Notes on Psalms

From the Original 1599 Geneva Bible Notes

---

Ps 1:1

1:1 Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the {a} counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

The Argument - This book of psalms is given to us by the Holy Spirit, to be esteemed as a precious treasure in which all things are contained that bring to true happiness in this present life as well as in the life to come. For the riches of true knowledge and heavenly wisdom, are here set open for us, to take of it most abundantly. If we would know the great and high majesty of God, here we may see the brightness of it shine clearly. If we would seek his incomprehensible wisdom, here is the school of the same profession. If we would comprehend his inestimable bounty, and approach near to it, and fill our hands with that treasure, here we may have a most lively and comfortable taste of it. If we would know where our salvation lies and how to attain to everlasting life, here is Christ our Redeemer, and Mediator most evidently described. The rich man may learn the true use of his riches. The poor man may find full contentment. He who will rejoice will know true joy, and how to keep measure in it. They who are afflicted and oppressed will see what their comfort exists in, and how they should praise God when he sends them deliverance. The wicked and the persecutors of the children of God will see how the hand of God is always against them: and though he permits them to prosper for a while, yet he bridles them, so much so that they cannot touch a hair of ones head unless he permits them, and how in the end their destruction is most miserable. Briefly here we have most present remedies against all temptations and troubles of mind and conscience, so that being well practised in this, we may be assured against all dangers in this life, live in the true fear and love of God, and at length attain the incorruptible crown of glory, which is laid up for all who love the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(a) When a man has once given place to evil counsel, or to his own sin nature, he begins to forget himself in his sin, and so falls into contempt of God, which is called the seat of the scorners.

Ps 1:2

1:2 But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his {b} law doth he meditate day and night.

(b) In the holy scriptures.

Ps 1:3

1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and {c} whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

(c) God's children are so moistened with his grace, that whatever comes to them, tends to their salvation.

Ps 1:4

1:4 {d} The ungodly [are] not so: but [are] like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

(d) Though the wicked seem to prosper in this world, yet the Lord drives them down that they shall not rise nor stand in the company of the righteous.

Ps 1:5

1:5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the {e} judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

(e) But tremble when they see God's wrath.

Ps 1:6

1:6 For the LORD {f} knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

(f) Approves and prospers, in the same way that to not know is to reprove and reject.

Ps 2:1

2:1 Why do the {a} heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

(a) The conspiracy of the Gentiles, the murmuring of the Jews and power of kings cannot prevail against Christ.

Ps 2:3

2:3 {b} Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

(b) Thus the wicked say that they will cast off the yoke of God and of his Christ.

Ps 2:5

2:5 {c} Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

(c) God's plagues will declare that in resisting his Christ, they fought against him.

Ps 2:7

2:7 I will declare the {d} decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou [art] my Son; this {e} day have I begotten thee.

(d) To show that my calling to the kingdom is from God.
(e) That is to say, concerning man's knowledge, because it was the first time that David appeared to be elected by God. So it is applied to Christ in his first coming and manifestation to the world.

Ps 2:8

2:8 Ask of me, and I shall give [thee] the heathen [for] thine inheritance, and the {f} uttermost parts of the earth [for] thy possession.

(f) Not only the Jews but the Gentiles also.

Ps 2:10

2:10 {g} Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

(g) He exhorts all rulers to repent in time.

Ps 2:12

2:12 {h} Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye {i} perish [from] the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed [are] all they that put their trust in him.

(h) In a sign of homage.
(i) When the wicked will say, Peace and rest, then will destruction suddenly come, 1Th 5:3.

Ps 3:1

3:1 [A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.] LORD, how are they {a} increased that trouble me! many [are] they that rise up against me.

(a) This was a token of his stable faith, that for all his troubles he turned to God.

Ps 3:2

3:2 Many [there be] which say of my soul, [There is] no help for him in God. {b} Selah.

(b) Selah here signifies a lifting up of the voice, to cause us to consider the sentence as a thing of great importance.

Ps 3:6

3:6 I will not be afraid of
(c) ten thousands of people, that have set [themselves] against me round about.

(c) When he considered the truth of God's promise, and tried the same, his faith increased marvellously.

Ps 3:8

3:8 {d} Salvation [belongeth] unto the LORD: thy blessing [is] upon thy people. Selah.

(d) No matter how great or many the dangers may be, yet God always has ways to deliver his.

Ps 4:1

4:1 [{a} To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David.] Hear me when I call, {b} O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me [when I was] in {c} distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

(a) Among those who were appointed to sing the psalms and to play on instruments, one was appointed chief to set the tune, and to begin: who had the charge because he was most excellent and he began this psalm on the instrument called Neginoth or in a tune so called.
(b) You who are the defender of my just cause.
(c) Both of mind and body.

Ps 4:2

4:2 O ye {d} sons of men, how long [will ye turn] my glory into shame? [how long] will ye {e} love vanity, [and] seek after leasing? Selah.

(d) You who think yourselves noble in this world.
(e) Though your enterprises please you, yet God will bring them to nothing.

Ps 4:3

4:3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is {f} godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

(f) A king who walks in his vocation.

Ps 4:4

4:4 {g} Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be {h} still. Selah.

(g) For fear of God's judgment.
(h) Cease your rage.

Ps 4:5

4:5 {i} Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

(i) Serve God purely, and not with outward ceremonies.

Ps 4:6

4:6 [There be] many that say, Who will shew us [any] {k} good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

(k) The multitude seeks worldly wealth, but David sets his happiness in God's favour.

Ps 4:8

4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, {l} only makest me dwell in safety.

(l) This word in Hebrew may be referred to God, as it is here translated, or to David, signifying that he should dwell as joyfully alone, as if he had many about him, because the Lord is with him.

Ps 5:1

5:1 [To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David.] Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my {a} meditation.

(a) That is, my vehement prayer and secret complaint and sighings.

Ps 5:3

5:3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will {b} look up.

(b) Or wait, with patience and trust till I am heard.

Ps 5:4

5:4 For thou [art] not a God that hath pleasure in {c} wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.

(c) Seeing that God of nature hates wickedness, he must punish the wicked and save the godly.

Ps 5:5

5:5 {d} The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

(d) Who run blindly after their carnal desires.

Ps 5:7

5:7 But as for me, I {e} will come [into] thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: [and] in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

(e) In the deepest of his temptations he puts his full confidence in God.

Ps 5:8

5:8 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness {f} because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.

(f) Because you are just, therefore lead me out of the dangers of my enemies.

Ps 5:10

5:10 Destroy thou them, O God; let them {g} fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.

(g) Let their devices come to nothing.

Ps 5:11

5:11 But {h} let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

(h) Your favour toward me will confirm the faith of all others.

Ps 5:12

5:12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour {i} wilt thou compass him as [with] a shield.

(i) So that he will be safe from all dangers.

Ps 6:1

6:1 [To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David.] O LORD, {a} rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

(a) Though I deserve destruction, yet let your mercy pity my frailty.

Ps 6:2

6:2 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I [am] weak: O LORD, heal me; for my {b} bones are vexed.

(b) For my whole strength is abated.

Ps 6:3

6:3 {c} My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?

(c) His conscience is also touched with the fear of God's judgment.

Ps 6:5

6:5 For in {d} death [there is] no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?

(d) He laments that opportunity should be taken from him to praise God in the congregation.

Ps 6:8

6:8 {e} Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.

(e) God sends comfort and boldness in affliction, that we may triumph over our enemies.

Ps 6:10

6:10 Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return [and] be ashamed {f} suddenly.

(f) When the wicked think the godly will perish, God delivers them suddenly, and destroys their enemies.

Ps 7:2

7:2 Lest {a} he tear my soul like a lion, rending [it] in pieces, while [there is] none to deliver.

(a) He desires God to deliver him from the rage of cruel Saul.

Ps 7:3

7:3 O LORD my God, if I have done {b} this; if there be iniquity in my hands;

(b) With which Cush charges me.

Ps 7:4

7:4 {c} If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me;
(yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)

(c) If I did not reverence Saul for affinities sake, and preserved his life, 1Sa 26:8,9.

Ps 7:5

7:5 Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take [it]; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine {d} honour in the dust. Selah.

(d) Let me not only die, but be dishonoured forever.

Ps 7:6

7:6 Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me [to] the {e} judgment [that] thou hast commanded.

(e) In promising me the kingdom.

Ps 7:7

7:7 So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore {f} return thou on high.

(f) Not only for mine, but for your Church's sake declare your power.

Ps 7:8

7:8 The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my {g} righteousness, and according to mine integrity [that is] in me.

(g) As concerning my behaviour towards Saul and my enemies.

Ps 7:9

7:9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the {h} hearts and reins.

(h) Though they pretend a just cause against me, yet God will judge their hypocrisy.

Ps 7:11

7:11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry [with the wicked] {i} every day.

(i) He continually calls the wicked to repentance by some sign of his judgments.

Ps 7:12

7:12 If {k} he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.

(k) Unless Saul changes his mind, I will die, for he has both the men and weapons to destroy me. Thus considering his great danger, he magnifies God's grace.

Ps 7:17

7:17 I will praise the LORD according to his {l} righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.

(l) In faithfully keeping his promise to me.

Ps 8:2

8:2 Out of the mouth {a} of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

(a) Though the wicked would hide God's praises, yet the very babes are sufficient witnesses of the same.

Ps 8:4

8:4 What is {b} man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

(b) It was sufficient for him to have set forth his glory by the heavens, though he had not come so low as to man who is but dust.

Ps 8:5

8:5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the {c} angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

(c) Concerning his first creation.

Ps 8:7

8:7 All {d} sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;

(d) By the temporal gifts of man's creation, he is led to consider the benefits which he has by his regeneration through Christ.

Ps 9:1

9:1 [To the chief Musician upon Muthlabben, A Psalm of David.] I will praise [thee], O LORD, with my {a} whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.

(a) God is not praised unless the whole glory is given to him alone.

Ps 9:4

9:4 For {b} thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right.

(b) However the enemy seems for a time to prevail yet God preserves the just.

Ps 9:6

9:6 {c} O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them.

(c) A derision of the enemy that minds nothing but destruction: but the Lord will deliver his, and bring him into judgment.

Ps 9:9

9:9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the {d} oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

(d) Our miseries are meant to cause us to feel God's present care over us.

Ps 9:12

9:12 {e} When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.

(e) Though God does not suddenly avenge the wrong done to his, yet he does not permit the wicked to go unpunished.

Ps 9:14

9:14 That I may shew forth all thy praise in the {f} gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.

(f) In the open assembly of the Church.

Ps 9:15

9:15 The heathen are {g} sunk down in the pit [that] they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.

(g) For God overthrows the wicked in their enterprises.

Ps 9:16

9:16 {h} The LORD is known [by] the judgment [which] he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.

(h) The mercy of God toward his saints must be declared and the fall of the wicked must always be considered.

Ps 9:18

9:18 For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation {i} of the poor shall [not] perish for ever.

(i) God does not promise to help us before we have felt the cross.

Ps 9:20

9:20 Put them in fear, O LORD: [that] the nations may know themselves [to be but] {k} men. Selah.

(k) Which they cannot learn without the fear of your judgment.

Ps 10:1

10:1 Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? [why] hidest thou [thyself] in {a} times of trouble?

(a) As soon as we enter into affliction, we think God should help us, but that is not always his due time.

Ps 10:3

10:3 For the wicked {b} boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, [whom] the LORD abhorreth.

(b) The wicked man rejoices in his own lust he boasts when he has that he would; he brags of his wit and wealth and blesses himself and thus blasphemes the Lord.

Ps 10:6

10:6 He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for [I shall] {c} never [be] in adversity.

(c) The evil will not touch me, Isa 28:15 or else he speaks thus because he never felt evil.

Ps 10:8

10:8 {d} He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor.

(d) He shows that the wicked have many ways to hide their cruelty and therefore should be even more feared.

Ps 10:10

10:10 He croucheth, [and] humbleth himself, that the {e} poor may fall by his strong ones.

(e) By the hypocrisy of them who have authority the poor are devoured.

Ps 10:12

10:12 {f} Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble.

(f) He calls to God for help, because wickedness is so far overgrown that God must help now or never.

Ps 10:13

10:13 Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not {g} require [it].

(g) Therefore you must punish their blasphemy.

Ps 10:14

10:14 Thou hast seen [it]; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to {h} requite [it] with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.

(h) To judge between the right and the wrong.

Ps 10:15

10:15 Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil [man]: seek out his wickedness [till] thou find {i} none.

(i) For you have utterly destroyed him.

Ps 10:16

10:16 The LORD [is] King for ever and ever: the {k} heathen are perished out of his land.

(k) The hypocrites or such as live not after God's law, will be destroyed.

Ps 10:18

10:18 {l} To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.

(l) God helps when man's help ceases.

Ps 11:1

11:1 [To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David.] In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, {a} Flee [as] a bird to your mountain?

(a) This is the wicked counsel of his enemies to him and his companions to drive him from the hope of God's promise.

Ps 11:3

11:3 If the {b} foundations be destroyed, what can the {c} righteous do?

(b) All hope of help is taken away.
(c) Yet am I innocent and my cause good.

Ps 11:4

11:4 The LORD [is] in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne [is] in heaven: his eyes {d} behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

(d) Though all things in earth are out of order, yet God will execute judgment from heaven.

Ps 11:6

11:6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, {e} fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: [this shall be] the {f} portion of their cup.

(e) As in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
(f) Which they will drink even to the dregs, Eze 23:34.

Ps 12:1

12:1 [To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David.] Help, LORD; for the {a} godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

(a) Who dare defend the truth and show mercy to the oppressed.

Ps 12:2

12:2 They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: [with] {b} flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak.

(b) He means the flatters of the court which hurt him more with their tongues than with their weapons.

Ps 12:4

12:4 Who have said, {c} With our tongue will we prevail; our lips [are] our own: who [is] lord over us?

(c) They think themselves able to persuade whatever they take in hand.

Ps 12:5

12:5 {d} For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will {e} set [him] in safety [from him that] puffeth at him.

(d) The Lord is moved with the complaints of his, and delivers in the end from all danger.
(e) Because the Lord's word and promise is true and unchangeable he will perform it and preserve the poor from this wicked generation.

Ps 12:7

12:7 Thou shalt keep {f} them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

(f) That is, yours though was only one man.

Ps 12:8

12:8 The wicked walk on every side, {g} when the vilest men are exalted.

(g) For they suppress the godly and maintain the wicked.

Ps 13:1

13:1 [To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.] How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? {a} for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?

(a) He declares that his afflictions lasted a long time, and that his faith did not waver.

Ps 13:2

13:2 How long shall I take {b} counsel in my soul, [having] sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?

(b) Changing my purposes as the sick man does his place.

Ps 13:4

13:4 Lest mine enemy say, I have {c} prevailed against him; [and] those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

(c) Which might turn to God's dishonour: if he did not defend his.

Ps 13:5

13:5 But I have trusted in thy {d} mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.

(d) The mercy of God is the cause of our salvation.

Ps 13:6

13:6 I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath {e} dealt bountifully with me.

(e) Both by the benefits past and by others to come.

Ps 14:1

14:1 [To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David.] The fool hath said in his heart, {a} [There is] no God. They are {b} corrupt, they have done abominable works, [there is] none that doeth good.

(a) He shows that the cause of all wickedness if forgetting God.
(b) There is nothing but disorder and wickedness among them.

Ps 14:3

14:3 They are {c} all gone aside, they are [all] together become filthy: [there is] none that doeth good, no, not one.

(c) David here makes comparisons between the faithful and the reprobate, but Paul speaks the same of all men naturally, Ro 3:10.

Ps 14:5

14:5 {d} There were they in great fear: for God [is] in the generation of the righteous.

(d) Where they think themselves most sure.

Ps 14:6

14:6 Ye have {e} shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD [is] his refuge.

(e) You mock them who put their trust in God.

Ps 14:7

14:7 Oh that the salvation of {f} Israel [were come] out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, [and] Israel shall be glad.

(f) He prays for the whole Church whom he is assured God will deliver: for no one else but he can do it.

Ps 15:2

15:2 He that {a} walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

(a) He shows that we cannot call on God unless we trust in him.

Ps 15:4

15:4 {b} In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. [He that] sweareth to [his own] hurt, and changeth not.

(b) He who flatters not the ungodly in their wickedness.

Ps 15:5

15:5 [He that] {c} putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these [things] {d} shall never be moved.

(c) To the hinderance of his neighbour.
(d) That is, will not be cast from the Church as a hypocrite.

Ps 16:1

16:1 [Michtam of David.] Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my {a} trust.

(a) He shows that we cannot call on God unless we trust in him.

Ps 16:2

16:2 [O my soul], thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou [art] my Lord: my {b} goodness [extendeth] not to thee;

(b) Though we cannot enrich God, yet we must bestow God's gifts for the use of his children.

Ps 16:4

16:4 Their {c} sorrows shall be multiplied [that] hasten [after] another [god]: {d} their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.

(c) As grief of conscience and miserable destruction.
(d) He would neither by outward profession nor in heart, nor in mouth consent to their idolatries.

Ps 16:6

16:6 The {e} lines are fallen unto me in pleasant [places]; yea, I have a goodly heritage.

(e) With which my portion is measured.

Ps 16:8

16:8 I have set the LORD always before me: because [he is] at my right hand, I {g} shall not be moved.

(g) The faithful are sure to persevere to the end.

Ps 16:9

16:9 Therefore {h} my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

(h) That is, I rejoice both in body and in soul.

Ps 16:10

16:10 For thou {i} wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

(i) This is chiefly meant by Christ, by whose resurrection all his members have immortality.

Ps 16:11

16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy {k} presence [is] fulness of joy; at thy right hand [there are] pleasures for evermore.

(k) Where God favours there is perfect happiness.

Ps 17:1

17:1 [A Prayer of David.] Hear {a} the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, [that goeth] not out of feigned lips.

(a) My righteous cause.

Ps 17:2

17:2 Let my {b} sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.

(b) The vengeance that you will show against my enemies.

Ps 17:3

17:3 Thou hast {c} proved mine heart; thou hast visited [me] in the night; thou hast tried me, [and] shalt find nothing; I am purposed [that] my {d} mouth shall not transgress.

(c) When your Spirit examined my conscience.
(d) I was innocent toward my enemy both in deed and thought.

Ps 17:4

17:4 Concerning the works of men, by the {e} word of thy lips I have kept [me from] the paths of the destroyer.

(e) Though the wicked provoked me to do evil for evil, yet your word kept me back.

Ps 17:6

17:6 I have called upon thee, {f} for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, [and hear] my speech.

(f) He was assured that God would not refuse his request.

Ps 17:7

17:7 Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust [in thee] from those that {g} rise up [against them].

(g) For all rebel against you, who trouble your Church.

Ps 17:9

17:9 From the wicked that oppress me, [from] my deadly enemies, [who] compass {h} me about.

(h) For their cruelty cannot be satisfied but with my death.

Ps 17:10

17:10 They are inclosed in their own {i} fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.

(i) They are puffed up with pride, as the stomach that is choked with fat.

Ps 17:13

17:13 Arise, O LORD, {k} disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, [which is] thy sword:

(k) Stop his rage.

Ps 17:14

17:14 From men [which are] thy {l} hand, O LORD, from men of the world, [which have] their {m} portion in [this] life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid [treasure]: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their [substance] to their babes.

(l) By your heavenly power.
(m) And not feel the pain that God's children often do.

Ps 17:15

17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face {n} in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I {o} awake, with thy likeness.

(n) This is the full happiness, comforting against all assaults to have the face of God and favourable countenance opened to us.
(o) And am delivered out of my great troubles.

Ps 18:2

18:2 {a} The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, [and] my high tower.

(a) He uses this diversity of names to show that as the wicked have many means to hurt, so God has many ways to help.

Ps 18:3

18:3 I will call upon the LORD, [who is worthy] to be {b} praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

(b) For no one can obtain their request from God if they do not join his glory with their petition.

Ps 18:4

18:4 {c} The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.

(c) He speaks of the dangers and malice of his enemies from which God had delivered him.

Ps 18:7

18:7 {d} Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.

(d) A description of the wrath of God against his enemies, after he had heard his prayer.

Ps 18:8

18:8 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and {e} fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.

(e) He shows how horrible God's judgments will be to the wicked.

Ps 18:9

18:9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and {f} darkness [was] under his feet.

(f) Darkness signifies the wrath of God as the clear light signifies God's favour.

Ps 18:10

18:10 And he rode upon a {g} cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.

(g) This is described at large in Ps 104:1-35.

Ps 18:11

18:11 He made darkness his {h} secret place; his pavilion round about him [were] dark waters [and] thick clouds of the skies.

(h) As a king angry with the people, will not show himself to them.

Ps 18:13

18:13 The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave {i} his voice; hail [stones] and coals of fire.

(i) Thunders, lightnings and hail.

Ps 18:14

18:14 Yea, he sent out {k} his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.

(k) His lightening.

Ps 18:15

18:15 Then the channels of waters were seen, and the {l} foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.

(l) That is, the deep bottoms were seen when the Red sea was divided.

Ps 18:16

18:16 He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many {m} waters.

(m) Out of many great dangers.

Ps 18:17

18:17 He delivered me from my {n} strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were {o} too strong for me.

(n) That is, Saul.
(o) Therefore God sent me help.

Ps 18:19

18:19 He brought me forth also into a large place; {p} he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

(p) The cause of God's deliverance is his favour and love for us.

Ps 18:20

18:20 The LORD rewarded me according to my {q} righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

(q) David was sure of his righteous cause and good behaviour toward Saul and his enemies and therefore was assured of God's favour and deliverance.

Ps 18:22

18:22 For all his judgments [were] before me, and I did not put away his {r} statutes from me.

(r) For all his dangers he exercised himself in the law of God.

Ps 18:23

18:23 I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine {f} iniquity.

(f) I neither gave place to their wicked temptations nor to my own desires.

Ps 18:25

18:25 With the {t} merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;

(t) Here he speaks of God according to our capacity, who shows mercy to his and punishes the wicked, as is also said in Le 26:21,24.

Ps 18:27

18:27 For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt {u} bring down high looks.

(u) When their sin is come to the full measure.

Ps 18:29

18:29 For by thee I have {x} run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.

(x) He attributes it to God that he both got the victory in the field and also destroyed the cities of his enemies.

Ps 18:30

18:30 [As for] God, his way [is] perfect: the {y} word of the LORD is tried: he [is] a buckler to all those that trust in him.

(y) No matter how great or many the dangers may be, yet God's promise must take effect.

Ps 18:32

18:32 [It is] God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my {z} way perfect.

(z) He gives good success to all my enterprises.

Ps 18:33

18:33 He maketh my feet like hinds' [feet], and setteth me upon my {a} high places.

(a) As towers and forts, which he took out of the hands of God's enemies.

Ps 18:35

18:35 Thou hast also given me the {b} shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy {c} gentleness hath made me great.

(b) To defend me from dangers.
(c) He attributed the beginning, continuance and increase in well doing only to God's favour.

Ps 18:37

18:37 {d} I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.

(d) David declares that he did nothing besides his calling, but was stirred up by God's Spirit to execute his judgments.

Ps 18:40

18:40 Thou hast also {e} given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.

(e) You have given them to my hands to be slain.

Ps 18:41

18:41 They {f} cried, but [there was] none to save [them: even] unto the LORD, but he answered them not.

(f) They who reject the cry of the afflicted, God will also reject them when they cry for help, for either pain or fear causes those hypocrites to cry.

Ps 18:43

18:43 Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; [and] thou hast made me the head of the {g} heathen: a people [whom] I have not {h} known shall serve me.

(g) Who dwell round about me.
(h) The kingdom of Christ is prefigured in David's kingdom, who by the preaching of his word brings all to his subjection.

Ps 18:44

18:44 As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall {i} submit themselves unto me.

(i) Or lie: signifying a subjection constrained and not voluntary.

Ps 18:45

18:45 The strangers shall {k} fade away, and be afraid out of their close places.

(k) Fear will cause them to be afraid and come forth from their secret holes and holds to seek pardon.

Ps 18:48

18:48 He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the {l} violent man.

(l) That is, Saul who out of malice persecuted him.

Ps 18:49

18:49 Therefore will {m} I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.

(m) This prophecy belongs to the kingdom of Christ and calling of the Gentiles, as in Ro 15:9.

Ps 18:50

18:50 Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his {n} seed for evermore.

(n) This did not properly belong to Solomon, but to Jesus Christ.

Ps 19:1

19:1 [To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.] The {a} heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

(a) He reproaches man for his ingratitude, seeing the heavens, which are dumb creatures, set forth God's glory.

Ps 19:2

19:2 {b} Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

(b) The continual success of the day and night is sufficient to declare God's power and goodness.

Ps 19:3

19:3 [There is] no speech nor {c} language, [where] their voice is not heard.

(c) The heavens are a schoolmaster to all nations, no matter how barbarous.

Ps 19:4

19:4 Their {d} line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

(d) The heavens are as a line of great capital letters to show God's glory to us.

Ps 19:5

19:5 Which [is] as a bridegroom coming out of his {e} chamber, [and] rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

(e) Or vail. The custom was that the bride and bridegroom would stand under a vail together, and after come forward with great solemnity and rejoicing of the assembly.

Ps 19:7

19:7 The {f} law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple.

(f) Though the creatures cannot serve, yet this should be sufficient to lead us to him.

Ps 19:9

19:9 The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD [are] {g} true [and] righteous {h} altogether.

(g) So that all man's inventions and intentions are lies.
(h) Everyone without exception.

Ps 19:10

19:10 More to be {i} desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

(i) Unless God's word is esteemed above all worldly things, it is contemned.

Ps 19:11

19:11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: [and] in keeping of them [there is] great {k} reward.

(k) For God accepts our endeavour though it is far from perfect.

Ps 19:12

19:12 Who can understand [his] {l} errors? cleanse thou me from secret [faults].

(l) Then there is no reward of duty, but of grace: for where sin is, there death is the reward.

Ps 19:13

19:13 Keep back thy servant also from {m} presumptuous [sins]; let them not have dominion over me: {n} then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

(m) Which are done purposely and from malice.
(n) If you suppress my wicked affections by your Holy Spirit.

Ps 19:14

19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the {o} meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

(o) That I may obey you in thought, word and deed.

Ps 20:1

20:1 [To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.] The {a} LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the {b} name of the God of Jacob defend thee;

(a) By this kings are also admonished to call to God in their affairs.
(b) The virtue, power and grace of God.

Ps 20:3

20:3 Remember all thy offerings, and {c} accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.

(c) In token that they are acceptable to him.

Ps 20:5

20:5 We will rejoice in thy {d} salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up [our] banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.

(d) Granted to the king in whose wealth our happiness stands.

Ps 20:6

20:6 Now {e} know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his {f} holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.

(e) The Church feels that God had heard their petition.
(f) As by the visible sanctuary God's familiarity appeared toward his people, so by the heavenly is meant his power and majesty.

Ps 20:8

20:8 {g} They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

(g) The worldlings who do not put their trust in God alone.

Ps 20:9

20:9 Save, LORD: {h} let the king hear us when we call.

(h) Let the king be able to deliver us by your strength, when we seek him for help.

Ps 21:1

21:1 [To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.] The king shall {a} joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!

(a) When he will overcome his enemies, and so be assured of his calling.

Ps 21:3

21:3 For thou {b} preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head.

(b) You declared your liberal favour toward him before he prayed.

Ps 21:4

21:4 {c} He asked life of thee, [and] thou gavest [it] him, [even] length of days for ever and ever.

(c) David not only obtained life, but also assurance that his posterity would reign forever.

Ps 21:6

21:6 For thou hast made him most {d} blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.

(d) You have made him your blessings to others, and a perpetual example of your favour forever.

Ps 21:8

21:8 {e} Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee.

(e) Here he describes the power of Christ's kingdom against the enemies of it.

Ps 21:9

21:9 Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his {f} wrath, and the fire shall devour them.

(f) This teaches us patiently to endure the cross till God destroys the adversary.

Ps 21:11

21:11 For they {g} intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, [which] they are not able [to perform].

(g) They laid as it were their nets to make God's power bend to their wicked enterprises.

Ps 21:12

21:12 Therefore shalt thou make them {h} turn their back, [when] thou shalt make ready [thine arrows] upon thy strings against the face of them.

(h) As a mark to shoot at.

Ps 21:13

21:13 {i} Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: [so] will we sing and praise thy power.

(i) Maintain your Church against your adversaries that we may have ample opportunity to praise your Name.

Ps 22:1

22:1 [To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David.] My {a} God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? [why art thou so] far from helping me, [and from] the words of my {b} roaring?

(a) Here appears that horrible conflict, which he sustained between faith and desperation.
(b) Being tormented with extreme anguish.

Ps 22:3

22:3 But thou [art] holy, [O thou] that inhabitest the {c} praises of Israel.

(c) He means the place of praising, even the tabernacle or else it is so called, because he gave the people continuous opportunity to praise him.

Ps 22:6

22:6 But I [am] a {d} worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.

(d) And seeming most miserable of all creatures, which referred to Christ, and in this appears the unspeakable love of God for man, that he would thus abase his son for our sakes.

Ps 22:9

22:9 But thou [art] he that took me out of the {e} womb: thou didst make me hope [when I was] upon my mother's breasts.

(e) Even from my birth you have given me opportunity to trust in you.

Ps 22:10

22:10 I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou [art] my God from my mother's {f} belly.

(f) For unless God's providence preserves the infants, they would perish a thousand times in the mother's womb.

Ps 22:12

22:12 Many bulls have compassed me: strong {g} [bulls] of Bashan have beset me round.

(g) He means that his enemies were so fat, proud and cruel that they were more like beasts than men.

Ps 22:14

22:14 I am poured out like {h} water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

(h) Before he spoke of the cruelty of his enemies, and now he declares the inward grief of the mind, so that Christ was tormented both in soul and body.

Ps 22:15

22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou {i} hast brought me into the dust of death.

(i) You permitted me to be without all hope of life.

Ps 22:16

22:16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they {k} pierced my hands and my feet.

(k) Thus David complained as though he were nailed by his enemies in both hands and feet, but this was accomplished in Christ.

Ps 22:20

22:20 Deliver my soul from the sword; my {l} darling from the power of the dog.

(l) My life that is solitary, left alone and forsaken by all, Ps 35:17,25:16

Ps 22:21

22:21 {m} Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

(m) Christ is delivered with a more mighty deliverance by overcoming death, than if he had not tasted death at all.

Ps 22:23

22:23 Ye that fear the LORD, {n} praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.

(n) He promises to exhort the Church that they by his example might praise the Lord.

Ps 22:24

22:24 For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the {o} afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.

(o) The poor afflicted are comforted by this example of David, or Christ.

Ps 22:25

22:25 My praise [shall be] of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my {p} vows before them that fear him.

(p) Which were sacrifices of thanksgiving which they offered by God's commandment, when they were delivered out of any great danger.

Ps 22:26

22:26 {q} The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.

(q) He alludes still to the sacrifice.

Ps 22:29

22:29 All [they that be] fat {r} upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: {s} and none can keep alive his own soul.

(r) Though the poor are first named as in Ps 22:26 yet the wealthy are not separated from the grace of Christ's kingdom.
(s) In whom there is no hope that he will recover life: so neither poor nor rich, quick nor dead will be rejected from his kingdom.

Ps 22:30

22:30 {t} A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.

(t) Meaning, the prosperity which the Lord keeps as a seed to the Church to continue his praise among men.

Ps 22:31

22:31 They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath {u} done [this].

(u) That is, God has fulfilled his promise.

Ps 23:1

23:1 [A Psalm of David.] The LORD [is] my shepherd; {a} I shall not want.

(a) He has care over me and ministers all things to me.

Ps 23:3

23:3 He {b} restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the {c} paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

(b) He comforts or refreshes me.
(c) Plain or straight ways.

Ps 23:4

23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the {d} shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

(d) Though he was in danger of death, as the sheep that wanders in the dark valley without his shepherd.

Ps 23:5

23:5 Thou preparest a {e} table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou {f} anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

(e) Even though his enemies sought to destroy him, yet God delivers him, and deals most liberally with him in spite of them.
(f) As was the manner of great feasts.

Ps 23:6

23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the {g} house of the LORD for ever.

(g) He does not set his happiness in the pleasures of this world, but in the fear and service of God.

Ps 24:2

24:2 For he hath founded it upon the {a} seas, and established it upon the floods.

(a) He notes two things: the one, that the earth to man's judgment seems above the waters: and next, that God miraculously preserves the earth, that it is not drowned with the waters, which naturally are above it.

Ps 24:6

24:6 This [is] the {b} generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.

(b) Though circumcision separates the carnal seed of Jacob, from the Gentiles, yet he who seeks God, is the true Jacob and an Israelite.

Ps 24:7

24:7 {c} Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

(c) David desires the building up of the temple, in which the glory of God should appear and under the figure of this temple, he also prays for the spiritual temple, which is eternal because of the promise which was made to the temple, as it is written, Ps 132:14.

Ps 25:1

25:1 [[A Psalm] of David.] Unto thee, {a} O LORD, do I lift up my soul.

(a) I did not put my trust in any worldly thing.

Ps 25:2

25:2 O my God, I {b} trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

(b) That you will take away my enemies, which are your rods.

Ps 25:4

25:4 {c} Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.

(c) Retain me in the faith of your promise that I swore not on any side.

Ps 25:5

25:5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou [art] the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait {d} all the day.

(d) Constantly and against all temptations.

Ps 25:7

25:7 Remember not the {e} sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.

(e) He confesses that his many sins were the reason that his enemies persecuted him, desiring that the cause of the evil may be taken away, so that the effect may cease.

Ps 25:8

25:8 Good and upright [is] the LORD: therefore will he {f} teach sinners in the way.

(f) That is, call them to repentance.

Ps 25:9

25:9 The meek will he {g} guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

(g) He will govern and comfort them that are truly humbled for their sins.

Ps 25:11

25:11 For thy {h} name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it [is] great.

(h) For no other respect.

Ps 25:12

25:12 What {i} man [is] he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way [that] he shall {k} choose.

(i) Meaning, the number is very small.
(k) He will direct such with his spirit to follow the right way.

Ps 25:13

25:13 His soul shall dwell at {l} ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.

(l) He will prosper both in spiritual and corporal things.

Ps 25:14

25:14 The {m} secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

(m) His counsel contained in his word, by which he declares that he is the protector of the faithful.

Ps 25:17

25:17 The troubles of my heart {n} are enlarged: [O] bring thou me out of my distresses.

(n) My grief is increased because of my enemies cruelty.

Ps 25:19

25:19 Consider mine {o} enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.

(o) The greater that his afflictions were and the more that his enemies increased, the more near he felt God's help.

Ps 25:21

25:21 Let {p} integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.

(p) As I have behaved myself uprightly toward my enemies, let them know that you are the defender of my just cause.

Ps 26:1

26:1 [[A Psalm] of David.] Judge me, {a} O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; [therefore] I shall not slide.

(a) He flees to God to be the judge of his just cause, seeing there is no equity among men.

Ps 26:2

26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my {b} reins and my heart.

(b) My very affections and inward motions of the heart.

Ps 26:3

26:3 For thy {c} lovingkindness [is] before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.

(c) He shows what stayed him, that he did not recompense evil for evil.

Ps 26:4

26:4 I have not {d} sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

(d) He declares that they cannot walk in simplicity before God, that delight in the company of the ungodly.

Ps 26:6

26:6 I will {e} wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:

(e) I will serve you with a pure affection, and with the godly that sacrifice to you.

Ps 26:9

26:9 {f} Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:

(f) Destroy me not in the overthrow of the wicked.

Ps 26:10

26:10 In whose hands [is] {g} mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.

(g) Whose cruel hands execute the malicious devises of their hearts.

Ps 26:12

26:12 My foot standeth in {h} an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD.

(h) I am preserved from my enemies by the power of God, and therefore will praise him openly.

Ps 27:1

27:1 [[A Psalm] of David.] The LORD [is] my {a} light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

(a) Because he was assured of good success in all his dangers and that his salvation was surely laid up in God, he did not fear the tyranny of his enemies.

Ps 27:3

27:3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in {b} this [will] I [be] confident.

(b) That God will deliver me and give my faith the victory.

Ps 27:4

27:4 {c} One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

(c) The loss of country, wife and all worldly conveniences would not grieve me as much as this one thing, that I may not praise your name in the midst of the congregation.

Ps 27:6

27:6 {d} And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

(d) David assured himself by the Spirit of prophecy that he should overcome his enemies and serve God in his tabernacle.

Ps 27:8

27:8 [When thou saidst], {e} Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

(e) He grounds on God's promise and shows that he is most willing to obey his commandment.

Ps 27:10

27:10 {f} When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

(f) He magnifies God's love toward his, which far passes the most tender love of parents towards their children.

Ps 27:12

27:12 Deliver me not over unto the {g} will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

(g) But either pacify their wrath, or bridle their rage.

Ps 27:13

27:13 [I had fainted], unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD {h} in the land of the living.

(h) In this present life before I die, as in Isa 38:11.

Ps 27:14

27:14 {i} Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

(i) He exhorts himself to depend on the Lord seeing he never failed in his promises.

Ps 28:2

28:2 Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy {b} holy oracle.

(b) He counts himself as a dead man, till God shows his favour toward him, and grants him his petition.

Ps 28:3

28:3 {c} Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief [is] in their hearts.

(c) Destroy not the good with the bad.

Ps 28:4

28:4 {d} Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.

(d) He thus prayed in respect to God's glory and not for his own cause, being assured that God would punish the persecutors of his Church.

Ps 28:5

28:5 Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall {e} destroy them, and not build them up.

(e) Let them be utterly destroyed as in Mal 1:4.

Ps 28:6

28:6 {f} Blessed [be] the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications.

(f) Because he felt the assurance of God's help in his heart, his mouth was opened to sing his praises.

Ps 28:8

28:8 The LORD [is] {g} their strength, and he [is] the saving strength of his anointed.

(g) Meaning his soldiers who were means by which God declared his power.

Ps 29:1

29:1 [A Psalm of David.] Give unto the LORD, O ye {a} mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

(a) He exhorts the proud tyrants to humble themselves under God's hand, and not to be inferior to brute beasts and dumb creatures.

Ps 29:3

29:3 The {b} voice of the LORD [is] upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD [is] upon many waters.

(b) The thunder claps that are heard out of the clouds should make the wicked tremble for fear of God's anger.

Ps 29:5

29:5 The {c} voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.

(c) That is, the thunderbolt breaks the most strong trees, and will men think their power able to resist God?

Ps 29:6

29:6 He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and {d} Sirion like a young unicorn.

(d) Called also Hermon.

Ps 29:7

29:7 The voice of the LORD divideth the {e} flames of fire.

(e) It causes the lightnings to shoot and glide.

Ps 29:8

29:8 The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of {f} Kadesh.

(f) In places most desolate, where it seems there is no presence of God.

Ps 29:9

29:9 The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to {g} calve, and {h} discovereth the forests: and in his {i} temple doth every one speak of [his] glory.

(g) For fear makes them deliver their calves.
(h) Makes the trees bare, or pierces the most secret places.
(i) Though the wicked are not moved by these lights, yet the faithful praise God.

Ps 29:10

29:10 The LORD sitteth upon the {k} flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.

(k) To moderate the rage of the tempests and waters that they not destroy all.

Ps 30:1

30:1 [A Psalm [and] Song [at] the dedication of the {a} house of David.] I will extol thee, O LORD; {b} for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.

(a) After Absalom had polluted it with most filthy fornication.
(b) He condemns them for great ingratitude who do not praise God for his benefits.

Ps 30:2

30:2 O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast {c} healed me.

(c) Restored from the rebellion of Absalom.

Ps 30:3

30:3 O LORD, thou hast brought up my {d} soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

(d) Meaning, that he escaped death most narrowly.

Ps 30:4

30:4 Sing unto the LORD, O ye {e} saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

(e) The word signifies them who have received mercy, and show mercy liberally to others.

Ps 30:6

30:6 And in my {g} prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.

(g) I put too much confidence in my quiet state as in Jer 31:18, 2Ch 32:24,25.

Ps 30:7

30:7 LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my {h} mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, [and] I {i} was troubled.

(h) I thought you had established me in Zion most surely.
(i) After you had withdrawn your help, I felt my misery.

Ps 30:9

30:9 What profit [is there] in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the {k} dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?

(k) David means that the dead are not profitable to the congregation of the Lord here in the earth: therefore he would live to praise his Name, which is the end of man's creation.

Ps 30:12

30:12 To the end that [my] {l} glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

(l) Because you have preserved me that my tongue should praise you, I will not be unmindful of my duty.

Ps 31:1

31:1 [To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.] In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy {a} righteousness.

(a) For then God declares himself just, when he preserves his as he has promised.

Ps 31:4

31:4 Pull me out of the {b} net that they have laid privily for me: for thou [art] my strength.

(b) Preserve me from the crafty counsels and subtle practise of my enemies.

Ps 31:5

31:5 Into thine {c} hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.

(c) He desires God not only to take care of him in this life, but that his soul may be saved after this life.

Ps 31:6

31:6 I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I {d} trust in the LORD.

(d) This affection should be in all God's children to hate whatever is not grounded on a sure trust in God, as deceitful and vain.

Ps 31:8

31:8 And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a {e} large room.

(e) Largeness signifies comfort, as straitness, sorrow and peril.

Ps 31:9

31:9 Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine {f} eye is consumed with grief, [yea], my soul and my belly.

(f) Meaning, that his sorrow and torment had continued a great while.

Ps 31:11

31:11 I was a {g} reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.

(g) My enemies had drawn all men to their part against me, even my chief friends.

Ps 31:13

31:13 For I have heard the slander of {i} many: fear [was] on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.

(i) They who were in authority condemned me as a wicked doer.

Ps 31:14

31:14 But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, {k} Thou [art] my God.

(k) I had this testimony of conscience, that you would defend my innocence.

Ps 31:15

31:15 My {l} times [are] in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.

(l) Whatever changes come, you govern them by your providence.

Ps 31:17

31:17 Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, [and] let them be {m} silent in the grave.

(m) Let death destroy them to the intent that they may hurt no more.

Ps 31:19

31:19 [Oh] how great [is] thy goodness, which thou {n} hast laid up for them that fear thee; [which] thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

(n) The treasures of God's mercy are always laid up in store for his children, even at all times they do not enjoy them.

Ps 31:20

31:20 Thou shalt hide them in the {o} secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

(o) That is, in a place where they will have your comfort, and be hid safely from the enemies pride.

Ps 31:21

31:21 Blessed [be] the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a {p} strong city.

(p) Meaning, there was no city strong enough to preserve him, as the defence of God's favour.

Ps 31:22

31:22 For I said in my {q} haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.

(q) And so by my rashness and infidelity deserved to have been forsaken.

Ps 31:24

31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall {r} strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

(r) Be constant in your calling, and God will confirm you with heavenly strength.

Ps 32:1

32:1 [[A Psalm] of David, {a} Maschil.] Blessed [is he whose] transgression [is] {b} forgiven, [whose] sin [is] covered.

(a) Concerning the free remission of sins, which is the chief point of our faith.
(b) To be justified by faith, is to have our sins freely remitted, and to be declared just, Ro 4:6.

Ps 32:3

32:3 When I kept {c} silence, my bones waxed old through my {d} roaring all the day long.

(c) Between hope and despair.
(d) Was not eased by silence nor crying, signifying that before the sinner is reconciled to God, he feels a perpetual torment.

Ps 32:5

32:5 I {e} acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

(e) He shows that as God's mercy is the only cause of forgiveness of sins, so the means of it are repentance and confession which proceed from faith.

Ps 32:6

32:6 For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a {f} time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters {g} they shall not come nigh unto him.

(f) When necessity causes him to seek you for help, Isa 55:6.
(g) That is, the waters and great dangers.

Ps 32:8

32:8 I will {h} instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

(h) David promises to make the rest of God's children partakers of the benefits which he felt, and that he will diligently look and take care to direct them in the way of salvation.

Ps 32:9

32:9 Be ye not as the horse, [or] as the mule, [which] have no understanding: whose {i} mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

(i) If men can rule brute beasts, do they think that God will not bridle and tame their rage?

Ps 32:11

32:11 Be glad in the LORD, and {k} rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all [ye that are] upright in heart.

(k) He shows that peace and joy of conscience in the Holy Spirit is the fruit of faith.

Ps 33:1

33:1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: [for] praise is {a} comely for the upright.

(a) It is the duty of the godly to set forth the praises of God for his mercy and power showed to them.

Ps 33:2

33:2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery [and] an {b} instrument of ten strings.

(b) To sing on instruments, was a part of the ceremonial service of the temple, which does not belong to us any more than the sacrifices, censors and light.

Ps 33:4

33:4 For the {c} word of the LORD [is] right; and all his {d} works [are done] in truth.

(c) That is, counsel or command in governing the world.
(d) That is, the effect and execution.

Ps 33:5

33:5 He {e} loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

(e) However the world judges God's works, yet he does all things according to justice and mercy.

Ps 33:7

33:7 He {f} gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.

(f) By the creation of the heavens and beautiful ornament with the gathering also of the waters, he sets forth the power of God, that all creatures might fear him.

Ps 33:10

33:10 The LORD bringeth the {g} counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

(g) No counsel can prevail against God, but he deserves it, and it will have evil success.

Ps 33:12

33:12 Blessed [is] the nation whose {h} God [is] the LORD; [and] the people [whom] he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

(h) He shows that all our happiness stands in this, that the Lord is our God.

Ps 33:13

33:13 The LORD {i} looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.

(i) He proves that all things are governed by God's providence and not by fortune.

Ps 33:15

33:15 He {k} fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.

(k) Therefore he knows their wicked enterprises.

Ps 33:16

33:16 There is no {l} king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

(l) If kings and the mighty of the world cannot be saved by worldly means, but only by God's providence, what do others have to trust in, who have not similar means?

Ps 33:18

33:18 Behold, {m} the eye of the LORD [is] upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;

(m) God shows his mercy toward his, which man by no means is able to compass.

Ps 33:20

33:20 {n} Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he [is] our help and our shield.

(n) Thus he speaks in the name of the whole Church which only depends on God's providence.

Ps 34:1

34:1 [[A Psalm] of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed.] I will bless the LORD {a} at all times: his praise [shall] continually [be] in my mouth.

(a) He promised never to become unmindful of God's great benefit for his deliverance.

Ps 34:2

34:2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the {b} humble shall hear [thereof], and be glad.

(b) They who are beaten down with the experience of their own evils.

Ps 34:4

34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my {c} fears.

(c) Which I conceived for the danger I was in.

Ps 34:5

34:5 They {d} looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.

(d) They will be bold to flee to you for help, when they see your mercies toward me.

Ps 34:7

34:7 The {e} angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

(e) Though God's power is sufficient to govern us, yet for man's infirmity he appoints his angels to watch over us.

Ps 34:10

34:10 The young {f} lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not {g} want any good [thing].

(f) The godly by their patient obedience profit more than they who ravage and spoil.
(g) If they abide the last trial.

Ps 34:11

34:11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the {h} fear of the LORD.

(h) That is, the true religion and worship of God.

Ps 34:12

34:12 What man [is he that] desireth life, [and] loveth [many] days, that he may {i} see good?

(i) Seeing all men naturally desire happiness, he wonders why they cast themselves willingly into misery.

Ps 34:16

34:16 The {k} face of the LORD [is] against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

(k) The anger of God not only destroys the wicked, but also abolishes their name forever.

Ps 34:18

34:18 The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a {l} broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

(l) When they seem to be swallowed up with afflictions, then God is at hand to deliver them.

Ps 34:20

34:20 {m} He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.

(m) And as Christ says, all the hairs of his head.

Ps 34:21

34:21 Evil shall slay the {n} wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.

(n) Their wicked enterprises will turn to their own destruction.

Ps 34:22

34:22 The LORD {o} redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

(o) For when they seem to be overcome with great dangers and death itself, then God shows himself as their redeemer.

Ps 35:1

35:1 [[A Psalm] of David.] Plead [my {a} cause], O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.

(a) He desires God to undertake his cause against them who persecute him and slander him.

Ps 35:2

35:2 {b} Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help.

(b) Even though God can with his breath destroy all his enemies, yet the Holy Spirit attributes to him these outward weapons to assure us of his patient power.

Ps 35:3

35:3 Draw out also the spear, and stop [the way] against them that persecute me: say unto my {c} soul, I [am] thy salvation.

(c) Assure me against these temptations, that you are the author of my salvation.

Ps 35:5

35:5 Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD {d} chase [them].

(d) Smite them with the spirit of giddiness that their enterprises may be foolish, and they received just reward.

Ps 35:7

35:7 For {e} without cause have they hid for me their net [in] a pit, [which] without cause they have digged for my soul.

(e) Showing that we may not call God to be a revenger but only for his glory, and when our cause is just.

Ps 35:8

35:8 Let destruction come upon {f} him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into {g} that very destruction let him fall.

(f) When he promises peace to himself.
(g) Which he prepared against the children of God.

Ps 35:10

35:10 All my {h} bones shall say, LORD, who [is] like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?

(h) He attributes his deliverance only to God, praising him therefore both in soul and body.

Ps 35:11

35:11 {i} False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge [things] that I knew not.

(i) That would not permit me to purge myself.

Ps 35:12

35:12 They rewarded me evil for good [to] the {k} spoiling of my soul.

(k) To have taken from me all comfort and brought me into despair.

Ps 35:13

35:13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing [was] sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and {l} my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

(l) I prayed for them with inward affection, as I would have done for myself: or, I declared my affection with bowing down my head.

Ps 35:15

35:15 But in mine {m} adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: [yea], the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew [it] not; they did tear {n} [me], and ceased not:

(m) When they thought me ready to slip and as one that limped for infirmity.
(n) With their railing words.

Ps 35:16

35:16 With hypocritical mockers in {o} feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.

(o) The word signifies cakes: meaning that the proud courtiers at their dainty feasts scoff, rail, and conspire his death.

Ps 35:19

35:19 Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: [neither] let them {p} wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.

(p) In token of contempt and mocking.

Ps 35:21

35:21 Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, [and] said, Aha, aha, {q} our eye hath seen [it].

(q) They rejoiced as though they had now seen David overthrown.

Ps 35:24

35:24 Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy {r} righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.

(r) It is the justice of God to give to the oppressors affliction and torment, and to the oppressed aid and relief, 2Th 1:6.

Ps 35:25

35:25 Let them not say in their hearts, {s} Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.

(s) Because we have that which we sought for, seeing he is destroyed.

Ps 35:26

35:26 Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion {t} together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed {u} with shame and dishonour that magnify [themselves] against me.

(t) That is, at once, were they never so many or mighty.
(u) This prayer will always be verified against them who persecute the faithful.

Ps 35:27

35:27 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, {x} that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the {y} prosperity of his servant.

(x) That at least favour my right, though they are not able to help me.
(y) He exhorts the Church to praise God for the deliverance of his servants, and for the destruction of his adversaries.

Ps 36:1

36:1 [To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David the servant of the LORD.] The transgression of the wicked saith {a} within my heart, [that there is] no fear of God before his eyes.

(a) I see evidently by his deeds, that sin pushes forward the reprobate from wickedness to wickedness, even though he goes about to cover his impiety.

Ps 36:2

36:2 For he {b} flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.

(b) Though all others detest his vile sin, yet he himself sees it not.

Ps 36:3

36:3 The words of his mouth [are] iniquity and {c} deceit: he hath left off to be wise, [and] to do good.

(c) The reprobates mock wholesome doctrine, and put no difference between good and evil.

Ps 36:4

36:4 He {d} deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way [that is] not good; he abhorreth not evil.

(d) By describing at large the nature of the reprobate, he admonishes the godly to beware of these vices.

Ps 36:5

36:5 Thy {e} mercy, O LORD, [is] in the heavens; [and] thy faithfulness [reacheth] unto the clouds.

(e) Though wickedness seems to overflow all the world, yet by your heavenly providence you govern heaven and earth.

Ps 36:6

36:6 Thy righteousness [is] like the great mountains; thy judgments [are] a great {f} deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.

(f) The depth of your providence governs all things, and disposes them, even though the wicked seem to overwhelm the world.

Ps 36:8

36:8 They shall be abundantly {g} satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.

(g) Only God's children have enough of all things both concerning this life and the life to come.

Ps 36:10

36:10 O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that {h} know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.

(h) He shows who God's children are, that is, they who know him, and live their lives uprightly.

Ps 36:11

36:11 Let not the {i} foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.

(i) Let not the proud advance himself against me, or the power of the wicked drive me away.

Ps 36:12

36:12 {k} There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.

(k) That is, in their pride in which they flatter themselves.

Ps 37:1

37:1 [[A Psalm] of David.] Fret not {a} thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

(a) He admonishes us neither to vex ourselves for the prosperous estate of the wicked, or to desire to be like them to make our estate better.

Ps 37:2

37:2 For they shall soon be {b} cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

(b) For God's judgment cuts down their state in a moment.

Ps 37:3

37:3 {c} Trust in the LORD, and do good; [so] shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

(c) To trust in God and do according to his will are sure signs that his providence will never fail us.

Ps 37:5

37:5 {d} Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass.

(d) Do not be led by your own wisdom, but obey God and he will finish his work in you.

Ps 37:6

37:6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy {e} judgment as the noonday.

(e) As the hope of daylight causes us not to be offended with the darkness of the night so ought we patiently to trust that God will clear our cause and restore us to our right.

Ps 37:7

37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him {f} who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

(f) When God allows the wicked to prosper, it seems to the flesh that he favours their doings, Job 21:7.

Ps 37:8

37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: {g} fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

(g) Meaning, unless he moderates his affection, he will be led to do as they do.

Ps 37:10

37:10 {h} For yet a little while, and the wicked [shall] not [be]: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it [shall] not [be].

(y) He corrects the impatience of our nature, which cannot abide till the fulness of God's time is come.

Ps 37:12

37:12 {i} The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

(i) The godly are assured that the power and craft of the wicked will not prevail against them, but fall on their own necks and therefore should patiently abide God's time, and in the meanwhile bewail their sins, and offer up their tears as a sacrifice of their obedience.

Ps 37:16

37:16 {k} A little that a righteous man hath [is] better than the riches of many wicked.

(k) For they are daily fed as with manna from heaven and have sufficient, while the wicked never have enough, but always hunger.

Ps 37:18

37:18 The LORD {l} knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.

(l) God knows what dangers hang over his, and by what means to deliver them.

Ps 37:19

37:19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall {m} be satisfied.

(m) For God will give them contented minds, and that which will be necessary.

Ps 37:20

37:20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD [shall be] as the {n} fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.

(n) They will vanish away suddenly for they are fed for the day of slaughter.

Ps 37:21

37:21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and {o} giveth.

(o) God so furnishes him with high blessings, that he is able to help others.

Ps 37:23

37:23 {p} The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

(p) God prospers the faithful because they walk in his ways with an upright conscience.

Ps 37:24

37:24 Though he {q} fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth [him with] his hand.

(q) When God exercises his faith with various temptations.

Ps 37:25

37:25 I have been young, and [now] am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his {r} seed begging bread.

(r) Though the just man die, yet God's blessings are extended to his posterity and though God suffer some just man to lack temporal benefits, yet he recompenses him with spiritual treasures.

Ps 37:29

37:29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein {s} for ever.

(s) They will continually be preserved under God's wings, and have at least inward rest.

Ps 37:30

37:30 The {t} mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

(t) These three points are required from the faithful, that their talk is godly, that God's law is in their heart, and that their life is upright.

Ps 37:33

37:33 The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is {u} judged.

(u) For though it is sometimes so expedient both for God's glory and their salvation, yet he will approve their cause and avenge their wrong.

Ps 37:36

37:36 Yet he {x} passed away, and, lo, he [was] not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

(x) So that the prosperity of the wicked is but as a cloud, which vanishes away in a moment.

Ps 37:37

37:37 {y} Mark the perfect [man], and behold the upright: for the end of [that] man [is] peace.

(y) He exhorts the faithful to mark diligently the examples both of God's mercies, and also of his judgments.

Ps 37:39

37:39 But the {z} salvation of the righteous [is] of the LORD: [he is] their strength in the time of trouble.

(z) He shows that the patient hope of the godly is never in vain, but in the end has good success, though for a time God proves them by various temptations.

Ps 38:1

38:1 [A Psalm of David, to bring to {a} remembrance.] O LORD, rebuke me not in thy {b} wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

(a) To put himself and others in mind of God's chastisement for sin.
(b) He desires not to be exempted from God's rod, but that he would so moderate his hand, that he might be able to bear it.

Ps 38:2

38:2 For thine {c} arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore.

(c) Your sickness, with which you have visited me.

Ps 38:3

38:3 [There is] no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither [is there any] rest in my bones because of my {d} sin.

(d) David acknowledges God to be just in his punishments, because his sins had deserved much more.

Ps 38:4

38:4 For mine {e} iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.

(e) He confesses his sins, God's justice, and makes prayer his refuge.

Ps 38:5

38:5 My wounds stink [and] are corrupt because of {f} my foolishness.

(f) That rather gave place to my own lusts, than to the will of God.

Ps 38:8

38:8 I am feeble and sore broken: I {g} have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.

(g) This example warns us never to despair, no matter how great the torment: but always to cry to God with sure trust for deliverance.

Ps 38:10

38:10 My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, {h} it also is gone from me.

(h) My sight fails me for sorrow.

Ps 38:11

38:11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my {i} kinsmen stand afar off.

(i) Partly for fear and partly for pride, they denied all duty and friendship.

Ps 38:13

38:13 But I, as a {k} deaf [man], heard not; and [I was] as a dumb man [that] openeth not his mouth.

(k) For I can have no audience before men, and therefore patiently wait for the help of God.

Ps 38:16

38:16 For I said, [Hear me], lest [otherwise] they should rejoice over me: {l} when my foot slippeth, they magnify [themselves] against me.

(l) That is, if they see that you do not help me in time, they will mock and triumph as though you had forsaken me.

Ps 38:17

38:17 For I [am] ready to {m} halt, and my sorrow [is] continually before me.

(m) I am without hope to recover my strength.

Ps 38:19

38:19 But mine {n} enemies [are] lively, [and] they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.

(n) In my greatest misery they most rejoice.

Ps 38:20

38:20 They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow [the thing that] {o} good [is].

(o) He would rather have the hatred of all the world, than fail in any part of his duty to God.

Ps 38:22

38:22 Make haste to help me, O Lord my {p} salvation.

(p) Who is the author of my salvation: and this declares that he prayed with sure hope of deliverance.

Ps 39:1

39:1 [To the chief Musician, [even] to {a} Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.] I said, {b} I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

(a) This was one of the chief singers, 1Ch 16:41.
(b) Although he had appointed with himself patiently to have wait for God's timing, yet the vehemency of his pain caused him to break his purpose.

Ps 39:2

39:2 I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, [even] from good; {c} and my sorrow was stirred.

(c) Though when the wicked ruled he thought to have kept silence, yet his zeal caused him to change his mind.

Ps 39:3

39:3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: [then] {d} spake I with my tongue,

(d) He confesses that he grudged against God, considering the greatness of his sorrows, and the shortness of his life.

Ps 39:5

39:5 Behold, thou hast made my days [as] an handbreadth; and mine age [is] as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state [is] altogether {e} vanity. Selah.

(e) Yet David offended in that he reasoned with God as though he were too severe toward his weak creature.

Ps 39:8

39:8 Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the {f} foolish.

(f) Do not make me a laughing stock to the wicked, wrap me up with the wicked when they are put to shame.

Ps 39:9

39:9 I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because {g} thou didst [it].

(g) Seeing my troubles came from your providence, I ought to have endured them patiently.

Ps 39:11

39:11 When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou {h} makest his {i} beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man [is] vanity. Selah.

(h) Though your open plagues do not light on them forever, yet your secret curse continually frets them.
(i) The word signifies all that he desires, as health, force, strength, beauty, and in whatever he has delight, so that the rod of God takes away all that is desired in this world.

Ps 39:13

39:13 O spare me, that I may recover strength, {k} before I go hence, and be no more.

(k) For his sorrow caused him to think that God would destroy him completely, by which we see how hard it is for the saints to keep a measure in their words, when death and despair assails them.

Ps 40:1

40:1 [To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.] I waited {a} patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

(a) Though God deferred his help, yet he patiently abode till he was heard.

Ps 40:2

40:2 He brought me up also out of an {b} horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, [and] established my goings.

(b) He has delivered me from great dangers.

Ps 40:3

40:3 And he hath put {c} a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

(c) That is, a special opportunity to praise him, for God's benefits are so many opportunities for us to praise his Name.

Ps 40:4

40:4 Blessed [is] that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth {d} not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

(d) To follow their example, which he must do who trusts not only in the Lord.

Ps 40:5

40:5 Many, {e} O LORD my God, [are] thy wonderful works [which] thou hast done, and thy thoughts [which are] to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: [if] I would declare and speak [of them], they are more than can be numbered.

(e) David goes from one king of God's favour to the contemplation of his providence over all, and confesses that his counsels toward us are far above our capacities, we cannot so much as tell them in order.

Ps 40:6

40:6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; {f} mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.

(f) You have opened my ears to understand the spiritual meaning of the sacrifices: and here David esteems the ceremonies of the law as nothing in respect to the spiritual service.

Ps 40:7

40:7 {g} Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book [it is] written of me,

(g) When you had opened my ears and heart, I was ready to obey you, being assured that I was written in the book of your elect for this end.

Ps 40:9

40:9 I have preached righteousness in the {h} great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.

(h) In the Church assembled in the sanctuary.

Ps 40:10

40:10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy {i} faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

(i) David here numbers three degrees of our salvation: God's mercy, by which he pities us, his righteousness which signifies his continual protection and his truth, by which appears his constant favour, so that from this our salvation proceeds.

Ps 40:12

40:12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart {k} faileth me.

(k) Concerning the judgment of the flesh, I was utterly destitute of all counsel, yet faith inwardly moved my heart to pray.

Ps 40:14

40:14 Let them be {l} ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.

(l) He desires that God's mercy may contend for him against the rage of his enemies.

Ps 40:15

40:15 Let them be {m} desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.

(m) Let the same shame and confusion come on them, which they intended to have brought on me.

Ps 40:16

40:16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, {n} The LORD be magnified.

(n) As the faithful always praise God for his benefits, so the wicked mocked God's children in their afflictions.

Ps 41:1

41:1 [To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.] Blessed [is] he that {a} considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.

(a) Not condemning him as accused whom God visits, knowing that there are various reasons why God lays his hand on us, yea and afterwards he restores us.

Ps 41:3

41:3 The LORD will strengthen him upon the {b} bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his {c} bed in his sickness.

(b) When for sorrow and grief of mind he calls himself on his bed.
(c) You have restored him in his sick bed and sent him comfort.

Ps 41:5

41:5 Mine enemies {d} speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish?

(d) That is, curse me and cannot have their cruel hate quenched but with my shameful death.

Ps 41:6

41:6 And if he come to see [me], he speaketh {e} vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; [when] he goeth abroad, he telleth [it].

(e) For pretending to comfort me, he conspires my death in his heart, and brags of it.

Ps 41:8

41:8 {f} An evil disease, [say they], cleaveth fast unto him: and [now] that he lieth he shall rise up no more.

(f) The enemies thought by his sharp punishments that God had become his mortal enemy.

Ps 41:9

41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, {g} hath lifted up [his] heel against me.

(g) As David felt this falsehood, and as it was chiefly accomplished in Christ, Joh 13:18 so shall his members continually prove the same.

Ps 41:12

41:12 And as for me, thou upholdest me {h} in mine integrity, and settest me before thy {i} face for ever.

(h) Meaning, either in prosperity of life or in the true fear of God against all temptation.
(i) Showing me evident signs of your fatherly providence.

Ps 41:13

41:13 Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. {k} Amen, and Amen.

(k) By this repetition he stirs up the faithful to praise God.

Ps 42:1

42:1 [To the chief Musician, Maschil, {a} for the sons of Korah.] As the hart {b} panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

(a) As a treasure to be kept by them, who were of the number of the Levites.
(b) By these comparisons of the thirst and panting, he shows his fervent desire to serve God in his temple.

Ps 42:3

42:3 {c} My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where [is] thy God?

(c) As others take pleasure in eating and drinking, so he was altogether given to weeping.

Ps 42:4

42:4 When I remember {d} these [things], I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

(d) That is, how I led the people to serve you in your tabernacle, and now seeing my contrary estate, I die for sorrow.

Ps 42:5

42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and [why] art thou disquieted in me? {e} hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him [for] the help of his countenance.

(e) Though he sustained grievous assaults of the flesh to cast him into despair, yet his faith grounded on God's accustomed mercies gets the victory.

Ps 42:6

42:6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: {f} therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.

(f) That is, when I remember you in this land of my banishment among the mountains.

Ps 42:7

42:7 {g} Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.

(g) Afflictions came so thick upon me that I felt overwhelmed: by which he shows there is no end to our misery till God is pacified and sends help.

Ps 42:8

42:8 [Yet] the LORD {h} will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song [shall be] with me, [and] my prayer unto the God of my life.

(h) He assures himself of God's help in time to come.

Ps 42:10

42:10 [As] with a sword in my {i} bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where [is] thy God?

(i) That is, I am most grievously tormented.

Ps 42:11

42:11 {k} Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God.

(k) This repetition declares that David did not overcome at once, to teach us to be constant, for as much as God will certainly deliver his.

Ps 43:1

43:1 Judge {a} me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly {b} nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.

(a) He desires God to undertake his cause against the enemies but chiefly that he would restore him to the tabernacle.
(b) That is, the cruel company of my enemies.

Ps 43:3

43:3 O send out thy {c} light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.

(c) That is, your favour which appears by the performance of your promises.

Ps 43:4

43:4 Then {d} will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.

(d) He promises to offer a solemn sacrifice of thanksgiving in token of his great deliverance.

Ps 43:5

43:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? {e} hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God.

(e) By which he admonishes the faithful not to relent but constantly to wait on the Lord, though their troubles are long and great.

Ps 44:1

44:1 [To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil.] We have heard with our {a} ears, O God, our fathers have told us, [what] work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.

(a) This psalm seems to have been made by some excellent prophet for the use of the people when the Church was in extreme misery, either at their return from Babylon or under Antiochus or in similar afflictions.

Ps 44:2

44:2 [How] thou didst drive out the {b} heathen with thy hand, and plantedst {c} them; [how] thou didst afflict the {d} people, and
(e) cast them out.

(b) That is, the Canaanites.
(c) That is, our fathers.
(d) Of Canaan.
(e) That is, our fathers.

Ps 44:3

44:3 For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a {f} favour unto them.

(f) God's free mercy and love is the only fountain and beginning of the Church, De 4:37.

Ps 44:4

44:4 Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for {g} Jacob.

(g) Because you are our king, therefore deliver your people from their misery.

Ps 44:5

44:5 {h} Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.

(h) Because they and their forefathers made both one Church, they apply that to themselves which before they attributed to their fathers.

Ps 44:9

44:9 But thou hast cast off, and put us to {i} shame; and goest not forth with our armies.

(i) As they confessed before that their strength came from God, so now they acknowledge that this affliction came by his just judgment.

Ps 44:11

44:11 Thou hast given us {k} like sheep [appointed] for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen.

(k) Knowing God to be author of this calamity, they murmur not, but seek remedy at his hands who wounded them.

Ps 44:12

44:12 Thou sellest thy people {l} for nought, and dost not increase [thy wealth] by their price.

(l) As slaves who are sold for a low price, you do not look for him who offers the most, but take the first offer.

Ps 44:15

44:15 My {