ALEPH. Blessed [are] the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Ver. 1. _Blessed are the undefiled_] Pindar and other poets had their _Ogdoades_ or _Oetonaries._ This alphabetical poem (as Sixtus Senensis calleth it) is David's, doubtless (though it hath no title to show so much), w... [ Continue Reading ]
Blessed [are] they that keep his testimonies, [and that] seek him with the whole heart. Ver. 2. _Blessed are they that keep his testimonies_] Angels do so, and are blessed, Revelation 22:9 . _ And that seek him_] _Sincere ac sollicite; _ that seek not his omnipresence (what need they?), but his gr... [ Continue Reading ]
They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. Ver. 3. _They also do no iniqaity_] _i.e._ No wilful wickedness; as do those workers of iniquity, whose whole trade it is, and whose whole life is nothing else but one continued web of wickedness, spun out and made up by the hands of the devil and th... [ Continue Reading ]
Thou hast commanded [us] to keep thy precepts diligently. Ver. 4. _Thou hast commanded us, &c._] These are _verba vivenda, non legenda,_ words to be lived, and not read only, as one well saith of this whole psalm; neither is it enough that we understand or ponder God's precepts, but we must practis... [ Continue Reading ]
O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! Ver. 5. _O that my ways were directed, &c._] David can wish well to that perfection which he cannot attain unto. The whole life of a good Christian is a holy desire, saith Austin; and this is always seconded with endeavour; without the which, affec... [ Continue Reading ]
Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. Ver. 6. _Then shall I not be ashamed_] _i.e._ I shall be highly honoured both by thee and all thy people; able to look thee and them in the face, free from an evil conscience. _ When I have respect unto all thy commandment... [ Continue Reading ]
I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. Ver. 7. _I will praise thee with uprightness_] David was yet but a learner; and if God would teach him to profit in knowledge and holiness, he would lift up many a humble, joyful, and thankful heart to... [ Continue Reading ]
I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly. Ver. 8. _I will keep thy statutes_] Yea, and that very much, or with vehemence, as some read it, _usque valde; _ this he had said before was God's command, Psalms 119:4, and he would do it. _Iussa sequi tam velle mihi quam posse necesse est_ (Luca... [ Continue Reading ]
BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed [thereto] according to thy word. Ver. 9. _Wherewithal shall a young man_] _Semipuer,_ a lad, a stripling, who hath his name in Hebrew of tossing to and fro; confer Ephesians 4:14, and the same word signifieth youth and tow, Isaiah... [ Continue Reading ]
With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Ver. 10. _With my whole heart have I sought thee_] And that of a child little, being nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, 1 Timothy 4:6. I did all the wills of God, and so became a man after his o... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Ver. 11. _Thy word have I hid in my heart_] _Ut peculium in apotheca; _ as treasure; or as an amulet in a case or chest; as the pot of manna in the ark. _ That I might not sin against thee_] See but the commination against the t... [ Continue Reading ]
Blessed [art] thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes. Ver. 12. Blessed art thou (or be thou), O Lord] viz. For what thou hast already taught me of thy will, and my duty. _ Teach me thy statutes_] _Gratiarum actio est ad plus dandum invitatio._ David had never enough, but craveth more; "Teach me thy s... [ Continue Reading ]
With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. Ver. 13. _With my lips have I declared_] Heb. have I ciphered up; these have been the matter of my discourse; and out of the good treasure of my heart Psa 119:11 have I brought forth those good things, for the good of others, Matthew 12:3... [ Continue Reading ]
I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as [much as] in all riches. Ver. 14. _I have rejoiced_] Heb. I have inwardly rejoiced. Pleasures of the mind are unspeakably joyous. Eudoxus was content to have been burnt by the sun presently, might he but come so near it as to learn the nature of it.... [ Continue Reading ]
I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. Ver. 15. _I will meditate_] Or, confabulate, talk freely of them, as worldlings do of their wealth, and ways to get it, αδολεσχησω (Sept.). _ And have respect unto thy ways_] As an archer hath to his mark.... [ Continue Reading ]
I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Ver. 16. _I will delight myself_] _Deliciabor; _ the Arabic hath it, _lectitabo leges tuas,_ I will oft read over thy laws. _ I will not forget_] Men do therefore forget the word, because they delight not in it; they seldom forget... [ Continue Reading ]
GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, [that] I may live, and keep thy word. Ver. 17. _Deal bountifully with thy servant_] _Per indebitam gratiam retribue._ Of thy free grace confer good upon me; and that not scantily, or niggardly, but liberally, and like thyself. The word sometimes signifieth... [ Continue Reading ]
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. Ver. 18. _Open thou mine eyes_] Heb. unveil them, _velamen amove, volumen evolve,_ give sight and light; irradiate both organ and object. In spirituals we are not only dim sighted, but blind as beetles, 1 Corinthians 2:14. Oh pr... [ Continue Reading ]
I [am] a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me. Ver. 19. _I am a stranger in the earth_] And therefore apt to lose my way, without a guide; I shall surely else be wildered and lost. _ Hide not thy commandments from me_] viz. In the spiritual sense and effectual operation of them... [ Continue Reading ]
My soul breaketh for the longing [that it hath] unto thy judgments at all times. Ver. 20. _My soul breaketh_] The Seventy render it, My soul hath desired to desire thy judgments. How many broken spirits do even spend and exhale themselves in continual sallies, as it were, and egressions of affectio... [ Continue Reading ]
Thou hast rebuked the proud [that are] cursed, which do err from thy commandments. Ver. 21. _Thou hast rebuked the proud, &c._] Thou chidest them, threatenest them, plaguest them, and so settest it on as no creature can take it off. And this is one reason why I love and observe thy laws, _ne paria... [ Continue Reading ]
Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies. Ver. 22. _Remove from me reproach and contempt_] Cast upon me by those proud haughty scorners, Psalms 119:21, and that for nothing but because I keep thy statutes; therefore it is that they despise and defame me; but do thou, Lo... [ Continue Reading ]
Princes also did sit [and] speak against me: [but] thy servant did meditate in thy statutes. Ver. 23. _Princes also did sit, &c._] By public invectives; such as were those of our Henry VIII, and of Lewis, king of Hungary and Bohemia (two very potent princes), against Luther. ωρβδν _Denotat continuu... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy testimonies also [are] my delight [and] my counsellors. Ver. 24. _Thy testimonies are my delight_] _In mediis crucibus; _ to them I run as to my cordial; they are my pleasure and pastime. _ And my counsellors_] My learned counsel, by whose advice I do all; here I am sure to find _consolationem... [ Continue Reading ]
DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word. Ver. 25. _My soul cleaveth unto the dust_] Those princes, my persecutors (Saul's counsellors), have brought me to death's door, as Psalms 44:25; Psalms 22:15. I am in a forlorn condition; as far below hope as they are ab... [ Continue Reading ]
I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes. Ver. 26. _I have declared my ways_] My sins and troubles; those thou hast remitted, and these thou hast remedied. _ Teach me thy statutes_] Show me how I may walk worthy of such a love; and live up to my mercies.... [ Continue Reading ]
Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. Ver. 27. _Make me to understand, &c._] Give me a mouth and wisdom, that I may not talk at random of thy words and works; but understandingly and fruitfully.... [ Continue Reading ]
My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word. Ver. 28. _My soul melteth_] Heb. droppeth away like water; I weep out my life, together with my grief. _ Strengthen thou me according to thy word_] Support me by thy promise.... [ Continue Reading ]
Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously. Ver. 29. _Remove from me the way of lying_] A sin that David, through diffidence, fell into frequently. See 1Sa 21:2; 1 Samuel 21:8, where he roundly telleth three or four lies; and the like he did, 1Sa 27:8; 1 Samuel 27:10 : this ev... [ Continue Reading ]
I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid [before me]. Ver. 30. _I have chosen the way of truth_] I am fully bent against lying, and am resolved to speak truth; though I have done otherwise sometimes, through frailty. _ Thy judgments have I laid before me_] Thereby to fright my con... [ Continue Reading ]
I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame. Ver. 31. _I have stuck unto thy testimonies_] Hitherto I have done so; let me now shrink from them, or hang loose to them, lest I lose the things that I have wrought, and shame myself for ever by my backsliding.... [ Continue Reading ]
I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart. Ver. 32. _I will run the way_] Do thy work with utmost diligence and delight, come off roundly and readily therein, take long strides toward heaven. _ When thou shalt enlarge my heart_] By thy free spirit, and by the joy of... [ Continue Reading ]
HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it [unto] the end. Ver. 33. _Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes_] Which is both hard to hit and dangerous to miss; teach me, therefore. _ And I shall keep it_] _Lex iubet, gratia iuvat._ Oh beg of God that we may persevere, sin... [ Continue Reading ]
Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with [my] whole heart. Ver. 34. _Give me understanding_] We can neither know nor do God's will without divine light and aid, as appears clearly by this fifth octonary, which, therefore, Austin made so great use of against the... [ Continue Reading ]
Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Ver. 35. _Make me to go in the path_] Which I shall soon forsake if thou guide me not. _ Te duce vera sequor, te duce falsa nego._ _ For therein do I delight_] After the inward man, Romans 7:22. Thou hast given me to will, g... [ Continue Reading ]
Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Ver. 36. _Incline my heart_] Through the exercises of thy word, and the working of thy Spirit. _ And not to covetousness_] Which draweth away the heart from all God's testimonies, and is the root of all evil, 1 Timothy 6:10. Some thin... [ Continue Reading ]
Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; [and] quicken thou me in thy way. Ver. 37. _Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity_] Lest looking cause liking and lusting, 1 John 2:16. In Hebrew the same word signifieth both an eye and a fountain; to show that from the eye, as from a fountain, flowet... [ Continue Reading ]
Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who [is devoted] to thy fear. Ver. 38. _Stablish thy word unto thy servant_] _i.e._ Make good thy promise; we must by our prayers put the promises of God in suit, and God will perform them. _ Who is devoted to thy fear_] And so am an heir of the promises. Or, wh... [ Continue Reading ]
Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments [are] good. Ver. 39. _Turn away my reproach_] Cover it, cure it, suffer it not to break forth, to my disgrace among men. _ For thy judgments are good_] But their tender mercies are mere cruelties; if, therefore, at any time I fall into opprobri... [ Continue Reading ]
Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness. Ver. 40. _Behold, I have longed after thy precepts_] This he could boldly and safely say to God, offering himself to his trial for the truth of his desires. See Hebrews 13:18 . _ Quicken me in thy righteousness_] His desire... [ Continue Reading ]
VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, [even] thy salvation, according to thy word. Ver. 41. _Let thy mercies come also unto me_] Let them come to me, or else I shall never come to them. 1 Peter 1:13, "Hope to the end, for the grace that is to be brought unto you." Psalms 23:6, "Surely goo... [ Continue Reading ]
So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. Ver. 42. _So shall I have wherewith to answer_] _i.e._ To stop an open mouth. Verbal apologies are sometimes necessary, but real always; we should, by a pious conversation, put to silence the ignorance of foolish... [ Continue Reading ]
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments. Ver. 43. _And take not the word of truth utterly_] Give me free utterance, "that in nothing I be ashamed; but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ may be magnified in my body," &c., Philippia... [ Continue Reading ]
So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. Ver. 44. _So shall I keep thy law continually_] If thou please to give me to believe with the heart, and to confess with the mouth, I shall surely persevere in the profession and practice of the truth.... [ Continue Reading ]
And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. Ver. 45. _And I will walk at liberty_] In the full latitude of thy commandments, and not by wilful wickedness ensnare and ensnarl myself, as those do who, in the fulness of their sufficiency are in straits, and in pursuit of their lusts do pierce... [ Continue Reading ]
I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. Ver. 46. _I will speak of thy testimonies, &c._] _Nullo vel terrore vel splendore mundano impeditus._ Kings commonly abound with all things but only truth, as Alphonsus, king of Arragon, complained. David would deal plainly... [ Continue Reading ]
And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved. Ver. 47. _And I will delight myself_] _sc._ In contemplation of thy word. Aristotle telleth us that the principal pleasure is to be found in contemplation (Ethic. lib. 10).... [ Continue Reading ]
My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes. Ver. 48. _My hands also will I lift up, &c._] Removing all rubs, and pulling thy word to me with both hands earnestly, with my whole man, with my whole might; _Utraque manu capessim,_ επεκτε... [ Continue Reading ]
ZAIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. Ver. 49. _Remember thy word_] God is not unrighteous to forget, Hebrews 6:10, yet we must, as his remembrancers, Isaiah 62:6, put his promises in suit, Ezekiel 36:37 . _ Upon which thou hast caused me to hope_] God g... [ Continue Reading ]
This [is] my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. Ver. 50. _This is my comfort_] The promises yield strong consolation. Philosophical comforts are of little force, as Plato acknowledgeth, and Cicero bewaileth in his Epistle to Octavius _ For thy word hath quickened me_] When I... [ Continue Reading ]
The proud have had me greatly in derision: [yet] have I not declined from thy law. Ver. 51. _The proud have had me greatly in derision_] Scoffing proceedeth from pride, Proverbs 3:34, with 1 Peter 5:5 . _ Yet have I not, &c._] They cannot flout me out of my zeal.... [ Continue Reading ]
I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself. Ver. 52. _I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord_] This was to have a holy memory, well fraught with profitable matter, such as are examples of God's dealing with his people and their enemies in all ages. _ And was comforted_... [ Continue Reading ]
Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law. Ver. 53. _Horror hath taken hold upon me_] _Horripilatio, turbo, vortex,_ a horrible tempest, Psalms 11:6, such as surpriseth holy Habakkuk, Habakkuk 3:16 . _ Because of the wicked_] To think of their heinous sins and horri... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. Ver. 54. _Thy statutes have been my songs_] Thy promises, which bind thee by grace, as statutes do us by duty, and are every whit as sure. By these I lopped off my cares, fears, and griefs, as with a pruning or paring knife; I pared the... [ Continue Reading ]
I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law. Ver. 55. _I remembered thy name, &c._] Breaking my sleep for the purpose, to meditate on thy holy attributes, word, and works. _ And have kept thy law_] Which could not have been kept, if not kept in firm and fresh memory. Se... [ Continue Reading ]
This I had, because I kept thy precepts. Ver. 56. _This I had_] This comfort, or this remembrance, or this ability to keep thy law. _ Because I keep thy precepts_] A strange reason, I kept it because I kept it; but every new act of obedience fitteth for a following act, Romans 6:19. As in sin, so... [ Continue Reading ]
CHETH. [Thou art] my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words. Ver. 57. _Thou art my portion, O Lord_] While other men's portion _sunt divitiae vel deliciae,_ nothing short of God can satisfy me. _ I have said, &c._] _i.e._ Purposed and promised the obedience of faith.... [ Continue Reading ]
I intreated thy favour with [my] whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word. Ver. 58. _I intreated thy favour_] Heb. thy face, that is, thy Christ, saith Ambrose and Hilary: this David did in the sense of his own utter inability to do as he had promised. _ Be merciful unto me, &c._] Th... [ Continue Reading ]
I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. Ver. 59. _I thought on my ways_] At self-examination beginneth sound conversion, Lam 3:39-40 Haggai 1:5; Haggai 1:7 2 Corinthians 13:5 . _ And turned my feet_] Finding all to be naught, and stark naught (contrary to what God found in h... [ Continue Reading ]
I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. Ver. 60. _I made haste, and delayed not_] Heb. I distracted not myself about had-I-wist, but minded the one thing necessary. _Nolite tempus in nugis terere: vel cras, ut ille seria, hodie morituri protelare,_ saith one; Haste, haste, haste; de... [ Continue Reading ]
The bands of the wicked have robbed me: [but] I have not forgotten thy law. Ver. 61. _The bands of the wicked have robbed me_] In these late stripping times many a poor man's whole life's settings were lost in an instant. _ But I have not forgotten thy law_] I have encouraged myself in the Lord my... [ Continue Reading ]
At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments. Ver. 62. _At midnight will I rise_] To speak with a friend. The primitive Christians had their _Hymniantelucani,_ saith Pliny, their αλεκτροφωνιαι, saith Clement and Cyprian; and this the monks allege for defence o... [ Continue Reading ]
I [am] a companion of all [them] that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. Ver. 63. _I am a companion of all them_] Though never so mean, if there be _aliquid Christi_ in them. Grace is of a uniting property, and purgeth out partiality, James 2:1,2 . _ That keep thy precepts_] The best p... [ Continue Reading ]
The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes. Ver. 64. _The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy_] Thy mercy is over all thy works. This is thy general goodness, But _ Teach me thy statutes_] _Non peto a te aliam misericordiam_ (Aben Ezra); this is that I beg above all, viz. the l... [ Continue Reading ]
TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word. Ver. 65. _Thou hast dealt well with thy servant_] Men must be no less praiseful than prayerful. Shall we come to the well of life thirsty, and then turn our backs upon the Rock that followeth us? _ According to thy word_... [ Continue Reading ]
Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments. Ver. 66. _Teach me good judgment_] Heb. good taste, for the soul also hath her senses; and as the mouth tasteth meat, so the ear trieth words; the mind relisheth religion. _ For I have believed thy commandments_] But would... [ Continue Reading ]
Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. Ver. 67. _Before I was afflicted I went astray_] Especially through high mindedness and earthly mindedness, which are purged out by affliction, and grace increased; as fish thrive better in cold and salt waters, as the walnut tree... [ Continue Reading ]
Thou [art] good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. Ver. 68. _Thou art good, and doest good_] Good in thyself (indeed there is none good but thyself) and good to thy creatures, inexpressibly bounteous and beneficial. _ Teach me thy statutes_] And so impart unto me thy special goodness, that I... [ Continue Reading ]
The proud have forged a lie against me: [but] I will keep thy precepts with [my] whole heart. Ver. 69. _The proud have forged a lie against me_] Heb. They have cunningly and finely aspersed me. _Mendacium mendacio assuentes,_ piecing one lie to another, and drawing together iniquity with the cart r... [ Continue Reading ]
Their heart is as fat as grease; [but] I delight in thy law. Ver. 70. _Their heart is as fat as grease_] Gross as grease; curdled as milk or cheese, say the Septuagint, congealed and baked as it were in their sins. _Obtusum et quasi adipe obductum; _ fat things are less sensible, and fat-hearted pe... [ Continue Reading ]
Psalms 119:71 [It is] good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. Ver. 71. _It is good for me that I have been afflicted_] And thereby humbled; for else the fruit of affliction is lost, and they are always impaired that are not improved by their sufferings, as all God's... [ Continue Reading ]
The law of thy mouth [is] better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. Ver. 72. _The law of thy mouth is better unto me, &c._] For what is all this trash to that true treasure, those lively and life giving oracles? Dionysius worthily preferred Plato before Aristippus, because the one was ever... [ Continue Reading ]
JOD. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. Ver. 73. _Thy hands have made me and fashioned me_] _Plasmaverunt,_ which Basil interpreteth of the body curiously wrought by God, Psa 139:15-16 as "made" of the soul; _q.d._ Thou art my Maker, I... [ Continue Reading ]
They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word. Ver. 74. _They that fear thee will be glad, &c._] As hoping that they shall also in like sort be delivered and advanced. _ Because I have hoped in thy word_] And have not been disappointed. The Vulgate rendereth i... [ Continue Reading ]
I know, O LORD, that thy judgments [are] right, and [that] thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. Ver. 75. _I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right_] That is, that I suffer deservedly. To thee, O Lord, belongeth righteousness, &c., Daniel 9:7 _ And that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me... [ Continue Reading ]
Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. Ver. 76. _Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness_] That I faint not, neither sink under the heaviest burden of these light afflictions. _ According to thy word unto thy servant_] To thy servants in... [ Continue Reading ]
Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law [is] my delight. Ver. 77. _Let thy tender mercies come unto me, &c._] He repeateth the same thing in other words, and re-enforceth his request; showing that he could not live without divine comforts. _ For thy law is my delight_] Th... [ Continue Reading ]
Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: [but] I will meditate in thy precepts. Ver. 78. _Let the proud be ashamed_] Theoderet thinks that David here prayeth not against, but for, his enemies, _quando quidem confusio et ignominia salutem procreat._ But that is no... [ Continue Reading ]
Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies. Ver. 79. _Let those that fear thee_] These are fitly opposed to those proud ones, as Malachi 3:13; Malachi 3:16 . _ Turn unto me_] From whom they have shrunk in mine affliction. _ And those that have known thy testi... [ Continue Reading ]
Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed. Ver. 80. _Let my heart be sound_] For the main, though I have many failings. Pray we against hypocrisy. _ That I be not ashamed_] As all dissemblers once shall be.... [ Continue Reading ]
CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: [but] I hope in thy word. Ver. 81. _My soul fainteth for thy salvation_] Saying, as those good souls, Jeremiah 8:20, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." Physicians let their patients' blood sometimes, _etiam ad animae deliquium... [ Continue Reading ]
_Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?_ Ver. 82. _Mine eyes fail_] God sometimes deferreth to help till men have stopped looking: Luke 18:8, "When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith?" hardly. This he doth to commend his favours to us, and to set a price on them. _... [ Continue Reading ]
For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; [yet] do I not forget thy statutes. Ver. 83. _For I am become like a bottle in the smoke_] Shrivelled, wrinkled, withered, dried up. My body by long suffering is but a bag of bones, and that black and sooty; confer Psalms 32:3; Psalms 102:3. My soul in da... [ Continue Reading ]
How many [are] the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? Ver. 84. _How many are the days of thy servant_] _i.e._ Mine evil days, Proverbs 15:15. All the days of the afflicted are evil; _see _ Psa 37:12 and these soon seem many to us. _ When wilt thou execu... [ Continue Reading ]
The proud have digged pits for me, which [are] not after thy law. Ver. 85. _The proud have digged pits for me_] The pride, cruelty, and craftiness of wicked persecutors are foretokens of their utter destruction. The Greek rendereth it, They have told me tales; Proverbs 16:27, "An ungodly man digget... [ Continue Reading ]
All thy commandments [are] faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. Ver. 86. _All thy commandments are faithful_] Heb. faithfulness, that is, they are true, sure, equal, infallible. _ They persecute me wrongfully_] For asserting thy truths, and adhering thereunto. _ Help thou me_] Th... [ Continue Reading ]
They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts. Ver. 87. _They had almost consumed me upon earth_] In heaven I shall be out of their reach. But this is their hour, and the power of darkness, Luke 12:53 . _ But I forsook not thy precepts_] No trouble must pull us from the lo... [ Continue Reading ]
Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth. Ver. 88. _Quicken me after thy lovingkindness_] David under long affliction had his dumps and dullnesses; as the best faith, if long tried, will flag aud hang the wing. He, therefore, rouseth up himself, and wrestleth... [ Continue Reading ]
LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Ver. 89. _For ever, O Lord, thy word_] It is eternal and perpetual, neither can it be vacated or abolished by the injury of time or endeavours of tyrants. The Bible was imprinted at the New Jerusalem by the finger of Jehovah, and shall outlive... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy faithfulness [is] unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. Ver. 90. _Thy faithfulness is unto all generations_] He singles out God's word of promise, and showes it to be immutable and unmoveable as the earth is in the middle of heaven, by the word of God's power. S... [ Continue Reading ]
They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all [are] thy servants. Ver. 91. _They continue this day_] God never brake promise with them, Jeremiah 33:20; Jeremiah 33:25, much less will he with his people, for whose use he made them. _ For all are thy servants_] All creatures are at G... [ Continue Reading ]
Unless thy law [had been] my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. Ver. 92. _Unless thy law had been my delight_] Unless it had been settled in my heart (as well as it is in heaven) for my singular comfort, I had been crushed. I should then (or long since) have perished] The La... [ Continue Reading ]
I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. Ver. 93. _I will never forget thy precepts_] That is, thy promises, which are as sure and firm as the commands of the most absolute monarch upon earth. And here the prophet proposeth his own example for a pattern to others; for... [ Continue Reading ]
I [am] thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts. Ver. 94. _I am thine, save me_] Every man will see to his own, unless he be worse than an infidel; and shall not God? _ For I have sought thy precepts_] And can thereby prove myself to be thine. Where it is implied that all that we are to seek... [ Continue Reading ]
The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: [but] I will consider thy testimonies. Ver. 95. _The wicked have waited_] Nothing less than destruction will satisfy persecutors; but the Lord knows how to deliver his Peters out of the hands of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Je... [ Continue Reading ]
I have seen an end of all perfection: [but] thy commandment [is] exceeding broad. Ver. 96. _I have seen an end of all perfection_] viz. Here below. _ Tempore tacta ruunt praetoria_ - Fairest buildings, strongest persons, goodliest empires, have their times and their turns, their rise and their ru... [ Continue Reading ]
_MEM. O how love I thy law! it [is] my meditation all the day._ Ver. 97. _O how love I thy law!_] Such a pang of love he felt as could not otherwise be vented but by a pathetic exclamation; and this was wrought in him by the thoughts of the largeness and lastingness of God's law. Plato prized one b... [ Continue Reading ]
Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they [are] ever with me. Ver. 98. _Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than my enemies_] So that I outwit them; and my holy simplicity is too hard for their sinful subtlety. "Be wise as serpents." _ For they are e... [ Continue Reading ]
I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies [are] my meditation. Ver. 99. _I have more understanding than all my teachers_] _i.e._ I have understood by much reading more than they ever taught me, while I referred all to practice; and so came to know more of God's mind than t... [ Continue Reading ]
I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. Ver. 100. _I understand more than the ancients_] Whom yet age, use, and experience have taught much; but by the practical study of the word I outgo them all; with reference to those hoary heads, the seniors of the Synedrion, be it sp... [ Continue Reading ]
_I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word._ Ver. 101. _I have refrained my feet, &c._] I have clapped up my unruly affections close prisoners, and hampered them; abandoning every error in judgment and enormity in practice. _ That I might keep thy word_] Which I shal... [ Continue Reading ]
I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. Ver. 102. _I have not departed from thy judyments_] _i.e._ From thy law, which is called judgments, because God will thereby judge the world. _ For thou hast taught me_] _sc._ To cleave close unto them with full purpose of heart; and... [ Continue Reading ]
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! [yea, sweeter] than honey to my mouth! Ver. 103. _How sweet are thy words unto my taste!_] Heb. to my palate; _Syr. coelis gutturis mei,_ the roof of the mouth resembleth heaven. Epicurus was worthily blamed by Ennius for that _dum palate quid sit optimum iudi... [ Continue Reading ]
Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Ver. 104. _Through thy precepts I get understanding_] Those are the statutes of heaven; and as men, by studying the statute book, get worldly wisdom, so they may hereby get heavenly. _ Therefore I hate every false way_] Wh... [ Continue Reading ]
NUN. Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Ver. 105. _Thy word is a lamp unto my feet_] Without the direction whereof, both for my whole course of life, and for every particular action thereof, I cannot but be in dreadful darkness and desperate downfalls.... [ Continue Reading ]
I have sworn, and I will perform [it], that I will keep thy righteous judgments. Ver. 106. _I have sworn, and I will perform it_] A religious vow is nothing else but a solemn promise, or rather oath made to God to use this or that means, either to avoid some evil whereunto he findeth himself inclin... [ Continue Reading ]
I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word. Ver. 107. _I am adflicted very much_] _Usque valde,_ extremely. If David be so fully bent to obey God, he shall have troubles great store; 1 Timothy 3:12, All that will live godly, and are set upon it, shall suffer persecution.... [ Continue Reading ]
Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments. Ver. 108. _Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings_] My prayers and praises; prayers for thine assistance, and praises for thine enablements, Psalms 50:14; Psalms 107:22 _ And teach me thy judgme... [ Continue Reading ]
My soul [is] continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law. Ver. 109. My soul (or life) is continually in my hand] _i.e._ Continually hazarded and ready to be laid down for righteousness' sake. I am neither fond of life nor afraid of death in this case; I make no more of life than a child dot... [ Continue Reading ]
The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts. Ver. 110. _The wicked have laid a snare for me_] Such as, rather than their lives, would have had mine; such as sought and fain would have sucked my blood. _ Yet I erred not from thy preeepts_] I held the king's highway, and l... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they [are] the rejoicing of my heart. Ver. 111. _Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage_] _Perpetui nec unquam alienaudi patrimonii vice,_ A patrimony that I prize, and will never part with, since I hold it from thee as a child of thy g... [ Continue Reading ]
I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, [even unto] the end. Ver. 112. _I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes_] This is the fruit of my Christian contentation and spiritual joy, "I have inclined my heart." Indeed, thou, Lord, hast done it, for thou art the only heart... [ Continue Reading ]
SAMECH. I hate [vain] thoughts: but thy law do I love. Ver. 113. _I hate vain thoughts_] Which, though they may swarm in my head, shall never lodge in my heart, Jeremiah 4:14, for there I have entertained a better guest. _ Thy law do I love_] All hatred proceedeth from love, and is προς το μενος,... [ Continue Reading ]
Thou [art] my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. Ver. 114. _Thou art my hiding place and my shield_] To defend me from deadly darts and dangers. See Psalms 18:2; Psalms 32:7. God either preserveth his from common calamities or from the hurt of them. _ I hope in thy word_] And am conte... [ Continue Reading ]
Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God. Ver. 115. _Depart from me, ye evildoers_] For what reason? there is no doing my duty in your company; besides, a double danger: 1. Infection of sin; 2. Infliction of punishment, Revelation 18:4 . _ For I will keep the comman... [ Continue Reading ]
Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. Ver. 116. _Uphold me according unto thy word_] The promise is the soul's support. Turn we the palm and not the backside of the hand to this staff, leaning upon it, praying hard for the accomplishment of it, an... [ Continue Reading ]
Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually. Ver. 117. _Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe_] No longer are we safe from sin and punishment than God putteth under his hand; we subsist merely by his manutension; and if he withdraw his grace never so l... [ Continue Reading ]
Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit [is] falsehood. Ver. 118. _Thou hast trodden down all them, &c._] Thou, as a mighty king or conqueror, hast made use of them for a footstool, as Sapores, king of Persia, did Valentinian the Roman emperor, and as Tamerlane... [ Continue Reading ]
Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth [like] dross: therefore I love thy testimonies. Ver. 119. _Thou pullest away all the wicked of the earth like dross_] Consuming them in the fire of thy wrath, and casting them out as refuse; _see _ Isa 1:25 _vel quasi rubiginem existimasti,_ thou hast r... [ Continue Reading ]
My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments. Ver. 120. _My flesh trembleth_] _Horripilatur,_ Job 4:15. In the saints is a mixture of contrary passions, fear and great joy, as was in those holy women, Matthew 28:8, and the one makes way for the other.... [ Continue Reading ]
AIN. I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors. Ver. 121. _I have done judgment and justice_] I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day, Acts 23:1; my cause is right, and my carriage righteous. But innocence is no target against detraction and deadly prac... [ Continue Reading ]
Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me. Ver. 122. _Be surety for thy servant for good_] _Obi vadimonium; _ appear for me, and nonsuit all accusations against me; or, undertake for me that I shall keep thy laws, as I have said and sworn to do: _Sis fide iussor meus._ Some o... [ Continue Reading ]
Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness. Ver. 123. _Mine eyes fail for thy salvation_] Not my bodily eyes only, but the eyes of my faith. See Psalms 119:81,82 . _ And for the word of thy righteousness_] That is, for thy faithful promises, which many times bear a lon... [ Continue Reading ]
Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes. Ver. 124. _Deal with thy servant according to thy mercy_] _i.e._ Show me so much mercy as to teach me thy statutes. _Cathedram in ccelis habet qui cords docet._ Divine learning is of God's free favour. If common skill, then... [ Continue Reading ]
I [am] thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies. Ver. 125. _I am thy servant, give me understanding_] I have voluntarily hired myself unto thee, chosen the things that please thee, and taken hold of the covenant, loving to be thy servant, Isaiah 56:4; Isaiah 56:6. Now, th... [ Continue Reading ]
Psalms 119:126 [It is] time for [thee], LORD, to work: [for] they have made void thy law. Ver. 126. _It is time for thee, Lord, to work_] For else what will become of thy great name, and of thy poor people? This the psalmist speaketh not as prescribing God a time, but as reminding him of his own gl... [ Continue Reading ]
Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. Ver. 127. _Therefore I love thy commandments_] I like them the better because they slight them, and prize that way the more they persecute. I kindle myself from their coldness, and while they greedily grasp after gold, and fine gol... [ Continue Reading ]
Therefore I esteem all [thy] precepts [concerning] all [things to be] right; [and] I hate every false way. Ver. 128. _Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right_] "Therefore," from the same ground again as before, by a holy antiperistasis. _ I esteem, &c._] _Rectificavi,... [ Continue Reading ]
PE. Thy testimonies [are] wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. Ver. 129. _Thy testimonies are wonderful_] As comprehending high and hidden mysteries, such as are far above the reach of human reason; such as the very angels admire and adore. A man must have more than common faith to subject... [ Continue Reading ]
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Ver. 130. _The entrance of thy words giveth light_] So soon as men are over the threshold of thy house, _sese lux quaedam inenarrabilis conspiciendam offert,_ a marvellous light shineth about them; so little cause is t... [ Continue Reading ]
I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments. Ver. 131. _I opened my mouth and panted_] Heb. and sooped in the air, as one that laboureth for life. Oh the sighs and the groans that I incessantly breathed forth out of zeal to thy law! Oh the strong affections kindled on the heart... [ Continue Reading ]
Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. Ver. 132. _Look thou upon me, &c._] Face about towards me, and give me a glimpse at least of thy grace; for full fruition I expect not in this present life. _Brevis hora, parva mora._ As thou usest to do... [ Continue Reading ]
Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Ver. 133. _Order my steps in thy word_] Let me walk as in a frame, walk by rule exactly, accurately, Ephesians 5:15. Here he prayeth that he may keep the affirmative precepts, saith Aben Ezra; as in the next words, the nega... [ Continue Reading ]
Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts. Ver. 134. _Deliver me from the oppressions of man_] _Homo homini lupus._ David, besides his corruptions within, met with oppressions and persecutions without; so shall all that will live godly in Christ Jesus; let them never dream... [ Continue Reading ]
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes. Ver. 135. _Make thy face to shine upon thy servant_] David could not live out of God's favour nor without his direction; he therefore here and elsewhere prayeth heartily for both.... [ Continue Reading ]
Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law. Ver. 136. _Rivers of waters run down mine eyes_] My countenance is clouded, and even furrowed, with continual tears shed for thy dishonour; therefore lift up upon me the light of thy loving countenance. It grieveth me greatly to se... [ Continue Reading ]
TZADDI. Righteous [art] thou, O LORD, and upright [are] thy judgments. Ver. 137. _Righteous art thou, O Lord_] Essentially and efficiently. _ And upright are thy judgments_] Which are sometimes secret, but always just, as the Emperor Mauricius also acknowledged, when his wife and children were sla... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy testimonies [that] thou hast commanded [are] righteous and very faithful. Ver. 138. _Thy testimonies which thou hast commanded_] _i.e._ The gospel, as Isaiah 8:20. And the commandment thereof to hear Christ, Matthew 17:5, and to believe in his name, 1 John 3:23; this is a faithful and true sayi... [ Continue Reading ]
My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words. Ver. 139. _My zeal hath consumed me_] Hath meagred and impaired me much. In the Hebrew the last letter is doubled, to increase the signification. _Hebrew Text Note_ Zeal is the extreme heat of all the affections.... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy word [is] very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it. Ver. 140. _Thy word is very pure_] And calleth for purity. Hence wicked men slight it; but saints the rather embrace it, desirous to be conformed to the heavenly pattern.... [ Continue Reading ]
I [am] small and despised: [yet] do not I forget thy precepts. Ver. 141. _I am small and despised_] _Minutus,_ a worm and no man, an abject and outcast, _nullificamen hominis, &c._ Yet do I not forget thy precepts] My mean condition impaireth not my constancy.... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy righteousness [is] an everlasting righteousness, and thy law [is] the truth. Ver. 142. _Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness_] When all other laws and sentences, though engraven in brass or marble, shall decay and determine, thy law lasteth for ever, and so shall they that observe... [ Continue Reading ]
Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: [yet] thy commandments [are] my delights. Ver. 143. _Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me_] Heb. have found me. Those (as we say of foul weather) come before they are sent for; yet are they not without the Lord. It is he that putteth his under the bla... [ Continue Reading ]
The righteousness of thy testimonies [is] everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live. Ver. 144. _The righteousness of thy testimonies, &c._] This is the same with Psalms 119:142 . _ Give me understanding_] An ignorant life is a lifeless life. _Fuit non vixit._ The life of God is the only... [ Continue Reading ]
KOPH. I cried with [my] whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes. Ver. 145. _I cried with my whole heart_] This showeth that he had not only a gift of prayer, but a spirit of prayer.... [ Continue Reading ]
I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies. Ver. 146. _I cried unto thee; save me_] Salvation properly denoteth the privative part of a man's felicity, but iucludeth the positive part also: this must be got by prayer.... [ Continue Reading ]
I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word. Ver. 147. _I prevented the dawning of the morning_] I was up and at it before daybreak. This is check to our sluggishness. _ I hoped in thy word_] The word furnished his hope, and his hope his prayer.... [ Continue Reading ]
Mine eyes prevent the [night] watches, that I might meditate in thy word. Ver. 148. _Mine eyes prevent the night watches_] By this verse and the former it appeareth that he spent whole nights in prayer and meditation of God's word. Jerome counselled some godly women thus, _Tenenti codicem somnus ob... [ Continue Reading ]
Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment. Ver. 149. _Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness_] Showed heretofore to others of thy servants, and to me frequently. _ Quicken me according to thy judgment_] _i.e._ According to thy promise.... [ Continue Reading ]
They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law. Ver. 150. _They draw nigh that follow after mischief_] Those _scelerum assidui sectatores prompti sunt ac parati._ They are far from thy law] And so having nothing to restrain their rage; since they have cast their cords from th... [ Continue Reading ]
Thou [art] near, O LORD; and all thy commandments [are] truth. Ver. 151. _Thou art near, O Lord_] To counterwork and control the enemy; as also to safeguard and support thy people.... [ Continue Reading ]
Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever. Ver. 152. _Concerning thy testimonies, &c._] The sempiternity of God's word is an excellent prop to faith and help in prayer; to those especially who are of long experience, and have well laid up their experiments... [ Continue Reading ]
RESH. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. Ver. 153. _Consider mine affliction, and deliver me_] _Vide commiserationes oculis,_ look upon it, and let thine eye affect thy heart; say as once, "I have seen, I have seen the affliction of thy people.... [ Continue Reading ]
Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word. Ver. 154. _Plead my cause, and deliver me_] _Litiga litigium meum._ Be both mine advocate and my redeemer.... [ Continue Reading ]
Salvation [is] far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes. Ver. 155. _Salvation is far from the wicked_] How can it be otherwise? when as God is neither in their heads, Psalms 10:4, nor hearts, Psalms 14:1, nor words, Psalms 12:4, nor ways, Titus 1:16, can these have part or portion in his... [ Continue Reading ]
Great [are] thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments. Ver. 156. _Great are thy tender mercies, &c._] Or, many and mother-like. This is great comfort to greatest sinners.... [ Continue Reading ]
Many [are] my persecutors and mine enemies; [yet] do I not decline from thy testimonies. Ver. 157. _Many are my persecutors_] Truth never wanted an adversary; and goes seldom without a scratched face. _ Yet do I not decline_] But still adhere to thy word; when others fall off as fast as leaves fal... [ Continue Reading ]
I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word. Ver. 158. _I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved_] Or, I abhorred them, or, I contended with them; not so much because they were mine as thine enemies. _ Because they kept not thy word_] Which all men are bound not... [ Continue Reading ]
Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness. Ver. 159. _Consider how I love thy precepts_] And love facilitateth duty, helping us over all the hardship of holiness. It yieldeth also much boldness to a man to offer it to God, as here, for a proof of his sinc... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy word [is] true [from] the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments [endureth] for ever. Ver. 160. _Thy word is true from the beginning_] Heb. The beginning of thy word is true; _Primarium illud est in verbo tuo quod est firmissimum,_ this is a special praise of thy word, that it is v... [ Continue Reading ]
SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word. Ver. 161. _Princes have persecuted me without a cause_] And _ Quae venit indigne poena, dolenda venit._ But better without a cause than for evil-doing, 1Pe 4:12-19 David suffered by these potentates, beca... [ Continue Reading ]
I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. Ver. 162. _I rejoice at thy word_] _Libenter omnibus omnes opes concesserim, &c., _ I would gladly leave all the wealth in the world to others, saith Cicero (Epist. lib. 9), so that I might without disturbance live and die in the study of lear... [ Continue Reading ]
I hate and abhor lying: [but] thy law do I love. Ver. 163. _I hate and abhor lying_] _Utitur atroci verbo, abominatus sum,_ I hate it as I hate hell itself; and yet lying was David's sin after a special manner. See Psalms 119:29. _See Trapp on "_ Psa 119:29 _"_ But thy law do I love] All hatred co... [ Continue Reading ]
Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments. Ver. 164. _Seven times a day do I praise thee_] _Septies, id est, saepissime,_ very oft in the day; whensoever God setteth me up an altar I am ready with my sacrifice. Mahometans pray constantly five times a day; those of Morocc... [ Continue Reading ]
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Ver. 165. _Great peace have they which love thy law_] The fruit of righteousness shall be peace, Isaiah 32:17, even the peace of God, the joy of faith, a heaped up happiness. _ And nothing shall offend them_] Heb. they shall... [ Continue Reading ]
LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments. Ver. 166. _Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation_] This saying he borrowed from good old Jacob, Genesis 49:18 _ And done thy commandments_] Done them as I could; done them to Divine acceptation through Christ; and hence I have hoped:... [ Continue Reading ]
My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly. Ver. 167. _My soul hath kept thy testimonies_] _sc._ As well as mortality will afford. _ And I love them exceedingly_] "I delight in the law of God after the inward man," Romans 7:22. "I trust I have a good conscience, in all things w... [ Continue Reading ]
I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways [are] before thee. Ver. 168. _I have kept thy precepts_] All thy laws are in my sight; like as all my ways are in thy sight. I desire to approve myself to thee in the discharge of every part and point of my duty; in all my ways I acknowl... [ Continue Reading ]
TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word. Ver. 169. _Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord_] That is, as some will have it, let this whole preceding psalm, and all the petitions (whereof we have here a repetition) therein contained, be highly acc... [ Continue Reading ]
Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word. Ver. 170. _Let my supplication, &c._] The same again; neither is this battology, _a_ but fervency in begging audience. _ a_ A needless and tiresome repetition in speaking or writing.... [ Continue Reading ]
My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes. Ver. 171. _My lips shall utter praise_] _Eructabunt labia mea hymnum._ A metaphor either from a fountain casting out waters; _vel a ructu qui eibum copiosum sequitur. Semper, et hilariter._... [ Continue Reading ]
_My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments [are] righteousness._ Ver. 172. _My tongue shall speak_] True goodness is diffusive; charity is no churl.... [ Continue Reading ]
Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts. Ver. 173. _Let thy hand help me_] To do what I have promised. _ For I have chosen thy precepts_] Refusing Satan's cut-throat kindness.... [ Continue Reading ]
I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law [is] my delight. Ver. 174. _I have longed for thy salvation_] So do all men; but then David will take a right course for it (so will not all). _ And thy law is my delight_] This the most men mind not.... [ Continue Reading ]
Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me. Ver. 175. _Let thy judgments help me_] _sc._ To heaven: together with God's word, there goeth forth a power.... [ Continue Reading ]
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments. Ver. 176. _I have gone astray, &c._] And of myself shall never return. _ Seek thy servant_] Do all the offices of a good shepherd for me, Luke 15:4,7 _ For I do not forget_] The root of the matter is sti... [ Continue Reading ]