoule drooping in temptations,Vſe. not to refuſe comfort as Rachell; but with Dauid to turn our thoughts to better comfort, and correct our ſelues as he did, Pſal. 42. 11. and ſay as he, Pſa. 71. 7. 20.
That the godly beleeue not what wicked men iudge of their caſe betweene God and themſelues:Doct. 2. they paſſe not of mens iudgement, as S. Paul ſpeakes, 1. Cor. 4. 3.
Not to be caſt downe with the iudgement of wicked perſons.Vſe. For Gehezi ſeeth the danger, but not the ſafeguard, 2. Kings 6. till his eyes be open, but Eliſha and Dauid know that God is their defence, and that it is farre better with them than the wicked thinke.
Dauid was now in a three-fold diſtreſſe,Explanation. and for his comfort hee conſidereth, the Lord to anſwere him to them all, teaching.
That he that hath the Lord, Doct.is ſufficiently comforted againſt the wicked. For Dauid was ſuccourleſſe, God is his buckler; Dauid was contemned, God is his glory: hee was caſt downe, God is his lifter vp.
To reioyce more in the aid of God,Vſe. than in al the ſtrength of men, and let vsus not feare their oppoſitions, the Lord is all-ſufficient, Geneſ. 17. 1. and wee are not alone, though all forſake vsus, if God be with vsus, Io. 16. 32. 2. King. 6. 16. conſider, Pſal. 27. 14.
A ſhield for me. Explanatiō.] Thus he compareth the Lord to expreſſe his protection. Clypeus, foreign, or foreign, ab occultando, or caelando, for ſouldiers were hid and couered by a ſheeld from the ſtroakes and darts of enemies, the worde magen comes of ganan to compaſſe as an hedge or wall. It differs from Tſinnah, which commeth of tſanan, a buckler bearing out ſharpe in the middle.
God is a ſhield,Doct. a protection, and ſure defence to his children. Gen. 15. 1. Pſal. 18. 2. Deut. 33. 29. Pſal. 91. 1.
Comfort;Vſe 1. not to feare the enemies of Gods people, Gen. 15. 1. he hideth his, Pſal. 27. 5. He receiueth the ſtroakes of the aduerſaries as a ſhield. Iob. 15. 25. 26.
Wicked feare and conſider your mad fury,Vſe. 2. when you riſe againſt the godly, who are hidden vnderunder Gods protection and power, as vnderunder a ſhield.
My glory. Explanation.] By godly, hee vnderſtands his kingly dignity, and adorning, as Mat. 6. 29. and he calleth God his glory, for that he aduanced him thereunto, and would maintaine it againſt his enemies. As he calleth him his ſhield, that is, hee that will defend him, ſo now his glory, for that he wil maintaine his dignity.
Kingly dignity is glory,Doct. 1. Mat. 6. 29. but yet weighty, as chabod alſo ſignifieth.
Princes to looke vponupon the glory of their places,Vſe. as yet they withall conſider the heauy waight and burden of their places. Exod. 18. 18—23.
The godly make the Lord to bee that vntounto them which they are:Doct. 2. if rich, glorious, ſtrong, &c. they hold him to bee their wealth, glory, ſtrength, as Dauid here doth.
Whatſoeuer we be,Vſe. hold God to be that vntounto vsus, thereby ſhall we acknowledge him the author thereof and preſeruer, and that we eſteeme him aboue them, while wee hauehave them, and hauing loſt them, yet doe enioy them hauing him.
That God is the maintainer not onelyonly of the bodily ſafety,Doct. 3. but alſo of the dignity of his children, to which hee exalted them. Pſal. 2. 4. 5. and 21. 5. 8. Ioſ. 1. 5. 2. Sam. 7. 9. Pſal. 62. 4, 6. Numb. 16. and 17. 5. and 12. 10.
Comfort to the godly exalted by God,Vſe. 1. that he will maintaine their ſtanding, Pſal. 21. 1. if they truſt in him.
Wicked not to riſe againſt ſuch as the Lord exalteth,Vſe. 2. they ſhall not preuaile. Pſal. 21. 11. but be deſtroyed. Pſal. 62. 3. 4. and 21. 8. 9. for they be Gods euemies heerein, as the Pſalmiſt in the Pſal. 21. 8. 9. calleth them.
And lifter vp of my head. Explanatiō.] That is, will make me to reioyce, for in ſorrow the head hangeth downe. 1. Kings. 21. 27. as Dauids did heere: ſo when mens hearts are glad, they lift vp their heads. Pſal. 110. 7. Luke 21. 28. from this manner of ſpeaking, and his hope in God, we may note,
That a very godly mans heart will be heauy,Doct. 1. and his countenance caſt downe in afflictions for his ſinnes, though hee know that God doth forgiue him. 2. Sam. 15. 30. with 12. 13.
Iuſtly to condemne ſuch as be like 2.Vſe. Chron. 28. 22. not humbled for iudgements, and yet without aſſurance of pardon: but if afflictions make ſad ſuch a one, oh! in the day of wrath how ſhall other be ouerwhelmed with ſorrowes?
That it is God that lifteth vp his,Doct. 2. and maketh them glad in heart. Pſal. 9. 13. and 4. 7. and 30. 11.
To ſeeke to God for gladneſſe of heart,Vſe. hee cauſeth true ioy.
That ſuch as be vnderunder Gods chaſtiſements,Doct. 3. yet knowing that God hath pardoned them, as Dauid did (ſee before, 2. Samuel 12. 13.) they can comfortably looke for ioy in the end, Pſalme 27. 6.
In thy afflictions aboue all things labour for this,Vſe the aſſurance of pardon of thy ſinnes, then wilt thou in the middeſt of troubles confidently expect comfort from God.
VERSE .IV.
I did call vponupon the Lord with my voyce,Text. and he heard me out of his holy mountaine.
THis my hope (know ye.Paraphraſe. O mine enemies) is not vaine or groundleſſe, but I am perſwaded heereof by former experiments of his help at hand, when I called vponupon him: for this was I went to doe in all my troubles, and herein hauehave alwaies found comfort and ſucceſſe, leauing the thought of all humane ayde, I betooke my ſelfe to earneſt prayer, and that not onelyonly in the ſecret ſighes and ſilent wiſhes of my troubled ſoule, but with ſtrong cryes did I importune his helpe, and lift vp myaPſal. 66. 17. voyce, together with my harty deſires, which aſcended into his ſanctuary on mount Sion; yea into heauen it ſelfe the ſeat of his holineſſe, from whence hee hath heard me, and not putting backe mybPſ. 66. 19. 20. prayers, nor his merciemercy from me, hath anſwered my requeſts, in giuing me ſuch things as I prayed for.
Dauid heere beginneth to turne his thoughts to himſelfe,Explanation and conſiders what formerly he had done, and how God had dealt with him, interrupting his complaint to God, to ſpeake to himſelfe thus in 45. and 6. verſes, before he braſt out into prayer againe, teaching,
That the experience of Gods former mercies and helpe,Doct. is a good confirmation of our faith, to looke againe for helpe in preſent perills. 1. Sam. 17. 32. 34—37. 2. Chron. 20. 7-10. 2. Tim 4. 17. 18.
To take notice of Gods goodneſſe towards vsus from time to time,Vſe. that by former mercies wee may be ſtrengthened in our faith, to expect helpe from God in preſent perills. Pſalm. 77. 11.
I did call. Explanatiō.] Hee ſheweth the meanes hee vſed for helpe in his former troubles, as alſo now, verſ. 7. to teach,
That inuocation and prayer,Doct. is one thing, in which the godly exerciſe themſelues in aduerſity, and the meanes they vſe for deliuerance. 2. Chron. 20. 2—13. Eſa 37. 14—20. Pſal. 18. 3. and. 5. 1. 2. 3. 10. 11. Act. 4.
In aduerſity and trouble,Vſe. to giuegive our ſelues to prayer, as we ſee the godly doe: for God will helpe ſuch as doe call vponupon him, Pſal. 50. 15. 2. Chron. 13. 14. 15. and 14. 11. 12. and 16. 9. and 77. 2. 3.
With my voyce. Explanation.] The word chara is to crie, and here voyce is added: for there is a crying as well without voyce, as with it: Exod. 14. 15.
True prayer is a crying in the eares of the Lord,Doct. and the feruencie thereof cauſeth the ſound of the voyce, and the mouth to ſpeake aloud: Exod. 14. 15. Heb. 5. 7. Pſal. 66. 17. 2. Chron. 32. 20. 1. King. 8. 28.
To be feruent in our prayers vntounto God,Vſe. 1. ſuch prayers auaile much. Iam. 5. 16.
A reproofe to ſuch as be remiſſe and cold in prayer,Vſe. 2. neuer come to crying in the eares of the Lord: but pray ſuperſtitiouſly, or formally, and not heartily.
VntoUnto the Lord. Explanation.] Dauid ſheweth to whom he prayed, euen to the Lord.
The godly pray only to God, Doct.and to none but him, Gen. 4. 26. and 12. 8. and ſo did all the faithfull, and no inſtance to the contrary.
To make our prayers only to God;Vſe. not to Saints, Angels, or Virgin Mary, but to him whom wee can call Father. Matthew 6.
And he heard me. Explanatiō.] Here is the ſucceſſe he found in prayer: God heard him. The word gna-nah is to anſwere, which is to heare, as he certifieth that hee heareth, and granteth their requeſts which pray to him.
That the godly pray not in vaine, Doct. 1.it is not loſt labour to call vponupon him, as examples ſhew, 2. Chron. 13. 14. 15. and 14. 11. 12. and Dauid witneſſeth experimentally, Pſal. 6. 9. and 22. 24. and 118. 5. So we may ſee alſo 2. Chron. 30. 20. 27.
To be hereby encouraged to this holy exerciſe,Vſe. when wee know the Lord will not lend vsus a deafe eare, and ſend vsus away emptie, but will heare vsus & grant our requeſts. Pſ. 34. 17.
That whom God heareth indeed,Doct. 2. them he anſwereth, that is, he by ſome meanes doth ſhew that hee hath heard them: Eſa. 30. 19. and 41. 17.—19. and 58. 9. 1. King. 18. 24. 36. 37. 38.
Pray therefore with Dauid, Ʋſe 1.as in the Pſal. 22. 21. Saue me from the Lions mouth, and anſwere me in ſauing me: and 1. King. 8. 30. 32. 34. 36. 38. 39. 43. 49 50.
Hereby to trie the effectualnes of our prayers with God:Vſe. 2. by the effects wee may know: for hee anſwereth whom hee heareth. Eſa. 30. 19.
Out of his holy mountaine. Explanatiō.] Of this mountaine, and holines thereof, ſee before, and Pſal. 2. 6. but hee is ſaid to be heard from hence, becauſe there was the Sanctuary and Arke, by which Chriſt Ieſus was prefigured, from whence the Lord promiſed to make anſwere to ſuch as ſhould call vponupon him. Exod. 25. 22. and 29. 42. Hereby teaching,
That God is faithfull in his promiſe to performe it. Doct. 1.This Dauid hereby doth witneſſe. So Salomon, 1. King. 8. 20. 58. and ſo is he euer to all his people, Deut. 32. 4. and 7. 9.
To truſt the Lord in his word,Vſe. hee will neither faile vsus nor forſake vsus, Ioh. 1. Heb. 13.
That the godly hauehave in their prayers reſpect vntounto Gods promiſe▪ Doct. 2.this made Daniel turne his face towards Ieruſalem, becauſe he (would and ſhould but) could not be there, Dan. 6. 10. Eſa. 37. 16. compared with Exod. 25. 22.
To conſider of the promiſe of God in praying vntounto him.Vſe 1. 2. Chron. 20. 9.
As the godly in the old Teſtament directed their prayers toward the Arke of the Couenant,Vſe. 2. and ſo to receiue helpe from that holy mountaine: ſo are we to looke for helpe from heauen, beleeuing in Chriſt Ieſus the Prince of the Couenant.
That God heareth them, Doct. 3.that are vniuſtly driuen out of the place of Gods preſence; that is, from the viſible congregation of Gods people, as well as if they were there in perſonall preſence, ſo be it in heart they be there. So heard he Dauid here: ſo Daniel, chap. 6. as Salomon prayed, 1. King. 8. So doth hee yet now heare his people.
Comfort for ſuch as are perſecuted,Vſe. and driuen vniuſtly, from among the faithfull, by Antichriſt and his members, the Lord will heare out of his holy mountaine: though they be driuen out of the aſſemblie of men viſibly, yet are they not reiect of God, but numbred among his Saints, ſo long as they endeuour to pleaſe him.
VERSE .V.
I laid me downe and ſlept,Text. and roſe vp againe: for the Lord ſuſtained me.
IN which reſpect (namely that the Lord heard me) I was moſt confident and ſecure:Paraphraſe. and although for others, vſually troubles breake ſleepe, and care cauſe it to depart, when if they climbe vp to their beds, their eyes ſlumber not, nor their eye-lids take any reſt, butaIob. 7. 4. meaſuring the euening by counting the watches thereof, they are full of toſſing to and fro, till the dauning of the day: yet did I lay me downe in peace, and tooke my reſt; and my ſleepe was ſound and ſweete vntounto me.bIob. 7. 13. My couch relieued me, and my bed brought comfort to me: I was not affrighted with dreames, nor aſtoniſhed with viſions: I was not raiſed vp with out-cries, neither did ſudden terrors ſtirre me vp, till being fully refreſhed, I awaked of my ſelfe: and that becauſe Gods helpe was as the pillow whereon I reſted my head: yea this was a ſtrong pillar, whereon relying, he hath vnderpropped and vpholden me.
Heare he proueth to vsus how the Lord heard him,Explanation. by ſafe keeping him in the perill.
The godly doe not only pray, Doct.but doe obſerue alſo, how the Lord heareth them, and keepeth it in remembrance: as he doth here, and Pſal. 9. 13. 15. 2. Cor. 12. 8. 9. So the Scriptures record the prayers of the godly, and how the Lord heard them alſo: 2. Chron. 20. and 14. Exod. 14. and 32. 14.
To obſerue the ſucceſſe of thy prayers,Vſe. that by experience of Gods merciemercy, thou maieſt be ſtrengthened in faith to pray, and therein to be frequent and feruent in all thy troubles.
I laid me downe and ſlept, Explanation.I awaked.] That is, I Dauid in trouble became thus ſecure: for by theſe ſpeeches is noted a mind ſecure, and one ſafe from dangers: Leuit. 26. 6. Iob. 11. 18. 19. Ezek. 34. 25.
Such as put their truſt in God,Doct. can quietly performe the ordinary actions of life, without anxietie of ſpirit, and fearefull diſtractions: Act. 12. 6. and 16. 25. Numb. 24. 9.
To checke ſuch as profeſſe faith in God,Vſe. and yet are in troubles ouerwhelmed with cares, and diſtracted with feares.
It is to be noted,Explanatiō. that the Prophet doth ſhew firſt how he came to be ſo ſecure, to lie downe in his perils, euen by prayer and faith reſting in God, who did heare him before he betooke himſelfe to ſleepe: teaching,
That a godly mans ſecuritie,Doct. is not of a ſenſeleſſe ſtupiditie, nor of a deſperate temeritie, but of a ſure confidence in God, hauing earneſtly implored his aide: Pſalme 112. 7. Act. 27. 22. 23. 25. Pſal. 4. 8.
To labour for faith in perils,Vſe 1. that wee may reſt ſecurely: Pro. 2. 24. 25. 2. Chron. 20. 20.
To diſcerne a difference betweene the ſpirituall ſecuritie of the godly,Vſe 2. and carnall ſecuritie of the wicked, which commeth not of faith and holy prayer, but of a blockiſh benummednes, Pro. 23. 35. or of a deſperate foole hardineſſe; or of a preſumptuous leuitie; or idle conceit of their owne power, or earthly ſtrength, as 1. King. 20. 16. 18.
By Dauids example,Vſe. 3. before wee lie downe to reſt, let vsus learne to commend our ſelues to God in prayer.
For the Lord ſuſtained me. Explanation.] By the Lord; it was not of himſelfe, or by his guard or kingly authoritie, that hee thus was preſerued in his reſt and ſleepe. The word Samach is to ſuſtaine one by putting vnderunder his hand, Pſal. 37. 17. 24.
The ſtate of the godly is moſt ſecure through Gods protection:Doct. Pſal. 91. Pro. 3. 24.—26. Ezra. 8. 22. 31. 1. Sam. 2. 9.
To giuegive him the glorie of our preſeruation,Vſe 1. as Dauid here, and Pſal. 4. 8. and 118. 13. 14. Exod. 15.
To ſhroud and ſhelter our ſelues vnderunder his protection,Vſe 2. and to caſt our ſelues vponupon him. Conſider Pſal. 37. 5. Pro. 16. 3. Pſal. 118. 8. 9. and 33. 18. 2. Chron. 16. 9.
VERSE .VI.
I will not be afraid of tenne thouſand of the people,Text. that ſhould beſet me round about.
FRom this experience of Gods help heretofore,Paraphraſe. I now dare be bold to glory in the ſame, and for the time to come not feare what man can do vntounto me, nor be afraid of any diſtruſtfull care, neither for the multitude of enemies, nor any ſtraits, or diſaduantages, that they can bring me too: no, though neuer ſo manyaPſal. 17. 3. thouſands and tenne thouſands of the people, ſwarming together like Locuſts in number, ſhould beſiege me round about, where fleſh and blood would thinke it impoſſible to eſcape: for the LordbIbid. verſ. 1. is my light and my ſaluation, whom then ſhould I feare? The Lord is the ſtrength of my life, of whom then ſhould I be afraid? The Lord, I ſay, is with mecPſal. 118. 7. amongſt thoſe that helpe me:Pſal. 54. 4. therefore ſhall I ſee my deſire vponupon mine enemies.
I will not be afraid. Explanatiō.] Dauid hauing found God ſo ſure to him, hath gotten a ſpirit of valour and true fortitude.
Aſſurance of Gods aide,Doct. and experience thereof, cauſeth true valour, and maketh a man of an vndaunted ſpirit: 1. Sam. 17. 26. 32. 34.—36. Ezra. 8. 22. 31. and Pſal. 118. 6. Rom. 8. 31. Pſal. 27. 1. Nehem. 6. 11.
To expell feare and become valiant:Vſe. let vsus truſt in the Lord, Pſal. 56. 3. 4. 2. Chron. 16. 8. So did Moſes exhort the people in their feare, Exod. 14. So in 2. Chron. 20. 20. This aſſurance of Gods aide made Abijah couragious, 2. Chron. 13. 12.
For tenne thouſands of people.Explanatiō.] A certaine number for an vncertaine, meaning an hoaſt of men.
The righteous (vponupon Gods aſſurance) are not daunted with the multitude of enemies:Doct. Pſalme 27. 3. 2. Chron. 14. 9. 10. 11. 1. Sam. 14. 1. 6.
Not to be diſhartned by a multitude of enemies:Vſe. conſider how God is with his. Ioſ. 1. 5. 6. 7. 10. and 10. 8. 9. and 11. 6. 7. Not to bee like the wicked, who flye and none purſue them. Prou 28. 1.
That hauehave round about ſet themſelues againſt mee. Explanatiō.] The word Sabah is to compaſſe about as a circle, or a place beſieged, Eſa. 22. 7. Dauid euen in ſuch a perill ſaith hee will not feare, of ſuch ſtrength is his faith.
The faith of Gods children is firme,Doct. not onelyonly in light perills, but in dangers (after mans reaſon) vnauoidable. Pſal 23. 4. & 118. 10. 11. Dan. 3. 17. and 6. 23. Pſal. 46. 1—3.
In moſt deſperate perills to hauehave a firm and conſtant faith in God,Vſe. as the examples of the godly doe encourage vsus, for he that fainteth in the day of aduerſity, his ſtrength is ſmall. Prou. 24. 10.
In this that Dauid is ſo without feare,Explanatiō. in this trouble which came for his ſinnes, which the Prophet had threatned, when all men almoſt had forſaken him: and hee heard that it was publiſhed that God had alſo left him. We may learne,
That incredible is the ſtrength of Faith to cheere vp the ſpirit of a godly man, Doct.beyond all humane ſtrength and power of reaſon: both for temporall deliuerances, as all the former Scriptures and examples ſhew, as alſo for ſpirituall ſafety. Rom. 8. 35—39. ſo Iob will truſt in God though he kill him: and was ſure his redeemer liued.
Labour for this vnconquerable vertue,Vſe 1. which can doe more to giuegive ſound comfort in the middeſt of al diſcomforts, then all earthly power, honour, wealth, friends, &c. it euer gets the victory, for it ouercommeth the world, 1. Iohn 5. 4. ſee what faith can doe. Read Heb. 11.
Not to condemne that for madneſſe and folly,Vſe. 2. which is by the power of faith warrantably either ſaid or done, though it croſſe all reaſon in mans naturall apprehenſion.
VERSE .VII.
O Lord ariſe,Text. helpe me my God, for thou haſt ſmitten all mine enemies vponupon the cheeke bone: thou haſt broken the teeth of the wicked.
NEither yet (O Lord) doe I ſo much boaſt of thine ayd,Paraphraſe. as with mine earneſt prayers, again craue it at thy hāds; and as mine enemies rebelliouſly riſe vp againſt mee, ſo doe thou in thy righteouſneſſe ariſe for my cauſe. Stand vp O Lord and that ſoone, let not man preuaile: doe not nowaPſal. 44. 24. by delaying make as if thou didſt not heare, or hide thy face, or forget my miſery and affliction: but by thy preſent & ſpeedy helpe, ſhew that thou art moſt intent and watchfull for my preſeruation. Yea according to thy couenant and promiſe, by which thou doſt vouch ſafe to be my God, and to giuegive me a Right in thine owne ſelfe; ſo I beſeech thee to helpe mee thy ſeruant, and redeeme me for thy mercies ſake. And I am bold to giuegive a reaſon why thou ſhouldeſt, euen from thy wonted goodneſſe, and former deliuerances, which hauehave beene euer of old: in which reſpect thou ſhouldſt ſeeme vnlike thy ſelfe, except it pleaſe thee to helpe me at this time alſo. But ſo it is that heretofore thou haſt alwaies holpen mee in my greateſt extreamities, and haſt ſmittenbMicah. 5. 1. mine enemies with moſt ignominious & condign puniſhments: and when they thought preſently to deuoure and eate mee vp, like ſo many ramping andcPſal. 57. 4. and 22. 13. roaring Lions, yet thou didſt then ſmite them all vponupon thedPſal. 58. 6. and 22. 21. iawes, and breake their teeth, and plucke mee as a pray out of their mouthes, by bringing fearefull iudgements vponupon them, and abating their force, and repreſſing their rage, that they had no power at all to harme or annoy me.
Hauing thus fitted himſelfe to pray:Explanatiō. firſt, complaining: ſecondly, by faith, repelling the temptation: and ſo thirdly comforting himſelfe from former experience: fourthly, being without ſeruile feare, he falleth to prayer, teaching,
That men are then fitteſt to pray,Doct. when their paſſions are allayed, their feare remoued, their faith ſtrengthened to call vponupon the name of the Lord.
In comming to pray and to inuocate Gods name,Vſe. ſtriue to hauehave a quiet, a comfortable cheery ſpirit, and a faithfull heart, leaſt wauering wee obtaine not our petition. Iames 1. 7.
O Lord. Explanatiō.] In the fifth verſe is noted his ſecurity, in the ſixt, his holy boaſting againſt his enemies, as not fearing any of them, yet heere he immediately cryeth O Lord, and craueth his helpe, to ſhew,
That a godly man is ſo ſecure,Doct. 1. ſo without feare, and ſo perſwaded of Gods protection, as he yet neglecteth not still to pray, and to implore his aid: as Dauids practiſe ſheweth, comparing theſe places, Pſ. 37. 1. 3. with ver. 7. Pſ. 56. 4 11. 9. and 118. 6. 17. 25.
So to beleeue,Vſe. and to be ſecure of Gods help and ſuccour, as yet wee may not neglect to pray, and call vponupon his holy name, neither to neglect lawfull meanes appointed for our ſafety, for elſe it is rather a tempting of God, then a holy truſt in his helpe.
That the beſt of Gods children in preſent dangers may hauehave mingled thoughts, Doct. 2.euen in a moment, by which the heart is now reſolute, by and by ſomewhat diſquieted, experience yet ſheweth this, which was in Dauid, Pſal. 27. 1. 2. with ver. 9. 12. and 42. 5. 6. and 86. 12. 16. 17.
In great meaſure of aſſurance and comfort,Vſe. 1. not to be lifted vp, but rather pray for the continuance thereof.
In this ebbing and flowing not to be deiected,Vſe. 2. but in the diſquietneſſe of mind hauehave recourſe vntounto God, and pray for a new ſupply of grace, and a reflowing of comfort into our ſoules againe.
Ariſe. Explanation.] This is vſuall in the Pſalmes, Pſal. 44. 23. and 7. 6. 10. 12. and 17. 13. &c. which is attributed vntounto God, becauſe while he ſuffers the wicked, he ſeemeth to ſit as careles, or as one aſleepe: but when he puniſheth them, hee ſeemeth to ariſe,Doct. 1. heereby teaching,
That the patience of God (through which the wicked ſometime raigne and rule) is not for euer, but ſhort, and as a ſleeping while, after which he will take vengeance of the wicked: Pſal. 73. 20. and 12. 5. and 78. 65. 66.
To the wicked to conſider that their time of reigning here is but ſhort:Vſe 1. let them looke that God will awake at the length, Pſal. 9. 12. 18. and 10. 2.—14. and 11. 6.
To worke in the godly a quiet expecting of helpe in due ſeaſon,Vſe. 2. Pſal. 9. 18. he is patient, but ſleepeth not. Pſal. 121.
Saue me] Theſe words doe expreſſe Dauids meaning in the former word,Explanatiō. and ſheweth what is Gods ariſing, euen his helping of him. This prayer teacheth,
That (as Dauid here) ſo the children of God in their greatest ſecuritie and reſt in God,Doct. are not without a ſenſe of their trouble, and doe not preſume of their owne ſtrength, but doe looke for ſaluation from God. Pſal. 7. 10.
To conſider of our miſeries,Vſe. to goe out of our ſelues, and deſire the Lord to ſaue vsus.
My God. Explanatiō.] Of the name Elohim, tranſlated God, ſee verſ. 2. before: but here my is added, to ſhew,
That albeit God is God to all,Doct. yet to all the faithfull in a ſpecial manner, Exod. 4. 22. Eſa. 5. 7. yea and eueryevery particular Saint of God, may call him his God. Pſal. 22. 1. and 7. 1. 3.
Comfort to all the godly,Vſe. that they may pray vntounto God, as hauing a ſpeciall intereſt in him to be called their God, aboue all the people on the earth.
For thou haſt, Explanatiō.&c.] A reaſon ſtill drawne from Gods formerly experienced goodneſſe, as if he had ſaid, Thou haſt ſaued me, and I now perſwade my ſelfe, thou wilt alſo doe for me after thy wonted goodneſſe.
Faith in prayer is much confirmed from experience of the mercies granted,Doct. like to thoſe which at the preſent we begge at Gods hands. Dauid prayeth for deliuerance, vponupon experience of the like before. Pſal. 4. 1.
In our petitions made vntounto God for the ſtrengthening of our faith therein,Vſe. let vsus conſider of the like fauours beſtowed, either vponupon our ſelues, or vponupon Gods people, as did Iehoſaphat, 2. Chro. 20. 6. 7. ſo Dantel, chap. 9. verſ. 15. for the Lord is euer in merciemercy one and the ſame to his people.
Smitten all mine enemies. Explanatiō.] Nachah, is alſo to kill by ſmiting. Pſal. 135. 10. 2. Sam. 11. 15. All, ſo as God was for him againſt eueryevery enemie, and ſparing none. Enemies, which came in open hatred or conſpiring maliciouſly his ouerthrow.
God can ſmite the enemies of the godly with a deadly ſtroke:Doct. 1. Iere. 37. 10. Eſa. 13. Exod. 12. 23. 29. and 15. 6.
To feare Gods ſtroke:Vſe. for if he pleaſe to ſtrike home, the blow is deadly. The word alſo doth note a certaintie, to marke ſo where to ſtrike, as to ſtrike ſure, as God can doe.
God will reuenge the cauſe of the godly vponupon all their enemies,Doct. 2. and will take part with the godly againſt al that ſhall riſe vp againſt them, Geneſ. 12. 3. Numb. 24. 9. The inſtances are in the enemies of Iſrael, of Ioſhuah, of Dauid, Iehoſaphat, &c.
Not to be enemies vntounto the godly,Vſe 1. for they ſhall not onelyonly be fruſtrate of their purpoſes: but alſo bring euill vponupon themſelues: as Dauids enemies did here, and Pſal. 9. 3. 4. 5.
Comfort to the godly,Vſe. 2. that they hauehave ſuch a one to ſtand for thē, one that can and will ſmite their enemies. Pſ. 9. 9. 10.
Ʋpon the cheeke bone. Explanation.] To ſmite thus, is vſed in contempt and reproch, Iob. 16. 10. 1. King. 22. 24. but here alſo to ſet out Gods power, who can confound the enemie, as a ſtrong man can a child with his fiſt.
The Lord hath all the wicked in contempt, Doct.Pſa. 2. 4. and 59. 8. and 37. 13. and can eaſily confound them: Example in the ouerthrow of Babel, Gen. 11. the Aegyptians, Exo. 14. the Aethiopians, 2. Chron. 14.
Not therefore to feare the wicked:Vſe. but waite on the Lord, Eſa. 8. 13. 14. with verſes 9. 10.
Thou haſt broken the teeth of the wicked. Explanation.] Here is expreſſed the force of that blow vponupon the cheeke bone; it breaketh their teeth, that is their meanes to hurt, Pſal. 57. 4. compared to teeth, Pſ. 124. 6. as the wicked are to lions, Pſ. 57. 4. & dogs, Pſ. 22. 10. whoſe iawes and teeth being broken, cannot hurt.
The reuenging hand of God can ſo ſmite the wicked,Doct. as he therby depriueth them of the meanes, by which they become as ſauage beaſts hurtfull vntounto the godly. He deſtroyed Senacheribs hoaſt, brake his teeth, and put a ring into the beares noſtrill to leade him home againe. Eſa. 37.
Let vsus therefore make our prayers vntounto God:Vſe. who (as he can) ſo he would in merciemercy ſmite them, and breake their teeth in ſunder, diſarme them of their meanes to hurt his people, as Dauid doth, Pſal. 58. 6. 7. 8. ſo though they remaine dogges barking, yet he will make them ſure for biting.
VERSE VIII.
Saluation belongeth vntounto the Lord,Text. and thy bleſſing be vponupon the people.
NOw for theſe and all other thy great deliuerances,Paraphraſe. which thou haſt wrought for me, thine be all praiſe, and glory, aReuel. 7. 10. and 12. 10. and 19. 1.ſaluation, and might, and power, be aſcribed vntounto thee, to whom alone it belongeth: only for the people, let me requeſt thy fauour; euen for theſe alſo, who being miſled, hauehave fallen away to Abſolom: for many of them went in the ſimplicitie b2. Sam. 15. 11.of their hearts: not knowing any thing at the firſt of ſuch a rebellious purpoſe: therefore Lord whatſoeuer their ſin hath been, yet in ſtead of curſing, doe thou bleſſe: bleſſecPſal. 29. 11. them, I ſay, with peace and concord, with loyaltie and obedience, with plentiedPſal. 28. 9. and proſperitie, and all other thy benefits and graces heaped vponupon them.
Saluation to or of the Lord. Explanatiō.] This verſe is a general ſentence concluding the Pſalme, which Dauid gathered by good experience: the meaning is, that howſoeuer we bee deliuered, ſafetie is from God, who hath euer meanes to ſaue his.
The power of ſauing is with God: Doct.for heere it is not ſaid that he ſaueth: but which is more, ſaluation is of him: Pro. 21. 31. Ionah 2. 9. Reuel. 7. 10. and 19. 1. Eſa. 12. 2.
To acknowledge all ſafetie from the Lord,Ʋſe 1. whoſoeuer the inſtruments, or whatſoeuer the means be, as Dauid doth, praiſing the Lord: Pſal. 18. 46. 47. 48. 49. and 144. 8. and 148. 7. Exod. 15. 2. Iudg. 15. 18. 1. Sam. 11. 1.—13.
To truſt in him,Vſe. 2. and to relie vponupon him, Pſal. 57. 1. 2. Sam. 22. 3. becauſe ſaluation is with him, that is, hee is neuer without meanes to ſaue ſuch as truſt in him.
This reproueth them that aſcribe it to mans power,Vſe 3. policie or chance, Saints, Idols, &c. but reade Pſalme 33. 16. 17. and 20. 7. Eſa. 10. 4.
Thy bleſſing vponupon the people. Explanatiō.] By bleſſing is meant plentifull beſtowing of good things, Gen. 24. 35. Deut. 28. 2—Eph. 1. 3. Gal. 3. 8. And thus Dauid prayeth for the people euen rebelling againſt him: ſuch is his louelove towards them.
That a gracious good King, Doct.loueth, prayeth for, and wiſheth all good to his people: 1. King. 8. 22.—2. Chr. 29. 18. 19. euen when they hauehave ſhewed themſelues rebels alſo againſt him, as Moſes did, Numb. 14. 2. 13—19. and Dauid here.
Princes to be like minded towards their ſubiects in theſe daies,Vſe. to louelove them, to pray for them, and to wiſh them al happineſſe, Pſal. 28. 9. and 29. 11. At the prayer of good Hezekiah, the Lord heard and healed the people, 2. Chron. 30. 20. yea at his requeſt alſo deliuered them, and confounded the deuouring aduerſaries. 2. Chron. 32. 20. 21.
If the words be taken not as a prayer,Explanatiō. but as a part of the ſentence with the former; then it is, as if it had been ſaid, that he praiſed God for this ſaluation ſhewed to him, which was Gods bleſſing vponupon his people: for ſo here they be called: and ſo from hence may we learne,
That the preſeruation of a godly and a gracious King, Doct. 1.is the bleſſing of God vponupon the people, 1. King. 10. 9. That which may be ſaid of the ſetting vp of ſuch a King, the ſame may be auouched of the preſeruing him. 2. Sam, 5. 12.
To bleſſe God for the long life and reigne of godly Kings and Queenes:Vſe. for their liues are the peoples bleſſing, as may appeare in Dauid, Iehoſaphat, Hezekiah, Ioſiah, &c. And the manifold change of Princes is a puniſhment of God for the ſinnes of the people, as Salomon tels vsus.
That the people committed to the charge of the mightie,Doct. 2. are the Lords, and not theirs. 1. Sam. 2. 24. 2. Sam. 5. 2.
The mightie Potentates to conſider of this,Vſe. that their Soueraigntie is a charge (as Moſes ſpeaketh, Numb. 11. 11.) ouer Gods people: and therefore to reigne as did Dauid, 2. Sam. 8. 15. knowing that they ſhall make account vntounto God for his people, committed to their cuſtodie.
FINIS.
End of the text · Richard Bernard, Davids Music (1616)