man for mankind or the greatest part thereof shall turne to thy prayse not only because that when the godly shal sée them frustrated of their purposes they shall haue occasion to prayse thée but euen if thou couldst suffer and appoynt them to preuayle yet euen therein shouldst thou bée glorifyed because God will make all things worke together both for his own glory and to the good of those that loue him the remnant of thy rage shalt thou restrayne some expound it thus those of the wicked that shall be left aliue hoping that they shall be able to performe great matters shalt thou so kéepe as it were brideled that they shall not be able to atchieue any enterprise I rather expound it thus the remnaunt of the rage that is suche good people as shall remayne after the execution of the wickeds rage shalt thou restrayne eyther from doing euill themselues or else from the violence and outrage of the wicked which latter I like best of And that maketh Immanuel to vse for the word restraine compas about meaning shielding and defending of them Sée to this purpose 2. kings 19.30 so that in this verse he declareth two vses of gods iudgement the one is the prayse and glory of God the other is the deliuery of the good people Verse 11. Vow vz. as tokens and signes of youre thankfulnesse to God for your enemies ouerthrow and your own deliuerances performe vz. your sacrifices vowed testifying also thereby your obedience and readinesse in his seruice vnto the Lord vz. only and alone who also is your God i. your defender and kéeper all ye that be round about him i. both priests and people the Leuits and Priests because they wayted in the Tabernacle and the people because they coulde be no where but in his presence lette them bring presents that is offrings and sacrifices which are called presentes because they presented them before the Lorde sée the accomplishmente of this 2. Chron. 32.23 vnto him that he ought to be feared vz. of all both high and low of what state or condition soeuer they be and this is spoken of the almightye God Verse 12. He shal cut of the spirite of Princes this may bee read better eyther in the present tense or preterperfect tense he doth it or he hath done it meaning by cutting off frustrating or taking away and by spirite not onelye their vnderstanding and purposes but their liues also as appeareth 2. Chron. 32.21 he is terrible vz. not in outward shew onely but in déede and effecte to the kings of the earth i. euen to the mightiest Monarchies and al the Princes of the world so that they néede not thinke that they shall be fauoured for their greatnesse or haue any power to stand against him Do. Verse 1. and 2. teach that God doth specially manifest both his power and good will to the people that exercise his religion and cast vpon his name ver 3. Teacheth that neither armor or indeuour can preuayle agaynst the Churche of God further then he himselfe appointeth Verse 4. Teacheth that he that is on the faythfuls side is stronger then all Verse 5. Teacheth that there is no wisedome strength power or policie able to withstand the Lord in his purposes Verse 6. Teacheth that God néedeth not to make much adoe to ouerthrow for euen a word or rebuke of his mouth shall cast them downe to death Verse 7. Teacheth that God only is to be feared and reuerenced Verse 8. Teacheth vs specially then to haue good regard to our selues when God sheweth euidēt testimonies and tokens of his iudgements Verse 9. sheweth that God will neuer forget the afflicted that hang vpon him Verse 10 sheweth that euen the very sinnes of the vngodly shall serue to Gods great glory Verse 11. Teacheth vs both carefully to purpose and religiously to performe the exercises of the worship and seruice of our God Verse 12. Teacheth vs that it is God onlye who hath the issues of the life and death of al men in his hands Psalme 77 THis Psalme may be deuided into two parts Di. In the firste the Prophet expresseth the great afflictions and gréeuous temptations that he indured and this reacheth from verse 1. to the ende of the ninth In the seconde hee declareth by what reasons and argumentes he comforted himselfe teaching the Churche to doe the like from verse 10. to the ende of the Psalme The Title or inscription of this Psalm would be amended thus Se. To him that excelleth set ouer Ieduthun his posteritie with Asaph a Psalme i. a psalme appoynted to that excellent Musitian whosoeuer he was that was set ouer Ieduthun his posteritie and to Asaph sée 1. Chron. 25.23 Verse 1. My voice i. the prayers that I made came to God i. were directed vnto him appeared in his presence when I cried i. when I prayde earnestly in the anguishe and bitternesse of my soule and hee hearde mee vz. making my prayer vnto him And all this and that whiche followeth the Prophet alleadgeth to strengthen as it were his fayth and hope that he that had bin heard of God in the time of his former affliction should likewise be heard now Verse 2. In the day of my trouble i. in the time wherein I was afflicted for his gréefe lasted longer thē one day doubtlesse I sought the Lord vz. by earnest and harty prayer my sore ran and seased not in the night he meaneth that his disease cōtinued and that no remedy could diminish the same it séemeth to be a spéech taken from woundes and sores that bléede continually or send forth corruption in such sort that they cannot be staunched Immanuel hath another reading and another sence but me thinketh that this is as proportional with this text and better rather My soule i. I my selfe putting a parte for the whole man refused comforte q.d. My payne wrought in mee such waywardnesse that nothing was comfortable or ioyfull vnto mée Verse 3. I did thinke vpon GOD vz. with my harte in my prayers and supplication and was trouble◠vz. because I conceaued that GOD was angrye agaynst me in that I prayed and he graunted mee not my petition I prayde vz. earnestly and my spirite i. my soule and inward man was full of anguish i. gréefe and sorrowe because I felt not the force of my prayers Immanuel readeth this verse also otherwise as he doth the most part of this Psalme but because this texte and sence is playne ynough I varie not from it Verse 4. Thou vz. by the gréefs and sorrowes which thou doest continuallye laye vpon me kéepest mine eyes waking he setteth out in this spéech the greatnesse and continuance of his gréefe which tooke sléepe from his eyes and spéeche from his tongue as hee sayth afterwardes in this verse I was astonied vz. by my gréefs and sorrows yea so amased that I could not speake See Iob. 2.13 also Iob. 3.1 sée also Psalme 38. almost thorow out and Psalme 102. in
seruauntes doeth not onely manifest his owne glory but also prouoketh them thereby to bée thankefull vnto him Verse 7. Teacheth that Gods mercy is the cause of all goodnes to vs warde and namely of our deliueraunces from daunger Verse 8. Teacheth first in diligence and patience to wayte the Lordes good will secondly to stay our selues vppon Gods mercy and goodnes towardes vs Thirdly that the name Saint may bee giuen to them that bée liuing which the Papists deny appropriating it onely to the dead fourthly that Gods mercy and goodnesse shewed vnto his people ought to bée an effectuall meane to restrayne them from former folly and sinne Verse 9. Teacheth vs that the ready way to bée assured to haue GOD on our side is to haue a reuerent feare of his maiesty in our heartes and sincere fruites of the same feare in our conuersation Verse 10. Teacheth that the chiefe cause of the reconciliation betwéene God and man and of peace in mens consciences and of faythfull dealing towardes men is Gods great goodnes and mercy and the faithfull perfourmaunce of his promises to vs. Verse 11. Teacheth that it becommeth Gods children euen by the example of their heauenly father who sheweth himselfe most righteous in his promises towardes them to deale faithfully and vprightlye one with an other Verse 12. Teacheth that not onely all good thinges come from GOD as Iames 1.17 but that they are bestowed vppon all and namely vpon his children of his meere liberality onely Verse 13. Teacheth that where God beareth sway there all iustice shall manifestly appeare and bee openly practised Psalme 86. I Suppose that this Psalme of Dauid full of very earnest affections and prayers may bée diuided into two partes Di. In the first hee desireth the Lorde to haue mercy vppon and to deliuer him from all his afflictions sometymes alleadging his owne misery and sometymes Gods mercy and might to induce him thereto and this reacheth from verse 1. to the ende of the 10. In the seconde hee prayeth for light and knowledge desiring also deliueraunce from his distresses alleadging as reasons to moue the Lorde thereto the fearcenes of his enemies Gods owne mercy and his thankefulnes to bee perfourmed to the Lorde from ver 11. to the end of the Psalme The title Se. a prayer of Dauid i. a prayer that Dauid made in the time of some grieuous affliction that hée was in the holy Ghost leauing the same in recorde for vs to see it or the like Verse 1 Incline thine eare O Lorde vz. vnto my prayers and supplications which I make before thée and this is spoken of god according to men who if they bee disposed to graunt suites and requestes wil as a token thereof be ready to hearken to the suppliaunts voyce heare me i. graunt me such thinges as I praying vnto thee doe according to thy wil aske at thy hands for otherwise it is not to be denyed but that god continually heareth and séeth al thinges for I am poore i. miserable and in great distresse and néedy i. stand in néede of thy fauour and ayde hee alleadgeth his afflictions weaknes and misery to the end therby to moue god the more to fauour him for this is proper to his nature to succor the miserable Hosea 14.3 Ver. 2. Preserue thou my soule i. kéepe thou â—ay life whole man either from the rage of mine enemies or from the sharpnes of these afflictions for I am merciful vz. not only towards them that be in miserie but euen to my very enemies and he speaketh thus not as though hee would clayme somewhat for his dignity or worthines but to make his enemies more hatefull as it were to God because they persecuted him that alwaies behaued himself curteously towards them and therefore they had the lesse cause to persecute him Immanuel readeth it thus for I am hée whome thou pursuest with goodnes i. I am he whom thou tenderly louest and therefore hope that thou wilt defende and kéepe me euen as the apple of thine eye both the senses are good my God Dauid speaketh not this as though god were his god onely but to testifie the particular apprehension that hee had in his perswasion of GOD and his goodnes saue thou thy seruaunt i. deliuer him from his present dangers distresses and afflictions that trusteth in thée vz. alone and in none other but thée Ver. 3. Bée mercifull vnto me vz. that am thus distressed and compassed in on euery side out of which I can not get vnlesse thou shew great mercy for I cry vpon thée i. I do earnestly call and pray vnto thee continually i. dayly and without ceasing setting out here two thinges in his praiers the one is earnestnes and vehemency vnderstood by crying the other is perseueraunce ment by the worde continually Verse 4. Reioyce i. giue an occasion of ioy vnto mee by kéeping mée from mine enemies by deliuering mée from the heauines wherein I am and by graunting my requestes the soule i. the whole man but specially the inward and mortal part sore afflicted with continuall assaults striken into heauines and sorrow of thy seruant i. of me whom thou hast vouchsaued to call to this honour to make thy seruaunt and marke here how hee speaketh of him selfe in the third person presently chaunging in the other part of this verse to the first for vnto thée O Lord vz. alone and to no other but thée do I lift vp my soule i. I pray thy helpe and that not with mouth only but also with my heart Ver. 5. For thou Lord art good vz. to all and therefore much more to thine owne seruants and sonnes and merciful vz. to those that turne vnto thée after they haue strayed from thee meaning that God pardoneth them their sinnes and transgressions and of great kindnes i. of wonderful and vnspeakable mercy vnto al them vz. of what condition or state soeuer they be that cal vpon thée i. that pray vnto thee vz. alone and that in spirite and trueth Ver. 6. Giue eare O Lorde vz. I beséech thee and not as though Dauid commanded God vnto my prayer i. vnto my prayer which now I make vnto thée and hearken to the voice i. yéeld to the words of my supplications i. which I vse in my supplication meaning by all this the graunting of his requests it séemeth to be the same almost with ver 1. of this Psalm Ver. 7. In the day of my trouble i. at what soeuer time I shalbée in my trouble affliction or miserie I will call vppon thée i. I will pray vnto thee onely Immanuel readeth it in the present tense I cal vpon thée q.d. nowe that I am in trouble I pray vnto thée and in déed it better agreeth with the circumstance of the place and person for thou hearest me i. I knowe that thou either doest graunt or wilt graunt me my request wherby the Prophet sheweth what a stedfast perswasion he had in God and the word of his
haue not set God before them q.d. all this outrage against me springeth from this fountain to wit that they neglect God as he is manifested and reuealed vnto them in his word neyther take they counsell of him but preferre their owne iudgements and deuises in all their attempts whatsoeuer Verse 4. Beholde GOD is mine helper q.d. notwithstandinge all this see howe graciouslye GOD helpeth and succoureth mee is with them i. taketh their parte and is on their side as Romanes 8.31 For otherwise GOD by his presence is with all his creatures and no doubte he meaneth not only those that fledde away with him but euen Ionathan and suche others as euen in Saules Courte fauoured him and his cause that vpholde my soule i. that beare mée good affection haue care ouer my safegarde and take my parte and ayd and helpe me so farre forth as GOD inableth them Soule is here put for lyfe as before in the thyrde Verse not that men are able to vpholde eyther their owne lyues or other mens otherwise then as God maketh them instruments to doe the same Verse 5. He shall reward euill i. God by pouring forth his iudgements vpon them shal in a iust measure recompence them the mischiefe that they haue deuised and done agaynst me for euill here is put for euil of punishment as sundry times before oh cut them off vz. eyther from amongst men rooting them out of the lande of the liuing or else from power and means to performe their mischiefs by in thy truth i. according as thou truely hast promised so make me effectually to féele the performance therof we haue had the same phrase sundry times before Verse 6. Then will I sacrifice vz. the sacrifice of prayse and thanksgiuing fréely i. not onelye with free and chearefull courage but with greate liberalitie also So that he promiseth to shew himselfe after his deliueraunce euery manner of way thankfull to God I will prayse thy name i. goodnesse strength power c. as before verse 1. of this Psalme because it is good i. mercifull almighty c. for so much doth the word God comprehend in this place Verse 7. For he hath deliuered me this is the reason why he will giue hartye thankes to the Lord vz. because God hath set him frée from wonderfull daungers and troubles for so much I take it he meaneth by all troubles and not that he should not indure any moe afterwards And mine eye hath séene i. I haue not only in my vnderstanding perceaued but with these bodily eyes of mine for he putteth one for both I haue beheld poured forth vpon my enimies the iustice and iudgements of God which I prayd for or desired mighte fall vpon them which also we may doe to wit holily reioyce in the execution of Gods iustice vpon the wicked so that our eyes be pure from all naughty affections and our minds clensed from desire of reuenge Do. Verse 1. Teacheth vs not only in our distresses to pray vnto God alone but for the strengthening of our fayth to haue recourse to his goodnesse and power Verse 2. Teacheth vs in prayer to vse both hart and voyce Ver. 3. Doth not only set out the cruelty of the vngodly agaynste the good but also noteth the fountayne of all wickednesse that is the neglect and contempt of God and his will reuealed in his word Verse 4. instructeth the faythfull to assure themselues of Gods present ayde who is mercifull not only to them but also to all those that take their partes and therefore wee sée it is not good to destitute Gods seruaunts vnlesse we will pluck God vpon our owne backes Verse 5. setteth out Gods iustice against the wicked of which sée Psal 18.26 it teacheth also to make Gods faithful promises the grounds of al our supplications and prayers Verse 6. Teacheth vs both to giue God thankes for his mercies and also the maner how we should yield it that is willingly chearefully fréely and plentifully Verse 7. sheweth that it is God alone that must set vs frée from all daungers whatsoeuer the doctrine of the latter part of this verse is put down in the sence Psalme 55. THis Psalme I take it may well bee diuided into thrée partes Di. In the first the Prophet maketh his prayer vnto the Lorde shewing also what great causes he had to moue him thereto and this from verse 1. to the ende of the 8. In the seconde he prayeth agaynst his enimies describing their mischieuous malice hipocrisie and other vices from verse 9. to the ende of the 15. In the third he returneth agayne to his prayers both for himselfe and agaynst his enimies concluding with a comfortable exhortation to the faythfull with a terrible denouncing of Gods iudgements against the wicked and this reacheth from verse 16. to the end of the Psalme The Title is expounded before Psalme 4. and Psalme 32. Se. in the Titles thereof Some there be that thinke Dauid made this Psalme when hee was afflicted with the Rebellion of his sonne Abshalon Othersome vnderstand it of that great and wonderfull daunger wherein hée was in the Citie Keilah whether Saule came to besiege him whereof sée more at large 1. Samuell 23.1.2 c. And to this doe I rather enclyne Verse 1. Heare my prayer sée Psalme 54.2 hyde not thy selfe i. turne not thy selfe away he séemeth to speake after the manner of men who sometimes if they be not disposed to graunt a request will not speake with the parties that sue vnto them but séeme to hyde themselues from presence spéech from my supplication true it is that in scriptures prayers and supplications are many times vsed for one and the selfe same and it may be that they are so taken here but yet you shall sée them sundry times seuered as Ephe. 6.18 Philip 4.6 1. Tim. 2.1 where by supplicatiō the Apostle meaneth requests made to God for deliuerance from those things which trouble vs and by prayers requests which are made for benefits Ver. 2. Harken vnto me i. the praiers that I make before thée as Psal 54.2 and aunswere me i. graunt me my request for those whom we louingly aunswere we séeme in some sort to graunt vnto I mourne i. I am sorrowful and heauy harted and make a noyse he meaneth that by violence and vehemency of his affliction hee was as it were inforced sometimes to heauinesse of heart mournful bewailings sometimes again into most pitiful outcries Ver. 3. For the voice i. for the hard gréeuous threats which are vttered with the voice of the enemy i. Saule vnderstāding notwithstāding vnder him as the principal all those that cleaue to him in these outragious words déeds against him for the vexation of the wicked vz. which they do against me and not wch they thēselues suffer for here the vexatiō of the wicked is vsed actiuely vz. for the oppression wherewith they did afflict the innocent because they i. the enimies and wicked
the first that is roote taking their florishing and prospering in that lande and it filled the lande i. it increased and grewe mightely in number greatnes and glory Verse 10. The mountaines were couered with the shadowe of it among many senses I take this to bée the simplest that the people of Israel was so mightily multiplied and increased throughout the lande of Canaan that not onely the valleis which are for the most part fruitfull but the mountaines which are commonly barren were well inhabited and peopled Sée Matth. 3.1 Luke 1.39 and the boughes thereof i. the yong people that came of that roote or stocke were like the goodly Cedars i. beautifull to beholde as tall straight strong c. Ver. 11. She stretched out her braunches i. she replenished the land with inhabitants vnto the Sea vz. Mediterranium and her boughes vnto the riuer vz. of Euphrates he doeth describe the bredth of the land of Canaan and howe farre Gods people had extended their gouernement sée Psal 72. verse 8. and they recken vp Gods benefites towardes them in times past that they might presently the more easily obteine his fauor and goodnes Verse 12. Why hast thou then broken downe her hedges i. why hast thou destitute her of succour and ayde and why doest thou no more take her into thy sauegarde and protection but hast withdrawne thy power and strength with which shée was compassed as hée threatned Deutronom 31.17 also Isaiah 5.5 so that all they which passe by the way haue plucked her i. spoyled and destroyed her hee meaneth by this manner of speach the gap as it were that GOD made and gaue to the enemies to afflict his people by Verse 13. The wilde Bore i. the most vncleane and rauenous Gentiles the worde wilde out of the wood noting their rauening and the worde Bore noting their vncleannes for the Iewes might not eate swines flesh because it was accounted vncleane by the lawe Leuittic 11.7 hath destroyed it i. hath vtterly rooted it vppe by the rootes as though it woulde finde some thing hidden vnder it for the worde that he vseth here is a compounde worde and signifieth to digge vp some thing that is hidden as Treasure or such like and the wilde beastes of the fieldes haue eaten it vppe i. it was giuen for a pray to all sortes of beastes both of the forrestes and of the fieldes hee meaneth that their neighbours nigh about them and others farre off them did grieuously afflict the people of Jsrael which enemies of theirs hee compareth to wilde beastes by reason of their cruelty Verse 14. Returne we beseéch thée vz. to thy former loue and grace q.d. set aside thy wrath and be mercifull vnto vs as thou hast béene heretofore O GOD of hostes this properly respecteth his power whereby wée sée that they made his might one grounde of their prayers looke downe vz. vppon this vine from heauen q.d. though thou dwell on high yet looke vppon vs belowe in fauour and mercy and beholde and visite this vine i. not onely remember it but perfourme deliueraunce vnto it as thou hast promised sée the worde visiting so vsed Gene. 21. verse 1. Verse 15. And the vineyarde i. the whole body of the people putting the thing conteyning for the thing conteined that thy right hande hath planted i. which thy mighty power hath not onely brought out of Egipt but setled fast in this lande and the young vine so hee calleth the people either because they were small and fewe at the beginning or else because that in the time of these troubles they were become as it were but a handfull which thou madest strong for thy selfe i. to which thou gauest great strength that in it thou and thy glory might appeare Verse 16. It is burnt with fire and cut downe i. it is destroyed by fire and swoorde noting by these two termes of fire and cutting downe all the wayes and meanes that the wicked vsed to destroy the children of GOD with all and they perish i. all thy people of Israel and Iudah at the rebuke of thy countenance i. when thou shewest by thy countenaunce that thou doest rebuke them and art angry with them q.d. the force of the enemy néede not confound them for the very signe and token of thy displeasure doth consume them Ver. 17. Let thy hand i. thy power might grace and goodnes he vpon i. be present with in effect and féeling the man of thy right hande he putteth the worde man for men and people one for many and by man of right hande hee meaneth those that God did so tenderly loue and for their sakes hée continually manifested his mighty power in leading and gouerning them and vppon the sonne sonne is here put for sonnes or posterity as man for men before whom thou madest strong i. whom thou gauest might and power vnto not onely to defence themselues but to wounde their enemies for thine owne selfe i. for thine honour and glory that thou in them mightest bee glorified Verse 18. So will not wee q.d. if thou shew vs the fauour prayed for we wil continue alwaies in thy obedience This must be vnderstood not as though they conditioned with God but alledge their purposed obedience as a reason to moue the Lord to pity them go backe from thée vz. to false and strange worships deuised by men but will kéepe our selues fast to that seruice that thou hast prescribed by thy word reuiue thou vs i. take from vs the great heauines that hangeth vpon vs by reason of our sorrowes and afflictions and quicken vs and so we shal cal vpon thy name i. profes thy religion sincerely and pray vnto thée only Ver. 19. is the very same in words and sence with verse 3 and verse 7 of this Psalme Verse 1 teacheth vs to haue recourse in all our afflictions to God by prayer Do. and in the same to consider as good grounds of our supplications his mercye and his power Verse 2 teacheth that not onely the féeling but the manifesting of Gods strength and power is comfortable to his saints Ver. 3 teacheth that Gods fauour is the only cause of all goodnesse towards vs. Verse 4 declareth that it is no small affliction of conscience to Gods children to féele that their prayers are not forcible Verse 5 6 teach first that all the afflictions of Gods children come by his prouidence and appointment secondly that he bringeth them very lowe euen in this life to the end that they may haue their harts and soules the more lifted vp to him Verse 7 sheweth that we cannot know till the Lord turne vs and so is stong agaynst frée will Verse 8 setteth out Gods great and vnspeakeable loue towards his Church and his plaguing and punishing of the wicked for their sakes Verse 9 sheweth that the beginning increase and continuance of the Church and of euery particular member of it is from the Lord. Verse 10 11 doe vnder excellent Metaphors set out the
it be that they maye dwell with mée i. continue and abide with me not onely as my counsellors and houshold seruaunts but as friends and familiars being alwayes in my fauour for I take it that the Prophet meaneth two thinges here the one is that hee will haue a great care generallye ouer all the people of the lande the other is that out of that good people hée will chuse the best to bée continually about him hée that walketh in a perfecte waye i. hée that is vprighte in his dealinges and of good conscience and holy conuersation and hée calleth this waye perfecte not because men walke perfectly in it but because it is perfecte of it selfe and leadeth to perfection in the other life hée q.d. he and no other for so muche I take it the doubling of the worde meaneth shal serue mée vz. both in the publike offices of my kingdome in the particular offices of my priuate affairs houshold Ver. 7. There shall no deceitfull person dwell within my house this must be vnderstood so far forth as Dauid could know or vnderstand q.d. If I might know it there should none such remain in my seruice not but that good men many times haue wicked Seruauntes yea and that those Seruauntes which make the fayrest shewe of goodnesse are many times déepe dissemblers he that telleth lies i. giueth himself ouer either to tel them or to heare them sée Reuel 22.15 shal not remain vz. long in my sight he meaneth by this spéeche that such a one should not abide long in his house or seruice Verse 8. Betimes i. not onely in good season and quickly but also continually will I destroye sée before verse 5 of this Psal all the wicked of the land i. all the vngodlye that inhabite it Dauid meaneth that hee will not bee negligent or slouthfull to execute good quick and continuall iustice against all malefacters of whose transgressions he shall haue knowledge that I maye cutte off i. remooue and take away vz. by execution of iust iudgement all the woorkers of iniquity i. them that giue ouer themselues to commit sinne from the Citie of the Lord i. from Ierusalem but yet so that therin hée comprehendeth the whole kingdome because if the chiefe place be reformed it is very likely the other will followe Ver 1. Teacheth magistrates to haue a great care to foster the good Do. sharply to punish the badde Ver. 2. Teacheth magistrates thrée thinges first to haue an eye to the faithfull execution of publike iustice and iudgement Secondly to indeuour with care and conscience good dealing priuately and thirdly to continue and that vnto the last gaspe in all good dealing both publike and priuate that so they may haue peace in their owne conscience and the Lorde finde them well occupied Ver. 3. Teacheth all men but specially magistrates so to lothe euil that they can neuer behold it but with great griefe also to cary with them this holy purpose that howsoeuer other men fall away from God yet that in his strength they will sticke fast vnto him Ver. 4. Teacheth al but specially magistrates more and more to indeuour the crucifiyng of the old man with the workes thereof and neuer to allowe of any thing that is euill Ver. 5. Teacheth magistrates to punish malefacters according to the notoriousnes of their offence it also sheweth howe grieuous both before God and man backbitings and pride are Ver. 6. Teacheth magistrates to haue a speciall regard for the defence and preferment of the good also it teacheth all both high and lowe to make choise of the best men they can get to bee their officers and seruantes Ver. 7. Teacheth magistrates and masters that whē the sinnes of their inferiours or seruaunts are once layed open they shoulde not beare with them in the same Verse 8. Teacheth magistrates in tyme to cut off sinne and iniquitie lest the infection thereof growe so great that when they woulde they shall not bee able to doe it Psalme 102 THis Psalme being an earnest prayer of an afflicted soule Di. may bee diuided into thrée partes In the first hee prayeth vnto the Lorde for deliueraunce out of his great distresses the particularities whereof he doeth plainely declare from ver 1. to the end of the 11. In the second he sheweth by what arguments as it were he was prouoked to pray vnto the Lord vz. because he was assured of his goodnes power c. and this recheth from ver 12. to the end of the 23. In the third part he returneth to his prayer againe assuring himselfe of gods goodnes towardes him because those whom God loueth he loueth for euer from ver 24. to the end of the Psalme The title a prayer vz. to bee vsed of the afflicted i. Se. of him that féeleth himselfe either inwardly or outwardly wounded with Gods iudgments wrath when hée shal be in distresse vz. any manner of way either inwarde or outward and power foorth his meditation before the Lorde i shall in prayer vnto the Lorde expresse that with his mouth which hee hath meditated on in his heart note that the holy ghost myndeth not to tye vs in our afflictions onely to this forme And though wee can not certainely determine who shoulde write this Psalme or about what time it was penned yet it is very likely that either Daniel or some other holy Prophet did write it about the tyme that the people of the Iewes were caried captiues into Babylon Verse 1. O Lorde heare my prayer i. graciously graunt the request which I make vnto thee now and let my crye i. mine earnest supplication come vnto thée i. appeare in thy sight as well accepted and allowed of q.d. let it haue frée and bolde accesse vnto thy maiesty Sée Psalm 88.1.2 Verse 2. Hyde not thy face i. withdraw not thy fauour and goodnes from me vz. as though thou wert offended with me he speaketh this of God after the maner of men who when they are not disposed to shew fauour wil turne their faces from others or kéep them out of the way signifiyng vnto them by withholding the signe of fauour that they cannot haue fauor it selfe shewed thē in the time of my trouble i. at what time I am any maner of way troubled either inwardly or outwardly incline thine eares vnto me q.d. shewe thy selfe ready to heare and graunt my petition sée Psalm 86.1 and note that eares are attributed to God not that hee hath them but that we might the better conceiue somewhat of his maiesty when I cal vz. vppon thée by prayer make haste to heare mée i. graciously and quickly grant mee my request the Prophet vttereth not this as appointing God a time but in respect of his owne great misery and want as may appeare by that which followeth Verse 3. For my dayes i. the dayes and tyme of my life are consumed i. vanish and weare away like smoke i. quickly q.d. euen as sodainely as smoke vanisheth away in
my misery shaked their heads vz. at me that in sign of mockery contēpt sée 2. King 19.21 this verified in Christ as appeareth Mat. 27.39 Ver. 26. Help me vz. in these distresses O Lord my God q.d. vnles thou help I shal be ouerthrown saue me i. deliuer me frō the power of the wicked according to thy mercy vz. promised to thy seruants performed to many of them Ver. 27. And they i. euen the very wicked vngodly shal know i. féele confesse that this vz. my deliuerance and help is thine hand i. is done and wrought by thy mighty power that thou Lord vz. alone none other with thée hast done it vz. for my good and safety Ver. 28. Though they i. the wicked curse i. speake and doe all manner of euil against me yet thou wilt blesse vz. me meaning by blessing a plentiful giuing of al graces this the Prophet speaketh in the assured perswasion of Gods mercy in contēpt of his aduersaries enterprises q.d. let thē curse as much as they wil or can yet this is my cōfort that thou wilt blesse me with thy fauour they shal arise vz. vp and that to do mischéef against me and be cōfounded vz. by thy mighty power in their wicked enterprises but thy seruants shal reioice vz. in thy goodnesse towards him the destruction of his and thine enemies marke that in these 3. verses 26 27 28. He prayeth for his own safety deliuerance as in the next for his enemies ouerthrow Ver. 29. Let mine aduersaries be clothed with shame i. let them be vtterly confoūded ashamed or couered with shame as men are with their clothes let thē couer thēselues with their cōfusion as with a cloke he meaneth that they should be compassed in on euery side with shame confusion wishing also that the best couerture that they might haue for themselues in the daye of distresse might be but only shame confusion of face This doubling of the sentence serueth not only to note the Prophets earnestnesse but also to set out the abundance continuance of shame to be poured forth vppon the wicked Ver 30. I vz. being thus deliuered from the vngodlies power will giue thanks vnto the Lord greatly i. will oftē and as it were continually prayse his name for it with my mouth i. openly and before others q.d. I wil not do it inwardly only in my hart but openly with my mouth and tongue putting the word mouth wherby voices are vttered for the very words of praise thanksgiuing and praise him vz. for his great power goodnes mercy towards me amōg the multitude vz. of his people assembled also for to praise him Ver. 31. For he i. the Lord wil stand vz. continually at the right hand of the poore i. hard by him that is afflicted meaning by standing at the right hand the continuall power prouidēce goodnes of God watching ouer those that are his to saue him i. to deliuer him and set him frée though he speake but of one yet hee meaneth al the faithful for that which God is to one of his he is to all of them from them that would condemn his soule i. from thē that would condemn him to death By soule he vnderstandeth the whole man and by the word condemn he sheweth that he had to do with the King and other mighty enimies Ver. 1 teacheth vs earnestly to cōmend our selues our causes into gods hāds by prayer Do. Ver. 2 setteth out the deceit hipocrisie lying of the vngodly Verse 3 sheweth how the wicked spare not to speake do euil also though they haue no cause giuen them Ver. 4 sheweth that the wicked many times recompence good with euil it teacheth the faithful also in the midst of alcōfusion to betake themselues to praier Ver. 5 sheweth that it is a portion alotted to Gods childrē in this life to be many times molested of them of whom they haue best deserued the Lord working this because he would thereby bring them out of loue with this life teach thē not to hang to much vpō men Ver. 6 7. c. teach first that we may pray against the malicious obstinate enemies of Gods people Ver. 6 teacheth further that it is a sign god is very angry whē he causeth one wicked man to punish another Ver. 7 sheweth that god wil somtimes make the very intreaty of the wicked serue to his own hurt Ver. 8.9.10 teach that it is many times a token of Gods wrath to be cut off in the middest of our dayes to haue our offices giuen to other to leaue behind vs poore fatherles children widdows I say many times because it is not always so Ver. 11 doth liuely describe the nature of the hard harted extortioner cruel stranger Ver. 12 teacheth that it should be no smal gréefe vnto vs if mens bowels compassion be shut vp against vs. Ver. 13 sheweth that God in his iudgmenes doth many times root out men their rases Ver. 14 teacheth that god punisheth the sinnes of vngodly fathers in their wicked children walking in the same ways Ver. 15 teacheth that it should déepely wound vs to know that God beholdeth al our sins Ver. 16 teacheth that God in his iustice doth punish men with those sins that they haue cōmitted against other Ver. 17 teacheth vs that they wch delighte continue in euil shal frō the Lord haue abundance of euil poured vpon them The same thing doth verse 18 19 teach Ver. 20. teacheth that al punishmēts poured vpon the wicked procéed frō the Lord. Ver. 21 teacheth that whē men sée or know that God wil deale in punishment against the wicked it then behoueth that godly to flie to his mercy by praier Ver. 22 teacheth vs that euē our own miseries shold moue vs to make harty supplicatiō vnto the Lord. Ver. 23 24 shew into what pittiful estate Gods children are many times brought Ver. 25 teacheth that it is no new thing for the wicked to scoffe skorn at the godly Ver. 26 teacheth vs in al our praiers to flie to Gods mercy Ver. 27 teacheth that the very wicked shal be constrained to confes gods hand in their punishment the deliueraunce of his children so did Pharaoh the Egiptians Ver. 28 teacheth that mans cursing cannot hurt where God hath promised his blessing Ver. 29 teacheth vs that we may pray against the wicked in that the Prophet doubleth his praier he teacheth vs that we should do so specially then when Satan bewraieth his subtilties and crafts Ver. 30 teacheth vs both secretly and openly to giue thanks to the Lord for his mercies Ver. 31 teacheth that God is nigh to his children euen to deliuer them in their greatest distresses and feares Psalme 110. THis Psalme being principally a prophecie of the kingdom priesthood of Christ consisteth especially of two parts Di. In the first are described the offices
giue me vnderstanding vz. in thy law and worde according to thy word i. according to thy promise made vnto me sée verse 25 of this Psalm where word is vsed for promise Ver. 170. Let my supplication i. the prayer which I make come before thée i. appeare in thy presence It is the same in other words which he said before ver 169 and deliuer me vz. out of al my feares and distresses according to thy promise vz. made vnto me q.d. deliuer me as thou hast promised Ver. 171. My lips shal speake praise vz. to thée He putteth lips which are some of the instruments wherby the voice is framed for the rest of them Meaning that he would not only with his hearte bée thankful to God but that he would with his mouth and words expresse the same and that phrase of speaking praise doth shew that he wil do it plentifullye and sing as it were with an open and full mouth when thou hast taught mee vz. to know and vnderstand thy statutes i. thy worde q.d. before he had knowledge thereof he could not doe it and so we learne that such as are ignoraunte of Gods doctrine can not prayse and glorifie him Verse 172. My tongue i. my mouth one part of it put for the whole and the whole mouth it selfe put for the wordes expressed thereby shall intreat of thy word i. not onelye simplye speake and talke of it but solemnly sing and set forth the prayses of it for thy commaundementes are righteous i. the thinges that thou commaundest are most iust Verse 173. Let thine hand help me i. let thy power preserue and defend me from all mischiefs and inconueniences whatsoeuer hand put for power for I haue chosen vz. before all other things whatsoeuer thy precepts i. thy law and word Ver. 174. I haue longed i. I haue greatly and earnestly desired euen as women with child lust after a thing sée Psal 84.2 for thy saluation O Lord i. for helpe and deliueraunce from thée as ver 155 166 of this Psalme and thy law i. thy word as sundry times before a parte for the whole is my delight i. is the chéefest thing wherein I take most delighte and pleasure sée verse 77. Ver. 175. Let my soule liue i. graunt mee to liue long vpon the face of the earth soule put for the whole man as ver 167 and it shall praise thée vz. continually and that for all thy mercies both bodily and spirituall and thy iudgements i. the vengeaunce that thou shalt shewe vpon mine enemies shall helpe me not only because they shall be weakened beaten down and so I by that means strengthened but also because I shal be holpē forward thereby to the knowledge and obedience of thy truth Ver. 176. I haue gone astray vz. from thée O Lord wandering vp and downe hither and thither in the vayne and wicked imaginations of mine own hart like a lost shéepe i. like a shéepe that strayeth and stragleth farre both from the flock and the shéepeheard whereof there can be no other account made then as it were of one that were lost séeke vz. euen as the sheepeheard doth the straying shéepe sée Ezech. 34 4 also Luke 15 4. thy seruaunt i. me thy seruaunt for he speaketh of himselfe in the third person for I doe not forget thy commaundements i. I heare thy voyce euen as thine own shéepe Iohn 10 3 c. these words are often times repeated in this Psalm as verse 61 93 c. Do. Verse 169 teacheth vs to pray earnestly to the Lorde for the vnderstanding knowledge and practise of his word Ver. 170 teacheth vs in all our prayers to call to minde the gracious promises of GOD made vnto vs in his worde as the chéefest grounde in déede of all our supplications Verse 171 teacheth vs that as we cannot prayse God till he haue giuen vs light so when wee haue receaued that light from him wée should then speake continually to his prayse Verse 172 teacheth both to speake of Gods worde continuallye and also to labour to praise the same according to the dignity and excellency thereof Verse 173 teacheth vs that vnlesse God helpe vs by his almightie power wee cannot stand Verse 174 teacheth vs in patience to tarrye the time wherein the Lord will worke our deliueraunces Verse 175 teacheth vs that the ende of our life in this life is to praise and glorifie God also that the faithfull are furthered to Godward by his iudgemēts poured forth vpon the wicked Ver. 176. teacheth vs first in all humblenes and simplicity to confesse our sinnes secondlye with a stedfast faith to come vnto the Lord that so we may be cured and holpen of our diseases Psalme 120. THis Psalme as I take it may bee diuided into thrée partes Di. In the first the Prophet sheweth what experience hee had had of Gods mercy in hearing his prayers whereuppon in assurance of the like grace he calleth vpon the Lord that he may be fréed from slaunderous tongues Ver. 1.2 In the seconde he speaketh to such as vse deceitfull wordes shewing that they themselues profite not thereby and also doe much harme and hurt to others Ver. 3.4 In the thirde part he grieuously lamenteth his owne case in that he is inforced to dwell with such wicked men as nothing on his part could make them quiet Ver. 5.6.7 The title A song of degrées Some as the Geneua note Se. take it to bee so called because of the lifting vp of the tune the rising in singing some thinke the worde degrées to be vsed in the plurall number for excellent because those places are excellent whereunto men assend by degrées and that therefore it is as much q.d. a most excellent song and of this mind is Immanuel Some take it to be ment thus that this and the other xiiii Psalmes following are called songs or Psalmes of degrées that is of staires or steppes because they were sung vppon the staires or steppes of the Lords house of which you may read 2. Chro. 9.11 and I for mine owne part incline thereto because there is mention made of the staires of the Leuites that is of the staires whereuppon the Leuites were wont to stand Nehem 9.4 Ver. 1. I called i. I praied earnestly vnto the Lord vz. only because he alone was able to helpe in my trouble i. when I was greatly and much troubled with affliction and hee hearde me i. he granted me my request sée Psalm 3.4 Ver. 2. Deliuer my soule i. me my selfe as Psal 119. ver 167. and 175. from lying lippes i. from the lying woordes of the wicked and vngodly who did continually accuse him before Saul as Dauid himselfe sheweth 1. Sam. 24.10 also 26.19 Sée for this purpose also Psalm 52. almost throughout and from a deceitfull tongue i. from a tongue that vttereth deceit and craft and in these wordes hee noteth particularly the kind of affliction that made him to cry vnto god Ver. 3. What doth thy
enemies and I hope that thou wilt hereafter likewise deliuer me Verse 8. Let not the wicked haue his desyre O Lord i. the thinges that he hath desired agaynst me q.d. Let him not sée mine ouerthrow which he much wisheth and desireth performe not i. giue him not leaue or strength to performe agaynst me his wicked thought i. the wicked thing which he hath wickedly thought vpon and deuised againste mée and by one no doubt he vnderstandeth many mischiefs of theirs least they bée proude vz. aboue measure for he had before charged them with pride ver 5. he meaneth least they should wax proude euen agaynst God and man Selah this is expoūded before Ver. 9. As for the chéefe of them how great or high soeuer he or they be Whether he speake it of Saul Doeg and such like particularly it is not certaine that compas me about vz. to destroy and are my deadly enemies sée Psal 3.6 also Psal 118.10.11.12 let the mischiefe of their own lips i. that mischiefe which with their own lips they haue spoken agaynst me come vpon them i. fall vpon thē thorow thy iust iudgemēt I know others both translate this verse otherwise and giue some other sence but methinketh this is playn Ver. 10. Let coles vz. of thy wrath iudgement fall vpon thē vz. frō heauen as it did in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah to which he séemeth to allude let him vz. god thus he speaketh to him or of him in the third person cast thē into the fire vz. that neuer goeth out but burneth for euer Mar. 9.43 into the déepe pits vz. of danger destruction that they rise not i. that they may neuer be able to rise vp again to do any more hurt Ver. 11. For the backbiters i. slanderers such as haue their tongues ful of venime and worke mischiefe rather by fraud flattery and backbiting then by opē force shal not be established vz. any long while vpon the earth i. in this life to liue long here euill i. plagues and punishments from the Lord shall hunt vz. from place to place pursue him so that he shall not escape it the cruell man sée verse 1.4 of this psalme to destruction i. in such sort that it shall in the end vtterly destroy him Immanuel others read this whole verse as a prayer Ver. 12. I know vz. certainly and assuredly q.d. I am fully perswaded both by Gods word and the dayly executing of his iudgements vpon the wicked that the Lord vz. himself will auenge i. in good time not only deliuer his but ouertake with his iudgements the wicked vngodly for the iniuries they haue done them the afflicted i. such as are afflicted by the wicked and iudge i. not only pronounce righteous sentence but also deliuer from the cruelty of the vngodly the poore i. those his seruants which are here despised amongst the worldlings of the earth Ver. 13. Surely the righteous i. those whom thou hast made righteous by imputing righteousnes vnto them by framing them to a righteous conuersation shal prayse vz. vnfeignedly with all their hartes thy name i. thy maiesty power goodnes and the iust i. such as deale faythfully both with thée and their brethren shall dwell in thy presence i. shall not only in this life be maynteined and vpholden by thy fatherly care and prouidence but shal be made partakers of eternall glory Do. Verse 1 teacheth vs to pray to be safely deliuered from the rage of the wicked ver 2. 3. doe generally paint out the malicious nature of the wicked Ver. 2. doth particularly teach vs that wicked thoughts against gods childrē are sin before him Ver. 3 teacheth vs that the wicked spare not euen with slaunderous venemous toungs to persecute the godly Ver. 4. teacheth vs that vnles the Lord kéepe vs we can not be deliuered frō the rage power of the vngodly Ver. 5. sheweth the malicious minds of the wicked who cease not both opēly secretly to indeuour the destruction of the good Ver. 6 teacheth vs that the more men set themselues against vs the more earnest and often we should be with God in prayer for his gracious assistance Ver. 7 teacheth vs that God is the protector of his in all dangers distresses whatsoeuer Ver. 8 sheweth that if God let not wicked men in their attempts they will be more bold in mischiefe and swel against his maiestie and men also Ver. 9 10 teach vs that we may pray against the malicious wicked and desire their ouerthrow Ver. 11 teacheth vs what a gréeuous offēce the sinne of backbiting and slaundering is Ver. 12 teacheth vs to bee assured of Gods fauour goodnes towards vs and of his iudgmēts towards the wicked Ver. 13 teacheth vs two things first that it becommeth the godly to shew them selues continually thankful secondly what is the excellent estate and condition of Gods children Psalme 141 THis Psalme consisting wholy of supplication and prayer vnto God may be diuided into two parts Di. first he beséecheth the Lord to accept his prayer and to guid him into a godly conuersation and for this end to prouide such for him as maye brotherly admonish him from verse 1 to the end of the 5. In the second he foretelleth as it were the destructiō of the wicked desiring the Lord to deliuer him from them and to ouerthrow them in their deuises from verse 6 to the end of the Psalme The Title A Psalm of Dauid i. which Dauid made Se. this hath bin expoūded sundry times before It should séeme that Dauid made this Psal at some time or other whē he was gréeuously afflicted persecuted we may refer it without iniury as I suppose to the history conteined 1 Sam. 24. Ver. 1. O Lord I cal vpon thée i. pray vnto thée earnestly continually specially in the time of my gréeuous afflictions hast thée vnto me vz. to helpe me to deliuer me out of the same neither doth he here prescribe God a time but rather declareth the great danger distresse that he was in q.d. vnlesse he were spéedily holpen in the iudgement of flesh and blood he should perish heare my voyce i. graunt the prayers which I vtter with my voyce and words when I cry vnto thée i. whē hartily and earnestly I pray vnto thée Ver. 2 Let my prayer vz. which I make vnto thée be directed in thy sighte i. come before thée and bée accepted of thée as the incence vz. which was wont to bée offred vnto thée by thine own commaundement And here hée alludeth to the perfumes whiche they vsed in the time of the law of which read Exod. 30 chap. and the lifting vp of my hands i. euen my prayer supplication He putteth a gesture vsed in prayer for prayer it selfe as 1. Timoth. 2.8 as an euening sacrifice i. as that sacrifice which thou hast appointed to be offred to thée in the euening God prescribed
he meaneth by Gods holy Mountayne Heauen wherevpon the Lord sitteth as vpon an excéeding high Mountayne Ver. 5. I layde me downe vz. vpon my bed or Couch and that word I is full of force q. d. I whose life so many enemies séeke and slept vz. soundly and swéetely careles as it were of mine enemies The Prophet meaning by sléepe wonderful quietnesse for they that are doubtfull of their successes oppressed with gréefes haue many times sléepe taken from their eyes And rose vp agayne excellētly added for many take their rest yet rise not the Prophet noting that as he slept soundly so he safely awaked and imployed himselfe vpon his affayres for the Lord sustayned me this is the reason of all for without God we can do nothing Iohn 15.5 Ver. 6. For ten thousand a certain number put for an vncertayn meaning innumerable people mend the latter end of the ver thus which standing about me haue pitched their tents agaynst me i. which cōpassing me about are ready euen as it were with their weapons drawne to destroy me q.d. though I were neuer in so great daunger distresse feare yet I will not feare for thou Lord wilt graciously deliuer me now as thou hast done heretofore Ver. 7. O Lord arise vz. Like a couragious and ready souldier that heareth the sound of the Trumpet stande vp vppon thy feete take thy weapons and armes to defend me and wound mine enemies Helpe or after some saue me my God vz. from the subtiltie and power of my foes for thou hast some read which hast smitten both the readinges come to one sence vz. hee prayeth God to deliuer him out of this present daunger as he before had done out of sundrie the like al mine enemies i. the greatest number of them For he meaneth not that God had so destroyed his foes as none of them were left Vppon the chéeke bone as beasts that hurt by byting cannot hurt when their téeth be broken or their iaw bones burst in sunder so the Prophet sheweth that his enemies in former time had bene so cast downe that neyther by word nor déede they were able to hurt him Ver. 8. Saluation belongeth to the Lord true it is that saluation and eternall life belong to God alone but yet saluation in this place is vsed for helpe and deliuerance from daungers which alone indéede belongeth to God how great or small soeuer the meane be that he worketh the same by Mend the latter part thus And let thy blessing be c. For it is as it were a wish and prayer that Dauid maketh for the people as well as for himselfe here is chaunge of the person for in the first part of the verse he spake in the third and now in the second vnderstanding by blessings gods fauour and goodnes and naming the people gods people notwithstanding their sinnes of rebellion and falling away with Absalon against Dauid his Father Ver. 1. Teacheth vs that the multitude of our enemies should not so dismay vs as that we should not pray to God Ver. 2. Neither yet their vile wordes should worke that effect in vs. Ver. 3. Ministreth comforte because God is as a shield in all distresses and teacheth that true faith vanquisheth all distresses and impossibilities whatsoeuer Ver. 4. Teacheth first that in dangers we should pray vnto God secondlye that God graciouslye heareth them that call vpon him in truth thirdly that the consideration of former deliuerance should strengthen our fayth touching deliueraunce of the like either present or to come Ver. 5. declareth that if God be on our side we néed not care who be against vs Romans 8.31 c. to the end of the chapter Ver. 6. True fayth surmounteth all difficulties and distresses of this life whatsoeuer Ver. 7. God alone is to be called vpon in néed because he alone can helpe and saue Ver. 8. Teacheth not only to pray for others as for our selues but also euen for our enemies as Dauid doth for the rebellious people Psalme 4. THis Psalme hath a Title or inscription but thereof wee will speake when we come to the sence and as it may be deuided thus First Dauid maketh his prayer to the Lord in mercye to behold him and graciously to graunt his request and this is contriued in the first verse Secondly he speaketh vnto his enemies not only declaring that God had exalted him but also wishing thē in time to repent from ver 2. to the end of the 5. In the 3. he declareth wherupon he staid himselfe what were the grounds of his assurance vz. Gods fauour and wonderful blessings from ver 6. vnto the end of the Psalme Se. The title is this to him that excelleth viz. in musicke and songs skill vpon instruments for which knowledge sake hee was preferred before the rest or Neginoth here the Geneua note is good ver 1. When I cal i. whē I pray vnto thee righteousnes i. thou that art the witnes iudge and defender of mine innocencie and vprightnes towards Saul or any other thou hast set me at libertie he comforteth himselfe by former experience trusting to féele the like fauour now when I was in distresse all this speech is metaphorical borowed of them which by enemies are driuen into a narow place out of which they can very hardly escape q.d. when I was brought into wonderful dangers thou hast deliuered mee and made mee glad ver 2. O ye sonnes of men hee speaketh here vnto the nobles and mightie men of Israel that had conspired with Absalon q.d. O yee Princes and great men for so the Hebrewes sundry times vse these woordes Sonnes of men Sée Psalme 58.1 My glory into shame glory here is put for the kingdome which God had giuen him q.d. how long wil ye indeuour to kill me that ye might shamefully spoile me of my kingdome louing vanities and seeking lies by vanities and lies hee meaneth euery deceitful thing which falleth not out as he would wish and their vaine councels and indeuours which drawe their hope q.d. how long will yee in vaine indeuour to turne me out of my kingdome by vaine deuises and lying imaginations which ye shal neuer obtaine for the Lord prouideth for me ver 3. the Lord hath chosen q.d. I take it not vpon mee my selfe but the Lord hath laide it vpon me he speaketh here of himselfe in the third person sodainly chaunging it into the first person when I cal i. When I pray to him as ver 1. of this Psalm ver 4. tremble q.d. though yee feare not mee yet feare God at the least who hath appointed me king And sinne not vz. against God and me going forward in your conspiracies and practises examine your owne hearts vpon your beds q.d. thinke well vpon the matter and determine rightly vpon the matter in the night season what time men are wont not only to giue them selues to sleepe but to be free from weightie causes and bee still i. leaue not off
onely to speake euil of me but cease from your wicked purposes ver 5. Offer the sacrifices of righteousnes he meaneth such lawful and holy sacrifices as the lawe commanded to bee offered for sinne and hee calleth them the sacrifices of righteousnes because he would haue them rightly and vnfeignedly to testifie their repentance and chaunge of mind q.d. O ye traytors confesse your sinnes offer sacrifice to God for the purging thereof put your trust in God alone and not in your selues that ye shal obtaine pardon ver 6. Many vz. of the Israelites that haue conspired against me and other mine enemies who will shew vs any good i. Who wil bring to passe that we may obteine our desires and amongst the rest see Dauid cast out of his kingdome and slaine q.d. Wée woulde wée might see that but Lord lift vp the light of thy countenance vpon vs these are Dauids words q.d. I haue many enemies and some trust in one thing and some in an other I wish onely thy fauour and cleaue vnto that alone Wherfore shew vs that vsing light of countenance of fauour and good wil speaking of God according to men who by their countenances declare loue and hatred swéetly louing and chearfully looking vpon them whom they affect and shewing the contrary countenances to others ver 7. He meaneth that being assured of Gods goodnes and fauour he shal haue more comfort of conscience and a better prop to stay vpon then the vngodly shal haue in all their abundance and wealth whatsoeuer which he vnderstandeth by two kinds vz. wheat wine by them meaning all the rest ver 8 He noteth the assured safety that he shal be in being vnder almightie Gods protection sée Psal 8.5.6 Mend the latter part of this 8. verse thus when thou Lord alone shalt place me in safetie noting by these words both the time when he will lie downe c. And the author from whom alone that assurednes commeth Ver. 1. We learne that when men vniustly condemne vs Do. we must flée vnto God a righteous iudge by earnest praier Secondly that wee must haue recourse to his mercy and not to our merits ver 2. Is described mans nature who commonly oppose themselues against God in his members wée learne further that euery one of vs may ought to defend the callings that God hath set vs in ver 3. We learne that whatsoeuer choise man maketh the Lord maketh none but good we learne also to be wel assured that our holy praiers shal be heard ver 4. We are taught to labor by al the meanes we can to bring men to repentance ver 6. Wée learne to prefer Gods fauour before al worldly goods whatsoeuer ver 7. We behold what effectes an assured perswasion of Gods loue and goodnes worketh the same we may learn ver 8. And that God is the only staffe of our strength and standing Psalme 5. THis Psalme hath two parts Di. In the first the Prophet praieth the Lord to heare his praier which thing the wicked can not or may not hope for From ver 1. to the end of the 7. In the second he beséecheth the Lord to direct him that the enemies might take no aduantage of him whose nature he describeth praying God to ouerthrow them comforting on the other side the godly with excellent promises From ver 1. to the end of the Psal This Psalm hath a title which hath béen expounded in the title of the 4. psal sauing that here is an other instrument named then there Ver. 1. My words vz. which I powre forth before thée Se. in praier my meditatiō i. the secret praier of my hart made without words vttered ver 2. The voice of my cry i. My crying voice by wch he noteth his earnestnes vehemēcy in praier ver 3. Amend thus O Lord thou shalt here my voice in the morning q.d. I will cause thée to heare me early in the morning for at that time will I call vpon thée earnestly for in the morning will I directe vz. eyther my selfe or my prayers or both And I will wayte vz. vpon thée and thy prouidence till I haue obtayned my request Verse 4. Euill put for sinne Ver. 5. Foolishe put for wicked and vngodly ones This is vsuall in the Scriptures specially in the Prouerbes Shall not stand vz. with good consciences for otherwise they cannot flée from his presence Psa 139. For thou hatest this is spoken of God according to mans capacitie and not that God hateth any Ver. 6. Abhor i. loth to looke vppon him Bloodie man i. hee that by any meanes sheddeth mans bloud Vers 7. I wil come vz. to serue thee into thy house i. into the court of thy tabernacle for otherwise it was not lawfull for any except the Priestes to approche neare to the Lord In the multitude of thy mercye i. Trusting vpon the riches of thy goodnesse and mercie and not vppon any thinge in my selfe the latter part of this 7. verse amend thus I will bow my selfe i. I will worship the outwarde signe put for worship toward the Temple viz. hauing my eies fixed vppon the Tabernacle where thou doest shewe thy selfe for as yet the Temple was not builded therefore it must needes be put for the Tabernacle Of thy holynesse i eyther where thine holinesse sheweth it selfe or els he vnderstandeth thereby holy viz Temple as you heard it vsed before Psalme 2.6 Psalme 3.4 Ver. 8. In thy righteousnesse or after some by thy righteousnesse i. by the waye of suche righteousnesse as thou teachest and allowest Because of myne enemies or thus whiche I better allowe of because of those which watch me viz. least they might haue an occasion by my sliding to blaspheme thy holinesse and that goodnesse of Religion whiche I professe Make thy waye viz. which thou hast appointed for mee to walke in playne before my face i. make mee so to walke in thy waye that I neuer turne mine eyes from it or thus graunt that that way maye seeme right vnto mee which thou allowest q.d. take from me al lets and hinderances least I stumble and fal vers 9. For no constancye i. There is nothing that a man maye safelye trust to in their mouth viz. whome hee had spoken of before vers 5.6 putting the worde Mouth for wordes vttered with the mouth and the instruments partes thereof it maye also receyue this same no constancie is in their mouth i. they saye and vnsaye a man cannot tell where to haue them so variable are they within they are verye corruption i. Their hearte and whatsoeuer is within them is full of nothing els but deceite and crafte Their throate is an open Sepulcre hee saith that their throat is like vnto an open Sepulchre for as an open sepulchre looketh for the carkase as a man woulde saye that it mighte eate it vp so mine enemies by their faire speech shoote at nothing els but that alluring mee vnto them they maye at length destroy me and
prepare arrowes for the persecutors i. those that with him doe persecute me ver 14. Behold q.d. notwithstanding all this he shall trauaile with wickednesse but yet he shal not be able to bring forth i. to worke that which he hath deuised for he hath conceaued vz. in his vnderstanding mischiefe vz. agaynst me but he shall bring forth a lie i. such a thing as shal deceaue him of his expectation and hope which he doth more particulerly and plainly declare in the next verse Ver. 15. by which and the 16. he noteth that all the mischiefes that the vngodly deuised agaynst the good and all the daungers that they thought to take the godly in shal light vpon themselues and they themselues be taken therewith ver 17. hath this meaning q.d. Propheta When I shall sée Gods iudgements vpon the wicked and his mercy in deliuering me I wil prayse him according to his righteousnesse he meaneth not so much as Gods righteousnesse i. his faythfull kéeping and performing of promises deserueth but rather noteth the cause that God hath giuen to prayse him for and by name in this verse he meaneth the excellent power maiestie of God which then appeareth when he ouerthroweth his enemies and deliuereth his owne ver 1. Trust and confidence in God Do. is alwaies necessary in them that pray to him also we learne to pray for deliuerance from our persecutours ver 2. describeth the cruel and subtill nature of the wicked ver 3. Sheweth that many of Gods children may stand vpō their innocencie to menward though not before God ver 4. Teacheth that we should ouercome euil with wel doing ver 6. Sheweth that we may sometimes pray against some enemies of the Church it teacheth this also to make Gods promises general or particular the ground of our prayers ver 8 Teacheth that when men wil not iudge rightly we may by prayer defer our causes to him that hath no respect of persons ver 9. that we shoulde pray for the direction and prosperitie of Gods people also that nothing no not the secret thoughts of our hearts can be hid from God ver 10. Teacheth two things 1. that we ought to hang vppon God 2. the fauour and loue hée beareth towards thē that sincerely feare him ver 11. Sheweth that God wil not the death of sinners in that he vseth so many meanes to bring them to amendmend ver 12. 13. Declare what mischieuous mindes the wicked carry towarde the godly and what meanes they wil worke to accomplish their naughtines ver 14.15.16 Shew the god shal ouerthrow al their purposes and practises so that good cause we haue to hang vpon him and litle cause to feare the other seeing that their deuises passe into smoke ver 17. Teacheth vs to thanke God either for the destruction of the wicked or the deliuerance of the good Psalme 8 Di. THis Psalme hath principally two partes In the first the Prophet sheweth that the excellent power and prouidence of almightie God may appeare in many his creatures as namely in the heauens and the things therin contained and this is comprehended in the three first verses But specially it is to be seene in man whose excellency in respect of his first creation the Prophet doth wonderfully extol From ver 4. to the end of the Psalme And this is the second part thereof The title of this Psalm hath bene expounded before al sauing this word Gittith which I take to be instruments the custody whereof was committed to Obed Edom the Gittith and to his familie or kinred that came of him of whom you may read 2. Samuel 6.10.11 ver 1. name put for power maiestie as Psal 7.17 q.d. O Lorde howe great doth the whole earth shew thy power to be which hast set thy glory aboue the heauens q.d. not onely the earth but the heauens also declare thy glory as Psal 19.1 Yea he meaneth further by these spéeches that though gods glory appeare in heauen and earth yet notwithstanding hee is infinite in maiestie and glory because his glory is farre aboue the highest heauens vers 2. Hast thou ordained strength i. thou hast strongly established vz. thy prouidence and power q.d. besides the earth and the heauens wee haue very infants preachers of thy power and goodnes and so doth our sauiour vnderstand it Mat. 12.16 Because of thine enemies i. thou hast done this that they thereby might bee confounded that thou mightest stil the enemie i. stoppe his mouth in such sort that he should haue nothing to say and the auenger he that reuengeth his own cause and leaueth not vengeance to the Lord to whom alone it belongeth Rom. 12.19 Who by their facts sheweth that they are perswaded that God careth not for mens matters or else would they neuer so violently breake into his office ver 3. The heauens are called gods both because he made them and also because he gouerneth there and they are as it were his dwelling place the worke of thy fingers i. which thou thy self hast most exactly and perfectly made the moone and the starres Hee particularly reciteth some of the heauenly creatures which thou hast ordeined vz. to bee there to giue light and to keepe their ordinary courses ver 4. That thou art mindfull of him vz. to shewe fauour and loue towardes him or the sonne of man i. his posterity here hee speaketh generally of all comparing man with the rest of the creatures sée Eccle. 1.3.4.5.6.7 that thou shouldest visit him i. haue regarde and consideration of him ver 5. For thou hast made him a litle lower then God Here hee speaketh of GOD in the first place in the second person in the second place in the third person the Apostle Heb. 2.6 expoundeth or translateth in thus Thou hast made him a litle inferiour to the Angels both in this place and in that of the Hebrewes the meaning is that the Lord gaue vnto men in this life a certaine angelicall and heauenly excellencie and crowned him i. Thou hast decked him as it were with a crowne with glory and worshippe some referre this to the mynde and reasonable soule of a man by whiche hee doeth not onely differ from beastes but draweth nigh to the heauenly nature I doe not onely stretch it so farre but vnderstand thereby also the dominion and Lordshippe that the Lorde hath giuen to him ouer all his creatures which followeth ver 6. In the woorkes i. ouer the works of thine hands i. which thou thy selfe hast made all thinges vnder his féete i. made thē subiect vnto him this was true in Adam by creatiō it is verified also in our sauiour as may appeare Heb. 2. We lost it by Adams fall but we haue it in part restored againe vnto vs by Christ in our regeneration ver 7. He doth particularise the general time all in the 6. verse Ver. 8. and that which passeth through the paths of the sea Hee meaneth the whale and other great fishes which make a smooth
which â—ason the vngodly vse as most conuenient to commit their mischiefe in Iob 24.13.15.16 c Verse 8. I haue set the Lord alwayes before mee q.d. I sieldome or neuer tooke any thing in hande but I behelde the Lorde that I might doe all things according to his good pleasure hee is at my right hande i. he is present with me and that on the better side as it were to holde me vp that I slip not I shall not slide i. perishe and fall awaye for euer because I haue so good a prop to leaue vpon Ver. 9. Doth in manye words note that he was in very good state sometimes speaking of the parts of his bodye as harte and tongue sometimes speaking of the whole vnder the worde of fleshe Ver. 10. Soule put for body as appeareth Leuit. 21.2 in the Hebrew and to sée put for to trie and féele a metaphor taken from one of the sences and applyed to the other This Dauid speaketh of himself in an assured hope that he had of the generall resurrection And Acts. 2.25.26.27 also acts 13.35 it is applyed to our Sauiour Christ to proue him to be a conqueror of death to be truly and indéede risen agayne because death could not keepe him downe and to be the author of that resurrection that al the godly shall haue in which respect also he is called the first fruits of them that slept 1. Cor. 15.20 Ver. 11. The path of life i. the way whereby in this life I may so walke that in the end I shall come to eternall life it is a metaphor taken from trauaylers who iorneying in straunge countries vnlesse they haue a guide cannot tell whether they goe in thy presence i. with thée and where thou thy selfe art in goodnesse and mercy and at thy righte hand sée Mat. 25.33 pleasures he vseth the plurall number to note the great plenty and aboundaunce of them for euermore i. that shall neuer perish Ver. 1. Do. Trust and hope in God is the ground of our prayers to his Maiestie Roman 10.14 Ver. 2. A notable place agaynst merits and confidence in mans workes Ver. 3. Teacheth that we must doe wel to the houshold of faith and that while they liue with vs for otherwise it will not profit them it teacheth also that we should delighte in the company of Gods saynts Ver. 4. teacheth that Idolatrers shall not escape vnpunished also what detestation Gods children should haue of Idols and Idolatrie Ver. 5.6 declare Gods mercy and goodnesse to his children Ver. 7. Teacheth thankfulnesse to God for his inlightning of vs by his spirit ver 8. sheweth that we shoulde doe nothing but alwayes as in Gods presence and that if the Lord be on our side we néede not care who be agaynst vs. ver 10. is a playne testimony of the resurrection ver 11. Teacheth vs vnfainedly to imbrace the Lord in whome is such fulnes and aboundaunce of all good things Psalme 17 Di. I His Psalme hath two especiall partes First the Prophet maketh his earnest prayer vnto God beséeching him graciouslye to heare him and to deliuer him from the vngodly from verse 1. to the ende of the eyght Secondly he describeth the cruelty pryde and other wickednesses of the vngodly as reasons to moue the Lord to pitie his case from verse 9. to the ende of the Psalme De. The title of this Psalme is playne and easie ver 1. crie put for vehemente and earnest prayer of lippes vnfayned or as Immanuel readeth withoute deceitfull lips both commeth to one sence as I take it vz. the Prophet meaneth that his prayers were vttered with wordes for lippes are here put for wordes expressed with the lippes voyde of faigning or subtiltie q. d. My wordes truely expressed my gréefe and were indéede the liuelye image of my minde wordes and hart consenting together ver 2. My sentence i. the sentence and iudgement that thou shalt pronounce on my behalfe for thy presence i. from thée q.d. make it now manifest and let thyne eyes beholde equitie i. declare now by thy iudgements that thou regardest equity whiche I yea with many wicked men haue doubted of because thou hast ben so long before thou hast come to punish the vngodlye ver 3. Proued and visited i. examined and sifted mine hart i. my inward thoughtes whiche are in the hart in the night in which God is wont to stir vp and to put men in minde of his will after that they are called from other affayres sée Iob. 4.3.14 Iob 33.15.16 thou hast tryed me vz. by many tribulations and is a metaphor taken from tryall of metals by fire and foundest nothing vz. euill in me or spoken by me to wit agaynst Saule or some other his enemies in which respect he called his cause a righteous cause verse 1. of this Psalme The latter part of this verse correct thus that which I thinke doth not go beyonde my mouth or as it is in Hebrue I thought adde here and my thought for verbes in the Hebrue tongue doe manye times comprehende their verball nownes passed not my mouth q.d. there was no difference betwéene my mouth and my hart I did without deceit vtter with my mouth what I had in my minde Ver. 4. concerning the workes of men i. which men are wont to doe adde here for the more playne sence this is that I haue to saye by the wordes of thy lippes i by the wordes or thorowe the wordes that thou hast vttered and made manifest I kept me i. through goodnes and strength from thée I did abstayne from the paths i. from the behauiours conditions and manners of doings of the cruell man i. that he vseth ver 5. Stay som read staying but I rather like of the first the Prophet making a prayer for himselfe considering his own weakenesse rather then noting the manner howe My steppes i. my thoughts wordes and déedes in thy paths i. in those wayes and maners which thou hast prescribed by thy word that my féete he goeth out in his metaphor vnderstanding by féete his conuersation inward and outward slide not i. go not astray or slip awry from the rule of righteousnesse that thou hast prescribed ver 6. I haue called i. prayde vnto incline thine eare eare ascribed to God as other partes and members of a mans body are not that he hath such but because our weake capacitie vnder such spéeches might haue some little light of knowledge touching his incoÌ„prehensible maiesty ver 7. he procéedeth in his prayer vsing the word mercies in the plurall number not to the largenes abundaunce thereof sée Psal 16.11 and he calleth them maruailous because they so séeme as in déede they are also vnto men Sauiour i. deliuerer from daungers 1. Timoth. 4.10 he meaneth that God doth vse to saue them that put their trust in him to saue theÌ„ I say from such as resist thy right hand i. from such as sette themselues though in vayne against thy maiestie and power Immanuel readeth this
part of the law put for the whole it may also be called iudgments because that thereby hée sheweth what he iudgeth méete to be done are truth and therefore can not be accused of subtilty or falshood and it is more forcible in that hee sayth they are truth then if hee should say they are true because that speach noteth that nothing besides or without them is truth but méere lying ver 20. Sheweth the preciousnes of the lawe If we would desire store or profit we must preferre it before the finest golde that hath beene oftenest tried if present vse and pleasure before hony the hony combe ver 11. made circumspect vz. in his walking being taught what to do and what to flée from and here Dauid speaketh of himselfe in the third person yet so that it doth apperteine to all Gods children There is great reward vz. through Gods mercy for so doth the word rewarde import and not of our merit as the papists imagine ver 12. Who can vnderstand his faults i. knowe them as it were particularly either for the multitude of thē or because ignorantly we cōmit many things which we take to be no sinnes secret faults i. sinnes not only hidden from other men but from my selfe by reason of my ignorance and yet al knowne to thée ver 14. Wordes of my mouth i. the words I shal vtter with my mouth meditatiō of mine heart i. the things I shal meditate in my hart he wisheth that his thoughts words might be such as might be regarded before God and answerable to his profession and he speaketh nothing of déeds and works because this necessarily followeth that when the meditations thoughts of the heart together with the words be good then déeds also wil be good redéemer vz. through Christ none other speaking here not only of deliuerāce frō dangers but from sin that which sinne bringeth with it also vz. eternal death and destruction Do. Out of the sixe first verses we may learne to behold knowe the maiestie power goodnes of God in his creatures secondly that as they in their kind expresse preach these excellent things so yea much more should men that God hath created after so feareful wonderful a sort that not euery man in himself but also to be gods instrument to worke the same in others Out of the 7.8.9.10.11 We learne generally by the excellent cōmendation of gods law reuerently to estéeme it vnfeignedly imbrace it out of ver 7. Where it is called perfect wee haue an answere to the papists that accuse it of some want by bringing in vpon it their vnwritten verities and traditions and in these words conuerting the soule that ordinarily it is possible that any should repent and haue fayth without the hearing of gods word as Rom. 40.17 and in these words is sure there is a doctrine of comfort to the faithful because gods wil neuer faile them of terror to the wicked because gods iudgmēts shal assuredly ouertake them and in these words giueth wisedome vnto the simple we haue not only a notable effect of the law set forth but an argumēt to conuince the papists in this that they accuse the word of darknes as though none could profit by it but the learned sort ver 8. True ioy is to be fet from gods word as also true light of knowledge vnderstanding ver 9. Noteth the propertie of gods word the exact perfection that is in the whole in euery part therof ver 10. Teacheth in what great estimation we ought to haue the word and with what a holy hunger and thirst we should desire the worde ver 11. Teacheth two things first that wee can neuer bee truely wise but by learning gods word secondly that for our better incouragement to the doing thereof the Lord setteth great rewards before vs and indéed graciously in good time giueth vs the same ver 12. Teacheth that our sinnes are innumerable secondly that we must pray pardon of them generally particularly of these which we haue committed either of ignorance or of knowledge and yet remember them not ver 13. Teacheth vs to pray against the power and rule of sinne in vs. ver 14. That we should haue care and conscience ouer our wordes and thoughts that they might be approued before God Psalme 20. THis Psalme hath specially 2. partes In the first Di. there is a prayer for the king for whose welfare the people promise ioyfulnes and thankfulnes from ver 1. to the end of the fifth In the second they do assure themselues of Gods fauour and of their enemies ouerthrow and protesting for themselues that God shal be their aide and praying again for their king from ver 6. to the end of the Psalme The title is expounded before Psas 4. ver 1. heare thée i. Se. the praier that thou makest granting thy requests of Iaakob may be here taken either for the person of the Patriarth who worshipped god with great religion which God also was present with him in al his afflictions or else it may be put for the whole people of Israel who came of Iaakob both the wayes are vsuall in the old new testament ver 2. Frō the sanctuary i. from a place in the arke so called in which God gaue visible tokens of his fauor defence out of Sion this was the place wherin the arke which was a visible token of gods aide defence was receiued he putteth the place the arke therin contained for the assured fauor aid of God Some vnderstand by sanctuary heauen by Sion the visible place of god in his church what soeuer it is the prophet meaneth nothing but aide assistance to be giuen from god ver 3. Let him remēber or as Immanuel readeth let him smel meaning by that metaphor a gracious acceptation of his sacrifices as Gene. 8.21 vz. With fauor graciously accepting al thine offrings he meaneth by offrings the exercises of religion ioyned with them as confession of sins praier c. and turne vz. by fire as it were sent frō heauen Thy burnt offrings into ashes declaring therby that he alloweth thy seruices as he did to Aaron Leuit. 9.24 to Eliah 1. king 18.38 Ver. 4. According to thy hart i. as thy hart wisheth desireth all thy purpose i. whatsoeuer thou purposest he meaneth describeth here a king that asketh nothing but by the direction of gods spirit what God himself hath prescribed ver 5. Immanuel readeth this verse as it were a continuance of the peoples praier this is a reason to moue god graciously to yéeld to their praiers In thy saluatiō i. in that thou sauest deliuerest from dangers vz. our king so haue we had saluation sundry times vsed before And set vp the banner like vnto those that triumph after a victory is gotten hee putteth the signe of ioy for ioyfulnes it selfe in the name this word is taken here as ver 1.
of this Psalme perfourme all thy petitions i. doe that that thou hast prayed for and this is a good place to prooue that by offerings ver 3. Must bee vnderstood praiers also ver 6. Know I a sodaine chaunge of numbers speaking in the person of one thereby to note the vnitie and consent of the people to this praier as though they had beene alone and vttered it al with one mouth His annointed that is his King whom he hath established Sée Psal 2.2 Psal 18.50 heare him sée ver 1. of this Psalme from his sanctuarie Immanuel readeth from the heauens of his holines meaning from heauen where his holines dwelleth which I well like of of his right hand i. power and strength this is spoken of God according to man because man commonly hath most strength in his right hand and it is called mightie helpe because it is such as none is able towithstand ver 7. Is a comparison betwéene the faithfull and the vnbeléeuers these trust in outward meanes of all sortes for that is vnderstoode by chariots and horses and so robbe God of his glory the other cleaue to only Gods vertue power and grace for so is the word name taken as ver 1. 5. of this Psalme and giue him the whole glory ver 8. Brought downe fallen vz. notwithstanding all the trust that they had in the outward meanes q.d. they that sayd they would do al things by mans meanes and strength therefore are lifted vp in pride and lustines are notwithstanding all these imaginations of their owne brought downe and fallen i. lie flat by the fall they haue receiued by setting themselues against God but we are risen and stand vpright q.d. notwithstanding the great miseries and afflictions wherin we were we are become strong and mightie rising vp from vnder the burthen of them ver 9. Saue Lord vz. vs and our king pursuing vs continually with thy fauor in such short kind of spéeches there is great grace in the Hebrewe tongue Let the king heare vs. This is diuersly read and according to the seueral readings hath seuerall sentences Immanuel readeth the king himselfe wil heare vs applying it to Christ and the assurednes that the faithfull men haue that he will heare their praiers othersome take it to be a quick passing from the second person to the third q.d. O king whose office kings in the earth haue in part communicated to them hearken vnto vs so often as we shal seeke thine ayde me thinketh that the Geneua text and note is as plaine as any of these Do. Ver. 1. And so forth teacheth people to pray for their magistrates it teacheth also that the day of affliction is a notable time to pray in also that no ayde is to be had but from God alone ver 3. Teacheth that kinges shoulde be giuen to religious exercises ver 5. The prosperity of the king is the florishing of the people and on the other side the welfare of the people is the Kinges glory Ver. 6. Teacheth those that pray to haue both before and after their prayer an assurance of obteyning ver 7. Sheweth that Gods children must not at any time trust in any thing saue in God alone whatsoeuer the wicked doe whose strength and purposes GOD ouerthroweth vers 8. Declareth Gods iudgements against the vngodly and his fauour to his children vers 9. Teacheth vs to vse earnest prayer in affliction for that doth hee meane by these termes in the day that we do cal vz. vpō thée Psalme 21 THis Psalme hath two principall partes Di. In the first the Prophet sheweth what great benefites and blessings the Lord had bestowed vpon him before he came to the kingdome and in that time also after that he was established therein from ver 1. to the ende of the 7. In the second part he prophecieth of gods great and wonderfull power against his enemies and of their vtter ouerthrow and confusion from ver 8 to the end of the Psalme The title is expounded before Psalm 4. Ver. 1. Se. In thy strength vz. which thou shalt bestow vpon him to stand against to ouercome al his enemies yea how greatly q.d. it can not be expressed in thy saluation i. in that deliuerance that thou shalt bestow vpon him his people giuing them victory ouer their enemies in this verse Dauid speaketh of himself in the third person ver 2. His hearts desire i. whatsoeuer his heart could wish sée Psal 20.4 Hast not denyed him i. hast yéelded and graunted vnto him for by not denying the Hebrewes vnderstand euen as it were performing the request of his lippes i. whatsoeuer he praied rightly vnto thée for vsing in that praier his lippes and other instruments natural whereby the voice is framed ver 3. With liberall blessings i. with abundance and fulnes of all good thinges some particulars wherof he reckneth in the verses folowing diddest set a crowne of pure gold vpon his head i. diddest appoint him to be king most good and glorious vsing setting of the crowne vpon his head which is but a signe as anointing was of his entrance into the kingdome for the ful possession inioying therof ver 4. He asked life vz. in this short life a long life i. more long then he desired for euer and euer i. yea not only life in this life but eternal life also ver 5. His glory i. the glory that thou hast giuen him laid vpon him is great i. is very much inlarged in thy saluation i. through or by the deliuerances and victories that thou hast bestowed vpon him laid vpon him euen of thine owne good wil and in despite of his foes that would haue hindered him therefrom ver 6. Thou hast set him i. appointed him as blessings vz. vnto thy people he vseth the plurall number by which he noteth the wonderfull abundaunce of gods graces bestowed vpon the people by him for euer i. for a long season as we haue had it sundry times before With the ioy of thy countenance i. through the grace and fauour that as it were with a pleasant countenance thou hast shewed him ver 7. The king trusteth the prophet sheweth here the meanes whereby the king shal be established vz. by hope and trust in God he shall not slide vz. from the prosperous successe of his affaires and state ver 8. Thy hand here Dauid speaketh to God meaning by hand power also by right hand in this verse he meaneth the same thing shal find out i. ouertake and lay hold vpon though thine enemies would think to hide thēselues from it ver 9. Like a firie ouen he meaneth that God wil through his wrath make them to burne stil as a firie ouen doth and so in the end consume and ouerthrow them as an ouen cōtinually heat must néeds be spoiled by which maner of speach he noteth two things first that there shal be no intermission of plagues and punishments secondly that these punishments shal not tend to
by benefites past hee assureth himselfe of deliuerance from dangers present and in time to come diddest draw me out of the wombe he meaneth that by Gods speciall power and goodnes he was borne thou gauest me hope vz. that thou wouldest nourish and defend me at my mothers breasts i. when I did sucke and could not defend or helpe my selfe ver 10. I was cast vppon thée i. committed vnto thy prouidence and protection from the wombe i. so soone as I was borne came into the world not denying also but that by his goones hee was preserued continually before thou art my God vz. that doest defend nourish succour me ver 11. Be not farre c. q.d. séeing I haue heretofore receiued so many benefites from thée do not now depart from mee yea I so much the more earnestly craue thy helpe and presence nowe first because affliction is nigh secondly because there is none that can help me but thou ver 12. Many this word noteth the multitude of his enemies yong this word noteth their lustines courage bulles this word is wel expounded in the Geneua note i. are before and behind and on euery side by which we may sée that his troubles were great and almost impossible for him to escape out of them mightie this woorde noteth their force and power bulles of Bashan This is the name of the countrie which did apperteine to the people of the Iewes and was full of pastures whereof mention is made at large Deut. 3.1.2 c. And by bulles of Bashan hee meaneth very fat and mighty ones such as Bashan did féede sée Deut. 32.14 ver 13. They gape vpon me c. q.d. they come vpon me with open mouth to deuoure me euen as a deuouring roaring Lion doth for his pray sée Amos. 3.4 1. Pet. 5.8 ver 14. Amend thus I am powred out like water he meaneth by this maner of speach that he is as it were almost past al recouery as of whom no more account is to be made then of water spilt vpon the ground my bones are out of ioynt in this verse hee doeth by large maner of speaches declare the greatnes of the feare griefe he was in as he did before Psa 6.6 Mine heart is like waxe i. soft and tender it is molten in the middest of my bowels hee now sheweth in what respect his hart is like wax by these words he describeth his fainthartednes ver 15. My strength i. my naturall moisture whereby life strength is maintained is dried vp like a potsheard i. is woÌ„derfully decaied and there is almost no more moysture left in mee then in a potsheard and my tongue cleaueth to my iawes i. I am brought very lowe and weake so that I can not wagge my tongue in my mouth as it were into the dust of death by these wordes he meaneth the graue the earth of it which is so called because none are there laid but dead folkes His purpose is to declare that through the vehemency of his afflictions all hope of his life in a maner was taken away ver 16. For dogges before ver 12.13 He compared his enemies to bulles and Lions now he resembleth them to dogs for their snarling at him and biting of him and the assembly i. great troupes multitudes they pearced my hands and my féete this is spoken of Dauid in respect of the daungers his enemies kept him in as though he had had no féet to flée away nor hands to defend him selfe but in Christ it was most truly performed indéed as appeareth Ioh. 20.25 Where mention is made of nailes ver 17. I may tel al my bones i. I am so fallen away with griefe and anguish that I haue nothing left but skinne and bone Yet they behold me and looke vpon me vz. with great pleasure ioy whereas if they had any compassion they should pity my case ver 18. They part my garments among them If we referre it to Dauid then he meaneth by garments other things that he possessed noting that they dealt with him his goods as they that in some victory had goteen a pray but if we referre it to Christ then is it to be vnderstood of his ordinary apparell and garments in déed as appeareth Ioh. 19.23.24 And cast lottes both to auoide contention that euery one might know his share and portion ver 19. Farre off vz. from me lest I be swallowed vp and drowned ver 20. My soule i. my life as wee haue often times had it before from the sword i. from peril of violent cruel death vnderstanding by the instrument that the wicked vseth to execute his rage and wrath by the thing it selfe From the power of the dogge i. of mine enemies and wicked men sée ver 16. Of this Psalme the singular number put for the plural ver 21. Lions mouth sée ver 13. of this Psalme and answere me i. graciously here me and graunt my request from the hornes of the Vnicornes i. from the present and perilous daungers of mine aduersaries It is Dauids maner as sufficiently appeareth in this Psalme to resemble his enemies to beasts Vnicornes are very wild beasts and as some write of them wil hardly or not at al be tamed ver 22. Thy name i. thy vertue power grace as Psal 20.1.5.7 Vnto my brethren i. to the Israelites that are of the same nation and religion with me sée Rom. 9.3 In the middest of the congregation i. openly before thy people assembled to praise thée ver 23. Séed of Iaakob put for posterity and when hee saith séed of Israel hee meaneth the same thing for Iaakob was called Iaakob and Israel If you referre it to Dauids time then it belongeth to the Iewes If to Christ and his time then to all the faithfull ver 24. The affliction of the poore i. the trouble and anguish that he was in the prophet meaneth that God did not lesse regard the good people for their pouertie and affliction as commonly men do but rather made the greater account of them hid his face vz. as men are wont to do who for lothsomnes as they say but in nisenes in déed can not behold those that are in affliction he called i. praied he heard i. accepted him and his prayers ver â—5 My praise shal be of thée i. thou art and shalt be the cause of my foundation of my praises by reason of the wonderful mercies that I haue receiued from thee In the great congregation i. when the greatest multitude shal méet to prayse thee he noteth that he wil do it publikely as before ver 22. My vowes they were wont when they were in any danger to vowe a peace offring to the Lord to be performed after their deliuerance out of it so did Iephte which was done to testifie their thankfull mindes for the benefites receiued before them i. in their sight that feare him i. worship and serue him meaning God of whom he speaketh now in the
the Lord who shewed his glory and presence from betwéen the Cherubins in the arke ver 8. who is this c. the demaund or question of the faithful people the Lord strong and mightye this is an aunswere to the former question whereby for the strengthening of their faith they are admonished that God armed with inuincible power commeth to defend his people and to beat downe his enemies ver 10. The Lord of hostes i. he whom al hosts both heauenly and earthly do obay and therfore most strong mighty euen in battaile i. not only in warlike strength but in the very pinch and brunt of battaile Do. Ver. 1. describeth the largenesse of Gods gouernment so that nothing is exempted therfrom for though he speake only of the earth and thinges contayned therein yet he mindeth not to exclude the heauenly creatures Ver. 2. Setteth out Gods power and prouidence Ver. 3. Teacheth men to haue regarde to ioine themselues to his church in this life and to haue a speciall care of etexnal life Ver. 4 Teacheth the brideling of our hands the reformation of our harts the subduing of the vaine and wicked affections of our minds and to take héed that we abuse not an othe so that to sweare is not forbidden as the Anabaptists imagine but to sweare deceitfully and wrongfully ver 5. setteth out gods goodnes plentifully rewarding the holy indeuours of his children ver 6. Teacheth that care and zeale to worship God must be in his children ver 7.9 Teacheth men to be prepared to receaue the Lord when he commeth to them ver 8. and 10. is a particular description of Gods power and glory which serueth for comfort to his children because he will deliuer them and for terror to his enemies because he will punish them Psalme 25. IN this Psalme Di. the Prophets prayers are wonderfullye intermedled and therefore it canne be hardlye well diuided Sometimes he prayeth deliuerance frō his enimies shewing what fruit shall come thereby to him and others ver 1.2.3.15.16.17.18.19.20.21 sometimes he prayeth the Lorde to instruct and teach him and others also in the right way shewing how God dealeth with his children ver 4.5.6.8.9.10.12.13.14 and sometimes he confesseth his sinnes praying pardon for them and shutteth vp this Psalme with a prayer for the Church ver 7.11 18.22 The title is expounded before Ver. 1. My soule i. Se. hart and all that is within me his words shewing that in the outward he gaue himselfe to the Lordes seruice and this spéech proueth that his inward man was ioined therewith ver 2. Let me not be confounded vz. by receiuing a repulse at thy hands ver 3. mend thus yea let none that trust in thée be confounded and ioyne it to the former thus q.d. I pray not only for my self but for the rest of the faithfull that transgresse vz. against me in resisting my kingdom that without any cause on my behalf giuen them and so doth the Chaldee paraphrase expoūd it ver 4 shew me thy ways vz. by or in which thou wouldst haue me to walk meaning by waies the order of life which God himself prescribeth the same he meaneth by his paths as we haue had it before ver 5. Lead me forth vz. without daunger of mine enimies in thy truth i. as thou hast promised to shielde mee from them and teach me vz. the same thy truth teaching me to finde it and féele it by experience the God of my saluation i. such a one as I fynd a present helpe to saue me frō and in al dangers all the day i. continually with an vnwearied constancy Ver. 6. Remember thy tender mercies that I maye féele them now as thou hast shewed them always hertofore ver 7. The sins of my youth i. those that I did commit in my youth nor my rebellions vz agaynste thy maiestie euen for thy goodnesse sake q.d. though my sinnes deserue the withdrawing of thy fauor yet think vpon thy mercy and not vppon my iniquities ver 8. Gracious righteous i. merciful to penitent persons and vprighte in the execution of his iudgements Dauid vseth these termes to strike vp himself therby to praier sinners i. all one and other for none are without sin in the way or rather the way for so it is in the Hebrue text meaning a conuersation the God himselfe alloweth of for so it is ver 9. though al do not imbrace it ver 9. in iudgement i. with a thorow iudgement meaning therby aduisedly rightly it séemeth to be a metaphor taken from them that guide others shew thē the way ver 10. paths of the Lord sée ver 4. of this Psalm are mercy and truth i. are most mercifull faithful because that in thē God giueth testimony vnto thē of his mercy truth meaning by truth gods faithfulnesse in performing that which he promiseth his couenant his testimonies i. his Law which is called his couenaunt because that thereby God maketh a couenaunt or bargayne as it were with vs that we should kéepe his law for testimonies sée Psalme 19.7 Verse 11. For thy names sake i. for thy glory and mercies sake least otherwise by my iniquity thy glory might be called into question Verse 12. The way sée verse 4. of this Psalme Verse 13. His soule i. his whole man a part put for the whole Ver. 14. Secrete of the Lorde i. the law of the Lord which is called secret because we cannot vnderstande it of oure selues without light from him Ver. 15. Mine eyes vz. not of my body only but of my fayth and soule are euer toward the Lord i. are earnestly lifted vp and stedfastly fixed vpon him as Psalme 123. ver 1.2 my féete i. me my selfe a part for the whole out of the net i. out of the snares and daungers that myne enemies haue layde to catche me in Ver. 16. Turne thy face i. thy fauourable and louing countenaunce for I am desolate i. vtterlye destitute of helpe vnlesse thou helpe as Psal 22.11.20 and poore i. maruailously afflicted and so haue you this worde sundry times vsed in the Booke of Psalmes Ver. 17. The sorrowes of my harte i. The gréefes and sorrowes that touche and possesse of my harte are inlarged i. multiplied to a wonderfull numbers so that I am hardly able to thinke vpon them with my hart ver 19. with cruell hatred i. with hatred that will neuer be appeased but by committing some crueltye agaynst me ver 20. Soule put for whole man as ver 13. before in this Psalm ver 22. Israell put for the faithfull Israelites and Gods church as Psalme 14 7. Psal 125.5 Psal 131.3 Do. Ver. 1. Teacheth that prayer must ve made to GOD onlye Verse 2. that seruice cannot bee performed but by trust in God ver 4. We are ignoraunt euen the best of vs in Gods worde till the Lorde lighten and teache vs. ver 5. We must continuallye hang vppon GOD by an assured fayth ver 6. Gods mercye is the onely
cruelly to deuoure consume me after the maner of wild beasts They stumbled euen for weakenes and faynthartednesse fell vz. so that they could not rise vp again to molest me mening that they were destroid ver 3. though an host sée Psa 3.6 it argueth a notable stedfast perswasion in the Prophet he meaneth by these words hoste and warre euery thing that may be terrible and fearefull in this worlde in this i. that the Lord is my light and my saluation as verse 1. of this Psalme ver 4. Haue I desired vz. by earnest prayer that I will require vz. agayne and agayne q.d. I will neuer leaue off till I haue obtayned it dwel in the house of the Lord he vseth the word dwelling for continuall presence and the house of the Lord for the sanctuary or tabernacle sée psal 23.6 the beautye of the Lord i. the wonderful works he doth and the famous gifts he giueth by which he is made beautifull and excellent or his beautie is declared to the sonnes of men and to visit i. to be often present in his teÌ„ple i. the place where the ark was as Psal 5.7 Ver. 5. He shall hide me i. kéepe me safe and sound in his Tabernacle it is not here to be taken for the sanctuarie or arke but for the place of Gods abode and visible presence whereby the Prophet meaneth safetye for where the Lorde is with his there is safety and assurance from dangers which the Prophet meaneth also by the wordes following in the secret place of his pauilion containing vnder these spéeches the assurance he had being shrouded vnder Gods protection set me vp vpon a rock i. such a place as my enimies can not come too to hurt me meaning still his safety ver 6. Lifte vp mine heade i. exalt me sée Psalme 3.9 sacrifices of ioy i. sacrifices to testifie my ioifulnesse for my deliueraunce ver 7. crie i. pray earnestly heare me i. graunt my requests for otherwise it cannot be but that God heareth Ver. 8. Séeke yée my face i. in distresse come to me for fauour and grace so that he maketh Gods commaundement in the which also is closely comprehended a promise as Deut 4.26 the ground of his praier mine hart aunswered i. yéelded to that truth and alwayes thought vpon it vnto thée i. thy sayinges and wordes verse 9. Therefore q.d. séeing I come and that according to thy worde and promise hyde not thy face â— withdraw not thy fauour but make me sensibly to féele thy vertue and goodnesse in my deliueraunce nor cast thy seruaunt away vz. without helpe and succour in displeasure vz. agaynst him God of my saluation sée Psal 18.46 Ver. 10. My father and my mother i. not only my parentes but all other whatsoeuer yea all mans ayde and comfort forsake me i. destitute and fayle me gather me vp i. graciously receiue me into his protection and defence see Math. 23.37 Ver. 11. Teach me sée Psal 25 4.5 right path i. righteous conuersation and vpright dealing because of mine enimies sée Psal 5.8 He meaneth such enemies as did looke into his life to sée whether they could finde any thing blame worthy therein Ver. 12. Mende thus for false witnesses would stande vp against me vz. if thou shouldest so deale with me and so I might easily be cast away speake cruellye i. cruell and vniust things that so by their spéeches I might perish ver 13. to sée i. to féele and tast as it were to haue experience of the goodnes of the Lord i. such good things as he hath promised me in the land of the liuing i. here in the world where men liue and I my selfe haue a portion of that life with them sée Psal 1â—6 9 Isaiah 38.11 Ver. 14. He exhorteth himselfe specially but yet also others wholy to depend vpon the Lord. Do. Ver. 1. Assured fayth in the Lord expelleth all feare of men ver 2. God confoundeth the cruell purposes of the vngodle ver 4. It is a notable thing to bée present at the publike assemblies and exercises of Gods Church Earnestnes also and continuance in prayer for good things is commended vnto vs. ver 5. God is an assured place of refuge for all his Ver. 6. God graciously rayseth his after they haue bene cast downe for the which it is their duty to yéeld him hartye prayse Ver. 8. Gods commaundement and promise are two principall spurres to prayer yea the very ground thereof Ver. 9. the godly many times haue such earnest affections in prayer that they can hardly content themselues with any wordes to expresse their mind withal Ver. 10. God is more sure and fast to his children then all naturall parents and friends whatsoeuer Verse 11. Prayer for vpright conuersation according to Gods word should bee muche vsed ver 12. We may pray to be deliuered from the rage and lust of our aduersaries ver 13. If Gods promises were not we should many times sink downe vnder the burthen of our calamities ver 14. It is good for vs to stirre vp our selues and others to a liuely trust and an assured hope in the almighty for we are all dull and weake Psalme 28. Di. I His Psalme hath two especiall parts In the first the Prophet beséecheth the Lord to heare his prayer for himselfe and agaynst the vngodly whose naughtinesse also he doth in part set out from verse 1. to the end of the fift In the seconde hée prayseth the Lorde for his mercies and declareth also the assured perswasion he had in Gods mercy concluding with a prayer for the Church from verse 6. to the end of the Psalme Se. The title hath bin already spoken of ver 1. Doe I crie i. pray earnestly O my strength i. thou from whom all the strength that I haue commeth bée not deafe i. doe not cast away and neglect my prayers eyther as though thou heardst not at all or wouldst not heare for as the deafe cannot heare so there are some that though they can yet will not if thou answere me not i. graunt not my petition I be like theÌ„ that goe downe into the pit i. like dead meÌ„ that are buried for he putteth the word Pit here for the graue meaning that hee and his glory should vtterly perish from among men Ver. 2. When I holde vp my handes the signe of prayer vsed for prayer see Psal 141.2 Exod. 17.11 toward thine holy oracle i. towards the place where thy arke was froÌ„ whence thou hast promised helpe to them that call vpon thée it may be also taken for heauen ver 3. Draw me not away c. vz. to death in the time that thou executest vengeance against the vngodly sée Psal 26.9 Psal 27.12 speake friendlye i. words that pretend friendship goodwill when malice is in their harts i. they imagine mischiefe though they speake fayre sée Psalm 12.2 ver 4. He meaneth that seing they had multiplied iniquitie the Lord would in his iustice repay them home for
it their rewarde i. a rewarde meete for them and their wickednesse ver 5. Workes of the Lord i. his iudgements against other wickednesse and the order of his prouidence breake them downe vz. as men doe olde rotten and ruinous houses for such a metaphor is vsed here and builde them not vp i. let them be without hope of repayring or establishment ver 7. the Lord is my strength my shield sée Psal 18.2 my hart trusted i. inwardly I was fully perswaded and hoped rightly for the hart is it that God specially respecteth and is the seat of all our affections good and euill my hart shal reioyce i. inwardly I will be glad with my song will I prayse him i. openly also will I testifie my ioy and thankfulnes ver 8. Their strength vz. that went forth with me to warre acknowledging that the meanes that men haue are but the instruments of Gods power the strength of their deliuerances i. the only worker of the deliuerances of his annointed that is which his King hath receaued sée Psal 18.50 ver 9. Saue thy people vz. from the rage of their enemies blesse i. poure plēty of blessings vpō that people that thou hast chosen to be a peculiar inheritaunce vnto thy selfe féede them i. be as it were their sheapheard of which sée psal 29.1 nothing his care watchful gouernmēt of thē exalt thē vz. aboue their enimies as psa 27.6 for euer i. cōtinually Ver. 1. When God séemeth not to heare then must we be most earnest ver 2. Do. we must inforce our voice holding vp our hands c and all that we can doe to prouoke vs to earnestnesse in prayer ver 3. It is not good to partake in punishment with the wicked We must learne also to take héede of dissembling either in word or hart ver 4.5 We may pray against the malicious contemners of God and his truth Ver. 6. We ow thankfulnesse to the Lord after that he hath heard our praiers ver 7. Consideration of Gods goodnesse towards vs in former times is a good meane of hope in time to come ver 8. God blesseth the good and those that take part with thē ver 9. In al our prayers we should be mindfull of the prosperous and good estate of the whole church Psalme 29. THis Psalme hath thrée parts Di. In the first the Prophet admonisheth rulers and Princes to feare the Lord this is contayned in the two first verses In the second part he setteth oute the effects of thunder which is an argument of Gods wonderfull maiestie and power from ver 3. to the 9. In the thirde part he sheweth what effects thunder and other workes of God worke in his children promising prosperitie goodnesse to all those that feare the Lord with a right affection from verse 9. to the end of the Psalme The title is expounded before Se. ver 1. Sons of the mighty i. Princes noble men who many times by reason of their birth wealth swel as it wer against god giue vnto the Lord this doubling doth note first that this belōgeth vnto god alone secondly how vnwilling mē are to giue him that which is his right glory strength vz. euen that which you your selues haue q.d. acknowledge that that which you haue you haue from him alone ver 2. due vnto his name which you do not if you claime either the whole or part by name he meaneth god himself al that is in him as maiesty power excellēcy c. in the glorious sanctuary i. in the tabernacle of witnesse in wch god sundry times gaue playne declaration of his glory and maiesty Ver. 3. The voice of the Lord i. the thunder which is called his voyce because he alone sendeth it out is vpon the waters i. as some expound it is heard vpō the waters but I suppose it would rather be turned thus is aboue the waters meaning the waters that be vphelde in the firmament by Gods almightie power because the thunder is in a higher region of the ayre than the cloudes in which the water are contayned the God of glory i. he to whome all glory is due maketh it to thunder i. is the author of it The Lord or better the Lords voice is vpon the great waters as before in this verse and he calleth the waters in the cloudes greate both because of the abundance of them and also because of the force thereof as may appeare in the vniuersall flood Gen. 9. and the reason why I expoūd this verse is because he sayth afterwards verse 10. God sitteth vpon the floud Ver. 4. Is mightye i. declareth greate might in his maiestie is glorious i. expresseth his great glory ver 5. The voice i. the thunder and those things that eyther go before it or follow it as lightnings the thunderbolt storme tempest c. the Cedars of Lebanon i. most high and excellent Cedars for that place yéeldeth the best the most thick and those that lasted longest Ver. 6. He maketh them i. sundry mountaines or places whereof he nameth two in this verse it may also be vnderstood of the shaking of the trées to leape i. to moue and stir muche vp and downe like a Calfe vz. that is vnruly and for pastime as you would say can hardly stand still Lebanon also and Shirion these are the names of two places for Shirion see Deut. 3.8.9 like a yong Vnicorne i. very lustily and nimblye for the Vnicornes but specially their yong ones be slender and light bodyed and much giuen to leaping or skipping ver 7. Deuideth the flames of fyre i. lightnings so called because they séeme to vs and are indéed flaming fire now the thunder deuideth them because it immediately followeth one flash of lightning goeth before another ver 8. the wildernes to trēble i. after some the beasts of the wildernes by Metonomya or which I take to be more plain by reason of that which followeth it maketh the very ground earth of the wildernes to shake as it were the Lord vz. by his power thūdering voice the wildernes of Kadesh i. that most great and horrible wildernes wherin the children of Israel wandred xl yeres before they came to the land of promise of which of the cruel beasts therin mētion is made Deut. 8.15 ver 9. Maketh the hinds who naturally bring forth with great difficulty as Iob 39.4.5.6 to calue vz. before their time which argueth the thunder to be a very terrible thing discouereth the forrest this place hath thrée sences some expound it thus that by forrests they vnderstand the beasts in the forrests which thorow thunder euen for verye feare come out of their couertures others vnderstand by forrest the mere groūd of the forrest which is layd open by the ouerthrow casting downe of trées in thunder and tempest others vnderstand by discouering the forrest the laying of it euen as it were by taking away the leaues thorow thuūder storme and to this
thrée speciall things first earnest prayers and supplications that the Prophet maketh that God would turne away his wrath from him and deliuer him from his enemies ver 1.9.15.21.22 In the second hee sheweth by manifold words and circumstances the great grief that hee was in by reason of his sinnes ver 2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10 In the third he declareth what his friendes and his foes did against him to the wonderful increase of his griefe also ver 11.12.13.14.16.17.18.19.20 Se. The title a Psalme of Dauid for remembraunce i. which hee made not onely as a meane to put him in remembrance of his sinne and Gods chastisements vpon him for the same but also to admonish him of the deliuerance out of the fame through Gods goodnes ver 1. is expounded Psal 6.1 Ver. 2. Thine arrows i. plagues diseases and griefes that thou hast sent haue light vppon mee vz. violently and with great force as appeareth by that which followeth in this Psalme and thy hand i. thy power and might or else heauie iudgements exercised thereby lyeth vpon mee vz. very sore and grieuously ver 3. There is nothing found in my flesh i. there is no part of my body but it is very much diseased in my bones i. in the parts members of my body because of my sinne vz. committed against thee and the plagues and punishments that thou hast layd vpon mee for the same ver 4. For mine iniquities i. both my sinnes and the punishments vppon me for the same are gone ouer my head i. either are growne to a great height or else which I rather allow of they ouerflowe me and as it were drowne mee this being a metaphor taken from waters as Psal 42.7 Psal 88.17 Psal 124.4 Meaning that hee was drowned or ouerwhelmed in his iniquities and punishments for them as one that were ouerwhelmed in a deepe water and as a weightie burthen this is an other metaphor taken from burthen by which hee noteth the greatnesse and grieuousnesse of his sinne to heauie for me vz. to beare yea they doe as it were presse mee downe vnto the grounde ver 5. My woundes i. the sores that I haue by reason of thy correction and punishments vppon mee for my sinnes are putrified i. are growne to bee full of matter and corrupt vz. so that they are almost past mee no doubt the prophet meaneth by these speaches to expresse both the greatnes of his griefe and length and continuance thereof because of my foolishnes i. because of my sinne in which respect also wicked men are sundry times in Scripture called fooles ver 6. I am bowed and crooked hee noteth the grieuousnes of his punishment which by reason of length and bodily weaknes that he receiued by it had as it were bowed him together very sore i. very much I go mourning al the day i. all the day long I doe nothing but mourne ver 7. My reines vz. of my back are ful of burning i. of wonderful great heat which the Phisitions take to be a signe of great sicknesse and dangerous weakenesse there is nothing c. sée ver 3. of this Psalme Ver. 8. sore broken vz. in my body by reason of my sicknes this is a maner of spéech that we vse in our tongue whē flesh is much abated or strength much decayed the Prophet meaneth that he was as it were consumed and worne away I roare sée psal 37.3 for the gréefe of mine harte i. by reason or thorow the great gréefe that I sustayn euer in the inward mā ver 9. I poure i. lay out my whole desire i. whatsoeuer I wish or desire before thée q.d. All the thinges that I desire are manifest to thée yea the verye sighs and grones which I send out sometimes in my prayers and sometimes in the gréefe of my mind are naked in thy presence But to what ende speaketh the Prophet this vz. To testifye his affection to Godward and how readye he was to come to him by prayer Ver. 10. And the light of mine eyes vz fayleth me as Psal 6.7 are not mine own vz. to vse them as I was wont to do because the vse of them was not so cleare and profitable vnto him as in former time they had bin he speaketh as though he had lost them altogether ver 11. Stand aside from my plague i. by reason of my plague and sicknesse they estrange themselues from me which thing Iob also complayneth of ver 12. Lay snares vz. to catch me imagine deceit continually vz. agaynst me that they may by subteltie take me ver 13. Heard not i. made shew as though I heard not the things they spake as a dumbe mā which openeth not his mouth i. I replyed not againe vpon them but quietly patiently bare their words and that this is the right sence maye appeare by verse 14. and 15. following ver 15. for on thée O Lord doe I wayt he sheweth a reason of his silence q.d. I am deafe and dumbe also at the reproches and iniuries that mine enemies laie vpon me because I hope that thou shortly wilt heare my prayers and deliuer me from this calamitie ver 16. Least they reioyce ouer me a reason to mooue God to heare least otherwise his glory should be blasphemed by these wicked men my foote flippeth i. when I am but likely to fall extoll themselues i. lift vp themselues both in wordes and déedes Ver. 17. Redy to halt i. to slide and flip as mine aduersaries would haue it vnlesse thou Lord strengthen mee and my sorrow vz. for that and other causes euer before me i. continuallye vppon me and in my sight so that I cannot forget it verse 18. Declare my payne i. largely by wordes and otherwise as sighings c. set out my gréefe both outward and inward and am sorry for my sinne which was the cause to pul these heauy iudgements vpon me verse 19. Are aliue vz. to worke mischiefe wheras before they séemed to be as it were dead and hee sheweth by these 2 termes Mighty and many that they haue power and number to performe the same ver 20. reward euill sée Psal 35.12 follow goodnesse i. allow and laboure to performe the things that are good the other two verses are verye plaine in which the Prophet prayeth for present ayde and spéedy deliueraunce Ver. 1. Gods wrath and indignation is much to be feared ver 2. Do. God verye sharpely punisheth many of his children Ver. 3. Sinne draweth vpon vs wonderfull iudgements Ver. 4. We are not able to beare the multitude of our sinnes much lesse to satisfie for them ver 5.6.7.8 shew that sinne the punishments of God therefore doe bring vpon Gods children many times bodilye sicknesses and wonderfull infirmities ver 9. It is good for vs to lay out our causes before God ver 11. A mans enimies many times are they of his owne houshold sée Iob 19.13.14.15 Ver. 12. Describeth the malice and subtilty of the vngodlye Ver. 13.14 Teacheth vs many times to bury
euill wordes vttered against vs and not to be redy to reproue euery thing spoken against vs. ver 15 In GOD alone must we trust in al distresses ver 16. Our praiers to GOD must be effects of our hope also the sliding of the Godly openeth the mouth of the wicked and therefore we haue néede to pray that we may stand ver 17. It is good to féele our own infirmities but withall to haue recourse to GOD for strength to stande verse 18.19 Declare that the more paine Gods children are in the more doe the wicked insult and grow vp in might and number Verse 20. It is no new thing that Gods children receiue euill for good also that the enemies hate them not for euill but for goodnesse sake Verse 21.22 Praier to God and to him alone in the time of all our distresses is highly commended vnto vs. Psalme 39. Di. THis Psalme may be deuided into two partes In the firste the Prophet sheweth how that after a long debating in himselfe whether he shoulde bée silent or no he burst out into prayer describing the vanity and shortnesse of mans life whiche being well considered maketh him to confesse that hee trusteth only in the Lorde from verse 1. to the ende of the seuenth In the second he prayeth deliueraunce from sinne and from those punishmentes which were layde vpon him for sinne desiring the Lorde to cease from wrath and graciously to heare his prayer from verse 8. to the ende of the Psalme Se. The title to the excellent Musitian Ieduthun This is the name of one who for his skill was preferred before the rest of his stocke and familie Sée 1. Chron. 16.41 also chap. 25.3 but yet he so nameth the chéefe man that vnder the same he meaneth also those excellent Musitions that were of his stocke and race Verse 1. I thoughte vz. in my selfe thus to my wayes i. to the whole order and course of my life and namelye that I sinne not with my tongue vz. in vttering ill spéeches vsing the tongue which is an instrumente of spéeche for wordes or spéeche vttered thereby my mouth brideled or mufled it is a metaphor taken from wilde beasts into whose mouthes or ouer whose mouthes something is put least they should hurt sée Psalme 32.9 while i. so long as the wicked is in my sight i. it pleaseth God by wicked men to exercise me least if I should speake any thing awry they being presente they should take occasion therby to speake euill ver 2. I was dum vz. for the time as Psalme 38.13 or as a dumme man q.d. I did not otherwise hold my tongue then if I had bene dumme euen from God vz. words or matter the Prophet meaneth that though he had a iust defence and an honest cause to complayne yet he put it all vp in silence and bare it patiently as you may sée one particular 2. Samuel 16.5 c. and my sorrow was more stirred vz. by my silence discoursing and dilating with my selfe whether I were best to speake meaning that by that meanes his gréefe was increased others reade it thus when my sorrowe waxed rawe i. was not onely not healed but by reason of newe calamities waxed more vehemente the sence commeth all to one though the wordes somewhat differ Verse 3. By heate of harte and fyre kindled the Prophet meaneth not onlye the greatnesse of his gréefe as they that are gréeuouslye sicke féele greate force and power of heate but he meaneth also some motions that hée had to impatiencye and fretting to whiche fault they are very muche subiecte that are hote and giuen to heate Verse 4. Myne ende i. the tyme of his ende meaning the time wherein hée shoulde dye of my dayes vz. whiche I haue to liue What it is i. Howe long for by seuerall wordes in this verse the Prophet meaneth all one thing vz to knowe howe long he should liue in this World q.d. Séeing thou handlest mée so sharpely let mée at the least knowe howe long I haue yet to liue and indure this payne But this prayer was not good because he required to know that whiche the Lorde had kepte close in his owne counsell Verse 5. My dayes i. the dayes of my lyfe as an hande breadth i. very short as a measure of foure fingers broade yea myne age i. the tyme of my life as nothing vnderstande is or else thou hast made it as nothing in respecte of thée i. if it be compared with thée that arte altogether eternall in whose sight a thousand yeares are but as one daye sée Psalme 90.4 2. Peter 3.8 in his best state i. that hée eyther canne bée in or imagine himselfe to bée in touching this life altogether vanitie i. nothing else but vayne brittle and transitorye Verse 6. Man i. hée and his whole life walketh in a shadowe i. hath his conuersation in this life quicklye to passe awaye as a shadowe doeth meaning that there is nothing founde in mans life certayne and that hée hath nothing but a vayne shewe disquieteth himselfe vz. by heaping and getting vp goods in vayne i. without cause the reason followeth in this verse because he knoweth not who shall be his heire shall gather or rather receaue them vz. from him when hée shall departe from them Verse 7. And nowe q.d. Séeing that all men are so vayne whome shoulde I trust in or whome doe I hope in but in thée alone Verse 8. A rebuke vz. by suffering myne afflictions to preuayle vppon mée vnto the Foolishe i. Wicked men as Psalme 14.1 Verse 9. I shoulde haue bene or make c. q.d. In stéede of reasoning disputing the matter with thée as ver 4. I should haue bin silent towards thée as I was towards others ver 2. of this Psal because thou diddest it This is a reason why hee shoulde haue borne his afflictions patientle ver 10. Thy plague i. the punishmente and scourge that thou hast layde vpon me consumed i. as it were brought to nothing by the stroke of thine hand i. by the punishment and affliction which by thy power thou hast striken me withall Ver. 11. With rebukes i. plagues and punishments procéeding from thy wrath which are called rebukes because that the Lord by them doth as it were rebuke them for their euill for iniquitie vz. committed eyther directly or indirectly against thy maiesty and by these termes he meaneth not only sinne but a iust and full punishment such as sinne deserueth as a Moth these wordes may haue a double sence eyther that God shoulde consume the wicked as mothes doe precious garments which best agréeth with this translation or else that the beautie of all other excellent thinges in the vngodlye should be destroyed thorow Gods iudgements as Mothes in killing of whom there néedeth no great strength as Iob 4.19 and this agréeth with Immanuel who turneth this verse far otherwise Ver. 12. At my teares q.d. Let my teares mingled with my prayers moue thée to pitie me for I am
woulde saye to beholde the Heauens then the heares of myne heade i. they are innumerable my harte i. my courage witte counsell c. hath fayled me i. hath hene as it were consumed vz. by earnest thinking vppon them Verse 13. Let it please thée Hée flieth to Gods good will sée Psalme 38.21.22 Ver. 14. Let them bée c. Sée Psalme 35. 4. and 26. where you haue almost the same words Verse 15. For a rewarde i. as a méete and iust punishmente of their shame i. of their filthye and shamefull life sée Psalme 28.4 Aha Aha sée Psalme 35.21 Verse 16. That séeke thée vz. with a sincere and vprighte harte and that to serue thée in thee i. for thée and for the gracious deliueraunces that thou bestowest vppon them that loue thy saluation i. like and reioyce in thy sauing health and deliueraunces saye alwayes i. haue alwayes an occasion to say the Lorde be praysed vz. for the continuall mercy and goodnes which hée hath shewed vnto vs. Ver. 17. Though I be poore and néedy i. destitute of all mans ayde thinketh on me vz. to doe me good or else prouideth for me my matters thou art my helper and my deliuerer q.d. I néed not be proud when I doe any thing well for I doe it by thy helpe who art wont to deliuer me from troubles Do. Ver. 1. Patient abiding the Lords leasure is neuer vnrecompenced Ver. 2. God sheweth himself then most nigh to his children when they are in the greatest daunger Verse 3. By graces bestowed vppon his children GOD deliuereth two doctrines the one that those that haue receiued them shoulde prayse him the other that those that haue not receiued them should learne thereby to reuerence him and put their trust in the truth of his promises Verse 4. GOD onely must be trusted vnto as for proude and deceitfull persons they are to be abhorred Verse 5. Gods workes are past our reache Verse 6. God preferreth obedience speciallye in the harte before outwarde Ceremonies Verse 7. Teacheth vs chearefully when wée knowe Gods worde to obaye the same Verse 8. Teacheth vs to reuerence the law and worde of God aboue all Verse 9.10 To set forth Gods goodnesse righteousnesse truth to the vttermost of our powers Ver. 11. Continually to pray for the féeling of Gods mercy and truth Verse 12. Describeth the gréeuousnesse of sinne and the horrible effectes of the same Verse 13.14.15.16 We learne to make prayer as for our selues so for others and yet withall to pray against the malicious and obstinate enimies of Gods truth Verse 17. God reiecteth none for his pouerty or néede but the more he is in distresse the readier is the Lord to helpe him if hée be his Psalme 41. THis Psalme may be deuided into thrée parts Di. Firste Dauid declareth what good estate they are in that pitie the afflicted and néedye in their calamities and distresse from verse 1. to the end of the fourth In the seconde hee describeth the mischieuous mindes of his enimies agaynst him and the practises of his counterfeyted friends from verse 5. to the ende of the ninth In the third he prayeth vnto the Lord for deliueraunce and assuring as it were himselfe thereof he concludeth with thankesgiuing from verse 10. to the end of the Psalme The Title is expounded before Verse 2. Se. Kéepe him vz. from the violēce and rage of his enemies preserue him aliue vz. euen here vppon the earth from many daungers hee shall bee blessed vppon the earth i. hée shall haue abundaunce of blessinges powred forth vpon him in this life and thou vz. O God a sodayne chaunge of the person vnto the will vz. that they shoulde doe with him what they list sée Psalme 27.12 Ver. 3. Vpon the bed of sorrowe i. when being sorrowful and gréeued hee doth for verye weakenesse kéepe his bedde putting the place wherevpon the heauy harted partye lyeth for the partie himselfe and his wonderfull gréefe thou hast turned a chaunge of the person as before ver 2. of the time by turning he meaneth changed all his bedde i. all the gréefe hee had vppon his bedde in his sicknesse i. in the time of his sicknesse The Prophet meaneth that God either had or would for the Prophets vse to speake sundry times of things that are to come as though they were alredy done restore him from sicknes to health from gréefe of mynde and body to soūdnes both of body soule ver 4. Therfore I sayd vz. because I saw thy goodnes towards others my soule i. me my self both in body soule a part for the whole Verse 5. Speake euill of mee i. Wish euill to me as may appeare by that which followeth in this verse They desired his death and his name i. not only his glory but his remembraunce perish vz. from amongst men Verse 6. He come a sodain chaunge of the number putting one eyther for some excellent one amongest them or for many to sée me vz. when I am sicke he speaketh lyes because he hath one thing in his mouth and another thing in his hart see Psalme 35.15 his hart heapeth iniquitie within him i. he carrieth an innumerable number of mischiefs in his hart againste mée which he declareth to his mates so soone as he is departed from me and laboreth to put the same in execution commeth forth vz. from the place where he had bin with me he telleth it vz. to his companions Verse 7. Whisper together i. hold their secret counsels and conspire against me for by whispering he meaneth their secret spéeches and practises myne hurt i. the hurt they will doe me Ver. 8. A mischiefe i. some great affliction punishment or disease sent from God which his enemies called a mischiefe prophanelye as prophane men sometimes call it vengeaunce Acts 28.4 hath light vpon him and taken such hold that he that lieth vz. gréeuously sicke vpon his bed and in it shall no more rise vz. out of his bed because they supposed hee shoulde dye of that disease Ver. 9. My familiar friend this may be vnderstood eyther of Absolon or Achitophel as 2. Sam. 15. or some other trustye one which did eate of my bread i. that came to my table and did eate of the best vittails I had there hath lifted vp the héele agaynst me by héele we vnderstande the whole man a part being put for the whole The meaning of the Prophet is that not onelye he whosoeuer he was did set himselfe against him but that also hee did it despightfully and contemptuously for to lift vp the héele or foote to the ende to trample vnder féete or to spurne argueth contempt despight and crueltye This by our Sauiour is applyed to Iudas Iohn 13.18 Verse 10. Rayse me vp vz. to my former strength and glory so shal I reward them vz. according to my kingly calling and office rendring vnto them that they haue deserued Ver. 11. He vseth the present tense for the future which is vsuall
thy countenaunce i. thy moste mercifull fauour and presence in whiche thou wentest before them and shewest thy selfe fauourable vnto them Sée for the proofe of this Exodus 15.13 Ieoshu 24.12.13 c. Verse 4. Thou art my King these are the wordes of the people that thorow Gods goodnesse inhabited the Lande of promise and they saye My King because all the faythfull were but as one man vnto Iaakob i. vnto the Israelites that came of Iaakob the Father of the Nation for the Nation it selfe sée Psalme 14.7 Verse 5. Thorow thée i. the might and strength that thou hast giuen vs haue wée thrust backe vz. as Beastes doe with their hornes for suche a worde hée vseth in this place sée Deutronom 33.17 they meane that they had beaten backe and ouerthrowne those that assaulted them by thy name i. by thy vertue power and grace as Psalm 20.1 haue we troden down vz. vnder our féet noting by this spéech both the weakenesse of their aduersaries the ouerthrow that they gaue them despising them also as dust vnder their féete Verse 6. By Bowe and Sworde he meaneth all maner Weapons and warlike Instrumentes whatsoeuer and by sauing he meaneth deliuering from daungers speaking vnder the person of one because all the faythfull are but one body in the name of all the rest Verse 7. Saued vs i. set vs frée and deliuered vs marke the sodayne chaunging of the number from our Aduersaries i. from all their force and subtile practises and haste put them to confusion vz. in defending vs and in ouerthrowing them Verse 8. will confesse i. thanke as often in these Psalmes and Luke 10.21 thy name sée verse seuen of this Psalme Verse 9. Farre off vz. from helping vs puttest vs to confusion i. makest vs ashamed and that before thyne and our enemyes because thou doest not helpe vs and goest not foorth vz to battayle fighting for vs as thou was wonte to doe and giuing vs victorie ouer all our enemies Verse 10. To turne backe i. thorow faynt hartednesse to flée before him spoyle vz. vs and oure substaunce Verse 11. Thou giuest vs vz. ouer to the rage and crueltye of oure enimyes as Shéepe to bee eaten i. whiche shoulde bee presentlye killed and presentlye deuoured vnder whiche similitude they set out the greate daunger and extreamitye they were in and doest scatter vs among the Heathen this was an other punishmente and that verye gréeuous to bee amongest a people among whome GOD was blasphemed and they themselues to wante the exercises of Gods Religion Verse 12. Thou sellest thy people by this manner of spéeche they mynde to declare that GOD had them not in that estimation and regarde that hée had their forefathers q.d. We are vile and despised in thyne eyes because wee are solde to the enemyes on euerye side of vs for a little or nothing neither yet arte thou thy selfe inriched by the sale of vs. Verse 13. They meane that GOD had giuen them ouer to their neighbours to bee mocked and scorned by all the meanes the vngodlye coulde deuyse as by ieasling spéeches laughing countenaunces and gestures that fauoured of scoffing Verse 14. A Prouerbe i. a common by-worde meaning that they and their name were in greate reproche amonge the Gentiles and they had them continuallye in their mouthes so that their common sentences and spéeches were not more rife in their mouthes than the calamitye and myserie of the Iewes and a nodding of the heade i. a continuall skoffe and mocking stocke as it were sée Psalme 22 7. 2. Kings 19 21. Verse 1. My confusion marke the sodayne chaunging of the number sée for this purpose also Verse 6. of this Psalme is daylye before mee i. I euery day or continuallye beholde and therefore can hardlye forget the confusion and shame that lyeth vppon vs the shame of my face i. the shame wherewith my face is as it were ouercouered hath wroughte this effecte that I am ashamed or for shame I dare not looke vp Verse 16. This verse hangeth vppon the former thus q.d. I am altogether ashamed by reason of the opprobrious spéeches of the enemyes for the voyce i. for the wordes whiche they that slaunder vs and rebuke vs vtter agaynste GOD and vs and auenger vz. of themselues and their owne causes meaning thereby the crueltye and bloodinesse of these men and this is to bee noted that they speake of all their enimies vnder the name of one and in the singular number meaning notwithstanding all whatsoeuer Verse 17. They declare that by no troubles they coulde bee drawne awaye from trust in GOD and from that trueth of his Religion whiche they had imbraced yet doe wée not forget thée vz. as those that make little accounte of thée and thy Religion neyther deale wée falslye concerning thy couenaunt vz. made with vs they meane that they had indeauoured to the vttermost of their powers to abstayne from the breache thereof Verse 18. They declare what it is to breake Gods couenaunt vz. in affection of minde to turne away from him for that they meane by hart or in action or conuersation openlye to violate vnderstanding by steppes outwarde behauiour and by Gods pathes the wayes wordes and law which hee hath appoynted them to walke in euen as it were a path beaten way Verse 19. Thou hast smitten vs downe i. cast vs downe as it were with a blowe Marke howe hée ascribeth this to GOD because the Chaldeans or other their enimyes whosoeuer they were coulde doe nothing withoute him into the place of Dragons i. into desolate and solitarie places for they delight to dwel there or else into countries the inhabitantes whereof are no lesse cruell then Dragons or as Immanuel readeth into the place of Whales i. into the moste déepe Sea whatsoeuer it is they meane that they were caste into moste horrible and gréeuous daungers and couered vs i. ouerwhelmed vs with the shadowe of death i. with moste manifest daungers which séeme to bring nothing but death with them sée Psalme 23.4 Verse 20. If wee haue forgotten i. made little account of or nothing at all regarded as verse seuentéene of this Psalme the name of our GOD i. his glorye honour worship and Religion and holden vp our handes i. by prayer and supplication soughte helpe of anye other than of the true GOD whom we worship they vse the signe of one that worshippeth and séeketh helpe for the thing it selfe to a straunge God i. to an Idoll eyther one or manye nowe this verse is ended in the nexte verse Verse 21. Searche this out q.d. It could not be but he would and addeth a reason as a proofe thereof because hée seeth knoweth and vnderstandeth euen the very secrete thoughtes and imaginations of our heartes Verse 22. For thy sake i. for thy causes as the vse of thy worde the exercise of thy religion c. are wée slayne vz. thorowe the crueltie of the enemyes wée yet notwithstanding willingly and chearefully bearing the same as shéepe
3. Confession of our sinnes and the sight of them are good meanes to bring vs to repentaunce for them and forgiuenesse of them Verse 4. God onely is iust in all his wayes and wordes how vile soeuer men be Verse 5. Proueth originall sinne and yet not by imitation as the Pelagians imagine but by naturall corruption from our parents before we could follow them Verse 6. God specially regardeth the inward parts as the harte and minde Verse 7. Vnlesse God take away our sinnes we can neuer be purged Verse 8. When we are afflicted with heauinesse it is good to praye that we may féele spirituall comfort Verse 9. We are not able to indure Gods presence much lesse his iustice for our sinnes Verse 10. God is he alone that must alter and chaunge the corruptions of our mindes Verse 11. To be banished out of Gods fauour and to want the effects of the spirite is extreme miserye Verse 12. Vnlesse God vphold vs we shall easily fall Verse 13. Our féelings of Gods mercies should be referred to other mens profits and Gods glory Verse 14. We ought to pray for deliueraunce from sinne and the punishments due thereto Verse 15. All the members of our bodies should bée referred to Gods glorye but yet we can not performe that vnlesse hee giue vs strength and grace Ver. 16. God regardeth not outward seruices only but the inward and the outward must be both ioyned together Ver. 17. Godly gréefe of hart for sinne is an acceptable sacrifice to God Ver. 18. We must praye for the Church and the prosperity thereof Verse 19. It becommeth Gods children after he hath heard their prayers and graunted them their requests outwardly to shew themselues thankfull Psalme 52. THis Psalm may be deuided into two parts Di. In the first the prophet by péecemeale as it were describeth the corruption and malice of his aduersaries and this is comprehended in the foure first verses In the second he sheweth Gods iudgemēts agaynst the vngodlye and his fauour to his children with the fruit the godly shall reape thereby from verse 5. to the end of the Psalme The title to him that excelleth Se. A Psalme of Dauid to giue instruction this hath ben expounded before Psal 4. also Psal 32. that which followeth in the title declareth the occasion wherefore Dauid made this Psalm for the more ample vnderstanding wherof sée 1. Sam. 21. from verse 1. to the 9. and Doeg is here called an Edomite not that I thinke he was so by nation or birth but because he had vpon some one occasiō or other dwelt in Edom. Ver. 1. Why boastest thou thy selfe c. q.d. there is no cause why thou shouldst so doe if eyther thou consider thy selfe or the matter that thou art about to commit or God himselfe whose goodnesse continueth towards his children for euer though he doe for a time giue them ouer to the vngodlies lust so that all thy laboure is but lost though thou bragge neuer so much therof for neyther art thou able to assault God though thou be neuer so mighty neyther to hinder the course of his goodnesse towards his children Ver. 2. Thy tongue imagineth mischiefe he attributeth imagination to the tongue which is proper to the mind meaning therby expressing q.d. thou doest by thy wordes bewray what mind thou haddest whē thou wast with Ahimelech like a sharpe rasor vz. in cutting that déepely q.d. thou woundest cuttest with thy tongue as a rasor doth hee meaneth the slaughter cōmitted 1. Sam. 22.16 that cutteth deceitfully as missing the beard and striking the throat that is not vsed where it should be and where it should not be vsed there to be of great force Immanuel readeth this verse otherwise and somewhat more plainly in my iudgement Verse 3. Euill i. not onely euill in affection but in acte meaning speciallye the murther committed at Nob and lyes vz. in falslye accusing Ahimelech sée 1. Samuell 22.7.8.9 c. Ver. 4. Thou louest i. allowest and vsest all wordes that may destroy i. suche spéeches as by the vttering of them maye bring hurte and destruction to others Verse 5. So i. as thou hast delighted to destroy others vz. the Priests of Nob so shall God take pleasure in thy ouerthrowe although for a while he deferre to punish thy trayterous and crafty dealing destroye thée O Doeg although thou thinkest thy selfe to be very high and sure yet shalte thou be cast downe for euer i. continually and that so that thou shalt haue no hope of rising agayne hee shall take thée vz. awaye from amongst men so that thou shalt not hurt any more and plucke thée vz. by strong hande whether thou wilt yea or no out of thy Tabernacle i. the place of thy dwelling and aboad and all that thou haddest to mayntayne the same whiche thou madest account of as though it had bene perpetuall meaning that he would take awaye from him Saules seruice and whatsoeuer else he had to trust in roote thée i. not only thine owne person but thy remembraunce and posteritie out of the lande of the liuing i. out of the world and from the face of the earth Verse 6. Shall sée it i. the punishment that God shall lay vpon thée and such wicked ones as thou art and shall feare vz. God and his iudgementes but yet with a reuerence and loue also of his maiestie from which shall spring sincere seruice and shall laugh i. inwardly and outwardly reioyce at him i. Doeg and such wicked men not so much for that they are ouerthrowne as because thereby it pleaseth God to manifest the care he hath for his children the iudgements he executeth vpon the wicked Verse 7. Behold the man q.d. they shall poynt at him as it were with the finger and will other men to looke vppon the heauye iudgementes that God hath executed agaynst him that tooke not God for his strength i. that did not put his trust for his strength and all other thinges in God only but trusted vnto the multitude of his riches Sée Luke 12.15.16 c. 1. Timothie 6.7 and put his strength i. trusted that his strength shoulde appeare in his malice vz. whiche hee practised agaynste Ahimelech and the rest of the Priestes at Nob. Verse 8. But I Dauid expresseth the hope that he and other faythfull haue howsoeuer the wicked be destroyed and that though the wicked trust in vncertaintie of riches yet he and they still hang vpon the Lord continuallye lyke a gréene Oliue Trée i. alwayes freshe and flourishing and yéelding fruite for the Oliue is very fruitfull and neuer wanteth gréene Leaues in the house of GOD i. in his Church and Congregation from whiche though Dauid were at this present banished yet in a sure hope he perswadeth himselfe hee shall in good time returne thither and bring forth much fruite for I trusted in the mercye of GOD this is a reason why he shoulde continue and florish for euer and euer expounde this by
verse sixe of Psalme 23. Verse 9. I will alway prayse thée Dauid promiseth thankfulnes for that thou hast done this he sheweth a cause why he will be thankefull and marke the manner of spéeche he speaketh as the Prophets also do oftentimes of a thing that should be done as though it were alreadye done because of the certaintie of it I will hope in thy name i. I will trust in and patiently wayte for thy vertue power and grace as Psalme 20.1 so that here he promiseth patience because it is good i. is found to be gracious fauourable and redy to helpe afflicted ones before thy saynts i. euen in the verye sighte iudgement and experience of thine owne people For this word Saynts sée before Psal 50.5 also Psal 16.3 The vngodly reioyce and glory in their sinne and shame Do. also Gods kindnes continueth for euer towards those that feare him Ver. 2.3.4 sheweth how that the vngodly vse all the meanes they can of words déeds c. to worke mischiefe and hurt by Verse 5. setteth out Gods iudgements against the wicked and that the hope of the vngodly shall perish Verse 6. Gods iudgements vpon the wicked strike two contrary passions as it were into the hartes of his children vz. feare and ioyfulnes Ver. 7. sheweth how vaine a thing it is to trust in any thing saue in God alone and to take pleasure and delighte in vngraciousnesse Verse 8. describeth the flourishing estate of the faythful Ver. 9. Teacheth praysing of God and patience Psalme 53. THis Psalme is the same not only in matter but in wordes almoste with Psalme 14. and therefore that that hath bene sayde there must be looked vpon agayne where it varieth something shall bée put down In the title are these words on Mahalath which I take rather to be an instrument then a tune and such an instrument as was made to go with blowing or breath by the reason of the hollownesse of it all the rest of the title hath ben expounded before Psal 42. and else where Se. Verse 1. For the word Worke in Psalme 14. here is put downe Wickednesse seuerall wordes tending all to one end vz. to set out the naughtinesse of these wicked men Verse 3. For all are gone out of the waye Psalme 14. there is read Here euery one is gone backe vz. from the obedyence of God and his commaundementes whereof they séemed to make some profession Verse 5. differeth almost altogether from Psalme 14. the Prophet declaring what great iudgement the Lorde bringeth vppon the wicked though neuer so stoute and couragious noting that though they feared GOD no whit at al yea and they themselues were greatlye feared of men yet when they thoughte least of it and no cause of feare appeared the Lorde stirred vp the terrours and prickes of their owne consciences to trouble them scattered the bones vz. being firste broken as it were in péeces By this manner of spéeche the Prophet meaneth that the Lorde by his iudgementes entereth and pierseth euen into their inward parts and breaketh and weakeneth all their force and strength whatsoeuer and you so shal haue the word bones vsed for strength before Psalme 32.3 of him that besieged thée the Prophet speaketh of Gods people as of one person because of the vnitye that is or oughte to be amongst them and of their fellowlike suffering So also hee speaketh of the wicked as of one man by reason of the consent that is in them to doe mischiefe vnderstanding also by the worde besieging all the mischieuous attemptes deuices and procéedings of the vngodly thou hast put them to confusion this may be referred eyther to the Churche as that the Churche had gotten victorye agaynst the wicked because GOD woulde haue it so or else to Christ the heade of the Church or GOD the Father speaking to him and of him in the first place in the seconde person and in the latter place speaking of him in the thirde person I woulde rather referre it to the Churche All the rest sée before Psalme 14. Psalme 54. Di. THis Psalme though it be short hath yet notwithstanding 3. parts In the first the Prophet prayeth deliuerance from his enemies shewing the cause that moueth him so to doe from verse 1. to the end of the third In the second he declareth what mercy God wil shew to him and what iustice he will execute vpon his enemies and this is in the two next verses vz. 4.5 In the thirde he promiseth hartye thanksgiuing vnto the Lord and sheweth the cause thereof and this is conteyned verse 6.7 Se The title to him that excelleth on Neginoth sée this expoūded Psal 4. in the title A Psal of Dauid to giue instruction sée this expounded Psal 32. in the title when the Ziphims i. diuers of the people that dwelt in Ziph for the expounding of this and all that followeth in this Title Sée 1. Samuel 23. verse 14 15 16 17 18 19 c. also 1. Samuel 26. verse 1.2 c. Is not Dauid amongest vs This demaunding doth more certainly affirme q. d. certaynelye and withoute all doubte hée is in our countrye and therefore we come to tell it thée Verse 1. Saue me i. deliuer me and set me frée from these daungers wherin I am so haue we had this word vsed sundry times before and so haue you it afterwardes Psalme 69.1 by thy name or else for thy names sake i. for thy strength vertue power and graces sake as sundrye times before and namelye Psalme 20.1 and by thy power q.d. myne enymyes are stronge and I am weake therefore I come vnto thée that arte stronger than all Iudge me i. defende my righte pleade my cause and sette mee frée from the force and subtelties of mine enemies Verse 2. Heare my prayer i. shewe by effect that thou hast or wilte graunte my request for otherwise Dauid doubted not but that the Lorde hearde him praying vnto the wordes of my mouth i. vnto the prayer whiche I vtter with my mouth for prayer speciallye is a lifting vp of the harte vnto GOD though wordes sundrye times bee not vsed or hearde before men as Exodus 14.15 Also 1. Samuel 1. Verse 10.11.12.13 Verse 3. For strangers i. the Ziphims and others taking part with Saule who although they were Israelites according to the flesh and outward profession yet by their déedes declared themselues to be straungers from God his religion and all humanity for very humanity it selfe would haue taught thē to haue bin so farre off from deliuering the afflicted into Tyrauntes handes that they should rather haue pittyed him are risen vp agaynst vz. both with bodily violence and with their tongues to doe me euill and tyraunts i. men not onely of great might but also of great crueltye like vnto wilde beastes séeke my soule i. diligently searche after my life to destroy it Sée Matth. 2.20 Soule is put here for life as in other places before and also verse 4. of this Psalme they
12. Myne enemy i. mine open enemy or one that I had giuen any good cause vnto to bee mine enemy for otherwise no doubt hee or they whosoeuer they were that put this in practise against Dauid were his foes and here note that though hee seeme to speake but of one yet no doubt hee meaneth more or else vnder one most singular in that craft of dissimulation hee vnderstandeth others for hee meaneth here that by secret deuises which hee coulde not preuent hee was vnder the pretence of friendshippe almost cast away did not diffame mee sée verse 3. of this Psalme for I could haue borne it vz. better then I doe nowe because I looke for nothing from mine enemie but enemy like dealing Exalt himselfe against mee i. set himselfe against mee by worde or deede All this the Prophet speaketh by the way of comparison not denying but that his foes did defame him and oppose themselues against him but if that were compared with the hypocriticall dealings of his counterfeit friends it would appeare to bee nothing as a man would say and this wee call a denyall by the way of comparison I would haue hid me from him i. I woulde haue kept my selfe close and safe from him and his cruelties Verse 13. Hee sheweth who it was that wrought him this iniurie my companion i. my equall and of the selfesame state and condition that I my selfe was of by which wee see that this Psalme was made before hée came to the kingdome for when hee was exalted thither once none was equall vnto him my guyde vz. in matters of counsell and affaires that I had to doe and my familiar i. my deare and tender friend He meaneth no doubt some whom hee had in great regarde and estimation Ver. 14. Which delighted in consulting together q.d. with whom I tooke wonderfull pleasure to conferre of many matters and namely of the exercises of Gods religion which I suppose the Prophet meaneth by going into the house of God as companions consulting as it were together howe they might prepare themselues to his seruice behaue themselues therein Ver. 15. Let death sease vpon them vz. not onely sodainely and or euer they beware for so much the Hebrewe worde in a metaphor séemeth to import but let it take such holde of them that it may neuer leaue till it haue taken them away from amongest men Let them goe downe quicke into the graue as Korah Dathan and Abiram did Numb 16.31 Hee meaneth that hee woulde haue them dye of some sodaine death no disease or sickenesse going before it for wickednes i. all manner of vngodlinesse sée before Psalm 36.1 In their dwellinges i. in their congregations assemblies and fellowshippes putting the places where such wicked persons did méete for their méetings euen in the middest of them i. they norish it within them and haue it alwayes in their company Ver. 16. I will call vnto God i. earnestly pray vnto him will saue mee i. deliuer mee from these cruelties and daungers as Psalm 54.1 Verse 17. Euening and morning and at noone will I pray i. I will bee importunate and neuer cease till I haue obteined from hence and out of Daniel 6.10 wee may gather that in those dayes the faythfull set themselues certaine houres to pray in thereby the better to awake their sluggishnes And make a noyse i. I will bee feruent and earnest in it for many haue prayed long and yet haue wanted feruency and hee will heare my voyce i. graunt the petitions and prayers that I shall powre foorth before him wherein wee see howe hee assureth him selfe of Gods goodwill and mercy Verse 18. My soule i. my life as sundry times before in peace i. safely and soundly and with great quietnes from the battaile that was against mee i. from the great conflictes and daungers wherein I shoulde haue béene snared because they were layde and prepared against mee for many were with mee q.d. though to sée too wee were but fewe yet wee had Gods Angels with vs to dismay our enemies and to comfort vs as 2. Kinges 6.16 Ver. 19. God shall heare vz. mee and my prayers and afflict them i. whereas hee shewed mercy to mee hee shall afflict them and punish them euen hee that reigneth of olde i. hee which in nature counsell and iudgement is eternall and alwayes like to himselfe which thing the Prophet expresseth to giue the wicked to vnderstande that there is no starting holes to hyde them in from GOD because they haue no chaunges vz. from wealth honour and credit to pouerty disgrace and misery but alwayes they goe forwarde in abundance of these outwarde blessinges therefore they feare not GOD i. they neither reuerence him nor his iudgements but abusing his mercye runne riot to all wickednes and so in this verse hee putteth them out for their harde hartednes in vngodlynes Ver. 20. Hee layeth his hand first marke the sodaine chaunge of the number before he spake of them in the plurall nowe of them in the singular next note that by laying of handes vppon others hee meaneth exercising of violence towardes others yea and this outragious discurtesie is aggrauated by howe much it was practised towards them that were at peace with him i. not only such as liued quietly with him but also loued him and so by that meanes hee brake his couenaunt vz. which he had made with him all this Dauid speaketh principally of Saul and himselfe and of the couenant that passed betweene them Sée 1. Samuel 24. from verse 17. to the ende of the Chapter Verse 21. The woordes of his mouth were softer then butter i. hee made shewe in his woordes of nothing but gentlenesse and mildenesse yet warre was in his heart i. inwardly hee imagineth nothing but mischiefe and destruction for so is the woorde warre vsed here vz. put for thinges that commonly followe warres his woordes were more gentle then Oyle this I take to be but the same thing repeated in an other metaphor in summe the Prophet toucheth him here for his peruerse hipocrisie and wooluish mind as it were against him Verse 22. Cast thy burden vppon the Lorde q.d. if there bee any thing that troubleth thee or that thou thy selfe standest in neede for so much I thinke hée meaneth by the worde burden commit all the care thereof into Gods hands and power staying thy self altogether vpon his prouidence and he shall nourish thée i. vndoubtedly thou shalt not want for God wil play the part of a good Father whereunto in deede the Prophet in this place resembleth him giuing vnto euery one of his in measure and as hee shall sée to bee necessary for them for so much doeth the worde import hee will not suffer the righteous to fall for euer vz. into the wicked mans power that he should vse him as hée himselfe lusteth Verse 23. Shalt bring them downe vz. from the wealth credit and authority that nowe they are in and this hee speaketh of the vngodly and
procéedeth from imagination in the mynd to execution in act and déede Ver. 3. Plainely prooueth original sinne and noteth the procéedings that the wicked make in vngodlines so that from their birth vnto their death there is nothing but sinne corruption Ver. 4.5 Teacheth vs first that the wicked are giuen to all manner of lying slaundering and backbiting secondly that they are so setled in their sinne that they are almost past hope of recouery Verse 6.7.8.9 Teacheth that wee may pray against the obstinate enemies of Gods Church and trueth that the Lord God woulde if hée sée it so good shortly confounde and spéedely ouerthrowe them which condition would bee vnderstood in al such prayers of Dauid though hee were excellently indued with the spirit of prophecy Ver. 10. Teacheth vs that the execution of Gods iudgements vppon the wicked is a matter of great comfort to the godly Ver. 11. Teacheth vs that the execution of Gods iudgementes vppon the wicked is likewise a matter of great instruction to other people wringing from them a sincere confession acknowledgement of Gods mercy towardes the good and of his iustice towardes the other it teacheth also that the godly shall loose nothing by this that they haue lead a religious and holy life before men in this life sée Isaiah 3.10 Psalme 59 THis Psalme as I take it may bee diuided into two partes Di. In the first the Prophet prayeth deliueraunce from his enemies shewing that their craft cruelty and proud bragges made him thus earnest with God from ver 1. to the end of the 8. In the second he declareth that God notwithstanding all their trecheries will deliuer him vpon which ground hee prayeth and prophecieth against him promising to yéeld thankefulnes to the Lord for that goodnes from ver 9. to the end of the Psalme The title for the most part is expounded before Psalm 57. Se. When Saul sent and they did watch the house to kill him sée for this 1. Samuel 19. from verse 11. to the ende of the 17. where it appeareth howe Michal his wife saued him from those that Saul sent to slay him Ver. 1.2 Hee prayeth to bee deliuered from his enemies which were ready as it were to ouerwhelme him by their wicked attempts cruell practises and mischieuous subtilties who did nothing else as a man would say but seeke his destruction Verse 3. They haue layd wayte vz. both secretly and openly for my soule i. for my life as sundry times before that they might take it away the mighty men q.d. no smal ones and therefore the greater danger am I in but such as haue wille and power to performe what they lift vnlesse thou preuent nor for mine offence nor for my sinne vz. to themward for I haue not done them any maner of euil which also may appeare by the next verse following O Lord q.d. euen as thou that searchest al heartes knowest Ver. 4. They runne and prepare themselues by these wordes the Prophet meaneth that they vsed al their diligence and spared no cost labour or paines to destroy him yea they were so diligent that they thought vppon nothing else almost but to execute their wicked enterprise without a fault on my part vz. towards them as before ver 3. Arise therefore here hee calleth vpon God whom he imagineth to be a sléepe as it were and all this is spoken according to man q.d. shewe thy power and might as hee doeth that is waked out of his sléepe to assist mee i. to stand by me and to strengthen me against such a number of cruel enemies as I haue and behold vz. not only my wretchednes and weakenes but also the outrages and mischieuous matters that they imagine and doe against me Ver. 5. Euē thou O Lorde of hostes hee more plainely describeth the God whom he called vpon for succour and in these termes Lorde of hostes hee comprehendeth his power as who hath infinite armies of all sorts of creatures in his handes to punish the wicked by and to defend the good and by these wordes O God of Israel he setteth out his mercy ioyning both together for the further strēgthening of his fayth awake i. declare thy power as before verse 4. and shewe thy selfe no lesse diligent to succour mee then they are to hurt mee to visite i. to punish and correct as Exod. 20.5 All the heathen by heathen he meaneth the hypocriticall and counterfeit Israelites who did as grieuously persecute Dauid for Sauls pleasure as people estraunged from God woulde haue done and when hee sayth all hee meaneth the greatest number expressing also vnder that terme the great multitude of his enemies which were so many in number as though they had béen whole swarmes of the Gentiles cōming together and bee not mercifull i. shewe no manner of fauour at all that transgresse maliciously i. of set purpose and as it were for the satisfiyng of their owne mischieuous myndes hée mindeth not here to speake of any but of the reprobate whose iniquitie was altogether desperate which as it should seeme hee did knowe through the spirit of prophecy Here wee must take héede that wee bee not ouer hasty to iudge in this behalfe Verse 6. They runne to and fro i. they cease not to goe and come so that they may execute their enterprises and this manner of speach noteth their rage in the euening q.d. if they can doe no euill in the day they will not cease to imploy the night thereto as being in déede a most conuenient tyme to woorke mischiefe in and this setteth out their diligence in committing euil they barke like dogges i. they pursue mee egarly and that with open mouth it is a metaphor taken from dogges vsed in hunting who sundry times followe their game barking and opening their mouthes wide as though they were ready to deuour their pray in which respect hee also compareth them here to raging hungry dogs and goe about the city vz. lest I might escape any maner of way and this noteth their diligence sée Psalm 55.10 Ver. 7. Behold they bragge in their talke i. they boast openly of that which they haue wickedly deuised and consulted on yea they vomit out and discouer all their wicked attempts without hyding or dissembling any thing so great is their impudency and shamelesnes and swordes are in their lippes i. the woordes that they speake are cruell for they speake of nothing but murthering throatcutting and spoyling sée Psalm 55.21 for who say they doth heare vz. our woordes or else perceiue our déeds and attempts and this they say amongst themselues meaning that neither God nor men do perceiue them And here he teacheth the outragious blockishnes that raigneth in the wicked when they perswade themselues that God regardeth not their wickednesses for being in possession fréedome to execute their wicked counsels they haue no shame of men nor feare of God Ver. 8. Sée expounded before Psal 2.4 for the word heathen sée ver 5. of this
put for an other because the greatnes of the worke was as it were fresh in the remembrance of al the faithful through the riuer vz. of Iordan on foote and not in shippes and boates hee noteth here the entrance of the people into the lande of Canaan vnder the gouernement of Iehoshua whereof sée Iehosh 3.14.15.16 c. Ver. 7. Hée i. God ruleth the worlde i. the people and all thinges else whatsoeuer therin conteined his eyes see Psalm 11.4 behold i. déepely and carefully consider as ver 5. of this Psalme all this is spoken of God according to man the nations i. not onely the persons themselues but the thinges they commit q.d. the speciall priuiledge that God then gaue to the children of of Israel hindered not God from continuall casting his sight vpon other nations that he might nourish and maintaine them and represse them also as occasion was offered the rebellious i. such as will not yéelde to him and his worde when hee calleth them shall not exalt themselues vz. any more as heretofore they haue done the reason is because they shal be cast downe from their dignitie and estate hee meaneth that they shall not prosper because God will ouerthrowe them Verse 8. Prayse our GOD O people q.d. all those that you imagine to be Gods are nothing but glory and honour belongeth to that God alone whom we serue and make the voyce of his praise to bee hearde vz. of others q.d. sound it abroad as in this Psalme verse 2. Ver. 9. Which holdeth our soules in life i. by whome alone and from whom wee haue euen the very life that wee haue in this life as Act. 7.28 and suffereth not our feete to slippe vz. into any great danger but was alwaies in good time ready to helpe vs and this procéeded from his great care and prouidence towards vs. Ver. 10. For thou O god he changeth the person from the third to the second hast proued vs vz. by afflictions and troubles thou hast tryed vs a metaphor taken from metals brought to fining that the value and goodnes of them might be knowne as siluer sée Psal 12.6 Hee meaneth that God hath tryed them to the quicke and in good earnest as wee sée siluer put into the fire not only once but many times to purge it is tryed vz. by the goldsmith siluersmith or fyner Ver. 11. Thou vz. O God wherby we sée that nothing is done without his prouidence and appointment into the snare vz. which our enemies laide for vs this is an other metaphor taken from hunting or fowling meaning by snare the troubles dangers and tyrannies that were deuised and prepared for thē and laid a straite chaine i. thou hast brought to passe that wee are come into our enymies power and are bound of them sée Psalm 149.8 and it is a metaphor either taken from captaines and their bands or else from horses that carie packes girded to them with wantes or such like whatsoeuer it is he meaneth that the burthens were very great and did sticke fast to them vppon our loines i. vpon vs putting a part of man for the whole Ver. 12. Thou hast caused men to ride ouer our heads i. thou hast made vs subiect not onely to great but to base personages who ruling ouer vs haue vsed great outrages vilanies against vs as if we had béen poore bruit beasts we went into fire and into water i. we indured most hard dangers sundry kinds of calamities afflictions which he resembleth to water and fire because those two elements doe quickly destroy consume the things put into them thee hardnes of their affliction may be noted by any one of thē but the diuersity thereof by both laid together but thou broughtest vs out i. thou diddest at the length deliuer vs vz. out of those dangers distresses diddest bring vs into a wealthy place i. into a plentiful place frée from penury into a pleasant place void of sorrow and into a safe place from dangers distresses meaning therby a blessed and ioyful estate Ver. 13. I will goe into thy house i. into the place where thou art worshipped with burnt offerings i. with thankfulnes of mind body for he putteth the signes that testified thanksgiuing for the thing it selfe will pay thée my vowes vz. which I haue vowed to thée as appeareth by the next ver he meaneth that he wil holily religiously serue him be alwaies thankful obedient vnto him Ver. 14. Which my lips haue promised my mouth hath spoken hee putteth the instrument wherwith the wordes are vttered as the lips mouth for the words thēselues in mine affliction i. when I was in wonderful afflictiō danger Ver. 15. I wil offer vnto thée vz. alone burnt offrings of fat rams he meaneth that he wil bring the best sacrifices he can get to testify the thankfulnes of his mind with incense i. with swéet perfumes smelling sauors which also were accustomed to be offred I wil prepare vz. to offer in sacrifice vnto thée bullocks goats i. al maner of sacrifices prescribed for he meaneth that he wil do seruice homage to God according to his worde the ordinance of his law Ver. 16. Come vz. vnto me hearken vz. diligently all ye that feare God i. worship him according to the prescript rule of his word I wil tel you vz. as plainely as I can what he hath done i. what great graces goodnes he hath shewed to my soule i. to mee putting a part of himselfe for the whole man Ver. 17. I called vnto him with my mouth i. in wordes I did earnestly pray vnto him for help aide succor he was exalted i. greatly and highly praised with my tongue i. with my words vz. after he had graciously granted my petitions Ver. 18. If I regard wickednes i. delite in or make account of it in my heart yea though it were within me and secretly the Lord wil not heare me i. grant me my requests he sheweth why God heard his prayers vz. because he came to him with a mind frée from wicked vaine things Ver. 19. But god hath heard i. yéelded vnto granted me i. my requests prayers considered vz. déeply and vprightly the voyce of my prayer i. the words I vttered in my prayer all serueth to nothing else but to shew that god had yéelded vnto him that which he praied for ver 20. Which hath not put back vz. out of his presence or sight as though he were displeased with it or could not abide to looke vpon it or me my praier vz. made to him nor vnderstand here wtholdē his mercy frō me but giuē me a plain proof therof by granting my demāds Ver. 1 2. Teach two things Do. first that we ought to be continually occupied in the praysing of our God secondly howe dull we are thereto which appeareth because the Prophet vseth so many wordes of exhortation to one thing
those that can hardly be tamed and bee full of wantonnes and sport as it were such as calues be when they are very fat that tread vnder féete i. that do contemne despise and set little by as Matth. 7.6 pieces of siluer thinges that ought to be regarded and estéemed putting one for al of the like sort scatter sée ver 1. of this Psalme the people that delight in warre i. take pleasure thinke it to be the greatest ioy when they may contend or fight most Ver. 31. Then i. when thou shalt bestow these great graces vpon thy children and ouerthrow thine enemies shall the Princes vz. moued partly through iudgments and partly by thy mercy come out of Egipt vz. to yéelde obedience vnto thée and to submit themselues to thy Lordship and gouernment Ethiopia i. the people inhabiting that land shall hast i. make hast and speede to stretch her hands i. to pray vnto or readily to offer giftes in signe of obedience and subiection putting the signe of prayer or obedience for the things themselues vnto God i. vnto thée speaking of God to God in the third person Ver. 32. Sing vnto God vz. prayse and thankesgiuing for your conuersion calling for these verses comprehend the calling of the Gentiles to the kingdom of Christ O ye kingdomes of the earth i. O ye people which inhabite the kingdomes of the world putting the places inhabited for the persōs inhabiting as sundry times before sing prayse vnto the Lorde the saying is doubled the more earnestly to prouoke men thereto Verse 33. To him that rideth vppon the heauens i. to him that gouerneth them and their course as hee that rideth vppon the Horse doeth the Horse this is spoken of GOD according to man and is nothing else as a man woulde say but a description of Gods excellent maiesty and when hee sayth most high heauens hee speaketh it also according to men who are wont to make sundry heauens as the Philosophers yet doe not that there are so for all that they babble of that matter is vayne but that men so esteeme it and yet notwithstanding in Scripture wee see that the worde heauen is sometimes vsed in Scripture for the ayre as when wee say foules of heauen sometimes for the firmament which is also aboue the ayre and so this place may bee expounded thus let men imagine neuer so many heauens yet God ruleth them all whiche were from the beginning as appeareth Gen. 1.1 and so haue since that time continued and still shall continue al which tendeth to expresse the great power of almighty God behold he will send out by his voice a mightie sound by Gods voyce he vnderstandeth the thunder the diuers effects whereof sée at large Psalme 29. And by mighty sound he meaneth not only large sound but also great which euen shaketh the earth as it were Verse 34. Ascribe the power to God i. giue vnto him all the prayse of power both in himself and in you for his maiestie is vpon Israel i. is declared mightily toward his people and Church as Psalm 14.7 and his strength is in the cloudes i. is not onely made manifest in the same but also he vseth the cloudes and all other creatures whatsoeuer to set out his power Verse 35. O God thou art terrible vz. to thine enimies and aduersaries out of thine holy places q.d. Thou shewest euident testimonies and tokens thereof out of thy tabernacle and he vseth the plurall number holy places eyther in respect that the arke was set vp in sundry places before the temple was builded or else in respect of the distincte places of the arke as Heb. 9.2.3 all which were called holy or else in respect of the heauenly holye place and the earthly holy place which was a shadowe of that heauenly one as Heb. 10.19 the God of Israel i. the God of his Church and faythfull people is he vz. alone that giueth vz. of his own goodnesse and mercye onely without any merite or desert of theirs strength and power vz. to defend themselues and to beat back their enimies meaning by strength and power all the meanes whereby these great workes may be performed vnto the people vz. whome he hath chosen vnderstanding the people of Israell for that time and the Church for euer praysed be God vz. for that his mercy and greate goodnesse towards them Verse 1. Teacheth two things Do first that God hath all power in his hande to destroy his enemies seconde that the enemies of the Church cannot prosper Verse 2. Setteth out the sodayne destruction of the wicked Verse 3. sheweth that when the wicked shall be beaten downe Gods children shall be lifted vp in spirituall ioye and mirth Verse 4. teacheth vs continually to prayse God for his incomprehensible maiestie and power Verse 5. Teacheth vs what greate care God in mercy carrieth toward the distressed persons Verse 6. Teacheth vs that fruitfulnesse of body deliueraunce of extreme daungers and plagues and punishments of what sort soeuer vpon the vngodly come all from God Verse 7. Teacheth vs to thinke vpon Gods graces performed of old that therby our fayth may be strengthened to escape daungers Verse 8. Teacheth that all creatures are not able to stande before the presence and maiestie of God Verse 9. Teacheth that plentifulnesse and the means thereof are all in Gods handes Verse 10. Teacheth that though the wicked haue a great portion of the earth in possession yet that the Lord hath properlye prepared it for them that feare him Verse 11. Teacheth vs that we can not haue our mouthes open to speake much lesse to speake well til God giue both the matter and vtterance also that the weakest meanes as women when God inableth them shal be sufficient to expresse his prayse Verse 12. teacheth that neither multitude strēgth nor authority can preuaile agaynst the Lord and his people otherwise then he himselfe séeth good Verse 13. Teacheth that the afflictions of the godly doe no whit at al hinder the beautie of the godly but rather are the instruments which God doth use to make them more glorious Verse 15. Setteth out the excellency beauty and continuance of Gods church Ver. 16. Teacheth that al congregations though outwardly neuer so glorious and glittering in respecte of it are nothing Ver. 17. Sheweth that Gods power is inuincible and his armies to performe his purpose are innumerable Verse 18. Sheweth that God will triumphe ouer al the faythfull willingly and vnfainedlie subiecting themselues and the other whether they will or no. Verse 19 teacheth vs two things first to yéeld thanks to God for his mercies secondly that his goodnes toward vs neuer ceaseth Verse 20 teacheth vs that euen in the greatest daungers God deliuereth his children to the end all glory might be giuen to him therefore Verse 21. Sheweth that the wicked enemies of his Church shal not long escape vnpunished Verse 22. teacheth vs that Gods promises of deliuerance saluation c. are the
grounds of our consciences Verse 23 Declareth what great iudgements God will bring vpon the wicked and all for his chosen peoples sake Verse 24. Teacheth that though the vngodly haue had manifest demonstrations of his power agaynst them and of his goodnesse toward his own people yet they leaue not off to worke what mischiefe they can agaynste them Verse 25. Teacheth all to be thankfull to God for victories atchieued thorowe his goodnesse Verse 26 teacheth all but chéefely the faythfull to prayse God openly for his mercies Verse 27. Teacheth that none neyther high nor low should be exempted from praysing of God Ver. 28. Teacheth vs to praye for the continuaunce and increase of Gods fauour towards vs and the good things he hath begun in vs. Verse 29. Teacheth vs that Gods fauour doth most plainly appear in his Church for which it beséemeth all yea euen the highest to shew themselues thankfull Verse 30 teacheth vs that we maye sometimes praye against the multitude the rage the crueltie the vnbridelednesse and pride of the wicked and namely of those that take pleasure in continuall contention Verse 31. comprehendeth a playne prophecie of the vocation of the Gentiles Ver. 32. teacheth vs to declare our selues ioyful and thankfull to God for his graces Verse 33. Sheweth that God is a God of gouernmente maiestye and power Ver. 34. Teacheth vs that his gouernment maiestie and power is made manifest both in heauen and in earth Verse 35. Teacheth vs that God is terrible to his enemies but comfortable and powerfull to and in his people it teacheth vs also that for these and other graces of his bestowed vpon them it behoueth them to shew themselues continually thankfull Psalme 69 DAuid being moued with great gréefe Di both inwardly and outwardly prayeth earnestly sometimes for himselfe and sometimes agaynst his enemies alleaging his own miseries and their malice as it were reasons to induce God to take pitie of him And though it can hardly be diuided yet me thinketh that the matters which it doth propoūd may wel be brought to these heads first Dauid sheweth his own misery and their malice ver 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 19 20 21 26. Secondly he prayeth for himselfe and against them ver 1 6 13 14 15 16 17 18 22.23 24 25 27 28. Thirdly he gathereth cōfort in his affliction promising thankfulnes and prayse shewing what good also shal come to others thereby and namely to the faythfull and this reacheth from verse 29. to the end of the Psalme The title of this Psalme is expounded before Psal 45. Se. Saue me i. defende and deliuer me O God q.d. There is none besides thée that can doe it for the waters are entred euen to my soule i. I am oppressed with most gréeuous afflictions and they so great that I am as it were wounded therewith to the hart and in very great daunger of my life for so I take the word soule to bee vsed here Verse 2. I stick fast in the déepe mire vz. so that I cannot get out vnderstanding by déepe mire the same which he meant before by waters that is extreme aduersitie which did driue him to dispaire almost as it were where no stay is this amplifieth his afflictions q d. I am in a bottomles pit or quare-mire wherof I shal be swallowed vp I am come into déepe waters i. into most dangerous distresses and perils for the more déepe the waters are the more daungers we think our selues commonly to be in the streames runne ouer me he meaneth that his afflictions were many and were ful of anguishes and troubles euen as a man ready to be drowned and were past hope of recouery Verse 3. I am wearye of crying vz. for helpe vnto God because I sée none come and this the Prophet vttereth vnaduisedlye in the corrupte passions and heate of his flesh my throat is drie vz. with crying and calling mine eies fayle i. the sighte of mine eyes decayeth and they are become wonderfull dimme sée Psalme 31.9 also Psalme 38.10 Whiles I waite vz. in fayth and patience notwithstanding these hastie spéeches for my God i. for helpe and succour from him that hath promised and I haue founde to bee my God Verse 4. They that hate me without cause vz. on my behalfe giuen them are moe then the heares of mine head i. infinite and innumerable but he meaneth no doubt that there are very great multitudes and numbers of them they that would destroy me i. take my life from me and cut me off from being amongst men and are mine enemies falslye i. wrongfullye meaning the same matter that he sayd before without cause are mightye vz. in subtiltye power and practise so that I restored that vz. by suffering punishmente for the fault which I committed not which after some sort may be called restitution which I tooke not vz. from them either by force fraude or any other way Verse 5. My foolishnesse i. that foolishnes which mine aduersaries burthen me withall q.d. Thou knowest whether I be such a one as mine enimies by their wicked words publish me to be so it is called his foolishnesse not because he had committed it but because they vniustly had layd it vpon him and so must you vnderstand these words my faults i. wherewith they charge me are not hid from thée vz. because nothing can be hid from his knowledge and sighte q.d. Thou knowest whether the thinges be true yea or no that they lay agaynst me Verse 6. Be ashamed vz. by doubting of thy mercy or dispayring of thy goodnesse for me vz. by reason of the misery and poore estate that I am in q.d. Let them not fall from thy maiestie into distrust because I séeme to bee forsaken whereby the Prophet testifieth his wonderfull loue towards others those that séeke thée i. those that pray vnto thée and call vpon thée and that according to thy will reuealed in thy word The word of trust in the first part of this Verse respecteth hope and this word séeking includeth prayer by which we sée that the faythfull of Gods children is not idle because it prouoketh them to pray vnto God be confounded thorow me this hath the same sence that these words be ashamed for me haue O God of Israell i. of thy Church and faythfull people as sundry times before Verse 7. For thy sake vz. in following the vocation wherevnto thou hast called me haue I suffered reproofe vz. of mine aduersaries vnderstanding by that worde all the wicked sayings and doinges which they had practised against him shame hath couered my face by this spéech he meaneth eyther the abundaunce of reproches which hee had indured q.d. I haue sustained so many that I am euen full or laden therewith or else he noteth the effecte whiche those reproches and opprobries had wrought in him vz. that they made him as it were for shame to hide his face this latter I rather encline vnto by reason of that which
that shame vpon the wicked that they had imagined agaynst the good also it teacheth vs not to reioyce in the miseries afflictions of others Verse 4. God and his goodnesse is the only matter of mirth and ioye to his children also Gods children must alwayes prayse God and be thankfull to him for his blessings vpon them Ver. 5. Teacheth vs that the more wee are in distresse the more earnest we ought to be with the Lord in prayer alwayes taking héede that we prescribe him not a time Psalme 71. THis Psalm may be deuided into two parts Di. In the first part the prophet praieth for himself strēgthning the faith of his praier in the assured promises of God and the particular experience of excellent deliuerances that God euen from his youth had done for him and this reacheth from verse 1. to the end of the 12. In the second part he prayeth earnestly againste his enemies assuring himselfe that God will ouerthrow them and giue him deliueraunce for which he promiseth to yéeld harty praise and thanksgiuing to the Lord and this part reacheth from verse 13. to the end of the Psalme This Psalme hath no title Se. but it is very likely that Dauid made this Psalm when he was old and fled from the face of his sonne Absalon both which may bee gathered by playne words and circumstances in this Psalme Ver. 1. In thée O Lord vz. alone and in none other let me neuer be ashamed whiche I shal be if I be frustrated of that hope I haue in thée Ver. 2. Rescue me vz. frō the rage of mine enemies and deliuer mee vz. from the perils and daungers wherein I am in thy righteousnesse i. according to thy goodnes faithfulnesse and truth which thou hast promised to thine doest then make manifest when thou doest deliuer them incline thine eare vnto mee vz. praying vnto thée bowing of the eare is in this place attributed to GOD according to man for men if they mind to be familiar and yéeld to suites will easilye bow their eares to suche as sue to them and saue me i. deliuer mee from daunger and distresse Verse 3. Be thou my strong rocke i. my assured protection and defence In the lande of Canaan there was great store of rockes into whiche the people sundry times conuayed themselues for feare of the enemies and according to this he speaketh alwaye resorte i. continuallye flye both in prosperitie and aduersitie thou hast giuen commaundement vz. not onely to thine Angels but also to the rest of all thy creatures that they should be thy effectuall instruments and meanes to saue me vz. in danger and from distresse for thou art my rocke and my fortresse sée Psalme 18.2 Verse 4. Out of the hand i. from the power and force of the wicked he meaneth in déede Absalon as the chéefe but yet so that he comprehendeth vnder him al those that tooke part with him in that conspiracy Ver. 5. For thou vz. and none other euen my trust i. he in whome I haue trusted from my youth i. from the time of my birth as it were vntill this houre sée Psalme 22.9.10 Verse 6. Vppon thée haue I bene stayed from the wombe i. thou hast mayntayned sustayned and vphelde me from the time of my conception and birth thou art hee that tooke mee out of my mothers bowels i. by thy prouidence appointment and power was I borne into the world my prayse i. the prayses that I shall yéeld shall be alwayes of thée i. thou shalt be the matter of them He meaneth this muche that for as much as no part of his life neither his conception birth infancye childhoode c. was voyde of Gods benefites but that he did continually furnish him as it were with new matters and occasions to prayse him that therefore he would without ceasing glorifie his name Ver. 7. I am become as it were a monster this word must not be taken here in the ill part and therefore would rather be turned wonder but in the good part meaning that GOD had in such great truth and power defended him that by the example whiche God in him had shewed vnto them many were drawne on to trust in God that this is indéede the very signification of the Hebrew worde howsoeuer it haue bene otherwise here translated al the places of scripture wherein it is vsed and attributed to persons doe sufficientlye prooue it my sure trust i. suche a one as neuer fayleth me I trusting stedfastlye in thée Verse 8. Let my mouth bée filled with thy prayse and with thy glory euery day i. deale so graciously with me that I may haue nothing in my mouth i. in my daylye spéeche but thy benefits giuing continually prayse and glorye vnto thée for the same By wyshing to haue his mouth filled he meaneth plentifulnesse and abundaunce and by euerye daye hee vnderstandeth continuaunce in the same vz. in yéelding prayses and glory due vnto God for his graces Verse 9. Cast me not off vz. from thée and thy fauour in the time of age hee meaneth olde age whiche is full of great infirmities and bodily weakenesses forsake mée not i. leaue mee not to my selfe voyde of thy helpe when my strength fayleth i. when the naturall vigor and force of my body decayeth not that Dauid trusted therein any whit at all but rather prayeth GOD to continue as fauourable vnto him in his youth so mercifull vnto him in his olde age to the which that hee mighte the more effectuallye induce the Lorde hee setteth before him his olde age and weakenesse euen as one that hath greate néede of his ayde and succour Verse 10. Speake of mee contemptuouslye and despitefullye reioycing greatly in this that I séeme to be forsaken of thée that laye wayt vz. closelye and diligentlye by all the meanes they canne for my Soule i. for my life to take it from mee take their counsell together the truth of this appeareth 2. Samuel 16. ver 20. c. Also 2. Samuel 17. verse 1.2 c. Verse 11. God hath forsaken him i. destituted him of ayd and comfort pursue vz. with the power you haue and take him nowe while you haue time these are eyther the wordes of them that consulted together noting the easie dispatch that they might make of him or else the words of some captains to their souldiers incouraging them to the spéedye pursuite of Dauid and his apprehension for there is none vz. either in heauen or earth to deliuer him vz. out of our hands we haue him in such a straight Ver. 12. Go not far from me vz. either in with-holding or in denying me thy ful aid succour my God hast thée to help me sée Psal 70. ver 1.5 Ver. 13. Let them be confounded sée Psal 70.2 and consumed i. come to naught both they their imaginations that are against my soule i. my life as sundry times before let them be couered vz. as with a garment meaning thereby the great shame
ouerthrowe the children of God may be incouraged to pray vnto him and to prayse him for it and this is conteined in verse 16. also that he himself and his power may thereby be glorifyed in that the wicked whether they will or no must of necessity confesse his might and this is in verse 18. Psalme 84 Di. THis Psalme may be deuided as I take it into two parts In the first part the Prophet sheweth what great desire hee had in the time of his exile to ioyne himselfe to the assemblies of Gods people and what good estate they are in that may so doe from verse 1. to the end of the 7. In the second he maketh his request to God for his returne assuring himselfe that God in good time will graciously looke vpon him for his good concluding that they are blessed that stay vpon the Lord from verse 8. to the end of the Psalme Se. The Title of this Psalme is expounded before Psal 8. Psal 45. in their titles Ver. 1. O Lord of hosts i. O mighty God which hast al things at thy cōmaundement as armies or hosts to execute thy will how amiable i. not onely swéete and pleasaunt but most tenderly beloued of me are thy tabernacles by this word he vnderstandeth both the places wher the holy assēblies were made frō whence he was banished thorow the crueltie of his enemies also the people there assembled namely principally Ierusalē the temple the assēblies made there Ver. 2. My soule i. I my self both body and soule putting one part for the whole longeth i. vehemently and earnestly desireth wee applye this spéech to women with child who if they haue not the thing they lust for are in great daunger yea and faynteth i. with desiring of it and not obtayning of it I languish away and am as it were dead or entring into a swoone for the courts of the Lord he doeth expreslye vse this worde Courtes because hée might not go further vnlesse he had bin a Priest for mine harte and my fleshe i. both my inward and outward man reioyce in the liuing God i. take pleasure in him and his seruices who alone is the only true God for by the terme liuing he separateth him from al the dead idols dum images of the Gentils Ver. 3. Yea the sparrow hath found her a house vz. in which she maye rest and take her pleasure and the Swallowe a neast for her i. a place of ease both for her selfe and yong ones as may appeare by that which followeth euen by thine altars i. not verye farre from them by many hee meaneth onely one for it was not lawfull to haue manye Altars to offer Sacrafice vppon Immanuel readeth the latter part of the second verse and this verse otherwise ioyning them together thus My harte and my fleshe crye oute with desire to come to the mighty liuing God vnto thine Altars O Lorde of hostes my King and my God yea the Sparrow hath found a house and the swallowe a neast for herselfe wherein she maye laye her yong ones but the sence varieth not much Verse 4. Blessed are they that dwell in thine house this hee meaneth of the Priests and Leuites who not only had their houses nigh vnto the Temple but their lodgings also sée 1. Samuel 3.2 c. they will euer prayse thée i. they will be continually occupied in praysing thée for thy goodnesse and truth Verse 5. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thée i. who renounceth his owne and others strength and trusteth onelye to thy mighte and power and in whose harte are thy wayes i. that haue a desire and purpose to walke according to thine ordinaunces and namelye in visiting thy Temple and repayring to the exercises of thy Religion And by the worde Man he vnderstandeth many or that number of good men who vsed that course Verse 6. They Marke the sodaine chaunge of the number going thorow the vale of Baca of this valey reade 2. Samuel 5.23.24 and it should appeare to be a very drie place because of the Mulberry trées therein whiche thriue best in drie places make Welles therein i. make accounte of the drinesse of the place as though they had abundaunce of water for the pleasure that they take in Gods seruice mittigateth the great thirst of this drie place the raine also vz. which falleth from heauen couereth the pooles i. falleth vppon the vpper parts of the waters of the pooles increasing them But for mine own parte I would haue all this verse wholly referred out of Immanuel thus Blessed i. in good case are they that going thorow the valey of Baca or Mulberrye Trées of which somewhat is sayd before make it a well i. make that account of it as of a Well or of a most pleasaunt place wherein are welles and springes whome also i. which men the raine of blessings i. rayne that commeth from God and is bestowed vpon the earth as a blessing of God to make the same fruitfull and by raine of blessings he vnderstandeth also abundaunce of raine couereth i. falleth much vpon them and yet hindereth them not from going to the exercises of god This then is his meaning in these thrée verses 4 5 6 that not only the Priests and Leuites are in better case then he but the cōmon people that trauaile thorow many dangers and distresses to come to the place of Gods seruice from which he was shut by reason of his exile and whether hee would haue come with as great payns as they if he might safely haue done it Verse 7. They i. the people that thus repayre to the exercises of God and his word go from strength to strength i. the Lord indueth them with al maner of strength so that they féele no weakenesse or féeblenesse til euery one appeare i. come and place himselfe not denying but that afterwards also the Lorde doth graciously strengthen them before God vz. according to the law Exod. 23.17 meaning also by this spéech the arke of the couenaunt which to the children of Israel was a testimony of Gods presence in Sion vz. which was the place wherin the arke was the seruice of God vsed when Dauid did write this Psalm Ver. 8. O Lord god of hosts this is sundry times expounded before heare my prayer i. graunt my requests and petitions that I make vnto thée hearken i. yéelde to my suite O God of Iaakob i. of the faythful ones putting the name of the father from whom they came for his holy posteritie Ver. 9. Behold vz. in mercy our languishing and fainting for the exercises of thy word so looke vpon vs that we may be restored thereto for here Dauid prayeth both for him selfe and others that were with him in the like case O God our shield i. protector and defender who kéepeth vs many degrées better then shields and tergats are sée Psal 18.2 looke vpon the face i. graciously accepte the persons and prayers of thine
annointed i. of him that was by thy commaundement annoynted king 1. Samuel 16.12.13 Verse 10. For a day i. one day only no more and this verse comprehendeth a reason of his prayers in thy Courts sée verse 2. of this Psalm putting Courts also for the places of publike méetings and assemblies is better i. is more swéete comfortable and profitable to me then a thousand vz. dayes otherwhere yea though the place it selfe were neuer so delightfull and pleasaunt I had rather be a dore kéeper i. I woulde preferre the basest place and calling in the Churche in the house of my God i. in the place where my God who is the only true God is serued then to dwell in the tabernacles i. in the most pleasaunt and gorgeous houses of wickednes i. wherein wickednesse is practised and professed or it may be that hee putteth wickednesse for wicked men whatsoeuer it be he meaneth that he had rather be of the meanest account in the Church of God amongst good men then to be in the highest roome out of the church where nothing raigneth but prophanenesse and corruption Verse 11. For the Lord God is the sunne and shielde he meaneth that God is the only author of all excellent good things and the deliuerer from all euill for euen as the sunne by his heat and brightnesse quickeneth maintaineth and maketh the creatures ioyfull so the gracious countenaunce of the Lord filleth mens harts with ioy and gladnesse and as a shield is an instrument to put backe darts and daungers so it is he alone that defendeth vs in all distresses sée before verse 9. of this Psalme the Lord wil vz. in his owne good time and when it pleaseth him giue grace i. shew fauour and mercy to me and others that are now cast downe and glory i. he will aduance me to that honour and estimation which he hath prepared for me hee meaneth the kingdome and no good thing will hee withhold from them i. he will giue them all good and necessary thinges for his glorye and their comforte that walke vprightly i. lead a holy and vpright life voyde of hipocrisie and being that indéede that they would séeme to be sée Genesis 17.1 Verse 12. O Lorde of hostes i. O God of al might and power who haste all creatures in thy hands as armies to commaund blessed is the man q.d. certainly howsoeuer it goeth with other men of wit wealth c. hee is in good case that trusteth vz. alwayes in thée vz. alone I take it that the Prophet comforteth himselfe by this spéeche that though it were a great gréefe vnto him in respecte of bodily presence to be absent from the exercises of holye assemblies yet this was his comforte that in soule spirite and fayth he did communicate with the Church and behelde the Lorde who was worshipped amongste them Sée Psalme 2.2.12 Ver. 1.2 Do. teach Gods children how much they ought to estéeme of the publike exercises of the Church which are Gods effectuall instruments meanes to nourish and beget vs to the hope of a better thorow his especial blessing Ver. 3 sheweth that absence from holy assemblies should pinch vs to the hart howsoeuer little account men of the world make of them Ver. 4 teacheth two things the firste is that though worldly men iudge such as serue God miserable and wretched yet they are indéede truely blessed the seconde sheweth the duetie of them that professe God that they shold be continually occupied in his seruice Ver. 5. teacheth that true blessednesse belongeth to true beléeuers only and that to such as expresse their fayth by the fruites thereof vz. by purpose of harte to wel doing and practise thereof so farforth as God shal inable them Ver. 6. teacheth vs that no want or weather should hinder vs from the exercises of God Ver. 7. teacheth that God wil furnish those that are his with all abilitie to performe his will Ver. 8. teacheth vs in the time of our sorrowes to haue our recourse to God by earnest prayer Ver. 9 teacheth vs in our prayers and supplications to looke to the mercies of God also to present our prayers vnto him in the mediation of Christ Iesus only who is that in truth to vs that Dauid was in figure Ver. 10. teacheth vs to prefer godlines and godlie mens company before all the pleasures and profits of this life whatsoeuer Ver. 11. teacheth vs Gods prouidence towards his seruaunts whiche appeareth in this that he will comfort and defend them in danger that he wil exalt them to dignitie after distresse and that he will mercifully minister vnto them all thinges necessary It teacheth vs also our dutie in care and conscience without hipocrisie to walke before him all the dayes of our lyfe Verse 12 teacheth vs that sure trust and confidence in God only maketh vs blessed Psalme 85 THe Psalme may be deuided into two parts Di. In the first the faithful reckon vp gods mercies of old as good grounds of their praiers which they should and did make for their presence deliueraunce from verse 1. to the end of the seuenth In the second is comprehended as it were a prophesie or an assured perswasion that the faythful had of their deliueraunce from Antiochus his tyranny at which time it should séeme that this Psalme was made and this reacheth from verse 8. to the end of the Psalme Se. The Title hath ben sundry times expounded before and namely Psalme 4. and Psal 45. in their titles Ver. 1 Lord thou hast bin vz. in times past and therefore we hope thou wilt be now fauourable i. haste shewed mercye euerye waye so that they make his frée loue and mercy towards them the cause of all their goodnesse vnto thy Land i. vnto thy people inhabiting the land of Canaan which he calleth Gods land because GOD had chosen it and appoynted it especially for them Thou vz. alone and none but thou hast broughte againe vz. out of Egipt or else out of Babilon for it may be vnderstoode of eyther of them but speciallye in my iudgement of Babilon as which was the greater matter sée Ierem. 16. verse 14.15 the captiuity of Iaakob i. suche of Iaakobs posteritye as were Captiues putting the thing wherein they were held for the persons as Psalme 84 10. Wickednesse put for wicked men Verse 2. Thou hast forgiuen vz. fréelye and of thine owne accorde without anye merite or deserte of theirs at all the iniquitie i. the sinnes and transgressions vnderstanding by one manye whiche they had committed agaynste him of thy people i. of those whome thou chosest to bee a peculiar people vnto thy selfe and couered vz. from thy iudgement all their sinnes whatsoeuer whensoeuer wheresoeuer or howsoeuer committed for concerning of sinnes sée Psalme 32.1 Verse 3. Thou hast withdrawne vz. from thy people all thine anger vz. whiche they had pulled vppon them iustly by their sinnes and thou in mercye haste eyther vtterly withholden it or else laying some
shal be sayde of her that hée euen the most highest i. the almighty God shall stablishe her i. make her so strong and stedfast that the gates of hell shall not preuaile against her Sée Matth. 16.18 Ver. 6. The Lord shal count i. accept and allow of those that be his when he writeth the people i. when he inroleth inregistreth them as it were al this is spoken of God according to mans capacitie as that also which is so often mētioned in scripture touching the booke of life hee i. many as before ver 4. of this Psalm was borne there vz. in the bosome of the Church and that by spiritual regeneration or new birth altogether is as much q.d. whē the Lord shal take an account of people he shal make thē whom he will greatly honour Citizens of Ierusalem and of his Church Ver. 7. As well the singers as the plaiers on instruments shall prayse thée q.d. the commendation of the Church shal be so great and large that the members therof both with musicall instruments and with voyce shal sound forth prayses of it all my springs i. al the pleasure and delights that I haue are in thée i. are set vpon the Church of God others expound it otherwise but methinketh the sense is simple and playne Immanuel readeth it thus wherefore all the fountaines of my life sing and reioyce also concerning thée there is no difference in the sense sauing that he referreth it to the Prophet alone and the other text to others with the Prophet Ver. 1. Setteth out the firmity and stedfastnes of the Church Do. the consideration whereof is comfortable to Gods children and fearefull to the wicked because that nothing that they can deuise against it can vndoe it Ver. 2. Declareth that Gods free loue towardes his Church is the cause of the stayednes thereof and of all other good things to it Ver. 3. Teacheth that howsoeuer vyle and contemptible the Church séeme in the eyes of the world yet it is true that shée and the thinges appertaining vnto her are glorious Verse 4. Expresseth both the increase of the Church and also the calling of the Gentiles Verse 5. Teacheth vs that the Lorde who is greater then all is the stay and strength of the Church Ver. 6. Teacheth vs what a straunge stay Gods election is to the Church and also what great grace he doeth bestowe vpon vs when in the same by the ministry of his worde he doeth beget vs againe vnto himselfe Verse 7. Teacheth the faithful what great delight and pleasure they ought to take in the Church and in the graces that she hath in her Psalme 88. THis Psalme as I take it may be diuided into two parts Di. In the first part Heman the Ezrahite beséecheth the Lord to hear his prayers setting out the great miseries wherein hee was as arguments to moue the Lorde in pity and compassion from ver 1. to the end of the 9. In the second he doth as it were expostulate and delate the matter without setting out some time his owne misery sometimes his enemies cruelty and sometymes one thing and sometimes an other and this reacheth from verse 9. to the ende of the Psalme The title a song and Psalme sée Psal 48. of Heman who was a very wise man as appeareth 1. king 4.31 and the brother of Ethan who made the next Psalme following as appeareth 1. Chrome 2.6 the Hezrahite this I take to bée a name deriued by transposition of letters from Zerah his father of whome sée also 1. Chron. 2.6 and he is so called according to the manner of the Iewes who vse to name the race or stocke by the name of the first father thereof to giue instruction vz. howe to behaue themselues euen towardes God in the tyme of their afflictions sée Psal 42. in the title committed to the sonnes of Korah vz. to be sung by them sée Psal 42. in the title for him that excelleth q.d. yea euen to the chiefest musition amongest them because of the excellency of the Psalm and the matter contained therein sée Psalm 4. in the title vppon Malath Leannoth some take it to bee the beginning of a song by the tune whereof he would haue this Psalme to be sung some take it for the name of an instrument vppon which hee woulde haue the tune of this Psal played when it was sung The Iewes themselues who either were or shoulde bee best acquainted with these matters do fréely and plainely confesse that they knew not what these thinges meane and therefore wée néede not stand much about them Ver. 1. O Lord God of my saluation i. thou that heretofore hast deliuered mee and from whome I presently hope of deliuery out of all the distresses wherin I am I cry i. I pray earnestly day and night i. continually also and without ceasing as it were before thée i. not only in thy presence before whom all thinges are naked but also vnto thee alone Ver. 2. Let my prayer enter into thy presence i. let it find grace fauor and acceptatiō in thy sight for otherwise the Prophet doubted not but that God did sée it and heare it incline thine eare i. shew thy selfe ready not onely to hearken vnto but also to graunt and yéelde vnto vnto my cry i. to my earnest supplication and prayer Ver. 3. For my soule i. my whole man and my very life putting a part for the whole is filled with euils i. hath nothing in it but heapes of miseries Sée Iob. 14 1. but here he speaketh of some extraordinary griefe as it were and my life draweth néere to the graue q.d. my afflictions and griefes are so great that I am become thereby as it were at deaths doore and as one that is ready to be buried Ver. 4. I am accounted vz. not onely by them that hate but euen by my frends yea in mine owne iudgment among them that go downe into the pit i. I am like vnto them that be dead and buried of whom there is as a man would say no more hope of life and as a man without strength q.d. certainly and in déed my griefes haue so preuailed vpon me that I haue no strength at all in bones flesh sinowes or any part of me but am vtterly consumed Ver. 5. Frée among the dead Immanuel readeth this part of the ver better and more plainely by repeating the worde I am accounted thus I am counted among the dead i. men haue no other account or regard of me then of a dead man and then he addeth shut out vz. from others wherein he alludeth to the ceremony of the old lawe by which they that were infected with the leprosie were shut out of the campe Leuit. 14.3 and afterwardes when the people came to a setled state they were sent out of the cities into houses prepared for them 2. king 15 5. 2 Chro. 26.21 Like the slaine lying in the graue q.d. I am as a dead man for hee vseth but
many wordes here to signifie one thing whome thou remembrest no more he meaneth not that God hath no regard at al of them that are dead but that he séemeth so as it were vnto men this hee speaketh as a man grieuously afflicted as one caryed away with the vehemency of his grief and they are cut off i. they séeme to be cut off and remoued from thy hand i. from thy care and custody Restore this whole ver out of Immanuel thus I am counted among the dead I am shut out as the slaine lying in the graue whom thou remēbrest no more who are cut off by thy hand i. by thy power iudgment so the sense shal be more plain Ver. 6. Thou hast layed me in the lowest pit i. in most great dangers and extreme perils sée Psal 86.13 in darknes and in the déepe by all these woordes hee signifieth but one thing vz. greatnes of griefe and extreme anguish sée Psalm 130.1 for déepe and that darkenes is so vsed many places of scripture shew and here the proportion woulde bee considered for darke places are ful of horror feare horror and feare do by consequent ingender sorrow and grief déep waters or places are very dangerous for men in thē that they be not ouerwhelmed or drowned therin Ver. 7. Thine indignatiō i. sure testimonies signes of thy heauy wrath lieth vz. sore vpon me thou hast vexed me i. grieued me that inwardly outwardly with al thy waues i. with al thy wrath iudgments which thou hast laid vpon me ouerwhelmed me with as the waues of a great flood or sea ouerwhelme somewhat Ver. 8. Thou hast put away my acquaintance farre from me i. thou hast made mee destitute of al mans aide succor for euē they that should haue pitied my case haue through thy appointment their harts hardened against me sée Psalm 38.11 and made me to be abhorred of them i. lothed as it were hated of them Iob complaineth also of this Chap. 19. almost throughout I am shut vp vz. in dangers troubles euen as a birde in a cage so that I can not get out and can not get forth i. I sée no way as it were how to be deliuered from thē or how to escape Ver. 9. Mine eye is sorowful through my afflictiō i. my afflictions are so grieuous that the very signes therof appeare in mine eies countenance yea his very sight decayed thereby Psal 38.10 Lord I cal dayly vpon thée q.d. yet I do not for al this discourage my selfe but call vpon thee dayly i. not only one day after an other but all the day long as it were noting his importunity I stretch out mine handes vnto thée vz. as one that woulde bee glad to receiue some fauour succor from thée he putteth in these wordes the signe of prayer or a gesture vsed in prayer for prayer it selfe Verse 10. Wilt thou shewe a miracle to the dead i. to mée who am as it were dead q.d. it shall bee very straunge if thou restore mee and all this hée speaketh setting out one while the greatnes of his misery an other while the weakenes of his fayth and an other while prouoking GOD thereby to hasten his ayde otherwise that he should not come in time or shal the dead i. others that séeme to be dead by reason of our afflictions rise vz. out of the great dangers distresses wherin they are and praise thee vz. for thy deliuerance and mercy q.d. there is little or no hope that we shal so do for I do not vnderstande this of the resurrection of the dead no more then I do that Ezech. 37. which I think wel waied would serue also for the clearing of the sense of this place Verse 11. Shall thy louing kindnes vz. which thou art wont to shewe to them bee declared in the graue i. either in great distresse or extremity or else putting it for the persons vz. for them that bée at the last push meaning it of himselfe or others q.d. when I looke vppon the hugenes of my afflictions and griefes there is litle or no hope thereof or thy faithfulnes vz. which thou vsest in kéeping performing thy promises so that wee may sée the faith of Gods children is many times wonderfully shaken in destruction i. in them that are appointed to destruction are as it were at deaths dore Ver. 12. Shal thy wonderous works be known i. made manifest in the darke vz. places putting it for afflictions as before ver 6. of this Psal and thy righteousnes vz. which thou shewest towards thine when thou giuest them that which thou hast promised them in the land of obliuiō or forgetfulnes i. in the graue which he calleth the land of forgetfulnes because that they which are dead are soone forgotten and all this hee speaketh by the way of a continual metaphor as it were to expresse the greatnes of his misery afflictions not otherwise as I take it Ver. 13 But vnto thée q.d. notwithstanding all my afflictions the great combats that I haue indured betwéene faith and dispaire vnto thée vz. alone none other besides thée haue I cryed O Lorde i. powred forth mine earnest hearty supplications and earely q.d. yea and though thou shalt not heare me at the first yet I wil not leaue of prayer and earely vz. in the morning sée Psal 5.3 shall my prayer come before thée i. I wil pray vnto thée not meaning as though either God or he were tyed to that time but because hée woulde vse that time wherein he found himselfe best affected to prayer Ver. 14. Lorde why doest thou reiect my soule i. why doest thou séeme to despise and neglect me vnderstanding by soule which is a part of man the whole man and hydest thy face from me q.d. what is the cause that thou turnest thy countenaunce from mee as though thou wert angry with mee and diddest despise both mee and my prayers all this is spoken of God according to mans capacity and after the iudgement of flesh Verse 15. I am afflicted vz. greatly and on euery side the Prophet fetcheth an argument from his misery to moue the Lorde with spéede to pity and helpe him and at the poynt of death i. ready euen to dye and as it were at the last gaspe vnlesse thou ayd and strengthen me from my youth i. continually the Prophet noteth his daily griefe continual exercises I suffer thy terrors i. such punishments and troubles as thou laiest vpon me which do wonderfully pierce me with terror feare doubting of my life i. doubting what shal become of my life vz. whether I shal dye presently I know not or whether these vexations shal cōtinue longer vpon me I know not euen al the days of my life Ver. 16. Thine indignation i. thy manifold wrath and very many signes and tokens of the same for hée speaketh in the plural number go ouer me i.
oppresse mee and ouerwhelme me as waters do the drowned body and thy feare i. the feares that haue béene wrought in mee by the troubles and afflictions which thou hast layd vpon mee haue cut me of vz. from liuing in this worlde or from being amongst men he meaneth that they had euen vtterly as it were destroyed him Ver. 17. They i. the assured testimonies and tokens of thy wrath came roūd about me i. cōpassed me in on euery side so that there was no way to escape or get out yea they take hold of me both inwardly outwardly dayly i. continually and without ceasing as it were like water i. in great abundance and with great force as surges or waues that would swallowe mee vp sée ver 7. of this Psalm and compassed mee together i. euen at one time as it were and with al their violence they set vpon me Ver. 18. This is the same both in sense and almost in worlds with ver 8. of this Psalme hee meaneth that none of those which were linked to him either by nature or kinred would come out for to helpe him Ver. 1. Teacheth vs to be earnest and continual in prayer vnto our God Do. Ver. 2. Teacheth vs to pray to the Lord to make vs féele vs the effects and force of our praiers Ver. 3. Teacheth two things first that very great heapes of afflictions are the ordinary portion of Gods children in this life secondly that the more miseries we haue the more spéed we should make to God by prayer for the redresse of them Ver. 4. Sheweth in what regarde the wicked of the world haue Gods children in the time of their affliction Ver. 5.6.7 Teach that Gods hand lyeth very sore many times vpon his dearest children and yet for all that hee loueth them neuer a whit the worse Ver. 8. Teacheth vs that euen the losse of our friends falleth out according to Gods appointment which rightly considered should minister no smal comfort to Gods children Ver. 9. Teacheth vs that as our miseries increase or continue so our prayers to God should increase or continue Ver. 10.11.12 Shew how sharply the faith of gods children is in their afflictions assaulted so that many times there séemeth to be little difference betwéene hope and dispaire Ver. 13. Teacheth that howsoeuer the godlines fayth be expressed for a time yet it is not vtterly ouercome but bursteth foorth into victory at the length and to earnest praier Ver. 14. Sheweth that nothing gréeueth Gods children so much as to féele a separation betwéene God and them selues Ver. 15. Teacheth that the afflictions of Gods children are continuall euen from youth to old age and from the day of our life vnto the houre of our death Ver. 16.17 Declare that Gods children are not slenderly tryed with some meane crosse but that stil the latter end of one trouble with them is the beginning of an other and as one flood or waue commeth thicke and thréefold in an others necke so do afflictions assault them Ver. 18. Deliuereth the same doctrine that ver 8. doeth also it teacheth vs that we should not be much dismaid when wee sée our friendes and acquaintaunce forsake vs in our miseries for as much as Dauid and many other of Gods Saints haue felt the same Psalme 89 Di. THis being a very long Psalme and handling sundry matters may yet notwithstanding be diuided into three partes In the first part Ethan the Ezraite setteth out and prayseth Gods goodnes which he manifesteth by many thinges but especially by the description of his workes and power and of his mercy and loue towardes his owne people and this reacheth from ver 1. to the ende of the 7. In the seconde part hee maketh expresse mention of Gods couenaunt made in Dauid and his séed a singular testimony no doubt of his vnspeakeable mercy shewing that hee will establish it for euer and yet notwithstanding conuert them if they goe astray from verse 18. to the ende of the 37. In the thirde parte hee séemeth to bewayle the want of performance of that mercy promised praying the Lorde to looke and that in time vppon the great desolations of the Lande concluding in hope of deliuerye with a thankesgiuing vnto the Lorde and this reacheth from verse 38. to the ende of the Psalme Se. For the title of this Psalme sée the title of Psalme 88. Ver. 1. I will sing i. I will by song set foorth the mercies of the Lorde i. his manifold and sundry mercies q.d. wee haue tasted of more then of one of his mercies yea wée haue felt all his mercyes and therefore I will prayse the same for euer i. all the dayes of my life Sée Psalme 146.1 with my mouth will I declare i. I will openly speake of in my wordes and with my voyce for hee putteth the worde mouth which is an instrument to frame the voyce by for the voyce and woordes themselues thy trueth i. the faithfulnesse and constancy that thou hast in all thinges and namely in keeping thy promises from generation to generation i. to al posterities meaning that by leauing it in writing behind him hee woulde bée an instrument as it were to conuay it from hand to hand to all posterity Verse 2. For I sayde i. I beleeued it in my heart and spake it with my tongue as Psalme 116.10 by which he sheweth the assurance of faith that he had in his heart out of the abundaunce whereof the mouth did speake Matth. 12.34 mercy vz. of God shal bee set vppe i. shal bee exalted builded and continue as a very faire strong and artificiall house thy trueth i. the stedfastnesse and stay of thy promises shalt thou vz. O God establish i. ratifie and confirme in the very heauens i. euen the place appointed for the elect sée for this sense Luke 10.20 Others expound the whole verse thus the promise of God shal be as certaine as the state of heauen vnderstanding thereby not the visible firmament but the place of eternal ioy which is exempt from all chaunge Ver. 3. I haue made a couenant a sodaine change of the person from his owne to Gods for this and the next verse are spoken in the person of God with my chosen i. with Dauid whom I haue chosen preferred before al others euen his owne brethren to be king ouer the people of Israel I haue sworne not as though there were any distrust to bee had in Gods worde but for the more strengthening of the couenant in Dauids heart sée ver 49. of this Psalme also Psalm 132.11 and this is to be vnderstood that God by an oth had promised the performance of those things that follow vz. that his séede should continue to Dauid my seruant i. to him whom I haue appointed and chosen to bee my seruant and to serue me my people in the gouernment of the kingdom Ver. 4. Thy séed i. those that shall come of thée as thy posterity and successors wil I stablish vz. in
by beautie he meaneth the wonderful louing kindnesse and fauour of God which while it pleaseth God to shewe to his he doth after a sort adorne them with great glory and comfort which when also he withdraweth they séeme to bee in greate reproche and dishonour This then is as muche q.d. Shew vs thy fauour that not only we our selues maye thereby be comforted in our selues but also that thereby wee maye haue the great credite glory and estimation whiche wee were wont to haue with other people direct i. order guide and prosper the worke of our handes i. whatsoeuer wée shall take in hande vppon vs i. amongst vs in vs and to vs q.d. giue a good successe and blessed issue to al our enterprises he meaneth that nothing we take in hand can come to good ende except that GOD guide vs by his holy spirite euen directe the worke of our handes hee repeateth the same request agayne not onely to set forth his owne earnestnesse in prayer but also to declare howe necessarye and néedefull the thing it selfe is for whiche hée prayeth Verse 1. teacheth that it is no small comfort of conscience Do. if wee haue once felte God gracious and fauourable vnto vs. Verse 2. teacheth that the true tast and féeling of Gods eternall election is an excellent proppe for men to staye themselues on in all assaults Verse 3 teacheth that the issues both of life and death are in Gods owne power Verse 4 teacheth that the longest dayes and yeares of mans life in respect of God who is all eternity are nothing In the 5 and 6 verses by two similitudes vz. of floods and flowers he noteth the shortnesse and vanity of the life of all men of what state or condition soeuer they be Ver. 7 teacheth that the apprehension and féeling of Gods wrath worketh gréeuous effects in the mindes and bodies of those that be indéed touched therwith Ver. 8 that the matter of all Gods wrath agaynst vs is within our selues vz. both our open and secret transgressions against God and man Ver. 9 teacheth that mans life is nothing how long soeuer it be amongst men when the wrath and iudgement of God is vpon it Ver. 10 teacheth that al the dayes of the strongest mans life is nothing else but sorrow and vexation of spirite Ver. 11. teacheth how hard a thing it is and how few there are that doe rightlye and reuerently thinke of Gods fearefull wrath Verse 12 teacheth vs to pray to God to giue vs grace to thinke vpon the shortnesse of our liues and to remember the last ende a matter which we very easilye and much forget Verse 13 teacheth that nothing is so comfortable to Gods seruaunts as his fauour and loue and as when in the same they féele him reconciled vnto them Verse 14.15 teacheth vs that if we respecte our wretchednesse miserye and affliction we haue great néede to pray for the abundaunce and riches of Gods mercy to be shewed vpon vs and when we haue felt it to shew our selues vnfeignedly thankefull to him for the same Verse 16 teacheth in our prayers alwayes to respecte Gods glorye and the saluation of his people Verse 17. teacheth that nothing that wée doe can come to a good ende vnlesse the Lorde doth beginne continue and finish the same Psalme 91. Di. THis Psalme may be diuided into two parts In the firste he declareth in what safety they are that in stedfast trust do wholy submit themselues vnto the Lord and hang vppon him from verse 1. to the end of the 13. In the second he bringeth in god speaking as a sufficient witnesse to confirme and performe the truth of all that he had sayde from verse 14. to the ende of the Psalme Se. This Psalme hath no title The Iewish expositors iudge that Moses penned it but that is not much materiall this is to be marked whosoeuer he was that writ it did shewe himselfe to haue a very singular féeling of Gods power and prouidence Verse 1. Who so i. Whosoeuer hée bée of what state and condition hée bée that dwelleth i. hath his moste vsuall abode in the secrete of the most high i. vnder the prouidence and protection of the most high GOD shall abide q.d. Suche a one néede not doubte but that hée shall alwayes continue in the shadowe of the almightie i. vnder the pleasaunte and assured defence of GOD. The Prophet sheweth what care the Lorde hath ouer his faythfull people into whatsoeuer daungers they fall and therefore exhorteth them to continue sure and stedfast to him because they that bee in his kéeping shall not be in daunger of blowes but shal dwel in a sure quiet and pleasaunt place which I suppose he meaneth by secret and shadowe Verse 2. I vz. being thus assured of his fatherlye protection will saye vz. at all times in what case or distresse souer I bee vnto the Lord vz. vppon whome I doe thus depende by fayth O myne hope i. thou whome alone I hope and trust in and my Fortresse sée Psalme 18.2 hée vz. alone and none other but hee is my GOD i. my defender and safe kéeper in him will I trust vz. all the dayes of my lyfe euen for euer and euer Immanuel readeth these two verses otherwise and maketh an other sence which indéede I better allow of thus Verse 1. To him vz. whosoeuer he bée that dwelleth i. that hangeth continually by a stedfast fayth in the secrete of the most high i. vppon the prouidence of the Lorde whether it appeare towards him or no and vnto him that lodgeth all nighte vnder the shadowe of the almighty By dwelling and lodging and all the rest of the words the Prophet meaneth nothing else but this he that daye and nighte by a liuelye fayth stayeth himselfe vppon GOD and his prouidence neyther careth much for anye worldlye casualtie as men terme it shall in déede be safe for that muste we vnderstande euen as Chickens are vnder the Hennes winges Let then the first verse go thus To him that dwelleth in the secrete of the most high and vnto him that lodgeth all night vnder the shadow of the almightie Ver. 2. Do I say vz. in mine own experience example in the Lord is my hope q.d. and by my example I woulde haue him to hope in him likewise and my fortresse i. the place of my sure defence agaynste all mine aduersaries hee is my GOD in whome I truste i. I trust vnto him and to no other but him who both canne and will defende mee Verse 3. Surelye q.d. without all doubte if so bee it thou vnfeynedlye trust in him For the man of GOD in this verse applyeth his owne example to the faythfull hée vz. whiche hath all will and power in himselfe and neuer deceaueth anye will deliuer thée i. eyther kéepe thée altogether from it or else if thou fall into it sette thée frée from the snare i. from destruction priuilye and closelye prepared for thée as snares are to catche
themselues shall yeelde obedience vnto thée vnder these speeches the Prophet meaneth that they shal be deliuered from all deadly dangers which commonly men are subiect vnto such like thinges as these are foretold of the kingdome of Christ Isaiah 11.6.7.8 Hosea 2.18 Mark 16.18 Verse 14. Because he hath loued mée these are Gods owne wordes making an assured promise to the faithfull q.d. because the faithful people haue in a reuerent loue depended on mee and trusted in mee to the ende that their faith and loue might not be voyde and I be found inconstant in my promises therefore will I deliuer him i. set him frée vz. from all daungers troubles and feares and note that this and al that followeth vnto the end of the Psal the Prophet speaketh in the person of God I wil exalt him i. lift him vp and that into a verye high and safe place meaning hereby that hee will deliuer him and set him frée from all daunger and distresse because hee hath knowne my name i. because hée hath experience of my power and might féeling by triall what succour is to bée founde in mée and so hath learned to approue the same and trust in it Ver. 15. Hée shall call vpon me i. pray vnto mée and that in the time of his distresse and heauinesse and I will heare him i. graciously graunt him his request I will bée with him in trouble vz. not onely to comfort him that affliction ouerwhelme him not but also to deliuer him out of the same as it followeth in this verse and gloryfie him i. I wil aduaunce him to great glory and estimation q.d. I wil cause my glory for the loue that I beare him to shine in him and that shal bee both matter and occasion why other shall estéeme him as glorious and renowmed Ver. 16. With long life will I satisfie him q.d. if hée wish or desire long life I will giue it him and that in great measure and will shewe him my saluation i. I will make him féele by effect that I am his sauiour and deliuerer and I suppose that a man may take it further referring it to eternal life meaning by long life all the benefites and blessinges which concerne this life and by saluation eternal life and glory q.d. he shal be sure to haue both the one and the other Do. Verse 1. Teacheth vs alwaies in a stestfast faith to hang vpon the Lord Ver. 2. Teacheth them that haue had féeling of his goodnes to labour to bring other to a stedfast perswasion therein Ver. 3. Teacheth that if God deliuer vs not from dangers we shal daily and hourely fal into the same Ver. 4. Teacheth that they which féele themselues comprised vnder gods prouidence within the compasse of his gracious promises shal neuer miscary Ver. 5.6.7 Teach that a stedfast perswasion of gods power and goodnes surmounteth al the noysome dangers and distresses of this life whatsoeuer Ver. 7. Teacheth that in the middest of the greatest confusion and destruction that can be the Lord wil prouide for the safety of his as appeareth in the example of Noah and Lot Ver. 8. Teacheth that it is no smal comfort to the godly sensibly and plainely to perceiue the iudgements of God vppon the wicked and their vtter ouerthrowe Ver. 9. Teacheth that whosoeuer stedfastly beléeueth the Lorde onely to be his defence shal neuer quaile in his afflictions Ver. 10. Teacheth that God mercifully preserueth the faithful all that belongeth to them Ver. 11. Teacheth vs first in that God vseth Angels as meanes for our defence that therefore wee should vse the meanes not yet trusting in the meanes that the Lord hath giuē vs to performe any thing by secondly that God guideth those that are his in all their purposes and attempts Ver. 12. Teacheth Gods care not only ouer man himself but also ouer euery member and part of him yea the meanest part as the foote also it teacheth that vnlesse the Lorde vphold vs we shall doe nothing else but stumble and fal Ver. 13. Teacheth vs that God wil subdue all things vnto his elect and faithful people The Papists haue done great iniury to this text in appropriating it to the Pope only to whom it can no otherwise appertaine then to any other christian if he were a christian but for as much as hée renounceth Christ and is the very Antichrist indéed this doeth no whit at all belong vnto him Ver. 14. Teacheth two thinges first that the loue the faithful beare to the Lorde is neuer lost but the Lorde doeth rewarde a thousand fold secondly that this is a ready way to bee rid from daunger and feare in stedfast fayth to hang vppon the Lorde and his mighty power Verse 15. Conteineth first a singular spurre to prayer in that the Lorde promiseth to graunt the supplication of his seruauntes secondly a notable comfort in distresse for that the Lorde promiseth not onely to bee present with his in their trouble but also to deliuer them out of the same yea which is more to aduance them to great glory and safety Verse 16. Teacheth that they which vnfeignedlye serue God shall haue abundaunce of all blessings both concerning this life and the life to come Psalme 92 THis Psalme may be diuided into thrée partes Di. In the first the Prophet sheweth that it is méete for men to praise the Lorde and teacheth them howe and wherefore they shoulde doe it from verse 1. to the ende of the 5. In the seconde he declareth by what meanes and woorkes especially GOD purchaseth prayse amongest men and that is by punishing the wicked and maintaining the good from verse 6. to the ende of the 11. In the thirde hée Prophecieth of the great blessednesse that GOD will bestowe vppon his seruauntes and this reacheth from verse 12. to the ende of the Psalme The title A Psal song sée Psal 48. in the title for the Sabboth day Se. i. to be sung in the assembly vpon the Sabboth day vpon which day the people met for the publike exercises of the Church Ver. 1. It is a good thing vz. because it hath the promise of this life and of the life to come to praise the Lord vz. for his graces and benefites bestowed vppon vs hee meaneth by praysing a thanksgiuing which is a part of Gods seruice the performance of his whole seruice prescribed in his worde and to sing vnto thy name i. by prayses and thanksgiuings vnto thy maiesty to set forth the greatnes of thy excellency and power O most high this terme hath béene sundry tymes expounded before Ver. 2. To declare vz. by al the meanes that we can thy louing kindnes i. the mercy goodnes which thou shewest to thy seruants in the morning i. not only in that time which is very conuenient for prayer or thankesgiuing but hee meaneth thereby euery morning yea continuaunce in the action of thankesgiuing as shall afterwardes appeare and thy trueth i. thy faithfulnes in performaunce
people as the sea and floods do when they gayne vpon the lande but this in my iudgment is the more simple sense that hee meaneth that though the noyse of the floods and sea vnderstanding thereby if you will all the hurliburlies of the earth bee very great and forcible yea euident testimonies of Gods power and might yet if they bée compared with Gods owne maiesty and might they are as much as nothing and this sense is confirmed by that which followeth in the next verse the floods lift vp their waues vz. and make a great and fearefull noyse and this expoundeth what he ment before when he ascribed voyce to the floods Verse 4. The waues of the sea are marueilous vz. considered in themselues if a man mark their goinges greatnes and the noyse of them but yet more marueilous are they in the respects before alleadged through the noyse of many waters vz. which fal into them and ioyn with them sée Ecclesi 1.7 and so by that meanes the waues and noyse of the floodes are greater yet the Lord on high vz. in heauen is more mighty vz. then them al as who hath the ordering disposing and gouerning of them al at his good pleasure q.d. though it be true that the sea and floods make a great noyse and so expresse a great power yet that is nothing if they be compared to God by whose appointment they doe that which they doe Ver. 5. Thy testimonies i. thy worde and all thinges therein conteined as Psal 19.7 specially thy promises made vnto thy seruants are very sure vz. so that they can not be altered at any time or by any way holines i. thy holines or such holines as thou both appointest and giuest becommeth thyne house i. adorneth and beautifieth thy Church and congregation for euer i. continually Do. Ver. 1. Teacheth sundry thinges first Gods great power and maiesty the consideration whereof is terrible to the wicked and comfortable to his children secondly it setteth out not onely the great care that God hath ouer the earth and the things therein so that they can not be shaken but also how litle or nothing at all mans Counsell can preuaile to hurt or hinder much lesse to vndoe any thing that the Lorde will haue to remaine stedfast and sure Ver. 2. Setteth out the eternity and euerlastingnes of almighty God Ver. 3. Teacheth that the very creatures may manifest vnto vs some part and piece of Gods excellencye and power the same thing doeth Verse 4. Teache but yet so that it sheweth further that all that wee can beholde in them is not so much as a shadowe to the trueth if it bee compared with the Creator himselfe Verse 5. Is comfortable to the consciences of the godly because it assureth them of the certaintie of Gods worde and promises also it sheweth that the holinesse of Gods Church is from GOD himselfe and not from the Church Psalme 94 THis Psalme in my iudgement may very aptly bée diuided into two partes Di. In the first the Prophet doeth not onely praye against the vngodly but reckoneth vp their particular sinnes and doeth sufficiently comfort all their vayne imaginations and this part reacheth from verse 1. to the ende of the 11. In the second part he doth especially shew in what a good and blessed case they are whose God is the Lorde interlasing notwithstanding the attempts of the wicked all which the Lorde will for his peoples sake frustrate bring to nought and this reacheth from ver 12. to the end of the Psalme This Psalme is without title as the Psalme next going before is Se. and also sundry other Psalmes following and namely 95.96.97.99 Ver. 1. O Lorde GOD the auenger O God the auenger i. O God to whome alone it belongeth to punish the wicked Roman 12.19 shewe thy selfe clearly i. openly manifest thy power and might by punishing the wicked and defending the good Sée Deutron 33.2 q.d. punish the vngodly openly and in the sight of all men Verse 2. Exalt thy selfe i. doe not onely shewe thy selfe vnto the vngodly but declare thy selfe to bee great and high q.d. lift vppe thy selfe not onely aboue them but oppose and set thy selfe in thy power and might against them O Iudge of the worlde i. O thou to whome the iudgement of al men and matter appertaine Sée Genesis 18.25 Psalme 82.7 Render a rewarde to the proude vz. for their pryde against thée and men q.d. paye them home and punish them for that they haue proudlye set themselues against thee and thy people Verse 3. Lorde howe long shall the wicked this hée speaketh not as though hée would prescribe GOD a time but as praying that the rage and power of the wicked might not continue long howe long shall the wicked hée repeateth the same wordes not onely to set out the great cruelty and pride of the vngodly but to expresse also his earnestnesse in prayer triumph vz. in their pride and mirth against thée and thy people and by this manner of speach hée meaneth a certaine kinde of gladnesse full of outrage and boasting as though all thinges were lawfull for wicked men to doe Verse 4. They prate vz. with an open and full mouth not béeing ashamed of their speaches and speake vz. rashly and that without any feare of thy maiesty or modesty towardes men fearcely i. not onely rough and harde things but proudly and presumptuously Sée 1. Samuel 2.3 all the workers of iniquitie i. all they that giue ouer themselues to commit sinne with gréedinesse vaunt them selues vz. in themselues and their transgressions making that a great part as it were of their glorye Verse 5. They smite downe vz by their force and might and that vnto the grounde meaning by this speach all manner of affliction that the wicked laye vpon them thy people i. that people whome thou hast chosen for thine owne and trouble vz. very much with sundry sortes of crosses and afflictions thine heritage i. that people whome thou hast chosen to bée a peculiar inheritaunce vnto thy selfe Sée Psalm 28.9 Verse 6. They slay vz. through extortion rauening and violence the widowe and the straunger i. all manner of persons that euen in curtesie should bee fauoured and murther vz. cruellye and without any remourse of conscience or tendernes of heart the fatherles i. them that bee destitute of helpe and comfort Sée Hosea 14.3 q.d. they in their cruelty and rage spare none Ver. 7. Yet q.d. for all this wickednesse that they commit they say vz. not so much in their woordes as in their perswasion and by their factes Sée Psalm 14.1 Hée meaneth that without any checke or controlement of their owne heartes or woordes they gaue themselues ouer to commit euil casting behind them the feare of God and perswading themselues that hee regarded not thinges done vpon the earth the Lord shal not sée vz. the iniquity and sinne that we commit against him q.d. wee haue meanes to bleare his eyes and to stop vp
some lesse triall Verse 19. In the multitude of my thoughtes in my heart i. while I did secretly and within my selfe thinke vppon many thinges hee calleth these perillous and doubtfull cares which hee had in his thoughtes which no doubt woulde haue ouerwhelmed him if the comfortes of God of which he speaketh afterwards had not refreshed him thy comfortes i. those comfortes that by thy spirite I receiue from thy nature and worde haue reioyced i. haue caused to reioyce or haue made glade my soule i. my life and whole man distressed with sundry sortes of heauinesses Verse 20. Hath the throne of iniquitie i. hath vniust iudgement and sentence hee putteth a wicked place for wicked matter and iudgement pronounced out of that place fellowshippe with thée i. doest thou iudge vniustly as wicked iudges doe Sée Gene. 18.25 which forgeth wrong for a lawe i. which deuiseth frameth and performeth cruelty as though it were right and according to the lawe and iustice and marke that hee calleth it the throne of iniquitie both because vniust men sit there and vniust sentences are pronounced there the whole verse together is q.d. thou in thy dealings O Lorde hast nothing common with vniust iudgement seates with vniust iudges or vniust sentences all which doe nothing else but oppresse other men with iniurie and wrong and that many times vnder the pretence of lawe and right Ver. 21. They i. the wicked and vngodly gather them together vz. in troupes and great companies and all to take counsell against the soule of the righteous i. against the life of the good man howe they may take it away from him and spoyle him of al that he hath and condemne vz. vniustly without cause the innocent blood i. the man that hath done them no harme putting blood a part of man for man himselfe and his whole life Verse 22. But the Lorde q.d. notwithstanding the mischieuous malice of the vngodly mentioned verse 21. yea the rather for that is my refuge i. a sure place whereunto I will flée to bée preserued from mine enemies and my God i. hée that hath alwayes shewed himselfe careful for mee and gracious to mée is the rocke of my hope i. is the sure stay and foundation of the hope that I haue q.d. I assuredly staye my selfe in none but in him alone Ver. 23. And hée will reuenge them their wickednesse vz. which they haue committed against him and others meaning by this manner of speach that hée will giue them the wages and hire which is due to so great transgression and destroy them i. vtterly ouerthrow them and bring them to naught in their owne malice i. in the mischiefe and euill that they haue deuised against the good meaning that their euill deuises shall fall vpon their owne heades and they shal be taken in the mischiefes wherein they thought to intrappe the good yea the Lorde our God shall destroy them q.d. he wil certainely destroy them and that by his great and sodaine iudgements the repeating of the same words noteth nothing else but the assured perswasion of the faithfull and the certaine destruction of the wicked Verse 1. Teacheth that it is comfortable to Gods children Do. and terrible to the wicked to knowe and féele that GOD is the auenger of al iniuries and wronges Verse 2. Teacheth that wée may safely praye against the malicious and insolent enemyes of Gods trueth Verse 3. Teacheth vs not to bée dismayed though the wicked preuaile much and long neither to prescribe GOD a tyme of deliuerance but with patience to beare and by earnest praier to labour the remouing of those crosses and trials Verse 4. Describeth the proude and cruell both wordes and gestures of the vngodly Verse 5. Setteth out their cruell and outragious déedes against Gods seruants Verse 6. Sheweth that they growe to such a height and harde heartednes and cruelty that they pity not them whome nature and curtesie woulde shewe compassion to Verse 7. Sheweth not onely that the vngodly flatter themselues in their sinnes but also that they imagine that either God will not beholde their iniquity or if hee doe that hee will not greatly regarde to punish them for it Verse 8. Teacheth vs to haue a care to instruct euen those that are most desperately wicked Verse 9. Teacheth vs that nothing that we doe or speake can bee hid from Gods eyes or eare Verse 10. Teacheth vs that God is no respecter of persons and that therefore wee shoulde not flatter our selues as though hée woulde forbeare vs. Verse 11. Teacheth that man and all his deuises are nothing in respect of the Lorde Verse 12. Teacheth that Gods corrections are to Gods children seales of his blessing vppon them also that this is a singular benefite to haue Gods will and worde made manifest vnto vs. Verse 13. Sheweth two thinges first that GOD will deliuer his out of all their distresses Secondly that the wicked shall bee ouertaken in the mischiefes of their owne heartes Verse 14. Teacheth that howe slippery or inconstant soeuer man bée to man yet GOD is alwayes fast and sure to those that are his Verse 15. Teacheth that howsoeuer GOD séeme for a time to deferre the execution of full and perfect iudgement yet hee will in the ende perfourme it in déede and the godly shall reioyce therein Verse 16. Teacheth that the number of those which boldly defende Gods seruants is very smal Ver. 17. Teacheth that vnlesse God kéepe vs euery steppe that wée steppe is a steppe vnto death Verse 18. Is very comfortable teaching vs that GOD is alwayes present with his to preserue them from all euill Ver. 19. Teacheth that nothing can more gladde men in this life in the middest of their heauinesses then to haue an eye to the comfortes which GOD hath set downe in his worde Verse 20. Setteth out the vprightnesse of GOD and of all his iudgements so that though men bée neuer so corrupt yet he is alwayes iust and holy in all his workes Verse 21. Paynteth out the conspiracye and crueltye of the wicked against the godly Verse 22. Teacheth vs in the middest of all these mischiefes to hang vppon the Lorde onely by an assured and stedfast fayth Verse 23. Setteth out the certaintye of that destruction and iudgement of the vngodly with which they shalbée ouertaken from the Lorde Psalme 95. Di. THis Psalme may bée diuided into thrée partes In the first the Prophet exhorteth the faithful to praise and serue God and this is conteyned in the two first verses and in the sixt verse In the seconde part hée sheweth the causes wherefore vz. for the gouernement of the worlde which is general and for the chusing of his Church which is particular Verse 3.4.5.7 In the thirde part the better to bring them vnto the perfourmance of this duety hée setteth before them a fearefull example and that in their owne fathers for the neglect of it from verse 8. to the ende of the Psalme Though this Psalme
of the Lorde i. shal tremble at his great power and maiesty though not with the reuerent and right feare thereof which his owne children only haue and al the kings of the earth q.d. this feare shal not onely sease the heartes of their common people but euen of their greatest and mightiest princes thy glory i. they shal feare thy maiesty glory which doest such great and glorious thinges for thy people Verse 16. When the Lorde hee noteth the time of the trembling of the kings and people shall builde vp Sion i. his Church vz. decayed and cast downe hee vseth this worde Sion generally for the place of Gods seruice because that sometime the arke of couenant was placed there and shal appeare in his glory i. shall shewe himselfe glorious and triumphant which shall no doubt be comfortable to his children and feareful to his enemies Ver. 17. And shal turne vz. his gracious and louing countenance meaning by this speach yéelding or graunting vnto the prayer i. to the harty supplications and requests of the desolate i. of thē that are forsaken of all whom though they stand in néede of euery mans helpe yet no man helpeth The worde properly signifieth a kinde of shrubble which groweth in vntilled places as a brier or such like by which he noteth also the people that were in the captiuity of Babylon as in a deserte and wilde place and not despise their prayer vz. which they make vnto him in their affliction hee speaketh one thing twise as it were of which sundry times before and not as though god did euer despise the supplications of his poore seruants Ver. 18. This vz. gracious hearing of his poore seruants prayers and deliuery of them out of captiuity shal be written vz. as an excellent thing and worthy of continual remembrance for the generation to come vz. that they therby may be instructed both of the power of God and his faithfulnes and trueth in performing his promises and the people vz. of Israel and Iudah which shalbée created i. which shal returne out of the captiuity of Babylon which hée compareth to be a second birth or creation as it were because they séemed therin to bée as dead Sée Ezech 37. from ver 1. to the ende of the 14. of which also for the greatnes of it it is sundry times sayd in the Prophets It shalbée no more sayd the Lord liueth that brought the people out of Egypt but that brought the people from the lande of the North shall prayse the Lorde vz. for his great goodnes and mercy towardes them Ver. 19. For hée hath looked downe vz. vppon the great outrage of his enemies and the wonderfull affliction of his people from the height of his sanctuary i. euen from the very heauens as hée séemeth to expound it euen in this verse out of the heauē which is the throne of his maiesty did the Lorde behold the earth i. not onely the earth it self but specially and chiefly men inhabiting the earth and amongest the rest his owne people as may appeare in the verses following Verse 20. That hee might heare vz. and so take pity of the mourning i. the sighings gronings and lamentable cryes of the prisoner i. of the prisoners one number put for an other meaning those that were bound and helde as captiues in Babilon and deliuer vz. out of daunger distresse and all manner of feare the children of death i. them that were at deaths doore or appointed to death as it were Sée Psal 79.11 Ver. 21. That they vz. so deliuered noting also the end why god giueth deliueraunce vnto his seruants may declare i. set out and publish and that both by word and déede the name of the Lord i. his power maiesty goodnes c. as Psal 21.1 in Sion i. in his Church and his prayse i. the prayse which is due vnto him for the same not that any is able to prayse him sufficiently for his power and goodnes in Ierusalem i. in the Church as before Sion and Ierusalem being the principall places of his worshippe put for his whole Church and the publike assemblies and congregations thereof sée Psal 2.6 Ver. 22. When the people vz. which are nowe in captiuity and dispersed abroad shal be gathered together vz. to serue the Lorde in these places and after that sort which he himselfe hath prescribed and the kingdomes vz. of the earth meaning hereby the calling of other people besides the Iewes to serue the Lord vz. according to the prescript rule of his word The Prophet noteth two thinges specially in this verse the one is the returning of the people out of Babylon the other is the calling of the Gentiles to the religion and seruice of God Ver. 23. He i. the Lorde abated vz. by outwarde and inward afflictions my strength i. whatsoeuer séemed excellent in mee putting one excellent thing for many in the way vz. wherein I walked meaning the daies and course of his life as may appeare by that which followeth in this verse and shortened vz. in mine owne iudgment and as I supposed for otherwise in respect of God our dayes are certainely numbred my dayes i. the dayes of my life Ver. 24. And I sayd vz. in that great affliction and griefe O my God take mee not away vz. out of this life q.d. let mee not vanishe awaye but shewe mée thy fauour in continuing my life in the middest of my dayes i. before I come to the full ende of my race and all this and that in the former verse the Prophet speaketh not onely in his owne person but in the name of the rest of the faithful thy yéeres indure from generation to generation i. thou continuest and abidest for euer and art alwayes one make mee therefore q.d. like vnto thy selfe Verse 25. Thou vz. O GOD hast afore tyme vz. in the beginning layde the foundation of the earth i. created and mainteined the earth and all thinges therein hee sheweth Gods eternitie because hee was before all thinges created and was the maker of all thinges whatsoeuer and the heauens vz. and all thinges therein conteined are the worke of thine handes i. thou hast made them handes attributed to GOD for our vnderstanding sake Verse 26. They vz. the heauen the earth and all thinges therein shall perish vz. not in respect of their substance but in respect of their qualities sée Isaiah 65.17 Isaiah 66.22 Reuelat. 21.1 2. Peter 3.12.13 and this perishing hée calleth afterwardes in this verse a chaunging but thou shalt indure vz. frée from any alteration or chaunge as Iames 1.17 and that for euer and euer hée here commendeth Gods eternity by comparison euen they all q.d. not one of them accepted shall waxe olde as doeth a garment i. shall through continuaunce of tyme decay as doeth a garment as a vesture shalt thou chaunge them this is a metaphor taken from men who changing their garmentes from worse to better of which chaunge of the creatures the Apostle
speaketh Roman 8.19.20.21.22 verses Nowe if any wil demaunde to what vse the creatures shal be imployed I answere that for as much as GOD in his worde hath not reueiled that it is more then curiositie to aske the same and they shal bee changed i. they shall certainely and without fayle bée chaunged for so much doeth the doubling of the worde chaunge import Verse 27. But thou art the same i. alwayes one and the selfe same without any shadowe of chaunging q.d. howsoeuer the creatures bee variable yet thou the creator art alwayes vnchaungeable and thy yeeres i. the time of thy essence and beeing shall not fayle vz. for euer and euer q.d. thou art and hast béene from euerlasting and so shalt continue Verse 28. The children of thy seruantes i. thy godly ones and their godly posterity shall continue vz. stedfast and sure alwayes safe vnder thy almighty defence whatsoeuer great alteration shal bee in heauen or earth and their séede i. their race and posteritie shall stande fast vz. so that they shall not bée mooued for euer in thy sight i. before thée hée meaneth that GOD will care for and preserue for euer the godly Ver. 1. Teacheth vs to be earnest with the Lord to grant vs our holy requests Do. Verse 2. Sheweth that in the time of affliction nothing is more grieuous to Gods children then to perceiue God any long time absent Ver. 3.4.5 Do declare what great affliction the godly are in for their sinnes and the wrath of God vppon them for the same Verse 6.7 Shewe that it is no new thing to sée the children of God forsaken of men Verse 8. Noteth two things the one is howe that the godly are subiect to the vyle both woordes and deedes of the vngodly the other that the wicked giue themselues a full swinge to all manner of outrage both in worde and deede Verse 9. Teacheth that so long as wée féele Gods wrath vppon vs for our sinnes our meat and drinke is not pleasaunt and delightfull vnto vs. Verse 10. Teacheth vs three things first howe much wee shoulde stande in awe of the fearce wrath and indignation of the Lorde Secondly that in this life Gods children haue no durable estate and thirdly that their exaltation and depressing is not by fortune as they say but from the Lorde onely Verse 11. Setteth out the shortnesse and troublesomnesse of mans life Verse 12. Setteth out the eternity and continuaunce of the almightie Verse 13. Teacheth vs to haue an assured trust that God wil looke graciously vppon the afflictions of his Church Verse 14. Teacheth Gods children two thinges first to delyte more euen in the verye ruines of the Church then in the palaces of the vngodly secondly to pity and pray for the reforming of the desolations thereof Ver. 15. and 16. Teach vs that Gods fauour shewed to his Church shalbée matter of sufficient terrour to the wicked and vngodly Ver. 17. Is comfortable shewing that the prayers of Gods poore people shall neuer returne empty from the Lorde Ver. 18. Teacheth the faithful to haue a care for their posterity that both Gods mercy towards them and his iudgements vpon the wicked might be conueyed to their children Ver. 19. Teacheth that God beholdeth al things done vpon the earth contrary to the imagination of them who suppose him to sit as idle in heauen Ver. 20. Teacheth that God taketh speciall regarde of those that be his and namely when they are in the greatest distresse Ver. 21. Teacheth that god doth deliuer his people out of al their feares specially to this end that they might publish his prayse for the same in the Church Ver. 22. Teacheth that our assemblies should be for the seruice and glory of god Ver. 23. Teacheth that God for the trial of his children layeth manifold afflictions vpon them in this life Verse 24. Teacheth vs that wee may pray for long life but yet so that that life may bée referred to Gods glory Verse 25. Teacheth that God is the maker of heauen and earth Verse 26. Teacheth the variablenesse of the creature which shoulde instruct vs so to vse the worlde as though wee vsed it not and no otherwise but as it may further vs to the hope of a better life Ver. 27. Teacheth that howsoeuer variable the creature is yet the creator is altogether vnchaungeable Ver. 28. Setteth out to the comfort of the godly their continuaunce Psalme 103. Di. THis Psalme may bee diuided into thrée partes In the first hee doeth stirre vp and prouoke himselfe to be thankful to the Lord and this is conteyned in the two first verses In the seconde hee sheweth causes for which men shoulde prayse the Lorde as for the forgiuenesse of their sinnes for their deliuery from daunger and the continuall course of his mercies from ver 3. to the end of the 19. In the last part he exhorteth euen all creatures to praise the Lord for the largenes of his goodnes from ver 20. to the end of the Psalme Se. The title of this Psalme hath beene expounded before in others of the lyke inscription Ver. 1. My soule hee exhorteth the soule to this great worke because if that be ready the other cannot be much backward and the word soule is vsed here for the seate of vnderstanding and afflictions prayse thou the Lord vz. for his great mercies and all that is within me as my thought my hart and all the powers both of the one and the other and hee meaneth all inwarde thinges because those parts specially doeth the Lorde regarde as Psal 51.17 Ioh. 4.23 prayse his holy name i. set foorth the glory that apperteineth to his maiesty power goodnes c. name is here vsed as Psalm 20.3 Ver. 2. My soule praise thou the Lord this is expounded before ver 1. and forget not vz. through negligence or otherwise but earnestly thinke vpon to the vttermost of thy power al his benefites i. not onely all but any one of them as possible thou canst and by this meanes he prepareth himself a way to speak of the blessings which afterwardes he reckoneth vp Ver. 3. Which vz. alone forgiueth thée fréely vz. and of his owne mercy onely without any merites or deserts of thyne at all all thine iniquity vz. committed either against God or man either of ignoraunce or of knowledge and he beginneth with the frée forgiuenes of sinnes because it is as it were the fountaine from which al other blessinges flowe many whereof he reckoneth vp afterwardes which are nothing else but the effects of that reconciliation and healeth vz. of his great goodnes his mighty power all thine infirmities vz. bodily or spirituall outwarde or inward Ver. 4. Which vz. alone as before ver 3. redéemeth vz. by his great and mighty power thy life i. thy whole man both body and soule putting a part for the whole from the graue i. from death and destruction Sée Psalm 16.10 putting that which followeth death for death it selfe and crowneth
cause of all goodnesse towardes all his creatures Verse 29 teacheth vs that the wante of féeling of Gods fauour is the fountayne of all woe disquietnesse death c. Verse 30 teacheth vs that the continuaunce of Creatures is not onely by an ordinary course of nature but specially by the commaundement and blessing of almighty GOD. Verse 31 teacheth vs to prayse GOD continually for his mercy and to pray for the continuaunce thereof Verse 32 teacheth vs to stande in awe of so great a Maiestye as can doe whatsoeuer pleaseth him both in heauen and in earth Verse 33 teacheth vs to carrye with vs holy purposes to serue the Lord as long as we liue and carefully to labour the performance thereof Verse 34 teacheth vs to pray that euen our prayers maye bée regarded in Gods sight Verse 35 teacheth vs that we may sometimes pray against the wicked and vngodly also that we should carefully stirre vp both our selues and others to prayse the Lorde Psalme 105 Di. THis Psalme as I take it may be deuided into thrée partes In the firste hée exhorteth to prayse GOD for his mercies shewing who they are that shoulde doe it from the first verse to the ende of the sixte In the seconde part hee resiteth the particular graces that GOD bestowed vppon them from the tyme of their firste calling till their comming oute of Egipt from verse seuen to the ende of the 26. In the thirde hee setteth out both what iudgementes GOD bringeth vpon their enemies for their sakes and also what mercies he sheweth them after their deliuery from verse 27 to the end of the Psalme Se. Though there be no Title of this Psalme declaring who made it yet it should appeare by 1. Chronic. 16.7.8 c. that Dauid made it and committed it to Asaph and his brethren to sing it And it hangeth wel with the other Psalms before going vz. Psalme 103. and Psalme 104. and also with Psalme 106.107 following al being Psalms to stir vp the Church to prayse God partly for his graces towards the Church Psalme 103 and generallye towardes all creatures Psalme 104 and partly for benefites vppon the faythfull euen by trying and correcting them Psalme 105 106. and lastlye for graces towardes all men Psalme 107. Verse 1. Prayse the Lord vz. all ye good and faythful people he would haue them to shew themselues thankefull and to set forth his glorye for graces receaued and call vpon his name i. feare his Maiesty but specially pray vnto him putting one part of Gods seruice for the whole declare vz. openly and playnly and that in euery place his workes i. the maruaylous thinges that hée hath done among the people vz. not onely of Iudea but of the whole earth Verse 2. Sing vnto him sing prayse vnto him vz. alone the doubling of the worde serueth both to stirre vs vp and also to note the excellency of that Sacrifice of thanksgiuing Some make this difference betwéene the two wordes that the firste singing shoulde bée with the mouth and the latter singing with musicall Instrumentes according to the Lawe and talke vz. amongest your selues openlye and euerye where of all his wondrous workes vz. whiche hée hath done for you and your Fathers so that wée shoulde as neare as wée canne call to remembraunce all Gods graces and mercyes bestowed vppon vs. Verse 3. Reioyce in his holye name i. shewe your selues gladde in that greate power and Maiestye of his which besydes the excellencye thereof contayneth in it holinesse also lette the hearte i. the inwarde affection as well as the outwarde behauiour of them that séeke the Lorde vz. vnfeignedlye and with a good harte vnderstanding by séeking of the Lorde seruing of him according to his will reuealed in his worde reioyce vz. in the Lorde and bée glad euen for this that hée giueth them grace to séeke and serue him Verse 4. Séeke the Lorde vz. earnestlye and that euen now while hée maye bée founde as Isaiah 55.6 and his strength 1. the Arke of the Couenaunte from whence the Lorde gaue euidente testimonye of his power and myghte Sée 2. Chronicles 6. verse 41. also Psalme 78. verse 61. séeke his face i. the arke of couenaunte whiche is also called Gods face because from thence GOD gaue playne testimonies of his fauour and goodnesse towards his people continually i. so long as you liue q.d. Be neuer wearye of doing that dutie Verse 5. Remember i. déepely and diligently thinke vpon that you maye thereby bee the better stirred vp to praise him his marueilous workes i. the great and wonderfull things which he hath don for his people he calleth thē maruailous because the Gods marueilous power declared it selfe in thē euen so that a man might easily iudge that they came from him that he hath done vz. in time heretofore and that for you your fathers his wonders i. the strange things which he hath done far beyond the reache and compasse of mans wit and the iudgementes of his mouth i both the punishments whiche he hath threatned against others and also the law and word he hath giuen vnto you for I would referre it to both these Verse 6. Ye séede of Abraham i. O yée that come of Abraham and his posteritie according vnto the flesh his seruaunt i. that serued GOD hee setteth before them their Fathers example the better to draw them on to the performaunce of that great dutye ye children of Iaakob i. O ye that come of Iaakob wch are his elect i. which he hath fréely chosen from amongst al other nations and here he vseth another reason fet from their election to draw them on to obedience Verse 7. Hée vz. alone and none other but he is the Lord our God i. he that gouerneth vs and vpon whome we our selues depend his iudgementes vz. agaynst sinne and vngodlinesse meaning by iudgements punishments are thorow all the earth i. are made manifest in all the world though perhaps men haue not eyes to sée the same or else we may take iudgements for rule guiding and gouernment so you haue the word to iudge vsed Psalm 98 9. meaning that Gods gouernment was stretched thorow out all the world Verse 8. He hath alway remembred his couenaunt and promise vz. made with his sonnes and seruaunts mening by remembred not only thinking vppon it but also the execution and performaunce of it that he made vz. of his owne accord and frée goodnesse to a thousand generations i. not only to infinite numbers of people putting a nūber certayne for an vncertayne but also to last and indure for euer Verse 9. Euen that vz. couenaunt which he made with Abraham vz. our Father sée Genesis 12 2 3 and his oth vnto Isaak sée Genesis 26.3.4 c. and hee vseth the word oth to note the certaintie and assurednesse of the couenaunte passed betwéene God and the people Verse 10. And since vz. the time of Abraham and Izaak meaning after their death hath confirmed it vz. both
Prophet desireth God to shew by effect that he doth vtterly disallow that wicked dealing of the vngodly as Psalme 28 ver 1. He prayeth the Lorde that he woulde not be deafe O God of my prayse i. thou O God that art the argumente and matter of my praises or else thus thou O God in whom all my prayse consisteth because thou mayntainest and vpholdest me in my iust cause whereas all the rest besides as it were do oppresse me by false slaunders and euery one accoūteth me for a wicked man but I doe better like of the former sence Ver. 2. For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth full of deceyte i. wicked and deceitfull men with their wicked and deceitfull words are opened vpon me vz. readie to deuoure and ouerwhelme me with the great waters of vniust reports wch they cast out against me sée 1. Sam. 24.10 1. Sam. 26.18 Psal 12.2 they haue spoken to me with a lying tongue i. they haue spoken me fayre in words when they caried swords in their harts Ver. 3. They compassed me about also with words of hatred i. they did not only dissemble with me one while but an other while they vttred hatefull spéeches agaynst me and fought agaynst me vz. both by words and déedes without a cause i. when I gaue them no cause eyther of the one or other Verse 4. For my friendship vz. shewed towards the they were mine aduersaries i. they wrought me much euill and hurt but I vz. in these afflictions and distresses gaue my selfe vz. readily earnestly and diligently to prayer vz. not only for my selfe that I might patiently beare al these calamities but euen for my enemies also sée Psal 35.13 Ver. 5. And they vz. in the vnkindnes frowardnes of their own harts haue rewarded me euill for good i. haue don me much mischéef for the good that I haue performed towards them and hatred for my friendship i. for my good will the Prophet meaneth that both in action and affection they had dealt wickedly with him Ver. 6. Set thou the wicked i. a more vngodly wicked man then he himself is ouer him i. to beare rule ouer him It is likely that vnder one wicked man he meaneth many but whatsoeuer it be the prophet meaneth that he would haue the Lord to cast him down vnder most hard tirānous gouernment let the aduersary i. his aduersary or aduersaries some refer it to the deuil and his angels stand at his right hand i. be continually present with him to vex pursue and gréeue him sée ver 31 of this Psalme Ver. 7. Whē he shal be iudged i. when he shall come before a Iudge to haue causes of his heard or else his own person to stande in iudgement let him be condemned vz. as a wicked and vngodly man and punished without pity compassion let his prayer i. the suit supplication wch he maketh to the iudge for fauour be turned into sin i. serue to increase aggrauate his offēce rather thē to lessē it any ways the prophet meaneth that looke whatsoeuer the vngodly should vse in his own defēce either as to clear himselfe or to moue others to pity him that al that should stand in stéed more more to burthē charge him Ver. 8. Let his dayes i. the days of the life that he hath to liue be few vz. in nūber in respect of thē that liue long and not as though mens dayes could be shortned in regard of that time which the Lord hath alotted them and let another man take vz. to execute performe it his charge i. the charge office which he had S. Peter Act. 1.10 applieth this to Iudah Ver. 9. Let his children i. the children he hath and shal leaue behind him in the world be fatherles his wife a widdow i. let him die let the punishment of his death light not only vpon him but vpon his wife and children as a thing most gréeuous vnto them Ver. 10. Let his children i. his posteritie be vagabondes vz. vppon the earth and without dwelling place sée Gen. 4.14 and begge vz. of other men hauing nothing of their own neither any man in pitie to giue them anye thing as followeth afterwards verse 12. and séeke vz. gréedily and that at other mens hands who shal not pitty thē bread i. al maner of maintainance for their life cōming out of their places destroid by places he meaneth both their dwelling houses whole stock q.d. after that they and al that belongeth vnto thē haue ben destroyed let thē run vp down a begging c. and in this and the other verse vz. 9. hee prayeth agaynst the wickeds race and posteritye as verse 6 7 8 he prayed agaynst the vngodly man himself Ver. 11. Let the extortioner i. the couetous and cruel man or vsurer into whose debt he is falne catche all that he hath vz. remayning of his substance yet vnspent or vnwasted The Metaphor of catching would be marked for it is taken from nets or snares out of which birds or any thing caught in them cannot only not escape but also be in continual daunger of death and let the straungers vz. which are wont to shew no pitty and compassion for one naturall countreiman wil shew affection to another whereas Foreiners are giuen altogether to rapine and spoyling spoyle vz. without pitty or compassion or giuing him any thing back agayn his labour i. the thinges that he hath trauailed for how good or how bad soeuer they be The straunger when he commeth once to rifling refuseth almoste nothing Ver. 12. Let there be none vz. found amongst mē to extend mercy vnto him vz. in the time of his distres and affliction neither let there bee any to shew mercy vpon his fatherles children whose case is pittiful as hath bin sundry times shewed before whom we ought to tender because God commēdeth them the widdowes the stranger vnto vs. Ver. 13. Let his posterity i. those that shall come after him or which he shall leaue behind him be destroyd vz. from amongst men meaning the cutting of thē of or the rasing or rooting of thē out of remēbrance in the generatiō following i. in the very next age let their name i. the glory renowne both of the wicked fathers their children be put out vz. of mans remēbrance q.d. let there be no more any remembraunce of him or his séede Ver. 14. Let the iniquities of his fathers be had in remēbrāce with the Lord i. let him be punished for the sinnes of his father his mother whose vngodlines he hath followed and so must both this place and the threat conteyned in the second commaundement be vnderstood and when he sayth be had in remēbrance with the Lorde he meaneth not that God forgetteth any sinne cōmitted against him but that he would haue the Lord by effect i. by punishmēts to shew that he thinketh vpō the wicked mās
euer since the beginning hath preserued and increased the same the heauen and the earth vz. and al thinges therein conteined q.d. you may assure your selues of a most plentiful blessing séeing that he who blesseth you is the author preseruer gouernor of heauen al things therin of the earth al things therin which also he hath giuen to vs as verse following Ver. 16. The heauens euen the heauens i. the most high heauens are the Lords i. apperteine and belong vnto him as the special place of his delight and dwelling and yet we must not so vnderstand it as God were tyed to any one certaine place for his maiestie filleth the heauens and the earth but he hath giuen vz. of his large liberality and goodnes the earth vz. wherein men dwel to the sonnes of men i. to men and their séede after them that they should inhabite and vse it so that in this life they might by the thinges thereof bee prouoked to serue God and stirred vp thereby to the hope and fruition of eternal felicity Verse 17. The dead prayse not the Lord the Prophet meaneth that if God preserued not his Church the whole order and course of the worlde shoulde bee turned vpside downe for to what end should the creation of the worlde serue if there were not a people to call vpon God whereupon he gathereth that there shal always be some which shal praise the Lorde euen vntil the end of the world and so with al there is set out the end wherefore men are placed in the world vz. to prayse serue God q.d. that we dye not must be attributed to gods glory therfore euen our life also must be occupied about his praise sée Psal 6.5 whether they that go downe into the place of silence i. neither do they praise him that are brought to their graues and layed in them sée for this speach Psal 94.17 sée also Isaiah 38.18 The Prophet vttereth vnder diuers words one the selfesame thing Ver. 18. But we vz. which shal liue and be deliuered from our distresses wil prayse the Lord vz. for the benefites that we haue receiued from him from hencefoorth and for euer i. continually and alwaies prayse ye the Lord sée Psal 104. and Psal 105. in the very end Do. Ver. 1. Teacheth vs when we do in prayer appeare before the Lord to craue any thing at his handes vnfeignedly to cast from our selues all trust and confidence in our selues to flie to gods soueraine goodnes and trueth only Ver. 2. Teacheth vs that gods glory is after a sort hazarded amongst the enemies of God and his people when his own people are discomfited or disgraced Ver. 3. Teacheth vs that the more the enemies do blaspheme God the more we should be throughly perswaded of his power because that their dealing doeth prouoke him to execute a more swift and hard iudgment vpon them Ver. 4.5.6.7.8 doth liuely paint out the vanity of idoles themselues and of al such as either make or worship them Ver. 9. Teacheth the godly howsoeuer other men run a whoring after idols to cleaue only to the Lord. Ver. 10. Teacheth the ministers preachers of Gods word to make themselues examples vnto other of stedfast confidence in God Ver. 11. Teacheth vs that with the seruice of god there must be ioyned faith in God and his word or else it is nothing Ver. 12. Teacheth vs that God neuer forgetteth his children and merciful couenant made with them also that the godly shal haue from the Lord both assurednes and plentifulnes of blessings Ver. 13. Teacheth vs that God respecteth no mans person but in euery nation he that feareth him and worketh righteousnes is accepted before him Ver. 14. Sheweth that Gods grace and loue reacheth euen to the godly and their posterity after them Ver. 15. Teacheth vs that those whom the Lord pursueth with his fauor shal not nor can not want any thing that is good Ver. 16. Setteth out the large liberality and fatherly care of God towardes men also it teacheth vs that séeing he hath giuen vs the things of this life we shold vse them wel and so as they may further vs to the hope of a better life Ver. 17. Teacheth vs that when God giueth vs life in this world he doth thereby as it were prouoke vs to set forth his glory and praise Ver. 18. Teacheth vs thrée things first that we should praise the Lorde for his mercies for euen to the ende haue we our life giuen and his blessings are bestowed vppon vs secondly that this our thanksgiuing should be continual and thirdly that we should prouoke and stirre vp other men to do the like Psalme 116. THis Psalme as I take it may bée diuided into two partes Di. In the first the Prophet setteth out on the one side his loue fayth towards the Lord and on the other side Gods mercy and goodnes towards him from ver 1. to the end of the 11. In the second part hee promiseth humble and hearty thankesgiuing vnto the Lorde for that continuall heape of benefites which hee had receiued from his mercifull handes from verse 12. to the ende of the Psalme This Psalme hath no title as many other Psalmes both before it Se. and after it haue not sée Psal 114.115.117.118 c. Ver. 1. I loue vz. with all my heart and vnfeignedly the Lord vz. only and alone and none either with him or besides him and vnder the word of loue the Prophet sheweth that there was nothing without god that either could like him or please him because hee hath heard i. because he hath yéelded vnto and granted my voyce vz. sent forth vnto him and my prayers vz. which I made vnto him vnder these words voice and prayers the Prophet meaneth such prayers as he powred forth vnto the Lord not only with his heart but also with his mouth and words Ver. 2. For he hath inclined his eare vz. as one that were ready for to heare mee this is spoken of God according to mans capacity vnto mée vz. being in distresse and when I prayed vnto him as followeth when I did call vppon him vz. for helpe and ayde by earnest and hearty prayers in my dayes i. in the tyme of my affliction as may appeare by the next verse following sée Psal 137.7 also Lament 1.21 and by the woorde dayes hée noteth that hee had continuaunce and length of trouble Ver. 3. When the snares of death compassed mee vz. on euery side and rounde about so that there was almost no hope of escaping no more then of a bird or wild beast taken in a snare or grin by this manner of speach hée meaneth that euen then when hee was ready to dye the Lord in mercy looked vppon him Sée 2. Sam. 22.5.6 also Psalm 18.4.5 and the griefes of the graue i. great and extreme griefes which brought me almost to the graue made me as it were ready to bee put into it caught
for some deliuerances he addeth the cup of saluation that is deliuerances how Dauid performed this sée 1. Chro. 16.1.2.3 c. and will call vpon the name of the Lord i. pray vnto him also q.d. I wil not only thank him for his benefites but pray vnto him for the increase and continuance thereof Ver. 14. I will pay vz. with a frée and willing heart my vowes i. the thinges that I haue vowed or the sacrifices of thanksgiuing which I promised vnto him if he deliuered me out of distresse for amongst other that vsed to make vowes they did it that were in extreme danger distresse q.d. I wil not only by wordes confesse my self to be safe from danger so witnes the thankfulnes of my mind but I wil declare it also by offring the sacrifices which I vowed to the Lorde at what time Saul did pursue me very hardly The ende of vowes was to seale in the hearts of Gods children a hope to obtaine that which they did aske and moreouer to prouoke and bind them to thanksgiuing and this liberty to vow is permitted vnto Gods children to comfort them in their infirmities and not otherwise and that word pay noteth that it is due debt and that it can not be omitted without sinne if the thing vowed be lawful euen now q.d. I will not deferre it in the presence of all his people i. in the temple or place of publike exercise whether al Gods people resorted or else before all the Israelits whom he gathered together to Ierusalem to bring the arke of the Lorde thither Sée 1. Chro. 15.3 Ver. 15. Precious i. deare and of great account and regard in the sight of the Lord i. before him and his iudgement is the death of his saints i. death or mischief imagined or performed towards those whom he alloweth of q.d. God by my example hath declared how deare vnto him is the life of faithfull men séeing that hee hath so often preserued me assaulted so many wayes and with so great force or thus God doeth grieuously take good mens deathes and therefore they shall not escape vnpunished that kill them And marke this that for his comfort he setteth this against the malice of his enemies that God doth not at al aduenture deliuer his vp to death but maketh great account of them for the word saints sée Psalm 30.4 Ver. 16. Beholde Lord q.d. most true is it Lorde that thou wilt not haue the godly slayne for thou hast preserued me thy poore seruant for I am thy seruant vz. and thou hast shewed mée this grace and fauour I am thy seruaunt hee repeateth the same againe as a matter of no small comfort vnto himselfe neither must wee so vnderstand him as though hée grounded the causes of his deliuerance vpon his seruices perfourmed to God but vppon Gods frée election q.d. from my mothtrs wombe yea before I was borne this honour and goodnes was prepared for mee and the sonne of thy handmayde i. of a woman who did purely worship thée and this he speaketh because that children by reason of their first education imitated the disposition and manners of their mothers for which cause also it should séeme that the names of the kings mothers are so commonly expressed in the bookes of kings sée for this phrase Psal 86.16 thou vz. alone hast broken vz. in pieces or a sunder by thy almighty power my bands i. either the bands that I was bound in or else the bandes that were prepared to bind me in by this maner of spéech he meaneth that god had deliuered him from the danger wherin he was or else he had kept him that he came not into the troubles that his enemies had prepared for him Ver. 17. I will offer vnto thee a sacrifice of praise vz. for thy mercy goodnes shewed vnto mee he meaneth that he wil acknowledge confesse gods goodnes praise him for the same for here he protesteth again as he had done before ver 13.14 that hee would giue God thanks which is a signe that he was not vnthankful and I will cal vppon the name of the Lord marke the sodaine change of the person from the seconde to the third he meaneth by this speach that he wil neuer cease to worship God to praise God sée before ver 13. of this Psal Ver. 18. I wil pay c. This is the same with ver 14. before going both in words meaning therfore we shall not néed to stand vpon it Ver. 19. In the courtes of the Lordes house i. in the place of publik resort and assembly whether the people came together to serue God meaning no doubt the Church euen in the middest of thée O Ierusalem i. openly in that most famous City in which was at that time the only place appointed for gods sacrifices and seruice because there was but one only altar and that was placed there from which also it was not lawful for any man to withdraw himselfe Ver. 1. Teacheth vs vnfeignedly to loue the Lord Do. also that he is nigh to the supplication praiers of the faithful Ver. 2. 3. Teach vs that the time of affliction is an acceptable time to pray to God in that affliction it selfe addeth also an edge vnto our praiers Ver. 3. Doth further teach into what great anguish distresse the children of god are many times brought Ver. 4. teacheth vs earnestnes continuance in praier vnto almighty God Ver. 5. Teacheth vs that the consideration and féeling of Gods mercy is ought to be a notable spurre vnto prayer Ver. 6. Teacheth vs that Gods mercy towards other men our selues also should assure vs that our prayers shal be heard and we deliuered Verse 7. Teacheth vs to comfort our selues what wee may in our distresse and heauinesse also that God himselfe is the onely proppe and stay of those that are his Ver. 8. teacheth that god doth graciously preserue those that depend vpon him how great or how many soeuer their troubles bee Ver. 9. Teacheth that those which are vnder the sauegarde prouidence and protection of almightie God shal neuer miscary Ver. 10. Teacheth vs that faith in God and his promises maketh vs bold in prayer to him and ouercommeth all assaults of Satans malice our owne corruption Ver. 11. Teacheth into what extremities gods children oftentimes fal specially whē they do not presently see the accomplishmēt of Gods promises Ver. 12. Teacheth vs that Gods benefites are so many and excellent that wee are not able to comprehende much lesse to answere the least part of them Ver. 13. Teacheth that vnfeigned and humble thankesgiuing is the most acceptable sacrifice to almighty God Ver. 14. Teacheth vs that when we haue vowed any thing which is lawfull and holy wee ought to performe it but what serueth this for vowes of monkery single life c. Ver. 15. Teacheth vs that god careth for that very tenderly those that are his which is a
open vnto him euen as though the Sacrifices were already present and ready that I may go into them vz. willingly chearefully and gladly and praise the Lord vz. with all my hart for his graces bestowed vpon me Ver. 20. This is the gate of the Lord q.d. seing that these gates belong vnto the Lord it is very méete they should be opened to his seruaunts the righteous shal enter into it vz. there to prayse the Lord and to pray vnto him Ver. 21. I vz. the people of Israell and Iudah the holy Ghost speaketh of them all as though they were but one because they all make but one body and here beginneth the third part of the Psalme will praise vz. with my whole hart and continuallye thée vz. O Lord for thou hast heard me i. granted my praiers and requests made vnto thée and hast ben my deliueraunce i. him that hath deliuered me out of al trouble Verse 22. The stone vz. which God himselfe had appointed as méete for the building to stay vphold and bind together the whole kingdome whiche vz. stone also the builders refused i. the principal gouernors both in the church and in the Kingdome in Saules time and in the dayes of Ishboseth if wee respect Dauid but if we respect Christ then the Priests Pharises and all the rest who by duty should haue built vp the Church and not destroyd it is vz. now thorow Gods appointment the head of the corner i. the chéefe stone in the building not only because it is sette in the most excellentest place of the whole building but also because it doth sustayne the whole waight of the house In this verse referred to Dauid the people shew how that though the greate men stood agaynst him yet God exalted him to the kingdome maugre all their deuises which as it followeth in the next verse was a wonderfull thing But it is truly accomplished in our Sauiour Christ as appeareth Matt. 21.41 Act. 4.11 who is indéede the true corner stone Ephe. 2 20. in whome all the building coupled together groweth vnto a holy Temple in the Lord Ver. 23. This vz. exaltation of the chéefe corner stone so contemptuouslye reiected of the greate men of the world was the Lords doing vz. only and that in mercy towardes vs miserable men whether wee respect Dauid as the figure and so apply it to the people of the Iewes or else referre it to Christ as the truth and substaunce and it is meruaylous in our eyes i. we déeme it and take it to be a wōderfull thing far beyond the reach of our wit and reason and yet we know and beléeue the same to be faithfully performed Ver. 24. This is the day vz. in which the Lord sheweth by effect that he is gracious towards vs in giuing vs so good a King which the Lord hath made vz. for our comforte and good let vs reioyce vz. before the Lord and be glad in it vz. for the graces which hée hath bestowed vpon vs. Verse 25. O Lord I pray thée vz. euen for thy owne names sake and for thy mercy sake and the word I is to be taken here as verse 21 of this Psalme saue now vz. our King thy seruaunt vnderstanding by the word sauing not only deliueraunce from daunger but aid and succoure to ouercome al our enemies and that word now importeth a present supplye without delay not that they prescribe God a time but to the ende the enemies might be quickly ouerthrowne O Lord I pray thée now vz. at this present wherein good occasion is offred giue prosperity vz. to our King and to vs in his ministery These be the prayers of the people wishing good vnto their King and themselues sée for this purpose Psalme 20. thorowout Verse 26. Blessed be he vz. with all kind of graces both outward and inward that commeth vz. to rule and gouerne amongst vs in the name of the Lorde i. by power and authoritie giuen him from the Lord q.d. That thrusteth not in himselfe but taketh the kingdome vpon him by the commandement and appointment of God Sée this applyed to our Sauiour Christ Mat. 21 9 We vz. which are the Lords Priests and wayt vpon the Altar haue blessed you vz. both King and people vnderstanding by blessing praying for them and wishing them all good which was a part of the Priests office as appeareth Deutron 10.8 Num. 6 23 c. out of the house of the Lord he noteth the place frō whence this blessing was pronounced vz. euen in that place where God was serued and in which place both Priests and people were assembled to worship him and these are the Priests words and prayers Verse 27. The Lord vz. which hath done these things for Dauid and vs is mighty vz. aboue all both in heauen and in earth and hath giuen vs vz. thorow his great mercy goodnesse light i. prosperity and al kinde of gladnes for so much do the Hebrewes comprehend vnder the word light sée Esth 8 16. binde the sacrifice vz. of praise and thanksgiuing which you offer to the Lord putting one number for an other and vnderstanding by one many as may appeare because he addeth with cords for many cords néed not for the tying of one sacrifice but hee meaneth that they should bind and bring al their sacrifices together and haue them in a readinesse as it were presentlye to offer them vp to the Lord vnto the hornes of the Altar he meaneth by this spéech that they shoulde bring them together and fill as it were the whole court of the Lord for further then that place it was not lawfull for the people to goe so that he meaneth by bringing them to the hornes of the Altar nothing else but presenting them before the Lord that as nigh as they might by warrāt of the law go so that Dauid minding to ioin the outward ceremonies of the law with the inwarde affection and seruice of the hart exhorteth euery one to prepare to present that which is necessarye to offer vp to God for the sacrifice of thanksgiuing The hebrew word whiche is here turnd sacrifice doth properly signify a sacrifice offred on some feast day the word that is translated cords signifieth a cord made of many thréeds or ropes put together and hath his name as it should séeme of the thicknes of it Ver. 28 Thou art my God i. he that alone hath mightily deliuered me from mine enemies These be Dauids words vttered either in his own name or in the Priests name concluding the Psalm with thanksgiuing as he had before taken vpon him that person both of the people Priests ver 21. ver 26. of this Psalme I wil praise thée vz. for thy goodnes mercy power manifested vnto me euen my God q.d. Though thou art a God vnto al yet by particular experience I haue found thée so chéefely vnto me therfore I wil exalt thée vz. amongst men with praise thanksgiuing Ver. 29.
which also is the last verse of the Psalm is the same with the first verse of this Psalm both in words and sence therfore haue an eye back to that Do. Ver. 1 teacheth vs to prouoke others to praise the Lord also that we they should do it for the continuance of his mercy towards vs. Ver. 2 teacheth vs that the sacrifice of thanksgiuing doth generally belong vnto al of the housholde of faith Ver. 3 teacheth vs that it doth specially appertain to Gods ministers as who euen in that respect also should be examples to Gods people Ver. 4 teacheth al to profes that presently without any further delay the assurednesse of Gods goodnesse mercy Ver. 5. teacheth vs to pray to the Lord in affliction also that the Lord doth graciously heare the prayers of his seruaunts Ver. 6 teacheth vs that an assured féeling of Gods fauor presence driueth away al fear of man whatsoeuer Ver. 7 teacheth vs that God men many times ioin together for the defence of his seruants Ver. 8 9 teach vs only to hang vpon the Lorde and to trust in none other how many or mighty soeuer they bee but in him alone Verse 10 teacheth that no multitude shall bée able to preuayle agaynste God and his people Verse 11 teacheth vs that no force or fraude shall bée able to preuayle agaynst them Verse 12 teacheth that no rage or cruelty shall bée able to preuayle agaynst them also that the enemies of God and his people shal be sodaynly ouerthrowne Verse 13 teacheth that there is no wisdom strength power or policie against the Lord and his annointed ones Ver. 14 teacheth that al the strength and deliuerance of the godly is from the Lord only Ver. 15 teacheth that God will graciously giue his children great occasions of reioycing in him also that the faithful wil fréely and willingly confesse that whatsoeuer they haue they haue it from the power and goodnesse of God Ver. 16 teacheth vs that Gods power is aboue all Ver. 17 teacheth vs that our life in this life ought to be referred to the setting forth of Gods glory Ver. 18 teacheth that howsoeuer God doth correct his for a time yet hee doth neuer destitute thē for euer Ver. 19 teacheth vs to haue an earnest care to praise and thanke God in the assemblye of his Saints Ver. 20 teacheth that howsoeuer hypocrites thrust themselues into the Churche yet that place doth properlye and peculiarly belong only to the faythfull Verse 21 teacheth vs to giue thankes to God for graunting our requestes and working our deliueraunce Verse 22 teacheth vs that that which is reiected of mā is highly estéemed of the Lord those that be his Ver. 23 teacheth vs that all Gods workes are far beyond the reach of our reason specially that great mistery of sending his sonne into the world Ver. 24 teacheth vs that because we are dul and heauy to consider of matters of spirituall mirth which the Lord giueth vs we should prouoke and stir vp one an other to doe the same Ver. 25 teacheth vs to pray for the safety and prosperity of our Princes Ver. 26 teacheth vs that no man either in Church or common wealth should take vpon him an office without warrant from God also that it is the duty of the ministers to blesse and pray for both their Princes and people Ver. 27. teacheth vs that whatsoeuer prosperity we haue we haue it from the Lorde onlye and of his mere mercy alone also that we should prepare and present our sacrifices of praise vnto the Lord. Ver. 28 teacheth vs that the more particular féelings we haue of Gods graces the more we should labour to prayse his name Ver. 29 deliuereth the same doctrines with verse 1. Psalme 119 Aleph FOr as much as the holy Ghost it selfe hath diuided this long Psalm into 22 partes Di. according to the number of the letters of the hebrew Alphabet I take it that it should be at the least superfluous if not vngodly to vse or make any other diuision of it Euery part of this Psalme containeth eyght verses euery verse also beginning with the same letter that the parte beginneth withall which was vsed as I suppose both to note out the excellency of the Psalme and also to helpe memory sée before Psal 111. in the verye beginning This Psalme as manye other Psalmes before going hath no Title Se. and therefore nothing can be sayd of certaintie notwithstanding very likely it is that Dauid was the pen man which the holy Ghost vsed in making writing this excellent Psalme Aleph this is the first letter of the Hebrew Alphabet and is here put downe to note and sette out the firste parte of this Psalme Whiche I thinke dothh specially consist of two parts or points Di. In the first the Prophet putteth down a general proposition teaching the blessednesse of those whiche yéelde obedience to God and his law and this is comprehended in the 4 first verses In the second is contained a particular applying of the same to his own person who earnestly wisheth grace and strength to performe the same and this is in the foure other verses Verse 1. Blessed i. abundaunce of blessednesse is vnto those that are vpright in their waye i. that haue a pure and vpright affection to follow righteousnesse and which referre their whole life to that marke the word way is put here for maner of liuing or course of life as Psalme 1 ver 1.6 and walke in the law of the Lord i. order and rule their life and conuersation according to Gods law Vnder the word walking hée comprehendeth life and conuersation and vnder the word law hee comprehendeth all the doctrine of Gods word contained in the law and Prophets he sheweth by this that true blessednesse is not in them that are wise in their own eyes and imagine in their own fantasie some holinesse in themselues but in them that giue themselues ouer to the obedience of Gods word Ver. 2. Blessed are they sée verse 1. of this Psalm that kéepe vz. not only in their hart to beléeue them as true and righteous but obserue them also in their outward acts and behauiour his testimonies i. his commaundements whiche testifye and witnesse to vs his will For these seuerall words law testimonies statutes c. whiche are so often vsed in this Psalme and for the difference of them sée before Psalm 19.7 8 9 and séeke him i. the Lorde vz. according to his will reuealed in his word with their whole hart i. not giuing part to him and part to the worlde but giuing all to him to whome it alone is due Hee declareth by this manner of spéech that God will not be serued with eye seruice only but also with a frée and sound affection of the hart Verse 3. Surely they work none iniquity vz. whiche is able to condemne them because all their sinnes are fully aunswered in Christs obedience for he meaneth not that
his seruants and haue beene comforted vz. excéedingly specially in the inward man by the sight and beholding thereof Verse 53. Feare vz. of heart and trembling meaning thereby also great feare is come vppon me i. hath taken strong holde vppon mee for the wicked i. because of these great iudgments which shall fall vpon the wicked that forsake thy lawe i. that breake and transgresse thy lawe in their wordes thoughts and déedes others I knowe giue other senses but methinketh this is plaine and right vz. that the prophet considering Gods horrible iudgmēts against the wicked was as it were seased and striken with a very great feare Ver. 54. Thy statutes i. thy worde and lawe haue béene my songes i. as some interpret it haue giuen me occasions to write songs I woulde rather expound it thus haue giuen me pleasure ioy and contentment because men greatly reioyce and content themselues in musicke in the house of my pilgrimage some thinke that he meaneth his banishment when he was persecuted by his enemies and fled from the face of Saul Abshalon or others in which distresse he wandered vp and downe and yet because he was long in it hee did count it as it were the house of his dwelling I rather thinke that hee vnderstandeth hereby the whole course and race of his life both that time and all other times for the Prophet had not then comforte only but al the dayes of his life so that in the house or place of his pilgrimage is as much as if he should say in whatsoeuer place of the world I am haue béen or shal be yea al the days of my life and this the rather because the godly haue alwayes estéemed their liues for a pilgrimage as Gene. 47.9 Psal 39.12 also ver 19. of this Psal Sée also Heb. 11.9.10 Ver. 55. I haue remembred sée ver 52. of this Psalme thy name i. thy maiesty goodnes and power as Psal 20.1 O Lord vz. whom I serue in the night vz. when others sléepe q.d. euen then doe I watch and remember thée when others take their rest and haue kept thy lawe vz. with a good and sincere heart Ver. 56. This I had i. al these graces were giuen me from thy goodnes only because I kept i. indeuored what in mee lay to kéepe performe thy precepts i. thy law and commandements he bosteth not here of any merit of his owne but saith that God in working a special deliuerance did yéeld a notable testimony to that goodnes which was in him Immanuel redeth this verse thus This is a comfort vnto me that I kéepe thy cōmandements q.d. euen the litle or slender obedience that I yéelde to thy lawe doeth much comfort me Do. Ver. 49. Teacheth vs that Gods promises made vs in his worde ought to be special grounds of our perswasions touching his mercies towards vs. ver 50. Teacheth vs that Gods promises are speciall comforts vnto vs in the time of our distresses Ver. 51. Declareth what is the nature of the vngodly vz to scoffe continually at gods religion the professers therof also that no contēpt or ignominie in this life should draw vs away from the obedience of our God Ver. 52. Teacheth Gods children to receiue comfort not only in his mercyes practised towards them but also in his punishments powred forth vppon the wicked Ver. 53. Teacheth vs that we should not only be grieued when we sée gods law broken but to be striken with feare of those iudgments that from God shal fal vpon the wicked ver 54. teacheth vs that nothing should minister more ioy contentment to vs in this life then gods word Ver. 55. teacheth vs continually to meditate on gods power goodnes maiesty c. also that wee shoulde many times forbeare euen our ordinary rest and sléepe to the ende wee might performe that duty Ver. 56. Teacheth vs that God giueth continual blessings to them that haue care and conscience to obserue his lawes Cheth Di. AL that the prophet speaketh in this eight part of the Psalme may be referred either vnto God before whom he powreth forth earnest supplications for the assistance of his grace in the obedience of his word ver 57.58.64 or else vnto himselfe wherin he declared what care he had of obedience to gods law and to obserue al the meanes that might cause him to grow therein neglecting also all things that might hinder him therein and this is conteined in ver 59.60.61.62.63 Ver. 57. O Lord thou art my portion vz. alone q.d. I haue none that I hang or depend vpon but thée alone Sée Psalme 73.25 I haue determined vz. with my selfe and that altogether whatsoeuer come of to kéepe vz. in my life and conuersation thy wordes i. the worde that thou hast giuen me as the rule of my life the meaning is q.d. séeing that thou O Lorde art mine inheritance and hast in mercy chosen me to thy selfe I haue fully concluded with my selfe to kéepe thy law Ver. 58. I vz. being priuy to mine owne weakenesse wretchednes made my supplication in thy presence i. prayed before thée and to thée it may be vnderstood euen of some solemne prayer that the Prophet made before the arke with my whole heart i. vnfeignedly and without wandering affections those setting my heart earnestly vpon things that I vttered with my mouth be merciful vnto me vz. thus distressed as I am according to thy promise vz. made and giuen to me and other thy seruants also that call vpon thée sée ver 49. of this Psalme q.d. performe thy promise made vnto me by thy word in Christ and not in respect of my infirmity Ver. 59. I haue considered vz. diligently and carefully my waies i. the maner and order of my life heretofore and turned vz. from those corrupt and naughty pathes of wickednes my féete i. not my féete onely but mine affections also sée Eccle. 4.17 into thy testimonies i. into the way kéeping of thy law q.d. I haue vewed my life past and I do also wel consider my conuersation present and now the thing that I wholy purpose is this to giue my selfe to the vttermost of my power to kéepe thy commandements ver 60. I made hast vz. after the beholding of the former things delaied not i. nothing hindered me q.d. I made spéed in déede for so much doth this doubled spéech meane for such a doubled speach sée Psal 118.17 to kéepe vz. sincerely soundly without hipocrisie thy commandements i. the things which thou haddest commanded Ver. 61. The hands of the wicked i. the great troupes companies of vngodly men by this phrase hée noteth the multitudes of his enemies haue robbed me i. haue taken from that by fraude violence all that euer I had but vz. for all that I haue not forgotten thy law i. the things prescribed in thy law and the comforts therin conteined q.d. neither their flattery nor their fraude nor any thing that they coulde do against me could draw
felt is the speciall matter of comfort to al his children Ver. 77. Teacheth vs that wee can not liue no not in this life much lesse in the life to come without Gods great mercy Ver. 78. Teacheth vs that wee may pray against the wicked also what the nature of the wirked is vz. to vse force and flattery against Gods Saintes to worke them hurt if they can thereby lastly that serious meditation in Gods lawe is a singular comfort agaynst the assaultes of our enemies Ver. 79. Teacheth vs to pray for them that bee shrunke away euen as for our selues also that there is no right worshippe of God without the knowledge of his woorde Ver. 80. Teacheth vs to pray earnestly against the sinne of hypocrisie and dissimulation Caph. Di. THe Prophet in this eleuenth part maketh hearty prayer to the Lorde for helpe and deliuery first because of the miserable estate wherein hee himselfe was in respect of his owne person verse 81.82.83.88 Secondly in respecte of the great outrage and cruelty of his enemies verse 84.85.86.87 Se. Verse 81. My soule faynteth i. my life is euen as it were consumed for thy saluation i. with looking for helpe and deliueraunce from thée yet q.d. notwithstanding all this great distresse wherein I am I doe wayte vz. in hope and patience for thy worde i. for the accomplishment of those thinges which thou in thy worde hast promised q.d. I haue in great patience waited for deliuerance from thée and wil waite for it still for by fainting hee vnderstandeth a certaine patience whose force though it séeme to be vtterly lost yet doeth it not altogether forsake them in whome it is who séeme notwithstanding to bee dead but putteth into their heartes secret gronings yea such as men cannot well expresse Ver. 82. Mine eies i. the power strength and sight of mine eies faile i. decayeth and waxeth dimme for otherwise hée had his eyes still for thy promise i. with looking for the accomplishment of thy promise so long thou séemest to mée to deferre and put it off saying i. in so much that I burst foorth into this speach and saide when wilt thou comfort mee vz. distressed and afflicted on euery side such a sore conflict and battaile had Dauid within himselfe Verse 83. For I am like a bottle vz. made of beastes skinnes in the smoke i. hanged vp in the smoke hee meaneth that through griefe and misery hée was wrinkled withered dryed away and consumed as it were yet do I not forget thy statutes q.d. my miseries driue me not into a forgetfulnes of thée and thy word but make mee more to remember thée it Verse 84. Howe many are the dayes vz. of affliction and trouble of thy seruaunt i. which thy seruaunt shall indure Sée Psalme 116.2 in the Prophetes also we shal read this phrase the dayes of Egipt the dayes of Babilon c. when wilt thou execute iudgement i. when wilt thou punish on them that persecute me vz. without a cause Verse 85. The proude Sée before ver 51.69.78 haue digged pits for me i. haue secretly and by ambushes as it were sought my death and destruction Sée Psalm 7.15 which vz. craftie and subtil kinde of dealing is not after thy lawe i. consenteth not with the trueth of thy woorde but directly fighteth against it and this hee addeth to moue the Lorde the rather to execute iustice Immanuel referreth it to the persons thus The proude who conforme not themselues to thy lawe i. will not bee ruled after thy woorde nor order their life according to it haue digged pittes for mee but me thinketh the other sence is as playne Verse 86. All thy commaundements i. they all generally and euery one of them particularly are true i. most true yea trueth it selfe and in all trueth and vprightnesse enioyned men to obserue them they i. the proude and wicked men persecute mée falsely i. not only without a cause on my part but lyingly and slanderously in respect of themselues helpe mée vz. thus distressed and deliuer mee from these bloody and cruell men Verse 87. They had almost consumed me vz. through their wicked deuises and cruell practises vppon the earth i. liuing here vppon the earth with them Immanuel readeth it better thus cast downe vppon the earth i. being very much humbled and afflicted q.d. my miserie coulde not moue them to pity mee but the more weake I was the more cruell they were against mée but vz. for all that I forsooke not thy statutes i. I ceased not to beléeue thy woorde and to walke in obedience of it Verse 88. Quicken mee i. recreate and refresh mée ouer all my troubles and as it were call mée backe from death to life according to thy louing kindenes vz. which thou wast wont to shewe to thy seruaunts and hast heretofore declared vnto mee so shall I kéepe vz. diligently and carefully the testimonie of thy mouth i. thy woorde and lawe which is thus named to set out the authoritie that it hath in it selfe and shoulde haue amongest men Sée ver 13. of this Psalme Ver. 81. Teacheth vs that howsoeuer the faith hope Do. and patience of Gods children bee for a time darkened yet is is neuer vtterly quenched or put out Ver. 82. Teacheth vs that God many times bringeth his children to a lowe ebbe and doth for a long while withholde his aide yet doeth he not altogether for euer forsake them it sheweth also what great conflicts the godly haue in their troubles Ver. 83. Teacheth vs that no misery shoulde make vs to forget Gods word nay rather the more our miseries are the more should we meditate therin because in it only is sound comfort to be found Ver. 84. Teacheth vs that euen Gods children do many times desire to know those things which the Lord hath not particularly reuealed vnto them in his word Ver. 85. Teachech vs that the wicked are both cruel and crafty Ver. 86. Teacheth vs that the more egerly men molest vs the more earnestly we should call vpon God for his helpe Ver. 87. Teacheth vs two things first that the vngodly are without bowels of pity and compassion secondly that we should be so rooted in the loue and knowledge of God and his trueth as nothing shoulde pull vs away therefrom Ver. 88. Teacheth vs that wee can performe nothing obediently to God till it please him to giue vs the grace and strength Lamed Di. IN this part the Prophet maketh plaine proofe of the certainety continuance and truth of Gods word first by the very works of creation ver 89.90.91 secondly by his owne particular experience and practise ver 92.93.94 and so on to the end of this part Se. Ver 89. O Lorde thy woorde indureth for euer in heauen q.d. euen the very heauens can be witnesse of the continuance and constancie of thy worde séeing that they in the strength of thy word continue and abide much more shall thy word it selfe indure Some expound it thus the Prophet affirmeth
and he testifyeth by this worde so often vsed in this Psalme that euen in the middest of life we are dead vnlesse we be quickened and vpholden by the power of God according to thy iudgement vz. pronounced in thy word or we may take iudgement to be put for the word it selfe which declareth vnto vs Gods goodnesse he alludeth no doubt to the office of an earthly iudge whose duty cōsisteth in these ij points to absolue and lose some and to pronounce the sentēce of condēnation vpon other some in which sence also we say in the cōmon cōfession of our fayth that Christ our sauiour shal come from heauen to iudge the quick and the dead Ver. 150. They draw neare vz. to me euen to persecute hurte and destroy me that follow after malice i. that pursue the mischieuous and wicked attempts which they themselues in their own malice had maliciouslye and wickedly deuised against me and are far from thy law i. they care not either for the sight hearing or knowledge of it thus he giueth two properties to know the wicked by the first is that they are malicious the second which indéed is the welspring of al mischiefe they despise Gods law Ver. 151. Thou arte neare O Lord vz. to al thine euen to aid succour them in their distresses for al thy commaundements are true that word for would better be turned and and he meaneth that not only the words wherwith gods commandements are expressed but euen the very things commanded therein are iust true holy Verse 152. I vz. my selfe haue knowne vz. euen by mine own practise and experience long time i. not only of late but sundry times heretofore whiche I will neuer forget by thy testimonies i. by thy word that thou hast established them for euer i. that thou hast ordained that it should abide firm and stable for euer and euer sée ver 89 of this Psalm and verse 144. Verse 145 teacheth vs that in all our supplications praiers to the Lord Do. our hart and our words should concur consent together Verse 146 teacheth vs that the former experience of Gods goodnesse in hearing our praiers shoulde imbolden vs both to pray and to hope to receaue the like Verse 147 teacheth vs euen to breake our sléepes to giue our selues to prayer and calling vppon the name of GOD. Verse 148 teacheth vs to be continually diligente and carefull in the meditation and studye of Gods worde Verse 149 teacheth vs that Gods frée mercy is the first cause of the graunting of al our requests Ver. 150 doth liuely paynt out the nature and disposition of the wicked and vngodly Verse 151 teacheth vs that the Lord is neuer absent from those that loue and feare him Verse 152 teacheth vs that to know the assurednesse of Gods worde and to haue felt by proofe the certainty thereof are two notable proppes of our fayth and hope Resch Di. IN this part as in the former the Prophet continueth his prayers to almighty God vsing certaine arguments to induce the Lord to graunt him his requests as first his own misery affliction and gréefe verse 153 154 158. secondlye the desperate estate of the wicked and the greate heape of his enemies 155 157. Thirdlye the great loue mercy and truth of the Lord verse 156 159 160. Se. Verse 153. Behold mine affliction i. how great the affliction is which I presently indure not that the Prophet thought the Lord did not beholde it but because he would haue him by effect to declare that he did regard and consider it and deliuer me vz. out of the same for I haue not forgotten vz. as the wicked men doe verse 139 but I haue thought vpon it to doe it thy lawe i. thy worde as sundrye times before Ver. 154. Pleade my cause vz. against mine aduersaries that would oppresse me sée Psalme 35. verse 1. and verse 122 of this Psalme It is as much as if he should desire the Lord to defende him and his case and deliuer mée vz. from them that would oppresse me as ver 134 sée also for this phrase ver 153. quickē me according vnto thy word sée verse 25 of this Psal Verse 155. Saluation i. helpe and deliueraunce out of daunger as Psalm 3 8 is farre from the wicked i. they shall haue no parte or portion of it and this he speaketh specially of his aduersaries who defended an vniust cause against him because they séeke not vz. vnfeignedlye and from a good harte thy statutes i. thy worde and that to know and to do them Ver. 156. Great are thy tender mercyes O Lord vz. towards thy sonnes and seruaunts Sée Psalme 86 5 13 15. quicken me according to thy iudgements sée verse 149 of this Psalme Verse 157. My persecutors and mine oppressors i. those that persecute and oppresse me are manye vz. in number and great in power yet doe I not swarue from thy testimonies q.d. for all that I leaue not the loue and obedience of thy truth sée verse 110. of this Psalm Ver. 158. I saw vz. euen with mine eyes meaning that he did certainly know the naughtinesse of the wicked men the transgressors vz. of thy law for sinne is the transgression and breache of Gods lawe 1. Iohn 3 4 and was gréeued vz. with them and at them for their sinnes sake sée before verse 53 136 139. because they kepte not thy worde i. because they had no care eyther to know it or doe it Sée verse 136. Verse 159. Consider O Lorde the Prophet speaketh this not as though he doubted whether god knew it yea or no but to intreat the Lord by effects to declare the care that he had of him how I loue thy precepts i. how much I loue them sée ver 97 113 127 and sundry other places of this Psalm quicken me according to thy louing kindnesse this may stand vs in stéed of an exposition of that which was sayd before 149 156 if that bée not plaine ynough as that he should vnderstand by iudgements Gods promises and mercies in which sence also the word is vsed in sundry places of scripture Ver. 160. The beginning of thy word is truth i. thy worde hath bin true euen since the beginning and al the iudgements of thy righteousnesse i. all thy iust and righteous iudgements indure for euer the Prophets purpose is in this verse to note that Gods word is most certain faithful stedfast and durable Ver. 153 teacheth vs Do. that euen our very affections are good matters to moue the Lord to haue mercy vpon vs. Verse 154 teacheth vs whether we haue mās ayd or no yet we should continually hang vpon the Lord and pray vnto him for our iust defence euery maner of way Ver. 155 teacheth vs that a very cōtempt of Gods word which the wicked vse is a seale vnto Gods children that no parte or péece of Gods fauour belongeth vnto them Ver. 156 doth notably set out the aboūdant riches infinit treasure
vnfaignedly and from his hart Ver. 3. I wil not enter vz. willingly and gladly into the tabernacle of my house i. into any part of the house or the house it self which I haue caused to be newlye builded sée 2. Samuel 5 9 also 1 Chronicles 15 1. nor come vpon my pallet or bedde vz. whiche are set and made in my new house to lye down vpon them or take my rest there Verse 4. Nor suffer mine eyes to sléepe vz. verye muche specially in that house which I haue newly made nor my eye liddes to slumber q.d. I will bee continually watchfull and carefull for to build God a house The Prophet meaneth not in al this that he was so proude as to think that either by oth or vow he could prescribe God a law neither yet that he was so rash as to promise that he would dwel openly in the ayre not sléepe neither daye nor night till the arke were brought to a place whiche hee woulde prepare for it which could not be very quickly done for that had but after a sort to haue killed himself but this he meaneth that he made religion conscience of it to goe into his new house vnlesse he had prepared a place for Gods arke to rest in also q.d. I must not be more carefull for my selfe either in respect of pleasure or profit or both then I am for God and his seruice Ver. 5. Vntill I finde out i. vntill I shal by searching find out a place i. a fit méet and conuenient place for otherwise there were places ynow for the Lord vz. to dwell and rest in not that God is tied to any place for the heauen of heauens can not contain him but he meaneth the Ark which is called the Lord himself because it was a most manifest testimonie of his maiesty and power an habitation i. a place to rest dwel in that it may no longer bee caried from place to place as it hath bin for the mighty God of Iaakob i. for that great God whom Iaakob worshipped or else for him that saued and deliuered Iaakob frō many daungers as before ver 2. Ver. 6. Lo we i. both I and others heard of it i. not of the place but of the arke in Ephrathah i. that it was Ephrathah I take this rather as Immanuell doth to be the name of the countrie wherein the tribe of Ephraim dwelt then of any one particular place yet so that it should note Shilo in the Tribe of Ephraim where the Arke of the Lord was kept from the dayes of Iehoushua vntill the death of Helie the Priest at what time it was taken by the Philistines sée 1 Samuel chapiters 1 2 3 and 4. and found it i. the Arke in the fieldes of the Forrest or as Immanuel turneth it as it is in the hebrew text in the fields of Iahar i. in the citie of Iahar which was situate both in a plain and woody place and therfore is turned here in the fields of the forrest in which respect also it hath seuerall names for of the woodes it is called Kiriah Iearim that is the citie of woods and of the playn or fielde it is called Baal or Baalah or Kiriah in Baalah and sometimes Bala of Iuda that is plaine place for the sence of this place sée 1. Sam. 7 1 c. and for the citie it self sée Iehosh 15.60 where it is reckoned vp among the cities alotted to the tribe of Iudah hath two names I know other men giue other sences but methinketh this is most plain Ver. 7. We wil enter vz. cherefully gladlye into his tabernacles i. into the places where this arke shall rest he himself be religiously serued which in Psal 100. ver 4. are called his gates his courts and worship vz. him before his footestoole i. before the ark of the couenaunt which is so called to put the faithfull in mind that they must not stay in the beholding of the ark only as though god wer inclosed therin but that they must lift vp their harts to heauen to worship God there with all reuerence as though GOD stretched his féete from the heauen to the earth that hée might lifte vs vp to heauen Now he must be sought to in Christ who is the verye Arke of Couenaunte in déede Verse 8. Arise vz. now at the earnest prayer of thy people O Lord this is to be referred both to God himselfe and to the Arke also as may appeare by that which followeth in the Vers Sée the word Lord also put for Arke verse 5 of this Psalme to come into thy rest i. into the place of thy rest because that before the Arke stayed not long in one place as maye appeare by the continuall concourse of the stories thou and the Arke of thy strength i. both thou thy selfe and the visible sacrament as it were of thy strength and power and he calleth it the ark of Gods strength because that in and from the Arke the Lord did plainly declare his maiesty power c Ver. 9 Let thy Priests i. the Priests which thou hast chosen vnto thy selfe to bée the administers of holy things be clothed i. compassed about on euery side let it cleaue stick fast to thē as apparel doth to the body with righteousnes vz. both outward inward q.d. Let thē that are sanctified to this gret office be more and more sanctified let thy saints i. thy people whom thou hast sanctified to thy self reioyce vz. greatly that for this because the Ark shal stay in one place not flit as heretofore it hath done so that here he praieth both for Priests people Ver. 10. For thy seruaunt Dauids sake i. for him those promises which thou hast made to him others vnderstād by Dauid christ the sonne of Dauid who also in the Prophets is called by that name as Hosea 3 5 in the letter the first sence is most playn he speaking of himself in the third person in the doctrine the other is very true refuse not the face of thine annointed i. of me whom thou haste appointed to be King vnderstāding by not refusing his face the graunting of him his requests for here he prayeth the Lord to be merciful to his priests and people not to reiect the prayers which the king maketh for thē Ver. 11. The Lord vz. himself hath sworn in truth i. hath truly iustly sworn to perform whatsoeuer he hath promised vnto Dauid i. vnto me speaking stil of himself in the third person will not shrinke from it i. will not at any hand or by any meanes go back from his word sée Psa 110.4 and note that God sweareth not for any inconstancy in his word but for the strengthening of our fayth of the fruit of thy body i. some one or other of thy children sée Psal 127 3 wil I set vpon thy throne i. I will establishe them as thy lawfull heyres in thy kingdome after
thée meaning that he would prouide that one of his children posterity should cōtinually succéed him in the kingdom Ver. 12. If thy sons i. thy posterity these are gods words to Dauid establishing the couenāt with him his séed kéepe vz. vnfaignedly and with all their hart my couenaunt i. the couenante which I haue made with them and is passed betwéene them me and my testimonies i. my law word and that euery particular péece of it for so muche do I think doth the plural number in this place signifie that I shall teach them vz. by the ministery of my seruaunts the Priests and Prophets their sonnes also i. their posterity euen to many generations shall sit vpon thy Throne i. shall succéede thée and them in the Kingdome putting throne a part of the kingdome for the whole and it is called Dauids throne or kingdome because he was the first man of al his race that God aduanced to that high honor for euer i. for a lōg season referred to Dauid his natural séede but for all eternitie referred to Christ sée these words expounded 1 King 2 4 also 1 King 8 25 also 2. Chron. 6 16. Verse 13. For the Lord vz. himselfe hath chosen vz. of his great mercy Sion i. his Church or Ierusalem vz. to be the place where his arke should abide he himselfe be serued and loued vz. of his own good pleasure and not for any excellency or worthines that was in it to dwell in it i. to remayne and to abide there as in the next verse Ver. 14. This vz. place is my rest i. is the place wherein I will haue mine arke to staye for euer i. for a long tyme if we referre it to the Materiall Ierusalem but continuallye euen to all eternitye if wée referre it to the Churche here will I dwell i. in this place I will giue of my presence power and continuall aboade for I haue a delight therein i. I haue delighted and loued to dwell there as in the nexte verse before going sée Psalme 78 68. Verse 15. I vz. who am able to do it wil surely i. without all fayle blesse vz. plentifully and abundantly hir vitailes i. all thinges that I shal giue her necessarye for the maintaynaunce of this present life q.d. I will not only giue them abundaunce of vitailes but I will make their meate and drinke profitable vnto them and will satisfye vz. with abundaunce and plentye her poore i. the poore which shal be in Sion or in the Churche with breade i. with thinges necessarye for the nourishmente of this life He ioyneth here spirituall graces to the temporall blessinges declaring that hée will so prouide euen for the poorest of them that they shall not onelye not want their ordinarye vittayles at anye tyme but haue them in greate plentye Verse 16. And vz. I my selfe who am the only Lorde will clothe sée before verse 9. of this Psalme hir Priestes i. those that attende vppon holy exercises and seruices in hir with saluation i. with deliueraunce from daungers and distresses he meaneth that hee will defende and kéepe vnder his sauegarde the ministers of his Church and his saynts i. the people of Sion or of the Church sée before verse 9 shall shout for ioy vz. of that goodnesse and grace whiche GOD shall shewe to the whole Churche and euerye particular member of it and this phrase shouting for ioye or as it is in the hebrew in singing shall sing doth not only note the great ioy which they shall haue But the certaintie and assurednesse of it also Ver. 17. There i. in Sion Ierusalem or in the Churche will I make i. cause thorowe my power goodnes the horn of Dauid i. the power might kingdome c of Dauid my seruant to hud i. to prosper and increase it is a metaphor taken from beasts who haue snags in their heads as deare haue which are vnto thē in stéed of bowes as it were by which he noteth their flourishing and prospering for I haue ordeined vz. in mine eternal counsel a light vz. euen in that place meaning by light the regall dignity glory and the godly person that should execute the same as 2 Sam. 21.17 1 King 11 36. for mine annointed i. for Dauid my seruaunt whom I haue appointed to be King some expound it thus q.d. I wil bring to passe that the kingly dignity shal not so be quenched but that it shall always shew forth some light the other sence is better in my minde Ver. 18. His enemies i. Dauids enemies and the enemies of his godly posteritie will I clothe with shame i. compas them about with confusion of face so that they shall not dare to lift vp their heads meaning further that he would euen confound and destroy them but on him i. him himselfe his posterity shall his crown florish i. his kingdom shal continue florishing and not wither away but be preserued alwayes in his force and beauty and this was fully accomplished in Christ Verse 1 teacheth vs to beséech the Lord to declare by effect that he thinketh vpō vs. Do. Ver. 2 teacheth vs to bind our selues by all lawful means we can to the obedience seruice of our God Ver. 3 teacheth vs that we shoulde little estéeme all the pleasures of this life in respect of God and his glory Ver. 4 teacheth vs that we should make but little account of profitable necessary thinges in respecte therof Ver. 5 teacheth vs to ioyn our selues to the exercises assemblies of gods congregation Ver. 6 doth cōmend vnto vs the care of Gods Church religion seruice Ver. 7 teacheth vs not only to heare of Gods Church but when wee haue heard of it to labour the finding of it Ver. 8 teacheth vs to pray the Lord to be continually present with vs to beséech him to giue vs al the signes testimonies of his fauour Ver. 9 teacheth all but specially Kings to pray for the ministers and officers of Gods Church for the whole congregation Ver. 10 teacheth vs to offer vp all our prayers in the name meditation of Christ Iesus only Ver. 11 sheweth how that God for the strengthening of our fayth in the truth of his word doth euen bind himselfe vnto vs by an oth Ver. 12 teacheth vs that albeit the couenant that God hath made with vs be of it selfe and as it procéedeth from God frée yet it is deliuered vnder certaine conditions whiche he would haue to be obserued that we in some measure performing the same might be more and more confirmed in the truth of it Ver. 13 sheweth vs that gods frée loue is the chéefe cause of al his graces towards the Church Ver. 14 teach vs that Gods grace towards his Church is vnchangeable and abideth for euer Ver. 15 setteth forth Gods great liberality towards the Church and his singular fauour who will not destitute no not the meanest or poorest Ver. 16 teacheth vs euen in
more profite in the knowledge and apprehension of his maiestie goodnesse power c. Ver. 19 teacheth vs not only to pray agaynst the malicious and obstinate enemies of Gods Churche but also to haue no society nor familiarity with them Verse 20 doth liuelye set out the nature of the vngodly who in the pride of their own harts spare not to speake agaynst God himselfe it sheweth also further that this their pride and haughtinesse is but in vaine Verse 21 teacheth vs to oppose our selues against those that set themselues against God and his truth this belongeth generally to all christians but most especially to Kings and Princes suche a one as Dauid was Verse 22 teacheth vs that this setting of our selues againste suche must be done as not for any worldly or carnall respect so of a single and sound hart towards God and men Verse 23 teacheth vs that it is good to pray the Lord thorowly to trie vs because that the more we are tried the more pure and fyne we are to him Verse 24 teacheth vs to pray for constancy and continuaunce in euery good and holy way Psalme 140 Di. THis Psalme consisting wholy as it were of prayer may be diuided into two parts In the first the Prophet prayeth to bée deliuered from his enemies describing their mischieuous malicious minds towards him from verse 1 to the end of the seuenth In the seconde parte he prayeth agaynst the wicked and prophecieth their destruction assuring himselfe that God in mercye will saue his and that they therefore shall prayse his name continually and this reacheth from verse 8 to the end of the Psalme Se. The Title to him that excelleth a Psalme of Dauid this is sundrye tymes expounded before and namely Psalme 4 in the title thereof Verse 1. Deliuer me O Lord vz. of thy goodnesse thorow thy almighty power from the euill man i. from him that wholy giueth himselfe euen as it were without prouocation or occasion to doe euill preserue me vz. safe and sounde and that according to thy good pleasure from the cruell man i. from him that setteth himself in cruelty to performe agaynst me whatsoeuer they can And though in this verse he speake but of one yet he meaneth many as may appeare by the sodain chaunge of the number for in the next verse he speaketh in the plurall number and these many were Saule and his counsellors and his seruauntes who both by fury force and fraude did persecute him Verse 2. Which imagine vz. euen vppon their beddes and continually sée Micah 2 1. euill thinges vz. agaynst me vnderstanding by euill thinges such thinges as tended to his hurt and destruction in their hart i. secretly and closely and make warre vz. both by themselues and others whom they prouoke and stirre vp by all meanes they can against me sée Psalme 120 7. continually i. euery day so that no daye escapeth them In this verse he chargeth his enemies that they did both openly and priuately both in purpose and counsell by themselues and by others deuise all mischiefe against him and verse 3. and others following hee sheweth that both in worde and déede they attempted to perfourme it Verse 3. They i. the wicked and vngodly men haue sharpened their tongues vz. to destract and speake euill of me and to hurt me like a serpent i. as the serpents tongue is sharpe and so striketh by reason thereof more déepely So these men both hard by and a farre off doe pierce and wound me with their poysons Adders poyson is vnder their lippes i. their mouth is full of wicked and venemous wordes agaynst me some reade Adders some reade vipers some Aspes for mine owne part I suppose that the word being somewhat of a doubtfull signification should be referred to such kind of serpents as though they lie still in a place doe yet notwithstanding spit their poyson or venim far from them Selah this hath bene expounded before as I suppose Psalme 3. verse 2. It is as much as if the Prophet should say marke this being a note or warning of attention Verse 4. Kéepe vz. vnder the shadow of thy winges and thy almighty power and protection me vz. whom am thus sought and set for by myne enemies from the handes of the wicked i. from their power and that whiche they would do vnto me for he putteth the instruments whereby they perform thinges for the thinges themselues preserue me from the cruell man sée verse 1 of this Psalme which purposeth vz. in himselfe to cause vz. eyther by his force or by his fraude or by both my steppes to slide i. to cast mée downe and to cause me to fall that so when he hath me downe he may the more easily and tyrannously exercise his will agaynst me I take it to be a metaphor taken from men who lay grinnes and cords to ouerthrow wild beasts withal Verse 5. The proud i. the wicked and vngodly which are puffed vp in the pride of their own imagination haue layde vz. closely and secretly a snare for me vz. to take or catche me withall sée Psalme 119.69.85.95 and spread a nette with cordes i. haue set a very great and strong net thinking assuredly to catch me so fast therein that I shall not escape in my pathway i. euen in the playne or beaten way that I should walke and set grinnes for me i. to catch and take me as before Vnder all these metaphors borrowed from fowlers and hunters tending all to one end he meaneth nothing else but this that they did not only vse open force and violence agaynst him but also subtelties and craftes to surprise and take him Selah this is expounded before verse 3. Verse 6. Therefore i. I séeing my selfe thus beset by men did run to the Lord by prayer I sayd vz. with a féeling hart when I was in these daungers and distresses vnto the Lord vz. whose goodnesse and power I had had great experience of as appeareth verse 7. Thou vz. alone and none but thou art my God i. he vpon whom only I will depend for helpe and succour heare O Lorde the voyce of my prayers i. graunt me those requestes whiche with my voyce and wordes I make vnto thee Verse 7. O Lord God the strength of my saluation i. thou that sauest and deliuerest me from all daungers with maruailous power and strength and in whome only my deliueraunce standeth this is a notable title attributed to God for the strengthening of his faith thou hast couered vz. by thy power and might euen as it were with a Helmet and shield my head i. me my selfe a part for the whole and yet hee nameth this part rather then others because it is the most excellent as which in some mens iudgemēts conteineth life in it and doth disperse the same into all the parts of the bodye in the day of battaile i. when I was in the field and did fight q.d. thou hast deliuered me heretofore from all the assaults of mine
that both morning euening a sacrifice should be dayly offred vp vnto him as Exod. 29. ver 38.39 also Numb 28.3.4 but here he speaketh but of one only Ver. 3. Set a watch O Lord before my mouth vz. that I may not only be kept from the acte of reuengment but also that I may not speak anie thing but that which I should speak and kéepe the dore of my lippes i. kepe me from euil speach and guide both me and my words so that I doe not rashlie vtter anie thing or els mine aduersaries subtlely drawe somewhat from me before I be aware ver 4. Incline not vz. by leauing me in the hands of mine own counsell and withdrawing thy grace goodnes from me for otherwise god draweth not any man to euil as Iames. 1.13 mine hart i. the affections motions and appetites of my hart and by this hee declareth that it is little or nothing for a man to bridle his speach if wicked affections be not repressed within the mind to euill i. to any euill thing he prayeth that god would confirme him against euill and strengthen him in good thinges so that he decline not to the right hand or to the lefte hande by any either threatninges or alurements of his aduersaries that I should cōmit vz. against thee and that either in thought word or deede but specially in deed wicked works i. vngodly and vnlawfull yea such things as thou condemnest with men that worke iniquity i. in the company of such as geue ouer themselues with greedinesse to commit euerie euill thing and are strong and mighty to performe naughtinesse let me not eat of their delicates i. let me not only not enioy such prosperity as they do by which they are puffed vp to wickednesse but let me not haue acquaintance with them at their tables lest I be ouertaken with their sin so we see what a conscience Dauid had to abstaine euen from the allurements and prouocations to euill ver 5. Let the righteous i. the godlie and vertuous yea such a one as to whome thou O Lord imputest rightiousnesse and whom also thou framest to righteousnesse smite me vz. with the friendly and charitable word of admonition or reproofe for that is a benefite or shal be a benefite q.d. I doe and will accounte of it as of a great good turne and let him reprooue me vz. in euerie thing wherein he shall know me to doe amisse wherby hee declareth that he had in such sort accustomed his hart to docility quietnes and pacience that he would not think sharp anie reprehension which he knew to proceed frō the spirite of mildnesse And it i. this admonitiō and reproofe shal be a precious oyle i. in steed of a precious oyle vnto me q.d. it shal bring both more pleasure profit to mine inward man thē anie outward oile can bring to my outward man which though it be sweete in smell and profitable to supple the mēbers of the bodie yet the other shal be more sweete and profitable that shal not breake my head 1. which shal not hurt mee But this part of the verse and that which followeth is better and more plainely translated in Immanuel thus let him not withhold it frō my head i. let him not cease cōtinually to sprinkle me as it were with his most sweet and pleasant reproofes his whole meaning is that the reproofes of gods people should not onely not be hurtfull but pleasant and profitable vnto him and that he preferred their reprehensions before all the fauour of the vngodly the more he i. the righteous man shall doe it i. performe christianly and charitablie this duetie of admonition and reproofe vnto me so much the more shall my prayer be i. so much the more earnestlye shall I pray for them in their euils i. not only when they themselues shal be afflicted but looke whatsoeuer euils I shal receaue from them they shall not prouoke my mind against them but rather prouoke me to cōmend them in my frée praiers to god The Geneua readeth it thus for within a while i. very quickly and shortly I vz. my selfe seing them cast down and ouerthrown shall euen pray vz. for them though they persecute me in their miseries i. when they shal fal into such miseries as they cannot auoyd q.d. let vs wait but a little while and we shall sée the wicked mens calamities so great that we shall bee constrayned in pittie to pray for them This is a good sence referring it to the wicked but yet methinketh the other which referreth it to the godly is more apte and fit and hangeth better together Verse 6. When their iudges i. their rulers and gouernors shal be cast downe i. ouerthrown thorow Gods hand and power in stonie places i. euen as it were from the high rocks huge moūtains they i. the people which follow such corrupt rulers and captains shal heare my words i. reuerently receaue and giue consent vnto the good things which I shal speake for they are swéet vz. in déed q.d. howsoeuer they are now reproued as naught and vnsauery yet they are good and shal be so accepted thē He séemeth here to lay the cōmon peoples fault who were drunk with false reports and caried forward with extreme rage against him vpon the rulers iudges thēselues not only suffering them without punishmēt to speak so vncōtroledly but also for that they were in their own persons infamous exāples of the wickednes q.d. when the great ones shal be discomfited ouerthrown the people shall bée wise come to amendment This is good but I rather allow Imman text and sence thus But their iudges i. their rulers captains specially and aboue the rest Saul moue thēselues i. go by the sides of the rocks i. closely and secretlye thinking to apprehēd me sée 1. Sam. 23.26 also 24 3. though they vnderstande i. know in their consciences and sometimes confesse with their mouths that my words are pleasant or swéet meaning that he had not so much as by a word offended them or any of them but had pleasured them very greatly and spoken most humbly comfortably and swéetely vnto them sée 1 Sam. 24 9 10 c. also 26.14 15 c. Ver. 7. Our bones i. I and my companions putting a part of them for the whole lye scattered vz. here and there meaning that they were in great distresse and danger because that they were many times sundered one of them from another as that body is whose mēbers are as it were out of ioint or distracted one of them frō another at the graues mouth i. in great danger and euen as it were at deaths dore as he that heweth wood vz. maketh the shiuers to flie hither and thither so are we thorow thy iudgemēt dispersed or diggeth in the earth vz. and casteth it abroad one péere from another he careth not whether This text sence is somewhat dark therefore cleare it out of Immanuel thus as though
a man should cut wood cleaue it on the earth our bones are scattered ready to be thrust into the graues mouth i. the enemies doe compasse me mine with such great violence are so ready to flie vpon vs all that wée shal be presently broken rent in peces by their rage vnles thou O Lord lay to thy helping hand which danger of theirs is most excellently set out by a verye fit similitude taken from wood cleauers or else thus I and my companions haue bin handled in al cruelty as if that after they haue cut a mans throat they would teare him in péeces before they would bury him Ver. 8. But mine eyes vz. both of my mind of my body looke vz. carefully continually as Psal 123.1.2 c. vnto thée O Lord God vz. only who hast both power wil for to helpe me in thée vz. only and none other but thée is my trust vz. alwayes but specially in this time of my great daunger and calamitie leaue not my soule i. me my selfe a part for the whole destitute vz. of thy defence aid and saluatiō Ver. 9. Kéepe me vz. of thy goodnesse that by thy power might from the snare i. that I fal not into the snare or grin or be taken therwith which they i. mine enemies vngodly men haue layd vz. closely and secretlye for me vz. to take me to catch me in and from the grins he repeateth the same matter in other words which is not vaine because it serueth to amplifie the cruelty craft of his wicked aduersaries of the workers of iniquitye sée before Psal 5.5 also Psal 6.8 also ver 4. of this very Psalm Ver. 10 Let the wicked fall vz. thorow thy iust iudgemēt into his nets i. into his own nets vz. which he hath made and layd for others together vz. with all them that take their parte q.d. let all the vngodly be ouertaken with their own nets thorowe thy iudgements as fishes are taken with a casting net for such a Metaphor he séemeth to vse in this place sée for this metaphor Isaiah 19.8 whiles I escape vz. out of the dangers which they supposed to haue brought vpon me this escaping of his must be attributed to Gods goodnesse and power only Do. Ver. 1 teacheth vs earnestnesse and seruency in prayer to our god not as a man would say to leaue of til he haue graciously graunted our requests Ver. 2. teacheth vs that séeing our prayers smack of the corruption which is in vs we should earnestly desire the Lord to accept of them in his own mercy Ver. 3 teacheth vs that we can not bridle our spéech vnles the Lord giue vs grace Ver. 4 teacheth vs not only to pray against grosse euils but also things that may preuoke and stir vs vp therto by reason of the slipperines of our corruption Ver. 5. teacheth vs that the reproofes of the godly are good and profitable secondly that a godly man should euer take them in good part thirdly that no euil that men can do to vs should make vs neglect our duty towards them Verse 6 teacheth vs not only how subtile and crafty the wicked are to intrap Gods childrē but also that no humble or swéet spéech that the godly can vse will asswage their malice and cruelty against them Ver. 7 teacheth vs to what a low ebbe miserable estate Gods children are many times brought in this life Ver. 8 teacheth vs not only in the great sea of our afflictions confidently to trust in the Lorde but also with patience to attend his leasure time for our deliueraunce Ver. 9 teacheth vs to pray the Lord to deliuer vs from the fraud and force of his and our enemies Verse 10 teacheth vs to pray for the confusion of the malicious enemies of God and his people Psalme 142 THis Psalme may be diuided into two parts Di. In the first the Prophet declareth howe that in the time of his greate affliction and feare yea euen then when all had forsaken him hee cryed earnestly vppon the Lorde from the first verse to the ende of the fift In the second part he prayeth earnestly vnto the Lord to be deliuered from his enemies sometimes alleadging the better to moue the Lord thereto his owne miserye his aduersaryes strength and the prayse that the faythfull will yeelde to the Lorde therefore verse 6.7 The Title A Psalme of Dauid to giue instruction Sée this expounded before Psalme 42 and Psalme 44 in the titles thereof and a prayer vz. Se. which Dauid himselfe made when he was in the caue i. in the selfe same Caue with Saule whereof reade 1 Samuel 24 4. Verse 1. I cryed i. I earnestly prayed vnto the Lorde vz. in my trouble as Psalme 120 1. with my voyce i. wich seruent wordes expressed with my voyce with my voice I prayed vnto the Lord he expresseth the same thing in other termes noting thereby the ardency and earnestnesse of his prayer Verse 2. I poured out vz. plentifullye and in great aboundaunce my meditation i. the meditation of my hart q.d. I did not onely pray vnto him with my hart but layed forth the holy meditations of my soule with abundance of wordes before him i. in his presence not meaning that God was ignoraunt of the thoughts of his hart but expressing his great dutye towardes the Lord and declared vz. playnly and plentifully mine affliction i. the affliction and sorrowe whiche I did suffer and indure not but that GOD knew it for hee knoweth all things but because this is a péece of duty which he hath layd vppon vs to call vppon him in the time of our trouble Verse 3. Though my spirit was in perplexitie in mée i. though I my selfe was full of anguishe as Psalme 7◠ver 3 and troubled with gréeuous assaultes both inwarde and outwarde yet thou knewest i. diddest approue and allowe of as Psalme 1 6. my path i. the order of my life and innocent conuersation In the waye wherein I walked i. what iournie or way soeuer I tooke haue they i. the wicked and myne enemies priuily layd a snare for me vz. to catch me in it sée Psalme 141 9. Verse 4. I looked vz. as well and as narrowlye as I coulde vpon my right hande i. on euerye syde of mée or round about me putting a parte for the whole and behelde vz. on my lefte hande and that as attentiuelye as I coulde but there was none vz. amongst men that would know mee i. haue any care or regard of mée or succour me any maner of waye all refuge vz. of or from men fayled me i. was taken from me none vz. amongst men cared for my soule i. estéemed either me or my life q.d. I looked on euery side I perceiued my self to be destitute of all help and ayd Ver. 5. Then vz. when I saw my selfe thus distressed so that we sée that the true tast féeling of our own daungers and miseries
wil spéedily send vs to god cried I vnto the Lord sée this expounded verse 1. of this Psal and sayd vz. froÌ„ the bottome of my hart thou art my hope i. he in whom I put my hope to be deliuered from al my distres feare for otherwise he had his hope fast setled in his hart and my portion vz. wherewith I do content my self knowing that hauing thée I haue all things wanting thée I haue nothing in the land of the liuing i. in this worlde in this very present life as Psal .. 27 13 Ver. 6. Hearken vnto my cry i. graunt my petition which I do earnestly make vnto thée and poure forth before thée for I am brought very low vz. by outward persecutions and inward gréefes as ver 3 of this Psal meaning by this spéech also that he was at the last cast and euen as it were at deaths dore deliuer me vz. of thy goodnesse thorow thy great power might from my persecutors i. from such as persecute me that without anye cause on my part for they are too strong for me vz. alone of my selfe meaning that he was not able to deale with theÌ„ any maner of way vnles God tooke his part and strengthened him Ver. 7. Bring vz. thorow thy goodnes and power my soule i. my life me my selfe a part put for the whole as Psal 14.1.8 and ver 4 of this Psal out of prison i. out of this most present daunger and captiuity wherin I am with which I am coÌ„passed about on euery side by the reason of the rage of mine enemies as the prison is with strong wals that I may praise thy name i. thy maiesty power and goodnes for that deliueraÌ„ce so we haue had the word name vsed sundry times in that sence before then i. when thou shalt haue deliuered me shal the righteous come about me i. a great number of good people shal come vnto me and heare me setting forth thy praise for thy mercy towards me shal not only reioyce be glad on my behalf but prayse thy name together with me when thou art beneficiall vnto me i. when thou shalt haue bestowed vpon me this great benefit of deliueraunce sée Psal 119.17 Do. Verse 1 teacheth vs earnestnes and feruency in prayer Ver. 2 teacheth vs that the way to be rid from affliction is harty calling vpon the name of the Lord. Ver. 3 teacheth vs that howsoeuer we be distressed either outwardly or inwardly this is our comfort that the Lord approueth vs. Ver. 4. teacheth vs of what little estimation Gods children be with the world and worldly men Ver. 5 teacheth vs that the more afflictions increase vpon vs the more chearefully should we stirre vp our fayth and hope and earnestly call vpon the Lord. Ver. 6. teacheth vs that the féeling of our own misery and weakenesse and the feare of our foes force should be good whetstones to sharpen our prayers Verse 7 teacheth vs not onlye to prayse God for those mercies which he bestoweth vppon vs our selues but also to repaire to others vppon whome God hath bestowed great graces that thereby we may be prouoked to prayse God not only for theÌ„ but for our selues also and his mercy towards vs. Psalme 143 I Doe iudge that this Psalm may very fitly be diuided into two partes Di. In the first the Prophet beséecheth the Lord to grant his petition and to remooue his sins which might be a hinderaunce to his mercies alleaging certayne reasons of his supplication as the rage of the enemie his owne weakenes the experience he had had of Gods goodnesse c. from verse 1. to the end of sixt In the second part he doth as it were renewe his prayer afresh desiring the Lord to graunt his requests to shew him his mercy to order his conuersation and to deliuer him from his aduersaries and oppressors from verse 7. to the end of the Psalme The title A Psalme of Dauid i. which Dauid made Se. this is the title of sundry Psalmes and hath bin expounded before Ver. 1. Heare my prayer O Lord i. graunt me the things that I pray for hearken vnto my supplication i. giue me the things that I humbly sue vnto thée for answere me vz. who call vppon thée and pray vnto thée vnderstanding by answering also yéelding vnto his requests in thy truth i. according to thy gracious promises which contayn in theÌ„ nothing but truth because they procéed from thée that art the God of truth and truth it self in thy righteousnesse i. according to thy righteous nature who doest deliuer a iust cause from iniustice or else by righteousnes we may vnderstand gods goodnesse by which he maintaineth those that are his for gods righteousnesse specially shineth forth in his faithful accomplishment of his promises Ver. 2. And enter not into iudgement i. be so farre of from pronouncing sentence I pray thée that I would not haue thée to begin to prepare thy selfe to lay out my faults or to come into iudgement with thy seruaunt i. with me thy seruauÌ„t speaking of himself in the third persoÌ„ as sundry times before namely Psal 119 17. for in thy sight i. before thée if thou shouldest once take vppon thée to enter into iudgement with theÌ„ shal none of what state or condition soeuer he be that liueth vz. euen now or shal liue hereafter be iustified i. be fouÌ„d iust if he be loked vpon in himself for otherwise he mindeth not to say that al shall be condeÌ„ned for God hath a remnaunt in election according to grace Ver. 3. For the enemie i. my enemy or enemies rather â—utting one who was the chéef as Saul or some such other for him al his coÌ„plices hath persecuted my soule i. hath egarly pursued me and my life to take it awaye from mee hee hath smitten vz. with his rage and crueltie my life i. me my selfe my company that I haue with me who are means for the preseruation of my life which appeareth plainly by the history of the first booke of Sam. and by Psalme 141.7 he i. the enemye as in the beginning of this verse hath layde mée in the darkenesse i. hath caused me and mine to dwell in Caues and holes and other darke places sée 1 Samuel 24.4 as they that haue bin deade long agoe q.d. By the importunitie of our enemies we are inforced to flie the light to liue in darke places euen as it were in the graues with them that died long sithence Ver. 4. And my spirit was in perplexitie in me i. I was greatlye and gréeuously troubled sée Psal 77.3 also Psal 142.3 and my hart within me was amased vz. by reason of the gréeuous assaultes that both outwardlye and inwardly I did indure Ver. 5. Yet q.d. notwithstanding al my heauy affliction do I remember vz. euen to my great ioy and comforte the time past i. the graces and blessinges whiche in former time thou diddest bestowe vppon my
in that he beginneth with them he doth not only closely as it were reproue them for their vnthankfulnesse because that whereas they are more bound to God then others by reason the greater benefits they haue receaued from him and yet notwithstanding they are more slow to doe their dutie in this behalfe vnlesse they be wonderfully prouoked and pricked on forward defrauding God by that meanes of the praise which is due vnto him supposing that the world was made only for them but also secretly telleth thē their dutie to wit that they should go before others in the performance of that great office for the more that any hath receaued and in the offices of his exaltation draweth nigh to God the more is he bound to serue him and to magnify the riches of his grace and al people vz. of the world of what nation country or kinred soeuer they be princes and all iudges of the world i. al that haue the matters of state or publike iustice committed vnto them Ver. 12. Yong men and maids old men and children the particular recitall of the distinction of ages and sexes which the Prophet vseth in this verse doth sufficiently declare that all without exception should imploy themselues in the seruice praysing of God And these two words virgins children import an amplifying as it were of the matter q.d. yea let virgins which are not so well instructed as the male kind is and let children which are not so skilfull as the old sort are performe this dutie of praise vnto the Lord. Ver. 13. Let them vz. altogether both heauenly and earthly reasonable and vnreasonable but chéefely the reasonable creatures laste rehearsed verse 11 12. prayse the name of the Lorde i. his goodnesse power and might for his name only is to be exalted vz. in the songes and prayses of his peoples meaning that none is worthy of prayse in respect of himselfe but he alone sée Psalme 145 3. and his praise aboue the earth and the heauens i. he is to be praysed more then the heauens or the earth or else his prayse is so great that neither the heauens nor the earth nor all thinges therein contayned are able sufficiently to expresse it and this is the firste reason why they should prayse him taken from the excellēcy of Gods own maiestie Ver. 14. For he vz. alone hath exalted vz. by his power and mighte the borne of his people i. their strength for so haue we had the word horne vsed sundry times heretofore meaning that God aduaunced his Churche both into great strength and dignity which vz. exaltation and lifting vp of their glory and strength is a prayse to all his saints i. tendeth not only to their glory and prayse but also offreth them a plentifull occasion to prayse and magnifie his name by reason of the grace which he hath shewed them For the worde Saints sée Psalme 145 10. euen for the children of Israell i. euen for the true and right Israelites and this is an other terme proper and peculiar to Gods sonnes and seruaunts a people that is nere vnto him vz. by the reason of the couenant which God hath made with them in the person of Abraham and confirmed in his sonne Christ and thus he doth more and more specifie the people who haue most singular occasion to praise him praise yee the Lorde sée Psal 146 in the end Do. One generall doctrine is offred in this Psalme from ver 1. to the end of the 10. vz. that if all Gods creatures in the dutie and by the right of their creation are bound to praise God in their kind much more man for whose sake all the creatures were made that are made An other generall doctrine wee may gather out of verse 2. that if Angels must be put in mind of the performance of this dutie men had much more néede to be remembred and not only so but to bee pricked and prouoked forward thereto Verse 5 being a generall inference vpon the particular premisses doth playnly proue that Angels as well as other things were created and that therefore that is a dotage of some to thinke that they were without beginning and withall it plainlye and sufficientlye ouerthroweth the dreame of the Sadduces who did thinke that there was neither Angell nor spirit Verse 6 teacheth vs that not one of the creatures nor all the creatures can go beyonde the boundes which God hath set them in his eternall decrée Verse 8 teacheth vs that al gods creatures are but instruments to execute that which God will haue them to doe Verse 11 teacheth vs that as Kings are the highest so they should be the first and examples to others in the seruice of God Verse 12 teacheth vs that no age or sexe can or should be exempted from the sincere worship and seruice of God Ver. 13. teacheth vs that as God onely is to be praysed so he is only to be prayed vnto because praise and prayer belong onlye vnto him alone Verse 14 teacheth vs first that al the glory and strength which the church hath it hath it from God secondly that God neuer bestoweth benefit vpon the Churche but that it becommeth the same aboue all others to bée thankfull to God for it Psalme 149 THis psalme may bee deuided into two partes Di. In the first hee exhorteth the faithfull to praise God for his great grace and mercie bestowed vpon them from Ver. i. to the end of the 4. In the second he prouoketh them to prayse him for the strength and power which he gaue them to subdue their enemies from Ver. 5. to the end of the psalme The title is expounded before Psalme 148. Se. in sundrie other places Ver. 1. Singe yee vz. which are his sonnes and seruantes vnto the Lord vz. your God a newe song i. a singular and excelent song by reason of an vnacustomed benefite which you haue receaued from the Lord. sée Psalme 33.3 also psalme 144.9 let his praise i. songes and Psalmes made vnto his praise be heard vz. openlie and painelie in the congregation of saincte i. in his Church this is an excelent description of the Church for saincts sée Psalme 148.14 Ver. 2. Let Israell i. the Church of God and faithfull people sée Psalme 147.19 also 148.14 reioyce vz. excedinglie and with an vnfeyned ioye in him that made him i. in God and hee meaneth it not here of the generall creation onely but also of their frée adoption by which they were chosen seperated from all mankinde to be a peculiar people to God which was as it were a newe creation and let the children of Sion i. the faithfull members of the Church sée Psalme 146.10 and 147.12 reioyce vz. as before in this verse in their king i. either in Dauid and so by consequent in Christ because Dauid was but a figure of him or els in God whom the faithfull many times call their king as Psalme 5.2 and this latter do I rather allowe
would not obey them but rather vnfainedly imbraced them Ver. 23. I was vprighte also with him i. I walked vprightly before God touching this matter of the kingdome and haue kepte me sée verse 21 from my wickednesse i. from anye wickednesse hée mighte doe which hee calleth his wickednes because naturally he had it in him though it burst not forth Ver. 24. sée verse 20. in his sight q.d. as he himselfe vz. God séeth it sufficiently ver 25. with the godly i. with them that vnfeignedly loue and professe godlinesse thou wilte shew thy selfe godly i. mercifull and gracious for the word termed here godly is taken frō a word that signifieth merciful liberal q.d. thou wilt deale graciously with the good people declaring thy selfe such a one towards thē as thou hast bin towards me ver 26. thou wilt shew thy self froward i. their obstinacye is the cause that thou as it were forgetting thy wonderfull clemency doest deale hardly with them and thunder out iudgemēts against thē or else it may be vnderstād as mē iudge suppose god notwithstāding dealing alwais iustly though he ouerwhelm with cōdēnatiō sée Pro. 3.34 ver 27. wil t saue i. deliuer the pore people i. the afflicted ones wilt cast down i. ouerthrow bring to nought the proud lookes i. the proud people for mans pryde bewraieth it self in the eyes countenance therfore he put eyes for men one part for the whole ver 28. Thou wilt light i. bring to a better state make to shine forth my candle i. my prosperity which séemed to be as it were a cādle put out the Lord will lighten my darknesse i. bring my aduersitie into prosperity for the scriptures vse to vnderstand by darknes aduersity and by light prosperity ver 29. By thée i. by the power or strength from thée ouer a wal vz. of a citie the Geneua note is good ver 30. The way of God i. eyther the maner that he vseth towards his children whom he neuer ceaseth to aid or Gods way else is put for workes q.d. they are so sound that nothing can bée blamed in thē whatsoeuer God doth he doth trustily and iustly performeth whatsoeuer he promiseth the word of the lord i. his promises is tried in the fire i. is most perfect pure q.d. as metall tried by fire hath no drosse so hath Gods word no falshood or corruption in it sée Psal 12.6 he is a shielde i. he saueth and kéepeth them as a shield doth soldiers ver 31. For who is c. q.d. none by consequent seeing none can deliuer but he alone none must be trusted in but he alone such epiphonemata or acclamations are vsuall to thē that haue tryed Gods helpe and ayd ver 32. girdeth me with strength i. maketh me strong able so that I haue strength in my loines rounde aboute me euen as it were a girdle maketh my way vpright i. maketh the order of my life vnblameable teaching me an vpright and a holy kind of life or else he maketh euery thing that I take in hand to prosper this latter I rather allow as most agréeable to this place ver 33. He maketh my féet like Hinds féete i. not only swift if I haue occasion by flight to prouide for my selfe or to pursue my enemies flying before me but stedy also if I come into any dangerous places and setteth me vpon mine high places i. places of sure defēce appointed for me to defend me from the violence and rage of my enimies Ver. 34. He teacheth my hands to fight i. if I haue to do with mine enemies in the field he teacheth me singuler skill in warre to defend my selfe and to hurt my Foe so that a Bowe of brasse q.d. yea hee giueth me so greate strength that a bow of brasse or stéele is broken with mine armes i. with the power and strength that hée giueth mée or else with mine armes indéede because there is muche power and strength in the armes Verse 35. The Shielde of thy saluation i. a helpe for my deliueraunce Shielde being put for helpe and defence because men helpe and defend themselues with Shieldes and saluation for deliuerance as often times before we haue had these wordes so vsed his meaning is that God did defend him againste dangers with his ayd and help as it were with a shield that cannot be pearced and set him frée also by the same ayd out of daungers and troubles thy right hande i. thy might and power hath stayde me vz. from sliding or falling it is a metaphoricall spéeche taken from mans maners who reach them that are sliding their right hand i. the best meanes they haue to staye them from it to increase vz. in honors credit wealth and all maner of goodnes Ver. 36. Thou hast enlarged my steppes i. thou hast brought to pas that whether soeuer I go I goe into a large and ample place that is fréely and without feare yea I haue a plain ready way This is often in the Psalms by straitnes to signifie affliction and danger and by inlarging to signifie libertie and fréedome hee meaneth then that God had set him at libertie straightened the way before him and drawne him out of extreme daunger dispaire vnder me i. either for me or else as I go he meaneth that hee did now tread as it were vpon a sure ground mine héeles i. my féete a part of the féete being put for the féete ver 37. I haue pursued mine enemies vz. in the battaile I haue not turned againe vz. from pursuing them in the field ver 38. Wounded them i. mine enemies as ver 37. that they were not able to rise vz. because their wounds were so deadly they are fallen vnder my féete i. they are brought in subiection vnto mee as ver 44. This phrase also is so vsed Psal 8.6 Ver. 39. Thou hast girded me with strength sée ver 32. and it is a reason why he so mightily preuailed against his enemies to battaile i. against I was to fight or euen in the very time of the battaile whatsoeuer it be his meaning is that he was apted fitted by God to that purpose that rose against me vz. to annoy and hurt me and were in déed rebels ver 40. Thou hast giuen me the necks i. as some of the Iewes expound it thou hast caused my enemies to turne their backes vpon me because the neck is behind but I take it more simply thus thou hast giuen the life of mine enemies into my power so that there néedeth nothing but to chop of their heads or cut their throates as it were if I will and that which followeth in this verse furthereth in my iudgment this sense ver 41. They i. the wicked ones my enemies cried i. séemed to pray earnestly but not of a true affection but there was none to saue i. to deliuer vz. them out of their feare and paine euen vnto the Lord vz. did they cry and
call but hee answered them not i. he regarded not their dissembling praiers ver 42. Then i. after that the Lord had reiected them and their praiers sée ver 7. of this Psalm did beate them as smal as the dust before the wind i. I did wonderfully ouerthrow them in respect of their number which I thinke the word smal importeth and these of them that remaineth were as light as the dust which we knowe to be very smal and light I did tread them flat i. I did quite and cleane subdue them as the clay in the stréetes i. and made no more account of them then men do of durt vnder their féete ver 43. From the contentions of the people hée meaneth either Saul or the rest of the Israelites that tooke part with him against Dauid or else that God appeased the seditions and rebellions of his people that lifted vp them selues against him vnder Absolon and other rebels and this I rather incline to thou hast made me the head i. the ruler and gouernour for so head is many times vsed in Scripture of the heathen as the Ammonites Moabites c. which dwelt round about him he meaneth that by Gods aide he had brought vnder those people that before had discomfited Israel and made them now tributaries to him whom I haue not knowen i. whom I haue not allowed of or else with whom I haue had no familiaritie or acquaintance because the law forbad it with some people as with the Amalichits Exod. 17.14 and others in sundry places of the lawe ver 44. As soone as they heare vz. of me and the fame of my name and the latter part mend thus strangers shal lyingly yéeld themselues to me i. they shall in hypocrisie pretend a subiection and not of a sound and willing mind ver 45. Shal shrinke away vz. from their companions and friendes and feare i. shal be striken with feare in their priuie chambers i. in the places of their greatest ease and assurance ver 46. Let the Lord liue not as though God coulde at any time die or be the better for the Prophets wish vnto him but hee meaneth by this prayer and wish that hee would haue God alwaies to shew his power that thereby there might bée a plaine difference put in the eies of men betwéene him and the dead Idols of the Gentiles and blessed i. praised my strength sée ver 2. of this Psalme of my saluation i. deliuerance from distresses in this life and the giuer of eternal life sèe Psalm 3.8 bee exalted i. lifted vp on high and praysed vz. amongst men ver 47. To auenge mee vz. on his and mine enemies and this Dauid speaketh as a magistrate ver 48. Hast set mée vp vz. in a high and sure place safe and sound that rose against mée Sée verse 39. of this Psalme cruell man hee meaneth some one who was as it were standard bearer to the rest but yet so that vnder him hee meaneth all those that tooke part with him ver 49. Among the nations i. openly and before them and as it were in the middest of them so must it bee vnderstood if it bee referred to Dauid It may appeare also by Rom. 15.9 that it is a Prophecy of Christes kingdome and of the calling of the Gentiles and so hath this sense I that is Christ but yet in the person of my faithfull people but chiefely ministers whom I haue ordeined for the calling of the Gentiles will praise thee among the Gentiles so that if you referre it to Dauid it is a promise if to Christ and the calling of them Gentiles it is a prophecy among the nations or gentiles so the Iewes vsed to call all the people of the world besides themselues ver 50. Giueth he i. God vnto his king he speaketh of himselfe in the third person calling himselfe Gods king because he was by the Lord annointed to and through his power established in the kingdome to his annointed he putteth the signe of his mauguration into the office of the king for the king for Kinges Priestes and Prophetes were annointed by the lawe whereby also the Prophet sheweth that hee thrust not in himselfe into that high and great office for euer If you referre this to Dauid and his posterity euer is here taken for a long tyme but if you referre it to Christ and those that appertaine to him it is put for all eternity Do. Ver. 1. Teacheth that it is no sclender loue that wee owe to the Lorde ver 2. Teacheth vs to hang vpon him alone ver 3. Praier is the meane to set vs frée from the force of our enemies ver 4.5 Declare the manifold and grieuous extremities that gods children many times are brought to ver 6. Teacheth vs in our dstresses to call vpon God onely and sheweth also howe graciously the Lord accepteth the supplications of his seruant In that discription of Gods wrath which is comprehended from ver 7. to the end of the 15. there is comprehended matter of comfort to the godly that they are vnder his protection that hath all creatures at his commaundement for their good and matter of terror to the wicked because they set them selues against him that doeth whatsoeuer pleaseth him in heauen and in earth ver 16.17 Shew gods goodnes towards his seruants in deliuering them from manifold dangers ver 18. Setteth out the malice of the wicked who spie their times vz. the day of aduersitie wherein they may doe most mischiefe ver 19. Gods fauour the only cause of all goodnes to vs ward ver 21.22 Teacheth that we ought alwaies to haue the law of God before our eies and care and conscience to performe the same ver 25.26 Expresse Gods goodnes towards his children his iudgements towardes his enemies ver 27. God is nigh vnto his own though their miseries be neuer so many it sheweth also Gods iudgements against the wicked and namely the proud persons it teacheth also to cary lowlines and curtesie euen in our countenances ver 28. Teacheth vs to haue an assured perswasion of gods goodnes towardes vs. ver 29. Declareth that our sufficiencie to do any thing is of God ver 30.31 is a notable commendation of gods excellent maiesty and of the truth and certainty of his holy word ver 32.33.34.35.36 Teach that God is all in all for vs either to inable vs to the performance of his good things or to preuent put from vs euil and hurtful things the same matter is declared ver 37.38.39 40. Ver. 41. The Lord heareth not the wicked mens prayers ver 43. Teacheth that God exalteth whom it pleaseth him and inlargeth the boundes of kingdomes ver 46. Teacheth thankesgiuing for mercies receiued ver 48. God alone is he that deliuereth his out of al distresses ver 49. Wée shoulde neuer cease praysing of God yea and that before many for his infinite benefites ver 50. God is gracious to the godly and their godly posterity to many generations Psalme 19. THis Psalme