all that faile thē of any thing that is méet for thē it teacheth also that nothing is done without gods prouidēce ver 18 setteth out the hard hartednes of the wicked the miserable estate that the Godly many times are brought vnto Ver. 19 sheweth that there is a time set with God wherein he wil deliuer his out of danger cleare thē from al false slanderous accusations wch time it behoueth thē with patience to wayte for Ver. 20 sheweth that God wil make euen Princes to pity his poore seruants Verse 21 sheweth that after long humbling God wil exalt his seruants very highly the same lesson doth ver 22 deliuer Ver. 23 sheweth that God hath many wayes to bring his purposes to passe as for the deliuery of his people out of Egipt which he had promised to bring them into Egipt by the means of the famin Iosephs being there Verse 24 teacheth iij. things first that al increase is of the Lord secondly that do men what they can to hinder Gods purposes they cannot preuaile thirdly that euen thē whē men striue most against God his people then doth he make them principally to flourish Ver. 25 teacheth that gods prouidence and counsel entreth euen vnto wicked mēs harts that they cānot hate or loue the good without Gods sufferance the power that he giueth thē therto yet hée remaineth pure frō al euil holy and as it were an excellent workeman who in performing his work bringeth good out of euil light out of darknes Ver. 26 teacheth that God doth by means worke the deliuerance of his people wch should teach vs to vse means secondly it sheweth that none should take vpō them any office but they that are sent of God as was Moses Aaron Ver. 27 Teacheth men faithfully to do those things that God hath giuen them in charge to perform Ver. 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 teach especially two things First that nothing is don either in heauen or earth but by the very finger power of almighty god secondly that God hath al his creatures at cōmaundement to vse thē at his pleasure for the plaguing punishing of the vngodly Besides this Ver. 30. teacheth that God in pouring forth his iudgemēts is not partial to any person sparing kings or Princes Ver. 31.34 declare that euen Gods word is his déed for when he speaketh any thing it is done as appeareth in the creation Gen. 1. Ver. 37.38 39 40 41 42 43 44 teach first that God maketh al his creatures to serue for the good of his children secondly that euery good thing they haue they haue from the Lord only But more particularly Verse 37 teacheth vs that siluer gold strength c. are the Lords gifts Ver. 38 sheweth that God can make the very name and countenances of his seruaunts feareful to them which had oppressed them Ver. 39 teacheth what a cōtinual care watchfulnes the Lord hath ouer his seruants to kéep thē frō dangers things that might annoy them Ver. 42 teacheth vs that Gods frée promises are the cause of all our goodnes blessednes both in this life the life to come Ver. 45 teacheth vs that the end wherefore God bestoweth al blessings vpon vs is that we should imploy our selues more diligently and faithfully in his seruice which if we do we shal bee sure of his graces in great abundaunce and continuance which if we do not we may for a time haue and inioy many outward things as the vngodly haue but the very hauing of them will be in the end to our great iudgement Psalme 106 THis Psalme may be diuided into thrée especiall partes Di. In the first the Prophet exhorteth men to praise God and yet considering his own weaknes the excellency of gods works he thinketh himself and others far vnméete for it and yet notwithstanding goeth forward to pray both for himself and his people from verse 1 to the ende of the 6. In the second part he doth largely resite as the singular graces and goodnes of God towardes their forefathers so their particular rebellions and iniquities multiplyed against God who had bene so good vnto thē with the iudgements also that for those sins he layd vpon them from verse 7. to the end of the 46. Now gods mercies are resited ver 7 8 9 10 11 12 15 21 22 30 31 43 44 45 46. Their sinnes ver 7 13 14 16 19 20 21 24 25 28 29 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39. Their punishments verse 15 17 18 23 26 27 29 32 40 41 42. In the third part hée prayeth the Lord to gather together the dispersion of his people by which it should séeme that this Psalm was made when they were in some captiuity eyther in Babilon or vnder Antiochus promising therefore to prayse his holye name and inuiting others to doe the like and this is comprehended in the two last verses of this Psalme The title is praise ye the Lord by this we may sée that it was a Psal appointed Se. to stir vp men to the praysing of god Sée the last verse of Psal 104. also in some measure to cōfort thēselues with the consideratiō of gods former graces Ver. 1. Praise ye vz. O ye faithful and good people the Lord vz. only and none but him because he is good vz. towards al but specially towards you for his mercy endureth for euer this is another cause why they shoulde prayse the Lord because his mercy towards his is perpetual neuer shal haue end Ver. 2. Who vz. amongst al his creatures can expresse i. is able eyther by thought to conceaue or by words to declare the noble actes of the Lorde i. the greate and singular workes of creation preseruation c. of all his creatures more particularly of men but most specially of his children or shewe all his prayse i. the prayse that he doth deserue for the same The Prophet vttereth not this as though he would haue vs vtterly leaue off to prayse God because we cānot thorowly sufficiently perform it but that considering on the one side our own weakenes we should earnestly pray the Lord to strengthen vs thereto and on the other side the excellency of his works shoulde indeuour what wee maye to praise him therfore knowing that he accepteth vs according to that we haue not according to that we haue not Ver. 3. Blessed are they that kéepe iudgement Imman readeth it in my mind better thus that kéepe this order vz. of praising magnifying God for his graces though they cannot do that which either they would or should do righteousnes at al times i. that do continually frame their life as an euident patern and a constant and perpetuall example of the prayse of God for so I suppose righteousnesse in this place to be vsed Verse 4. Remember me vz. thy poore and vnworthy Seruaunt hee meaneth not that God doth at any time forget
Iewes as Gentile clappe your handes vz. for ioy as Nahum 3. ver 19. Hee putteth the outwarde signe of ioy for inward and outward ioyfulnes sing loude vnto God c. in this part of the verse the Prophet requireth of the people on the Lordes behalfe willingnes chearfulnes and gladnes for in all seruices performed to him hee specially regardeth these thinges as 2 Corinth 8.12 Ver. 2. Is high vz. not onely because hee dwelleth in the high heauens but also because hee hath highest yea all authoritie and terrible i. fearefull or méete to bee feared not onely of his children for their good but of the wicked for their punishments a great king vz. as whose power no creature is able to resist ouer all the earth i. such a king as to whose authoritie all the quarters corners of the earth are subiect Ver. 3. He i. God hath subdued vz. by his word spirit the people i. of all the people of the world some vnder vs i. vnder the exercises of his religion seruice which wee professe putting the persons professing a thing for the thing professed vnder our féete by this maner of speach is ment that the gentiles shold be schollers the Iews scholemasters as it were to them for to sit vnder the feet or at the feete is vsed in scripture for being a scholler or learning as Act. 22.3 And not that the Iews had euer such a large Lordship ouer the Gentiles Ver. 4. May be the words as it were both of the Iewes and Gentiles conuerted to Christes kingdome shewing what graces he hath bestowed vpon them hee q.d. he that knoweth what is better for vs then wee our selues hath chosen i. not onely layd out but also appointed and that of his owne good will and mercy towards vs our inheritance i. not onely all thinges méete for this life as landes countries possessions c. but euen all other things that concerne the hope of a better life euen the glory of Iaakob i. euen all these excellent thinges that he gaue and promised to Iaakob wherin he might glory and reioyce The faithful meane that they had as great both abundance and assurance of Gods grace and goodnes as Iaakob euer had Ver. 5. God i. the arke of God which was a true token of Gods presence and so is the word Lord also vsed as Psal 132.5 Is gone vp hee speaketh this no doubt in respect of bringing the Arke into the mount Sion of which sée 2. Sam. 6. Throughout the chapter with triumph vz. against the enemies which also was ioyfull to Gods people euen the Lord with the sound of the trumpet this is euen the same that was sayd in the first part of this verse sauing that here hee addeth the instrument which many times striketh terrour into the enemies and addeth courage to the faithful and by this manner of speach hée meaneth to note out the great glory of the Lord and of the triumph and victories that our Sauiour gotte as Colos 2.15 Ephes 4.8 Ver. 6. The foure times repeating of these woordes sing prayses hath great force q.d. let all your care and study tend to this to prayse the Lorde and his sonne Christ Ver. 7. For God this is a reason why they shoulde extoll the Lorde King of all the earth i. hath power ouer all and exerciseth an Vniuersall kingdome the particulars and the maiesty whereof hée setteth out in the next verse Ver. 8. Holy throne hée meaneth either the Tabernacle or else the heauen for both of these in scripture are called Gods holy throne because he that had the fulnes of holines in himselfe gaue manifestation of himselfe from both these places sée Mat. 5.34 Matth. 23.22 Whatsoeuer it is or howsoeuer it is to be taken the Prophets purpose no doubt is to describe God as a iudge ready to yéelde iustice both to good and bad according to their seuerall causes Ver. 9. The Princes of the people q.d. not onely meane men from among the Gentiles but euen the mighty are gathered vz. by the mightie woorking of Gods spirit and the exercises of the word the Prophet meaneth by this manner of speach that the Gentiles should make profession of true godlines as well as Iewes and he speaketh of it as though it were already performed for the certainty of it people of the God of Abraham i. the Iewes for from Abraham they came according to the flesh And he calleth him the God of Abraham thereby to distinguish him from al the false Gods of the Idolatrous gentiles the shields of the world i. the defence and the protections of the whole earth he vseth shields which are good meanes of defence for defence it selfe belong to God is his right q.d. seeing that the worlde is preserued and maintained by God great cause is there why men shoulde reuerence his so great and high maiesty and therefore he addeth hee is greatly to bee exalted i. feared and praysed Ver. 1. It becommeth all sects of people to praise God Do. and that willingly and chearefully Ver. 2. Sheweth that wée ought to praise him for his maiesty and power Ver. 3. Declareth that it is God alone that draweth mens heartes to the imbracing of his trueth Ver. 4. Gods loue is the first and onely cause of all the graces we haue Ver. 5. Setteth out his maiesty and might Verse 6. Teacheth how earnest we should be in praising our God Ver. 7. Sheweth that both our praises and all the seruices that we shall yéeld to the Lorde must procéede from an vnderstanding heart Ver. 8. In that God is described as a iudge it conteineth matter of comfort to his children of terror to the wicked Ver. 9. God calleth of all states some to the imbracing of his truth also God alone is the defender of the whole world and of all the people 's therein and that therefore he is worthylie to be magnified Psalme 48. Di. THis Psalme may bee diuided into three partes In the first is conteined a commendation of Gods power and goodnes manifested especially to the citie of Ierusalem from Ver. 1. to the end of the third In the seconde is declared that all the conspiracies practises and forces of the wicked against that Citie shal be ouerthrowne because God will defend it from ver 4. to the end of the 8. In the third the faithfull set out the assured perswasion that they had of Gods goodnes towardes them praying for the continuance therof both vppon themselues and the whole Church from verse 9. to the end of the Psalme Se. The title would bée thus a song or Psalme meaning such a Psal or song as both by voyce and instruments was sung the rest is expounded Psal 42. Ver. 1. Great is the Lorde vz. in respect of his power and glory and greatly to be praysed q.d. and therefore no smal prayse doth belong to him in the citie of our God i. in Jerusalem which is called Gods Citie because God had
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
who sweareth for the further strengthening of our fayth in the truth of his promises Verse 36 Teacheth vs that posteritie and the continuaunce thereof is a speciall blessing from the Lord the same thing doth verse 37. teach Ver. 38 39 40 shew that no affliction commeth to Gods children without his special prouidence and appointment which is comfortable to consider not only because he that doth chastise vs is our father but also our enemies can go no further then he hath appoynted them Ver. 41 teacheth vs that God many times bringeth his children to a low ebbe and yet graciouslye afterwards deliuereth them out of al their feare Ver. 42. teacheth that the wicked and vngodly can not doe what they list nor go beyond the bonds which god hath set them Ver. 43. teacheth that al munition and ayde of men is vaine vnlesse it please God to blesse them and giue them force Ver. 44 teacheth that it is God alone that pulleth downe and setteth vp Ver. 45. teacheth that the dayes of our life are in Gods hands to be disposed of as pleaseth him Ver. 46. Teacheth vs in the middest of our greatest heauinesse to haue recourse to God by prayer and to craue the remouing of his rods Ver. 47. teacheth the vanity and shortnes of mans life Ver. 48 teacheth that death spareth none but that all must tast therof Verse 49 teacheth vs to thinke vppon Gods former graces that they may assure our consciēces of mercy to be afterwards shewed Ver. 50 teacheth vs in our afflictiō to repaire vnto God also that not the meanest sort of the people only but the chéefest are enemies to Gods faynts Ver. 52 teacheth vs that the iniuries and opprobries offred to Gods people are as done against his own maiesty and person Ver. 52. teacheth vs in all estates and at al times to be continually thankfull to God and also to yéeld both to thanksgiuing and prayer an earnest consent Psalme 90 Di. THis Psalme may be deuided into thrée partes the firste is an Exordium or a beginning whiche setteth out the care and good will of God towardes his people from all eternity and this is comprised in the two first verses The second part very excellently paynteth out Gods great prouidence and gouernment and our frayle and miserable condition from ver 3. to the end of the 11. In the third is contayned a prayer for grace and comforte in all heauinesses and distresses of this life whatsoeuer from verse 12. to the end of the Psalme Se. The title a prayer of Moses i. a prayer whiche Moses made vnto God for himselfe and the people at that time as it should séeme that the spies came backe againe and the people murmured agaynst God for which thinges sake the Lord threatned them that they shoulde not enter into the lande of promise sée Num. 13.14 thorowout the man of God i. not onely an excellent man but a Prophet and one called to some publike office sée Deut. 33.1 also 1. Kings 18.24 Verse 1. Lord thou vz. alone and no other hast bin at al times heretofore and specially all the while of our trauaile in the greate and huge wildernesse our habitation i. thou art he alone vnder whose defence we dwel safe and sound see Deut. 33.27 and this hee speaketh of himselfe and of the people that were with him and of all their auncestors gone before them comprehending them vnder that terme our from generation to generation i. euen from the beginning of the world vnto this present time and in this verse he setteth oute the wonderfull gouernment and grace of God towards his people as in the nexte verse the eternall purpose and counsel of God procéeding from the pleasure of his good wil and this he doth specially for two causes the one is that he might publish Gods glory in setting out his mercy the other that he might by laying forth former mercies moue the Lord to haue mercy vpon them now in that distresse Ver. 2. Before the mountaines were made vz. by thy almightye power and word and before thou haddest formed the earth and the world vz. for men to dwell in vnderstanding by forming not only the fashioning of it but euen the very creating of it sée Gen. 1 1 2 and these two sentences layde together be as much q.d. before the world or any part or péece of it were made euē from euerlasting to euerlasting i. frō al eternity and so for euer here after thou art our God i. thou arte hee that hast chosen vs to bee a people to thy selfe and that will wée take also as an argumente to instructe vs to hang vppon thée Verse 3. Thou turnest man i. thou causest man to returne and that by thy worde onlye to destruction i. to Death whiche is called destruction not because it destroyeth in déede but because it séemeth vnto vs to destroye Othersome vnderstande by destruction dust and power and the dissolution of the body both sences are good agayne thou sayest i. also thou doest but speake the word only and then it is done returne vz. in respect of your body into the earth out of which it was taken Genesis 3.19 and in respect of your soule to God who gaue it Eccle. 12.7 ye sonnes of men i. ye mortall creatures for this word expresseth the miserable and fraile condition of men and in these wordes he sheweth how brittle frayle and short mans life is he compareth the course of our life to a race in a Tilt or Turney wher we quicklye runne to the ende of the race as it were and then returne backe agayn Ver. 4. For a thousand yeres vz. of mans life q.d. though it were possible for a man to liue a thousande yeares in thy sight i. before thée and in respect of thée are as yesterdaye when it is past i. yea they are soone passed ouer in respecte of thée as one daye onelye in respecte of vs or else as Saynte Peter expoundeth it in his second Epistle Chapter 3 verse 8 that a thousand yeares are with the Lorde as one daye or as a Watche in the night i. of verye shorte continuaunce for a watche in the night was but thrée houres long the people of the Iewes in olde time diuiding the night into foure Watches and appoynting also to euerye watche thrée howers Matth. 14.35 Luke 12.38 Verse 5. Thou haste ouerflowed them vz. by thy iudgementes sodaynlye taking them awaye oute of this life as a floude ouerwhelmeth all or men beware For this Metaphor of the ouerflowing of them noteth two thinges the one is the mighty hande and power of GOD the other is the sodayne ende of mans lyfe and the vanitie thereof they are as a sléepe or as a dreame that one hath sléeping which passeth awaye and is quite and cleane forgotten in the morning i. when man is in his force and strength hée groweth like the grasse i. hee is flourishing and lustie and marke the sodayne chaunge of the number from
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
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.
he promised and perfourmed vnto him So that this worde séemeth to comprehende the argument or the whole matter of the Psalme this Psalme is written in the order of the Alphabet euery verse beginning with the letters as they are in order in the Hebrewe Alphabet one onely being omitted and that is the letter Nun in the 14. verse which beginneth with Samech the next letter in the Alphabet such Psalmes we haue had before Psal 25. which beginneth euery verse so two or thrée onely excepted such also are Psalm 111. and 112. which beginne euery verse of it and the seconde part of it which two letters of the Hebrewe Alphabet in order Ver. 1. O my God i. he whome onely I worship and king i. whom I serue whose subiect I am I wil extol thée vz. in my songes and thankesgiuinges and that aboue all whatsoeuer and will blesse i. prayse thy name i thy maiesty power and goodnes for euer and euer i. continually Ver. 2 I wil blesse thée i. praise thée as before ver 1. dayly i. euery day q.d. no day shall passe ouer my head but I will spend it or some part of it in magnifiyng of thee and prayse thy name for euer and euer sée before ver 1. of this Psalme Verse 3. Great is the Lorde vz. in power and goodnes towardes all but chiefely towardes his owne and most worthy to be praised vz. for those excellent things that be in him and the great workes that he doth dayly and his greatnesse is incomprehensible vz. of vs men for though after regeneration wee doe looke into it by fayth yet it is but in some measure for we knowe in part and prophecie in part 1. Corinth 13.9 and though it bée sayde that in the life to come we shall see him as he is 1. Iohn 3.2 yet he meaneth not that there wee shalbée able to attaine to the full apprehension of Gods eternall maiestye because he dwelleth in light that no man can come vnto 1. Tim. 6.16 and that which is finite as we shal bee after the resurrection though wee shall haue glorified bodies can not comprehend that which is infinite as God is alwayes but that wee shall haue a farre greater measure in that life then wee haue had in this Ver. 4. Generation shall prayse thy workes vnto generation i. the prayse and excellencie of thy great workes shal be magnified in al ages both because thou doest continue thy great workes in euery age and giuest men care and conscience to publish the same to their posteritie and declare thy power i. the generations shall preach and set out the greatnes of thy power and the excellency thereof Immanuel referreth it to Gods workes both senses are true Ver. 5. I will meditate vz. déepely and diligently of the beautie i. not onely of the comelinesse but also of the excellency of thy glorious maiestye i. of thy maiesty which is full of wonderfull glory and thy wonderfull workes i. I will meditate of thy workes also which are rather to bee wondered at then comprehended Ver. 6. And they i. men and specially thy people shall speake vz. openly and plainely meaning that they shall declare and set abroade of the power vz. which is great and excéeding of thy fearefull acts i. of those iudgments which thou exercisest vppon the contemners of thy maiestie which should strike feare into al mens hearts and I wil declare vz. fréely and openly thy greatnes i. thy excellency maiesty and power Sée ver 3. of this Psal Ver. 7. They i. men shall breake out i. playnely and with open mouth into the mention i. euen to the making mention of thy gret goodnes vz. towards all but specially towardes thy people and shall sing aloude i. speake openlye and playnely of thy righteousnesse i. of thy faithfull and iust dealing towards all Ver. 8. The Lorde is gracious and merciful this séemeth to be the speciall matter of their song and praysing and it séemeth to bee taken out of Exod. 34.6 sée also Psalme 86.5.15 slowe to anger i. not easily moued to punish and of great mercy vz. towardes those that drawe me vnto him Ver. 9. The Lorde is good to all vz. his creatures and namely men but chiefely amongst them to his chosen people and his mercies i. the abundaunt plenty of his mercie for so much I suppose the word in the plurall number importeth are ouer all his woorkes i. there is none of his woorkes but it sheweth vnto others and findeth in it selfe very large testimonies of Gods mercy and goodnes They then do not rightly vnderstand the place that from hence would gather that Gods mercy excéedeth all his works though that is to be confessed to bee true But this is the true and naturall meaning thereof that though it be so that by meanes of sinne all the worlde bee wrapped vp vnder the curse yet the mercy of God passeth through al his creatures and entereth euen vnto the very bruit beastes as ver 15.16 of this Psalme Ver. 10. Al thy workes vz. which thou hast created and the noble deedes which thou hast done prayse thée O Lorde vz. in their kinde that is doe set foorth thy prayses vnto men and doe put in to their mouthes as it were an occasion to prayse thee and thy Saintes i. those whome thou hast made holy vnto thy selfe Sée Psalme 16.3 also 30.4 also 132.9 blesse thee i. prayse thée as ver 1.2 of this Psal Ver. 11. They i. both thy workes and people shewe vz. out and that sensiblie and plainely the glory of thy kingdome i. the excellency of thy rule and gouernement meaning also that Gods woorkes and the prayses of his people shoote all at this marke vz. to bring the worlde in subiection to his obedience and speake of thy power i. set it foorth very plainely howe the creatures perfourme this Sée Psalme 19.1.2 c. also Roman 1.19.20 c. Verse 12. To cause his power i. Gods power for hée sodainely chaungeth the person from the seconde to the thirde to be knowne In these wordes hee noteth the ende why God vseth his creatures and mens praises vz. that other men thereby may be drawne to see approue and confesse his goodnes and power to the sonnes of men i. to all ages and posterities and the glorious renowne of his kingdome sée ver 11. of this Psalme Ver. 13. Thy kingdome i. the gouernement which thou exercisest ouer all is an euerlasting kingdome i. shall neuer haue ende and thy dominion vz. which thou hast indureth throughout all ages i. shall neuer decay Ver. 14. The Lorde vz. himself vpholdeth vz. by his mercy all that fall vz. into any daunger or distresse Sée Prouerb 24.16.17 and yet wée must restraine that general terme to such as the Lord knoweth in his goodnes are méete to be vpholden and staied without which goodnes of his none is raised vp or maintained and lifteth vp all that are ready to fall q.d. whether they bee entering into
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
verse otherwise but I like this sence as well as his Ver. 8. As the apple of my eye i. most dearely and tenderly as men are wont to doe the apples of their eye who cannot abide that any thing should touch it hide mee vnder the shadow of thy winges an other similitude to the same purpose q.d. deliuer me with such diligence from present perill as the hens are wont to doe their yong ones vnder their winges when the Kite houereth ouer them or lieth in wait for them The scripture in sundrye places attributeth winges to God that therby it might declare Gods great care to saue and defend the godly such a similitude Christ vseth Math. 23.37 Ver. 9. for my soule i. for my life vz. that they might take it away from me ver 10. They are inclosed in their owne fat i. they are monstrously fat by reason they liue in al plesures and delights q.d. They abound in all delights therefore they spare not to speake proudly which he addeth in this verse describing in this and so on in the rest the maners of the vngodly Ver. 11. They i. the vngodly and wicked enemies haue cōpassed vs i. me Dauid the people that are with mee in our steps i. in our iornies or as we were iornying q. d. In all our iornying they haue most diligently obserued me mine many times haue in the mean while beset vs about they haue set their eyes i. they are earnestly and diligentlye bent as one that fixeth his eyes vppon one to marke him or to know him agayne to bring downe vz. me and mine to the ground i. to destroy and ouerthrow vs as townes and castles rased and made euen with the ground ver 12. He noteth first their crueltie vnder these wordes gréedye of pray next vnder these words lurking in secret places their subtelty craft sée Psalme 10.9 Ver 13. Vp Lord q.d. thou hast deferred a long while vp now and take weapon into thy hand as a notable defender disappoint him vz. of the crueltye he purposeth he speaketh of one as the principal meaning notwithstanding others ioyned with him in the mischiefe cast him down vz. to the ground see ver 11. in these words to bring downe to the grounde deliuer my soule i. my life as before ver 9. of this Psalme with thy sworde i. with thy might and power sée Iob 40.14 Ver. 14. from men vz. deliuer my soule as ver 13. by thine handes i. by thy power and might vsing hande here as he vsed the word sword before from men ad these words I mean for the more playne sence of the world i. worldly men all whose delighte is in things of this life who haue their portion in this life and not in the other which shall be reuealed to Gods sonnes whose bellies i. whose desires and appetites thou fillest with thy hidden treasures i. giuest them great abundaunce of outwarde benefites and blessinges which are called Gods hidden treasures not because they are not séene but because they are not so wel perceyued and vsed of the vngodlye as were méete their children this serueth to amplifie the aboundance of outward blessings that the wicked haue hauing not only more then ynough for themselues but to leaue mountains of mony as it were to their posterity whether sonnes daughters neuewes or any other kindred for so I take the worde children to be vsed in this place ver 15. in righteousnesse i. hauing a good and righteous cause on my side Psalm 4.1 and Gods face is here taken for a more playne and manifest knowledge of Gods mercy then he had set before in the time of his affliction with thine image i. with so much of thy goodnes and grace as it shall please thée in my deliuerance to make knowne vnto me Do. Ver. 1. Teacheth earnestnes in prayer ver 3. that we should kéepe our selues from wicked thoughts and wicked words expressing these thoughts ver 4. Gods word is a notable meane to kéepe vs from wickednesse ver 5. we shall fall vnles the Lord vphold vs. ver 6. He that prayeth to God must bée well assured of the truth of his promises ver 7. If God helpe vs not the enemies rage wil ouercome vs. ver 10. aboundaunce of wealth and pleasure maketh the vngodly proud against God and his people ver 11. setteth out the mischieuous mind of the vngodly ver 12. expresseth their crueltie and craft ver 13. teacheth vs in the time of our afflictions to haue recourse to God by prayer ver 14. sheweth that outward blessings are as well bestowed vpon the wicked as the good and that therefore there is no certaine iudgements to be giuen of gods fauour by these outward things ver 15. Howsoeuer wicked men set their minde on worldly wealth that our delight and pleasure should be onlye in the Lord and his fauour Psalme 18. Di. THis Psalme handleth diuers matters but principally 3. In the first part the Prophet promiseth thankes giuing for benefites receaued and describeth Gods wrath and power from ver 1. to the end of the 15. In the secōd part he reciteth sundry particular graces bestowed vpon him and excellent matters that the Lord inabled him to performe frō ver 16. to the end of the 45. In the third part he yéeldeth praise and thankes vnto the Lord promising neuer to forget these benefits and to publish them continually amongst the people from verse 46. to the end of the Psalme The title is easie these words which spake put for which sung Se. In the day i. at the time from the hand i. from the violent power and raging might and so it is vsed immediatly following of al his enimies he meaneth of the mighty and of the greatest number of thē for Dauid was neuer without enemies this title summarily cōprehendeth the occasion of the making of this Psalm ver 2. My rock this spéech calling God a rock is a metaphor taken from séeking refuge for men are wont for feare of their enemies to go to the rocks or mountayns Mat. 24.16 my fortresse another metaphor meaning that in and by God he might be kept as safely yea more safely from his enemies then in or by the strongest hold in the world my shield another Metaphor because he did as a shield ouershadow and defend him the horne of my saluation saluation here is put for deliuerance and horn put for strēgth or strong meates Another metaphor for euen as horned beasts doe defend themselues with their hornes so Dauid vsed Gods helpe and defence as it were a horne Ver. 3. worthy to be praysed vz. of me and all others that for his wonderful goodnes bestowed vpō vs ver 4. Sorrows of deth i. most gréeuous deadly sorrowes which are therfore called the sorrows of deth because they brought him almost to deaths dore the floods of wickednes i. gret multituds either of wicked deuises or of wicked mē for so I take wickednes to be vsed
their bettering but to their confusion yea to the confusion of their posterity as hee noteth in the next verse the fire vz. sent from heauen as vpon Sodom and Gomorrah or else by fire vnderstande most vehement afflictions which is vsuall also in the Scriptures ver 10. Their fruite i. their children and posterity from the children of men i. from amongst men and their posterity so that when other men and their féed shal florish these wicked ones and their posterity shal decay ver 11. Against thee hee meaneth chiefly God but with al Gods anointed in setting themselues against whom they set themselues against God But they shall not preuaile vz. in their mischieuous intents imaginations for they deale against him that wil ouertake them in their owne euil ver 12. And the strings of the bow vz. with arrows in thē the bow being already bēt sée Psal 7.12 c. ver 13. Be thou exalted O Lorde in thy strength i. shewe thy dignitie and power in helping the king performe some thing that may set out thy might and strength that we may haue occasion to prayse thy power and iustly to say that thou onely art mighty and powerfull Do. Ver. 1. Teacheth wherein kinges shoulde specially glory vz. in Gods strength and not in their owne ver 2.3 c. Declare not only gods goodnes to magistrates but teach them that the more they haue receiued the more carefully they should walke in the obedience of his will ver 3. Teacheth that God doth vs much good before we aske any good thing of him which expresseth his wonderfull mercy ver 4. Teacheth that God sundry times giueth more to his children then they demaund ver 5. Teacheth both wherein the true glory of kings and kingdomes consisteth and also from whom it commeth ver 6. Declareth wherein kinges should take their greatest delight and pleasure vz. in Gods fauour sée Psalm 4.6.7 Ver. 7. Sheweth that the way to haue kinges surely setled in their seate is to trust in God onely and his mercy ver 8. Declareth that none of Gods enemies though they neuer so closely hide themselues shal escape Gods power and iudgements ver 9.10 Declare Gods horrible punishments vpon the wicked and their posterity the Lord punishing the sinnes of vngodly fathers vnto the third and fourth generation ver 11. Teacheth the pride of wicked mens heartes who dare oppose themselues against God it sheweth also that all the counsels and purposes of the wicked shalbée frustrate ver 12. Sheweth that the vngodly shal not escape vnpunished ver 13. Teacheth vs by praier to commend Gods cause and his owne glory into his owne hands which when he hath once made manifest it teacheth vs further to praise him therefore Psalme 22. IT should appeare that when Dauid made this Psalme Di. hee was in wonderfull perplexitie and distresse which maketh him so confused in his wordes sometimes complaining that hee was forsaken sometimes setting out his owne misery sometimes praying for deliuerance sometimes describing the naughtines of wicked men sometimes incouraging himselfe and others to thankfulnes c. So that hardly it can be wel deuided notwithstanding me thinketh it comprehendeth those parts first he setteth out his owne miserie and describeth at large the wicked mens dealing against him from ver 1. vnto the .8 In the second hee praieth deliuerance promising himselfe and prouoking others to prayse the Lord for that his mercy from ver 19. to the end of the Psalme Some thing is in this title which is not in others going before Se. as vppon Aijeleth Hashahar which though some thinke to be the beginning of some cōmon tune according to which this Psalme was song and may well stand so wherof somewhat hath béen said in the title of Psal 7. Yet I take it otherwise interpreting the Hebrew words in or at the dauning of the day notwithstanding I know some interpret thē the hind of the morning at which time it may appeare that the priests and Leuits did sing Psalmes sée 1. Chron. 9.33 also 1. Chron. 23.29.30 And compare these two places together ver 1. My God my God diuers parts of this Psalme are applyed to Christ in the newe Testament and namely amongst the rest the first part of this verse in that hee sayth my God c. he declareth his faith why hast thou forsaken mee not that God doth euer forsake his but that it seemeth vnto thē when aide is delaied Christ vseth the same words but he vttereth it in respect of the weaknes of his humanity yet without sinne from mine health he meaneth it not so much of any bodily sicknes he was in as that God seemed to be far off from deliuering him frō his particular griefs wherof he speaketh in this Psalm the words of my roaring i. from words that I vtter with wonderful outcries by reason of the great griefe I am in ver 2. I cry i. I pray earnestly both day night yea I cease not but thou hearest not i. grantest not my petitions so forth in the rest of the verse ver 3. But thou art holy vz. in al thy waies and works remaining alwaies like vnto thy self q. d though my praiers be not heard yet thou art good the fault is in me not in thée The praises of Israel i. the place where the people of Israel sing prayses vnto thée meaning either Sion or some other place where the arke and Tabernacle was ver 5. Called vpon thée i. in faith prayed vnto thée meaning that séeing so often as they called vpon him trusted in him they were heard deliuered he marueiled much why he calling vpō him trusting in him should not be graciously heard likewise ver 6. But I am a worme i. I am accounted as a thing of no value or price not a man vz. in the iudgment of the wicked he meaneth by these two spéeches that he was cast down below al men as it were cut off from the number of beasts so much wēt they about to debase him a shame of men i. one whome men are ashamed of to behold and the contempt of the people i. such a one as al the people and the basest amongst them contemne and despise sée Iob. 30.9.10 c. Ver. 7. By making a mowe and nodding the head the Prophet vnderstandeth all the gestures that the vngodly vse in scoffing and deriding gods people sée Mat. 27.39 Ver. 8. Are the wordes of the wicked q.d. where is the God vpon which he stayed himselfe let him saue him i. deliuer him out of our handes seeing hée loueth him i. séeing God beareth a good wil towards him as hee sayth q.d. hée thinketh God loueth him but because he doeth not deliuer him he loueth him not at all Satan hath no dart more deadly then this when hee goeth about by himselfe and his instruments to spoile vs of the hope wee haue in god turning al gods promises into mockerie ver 9. But thou c.
thing that the faythfull must cleaue vnto verse 7. Our sinnes must bée confessed and pardon thereof earnestly prayde for verse 8. God calleth all to repentaunce and amendment ver 9. In those in whome God beginneth good things he will go forward with them vnto the end ver 10. God is gracious and faythfull vnto those that walke in the obedience of his law ver 11. The greater our sinnes be the more néede we haue of mercye and to come to the Lord by prayer for the healing thereof ver 12. God will adde blessing vpon blessing and knowledge vpon knowledge to those that loue and feare him ver 13. Yea the Lord will heape all manner of temporall blessings vpon him ver 14. is the same which verse 12. ver 15. We must continuallye wayte vpon the Lord and be certainly assured that he will deliuer vs from danger ver 16. The more we are destitute of all worldly helpes the more néede haue we to come to the Lord and to learne to hang vpon him alone verse 18. Prayer for remission of all sinnes is commended vnto vs Sée Hosea 14.2 ver 22. We should faythfully remember in our Prayers the state of Gods Church Psalme 26. THis Psalme hath two principal partes In the first Di. he setteth out his innocency towards Saule declaring that he was so farre off from working wickednesse that he coulde not abyde wicked mens company from ver 1. to the end of the 5. In the second part he setteth out his loue to Gods workes word promising thanks for Gods goodnes towards him from ver 6. to the end of the Psalme The title is expounded before Ver. 1. Se. Iudge me i. take knowledge of my cause and declare thy selfe to be my defender agaynst the slaunders of mine enimies in mine innocency i. innocently and without doing hurt vz. to Saule or these my enimies that pursue me without cause as Psal 7.5 Psal 15.3 not slide vz. from that stedfast hope that I haue that God will defend me and my iust cause Ver. 2. Proue me vz. to know my innocency and that I am vniustly accused q.d. I desired thée before to be my iudge and now I willinglye offer the same and trie me vz. whether there be any malice in me towards Saule sée Psal 7.8 Psal 17.3 examine vz. euen as goldsmiths doe their moste fine Golde for it is a metaphor taken from them my reines and my hart i. my inward affections and thoughts as Psal 7.9 Ver. 3. Mine eyes vz. of my minde and soule haue I walked in thy truth i. lead such a conuersation as thy truth requireth meaning by truth Gods word because it alone comprehēdeth all truth Ver. 4. with vayne persons i. wicked and vngodly men whiche is a good place also to proue vanity to be taken sometimes for wickednesse as before Psal 24.4 Ver. 5. of the euill vz. men meaning such as accustome themselues to worke euill and to hurt others ver 6. I will wash my handes in innocency i. I will indeuour to liue most vprightly and purelye towardes thée and before men sée Iob. 9.30 and compasse thine altar i. offer aboundāce of sacrifices vnto thée giuing here two excellent testimonies of his vprighte dealing one good behauiour towards men and the other sincere seruice of God ver 7. that I may declare vz. thy goodnesse towards me and my obedience towards thée ver 8. The habitation of thy house i. euen the very place where thy arke resteth which séemeth to be as it were thy house because of thy continuall abode and presence there meaning that if he loued the place so wel he loued the people and the exercises better and the Lord best of all and the place where thy honor dwelleth this is nothing but a repetition of that which goeth before meaning by Gods honour his arke before which he was honoured vnlesse we would expound it thus that we should by place vnderstand the Arke and by honor Gods maiestie and honour manifested there ver 9. gather not my soule with the sinners i. when thou punishest the vngodly destroy not me with them vnderstanding by sinners notorious sinners as before psa 1.5 with the bloody men i. them that giue themselues to crueltie murther bloodshed sée Psal 5.6 Ver. 10. In whose handes is wickednesse q.d. whatsoeuer they doe is wickednesse and their right hand is full of bribes i. they are most ready for the right hande is commonlye more nimble then the other for their owne gayne sake by bribery or otherwise to commit all naughtinesse ver 11. I will walke i. behaue my selfe in my innocency i. innocentlye without hurt sée ver 1. of this Psalme redéeme me vz. from those slaunderous spéeches and dangers that I séeme subiect vnto ver 12. amend thus my foote standing vpon playne ground i. when I shall be brought to a more sure safe condition for in plaine ground there is sure footing in the congregations vz. of thy people and saints assembled to praise thée Do. Ver. 1. Whosoeuer trusteth in the Lord shal not be confounded ver 3. Gods goodnesse toward vs should restrain vs from doing euil to others ver 4.5 Euil company is perilous and therefore would be auoyded as Psal 1.1 Ver. 6. Good dealing towards men and zealous seruice of God must continuallye bée professed practised by his children ver 8. The place where God is serued and the exexcises of his religion must be carefully frequēted ver 9. It is a good way to shun the punishments which light vpon the vngodly to auoyde their company and naughtinesse ver 10. is a liuely description of the peruersenesse and naughtines of vngodly people ver 12. instructeth vs to bee thankfull to God and that openly before men for his benefits bestowed vpon vs. Psalme 27. Di. THis Psalme hath two special parts In the first part the Prophet setteth out the strong fayth and confidence that hée had in God assuring himselfe that God would deliuer him out of all his dangers from ver 1. to the end of the sixt In the second part he prayeth the Lord still to shewe himselfe fauourable and gracious vnto him in deliuering him frō the force and power of all his enemies from verse 7. to the end of the Psalme Se. The Title is expounded already Ver. 1. my light i. he from whome alone I haue in al things good successe and felicity and my saluation i. hee that deliuereth me from al daungers vsing light and saluation the things themselues for deliuerance from afflictions which in the scriptures are many times ment by darknes and al sorts of dangers whom shal I feare q.d. none for by such interrogations the Hebrues doe wonderfully deny the strength of my life i. the vpholder maintainer therof bringing good things to it and putting euil things back frō it for that is the vse of strength in the body ver 2. Came vpon me vz. with violent cruel minds to eat vp my flesh i. most
care and conscience diligently to instruct others ver 9. Beware of stubbornes in sinne for besides that it maketh men brutish it draweth Gods iudgement vpon them ver 10. The vnlikely rewarde of the wicked and the vngodly from the Lord. ver 11. Exhortation yea euen to those that haue made good procéedings in godlines is very necessary Psalme 33 THis Psalme hath two special parts Di. In the first the Prophet exhorteth good people to be thankful shewing sundry causes that shoulde moue them thereto as his power prouidence faithful performaunce of his promises and such like from ver 1. to the end of the 11. In the seconde hee sheweth that all thinges in respect of God bee as nothing shewing what a fatherly care that great God hath continually ouer his children and praying also the continuance and increase thereof from ver 12. to the end of the Psal This Psalme hath no title such a one is Psalm 10. Ver. 1. Se. In the Lorde sée Psal 32.11 it becommeth this is a reason to induce praises to God set from their duty vpright men sée Psal 32.11 to be thankeful vz. to God for all his benefits ver 2. instruments of tenne strings the proper name of this instrument is not expressed but it should séeme to be very melodious by reason of the number of strings ver 3. A new song i. not a common song but a very rare and exquisite one chearefully for such countenances the Lord loueth in his seruice ver 4. Al his workes i. whatsoeuer he doth are faithful i. true firme in respect of him from whom they come and profitable vnto vs. ver 5 He loueth i. he so fauoureth that he performeth righteousnes and iudgment I make this difference in this place betwéene these two termes that righteousnes should be referred to the good people vnderstanding thereby faythfull performance of all his promises made to them and iudgement to the vngodly meaning the punishments that he will powre forth vppon them and yet which I thinke also wil not be a misse for this place in consideration that iudgement consisteth of two partes vz. of acquiting and clearing the intent and of condemning the guilty it may be referred to the faithful also is full i. hath wonderfull plenty of the testimonies and tokens of Gods mercy ver 6. Worde of the Lord i. his commandement or effectuall speach as Psal 148.5 Heauens i. not onely heauens but the earth and al creatures whatsoeuer some creatures or a part of the workemanship for the whole and al the host of them if you referre it to the heauens alone he meaneth Sunne Moone Starres c. but if you referre it to the whole worke of creation hee meaneth then all the seuerall creatures the breath of his mouth i. by his word only sée Iob. 15.30 ver 7. He gathereth i. he hath sundred them appointed them their place as appeareth Gene. 1.9 and euer since hath as it were kept them in that compasse and so wil do of all which hee speaketh in the present tense the depth i. the waters that séeme to haue no bottome in his treasures i. hee hath shut vp the depths to be kept in a certaine place euen as it were his treasures or amongst other his treasures ver 8. Al the earth i. al the people of the earth by Metonymia ver 9. He spake c. q.d. he did with a becke as a man would say create al things sée ver 6. of this Psalm It was done i. al the worke of his creation and it stood vz. firme sure and vnmoueable ver 11. the counsell of the Lord i. whatsoeuer he hath purposed and decreed stand vz. sure and stedfast yea neuer to be ouerthrowne the thoughts of his heart the prophet speaketh herof God according to men and as they are able to conceiue of him ver 12. Blessed is that nation q.d. seeing it is so that man can do nothing and God is all in all O blessed are that people that hath the Lord for their God that is for their iudge and gouernor ver 13. All the children of men i. all men whatsoeuer and not only their persons but their deeds and workes as ver 15. ver 14. from the habitation of his dwelling i. from heauen as 1. king 8.30.43 ver 15. He fashioneth i. he not only made but now directeth and disposeth their harts and the thoughts of the same ver 16. Is not saued i. deliuered from danger or getteth the victory by the multitude of an host i. by an host consisting of very many people deliuered vz. from the danger and power of his enemies by great strength vz. of himselfe or others for him teaching that all is done and gouerned by the Lord. ver 17. A horse is a vaine helpe q.d. a horse can not helpe And we may vnderstand by horse al aide succour that man can haue deliuer any vz. that rideth vpon him by his great strength i. by any thing that is in him courage swiftnes c. sée Iob. 39.22.23 c. ver 18. The eye of the Lord i. his fauourable countenance and goodnes is yea and shal be continually ver 19. Their soules i. their liues from death i. from all manner of daunger and destruction that might bring death with it and to preserue i. féede and norish them aliue as he did Elijah by rauens in famine i. in the tyme when other people shall be oppressed with great want ver 20. Our soule i. our whole life and being our inward and our outward man wayteth for the Lord i. patiently taryeth the Lord and his leasure q.d. séeing God doth thus and thus for his children as he had declared before ver 18.19 This is it that we do and will do al the daies of our life trust in him with patience Our helpe i. he that helpeth vs and our shield sée Psal 3.30 Psal 11.2 Ver. 28. Our heart a principal part for God specially regardeth the heart put for the whole man q.d. we will reioyce c. in his holy name i. in his vertue power and grace as Psal 29.1 And God is called holye because there is nothing in him but holines nay hée can not away with wickednes Psal 5.4.5 Ver. 22. As wee trust in thee vz. that thou wilt shewe vs mercy not meaning that they woulde haue no more mercy shewed them then they had trust Ver. 1. The consideration of the duety we owe to God Do. should stirre vs vp to thankfulnes ver 3. God loueth chearfulnes in all the exercises that are to bee performed towardes him ver 4. Whatsoeuer God doeth is righteous good and therefore they are to blame that will dislike of his doings ver 5. God giueth plentiful testimonies of his mercy to the ende hee might thereby prouoke men to continual thankfulnes ver 6. Confirmeth this article of our faith God is the maker of heauen and earth ver 7. Gods prouidence guideth al his creatures and namely and particularly the Seas and great
liue peaceably with al men as Rom. 12.18 And followe after it vz. if thou sée it going away q.d. vse all the meanes thou canst to entertaine and vphold it yea pursue it and that with egernes rather then lose it or depart from it ver 15. Hee speaketh of God according to man vnderstanding by eies fauor and goodnes and by eares the ready inclination in God to heare the prayers of his vppon the righteous vz. for their good that so he may graciously prouide for them their cry i. their earnest prayer ver 17. sée ver 6. of this Psal Ver. 18. the Lord is neere vz. by his maiesty power and helpe either in respect of himself or else by his creatures which he hath at commandement by contrite heart and afflicted in spirite the Prophet meaneth all one thing vz. them that be ouerwhelmed with euil and as it were in extremity so that they are in a manner killed as it were with the greatnes of their calamity and are at the point of yéelding vp their life in whō notwithstanding these afflictions worke that they are not of a lofty minde either against God or man but humble rather and lowly sée Psal 51. ver 17. Saue such i. deliuer them out of their dangers and in fine bring them to eternal blessednes ver 20. Hée kéepeth all his bones i. God defendeth his in part and in whole for by bones which are a part of man he meaneth the whole man not one of them is broken vz. without Gods will as Mat. 10.29.30 Meaning by broken hurt or perished howe litle soeuer it bee ver 21. But malice or mischiefe rather that they haue done against God and his children or as Immanuel readeth affliction vz. sent from the Lord which I very wel like of for as he had shewed in the other verse Gods care ouer his so here hee sheweth his iudgements against the wicked and so it is an amplification by the cōtrary ver 22. Redéemeth i. from death and al dangers the soules i. the liues Do. Ver. 1. Because Gods goodnes is continuall our thankes should be continuall ver 2. Gods goodnes towards vs and our thankfulnes to God should bée meanes to draw on others to a spiritual ioy ver 3. It is good to exhort one an other to holy duties and to ioy all together in the exercises of Gods seruice ver 4. God graciously heareth his childrens prayers and mercifully deliuereth them out of their daungers ver 5.6 Gods mercy to some one of his children should be not only a spurre to prouoke the rest to came to the Lord but an argument of assured hope that they shall obteine and receiue deliueraunce at Gods hands ver 7. The vnspeakeable goodnes of God appeareth in that that not onely hee himselfe watcheth ouer vs which is all in all but for the strengthning of our faith giueth vs a gard of Angels ver 8. Trust in God is the meane to true blessednes ver 9. All good thinges belong to those that sincerely serue the Lord. ver 10. Gods children are many degrées in better case then the wicked and vngodly ver 11. Wee are to teach others according to the measure of giftes that wee haue receiued ver 13. The tongue lippes and wordes must bee rightly gouerned and all subtilty must bee auoyded ver 14. All euill must bee shunned and all good performed and namely a peaceable and quiet conuersation must bee pursued ver 15.18 Expresse Gods careful prouidence and watching ouer his children ver 16.21 Set out his iudgements against the vngodly ver 17 God graciously heareth the praiers of his seruantes ver 19. Though this be the portion of Gods children to suffer many afflictions yet they néed not to be discouraged for God standeth by them to deliuer them out of all ver 20. Expresseth Gods prouidence ouer his ver 22. The way to auoyd al dangers is stedfast trust in the Lord. Psalme 35 Di. THis Psalme specially propoundeth two things first the prayer that the Prophet made against his enemies declaring what good shall come thereby both to himselfe and others ver 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.17.18.19.22.23.24.25.26.27.28 Secondly a discription of the malicious and harde hearted nature of the wicked men who neither for the misery that the Prophet was in nor for the kindnes hee had shewed them would pity his case but proceeded notwithstanding to al maner of outrage against him ver 11.12.13.14.15.16.20.21 Se. The title is expounded before ver 1. He prayeth the Lord to defend him and his cause against those that pursued him euen to death as it were ver 2. Lay hand vppon thy shielde hee speaketh to God as though hee were a mighty warrier or captaine for mine helpe i. to defend and helpe me ver 3. Stop the way i. let myne enemies that they rush not in vppon me to doe mee outrage Say vnto my soule i. make me to féele inwardly by the mighty working of thy grace saluation sée Psal 3.8 Ver. 4. After my soule i. life vz. to take it away let them be turned backe as men that are discomfited in the battaile and haue an ouerthrowe Hee continueth in his metaphor taken from warre and vsed before ver 2.3 Ver. 5. As chaffe sée Psalm 1.4 Hee meaneth that hee woulde haue them flée and bée like to chaffe which can remaine in no place safe and steadie by reason of the wynde The Angel sée Psal 34.7 For as God vseth his Angels in the defence of his seruauntes so hee doeth exercise his iudgements against the wicked by their ministery scatter them i. their persons and their mischieuous practises ver 6. Let their way vz. wherein they shoulde walke and by which they would thinke to escape bee darke so that they may not sée which way safly to flée and slippery that they may not quickely and with speede flie away thinking to escape the Angel of the Lorde sée ver 5. of this Psalme persecute them i. pursue them with grieuous punishments from thée for persecute is not here taken in the il part as vsing a tyrannie against them ver 7. Without cause vz. on my behalfe the pit vz. which they dig to make me fal into And their nets vz. which they laid to snare and catch me withal sée Psal 7.15 Psal 10.9 for me i. to catch mee in for my soule i. life vz. that they might take it away ver 8. Vppon him either it is the singular number for the plural this being a sodain change of the number or else by one that was chiefe amongst them hee vnderstandeth all the rest into the same destruction sée Psal 7.15.16 Ver. 9. My soule i. my heart and mynde and all that is within mee Psal 103.1 In his saluation i. in the deliuerance that hee worketh for me and mine sée Psal 3.8 Ver. 10. All my bones a part of the body for the whole as Psal 34.20 He had sayd before that in the inward man now hee sayth that in the outward man also hee will be ioyful in
thrée partes Di. In the first the Prophet describeth the maliciousnes dissēbling cursed speach and other great wickednes of the vngodly from Ver. 1. to the ende of the 4. In the second he setteth out Gods great mercy and goodnes towards all but chiefely towards his children that from ver 5. to the end of the 9. In the third hee prayeth for the continuance of Gods goodnes towards his children and the ouerthrow of the wicked foretelling their destruction from Ver. 10. to the end of the Psalm The title is expounded before Psal 4. and Psal 18. Ver. 1. Se. Wickednes i. that heape of wickednes which the vngodly man committeth saith to the wicked man i. telleth him and others as wel as him euen in my heart i. my hart and confidence also bearing me record of this and this would be read by a parenthisis that there is no feare of God before his eies i. that hee feareth not the Lord in any thing he doth q.d. by the wickednesses which the vngodly cōmit I iudge verely that hee hath not any feare of God at all and that though sometimes he labour to come and disguise his vngodlines yet I sée it so plainly that me thinketh I heare it speake Ver. 2. For he flattereth himselfe i. alloweth and liketh yea praiseth himselfe in his own eies i. in his owne iudgement or else in the things that he doth vsing the eies which serue as directors in the performance of thinges for thinges performed in both these senses you haue the word eies vsed sundry times in scripture While i. whereas in the meane season worthy to be hated vz. for the greatnes and notoriousnes therof Ver. 3. Are iniquity and deceit i. instruments and meanes to performe iniquity and deceite hee hath left off to vnderstand i. hee burieth that light of knowledge and iudgment that he hath and to do good i. he ceaseth from doing of such good things as before in hypocrisie he performed Ver. 4. He imagineth mischiefe vpon his bed i. he is so sharp set vppon wickednes that hee spareth not to breake his sléepe to deuise of it He setteth himselfe vz. both in his counsel and practise q.d. he indeuoureth by all the meanes he can to do euil yea though it be neuer so notorious Vpon a way i. vpon a course of life and practises in the same Ver. 5. He hursteth forth into the commendation of gods goodnes faithfulnes righteousnes and iudgments which he commendeth for the excellency depth infinitnes and vprightnes thereof that notwithstanding all thinges were so disordered amongst the wicked as hee had before reiected yet still God remained alwaies like to himselfe Thy mercy i. the goodnes kindnes that thou shewest to all reacheth vnto the heauens i. is as high as the heauens so that if the vngodly would think they could stop it from others it is no more possible for them then to reach to the heauens and thy faithfulnes vz. which thou vsest in performing thy promises vnto the cloudes expound this vnto the heauens as in the first part of this verse Ver. 6. Thy righteousnes vz. which thou exercisest towards al both good and bad giuing vnto euery man that which is due vnto them is like the mighty mountaines i. stable firme cannot be altered or else thus is excellent and praise worthy as all things that come from thée are Thy iudgements vz. which thou executest vpon all the earth and namely vppon the vngodly route is like a great déepe i. are vnsearchable and beyond the reach and compas of mans wit as a depth without bottome can not be found sée Rom. 11.33 Doest saue i. thou stretchest out thy prouidence not onely ouer men but ouer beasts and doest deliuer them al in dangers distresses sée 1. Tim. 4.10 Ver. 7. Children of men i. men and their race or posterity Trust vnder the shadow of thy wings vz. to find comfort ease and reliefe by shadow of Gods wings he vnderstandeth Gods protection and defence alluding as it shoulde séeme to yong chickens that when the kyte houereth ouer them commit themselues to the defence of the hens wings by shrowding themselues vnder them sée Psal 17.8 Ver. 8. They i. the godly with the fatnesse i. the plentye and abundaunce of thine house i. of thy tabernacle he putteth one benefite which was a most euident signe of Gods fauor for all his blessings meaning that they should be filled with the abundance of al good things that were reserued did appertaine to gods children that did hang wholy vpon him out of the riuer of thy pleasures i. out of those pleasures which come most plentifully from thée as from a riuer that neuer will be dry all this verse is allegorical vnderstanding by satisfiyng fatnes drinking pleasures and such like abundance of al graces both bodily and spiritual Ver. 9. With thée i. in thy power so that also thou doest cōmunicate it vnto others and yet hast not the lesse thy sefe The well of life i. ful and perfection of life so that wee sée that without him there is nothing but death and he speaketh not here only of naturall life but also of a spiritual life and eternal life else where in thy light vz. which thou bestowest vppon vs of knowledge and vnderstanding shal we sée light men then are altogether blind if they be not lightned by this light Ver. 10. Know thée vz. by the light of thy word and the assured testimony of thy spirit vpright in heart sée Psal 32.11 Ver. 11. Féete of pride i. the power and force of proude men who are wont to tread al vnder their féete in contempt putting a part of a man for the whole and pride it selfe being a quality for a proud person come against me i. preuaile ouer me the hand i. the power force moue me vz. from that stayednes and stedfastnes that I haue in thée Ver. 12. Shal not be able to rise vz. for al their force and power by which speach also he noteth that their fall shall be without al hope of recouery Ver. 1. Do. Wickednes performed thrusteth men forwarde from one wickednes to another euen to shake off al feare of God it is therefore good to withstand the beginnings of euil Ver. 2. Vngodly mē flatter themselues in their sin and the things that they do calling good euil euil good also it teacheth that we should hate sinne in our selues and others Ver. 9. The vngodly are full of hipocrisie they darken the light of knowledge that they haue and are straungers from weldoings Ver. 4. The vngodly spare no paine to performe wickednes Ver. 5.6.7 Teach that it shal be good for vs often to meditate vppon his mercy to keepe vs from dispaire vpon his faithfulnes to strengthen our hope and faith in him vpō his righteousnes to prouoke vs to weldoing vpō his iudgemēts to discourage vs from euil Ver. 6. Teacheth vs to bridle our curiosity séeing Gods iudgments are
a straunger another reason brought to moue God to mercy taken from his miserable estate sée 1. Chron. 29.5 Psal 119.19 where you shall haue almost the same wordes as all my Fathers he meaneth of the faythfull and godly The sence of this verse is q.d. Hearken O Lord vnto my prayers by which I pray thée that I may be deliuered from this great gréefe wherein I am I aske this at thy hands not that I am very desirous of this life but because I féele my selfe vnable of my selfe to abide such torments for I am with thée or before thée or thou being witnesse of the matter a straunger on the earth neither doe I acknowledge my countrie to be here wherein I follow my Fathers Abraham Isaac Iaakob c. who because they tended towards thée were not taken with this Worlde wherein they were conuersant but vsed themselues as straungers in another countrie hauing alwayes a minde to their home Ver. 13. From me i. from plaguing me so gréeuously my strength vz. decayed and as it were consumed thorow gréefe and vexation before I go hence vz. out of this world meaning before I dye and be not vz. aliue here on the earth amongst men Do. Ver. 1. It is good to striue to the brideling of our spéech speciallye in the presence of the wicked who will insult ouer vs if we slippe in our wordes Ver. 2. It is a hard matter to abstaine from extremities for if we are not too muche giuen to babling we be ouerflow tongued to good thinges Ver. 3. Impaciencye must be fought vgainst ver 4. Curiositie striuing to know that which doth not appertain to vs must be brideled ver 5.6 Describe the vanity shortnes of mans life and the vncertainty of his actions ver 7. God only is to be trusted vnto Ver. 8. Prayer for deliueraunce from sinne punishments due thereto would be often made Ver. 9. We should be well content with whatsoeuer God doeth Ver. 10. We are not able to indure the least of Gods punishments ver 11. Setteth out two things Gods iustice in correcting and mans sinne that pulleth correction and punishment from God Ver. 12. God in tyme of greatest affliction must be most earnestly and hartily called vpon Ver 13. If God with-holde not his wrath we shall all be consumed for our sinnes Psalme 40. THis Psalme may be deuided into thrée parts Di. In the first the Prophet declareth what great mercies the Lord had shewed to him and what he will doe for them that trust in him from verse 1. to the end of the fourth In the second he sheweth the infinitenesse of Gods workes and his owne readinesse to serue the Lorde shewing howe he had published Gods goodnes and mercy from ver 5. to the end of the tenth In the third part he prayeth for his owne deliueraunce wishing also as the ouerthrow of the vngodly so the prosperity of the good and faithful ones from ver 11. to the end of the Chapter The title is expounded before ver 1. For the Lord i. for him Se. and for help frō him inclined to me i. shewed himself fauourable as they do that bow towards one Ver. 2. Horrible pit i. pit full of feare and horror meaning by that spéech most fearefull and great daungers mirie clay by these wordes he noteth both the greatnesse of his daunger and the continuance therein by the name claye which is both weighty and also wil cleaue fast to sée Psalme 69.2 Set my féete vpon the Rock i. hath placed me where I may be safe from al iniurie meaning a most safe place ordered my goings vz. in such sorte that I am sure from stumbling or falling Verse 3. Hath put into my mouth i. hath giuen mee an occasion a new song of praise i. newly to sing a song of praise vnto him or take new song for a singular and exquisite song sée Psalme 33.3 Many shall sée it i. many shall know the benefites that God hath bestowed on me and feare vz. God the giuer thereof Ver. 4. Maketh the Lord his trust i. that trusteth in him regardeth not i. maketh little or no account of sée Psalme 15.4 as thorow their force to be brought to feare them more then God the proude vz. those that boast themselues of the things they haue turne aside vz. from the truth to lies i. lying imaginations as before Psalme 4.2 Verse 5. He ascrybeth to Gods workes not only wonderfulnes but innumerablenesse in respecte of man count in order no nor yet out of order because they are incomprehensible and infinit to thée vz. or before thée that art the only dealer therein thy thoughts this the Prophet attributeth to God that thereby he might the more easily set out Gods wonderfull affection and loue towardes vs and ouer vs. Ver. 6. Sacrifice and offring betwéene these two words I make this difference that Sacrifice respecteth sinne offrings and the other voluntarye and fréewill offrings meaning by these two all other kinds whatsoeuer thou diddest not desire vz. in respect of obedience as 1. Samuel 15.22 for otherwise God regardeth them as parts and péeces of his seruice which he himselfe prescribed but when hipocrites by cold ceremonies would thinke to appease god without true godlinesse then doth the Lord reiect them as Psalme 50.8.9 c. for mine eares hast thou prepared or as Immanuel readeth hast thou boare◠through If you take the Geneua Text there the note is good if you followe Immanuel then he meaneth acceptation and taking of him to be his faithfull seruaunt this is applyed to Christ Heb. 10.5 Verse 7. Then sayde I lo I come vz. readilye and willingly when I vnderstoode thy will in the roales of thy booke i. in the law and this he speaketh according to the Iewes both in time heretofore and at this day who writ in parchment or paper and afterwardes role them vp because they will longer last roaled then folded written of mee i. concerning mée Verse 8. Thy Lawe is within my harte i. I doe earnestlye and from the bottome of my hart reuerence imbrace and loue thy lawe sée Philip. 1.8 Verse 9. Thy righteousnesse i. howe iust and good thou art in the performaunce of thy promises Refrayne my lippes vz. from declaring that O Lord thou knowest vz. that this is true that I speake and that I vtter it from my hart Verse 10. Is verye well expounded in the Geneua note Verse 11. He beséecheth the Lord to shewe his mercye and truth towards him and to make him by effects to féele the same Verse 12. Conteyneth a reason why the Lord should shew him mercy because hee is in suche great affliction haue compassed mée vz. on euery side within and without my sinnes i. both my sinnes and the punishmentes that lye vppon mée for the same sée Psalme 32.4 Psalme 38.2.3.4 and hée meaneth by that whiche followeth that they pressed him so downe that hée was not able to lift vp his heade or as a man
vz appoynted or made readie for the slaughter Verse 23. Vp why sléepest thou in these verses following they praye God to haue pitie vpon them and to giue them succoure when God for a time giueth vs ouer to the lust of the wicked hee séemeth to sléepe as it were not that hée doth so as appeareth Psalme 121.4 but it is spoken of God after the maner of men Ver. 24. Thy face as those are wont to do that loath to behold any in great calamitie and affliction and by face he meaneth fauour and goodnesse forgettest i. makest as though thou hadst no care or regarde of our miserie and affliction and of vs that are oppressed therewith Ver. 25. For our soule i. the whole man but chéefely the life is beaten downe vnto the dust i. is in wonderfull daunger and almost past hope of recouery as they are that are returning into dust out of which they were taken our bellye cleaueth vnto the ground vz. like those that are ouerthrowne by their enimies in fight and are so cast down flat euen vppon their faces that there is no hope as it were of their rising againe because they séeme to be as a man would say glued to the earth Ver. 26. For our succour i. to helpe and succour vs and redéeme vs vz. from the bondage and captiuity wherein we are Ver. 1. It is good for Ancestors to declare to their posterity and for the posterity to marke Gods works diligently declared vnto them shewing out either his power or his mercy Ver. 2. Declareth that God is al in all either in the ouerthrow of his enemies or in the vpholding of his children Ver. 3. It is not any worldly force or meanes though they may be vsed but yet without trust in them but God alone that performeth whatsoeuer pleaseth him Ver. 4. Wée must pray for the Church Ver. 5. Gods power is the Buckler that the faythful haue to trust to for their owne defence for the discomfiture of their enimies Ver. 6. Trust must not be reposed in any outward thing Verse 7. God alone is the worker of our deliueraunces Ver. 8. And he onely must bee praysed therefore and that continually Ver. 9. God many times leaueth his children for a while to the end that he may come to them agayne in greater mercye also if God guide not the armie all is nothing Ver. 10. Fainthartednesse on the one side and courage and stomacke on the other side is from God Ver. 11.12.13.14 tende all to one end vz. to set out the poore and miserable estate wherein Gods people are many times Ver. 15.16 Teacheth vs that it is no small gréefe to Gods children to heare the wordes and to sée and féele the déedes of the vngodly Ver. 17. teacheth that though there be sinne in Gods children why they should be punished yet God doeth not alwayes punishe them for their sinne Ver. 18. and 19. Teache vs that no affliction should make vs shrinke or fall away from God but rather that our afflictions should draw vs more nigh vnto him Ver. 20.21 Teach that we should not haue recourse for succour to any but to God alone If we doe that God beholdeth that and all other our wickednes in good time to punish it Ver. 22. It is good to suffer for wel doing Ver 23.24 Teach vs not only to pray to God in our miseries but to be earnest with him not to leaue off til we haue obtained Ver. 25. Sheweth that the more our miseries are the more néede we haue to repaire to God yea euen then when they séeme to be past hope of recouery Ver. 26. In our prayers we must only looke vpon Gods mercy and nothing at all in our selues Psalme 45. Di. THis Psalme maye be deuided into two especiall partes In the first is set out the beautye strength glorye power Iustice magnificence and mariage of Salomon from Verse 1. to the ende of the ninth In the seconde is contained an admonition to Salomons wife with great promises to bée performed if she kéepe the matters propounded to her from verse 10. to the end of the Psalme Se. The title is to him that excelleth this is expounded before on Shoshannim whiche was an Instrument amongest the Iewes and had sixe stringes vpon it for the worde is deriued from another Hebrue worde which signifyeth sixe as Kimcho sheweth a Song of loue this is well expounded in the Geneua Bible all that followeth in the Title is expounded before Psal 32. and Psal 42 This one thing I woulde haue noted though Dauids name bee not here expressed yet it is very likely that hee was the Author thereof In déede it is not put downe before many Psalmes and namely Psal 2. and Psal 66. and yet the holy ghost Acts. 4.25 ascribeth it to Dauid Ver. 1. Wil vtter forth vz. by the instrument of my tongue and penne A good matter i. an excellent and profitable thing excellent in respect of the party whom it treateth of and profitable in regard of the people whom he shall rule ouer in my works i. in these verses following which he calleth woorkes in the plurall number not for the greatnes but for the exquisitnes of them My tongue is as the pen of a swift writer he meaneth that his tongue shal be most swift q.d. I wil most readily vtter these things that I haue in my mind and my tongue shall no lesse readily expresse the prayses of the king then hee that is most skilfull in writing writeth with a pen. Ver. 2. Thou art fairer here he beginneth to praise Salomon and in these wordes hee praiseth him for his beautie and comlinesse which he sayth was more excellent in him then in any other person whatsoeuer for so much he meaneth by children of men grace i. words that obteine grace and fauour from men is powred in thy lippes i. is plentifull and as it were ouerflowing in thy mouth and in these wordes he commendeth his eloquence blessed thée vz. with abundance of excellent giftes for euer this must be vnderstood of Salomon but it must haue his true verification in Christ and that that I put down here must be vnderstood throughout the whole Psalm Ver. 3 gird thy sword i. take vnto thée thy authority hee putteth the signe of authority as the Apostle also doth Rom. 13. for authority it selfe for kings obteine great praise if they rightly vse the sword and when hee sayth vpon thy thigh hée alludeth to the fashion that was common among the Iewes then and is at this day vsed among the Turkes who hang their swoordes so that it lyeth vpon the thigh and hangeth not on the side as ours doe which thing also we our selues performe though not in swordes yet in skeanes hangers wood-kniues c. To wit thy worship and thy glory here hee more plainely sheweth what hee ment by swoord vz. his great and excellent authority which hee should make more famous by vsing it well Ver. 4. Amende
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
wicked into the pit of corruption i. into the graue meaning thereby death putting that which followeth death vz. the graue and buriall for death it selfe the blody and deceitfull men i. the cruell and crafty persons shall not liue halfe their dayes Albeit this doth not commonly fall out as is declared Iob. 21.7 Yet we finde it true in many particular examples and when hee sayth halfe their dayes hee meaneth not as these yeeres are numbred to them from God for wee knowe they can not passe thē but this hee will that they shall not liue halfe so long as they themselues imagined they shoulde because in Gods iustice they shal bee taken away for their sinnes and hee vseth this worde dayes for yeeres an vsuall speach in scripture because the yere and yeeres consist of dayes sée for this purpose the inscription of the Prophets prophecies and namely Isaiah 1.1 Hosea 1.1 but I wil trust in thee q.d. whatsoeuer fal out vpon the wicked I wil alwaies in a stedfast faith cleaue vnto thée and thy goodnes Do. Ver. 1.2 Teach vs two things first in our distresses to come to God by praier and next to vse feruency and earnestnes therein Ver. 3.4.5 Teach vs that the mischieuous mindes of the vngodly and our owne fearefull state and condition should be continuall spurres in our sides to prouoke vs to earnest prayer Ver. 6.7.8 Teach vs sundry times to giue place to the violence and rage of our enemies and that with some hast and spéede also lest otherwise wee bée ouertaken and preuented Ver. 9. Teacheth that wee may sundry times safely pray against the enemies of Gods Church Ver. 10.11 Teacheth vs not to forbeare the displaying of sinne in what place so euer wee bee specially when it is growne to so great a head that in all places it ouerfloweth Ver. 12. Teacheth vs that many good men can better beare with vncurtesie from the wicked then from those that they make account of as friends and that they can more safely preuent daungers from their open aduersaries then otherwise Ver. 13. Teacheth vs that it is no newe thing that a mans enemies should be they of his owne houshold Ver. 14. Declareth that the vngodly to atchieue their purposes wil many times make profession of religion Ver. 15. Sheweth that when God hath discouered some hipocrites and wee sée them goe forward from one sinne to another we may then pray against them Ver. 16. Teacheth vs when we sée all out of order to call vppon the Lorde and to be rightly and assuredly perswaded of his good will towardes vs. Ver. 17. Teacheth vs that for the shaking off of our drousines it shall bee good for vs to set vnto our selues some ordinary times of good exerise Ver. 18. Setteth out Gods fauour and mercy towards those that are his and that by his owne helpe and sometimes by the ministery of his seruants and Angels Ver. 19. Sheweth howe gracious God is towardes the good and howe iust in executing vppon the wicked his heauy iudgements it teacheth further that the vngodly abuse Gods mercies to a contempt of his maiesty Ver. 20. Declareth the inhumanitie and vnfaythfulnes of the vngodly Ver. 21. Setteth out their hypocrisie dissimulation and cruelty Ver. 22. Teacheth vs in all thinges to hang vppon the Lordes power and prouidence with full hope and assurance that hee will neuer destitute vs nor forsake vs. Ver. 23. Comprehendeth Gods sharpe iudgements against all the wicked and namely against bloody and deceitfull men it teacheth the godly also still to hang vpon God howe peruerse and setled in wickednes so euer the vngodly bée Psalme 56. THis Psalme may bee diuided into thrée partes Di. In the first the Prophet prayeth vnto God for deliuerance from feare promising to bee thankefull for it and to learne thereby not to feare flesh from ver 1. to the end of the 4. In the second he declareth that both in respect of his owne misery and of the force subtilties of his aduersaries there is good cause why the Lorde should succour him from ver 5. to the end of the 9. In the thirde hee promiseth thankefulnes for all Gods mercies and namely for his deliueraunces from ver 10. to the end of the Psalme The title to him that excelleth a Psalm of Dauid sée Psalme 4. Se. in the title on Michtam which is either the name of a tane as Psal 16. in the title or else of some musicall instrument concerning the dumbe Doue some take this to be the beginning of a common song after the tune that Dauid woulde haue this Psalme sung and then michtam must bee taken not for a time but for an instrument others thinke that these wordes must bee applied to Dauid by a metaphor who calleth himselfe a dumbe Doue not onely because hee sought no reuenge but also because committing all things to Gods will he opened not his mouth to answere the aduersaries in a farre country vz. from the land of Iudea and namely from the place where the seruices of God were practised when the Philistines tooke him in Gath for the vnderstanding of this sée 1. Samuel 21. from ver 10. to the ende of the Chapter Some I knowe read this title thus To the master of the harmony that is all one in sense with these wordes to him that excelleth A notable song of Dauid this answereth in sense to a Psalme of Dauid in michtam which worde is sometimes vsed for gold as though that for the excellency of it it shoulde bee as good as gold touching the soule that suffered violence the reason of this varietie is because the worde in his proper and naturall signification is sometimes vsed for a Doue sometimes vsed for a soule but the sense is all one and this agréeth with that concerning the dumbe Doue by a band of people that were farre of i. by a company or multitude of Philistines as appeareth by that which followeth in this title Ver. 1. For man i. great numbers of men as when we say man can do nothing against God no doubt he meaneth both Saul his complices together with the Philistines and other enemies of his would swallow vp he cōpareth his enemies to a whirlepoole or rauenous beasts meaning that they had a mind vtterly to destroy him except God put to his hand for his deliuerance he fighteth continually vz. against me as ver 2. doing what he can to ouerthrow me work me mischief at the least which I suppose he meaneth by these words and vexeth me Ver. 2. Is very plaine and is the same almost with the first ver Ver. 3. When I was afraid i. when any thing fell out that might make me afraid I trusted in thée q.d. and so I will do stil because I neuer haue as yet beene frustrate of my hope Ver. 4. I wil reioyce in God vz. in the middest of al my troubles because of his word i. for the certainty and assurednes of his promise
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
vz alone as who hath it in his hands to doe whatsoeuer pleaseth him al this is aleaged to confirm the doctrines which hee had before expounded Ver. 12. And to thée O Lord mercy vz. towards thine own people here is a chaunging of the person from the third to the second for thou rewardest euery one according to his work i. towards the good thou art mercifull towards the wicked thou declarest thy strength to consume them this place and manner of words is often repeated in scripture and hath ben muche abused to the mayntaynaunce of merite In summe this is it that I haue to say of it firste that there is great difference betwéene reward and desert as to any that will consider the words may easily appeare Secondly that these words his work ought to haue this sence in respect of good and holy people that they are sayde to bee theirs not because they are the authors of them but Gods instrumentes to doe them so that when he rewardeth them for the doing of them hee doth no more but crowne his own good workes in them Ver. 1. Teacheth vs neuer for al our assaults to murmur against god Do. Ver. 2 teacheth vs that if God be on our side we néed not care who be against vs also that though afflictiōs cease vs yet none shal ouercome vs. Ver. 3. declareth what a general sodain destructiō the Lord in his iustice bringeth vpon the wicked ver 4. teacheth that notwithstanding the threatnings of gods iudgements the wicked procéed in their mischieuous imaginations lyings hipocrisie cursings such like Ver. 5. teacheth vs to chear vp our selues in god in our afflictiōs crosses Ver. 6. teacheth the same doctrine that ver 2. doth Ver. 7. Teacheth vs that whatsoeuer we haue we haue it frō our God Ver. 8. teacheth vs in all distresses seasons whatsoeuer to hang vpon him alone and to deale plainlye with him in laying open our harts before him and then no doubt we shal find ease and comfort ver 9. teacheth vs to cast of al trust in flesh and blood of what degrée or calling soeuer they be of it teacheth vs also not to haue other mē nor our selues in so great regard as we haue Ver. 10. Teacheth vs to beware of oppression robbery and vanity it teacheth vs also not only to hate couetousnesse but also to take héede least thorow abundance of riches we be puffed vp in pride Ver. 11. sheweth that God is a powerfull God against al rebellious people Ver. 12. Teacheth that he is a mercifull God to all those that are his also that as he cannot away with wickednesse because he rewardeth it i. punisheth it so a holye life is verye acceptable in his sight and therefore we should striue to it Psalme 63. Di. TRue it is that this Psalme is very much mixed sometimes protesting earnest prayer sometimes promising humble thanksgiuing sometimes assuring himselfe of deliueraunce and somtimes foretelling the destruction of his enemies yet al that notwithstanding thus it may be diuided In the four first verses the Prophet sheweth his great hūger and thirst after God promising both to pray vnto him and to prayse him al his life long In the 4. next verses vz. 5.6.7.8 he sheweth what wonderful ioy safety and assuraunce he shal be in when God shall haue graciously graunted his requestes And in the 3 last verses vz. 9.10.11 he doth in the spirit of prophecy foretell the great ouerthrow of his enimies and his own wonderful deliueraunce Se. The Title a Psalm of Dauid vz. which he made when he was now he noteth the time in which this Psalme was made in the wildernesse of Judah he meaneth the wildernesse of Ziph which is here called the wildernesse of Iudah because it was in that portion of the land which was giuen to the tribe of Iudah Sée 1. Samuel 23.14.15 and this Psalme séemeth not to vary much in argumēt from Psal 54. Verse 1. O God thou arte my God i. he that hitherto by thy strength and power hath deliuered me from mine enimies that did pursue me and therfore earely will I séeke thée i. betimes in the morning will I call vpon thée for he meaneth séeking vnto him by prayer and the Prophet noteth that he will doe this diligently and carefully because hee will as it were break his sléepe to doe it My soule i. my inward man thirsteth after thée i. desireth thee especiallye and aboue all other thinges sée Psalme 42.2 my fleshe i. euen my outward man also longeth greatlye after thée a notable metaphor taken from women with child to expresse the earnest affection he had to Godward which also is very much increased by the Aduerb greatly in a barren dry land without water it was gréeuous to be in a barren place and dry land but much more where Waters were wanting but all this the Prophet speaketh to set out the miserye that he was in while hee was as a banished man from the place and exercises of Gods Religion q.d. all the bodily penury and pinching that I might haue in this life shoulde not touch me so nigh as this that I want spirituall exercises Ver. 2. Thus I behold thée q.d. though I be in such a miserable case yet I leaue not off to loke vpon thy glory and thy power as if I were in the sanctuary though this sence be good yet me thinketh Immanuel doth better translate it thus to behold i. that I may behold sée q.d. my great longing thirsting is for this that I may sée thy strēgth i. the arke wch was a signe of the presence of the most mighty strong God sée 1. Chron. 16.11 2. Chron. 6.41 Psal 78.61 where it is also called his power and thy glory i. either thine own glory shining in the tabernacle or else the glory of thy Tabernacle or sanctuary either may stand very well as I did vz. heretofore when I was not thus persecuted sée thée i. thy Maiestie and glorye in the sanctuarie i. in the place where the arke was from which the Lorde was wont to shew euident testimonies of his power and presence ver 3. for thy louing kindnes i. thy mercy manifested to thy childrē is better i. more profitable comfortable and to be wished for then life we may vnderstād it thus thē al earthly means ayds by which men are vpholdē in their estate or else thus then euen life it self wch without Gods fauor both here else where is nothing else but worse then a continual death therfore my lips shal prayse thée he meaneth not only these instrumēts of nature by which the words are vttered but also the words themselues q.d. with my words wil I set forth thy glory prayse Ver. 4. Thus vz. euen as I purpose do at this presēt wil I magnifye thée i. prayse and extoll thée and thy workes all my life vz. long meaning so long as this life lasteth and lift vp mine handes
Ver. 2. Because thou hearest i. grauntest the prayer vz. of thy faithful people vnto thee shal al flesh come by flesh he vnderstandeth man as Gene. 6.12 by the terme al hee meaneth wonderfull many a phrase very ordinary in scripture meaning that that which was particular among the Iewes vz. the seruice of God shoulde in time to come be common to euery nation and this is a prophecy of the kingdome of Christ and when he sayth that they shall come vnto God he meaneth to present themselues before him to pray vnto him Ver. 3. Wicked déeds i. all manner of vngodlines haue preuailed against me vz. thus farre that they haue turned thy fauour from me hee speaketh here of himselfe but yet so that he shutteth vp others in the same sinnes imputing it to his owne sinnes and to the sinnes of his people that God who was accustomed to aide his people did for a while withdraw his hand shewed not himself fauourable towards them but thou wilt be merciful vnto our transgressions vz. fréely and graciously pardoning them all and so remouing them from vs shewe thy selfe mercifull vnto vs that haue transgressed which they remaining thou wouldest not performe Ver. 4. Whom thou chusest vz. to thy self and to be of the number of thine and causest to come to thée i. not onely to haue accesse vnto thy sanctuary there to call vpon thee but at all other times and in all places he shall dwel in thy courtes i. hee shall liue among holy and faithfull people in the middest of thy Churches here and after the dayes of his departure with all the rest of the elect in heauen and wee shal be satisfied marke the sodaine chaunge both of the number and person as before in this Psal ver 3. with the pleasures of thine house i. the doctrine of the lawe the sacrifices and other ceremonies but yet so that vnder them hee meaneth all spirituall blessing euen of thine holy temple hee more plainely expoundeth what hee ment by the house of God vz. the temple which is called holy not in respect of any holines it had in it selfe but because that he that is holines did appeare there and make it holy by his presence It is also called his house not because that God dwelt there as inclosed within the walles but because from that place hee manifested his residence and abode amongst that people Ver. 5. O God of our saluation i. hee that deliuereth vs from al dangers distresses thou wilt answere vs vz. when we call vpon thée for our defence with fearefull signes i. with such signes and tokens of thy presence as shall strike feare into the enemies in thy righteousnes i. according as thou hast righteously promised and iustly wilt performe O thou the hope of al the ends of the earth i. thou whom all the faithful wheresoeuer they bee stedfastly trust in and of them that are farre of in the seas i. of those that inhabite ilands farre of from Sion or the land of promise which are compassed with the sea Hee putteth the places inhabited for the people dwelling therin meaning by all the ends of the earth those that dwell in the continent or firme land and by those that are farre of in the Seas those that inhabite Ilands Ver. 6. Hée stablisheth the mountaines by his power vz. in such sort that they neither moue nor shake and is girded about with strength q.d. he hath al strength and power to performe whatsoeuer pleaseth him Ver. 7. Hee appeaseth the noyse of the Seas vz. when they swell rage and rore and the tumults of the people vz. when they are in hurliburlie and contentions among themselues or else outragiously persecute and trouble others Ver. 8. They also that dwell in the vttermost partes of the earth q.d. there shal bee no people so farre of or barbarous but they shal be striken with feare of thy signes vz. which thou shalt shewe and worke by signes he meaneth the notable workes of God and such as are alwayes méete to bee had in remembraunce wherein hee hath as it were ingrauen certaine markes of his glory Thou shalt make the East and the West to reioyce i. the people dwelling in these quarters Ver. 9. Thou visitest i. thou doest not onely looke vppon it but gratiously performest that which thou promisest as Gene. 21.1 the earth i. the land of Iudea by this circumstance it should séeme that Dauid made this Psalme after that the Lord deliuered the people from famine and pestilence of which sée 2. Sam. 21.14 2. Sam. 24.25 and waterest it vz. with raine and deaw from heauen thou makest it very rich i. plentifull and abundant in all fruites and this thou doest by thy mighty power and blessing the riuer of God he meaneth either the small riuer of Shiloah which passed through Ierusalem of which sée Psal 46.4 meaning by graces powred vpon one part of the land mercies bestowed vppon the whole or else the raine which maketh the ground fruitfull and is called the riuer of God both because it commeth from God and also from him in great abundance and to this latter exposition do I rather incline thou preparest thē corne by them we may vnderstand al generally but chiefely those that are spoken of before in this Psal ver 4. he meaneth that the earth bringeth forth her fruite because that GOD minding to prouide for men as a good father of an housholde hath created it that it might yéelde them nourishment for so thou appointest it vz. the earth hee meaneth that God hath appointed it in such sort and to such end to bring forth fruite for mans vse as Gene. 1.11 Ver. 10. Thou waterest abundantly the furrowes thereof vz. of the lande of Iudea meaning by this manner of speach and these that follow that God through abundance of showres made the land fruitful thou makest it soft with showres vz. wheras before it was very hard drie and parched for want of rayne thou blessest i. through thy blessing thou causest to increase grow and multiply as Gene. 1.22 the bud thereof i. whatsoeuer beganne as a man woulde say to sprout in the lande whether they were grasse herbes trees plants c. Ver. 11. Thou crownest i. thou adornest and inrichest a notable metaphor signifying the great glory and plenty that God bestowed vppon the lande euen as it were setting a crowne vpon the head thereof the yeere i. euery yeere one after an other putting one or the first of them for the rest that insued hee meaneth that GOD declared his goodnes towardes them by euery yeres course making one yeere to excéede an other in goodnes as hée that is the king and weareth the Crowne vppon his heade passeth all the people whatsoeuer with thy goodnes i. with abundance of good thinges which procéede only from thy goodnes and mercy and thy steppes hée meaneth by this speach vnder a similitude the cloudes which God is sayde to make his chariot Psalm 104.3
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
followeth in the Psalme Ver. 8. I am become a straunger vnto my brethren i. euen the dearest friendes I haue haue as it were thrust me out of their familiaritie friendship acquaintance and euen an aliant i. as one that were vtterly vnknowne vnto my mothers sonnes sée Psalme 50.20 he meaneth nothing else but that they who by nature were bound to loue him did most hate and despise him and therefore no maruaile though other did so so that he was as it were forsaken of all Verse 9. For the zeale of thine house i. the great and earnest affection that I haue to maintaine thy honour and glory and to vphold thy Church hath eaten me a notable metaphor by which the Prophet sheweth that care and affection to promote Gods glory and Church had euen as it were consumed him this is applyed to Christ Iohn 2.17 and the rebukes of them i. of the wicked that rebuked thée vz. vniustly and without cause whereby the Prophet noteth the vilenesse of the vngodly who spared not to lode the Lord with reproches are fallen vpon me i. haue wounded me euen as though they had bin directed against my selfe Verse 10. I wept vz. Seing all things so disordred and the name of God so reproched and my soule fasted by soule he meaneth either the body as psalme 16.10 or else the whole man putting a part for the whole fasting being an effectuall instrument to humble the same but that was to my reproofe q.d. mine enemies did so much more mock and despise me therefore Verse 11 I put on sacke also vz. in signe of mourning which was a common thing among the Iewes sée for this verse and the other that went next before Psalme 35.13 and I became a Prouerbe vnto them i. they made mee and my doings a by-word amongst them q.d. when they woulde note a contemptible person or thing then they would name me and my matters Verse 12. They that sate in the gate i. the Iudges Counsellors or magistrates whose order it was to sit there that the people might haue frée accesse vnto them sée Gen. 34.20 Prouerb 22.22 Spake of me vz. in mockery and scornefully and the drunkards sang of me by drunkards he meaneth those that haunted the places of drunkennesse as Tauernes Alehouses c. And by singing hee meaneth that they made songes and ieasts against him q.d. all persons both high and lowe contemne me and they vtter their reproches both publikelye and priuately Verse 13. In an acceptable time i. in such a time as it shall please thée to heare me for that time specially is acceptable euen in the multitude of thy mercy i. I come to make my prayer vnto thée trusting in that and not in any thing in my selfe sée Psalme 51.1 heare me i. graunt me my request as sundry times before in the truth i. according to truth the word in being put for according of thy saluation i. of that deliueraunce and succor that thou hast promised to send me and all those that trust in thee Verse 14. Deliuer me out of the myre i. out of the afflictions wherein I am that I sinke not vz. vnder the burden or in the myre of those troubles that I indure and not of the déepe waters sée verse 2. This verse and the next following is nothing but the same in sence with verse 1 of this Psalme Verse 15. The pit shut her mouth vpon me by pit he vnderstandeth the troubles and afflictions in which he was and by not shutting the mouth vpon him he meaneth that hee woulde not haue the multitude nor the weight of his afflictions to swallow him vp q.d. bring to passe that I perish not in this trouble and great crosse Verse 16. Heare me O Lord vz. in my prayers and graunt my requests for thy louing kindnesse is good d.q. I aske it for thy goodnesse sake only and hope to obteine because in goodnes thou deniest not thy children turne vnto me i. make it appeare by effect that thou hast heard my prayer in giuing me succour according to the multitude of thy tender mercies sée Psal 51.1 Verse 17. And hide not thy face i. thy fauoure and goodnesse make hast vz. to helpe me and heare me i. graunt me my requests and prayers Verse 18. Draw neare vnto my soule i. showe that thou hast care of me and my life and this he speaketh according to the féeling of the flesh for men thinke that God is farre from them when they perceiue not his succour and ayde and redéeme it vz. from the rage and violence of the enemies deliuer me vz. from daungers and distresses because of mine enemies i. not only because mine enemies doe assault me but also least they should reioyce in my ouerthrow or else that being set frée I may reioyce ouer them Verse 19. My reproofe my shame and my dishonour i. the reproofe shame and dishonor which I beare and suffer sée ver 5. of this Psalme he vseth 3. wordes signifying one thing therby to set out the greatnesse of his reproch are before thée i. naked and open in thy sight as al other things are sée Heb. 4.13 Ver. 20. Reproofe i. the slaunders and reproches of mine enemies hath brokē my hart i. hath brought great gréefe vnto me and as it were wounded me at the hart and I am full of heauinesse vz. by reason thereof i. of their reproches backbitings but there was none vz. that woulde pittie me in my distresses and for comforters i. I looked also for some to comfort me but I found none at al Verse 21. For they i. mine enemies gaue me gall i. moste bitter thinges such as were rebukes taunts c. in my meate i. in stéede of my meate meaning by meate comfort and in my thirst i. in my great afflictions putting thirst or want of drinke which is one for many they gaue me viniger i. they added affliction to my affliction noting by this manner of spéeche their hard hartednesse and that they did vnto him the worst that possible they could and note that this which Dauid here speaketh of himselfe in fygure was playnelye and according to the letter accomplished in our Sauiour Christ as appeareth Matt. 27.48 Verse 22. Let their Table meaning them that had dealte so wickedly and ill with him By Table other Metaphors and similitudes which he vseth he meaneth al thinges that serue to this present life and the commodities thereof He meaneth that all the good and prosperity they haue shoulde bee turned to euill and to torment vnto them and this is the sence generallye but let vs looke vpon it somewhat more particularly By Table wee may vnderstande their daynties sette vppon the Table and by these wordes Bee a snare before them he meaneth not only in their sight but also to intangle and catche them q.d. Euen in the middest of their daynties let them perishe Nay let their very daynties be turned into destruction to them and their prosperity their
ruine i. let euen those things that they supposed were wealth and defence vnto them be their destruction and ouerthrowe Dauid wisheth not this but in respect that they were enemies to God and hys Church knowing also by the spirite of Prophecy that the Lord had giuen them ouer as also S. Paule himselfe alleageth this place Rom. 11.9 Ver. 23. Let their eyes be blinded that they sée not and make their loynes alwayes to tremble by eyes and loynes principall partes of a man wee maye vnderstande the whole man or else thus that the Prophet desireth the blinding of them in their sight and the weakening of them in their loynes that so they might not be able to hurt him or else by wishing their eyes to be blinded he meaneth the depriuing of them of all reason and vnderstanding so that they may remaine without iudgement as a blind man doth without light and by making their loines alway to tremble he vnderstandeth the astonishing and weakening of their power and force because that in the loines and raines mans strength doth principallye consist Verse 24. Poure out vz. in great measure and abundaunce take them or else take hold of them and that in such sort that they may not escape hee desireth the Lord to punish them most sharply euen as angry folkes are wont to punish those that are vnder their handes and that they might be destroyde in the Lords wrath Ver. 25. Let their habitation i. not only the place where they dwel but euen their very offices and functions sée Acts 1.20 be void vz. by thy iust taking of thē away from amongst mē and let none vz. of their séed posterity dwell in their tents vz. that they haue dwelt in he meaneth that he would haue them die without heire or issue Ver. 26. Whom thou hast smitten i. chastised and that with a fatherly correction whom thou hast wounded vz. with sorrow by al this he meaneth that the wicked layd gréeuous affliction punishments vpon those whom god in fatherly loue had chastised to humble them to bring thē to amendmēt Ver. 27. lay iniquitie i. punishment for iniquity whiche is called iniquity not that it is so but because the wicked so estéeme vpon their iniquity q.d. plague thē punish thē thorowly for their sinne and let thē not come into thy righteousnes i. let them neuer performe such holinesse of life as thou allowest or else let thē not be reckned amongst suche righteous persons as thou acceptest putting righteousnes for righteous men this latter séemeth to be the beter sence by reason of that which followeth Ver. 28. Let thē be put i. vtterly blotted out of the booke of life by this he vnderstandeth the eternall counsell of God by which he ordeineth predestinateth his owne to saluation according to his good pleasure he meaneth not that euer they were writtē there for good but because they were hipocrites and so séemed to be elected he prayeth the Lord to make it knowne vnto all that they are not of the number of his elect neither written in their Catalogue and all this he speaketh according to man as though God kept a booke of names sée Exod. 32.32 Phil. 4.3 neither let them be written with the righteous i. let them not be accounted numbred or estéemed as they or with them Ver. 29. When I am poore i. contemned and despised of men as commonly poore people are and in heauinesse vz. by reason of mine oppressions on euerye side shall exalte mée vz. into a high and sure place where I shall be frée from the force and rage of myne enemies Verse 30. I will prayse vz. when I shall bee deliuered the name of GOD i. his mighte maiestie power goodnesse c. as Psalm 20.1 with a song vz. apte méete and made for that purpose and magnifye him i. extoll and set him forth with thanksgiuing vz. for his louing kindnes and mercy toward me Ver. 31. This vz. prayse and thanks giuing for his benefits shall please the Lorde i. bee acceptable in his sighte better then a yong Bullocke that hath hornes and hoofes i. which is apt and méete for his age to be offered in sacrifice meaning thereby also any other beast whatsoeuer which the Lord had commanded to be offered Verse 32. The humble i. the good godly people that are afflicted in the world shall sée this vz. Iudgement of God vpon the wicked and mercy to his own children and they that seeke God i. those that professe his religion cal vpon his name as verse 6. of this Psalme shal be glad vz. for the execution and performaunce of that iudgment and mercy and your hart shall liue he sodaynly chaungeth the person directing his spéech to the afflicted ones q.d. you that for the greatnesse of my calamitie and your owne misery séemed as it were to be wounded at the hearte shall haue such great ioye that you shall séeme as it were to be restored from death to life Verse 33. For the Lord heareth the poore i. graunteth them that are afflicted their petitions and requests and despiseth not i. doth not onely not neglect but very greatly regardeth and highly estéemeth his prisoners i. those that suffer imprisonment or any manner of calamitie for the mayntainaunce of his truth and cause Verse 34. Let heauen and earth praise him vz. after their maner and kinde and in such sort as he inableth them the seas al that moueth in them he exhorteth the creatures to praise the Lord but al that is done to prouoke man to the same for the wonderfull goodnesse of God towards his people Verse 35. For God will saue i. not only deliuer from dangers but bring to eternall rest Sion i. his Church as Psalm 51.18 and build the Cities of Iudah vz. which were decayed and throwne down by the force of the aduersaries he meaneth by these spéeches that God will haue a care ouer his whole Church and the particular congregations thereof that men maye dwell there i. in the Church and haue it in possession vz. from the stirres and troubles of the vngodly Ver. 36. The séede also of his seruauntes i. the godlye and their posterity who are Gods seruaunts shall inherite it i. the Churche and the graces that God shall bestow vpon the same meaning that they shall be made partakers of all good things and they that loue his name i. feare his maiestie and serue him according to his will reuealed in his word shall dwell therein i. in the Church and congregation of God Do. Verse 1. Teacheth vs in time of great gréefe to flée to God for succour Ver. 2. sheweth that the more troubles we indure the more néede haue wee to drawe nigh to God by prayer Verse 3. Teacheth vs though we haue prayed long yet neuer to leaue off til God graunt our requests Verse 4. Setteth out the multitude power and oppression of the vngodly not as to dismay vs but to teach vs to denie
our selues and to hang wholy vpon God for deliueraunce Ver. 5. Sheweth that we néede not much to regard what men saye of vs so that wee haue a cleare conscience before the Lord. Verse 6. Teacheth vs two thinges first the care that we should haue to pray for other men that they fall not from God through our afflictions secondly that other mens troubles shoulde not cause vs to reuolt from the truth Verse 7. Teacheth that it is good to suffer for a good cause Verse 8. Sheweth that in afflictions both friends and kinsfolkes doe many times forsake those to whom they are bound Verse 9. Teacheth vs to be earnestly moued for God and his glory Verse 10. Sheweth the mischieuous nature of the wicked who misconster euery good thing that the godly doe Ver. 11. Teacheth vs not to leaue off mourning when mourning is required though the wicked deride vs for it Ver. 12. Teacheth vs that al for the moste part high and low good and bad are enemies to Gods children Verse 13 Teacheth vs first to come to God by prayer in the time of our néede secondlye to doe it hauing a trust in his abundance mercy and thirdlye to cleaue for the strengthening of our prayers to the truth of Gods promises Verse 14. teacheth vs to craue deliueraunce out of troubles at Gods handes who onely can and will performe the same for vs. Verse 15. Teacheth vs the more that afflictions are multiplyed the more earnestlye to call vppon GOD. Ver. 16. Our prayers must bee grounded vppon the wonderfull and vnspeakeable mercies of our God towardes vs. Verse 17. Teacheth vs that the féeling of Gods fauour is no smal comfort in the time of our afflictions Verse 18. teacheth vs to praye for deliueraunce and that least the enemyes insulte ouer much Verse 19. Teacheth vs that it is no small comforte to vs that God knoweth vs and our afflictions and our aduersaries and their dealinges Ver. 20. Teacheth vs that it is no new thing that the godlye are many times destituted of those helpes which they made account of Verse 21. Teacheth vs that the wicked are voyde of bowels of compassion adding affliction to miserye Verse 22. Teacheth that the wicked thorowe Gods iust iudgementes maye many times bee snared in their pleasure and prosperitye Verse 23. Teacheth that GOD sundrye tymes in iustice depriueth them of all iudgement and taketh from them all strength and courage Verse 24. Sheweth that the wicked are not able to escape Gods wrath and displeasure Verse 27. That GOD also sometimes leaueth them childlesse Verse 26. Setteth out the hard hartednesse of the vngodlye who neuer pitie any though in neuer so greate miserie Verse 27. Teacheth that Gods iudgementes manye tymes doe ouertake the wicked in their transgressions Verse 28. Sheweth that Hipocrites are not within the compasse of Gods election howsoeuer they bee admitted to the societye of the Churche Verse 29. Teacheth that GOD is all in all for his to deliuer them from distresse Verse 30. Teacheth vs to prayse and thanke GOD for his benefites bestowed vppon vs. Verse 31. Teacheth vs that spirituall seruice is more acceptable to GOD then all outwarde Sacrifices whatsoeuer Verse 32. Teacheth vs that greate pleasure shall come vnto Gods Children by consideration of the blessinges that hee bestoweth vppon some of them Verse 33. Teacheth vs the wonderfull prouidence and care that God hath ouer those that suffer any thing for his cause Verse 34. Sheweth that if dumbe Creatures must prayse the Lord much more the reasonable are bounde to it and amongest them those that he accounteth as his Sonnes and Seruauntes Verse 35. Teacheth not onelye Gods care and loue for his Churche but that in the middest of all miseries hee will haue a people that shall continuallye call vpon him in spirite and truth Verse 36. Sheweth that incorporation into the Churche appertaineth vnto the faythfull and their posteritye after them Psalme 70 Di THis Psalme séemeth to be the same both in wordes and matter almost with the last part of Psalme 40. from verse 13. to the ende of the Psalme whether it shall be good to looke backe agayne for the more playne sence and vnderstanding thereof and yet notwithstanding something shall be sayd here First the Psalme it selfe may fitly be deuided into two parts vz. first that the Prophet maketh prayer for himselfe that he may spéedily be deliuered out of his daungers and this is comprehended in the first and last verses of this Psalme Secondly he prayeth for the ouerthrow of the wicked and for the prosperity of those that loue the Lorde and this is comprehended in verse 2.3.4 Se. The title is expounded before Psalme 4. and psalme 38. in the titles therof Verse 1. To deliuer me vz. from the daungers and enemies whiche doe as it were ouerwhelme mee make haste to helpe mee vz. oute of this distresse wherein I am Verse 2. Let them be confounded vz. among themselues and in their owne vnderstandinges and put to shame vz. euen in the sighte and presence of men before whome they thinke to attayne great glorye in banding themselues agaynst mee that séeke my soule i. my life vz. to destroye it and take it awaye let them be turned backwarde vz. as men discomfyted in warre that flée before their enemies and put to rebuke vz. openly and before others that desire myne hurt vz. eyther secretlye within them or openly by wordes and wishing Verse 3. For a rewarde of their shame i. as a iust recompēce of that shame and ignominie which they thought to bring vppon me whiche sayde vz. when I was in trouble Aha aha i. did outwardlye by wordes and countenaunce testifye the great ioy they had conceaued for mine affliction Verse 4. But let all those that séeke thee i. call vppon thée in their afflictions and that according to the rule of thy will sette foorth in thy worde bée ioyfull and glad in thée i. for thée thy power and great workes that thou performest on their behalfe that loue thy saluation i. like of allow and wishe for the great deliueraunces that thou bestowest vpon thy people Verse 5. Now I am poore and néed◠i. I am destitute of aide help and succour make hast to me i. to deliuer or help me as verse 1. of this psalm thou art mine helper vz. in time of daunger and distresse and that word thou importeth as much as if he shoulde saye thou alone and my deliuerer vz. oute of affliction and trouble make no tarrying i. delaye not or put not off to helpe me Do Verse 1. Teacheth vs that in extremity of daunger prayer to God is a notable refuge Ver. 2. Teacheth vs first that we may sometimes pray agaynste the vngodly secondly is pointeth out the mischieuous minds and nature of the wicked thirdly it teacheth vs not so much as to wish euill muche lesse to doe euill to Gods children Verse 3. Sheweth that God can and will sometimes in his iudgement bring
verse 5. of this Psalme All nations either expounde it as before verse 11. or else thus all nations shall blesse him i. speake well of him praise him for his excellent and vpright gouernement and be blessed in him this must néedes bee referred to Christ as Genesis 12.3 Verse 18. Blessed be the Lorde God i. praysed be his maiesty euen the God of Israel i. euen the true GOD who is the defender of his Church and people which only doeth marueilous thinges vz. both for his owne people and also against his enemies Verse 19. Contemeth a plaine and manifest prayer for the manifestation and inlargement of Gods kingdome throughout all the worlde and that doubling of the worde so bée it euen so bee it noteth the Prophets earnest and hearty consent to the prayers hée made in this Psalme here end the prayers of Dauid vz. which hée made for his sonne Salomon for otherwise there followe other prayers of his in this booke the sonne of Ishai this conteyneth part of his Genealogie a further description wherof may be séene Ruth 4.1.19 c. Ver. 1. Teacheth that vnlesse God assist magistrates Do. they can not well and rightly performe their dueties and that therefore it behooueth all specially those that are nigh to them to pray to God for them Ver. 2. Teacheth vs that it apperteineth to magistrates to render right to euery one Ver. 3. Sheweth that where iustice beareth sway there is abundaunce of all goodnes Ver. 4. Teacheth that the magistrats office consisteth of two partes vz. in defending the good and punishing the euill Ver. 5. Teacheth vs that good magistrates shal be continually reuerenced and feared Verse 6. Teacheth vs that good gouernours are a great blessing to the people Ver. 7. Teacheth vs that good gouernours make much of good men Ver. 8. Sheweth that God wil graciously inlarge the dominion and borders of good Princes Ver. 9. Declareth that barbarous people and al their enemies shal be subdued vnto them Ver. 10. Teacheth that other kinges shall not onely be glad of their friendship but willingly submit themselues vnder their obedience Ver. 12. Teacheth vs that the magistrates are ordeined to helpe them that can not helpe themselues Ver. 13. Teacheth that there is required of the magistrates not onely bowels of compassion to the néedy but also merciful preseruation and defence Ver. 14. Teacheth magistrates to make good account of the liues and bodies of their subiects Ver. 15. Teacheth subiects to pray continually for the prosperitie of their Prince Ver. 16. Teacheth vs that where good Princes raigne there is abundance of all blessings and namely of people Ver. 17. Teacheth vs that good magistrates shall sit long in the seates of their kingdome Ver. 18. Teacheth vs to prayse God continually for his mercy and power Verse 19. Teacheth vs to pray for the increase and inlargement of Gods kingdome Psalme 73 Di. THe Psalme may bee deuided into three partes In the first the Prophet describeth the pride prosperitie wealth and great abundance of outwarde blessings that the vngodly haue 3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.12 In the second he declareth that by the consideration thereof hee was almost caried away into murmuring against God and falling from God had not God graciously instructed him by his worde and spirit of the miserable end of the wicked and his fauour towards the good Ver. 1.2.3.13.14.15.16.17.18.19.20.21.22 In the third part he declareth that howsoeuer the worlde goe whether the good bee humbled and the bad aduanced it skilleth not he will alwaies hang vppon the Lord from ver 23. to the end of the Psalme Se. The title of this Psalme is expounded before Psal 50. Ver. 1. Yet God is good to Israel i. gracious fauourable ful of compassion to his Church these beginnings ex abrupto such a one as we had before Psalm 62. shewe the marueilous combats the Prophet had in himselfe betwéene the flesh and the spirit out of which difficulties hee sodainely bursting vttereth as it were disorderly this sentence q.d. howsoeuer calamities presse good men and my flesh woulde haue mee to say that therefore God is farre from them yet this is the trueth of the Lorde and I will beléeue it all the dayes of my life that God in goodnes is continually most nigh to his owne people euen to the pure in heart i. to them that haue malice and iniquitie remoued from the heart and walke in roundnes and sinceritie and this the Prophet addeth more plainely to declare what he ment by Israel that is such as are not hypocrites in the Church sée for pure in heart Matth. 5.8 Ver. 2. My féete i. I my selfe putting a part for the whole or else by féete wée may vnderstand afflictions as Psalm 119.105 also Eccles 4.17 were almost gone vz. from the right way which thou prescribedst mee to walke in and the same thing hee meaneth by that which followeth in this verse Verse 3. For I freated vz. euen with griefe of mynde to my selfe and hatred to them at the foolish i. at those that had not at any feare of God which is in déede the beginning of all true wisedome when I saw i. beheld knew and considered the prosperity of the wicked vz. which they inioy Ver. 4. There are no bands in their death i. they are not brought to death tied and bound as prisoners are vnderstanding by bandes sundry sorts of siknesses or else it may be expounded thus there are no bands in their death i. the pangs and paines of death outwardly are not bitter vnto them Immanuel his text maketh the first part of this verse more plaine saying they haue no bands vntill their death q.d. they spende all the time before their death in iolitie and mirth hauing al maner of prosperitie and no maner of griefe and this I take to bee the best they are lusty and strong i. they haue great health so by that meanes growe in strength whereas the godly by sundry sicknesses growe weake and féeble Ver. 5. They are not in trouble i. misery affliction and such like hee meaneth not that they are altogether exempted from them but that they haue them not so long and so commonly as others haue neither are they plagued vz. with diseases sicknesses c. with other men i. when other men are or in such measure as others are Ver. 6. Therefore pride is as a chaine vnto them vz. in their owne imagination and account hee meaneth by this speach that they please and flatter themselues as much in their pride thinking it to 〈◊〉 ornament and beauty vnto them as other men doe their chaines and cruelty couereth them as a garment i. they are altogether giuen to cruelty and vyâ—lence as Psal 71.13 also Psal 69.7 and this voylence procéedeth from pride as the daughter from the mother Ver. 7. Their eyes stand out for faâ—nes hée meaneth by this speach that they haue such abundance of wealth that they 〈◊〉 themselues with al dainties euen vntil their eyes swell
the beginning Ver. 5. Then i. in this great affliction and heauinesse of mine I considered vz. déeply and diligently the dayes of old i. the graces and goodnesse which in former time I had receaued from thée putting the dayes wherein God had bestowed manye graces vpon him for the graces themselues and the yeares of auncient time he meaneth not only the sorrowes that God sent him but that he gaue vnto others also that were distressed many times before him this goodnes of God towards himself others he set before him as a meane to mittigate his gréefe and to assure his hope of deliueraunce out of the same Ver. 6. I called to remembraunce i. I thought vpon also my song i. the song of thanksgiuing that I was wont to sing vnto thée for these graces He meaneth not that hee had alwayes one song for all kinde of benefites receaued but this that he receaued no benefites frō the Lord but he testified his thankfulnesse by singing prayses vnto him in the night i. which I was wont to sing in the night wherby also hee sheweth the earnest care hee had to prayse God that when other slept hee would be occupyed that way I communed with mine owne harte i. secretly and within my selfe I disputed and reasoned and my spirite i. my soule from whence procéed wit and vnderstanding searched diligently vz. the cause of my affliction the end of my troubles adde here the word saying to ioyne this that which followeth together and then the sence will bee more playne Ver. 7. Will the Lord absent himself vz from me by absenting he meaneth withdrawing of his fauour the signs and testimonies thereof as though he were angry with him for euer i. continually q.d. Shall my afflictions neuer haue end And wil he shew no more fauour vz. to me amongste the rest that stand in so much néed of it Ver. 8. Is his mercy vz. towardes his sonnes seruants that cal vpon him séeke vnto him clean gone for euer q.d. wil he neuer shew it again doth his promise vz. which hee hath made in his word for in his promises made therein is our good and saluation shutte vp as it were fayle for euermore i. Shal they not be accomplished and performed for euer Verse 9. Hath God forgotten to be mercifull q.d. Is it possible that God can forget his mercy which were to forget himselfe and to chaunge his nature hath he shut vp vz. from those that are his his tender mercies i. his fatherly loue and affection who is more tender harted toward his then parents are to their children in displeasure q.d. will he be so angry that he will not thinke vpon his mercy sée Psalme 103.8.9 The Prophet vttereth al these thrée verses not as a man in despayre but as one couragiously wreastling agaynst Sathans assaults and his own corruptions which would haue caryed him to that mischiefe doubtlesse had not the Lord graciouslye stayde him and strengthened his fayth Ver. 10. And I sayd vz. in this my great conflict and combat this is my death q.d. the want of the féeling of Gods goodnesse and mine own calamity will quickly finish my course as I perswade my selfe yet I remembred q.d. notwithstanding these gréeuous assaults I thought vpon the yeres of the right hand i. the former times wherein God hath manifested his great power and goodnesse in my deliueraunce strengthening my hope in this that he that had bin my God before would so continue howsoeuer I were distressed for a while and the next verse confirmeth this sence Imman readeth this verse otherwise giueth another meaning but methinketh this is plaine ynough of the most high by this spéech he meaneth God putting also hereby a difference betwéene God and al others how great and mighty soeuer they be or are imagined to be Verse 11. I remembred vz. in my meditations the workes of the Lord i. those workes that he had done that for his owne people certainly I remembred q.d. it is very true that I thought vpon thy wonders i. the maruailous things that thou diddest for thy people as their deliueraunce out of Egypt such like which were called wonders because mās reason could not conceaue of thē of olde i. in former time or long agoe as Exod. Deut. and the Booke of Iudges doe sufficiently declare Ver. 12. I did alwayes meditate i. déepely and diligently thinke vpon in my minde al thy works vz. which thou hast made don because al Gods work creatures are to his people testimonies of his prouidence goodnesse towards them did deuise he meaneth by this spéech not only unward meditation of the harte but also large discourse of wordes that he made of thine acts i. of those which thou haddest done for thy people and he calleth thē Gods acts because he was the author of thē though he vsed mans ministery in the performance thereof Ver. 13. Thy way O God i. thy manner and order of gouernment and all thy counsels is in the sanctuarie some vnderstand it of the tabernacle some referre it to heauen as wée haue had the worde vsed before q.d. Thy wayes are high and excellente whosoeuer will knowe them must bee lifted vp to the Heauens All this I confesse is true but it agréeth not so well with the Prophets purpose who mindeth to shew that all that God doeth he doth rightly and iustlye and therefore Immanuel turneth it well thus thy waye O God is in holines i. is a holy iust and vpright way whatsoeuer commeth from thée is good though we can not so wel sée and perceiue the same who is so great a God as our god q.d. None sée 1. Cor. 8.5.6 Verse 14. Thou art the God q.d. thou alone that doest wonders i. workest wonderfull things thou hast declared vz. by effect and déede thy power i. thy maiestie and might among the people this may be vnderstood eyther of the people vpon whom and amongst whome God exercised iudgement for his owne peoples sake as the bookes of Genesis and Exodus doe plentifully declare or else for his owne people particularly For myne own part I would refer it to both because the deliueraunce of the one is the punishment of the other the ouerthrow of the one is the establishing of the other and me thinketh that which followeth vnto the end of the Psalm séemeth wel to confirme this because he rehearseth his mercies towards the one and his iudgements towards the other Ver. 15. Thou hast redéemed vz. out of the bondage of Egipt thy people vz. of Israell with thine arme i. by thine owne might and power euen the sonnes of Iaakob now he more particularly sheweth what he meant by the word people vnderstanding by sonnes the posteritie of Iaakob and not the twelue Patriarkes for they were dead long before and Ioseph hee nameth Ioseph for honours sake because that all Iaakobs stocke was preserued in Egipt by his meanes putting also the
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
signes of thy wrath vpon them hast remoued from their shoulders the heauie weighte of thy iudgementes and hast turned backe vz. in pittie and compassion as though it were better weying thine own mercy and our miserye from the fiercenesse of thy wrath or else we had bin consumed thereby They meane that GOD kindled not his wrath to the vttermoste agaynste them eyther as in iustice hee mighte or in wickednesse they had deserued Verse 4. Turne vs vz. vnto thée by fayth and repentaince as Lamentation 5.21 or else from that miserable captiuitie and bondage wherein wee are to oure former libertye and fréedome in oure owne lande O GOD of our saluation i. thou that workest our deliueraunce from daungers and distresse so saluation is taken Psalm 3.8 release thine anger towards vs i. frée vs from that wrath of thine the testimonies thereof which we sée and féele presently vpon vs. Verse 5. Wilt thou be angry with vs for euer q.d. wee hope no for that is the force of the interrogations meaning that Gods wrath should not alwayes continue vppon them and wilte thou prolong thy wrath vz. which is now presently vpon vs from one generation to an other i. vpon vs and our posterities q.d. shall it continually abide vpon vs and our séedes Ver. 6. Wilt thou not turne again vz. in loue mercy fauor presence towards vs quicken vs who seeme as it were to be dead sée Ezechiel 37.1.2 c. that thy people i. the people whome thou haste chosen to thy selfe may be deliuered and set frée and so haue an occasion to reioyce in thée i. to prayse thée and to magnifie thée for thy goodnesse towardes them hee séemeth to note two endes of their deliuerance one the good and benefite of the people the other Gods glory Ver. 7. Shew vs O Lord thy mercy i. make vs by effect to sée and féele thy goodnes and graunt vs i. graciously and fréely bestowe vpon vs thy saluation i. the deliueraunce which fréely and only must come from thée For the acception of this worde saluation sée before ver 4. of this Psal Ver. 8. I this the faithful together speak as though they were but one person by reason of the nigh cōiunction of them wil heare i. not only diligently hearken vnto but patiently looke for what the Lorde God wil say i. what he will either speak or performe for the word of God is as it were the déed of god sée Psal 148.5 for he wil speak i. promise and performe in déed and this is a reason why hée will in patience attend the Lorde and his worke peace i. al goodnes and prosperity after that their calamities bee once ended Sée Gene. 43.23 vnto his people i. vnto his faithfull ones putting by this marke a difference betwéene Gods people in déede and those that haue but the bare title only and to his Saints i. to those whom he hath sanctified sée Psal 16.3 that they turne not againe vz. to their old filthines of idolatry distrust and such like whereunto Antiochus laboured to bring them to folly i. to all maner of wickednes and in this respect the vngodly are generally through the Prouerbes called fooles as also Psalm 14.1 Ver. 9. Surely q.d. without all doubt it can not otherwise be his saluation i. succour deliuery and aide from God sée ver 7. of this Psalme is neere i. euen as it were at the doores and wil come vpon them quickly to them that feare him vz. with holy feare and all their heartes leading also their liues according to the rule of righteousnesse which hée hath prescribed that glory i. the sincere seruice and worship of God and all goodnes as may appeare by all the verses following in this Psalme may dwel i. may haue continual aboad notwithstanding the mischieuous deuises of the vngodly in our land i. amongst the people that inhabite this land appointed for vs so had you the word lande vsed ver 1. of this Psal Ver. 10. Mercy vz. from God and truth i. simple and sincere dealing vz. from men shall méete vz. ioyfully and chearefully together q.d. God wil turne his owne iustice towardes his people into mercy and their hypocriticall heartes and handes into sounde and sincere ones righteousnes vz. from God meaning by righteousnes also the faithfull execution of his promises and peace vz. of conscience in men an effectuall worker whereof is Gods faithful performance of his promises shal kisse one an other vz. in token of true friendshippe and reconciliation for by these manner of speaches and metaphors the holy ghost mindeth to note the reconciliation and agréement which shal be made betwéen God and his people Ver. 11. Truth vz. from men as before ver 10. shall bud i. by effects shall shewe foorth it selfe and yéelde fruite as the bud in the spring time appeareth which also is an argument of hope that fruite wil followe out of the earth i. out of the mindes and soules of the godly putting earth conteining them by the figure Metonimia for they themselues therein contained and righteousnes i. the iust performance of Gods mercifull promises as before verse 10. shall looke downe i. shal manifest and declare it selfe from heauen i. from the almighty whose dwelling is in the heauen Ver. 12. Yea the Lord shal giue vz. fréely and of his owne goodnes for so much doth the word import generally throughout the Scriptures good thinges i. heapes and abundance of al goodnes whether they be spiritual graces mentioned ver 10. 11. or bodyly blessings mentioned in the last part of this verse and our land i. the land appointed to vs from God and wherin we dwel shal giue her increase i. shal plentifully yéeld it the same being made fruitful by the mighty power of God Ver. 13. Righteousnes shal go before him q.d. when God shal shew these graces vnto his people then God wil bring to passe that vpright dealing shall haue frée passage amongest men for so I take righteousnesse to bee vsed in this place and shal set her steppes in the way vz. so that a man shal walke no way but there shall appeare certaine printes as it were of his footing Immanuel readeth this verse otherwise but methinketh this sense is plaine Do. Verse 1. Teacheth that the féeling of Gods fauour in former time should minister hope vnto his seruauntes that they should afterwards féele it in like sort when they are in any distresse Verse 2. Teacheth that it is God alone that doeth and must forgiue all the sinnes of his people Verse 3. Sheweth that vnlesse the Lorde in the middest of his wrath remember his mercy wee shoulde bee all consumed Verse 4. Teacheth that vnlesse GOD worke in vs repentaunce wee shall neuer repent Verse 5. Teacheth that Gods wrath indureth not alwayes Sée Psalme 30.5 Verse 6. Teacheth two thinges the first is that vnlesse GOD quicken vs wee are but as dead people the seconde that God in deliuery of his
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
and his people or else speaking it according to the present affection and féeling of the flesh resting notwithstanding resolued howsoeuer his fayth were shaken for a time yet that god wil graciously performe his promises These words also which is to be marked are verified in Dauid and Christ in Christ because God for a season forsooke him as may appeare when he cried My God my God why hast thou forsaken me Matth. 27.46 and in Dauid when it séemed vnto him that Gods promise shoulde take no place and that God had as it were vnsayd the same and when he was driuen out of his kingdome by Abshalon his sonne sée Psalme 3. thorowe out and abhorred i. loathed and despised him as it were thou hast bene angrye which thing also thou hast declared by effects as appeareth in the verses following with thine annoynted i. with the King whome thou thy selfe hast annoynted and chosen to that roome sée Psalme 18 5 Verse 39. Thou hast broken i. it séemeth vnto vs so in the eye of flesh and to our enimies the couenant of thy seruaunt i. the couenaunt which thou haste made with thy seruaunt and it is called his couenaunt not because he made it or was the chéefe in it but because he was one to whome and with whome it was made and profaned his crowne i. brought it to great dishonour and contempt specially among the prophane people as the Gentiles c. and by crowne he meaneth his kingly dignitie casting it on the ground i. ouerthrowing it taking it as it were from his head setting it vpon the ground whether he spake it of Dauids abiection by the hand of his sonne Abshalon or of the renting of the kingdome in the dayes of Rehoboan or of their captiuity vnder Salmanazder and Nebuchadnezar it is not certayne I suppose that without any iniury to Gods spirite a man may well apply it to them all Verse 40. Thou hast broken downe vz. and that vnto the ground all his walles i. al the walles of his kingdome meaning by walls not onely all the strong places thereof but all the instrumentes and meanes that he had eyther for his owne defence or for the annoyaunce of his enemies for to those two endes doe walles serue thou hast layd his fortresses in ruine i. thou hast vtterly ruinated and destroyed and as a man would saye made euen with the ground all his strong holds Verse 41. All that go by the way q.d. he and his kingdome is so weakened that euen way faring men can easily spoyle them there néedes no souldiers or men ofwarre to doe it spoile him vz. and his people meaning that they take away from them euen what they list sée Psal 80.12 he i. he his people kingdome and all is a rebuke i. is such a one as his neighbours that is those that are round about him rebuke contemne and despise sée Psalme 79. verse 4. Verse 42. Thou hast set vp the right hand of his enemies i. thou hast aduanced their power and strength so that they are not onely become more mightie then he and his but in that mighte haue also preuayled agaynste them and made all his aduersaries to reioyce vz. because of the victorye they haue atchieued and the ouerthrowe that is layde vppon the others Verse 43. Thou hast also turned the edge of his sworde i. thou haste blunted it in such sorte that it could not wound and hurte his aduersaries meaning by this manner of spéeche that euen the verye meanes they had of weapons as swordes speares c. to defende themselues and to annoy their enemies were vtterly vnprofitable vnto them and haste not made him i. him and his people to stand vz. stedfastly and in the face of the enemies and agaynst them but to flée and fall before them in the battaile i. at what time the enemies and they came to ioyne battail together Ver. 44 Thou hast caused his dignity i. the great honour and aduauncement that thou hast layde vpon him to decay vz. in the presence of men and in the sight of his aduersaries and cast his throne i. his maiesty and Kingly gouernmente sée verse 36 of this Psalme to the ground i. rased it and layde it flatte with the earth as it were sée verse 39 of this Psalm Verse 45. The dayes of his youth hast thou shortned this the Prophet speaketh of the king and the state of the kingdome both together meaning that the Lord hath broughte both the king and the kingdome to a very poore and weake estate before eyther of them came to their perfection as it were as if a man shoulde before he came to the flowre of his age or his ripe yeares and couered him with shame i. hast altogether made him a reproche and shame for the worde couering and what it importeth sée Psalme 44.19 Verse 46. Lorde the Prophet ioyning this prayer with his complaynts sheweth that howsoeuer his fayth was shaken yet he did not despayre of the truth of Gods promises how long wilte thou hide thy selfe vz. from vs meaning by hyding of himselfe shewing them no signe of fauour and grace for euer q.d. Wilt thou doe this for euer shall thy wrath vz. agaynste vs our King Lande and people burne like fyre vz. to consume vs quite and cleane who are as it were but stubble before fire in respecte of thée and thy wrath Verse 47. Remember of what time I am i. thinke how shorte the time of my life is and this is an argumente taken from his owne estate to moue the Lord to pittie him and his Wherefore shouldest thou create in vayne i. to little or no purpose at all all the children of men i. all men and their posteritie In these wordes hee vseth an other Argumente to mooue GOD to compassion taken euen from the ende of his creation And this hee speaketh because that if in this life wée féele not some taste of Gods goodnesse it should séeme that he had in vayne created vs séeing that this is one end of our creation euen in this lyfe to féele and fynde his liberalitie towardes vs. Verse 48. What man liueth vz. at this presence or shall liue hereafter that shall not see death i. taste of Death or dye q.d. There is no man but hee must passe that waye sée Hebrues 9.27 shall he deliuer his soule i. his bodye and lyfe soule put for body as Psalme 16.10 from the hand of the graue i. from the power of Death putting the graue whiche followeth death for Death it selfe q.d. Both the one vz. to liue and not to die and the other vz. to bee fréede from the force of death is vtterlye impossible sée Psalme 49. almoste thorow ouâ—e and all this is q.d. Séeing mans lyfe is so shorte if thou doe not in good time shewe thy selfe a Father towardes them thou shalte haue no more occasion to make them féele thy fauoure in this lyfe Verse 49. Lorde where are thy former mercies vz. whiche
of thy promises in the night i. euery night by these two woordes morning and night hée meaneth continuall thankesgiuing for as his goodnes and trueth abydeth towardes vs continually so it behoueth vs to giue continuall all thankes vnto him for the same Ver. 3. Vpon an instrument of ten stringes and vpon the viole sée before Psalm 33.2 with the song vppon the harp hée meaneth that the song and the tune of the song played vpon the harpe shoulde both goe together And in this verse he speaketh not onely according to the vse that was then vnder the lawe at what times musicall instruments and songes were a part of the tutorshippe of the Iewes but meaning somewhat further vz. that men shoulde inforce themselues what in them laye to prayse the Lord earnestly by all the meanes they could Ver. 4. For thou Lorde hast made mée glad vz. both inwardly and outwardly so that both my soule and my body reioyce by thy workes i. by the contemplation and consideration of thy works in which thou settest forth thy great maiesty mercy power wisedome c. and euen thy whole selfe as it were and I will reioyce q.d. séeing thou hast giuen me so great and so good an occasion I will not faile but be glad therein in the workes of thine handes i. in the excellent things that thou thy selfe hast by thy almighty power created and made he attributeth handes to God because hée speaketh of him according to mans capacity and not that he hath any handes at all Ver. 5. O Lorde howe glorious are thy workes q.d. they are so great and ful of maiesty that no tongue is able to expresse it nor heart effectually conceiue the excellency of them and thy thoughtes are very déepe i. thy counsels purposes and manners of doing are incomprehensible and passe al vnderstanding of men The interrogation and exclamation which the Prophet vseth in this place doe sufficiently declare that God otherwise gouerneth mankynde then al mans reason is able to conceiue Verse 6. An vnwise man i. a wicked man which also he vnderstandeth by foole afterwardes the worde which hée vseth signifieth brutish as a beast meaning him that giueth himselfe ouer to his sensualitie and pleasure beastlike not regarding either Gods woorkes or his worde sée Psalm 28.5 so that wee sée what account he is of before God vz. estéemed as a bruit beast knoweth it not i. neither cōsidereth neither approueth the excellency of thy workes and iudgements and a foole i. a wicked and vngodly person as Psalm 14.1 and also generally throughout the whole booke of Prouerbs doth not vnderstande this vz. which followeth vz. that the wicked and vngodly for al their florishing state shall come to perpetual ruine and decay no they vnderstand it not though it please thée O Lorde in other mens persons to giue them dayly experience and tryall thereof Ver. 7. When the wicked growe i. increase and florish prosper and triumph as the grasse hee meaneth hereby not onely their florishing estate but withall secretly hee setteth out their quicke and flitting estate of which see before Psal 90.5.6 and al the workers of wickednes i. all they that worke wickednesse with gréedinesse delight and pleasure doe florish vz. in this worlde and here marke that if the parenthesis in the Geneua text were left out the sense woulde bee very plaine that they shal bee destroyed vz. from amongest men and that through Gods iudgements for euer yea and for euer meaning the eternall punishment that shall light vppon them Ver. 8. But thou O Lord art most high for euermore Sée the note in the Geneua Bible for the sense of this text but I rather like Immanuels translation which readeth it thus And that thou O most high art the Lorde for euermore q.d. this is an other thing beside the former which the wicked forget vz. that thou rulest and gouernest all thinges according to the good pleasure of thine owne will and power Ver. 9. For loe thine enemies O Lorde i. those that set themselues againste thée for loe thine enemies O Lorde shal perish vz. through thy mighty iudgements and this repeating of the thing twise together with that terme lo doubled do note the certaintie assurednes thereof al the workers of iniquitie sée before ver 7. of this Psal and these words all the workers of wickednes shal be destroyed vz. as things broken into pieces and shal vanish away as matters of no regarde Verse 10. But thou shalt exalt mine horne i. thou shalt not onely increase but also cause to be reuerenced my strength like the vnicornes vz. either horne or strength whose horne howe greatly it is estéemed experience teacheth for the strength of it you may sée Deut. 33.17 Num. 24.8 and I shal be annoynted he speaketh this according to the manner of the countrey wherein hee liued vnderstanding by annointing powring forth vz. of giftes and hauing also the same giftes bestowed vppon him with freshe oyle vz. whiche hath not lost his strength and power hee meaneth that hee shall not onelye inioye but bee adorned also with the graces and benefites of GOD sée Psalme 23.5 Verse 11. Mine eye also shall sée my desire vz. executed against mine enemies hee meaneth that he shoulde behold his enemies plagued and punished vnderstanding by the word enemies such as looked narrowly to his behauiour and hoped to sée destruction come vpon him the same worde is vsed Psal 5.8 when hée speaketh here of desires and wishes hee meaneth not such hasty and rash wishes as we are prouoked to through the corruption and malice of our own hartes neither as though hee desired any thing against Gods will but being throughly perswaded of the obstinate malice of the vngodly on the one side Gods iudgements ready to be powred forth vppon them on the other side for their sinnes he vttereth these spéeches and mine eares shall heare vz. by true and faithful report q.d. my hearing as well as my féeling shal be satisfied my wish vz. accomplished and performed against the wicked that rise vp against me vz. with al their force and power q.d. I shal sée them ouerthrown Ver. 12. The righteous i. he whome God accepteth as righteous and frameth to righteousnes shall florish vz. through Gods grace and goodnes towardes him like a palme trée some thinke the iust to bee compared to a palme trée for the swéetnes of the fruite which for mine owne part I sée no reason of The Rabbines and amongest the rest Abeu Ezra thinke them to be compared to palme trées for their lastingnes All knowe this and Plinie also maketh mention of it that the nature of this trée is though when weight is layd vppon it bende and bowe somewhat yet the weight being remoued it standeth vpright again and spreadeth it selfe so the faithfull notwithstanding their affliction shall when their miseries are remoued recouer newe strength and come to more force then they haue had before and shal grow vz.
goodnesse chuseth men to be a peculiar inheritaunce to himselfe to the end he may alwayes mayntayne them vnder the shaddow of his winges Verse 4. Enter q.d. Because hée hath adopted you therefore striue to serue him into his Gates i. into the Gates of his Temple or Tabernacle he putteth a parte for the whole and the beginning of Gods seruice vz. repayring to the publique place for the execution of that seruice and Worshippe with prayse vz. vnto his name for that and many other his great goodnesses and mercye and into his Courtes hee speaketh according to the number of Courtes in the Tabernacle meaning as before the places of publike assemblies and Gods seruice sée Psalme 94.2.10 with reioycing vz. for the blessinges and benefites which he hath bestowed vpon you prayse him vz. for his great goodnesse and kindnesse towards you and blesse his name i. thanke his maiestye and power for those his mercies sée the word blessing so vsed Mat. 14.19 Verse 5. For the Lorde is good vz. towardes all but speciallye to his owne people meaning by the worde good fauourable louing and gracious his mercye vz. towardes his sonnes and seruauntes is euerlasting i. indureth and lasteth for euer and is neuer subiect to alteration nor chaunge sée Psalme 136. thorowe out and his truth i. the truth and stedfastnesse of his promises made vnto his seruauntes for so doeth the Hebrew worde vsed in this place alwayes signifye is from generation to generation i. is continuall and neuer decayeth euen as one generation succéedeth an other not meaning but that Gods mercy shall indure when all carnall generations of men shall fayle Do. Verse 1 teacheth vs that it becommeth Gods people neuer to be ashamed to prayse the Lord. Verse 2 teacheth vs to yéelde that seruice which we performe to God chearefully and with a good hart Verse 3 teacheth vs that we haue neyther our bodily creation nor our spirituall regeneration of our selues but all from the Lord only Verse 4 teacheth vs that Gods children should shew them selues in publike assemblies publikely thankfull for publike benefits receaued at his mercifull hands Verse 5. Teacheth vs that howsoeuer man be variable in his loue and promise yet God in goodnesse and truth abideth alwayes faithfull to his Psalme 101 THis Psalme as I take it may be deuided into two parts Di. In the first the Kingly Prophet Dauid declareth what hee will performe in respecte of his owne particular person from verse 1 to the end of the 4 In the second he sheweth what hée will doe concerning other vz. punish the wicked and foster the good from verse 5 to the end of the Psalme The Title a Psalme of Dauid i. a Psalme that Dauid made Se. whether before he came to his kingdome or at the beginning of his raigne is vncertain but I suppose rather when he first entred into his kingdome Ver. 1. I wil sing i. I will both speake of and practise sée Isaiah 5.1 mercy i. fauor maintainance towards my good subiects and iudgement i. execution of punishmente vpon the wicked in which 2 parts consisteth the Magistrates dutie as appeareth Rom. 13. sée for the performaunce of this promise 2. Sam. 9.1 vnto thée O Lord will I sing the Prophet meaneth not only that he will prayse God for aduauncing him to the kingdome but that euen for his sake in repect of his own office he wil performe these matters Ver. 2 I will doe wisely i. I wil behaue my selfe vprightly and circumspectlye according to the rule of thy word which is only true wisedome in the perfit way i. in the gouernmente of my kingdome the execution of my office which he calleth a perfit way because there is prescribed in Gods word a perfit rule therof til thou commest to mée vz. to take me out of this life and to cal me to an account for the discharge of my dutie I wil walke in the vprightnes of my hart i. I wil behaue my self vprightly and soundly so that mine own hart conscience shal witnes vnto me my good dealing and holy cōuersation in the middest of mine house i. priuatly and within mine owne walles as it were yea in the eyes and sight of my whole family the Prophet in this verse promiseth two thinges as I take it in the first part of a faythfull executing of his publike charge in the second a godly conuersation priuatly Verse 3. I wil set no wicked thing before mine eyes vz. to performe or doe it yea he meaneth that he wil not only kéepe himselfe from doing wickednesse but that he will so turne himself away from it that his eyes shall not behold it I hate vz. earnestly and from the bottome of my hart the worke of them that fall away vz. from thy truth and from that righte waye that thou hast prescribed meaning by the word worke not only that defection of theirs wch is the principal but al other transgressions whatsoeuer putting one for the whole it i. such maner of dealing shal not cleaue vnto me i. either raign or dwel in me this the Prophet speaketh as assuring himselfe of gods strength to continue the profession of his truth Verse 4. A froward hart i. a peruerse rebellious mind noting in these words the séed or foūtain of sin shal vz. thorow Gods goodnes and strength depart from me vz. farre off he meaneth by this spéeche that he wil indeuour to put of the old man with the lusts therof Ephe. 4 22 I will know none euil q. d. as I wil be far from performing wickednes in acte so I will not allow or like of the same in my iudgement or vnderstanding for so is the word knowing vsed in this place as in sundrye other places before Ver. 5. Him that priuily slaundereth he meaneth not that he wil spare them that shal do it openly for if he punish the lesse offence thus he will not spare the greater which is open slaunder his neighbour i. any whether hée dwell nigh or farre from him for so generally and largely doe I take this worde sée Psalme 15.3 will I destroy i. most sharply punish and that euen by death if the hainousnes of the offence require it him that hath a proud looke i. he that is lofty proud for pride appeareth many times euen in the very eye brées and eyes themselues whē they be lifted vp and high harte or as it is in the Hebrew text large in harte meaning by that maner of spéech one that hath a mind to aspire to great matters therefore is puffed vp with ouerwéening of himself I cannot suffer vz. or indure at any hand he meaneth by these spéeches that he cannot abide pride nor the tokens nor signes thereof nor the persons giuen thereto Ver. 6. Mine eyes shal be i. I wil carefully looke vnto and haue special regard of vnto the faithful of the land i. vnto the good and godlye peo-people that dwell in the lande wheresouer
those that are his but rather hee praieth the Lord to shew by effect that he hath care ouer him sée Genesis 8 1. O Lord vz. in whom alone I put my trust and therfore as a sure testimony thereof call vpon them with the fauour of thy people i. with that fauour that thou hast promised and art wont to shew to thy people he calleth that frée loue and mercy which God carieth towards his the fauour of his people visit vz. with mercy and goodnesse for to visit in this place is taken in the good parte euen for the accomplishment of Gods gracious promises towards his seruauntes sée Gen. 21.1 me vz. oppressed with mine own gréefe the gréefe of my people with thy saluation i. with gracious fauour deliuerance from thée so you haue had the word saluation sundry times vsed before namely Psal 3.8 ver 5. That I may sée vz. not only with my bodily and spiritual eyes but also possesse inioy sée Psal 34.12 fight put for inioying the felicity of thy chosen i. the blessednes and goodnes that thou bestowest vppon them whome thou hast chosen to thy self reioice in the ioy of thy people i. haue an occasion giuen me to reioyce as thy saints and seruaunts doe and glory vz. not in my selfe but in thée with thine inheritaunce i. with thy people whom thou hast elected an heritage to thy selfe for inheritance sée Psal 28.9 Ver. 6. We haue sinned vz. against thy Maiesty with our fathers i. as our fathers haue done also q.d. we they also haue sinned not as though they had both sinned at one time but that they were al culpable of sin against him vnderstanding by fathers al their ancestors we haue cōmitted vz. continally without ceasing iniquity done wickedly vz. both agaynst God man The Prophet cannot content himselfe with any words to set forth the notoriousnes of his own sins and the sins of his people Ver. 7. Our Fathers i. our ancestors as before ver 6. of this Psal vnderstood not i. did not rightly or wisely consider of thy wonders in Egipt i. those great works that thou diddest for their sake in that land neither remembred they vz. as they should haue don to haue prouoked thē to thankfulnes towards thée for the same the multitude of thy mereies vz. shewed euē frō the time of Abrahams calling vnto this present but speciallye those thinges that were done in Egipt before their eyes but rebelled vz. against thée at the sea euen at the red sea for the more assurance he nameth the sea And this may bée vnderstoode either of their rebellion Exod. 14.11 before they passed through the sea or else of their murmuring and rebellion after they came through the sea Exod. 16.2 c. q.d. they were no sooner passed the sea but immediatly they beganne to rebell or of both of them together Immanuel readeth it farre otherwise and giueth an other sense but methinketh this is playne Ver. 8. Neuerthelesse q.d. notwithstanding all their sinnes hee saued them i. hée deliuered them from daungers and distresse as sundry times before for his names sake i. because hee woulde not haue his maiesty goodnes and power ill spoken of amongest the Heathen that hée might make his power to bee knowne vz. thereby and that euen among all his and their enemies Ver. 9. And he rebuked the red sea he now prayseth and setteth out the power of God because that at his onely commaundement and will the sea gaue frée passage to his people for the word rebuke sée Psalm 104.7 and it was dried vp vp in that place through which the people had passage for otherwise the waters were as a wall vnto them on their right hande and on their left sée Exod. 14.21.22 and he led them vz. safely in the déepe vz. of the redde Sea meaning that God caried them betwéene two heapes of waters which waters gaue place vnto the Israelites by Gods appoyntment as if that the place it selfe had béene by nature dry sée Exod. 15.5 as in the wildernes i. as vpon the dry land in a safe and playne way Ver. 10. And he saued them i. deliuered them vz. the Israelites from the aduersaries hand i. from the power and force of them that pursued them with a deadly hatred meaning the Egiptians and deliuered them from the hande of the enemy i. set them frée from the power rage of the Egiptians counting them all but as one enemie because they were all of one heart and mynd to do mischiefe to Gods people Ver. 11. and the waters vz. of the red sea couered their oppressors i. ouer whelmed and drowned them so that not one of them was left vz. aliue to carry backe any tydinges Sée Exod. 14.28 Ver. 12. Then vz. when they had séene al these gret things beléeued they his words this is not spoken for their prayse but to amplifie the fault of their rebellion for that they continued not but immediatly fell to distrust and vnbelief and sang prayses vnto him vz. for his great mercies practised towardes them Sée the history of ver 9.10.11.12 in the 14. and 15. chapters of the booke of Exodus Ver. 13. But incontinently i. they were almost no sooner deliuered they forgate his workes vz. which he had done for them hee meaneth not by forgetting that the remembrance of them was vtterly rased out of all their myndes but that they had them not in that due and reuerent regarde they should haue had for the strengthening of their fayth sée for their sodaine chaunge Exod. 15 22.23 and wayted not vz. with patience for his coūsell i. for the thinges which in his eternall counsell he had purposed to bestow vpon them his purpose is to note that as they would not be gouerned by god suffering him to do all according to his good pleasure but woulde followe the deuises of their owne heads and hearts so they did it though the remēbraunce of gods benefits were fresh before them which circumstance aggrauated their sinne Ver. 14. But lusted with concupiscence by doubling the word the Prophet mindeth not onely to note the sinne of their lust but the very burning and rage of that sinne of theirs in the wildernes he noteth also the place for the more certainety of the story and tempted God in the desert to tempt God is in this place put for not staying themselues vppon Gods will but laying the raynes in their neckes and following their owne concupiscences to aske more of God then hee would giue them and when he speaketh of lusting tempting we must vnderstande that they did it more then once as may appeare Exod. 15.24 Exod. 16. throughout Exod. 17.2 c. Numb 11.1 Numb 20.3 c. Ver. 15. Then he gaue them their desire i. the things which they desired and demanded so gracious was God howsoeuer rebellious they were and sent leanenes into their soule i. into their body one part being put for an other or else
themselues had deuised to themselues meaning also by whoring that they followed it earnestly and with delight Ver. 40. Therefore vz. for their great grieuous sinnes was the wrath of the Lorde kindled vz. very hote meaning by kindling the preparing of it against his people i. against that people that hée had chosen to bee his owne and hée abhorred i. lothed and hated as it were and that for their sinnes sake his owne inheritance i. both the land the people whome hee tooke for an inheritaunce vnto himselfe Ver. 41. And he gaue them vz. for their great sinnes committed against him into the lande of the Heathen i. into their power and possession and they that hated them i. the geÌ„tiles who could at no hand away with them because they came to enioye their lande were Lordes ouer them i. ruled them at their owne pleasure sée for this speach Isaiah 26.13 and for the truth of the matter the whole booke of Iudges and namely chap. 2.14 Ver. 42. Their enemies also oppressed thm vz. sore and hardly and many times and they were humbled i. subiected and that sundry tymes vnder their hand i. vnto their power and authority Ver. 43. Many a time did hée vz. God deliuer them vz. out of the hande and power of their enemies but vz. notwithstanding these great graces they prouoked him vz. to wrath against them and that sundry times also by their counsels i. by those things which they themselues had grauely and as it were in counsel concluded and resolued vppon to perfourme therefore they were brought downe vz. from that high state of liberty and fréedome wherein God had set them to miserable captiuity and bondage by their iniquity vz. committed against his maiesty Ver. 44. Yet hee sawe q.d. notwithstanding these grieuous sinnes of theirs he did not onely behold them afflicted but pitied them when they were in affliction i. in any trouble and hee hearde their cry i. granted them al things they prayed for when they prayed which was a sure token of compassion towardes them Verse 45. And hée remembred his couenant vz. which hee had made with their Fathers and them the Prophet in these two verses noteth two meanes whereby God was moued to doe good to this people the one was his frée mercy and the other was his gracious couenant towardes them i. for their good and on their behalfe and repented vz. of the punishmentes that hee had purposed to bring vppon them meaning hereby that God after a sort chaunged as it were his purpose not that God is subiect to alteration or chaunge but because pardoning both the fault and the punishment hée séemeth vnto vs to chaunge and this manner of speach is applied to the weakenes of our capacity Sée Gene. 6.6 according to the multitude of his mercies q.d. euen as hee is inclined to shewe abundance of fauour so he shewed them the riches of his grace Ver. 46. And gaue them fauour i. made them to finde fauour Sée Gene. 45.14 in the sight of all them that led them captiues the Lorde who hath the disposing of all mens heartes so inclined their heartes to his people Ver. 47. Saue vs O Lorde our God i. deliuer vs and set vs frée from the daungers and distresses wherein wée are and gather vs from among the Heathen whose captiues we are for our sinnes and amongest whome we heare and sée things tending much to thy dishonour and the griefe of our soules and marke the Prophets zeale and loue towardes the people though hée were king and the gouernement well established yet because that by the confusion that was in the dayes of the Iudges and Saul many people were out of their owne countrey hée prayeth the Lorde as for himselfe to reduce and bring them backe agayne that we may prayse thy holy name i. thy maiesty power goodnesse c. which is full also of all holinesse and glorye in thy prayse i. reioyce and boast as it were of this that wee haue him for our GOD who alone is worthy all prayse and glorye Verse 48. Blessed i. praysed bée the Lord GOD of Israell i. hée that is the defender of the people of Israel who are called Israell because they came of Iaakob otherwise called Israell for euer and euer and let all the people say so bee it i. let all young and olde one and other acknowledge that hée alone is woorthye prayse and giue their frée and willing consent vnto it for so much hee meaneth by so bée it prayse yée the Lorde Sée Psalme 104. and 105. in the ende Ver. 1. Teacheth vs that the greatnesse of Gods goodnes Do. and the continuaunce of his mercies shoulde prouoke vs earnestly and continually to praise the Lorde Verse 2. Teacheth first that Gods graces and woorkes are infinite Secondly that though wée can not so sufficiently prayse him as wee shoulde yet wée shoulde not for all that leaue off to doe that which hée hath giuen vs grace to doe Verse 3. Teacheth vs to deale well and to continue in well doing and that so wee shall in the end atteine true blessednesse Ver. 4. Teacheth vs in distresse to cal vpon the Lord. Ver. 4. and 5. Teach vs to set before vs Gods mercies towardes his children that wee may assure our selues in hope to receiue the like Ver. 6. Teacheth vs humbly vnfeignedly fully confesse to our sins Ver. 7. Teacheth vs that forgetfulnes of Gods graces is the high way to all rebellion and sinne it teacheth vs also that forefathers are not always to be followed Verse 8 teacheth that though the sinnes of his children be very great yet they doe not alwayes set or hinder the riuers of his mercies towards them Ver. 9. Teacheth first that for the benefite of his children he will make things go contrary to their natural course Secondly that when his children in mens eyes séeme to bée in the greatest daungers hée will lead them as safely as though they were in none at all Ver. 10. Sheweth that al maner of deliuerances come from the Lord onely and his power Ver. 11. Teacheth that the same things that God maketh to giue place to his childreÌ„ shall serue to the vtter destruction of his and their enemies Ver. 12. Teacheth vs alwayes to beléeue the trueth of Gods worde yea though wee sée no meane how it can be performed secondly that wée should continually prayse God for his mercies Ver. 13. Teacheth that it is a very easie thing to fall into sinne it teacheth also that forgetfulnes of gods graces is as it were the nurse mother of many other transgressions also that we should tary the Lordes leasure for the accomplishing of that which hée hath appoynted vs. Ver. 14. Teacheth that lust or concupiscence is sinne also also that we should not tempt or try the Lord Ver. 15. Teacheth that God bestowing hâ—â— benefits vpon the wicked doth many times with all lay punishments vpon them Ver. 16. Teacheth vs to loue and reuerence the
headed men dreame to the contrary secondly that he doth vpon the earth euen whatsoeuer pleaseth him Ver. 34 teacheth that sin and vngodlines is the mean to turn al plenty into pouerty and al blessings into cursings Verse 35 teacheth vs that fruitfulnesse of ground and plenty of al things is Gods only gift Ver. 36 teacheth that God in great mercy prepareth abundance for them that want and giueth them safety shilter from al their enemies Ver. 37. Teacheth Gods children euen in the middest of Gods blessings and abundance yet notwithstanding to imploy themselues in ordinary trauayle and labour Ver. 38 teacheth vs that it is not the trauayle of man but Gods blessing that maketh men rich sée Psal 127.2 Verse 39 teacheth that afflictions are good means to bring men to the right knowledge of God and themselues Verse 40 teacheth that the estate of Princes and great men is not so sure as they commonly fantasie Ver. 41 teacheth vs that preferment commeth not from the east nor weast but from the Lord only sée Psalme 75 6. Verse 42 teacheth that godly men may reioyce as in the benefites of God bestowed vpon others so in his iudgements poured forth vpon the wicked it teacheth also that Gods mercies vpon his children and his punishments vpon the vngodly bring forth an other effect in the wicked that is taketh from them all sence so that they neyther haue harts to conceiue nor mouthes to speake either with or against god in his dealings Ver. 43 teacheth first that men ought déeply to weigh Gods wonderful workes secondly that the number of thē that do so in déede is very small in respect of the other thirdly that the consideration of his works is one good means to make vs sée and féele not his power and prouidenee only but also his eternall goodnes and incomprehensible mercy Psalme 108 THis Psalme as I take it may be deuided into two parts Di. In the first the Prophet stirreth vp himself to prayse God calling also vpon him for helpe and deliuerance from verse 1. to the ende of the 6 verse In the second the Prophet assuring himselfe by reason of Gods promises that his enemies should be ouerthrowne maketh his prayer vnto God for strength to performe it And this part reacheth from verse 7 to the end of the Psalme Se. The title A song or Psalm of Dauid sée before Psal 48. in the title and in that it is sayd here a Psalm of Dauid it is euident that he was the author of it Though it be true that this Psal be made of two Psalmes before going that is of Psal 57 from ver 7 to the end of the Psal and of Psal 60 from verse 5. to the end of the Psal frō whence also the sence doctrines might very wel be fet yet notwithstanding because there is some difference somwhat shal be sayd in this place Ver. 1. O God mine hart i. my inward man is prepared vz. to prayse thée for thy mercies so is my tongue i. mine outward man also putting a part for the whole q.d. I am ready both in the inward man outward mā to magnify thée for thy graces I vz. my self none other for me wil sing gyue praise vz. vnto thée alone Ver. 2. Awake Viol and Harpe he incourageth not only himself but also his instruments to praise God that euen thereby hee himselfe might be the better prouoked thereto I will awake vz. from my sléepe and rise vp from my bed early vz. in the morning the Prophet meaneth that he will euen breake his sléepe to performe seruices to God Verse 3 I wil praise thée O Lord vz. for thy mercies great and vnspeakeable among the people vz. whom thou hast chosen vnto thy selfe and I will sing vnto thée vz. prayses and thanksgiuing amongst the nations vz. round about vs the Prophet meaneth that he would so publish Gods prayses that euen the Gentiles should heare of it Ver. 4. For thy mercy vz. towardes all men but speciallye towards thy sonnes and seruaunts is great i. is so great that it is aboue the heauens i. higher then the heauens themselues so that as the space betwéene heauen and earth is infinite so is thy mercy and thy truth vz. reacheth he vnderstandeth by truth Gods faythfulnesse in making kéeping and performing promise vnto the Cloudes by these maner of spéeches hée meaneth nothing else but that Gods mercy is vnmeasurable and incomprehensible as it were in respecte of the greatnesse of it Verse 5. Exalt thy selfe O GOD vz. by thy mighte and power aboue the heauens i. aboue the highest thinges that may be not that he meaneth that God was not then and alwayes is exalted but that he prayeth the Lorde by effect to shew it amongste men and let thy glory i. the praise that appertaineth vnto thy glory be vz. dispersed farre and wide vpon al the earth i. in euery place of the worlde The Prophet sheweth in this verse that the firste thing that moued him to make this request is Gods glorye In the nexte Verse hée sheweth that an other reason is the saluation and deliueraunce of his people Verse 6. That thy beloued vz. people that is suche people as thou fauourest and louest of thine owne mercye onely without any merites of theirs may be deliuered vz. out of the great daungers distresses and feares wherein they are helpe vz. both them and me and euerye one of vs in this case for it shoulde séeme that Dauid made this Psalme at the beginning of his Kingdome when thinking vppon his enimies and his owne weakenesse it was tyme to craue helpe at the Lords hands for himselfe and his people with thy right hand i. with thy mighty power and strength that so thereby I may ouercome these enemies and heare me vz. praying vnto thée for my selfe and my people vnderstanding by hearing graunting his requestes Verse 7. GOD vz. himselfe hath spoken vz. openlye and playnlye and that by his holye Prophet Samuell that hee will establshe and inlarge the kingdome in my hande yea he hath spoken it in his holinesse i. hée hath holilye and assuredly promised it mée so that I néede not doubte any more of it then of his holinesse therefore vz. for this his mercye I will reioyce vz. greatlye for séeing he hath promised mée I knowe that I shall diuide vz. as the right owner and possessor of it Shechem Shechem is the name of a place on this side Iordan as the valley of Succoth was beyond Iordan Hée nameth certayne places of the land whiche by reason of Saules stocke and those that tooke part with him as Abner and such like he had not at the enterance into his Kingdome in his possession and yet notwithstanding assured himselfe that he should haue them and measure vz. to euery man his portion as Ioshua did by which the prophet noteth his gouernment kingdome ouer it the valley of Succoth this is expounded alredy before euen in this verse
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
charged with iniustice or vnfaithfulnes Ver. 9. He i. the Lord alone sent vz. by the hands of Moses Aaron meaning by the word sending bestowing or giuing redēption i. deliuerance vz. out of Egipt to his people vz. Israel when they were bōdslaues captiues he hath cōmanded his couenant vz. to remain sure certain for euer i. continually holy and fearefull is his name i. his maiesty goodnes power c. is ful of holinesse feare reuerence c. The Prophet meaneth that God in deliuering his people was not a father vnto them for one day only but established his grace and confirmed his couenant made with Abraham to the end that the hope of eternall life and the reuerent feare of his Maiesty might remaine continually in his church and he addeth these words holy and feareful is his name not only to discern betwéene him and al counterfeit Gods whatsoeuer but also to teach his children thereby to walk in the obedience of his maiesty Ver. 10. The beginning of wisdome i. of true holy wisdom such as is acceptable before god is the feare of the lord i. a right a reuerēt fear of gods maiesty imprinted in mēs harts he meaneth not by beginning the A B C as it were but the top height as it were of all holy heauenly wisdom sée Deut. 4.6 vnder the word feare he containeth al piety the seruice of God q.d. They that haue not gods feare and order themselues according to his law are altogether brutish Now we may try whether the feare of God be in vs by this touchstone to wit whether wee willingly receiue his yoke and suffer our selues to be gouerned by his word al they that obserue thē i. his commaundements or statutes as before ver 7 of this Psal haue good vnderstanding i. are truely wise indéed wheras without these there is nothing else but foolishnes his praise indureth for euer i. the praise that is due vnto God for his goodnes and mercy indureth yea and ought to indure amongste his to al posterities Do. Ver. 1 teacheth vs first to thank God for his benefits secondly to do it vnfeinedly with al our affection thirdly to do it both priuatly and openly Ver. 2 teacheth vs that Gods children ought to exercise thēselues in déepe meditation of Gods works Ver. 3 teacheth vs that al gods works do wōderfully set forth his glory maiesty Ver. 4 teacheth vs first that we cannot deface the excellēcy of gods works though we would secondly it describeth the excellency of loue and mercy that is in the Lord specially towards those that are his Ver. 5 teacheth vs that God giueth his children whatsoeuer he féeth good meet for them also that God promiseth nothing to his but he performeth it Verse 6 sheweth that though gods power be known to al yet chéefly to those that are his people Ver. 7 teacheth vs that al that God doth he doth in mercy to his seruaunts and in iudgemente to his enemies Verse 8 noteth the certaintie assurednesse and cōtinuance of gods word Ver. 9 teacheth that God in the middest of their greatest miseries remembreth and deliuereth his own people Ver. 10 teacheth vs that this is true wisedome to yéeld God that seruice only that he requireth at our hands also that it is not ynough to know but that we are bound to do Gods commaundemēts Psalme 112. Di. THis Psalm may be diuided specially into two parts In the first the Prophet sheweth the great blessings of God vpō those that feare him frō ver 1 to the end of the 4. In the secōd he sheweth certain qualities or notes wherby to discern good men describeth all the cursed estate of the wicked Frō ver 5 to the end of the Psalm For the title of this Psal Se. also sée before Psal 106. in the title Ver. 1 Blessed is the man i. fulnes of blessings is to him of what sexe or state soeuer he be sée Psal 1.1 that feareth the Lord vz. vnfeignedly with his whole hart Vnder this word feareth the Lord he comprehēdeth al the whole worship seruice of God and delighteth greatly i. taketh much and continual pleasure as Psal 1.2 in his cōmandements i. in the cōmandemēts which God hath prescribed Ver. 2. His séed i. the houshold race and posterity of such a good man shall bée mighty i. shal grow not only to a great increase but also to strength continuance that shal not rot away vpon earth i. in this earth that the Lord hath giuen to the sonnes of men the generation of the righteous i. the godly race and posterity of good men continuing in their fathers goodnesse shal be blessed vz. with plentiful blessings that from the Lord. Ver 3. Riches treasures i. al maner of wealth wch is noted both because the prophet vseth 2 words signifying almost one thing and also because hee speaketh of them in the plural nūber shal be in his house i. in his possession and vse to serue his own turne and the turne of all those that any manner of way depend vpon him and his righteousnes i. his vprightnes and goodnes both towards God and men indureth for euer i. shall neuer decay q.d. though many rich men through deceitefulnes of riches fall away from their former goodnes yet this good man neuer shall doe so because he is vpholden in the same by the strength of God and his spirite yea and withall he sheweth what difference there is betwéene the good and the bad wicked mens riches goe away by and by but good mens righteousnes continueth for euer True it is that the good are oftentimes poore but the Prophet herein specially magnifieth the grace of god that the godly content themselues with mediocritie and that on the other side the prophane men are neuer satisfied what abundaunce so euer they haue Ver. 4. Vnto the righteous i. vnto thē that striue to a righteous life and holy conuersation ariseth vz. through Gods speciall appoyntment gift and grace light i. all maner of prosperity and blessednes both inward and outward in darkenes i. in the greatest distresse misery and aduersitie that can come vppon him the Prophet meaneth that God maketh them to féele his grace and goodnes which are vpright in heart in the middest of their greatest afflictions they knowing this that all that is layd vpon them shall turne to their good hee i. the godly and faithfull man is mercifull and full of compassion vz. towardes such as are in neede and distresse righteous i. vpright and faithful in al his dealings with other Some referre this to God but methinke the other is the more apt sense Ver. 5. A good man i. one whome God hath framed to goodnes for otherwise none is good saue God onely Mark 10.18 is mercifull vz. to the poore and néedy vnderstanding by mercifull curteous in speach and ready in déede to performe what in him lyeth and lendeth vz.
matter of no smal comfort Ver. 16. Teacheth vs that it is a good thing to be borne of good parentes but that it is much better to haue our names written in the booke of life also that though mischief be deuised against Gods seruauntes or they themselues somewhat fal into it yet that God will either preuent the mischiefe or else dispatch them out of distresse Ver. 17. Teacheth vs that thankesgiuing and prayer should alwaies be ioyned together Verse 18. Is the same with ver 14. and deliuereth the same doctrines also it teacheth vs not to be ashamed openly to praise God for his mercies Ver. 19. teacheth vs also to yéeld him that sacrifice publikely in his Church and in the assemblies of his saints It teacheth vs also to prouoke others to praise the Lord. Psalme 117. Di. AS this Psalme is the shortest Psalme in al the booke and hath but only two verses so it specially propoundeth two things The first is a generall exhortation to al people to praise the Lorde this is in ver 1. The second comprehendeth a double reason why they should praise him vz. for his mercy in making promises and for his faithfulnes in performance of them ver 2. Se. It hath no title or inscription Ver. 1. Al nations vz. of the world whether ye be gentiles or Iewes prayse ye the Lord vz. both with heart and voyce al ye people vz. of the whole earth some vnderstand by nations all the Gentiles onely and by people the people of Israel only but I sée no reason of it for the Prophet speaketh generally to al praise him vz. incessantly and in all places This doubling of the word noteth not only how necessary the sacrifice of praise and thankesgiuing is but how backwarde also wee are in it that must so often be called vpon ver 2. For his louing kindnes i. his mercy is great towards vs i. is multiplied very much and sufficiently confirmed vnto vs. The Hebrew word may be turned is strengthened vz. so that it hath preuailed against vs q.d. though we would pue it backe yet it wil ouercome vs meaning that it hath bene excéeding great and mighty one example of the continuance and increase of Gods fauour and graces read 1. King 17.14 and the trueth of the Lord indureth for euer i. Gods faithfulnes in performing his promises continueth stedfast and sure and therefore hee is worthy to be praysed of al. This is to bee referred to the continuall testimonies of Gods fatherly fauour and grace which is as it were decked with stedfastnes and firmity Verse 1. teacheth vs that it behoueth all men of the world Do. and euery particular person in the same to praise God Ver. 2 teacheth vs that Gods mercye and faithfulnes be the principall causes which should moue vs to thankfulnes and praysing of his name Psalme 118 THis Psalme séemeth to bee made eyther after that Dauid was deliuered from some great trouble in the dayes of Saule Di. or after Saules death when he was aduanced to the kingdom or after victory obtained amongst and against sundry nations with whom he fought Whatsoeuer it is it doth specialy propound thrée thinges the one is an exhortation to men to praise God and this is comprehended in the 4 first verses In the seconde hée sheweth the causes why men should doe so which though they bee many particularly expressed in the Psalme yet generally they are but these two his mercy towards his children and his iustice towards his enemies from verse 5. to the end of the 20. In the third is contayned a harty reioycing both of the people and Priests for the establishment of Dauids Kingdom and this reacheth from verse 21 to the end of the Psalm This Psalme hath no title as many other before haue not Verse 1. Se. Praise ye the Lord vz. O ye seruaunts of the Lord as Psalm 113.1 because hee is good vz. towards all but specially towards you for his mercy vz. towardes you indureth for euer i. lasteth for euer and euer he noteth the cōstancy of gods mercy towards his children and withall sheweth that the righte occasion of praysing God is rather set forth vnto vs in his mercye then in his iustice and power because we shall neuer be well disposed to prayse God vnlesse wee bée drawne vnto it by the swéetenesse of his mercy Verse 2. Let Israel i. not only them that came of Israel or Iaakob according to the flesh but the true faithful Israelites now say i. presently and without any delay confesse from their hart that his mercy indureth for euer vz. euen as they themselues by their owne practise and experience are very well able to report These wordes are expounded before verse 1. Verse 3. Let the house of Aaron i. those that are of Aarons stock and come from him meaning especially the Priests and Leuits sée Psalme 115 10. now say c. this is expounded before verse 1.2 Verse 4. Let them that feare the Lord i. that serue and worship him in al holy reuerēce sée Psalme 115 11 13 All the rest is expounded before in this Psalme marke that he tieth his spéeche to the true seruaunts of God because that although many Israelites according to the flesh occupied a place in the church yet they were notwithstanding straungers from it Ver. 5. I called vpon the Lord vz. by earnest and harty prayer in trouble i. when I was in trouble sée Psalme 1.20 ◠and the Lord heard me i. graunted me the requests and prayers which I made vnto him and set me at large i. at liberty taking me out of the distresse wherein I was sée for this purpose Psal 4.1 In this verse also marke that the Prophet commeth from the generall to his owne particular person declaring that as he himself had marks and tokens of Gods goodnesse towards him so hee had also thereby occasion giuen him as well as the rest to prayse the Lord. Verse 6. The Lord is with me vz. in all distresse hee meaneth by this spéech that God tooke his part against al his enemies therefore I will not feare what man can do against me i. I wil not care for al that man can doe or deuise whatsoeuer it be by man he meaneth multitudes of men and great personages q.d. be they neuer so many or neuer so great yet I wil not feare Thus wee sée how the Prophet hauing felt Gods assistaunce in former time and obtayned sundry victories assureth himself of Gods perpetual aide in time to come such confidence and assured perswasion sée before Psal 3.6 also Psal 27 3. Ver 7. The Lord is with me i. not only present but also on my side and taketh my part among them that helpe me vz. being thus cast down and afflicted the prophet meaneth that seing God taketh his part he shal preuaile otherwise if he had al the helpe in the world it could not stand therfore shal I sée my desire vpon my enemies i. I shall
this restoring of him to a better estate and refreshing him ouer all his miseries according to thy worde sée verse 25 of this Psalme Verse 29. Take vz. thorowe thy goodnesse and mercye from mée vz. which am so much inclyned thereto the way of lying i. the order trade and course of lying vnderstanding thereby all manner of corruption whatsoeuer agaynst GOD or man and graunt me graciously i. of thy great grace and goodnesse giue to mee thy Lawe i. the knowledge and practise of it that according to the same I maye leade my lyfe for it is not to bée doubted but that he had the Law q.d. Kéepe mée from all lying vanitie and sinne from the whiche that hée mighte bée the better preserued hée desireth to bee instructed in the doctrine of GOD his law Verse 30. I haue chosen vz. thorow the light that thou hast reuealed vnto me by the worke of thy spirite the waye of truth i. that path that leadeth into truth and well doing and thy iudgementes i. thy Lawe and commaundementes whiche hee calleth iudgementes because according to the same will he pronounce sentence haue I layde before mee vz. not onlye to looke vpon them but also as the rule of my life and behauioure Immanuell readeth this verse thus The way of truth which I chose and of thy iudgementes which I set before me making it as it were an exposition of the latter part of the other verse q.d. Graunt me graciously thy lawe which I acknowledge and take to be the way of truth c. Ver. 31. I haue cleaued vz. vnfaignedly and with a good hart meaning by this Metaphor of cleauing continuing and perseuering in GOD his Lawe sticking so fast vnto it as nothing coulde remooue him from it sée Romanes 12 9. to thy testimonies O Lord i. to thy law confounde me not i. let me not bee confounded and ashamed q.d. suffer me not to slide or fall into suche infirmitie eyther of woorde or déede that my life shoulde be shamefull vnto mée and I skorned of the enemies of thy law Ver. 32. I will runne vz. chearefullye and swiftlye the waye of thy commaundementes i. that waye order and course of life whiche thy commaundementes shewe me he meaneth that he will bee prompte and ready to kéepe Gods lawe when thou shalt inlarge mine hart some expounde it thus when thou shalt haue set mée out of daunger and giuen me thereby an occasion of great reioycing I rather would expounde it thus when thou shalt haue made my vnderstanding and spirite which of it selfe is narrow and straight not able to contain or conceaue any good things capable by inlarging and opening of it to containe and conceaue thy gifts and graces sée 1. King 4 29 concerning the inlarging of Salomons hart which in my iudgemente serueth very wel to open this place Do. Verse 25 teacheth vs in distresse and affliction to call vppon GOD by earnest prayers also that one good grounde of our prayers is Gods promises made vnto vs in his word Verse 26 teacheth vs that God is nigh to the faythfull prayers of his poore seruaunts also that we are ignoraunt of Gods law till it please him in mercye to vouchsafe to teache vs. Verse 27 teacheth vs carefullye and continuallye to meditate in Gods worde Verse 28 sheweth that Gods children are many times broughte verye lowe but yet the hope that they haue in GOD his promises doeth raise them vp agayne Verse 29 teacheth vs to abhorre as all sinne generally so particularlye lying and falshood also that Gods worde rightly vsed is a great mean to vanquishe sinne by Verse 30 teacheth vs that GOD his word shoulde be sette before vs in all the particular actions of this life Verse 31 teacheth vs to perseuer and continue in the profession of Gods truth all the dayes of our lyfe Verse 32 teacheth vs to go on forward in the race that is set before vs and neuer to be weary of wel doing He. Di. IN this whole part which consisteth of earnest prayer vnto God the Prophet first beséecheth the Lord to giue him good things as amongst others the knowledge and obedience of his law Ver. 33 34 35 38 40 secondly he praieth him to giue strength to auoyd euil things Ver. 36 37 39. Se. Verse 33 Teach me vz. which of my selfe am so blind ignorant and vnapte to euery good thing O Lord vz. whom alone I feare and worship the way of thy statutes i. that order of life which thy law setteth out ver 32. he called it the way of his commaundements and I will kéepe it vz. thorow thine assistance and goodnesse for otherwise no man can do any thing that good is vnto the end vz. of my life meaning that he would obserue Gods law al his life long sée verse 112 of this Psalme afterwards Ver. 34. Giue me vnderstanding vz. of thy will reuealed in thy word and I will kéepe thy law vz. thorow thy goodnesse and assistaunce as before not onlye in my hart but in my conuersation outwardlye yea I will kéepe it with my whole hart i. soundly sincerelye and with an vnfeigned affection Meaning that in the obseruation and obedyence of Gods lawe he would auoyde all hipocrisie Verse 35. Directe mée vz. which thorow mine owne corruption am readye to runne out of the way in the path of thy commaundements i. in the waye and order of life which thy commaundements would haue me to tread for therein i. both in thy Lawe and in a conuersation according to the same is my delighte i. I take singular ioye and pleasure Verse 36. Inclyne vz. thorowe the exercises of thy worde and the working of thy spirite mine hearte i. the affections and desires of my harte vnto thy Testimonyes i. to imbrace the knowledge and practise of thy worde and not to couetousnesse i. gréedye affecting and desyring of that whiche appertayneth to an other man hee putteth one kinde of sinne which is in déede the roote of all euill for al other transgressions and vices whatsoeuer as he did before the word lying ver 29. of this Psalme Ver. 37. Turne away mine eyes by the eyes he meaneth all other senses because they are the messengers which conuey or bring things to our other senses and the windowes or gates as it were by which euil entereth into vs from regarding i. from beholding or looking vpon he prayeth against the beginning of euill which being once ouercome processe and procéeding in it néed not to be feared vanity i. vaine things with the loue whereof men may easily bee ouertaken q.d. remooue the affections of my mind from these things which men do greatly desire and delight in lest otherwise I being caryed away from thy word I imbrace vayne things with other men quicken mee i. make me not only liuely to do thy will but giue me grace to liue in it all the dayes of my life in thy way i. in thy lawe see ver 15. of this Psalme Verse 38. Stablish
me away from the obedience of thy trueth Verse 62. At midnight vz. when others are fast and sound a sleepe Sée before verse 55. This declareth his ardency and affection q.d. euen then when I shoulde take my rest as others doe will I rise vz. not onely from my sléepe but euen out of my bed to giue thanks vnto thée vz. for thy gret infinite blessings bestowed vpon me or as followeth because of thy righteous iudgementes i. because of the faithful performing of all those thinges which thou hast promised either in mercy to thy seruants or in iustice to thine enemies Verse 63. I am a companion i. I vse and frequent the company of all thē that feare thee i. serue and worshippe thee with that reuerent feare that appertayneth vnto thée and kéepe thy preceptes i. hee sheweth howe men may know whether they themselues or others feare GOD or no euen by keeping his lawe and doing the things that it requireth And the Prophet kept company with these good men both that he himselfe by them might bee confirmed and also that he might aide and confirme them Ver. 64. The earth i. the whole world it selfe and all the creatures therein conteined O Lord vz. whome I serue alone is full vz. in euery place and quarter so that a man can turne his eye or head no way but he shal sée plaine testimonies of it of thy mercy vz. towardes it and al thy creatures teach me thy statutes sée ver 26. of this Psalme he desireth that the mercy of God which is spred abroad ouer all creatures may be manifested to himward so that thereby he may profit in Gods lawe because that the spirit of vnderstanding is a principal signe of Gods fauour and grace and this petition consisteth of two partes vz. that God pitying his wretchednesse and want of knowledge woulde perfourme his promise made to him in that behalfe whereunto the better to induce God he vseth an argument taken from the abundance of Gods mercy manifested to al his creatures that is the second part or point Do. Ver. 57. Teacheth vs that séeing God hath chosen vs to bee his people wee should carry with vs a resolute perswasion to obey his lawe Ver. 58. Teacheth vs that the prayers which we make vnto God should be vnfeigned and procéed not onely from the tongue but from the heart also also that in our prayers we should make Gods mercies and promises principall proppes of our faith Ver. 59. Teacheth vs not onely to haue a carefull eye to our conuersation past and present but also it sheweth vs that the single sight therof is a good meane to bring vs to the obedience of God Ver. 60. Teacheth vs with speed to turne vnto the Lorde and not to put of from day to day as worldly men doe Verse 61. Doeth not only set out the cruel and spoyling minds that the wicked haue but sheweth also that the children of God shoulde haue such constancie in his trueth as nothing shoulde withdrawe them from it Verse 62. Teacheth vs to haue such care of Gods seruice that wee should many times break our sléepes as it were to performe that duety Ver. 63. Teacheth vs as to auoyd euil company so for the profite that maye come to our selues thereby and for the good that we may do to others to frequent good company Ver. 64. Setteth out the largenes of Gods mercy and sheweth what want of knowledge wée haue in Gods holy worde Teth Di. THis being the 9. part of the Psalme consisteth specially of these pointes first the Prophet confesseth gods great goodnes towards him and prayeth for the continuance therof Ver. 65.66.68 Secondly he declareth that euen the afflictions which they suffered in this life were through the consolation which he had in the word comfortable and profitable vnto him Ver. 67.71.72 Thirdly he setteth out the cruelty and naughtines of the wicked and his owne goodnes and yet without any boasting thereof ver 69.70 Ver. 65. O Lord vz. the only true God thou hast dealt vz. in euery thing Se. and euery way graciously i. in all fauour loue and mercy with thy seruaunt i. with me thy seruant for he speaketh of himselfe in the thirde person according to thy worde i. according to thy promise that thou hast made and giuen mee q.d. as thou hast graciously promised mee all goodnes so hast thou graciously also and in great mercy perfourmed the same Ver. 66. Teach mée vz. who of my selfe am blinde and ignorant good iudgment and knowledge vz. out of thy holy woorde q.d. teach mee by the light of thy holy worde in sound iudgements and knowledge to discerne betwéene trueth and falshoode for I haue beléeued vz. stedfastly thy commaundementes vz. that they are good true and holy he meaneth also by this manner of speach that hee did willingly imbrace all that which was appointed in gods lawe Ver. 67. Before I was afflicted vz from thée and by thine appointment I went astray vz. from the wayes of thy commandements but nowe vz. since thy corrections were vpon mée I kéepe vz. with a sincere and good mynde vnderstanding by kéeping obseruing and obeying thy word i. the things manifested and cōmaunded in thy word Sée Hosea 5.15 Immanuel readeth it thus when I did not yet speake i. euen from my birth I am a sinner a stranger from thy lawe and the childe of wrath as Psal 51.5 I went astray i. I was a sinner against thée as before but now I kéepe vz. diligently or in my heart meaning also that he layd it vp in his mind thy word i. thy promises Thus he applieth it to original sinne whatsoeuer it is certaine it is that hee was not deliuered from that stubbornes and peruerse rebellion wherewith all mankinde is infected but by the mighty working of Gods holy worde and spirit Ver. 68. Thou vz. O Lord art good and gracious as to all so specially to thy people sée Psal 86.5 teach me thy statutes sée ver 26.64 of this Psalme and marke howe to moue the Lord to teach him in his lawe hée setteth before him Gods bounty and goodnes Ver. 69. The proude sée ver 51. of this Psalme hee meaneth by this speach the chiefe men amongest them who were puffed vp with a peruerse and vayne trust in their honours and riches haue imagined as secretly and within themselues so cunningly and finely a lye i. false and vniust accusations hee putteth one for many against mee vz. euen to take away my life if it be possible but I will kéepe vz. through thy goodnes strength and assistaunce thy precepts i. the thinges that thou hast commaunded with my whole heart i. sincerely and vnfeignedly Ver. 70. Their heart i. their minde vnderstanding is fat as grease i. is mightily fatned so that there is nothing in it as it were but fat he meaneth by fat as grease not onely that they were puffed vp with prosperitie and so made vnapt to vnderstand holy thinges
but also that they were dayly more and more indurate and hardened Sée Isaiah 6.10 but my delight is in thy lawe vz. aboue and before all thinges Verse 71. It is good i. both profitable and pleasaunt as Psalme 92.1 for mee vz. thy poore and vnworthy seruant that I haue béene afflicted vz. graciously and mercifully at thy handes and that with the rods of thy children sée ver 67. of this Psalme that I may learne vz. not onely to knowe but also to obserue thy statutes i. the lawes which thou hast established Ver. 72. The law of thy mouth i. the worde which procéeded and came from thée and was vttered as it were with thy mouth is better vnto me i. is more deare and precious and swéete then thousands of gold and siluer i. then a very great number or infinite treasure he meaneth that he did preferre Gods woorde before all earthly things whatsoeuer Do. Ver. 65. Teacheth vs that God alwayes graciously performeth his promises to his seruants Verse 66. Teacheth vs that we can haue no sounde knowledge till God teach it vs. Ver. 67. Teacheth vs that afflictions are profitable instruments which God doeth vse to draw vs on to the practise of his worde ver 68. Teacheth vs to make gods grace goodnes our special ground worke of our prayers Ver. 69. Teacheth vs first that the wicked will leaue no stone vnrolled that thereby they might hurt the godly Secondly that wee shoulde striue vnfeignedly to kéepe Gods lawe Verse 70. Teacheth vs that the wicked are hardened and baked as it were in their sinnes also that wee shoulde take singular delight and pleasure in gods word Ver. 71. Teacheth vs that afflictions are euen good for vs because they pull vs on to the obedience of Gods trueth Verse 72. Teacheth vs to preferre Gods woorde before all worldly things whatsoeuer Iod. Di. THis tenth part consisteth wholly of supplications and prayers partly for himselfe verse 73.76.77.80 partly also for others ver 79. and partly against the wicked and vngodly ver 78. lastly hee sheweth what fruite the godly shal reape in that his petitions are granted vnto him and cōfesseth that he hath deserued al punishments ver 74.75 Se. Ver. 73. Thine hands haue made me i. thou by thy mighty power O Lorde hast created mee of the flime and dust of the earth and fashioned me vz. in this order and shape wherein I nowe liue giue mee vnderstanding therefore i. make mee apt and able so to vnderstand thy will that I may learne vz. to knowe and keepe thy commaundements Marke here two thinges first that in making his prayer for holy vnderstanding hée iustly accuseth himselfe and all others of blindnesse which procéeded not from the Creator but from man corrupted Secondly that euen by his creation he conceiued hope that God woulde continue his worke begunne in him because God leaueth not his worke and therefore hee requireth God to bestowe newe grace vpon him and to finish that which he had begunne in him Verse 74. So i. by that meanes when they shall beholde and sée that they that feare vz. with the reuerent feare of thy sonnes from which as from the cause procéedeth this true effect of the right worshipping and seruing of thée séeing mee vz. thus instructed and taught by thee in the knowledge of thy lawe shall reioyce vz. for the graces that I haue receiued from thee because I haue trusted vz. stedfastly and with patience in thy woorde vz. generally but specially in thy promises Verse 75. I knowe O Lorde vz. not onely by the trueth of thy woorde but also by mine owne particular experience and practise that thy iudgments i. all thy iudgments whatsoeuer but specially these punishments whereby thou doest prouoke men to repentance are right i. are ministred in all equity and right so that no man can charge thée of iniustice and that thou hast afflicted mee i. corrected and chastened mee as verse 67.71 of this Psalme iustly i. being mooued thereto by very good right and cause Ver. 76. I pray thée vz. humbly and heartily that thy mercy i. thy singular and vnspeakeable goodnesse may comfort mee vz. alwayes and namely when I am in any sorrowe and distresse according to thy promise vz. made and giuen that is according to the promise that thou hast made vnto thy seruant i. to mée thy seruaunt for hee speaketh of himselfe here in the thirde person as sundry tymes before in this Psalme Verse 77. Let thy tender mercyes vz. which thou was wont to shewe heretofore to thy afflicted seruauntes come vnto mée vz. also that is let mee bée partaker of thy excéeding loue in trueth and féeling as they haue béene that I may liue vz. here vppon earth among men and set foorth thy prayse Sée verse 17. of this Psalme and it is as much also q.d. It is impossible that I shoulde liue till such time as I féele my selfe reconciled to thée through thy mercy for thy lawe i. study practise and knowledge of thy woorde is my delight i. all my whole delight for the Prophet vseth here a worde of the plurall number delights Ver. 78. Let the proude bee ashamed vz. euen before thee and before men what hee meaneth by proude persons sée before verse 51.69 for they haue dealt wickedly i. vniustly and cruelly against mee and falsely vz. also with mee meaning that they had both by force and fraude as lying hypocrisie c. sought his ouerthrowe but I meditate vz. earnestly and continually for all that of thy precepts i. of thy lawe and word and of the things conteyned therein Verse 79. Let such as feare thée i. loue and serue thee with an vnfeigned heart turne vnto mée i. ioyne themselues to mee agayne in familiaritie after that through thy iudgements thou shalt haue declared and made knowne vnto them the goodnesse of my cause Sée Iob. 6.29 q.d. as the good haue for a tyme through the insolency and pryde of myne enemies béene beaten backe so let them nowe take courage agayne when they shall sée mée restored and lifted vp and they that knowe thy testimonies vz. to doe them Verse 80. Let my heart be vpright in thy statutes i. let me haue a sound affection towardes thy word and obedience of it and let mee bée frée in these things that I doe of all hypocrisie and dissimulation that I bee not ashamed i. made ashamed and that before men which should in deede betyde me if I should depart from thy statutes sée ver 31. of this Psalme also Psalm 44. almost throughout specially towards the end Do. Ver. 73. Teacheth vs to pray earnestly for light and vnderstanding out of Gods word Ver. 74. Teacheth vs that Gods mercies bestowed vppon some of his children should bée an occasion of comfort and ioy to the rest Ver. 75. Teacheth vs fréely to confesse that whatsoeuer God doeth he doth it vprightly because there is no vnrighteousnes with him Ver. 76. Teacheth vs that Gods mercy and goodnes rightly
which we haue in our hands we haue them in readines for any vse as it were yet q.d. for all these dangers doe I not forget vz. continually or vtterly thy law i. thy word putting a part of it for the whole Ver. 110. The wicked vz. men of the world haue laid vz. secretly and priuily a snare for me vz. to catch me in it He meaneth that the vngodly hath secretly conspired and practised his destruction but vz. for all that I swarued not vz. to the one side or to the other meaning that neither the feare of his aduersaries nor fauour towards himselfe had drawne him away from the obedience of God from thy precepts i. from doing the things which thou commaundest and requirest at my hands Ver. 111. Thy testimonies i. thy worde haue I taken i. estéemed had in as great regard as an heritage for euer i. as a perpetuall inheritance He meaneth that he did more estéeme the doctrine of God thē al possessions though they had bin neuer so durable for they are the ioy of my hart i. my hart meaning by hart himself putting the principall parte of him for the whole man taketh ioy and delight in nothing else so much as in them Verse 112. I haue applied mine hart i. I haue not only carried a purpose with me but I haue set my whole affection vpon this and he speaketh not this as a vayne bragge of his own vertue but as a simple protestation of the vprighte affection of his own hart to fulfil thy statutes i. to obserue and do the thinges which thou hast or dained in thy law to be performed alway i. continually and for euer euen vnto the end vz. of my life meaning by that maner of spéech all his life long sée verse 33 of this Psalme Verse 105 teacheth vs that without the light of Gods word we cannot walke rightly Ver. 106 teacheth vs to vse al the means we can Do. yea euen to binde our selues with vowes and promises to obserue gods law Ver. 107 teacheth vs that Gods children in this world are many times brought to a low case that we haue no liuelinesse in vs to good things till God bestow it vpon vs. Ver. 108. teacheth vs that we can do nothing which can please God except it please him in mercy to accept of the same Ver. 109 teacheth vs that many are the afflictions of the righteous but yet that for their comforte they shoulde continuallye thinke vpon Gods word Verse 110 setteth out the malicious mindes of the vngodly agaynst the good also it teacheth vs for no persecution to go astray from God and his truth Verse 111 teacheth vs in what price and estimation we should haue Gods word it teacheth vs also that there is no true ioy to be found but in that Ver. 112 teacheth vs to carry with vs a continuall care and conscience to walke in the obedience of Gods law Samech IN this xv part the Prophet specially propoundeth thrée things Di. in the firste he setteth out his loue to Gods worde and his hatred of all wickednesse and wicked men Verse 113.114.115 In the second he maketh his prayers vnto god for strength and continuance in goodnes and truth Ver. 116 117. In the thirde he expresseth Gods feareful iudgements agaynst the vngodly and what profite the godly reape thereby Ver. 118.119 120. Verse 113 I hate vz. with an vnfeined hatred as Psalm 139 22. Se. meaning by this earnest spéech the great dislike he had vayne inuentions i. all the deuises of any mans hart or head whatsoeuer The hebrew worde whiche hee vseth in this place properly signifieth boughes or braunches and by a Metaphor are put here for inuentions deuises or thoughts whiche comming from the harte as it were from the trunke or body of a Trée spread themselues hither and thither and that causeth Immanuel to turne it thoughts Whatsoeuer it be he meaneth doubtles the crooked inuentions deuises of mans hart but thy law i. thy word sée ver 109 of this Psalm doe I loue vz. vnfeignedly and with a good hart Ver. 114. Thou vz. alone no other but thou alone art my refuge i. the place that I flie vnto in distresse meaning that God was he alone vnder whose protection and sauegard he did withdraw himselfe sée Psalme 18.2 and shield vz. to defend me from deadly darts and daungers sée agayne Psalme 18 2 where you shall finde both these wordes expounded and Psalme 3 verse 3. and I trust vz. stedfastly and patiently in thy worde i. in the promises that thou hast made in thy word he meaneth that hee did assuredly beléeue that Gods promises made in his word should bee performed and though they were delayed for a while yet he woulde patiently tarrye the accomplishment thereof Ver. 115. Away from me ye wicked q.d. Departe from me for ye labour in vayne to draw me to commit wickednesse with you sée this spéech expounded Psalme 6.8 for I will kéepe i. I haue a purpose to kéepe and thorow the strength and assistaunce of my God will performe it the commaundements of my God i. those things which my God hath commaunded and will at no hand doe these wickednesses which ye prouoke me vnto Ver. 116. Stablish me i. confirme and strengthen me in thy truth and in al goodnesse according to thy promise vz. made vnto me in thy word that I maye liue vz. euen here in this life before men to thy glory and disappointe me not of my hope i. of the things that I hope for He maketh this prayer not as though God did at any time fayle his children but to the end he himself might more and more féele his fayth strengthened in the truth of the word Ver. 117 Stay thou me vz. from faynting sliding or falling and I shall be safe vz. from daungers and distresses meaning that vnlesse God kept him he coulde not stand one minute of an houre and I wil delight continually in thy statutes vz. not only to know them but also to doe them sée verse 112. Ver. 118. Thou hast troden down vz. vnder thy féete euen as a mighty King or conqueror sée for this phrase Psalm 110.1 al them vz. of what state or condition soeuer they be that depart from thy statutes i. that swerue and go astray from the things that thou hast appointed them to walke in for their deceit i. the mischieuous practises which deceitfully they haue deuised against others is vayne i. is voyde and to no purpose vnlesse it be to their owne hurt Verse 119. Thou hast taken away vz. from amongst thy children and that in thy heauie iudgement al the wicked of the earth i. all the vngodlye inhabiting the earth of what state or condition soeuer they were sée verse 118 for this word all like drosse i. as a thing or matter of no account for indéede the wicked are not regarded before God neither are they to be estéemed of his children sée the wicked compared to drosse
our causes when the ordinarye course of a iust defence is stopped against vs. Verse 123 teacheth vs neuer to leaue off hanging vppon the Lorde though the Lorde a long while deferre his ayde Verse 124 teacheth vs in all our supplications and prayers to flie to Gods mercy Verse 125 teacheth vs that till GOD giue vs vnderstanding we are vtterly blind Verse 126 teacheth vs that the heaping vp of wickednesse will doubtlesse procure the Lorde to come with swifte and sharpe iudgement Verse 127 teacheth vs to preferre Gods worde before all pleasures and profites of this life whatsoeuer Verse 128 teacheth vs vnfaignedlye and from the bottome of our hartes to abhorre all subtill and deceitfull wayes Pe. THe Prophet in this seuentéenth part Di. painteth out both the excellency of gods law and his great desire loue to the same ver 129 130 131. Secondlye hée prayeth the Lord to be mercifull vnto him to order his conuersation to saue him from the wicked to instruct him in his law ver 132 133 134 135. Thirdlye he expresseth how much he was gréeued when he saw the law of his God traÌ„sgressed and broken ver 136. Verse 129. Thy Testimonies i. thy law and word sée verse 111 Se. 125 are wonderfull i. comprehend wonderfull things because it containeth misteries which are high and hidden from mens reason and vnderstanding and hereby he was moued to reuerence estéeme Gods word therefore i. because they are so excellent doth my soule i. I my selfe both in the outward and inwarde man kéep them i. striue and labour to kéepe theÌ„ and thorow thy goodnes many times performe them Ver. 130. The enterance into thy word i. the beginning to be acquainted and familiar with it q.d. the word of God is so cleare that euen at the first sight of it it lighteneth mens eyes The hebrew word which is here turned entraunce signifieth dore gate or opening q.d. Euen the verye first rudiments or instruments of thy word sheweth light vz. to such as resort and repayre to it he meaneth that it lighteneth their mindes and chaseth away the naturall darkenesse which is in them giueth vnderstanding i. abundance of vnderstanding and knowledge to the simple i. to theÌ„ that be rude or ignoraunt and specially to such as being voyde from presumption and pride doe willingly submit themselues to GOD that they maye bée instructed in and by his worde Verse 131. I opened my mouth i. I very earnestlye desired as they doe that eyther are hungrye or thirstye verye muche whiche they declare by opening their mouth or gaping euen as though they woulde swallowe vp the ayre and panted vz. for an earnest desire which I had sée Psalme 42 12. I take these same to bée metaphors borrowed from thirstye and wearie wayfaring men q. d. I doe so earnestlye hunger and thyrste after thy lawe as the hungrye and thirstye doe after meaâ—e and drinke yea I doe by all the meanes I can striue to attayne it because I loued vz. earnestlye and vnfeignedlye sée Verse 113.127 thy commaundementes i. thy whole word a part for the whole Verse 132. Looke vppon mée vz. continuallye and at all times speciallye in the dayes of myne affliction and bée mercifull vnto mee though there be nothing in me to mooue thée vnto it as thou vsest to doe vnto those i. euen as thou arte accustomed to shew mercy and loue to such that loue thy name i. that loue thée and that vnfeignedly and from a good hart The name of God put for God himselfe as may appeare by Rom. 8. â—8 where this phrase loue God is vsed Verse 133. Direct my steppes i. order my conuersation and course of life some turne it thus direct my feete but the sence commeth all to one in thy worde i. according to that truth which thou hast sanctifyed and set forth in thy word and in that he prayeth God to direct him he sheweth what great weakenesse is in maÌ„ by nature and let no iniquitie i. sinne either against thy maiestie or men my brethren haue dominion ouer me vz. to carry me from the wayes of thy coÌ„maundements for though we haue a will sometimes to doe good yet euill is present and sinne dwelleth though it raigneth not in this our flesh sée Rom. 7. thorowout Verse 134. Deliuer me i. set me frée and that thorow thy goodnesse and mercy from the oppression of men i. from men that would oppresse me and doe mee wrong or else from the oppression and wrong whiche they purpose against me sée verse 121 of this Psalme and I wil kéepe thy precepts sée verse 115. of this Psalme Verse 135. Shew the light of thy countenaunce i. be mercifull and fauourable you haue such a phrase before Psalme 67 1. vpon thy seruaunt i. vpon me thy seruaunt or vnto me thy seruaunt speaking of himselfe in the third person and teach me thy statutes sée verse 64 68. Verse 136. Mine eyes gush out with riuers of waters i. I wéepe and sheade abundance of teares yea I am altogether in teares q.d. I wéepe continuallye not only for mine own cause but euen for the wicked mens sakes whome I pitye and specially for the law of God which it gréeueth me to the harte to bée violated and broken because they i. the men of the worlde and wicked ones kept not thy law i. haue neither care nor conscience to kéepe it Do. Verse 129 Verse 129 teacheth vs that the excellency of Gods word should drawe vs to a loue liking and obedience thereof Ver. 130 is an excellent place to aunswere the Papistes who accuse Gods word of darkenesse and hardnesse Verse 131. teacheth vs earnestly to hunger and thirst after the foode of our soules whiche is the word of God Verse 132 teacheth vs that God vseth continually to shew mercy and loue to those that loue and feare him Verse 134 teacheth vs that the more God doth set vs frée from daunger the greater care wee should haue to walke in obedience Verse 135 teacheth vs that Gods fauour is the Fountaine of all goodnesse to his children also that til he teach vs we are but blind and ignoraunt Verse 136 teacheth vs to be gréeued not only for our own sins but for other mens transgressions also Tsaddi Di. IN this part the Prophet speciallye propoundeth two thinges the firste is a singular commendation of God and his law Verse 137 138 140 142 and 144. The second is a description of his own misery trouble and gréefe and this is put down in verse 130 141 and 143. Verse 137. Righteous art thou O Lord vz. euen thou alone Se. and none other but thou q.d. if a man should séeke for righteousnesse without him hee shall not find a drop thereof and iust are thy iudgements vz. which thou exercisest towards men meaning also by this spéech that all of them and euery one of them are iust Ver. 138. Thou hast commanded and therefore good cause thou shouldest be obeyed iustice i.
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
from grace because whom the Lorde loueth he loueth for euer Verse 2. Teacheth vs that God compasseth his seruants so on euery side that no euil can come vnto them further then hee himselfe wil. Sée Iob. 1.10 Ver. 3. Teacheth vs that howsoeuer we be afflicted yet our afflictions are but momentary and indure but for a short space Sée Psalme 30.5 also 2. Corinth 4.17 Ver. 4. Teacheth vs to pray for the continuance of gods fauour vpon our brethren euen as towardes our selues Ver. 5. Teacheth vs that howsoeuer hypocrites florish in the Church for a while yet the Lorde will plague them in the end also it teacheth vs that howsoeuer he punisheth the wicked yet hee will graciously blesse his owne Psalme 126. THis Psalme may bée diuided into two partes Di. In the first the faithful declare how strange a thing their deliueraunce out of Babilon was confessing it to be done onely by God for which they declare their ioy Ver. 1.2.3 In the seconde they pray the Lord to performe the worke which he had begun prophecying euen by the spirit of prophecy the ful accomplishment and performance thereof ver 4.5.6 The title A song of degrées this is expounded before Psalm 120. Se. in the title or Psalme of Dauid this is not in the Hebrew text and therfore would bee left out for this Psalme seemeth not to bée made by Dauid or in Dauids tyme but in the dayes of Cyrus who published a proclamation for the returne of the Iewes into their countrey at the which diuers of the godly reioycing together penned also this Psalme Verse 1. When the Lord vz. of his great goodnes and mercy brought againe vz. out of Babylon whither they were taryed captiues for their sinne and thus they ascribe all the worke of deliueraunce wholy to the Lorde the captiuity i. the captiues he putteth the thing for the persons as wée haue noted out before Psalme 125.3 out of the Hebrewe text of Sion i. of the Church of the Iewes hée meaneth all the people by the place which was of greatest excellenty amongest them to witte Sion whereuppon the temple was builded in which God was worshipped wée were vz. in our owne iudgement and estimation like them that dreame vz. that dreame of excellent things and yet haue theâ—â— not not but that they were deliuered but the wonderfulnes of the deliuerance was so great and so incomprehensible to all mens vnderstanding that it séemed almost impossible to bee performed q.d. wée coulde hardly perswade our selues of it til wée saw the Gentiles speake of our great deliueraunce and 〈◊〉 help vs forwarde with ayde towardes our owne Countrey sée Ezra 1. through out Verse 2. Then when wee knewe that God had done this great worke for vs was our mouth filled with laughter i. wee had a plentifull and large occasion giuen vs of reioycing because the countenance and face are specially occupied in laughing and the mouth is a part thereof hee putteth a part for the whole yea euen for the whole man if you will and our tongue with ioy i. wee had great occasion also to speake ioyfull words q.d. wee had occasion giuen vs not onely to bée merry in countenaunce whereas before in our captiuity wee hanged downe our heades but also we expressed the ioy of our heartes by our woordes then vz. when they also sawe it sayde they amongest the heathen i. diuers and many of the heathen amongst whome wee were captiues and prisoners the Lorde vz. their God whom they worshippe and serue hath done vz. through his great strength and power great thinges i. excellent yea and wonderfull thinges for them i. for their sake and euen for their particular persons also They meane that the miracle of their deliueraunce was so great that the Gentiles themselues did euen perceiue it and confesse it Verse 3. The Lorde vz. our GOD for these are the woordes of the faythfull answering as it were the heathen that confessed GOD to bee the worker of their deliueraunce q.d. wée confesse it also with you the Lorde hath done great thinges all this is expounded before verse 2. for vs though wee bee his poore and vnworthy seruauntes so all serueth for the magnifiyng of Gods might and mercy Verse 4. O Lorde bring agayne vz. through thy almighty power and that out of Babylon into the lande of Iudah our captiuity i. our brethren and friendes which yet remayne captiues Sée ver 1. of this Psal as vz. thou many tymes bryngest the riuers i. abundaunce of waters in the South i. into the South putting the South Countrey for dry and barren places because of the continuall and ardent heate of the sunne in that quarter which parcheth all their grasse come c. and dryeth vp as it were all their riuers and waters and nâ—ce that in this place the Prophet compareth Gods fauour in the deliueraunce of his people with the riuers of water and the people themselues in captiuity with a barren and drye lande from whome none could turne away Gods fauour if it pleased him to water them therewith So that in this verse the Church prayeth the Lorde to stretch out his hande to the faythfull which remayned yet in Babylon and to helpe them from thence for albeit it was a very harde matter that the remnaunt dispersed shoulde bee gathered together into one body yet they stayed themselues vppon the power of GOD who coulde as easily do that as cause riuers of waters to runne through the South Countryes Verse 5. They that sowe in teares this is an other allegory as it were or similitude in which the people caryed into captiuity are compared to néedy husbandmen who cast into the grounde for séede euen that which was left them for the sustentation of lyfe shall vz. in good tyme reape with ioy q.d. their sorrowe shal bee recompensed with gladnes in this other part of the similitude hee compareth the people returning out of captiuity to reapers or husbandmen which are glad for the abundaunt haruest which they finde the meaning of altogether is that the Iewes who were heauy and sad when they were caryed captiues into Babylon shal bee ioyfull when they shall haue reaped that is to say obteyned the fruite of their hope that is a glorious deliueraunce And this similitude declareth that such as were vphelde by the promise of God albeit that in extreme famine or neede they did cast séede into the grounde euen as it were at all aduenture yet that they were notwithstanding nourished and felt in their heartes the hope of that returne which GOD had promised them Verse 6. They this word may either bee referred to the néedy husbandman that hauing by some meane or other gotten séede are wont to sowe it with griefe or else to the people in captiuitie who went thither with heauinesse of heart and abundaunce of teares I referre it rather to the people went vz. out of their owne lande into Chaldea being caryed captiues weeping i. sorrowfull
groweth vppon houses incontinently withereth because it hath not earth sufficient vnder it to giue it moysture and nourishment wherefore looke by how much they shall thorow the greatnesse of their pride draw nigh to the Sunne so much the more sodainlye shall they be consumed because they haue no roote Verse 7. whereof i. wherewith the mower i. he that should mowe it filleth not his hande q.d. it is so skarse that he can not take a handful of it neither the glainer vz. which commeth after the mower and looketh more narrowly his lappe i. can get anye thing to speake of this may haue a double sence and both good though I confesse there is but one right sence of all scriptures for it may bee referred vnto the grasse spoken of before in the house toppe and then his meaning is that it commeth not to any ripenesse in so muche that it can neyther be mowed nor gathered but this I approue not because men vse not to mow grasse on the house toppe nor yet to gather it to any vse or it maye bee another Metaphor taken from Corne that commeth thinly vp here an eare and there an eare noting that the wicked thorow Gods iudgements should be brought to such a wasting that very few or none of them should be left and I take to be the more fitte sence Verse 8. Neither they which go by vz. the mowers and reapers say the blessing of the Lord be vpon you i. the Lord blesse you and your haruest because they cannot say so for they sée Gods hand vpon them in scarsitie Those that passed by were wont to wish well to the haruest workers as appeareth Ruth 2 4 so that this is as much q. d. They shall not pray no not for the worke men much lesse wish well to the haruest it selfe or this particle sheweth that it is an other kinde of spéeche that they vsed to the haruest men wée blesse you i. wée wishe you good in the name of the Lord i. thorow his maiesty power and goodnesse Do. Verse 1 setteth out the continual both malice assaults of the wicked against the godly Ver. 2 sheweth that they can neuer preuaile vtterly against them Ver. 3. declareth the hard hartednes and vnmercifulnes of the wicked Ver. 4 teacheth vs that God doth frustrate al the purposes and attempts of the vngodly whatsoeuer Ver. 5 conteineth the destruction of them that persecute the church Ver. 6 sheweth that the vngodlye are of no long continuaunce because they haue no déepe roote Ver. 7 sheweth that the vngodly wicked are vtterly vnprofitable to euery good thing Ver. 8 teacheth vs that it is a testimony of Gods greate curse vpon vs to want eyther the prayers or good wishes of the godly Psalme 130. Di. THis Psalme may be diuided into two parts In the first he maketh his earnest prayer vnto the Lorde desiring him to remoue his sinnes that so he may féele his singular mercy ver 1 2 3 4. In the second he testifyeth his fayth and patience exhorting the faythful continually to hang vpon the Lord from ver 5. to the end of the Psalme Se. The title is expounded before Psal 120. Ver. 1. Out of the déepe places i. out of most deepe and huge dangers it is a metaphor taken from waters ready to drown a man sée Psal 69 1 2. haue I called vnto thée Lord i. earnestlye prayed vnto thée sée Psal 116.3 4. so that we sée that the Prophet when he felt himself sore oppressed with distresse yea as it were plunged in a gulfe of perplexity calleth earnestly vpon God for the greater the afflictions are whiche Gods children indure the more earnest are their supplications Ver. 2. Lord heare my voice i. graunt me the praiers which I expresse with my voice let thine eares attend i. harken diligently meaning that he would haue the Lord by effecte to shew that he had carefully heard his prayers to the voice of my prayers i. to the words whiche I vse in my praiers because the voyce is a meane to vtter wordes he putteth it for the words themselues Ver. 3. If thou O Lorde vz. which séest and knowest all thinges straitly markest i. narrowlye weighest or kéepest as a man would a register or reckoning iniquities i. the infinit numbers of sinnes committed agaynst thée and others for so I take the word in the plurall number who shall stand vz. in thy presence or before thée sée Psalme 1 5. q.d. who is hée that shall be able to beare thy iudgement or the least parte thereof Verely there is not one amongst all men that either haue bin are or shal be He meaneth then that we can not be iust but by the remission of sinnes and I take this verse to containe a reason as it were of his former prayer q.d. Spare vs not for our owne sake for there is nothing in vs that can mooue thée to pitie vs but for thine own mercy sake as in the next verse Verse 4. But mercy is with thée i. thou hast infinite and abundaunt mercy that thou mayst bée feared vz. amongest men and hée putteth feare in this place for the reuerente and sincere seruice of GOD so that he doth as it were desire GOD to haue regarde of his owne glorye whiche consysteth in the fayth and truth of his promises and in his worship and seruice both whiche shoulde vtterlye decaye if the Lorde did straightlye obserue our iniquities and destroy vs in his iudgement therefore and so he sheweth that there is no reuerence of God in mens hartes till his mercies bee sensiblye felte and knowne whiche is the foundation thereof and by feare he meaneth in this place the reuerent feare of Children and not the slauish feare of Seruaunts Verse 5. I haue vz. heretofore and yet at this present doe for vnder this hee comprehendeth also the present time wayted i. trusted and hoped and haue obtained that which I hoped for my soule hath waited vz. vpon the Lord as in the next verse Hée meaneth by this that he trusted in God not feignedly or in hipocrisie but hartily and from the déepe affection of his hart whereby he sheweth that the seate of sure hope is in the hart and I haue trusted vz. stedfastly in his worde i. in all his word generallye but specially in his promises made vnto mee Meaning that as he had before trusted and obtained fauour so he would doe still Verse 6 My soule wayteth on the Lord sée this expounded before verse 5. the repeating of it séemeth to shew the ardencie of his zeale and his continuaunce in hanging vpon God more then the morning watch i. that watch that is appointed to watch til the morning hath no body to ease him from his watche al night long watcheth for the morning i. for that time wherein in the morning he shall leaue his watch q.d. I am more desirous to inioy God and the fauours of his grace then the watchmen which are weary with
people but specially the Priests and Leuites to whome hée giueth this title by reason of the offices whervnto they were appoynted and that therfore they to the end also that by their example they might draw on others to do the like should be so much the more carefully stirred vp to the spiritual exercises of true religion ye that by night stand in the house of the Lord i. whiche doe not only serue God in the day time but in the night kéeping watch and ward about the temple of the Lord sée Num. 18.1.2 c. 1. Chron. 9.33 And though it be true that many of the people had that affection to remain day and night in the temple as it is reported of Anna Luk. 2.37 yet I refer it in this place only to the Priestes and Leuites and when he sayth stande hee meaneth their continuall aboade there as it were And by house of the Lorde hee meaneth eyther the place where the Arke was or the temple after it was builded Verse 2. Lift vp your handes i. praye and giue thankes the signe of prayer or an outwarde gesture vsed in it put for the thing it selfe as Psalme 141 2. also 1 Timothie 2 8. to the sanctuarye i. towardes the Sanctuarye meaning the place where the Arke was and the Arke it selfe out of which God had promised to aunswere his people and to heare their prayers and prayse the Lorde vz. for his mercyes as verse 1. and here hee sheweth that the principall ende of outward ceremonies is to set forth Gods praise and glory Verse 3. The Lord that made heauen and earth i. the God of all maiestie glory power c. sée Psalme 121 2 also Psalme 124 8 blesse thée vz. with all goodnesse and fauour out of Sion where the arke the sure testimonye of his fauoure and presence was so that here they acknowledge in the firste place his power and in the seconde his fatherlye loue which two must neuer be sundered but alwayes ioyned together for the strengthening of the fayth of gods children And whether he speaketh this in the person of the Priestes whose office it was to blesse the people as Numbers 6 23 or in his own person as praying for them and testifying his great loue vnto them it is not muche materiall Do. Verse 1. teacheth vs to exhort and prouoke all men yea the very ministers of God if they be negligent to the performance of their dutie Ver. 2 teacheth vs that Gods children should alwayes ioyne prayer and thanksgiuing vnto God together Ver. 3 teacheth vs in all holy affection and vnfeigned loue to pray for others as for our selues Psalme 135. IN my iudgement Di. this Psalme may bee diuided rightly into two partes In the first the Prophet exhorteth the faythfull of what state or condition so euer they bee to prayse the Lorde shewing certaine causes that may leade them thereto as his mercy his power his wonderful workes c. from ver 1. to the end of the 12. In the second he sheweth what great difference there is betwéene the true God and all the counterfeite Gods of the Gentiles exhorting al the faithful generally and the Priestes and Leuites particularly to prayse that true God whose seruice they professed from ver 13. to the end of the Psalme The title is prayse yée the Lorde sée this expounded before Psalme 106. Se. also Psalme 113. in the titles so that this title séemeth to comprehend the argument of the Psalme as though the whole Psalme did nothing else but prouoke men to prayse God Ver. 1. Prayse the name of the Lord i. his maiesty power goodnes c. as sundrie times before and namely Psal 20.1 and Psal 124.8 ye seruants of the Lorde this I referre generally to all as Psalm 134.1 but specially to the priests praise him this doubling of the exhortation séemeth to set out as mens dulnes and vnaptnes to the same so the excellency of the thing it selfe Ver. 2. Ye that stand in the house of the Lorde i. ye priestes specially and chiefly because they ought by their duety to shewe the way vnto others and in the courtes of the house of our God i. in those courtes that did appertein to the temple of the Lord amongst which the people had some which place is called 2. Chro. 4.9 the great court and this is the reason why though I referre it chiefely to the Priestes and Leuites yet I would haue it also to be vnderstood that this exhortation is directed to the people likewise Verse 3. Prayse ye the Lorde vz. for his wonderful kindnes and loue sée Psal 134.1 for the Lorde is good vz. euen of his owne nature and from that abundaunt goodnesse which is in him floweth all goodnesse which wee haue and this is as it were the first generall cause why men shoulde prayse him sing prayses vnto his name i. extol his maiesty power c. as before ver 1. for it is a comely thing vz. to do so meaning by comely pleasant and profitable sée Psal 133.1 also Psalm 92.1 Ver. 4. For the Lorde vz. whom I exhort you to praise and magnifie hath chosen vz. of his infinite mercy goodnes Iaakob i. the faithfull séede and posterity of Iaakob to himselfe i. to be a peculiar people vnto himselfe and vz. he hath fréely chosen for here you must repeat or vnderstand that word Israel i. the true Israelites or the Israel of God as Psal 124.1 for his chiefe treasure i. for a people whom hee maketh more account of by many degrees then men do of their chiefest treasures Sée Exod. 19.5 The Hebrewe worde signifieth treasure gathered together of verse most exquisite thinges as pearles precious stones or such like And in this verse is conteined a particular cause to prouoke thankfulnes vz. that GOD chose from al the nations of the earth the issue and séed of Abraham to bee his people Ver. 5. For I know vz. both by his worde workes and myne owne experience that the Lord vz. whom we serue is gret vz. in power might and that our Lorde vz. whom we worship according to his will reuealed in his word is aboue al Gods i. is higher and mightier then they whether they be Angels and magistrates to whom this name is sometimes giuen or idoles which the vaine people worship whose vanity he doeth afterwardes declare in this Psalme Ver. 6. Whatsoeuer pleased the Lord i. whatsoeuer it liked him to do that did he vz. because no power was able to resist him in heauen and in earth in the Sea and in al depthes i. euery where for no place is excepted from his power and presence as Psalm 139.7.8 c. and howe true this is the particular examples of his woorde doe declare specially these two the vniuersall flood and the confusion of Babel Gene. 7.8.11 chapt and in this verse is conteyned a thirde cause wherefore men should prayse God and that is the great power of God declared not onely in
the creation of heauen and earth the waters c. but also in that hee gouerneth euery thing according to his will and disposeth of them in a most wyse order Ver. 7. Hée vz. God alone bringeth vp vz. into the aire and skye and that by his almighty power the clouds i. vapors and exhalations which afterwardes in the middle region of the aire are turned into cloudes as we sée them from the endes of the earth i. from al the quarters of the worlde and maketh vz. by his almighty power the lightnings with the raine i. both lightning and rayne which are seldome sundered but come together as our dayly experience teacheth vs for wee haue seldome any lightning without rayne and thunder hee draweth foorth the wynds vz. by his almightie power stil to which euery thing euen the dumbe and insensible creatures must obey out of his treasures i. out of holes dens hidden and secret places in which as it were in treasure houses god keepeth the windes of which our sauiour Christ sayth Iohn 3.8 That the wind bloweth where it listeth and men heare the sound thereof but whence it commeth or whither it goeth no man can tell And thus wée sée that though by reason wee can giue a naturall cause of these meteors as that the cloudes are congealed of moist and watery vapours drawen out of the Sea and from the earth from which cloudes the rayne commeth as Ecclest 11.3 and that lightning is made of hote drye and firie exhalations drawen by the power of the sunne into the regions of the aire and so foorth of the rest yet we may perceiue by the playne woords of this text that nothing is done in the order of nature without the counsell and will of our GOD Sée Iob. 36. verse 27.28 c. also Iob. 37. throughout for this purpose Verse 8. Hée smote vz in his iustice and iudgement and that by his almighty power the first borne of Egipt i. all the first borne in the lande of Egypt both of man and beast i. of all men and beastes whatsoeuer Sée Exod. 12.29 Psalme 105.36 meaning by smiting destroying them with death And note that here he reckoneth vp a fourth cause wherefore the faythfull shoulde prayse God to wit for his speciall graces and benefites bestowed vppon his Church in their preseruation and deliuerance and his singular iudgements and punishments brought vpon their enemies wherein the principal prayse of his vertue and power is manifested Verse 9. Hée i. God himselfe hath sent vz. by his eternal power in the ministery of Moses and Aaron his seruants tokens vz. of his wrath and iudgement and wonders i. feareful and straunge thinges into the middest of thée O Egypt vz. so that thou canst not either pleade ignoraunce or alledge excuse for my iudgements were euen vppon Pharaoh vz. thy king and vppon all his seruauntes i. not onely them that attended vppon him but vppon all his people and subiectes the trueth and accomplishment of this Sée in Exod. 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12. chapters Verse 10. Hée i. God smote vz. in his iudgement and that by the dint of the sworde and death many nations vz. greater and mightier then the people of the Iewes Sée Deutronom 2. 3. chapt throughout for this matter and flewe vz. by the sworde of his seruantes and people many kinges whereof some hee reckoneth vp in the next verse and others are mentioned Numb 21.1 and in other places Verse 11. As Sihon king of the Ammorites and Og the king of Bashan sée the historie of these Numb 21. Deut. 3. Ioshua 12. and all the kingdomes of Canaan which was diuided into sundry kingdomes and wherein dwelt seuen nations greater and mightier then the Iewes Ver. 12. And gaue vz. of his frée goodnes their lande i. the land of the Canaanites or that land which they inhabited for an inheritance euen an inheritance to Israel his people i. for a place for them as safely and as lawfully for them to dwell in as if it had descended to them by inheritance Ver. 13. Thy name i. thy maiesty power and goodnes indureth for euer vz. towardes all but specially towards thine owne people O Lorde thy remembraunce i. the continual instructions which thou giuest to thy people to remember thée is from generation to generation i. lasteth comtinually and goeth on from age to age so that there is no age but they haue euident examples thereof Ver. 14. For the Lorde vz himselfe will iudge i. guide gouerne and defend as Psalme 96.13 and Psalme 98.9 and bee pacified towardes his seruauntes i. hee will as it were chaunge his purpose and not execute with heauy iudgement that which he had determined against them and this is spoken of God according to the manner of men Ver. 15.16 17.18 Sée expounded before Psalm 115. ver 4.5.6.7.8 where you shall finde both the very same woordes and matters And hee here inueigheth so sharply agaynst idoles because that the prayse which belongeth vnto GOD is many tymes falsly giuen vnto them and therefore hee declareth that neither the matter it selfe whereof they are made nor the workeman can giue them the title of GOD or God heade Ver. 19. Prayse the Lorde sée ver 1.3 of this Psalme yee house of Israell i. yee that descende of Israell or Iaakob meaning by this speach all the people generally prayse the Lorde yée house of Aaron i. ye Priests who descend and come from Aaron to whose race familie and stocke the priesthood was by Gods ordinaunce onely appoynted and tyed Ver. 20. Prayse the Lorde yee house of Leui i. all ye Leuites who were inferiour vnto the Priestes though they came all from one father to wit Leui Iaakobs third sonne and by this place wee sée that euen by the very institution and ordinaunce of God there were two distinct orders amongest the people of the Iewes to wit priests and Leuites according to which also he speaketh here ye that feare the Lorde vz. with a reuerent child like feare meaning also by this speach such as did worshippe and serue him sée Psalme 128.1 prayse the Lorde vz. with a good heart sée before ver 1.3 of this Psalme Ver. 41. Praysed be the Lord vz. for his infinite mercies towards vs out of Sion i. in Sion which was the place appoynted for his worshippe for this phrase sée Psalm 128.5 also 134.3 which vz. Lord and God dwelleth in Ierusalem i. giueth most plaine testimonies of his presence and abode there and not that God is tied to any place The Prophet meaneth that in Sion and Ierusalem the place of his worshippe he gaue euident signes of his presence and power and not that hee was inclosed or tied to that place only praise ye the Lord this Psalme beginneth and endeth with like woordes for which sée Psal 105. and Psal 106. in the beginning and ending Do. Ver. 1. Teacheth vs to exhort and prouoke al gods people to thankefulnes to God for his benefites Ver.
2. Teacheth vs particularly to stirre vp both priests and people to that duety when we find them slacke Verse 3. Teacheth vs that the Lords continual goodnes towards vs should draw vs on to praise his name Ver. 4. Teacheth vs that euen his gracious election particularly aboue the rest should be a singular argument of our prayse and thankesgiuing Ver. 5. Teacheth vs the particular experience which wee or any of vs haue had of Gods power should be a notable proppe to our fayth Ver. 6. Teacheth vs that nothing can withstand his purpose and power Ver. 7. Teacheth that euen all naturall thinges are guided and gouerned by him and his appoyntment Ver. 8. Teacheth vs that the Lorde in executing his iudgements vpon the wicked respecteth no mans person Ver. 9. Doeth the same thing teaching vs further that Gods iudgements are so plain and manifest as the wicked are not able to alledge either ignorance or excuse against them for themselues Ver. 10. Teacheth vs that though God vse meanes for the performance of his counsels yet the accomplishment and glory of them belongeth to him alone It teacheth also further which thing also Verse 11. Doeth that there is no power wisedome counsel multitudes or authoritie able to hinder though neuer so litle the Lord in his workes Ver. 12. Teacheth vs that they haue right to lande and inheritance to whom it pleaseth the Lord to giue the same because he is the Lorde of the whole earth Verse 13. Teacheth vs that God in all ages leaueth notable spectacles of his power to al people to the ende that thereby they might bee drawne vnto him Ver. 14. Teacheth vs that though the Lorde bee angry with his people for a while yet he wil turne to them in euerlasting loue Ver. 15.16.17 Set out vnto vs the horrible vanity and great abuse of idoles Ver. 18. Teacheth vs that the idole the idole maker and al such also as serue them are not onely beastly and blockish before men but shall before god in good time come to shame and confusion Ver. 19.20 Teach vs that it is méete for al the faithful but specially for the Lords ministers as guides vnto the rest to praise the Lord for his great goodnes Ver. 21 teacheth them to performe that seruice to him euen in the publike assemblies of his saints Psalme 136. IN this Psalme the Prophet doeth exhort all the faithfull people Di. to praise God first for the excellency of his nature and singular maiesty ver 1.2.3.26 secondly for his workes of creation and prouidence generally and particularly ver 4.5.6.7.8.9.25 Thirdly for his great iudgements vpon the enemies of his people ver 10.15.17.18.19.20 and fourthly for his excéeding fauour towards his owne seruants ver 11.12.13.14.16.21.22.23.24 This Psalme hath no title as many such wee haue had heretofore Se. as Psal 104.105 and sundry such like Ver. 1. Praise ye the Lord vz. O yée faythfull people because he is good vz. towards al but specially towards you for his mercy vz. which is the first course of all his goodnes indureth for euer i. shall neuer haue end This sentence is repeated in euery verse of this Psalme not as idle superfluous or vaine but to shewe that Gods goodnes is the fountaine both of al our praises and al his works which doctrine because it ought to be perpetual therefore did the Leuites sing this Psalme or some other of the same argument or matter dayly in the olde Church of the Iewes as appeareth 1. Chron. 16.41 and it séemeth also to shewe how much we should continue in the acknowledging of gods graces Ver. 2. Praise ye the God of gods i. he that is aboue all that haue any diuine or heauenly offices whether they be men as magistrates or Angels or any other thing which hath the name of God giuen vnto it sée Deut. 10.17 for his mercy vz. towardes all but specially towards his owne people indureth for euer all this is expounded before Ver 3. Praise ye the Lord of Lords i. he that hath the fulnes and perfection of rule and authority in him for whatsoeuer other men haue they haue it from him because it pleaseth him to bestow the same vppon them sée 1. Tim. 6.15 Reuelat. 17.14 for his mercy indureth for euer this is expounded before and therfore we shal not néede to repeate it againe Ver. 4. Which vz. God our Lorde onely i. by himselfe alone and his owne power none ioyning with him as assistant doth great wonders vz. euen as we our selues know and can report Ver. 5. Which by his wisedome i. most wisely and with great vnderstanding yea wich such wisedome and prouidence as is wonderfull Sée Prouerb 3.19 wee may vnderstande also by wisdom his eternal sonne sée Pro. 8. from ver 22. to the ende of the 31. made vz. in the beginning as Gene. 1.1 the heauens vz. and all thinges therein conteined for so large doe I take the worde to be here as Psal 124.8 Ver. 6. Which hath stretched out the earth i. the continent and firme land vpon the waters sée Psal 24.2 hee meaneth that God hath caused the waters to withdraw themselues from of the earth to the end it might be a place for men to dwell therein sée Gene. 1.9 Ver. 7. Which made great lights vz. two as Gene. 1.16 of which he speaketh afterwards particularly and they are called great because they are in our iudgments in déed greater then the other Ver. 8. As vz. for example the sunne to rule the day i. to shine in it and to make it light whereas otherwise it woulde be all darknes Verse 9. The moone and the starres to gouerne the night i. to shyne and shewe forth themselues in that season Verse 10. Which smote vz. with his plagues Egypt i. the lande and the people inhabiting it with their first borne i. all their first borne from man to beast Sée Psalme 135.8 Verse 11. And brought out Israell vz. who was kept in captiuity and thraldome putting Israel for the Israelites from among them i. quite and cleane out of their company and land this history is written in the 13. chapt of Exod. Ver. 12. With a mighty hand i. with such great power as the Egiptians coulde no way resist and stretched out arme i. with singular fauour and proâ—ection ouer his owne and great iudgements vppon the wicked for the arme serueth both for defence and for striking Ver. 13. Which diuided the red Sea into two parts vz. that his people might passe through it Sée Exod. 14.22 Verse 14. And made Israell i. the Israelites hee speaketh thus of them all as though they were but one man because they were but one body to passe through their iddest of it i. of the waters so diuided Verse 15. And ouerthrewe vz. by his almighty power Pharaoh vz. who was king of Egypt and his hoste i. the people which hee had gathered together to pursue the Israelites in their flight yea hée so destroyed them that
al my dangers Verse 8. The Lorde vz. whose purpose and power none is able to withstand will performe vz. graciously and in good time his worke i. the worke that hee hath begunne in me towardes me i. vpon me and for my cause q.d. hee will procéede 〈◊〉 declare that hee hath care ouer my saluatioon and will bring to perfection that which hee hath begunne Sée Philip. 1.6 O Lorde thy mercy vz. towardes all but chiefely towardes thy children indureth for euer i. shall neuer haue ende for though that in the life to come wee shall not sinne no more then the Angels in heauen doe nowe yet as they stand now so must wee then by his only mercy in Christ forsake not the woorkes of thine handes i. leaue not mee in myne affliction and the good thinges that thou hast begunne in mee Ver. 1. Teacheth vs vnfeignedly to prayse the Lorde for his mercies Do. yea that wée shoulde not bée ashamed to doe it before men of might and countenaunce Verse 2. Teacheth vs that Gods continuall grace towardes vs and the faythfull accomplishment of his promises shoulde alwaies prouoke vs to bee thankefull vnto him Verse 3. Teacheth vs that GOD is nigh to the earnest supplications and prayers of his seruauntes Verse 4. Teacheth vs that it is the duety euen of Kinges to serue the Lorde euen as well as the meanest of the people and that the hearing of Gods woorde is a good meane for mens conuersion Verse 5. Teacheth vs to take singular delight in the meditation and speach of Gods workes and worde Ver. 6. Teacheth vs that God considereth the conuersation both of the good and the bad but to diuers endes and effectes Verse 7. Teacheth vs that when Gods children are in the greatest distresse that euen then they should assuredly beleeue that God will worke most comfortably for their deliueraunce Verse 8. Teacheth vs that GOD beginneth nothing in his children but hee doeth accomplishe and make the same perfect and yet that it is our duety notwithstanding to vse continuall and hearty prayers vnto him for the performance thereof Psalme 139 Di. I Doe suppose that this Psalme may rightly bee diuided into foure partes In the first the Prophet sheweth that the Lorde did thorowly know him and al his waies both inward and outward and this reacheth from ver 1. to the ende of the 6. In the seconde hée declareth that nothing neither in heauen nor in earth nor in places vnder the earth is able to hyde him from this great presence and exact knowledge of God from verse 7. to the ende of the 12. In the thirde parte hee setteth out certaine reasons thereof taken from mans creation concluding with the excellency of Gods workes and wayes from ver 13. to the ende of the 18. and in the fourth part hee prayeth earnestly agaynst the wicked desiring the Lorde more and more to try him that in the ende hee may bee founde fit for him from ver 19. to the ende of the Psalme Se. The title to him that excelleth a Psalm of Dauid sée this expounded before Psalme 4. in the title Sée also the title of Psalme 14. Ver. 1. O Lorde vz. who alone art the searcher of the heartes and reynes thou hast tried vz. by sundry and many meanes mée vz. whome men speake so much euill of and knowne mee vz. thorowly both inwardly and outwardly so that my thoughtes wordes and déedes are open in thy sight and that which hee speaketh here generally hee vttereth in the next verses more particularly And this Dauid doth appealing to the iudgement of God and making him witnesse of his heart because hee sawe that hee was vniustly accused of his enemies Verse 2. Thou knowest vz. thorowly as before verse 1. my sitting and my rising i. whether I sit downe or ryse vp or doe any thing else it is naked before thée vnderstanding also by these two al the actions of the whole life of a man thou vnderstandest i. knowest and perceiuest my thought i. both it and the thinges that in it I thinke vppon a farre off i. long before it bee brought to effect yea long before it come into my minde or I haue conceiued any thing in my selfe Verse 3. Thou compassest my pathes and my lying downe i. thou art alwayes with mée whether I iourney trauayle or lye still and are accustomed i. well acquainted and as it were familiar with all my wayes i. with the conuersation and actions of my whole lyfe Verse 4. For there is not a woorde in my tongue i. I am not about to speake any thing at all hée putteth the instrument of speach and woordes conceiued and ready to bée vttered for woordes vttered already as it were but loe thou knowest it wholly O Lorde vz. euen before I speake it so that neither it nor any part of it can bee hidden from thée Verse 5. Thou holdest mée straite vz. by thy almighty power behinde and before i. on euery side as aboue and belowe on the right hande and on the left q.d. thy power and presence enuironeth mée on all sides so that I can neither thinke doe nor speake any thing but thou séest it and knowest it and layest thyne hande vppon mee i. thy power q.d. euen as though thou haddest arrested mee and made mee thy prisoner thou kéepest mée in such sort that I can not goe out of thy sight nor doe any thing but thou knowest it yea and guidest and gouernest mee also Verse 6. Thy knowledge i. the knowledge of thy maiesty and of thy wonderfull and excellent woorkes is to wonderfull i. ouer high and marueilous for mee vz. to reach vnto it it is so high i. excellent and exquisite that I can not atteine vnto it vz. by any wit or industrie that I haue q.d. I am not able to comprehende of my selfe or by any thing that is within mée or without mee to knowe thée and thy great woorkes because they are farre beyonde the reach of my reason capacitie and vnderstanding Verse 7. Whither i. into what place of heauen and earth shall I goe from thy spirite vz. to hyde mee from thy knowledge and vnderstanding because men conceiue and vnderstande thinges by the spirite which is a facultie and power of the inwarde man hee speaketh thus of God not meaning it of the holy Ghost which is the thirde person of the godheade q.d. I knowe not whither to goe but thou wilt alwayes perceiue and vnderstande where I am whither shall I flie from thy presence q.d. I knowe not whither to get mee from thy sight as may appeare by the particular enumeration following Verse 8. If I ascende i. goe vp into heauen vz. which is thy seate and dwelling house as it were thou art there i. I shall certainelye finde thee there if I lye downe in hell i. in the graue as wee haue had it sundrye tymes in this booke of Psalmes q.d. if I should rest in the graue and lower partes of the earth as men
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
forefathers and me He putteth time for the things done in the time he meaneth that by former examples trials he strengthened himself in the faith against the bitter assaults which he suffred I meditate vz. carefully and continually in all thy workes i. in all that thou hast wrought yea I meditate i. I doe diligentlye and déepely think vpon in the works of thine hands i. in those excellent workes which by thy power and prouidence thou hast performed Verse 6. I stretch forth mine hands vnto thée i. I doe earnestlye and hartilye pray vnto thée he putteth the signe for the thing signified as Psalme 141 2. to declare that we must euen as it were lift vp our selues vnto God my soule i. I my selfe but chéefely my inward man desireth after thée i. longeth sore after thée sée Psalme 42 1 2 also Psalme 84 2 as the thirstye lande vz. doth desire water rayne or dew He vnderstandeth by thirstie lande the earth which is dried and chopped for lack of water gaping gréedily as it were to receaue the moysture or raine that shal fal from heauen sée also Psal 63.1 Ver. 7. Heare me i. graunt the requests which I make vnto thée speedily O Lorde i. quickly and in good time not that he prescribeth god a season but expresseth rather his great misery q.d. vnlesse thou quickly helpe it is like in maÌ„s iudgment that I shal be destroyed for my spirit fayleth i. I faint euen in the inward man and this is a reason of his prayer taken from his own person the misery that he was in hide not thy face from me i. shew not thy selfe angry against me as men many times do who wil not vouchsafe to looke vpon theÌ„ with whom they are displeased else vz. if thou hide thy face I shal be like vnto theÌ„ that go down into the pit i. there wil be no difference betwéene me those that are dead Ver. 8. Let me heare thy louing kindnesse i. make me to know féele and perceiue thy mercy in the morning i. in good time and spéedily for in thée is my trust i. I depend and hang only vpon thée and shew me the way that I should walke in i. direct not only the order and conuersation of my life but euen my very steppes also from daunger for I lift vp my soule vnto thée i. I do both trust in thée cal vpon thée from the hart Ver. 9. Deliuer me O Lord from mine enemies i. from the power and rage of them who séeke nothing else but to destroy me for I hid me with thée i. I did hang vpon thy prouideÌ„ce and protection only sée Psal 31.5.6 Ver 10. Teach me to doe thy will i. to do the thing which thou willest commaundest in thy word for thou arte my God i. thou art he alone whom I wil serue worship let thy good spirit i. thy blessed and holy spirit which is called good because it is Gods effectuall instrumente to lead vs into all goodnesse leade me vz. which am so often and continuallye straying and wandering from good thinges vnto the land of righteousnesse i. guide me not only in this life to righteousnesse of life but to that same eternall life wherein righteousnesse shall dwell for euer sée 2. Peter 3.13 Ver. 11. Quicken me O Lord i. cause me to passe safe and sound thorow this danger wherein I séeme to be as it were in death for thy names sake i. that I others may praise thy name as Psal 142.7 and for thy righteousnesse i. for thy righteous and faythful accomplishment of thy promises bring my soule i. me and my life out of trouble i. out of this trouble wherein it presently is and vnder which it wil quaile if thou assist me not Ver. 12. And for thy mercy sake vz. toward me thy seruaunt slay mine enemies i. destroy them by what meanes or wayes soeuer thou shalt think good and destroy vz. in thy iustice and iudgements against the wicked al them vz. of what state or condition soeuer they be whether it be Saul as the chéefest or his complices that oppresse my soule i. me and would faine take away my life from me for I am thy seruaunt i. I am such a one as whom thou in mercy hast vouchsaued worthy of this honour to commit some part of thy seruice into his hands sée 1. Timoth. 1.12 13. so that he boasteth not here of his merits but magnifieth the grace of God from whom this goodnesse came Ver. 1 teacheth vs Do. first in our distresses to run vnto God by earnest and harty prayers secondly to ground our prayers vpon the righteousnesse truth and faythfulnes of our God Ver. 2 teacheth vs two things first to pray the Lord to remoue al things that might hinder the course of his mercy toward vs secondly it is a strong place to ouerthrow al imagination of mans righteousnes Ver. 3 teacheth vs that God suffereth and appointeth the wicked many times to preuaile very far against the godly Ver. 4 is a notable place to proue that euen gods children in their troubles haue their affections against that blockish dotage of the stoâ—ks Ver. 5 teacheth vs that the consideratioÌ„ of Gods goodnesse in former times should minister no smal comfort vnto vs in the time of our present heauines Ver. 6 teacheth vs to hunger and thirst after the Lord and to bee earnest with him in our supplications vnto his maiesty Ver. 7 teacheth vs that the more our miseries grow increase vpon vs the more earnest and often we should be with the Lord our God in prayer Ver. 8 teacheth vs that there is nothing more comfortable then plentifully and in good time to féele Gods mercy Ver. 9 teacheth vs in all distresses to commend our selues to Gods power and prouideÌ„ce as to a most sure rock and tower of defence Ver. 10 is a notable place againste fréewill because we are blind til God teach vs and we can do nothing without the assistance of his holy spirit Ver. 11 teacheth vs that vnlesse God set vs frée from trouble we can neuer be deliuered Ver. 12 teacheth vs that we may safelye praye agaynste the malicious and obstinate enemies of Gods Churche and people Psalme 144 Di. THis Psalme may be diuided into thrée parts In the first he prayseth God for his goodnesse and confesseth his own vnworthines and this is comprehended in the 4 first verses In the seconde he prayeth to GOD for the ouerthrowe of his enemies whose corruption he toucheth and for his owne deliueraunce and this reacheth from the fifte verse to the ende of the eleuenth In the thirde he sheweth what fruite shall redound thereby both to GOD and his people vz. he shall be praysed and they shall bée comforted from verse 12 to the end of the Psalme Se. The Title A Psalme of Dauid vz. which he made after his comming to the kingdome when he had obtayned diuers victories and yet notwithstanding his enemies were very
that I haue indured my inward man hath neither murmured against God neither ceased at any time to trust in him and this is the exordiū of the Psal beginning as it were somwhat abruptly sodainly cōming as a man would say in his imaginatiō out of the violence of his crosses kéepeth silence i. patiently beareth vz. the trials afflictions that are vpō me sée Isai 30.7 Zephani 1.7 vnto God i. him and his doing I neuer murmuring and repining against them though thorow the weakenesse corruptiō of my flesh I be somtimes prouoked to murmuring and dispayre of him vz. alone cōmeth my saluation i. deliuerances from dangers distresses he meaneth that the deliuerance he hath he hath from God only Ver. 2. Yet q.d. All my troubles and afflictions notwithstanding he is my strength i. al the strength I haue I haue from him and my saluation i. he that deliuereth me from danger and distres and my defence i. he that defendeth me from hurt and harme therfore vz because I haue so good a proppe and stay I shall not much be moued he meaneth not that he shall not fall at all but this that if he stumble yet he shall rise agayne and though he be shaken by manifold temptations yet hée shall haue an issue and a way out to escape 1. Cor. 10.13 Verse 3. How long will ye imagine mischiefe he reproueth his aduersaries for their deuysing and practising of euill agaynst a man i. agaynste me speaking of himselfe in the third person sée psalme 4.3 ye shal be al slain q.d. your deuising against me shall profite you nothing for you shall be slayne so that one of you shal not escape ye shall be as a bowed wall by this spéech the Prophet meaneth both that they shall be sodaynly destroyed and that there shall not be much adoe to ouerthrow thē no more then there is to cast down a wall that is falling of it self see Isaiah 30.13 or as a wall shaken vz. either with earthquake or violence of storm and tempest he vseth two similitudes to expresse one thing Ver. 4. Yet they consult q.d. though mine enimies sée that they get nothing by their dealings but thrust themselues headlong into destructiō yet they cease not to deuise al that they can to hinder me from the roial dignity wherto god hath called me he speaketh of himself here in the third person by his dignity he vnderstandeth that maiesticall excellency whervnto God eyther had or would indéed aduance him of which sée 1. Sam. 18. almost throughout their delight is in lies that is they take pleasure in lying hipocrisie c. as may plainly appeare by the chapter last aleadged they blesse i. speake well of wish well also with their mouthes i. in their words putting the instrument whereby wordes are vttered for the words thēselues but curse i. wish euil think and imagine euill mischief in their harts as ver 2. of this psal Ver. 5. Yet my soule he speaketh to himself comforteth himself q.d. notwithstāding al this their peruerse croked dealing trust thou in the Lord without murmuring against him as before ver 1. of this psal and he speaketh vnto his soule or inward man because if that be cōfortable assured we shal the easilier ouercome the outward distresses of the body for my hope is in him i. I haue fixed my ful assurance in him who cā and wil deliuer me Ver. 6. is the same with ver 2. of this Psal ver 7. In God is my saluation i. the deliuerance that I must haue out of al daungers must come from him alone my glory i. the dignity and glory that I eyther haue or shal haue hath bin is must be his only gift the rock of my strength i. in him alone consisteth al the strength I haue in God is my trust sée ver 5. of this psalm and these words my hope is in him Ver. 8. Trust in him vz. alone as may appeare by the next ver following alwayes i. as well in aduersity as in prosperity hee meaneth that there should be no time wherin our hope trust should be remoued frō god though it were neuer so little ye people vz. of Israel meaning therby the faithful of al places whatsoeuer pour out your harts before him i. discharge your selues in his presence of your cares gréefs wch hold your hart as it were shut vp for this we know that so long as our harts be ouerwhelmd with sorrow our prayers haue smal fréedome q.d. if you féele your selues somtimes oppressed pray hartily before him laying open in his sight al the care gréef of your mind who in good time both cā and wil turn it into spiritual ioy for god is our hope i. he in whom alone we hope trust Ver. 9. Yet the children of men are vanitye d.q. notwithstāding men leaue god cleaue to mē yet for al that they ar vain able to help nothing at al by children of men he meaneth those that are borne of inferior persons or be base persons indéed as may appear by these words following the chéefest men q.d. neither poore nor rich are any thing that waye as to be trusted to by vanity he meaneth vain things or things that can stād vs in no stéed or purpose as also by lies he meaneth that there is no more truth nor assurāce in thē then in a false tale to lay thē vpon balāce d.q. if a mā wil make iust trial of it he shal easily perceaue the truth of this that there is no more strēgth stay or stedfastnes in mā thē in a matter of nothing Ver. 10. Trust not vz. as mē cōmonly are wōt to do Before he spake to the good exhorting thē alwais to trust in the Lord now he sheweth the wicked what things they ought to flée from in oppression nor robbery he meaneth not only goods riches gotten by these vnlawful meanes but also euen the things thēselues as that they should not trust in this that they were able to pill pole oppresse be not vaine vz. either in your imaginations or in your outward behauiour or else thus giue not ouer youre selues to vain and perishing things as welth honor c. If riches increase set not your hart theron i. delight not in thē little or much lest therby you haue your harts stollen away from the hope of better things or be puffed vp in pride aboue measure against your brethren wherby we sée that he doth not onely forbid ouermuch coueting of riches but also to lifte vp our selues in pride or presumptiō by reason therof Ver. 11. God spake vz by his déed word prophets once or twise i. sundry times so that no man néedeth to doubt therof he putteth a nūber certain for an vncertain I haue heard it q.d. yea I my selfe can bee a witnes of it that power vz. to punish the wicked to defend the good belōgeth to God