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// 
 
 METRICAL VERSION 
 
 HEBREW PSALTER 
 
 lExplanatorg iEotts. 
 
 I WILL PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT, I WILL PRAY WITH THE 
 UNDERSTANDING ALSO: I WILL SING WITH THE SPIRIT, AND 
 I WILL SING WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO.' 
 
 1 Cob. xtv. 15. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 PRINTED BY T. C. SAVILL, 4, CHANDOS STREET. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY WARD & CO., 27, PATERNOSTER ROW. 
 
 MDCCCXLV. 
 
INTEODUCTION. 
 
 T^HE Book of Psalms has very justly been described as 
 " an epitome of the Bible." In it, the great doctrines 
 of the Gospel, and the experience of all believers, in every 
 age, are set forth in the most lively manner, " in words that 
 breathe, and thoughts that burn." It is not surprising, there- 
 fore, that this portion of sacred scripture has always attracted 
 a peculiar degree of attention. Yet, there is great reason 
 to fear that the remark of Bishop Horsley is but too well 
 founded, when he says, " Of all the books of the Old Testa- 
 ment, the Book of Psalms is the most universally read, but, 
 I fear, as little as any understood." 
 
 In proving the mystical and spiritual signification of the 
 Psalms, the same celebrated critic quotes the words of David 
 himself, at the close of his life : " David, the son of Jesse, 
 said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed 
 of the God of Jacob, and the sweet Psalmist of Israel, said, 
 The Spirit of Jehovah spake by me, and His word was in 
 my tongue." (2 Sam. xxiii. 1, 2.) On this important passage, 
 
ii INTRODUCTION. 
 
 the Bishop pointedly remarks, " It was the word, therefore, 
 of Jehovah's Spirit which was uttered by David's tongue. 
 But it should seem the Spirit of Jehovah would not be 
 wanting to enable a mere man to make complaint of his 
 oion enemies, to describe his own sufferings just as he felt 
 them, and his own escapes just as they happened. But the 
 Spirit of Jehovah described, by David's utterance, what was 
 known to that Spirit only, and what that Spirit only could 
 describe." 
 
 In accordance with these views, the Bishop further 
 remarks : " It is true that many of the Psalms are com- 
 memorative of the miraculous interpositions of God in behalf 
 of the chosen people; for, indeed, the history of the Jews is 
 a fundamental part of revealed religion. Many were, pro- 
 bably, composed upon the occasion of remarkable passages 
 in David's life, his dangers, his afflictions, his deliverances. 
 But, of those which relate to the public history of the 
 natural Israel, there are few in which the fortunes of the 
 mystical Israel, the Christian Church, are not adumbrated; 
 and of those which allude to the life of David, there are none 
 of which the Son of David is not the j)rincipal and imme- 
 diate subject. David's complaints against his enemies are 
 Messiah's comj)laints, first, of the unbelieving Jews, then of 
 the heathen j)ersecutors, and of the apostate faction in the 
 latter ages. David's afflictions are Messiah's sufferings. 
 David's penitential supplications are the supplications of 
 
INTRODUCTION. Ill 
 
 Messiah in agony, under the burden of the imputed guilt of 
 man. David's songs of triumph and thanksgiving are 
 Messiah's songs of triumph and thanksgiving, for His victory 
 over sin, and death, and hell. In a word, there is not a page 
 in this Book of Psalms in which the piovis reader will not 
 find his Saviour, if he reads with a view of finding Him ; and 
 it was but a just encomium of it that came from the pen 
 of one of the early fathers — that it is a complete system of 
 divinity, for the use and edification of the common people of 
 the Christian Church." 
 
 These sentiments respecting the Book of Psalms are 
 strongly confii-med by the use made of it by our Lord, and 
 by the inspired writers of the New Testament. " All things," 
 said our Saviour to His disciples, " must be fulfilled which 
 were written in the law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and 
 in the Psahns, concerning me." (Luke xxiv. 44.) It may be 
 doubted whether in the gospels themselves, the sufferings of 
 our Lord are described in so touching a manner as in the 
 Book of Psalms. In the former, the Evangelists describe these 
 sufferings in their own simj)le and striking language ; but in 
 the latter, our Lord himself appears before us, and describes 
 them in His own words : — 
 
 " They pierce my liands and my feet, 
 (I can count all my bones,) 
 They look, they gaze upon me. 
 They pai't my gai-ments among them. 
 And for my vest they cast lots." — (Ps. xxii. 16 — 18.) 
 
 French akd Skinneb's Version. 
 
IV INTRODUCTION. 
 
 We hear Him, in the hour of His deepest agony, exclaim- 
 ing, " My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me ?" (Ps. 
 xxii. 1 ;) and, when " pouring out His soul unto death," 
 we hear Him exclaim, " Father, into Thy hands I commend 
 my spirit." (Ps. xxxi. 5.) No portion of the word of God 
 is better calculated to assist, believers in calling to remem- 
 brance the dying love of Christ, than those Psalms which 
 describe His sufferings and death. The Evangelists and the 
 prophet Isaiah furnish us with an affecting narrative ; David, 
 with a lively di'ama. 
 
 The use made of the Psalter by the inspired writers of 
 the New Testament, especially by that profound reasoner, 
 St. Paul, affords strong additional evidence in favour of that 
 spiritual interpretation of the Psalms for which Bishop 
 Horsley and other divines contend. All the fundamental 
 truths of the gospel are proved by quotations from this book. 
 Does the Apostle write to establish the doctrine of the uni- 
 versal depravity of mankind .? He quotes the language of 
 David, " There is none righteous, no, not one : there is none 
 that understandeth ; there is none that seeketh after God," 
 &c. (Compare Romans iii. 10 — 12, with Psalm xiv.) Does he 
 wish to establish the great doctrine of justification by faith 
 alone ? He again refers to the language of the Psalmist, 
 " Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man 
 to whom God imiDuteth righteousness without works, saying. 
 Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will 
 not impute sin." (Compare Romans iv. 6 — 8 with Ps. xxxii. 
 1, 2.) Does he desire that Christians may " walk worthy of 
 the vocation wherewith they are called ?" He directs them 
 to contemplate their risen and exalted Saviour, seated at the 
 right hand of God, and " having received of the Father the 
 promise of the Holy Ghost;" and he does this by adopting 
 the language of the inspired poet, " When He ascended up 
 on high. He led captivity captive, and gave gifts imto men." 
 (Compare Ephesians iv. 1 — 10 with Psalm Ixviii. 18.) Does 
 he urge them to follow the self-denying example of Christ ^ 
 He reminds them that " He pleased not Himself, as it 
 is written," in the Psalms, " The reproaches of them that 
 reproached Thee have fallen on me." (Compare Romans 
 XV. 3 with Psalm Ixix. 9.) From the Psalms the Apostle 
 proves the true Deity of Christ. (Compare Heb. i. 8 — 12 
 with Ps. xlv. 6, 7, and cii. 25 — 27.) He establishes His 
 relation to the Father, " as the only begotten Son of God," 
 by quoting the words of Psalm ii. — " Thou art my Son, 
 this day have I begotten Thee," (see Heb. i. 5 :) and he 
 proves His real manhood by applying to Him the statements 
 contained in Psalm viii., and also by quoting the words of 
 Ps. xxii. as the language of Immanuel — " I will declare Thy 
 name unto tht/ brethren ; in the midst of the Church will I 
 sing praise unto Thee." (See Heb. ii. 11, 12.) From the 
 same prophetic book, he proves the voluntary character of 
 
VI INTRODUCTION". 
 
 Christ's atonement, and its all sufficiency. (Compare Heb. x. 
 5 — 10 with Ps. xl. 6 — 8.) He argues for the truth of the 
 essential doctrine of our Lord's resurrection, by quoting 
 the words of David — " Thou shalt not suffer Thine Holy One 
 to see con'uption." (Compare Acts xiii. 35 — 37 with Ps. xvi. 
 10, 11.) And he insists on His divine appointment to "an 
 unchangeable priesthood," and His ability to " save to the 
 uttermost all that come unto God by Him," by quoting the 
 words of the royal prophet — " Thou art a priest for ever, 
 after the order of Melchisedec." (Compare Heb. %ai. with 
 Ps. ex.) When he would exhort believers to hold fast the 
 beginning of their confidence and rejoicing of hope firm unto 
 the end, that so they may secure " the rest" which God has 
 promised, the Apostle again refers to the Psalms, " To- 
 day, if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts," 
 lest they should share the fate of those concerning whom 
 God sware in His wrath, " They shall not enter into my 
 rest." (Compare Heb. iii. and iv. with Ps.xcv.) Thus we find 
 that, from the commencement to the close of the Christian's 
 course, " all things that pertain to life and godliness" may 
 be found in this inestimable portion of God's holy word. 
 
 But, not only as a body of divinity is the Psalter 
 valuable, it contains the language of prayer and praise, 
 expressed in " the words wliich the Holy Ghost teacheth." 
 In these words the Church, fi'om the earliest ages, has offered 
 " the sacrifice of praise to God." Hence the importance of 
 
INTRODUCTION. vil 
 
 metrical versions of the Psalms ; and hence the many efforts 
 which have been made to accomplish this very difficult task. 
 By those who have laboured to sei-ve their fellow-Christians 
 in this respect, two different methods have been adopted. 
 Some have aimed at a literal version, adhering, as closely as 
 possible, to the sacred text. Others have thought it necessary 
 to adapt the Psalms to Christian worship ; and, in so doing, 
 have departed widely from the language, and even ffom the 
 sentiments of their inspired authors. 
 
 The Metrical Version now submitted to the public, is 
 founded on the Bible translation of the Psalms, carefully 
 compared with all the best modern translations. The sacred 
 text has been adhered to as closely as possible, from a con- 
 viction that as no paraphrase of the Psalms is necessary for 
 the Christian's private devotion, so neither can it be necessary 
 for any other act of worship. Yet, as great ignorance of the 
 spnitual and mystical character of this sacred book unhapjsily 
 prevails, it has been thought expedient, without paraphrasing 
 the text, to adopt a mode of explanation, chiefly by short 
 notes, most of which have been selected from the best authors. 
 This has not been accomplished without great labom ; but it 
 has been attended with great profit and delight. Should 
 the study of the following pages afford pleasure and in- 
 struction to any, enabling them better to understand, and 
 more fully to appreciate this portion of sacred scripture, 
 the author will feel abundantly recompensed : as he may 
 
Vlll INTRODUCTION. 
 
 then indulge the hope that his efforts have been made con- 
 ducive to the interests of true religion, the good of his fellow- 
 creatiu'es, and the glory of God. 
 
 In making quotations, the following initials have been used, 
 for the sake of brevity : — 
 
 F. & S The extracts bearing these characters are 
 
 taken from an excellent translation of the 
 Psalms, with valuable explanatory notes, by 
 Wm. French, D.D., and George Skinner, 
 M.A. Cambridge. 
 
 Dr. B Dr. Boothroyd's translation of the Bible. 
 
 B. C. B Bagster's Comprehensive Bible. 
 
 The names of other authors are given in fidl. 
 
METRICAL VP:ESI0N 
 
 THE HEBREW PSALTER. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The Psalmist de- 
 scribes the charac- 
 ter of the righte- 
 ous ; first negatively, 
 then positively. 
 
 His flourishing con 
 dition in conse- 
 quence of God's 
 blessing. 
 
 The present insta- 
 bility of the wicked, 
 and their future 
 misery. 
 
 PSALM I. 
 
 L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 Composed, probably, by Ezra, as an introduction to the Book of 
 Psalms, when he collected them into one volume, after the 
 return of the Jews from Babylon. 
 
 1 
 
 T>LEST' is the man who doth not stray 
 -^ In paths^ wherein the' ungodly meet ; 
 Nor standeth in the sinner's way, 
 
 Nor sitteth on the scorner's seat: 
 But meditates, with great delight,'' 
 On God's commands, by day and night. 
 
 2 
 For he is like a tree,^ whose root 
 
 Is watered by the rivers near; 
 That bringeth forth, in season, fruit, 
 
 Nor withered doth its leaf appear : 
 Thus shall prosperity attend 
 All that he does,* till life shall end. 
 
 3 
 Not so the' ungodly : sm-ely they 
 
 Are like the chaff before the blast : 
 Nor shall they stand*' the judgment day. 
 
 Nor mingle with the saints at last : 
 The way of saints Jehovah knows ;'' 
 But sinners' ways in ruin close.® 
 
 B 
 
 ' Blest — i.e. happy. 
 2 Prov. iv. 14, 1.5. ! 
 
 ■'' Ps. cxii. I . 
 
 ■• Jer. xvii. 8. 
 
 ' Deut. xxviii. 12. 
 
 6 Stand, &c. — 
 " The judgment 
 here intended is 
 evidently the last 
 judgment, and the 
 congregation of the 
 righteous is their 
 assembly at the tri- 
 bunal of Christ at 
 the last day. The 
 ungodly shall not 
 stand — i. e., they 
 shall not be estab- 
 lished in this judg- 
 ment, nor have a 
 place assigned them 
 among the just." — 
 Horsley. Compare < 
 Ps. cxxx. 3; Luke 
 xxi. 36; Rev. vi. 17. 
 
 '' Knov's — i.e. ap- 
 proves. See Ps. ci. 
 4; 2 Tim. ii. 19. 
 
 8 Ps. cxii. 10. 1 
 
The Psalmist fore- 
 tels the vain oppo- 
 sition made by Jews 
 and Gentiles to 
 Messiah's kingdom. 
 
 The consequent 
 displeasure of the 
 Almighty, and the 
 announcement of 
 His sovereign pui-- 
 pose. 
 
 Messiah declares 
 the decree of His 
 Father. 
 
 PSALM 11. 
 
 PSALM II. 
 
 Composed by David, on his being established by God in the king- 
 dom of Israel: and prophetic of the establishment of Christ's 
 kingdom. 
 
 TT7HY do the heathen rage ?' and why 
 ' * People imagine a vain thing ? 
 Rulers and kings their counsels try 
 Against Jehovah and his King. 
 
 2 
 
 " Asunder let us break their bands,^ 
 And cast away their cords," they cry : 
 
 But He that sits in heaven withstands, 
 And God derides^ them fi-om on high. 
 
 3 
 
 Then will He speak to them in wrath, 
 In anger sore announce His will : 
 
 " Yet have I set my King, henceforth 
 To reign, on Zion's holy hill." 
 
 4 
 
 I will declare my Lord's decree : 
 
 " Thou art my Son,** anointed King ! 
 
 This day have I begotten Thee ; 
 
 Thine equal praise let angels sing !^ 
 
 5 
 
 " Ask,® and the heathen shall be thine ; 
 
 Earth's utmost bounds shall own Thee 
 God; 
 Shall be subdued by love divine. 
 
 Or crushed beneath Thine iron rod." 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' This passage is 
 quoted Acts iv. 2.5, 
 26, and thus com- 
 mented on : " Of a 
 truth, against Thy 
 holy child, Jesus, 
 whom Thou hast 
 anointed, both He- 
 rod, and Pontius 
 Pilate, with the 
 Gentiles, and the 
 people of Israel were 
 gathered together." 
 
 2 Their bands — 
 their cords — i.e. the 
 laws and institu- 
 tions both of Je- 
 hovah and His An- 
 ointed. John V. 23. 
 
 ^ A striking mode 
 ofexpression(taken 
 from our method of 
 showing contempt) 
 to show how futile 
 are all the efforts 
 of men in opposing 
 the decrees of God. 
 Ps. li.-c. 8. 
 
 "• Compare Acts 
 xiii. .33, & Heb. i. C. 
 The meaning ap- 
 pears to be, " This 
 day I have shown 
 that Thou art my 
 Son,by raising Thee 
 up from the grave, 
 and establishing the 
 royal power in Thy 
 hands." 
 
 5 Heb. 1. 6. 
 
 6 This must be the 
 daily prayer of the 
 church as well as 
 of the interceding 
 Saviour ; hence we 
 read in Psalm Ixxii. 
 \b, " Prayer also 
 shall be made for 
 Him continually." 
 
PSALM III. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The Psalmist ex- 
 horts all earthly 
 powers to submit 
 to the authority of 
 Messiah, the King 
 of kings and Lord 
 of lords : and re- 
 minds them of the 
 fatal consequences 
 of resistance ; and 
 the happy results of 
 obedience. 
 
 The Psalmist de- 
 plores before God 
 the increasing num- 
 ber of his enemies, 
 and their impious 
 pleasure in his af- 
 flictions. 
 
 He expresses the 
 consolation, the 
 safety, and the con- 
 fidence he derived 
 from prayer ; 
 
 and repeats his 
 suppUcations for 
 complete deliver- 
 
 6 
 
 Now, therefore, O ye kings, be wise; 
 
 Ye judges of the earth, adore : 
 Obey the Lord of earth and skies ; 
 
 Rejoice' with trembling, and with awe. 
 7 
 Lest He be angiy, kiss^ the Son, 
 
 Before you perish in your way ; 
 For blest are they His wrath who shun, 
 
 Who trust His word, and Him obey. 
 
 PSALM m. 
 
 SEVENS. 
 
 " A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom, his son."^ 
 
 T ORD, how fast my foes increase ! 
 -*-^ Many rise to break my peace : 
 Many cry, my fears to move, 
 " God no more his help will prove :" 
 Still art Thou my shield,' O Lord ! 
 Thou my glory, my reward. 
 
 2 
 Prayer® my soul to God preferred. 
 Out of Zion's hill He heard: 
 Then I laid me down and slejDt,^ 
 Woke, for God His servant kept: 
 Nor shall thousands make me fear,* 
 Whilst I feel my God is near. 
 
 3 
 
 Save me. Lord ! my God arise ! 
 Thou canst all my foes chastise :' 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Rejoice,&c. — i.e. 
 show, at the exalta- 
 tion of Messiah, re- 
 verential feelings of 
 joy and gratitude 
 suitable to the occa- 
 sion : " In thy seed 
 shall all the nations 
 of the earth be 
 blessed." Gen. xxii. 
 18.— F. & S. 
 
 2 K/ss — an act of 
 homage paid to a 
 newly appointed 
 king. See 1 Sam. 
 X. 1. In our own 
 times it is custo- 
 mary to kiss the 
 monarch's hand by 
 way of homage. 
 
 3 2 Samuel, xv. 
 
 ■» Thus was the 
 Son of David taunt- 
 ed — " He trusted in 
 God, let Him de- 
 liver him now, if 
 He will have liim." 
 Matt, xxvii. 43. 
 
 5 See Gen. xv. 1. 
 
 « 2 Sam. xv. 31. 
 
 7 Psalm cxxvii. 2, 
 " He giveth His be- 
 loved sleep." 
 
 8 Ps. xxvii. 3. 
 
 9 See Dr. Booth- 
 royd's version. 
 
PSALM IV. 
 
 ance, both for him- 
 self and for all the 
 people of God. 
 
 The King of Israel 
 is encouraged, by 
 the remembrance 
 of former mercies, 
 again to call on 
 God. 
 
 He warns men 
 not to oppose the 
 purposes of God, 
 who had anointed 
 him to be King in 
 Zion. 
 
 He reminds them 
 of the peculiar re- 
 gard which God has 
 for His servants ; 
 
 and warns them 
 not to continue in 
 sin, but to repent 
 betimes. 
 
 Thou canst break the teeth' of those 
 Who with malice round me close: 
 Lord, salvation comes from thefe, 
 Let thy blessing on us be ! 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 PSALM IV. 
 
 ' " Thou canst 
 break the teeth," &c. 
 Allusion appears to 
 be made to the 
 method by which 
 beasts of prey are 
 made comparative- 
 ly harmless. The 
 Hebrew poets often 
 compare tyrants to 
 wild beasts. 
 
 An evening psalm, written by David, when he fled fi-om Absalom.- ■^ Sam. xv 
 
 1 
 
 GOD^ of my righteousness, 
 Hear when I cry to Thee ; 
 Thou hast enlarged* me in distress, 
 Have mercy now on me. 
 
 Ye sons of men, how long 
 Will ye my glory spurn,^ 
 Delight in vanity and wrong. 
 And still to falsehood turn r 
 
 The Lord hath set apart*^ 
 The godly as His own ; 
 He hears my cry, and cheers my heart. 
 When I approach His throne. 
 
 Tremble,' no more transgress ; 
 Search your own heart, be awed ; 
 The sacrifice of righteousness 
 Present, and trust the Lord. 
 
 3 Or, God my jus- 
 tifler. — See Booth- 
 royd. 
 
 * Enlarged — i.e. 
 delivered. See Ps. 
 cxix. 32. 
 
 5 Thus the glory 
 of King Messiah 
 was spumed by 
 those who " ima- 
 gined a vain thing." 
 Ps. ii. 1. 
 
 * Set apart — i.e. 
 consecrated them to 
 Himself, as Aaron 
 was. (Exod. xxviii.) 
 Thus, all whose 
 hearts are purified 
 by faith, are set 
 apart, as kings and 
 priests unto God. 
 1 Peter, u. 9; Rev. 
 i. 6. 
 
 ' Tremble — "for 
 the consequences of 
 opposing the choice 
 made by God." — 
 F. & S. 
 
He encourages 
 
 those of his follow- 
 ers who were cast 
 down, to call on 
 God, and declares 
 his security and 
 happiness to con- 
 sist in the enjoy- 
 ment of the divine 
 favour. 
 
 The Psalmist, in 
 trouble, seeks God 
 early. 
 
 He derives encou- 
 ragement from the 
 consideration of 
 God's righteous 
 character and go- 
 vernment. 
 
 PSALM V. 
 
 Many there be who cry 
 " When shall we see success ?"* 
 Lord, for Thy countenance we sigh, 
 'Tis Thou alone canst bless. 
 
 6 
 
 Though corn and wine^ increase, 
 Far greater joy is mine ; 
 I lay me down, and sleep in peace. 
 Guarded by love divine. 
 
 PSALM V. 
 
 L. M. 6 LTNES. 
 
 A morning hymn, composed during the rebellion of Absalom.^ 
 
 /~1 IVE ear, Jehovah, to my prayer, 
 ^ Consider what my sighs declare ;* 
 
 My King, my God, to Thee I pray: 
 My voice each morning Thou shalt hear ; 
 To Thee, in prayer, will I draw near, 
 
 And look to Thee throughout the day. 
 
 For Thou* art not a God*^ that can 
 Take pleasure in a wicked man. 
 
 Neither shall evil dwell with Thee : 
 The foolish shall not stand before 
 Thy presence, for Thou dost abhor 
 
 All workers of iniquity.^ 
 
 ' This appears to 
 have been the lan- 
 guage of some de- 
 sponding followers 
 of David.— F. & S. 
 
 2 Corn and wine 
 — Dr. Boothroyd 
 thinks that this re- 
 fers to the supply of 
 provisions brought 
 by Barzillai and 
 others to the camp 
 of David, when he 
 and his troops were 
 in distress. 2 Sam. 
 xvii. 27. 
 
 3 2 Sam. xvii. 
 
 ■> F. & S. render 
 the passage, " Con- 
 sider my sighing." 
 
 5 Hab. i. 13. 
 
 e " Not a God," &c. 
 — i.e. " Thou art a 
 God detesting." See 
 also Exodus, xx. 7, 
 where " wUl not 
 hold him guiltless," 
 means, " will hold 
 him very guilty." 
 F. & S. 
 
 7 i< Workers of 
 iniquity,"those who 
 habitually practise 
 it.— F. & S. 
 
SUBJECT. 
 
 He anticipates the 
 time when he shall 
 again appear in 
 Zion. 
 
 His prayer for di- 
 vine guidance, and 
 for protection from 
 the malice and 
 treachery of his 
 
 He foretells their 
 ruin ; 
 
 and prays that all 
 believers may be 
 established in faith, 
 and filled with joy. 
 
 PSALM V. 
 
 Liars Thou wilt, in wi*ath, destroy ; 
 And those who violence employ, 
 
 And fi'aud, Jehovah will abhor: 
 But to Thy house shall I rej)au'/ 
 To sing Thy countless mercies there, 
 
 And worship Thee with holy awe. 
 
 Lead me Thy righteous paths^ to trace. 
 Make straight Thy way before my face : 
 
 For false and ti'eacherous are my foes: 
 In heart and mouth alike they err, 
 Their throat's an open sepulchre,^ 
 
 And from their tongue base flattery flows. 
 
 O God, Thou wilt destroy them all,^ 
 By their own counsels they shall fall, 
 
 And from Thy presence be expelled; 
 Cast out, their countless crimes unpurged, 
 Shall justly be against them urged, 
 
 For against Thee have they rebelled. 
 
 6 
 
 But let all those who ti'ust in Thee, 
 Shout, and for ever joyful be, 
 
 Because Thy grace their life defends ; 
 Let those who love Thy name rejoice. 
 For Thou dost make the just Thy choice, 
 
 Thy favour shields him, and befriends. 
 
 ' The Psalmist 
 contrasts himself 
 with the habitual 
 transgressors he 
 had described ; yet, 
 conscious of his own 
 frailty and sin, rests 
 his hope solely on 
 divine mercy. — F. 
 & S. 
 
 2 The duties of 
 religion are called 
 " paths of righteous- 
 ness." Ps. xxiii. 3. 
 
 3 Romans, iil. 13. 
 
 ■1 Bishop Home 
 says that this should 
 be translated as a 
 prophecy, not as an 
 imprecation ; and 
 regards it as fore- 
 telling the infatua- 
 tion, rejection, and 
 destruction of those 
 who obstinately per- 
 severe in opposing 
 the counsels of Hea- 
 ven, whether relat- 
 ing to David, to 
 Christ, or to the 
 Church. 
 
PSALM VI. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The Psalmist de- 
 precates the anger 
 of God ; 
 
 and implores His 
 merciful deliver- 
 ance. 
 
 He urges his plea 
 by the considera- 
 tion that no praise 
 ascends to God from 
 the silent grave ; 
 
 also by the consi- 
 deration of his deep 
 affliction. 
 
 He closes with ex- 
 pressing his tri- 
 umphant assur- 
 ance that God has 
 heard his prayer. 
 
 PSALM VI. 
 
 L. M. 
 
 The occasion on which this Psalm was written is not known cer- 
 tainly ; probably it was the same as the three preceding. It is 
 the first of those Psalms which are styled penitential. 
 
 1 
 
 OLORD, rebuke me not in wrath,' 
 Nor in Thy hot displeasure chide : 
 O, send Thy heahng- mercy forth, 
 For I am weak, and sorely tried. 
 2 
 
 My soul is vexed ; but Thou, O Lord ! 
 
 How long ere Thou retm'n to me ?^ 
 Deliverance to my soul afford; 
 
 Thy mercy is my only plea. 
 
 3 
 
 For no remembrance, Lord, of Thee^ 
 Exists among the shades of death ; 
 
 None, in the grave, Thy glory see,* 
 No thankful songs employ their breath. 
 
 4 
 How wearied with my groans am I ! 
 
 My couch I water with my tears ; 
 Anguish and gi'ief consume mine eye,® 
 
 It waxeth old through hostile sneers. 
 
 5 
 Depart,^ ye sinners !* for the Lord 
 
 Hath heard, and will accept my prayer : 
 Shame on my foes shall now be poured. 
 
 Sudden confusion and despair. 
 
 ' Ps. xxxviii. 1 : 
 Jer. X. 24. 
 
 2 Jer. xvii. 14. 
 
 ' Ps. xc. l.r 
 
 ^ See Is. xxxviii. 
 18 & 19—" In these 
 and similar passages 
 the Hebrew poets 
 represent the dark 
 abodes of departed 
 spirits as wholly un- 
 suited to the voice 
 of joy and praise." 
 — F. & S. 
 
 ^ Nonr, in the 
 grave, &c. — " The 
 dead are utterly un- 
 able to commemo- 
 rate Thy wonderful 
 works, and propa- 
 gate the memory of 
 them to posterity." 
 — Bp. Patrick. 
 
 6 Ps. xxxi. 9. 
 
 7 Ps. cxix. 115. 
 
 8 Yc sinners — i.e. 
 " Ye that put your 
 trust in idols." — ■ 
 Bp. Wilson. 
 
PSALM VII. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 David declares his 
 confidence in God, 
 and prays to Him 
 for deliverance, de- 
 claring himself in- 
 nocent of the 
 charges brought 
 against him by 
 men. 
 
 He appeals to the 
 Supreme Judge,and 
 intreats Him to 
 judge between him 
 and his enemies. 
 
 He takes encou- 
 ragement from the 
 assurance that the 
 Great Searcher of 
 hearts defends him, 
 whilst His anger 
 pursues the wicked. 
 
 PSALM VII. 
 
 L. M. DOUBLE. 
 
 ' Shiggaion" (or elegy) " of David, which he sang unto the Lord, 
 concerning the words of Cush' the Benjamite." ^ 
 
 1 
 
 r\ LORD !* on Thee my hopes repose ; 
 " Save me from persecuting foes : 
 Lest, lion-Hke, my soul they rend, 
 When none is near me to defend: 
 Lord, if my hands this deed have ^Tought, 
 Or evil on the peaceful brought, 
 Then, let them take my life away, 
 And low in dust mine honour lay. 
 o 
 
 Arise, O Lord ! in anger rise ; 
 Lift up Thyself,* my foes chastise : 
 Judgment on my behalf decree. 
 Whilst all the people circle Thee: 
 Judge Thou the people; judge me, Lord; 
 And mine integrity reward: 
 Let wickedness the wicked end ;■' 
 But blessings on the righteous send. 
 
 3 
 
 The righteous God, whose searching eye 
 The heart and reins*' of all doth try ; 
 Who saves the man of upright heait. 
 Is my defence, and takes my part: 
 God tries the righteous ; but His wrath 
 Daily on wicked men bursts forth ; 
 He points His arrows, whets His sword,' 
 Unless they turn and seek the Lord. 
 
 ' The person here 
 referred to is Shi- 
 mei. " The word I 
 Cush," says Dr. J. ^ 
 M. Good, " is not to 
 be understood here 
 as the name of an ' 
 individual, but as a 
 description of his : 
 character, as being 
 perfidious and trai- | 
 torous. 
 
 - 2 Sam. xvi. 
 
 2 Bishop Home 
 says that " this i 
 psalm may be con- j 
 sidered as the ap- 
 peal of the true 
 David and His dis- j 
 ciples, against the i 
 grand accuser and 
 his associates. 
 
 ■■* See F. & S. ver- 
 sion — " Evil shall 
 slay the wicked." 
 j Ps. xxxiv. 21. 
 
 5 T/ie heart aiid 
 reins — i. e. the 
 most secret recesses 
 of the hearts of 
 men.— F. & S. See 
 Ps. xxvi. 2 ; Jer. 
 XX. 12. 
 
 Deut. xxxii. 41. 
 
PSALM VIII. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 He Mescribes the 
 utter vanity in 
 which all the labo- 
 rious efforts of the 
 ungodly end, and 
 concludes by prais- 
 ing God for his re- 
 tributive justice. 
 
 The Psalmist 
 adores the glory of 
 the Creator and 
 Governor of all ; 
 who, in His infinite 
 wisdom, chooses 
 " the weak things 
 of the world, to con- 
 found the things 
 which ai'e mighty." 
 
 The consideration 
 of God's majesty as 
 displayed in the 
 heavens, serves to 
 enhance His con- 
 
 The sinner travaileth' with crime, 
 Mischief conceives, and in due time 
 Falsehood brings forth : himself betrayed, 
 Falls in the pit his hands had made : 
 On his own head, too late he learns. 
 His violence, at last, returns : 
 I praise Thy righteous judgments, Lord,' 
 And sound Thy name, Thy fame abroad. 
 
 PSALM VIIL 
 
 Bishop Patrick and others suppose this Psalm was composed by 
 David on the occasion of his victory over Goliath of Gath." — 
 B. C. B. "In a prophetical sense it is understood of Christ's 
 victory over Satan." — Mant's Bible. 
 
 TTOW excellent,^ O Lord, our Lord, 
 -'--^ In all the eartli. Thy name ! 
 The heavens above Thy praise record. 
 Thy glory they proclaim. 
 
 2 
 
 From mouths of babes and sucklings* Thou 
 
 Ordainest praise to flow ; 
 To make the fierce avenger bow. 
 
 To stiir the haughty foe. 
 
 3 
 
 When nightly I Thy heavens'^ behold, 
 The work Thy fingers wrought, 
 
 The moon and stars, wdiich all unfold 
 Thy power, surpassing thought, — 
 
 ' Travaileth. — 
 This metaphor for- 
 cibly describes the 
 deep design, the 
 continued progi-ess, 
 and the laborious 
 exertions of the 
 wicked,and his rest- 
 lessness and pain 
 until his evil pur- 
 poses be accom- 
 plislied. See also 
 Job XV. .3.5 ; and 
 James i. 15. 
 
 2 " In the early 
 part of this psalm, 
 allusion appears to 
 be made to the sig- 
 nal victory obtained 
 by the youthful 
 David over the 
 haughty and insult- 
 ing champion of the 
 Philistines, and to 
 the consequent de- 
 livery of the Israel- 
 ites." 1 Sam. xvii. 
 — F. and S. 
 
 ^ Babes and suck- 
 lings, &.C. — " These 
 words wei'e quoted 
 by our Lord in 
 answer to envious 
 remarks of the 
 Scribes, when the 
 children cried,"no- 
 sanna to the Son of 
 David !" 
 
 •* Compare 1 Sam. 
 xvii. 4.'), with 1 Cor. 
 i. 27. 
 
 5 Is. xl. 26, 27. 
 
10 
 
 PSALM IX. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 descension as dis- 
 played in His ten- 
 der regard for man, 
 whom He has in- 
 vested with domi- 
 nion over all His 
 works. 
 
 JFirst ^art. 
 
 Lord, what is man/ that he should be 
 
 The object of Thy care ? 
 Or what the son of man, that he 
 Thy kind regard shoukl share ? 
 5 
 Scarcely beneath the angels made,^ 
 ' By Thee with glory crowned. 
 Thy rule to him hast thou conveyed 
 O'er all thy works around. 
 6 
 All sheep and oxen, beasts of prey, 
 
 And fowls that skim the air ; 
 The fish that through the ocean stray. 
 And all that passeth there. 
 
 7 
 How excellent, O Lord, our Lord, 
 
 In all the earth. Thy name P 
 The heavens above Thy praise record. 
 
 Thy glory they proclaim. 
 
 PSALM IX. 
 
 Written probably to celebrate David's victories over the neigh- 
 bouring nations, after God had exalted him to be King in Zion. 
 It consists of two parts : 1st, a thanksgiving for past deliverances ; 
 and 2nd, a prayer for present aid. 
 
 1 
 
 nPHEE, Lord, with all my heart, I praise, 
 
 Thy wondrous works record ; 
 In Thee rejoice, and gladly raise 
 My songs to Thee, O Lord! 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' WTiat is man ? — 
 The author of the 
 epistle to the He- 
 brews quotes this 
 passage, and applies 
 it to the temporary 
 humiliation of Mes- 
 siah. Heb. ii. 6 — 9. 
 
 2 See Gen. i. 26, 
 " Let us make man 
 in our image : and 
 let them have do- 
 minion over the fish 
 of the sea, and over 
 the fowl of the 
 ail', and over the 
 cattle, and over 
 aU the earth, and 
 over every creeping 
 thing," &c. 
 
 ' T/iy name. — By 
 the name of God, 
 we are to imder- 
 stand His perfec- 
 tions. Compare 
 with the text, Ps. 
 cxix. 64 — " The 
 earth, O Lord, is 
 full of Thy mercy." 
 
PSALM IX. 
 
 11 
 
 The Bang of Zion 
 oflFersto God solemn 
 praise and thanks- 
 giving fox- victories 
 granted him over 
 heathen nations. 
 
 He celebrates the 
 eternal existence of 
 Jehovah ; His un- 
 changing rectitude ; 
 
 and His infinite 
 condescension. 
 
 Secontr ^art. 
 
 Thy presence made' my foes recede, 
 They fell, they perished quite ; 
 
 For Thou my righteous cause didst plead. 
 Thou sattest judging right. 
 
 Thou hast destroyed the heathen hosts, 
 
 Their very name erased; 
 Hast spread desti'uction^ thro' their coasts, 
 
 And laid their cities waste. 
 
 But God for evermore shall be 
 
 Exalted on His throne ; 
 Shall judge the world with equity, 
 
 And make His justice known. 
 
 5 
 The Lord a refuge^ for the' oppressed. 
 
 In times of grief, shall be ; 
 And those who know, and have confessed 
 
 Thy name, shall trust in Thee. 
 
 6 
 To God, who dwells in Zion, shout; 
 
 His works to all declare ; 
 ^Vhen deeds of blood* He searches out, 
 
 He calls to mind our prayer. 
 
 TT AVE mercy on me, Lord ; my plea 
 -'"*- Regard, my praying breath, 
 My trouble. Thou that liftest me 
 Up from the gates of death ; 
 
 ' To render this 
 in the present time, 
 as in our common 
 version, is certainly 
 improper. — See Dr. 
 Boothroyd. 
 
 2 Instead of, " O 
 thou enemy, de- 
 stinictions are come 
 to a perpetual end," 
 Bishop Louth would 
 read, "Desolations 
 have consumed the 
 enemy for ever." 
 
 ^ Ps. xlvi. I, and 
 Ixii. 8. 
 
 ^ The Psalmist 
 refers probably to 
 the blood shed un- 
 justly by the ene- 
 mies of Israel. 
 
12 
 
 PSALM X. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 He prays for deli- 
 verance from pre- 
 sent difficulties ; 
 that he may, in the 
 house of God, show 
 forth his praise. 
 
 He declares the 
 righteous judg- 
 ments of God in 
 reference to the 
 wicked : 
 
 foretells their final 
 ruin : and the deli- 
 verance of those 
 who hope and trust 
 in the Lord ; 
 
 and prays that God 
 would appear to 
 instruct and to 
 humble the hea- 
 then. 
 
 Jtrst ^ait. 
 
 The Psalmist de- 
 plores the absence 
 of God in times of 
 trouble ; 
 
 8 
 That I, in Zion's gates,' with zeal 
 
 May show forth all Thy praise ; 
 And joy in Thy salvation feel 
 
 All my remaining days. 
 9 
 The heathen are in pits sunk down, 
 
 Pits that themselves prepared; 
 His judgments make Jehovah known, 
 
 When sinners thus are snared. 
 10 
 The wicked shall to hell be turned, 
 
 And all who God forget; 
 The poor shall not be always spurned, 
 
 Nor be with grief beset. 
 11 
 Arise, O Lord ! shall man prevail ? 
 
 His impious pride condemn: 
 Put them in fear, nor let them fail 
 
 To know they are but men. 
 
 PSALM X. 
 
 This psabii appeal's to have been composed in reference to the 
 persecution of some powerful, cruel, and treacherous enemy. 
 It is peculiarly adapted for the use of the Chux'ch in tunes of 
 persecution, or for individual believers. 
 
 1 
 
 TT7HY standest Thou far off, O Lord? 
 ' * Why hide Thyself in times of care } 
 The proud oppress the poor,^ unawed. 
 And by their deep devices snare.* 
 
 • The contrast be- 
 tween the gates of 
 death, and the gates 
 of the daugliter of 
 Zion is extremely 
 beautiful. In the 
 gates of the city, 
 judicial and other 
 public affairs were 
 usually transacted ; 
 the royal Psalmist, 
 therefore, declares 
 his desire to praise 
 God in the most 
 public and solemn 
 manner. 
 
 2 Is. xh. 17. 
 
 ' The poor. — This 
 term is frequently 
 used In Scripture to 
 describe God's peo- 
 ple : it is equivalent 
 to ' the humble.' 
 
 ■f " They ai-e 
 caught by the de- 
 vices which he hath 
 contrived." — F.&S. 
 
SUBJECT. 
 
 He describes the 
 character of those 
 who ai"e the ene- 
 mies of God and of 
 his people ; their 
 pride and impiety ; 
 their disi'egard of 
 God's judgments ; 
 
 tlieir presumption, 
 falsehood, and pro- 
 fanity ; 
 
 their cunning and 
 cruelty ; 
 
 their atheistical 
 principles. 
 
 Sccontf ^art. 
 
 He prays that God 
 would interpose to 
 defend His people, 
 and to punish their 
 persecutors. 
 
 PSALM X. 
 
 The wicked boasts his heart's delights, 
 Despises' God, but gain doth love : 
 
 Blinded with pride, Jehovah slights, 
 And cries, " No God^ doth reign above." 
 
 3 
 
 Grievous and false are all his ways ; 
 
 Thy judgments, Lord, supremely wise, 
 Ai"e far beyond the sinner's gaze ; 
 
 He puffs at^ all his enemies. 
 
 4 
 
 " I never shall be moved," he cries ; 
 
 " Never adversity sustain;" 
 Hismouth^ breathes cursing, fraud and lies, 
 
 His tongue is mischievous and vain. 
 
 He liu'lvs^ in secret to descry 
 The poor, the innocent to slay ; 
 
 Against them sets his cruel eye. 
 Fierce as a lion marks his prey. 
 
 The poor are taken in his nets, 
 He snares them by devices base ; 
 
 Says in his heart, " The Lord forgets ; 
 He will not see f He hides His face." 
 
 i RISE, O Lord; lift up Thine hand;^ 
 -^ Regard the humble, plead their right ; 
 Why shovdd the wicked Thee withstand. 
 And say, " The Lord will not requite ?" 
 
 13 
 
 ' See Horsley. 
 
 2 " All his thoughts 
 are. There is not a 
 God."— F.&S. See 
 also Ps. xiv. 1. 
 
 3 Puffs at — i.e. 
 he scorns. Puffing 
 is, in the East, an 
 expression of su- 
 preme contempt. 
 
 * Romans iii. 14. 
 A metaphor taken 
 from a venomous 
 serpent. Compare 
 Ps. cxl. 3. 
 
 ' The Psalmist is 
 evidently referring 
 to thewicked leader 
 of some of those 
 hordes which so fre- 
 quently infested the 
 land of Israel. 
 
 6 Ps. xciv. 7. 
 
 ' Lijt up Tliy hand 
 — i.e. exert Thy 
 power. — Micah V. 9. 
 
14 
 
 PSALM XI. 
 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 8 
 Their sj^ite and mischief Thou dost see ; 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 
 1 Thy hand.— The 
 
 
 let Thy hand' requite them now ! 
 
 hand is an emblem 
 of power. Ps.xxi. 8. 
 
 
 The jDOor commits himself to Thee, 
 
 
 
 The orphan's^ helper, Lord, art Thou. 
 9 
 Break Thou the sinner's arm' of might ; 
 
 2 Ps. IXNTJi. 5. 
 
 
 3 Sinner's arm. — 
 
 
 Search out* his crimes till none remain: 
 
 The arm, as well as 
 the hand, is an em- 
 
 Assured that his 
 
 The Lord is King, He judges right; 
 
 blem of power. The 
 Psalmist prays that 
 
 prayer is heard, he 
 
 The heathen bow beneath His reign. 
 
 the power of such 
 impious persecu- 
 
 expresses his confi- 
 
 
 tors may be de- 
 
 dence in the righte- 
 
 10 
 
 stroyed. 
 
 ous government of 
 
 * Search out, &c. 
 
 God. 
 
 Thou, Lord, hast heard our humble cry ; 
 
 — So avenge his 
 wickedness, that no 
 
 
 trace of it may re- 
 
 
 Prepare our heart, our wrongs rech'ess; 
 
 main. 
 
 
 To judge the fatherless draw nigh, 
 
 
 
 Nor let the sons of earth oppress. 
 
 
 
 PSALM XL 
 
 
 
 C. M. 
 
 Composed by David in a season of persecution ; probably during 
 
 
 
 the reign of Saul. 
 
 1 
 
 T IN the Lord my God confide; 
 -*- Why say ye unto me. 
 
 
 David, in answer to 
 
 
 the timid advice of 
 his friends, who 
 
 
 were weak in faitli, 
 
 " Flee, like a timorous bird, and hide. 
 
 
 expresses his confi- 
 
 To desert^ mountains flee .'' 
 
 5 The strongholds 
 
 dence in the protec- 
 
 
 in the neiglibour- 
 hood of Judea. 
 
 tion of Jehovali. 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 " For, lo ! the wicked bend their bow,® 
 
 ^ Ps. xxxvii. 14. 
 
 
 And point their arrows keen ; 
 
 
 
 To lay the just, the upright low. 
 
 
 
 They shoot at him, unseen. 
 
 
PSALM XII. 
 
 15 
 
 He reminds them 
 that " the Lord 
 reigneth;" that He 
 is the righteous 
 judge of all men : 
 
 That he will de- 
 stroy the wicked ; 
 but exalt and glorify 
 His saints. 
 
 The Psalmist in- 
 vokes the aid of 
 God, on account of 
 the general de- 
 crease of piety, and 
 the rapid growth of 
 ungodliness. 
 
 He foretells the 
 destruction of the 
 wicked. 
 
 " If the foundations' come to nought, 
 What shall the just sustain ?" 
 
 The Lord is in His holy court, 
 His throne shall still remain. 
 
 His eyes behold, His eyebrows^ try 
 The just, who keep His laws ; 
 
 But sinners who His rule deny, 
 His inmost soul abhors. 
 
 Brimstone and fire^ on them He'll rain, 
 This shall their portion be : 
 
 The righteous God will truth maintain ; 
 The just His face shall see.'' 
 
 PSALM XH. 
 
 This Psalm appears to have been composed on the same occasion 
 as the preceding, when Saul's courtiers aided his designs to 
 destroy David. 
 
 1 
 
 HELP, Lord ; for, lo ! the godly cease,^ 
 The faithful all depart; 
 And sinners speak the words of peace, 
 But with a double heart.® 
 
 The flattering lips, the tongue of pride,' 
 
 Shall feel Jehovah's sword ; 
 Who say," Oiu* language who shall guide ? 
 
 And who shall be our Lord?"* 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' The foundations 
 here referred to are 
 the principles of re- 
 ligion and justice, 
 essential to the very 
 existence of society. 
 Compare 2 Tim. ii. 
 19. 
 
 "Eye-hrows — See 
 Pictorial Bible. — 
 This reference is 
 very striking if we 
 consider that the 
 eyebrows are sen- 
 sibly aifected when- 
 ever we regard any 
 object very atten- 
 tively. 
 
 3 Brimstone and 
 fire. — Reference is 
 here made to the 
 destruction of So- 
 dom andGomorrah. 
 Gen. xix. 28. 
 
 •* Instead of " His 
 countenance doth 
 behold the upright," 
 Dr. B. reads, " The 
 upi'ight shall be- 
 hold His face. 
 
 ^ They have 
 either ended their 
 days, or been cut 
 off by violence. 
 
 ^ Heb. A heart 
 and a heart. — Thus 
 Judas said, " Hail, 
 master, and kissed 
 him, when he be- 
 trayed our Lord." 
 Luke xxii. 47. 
 
 7 "Two cla.'Jses of 
 men are here re- 
 ferred to ; the dis- 
 sembler, & the self- 
 confident boaster." 
 F. and S. 
 
 8 Jobxxi. 14, 1.5. 
 
16 
 
 PSALM XIII. 
 
 Jehovah promises 
 to interpose on be- 
 half of His afflicted 
 people. 
 
 The Psalmist ex- 
 presses his confi- 
 dence in tlie faith- 
 fulness of God's 
 promises. 
 
 The Psalmist, in 
 trouble, mourns the 
 absence of God. 
 
 He prays the Al- 
 mighty to interpose 
 on his behalf. 
 
 Expressing his con- 
 fidence in divine 
 mercy, he antici- 
 pates the time when 
 he should praise 
 delivering grace. 
 
 " For the oppression, and the sighs, 
 
 The anguish of the poor. 
 Now" (saith the Lord) " will I arise. 
 
 Their safety will secure." 
 
 4 
 Pure are Thy words,' Thou only wise, 
 
 As silver seven times tried ; 
 And safe Thy saints, though sinners rise. 
 
 And walk on every side. 
 
 PSALM XIIL 
 
 8. 7. 
 
 This devotional and pathetic hymn appears to have been com- 
 posed by David during his persecution by Saul. 
 
 1 
 
 LORD, how long wilt thou forget mer^ 
 Wilt Thou always hide Thy face? 
 Always shall distress beset me .'' 
 Always shall my foes abase } 
 
 Hear me, Lord; regard my wailing. 
 Lest I sleep^ the sleep of death; 
 
 Lest mine enemy prevailing, 
 Joy in my exjjmng breath. 
 
 3 
 
 On Thy mercy I depending,^ 
 Look for Thy salvation, Lord: 
 
 Grateful songs to Thee ascending, 
 Shall Thy bounteous grace record. 
 
 ' Pure are Thy 
 words, &c. — The 
 Psalmist contrasts 
 the pure words of 
 Jehovah with the 
 profane language of 
 the wicked. " Of- 
 ten," says Bishop 
 Home, " have they 
 been put to the test, 
 in the trials of the 
 faithful, like silver 
 committed to the 
 furnace, in an 1 
 earthen crucible ; j 
 but like silver in its \ 
 most refined and ex- 
 alted purity, found 
 to contain no dross 
 of imperfection, no j 
 alloy of fallibility 
 in them. 
 
 2 Thus our Sa- | 
 
 viour, in distress, i 
 cried, " My God, 
 
 my God, why hast j 
 
 Thou /orsaken ! 
 
 me ?" See also Ps. j 
 
 Ixxxviii. 14. j 
 
 3 Jer. li. 39. 
 
 "i This Psalm be- 
 gins mournfully, & 
 ends triumphantly, 
 showing, as Bishop 
 Home observes, the 
 tendency of devo- 
 tion to revive our 
 weary spirits in the 
 most gloomy sea- 
 sons, like the dew 
 descending by night 
 on the withered 
 summit of an east- 
 ern mountain. 
 
PSALM XIV. 
 
 17 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 PSALM XIV 
 
 This Psalm appears to have been written towards tlie close of the 
 captivity in Babylon. 
 
 The Psalmist de- 
 scribes the corrupt 
 principles of unbe- 
 lievers, and their 
 consequently cor- 
 rupt practice. 
 
 The fearful and 
 universal depravity 
 of mankind in the 
 sight of God. 
 
 The certainty of 
 approaching judg- 
 ment, and its conse- 
 quences to the ene- 
 mies of Israel. 
 
 1 
 
 rpHE fool/ within his heart, 
 
 -*- Hath said, " There is no God : 
 
 Corrupt^ in every part, 
 
 They sinful paths have trod, 
 
 And works abominable done ; 
 
 None doeth good, not even one. 
 
 God looked' from heaven to see 
 
 If any understood. 
 If any sought to be 
 
 Acquainted with their God : 
 Depraved, they all aside had gone ; 
 None doeth good, not even one. 
 
 3 
 
 Shall not account* be made 
 
 With impious men who eat 
 My people as their bread, 
 Nor bow before my seat ^ 
 The fearless, then,* shall greatly fear. 
 When God, our refrige, shall appear. 
 
 D 
 
 ' The /oo/— Folly 
 is a term employed 
 in Hebrew to signify 
 the greatest pos- 
 sible degree of guilt. 
 F. & S. 
 
 2 "Infidelity is the 
 beginning of sin, 
 folly the foundation 
 of infidelity, and the 
 heart the seat of 
 
 both." — HORNE. 
 
 ^ God looked. — 
 The Psalmist re- 
 fers, probably, to 
 Gen. vi. .5 — " And 
 God saw that the 
 wickedness of man 
 was gi'eat in the 
 earth, and that 
 every imagination 
 of the thoughts of 
 his heart was only 
 evil continually." 
 See also Romans iii. 
 10 to 12. 
 
 * F.and S. render 
 the first part of the 
 4th verse thus: — 
 " Shall not cogniz- 
 ance be taken of 
 all the workers of 
 iniquity?" and ob- 
 ^•§erve that this in- 
 terrogative is, in 
 Hebrew, the strong- 
 est mode of assert- 
 ing that this will 
 be the case. 
 
 ■"' T/irn — when 
 God shall thus call 
 them to account. 
 
18 
 
 PSALM XV. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The Psalmist prays 
 for the appearance 
 of the Great De- 
 liverer. 
 
 The Psalmist de- 
 scribes the charac- 
 ter of those who 
 worship God ac- 
 ceptably. They do 
 his will ; 
 
 they speak the 
 truth in love ; 
 
 they do not respect 
 persons ; 
 
 nor are they covet- 
 ous. 
 
 Their permanent 
 security. 
 
 O, that from Zion's fane,' 
 
 Salvation now would come, 
 That God would bring again 
 His scattered people home ! 
 When God his captives shall restore, 
 Jacob shall triumph evermore. 
 
 PSALM XV. 
 
 L. M. 
 
 Composed probably by David, when he brought the ark to Zion.-* 
 1 
 
 T ORD, who shall in Thy tent' abide ? 
 J-^ Or who ascend Thy holy hill } 
 The man whom uprightness doth guide^ 
 
 To walk according to Thy will. 
 2 
 He speaks*^ the truth that is within 
 
 His heart,^ nor backbites with his tongue ; 
 Against his neighbour fears to sin, 
 
 Nor utters what may do him wrong. 
 
 3 
 
 The vile, though wealthy,* are abhon'ed 
 
 In his esteem, their wealth forgot: 
 He honours all who fear the Lord, 
 
 And when he swears he changeth not.'' 
 4 
 His wealth he seeks not to increase 
 
 By usury;'" nor takes reward 
 Against the innocent : his peace 
 
 Shall be preserved by God the Lord. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 1 *■ There shall 
 come out of Zion 
 the Deliverer, who 
 shall turn away un- 
 godliness from Ja- 
 cob." Kom. xi. 2G. 
 
 2 Is. lii. 8. 
 
 3 2 Sam. vi. 12. 
 
 '* Tent — Hebrew, 
 Tabernacle, which 
 was a type of the 
 Christian church. 
 
 5 " Every good 
 ti'ee bringeth forth 
 good fruit." Matt, 
 vii. 17. This is the 
 only satisfactory 
 evidence of achange 
 of heart, and of faith 
 in Christ. 
 
 8 " By thy words 
 thou Shalt be justi- 
 fied," &c. Matt. xii. 
 37. 
 
 " Matt. xii. 34. 
 
 8 The child of 
 God is not a re- 
 specter of persons. 
 One feature in the 
 character of the 
 wicked is, they 
 " have men's per- 
 sons in admiration, 
 because of advan- 
 tage." Jude 16. 
 
 9 See F. & S. ver- 
 sion. 
 
 '" The Jews were 
 forbidden to take 
 interest on money 
 lent to their bre- 
 thren. See Deut. 
 xxiii. 20. 
 
PSALM XVI. 
 
 19 
 
 Messiah declares 
 His confidence in 
 God; and His de- 
 light in the saints. 
 He denounces all 
 those who worship 
 other gods. 
 
 He expresses His 
 satisfaction with the 
 divine appointment 
 to His mediatoi'ial 
 oflRce. 
 
 He triumphs in the 
 prospect of His re- 
 surrection from the 
 dead ; of his exalta- 
 tion to the right 
 hand of God ; and of 
 possessing "the joy 
 that was set before 
 Him." 
 
 PSALM XVI. 
 
 Written by David, and prophetical of the Priesthood of Messiah, 
 and of His resurrection. Bishop Horsley styles it, " A mystical 
 prayer of David, in the character of the High Priest. 
 
 PRESERVE me, Lord; I trust in Thee ; 
 -^ Thou, only Thou, my God shalt be : 
 My goodness,^ which on Thee depends, 
 To saints, my whole delight, extends. 
 Theu' sorrows shall be multiplied 
 Who in another god confide; 
 Their sacrifices I renounce/ 
 Nor shall my lips their names pronounce. 
 
 2 
 Thou, Lord, my portion^ and defence, 
 Maintainest mine inheritance : 
 In pleasant places falls my line,^ 
 A goodly heritage is mine : 
 I bless the Lord, His counsels use. 
 By night on these delight to muse : 
 I set the Lord before my face,^ 
 And Him at my right hand I place. 
 
 3 
 With joy my heart and lips overflow,® 
 My flesh shall rest in hope ; for, lo ! 
 Thy holy One Thou wilt not leave 
 To see corruption in the grave: 
 The path of life'' wilt Thou reveal, 
 And make me, in Thy presence, feel 
 Fulness of joy, an endless store. 
 At Thy right hand for evermore. 
 
 ' My goodness — 
 Christ as Mediator, 
 here acknowledges 
 His dependence on 
 His Father. His 
 goodness, or right- 
 eousness resulted 
 from the Spirit 
 being given without 
 measure to Him, 
 (John iii. 34,) and 
 the benefits of it 
 extend to all His 
 believing people. 
 
 2 " They shall 
 have no interest in 
 the blessings of my 
 mediation." 
 
 3 Ps. cxix. -57. 
 
 4 Falls iny line — 
 It was the custom 
 of the Hebrews to 
 measure their land 
 by lines or cords. 
 " Ask of me, and I 
 will give the hea- 
 then for thine in- 
 heritance, &c." Ps. 
 ii. 8. 
 
 5 See Acts ii. 25, 
 where the Apostle 
 Peter quotes this 
 passage, and applies 
 it to Christ. 
 
 s See Acts xiii. 35 
 to 37, where the 
 Apostle Paul ex- 
 plains this passage 
 as referring to the 
 resurrection of our 
 Saviour. 
 
 1 The path of life, 
 &c. — Reference is 
 here made to the 
 exaltation of our 
 Lord ; when he 
 should " see of the 
 travail of His soul 
 and be satisfied." 
 
20 
 
 PSALM XVII. 
 
 The Psalmist, suf- 
 fering under false 
 accusations, appeals 
 to God, tlie Search- 
 er of hearts, and 
 afifii'ms his mno- 
 cence of the crimes 
 with which his ene- 
 mies charged him. 
 
 He refers his 
 preservation from 
 these sins to the 
 word of Gods grace, 
 and prays that he 
 may still be pre- 
 served by divine 
 mercy. 
 
 Entreating God to 
 defend him, he 
 spreads before the 
 Lord the dangers 
 by which he is sur- 
 I'ounded, 
 
 PSALM XVII. 
 
 L. M. 
 
 Written probably by David, during his persecution by Saul. 
 
 II /I" OST righteous Lord,' incline thine ear, 
 -^^-^ Attentive to my prayer sincere : 
 Thy sentence I desu-e to learn, 
 O, let Thine eyes the truth discern ! 
 
 My heart is daily searched by Thee, 
 And nightly^ Thou dost visit me. 
 To try me, yet Thou dost not find 
 My soul to wickedness inclined.^ 
 
 3 
 
 I, by Thy word^ of wisdom led. 
 Have shunned the sinner's path to tread; 
 Hold* up my goings in Thy way. 
 Lest my feet slip, or go astray. 
 
 On Thee I call, O God!*^ for Thou 
 A gi'acious ear to me wilt bow : 
 Thy loving kindness let me see. 
 And save the soul that trusts in Thee. 
 
 Kept as the apple of the eye,' 
 Beneath thy wings® I fain would lie ; 
 My soul fi'om tyrant sinners hide, 
 Wlio compass me on every side: 
 
 ' Instead of " Hear 
 the right, O Lord," 
 as in our version. 
 Dr. B. renders it, 
 " Hear, O righteous 
 Jehovali !" 
 
 2 Nightli/— In that 
 season when, if 
 ever, a man dis- 
 posed to act wick- 
 edly, would hope to 
 do so, fearless of de- 
 tection. See F. & S. 
 
 3 The Psalmist 
 here, and in other 
 places, maintains 
 his freedom fi-om 
 the crimes charged 
 on him by his ene- 
 mies. 
 
 ■1 Ps. cxix. 9& 11. 
 
 5 Ps. cxix. 116. 
 
 eps. Iv. 16; Ixvi. 
 19&20;cxvi. 2. 
 
 7 AppU of the eye 
 — " Allusion is here 
 made to the ex- 
 treme care requisite 
 for the preservation 
 of so delicate an 
 organ as the eye." 
 — F.&S. Compare 
 Deut. xxxii. 10. 
 
 8 Thy wings — 
 This image is taken 
 from the protection 
 given by a bii'd to 
 her young. Com- 
 pare Ps. xci. 4 ; 
 Matt, xxiii. 37, 
 
PSALM XVIII. 
 
 21 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 and describes the 
 malice of his foes. 
 
 He comforts him- 
 self, under present 
 troubles, by the 
 hope of that joy 
 which God has pre- 
 pared for those who 
 love Him. 
 
 JFtrst ^art. 
 
 The King of Zion 
 made victorious 
 over all His ene- 
 mies, celebrates the 
 goodness and power 
 of God as displayed 
 in His deliverance. 
 
 6 
 
 Enclosed in fat,' they proudly speak, 
 With steady eye our ruin seek ; 
 Like as a lion marks his prey, 
 Or lions' whelps that couching lay. 
 
 7 
 Arise, and cast them down, O Lord ! 
 Save me from wicked men, Thy sword ;' 
 From men who have their portion here,^ 
 \Vliom Thou with earthly good dost cheer. 
 
 8 
 But as for me,* I hope, thi-ough grace. 
 In righteousness, to see Thy face : 
 Full satisfaction shall be mine, 
 Wlien I in all Thy likeness shine. 
 
 PSALM XVIIL 
 
 L. M. DOUBLE. 
 
 " This magnificent ti-iumphal hymn was composed by David in 
 celebration of his deliverance from his enemies. But the 
 sublimity of the figures used in it, the consent of ancient com- 
 mentators, even Jewish as well as Christian, and, above all, 
 the citations made from it in the New Testament, evince that 
 the kingdom of Messiah is here pointed at under that of 
 David." — Bishop Mant. 
 
 We learn from 2 Sam. .\xii. 1, that David wrote this song " in 
 the day that the Lord had delivered him out of the hand of 
 all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul." 
 
 1 
 
 I LOVE Thee,* Lord ; my strength art 
 Thou; 
 God my deliverer I avow: 
 The rock, the fortress where I hide, 
 My God, in whom I will confide:® 
 
 ' Fat — In the 
 figurative language 
 of Scripture, this 
 term is employed to 
 expi'ess astate of af- 
 fluence, and of self- 
 indulgence. — See 
 Deut. xxxii. 1.5; Ps. 
 Ixxiii. 7 ; cxix. 70. 
 
 2 Is. X. 5 & 15. 
 
 3 Ps. Ixxiii. 
 Luke xvi. 25. 
 
 12; 
 
 * As fur me — The 
 enjoyments of the 
 present life do 
 not constitute the 
 Psalmist's portion, 
 as they do that of 
 the wicked. He 
 longs to dwell in the 
 presence of God, 
 and to bear his 
 image. — 1 John, 
 xxxvi. 2. 
 
 5 Ps. cxvi. 1. 
 
 6 The Apostle 
 probably quotes this 
 passage, Heb. ii. 13, 
 where he repre- 
 sents Christ as say- 
 ing, " I will put my 
 trust in Him." 
 
22 
 
 PSALM XVIII. 
 
 He describes the 
 terrible majesty in 
 which Jehovali 
 
 came to his rescue, 
 in imagery taken 
 from His appear- 
 ance on Mount 
 Sinai, when He ap- 
 peared " in black- 
 ness, and darkness, 
 and tempest." 
 
 The lioni of my salvation He, 
 My shield, the tower to which I flee: 
 I call on God, (all praise be His!) 
 Who saves me from my enemies. 
 
 2 
 
 The snares' of death were round me laid. 
 Floods of ungodly men dismayed ; 
 The cords of hell beset my way, 
 The toils of death before me lay : 
 In my distress, I raised my cry 
 Up to the Lord my God on high : 
 He heard me fi*om His holy couii;, 
 Soon as His gracious ear I sought. 
 
 3 
 
 Then shook the earth, and trembling seized 
 The hills, for God was sore displeased: 
 Thick smoke^ forth from his nostrils came. 
 And fi"om His mouth devouring flame : 
 He bowed the heavens. His lofty seat, 
 Thick darkness was beneath His feet ; 
 Bright Cherubim^ conveyed the Lord, 
 Yea, on the whirlwind's wing He soared. 
 
 4 
 
 Darkness" His secret place He made. 
 Dark waters, and thick clouds aiTayed 
 For His pavilion. Brightness burst 
 Forth fr'om His presence, and dispersed 
 The clouds; — hail followed; — lightning 
 
 flashed; 
 Jehovah spoke ; the thunder crashed. 
 Thy fierce rebuke the depths disclosed. 
 The earth's foundations were exposed. 
 
 ' Snares, or cords 
 — Thus, Peter, 
 speaking of Christ, 
 says, " Whom God 
 hatla raised up, 
 having loosed the 
 bands (i.e., the 
 snares or cords, not 
 the pains, as in our 
 version,) of death, 
 because it was not 
 possible that He 
 should be holden by 
 it." Acts ii. 24. 
 
 2 Smoke— " Heat 
 is used figuratively 
 to express anger ; 
 hence fire and 
 smoke have also 
 been employed for 
 the same purpose, 
 and these are here 
 described as issuing 
 from the mouth and 
 nostrils to indicate 
 an intense degree 
 of that feeling." — 
 F. & S. 
 
 3 Cherubim — See 
 F. & S. These re- 
 present the minis- 
 ters of God's provi- 
 dence. See Ezek. i. 
 
 * Darkness — Com- 
 pare Exodus XX. 21, 
 " And Moses drew 
 near unto the thick 
 darkness where 
 God was." The 
 exodus of the Is- 
 raelites from Egypt, 
 the pai-ting of the 
 Ked Sea, and of 
 Jordan, are fa- 
 vourite topics with 
 the Hebrew poets, 
 whenever they de- 
 scribe the interpo- 
 sition of God on be- 
 half of His people. 
 
PSALM XVIII. 
 
 23 
 
 Zeconts ^art. 
 
 He magnifies tbe 
 rectitude of God, 
 which was dis- 
 played, no less than 
 His power, by the 
 deliverance of His 
 servant. 
 
 He sent fi-om heaven, with speed He flew, 
 And me from many waters' drew; 
 Saved me fi-om my too powerful foe, 
 And those whose hatred fierce did glow; 
 They came before me in the day 
 Of grief, but God was then my stay ; 
 He brought me forth. He set me free. 
 And saved because He favoured me. 
 
 6 
 npHE Lord my righteousness' confessed, 
 -^ The cleanness of my hands He 
 
 blessed; 
 For I Jehovah's ways have trod, 
 Nor wickedly forsook my God: 
 His judgments were before me still, 
 I strove His statutes to frilfil ; 
 Upright before His face to be. 
 And kept from all iniquity. 
 
 7 
 Hence God my righteousness confessed. 
 The cleanness of my hands He blessed. 
 Thou to the kind* wilt kindness show ; 
 The just Thy rectitude shall know; 
 The pure thy purity shall see ; 
 The fi'oward feel thine enmity : 
 For Thou the humble soul wilt crown, 
 But proud and haughty looks bring down. 
 
 8 
 For Thou dost light* my lamp ; the Lord 
 Hath chased my darkness, light restored ; 
 Strengthened by God, I rush, I leap, 
 Through hostile troops, o'er ramparts steep, 
 
 ' Waters — David 
 here represents 
 himself as sinking 
 in deep waters, but 
 rescued by God. 
 Compare Ps. Ixix. 1 . 
 
 ' Ml/ righteous- 
 ness, &c. — If we 
 consider this as the 
 language of David, 
 it must be referred 
 to his innocence of 
 the crimes cliai-ged 
 against him by Saul 
 and others, or of his 
 freedom from idola- 
 try. If we regai'd 
 it as spoken by 
 David's Lord, it re- 
 quires no qualifica- 
 tion. 
 
 ■* The meaning of 
 this and of the con- 
 text is, that God 
 reveals Himself to 
 men according to 
 their several cha- 
 racters, just as the 
 token of His pre- 
 sence, on the shores 
 of tlie Red Sea, was 
 a cloiid and dark- 
 ness to tlie Egyp- 
 tians, whilst it gave 
 light by night to the 
 Israelites. See Ex. 
 xiv. 20. 
 
 'i Thou dost light, 
 &c. — i.e. Thou dost 
 restore prosperity 
 to me. To put out 
 tlie candle signifies 
 to cause distress, of 
 which darkness is 
 the emblem. See 
 Job xxi. 17. 
 
24 
 
 PSALM XVIII. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 He ascribes to God 
 all the strength and 
 skill by which he 
 had been prepared 
 to engage in the 
 conflict, and by 
 which he had been 
 brought out of it 
 triumphantly. 
 
 How perfect is Jehovah's way ! 
 His word is tried, His name a stay: 
 For who is God, or who beside 
 A rock like God for safety tried } 
 
 'rpiS God who girdeth' me with might, 
 -■- My way He maketh perfect^ quite : 
 Swift as a hind's^ he makes my feet, 
 And sets me on a lofty seat; 
 Taught* by my God to war, I feel 
 Mine arms can break a bow of steel :'' 
 Thou too hast given, my life to ward, 
 The shield of Thy salvation. Lord. 
 
 10 
 
 'Tis thy right hand maintains my state. 
 Thy gentleness'^ hath made me great ; 
 My steps enlarged, from snares set ffee, 
 And guided are my feet by Thee. 
 My foes^ I chased, o'ertook, and doomed, 
 Nor turned till they were all consumed; 
 I wounded them to rise no more. 
 They fell beneath my feet in war. 
 
 11 
 
 Girded with strength for war by Thee, 
 My foes, subdued, fall under me : 
 I tread uj)on their necks* with joy. 
 And those who hate me I destroy: 
 They cried, ^ but there was none to save: 
 To God, but He no answer gave : 
 Then, as the dust before the blast, 
 I drove them, and as dirt forth cast. 
 
 ' Compare Eph. 
 vi. 10. 
 
 - Perfect, or plain. 
 See Ps. V. 8. 
 
 ^Hind's. SeeHab. 
 iii. 19. 
 
 •* Ps. c.\liv. 1. 
 
 5 Can bend a 
 strong steel bow — 
 i.e. a bow as inflex- 
 ible as though made 
 of steel. A similar 
 hyperbole is used, 
 Mic. iv. 13. 
 
 ^ Thy gentleness — 
 Dr. B. renders it. 
 Thy condescension ; 
 F. & S., Thine 
 afflicting hand, and 
 they comment on it 
 thus — " Past afflic- 
 tions and trials, as 
 well as deliver- 
 ances, have tended, 
 by raising my cha- 
 racter, to qualify 
 me for receiving in- 
 crease of temporal 
 prosperity." Com- 
 pare Heb. V. 8, 9. 
 
 ' See 1 Sam. x.\.\. 
 
 8. 
 
 8 Compare Josh. 
 X. 24; and Lam. v. 5. 
 
 9 They cried, &c. 
 — " Never," says 
 Bishop Home," was 
 there a more just 
 and lively portrait 
 of the lamentable 
 and desperate state 
 of the Jews when 
 their calamities 
 came upon them." 
 
PSALM XVIII. 
 
 25 
 
 iFourti^ Part. 
 
 He ascribes the pre- 
 servation of his life, 
 the subjugation of 
 his enemies, and 
 the extension of his 
 kingdom, to God 
 alone ; 
 
 and concludes by 
 solemn thanksgiv- 
 ing and praise. 
 
 12 
 
 rPHOU hast redeemed me from the strife 
 -*■ Of people who pursued my life ; 
 Made heathen tribes' submit to me, 
 And unknown nations bow the knee ; 
 Soon as they hear shall they obey, 
 And aliens^ swift obedience pay ; 
 With fear the alien tribes shall cow^er, 
 And, trembling, seek the lofty tow^er. 
 
 13 
 
 Jehovah lives !^ my Rock I bless, 
 God my salvation I confess : 
 God, who avengeth me, for He 
 Subdued the people under me ; 
 Delivered me from all my foes, 
 Who numberless against me rose : 
 Now am I lifted up by Thee, 
 And from the violent set free. 
 
 14 
 
 Therefore to Thee," O God, the Lord, 
 Will I give thanks, and loud record. 
 Amongst the heathen tribes, Thy praise, 
 And to Thy name a tribute raise ; 
 He to the King'^ His goodness chose. 
 Deliverance great, and mercy shows ; 
 To David, His anointed, He 
 Extends his grace eternally. 
 
 ' Heathen tribes. — 
 Thus fulfilling the 
 promise, " Ask of 
 me, and I will give 
 the heathen for 
 thine inheritance." 
 Ps. ii. 8. 
 
 "^Aliens — i.e. "the 
 idolatrous nations." 
 
 F.&S. 
 
 3 Compare Ps. 
 xxi. 13; and Ivii. 
 6& 11. 
 
 ■» Therefore to 
 Thee, &c. — The 
 Apostle Paul (Rom. 
 XV. 9) quotes this 
 passage as pro- 
 phetic of the minis- 
 try of Christ; this 
 may assist us in 
 ascertaining the 
 sense of the whole 
 psalm. 
 
 5 David, anointed 
 with oil to be king 
 in Zion, experi- 
 enced deliverance 
 from Saul and other 
 foes : and Christ, 
 anointed with the 
 Holy Ghost to be 
 King over the 
 spiritual Israel, 
 was delivered from 
 death and the grave, 
 and established on 
 His throne for ever 
 and ever. 
 
26 
 
 PSALM XIX. 
 
 jFirst l^art. 
 
 The Psalmist cele- 
 brates the glory of 
 God as displaj'ed in 
 the formation of the 
 material universe ; 
 by which lessons of 
 instruction are con- 
 veyed to mankind. 
 
 Second part. 
 
 He proceeds to show 
 the still more exten- 
 sive and important 
 instruction convey- 
 ed by the Word of 
 God. 
 
 PSALM XIX. 
 
 8. 8. G. 
 
 A psalm of David, composed, probably, during the early part of 
 his life, whilst engaged in pastoral pursuits. 
 
 rpHE heavens declare Jehovah's praise,' 
 -*- The lofty firmament displays 
 
 His handy-work divine ; 
 Day unto day' doth utter speech, 
 And night to night doth wisdom teach ; 
 
 To all His glories shine. 
 
 2 
 
 No language,^ speech, or voice is heard. 
 
 Yet throughout all the earth, their word 
 
 Of wisdom they repeat ; 
 Lo ! like a bridegroom^ cbest, the sun 
 Comes forth, his heavenly course to run. 
 
 Diffusing light and heat. 
 3 
 TTOW perfect is Jehovah's law !* 
 -*--■- The wandering soul it doth restore. 
 
 Convert, and guide aright; 
 God's testimonies are most sure, 
 Making the simple wise and pui'e ; 
 
 His statutes yield delight. 
 4 
 All the commandments of the Lord 
 Are pure, and light divine afford ; 
 
 The fear'' of God is clean, 
 Imparting pleasures ever new ; 
 The judgments of the Lord most true 
 
 And wholly right are seen. 
 
 
 ' Ps. cxlv. 10. 
 
 2 Hay unto day — 
 i. e. " the constant 
 succession of day 
 and night, the glory 
 of the sun, and the 
 beauty of the stars, 
 are perpetually 
 preaching to man- 
 kind."— Ur. B. 
 
 3 No language. — 
 " Although the hea- 
 vens are thus ap- 
 pointed to teach, 
 yet it is not by 
 articulate sounds, 
 but they address 
 themselves to the 
 mind in a way no 
 less forcible, the 
 way of pictui'e or 
 representation." — 
 Bishop Hobne. 
 
 * Bridegroom. — 
 This alludes to the 
 festivities accom- 
 panying eastern 
 marriages. The 
 custom was for the 
 bridegroom to come 
 forth at night, with 
 anumber of attend- 
 ants bearing lamps. 
 Matt. XXV. 1. — 
 F. & S. 
 
 ^Laiu. — The word 
 law seems designed 
 here to express all 
 God's revealed will : 
 "What follows (says 
 Bishop Home,) is a 
 fine encomium on 
 the gospel, M'ritten 
 with all the simpli- 
 city peculiar to the 
 sacred language, 
 and in a strain far 
 surpassing the ut- 
 most efforts of hu- 
 man eloquence." 
 
 6 Fi-ar. — " The 
 fear of God" is ex- 
 pressive of the re- 
 Ugion and worship 
 prescribed by Him. 
 Compare Is. x.xix. 
 13, with Matt. XV. 9. 
 
PSALM XX. 
 
 27 
 
 He declares it to 
 be of inestimable 
 value, and produc- 
 tive of the most ex- 
 alted pleasure ; 
 
 and concludes by 
 praying for grace 
 to preserve him 
 from transgressing 
 its precepts. 
 
 The Church im- 
 plores the protec- 
 tion and blessing of 
 God on behalf of 
 her king. 
 
 Far more than gold' to be desired 
 Are the commands by God inspired, 
 
 Than honey sweeter far : 
 Also, by them Thy servant's warned, 
 And, in observing'' them, though scorned, 
 
 My greatest pleasures are. 
 6 
 His eri'ors^ who hath fully seen ? 
 From secret faults. Lord, make me clean, 
 
 And let Thy servant be 
 Kept back from all presumptuous sin. 
 Made innocent, and pm^e within, 
 
 From great transgressions free." 
 7 
 The words that fr-om my mouth depart. 
 And meditation of my heart, 
 
 Let them, most gTacious Lord, 
 Now, in thy sight, acceptance find. 
 My strength, and my Redeemer kind, 
 
 Whose praise I now record. 
 
 PSALM XX. 
 
 This spirited ode is generally supposed to have been written by 
 David at the commencement of his war with the Syrians and 
 Ammonites.5 It may, with great propriety, be used for the 
 ordination of a minister or a missionary. 
 
 TEHOVAH hear thee in the day^ 
 ^ Of trouble and distress ; 
 The God of Jacob^ be thy stay, 
 Defend thy life, and bless ! 
 
 '^ In observing. — 
 True believers find 
 their reward in 
 keeping the com- 
 mands of God. 
 Compare Jas. i. 25. 
 
 '' Ht's errors. — It 
 is by the attentive 
 study of God's word 
 that men learn their 
 frequent deviations 
 from the line of 
 rectitude. And he 
 who devotes him- 
 self to this task, 
 and to self-e.Kami- 
 natlon, will, as 
 Bishop Home justly 
 remarks, feel how 
 necessary is the 
 prayer, " Cleanse 
 Thou me from 
 secret faults." 
 
 ■• Numb. XV. 30, 
 31. 
 
 ' See 2 Sam. viii. 
 
 6 Ps. 1. 15. 
 
 7 The God of Ja- 
 cob, who deli- 
 vered the patriarch 
 out of so many 
 troubles, and who 
 made to him, and 
 to his seed, so many 
 great and precious 
 promises. See Gen. 
 xxviii. 14, 15. 
 
28 
 
 PSALM XX. 
 
 1 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 2 
 
 Help from the sanctuary bring, 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 
 
 
 From Zion strengthen thee ; 
 
 
 
 Thy sacrifice,' thy offering 
 
 ' Thy sacrifice, 
 &c. — These are still 
 
 
 By Him accepted be ! 
 
 presented by Chris- 
 tians to God. They 
 present the sacri- 
 fice of a broken 
 
 
 3 
 
 spirit : they present 
 themselves a living 
 
 
 Make thee thine heart's desire possess. 
 
 sacrifice; and, above 
 all, they present, by 
 
 
 Fulfil thy great design ! 
 
 faith, the great Sa- 
 crifice, of which 
 
 
 We will rejoice in thy success. 
 
 those under the law 
 were only types. 
 
 
 Salvation shall be thine. 
 
 
 She declares her 
 
 4 
 
 Whilst we Jehovah's succour crave, 
 
 
 confidence to be in 
 God alone ; and 
 
 We lift om" banners^ high ; 
 
 2 Our banners. — 
 The meaning of 
 
 hence is assured of 
 
 The Lord will His anointed save, 
 
 this is, as Horsley 
 
 success. 
 
 From heaven attend his cry. 
 
 observes. We will 
 take the field 
 
 
 against our ene- 
 
 
 
 mies, in full re- 
 
 
 
 liance on God's as- 
 
 
 5 
 
 sistance." 
 
 She trimnphantly 
 
 Some trust in horses'' trained for war. 
 
 3 Horses, &o.— Dr. 
 Geddes thinks that 
 
 contrasts the ti-ust 
 
 And boast their chariots' fame ; 
 
 this verse indicates 
 
 on which she re- 
 
 
 the time when the 
 
 poses with that of 
 
 We trust the God whom we adore. 
 
 psalm was com- 
 posed. See 2 Sam. 
 
 her enemies. 
 
 And glory in His name. 
 
 viii. 4 & .5, — " And 
 David took from 
 him a thousand 
 chariots, and seven 
 
 
 6 
 
 hundred horse- 
 men," &c. 
 
 
 They are brought down, and prostrate 
 
 
 
 fall ;' 
 
 '' " Their rock 
 is not as our 
 
 
 We rise, and stand upright : 
 
 Kock, our enemies 
 themselves being 
 
 
 Save us, Lord ! and, when we call. 
 
 judges." Deut. 
 xxxii. 31. 
 
 
 Accept us in thy sight. 
 
 
PSALM XXI. 
 
 29 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 Jirst Part. 
 
 The Church, in a 
 strain of triumph, 
 celebrates the re- 
 surrection, the ex- 
 altation, and the 
 glory of her King 
 Messiah, 
 
 in answer to the 
 petitions He pre- 
 sented, in the day 
 of his humiliation : 
 and gratefully ac- 
 knowledges the fa- 
 vour of God mani- 
 fested towards Him: 
 
 and through Him 
 commmiicated to 
 all mankind. 
 
 PSALM XXI. 
 
 This psalm is generally supposed to have been written on occasion 
 of David's victory over the Syrians and Ammonites.' It is evi- 
 dently prophetic of the exaltation and glory of Messiah. 
 
 rPHE King^ shall in Thy strength rejoice, 
 
 -■- In Thy salvation, Lord; 
 
 For Thou hast granted what His voice 
 
 And heart of Thee implored.^ 
 2 
 The blessings of Thy goodness Thou 
 
 From Him dost not withhold ; 
 And Thou hast set upon His brow^ 
 
 A crown of purest gold. 
 3 
 He asked for life,* and Thou didst give 
 
 The boon He did implore; 
 Granting Him length of days, to live 
 
 With Thee for evermore. 
 4 
 Great are His glory^ and delight 
 
 In Thy salvation. Lord; 
 Honour, and majesty, and might 
 
 On Him are fi'eely poured. 
 5 
 Of blessings He is made the spring;' 
 
 Honoured Thy face to see ; 
 And trusting in Thy gTace, the King 
 
 Unmoved shall ever be. 
 
 ' See 2 Sam. x. 
 
 ' The King — i. e. 
 " the promised 
 Messiah."— F. & S. 
 
 3 " Ask of me, 
 and I will give the 
 heathen for thine 
 inheritance," &c. — 
 Ps. ii. 8. " Father, 
 glorify Thy Son, 
 that Thy Son also 
 may glorify Thee." 
 John xvii. i. 
 
 " 2 Sam. xii. 30 ; 
 Rev. xiv. 14 ; and 
 xix. 12. 
 
 5 He ashed for life. 
 — " Who in the days 
 of His flesh offered 
 up prayers and sup- 
 plications, with 
 strong crying and 
 tears, unto Him 
 that was able to 
 save Him from 
 death, and was 
 heard in that He 
 feared " (or, as to 
 what he feared). 
 See Heb. v. 7,8. 
 
 ^ His glory, he. — 
 " We see Jesus, 
 who was made a 
 little lower than 
 the angels, for the 
 sufifering of death, 
 crowned with glory 
 and honour." Heb. 
 ii. 9. 
 
 '' The spring. — 
 See the marginal 
 reading. Thus was 
 fulfilled the pro- 
 mise, " In thy seed 
 shall all the fami- 
 lies of the earth be 
 blessed." Genesis 
 xii. .3. 
 
30 
 
 PSALM XXII. 
 
 SfconU ^art. 
 
 The Almighty de- 
 clares His purposes 
 in reference to the 
 enemies of Messiah, 
 that they shall be 
 utterly destroyed ; 
 and this in a strik- 
 ing manner, as a 
 just punishment for 
 their malice and 
 impiety. 
 
 The Church prays 
 for the full mani- 
 festation of Mes- 
 siah's power. 
 
 JFirst ^art. 
 
 Messiah, in the 
 depth of His suffer- 
 ings, deplores the 
 absence of His 
 Father. 
 
 " rpHY hancP shall find out all Thy foes, 
 
 ■*- Thy right hand fix their doom ; 
 And, as a fiery oven glows, 
 
 Thy bm-ning wrath consume. 
 7 
 " Jehovah shall destroy them quite. 
 
 As with devouring fire; 
 And Thou their fruit on earth shalt blight. 
 
 And make their seed^ expire. 
 8 
 " For, evil they to Thee displayed. 
 
 Their plans were vain and base ; 
 Therefore shall they a mark^ be made, 
 
 Thine aiTows strike their face."^ 
 9 
 Be Thou exalted, God Most High, 
 
 In Thy own strength divine ! 
 So shall our praise ascend the sky. 
 
 For power and grace are Thine. 
 
 PSALM XXII. 
 
 This psalm, prophetic of the sufferings of Messiah, and of His 
 subsequent exaltation, was probably composed by David during 
 a season of severe persecution by Saul. 
 
 lyrY God, my God,^ O why hast Thou 
 -'-'-'- Forsaken me } and why 
 Art thou so far fi"om helping now. 
 Though day and night I cry ? 
 
 ' Th!/ hand.— 
 " This appears to 
 be spoken by the 
 Almighty. The 
 
 language strikingly 
 resembles that of 
 other psalms re- 
 lating to Messiah. 
 See Ps. ii. xlv. 
 Ixxii. and ex." — 
 F. & S. 
 
 2 Their seed.— 
 " The seed and 
 posterity of the 
 wicked, if they con- 
 tinue in the ways of 
 their forefathers, 
 will be punished 
 with them." — 
 
 HORNE. 
 
 3 A mark. — See 
 F. & S. How strik- 
 ingly has this pro- 
 phecy received its 
 accomplishment in 
 the punishment of 
 the Jewish people ! 
 
 •• Their face — i. e. 
 their punishment 
 shall be conspicu- 
 ous, and shall be 
 known as the judg- 
 ment of God. 
 
 f> " And about the 
 ninth hour, Jesus 
 cried with a loud 
 voice. My God, my 
 God, why hast 
 Thou forsaken 
 me ?" Matt, xxvii. 
 46. 
 
PSALM XXII. 
 
 31 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 He acknowledges 
 the rectitude of 
 God ; and pleads 
 His covenant rela- 
 tionship to Israel, 
 as a reason why He 
 should be heard. 
 
 He describes the 
 contempt in which 
 He is held by His 
 enemies ; their 
 cruel ridicule, and 
 bitter hatred ; yet 
 encourages Him- 
 self to hope in God, 
 by the remem- 
 brance of His mira- 
 culous birth and 
 preservation in in- 
 fancy. 
 
 He describes the 
 number, the power, 
 and the fierceness 
 of His enemies ; and 
 gives a minute and 
 pathetic account of 
 the aggravated suf- 
 ferings they inflict- 
 ed on Him. 
 
 Yet Thou art holy, who, enthroned,' 
 Art Israel's constant praise :^ 
 
 Our fathers' trust was not disowned 
 By Thee in ancient days. 
 
 3 
 They to Thy throne, in trouble, ran. 
 
 And Thou didst hear their cries :^ 
 But I'm a worm,^ and not a man. 
 
 Whom scornful men despise. 
 
 4 
 They laugh with scorn, they shake the 
 head,^ 
 They curl the lip, and sneer ; 
 " His trust was in the Lord, he said. 
 Now let his God appear." 
 
 5 
 But Thou art He who gave me life," 
 And made me hope in Thee: 
 
 leave me not a prey to strife,'^ 
 For none to help I see. 
 
 6 
 
 By many bulls* am I beset. 
 By bulls of Bashan® strong: 
 
 And roaring lions round me threat, 
 A fierce and ravening throng. 
 
 7 
 
 1 am like water'" poured away, 
 
 Sundered are all my bones : 
 My heart dissolves with sore dismay. 
 It melts with constant groans. 
 
 1 See F. & S. 
 
 2 Praise — 1. e. 
 " the sole object of 
 the praises of Thy 
 people."— F. & S. 
 
 ^ Ps. xcix. 6. 
 
 ^ I'm a worm — 
 " that is, weak and 
 despised, and trod- 
 den under foot as a 
 worm. ' He was 
 despised and re- 
 jected of men.' Is. 
 liii. 3."— Dr. B. 
 
 ^ " And they that 
 passed by reviled 
 Him, wagging their 
 heads, and saying. 
 He trusted in God, 
 let Him deliver him 
 now, if He will have 
 him ; for he said, I 
 am the Son of God." 
 Matt, xxvii. 39-43. 
 
 6Ps. Ixxi. 6: Is. 
 xlvi. 3. 
 
 7 Heb. V. 7. 
 
 8 Many bulls. — 
 " Horned beasts, 
 among the ancients, 
 were emblematical 
 of power, and may 
 be here descriptive 
 of the Jewish rulers 
 and Roman gover- 
 nor who conspired 
 against Jesus." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
 9 Bashan. — Cele- 
 brated for the size 
 of its cattle. 
 
 '" Like water. — 
 See 2 Sam. xiv. 14. 
 " We are as water 
 spilled on the 
 ground, which can- 
 not be gathered 
 again." 
 
32 
 
 PSALM xxn. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 He renews His 
 prayer for the pre- 
 sence of God, and 
 prays that He may 
 be delivered from 
 the power of death 
 and the grave. 
 
 ScconU ^^art. 
 
 Messiah declares 
 His pwpose of 
 making known, af- 
 ter His resun-ec- 
 tion, the name and 
 the praise of God. 
 
 8 
 My strength is like a potsherd' dry, 
 
 My tongiie^ cleaves to my jaws: 
 And in the dust of death I lie, 
 
 Hated without a cause. 
 
 9 
 
 For dogs/ the wicked round me glare, 
 My hands and feet they pierce :* 
 
 And whilst I count my bones, they stare 
 At me with visage fierce. 
 
 10 
 
 They part* my garments, and by lot, 
 
 My vesture they divide : 
 O Thou, my God, forsake me not. 
 
 But near my soul abide. 
 
 11 
 
 Save me from man's destructive sword. 
 
 From dogs my life" redeem : 
 From mouths of lions fierce, O Lord, 
 
 From danger so extreme. 
 
 12 
 
 T TO my brethren' will declare 
 -'- Thy name. Thy praise proclaim : 
 All ye who fear the Lord,* prepare 
 To glorify His name. 
 
 13 
 
 For He hath not despised the cries 
 The' afflicted One preferred : 
 
 Nor hid® His face, nor scorned his sighs. 
 But when he cried, He heard. 
 
 • Potsherd. — " He 
 compares Himself 
 to an earthen vessel, 
 the moisture of 
 which is entirely 
 consumed by the 
 heat of the fur- 
 nace." — Walfokd. 
 
 » Tongue, &c.— 
 " Jesus, that the 
 Scripture might be 
 fiUfilled, saith, I 
 thirst." John xix. 
 28. 
 
 3 Dogs. — Unclean 
 animals, held in 
 abhorrence by the 
 Jews. The Roman 
 soldiers ai-e pro- 
 bably referred to. 
 
 * Luke xxiii. 33. 
 
 5 T/iey part, &c. 
 — • " Then the sol- 
 diei'S, when they 
 had crucified Jesus, 
 took His garments, 
 and made four 
 parts, to every sol- 
 dier a part," &c. 
 John xix. 23, 24. 
 
 ^Mi/ life.— Eng. 
 tr., my darling, 
 " Heb. mine only 
 one — i. e. the pos- 
 session which is 
 most dear, and now 
 alone remains to 
 me. Job ii. 4." — 
 F. & S. 
 
 ' Our Lord refers 
 to this when he 
 says, " And I have 
 declared unto them 
 Thy name, and will 
 declare it." John 
 xvii. 26. Compare 
 also Heb. ii. 12. 
 
 8 Rom. XV. 10. 
 
 9 Nor kid, &c.— 
 " I am not alone, 
 because the Father 
 is with me." John 
 xvi. 32. 
 
PSALM XXII. 
 
 33 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 He foretells the 
 " glory which 
 
 should follow" His 
 deep humiliation, 
 when the everlast- 
 ing gospel shall be 
 pi'oclaimed thro'- 
 out the world to all 
 kindreds and tribes 
 and people ; when 
 " the Lord shall be 
 King over the whole 
 earth, when there 
 shall be one Lord, 
 and His name one." 
 
 The benefits of the 
 gospel to be dis- 
 pensed alike to the 
 rich and the poor, 
 and the knowledge 
 of this great salva- 
 tion to be made 
 known to future 
 ages by the follow- 
 ers of Christ. 
 
 14 
 
 Wliere the great congregation' meet, 
 
 Obedient to Thy will, 
 There shall my lips Thy praise repeat, 
 
 And there my vows fulfil. 
 
 15 
 
 The poor" shall eat, and they shall be 
 Supplied with richest store ; 
 
 And all who hvmibly seek for Thee 
 Shall praise Thee evermore. 
 
 16 
 
 All nations this^ to mind shall call, 
 
 And turn unto the Lord: 
 The tribes of men shall prostrate fall, 
 
 And God shall be adored. 
 
 17 
 
 For then the kingdom* He shall sway. 
 The Lord alone shall reign: 
 
 His rule the heathen shall obey. 
 And earth be blest^ again. 
 
 18 
 The rich shall eat,'' in Him shall trust, 
 
 And bow before His sight: 
 And alF descending to the dust. 
 
 And I myself unite. 
 
 10 
 A holy seed® shall serve the Lord, 
 
 His offspring shall be known. 
 That shall, through every age,^ record 
 
 The mercies He hath shown. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' The great con- 
 gregation, or the 
 universal Christian 
 church. 
 
 2 The poor, &c. — 
 Tlie blessings of 
 the gospel are fre- 
 quently compared 
 to a sacrificial feast, 
 to which the poor 
 are especially in- 
 vited. 
 
 3 This— I.e. " the 
 deliverance of Mes- 
 siah froin the ma- 
 lice and power of 
 His enemies." — 
 F. & S. 
 
 ■< Ps. .\lvii. 8; 
 Chad. 21 ; Zech. 
 xiv. 9. 
 
 ^ Ps. Ix.xii. 17.— 
 " Men shall be 
 blessed in Him." 
 
 6 Ps. xlv. 12. 
 
 7 And all, &c.— 
 i. e. "all wlioare in 
 extreme want and 
 misery, and just 
 sinking under their 
 calamities." — • F. 
 & S. 
 
 " Ps. l.xxxvii. G. 
 
34 
 
 PSALM xxni. 
 
 Tlie Psalmist ex- 
 presses his confi- 
 dence in God's pro- 
 vidential care ; 
 
 and in His redeem- 
 ing and preserving 
 grace. 
 
 Hence he is enabled 
 to maintain his 
 mind in perfect 
 peace under the 
 most trying cir- 
 cumstances. 
 
 He refers his pre- 
 sent security and 
 happiness to the 
 bounty and care of 
 God; 
 
 and expresses his 
 confidence that this 
 goodness will prove 
 eternal. 
 
 PSALM XXIII. 
 
 C. M. 
 
 There is strong reason to believe that this exquisite ode was com- 
 posed by David whilst he kept his father's flocks. From the 
 circumstance referred to in the last line of the fourth stanza, 
 wemayinfer that it was written after Samuel had anointed him.' 
 
 1 
 
 rpHE Lord/ my Shepherd, will supply 
 
 -*- My every want, I know; 
 
 He makes me m green pastures^ lie, 
 
 Wliere quiet waters flow, 
 o 
 'Tis He* restores me when I stray, 
 
 And, for His mercy's sake, 
 Directs my erring feet the way 
 
 Of righteousness to take. 
 3 
 Though through the vale of death^ I tread, 
 
 No evil will I fear; 
 Thy presence shall dispel my dread, 
 
 Thy rod and staff*' shall cheer. 
 4 
 Thou, in the presence of the foe. 
 
 My table^ dost appoint; 
 Dost make my cup to overflow, 
 
 My head with oil anoint. 
 5 
 Goodness and mercy^ will preside 
 
 O'er all my fiitui'e days ; 
 And in Thy house shall I abide, 
 
 To sing Thine endless praise. 
 
 See 1 Sam. x. 1. 
 
 2 " 1 am the good 
 Shepherd, and 
 know my sheep, 
 and am known of 
 mine." John x. 14. 
 
 3 Green pastures, 
 still waters, and the 
 watchful care of 
 the shepherd, in- 
 clude every thing 
 requisite to the 
 welfare of a flock. 
 
 "Matt. xviU. 11. 
 
 ■'' Vale of death — • 
 i.e." in regions dark 
 and gloomy as the 
 grave, where I .am 
 exposed to con- 
 tinual and extreme 
 danger."— P. ^ S. 
 
 6 Ezek. XX. 37 ; 
 Micali vii. 14. 
 
 ' " David here re- 
 presents himself as 
 blessed with plenty, 
 and treated with 
 distinguished ho- 
 nour, as a guest at 
 God's table. See 
 Luke vii. 46." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
 8 " Experience of 
 goodness and mercy 
 begets an assurance 
 of their being con- 
 tinued to the end ; 
 for nothing can 
 separate us from 
 the love of Christ, 
 if we do not separ- 
 ate ourselves from 
 it." — Bp. HORNE. 
 
PSALM XXIV. 
 
 35 
 
 The Creator's do- 
 minion over the 
 whole earth ae- 
 Itnowledged ; and 
 the inquiry made, 
 Who shall approach 
 Him with accept- 
 ance? 
 
 The character of 
 God's acceptable 
 worshippers de- 
 clared. 
 
 Entrance is de- 
 manded for the 
 King of Glory into 
 His temple. 
 
 PSALM XXIV. 
 
 L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 (The last verse paraphi-ased.) 
 
 ' The bringing of the ark of God to Mount Zion by David,' gave 
 
 occasion to this psalm." — Bishop Looth. 
 ' The ascension of our Lord into heaven is represented by the 
 
 carrying of the ark up to Mount Zion." — Travell. 
 
 rpHE world,^ with all that it contains, 
 -^ Belongs to its Creator, God; 
 Earth's lofty hills and ample plains 
 He raised above the mighty flood: 
 Wlio shall Jehovah's hill ascend,^ 
 Or in His holy temple bend } 
 
 2 
 
 ^Vhose hands are clean,* whose heart is 
 pure. 
 
 Whose soul to idols doth not cleave,^ 
 This man the blessing® shall secure, 
 
 And righteousness from God receive: 
 This is the highly-favoured race 
 Who seek the God of Jacob's face. 
 
 Lift up your heads, ye gates !'' Lift high. 
 Ye everlasting doors, your heads ! 
 
 The King of glory now draws nigh. 
 And near your sacred threshold treads ! 
 
 "Who can this King of glory be ? 
 
 Jehovah, — God of Hosts ! — 'tis He ! 
 
 1 1 Chron. xv. 
 
 2 With great pro- 
 priety were the Is- 
 raelites reminded 
 on this occasion 
 that Jeliovah was 
 the God of the 
 whole earth, al- 
 though His peculiar 
 dwelling-place was 
 Mount Zion. Com- 
 pare 1 Kings, viii. 
 27, and Acts vii. 
 49, 50. 
 
 3 Ps. KV. 1. 
 
 " Ps. XV. 2. 
 
 5 " Without these 
 qualifications, it is 
 utterly vain for 
 men to expect that 
 their prayers and 
 services will be 
 accepted by a holy 
 and righteous God." 
 F. & S. 
 
 s The blessing — 
 i. e. the blessing be- 
 stowed on Abra- 
 ham, and promised 
 to all his believing 
 seed; the blessing 
 of justification by 
 faith, expressed in 
 the next line by the 
 word righteousness. 
 
 J' The carrying 
 up of the ark to 
 Mount Zion was, as 
 Bishop Home ob- 
 serves, emblemati- 
 cal of the ascension 
 of Messiah, and 
 His triumphant en- 
 trance into His 
 heavenly temple. 
 
36 
 
 PSALM XXV. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The demand for 
 entrance into His 
 temple is repeated. 
 
 Jirst ^art. 
 
 The Psahnist ex- 
 presses his confi- 
 dence in God, and 
 implores His pro- 
 tection and guid- 
 ance. 
 
 Pleading the mercy 
 of God, he entreats 
 forgiveness ; and 
 encourages himself 
 to hope for this 
 
 Lift up your heads, ye gates ! Lift high, 
 Ye everlasting doors, your heads ! 
 
 The King of glory now draws nigh. 
 And near His' earthly temple treads ! 
 
 Who can this King of glory be ? 
 
 Immanuel, — God with us ; — 'tis He ! 
 
 PSALM XXV 
 
 The author of this instructive hymn, and the occasion on which it 
 was written, are alike unknown. It is the first of the alphabeti- 
 cal psalms— each verse beginning with a letter in the order of 
 the Hebrew alphabet. 
 
 rrO Thee, O Lord, I lift my soul;' 
 -*- My God, I trust alone in Thee : 
 Keep me from shame; my foes control, 
 Nor let them ti'iumph over me. 
 
 Show me Thy ways, teach me Thy fear, 
 Direct me in Thy truth, I jiray : 
 
 Thou God of my salvation, hear ! 
 On Thee I wait throughout the day. 
 
 Thy tender mercies, God of truth, 
 Thy loving kindness call to mind: 
 
 Remember not my sins in youth,^ 
 But let me grace and mercy find. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' See Mai. iii. 1. 
 The residence of 
 the ark on Mount 
 Zion was typical 
 also of Christ's 
 presence in the 
 Christian church. 
 
 2 Lift my soul. — 
 To lift up the soul 
 is a phrase expi'es- 
 sive of worship. In 
 Ps. xxiv. 4, the 
 true worshipper of 
 God is described as 
 one " who hath not 
 lifted up his soul 
 unto vanity," or, 
 ratlier, " to idols." 
 See also Ps. Ixxxvi. 
 4 ; and cxliii. 8. 
 
 ^ Sins in youth.— 
 Thus Job (xiii. 26) 
 complains " Thou 
 makest me to pos- 
 sess the iniquities of 
 my youth," i. e. the 
 punishment due to 
 tliem. 
 
PSALM XXV. 
 
 37 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 blessing by the con- 
 sideration of God's 
 gracious ciiaractei', 
 and His Isnown be- 
 nevolence. 
 
 ScconU ^art. 
 
 He describes the 
 privileges of those 
 who fear the Lord : 
 they enjoy divine 
 guidance, temporal 
 prosperity, the 
 
 knowledge of His 
 will, and all the 
 blessings of His 
 covenant. 
 
 Under the pressure 
 of increasing trou- 
 bles, he fervently 
 supplicates divme 
 aid; 
 
 Gracious and upright is the Lord:' 
 His way to sinners He will teach ; 
 
 His guidance to the meek aftbrd, 
 Who His directing grace beseech. 
 
 5 
 
 On such as in His covenant stay, 
 Mercy and truth unchanging wait: 
 
 For Thy name's sake, O Lord, I pray. 
 Pardon my sin, for it is great.^ 
 
 TTTHAT man is he that fears the Lord?' 
 ' ' Him will he teach His ways to tread : 
 Peace to his soul will God award, 
 
 And cause his seed on earth to spread. 
 
 7 
 The secrets* of His will to those 
 
 Who fear His name, the Lord reveals ; 
 To them His holy covenant^ shows, 
 
 Which from the wicked He conceals. 
 
 8 
 Mine eyes are ever turned to Thee ; 
 
 Lord, pluck my feet out of the net ; 
 Turn Thou in mercy unto me. 
 
 Nor mine afflicted soul forget, 
 
 9 
 
 The troubles of my heart increase, 
 O bring me out of my distress ! 
 
 From pain and sorrow grant release, 
 And with Thy pardoning mercy bless. 
 
 ' Pb. cxix. 68 ; Is. 
 xxvi. 7. 
 
 2 For it is great. — 
 " Because my ini- 
 quity admits not of 
 extenuation or ex- 
 cuse, I urge, as my 
 only plea for forgive- 
 ness, Thy known 
 attribute of mercy ." 
 — F. & S. See 
 Ezek. xxxvi. 22, 
 
 ^ Fears the Lord. 
 — Divine instruc- 
 tion and guidance 
 are the reward of 
 those who fear God. 
 Compare Ps. xix. 
 1 1 , and Pro v. xix. 
 23. 
 
 •• See Prov. iii. 32, 
 " His secret is with 
 the righteous." 
 
 This implies friend- 
 ship and intimate 
 communion. Com- 
 pare also John vii. 
 17. 
 
 5 Holy covenant. 
 — " This is the 
 covenant that I will 
 make with the 
 house of Israel, 
 saith the Lord ; I 
 will put my laws 
 into their mind, and 
 write them in their 
 hearts ; and I will 
 be to them a God, 
 and they shall bo to 
 me a people," &c. 
 See Heb. viii. 10. 
 
38 
 
 PSALM XXVI. 
 
 and concludes by 
 praying that truth 
 and uprightness 
 may preserve him ; 
 and that God's 
 people may be de- 
 livered from all 
 their troubles. 
 
 The Psalmist, suf- 
 fering under the 
 lalse accusations of 
 his enemies, ex- 
 presses his confi- 
 dence in God, and 
 solicits His judg- 
 ment. 
 
 He declai-es his 
 aversion from the 
 society of the un- 
 godly, and his de- 
 light in the sacred 
 exercises of the 
 sanctuary. 
 
 10 
 Consider, Lord, the cruel hate 
 
 Of my innumerable foes : 
 O keep my soul;' on Thee 1 Avait; 
 
 Save me, on Thee my hopes repose. 
 11 
 Let truth and uprightness afford 
 
 Safety to me who wait on Thee: 
 And let Thine Israel,^ gracious Lord, 
 
 Be set from all his troubles free. 
 
 PSALM XXVL 
 
 It is generally agreed that this psalm was composed on account 
 of some injurious charge brought against David by some of 
 Saul's courtiers." — Dimock. 
 
 1 
 
 JUDGE me, O Lord!^ for I've displayed 
 ^ Integrity, and now confide 
 Only in Thee, my God, for aid; 
 
 Therefore my footsteps shall not slide. 
 2 
 Examine me, O Lord ! and prove. 
 
 And try my reins^ and inmost heart; 
 Before mine eyes I set Thy love,* 
 
 Nor from Thy truth my feet dejiiart. 
 3 
 Not with vain persons® have I sat; 
 
 I with dissemblers go not in ; 
 The host of evil doers hate. 
 
 Nor sit wdth those who love to sin. 
 
 ' Ps. 
 cxxi. 7. 
 
 - Thine Israel. — 
 The Psalmist fre- 
 quently concludes 
 petitions on liis 
 own account by a 
 prayer for all God's 
 people. See Psalm 
 xxviii. 9 ; li. 18, 19 ; 
 and cxxii. 
 
 ^ It is in reference 
 to the false charges 
 of his enemies that 
 David here suppli- 
 cates the judgment 
 of God. In refer- 
 ence to God him- 
 self, he prays, 
 " Enter not into 
 judgment with Thy 
 servant, O Lord !" 
 See Ps. cxliii. 2. 
 
 "i My rems — i. e. 
 my inmost affec- 
 tions. 
 
 5 Thy love. —OxAy 
 those who fix their 
 minds on the love 
 of God, can pray, 
 " Examine me, O 
 Lord." 
 
 s Vahi persons — 
 i. e. faithless and 
 wicked men. See 
 Jer. ii. T). 
 
PSALM XXVII. 
 
 39 
 
 The necessity of 
 purity both of heart 
 and life, in order to 
 our worship being 
 acceptable with the 
 Holy One. 
 
 Jtrst ^art. 
 
 The Psalmist ex- 
 presses his confi- 
 dence in the guar- 
 dian care of God ; 
 
 I wash' my hands in innocence, 
 
 And thus approach Thine altar, Lord ; 
 
 Publish my loud thanksgivings thence, 
 And spread thy wondrous works abroad. 
 
 Thy habitation, and the place 
 
 Wlierein Thy glory^ dwells, I love: 
 
 Gather my soul not, God of grace, 
 With sinners, when I hence remove. 
 
 6 
 
 Mischief and bribes their hands disgrace ; 
 
 I walk in mine integrity : 
 My foot stands in an even place f 
 
 O Lord, I give the praise to Thee. 
 
 PSALM XXVIL 
 
 Composed by David during a season of persecution, probably from 
 Saul. It consists of two parts, praise being the subject of the 
 first, and prayer of the second. 
 
 7 EHOVAH is my light,' 
 
 ^ And my salvation* near ; 
 
 Who shall my soul affright. 
 
 Or raise in me a fear } 
 
 While God'' my strength, my life sustains, 
 
 In perfect peace my soul remains. 
 
 ' I tvash, &c. — It 
 was a custom among 
 the Jews always to 
 wash before prayer; 
 the Psalmist de- 
 clares his convic- 
 tion that without 
 inward purity, all 
 outward ablutions 
 are vain. 
 
 2 Thy glory. — See 
 F. & S. The allu- 
 sion appears to be 
 to the ark, the 
 symbol of the divine 
 presence. Compare 
 Ps. Ixxviii. 61. 
 
 3 An even place — 
 i. e. " I stand se- 
 cui'ely, like one 
 whose feet are on 
 level ground." 
 
 ■* Light is an 
 emblem of know- 
 ledge (see Ps. oxix. 
 130; Matt. iv. 10); 
 of holiness (see 1 
 John i. 5) ; and of 
 joy (see Micah vii. 
 7, 8). 
 
 5 E.xod. XV. 2 ; Is. 
 xii. 2. 
 
 6 Ps. cxviii. G ; 
 Rom. viii. 31. 
 
40 
 
 PSALM XXVII. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 and records his 
 experience of the 
 divine goodness, in 
 a season of immi- 
 nent peril. 
 
 He declares his 
 cliief delight to be 
 in the worship of 
 Jehovah ; and ex- 
 presses his desire 
 ever to dwell in His 
 presence. 
 
 Seconal ^art. 
 
 He implores a con- 
 tinuance of the 
 divine protection, 
 and guidance : 
 
 When wicked men, with power, 
 
 Came on, and all my foes, 
 Impatient to devour,' 
 
 They stumbled, fell, nor rose : 
 Though countless hosts beset me round. 
 Still shall my confidence abound. 
 3 
 One tiling^ have I desired, 
 For this to God I pray. 
 For evermore, untired. 
 
 Within His house to stay : 
 To see the beauty^ of the Lord, 
 Enquire His will, and hear His word. 
 4 
 In times of trouble, I, 
 
 In His pavilion,* hide ; 
 Safe in His tent I lie. 
 And on a rock abide : 
 i\.bove my foes He lifts my head. 
 And I delight His praise to spread. 
 5 
 T ORD, hear me when I pray, 
 -*-^ Attend, and answer me : 
 Soon as I heard Thee say, 
 " Seek' ye my face,"" to Thee 
 My heart replied, with pleasure meek, 
 " Thy face, Jehovah, will I seek." 
 6 
 Put not, in wrath, away 
 
 Thy servant from Thy face ; 
 Oft hast Thou been my stay. 
 Leave me not, God of grace ; 
 
 1 To (Irvotir. — 
 " This expresses 
 the utmost malice 
 of his enemies, as- 
 sailing him witli the 
 fury of wild l^easts." 
 — Manx. See Ps. 
 iii. 7 ; xxii. 13. 
 
 2 Luke 
 xviii. 22. 
 
 42; 
 
 3 Beauty. — " By 
 ' the beauty of the 
 Lord,' lie means the 
 cheering counte- 
 nance of God, 
 whose presence was 
 more conspicuously 
 manifested in His 
 temple." Edwauds. 
 See Ps. xc. 17. 
 
 '* Pavilion — tent 
 — 7-ock. ■ — All these 
 expressions are 
 figurative, and con- 
 vey an idea of the 
 security afforded by 
 the divine protec- 
 tion. See Ps. xci. 1. 
 
 ■'• Ps. cv. 4 ; Is. Iv. 
 
 G, 7. 
 
 6 Face. — By the 
 face of God we are 
 to understand the 
 divine favovir. Com- 
 pare Job xxxiii. 26, 
 with Ps. xxxiv. 16. 
 
PSALM xxvni. 
 
 41 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 expresses his confi- 
 dence in the un- 
 changing faithful- 
 ness of God ; 
 
 and, from his own 
 experience, encou- 
 rages all afflicted 
 believers to wait 
 patiently for the 
 Lord. 
 
 The Psalmist soli- 
 cits God to attend 
 to his supplication. 
 
 Should both my parents' me forsake, 
 The Lord my soul His care will make. 
 
 7 
 Teach^ me, O Lord, Thy will. 
 And in a plain path guide. 
 Nor let my foes fulfil 
 
 Their pui'poses of pride: 
 False witnesses^ against me rise, 
 Who breathe^ out cruelty and lies. 
 
 Unless my trust had been. 
 
 When threatened by their spite. 
 Thy goodness to have seen, 
 I should have fainted quite : 
 Wait on the Lord f be firm thy heart, 
 And He shall strength to thee impart. 
 
 PSALM XXVHL 
 
 SEVENS. 6 LINES. 
 
 This psalm was probably composed by David, when set free from 
 the treachery of the Keilites and Ziphites.6 
 
 T ORD, to Thee, my Rock, I cry : 
 ^-^ Be not silent^ to my breath; 
 Lest, if Thou be silent, I 
 
 Be like those consigned to death : 
 Hear me, when I lift my hands, 
 Where Thy holy temple^ stands. 
 
 ' Parents. — 
 " Should all earthly 
 dependencies fail 
 me, the Lord would 
 take me under His 
 care." — Patrick. 
 See Hab. iii. 17, 18. 
 
 2 Ps.xxv. 4; cxliii. 
 8-10. 
 
 ^ False witnesses. 
 — " As this passage 
 is strictly propheti- 
 cal of the Messiah, 
 much light is 
 thrown on it by 
 Mark xiv. -56." — 
 Dr. Kennicott. 
 
 1 Acts ix. \. 
 
 5 Hab. ii. 3. 
 
 6 1 Sam. xxxiii. 
 
 7 Be not silent. — ■ 
 " To be silent, 
 when one calls or 
 prays, is to neglect 
 him, and marks dis- 
 pleasure." — Dr. B. 
 
 8 Holy temple — 
 Heb . Holy oracle — 
 i. e. the holy of 
 holies, where was 
 the ark, from which 
 God spoke to the 
 people. See Numb, 
 vii. 8,9. The lifting 
 up of the hands is 
 expressive of so ■ 
 lemn prayer. See 
 Ps. l.xviii. 31. 
 
42 
 
 PSALM XXIX. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 He prays that he 
 may not be seduced 
 to imitate the exam- 
 ple of the wicked : 
 
 foretells the de- 
 struction of all who 
 disregard the work 
 of the Lord ; 
 
 and concludes by 
 expressing his joy 
 and confidence in 
 God ; and by im- 
 ploring blessings on 
 His people. 
 
 The Psalmist calls 
 upon the highest of 
 created beings to 
 adore the majesty 
 of Jehovah, as dis- 
 played in a storm of 
 thunder and light- 
 
 Let me not' be drawn away, 
 
 Lord, with those who practise sin ; 
 Who with words of peace betray. 
 
 Hiding mischief deep within : 
 On them let their deeds revert, 
 Render to them their desert. 
 
 3 
 Since they disregard^ Thy works, 
 
 Slight the wonders of Thy hands, 
 Lo ! for them destruction lurks, 
 
 Ruin near them waiting stands : 
 Lord, I bless Thee, and rejoice, 
 Thou^ hast heard my praying voice. 
 
 4 
 Lord, Thou art my strength and shield,^ 
 
 Trusting Thee I help have found; 
 Hence my heart and lips shall yield 
 
 Songs that shall Thy praise resound ; 
 Save Thy people,^ Lord, and send 
 Blessings on them without end. 
 
 PSALM XXIX. 
 
 Composed by David, on occasion of some remai-kable thunder- 
 storm. 
 
 1 SCRIBE to Jehovah, ye angels of light,® 
 
 ■^ Ascribe to Jehovah all gloiy and might ; 
 
 Ascribe the praise due to his greatness alone, 
 
 And bow, in your garments^ of light, at 
 
 His throne. 
 
 ' Let me not, &c. 
 — Bishop Horsley 
 thus renders the 
 passage, and con- 
 siders it as a prayer 
 of the Psalmistthat 
 he may not be se- 
 duced by the en- 
 ticements of the 
 wicked. 
 
 2 Compare Is. v. 
 
 12. 
 
 ^ See Ps. cxvi. 1. 
 
 ■• See Ps. xviii. 
 1, 2. 
 
 ^ Save thy people. 
 — This psalm, like 
 many others, con- 
 cludes with a prayer 
 for the prosperity 
 of the church of 
 God. See Psalms 
 x.xv. li. and cxxii. 
 
 6 Heb. Ye sons of 
 the mighty — i. e. in- 
 habitants of hea- 
 ven. Compare Ps. 
 l.xx.vix. 6. 
 
 ^ Heb. Holy orna- 
 ments. — The " holy 
 garments for glory 
 and for beauty," 
 worn by the priests, 
 would naturally 
 suggest this idea to 
 the Psalmist. See 
 Exod. xxviii. See 
 F. & S. 
 
PSALM XXX. 
 
 43 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 ning, the effects of 
 which are power- 
 fully described. 
 
 His supreme domi- 
 nion displayed in 
 controlling the fury 
 of the elements. 
 
 ThePsalmist adores 
 the goodness of God, 
 who had restored 
 him to health and 
 prosperity. 
 
 The voice of Jehovah" the waters controls ; 
 His glory the thunder proclaims as it rolls : 
 Above the dark waters^ He sits, throned in 
 
 light, 
 His voice is majestic, and awfiil in might. 
 
 3 
 
 The cedars of Lebanon, lofty though grown, 
 The voice of Jehovah has oft overthrown ; 
 Dread flashes declare that His thunders are 
 
 near, 
 The wilderness trembles, the hinds calve 
 
 with fear. 
 
 4 
 Through heaven* the thunders His glory 
 
 display, 
 He sitteth enthroned, and the waters obey : 
 Jehovah sits King, and though floods may 
 
 increase, 
 Gives strength* to His people, and crowns 
 
 them with peace. 
 
 PSALM XXX. 
 
 A thanksgiving ode for deliverance ft-om sickness : composed by 
 David, probably when the plague was stayed.' 
 
 T ORD, I extol Thee with my voice,® 
 -^-^ By Thee exalted high : 
 No foes' against me now rejoice. 
 For Thou hast heard my cry. 
 
 ' The voice of 
 Jehovah — i. e. the 
 thunder. See Job 
 xxxvii. 2-5. 
 
 ^ Dark waters — 
 i. e. the clouds. 
 Torrents of rain 
 usually follow the 
 shock of thunder- 
 clouds. Thus Jere- 
 miah, X. 13, "When 
 He uttereth His 
 voice, there is a 
 multitude of waters 
 in the heavens." 
 Compare also Job 
 xxxviii. 34. Psalm 
 cxxxv. 7. 
 
 ^ Through heaven. 
 F. & S. render this 
 passage " Through- 
 out His dwelling- 
 place it (i. e. the 
 thunder) proclaim- 
 eth His glory." 
 
 I Is. xl. 29. 
 
 ' Comp. 1 Chron. 
 xxi. 26, withxxii. 1. 
 
 •i Ps. xxxiv. 1. 
 
 '' Ps. XXV. 2. 
 
44 
 
 PSALM XXX. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 He invites all the 
 saints to unite in 
 praising Him who 
 delights in mercy. 
 
 He records His past 
 experience. His 
 prosperity and con- 
 fidence. 
 
 His affliction and 
 trouble. 
 
 His fervent prayer 
 to be preserved 
 from death, and 
 restored to pros- 
 perity. 
 
 Me from the grave' hast Thou restored, 
 From death, from deep distress : 
 
 Sing unto God,^ ye saints, record. 
 With thanks, His holiness. 
 
 3 
 
 His wrath doth but a moment last, 
 
 His favours^ life delight : 
 In weeping though the night be past, 
 
 Joy* comes with morning light. 
 
 4 
 
 In my prosperity,* I said, 
 
 " This always will endure ; 
 Thou, by thy favour. Lord, hast made 
 
 My mountain® to stand sure." 
 
 But Thou didst hide thy face,' and I 
 
 Was troubled, till to Thee 
 I raised my supplicating cry 
 
 From death to set me free. 
 
 6 
 What profit in my blood* is there, 
 
 When to the pit I go } 
 Shall the dust praise Thee,^ and declare 
 
 Thy truth and gi'ace below .'' 
 
 Hear, Lord ! in mercy grant me aid. 
 Nor let me longer mourn : 
 
 My flesh, in sackcloth'" long arrayed, 
 Let gladness now adorn. 
 
 ' Me from the 
 grave. — " His life 
 was nearly gone, 
 but God had re- 
 storedhim." Dr. B. 
 
 - David here calls 
 on the people to 
 adore the holiness 
 of God, displayed by 
 His punishing sin, 
 and to thank Him 
 for having remov- 
 ed the judgment. 
 Compare Is. liv. 7,8. 
 
 ^ His favours, &c. 
 — Dr. B. renders 
 this passage, " His 
 favour continueth 
 through life." 
 
 ^ Ps. cxxvi. 5. 
 5 Job xxix. 18. 
 
 6 Ml/ mountain. — 
 The meaning of this 
 is, that God had, by 
 His favour, firmly 
 established David's 
 power. 
 
 7 Thou didst hide 
 Thy face — i. e. Thou 
 withdrewest Thy 
 favour, and then all 
 my prosperity va- 
 nished. See Psalm 
 xxvii. 9. 
 
 8 In my hlood — 
 i. e. in taking away 
 my life. 
 
 9 Thus Hezekiah 
 urged, " The grave 
 cannot praise Thee, 
 Death cannot cele- 
 brate Thee." Is. 
 xxxviii. 19. 
 
 >" In sackcJoth. — 
 Compare 1 Chron. 
 xxi. 16, " David and 
 the elders, clothed 
 in sackcloth, fell 
 upon their faces." 
 
PSALM XXXI. 
 
 45 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 His desire to praise 
 God eternally. 
 
 JFirst ^art. 
 
 David, who was 
 eminently a type of 
 Chi-ist, in the per- 
 secutions and suf- 
 ferings he endured 
 previous to his ex- 
 altation, beseeches 
 God to gi'ant him 
 deliverance, since 
 all his reliance was 
 placed on Him 
 alone. 
 
 He rejoices in past 
 experience of di- 
 vine mercy. 
 
 That thus my tongue' Thy praise may sing, 
 
 And Thee, my God, adore ; 
 To Thee the grateful tribute bring 
 
 Of praise for evermore. 
 
 PSALM XXXI. 
 
 L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 Bishop Patrick thinks that this Psalm was composed by David 
 when he escaped from Keilah.2 A portion of it was recited by 
 our Saviour on the cross. 
 
 1 
 
 r\ LORD,' I put my trust in Thee, 
 ^-^ Let me not be ashamed,* I pray ; 
 In righteousness deliver me. 
 
 And bow Thine ear to what I say: 
 Speedily save me, and be Thou 
 My rock* and house of refuge now. 
 
 2 
 Rescue me from the net concealed, 
 
 Laid by my foes, where safety seemed; 
 Into Thine hand," O Lord, I yield 
 
 My spirit, which Thou hast redeemed: 
 Who idols worship^ Thou dost hate; 
 I trust in God, on Him I wait. 
 
 3 
 I in Thy mercy will rejoice, 
 
 Thou hast considered all my woes; 
 In trouble made my soul Thy choice, 
 
 Nor shut me up unto my foes : 
 My foot stands in a spacious place,* 
 Delivered by surprising grace. 
 
 I My 
 Heb., mi/ glory. 
 The tongue is the 
 glory of man, as it 
 distinguishes him 
 from all terrestrial 
 beings, and is pecu- 
 liarly the organ of 
 the mind. 
 
 2 1 Sam. xxiii. 
 
 3 Compare Ps. 
 Ixxi. 1-4. 
 
 "• Ashamed. — Da- 
 vid would have suf- 
 fered shame had his 
 trust in God been 
 disappointed. 
 
 ' My rock. — David 
 had fled to a strong- 
 hold in a rock ; but 
 he did not trust in 
 it, but in Jehovah, 
 to save him. — 
 B. C.B. 
 
 * Into Thine hand, 
 &C.- — " And when 
 Jesus had cried 
 with a loud voice, 
 he said. Father, into 
 Thy hands I com- 
 mend my spirit ; 
 and having said 
 thus, he gave up the 
 ghost." See Luke 
 xxiii. 46. 
 
 7 Dr. B. renders 
 this passage," Thou 
 hatest those who 
 worship vain idols." 
 
 8 A spacious place. 
 — The Psalmist 
 here contrasts his 
 present freedom 
 with the straits to 
 which he had been 
 confined in Keilah. 
 
46 
 
 PSALM XXXI. 
 
 He earnestly sup- 
 plicates the inter- 
 position of the Al- 
 mighty to deliver 
 him from his pre- 
 sent troubles and 
 persecutions, which 
 he pathetically de- 
 scribes. 
 
 He again declares 
 his confidence in 
 God, and his resig- 
 nation to the divine 
 will : and renews his 
 supplications that 
 God would inter- 
 pose on his behalf, 
 and cover his ene- 
 mies with shame. 
 
 Assured that his 
 prayers are heard, 
 he exults in the 
 goodness of the 
 Lordjwhich ensures 
 
 TTAVE mercy' on me, Lord, I pray, 
 -'-'■ For I with trouble am consumed; 
 My life with grief I sigh away, 
 
 Year after year to sorrow doomed: 
 My strength will fail if Thou delay. 
 And all my bones with grief decay. 
 
 5 
 Reproached and scorned by all my foes, 
 
 By mine acquaintance di'eaded, I, 
 Like a dead man, w^hom no one knows, 
 
 Or like a broken vessel,^ lie ; 
 Whilst they, in secret, counseP take, 
 My life their certain prey to make. 
 
 6 
 But I have trusted. Lord, in Thee ; 
 
 Thou art my God: my times,* I know, 
 Are in Thy hand, deliver me 
 
 From every persecuting foe : 
 O make Thy face* on me to shine, 
 And save me by thy grace divine. 
 
 7 
 Let me not be ashamed, O Lord ! 
 
 For I have called on Thee to save; 
 On wicked men let shame be poured, 
 
 Let them be silent in the grave,® 
 Who utter grievous things, with pride. 
 Against the just, whom they deride. 
 
 8 
 TTOWgreatthe goodness Thouhast stored 
 J— ■- For those who fear and trust in Thee ! 
 They to Thy secret^ presence. Lord, 
 
 To Thy secure pavilion® flee : 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Have mercy, &c. 
 — Bishop Mant ob- 
 serves that " the 
 description in this 
 part of the psalm is 
 extremely pathetic ; 
 nor can it well fail 
 to bring to om- mind 
 the passion of our 
 blessed Saviour, of 
 which, indeed, it is 
 as correct a por- 
 trait as it is a vivid 
 representation of 
 extreme distress, 
 abandonment, and 
 persecution." 
 
 2 A broken vessel. 
 — An expressive 
 emblem of Him 
 concerning whom 
 we read, " He was 
 despised, and we 
 esteemed Him not." 
 Is. liii. 3. 
 
 3 Matt, xxvii. 1. 
 
 ^ My times — i. e. 
 " My times both of 
 persecution and de- 
 liverance, of sorrow 
 and joy, of life and 
 death, are in Thy 
 hand, and at Thy 
 disposal." — Dr. B. 
 
 5 Thy face, &c.— 
 i. e. cause me to 
 enjoy a conscious- 
 ness of thy favour. 
 
 ^ Compare 
 xciv. 17. 
 
 7 Ps. xci. 1. 
 5 Ps. xxvii. 5. 
 
PSALM XXXII. 
 
 47 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 the safety of all who 
 confide in Him ; and 
 offers the tribute of 
 grateful praise for 
 his deliverance. 
 
 He concludes by ex- 
 horting all believers 
 to love and to con- 
 fide in God. 
 
 JFtrst ^avt. 
 
 The Psalmist de- 
 clares the happiness 
 of " the man to 
 whom God imputes 
 righteousness with- 
 out works :" and 
 shows, by his own 
 experience, the ad- 
 vantages resulting 
 from an humble and 
 unreserved confes- 
 sion of sin to Him 
 against whom it has 
 been committed. 
 
 There, sheltered from the sinner's pride, 
 And strife of tongues, they safe abide. 
 
 9 
 Blest be the Lord ! for he hath shown^ 
 
 Kindness to me, and heard my cries: 
 For I had said, (in fear,^ I own,) 
 
 I'm banished from before Thine eyes : 
 Yet Thou didst hear my voice when I 
 Raised to Thy throne my earnest cry. 
 
 10 
 O love the Lord, all ye His saints, 
 
 Who keeps the faithful, and hath bowed 
 His ear once more to my complaints. 
 
 And amply recompensed the proud. ^ 
 Take coirrage, ye who trust the Lord, 
 And He will strength to vou afford. 
 
 PSALM XXXH. 
 
 Composed by David, after he had received pardon for his sin in 
 reference to Uriah and Bathsheba.'' 
 
 T)LEST'' is the man whom God forgives, 
 -■-^ To whom the Lord imputes not sin : 
 Covered*^ his guilt, by faith he lives. 
 
 Nor guile remains his heart within. 
 2 
 Whilst I kept silence,' all my bones 
 
 Waxed old,^ for bitterly I cried : 
 Thy heavy hand constrained my groans, 
 
 And summer's drought® my moisture 
 dried. 
 
 ' Shown, &c. — 
 " When David con- 
 sulted God, whether 
 the inhabitants of 
 Keilah would de- 
 liver him up. He 
 showed him distin- 
 guished liindnessin 
 revealing to Him 
 their intended trea- 
 chery." 1 Sam. 
 xxiii. 12. — Gkeen. 
 
 ^ In fear — not in 
 haste, as in the Bible 
 translation. Dr. B. 
 renders it, " m my 
 agitation." 
 
 3 Proud. — This 
 term is used here, 
 as in several other 
 passages, to desig- 
 nate wicked men 
 generally : whence 
 we may infer that 
 pride is the most 
 prominent feature 
 of impiety; as hu- 
 mility is of true 
 holiness. 
 
 ■• 2 Sam. xii. !.■). 
 
 5 Compare Rom. 
 iv. 7. 
 
 ^ Covered. — " So 
 as not to be remem- 
 bered against him." 
 — F. & S. 
 
 " Kept silence — 
 i. e. before I con- 
 fessed my sin to 
 God. 
 
 8 My bones waxed 
 old — i. e. my bodily 
 frame wasted away 
 through mental an- 
 guish. 
 
 3 Summer's drought. 
 — This metaphor 
 is beautiful : the 
 Psalmist compares 
 his wasting frame 
 to a plant witliering 
 away by the heat of 
 an eastern summer. 
 
48 
 
 PSALM XXXII. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 In the enjoyment 
 of pai'don, he ex- 
 presses his confi- 
 dence in Divine 
 protection. 
 
 Scconlj ^art. 
 
 The Almighty pro- 
 mises to be the 
 guide of those wlio 
 are justified by His 
 grace : 
 
 and warns them 
 not to be self-willed 
 and disobedient. 
 
 The wide difference 
 between the sinner 
 and the just ; 
 
 Then I acknowledged all my crimes, 
 Nor longer sought my guilt to hide, 
 
 My sins confessing, — and betimes 
 Thy pardoning mercy ' was applied. 
 
 4 
 For this- shall every godly soul 
 
 To Thee, when Thou art near,^ ^pply '■ 
 When floods* of mighty waters roll, 
 
 Surely to him they come not nigh. 
 
 5 
 
 Thou, Lord, who art my hiding-place,'^ 
 From trouble® wilt be my defence ; 
 
 Wilt compass me"" with songs of praise. 
 Recording Thy deliverance. 
 
 6 
 
 T WILL instruct thee, and preside 
 -■- Over the way® that thou shalt go. 
 Mine eye^ shall be thy constant guide, 
 And thou my righteous paths shalt know. 
 
 7 
 Be not ye as the horse or mule, 
 
 Whose mouths, with bit and bridle held, 
 Refuse to obey their master's rule. 
 
 Nor will approach unless compelled.'" 
 
 8 
 Sinners" shall many sorrows feel. 
 
 But mercy'^ shall surround the just: 
 Be glad,^^ ye righteous, nor conceal 
 
 Your joy, who make the Lord your trust. 
 
 See 2 Sam. xii. 
 
 2 Compare Ps. 
 cxxx. 4. 
 
 ^ See Is. Iv. 6. 
 
 ■> Floods, &c. — 
 This is an image 
 frequently employ- 
 ed to represent 
 great calamities. 
 See Ps. xviii. 17 ; 
 and Ixix. 1, 2. 
 
 ' See Is. xxxii. 2. 
 
 6 See Dr. B.'s 
 version. 
 
 " Compass me — 
 i. e. wilt surround 
 me with those mer- 
 cies which will call 
 forth songs of 
 praise. 
 
 8 See Ps. x.\v. 13. 
 
 3 The eye, being 
 the most expressive 
 organ of the mind, 
 is a suitable emblem 
 of intelligence and 
 wisdom ; the text, 
 therefore, promises 
 divine wisdom to 
 those who desire its 
 guidance. 
 
 'oSeeF.&S. ver- 
 sion. 
 
 " See Is. xlviii. 22. 
 12 See Ps. V. 12. 
 '3 Ph. iii. 1. 
 
PSALM XXXIII. 
 
 49 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 and the infinite wis- 
 dom with which He 
 governs the uni- 
 verse. 
 
 The happiness of 
 that people whose 
 God is the Lord. 
 
 JFtrst ^art. 
 
 The righteous are 
 called upon to 
 praise God with re- 
 joicing, on account 
 of His justice and 
 loving kindness ; 
 and to celebrate His 
 majesty and power, 
 as displayed in the 
 work of creation ; 
 
 PSALM XXXIII. 
 
 L. M. G LINES. 
 
 This sublime hymn of praise is generally supposed to have been 
 composed by David, but on what occasion it is not ascertained. 
 It celebrates the creation, and providence of God. 
 
 "DEJOICE/ ye righteous, in the Lord, 
 ^^ His praise^ 'tis comely to record: 
 For every word of God is right. 
 And truth,^ in all His works, shines bright : 
 Judgment* and righteousness He loves, 
 And the whole earth His goodness* proves. 
 
 2 
 Lo ! by His word*^ the heavens were made, 
 His breath their countless hosts' arrayed: 
 He gathers ocean® as a heap, 
 In storehouses lays up the deep ; 
 Let all the earth the Lord adore! 
 Let all the nations stand in awe ! 
 
 3 
 He spake,® — 'twas done: at His command 
 Creation rose, and firm doth stand: 
 He thwarts the counsels^" of the wise. 
 And brings to nought what men devise : 
 His counsel'^ stands for ever sure, 
 His thoughts from age to age endure. 
 
 4 
 T)LEST is the nation where the Lord 
 -^ Is known,'^ and reverently adored; 
 Chosen to be His portion,'^ who. 
 From heaven, the sons of men doth view : 
 Fashions their hearts alike,'* and still 
 Marks all their actions,'* good or ill. 
 
 H 
 
 ' Phil. iii. 1. 
 2 Ps. cxlvii. 1. 
 
 ^ Truth — i. e., 
 faithfulness. 
 
 1 Ps. xxxvii. 30. 
 
 5 Ps. cxix. 64 ; Is. 
 vi. 3. 
 
 6 See Gen. i. 
 
 7 Is. xl. 26. 
 
 8 Hi' gathers 
 ocean, &c. — " And 
 God said. Let the 
 waters under the 
 heaven be gathered 
 together unto one 
 place, and let the 
 dry land apjjear : 
 and it was so." — 
 Gen. i. 9. 
 
 s He spa/re, &c. — 
 " And God said. 
 Let there be light : 
 and there was 
 light." Gen. i. 3. 
 
 10 1 Cor. iii. 20. 
 
 " Hi's counsel. — 
 The contrast be- 
 tween divine and 
 human counsels is 
 here very striking. 
 
 i2Ps. cxlvii. 19,20. 
 
 '3 His portion. — 
 " The Lord's por 
 tion is His people." 
 Deut. xxxii. 9. 
 
 i< Prov. xxii. 2. 
 
 '5 " By Him ac 
 tions are weighed." 
 1 Sam. ii. 3. 
 
50 
 
 PSALM XXXIV. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The insecurity of 
 those wlio rely on 
 an arm of flesh, con- 
 trasted with the 
 safety of the be- 
 liever. 
 
 jPtrst ^nrt. 
 
 David declares liis 
 resolution to praise 
 God constantly, and 
 invites others to 
 unite with him. 
 
 For their encou- 
 ragement, he re- 
 cords his own expe- 
 I'ience of the divine 
 goodness. 
 
 No king^ is saved by countless hosts : 
 Vainly of strength^ the mighty boasts ; 
 Behold, the eyes of God/ on those 
 Who fear Him, constantly repose; 
 Their souls He saves, and keeps alive, 
 And they, in times of famine,* thrive. 
 
 () 
 Our waiting souls^ on God rely. 
 He is our shield*' and helper nigh : 
 In Him rejoicing, we proclaim 
 Our trust has been His holy name:' 
 Lord, let Thy mercy on us be, 
 According as we hope in Thee. 
 
 PSALM XXXIV. 
 
 8. 8. 6. 
 
 A thanksgiving ode of David, when he changed his heliaviour be- 
 fore Abimelech,8 who drove him away, and he departed.^ 
 
 1 
 
 T WILL'" at all times bless the Lord, 
 -*- My mouth shall spread His praise 
 abroad; 
 
 The humble" shall rejoice 
 To hear me boast in Him, and cry, 
 Come, join with me to magnify 
 
 The Lord, with blended voice. 
 2 
 I sought the Lord, He heard me pray, 
 And chased each anxious fear away; 
 
 For those who look on high, 
 
 1 1 Sam. xiv. 6. 
 
 2 Jer. ix. 23. 
 
 3 " The eyes of 
 the Lord are over 
 the righteous." 1 
 Pet. iii. 12. 
 
 4 Ps. iii. 9 ; Matt, 
 vi. 33. 
 
 5 Is. xl. 31. 
 
 s Ps. Ixxxiv. 11. 
 
 "> His holy name — 
 i. e. His mercy, 
 truth, &c. See 
 Exodus xxxiv. 5, 6. 
 
 8 Or Achish.— 
 Dr. Kennicott sup- 
 poses that Abime- 
 lech was the com- 
 mon title of the 
 King of Gath. 
 
 9 1 Sam. xxi. 13 
 
 m Ps. c-xlv. 1, 2. 
 
 " The humble— 
 i. e. the saints; hu- 
 mility, the most 
 prominent feature 
 in their charactei', 
 being chosen to 
 designate them. 
 
PSALM XXXIV. 
 
 51 
 
 He urges the secu- 
 rity of the saints as 
 a motive to others 
 that they also may 
 taste of God's good- 
 ness, and confide in 
 Him. 
 
 Second ^art. 
 
 He invites the 
 young especially to 
 attend to his in- 
 structions ; and di- 
 rects them in the 
 only path to real 
 happiness : to in- 
 duce them to pur- 
 sue which, he con- 
 trasts the opposite 
 conditions of the 
 righteous and of the 
 wicked, resulting 
 from the different 
 relations in which 
 they stand to God. 
 
 Are lightened/ and set free fi'om shame ; 
 The poor man calls upon His name, 
 And all his sorrows fly. 
 
 3 
 
 Behold, the angel of the Lord" 
 Encamps around the saints, to' afford, 
 
 In time of need, his aid: 
 O taste, and see that God is kind; 
 How blest the man whose constant mind 
 
 On Him alone is stayed! 
 
 4 
 
 O fear^ the Lord, all ye His saints. 
 Who bends His ear to your complaints, 
 
 And all your wants supplies: 
 Though the young lions* pine for food. 
 To those who fear the Lord, no good 
 
 His bounteous hand denies. 
 
 5 
 
 "VrE children,^ my instruction hear, 
 -■- And learn the Lord your God to fear ; 
 
 If life® you seek and ease, 
 Your lips fr-om speaking guile resti'ain. 
 Do good,'' from evil paths abstain. 
 
 And follow after peace. 
 
 6 
 
 God on the just doth fix liis eye,® 
 His ears are open to the cry 
 
 Of righteous men below ; 
 Against the' unjust He sets His face. 
 The memory^ of them to erase, 
 
 Wlien fr-om the earth they go. 
 
 ' Lightened. — 
 Light is an emblem 
 of joy and gladness. 
 " To the upright 
 there ariseth light 
 in the darkness." 
 Ps. cxii. 4. 
 
 2 The angel of the 
 Lord. — The refer- 
 ence is either to the 
 angel of the cove- 
 nant, or to the 
 ministration of cre- 
 ated spirits " to 
 those who are the 
 heirs of salvation." 
 See Gen. xxxii. 1,2; 
 2 Kings vi. 17 ; 
 Heb. i. 14. 
 
 ■* Fear- — i. e. reve- 
 rence, or worship. 
 
 * Young lions. — 
 Bishop Horsley, 
 with some others, 
 translate this " the 
 rich," or " the 
 powerful." 
 
 5 Children.— This 
 term may be under- 
 stood either lite- 
 rally or figuratively. 
 
 6 1 Peter iii. 10. 
 
 7 •' Who is he that 
 will harm you, if ye 
 be followers of that 
 which is good ?" 1 
 Peter iii. 13. 
 
 8 1 Peter iii. 12. 
 
 9 Prov. X. 7. 
 
52 
 
 PSALM XXXV. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The consolation 
 and aid wliicti the 
 servants of God ob- 
 tain at the throne 
 of grace in time of 
 trouble. 
 
 The inevitable 
 doom of the wicked, 
 and tlie certain de- 
 liverance of be- 
 lievers. 
 
 JFirst ^art. 
 
 David, personating 
 the Messiah in the 
 days of His flesh, 
 pours out his soul to 
 Him who was able 
 to save him from 
 death. 
 
 The righteous cry,' Jehovah hears ; 
 He heals the broken heart/ and cheers 
 
 The conti'ite when they call ; 
 They find him ever nigh to save ; 
 And though they many sorrows^ have, 
 
 He brings His saints through all. 
 
 8 
 Evil the wicked* man shall slay, 
 And desolation bear away 
 
 Those who the righteous hate ; 
 But God His servants will redeem, 
 x'\nd none who put their trust in Him 
 
 Will He leave desolate. 
 
 PSALM XXXV. 
 
 C. M. DOOBLE. 
 
 Composed by David when fiercely persecuted by Saul, and falsely 
 accused by Doeg : and typical of the persecutions and suffei'ings 
 of Messiah. 
 
 T ORD, plead ^ with those who strive 
 -^-^ with me, 
 
 And fight with those who fight: 
 Take hold of shield and spear, and be 
 
 The guardian of my right : 
 Say to my soul, " I, even I 
 
 Will thy salvation be ;" 
 And let all those confounded lie, 
 
 Wlio long my fall to see. 
 
 ' Ps. xci. 15. 
 2Is. l.\i. 1. 
 
 3 John xvi. 33 ; 
 and Acts xiv. 22. 
 
 •^ Evil the wicked, 
 &c. — The inevit- 
 able connexion be- 
 tween sin and de- 
 struction is here 
 strikingly foretold. 
 Compare Kom. vi. 
 23. 
 
 5 Plead.—" God's 
 pleading consists in 
 action, as He plead- 
 ed David's cause 
 against Nabal, when 
 He slew him. See 
 I Sam. XXV. 39. 
 What David here 
 prays for, God pro- 
 mises to do for His 
 people. Is.xlix. 25." 
 —Dr. B. 
 
PSALM XXXV. 
 
 53 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 He foretells the de- 
 struction of all his 
 enemies ; 
 
 and expresses his 
 confidence that he 
 shall praise God for 
 His merciful de- 
 liverance. 
 
 Scconir part. 
 
 With deep feeling 
 he describes the 
 base treachery and 
 ingratitude of his 
 enemies, who sought 
 to take away his 
 life: 
 
 and contrasts his 
 own conduct to- 
 wards them when 
 they were in dis- 
 tress. 
 
 Make them like chaff' blown all abroad, 
 
 Slippery and dark^ their way ; 
 And let the angel of the Lord' 
 
 Chase them far hence away : 
 Since, without cause, they digged a pit,* 
 
 And hid for me then* snares. 
 Destruction, through theu- own deceit,^ 
 
 Shall seize them unawares. 
 
 Then® shall my soul in God rejoice. 
 
 And His salvation be 
 The theme that tunes my heart and voice, — 
 
 " Lord who is like to Thee ? 
 Rescuing the helpless poor from wrong, 
 
 The needy and the weak 
 From those who are for them too strong,^ 
 
 And their destruction seek." 
 
 4 
 T?ALSE witnesses® arose to prove 
 -*- Things that I did not know ; 
 Rewarding evil for my love, 
 
 My soul to overthrow: 
 But as for me, when sick they were, 
 
 I mourned, wdth deejj concern; 
 Fasted and prayed; and may my prayer^ 
 
 To my own breast retiu-n ! 
 
 5 
 
 As one who moiu'ns a brother kind. 
 
 Or friend, did I behave ; 
 And wept, like him who has consigned 
 
 His mother to the grave : 
 
 ' ComparePs.i. 4. 
 
 2 Prov. iv. 19. 
 
 3 The angel of 
 punishment is here 
 meant. Compare 
 Is. xxxvii. 36. 
 
 " Ps. vii. 15. 
 
 6 T/wn — i. e. 
 when God shall 
 have delivered him 
 from the hand of 
 all his enemies, and 
 from the hand of 
 Saul. For the ful- 
 filment of what 
 David here pro- 
 mises, see Psalm 
 .xviii. 
 
 '' Too strong. — 
 David here most 
 probably refers to 
 Saul. 
 
 ^ False ivitnesses. — 
 Bishop Horsley re- 
 marks that this and 
 several succeeding 
 verses apply more 
 literally to Christ 
 than to any other 
 person. Compare 
 Mark, xiv. 56 — 
 " Many bare false 
 witness against 
 Him, but their wit- 
 ness agreed not to- 
 gether." 
 
 9 And viay my 
 prayer, &c. — i. e. 
 ' I only desire that 
 what I prayed might 
 befaU my enemies 
 may be my own 
 reward.' — The 
 Psalmist thus ex- 
 presses himself, to 
 show that he prayed 
 for blessings, not 
 cm-ses on his ene- 
 mies. See F. & S. 
 
54 
 
 PSALM XXXV. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 He again beseeches 
 God to intei'pose, 
 and to rescue him 
 from the malice of 
 those who hated 
 him without a 
 cause : 
 
 prays that the 
 righteous Judge of 
 all would judge be- 
 tween him and his 
 enemies : 
 
 and that all who 
 favour his righteous 
 cause may, with 
 him, be filled with 
 joy and praise. 
 
 But they, with joy, my anguish see, 
 
 Their abject souls unite 
 With hypocrites to mock at me, 
 
 And gnash their teeth with spite. 
 
 6 
 TTOW long wilt Thou look on, O Lord ? 
 -■• -*- Rescue^ my soul from death : 
 Then, with Thy saints,^ will I record 
 
 Thy praise, with thankful breath ; 
 Let them not joy in my distress, 
 
 Nor leave me in their hand 
 Wlio causeless hate me,^ and oppress 
 
 The quiet^ in the land. 
 
 Lord, Thou hast seen. Thy silence break ; 
 
 O be not far fr-om me ; 
 Stir up Thyself, to judgment wake, 
 
 My cause ^ I leave with Thee ; 
 Judge me,® O Lord, in righteousness. 
 
 Nor gratify my foes ; 
 But clothe with shame' those who express 
 
 Their tiiumj)h in my woes. 
 
 Let those who favour my just cause 
 
 Be glad,* and shout for joy ; 
 Whilst songs of praise and loud applause 
 
 To God their tongues emjjloy : 
 To God, who, in His servant's peace, 
 
 Divine delight displays ; 
 And I will sing, and never cease, 
 
 Thy righteousness and praise. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' See Ps. xxii. 
 19—22. 
 
 '^ Ps. xxii. 25. 
 
 3 Jf '/lo causeless 
 kale me. — Our Lord 
 applies this to him- 
 self, " that the word 
 might be fulfilled 
 that is written in 
 their law, They 
 hated me without a 
 cause." John xv. 25. 
 
 ■• The quiet.— ^^ 
 this terai the child- 
 ren of the God of 
 peace are desig- 
 nated. 
 
 ^ My cause. — 
 Thus Jesus "com- 
 mitted himself to 
 Him that judgeth 
 righteously." See 
 1 Pet. ii. 23. 
 
 6Ps. vii.8;xxvi. 1. 
 
 !" Ps. Ix.\i. 13. 
 
 ^ The time is 
 coming when those 
 who now devote 
 themselves to His 
 cause who was de- 
 spised and rejected 
 of men, will be glad 
 and sliout for joy ; 
 and will commence 
 the song of praise 
 which will be eter- 
 nal. 
 
PSALM XXXVI. 
 
 55 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The conduct of im- 
 pious men a proof 
 of their atheistical 
 principles. Their 
 wilful blindness and 
 dishonesty to them- 
 selves. 
 
 Their falsehood, 
 cunning, folly, and 
 wickedness : all re- 
 sulting from their 
 want of the fear of 
 God. 
 
 The perfections of 
 the unchangeable 
 Jehovah ; which are 
 the security of His 
 people, against all 
 the malice of those 
 who have " no fear 
 of God before their 
 eyes." 
 
 The excellence of 
 His loving kindness, 
 displayed in His 
 cai'e of those who 
 trust in Him; and 
 in the spiritual 
 provision made for 
 their wants. 
 
 PSALM XXXVL 
 
 8. 8. G. 
 ■ A Psalm of David, the servant of the Lord ;" composed on some 
 occasion of trouble, arising probably from his persecution by 
 Saul. 
 
 1 
 
 rPHE wicked man's transgressions prove 
 -*- That lie liath not the fear' or love 
 
 Of God before his eyes : 
 Flattering" himself in his own sight, 
 He hates the truth that brings to light 
 
 His crimes without disguise. 
 2 
 His words' are falsehood and deceit ; 
 He hath left off to be discreet, 
 
 And follows good no more ; 
 Devises mischief on his bed,* 
 In ways not good persists^ to tread, 
 
 Nor evil doth abhor. 
 3 
 Thy mercy,® Lord, to heaven doth rise ; 
 Thy faitlifulness above the skies ; 
 
 Thy righteousness divine 
 Is like the lofty mountains steep ; 
 Thy judgments'' are a mighty deep ; 
 
 All feel Thy care benign.® 
 4 
 How excellent Thy kindness,^ Lord ! 
 Beneath the shade'" Thy wings afford 
 
 The sons of men may hide ; 
 May feast" on what Thy house bestows, 
 Where joy divine, in rivers, flows. 
 
 And thus be satisfied. 
 
 ' As the fear of 
 God is the begin- 
 ning of wisdom, so 
 the absence of that 
 feai' is the source of 
 all evil. See Rom. 
 iii. 18. 
 
 2 F. & S. render 
 this passage ' Truly 
 he flattereth him- 
 self in his own eyes; 
 to discover his own 
 iniquity is hateful 
 to him.' 
 
 "' His words, &c. 
 — This was emi- 
 nently the charac- 
 ter of Saul and 
 Doeg, with other of 
 David's persecu- 
 tors. Also of Judas. 
 See Matt. xxvi. 49. 
 
 •> Prov. iv. 16. 
 5 Eccl. viii. 11. 
 
 •J The contrast 
 Ijetween the wick- 
 edness of men, and 
 the perfections of 
 Jehovah is striking 
 and sublime. 
 
 7 Rom. xi. 33. 
 
 8 Matt. vi. 26. 
 
 9 Ps. Ixiii. 3. 
 
 lops. xci. l;Matt. 
 xxiii. 37. 
 
 '1 Ps. Ixiii. 5 
 cxxxii. 15. 
 
56 
 
 PSALM XXXVIl. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The Psalmist Im- 
 plores a continu- 
 ance of Jehovah's 
 loving kindness and 
 faithfulness ; 
 
 and foretells the 
 certain destruction 
 of the wicked. 
 
 JFtrst ^pnrt. 
 
 The Psalmist warns 
 the people of God 
 not to envy the 
 prosperity of the 
 wicked, since it is 
 but very transient ; 
 and directs tliem to 
 the only source of 
 real and permanent 
 happiness. 
 
 For Thou of life the fountain art/ 
 And, in the light' Thou dost impart, 
 
 We see celestial light; 
 Thy loving kindness still extend 
 To those who know Thee/ and befriend, 
 
 In faithfulness, the' upright. 
 
 6 
 Preserve me from the foot of pride, 
 And constantly Thy servant hide 
 
 From hands of wicked men ; 
 Cast down and overthrown by Thee, 
 The workers of iniquity 
 
 Shall never rise again. 
 
 PSALM XXXVIl. 
 
 L. M. DOUBLE. 
 
 This instructive poem appears to have been composed by David 
 towards the close of his life ; and contains tlie valualde result of 
 his long experience. It is the tliird of the alphabetical Psalms. 
 
 T?IIET* not thyself when sinners grow, 
 -*- Nor envy^ their success below: 
 For soon, like grass,^ they pass away. 
 And, like the withered herb, decay: 
 Trust in the Lord, and practise good, 
 Safe shalt thou dwell, supplied with food: 
 Delight thyself in God, and He 
 Thy heart's desire will give to Thee. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Jer. ii. 13. 
 
 2 Light. — Light 
 is an emblem of 
 knowledge, (Ps. 
 cxix. 130,) of purity, 
 (1 John i. 5,) and of 
 happiness, (Ps. cxii. 
 4.) In each of these 
 senses the words of 
 the Psalmist are 
 alike true and 
 beautiful. 
 
 '^ The same cha- 
 racter is designated 
 by the terms " those 
 ivho know Thee," 
 and " the upright" 
 teaching us that the 
 knowledge of God 
 purifies the heart 
 and life. See Jer. 
 xxii. 16. 
 
 ■f Prov. xxiv. 19. 
 
 5 Ps. Ixxiii. 3. 
 
 8 Like grass, &c. 
 — Their success is 
 as transient and 
 short-lived as the 
 grass, which is so 
 soon dried up by the 
 sun in an eastern 
 climate. Compare 
 Ps. cxxix. 6-8. 
 
PSALM XXXVII. 
 
 57 
 
 He enjoins the duty 
 of acknowledging 
 God in all our ways, 
 and shows the con- 
 sequent advantages 
 resulting from such 
 an acknowledg- 
 ment. 
 
 Sccontr ^art. 
 
 He shows how vain 
 are the schemes of 
 wicked men to in- 
 jure the righteous ; 
 these being under 
 the protection of 
 God, who makes 
 the wickedness of 
 the wicked recoil 
 on themselves. 
 
 The advantages en- 
 joyed by the righte- 
 ous in being the 
 
 Commit thy way' to God, thy trust, 
 And He will prosper all thou dost; 
 Will make thy righteousness appear, 
 Thy judgment,^ like the noon day, clear: 
 Rest^ in the Lord, and, patient, wait; 
 Fret not to see the prosperous state 
 Of him on whom success attends, 
 Accomplishing his wicked ends. 
 
 3 
 From anger cease,^ nor wrath begin. 
 Fret not thyself to practise sin : 
 For evil doers shall be slain, 
 While those who wait on God remain : 
 Soon shall the wicked' be no more ; 
 In vain shalt thou his place explore;® 
 The meek^ shall hold the land in peace, 
 Their joys abundantly increase. 
 
 4 
 ^HE wicked plots against the just, 
 
 Gnashes his teeth,® and scorns their 
 
 trust : 
 The Lord, who sees his day' draw nigh, 
 Derides him, from his throne on high. 
 The wicked take the sword and bow, 
 To lay the poor and upright low; 
 Through their own heart their sword shall 
 
 pass, 
 And broken be their bows of brass. 
 
 A little,'" to the just, is more 
 In value than the sinner's store : 
 
 ' Thy way. — By 
 way is here meant 
 whatever a man 
 does, designs, or 
 follows.' — Dr. B. 
 
 - Thy judgment 
 — i. e. thy rectitude. 
 
 3 Rest, &c. Heb. 
 Be silent to Jehovah. 
 ■ — It signifies the act 
 of the mind, si- 
 lently, and without 
 impatience, waiting 
 for God.— Dr. B. 
 
 •* When we in- 
 dulge in anger and 
 yield to vexation on 
 account of the suc- 
 cess of evil doers, 
 we forget that they 
 shall soon be cut off, 
 while the saints 
 shall be preserved. 
 Is. Ivii. 13. 
 
 s Ps.Ixxiii. 18-20. 
 
 6 Job vii. 10. 
 
 7 The meek. — 
 " Blessed are the 
 meek, for they shall 
 inherit the earth." 
 Matt. V. 5. 
 
 ^ Ps. XXXV. 16. 
 
 ' His day. — "Day 
 is often used for the 
 time of punish- 
 ment." — Dr. B. 
 Compare Job xviii. 
 20 ; and Ps. cxxxvii. 
 7. 
 
 10 A little, &c.— 
 Because It is ob- 
 tained honestly, 
 used temperately, 
 and likely to be 
 permanent. Com- 
 pare Prov. X. 2 ; & 
 Jer. xvii. 11. 
 
58 
 
 PSALM xxxvn. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 peculiar objects of 
 God's providential 
 care : whereas the 
 evident marks of 
 His displeasure 
 are borne by the 
 wicked. 
 
 The delight which 
 the good man finds 
 in the ways of God ; 
 and his secuiity 
 under the divine 
 protection. 
 
 His benevolence, 
 and its happy con- 
 sequences. 
 
 The arms' of sinners God will break, 
 But saints his special charge will make: 
 He knows the just, and for them cares, 
 An endless heritage is theirs r 
 In evil times, they feel no dread, 
 In days of famine,^ they are fed. 
 
 6 
 Sinners* shall perish ; God has doomed 
 His enemies to be consumed: 
 As melts* the fat of lambs, so they; 
 Like smoke they soon consume away ; 
 The wicked borrow, nor return, 
 The righteous give, w^ith kind concern : 
 These, blest by God, the land retain. 
 And those, beneath His curse, are slain. 
 
 7 
 'T^HE good man, guided*^ by the Lord, 
 -^ Finds that His ways delight afford;' 
 Though he should fall, he'll rise again,® 
 For God His servant will maintain. 
 I have been young, and now am old. 
 Yet did I never once behold 
 The righteous left^ in time of need, 
 Or sunk in beggary'" his seed. 
 
 8 
 He, ever merciful, doth lend," 
 And blessings on his seed descend: 
 Depart from evil, keep the law, 
 iVnd dwell in peace for evermore : 
 For lo ! Jehovah judgment loves, 
 Nor from His tempted saints removes: 
 Them He preserves through endless days, 
 But the transgressor's seed He slays. 
 
 ' Arms — i. e. their 
 power of doing mis- 
 chief. 
 
 2 Is. Ix. 21. 
 
 3 Ps. xxxiii. 19. 
 
 '' Ps. Ixviii. 2. 
 
 5 As nicUs, &c. — 
 This illustration is 
 taken from the Le- 
 vitical sacrifices ; 
 in which the fat 
 was rapidly con- 
 sumed, and the 
 smoke ainsuig from 
 the flames was 
 speedily dispersed. 
 
 I' Is. Iviii. 11. 
 7 Ps. xix. II. 
 *" Prov. xxiv. 16. 
 
 9 Left — i. e. of 
 God. See Heb. 
 xiii. 5. 
 
 '" In beggary, &c. 
 — The Psalmist 
 merely records the 
 result of his own 
 observation. 
 
 >'Z)oMfe«rf.— The 
 promise made to the 
 Jews, if obedient, 
 was, " Thou shalt 
 lend to many na- 
 tions, and thou shalt 
 not borrow." Deut. 
 xxviii. 12. 
 
PSALM XXXVII. 
 
 59 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 jpourt!) ^art. 
 
 The security and 
 happiness of the 
 righteous, both here 
 and hereafter; and 
 a further descrip- 
 tion of his chai-ac- 
 ter. 
 
 The Psalmist con- 
 cludes by contrast- 
 ing the different 
 end of the righteous 
 and of the wicked, 
 in proof of the su- 
 perior advantages 
 of piety. 
 
 ^I^HE righteous, in the land of I'est,^ 
 -*- Shall dwell, and be for ever blest: 
 His mouth speaks wisdom, and his tongue 
 Talketh of judgment all day long: 
 The law of God is in his heart, 
 None of his steps aside depart: 
 In vain the wicked seeks to kill 
 The just, whom God defends from ill. 
 
 10 
 
 Wait on the Lord,^ keep His command, 
 And He will, in the promised land. 
 Greatly exalt thee ; this when He 
 Cuts off the wicked,^ thou shalt see. 
 I've seen the wicked, great in pride. 
 Like a green bay ti*ee, spreading wide ; 
 But lo ! I passed,^ and he was not ; 
 I sought him, but he was forgot. 
 
 11 
 
 Behold the perfect, mark the' upright. 
 Observe his end, 'tis peaceful quite : 
 But the transgressors* shall be slain. 
 Their end® shall be cut off with pain: 
 Lo ! the salvation of the just,' 
 In trouble, flows from God, thefr trust; 
 The Lord will help them,® and defend 
 Those who alone on Him depend.' 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' The land of 
 rest — literally, 
 Canaan. The pro- 
 mise, in its most 
 important sense, 
 includes that of 
 which Canaan was 
 only a type ; — the 
 " rest which re- 
 maiiieth for the 
 people of God." See 
 Heb. iv. 9. 
 
 ^ Ps. xxvii. 14. 
 
 3 Ps. xcU. 9, 10. 
 
 * I passed. — Hors- 
 ley thus translates 
 the passage — not 
 " he passed away" 
 as in the Bible 
 translation. 
 
 5 Prov. xiv. 32. 
 
 6 Their end — i. e. 
 " They and their 
 posterity shall be 
 destroyed." — Dr. 
 Hammond. 
 
 7 Ps. iii. 8. 
 
 8 Is. xxxi. 5. 
 
 s Ps. xxii. 4, 5. 
 
60 
 
 PSALM xxxvin. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 JFtrst ^Kxt. 
 
 The Psalmist, in ex- 
 treme distress, de- 
 precates the fierce 
 anger of God. 
 
 With deep contri- 
 tion of sph'it, he 
 confesses his sins, 
 and describes his 
 sufferings. 
 
 %ctovit} Part. 
 
 From the consider- 
 ation of the omni- 
 science of God, he 
 derives some con- 
 solation when neg. 
 lected and for- 
 saken by his former 
 friends. 
 
 PSALM XXXVIII. 
 
 C. M. DOUBLE. 
 
 This deeply penitential Psalm is supposed to have been wiutten 
 by David, when suffering some grievous affliction, either bodily 
 or mental, or both, after his sin in the matter of Uriah and Bath- 
 sheba. 
 
 In this Psalm, (observes Bishop Horsley,) the believer's soul, under 
 the image of a leper, bewails her corruption, and the misery of 
 her present condition. 
 
 1 
 
 TN wrath,' in hot displeasure, Lord, 
 
 -"- Rebuke me not, nor chide; 
 
 Thine aiTows^ keen my flesh have gored. 
 
 And I am sorely tried: 
 No soundness in my flesh remains, 
 
 So fierce Thine anger glows ; 
 My sins are great, and sore my pains, 
 
 Nor health my body knows. 
 2 
 
 Over my head^ my sins are gone, 
 
 Their burden^ was too great: 
 Troubled, and greatly bowed down, 
 
 I mourn, all day, my fate : 
 Disease* pervades my every part, 
 
 Feeble, and broken sore, 
 Through sad disquietude of heart, 
 
 I daily weep and roar. 
 3 
 T ORD, my desires to Thee are known, 
 ■*-^ And Thou dost hear my sighs ; 
 My heart doth tlu'ob, my strength is flown, 
 
 And light forsakes my eyes: 
 Nor fi-iend,® nor lover for me cares, 
 
 My kinsmen shun my sore ; 
 And those who seek my life lay snares 
 
 Of mischief and of war. 
 
 ' Ps. vi. 1 ; and 
 Jer. X. 24. 
 
 2 Arroivs are fi- 
 guratively applied 
 to those afflictions 
 which God sends to 
 chastise and to 
 humble the disobe- 
 dient. Job vi. 4. 
 
 3 Ezra ix. 6. 
 
 4 Ps. Iv. 22. 
 
 5 Disease. — Bp. 
 Louth observes that 
 " some persons, not 
 sufficiently atten- 
 tive to the figura- 
 tive character of 
 Hebrew poetry, 
 have inquired un- 
 der what kind of 
 disease the poet was 
 suffering, not less 
 absui'dly than if 
 they were to in- 
 qiure m what river 
 he was plunged, 
 when he describes 
 himself overwhelm- 
 ed with floods of 
 water." 
 
 ^ Nor friend, &c. 
 — Thus was our 
 Lord forsaken in 
 the depth of His 
 sorrow, " Then all 
 the disciples for- 
 sook Him and fled." 
 Matt. xxvi. 56. 
 
PSALM XXXIX. 
 
 61 
 
 Resigned to suffer- 
 ing, yet hoping in 
 divine mei-cy, he 
 implores help from 
 God. 
 
 Again, confessing 
 his sins, he prays 
 that he may not be 
 forsalien, but expe- 
 rience divine help 
 and deUverance. 
 
 iFtrst ^art. 
 
 The Psalmist, suf- 
 fering under the 
 hand of God, re- 
 solves to maintain 
 silence in the pre- 
 
 But I,' as a deaf man, hear not, 
 
 Am silent,^ like the dumb; 
 In hope, resign to Thee my lot. 
 
 From God my help must come: 
 Hear me, O Lord ! lest over me 
 
 My cruel foes rejoice; 
 When they my footsteps faltering see. 
 
 Then triumph swells their voice. 
 
 Lord, my iniquities* I ovv^n, 
 
 Son'ow hath been my food; 
 Many and strong my foes are grown, 
 
 Because I follow good:* 
 Forsake* me not, my God, my Lord, 
 
 Nor far from me remove : 
 Make haste*^ and help to me afford, 
 
 And my salvation prove. 
 
 PSALM XXXIX. 
 
 This expressive elegy, on the vanity of human life, was composed 
 by David evidently in a time of gx'eat aflfliction ; probably on the 
 same occasion as the preceding. 
 
 T SAID, " I will regard my ways, 
 -*- My tongue^ from sin restrain; 
 Bridle my mouth, while near me stays 
 The wicked, or profane." 
 
 '.Bm<7,&c.— "He 
 did not render evil 
 for evil, or railing 
 for railing, but 
 committed himself 
 to Him who judgeth 
 righteously." 1 Pet. 
 ii. 23; and iii. 9. 
 
 ^Silent— i.e. "ne 
 took no notice of 
 their designs ; only, 
 in a patient and 
 humble silence, 
 commended him- 
 self to the care of 
 God." — Bp. Hall. 
 
 ' 2 Sam. xii. 13 ; 
 Ps. xxxii. 5 ; li. 3. 
 
 * 1 Pet. iii. 13. 
 5 Ps. l.vxi. 9. 
 
 6 Ps. Ixx. 1. 
 
 7 See James iii. 
 2, 3 ; Prov. xxi. 23. 
 
62 
 
 PSALM XXXIX. 
 
 sence of the wicked, 
 lest, by any impa- 
 tient language, he 
 should give them an 
 occasion to exult 
 over him. 
 
 His prayer to be 
 instructed in the 
 vanity of the pre- 
 sent life. 
 
 Renouncing every 
 hope fi'om inferior 
 sources of consola- 
 tion, he looks to 
 God alone, and im- 
 plores the pardon 
 and removal of all 
 the sins which had 
 been the cause of 
 his sufferings. 
 
 With silence dumb,' I held my peace, 
 And felt my sorrow stirred: 
 
 Musing, I found the fire' increase, 
 And thus my prayer preferred : 
 
 3 
 
 " Lord, make me know mine end, and 
 learn 
 
 The measure of my days f 
 That I my fi'ailty may discern; 
 
 How soon my life decays ! 
 
 4 
 
 Man is but vanity at best,^ 
 
 He walks in a vain show; 
 He gathers wealth,^ and is distressed 
 
 For heirs he does not know. 
 
 5 
 
 i ND now, O Lord, what wait I for.-' 
 ■^ On Thee*' my hopes are built: 
 Remove the sins which I deplore, 
 And pardon all my guilt. 
 
 6 
 Lo ! I was dumb^ at thy reproof. 
 
 For Thou didst give the blow: 
 Thy stroke away from me remove. 
 
 Thy hand has laid me low. 
 
 7 
 When Thou, for sin, dost chasten men. 
 
 Their beauty® soon decays, 
 Like a moth-eaten robe,® and then 
 
 Their vanity displays. 
 
 ' Ps. xxxviii. 13, 
 
 14. 
 
 •He 
 
 2 The /Ire. - 
 compares his in- 
 ward grief to afire : 
 Thus the prophet 
 says, " His word was 
 in my heart as a 
 burning fire," &c. 
 Jer. XX. 9. 
 
 ■i Eccl. i. 2. 
 
 5 Lulie xii. 20. 
 
 6 On Thee, &c.— 
 To induce this state 
 of mind was, no 
 doubt, the purpose 
 for which the afflic- 
 tion had been sent. 
 
 ' / was dumb. — 
 He did not murmur 
 at God's dispensa- 
 tions, but exercised 
 patient resignation. 
 See Lam. iii. 39. 
 
 and 
 
 8 Beauty — 
 their health 
 vigour. 
 
 s Moth-eaten robe. 
 —See Boothi'oyd's 
 version, and com- 
 pare Job xiii. 28, 
 " And he, as a rot- 
 ten thing, consu- 
 meth, and as a gar- 
 ment that is moth- 
 eaten ;" and Is. 1. 9. 
 
PSALM XL. 
 
 63 
 
 He renews his pe- 
 titions foi' restora- 
 tion through divine 
 mercy, acknow- 
 ledging that this is 
 not his rest. 
 
 JFtrst ^art. 
 
 Messiah records, in 
 language well be- 
 coming His church 
 in every age, the 
 goodness of God in 
 having heard Him 
 when " He poured 
 out His soul, in 
 strong crying and 
 tears, to Him who 
 was able to save 
 Him from death." 
 
 8 
 Hear me, O Lord ! regard my cry, 
 
 For I'm a stranger here ; 
 A sojourner with Thee am I, 
 
 As all my fathers' were. 
 9 
 O spare me, Lord, that so I may 
 
 Recover sti'ength, before. 
 At Thy command, I go away 
 
 From hence, and be no more." 
 
 PSALM XL. 
 
 8. 8. 6. 
 
 This thanksgiving ode is generally thought to have been composed 
 by David, on his recovery from the diseased condition of body 
 and mind referred to in the two iireceding Psalms. It can, 
 however, be applied to David only partially, and in a subordi- 
 nate sense ; Bishop Horsley states the subject of this important 
 Psalm to be as follows : — 
 
 " Messiah, risen from the dead, returns thanks for the accomplish- 
 ment of His work, and prays for its final effect." 
 
 T WAITED' on the Lord, resigned, 
 -"- Who graciously to me inclined. 
 
 And heard my fervent cry: 
 He raised me from the horrid pit, 
 The miry clay,^ and set my feet 
 
 Firm on a rock on high. 
 2 
 New songs^ of praise my mouth employ ; 
 Many shall see with fear and joy. 
 
 And in the Lord confide : 
 Blest is the man who trusts the Lord, 
 Nor by the false or proud is awed, 
 
 Nor such as turn aside. ^ 
 
 ' My fathers. — 
 The patriarchs, of 
 whom the apostle 
 says, they confessed 
 that they were 
 strangers and pil- 
 grims on the earth. 
 Heb. xi. 13. Com- 
 pare also Lev. xxv. 
 23. 
 
 - Heb. Waiting 
 I waited. See Luke 
 x.xii. 39-46. 
 
 3 Ps. Ixix. 2. 
 
 ^ New mercies 
 demand new songs. 
 SeePs.xcvi. 1. The 
 deliverance of Mes- 
 siah from the power 
 of the grave, was 
 a new subject of 
 praise to the infant 
 church, as well as a 
 ground of confi- 
 dence. 
 
 5 Ps. cxxv. 5. 
 
64 
 
 PSALM XL. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 He adores the un- 
 searchable goodness 
 of God to the hu- 
 man race. 
 
 As the gi-eat High 
 Priest of His people, 
 He declares the in- 
 efficacy of sacrificial 
 offerings, and His 
 own willingness to 
 become the sacrifice 
 for sin. 
 
 Sccontj ^art. 
 
 As the great Pro- 
 phet of His people, 
 Messiah declares 
 that He has fully 
 instructed them in 
 God's method of 
 justification. 
 
 He entreats a con- 
 tinuance to Himself 
 and people, of that 
 love which he ex- 
 perienced in the 
 depth of His humi- 
 liation. 
 
 He foretells the dis- 
 grace and ruin of 
 His enemies ; 
 
 Many, O Lord, Thy wonders are, 
 And gracious puiposes,' that far 
 
 Transcend all human thought: 
 Vain are all efforts to declare 
 The mercies that Thy people share, 
 
 The wonders Thou hast wrought. 
 
 4 
 
 Not sacrifice dost Thou desire,^ 
 Burnt offering Thou dost not require ; 
 
 Thou openest mine ear;^ 
 And lo ! I come to do Thy will, 
 Thy gracious purpose to fulfil. 
 
 With joy and filial fear. 
 
 5 
 
 TA7HERE the great congregation^ meet, 
 ' * Have I Thy righteousness^ complete 
 
 Proclaimed, as Thou dost know : 
 Nor, in my heart, Thy truth concealed, 
 For Thy salvation is revealed 
 
 To all Thy church below. 
 
 6 
 Withhold not" Thou Thy tender love. 
 But let me still Thy kindness prove. 
 
 And, by Thy truth, prevail : 
 By countless evils compassed round. 
 By sin's' oppressive fetters bound, 
 
 My heart began to fail.® 
 
 But Thou' didst haste to save me. Lord; 
 And Thou wilt shame to them award'" 
 
 ' Gracious pur- 
 poses.- Horsley ren- 
 ders this, schemes 
 for us. The refer- 
 ence evidently is to 
 salvation "accord- 
 ing to his own 
 purpose and grace, 
 given us in Chi-ist 
 before the world 
 2 Tim. i. 9. 
 
 2 Compare Heb. 
 X. 5-10, where the 
 apostle applies it to 
 the incarnation and 
 sufferings of Christ. 
 
 ' Mine car. — 
 " The meaning is 
 that the truth just 
 stated had been 
 communicated to 
 Messiah by the Al- 
 mighty."— F. & S. 
 Compare Is. 1. .5. 
 
 ■* The great congre- 
 gation — i. e. of the 
 universal church, 
 composed of Gen- 
 tiles as well as of 
 Jews. 
 
 5 Thy righteous- 
 ness — i. e. God's 
 method of justifying 
 the ungodly. See 
 Rom. iii. 21,22. 
 
 6 Withhold not, 
 &c. — Messiah here 
 prays for his body, 
 the church, as well 
 as for himself. 
 
 7 " The Lord hath 
 laid on Him the 
 iniquity of us all." 
 Is. liii. 6. 
 
 8 " Then saith He 
 unto them, My soul 
 is exceeding sor- 
 rowful, even unto 
 death." Matt. xxvi. 
 38. 
 
 9 See Horsley, and 
 compare Lukexxii. 
 43. 
 
 "> How literally 
 this prophecy has 
 been fulfilled in the 
 
PSALM XLI. 
 
 65 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 and the happiness 
 of those who seek 
 the Lord. 
 
 The concluding 
 prayer. 
 
 The king of Israel, 
 in a state of deep 
 affliction, as a type 
 of the Man of Sor- 
 rows, pronounces a 
 blessing on those 
 who manifest to- 
 wards him sym- 
 pathy and love. 
 
 Wlio would my soul destroy : 
 They shall be driven back, and shamed, 
 Who wished me evil, and exclaimed 
 
 "Aha, aha!" with joy. 
 8 
 But those who seek Thee shall rejoice ; 
 " Let God be magnified !'" their voice 
 
 And heart shall ever say : 
 Though poor and needy ,^ yet the Lord 
 Thinks of me ; now Thine aid afford, 
 
 My God, make no delay. 
 
 PSALM XLL 
 
 C. M. 
 
 ' David, speaking in the person of Messiah, was the author of this 
 Psalm." — Bishop Mant. 
 
 ' It is not improbable that it was written by David after his sick- 
 ness, when Absalom conspired against him." — Dr. Delanet. 
 
 1 
 
 T)LEST is the man who bears in mind 
 ■^ The poor,^ and for them cares ; 
 Jehovah will to him be kind, 
 
 Wlien he affliction shares. 
 2 
 Jehovah will preserve his life, 
 
 And prosper him below; 
 Thou wilt not leave him to the strife 
 
 Of his vindictive foe. 
 3 
 Jehovah will support his" head, 
 
 When languishing in pain ; 
 In sickness Thou wilt make his bed, 
 
 Or raise him up again. 
 
 K 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 degradation of the 
 Jewish people, their 
 history, since their 
 rejection of Mes- 
 siah, will make evi- 
 dent. 
 
 ' Let God be mag- 
 nified, for having 
 wrought deliver- 
 ance for Messiah, 
 and for His people 
 through Him. 
 
 2 Though poor 
 and needy. — Our 
 Lord here identifies 
 Himself with His 
 sufferuig Church, 
 as He afterwards 
 did. See Acts ix. 4. 
 
 ^ The poor — or 
 ' the afliicted.' — 
 " This and the two 
 following verses re- 
 late to those who 
 kindly sympathized 
 with the Psalmist 
 in his sufferings." — 
 F. & S. 
 
 Dr. Mason Good 
 thinks that in the 
 early part of this 
 Psalm, David refers 
 to the kindness of 
 Barzillai, and as- 
 sures him that he 
 shall not be for- 
 saken in his old 
 age. 2 Sam. xvii. 
 28, 29. 
 
66 
 
 PSALM XLI. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 He implores the 
 mercy of God, and 
 complains of the 
 malice and cruelty, 
 the deceit and 
 treachery, of liis 
 enemies. 
 
 He adverts to the 
 baseness of a for- 
 mer fi-iend, by 
 whom he had been 
 betrayed, and again 
 supplicates divine 
 mercy, feeling as- 
 sured that God had 
 not left him a prey 
 to his enemies. 
 
 I, Lord, Thy healing mercy seek, 
 
 Burdened with sin,' I pray : 
 Mine enemies against me speak, 
 
 " "Wlien will he die ?" they say. 
 
 5 
 
 Or if they come to visit me,^ 
 
 Their words are false, though fair; 
 
 Their heaits collect iniquity, 
 Which they abroad declare : 
 
 6 
 
 They whisper thoughts ofhatefulness. 
 Whilst they my hurt devise ; 
 
 " Some heavy crime^ doth on him press, 
 And he no more shall rise." 
 
 Yea, he* with whom I oft did eat, 
 Partaking friendship's meal. 
 
 Against me now, with base deceit. 
 Hath lifted up his heel.^ 
 
 8 
 But Thou, O Lord, Thy mercy show. 
 
 And raise me up, I pray; 
 Thou favourest me still, I know. 
 
 For I am not their prey. 
 
 9 
 In ujDrightness, O God of grace, 
 
 Uphold me,® I implore; 
 And suffer me^ before Thy face 
 
 To dwell for evermore. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Bishop Horsley 
 renders this pas- 
 sage, " Surely, I 
 bear blame before 
 Thee." 
 
 2 Visit. — " Many 
 of the Jews who 
 visited our Lord, 
 visited Him with 
 insidious designs." 
 — HoRSLET. Com- 
 pare Luke XX. 20. 
 
 ^ Heavy crime. — 
 Horsley renders it. 
 Some cursed thing, 
 and explains it to 
 be " the crime 
 which they sup- 
 posed to be the 
 cause of the di- 
 vine judgment upon 
 him." 
 
 ■* He. — David here 
 refers to Ahitho- 
 phel, the type of 
 Judas Iscariot. Our 
 Lord applies to 
 Himself the words 
 of the Psalmist, 
 John xiii. 18. 
 
 5 Lifted up his 
 heel — i. e. has acted 
 treacherously. — 
 " The figure is 
 taken from wrest- 
 lers, who endeavour 
 to supplant each 
 other with their 
 feet." — RosENMUL- 
 
 LEB. 
 
 6 Ps. xciv. 18. 
 
 7 Suffer me, &c. — 
 " Enable me to fre- 
 quent the courts 
 of Thy house." — 
 F.&S. 
 
PSALM XLII. 
 
 67 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 JFirst ^art. 
 
 The Psalmist pa- 
 thetically laments 
 his absence from 
 the courts of the 
 Lord's house ; his 
 grief being embit- 
 tered by the cruel 
 and impious taunts 
 of his enemies. 
 
 He e.Kpresses his 
 intense desire again 
 to unite in the wor- 
 ship of the sanctu- 
 ary ; and encou- 
 rages his soul still 
 to hope and to con- 
 fide in God his 
 Saviour. 
 
 10 
 
 Blest be Jehovah/ Israel's Lord, 
 
 By all the tribes of men ! 
 His glorious praise be spread abroad 
 
 Through every age, Amen ! 
 
 PSALM XLIL 
 
 ' This Psalm was probably composed by David, when he was 
 di-iven by Absalom from Jerusalem." — D». Wells. This and 
 the following Psalm form but one poem. 
 
 A S pants the hart^ for water brooks, 
 -'-^ So pants my soul, O God, for Thee; 
 For Thee it thirsts, to Thee it looks, 
 And longs the living God to see. 
 2 
 Far from Thy sacred courts, my tears^ 
 
 Have been my food, by night and day ; 
 Whilst constantly, with bitter sneers, 
 " Where is thy God ?"^ the scoffers say. 
 3 
 I call to mind my God,^ and cry 
 
 When shall I tread the sacred way® 
 To Zion, praising God most High, 
 With crowds who keep Thy holy day } 
 4 
 Oh ! why art thou cast down, my soul ? 
 
 And why to sad disquiet yield ? 
 Let hope in God thy fears control, 
 And praise thy Saviour,' strength and 
 shield. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' " This doxology 
 closes the first of 
 the five books into 
 which the Psalms 
 are divided in the 
 Hebrew."— F. & 8. 
 
 2 The Aart.— Da- 
 vid was at this time 
 in the borders of 
 Lebanon ; the ima- 
 gery of the te.xt was 
 probably suggested 
 to him by seeing 
 the deer resorting 
 to the fountains of 
 Lebanon. 
 
 3 Ml/ tears, &c. — 
 " He means that 
 his grief at his 
 forced absence from 
 the house of God 
 was so great, that 
 he was obliged to 
 vent it by tears 
 continually." — Dr. 
 Wells. 
 
 4 2 Sam. xvi. 7,8. 
 
 5J% Gorf.— The 
 passage is thus ren- 
 dered by MichaeUs. 
 The suggestion 
 arose from the 
 taunts of his ene- 
 mies. 
 
 6 See F.&S. ver- 
 sion. 
 
 ' T/it/ Saviour. — 
 Bishop Horsley ren- 
 ders this "the pre- 
 sei-ver of thy person, 
 and thy God." 
 
68 
 
 PSALM XLII. 
 
 Octants ^art. 
 
 In the depth of his 
 trouble, the recol- 
 lection of God's 
 omnipresence af- 
 fords him encou- 
 ragement, and ani- 
 mates him to im- 
 plore, by earnest 
 supplication, a 
 
 speedy deliverance 
 out of all his afflic- 
 tions. 
 
 "jl/TY God, although dejected now, 
 -'-'-^ I think of Thee, to check my fear. 
 From Jordan's land, from Hermon's brow. 
 And Mizar's hill,' for Thou art near. 
 
 Deep calls^ to deep, repeating loud 
 The noise of thundering waterfalls : 
 
 Wliilst o'er me roll the billows proud, 
 On Thee my sinking spirit calls: 
 
 7 
 " Oh ! may^ the Lord command, by day, 
 
 His loving kindness, and His song 
 By night, encoui'age me to pray 
 
 To him who doth my life prolong!" 
 
 8 
 I cry to God, my Rock,* and say, 
 
 " Oh ! why hast Thou forgotten me ^ 
 Why go I mourning all the day 
 
 The' oppression of the enemy ?" 
 
 9 
 Keen as a sword within my bones 
 
 *Ai-e the reproaches which I hear, 
 Wliilst every day, in scornfid tones, 
 "Where is thy God?"^ the scoffers 
 sneer. 
 
 10 
 Oh ! why art thou cast down, my soul .'' 
 
 And why to sad disquiet yield? 
 Let hope in God thy fears control. 
 And praise thy Saviour, strength and 
 shield. 
 
 ' Mizar's hill. — 
 The word Mizar 
 signifies little. 
 
 2 Deep calls, &c. 
 — " The Psahnist 
 compares his afflic- 
 tions to mighty 
 waters by which 
 he is surroimded. 
 Compare Ps. xxxii. 
 6. The deeps on 
 either side of him 
 are described as 
 agitated by torrents 
 of water descend- 
 ing into them in the 
 form of water- 
 spouts, and th e roar- 
 ing of these last are 
 poetically repre- 
 sented as the voices 
 of the angry seas 
 calling upon each 
 other to j oin in over- 
 whelming liim." — 
 F. &S. 
 
 3 Oh ! mai/, &c. — 
 " This is the sub- 
 stance of the Psalm- 
 ist's daily prayer." 
 
 — F.&S. 
 
 ■• Ps. xviii. 2. 
 
 ■ Micah vii. 10. 
 
PSALM XLIII. 
 
 69 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The Psalmist prays 
 that God would 
 plead his cause with 
 his enemies ; and 
 direct liim to His 
 holy habitation, 
 that he may there 
 record the praise 
 of his great De- 
 liverer. 
 
 He encourages his 
 soul still to hope 
 and to confide in 
 God his Saviour. 
 
 PSALM XLIII. 
 
 Composed at the same time as the preceding Psalm, of which it 
 originally foi'med a paz't. 
 
 JUDGE me, O God ! my cause maintain 
 ^ Against the' ungodly^ and unjust: 
 Wliy doth my soul oppressed remain, 
 Cast ofFby Thee, my strength and trust ? 
 
 Thy light and truth' to me reveal; 
 
 Oh ! lead me by Thy gracious hand, 
 And bring me to Thy holy hill. 
 
 To where Thy tabernacles stand: 
 
 Then to the altar will I go, 
 
 Of God, the source of all my joy;* 
 
 Praise^ from my grateful lips shall flow, 
 And all my noblest powers employ. 
 
 Oh ! why art thou cast down, my soul ? 
 
 And why to sad disquiet yield ? 
 Let hope in God thy fears control, 
 
 And praise thy Saviour,^ strength and 
 shield. 
 
 ' David here re- 
 fers to Absalom, 
 and those who had 
 joined with him in 
 his rebellion. 
 
 2 Thy light and 
 truth, &c.— " Thy 
 favour, to illumin- 
 ate my face with 
 joy ; thy faithful- 
 ness to Thy word 
 and pi'omises, on 
 which Thou hast 
 authorized me to 
 depend." — Wal- 
 
 FOED. 
 
 3 See F. & S. ver- 
 sion. 
 
 ■* See 2 Sam. xxii. 
 
 5 Thy Saviour. — 
 F. & S. render this 
 " The salvation to 
 which I look, and 
 my God." — See also 
 Ps. xlii. 
 
70 
 
 PSALM XLIV. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 JFtrst ^Part. 
 
 The Church oifers 
 solemn praise to 
 God for His inter- 
 positions on her be- 
 half in former days ; 
 and beseeches Him 
 again to exert His 
 almighty arm in 
 her deliverance ; 
 expressing all her 
 confidence to be in 
 Him alone. 
 
 PSALM XLIV. 
 
 ' The author and occasion of this Psalm are unknown. The 
 mournful strain which pervades it, evidently shows that it was 
 composed on some occasion of great national distress ; and it has 
 been thought to have been written by Hezekiah, on occasion of 
 Rabshakeh's blasphemous message." — Bishop Mant. 
 
 1 
 
 T ORD, we have heard our fathers' tell 
 ■^ What works by Thee were wrought; 
 How Thou the heathen^ didst expel, 
 And them" to Canaan brought. 
 
 Not by their sword, or by their bow, 
 Did they obtain the land:* 
 
 But by the favour* Thou didst show. 
 The might of Thy right hand. 
 
 Thou art my King/ O God ! command 
 
 Jacob's deliverance' now: 
 Then shall our foes no more withstand, 
 
 Before Thee all must bow. 
 
 I will not boast my bow or sword. 
 For Thou alone canst save; 
 
 Li God we boast, His jjraise record, 
 'Twas He the victory gave. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Deut. vi. 7, and 
 
 2 The heathen — 
 i. e.the Canaanites. 
 
 ^ Them — i. e. the 
 Israelites. 
 
 •» The /and.— The 
 promised land of 
 Canaan. 
 
 5 Deut. iv. 37. 
 
 6 Thou art my 
 king. — The Psalm- 
 ist's idea is, Thou 
 who didst deliver 
 my fathers art also 
 my king. 
 
 ^ Jacob's deliver- 
 ance — i. e. the de- 
 liverance of Jacob's 
 seed, or God's cho- 
 sen people. 
 
PSALM XLIV. 
 
 71 
 
 Second Part. 
 
 In a deeply pathetic 
 strain, she mourns 
 the absence of her 
 God ; describes 
 the persecution to 
 which she is sub- 
 jected, and the mi- 
 sery she endures. 
 
 She solemnly ap- 
 peals to God as to 
 her sincere attach- 
 ment and steadfast 
 adherence to His 
 covenant, and her 
 freedom from con- 
 formity to the ido- 
 laters by whom she 
 was sun-ounded ; 
 and repeats her 
 earnest supplica- 
 tions for deliver- 
 ance. 
 
 BUT Thou ' hast rejected, and put us to shame; 
 Thou goest not forthwith our armies to fight; 
 Thou makest" us fly from the foes we o'ercame: 
 Our enemies spoil us with savage delight.^ 
 
 6 
 
 Thy servants are given, like sheep, to be slain; 
 Are scattered with heathens, for nothing are sold:'' 
 Reproach and derision* we daily sustain, 
 A by-word are made, and are left unconsoled. 
 
 Confusion is ever before us, and shame; 
 The voice of blasphemers we constantly hear: 
 Yet, Lord, we have never forgotten Thy name, 
 But still to Thy covenant firmly adhere. 
 
 8 
 Our heart hath not turned,® or gone back from 
 
 our God; 
 Our steps have not swerved, or declined from 
 
 Thy way; 
 Though driven with dragons^ to make our abode, 
 Where Death spreads his shadow our souls to 
 
 dismay. 
 
 9 
 
 Oh ! had we forgotten the name of our God, 
 Or stretched out our hands to an idol abhorred. 
 Would He not have searched out the path that 
 
 we trod? 
 For known are the thoughts of the heart to the 
 
 Lord. 
 
 ' Ps. 1.x. 1. 
 
 " Deut. xxviii. 25. 
 
 ^ Lev. xxvi. 17. 
 These calamities 
 had been distinctly 
 foretold by Moses, 
 as the punishment 
 of their disobedi- 
 ence. 
 
 * Are sold. — "God 
 is said to sell his 
 people when He 
 delivers them into 
 their enemies' 
 
 hands, as out of His 
 own possession. So 
 Deut. xxxii. 30 ; & 
 Is. lii. 3."— Dr. B. 
 
 ' Jer. xxiv. 9. 
 
 sPs. cxix. 51 and 
 157. 
 
 7 Dragons. — This 
 refers, probably, to 
 the state of God's 
 servants, driven 
 from their abodes 
 by persecution, and 
 obliged to dwell in 
 the wilderness sur- 
 rounded by wild 
 beasts. See Mai. 
 i. 3. 
 
72 
 
 PSALM XLV. 
 
 JFtrst ^art. 
 
 The Psalmist, in a 
 rapture of divine 
 inspiration, cele- 
 brates the glory of 
 King Messiah, as 
 displayed in the 
 
 10 
 
 Behold! for Thy sake, we are constantly 
 
 slain, 
 Accounted as sheep for the slaughter' sent 
 
 forth:— 
 Awake, O Jehovah ! nor silent remain ; 
 Arise, nor forsake us for ever in wi-ath. 
 
 11 
 
 Oh ! why dost Thou hide from Thy servants 
 
 Thy face? 
 And why our oppression and woe disregard ? 
 We cry, fr'om the dust of the earth, for Thy 
 
 grace ; 
 Arise, and redeem us fi-om bondage so hard ! 
 
 PSALM XLV. 
 
 A sacred ode, composed probably on occasion of Solomon's mar- 
 i-iage with Pharaoh's daughter. 
 
 " This Psalm is prophetic of the future triumphs of Messiah's king- 
 dom. It also describes, in glowing language, borrowed from 
 the manners of an eastern court, the nuptial festival of the 
 king. The bride is a type of the Church of Christ. See Rev. 
 xix."— F. & S. 
 
 ll/TY heart a goodly theme indites, 
 -'--'- I celebrate the King; 
 And, as a ready penman^ writes, 
 My tongue shall fi-eely sing. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' As sheep for the 
 slaughter. — See 
 Rom. viii. 36, where 
 the apostle quotes 
 this passage as ap- 
 plicable to the fierce 
 persecutions to 
 which the follow- 
 ers of Christ were 
 exposed. 
 
 2 See F.&S. 
 
 ' Ready penman 
 — i. e. " A writer 
 prepared & ready, 
 by a perfect know- 
 ledge of the sub- 
 ject he undertakes 
 to treat." — Bishop 
 
 HOKSLEY. 
 
PSALM XLV. 
 
 73 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 beauty of His moral 
 character, His gra- 
 cious speech, and 
 supreme blessed- 
 ness. 
 
 He invokes His 
 almighty power, to 
 be exerted in the 
 cause of Chi-istian 
 virtue, and for the 
 destruction of its 
 determined ene- 
 mies. 
 
 He declares the 
 eternal duration of 
 Messiah's kingdom ; 
 the perfect recti- 
 tude of His govern- 
 ment; and His di- 
 vine happiness in 
 consequence. 
 
 The honour paid to 
 Him on occasion of 
 His holy union vtdth 
 His church. 
 
 Fairer' than all the sons of men, 
 Grace" on Thy lips is poured: 
 
 For evermore shalt Thou remain 
 The blessed of the Lord. 
 
 Most mighty ! gu'd Thee on Thy sword/ 
 
 In majesty descend, 
 Meekness and truth to spread abroad. 
 
 And righteousness to' extend. 
 
 4 
 
 Terrors* from Thy right hand shall dart, 
 
 To bring the nations low: 
 Sharp are Thine arrows in the heart 
 
 Of every stubborn foe. 
 
 5 
 
 Thy throne,^ O God, is evermore, 
 
 Thy sceptre wholly right; 
 All wickedness dost Thou abhor. 
 
 In righteousness delight. 
 
 6 
 Hence God, Thy God, on Thee doth pour 
 
 The oil of joy'' divine: 
 Thy gannents are perfumed all o'er 
 
 With fragrance wholly Thine. 
 
 Kings' daughters' form Thy glorious train ; 
 
 At Thy right hand^ is seen. 
 In gold of Ophir,'' meet to reign. 
 
 Thy holy bride, the Queen. 
 
 ' Fairer, &c. — 
 Moral beauty is 
 here referred to : it 
 was displayed by 
 Messiah in His 
 loving righteous- 
 ness and hating 
 wickedness. See 
 verse 7. 
 
 - Grace, &c. — 
 " This refers to the 
 divine power of 
 Messiah's teaching, 
 and to the extraor- 
 dinary effect pro- 
 duced on His hear- 
 ers. Compare Luke 
 iv. 22, and John vii. 
 46."— F. & S. 
 
 3 Thy sword. — 
 The sword wliich 
 Messiah is here ex- 
 horted to gird on, 
 is " the sword of the 
 Spu'it, which is the 
 Word of God." 
 Comp. Eph. vi. 17. 
 ■> Terrors. — See 
 Boothroyd. " Mes- 
 siah, by His Word, 
 displaying the sins 
 of men, the purity 
 of God should dai't 
 teri-ors into their 
 consciences, as it 
 did in the case of 
 Felix." Acts xxiv. 
 25. 
 
 5 TInj throne, &c. 
 " But unto the Son 
 he saith. Thy 
 throne, O God, is 
 for ever and ever : 
 a sceptre of right- 
 eousness is the 
 sceptre of Thy 
 kingdom." — Heb. 
 i. 8. 
 
 s The oil of joy. — 
 It was " for the joy 
 that was set before 
 Him that he en- 
 dured the cross, de- 
 spising the shame." 
 Heb. xii. 2. 
 
 7 Matt. XXV. 1 ; 
 Rev. xxi. 24. 
 
 8 At Thy right 
 hand. — The place 
 of dignity and ho- 
 nour. 
 
 9 Ophir. — Gene- 
 rally supposed to be 
 Sofala, on the S.E. 
 coast of Africa. 
 
74 
 
 PSALM XLV. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 SfconU part. 
 
 The bride is ex- 
 horted to mortify all 
 unsanctified affec- 
 tions, and to yield 
 to her Lord her un- 
 divided heai't. 
 
 The riches, honour, 
 and power which 
 shall result to her 
 from the accession 
 of the Gentile na- 
 tions. 
 
 ?i:f)irt Part. 
 
 God the Father 
 promises that the 
 kingdom of Messiah 
 shall be perpetuated 
 throughout all ages ; 
 and that all nations 
 shall record His 
 praise. 
 
 TTE ARKEN, O daughter, bend thine ear, 
 -'-'- Consider, and forget 
 Thy father's house,^ thy kindred dear, 
 On whom thy heart was set. 
 
 So shall the King, with great desire, 
 
 Upon thy beauty^ gaze : 
 He is thy Lord, and doth require 
 
 Thy worship, love, and praise. 
 
 10 
 Lo ! Tyre's daughter^ at thy feet 
 
 Her costly gifts shall lay ; 
 The rich* thy favour shall entreat, 
 
 And nations homage pay. 
 
 11 
 
 All glorious is the Queen within. 
 Her robes^ with gold are wrought ; 
 
 She, with her virgins,® to the King, 
 Rejoicing, shall be brought. 
 
 12 
 
 rpO fill their father's vacant jjlace, 
 -^ Children' shalt Thou obtain: 
 And these shall be a princely race,® 
 In all the earth to reign. 
 
 13 
 
 Through every future age, Thy name 
 Shall be remembered well ; 
 
 And nations join Thy praise and fame 
 For evermore to tell. 
 
 ' Forget thy 
 father's house. — 
 Thus, when God 
 made a covenant 
 with Abraham, He 
 commanded him, 
 "Get thee out of 
 thy country, and 
 from thy kindred, 
 and from thy fa- 
 ther's house." Gen. 
 xii. 
 
 2 Thy beauty — 
 i. e. the beauty of 
 holiness. " Christ 
 loved the church, 
 and gave Himself 
 for it, that He miglit 
 present it to Him- 
 self a glorious 
 church, not having 
 spot, or wrinkle, or 
 any such thing." 
 Eph. V. 25. 
 
 3 The daughter of 
 Tyre represents the 
 most influential of 
 tlie Gentile nations. 
 Mai-k iii. 8. 
 
 ■» Is. Ix. 3. 
 
 5 Is. \x\. 10. 
 
 6 Matt. XXV. I. 
 
 ^ Children.— "T\ie 
 whole Christian 
 race is the fruit of 
 this mystical union 
 of Christ with His 
 church."— F. & S. 
 
 ' Christians alone 
 possess real dignity 
 now, and will even- 
 tually possess all 
 power. They com- 
 pose that kingdom 
 spoken of by Daniel, 
 (ii. 44,) "which 
 shall never be de- 
 stroyed." " Ye are 
 a royal priesthood," 
 says the apostle, 
 1 Peter ii. 9. 
 
PSALM XL VI. 
 
 75 
 
 The church mili- 
 tant, though threat- 
 ened on every side 
 by her enemies, 
 exults in the pro- 
 tection of the Al- 
 mighty. 
 
 The security of the 
 city in which God 
 dwells. 
 
 The vanity of all 
 the attempts made 
 for her destruction. 
 
 Men are invited to 
 contemplate the 
 wonders wrought 
 by God on behalf of 
 His people. 
 
 PSALM XLVI. 
 
 L. M. DOCBLE. 
 
 Dr. M. Good is of opinion that this Psalm was written to com- 
 memorate the victory obtained by Jehoshaphat over the Moabites 
 and Ammonites.! 
 
 1 
 
 /n OD is our refuge,^ ever near; 
 
 ^-^ Our strength, oiu* help when troubles 
 
 rise, 
 Hence, though the earth' be moved, no fear 
 
 Shall in our steadfast hearts arise : 
 Though mountains, plunged beneath the 
 
 SGclS) 
 
 Make ocean's troubled waters roar; 
 Though tremblings every mountain seize, 
 
 As dash the waves against the shore. 
 2 
 A river flows, whose gentle streams 
 
 Make glad the city* of our God ; 
 Jehovah, in her midst, redeems 
 
 And helps his people with His rod:* 
 The heathen raged;® the thrones were 
 moved; 
 
 He spake, — earth melted at his voice ; 
 The Lord of hosts our refuge proved, 
 
 In Jacob's God our souls rejoice. 
 3 
 Come,' and behold what works the Lord, 
 
 To desolate the earth, hath wrought! 
 He breaks the bow,® the spear, the sword, 
 
 The chariot bui'ns, and brings to nought : 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' 2 Chron. xx. 
 
 2Ps. Ixil. 7, 8. 
 
 '^Though the earth, 
 &c. — " In this pas- 
 sage, earthquakes 
 and storms, attend- 
 ed by inroads of the 
 sea, represent the 
 violence and might 
 of an invading 
 army."— F. & S. 
 
 ■* Jerusalem, wa- 
 tered by a gently- 
 flowing stream, dif- 
 fusing fertility in its 
 course, is here con- 
 trasted with the 
 tempestuous ocean, 
 whose agitated 
 waves threaten de- 
 struction. 
 
 5 His rod. — The 
 emblem of Al- 
 mighty power. Ps. 
 ex. 2. 
 
 6 The heathen 
 raged. — " What was 
 figuratively expres- 
 sed above is now 
 stated." — Dr. B. 
 
 7 Ps. Ixvi. 5. 
 
 8 Bishop Louth 
 observes that this 
 imagery is used to 
 express complete 
 victory, and the 
 perfect establish- 
 ment of peace. 
 
76 
 
 PSALM XL VII. 
 
 The supreme do- 
 minion of God as- 
 serted by Himself. 
 
 All nations are 
 called upon to re- 
 joice at the trium- 
 phant resurrection 
 and supreme exal- 
 tation of Messiah; 
 
 and to offer the 
 sacrifice of univer- 
 sal and heartfelt 
 praise to Him who 
 "is King over the 
 whole earth." 
 
 His universal do- 
 minion as " Prince 
 of the kings of the 
 earth ;" and His es- 
 pecial regard for 
 His peculiar people. 
 
 " Be still,^ and know that I am God ; 
 
 Let earth exalt my name, and fear!' 
 The Lord of hosts is our abode, 
 
 And Jacob's God our refuge near.^ 
 
 PSALM XLVIL 
 
 L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 This spirited ode appears to have been composed when David 
 brought up the ark fi-om the house of Obed-edom to Mount 
 Zion.3 
 
 " The Christian church recognises, under these images, the ascen- 
 sion other Lord and Saviour into heaven." — Bishop Mant. 
 
 1 
 
 f\ ALL ye people, clap your hands,* 
 ^ Shout unto God with joyful strains! 
 Reverence* the Lord most high demands, 
 
 King over all the earth He reigns: 
 'Tis He our enemies subdues, 
 And our inheritance'^ doth choose. 
 
 2 
 God, with a shout, ascends' on high, 
 
 Jehovah with a trumpet's sound: 
 To praise our God yoiu* tongues apply, 
 
 The praises of our King resound: 
 O'er all the earth our God is King; 
 His praise with understanding sing. 
 
 3 
 God rules the heathen: on His throne 
 
 Of holiness our God doth sit: 
 His sway assembled princes own. 
 
 To Abraham's God the tribes submit: 
 God shields the land:* our foes are awed; 
 Greatly exalted is the Lord. 
 
 ' " stand ye still, 
 and see the salva- 
 tion of the Lord." 
 2 Chron. xx. 17. 
 
 2Deut. xxxiii.27. 
 
 3 1 Chi-on. XV. 25 
 
 -28. 
 
 ■• Clapping the 
 hands and shouting 
 are expressions of 
 unusual joy. 
 
 5 See F. & S. 
 
 f^ Ouj- inheritance. 
 — " I go to prepare 
 a place for you." 
 John xiv. 3. See 
 also 1 Pet. i. 4. 
 
 7 God ascends — 
 i. e. " in the ark, 
 the symbol of His 
 presence. When it 
 was carried by some 
 Levites, others blew 
 tlie trumpets, and 
 others joined in 
 singing praises." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
 8 " This appears 
 to refer particularly 
 to the promise that 
 God would guard 
 the land, when the 
 Israelites were as- 
 sembled at Jerusa- 
 lem to keep their 
 public festivals. 
 (Exod. xxxiv. 24.) 
 But the Psalmist 
 probably had also 
 in view the general 
 protection afforded 
 by the Almighty to 
 His chosen people." 
 — F. & S. 
 
PSALM XLVIII. 
 
 77 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The church cele- 
 brates the majesty 
 and holiness of God, 
 as displayed in His 
 earthly courts ; and 
 His power in se- 
 curing His people, 
 and destroying their 
 
 His faitlifulness in 
 fulfilUng the pro- 
 mises made to Zion. 
 
 Meditating on the 
 love of God, she 
 foretells that all 
 shall know His 
 name, and declare 
 His praise ; 
 
 PSALM XLVIII. 
 
 L. M. 
 
 The occasion on which this spu-ited Psalm was written is not known 
 with certainty ; it was evidently designed to commemorate the 
 defeat of the combined forces of the heathen kings who had ad- 
 vanced against Jerusalem. 
 
 1 
 
 /^ HEAT is the Lord, and great His 
 ^-^ praise 
 
 Witloin the city' where He dwells: 
 His holiness He there displays, 
 
 And Zion's" beauty all excels. 
 2 
 There, in the city of our King,' 
 
 God for a refuge* is made known: 
 The kings,* against her gathering, 
 
 Saw, were amazed, and overthrown. 
 3 
 Fear seized upon them there, and pain 
 
 Likfc hers who travail sore performs: 
 Their scattered forces strewed the plain. 
 
 Like ships of Tarshish dashed by storms. 
 4 
 AVhat we have heard of Zion® told. 
 
 The city of our God below, 
 Our eyes are favoured to behold ; 
 
 God will establish her,' we know. 
 5 
 Oft on Thy loving kindness,® Lord, 
 
 Amidst Thy temple, we have thought ; 
 Far as Thy name is spread abroad. 
 
 Thy praise shall all mankind be taught. 
 
 ' The city — i. e. 
 Jerusalem, the type 
 of the Christian 
 church. See Heb. 
 sii. 22. 
 
 2Ps. 1. 
 ii. 15. 
 
 Lam. 
 
 ^ Jer. viii. 19. 
 
 ■i Ps. xlvi. 1. 
 
 ' 2 Chron. xx. 1. 
 Kings and rulers 
 have often united 
 against the Chris- 
 tian church, but 
 she has x-ealized the 
 promise, " No wea- 
 pon that is formed 
 against thee shall 
 prosper." Is.Uv. 17. 
 
 6 Ps. xliv. I ; 
 Ixxxvii. 5; Is. ii. 1. 
 
 ' Ps. Ixxxvii. 5 ; 
 Daniel ii. 44. 
 
 s The loving- 
 kindness of God, 
 displayed in the 
 gift of His Son, is 
 the theme of the 
 churcli's praise, and 
 by the knowledge of 
 this, all the earth 
 will be filled with 
 His glory. 
 
78 
 
 PSALM XLIX. 
 
 and exults in the 
 consciousness of iier 
 security under the 
 divine protection. 
 
 JFirat ^art. 
 
 The Psalmist in- 
 vites all men to 
 attend to his lessons 
 of instruction, in- 
 volving the most 
 important interests 
 of all. 
 
 Zion, rejoice ! to grant thee aid, 
 
 His righteous arm thy God doth raise ; 
 
 Daughters of Judah!' see displayed 
 His judgments/ and record His praise. 
 
 7 
 Walk about Zion ; count her towers ; 
 
 Her palaces, her bulwarks see ! 
 This God, for evennore, is ours, 
 
 And, unto death, om- Guide will be.' 
 
 PSALM XLIX. 
 
 C. M. DOUBLE. 
 
 The time and occasion on which this instructive Psalm was written 
 are not ascertamed. Calmet refei's it to the period of the cap- 
 tivity in Babylon. 
 
 May not the judgment brought upon the haughty Nebuchadnezzar, 
 whose history affords a most striking iHjistration of the senti- 
 ments contained in this Psahn, have suggested them to its in- 
 spired author ? (Compare the last verse of this Psalm with 
 Daniel iv. 33.) 
 
 1 
 
 TTEAR this,* ye people; and attend 
 ■^■^ All in the world who dwell : 
 To low and high* my words I send, 
 
 To rich and poor as well : 
 My mouth shall wisdom's w^ords repeat, 
 
 And understanding bring; 
 In parables, with music sweet, 
 
 My sayings dark I sing. 
 
 ' Daughters of 
 Judah — i. e. " aU 
 the smaller cities 
 of Judea." — Bishop 
 Wilson. 
 
 2 His judgments — 
 displayed in the de- 
 struction of Zion's 
 enemies. 
 
 3 Is. Iviii. 11. 
 
 ■• This—\. e. the 
 instruction con- 
 tained in the follow- 
 ing verses. 
 
 5 To hnp and high, 
 &c. — All classes are 
 specified, one gi'eat 
 object of the Psalm- 
 ist being to teach 
 the rich not to rely 
 on wealth, and the 
 poor to be content 
 without it. 
 
PSALM XLIX. 
 
 79 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 He shows how vain, 
 in the day of trou- 
 ble, and in the hour 
 of death, is the 
 confidence of tlie 
 wealthy worldling. 
 
 The same fate 
 awaits the worldly 
 wise, and the fool ; 
 though they fondly 
 anticipate a con- 
 tinuance of happi- 
 ness below. 
 
 Sfcotilr ^art. 
 
 Notwithstanding 
 the vanity of their 
 sinful course, it is 
 persevered in by 
 their posterity, re 
 gardless of the 
 shame which will 
 overwhelm them in 
 the morning of the 
 resurrection. 
 
 The Psalmist ex- 
 presses his confi- 
 dence that God wUl 
 raise him from the 
 dead, and receive 
 
 Wliy should I fear the evil day' 
 
 Wlien sinners close me round ?^ 
 They who on worldly treasures stay, 
 
 And boast their stores abound, 
 None can to God a ransom give, 
 
 (Too costly^ it would be,) 
 To cause his brother still to live, 
 
 And not corruption see. 
 
 3 
 
 He sees the wise* have no reprieve. 
 
 But like the foolish die ; 
 To others their possessions leave. 
 
 And in the grave they lie: 
 Though secret hopes their minds engage. 
 
 Their houses^ shall remain, 
 Their dwelling place, through every age. 
 
 And lands their names retain.® 
 
 4 
 T)UT man, in honoiu',^ cannot stay; 
 
 J3 
 
 He, like the beasts, must die : 
 
 And yet, the folly® of their way 
 
 Guides theu- posterity: 
 Like sheep, they to the grave are borne, 
 
 Death makes them all his prize ; 
 And, in the resurrection morn,' 
 
 The just shall o'er them rise. 
 
 5 
 Their beauty quickly shall consume, 
 
 When in the grave they lie ; 
 But God will raise me from the tomb, 
 
 And welcome me on high. 
 
 ' The evil day, 
 &c. — i. e. Why 
 should I fear the 
 day when wealthy 
 and powerful men 
 lay snares for me ? 
 
 2 F. & S. render 
 this, " When the 
 wickedness of my 
 supplanters hem- 
 meth me in." 
 
 3 Too costly. — 
 This redemption 
 cannot be accom- 
 plished " with cor- 
 ruptible things, as 
 silver and gold." 
 1 Peter i. 18. 
 
 ■• The wise. — 
 " Those who are 
 possessed of the 
 greatest worldly 
 wisdom." — F. & S. 
 
 5 Ps. X. 6 ; Dan. 
 
 iv. 30. 
 
 6 2 Sam. xviii. 18. 
 
 7 In honour — 
 i. e. possessing the 
 riches and honours 
 of this world. 
 
 « Luke xii. 20. 
 
 5 The resurrec- 
 tion mum. — This is 
 evidently referred 
 to in the text, when 
 " those who sleep in 
 the dust of the earth 
 shall awake," the 
 just " to everlast- 
 ing life,' and the 
 wicked " to shame 
 and everlasting con- 
 tempt." Dan. xii. 2. 
 
80 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 him to eternal 
 glory ; and hence 
 infers the excessive 
 folly of worldly 
 men, who sacrifice 
 the interests of 
 eternity to those of 
 time. 
 
 Jtrst ^art. 
 
 The Almighty is 
 represented as de- 
 scending on Mount 
 Zion, as formerly 
 on Mount Sinai, in 
 terrible majesty to 
 judge His people. 
 
 He summons them 
 to His presence ; 
 
 PSALM L. 
 
 Fear not, though one in riches gi'ow, 
 
 Or though his house increase ; 
 For naked' he from earth must go, 
 
 And all his glory cease. 
 6 
 Though while he lived, he blest^ his soul, 
 
 (And men will give thee praise 
 When thou dost seek, without control, 
 
 Enjoyment^ all thy days,) 
 Sent to the grave, his fathers' place, 
 
 No light^ shall cheer his eye : — 
 Man,^ though in honoiu", void of grace, 
 
 Is like the beasts that die. 
 
 PSALM L. 
 
 L. M. DOUBLE. 
 
 The time and occasion on which this sublime Psalm was composed 
 are not ascertained. It consists of two parts ; in the former a 
 devout but ignorant worshipper is reproved ; in the latter, a 
 wicked pretender to devotion. 
 
 1 
 
 rPHE mighty God, Jehovah speaks,*' 
 -*- The ear of all on earth He seeks: 
 From Zion, (where he dwells enshrined,) 
 Perfect in beauty,^ God hath shined : 
 Jehovah comes;* — He speaks aloud. 
 Shrouded in tempest, fire and cloud ; 
 He calls all heaven and earth to see 
 God judge His people righteously. 
 
 2 
 " Gather my saints,'"* Jehovah cries, 
 " Bound unto me by sacrifice :" 
 
 ' Compare Job i. 
 21; and ITim. vi. 7. 
 
 2 B/csf — i. e. con- 
 gratulated himself 
 on his good fortune. 
 Compare Luke xii. 
 19. 
 
 ^ See F. & S. 
 
 "No light.--" Cast 
 ye the unprofitable 
 servant into outer 
 darkness." Matt. 
 XXV. 30. 
 
 5 Man — who at- 
 tends only to the 
 concerns of this 
 life, regardless of 
 that which is to 
 come. 
 
 1^ Speaks— F.&S. 
 translate this in the 
 present tense. 
 
 7" The city which 
 men call the per- 
 fection of beauty." 
 Lam. ii. 15. 
 
 8 Jehovah comes. 
 — This description 
 of the appearance 
 of the Almighty 
 Judge is taken 
 from that of His ap- 
 pearance on Mount 
 Sinai. See Exod. 
 xix. 
 
 3 My saints. — 
 The Jewish nation, 
 professing the true 
 religion.were a holy 
 people to the Lord 
 their God. Deut. 
 xiv. 2. Compare 
 Heb. ix. 18-20. 
 
SUBJECT. 
 
 angels witness the 
 solemnity. 
 
 God declares that 
 He does not i-eprove 
 them for the neg- 
 lect of cei'emonial 
 observances, since 
 these cannot be ob- 
 jects of desire to 
 Him who is the 
 Creator of all : and 
 tells them that the 
 spiritual sacrifices 
 of prayer and praise 
 are those which He 
 approves. 
 
 Second ^art. 
 
 The Almighty 
 Judge severely re- 
 proves the hypo- 
 crisy of those who, 
 " while they pro- 
 fess that they know 
 God, in works deny 
 Him." 
 
 PSALM L. 
 
 (The heavens' His righteousness shall own, 
 
 For God Himself is Judge alone :) 
 
 " Hear, O My people, hear, whilst I 
 
 Against thee, Israel, testify; 
 
 For I am God, thy God, and thou 
 
 Only before My throne must bow. 
 
 3 
 Not for the want of sacrifice,' 
 Will I reprove thee, or chastise: 
 I ask no bullock at thy hand. 
 Nor he-goat from thy fold demand: 
 My hand with life the forest fills, 
 The cattle on a thousand hills 
 Are Mine, with all the mountain fowl. 
 And beasts that through the forest prowl. 
 
 4 
 If hungry, would I ask of thine ,^ 
 When earth* and all its wealth are Mine .? 
 Can I the flesh of bulls require ? 
 To drink the blood of goats desire ? 
 Offer to God thanksgiving, — pay 
 Thy vows to the Most High ; and pray, 
 In trouble f I will own thy claim, 
 And thou shalt glorify® My name." 
 
 5 
 T)UT of the wicked God demands, 
 -^ "Wherefore' dost thou of my commands 
 Or covenant speak .? for, lo ! thy soul 
 Abhors instruction and control.^ 
 The thief obtains thy glad consent, 
 Thou lovest the adulterer's tent : 
 Evil and fraud thy mouth defile : 
 Thy mother's son' dost thou revile. 
 
 M 
 
 81 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' The heavens— 
 i. e. 'the angels as- 
 sembled to witness 
 the dealings of God 
 with His people." — 
 F. &S. 
 
 2 Thus, in Hosea 
 vi. 6, God says, 
 "I desired mercy, 
 and not sacrifice ;" 
 by which we are 
 to understand that 
 the latter, although 
 commanded by God, 
 has no value in His 
 esteem apart from 
 moral excellence. 
 See 1 Sam. xv. 22. 
 
 3 Compare Acta 
 xvii. 24, 25. 
 
 ■* Ps. xxiv. I ; 1 
 Cor. X. 26. 
 
 5 Ps. cvii. 6. 
 
 ^ Shalt glorify — 
 i. e. " Shalt have 
 cause for glorifying 
 me."— F. & S. 
 
 ' Compare Is. i. 
 11-15. 
 
 8 Prov. V. 12, 13. 
 
 9 Thy mother's 
 son. — " To under- 
 stand the force of 
 this expression, it 
 must be borne in 
 mind that polygamy 
 was allowed among 
 the Israelites. — 
 Those who were 
 born to the same 
 father were all 
 brethren, but a yet 
 more intimate re- 
 lationship existed 
 between those who 
 had the same mo- 
 ther as well as the 
 same father." — 
 F. &S. 
 
82 
 
 PSALM LI. 
 
 He calls on them to 
 consider and to re- 
 pent, before " His 
 mercy is clean gone 
 for ever ;" and de- 
 clares the worship 
 which is acceptable 
 to God. 
 
 JFtrst ^art. 
 
 David, vmder a deep 
 conviction of sin, 
 eai'nestly appeals to 
 the mercy of God, 
 as the only ground 
 on which he could 
 encourage the hope 
 of pardon. 
 
 He confesses the 
 aggravated charac- 
 ter of his transgres- 
 sions, and acknow- 
 ledging that God 
 
 6 
 
 All this, in silence, shall I see .'' 
 Thinkest thou God is like to thee? 
 Before thine eyes thy crimes I set;^ 
 Consider, ye who God forget,' 
 Lest I in pieces tear My foes,* 
 Then none to save can intei-j^jose:— 
 Who offers praise, exalteth Me; 
 The just shall My salvation see." 
 
 PSALM LL 
 
 L. M, 
 
 Composed by David, after Nathan the prophet had reproved him 
 for his sin in reference to Bathsheba and Uriah. ^ It is, as Bishop 
 Home justly says, "a perfect model of penitential devotion." 
 
 1 
 
 TTAVE mercy ,^ gracious God, on me, 
 -'-'- According to Thy tender love: 
 Thy countless mercies are my plea. 
 Blot out my sins,^ my guilt remove. 
 
 2 
 
 Wash^ my iniquities away, 
 
 Cleanse me from every sinful stain; 
 For I confess® my sins, and they 
 
 Ever before my face remain. 
 
 3 
 
 Against Thee only'" did I sin, 
 And do this evil in Thy sight: 
 
 So that, did judgment now begin, 
 
 Thou wouldst be clear. Thy sentence 
 riffht." 
 
 ' Dr. Boothroyd 
 renders this inter- 
 rogatively, and ob- 
 serves, "God ap- 
 peals to the reason 
 and conscience of 
 sucli sinners wlie- 
 ther it is proper 
 that He should give 
 tliem occasion to 
 think that He was 
 like them, and ap- 
 proved their con- 
 duct." 
 
 2 Ps. .\c. 8. 
 
 3 Ps. ix. 17. 
 " Ps. vii. 2. 
 
 5 Exod. xxxiv. 6. 
 
 ^Is. xliii. 25 ; xliv. 
 22. 
 
 8 Wash — cleanse, 
 &c. — The frequent 
 repetition of the 
 Psalmist's prayers 
 shows the intensity 
 of his desire for 
 pardon. 
 
 9 Confess.—" And 
 David said, I have 
 sinned against the 
 Lord." 2 Sam. xii. 
 13 ; see also Ps. 
 xxii. 5. 
 
 '" Against Thee 
 only. — " The hei- 
 nousness of my 
 guilt consists, most 
 especially, in my 
 having acted in 
 open defiance of the 
 sacred laws of my 
 merciful and al- 
 mighty benefac- 
 tor."--F. & S. 
 
 " Komans iii. 4. 
 
PSALM LI. 
 
 83 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 would be just in his 
 condemnation, he 
 deplores the deep 
 depravity of his 
 nature. 
 
 He beseeches God 
 not only for pardon, 
 but also for inward 
 purity, that so he 
 may be restored to 
 the enjoyment of 
 those pure and 
 sacred pleasures of 
 which, in conse- 
 quence of his sin, 
 he had been de- 
 prived. 
 
 SccontJ ^art. 
 
 He TOWS to im- 
 prove the mercy 
 and grace of God, 
 by making known 
 to others that di- 
 vine goodness by 
 which he has been 
 spared and re- 
 covered ; and to 
 consecrate his life 
 to show forth the 
 praise of God, who 
 is ever " nigh unto 
 
 Behold, I was conceived in sin, 
 
 Was born depraved,' a child of v^o ! 
 But Thou desu-est truth^ witliin, 
 
 And wisdom^ there wilt make me 
 know.* 
 
 5 
 Purge me with hyssop,^ make me clean, 
 
 Wash me,'^ till I be white as snow; 
 Gladness impart, and peace serene, 
 
 That joy^ my broken bones may know. 
 
 6 
 Thy face® hide from the sins I hate, 
 
 Blot my transgressions fi'om Thy view ; 
 Within me a clean heart create,' 
 
 A steadfast'" mind in me renew. 
 
 7 
 Cast me not from Thy presence. Lord," 
 
 Nor take Thy Spirit quite from me ; 
 Let holy joy be now restored, 
 
 Uphold me by Thy Spirit free.'^ 
 8 
 rpRANSGRESSORS then I'll teach Thy 
 -*- ways,'" 
 
 Sinners shall learn to fear Thy name; 
 Saved from the guilt of blood. Thy praise 
 
 And righteousness'* will I proclaim. 
 
 9 
 Lord, open'^ Thou my lips to sing, 
 
 My mouth shall then Thy praise recite: 
 Burnt offerings I to Thee would bring. 
 
 If these afforded Thee delight."^ 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Eph. ii. 3. 
 
 • Tridh — i. e. 
 " sincerity or up- 
 rightness." — Dr. B. 
 
 ^ Wisdom — i. e. 
 ' holiness.' — F. & 8. 
 See Job xxviii. 28. 
 
 •* Knotc — i. e. 
 'approve.' — F.& S. 
 As in Ps. i. 6. 
 
 5 Hyssop. — "Hys- 
 sop was used in the 
 purifying of a leper 
 (Levit. xiv. 6, 7). 
 ThePsalmist adopts 
 this language when 
 praying that he may 
 be cleansed from his 
 moral defilement." 
 — F.& S. 
 
 6 Is. i. 15-18. 
 
 ^ That joy, &c.— 
 i.e." that I who, un- 
 der a sense of guilt, 
 am broken-hearted, 
 may receive com- 
 fort."— F. & S. 
 
 8 Ps. xo. 8 ; Jer. 
 xvi. 17. 
 
 9 Acts XV. 9. 
 
 10 Steadfast.— See 
 F.&S. 
 
 " Bishop Home 
 justly observes that 
 banishment from 
 God's presence is 
 the most deplorable 
 effect of sin. 
 
 12 " Where the 
 Spirit of the Lord 
 is, there is liberty." 
 2 Cor. iii. 17. 
 
 '3 T/iy ivays — i. e. 
 " of mercy which I 
 have, in my own 
 person, experien- 
 ced. See Ps. cxxx. 
 4 and 7."— F. & S. 
 '"'' Righteousness — 
 i. e. Thy method of 
 justifying the un- 
 godly, — not by 
 works, but by grace. 
 See Rom. iv. 5-8 ; 
 and X. 3. 
 
 '^ Open — i.e. " en- 
 able me to raise 
 the voice of praise 
 and thanksgiving, 
 to which my lips 
 have hitherto been 
 closed, by my con- 
 viction of my guilt, 
 and despair of par- 
 don."— F. & S. 
 
 '6Ps.xl.6;Hosea 
 vi. 6; Mic. vi. 7, 8. 
 
84 
 
 PSALM LII. 
 
 them that are of a 
 broken heart, and 
 saveth such as be of 
 a contrite spirit." 
 
 Concluding prayer 
 for the prosperity 
 of God's people. 
 
 The Psalmist, in 
 an animated apo- 
 strophe, reproves 
 the presumption 
 and falsehood of the 
 powerful foe who 
 gloried in his im- 
 piety. 
 
 He predicts his 
 utter destruction : 
 
 10 
 
 O may I now, in sacrifice, 
 
 Present to Thee my God on high, 
 The offering Thou wilt not despise, 
 
 A broken heart,^ a contrite sigh. 
 11 
 In Thy good pleasure,^ Zion bless ; 
 
 Jerusalem with walls defend; 
 Offerings of praise and righteousness 
 
 Shall then to Thee, well pleased, 
 ascend. 
 
 PSALM LII. 
 
 Composed by David on occasion of his persecution by Doeg, the 
 Edoraite, as related 1 Sam. xxii. 
 
 TT7HY boast^ in mischief, mighty man.'' 
 
 ' * I on Eternal goodness lean. 
 Thy tongue contrives what ill it can; 
 So smooth, yet like a razor keen. 
 •2 
 Thou lovest evil more than good; 
 What falsehoods from thy lips have 
 
 sprung 
 
 Thou lovest words* that lead to blood 
 And death, O thou deceitful tongue ! 
 
 3 
 
 God will both utterly destroy,* 
 
 And take thee hence away in wrath; 
 
 Pluck thee from thine abode of joy, 
 And fi'om the living cast thee forth. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 • Ps. cxlvii. 3. 
 Is. Ixvi. 2. 
 
 ' " The precedhig 
 verses contain a 
 penitential psalm of 
 David. The last 
 two verses appear 
 to have been added 
 during the capti- 
 vity."— F. & S. 
 
 ^ W/ii/ boast — i. e. 
 " Why do you pre- 
 sumptuously antici- 
 pate success in your 
 wicked designs 
 
 against me, from 
 whom the favour of 
 God is never for 
 an instant with- 
 drawn ?"— F. & S. 
 
 '' 1 Sam. xxii. 9 
 and 22. 
 
 5 Such will be the 
 fate of all the per- 
 secutors of God's 
 people. 
 
PSALM LIII. 
 
 85 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 foretells the salu- 
 tary effect which 
 this shall produce 
 on the minds of 
 God's people : 
 
 and expresses his 
 own assurance of 
 prosperity through 
 the divine mercy. 
 
 The Psalmist de- 
 scribes the atheis- 
 tical and corrupt 
 principles of unbe- 
 lievers, and their 
 consequently cor- 
 rupt practice. 
 
 The universally de- 
 praved condition of 
 mankmd in the 
 sight of the infinite- 
 ly pure and holy 
 God. 
 
 The Almighty is 
 represented as de- 
 claring the cer- 
 tainty of approach- 
 ing judgment, when 
 the oppressors of 
 
 The righteous shall, with revei'ence/ say, 
 " Behold the man who scorned to trust 
 
 In God, but riches made his stay, 
 
 Strengtheninghimself by deeds unjust !" 
 
 5 
 
 Like a green olive,^ I shall thrive, 
 Trusting the mercy of my God; 
 
 The song of praise shall then revive,' 
 Among the saints, in Thine abode. 
 
 PSALM LIIL 
 
 This Psalm appears to have been composed towards the close of 
 the captivity in Babylon. With some trifling variations, it is the 
 
 same as Ps. xiv. 
 
 1 
 
 'TIHE fool,* within his heart, hath said, 
 -*- " There is no God for me to dread:" 
 CoiTupt they are ; their works are base, 
 And none^ the paths of goodness trace. 
 
 God looked*^ from heaven on men below, 
 To see if any sought to know 
 Their God; — but all have backward run. 
 None doeth good, not even one. 
 
 3 
 But shall there not a reckoning be'' 
 With those Avho work iniquity ? 
 Who, as their bread, My saints devour, 
 Nor call on God, nor dread His power.? 
 
 ' With reverence. 
 — " In the punish- 
 ment of this wicked 
 man, they find ad- 
 ditional reason to 
 reverence God." 
 F. &S. 
 
 2 Ps. xcii. 13, 14 ; 
 Romans xi. 17. 
 
 ^ "David expresses 
 his confidence that, 
 though now ba- 
 nished, he should 
 one day be re- 
 stored." — Dr. B. 
 
 " The fool. — 
 " FoUy is a term 
 employed, in He- 
 brew, to express the 
 greatest possible 
 degree of guilt." — ■ 
 F.&S. 
 
 ^ Rom. iii. 10. 
 
 6 God looked. — • 
 The Psalmist pro- 
 bably alludes to 
 Gen. vi. 12 : " And 
 God looked upon 
 the eartli, and be- 
 hold it was corrupt; 
 for all tl esh had cor- 
 rupted his way 
 upon the earth. "^ — 
 Compare also Rom. 
 iii. 10-13. 
 
 7 F. & S. render 
 this, " Shall not 
 cognizance be taken 
 of the workers of 
 iniquity ?" and ob- 
 serve that this in- 
 terrogative is, in 
 Hebrew,tlie strong- 
 est mode of assert- 
 ing that such will 
 be the case. 
 
86 
 
 PSALM LIV. 
 
 His people shall re- 
 ceive the due re- 
 ward of theu' ini- 
 quities. 
 
 The Psalmist prays 
 for the appearance 
 of the great Deli- 
 verer. 
 
 David earnestly 
 supplicates the pro- 
 tection of God 
 against his impious 
 foes. 
 
 Confiding in the 
 Almiglity, he fore- 
 tells their doom ; 
 
 Then shall the fearless greatly fear; 
 Scattered shall all thy foes' appear; 
 And all who now thy hurt devise 
 Be shamed, for God shall them despise. 
 
 5 
 
 Oh, that from Zion's^ hallowed dome, 
 Israel's Salvation now w^ould come ! 
 When God His captives^ back shall bring, 
 Jacob shall joy, and Israel sing. 
 
 PSALM LIV. 
 
 ' A Psalm of David, when the Ziphims came and said to Saul, 
 Doth not David hide himself with us ?"■* 
 
 OAYE me by Thy name,' O Lord! 
 
 And judge*^ me by Thy might: 
 Let my prayer, my every word 
 
 Find favour in Thy sight: 
 Sti'angers^ proud against me rise, 
 Oppressing tyrants seek my life, 
 Set not God® before their eyes, 
 But take delight in strife. 
 
 2 
 
 God, my helper,® is with those 
 Who strive my life to save; 
 
 He brings evil on my foes,'" 
 And sends them to the grave: 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Thy foes — i. e. 
 the foes of Jei-usa- 
 lem, the type of the 
 Christian church. 
 
 2 From Zion. — 
 " There shall come 
 out of Zion the De- 
 liverer, who shall 
 turn away ungodli- 
 ness from Jacob." 
 Rom. xi. 26. 
 
 3 Is. lii. 8. 
 
 ■> 1 Sam. xxiii. 19. 
 
 5 See Exod. xxxiii. 
 5-7 ; Ps. XX. 1 ; 
 Prov. xviii. 10. 
 
 eps. xliii. 1, 2; 
 judge — i. e. do me 
 justice. 
 
 ? Strangers. — 
 " The Ziphites, 
 though David's 
 countrymen, acted 
 the part of stran- 
 gers, in seeliing to 
 deliver him up to 
 his unjust and cruel 
 enemy." — Bishop 
 
 HORNE. 
 
 8 Set not God, &c. 
 — " They have cast 
 ofif all regard for 
 His presence and 
 authoi-ity, and all 
 fear of His judg- 
 ments." — • Poole. 
 Ps. xxxvi. 1. 
 
 siChron.xii. 18; 
 Ps. cxviji. 6,7,&13. 
 
 i" 1 Samuel xxiii. 
 
PSALM LV. 
 
 87 
 
 and determines to 
 show forth the 
 praise of his great 
 Deliverer. 
 
 JFirst ^art. 
 
 Tlie King of Israel, 
 an exile from Zion, 
 pours forth his soul 
 to Him who is able 
 to save ; describing 
 the cruel and op- 
 pressive conduct of 
 his enemies, and the 
 distress they caused 
 him. 
 
 Second Part. 
 
 He prays that God 
 would bring to 
 nought the counsels 
 of those who dis- 
 turbed the peace of 
 the holy city ; 
 
 I will sacrifice to Thee, 
 And praise Thy name/ for it is good: 
 Saved from all distress, I see 
 My every foe subdued. 
 
 2 Ps. xcii. 
 cxlvii. 1. 
 
 PSALM LV. 
 
 L. M. DOUBLE. 
 
 Composed by David during tlie rebellion of Absalom.-' 
 1 
 
 /n IVE ear, O God, unto my prayer,* 
 ^^ Nor fi"om my supplication hide f 
 Attend whilst I my woes declare. 
 
 And my complaint to Thee confide: 
 The voice of enemies® I hear, 
 
 The' oppression of the wicked feel ; 
 With charges false and insincere 
 
 Their wrath and hatred they reveal, 
 o 
 My heart^ within is sore distressed, 
 
 TeiTors of death upon me fall ; 
 By fear and trembling I'm oppressed, 
 
 And horror broodeth over all: 
 Oh! that I had the dove's swift wing! 
 
 Then would I fly away® and rest: 
 The desert peace to me should bring. 
 
 Nor fiu'ious storms my soul molest. 
 
 3 
 T\ESTROY' their counsels, Lord; divide 
 
 JU 
 
 Theirtongues; for violence and wrong 
 
 I, in the city, have descried ; 
 
 By day and night the walls they throng: 
 
 3 2 Sam. XV. 
 
 ■• Ps. V. 1. 
 
 ' Ps. xxviii. 1 . 
 
 6 The voice ofenc- 
 7>ues — of those who 
 complained that he 
 neglected the ad- 
 ministration of jus- 
 tice, and the public 
 welfare. 2 Sam. xv. 
 3,4. 
 
 7 My heart, &c. — 
 The language of 
 David on this occa- 
 sion, readily sug- 
 gests the language 
 of David's Lord, 
 when in far deeper 
 trouble, " My soul 
 is exceeding sor- 
 rowful, even unto 
 death." Matt. xxvi. 
 38. 
 
 8 Fly aivay — i. e. 
 " I should prefer 
 the most dreai'y 
 solitude to the ha- 
 bitations of these 
 my persecutors." — 
 F. & S. 
 
 3 Destroy, &c. — 
 " And David said, 
 O Lord, I pray 
 Thee, turn the 
 counsel of Ahitho- 
 phel into fooUsh- 
 ness." 2 Sam. xv. 
 31. Compare also 
 xvii. 1 to 14. 
 
88 
 
 PSALM LV. 
 
 and complains bit- 
 terly of the traitor 
 who sought his de- 
 struction : whose 
 treachery was ag- 
 gravated by former 
 familiarity and 
 friendship. 
 
 STfjtrt \Biixt. 
 
 In the spu'it of pro ■ 
 phecy, he foretells 
 their doom, and his 
 deliverance, in an- 
 swer to fervent and 
 persevering prayer ; 
 and expresses his 
 confidence in the 
 guardian care of the 
 Almighty ; 
 
 Mischief and sorrow' both are there ; 
 
 And wickedness triumphant reigns; 
 Guile and deceit kn-k every where; 
 
 Her streets are foul with guilty stains. 
 
 4 
 'Twas not an enemy' reproached; 
 
 This I could patiently endure; 
 Had he who hated me approached, 
 
 I could have hid myself secure : 
 But, it was thou, my friend, my guide, 
 
 With whom the path of life I trod; 
 We took sweet counsel side by side, 
 
 Ascending to the house of God. 
 
 5 
 
 "PvEATH suddenly shall seize them all, 
 ^-^ They to the grave alive^ shall go; 
 But, as for me, on God I call, 
 
 And He will rescue me, I know^: 
 Evening, and morning, and at noon,^ 
 
 I pray, and He will hear my cries; 
 Redeem my soul from danger soon, 
 
 Though multitudes against me rise.* 
 
 6 
 God, who for ever doth remain. 
 
 Will hear me, and afflict my foes ; 
 Because no changes® they sustain. 
 
 They fear not God, but still oppose: 
 Against the jDcaceable they rise ; 
 
 Their covenant break;'' and though 
 their words 
 Ai'e soft, yet war their hearts devise; 
 
 Their words destroy like naked swords. 
 
 • Mischief and sor- 
 row. — These, by a 
 bold personifica- 
 tion, are represent- 
 ed as holding pos- 
 session of the city. 
 
 2 Not an enemy. 
 — David was be- 
 trayed by his friend 
 and counsellor ; 
 Chi-ist by his dis- 
 ciple. As the trai- 
 tors were alike in 
 guilt, so also in pun- 
 ishment. " When 
 Ahithophel saw 
 that his counsel was 
 not followed, he 
 arose and hanged 
 himself." — And 
 " Judas, when he 
 saw that he was 
 condemned, went 
 and hanged him- 
 self." Matt, xxvii. 5. 
 
 3 Alive. — The 
 Psalmist here fore- 
 tells that his ene- 
 mies shall be de- 
 stroyed by some re- 
 markable j udgment 
 of God, and evi- 
 dently has refer- 
 ence to Korah, 
 Dathan, and Abi- 
 ram. See Numb, 
 xvi. 29. 
 
 ■• It appears to 
 have been the prac- 
 tice of the pious 
 Jews to pray to God 
 three times daily. 
 See Daniel vi. 10. 
 
 5 See F. & S. ver- 
 sion. 
 
 ^ No changes — 
 i. e. " reverses ; 
 everj'thing had, as 
 yet, succeeded to 
 their wish."- Dr. B. 
 
 ? Covenant — i. e. 
 the oath of fealty to 
 their rightful sove- 
 reign. 
 
PSALM LVI. 
 
 89 
 
 and concludes by 
 exhorting the peo- 
 ple of God, under 
 all their troubles, 
 to confide in Him 
 who saves the just, 
 and who over- 
 throws the wicked. 
 
 Jirst ^art. 
 
 David, suifering 
 from the oppression 
 of his enemies, im- 
 plores the divine 
 mercy. 
 
 He encourages him- 
 self by calUng to 
 mind the pi-oraises 
 made to him by 
 God. 
 
 Cast on tlic Lord thy every care,' 
 
 And He will siu'ely thee sustain; 
 He guards the just/ He hears their prayer, 
 
 And safe for ever they remain: 
 But Thou, ere half their days^ be past, 
 
 The men who love deceit and blood, 
 Into the pit of death wilt cast ;^ — 
 
 But I will trust in Thee, my God. 
 
 PSALM LVL 
 
 Composed by David, when he was among the PhiUstines of Gath.^ 
 
 1 
 
 E merciful,*' O God, to me, 
 For man would fain destroy : 
 Daily against me fighting, he 
 Oppression doth employ. 
 
 B 
 
 My foes would daily me devour. 
 
 Many against me rise ;^ 
 But when I dread their wrath and power. 
 
 To Thee my spirit flies. 
 
 3 
 
 The words® of God my spirit cheer; 
 
 In God I put my trust ; 
 Nor will I yield to slavish fear 
 
 Of man, the child of dust. 
 
 N 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' 1 Peter V. 7. 
 
 2Ps. xxxvii. 23, 
 24. 
 
 ^ Their days — i. e. 
 the days of the 
 blood- thii'sty and 
 deceitful.— F. & S. 
 Ps. Ux. 12, 13 ; 
 Job XV. 32. 
 
 < Numb. xvi. 29. 
 
 = 1 Sam. 
 1-7. 
 
 5 Ps. xxxi. 9. 
 " These words," 
 says Bishop Ilorno, 
 "are applicable to 
 tlie circumstances 
 of David, pursvied 
 by his enemies : 
 of Christ, persecu- 
 ted by the Jews ; of 
 the church, afflicted 
 in the world; and 
 of the soul, encom- 
 passed by enemies." 
 
 7 Ps. iii. 1. 
 
 8 The words, &c. 
 — David here refers 
 to the promises of 
 God that he should 
 be king of Israel. 
 See 1 Sam. xvi. 1 ; 
 xxiii. 17. 
 
90 
 
 PSALM LVI. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 He foretells the de- 
 struction of his ene- 
 mies ; 
 
 and repeats his ex- 
 pression of confi- 
 dence in the God 
 of truth. 
 
 Encouraged by his 
 past experience of 
 divine goodness, he 
 prays that he may 
 be preserved unto 
 the end. 
 
 They wrest my words' from day to day, 
 
 Together meet for strife ; 
 They hide themselves, they mark my way. 
 
 And wait to take my life. 
 
 QHALL they escape,^from vengeance free? 
 *^ In wrath destroy them, Lord: 
 My wanderings^ all are known to Thee, 
 My tears dost Thou record. 
 
 6 
 
 Soon as I raise to Thee my cry,* 
 My foes shall back be driven; 
 
 For God, on whom my hopes rely, 
 His word* to me hath given. 
 
 Tmsting in God," His word I jDraise, 
 
 No arm of flesh I fear;' 
 Thy vows are on me,^ God of gi'ace, 
 
 My grateful praises hear. 
 
 8 
 
 My soul" from death didst Thou preserve ; 
 
 O guide my footsteps right. 
 And keep my feet,'" nor let me swerve. 
 
 But walk with God in lisht." 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' T/iei/ wrest my 
 words. — In like 
 manner our divine 
 Saviour was perse- 
 cuted by his foes. 
 See Matt. xxii. 15. 
 
 2 Shall they es- 
 cape ? — " The 
 meaning is, that 
 they assuredly will 
 not escape, because 
 of their wicked- 
 ness."- — F. & S. 
 
 3 My wanderings. 
 — David here refers 
 to the fugitive life 
 he was compelled to 
 lead, in order to 
 shim the hatred of 
 Saul. 
 
 ■>E.xod. .\vii.9-ll. 
 
 5 1 Sam. xvi. 1. 
 
 '' Jer. xvii. 7. 
 
 " Is. xxxi. .3. 
 
 sps. Ixvi. 13, 14. 
 The meaning is, 
 " I am bound by 
 vows to Thee." — 
 Bp. Mant. 
 
 9 Ps. ls.\xvi. 13. 
 
 '0 1 Sam. ii. 9. 
 " 1 Johni. 7. 
 
PSALM LVII. 
 
 91 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The Psalmist, in a 
 plaintive strain, im- 
 plores the mercy of 
 God to deliver him 
 from his enemies. 
 
 In the sure pro- 
 spect of divme aid, 
 he is enabled to tri- 
 umph, and offers to 
 God the sacrifice of 
 praise and thanks- 
 giving. 
 
 PSALM LVII. 
 
 L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 Composed by David, " when he fled ft'om Saul in the cave."' 
 1 
 
 T)E merciful/ O God, to me, 
 
 Be merciful, I trust in Thee; 
 Yea, to the shade^ Thy wings supply, 
 Till all my woes be past, I fly:* 
 On God, the Most High God, I call, 
 Who for my good performeth all.* 
 
 2 
 Mercy and truth® from heaven He sends, 
 My life from scornful foes defends; 
 From lions fierce, for such I find 
 The sons of men, of fiery mind ;^ 
 Whose teeth® are spears, and arrows keen. 
 Their tongue a sword that stabs unseen. 
 
 3 
 Be Thou exalted far above 
 The heavens and earth, O God of love ! 
 Though for my steps their net was thrown,® 
 Though greatly I was bowed down, 
 Though for my feet they digged a pit. 
 Themselves are fallen into it. 
 
 4 
 Fixed is my heart,^" O God, to raise 
 Early to Thee the song of praise : 
 For, lo! Thy truth and mercy" rise 
 Beyond the clouds, beyond the skies : 
 Be Thou exalted far above 
 The heavens and earth, O God of love ! 
 
 ' 1 Sam. xxiv. 
 
 2 Ps. Ixix. 16. 
 
 3 Ps. Ixiii. 7. 
 "• Is. xxvi. 20. 
 
 5 Performeth all^ 
 i. e. all that he has 
 promised on my be- 
 half. 
 
 6 Mercy and truth 
 — i. e. " God, by 
 His deliverance of 
 me, manifests His 
 loving kindness, 
 and the truth of 
 His promises." — 
 Travell. 
 
 '^ Fiery mind — 
 Heb. fiaming sons 
 of men — i. e. men 
 of a ferocious dis- 
 position. — See 
 F. & S. 
 
 8 Whose teeth, &c. 
 — " This expression 
 appears to be sug- 
 gested by the men- 
 tion of lions in the 
 early part of the 
 verse." — F. & S. 
 
 9 Micah vii. 2. 
 
 '" Ps. cviii. 1. 
 
 " Truth Sf mercy, 
 &c. — i. e. they 
 e.'i.tend throughout 
 the universe. See 
 Ps. xxxvi. 5 ; cviii. 
 4. 
 
92 
 
 PSALM LVm. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The Psalmist, in 
 terms of gi'eat se- 
 verity, reproves un- 
 just judges and 
 magistrates. 
 
 The mischief re- 
 sulting from tlieir 
 perverse and ob- 
 stinate attachment 
 to injustice. 
 
 He prays that their 
 wiclied designs may 
 be frustrated ; 
 
 PSALM LVIIL 
 
 L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 This Psalm, which contains a severe reproof to unjust judges, and 
 a prediction of their ruin, was probably composed when Saul 
 condemned the priests to be slain.' 
 
 1 
 
 "r\0 ye with righteousness decide/ 
 ■^-^ Ye sons of men } Is truth your guide ^ 
 Nay, — for your hearts, with evil rife, 
 Spread through the land debate and strife. 
 The wicked, from the womb,^ do en*. 
 Stray fi'om the birth, and lies prefer. 
 
 The serpent's poison they diffuse ; 
 Like the deaf adder,^ they refuse 
 To hear the charmer's accents still. 
 Although he charm with perfect skill. 
 Lord, break their teeth, destroy their 
 
 power. 
 Nor let the lions fierce devour. 
 
 3 
 
 Let them, like waters,^ melt away : 
 
 Their arrows^ cause to go astray : 
 
 Make them like snails'' which melt ; like 
 
 one 
 Still-bom, who never sees the sun: 
 Before their pots can feel the fire. 
 Disperse the thorns* with tempests dire. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 2 Deut. xvi. 18-20 ; 
 Ecd. iii. Ifi. 
 
 3 From the u>omb 
 — i. e. from the ear- 
 liest period of their 
 lives. Compare Ps. 
 li. 5.— F.& S. 
 
 ■• Deaf adder. — 
 "A serpent differ- 
 ing from serpents 
 in general, wliich, 
 lilie other crea- 
 tures, may be 
 charmed & tamed ; 
 and on this account 
 an apt similitude of 
 a tongue submitting 
 to no control. Com- 
 pare James iii. 7, 8." 
 — F. & S. 
 
 ' Like waters — 
 i. e. " utterly re- 
 laxed and en- 
 feebled."— F. & S. 
 
 6 See Dr. Booth- 
 royd. 
 
 ? Like snails. — 
 " Allusion is here 
 made to the sluny 
 track which the 
 snail leaves behind 
 it."— F. & S. 
 
 8 The thorns.— 
 " The custom of 
 lighting fii-es in the 
 open air, in eastern 
 countries, seems to 
 have led to this re- 
 markable proverb." 
 — F. & S. 
 
PSALM LIX. 
 
 93 
 
 that so the just may 
 be instructed and 
 confirmed in faith, 
 by observing the 
 righteous judg- 
 ments of God. 
 
 JFtrst ^art. 
 
 David, suffering 
 persecution from 
 wicked men, be- 
 seeches God to de- 
 liver him from the 
 power of his ene- 
 mies, whose cause- 
 less and bitter ma- 
 lice he describes. 
 
 Gladly the just their fate shall see, 
 Bathed in their blood' his feet shall be : 
 And men shall say, " In ti'uth, the Lord 
 Doth to the righteous grant reward; 
 Truly, the Lord is God alone, 
 His judgments thi'o' the earth are known." 
 
 PSALM LIX. 
 
 ' This Psalm is said to have been composed on occasion of David's 
 escape, when Saul sent, and they watched the liouse to kill 
 him.2 David, in these, as in many other circumstances of his 
 life, may be considered as the representative of the Messiah." 
 — Bishop HoRNE. 
 
 ■pvELIVER me,^ O Lord, 
 -'-^ From men of blood and strife; 
 Defend me from their threatening sword. 
 Who thirst to take my life. 
 
 For, lo ! they lie in wait, 
 The mighty* all combine; 
 Not for my crimes^ they show tliou' hate. 
 Or any sin of mine. 
 
 3 
 
 O Lord of hosts, the God 
 Of Israel, now awake. 
 Visit the nations with Thy rod, 
 And void their treachery make. 
 
 ■ Bathed in their 
 blood, SiC.—" The 
 similitude is taken 
 from fierce battles, 
 in which the effu- 
 sion of blood is so 
 gi-eat as to moisten 
 the feet of the vic- 
 tors in the conflict." 
 — Walfokd. 
 
 2 1 Sam. xix. 11- 
 
 ^ " In these words 
 we hear the voice 
 of David when a 
 prisoner in his own 
 house ; the voice of 
 Christ, when sur- 
 rounded by his 
 mercUess enemies ; 
 the voice of the 
 church when under 
 bondage to the 
 world ; and the 
 voice of the Chris- 
 tian, when imder 
 temptation and af- 
 fliction." — Bishop 
 
 HOKNE. 
 
 * The might// — 
 i. e. " Saul and his 
 courtiers." — Dr. B. 
 
 5 Not for my 
 crimes. — David was 
 guilty of no offence 
 against Saul ; but 
 his piety, and the 
 success witli which 
 God had blessed 
 him, aroused the 
 enmity of tliis 
 wicked king. Thus 
 our Lord " did no 
 sin ;" yet " He was 
 iimnbered with the 
 transgressoi's." 
 
94 
 
 PSALM LIX. 
 
 He foretells their 
 destruction ; and 
 his own exaltation 
 through the power 
 and goodness of 
 God. 
 
 Sccontf l[3art. 
 
 He predicts their 
 dispersion and ruin, 
 as a striking ex- 
 ample of the righte- 
 ous judgment of 
 God, conveying in- 
 struction to all 
 mankind. 
 
 At niglit/ like dogs unclean, 
 They round the city stray; 
 Their lips are polished swords, and keen, 
 For " Wlio can hear ?" they say. 
 
 5 
 
 But Thou, O God the Lord, 
 The heathen wilt deride:^ 
 His strength to me will God afford, 
 Secure shall I abide. 
 
 6 
 
 The mercy of my God 
 Shall still before me go : 
 Beneath me all my foes be trod, 
 For He will help bestow. 
 
 7 
 QLAY them not,^ righteous Lord, 
 ^ Lest men forget^ the blow: 
 Scatter them by Thy power abroad, 
 And lay the impious low. 
 
 Let them, for all the crimes^ 
 Their mouth and lips disperse, 
 Be taken in theu* pride betimes. 
 Who love to lie and ciu'se. 
 
 9 
 
 Consume them*^ in Thy wrath. 
 That men'' may know and own 
 That Thou dost rule through all the earth, 
 That Thou art God alone. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' At night. — 
 " The image is that 
 of a mischievous 
 beast, returning at 
 a stated season for 
 a sly purpose." — 
 HoRSLET. Com- 
 pare Ps. xxU. 16. 
 
 '^Deride. — " These 
 veryexpressions ai"e 
 used in Ps. ii. 4, to 
 denote the futility 
 of all the counsels 
 entered into by 
 Jew and GentUe 
 against Messiah 
 and His church."^ 
 Bishop HoRNE. 
 
 ^ Slay them not. — 
 " Jerome rightly 
 conceives that this 
 passage alludes to 
 the punishment of 
 the Jewish nation, 
 dispersed, but not 
 extinguished.' — 
 
 HORSLEY. 
 
 4 Forg t — " the 
 awful lesson which 
 their punishment 
 was intended to 
 impress." — F. & S. 
 
 ' Crimes. — Heb. 
 Sin of their mouth. 
 — Horsley thinks 
 that this refers to 
 the awful impreca- 
 tion of the Jews, 
 " His blood be on 
 us, and on our 
 children !" 
 
 5 Consume them. — 
 This prediction was 
 accomplished in the 
 total subversion of 
 Jerusalem by Ti- 
 tus." — Bp. HOKNE. 
 
 7 That 7nen.—The 
 dispersion of God's 
 ancient people is a 
 most striking proof 
 offered to the whole 
 world, of the power 
 and government of 
 Jehovah. 
 
PSALM LX. 
 
 95 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 In the confiilence of 
 faith, he offers to 
 God the sacrifice of 
 thanksgiving and 
 praise. 
 
 The Psalmist de- 
 plores the anger of 
 God manifested to- 
 wards His people, 
 and the consequent 
 disorder which pre- 
 vailed amongst 
 them. 
 
 10 
 
 Though they at night repeat, 
 
 Like himgiy dogs,' their cry, 
 Let them stray up and down for meat, 
 
 Yet gather no supply. 
 11 
 
 But I will sing' Thy power. 
 
 Aloud Thy grace declare. 
 For Thou hast been my strength, my tower, 
 
 From trouble and despair. 
 12 
 
 To Thee, my strength, to Thee, 
 
 My song shall ever rise,^ 
 For God is my defence, and He 
 
 Who help in need supplies. 
 
 PSALM LX. 
 
 This Psalm appears to have been composed by David shortly after 
 his accession to the throne of Israel, and whilst engaged in dan- 
 gerous wars with the surrounding states. The triumph of David 
 over his enemies is typical of the triumph of Messiah. 
 
 1 
 
 T ORD, Thou hast cast us off,* displeased ; 
 
 -*-^ Retm'ii, Thy grace reveal! 
 
 With trembling all the land is seized; 
 
 Do Thou its breaches heal. 
 2 
 Thou to Thy people, Lord, hast shown 
 
 Hard things ; to them hast sent. 
 And made them drink (before unknown) 
 
 Wine^ of astonishment. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Hungry dogs. — 
 The messengers of 
 Saul are here more 
 immediately refer- 
 red to : tliey sur- 
 rounded David's 
 house in the even- 
 ing, and watched 
 anxiously for their 
 prey. 
 
 ^ / ivill sing, &c. 
 — The close of this 
 Psahn bears a 
 striking resem- 
 blance to that of 
 Ps. xxii., which is 
 so manifestly px'o- 
 phetic of Messiah's 
 suft'erings and tri- 
 umph. See also 
 Ps. Ixix. 30 to end. 
 
 3 Ps. XXXV. 28. 
 
 * The unsuccess- 
 ful war carried on 
 by Saul against the 
 Philistines, and the 
 subsequent civil 
 war amongst the 
 twelve tribes, ap- 
 pear to be here 
 alluded to. 
 
 5 Wine, &c. — 
 " The stunning 
 effect of God's 
 judgments incapa- 
 citate us from help- 
 ing ourselves, as 
 entirely as though 
 we were intoxi- 
 cated." — Is. li. 17. 
 F. &S. 
 
96 
 
 PSALM LX. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 Encouraged by the 
 fact that God had 
 provided for them 
 a banner round 
 which they could 
 unite, he prays the 
 Almighty to inter- 
 pose for their de- 
 liverance. 
 
 Scconlf ^art. 
 
 Animated by the 
 promises of God, 
 the King of Zion 
 foretells the do- 
 minion he should 
 obtain, not only 
 over the descend- 
 ants of Israel, but 
 also over the Gen- 
 tile nations. 
 
 Foreseeing the 
 great difficulties to 
 be surmounted, he 
 implores divine 
 guidance and help ; 
 
 Yet hast Thou given a banner,' Lord, 
 To all Thy name who fear. 
 
 Spread, in the cause of truth, abroad, 
 And round it we appear. 
 
 4 
 That Thy beloved may be saved. 
 
 Hear, and with Thy right hand, 
 Imj^art the blessings we have craved, 
 
 And rescue Israel's land. 
 
 /~^ OD, by His holiness,^ hath sworn, 
 ^^ And I shall hence prevail ; 
 Through Shechem be, in triumph, borne. 
 And measure' Succoth's vale. 
 
 6 
 Gilead is mine, Manasseh mine; 
 
 Ephraim my head^ defends ; 
 From Judah,^ by the word divine, 
 
 The Lawgiver descends. 
 
 Moab, enslaved, shall wash my feet; 
 
 On Edom I will tread;'' 
 To proud Philistia's warlike seat 
 
 My triumph- soon shall spread. 
 
 8 
 To Edom who will be my guide, 
 
 Its city^ strong to' obtain? 
 Lord, wilt not Thou, our God, preside 
 
 Over our hosts again ? 
 
 ' A banner. — As 
 David's banner was 
 a rallying point for 
 the scattered Is- 
 raelites, so it is 
 foretold of Clirist, 
 " the root of Jesse 
 which shaU stand 
 for an ensign of the 
 people," that "to it 
 shall the Gentiles 
 seek." Is. xi. 10. 
 
 ^ Bi/ His /lo/mcss 
 ■ — i. e. " sworn by 
 Himself that He 
 will maintain the 
 cause of David." — • 
 F.& S. 
 
 ^ Measure — " for 
 the purpose of dis- 
 tributingit amongst 
 my followers." — 
 F. & S. 
 
 '^ My head~\. e. 
 guards my person. 
 Compare 1 Sam. 
 xxviii. 2. 
 
 5 From Judak. — 
 " The sceptre shall 
 not depart from 
 Judah, nor a law- 
 giver, until Shlloh 
 be come,"&c. Gen. 
 xhx. 10. 
 
 8 This was the 
 work of slaves. 
 
 7 Tread. — See 
 Bishop Home, and 
 compare Joshua x. 
 24 ; and 1 Cor. xv. 
 25. 
 
 s See parallel pas- 
 sage in Ps. cviii. 9. 
 
 9 Bozrah, the ca- 
 pital of Edom, 
 deemed impreg- 
 nable. See Obad. 3. 
 Bp. Home remarks 
 that Christ's tri- 
 umph is set forth 
 under the striking 
 image of a king of 
 Israel returning 
 from the reduction 
 of Idumea — " Who 
 is this that Cometh 
 from Edom, vith 
 died garments from 
 Bozrah?" Is. Ixiii. 1. 
 
PSALM LXI. 
 
 97 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 and renouncing all 
 confidence in the 
 arm of flesh, fore- 
 tells the certainty 
 of his success. 
 
 The King of Israel, 
 in a state of exile, 
 humiliation, and 
 trouble, pours out 
 his soul to God for 
 deliverance. 
 
 He expresses his 
 desire to abide for 
 ever in the presence 
 of God, as his only 
 place of security ; 
 
 From trouble give us help,' for vain 
 The help of man/ we know: 
 
 Through God shall we the victory gain, 
 And tread down* every foe. 
 
 PSALM LXI. 
 
 7. fi. 8. 
 Written by David during the rebellion of Absalom. 
 
 1 
 
 HEAR my cry, O God! attend 
 My prayer, my trouble see: 
 From the land's* remotest end, 
 O'erwhelmed, I cry to Thee : 
 Lead me to the rock* too high 
 For me to gain without Thy power; 
 Thou hast been a shelter nigh, 
 From all mv foes a tower. 
 
 In Thy tabernacle® I 
 
 For ever will abide ; 
 To Thy wings for covert fl}'. 
 
 And in Thy power confide: 
 Thou, O God, my vows hast heard. 
 And I the heritage may claim, 
 Promised in Thy holy word^ 
 
 To those who fear Thy name. 
 
 ' Help — or Salva- 
 tion. 
 
 2 Is. xx.\i. 3. 
 ' Is. Ixiii. 3. 
 
 ■< The land—i. e. 
 the holy land. 
 David was, at the 
 time, on the other 
 side of Jordan. 
 
 5 The rock too 
 high. — " So lofty 
 that I cannot reach 
 the summit of it 
 without Thine as- 
 sistance. David 
 adopts this lan- 
 guage to express 
 the difficulties he 
 had to encounter in 
 returning to Mount 
 Zion."— F. & S. 
 
 ^ Thy tabernacle. 
 — That this was the 
 object of David's 
 desire, during his 
 exile, is evident 
 from his language 
 to Zadok. 2 Sam. 
 XV. 2.5. See also 
 Pb. .xlii. 1, 2. 
 
 7 Ps. xxxvii. 29. 
 
98 
 
 PSALM LXIl. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 and concludes by 
 declaring his assur- 
 ance that God will 
 prolong his life on 
 earth, and through- 
 out eternity. 
 
 Just ^art. 
 
 The King of Isi-ael 
 declai-es his sole 
 confidence to be in 
 God. 
 
 He expostulates 
 with his malicious 
 
 3 
 
 Lord, Thy servant's life' wilt Thou 
 
 Prolong for evermore ; 
 He before Thy face shall bow, 
 
 And endlessly adore: 
 Truth and mercy^ now prepare, 
 To keep him safe from every storm ; 
 So Thy praise will I declare, 
 
 And all my vows perform. 
 
 PSALM LXn. 
 
 8. 6. 
 
 Bishop Patrick is of opinion that this Psalm was composed by 
 David when he had overcome the fears excited by tlie rebelHon 
 of Absalom, but before he was fully restored to his kingdom. 
 
 1 
 
 rpRULY in God do I confide;' 
 -■- From Him salvation flows; 
 He is my rock,'* my refuge tried; 
 He my salvation ; I abide 
 Unmoved by all my foes. 
 
 How long will ye, with miscliief, all 
 
 Assault a man betrayed r 
 As though^ he were a bowing wall, 
 Or tottering fence prepared to fall, 
 With none to erant him aid.f" 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 • Life — i. e. "in 
 his posterity, and 
 especially in the 
 person of Messiah." 
 See Dr. B. David 
 may also refer to 
 his immortality 
 hereafter. 
 
 2 Ps. l.x.x.w. 10. 
 
 3 Ps. xx.xiii. 20. 
 
 ^ Ps. xviii. 2. 
 
 5 ^4' though, &c. 
 — i. e. " with the 
 utmost violence, 
 and in a confident 
 expectation of at 
 once overthrowing 
 him." — F. & S. 
 Comp. Is. XXX. 13. 
 
PSALM LXII. 
 
 99 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 He describes their 
 baseness and trea- 
 chery ; 
 
 and encourages 
 himself still to con- 
 fide in divine pro- 
 tection. 
 
 Second ^art. 
 
 The Psalmist, from 
 his own experience, 
 exhorts men to 
 trust in God, rather 
 than to rely on an 
 arm of flesh ; and 
 warns them not to 
 trust in oppression ; 
 or to yield to the 
 love of money. 
 
 He concludes by 
 declaring that all 
 power belongs to 
 God ; and that it 
 is ever revealed 
 in connexion with 
 mercy. 
 
 Only to cast him from his height' 
 
 Of glory they conspire; 
 In fraud and falsehood they delight; 
 And, blessings though their mouths recite, 
 
 Theii- hearts a curse desire. 
 
 My soul,^ in God alone confide, 
 From Him expecting aid; 
 
 He is my rock, my refuge tried; 
 
 He my salvation; I abide 
 
 Unmoved beneath His shade. 
 
 npRUST Him at all times;" to Him cry: 
 -*- Let God your refuge be ; 
 For men of low degree or high, 
 Alike are vain, a specious lie, 
 More light than vanity.* 
 
 6 
 
 O, trust not in oppression* vain, 
 
 From robbery depart; 
 And if you stores of treasure gain, 
 If riches fast increase,® abstain 
 
 From giving them your heart. 
 
 Once hath God spoken, twice^ made known. 
 
 To Him belongs all might: 
 Also by Thee is mercy shown, 
 And all mankind Thy truth shall own, 
 
 Who judgest all aright. 
 
 ' His height. — 
 The object of 
 David's enemies 
 was to deprive him 
 of his crown. It 
 was on the charge 
 that " He made 
 Himself a king," 
 that our Lord was 
 condemned. See 
 John xi.x. 12. 
 
 2 My soul. — Com- 
 pare 1st verse. Bp. 
 Mant observes that 
 this repetition is 
 vei'y beautiful and 
 impressive. 
 
 ^ At all times — 
 whether in pros- 
 perity or in adver- 
 sity. 
 
 4 Is. .\1. 17. 
 
 ^ In oppression — 
 i.e. " in wealth got- 
 ten by oppression." 
 — F. & S. 
 
 6 1 Tim. vi. 17. 
 
 7 Twice.— " This 
 is the Hebrew me- 
 thod of expressing 
 that a thing has 
 been repeatedly 
 done. In the pre- 
 sent instance, the 
 repetition is in- 
 tended to mark the 
 solemnity and im- 
 portance of the pre- 
 cept delivered." — 
 F. & S. 
 
100 
 
 PSALM LXm. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The Psalmist, at a 
 distance from Zion, 
 expresses his in- 
 tense desire to en- 
 joy the ordinances 
 of God's house. 
 
 Conscious of his in- 
 terest in the divine 
 favour, and of its 
 supreme value, he 
 resolves to spend his 
 life in the sacred 
 exercises of prayer 
 and praise. 
 
 PSALM LXIII. 
 
 L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 ' In this Psahn the royal prophet, an exile in the wilderness, ex- 
 presses most elegantly the sentiments of tendei'ness and love." 
 — Bishop LoniH. Bishop Home observes that " the whole 
 Psalm is applicable to the circumstances of Christ in the flesh, 
 and to those of His people in the world." 
 
 r\ GOD, Thou art my God; and I 
 ^ With early' zeal will seek Thy face; 
 My longing soul for Thee doth cry, 
 Here, in a dry and thirsty place ; 
 Thy power and glory" to behold, 
 As in the sanctuary of old. 
 
 Dearer than life^ I feel Thy love, 
 
 Hence shall my lips Thy praise pro- 
 claim ; 
 
 Through life, I'll bless my God above. 
 And lift^ my hands up in Thy name; 
 
 My soul, thus satisfied,^ shall tell 
 
 Thy praise, and joy my song shall swell. 
 
 3 
 
 Thee I remember on my bed. 
 
 And meditate on Thee by night;" 
 
 And safe beneath Thy wings^ outspread, 
 In Thy protecting care delight: 
 
 My soul pursues hard after Thee, 
 
 And Thy right hand® upholdeth me. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 1 Earli/. — " The 
 
 ; meaning is that the 
 
 I Psalmist addresses 
 
 himself to God with 
 
 earnestness and 
 
 I alacrity."— F. & S. 
 
 I Compare Jer. vii. 
 
 13,2-1. 
 
 " T/'ii/ jiower and 
 glory — i. e. " the 
 ark of Thy might, 
 and the symbol of 
 Thy divine pre- 
 sence." — F. & S. 
 
 3 Life. — The 
 greatest of earthly 
 blessings. Compare 
 Job ii. 4. 
 
 1 1 Tim. ii. 8. 
 5 Jer. x.\xi. 14. 
 
 ^ Ps. Ixxvii. 6. 
 ' Ps. xx.wi. 7. 
 
 f Ps. .xx.wU. ii. 
 
PSALM LXIV. 
 
 101 
 
 He predicts the 
 overthrow of his 
 enemies ; and the 
 consequent tri- 
 umph of God's 
 people. 
 
 David, in tlie per- 
 son of Messiali, 
 prays to be de- 
 livei-ed from His 
 enemies, whose 
 cruel hatred and 
 slanderous malice 
 he describes. 
 
 Their daring im- 
 piety, deep cuiming, 
 and unwearied zeal. 
 
 But those who seek my soul to slay, 
 Low on the earth shall soon be found, 
 
 Slain by the sword, the foxes' prey;' 
 Whilst I the praise of God resound: 
 
 His saints' shall glory and adore, 
 
 When liars,^ silenced, speak no more. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 PSALM LXIV. 
 
 8.7. 
 Composed, probably, by David, during the persecution by Saul.* 
 Bishop Horsley styles it, " A prayer of the Messiah, with particular 
 allusion to His ill treatment from the Jews, and their destined 
 punishment." 
 
 1 
 
 TTEAR my voice,^ O God, while praying, 
 -°— *- Save my life from dreadful foes ; 
 Hide® me from the plots they're laying. 
 
 All their wicked schemes oppose: 
 Who their tongues like swords'' are 
 whetting. 
 
 All whose words are arrows keen; 
 Who the perfect^ man besetting. 
 
 Shoot him suddenly, unseen. 
 2 
 Bold they are in evil doing. 
 
 Privily® their snares they lay : 
 Though an impious course pui'suing, 
 
 " Who shall see our deeds ?" '" they say : 
 Searching," evil to discover, 
 
 Wicked diligence they show; 
 Fraud and guile their purpose cover; 
 
 Wlio their inward thoughts'' can know.'' 
 
 ' The foxes' prey 
 — i. e. "they shaU 
 be denied the rites 
 of sepulture, and 
 their carcases shall 
 be devoured by wild 
 beasts. The ani- 
 mal here expressly 
 named is the jackal, 
 the fo.'i: of Pales- 
 tine."— F. &. S. 
 
 2 The restoration 
 of David would be 
 a matter of joy to 
 all God's people. 
 
 ^ Liars. — Those 
 who, havuig sworn 
 allegiance to their 
 sovereign, had vio- 
 lated their oath. 
 
 * 1 Sam. xi.x. 
 
 •■' Ps. Iv. 1, 2. 
 
 s Is. x.x.xii. 2. 
 
 7 Pi-ov. xii. 18. 
 
 8 Perfect. — " Da- 
 vid thus calls him- 
 self, because he was 
 perfectly innocent 
 of what they laid to 
 his charge." — Bp. 
 Patrick. 
 
 9 1 Sam.xxiii. 19- 
 23 ; Matt. xxvi. 3, 4. 
 
 ' Ezek. viii. 12. 
 
 " 1 Sam. xxii. 7- 
 10; Matt. x.xvi. 59. 
 
102 
 
 PSALM LXV. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 He foretells their 
 sudden and iiTeme ■ 
 diable ruin ; the 
 fear it will produce 
 in the minds of all 
 men ; and the joy it 
 will impart to the 
 righteous. 
 
 The Church unites 
 in ascribing praise 
 to Jehovah, the 
 hearer of prayer, 
 for having par- 
 doned her sins ; and 
 shows the great 
 privilege of those 
 who are permitted 
 to worship God in 
 his earthly coui-ts. 
 
 God with arrows' them pursuing, 
 
 Suddenly shall wound and slay; 
 So their tongue shall prove their ruin, 
 
 All who see shall flee away: 
 Men shall fear when they are told it, 
 
 Mark God's doings, hear His voice; 
 Gladly shall the just behold it, 
 
 All the upright shall rejoice. 
 
 PSALM LXV. 
 
 L. JI. 6 LINES. 
 
 '■ This Psalm contains a thanksgiving to God for having ' sent a 
 gracious rain ui^on His inheritance.' The land had been pre - 
 viously suffering from the effects of a long-continued drought,^ 
 a visitation of providence upon it, for the manifold sins of its 
 inhabitants." — F. & S. 
 
 T)RAISE waits' in Zion, Lord, on Thee, 
 -*- There shall our vows accomplished be; 
 O Thou,^ that hearest prayer sincere, 
 To Thee shall all mankind draw near; 
 Our sins prevailed ;Sve mourned their sway : 
 And Thou hast purged them all away. 
 
 2 
 
 Blest are the chosen men" whom Thou 
 Dost cause within Thy coin-ts to bow: 
 Thy holy temple doth supply^ 
 Good that alone can satisfy: 
 By wondrous works® of mercy there 
 Thou answerest Thy people's prayer. 
 
 ' Arrows. — This 
 may be prophetic 
 of Saul's death ; " he 
 was sore wounded 
 of the archers." (1 
 Sam. x.x.Ki. 3.) But 
 its most important 
 fulfilment is to be 
 found in the de- 
 struction of Mes- 
 siah's enemies ; an 
 event calculated to 
 draw the attention 
 of all mankind, and 
 to mipart to them 
 mstruction. 
 
 2 2 Sam. XKi. 1. 
 
 ^ Praise tvaits, 
 &c. — -"As a servant, 
 to do what Tliou 
 commandest." — Dr. 
 B. 
 
 ■> Thou — i. e. 
 " because Thou 
 hast proved Thyself 
 a hearer of prayer, 
 all men," &c. — 
 F. & S. 
 
 ^ Prov. x.\viii. 13. 
 
 * Ps. Ixxxiv. 4. 
 
 ' Jer. .x.x.xi. 12-14. 
 
 it. 
 
 8 See F. & 
 who render 
 " Wonderfully 
 mercy dost Thou 
 answer us." 
 
PSALM LXVL 
 
 103 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 She declares God to 
 be the sole object 
 of trust, and mag- 
 nifies His power as 
 displayed in crea- 
 tion and in provi- 
 dence ; 
 
 and commemorates 
 especially the good- 
 ness of Him who 
 gives " rain from 
 heaven, and fruitful 
 seasons, filling our 
 hearts with food 
 and gladness ; " — 
 thus " giving us all 
 things richly to en- 
 joy." 
 
 JFirst ^art. 
 
 God's anointed 
 king, re-established 
 on his throne, calls 
 upon all nations to 
 unite with Him in 
 songs of praise. 
 
 The confidence art Thou of all,' 
 On earth or sea, who on Thee call ; 
 Who, by Thy strength, the mountains vast, 
 (Girded with power) hast settled fast: 
 Whose voice can still the raging seas,^ 
 The people's tumult loud appease.^ 
 
 4 
 Thou visitest the earth with rain,'' 
 To raise for man sujjplies of gi-ain: 
 Dost on the ridges waters shower. 
 The furrows settle by Thy power; 
 Soften, with copious showers, the soil. 
 To bless the anxious sower's toil. 
 
 5 
 Thy goodness crowns the ripening year f 
 Thy paths** drop fatness far and near: 
 The pastures of the desert wide. 
 The hills rejoice on every side; 
 Abundant crops the valleys bring; 
 They shout for joy, they also sing. 
 
 PSALM LXVL 
 
 SEVENS. G LINES. 
 
 ' Ps. .\.xii. 27. 
 
 2 Ps. lxxxi.\. 9. 
 = Ps. ii. 1-4. 
 
 "Deut. xi. 11, 12; 
 Is. xxvii. 3 ; Ps. 
 cxlv. 16. Bp. Home 
 considers this as 
 typical of God's 
 gracious visitation 
 of His Church by 
 the Spirit. Com- 
 pare Ezek. xxxiv. 
 26. 
 
 ^ Ps. ciii. 4. 
 
 s Thy paths. — 
 " God is here re- 
 presented as dis- 
 tributing blessings 
 wherever he goes. 
 Paths denote God's 
 operations in na- 
 ture, giving rain in 
 due season, and the 
 returns of spring, 
 seed-time, and har- 
 vest."— Dr. B. 
 
 Ps. c. i. 
 
 This thanksgiving ode is generally thought to have been composed s jg xlii. 12 
 
 by David on his return to Jeriisalem, after he had quelled the 
 rebellion of Absalom. 
 
 "I /TAKE a joyful noise to God," 
 -^'-'- Sound His glorious praise abroad:^ 
 Say, " How terrible art Thou !" 
 All Thy foes to Thee shall bow: 
 
 9 The terrors of 
 God's justice were 
 displayed in the de- 
 struction of David's 
 enemies ; but the 
 destruction of those 
 who crucified the 
 Son of David, was 
 so signal a display of 
 divine justice, that 
 it was calculated to 
 make all earth 
 adore. 
 
104 
 
 PSALM LXVI. 
 
 The wonderful in- 
 terpositions of Je- 
 hovah, in former 
 times, on behalf of 
 His people, are re- 
 ferred to as a ground 
 of warning to His 
 enemies, and of en- 
 couragement to His 
 saints. 
 
 The Psalmist re- 
 views the trials 
 through which God 
 had brought His 
 people ; 
 
 resolves to fulfil his 
 vows, by offering 
 the sacrifices of 
 prayer and praise ; 
 
 All the earth shall worship Thee, 
 Sing Thy praise, Thy glory see." 
 
 2 
 
 Come, behold the works of God I 
 Fearful is Jehovah's rod: 
 Lo ! the sea,' at His command. 
 Dried, and was as solid land; 
 Jordan^ parted at His voice, 
 There^ did we in Him rejoice. 
 
 ;3 
 Clothed with power,^ He ever reigns, 
 Views the nations, and restrains. 
 Bless our God, ye people, raise 
 Loud your voice to speak His praise ! 
 Who our souls doth keep and guide. 
 Nor permits our steps to slide. 
 
 nPHOU hast proved us, Lord, and tried'^ 
 -*- Even as silver's purified: 
 Thou didst cast us in the net,® 
 Thou with troubles didst beset; 
 We through fire and water^ passed, 
 Yet are brought to peace at last. 
 
 I will now attend Thy house,* 
 There perform my solemn vows; 
 Those my lips, in trouble, made, 
 Faithfully shall now be paid; 
 Prayer, like incense,^ shall arise, 
 Through the' atoning sacrifice.'" 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 1 The sea — i. e. 
 the Red Sea. Com- 
 pare Exod. xiv. 21 ; 
 and XV. 19. 
 
 2 Josh. iii. 14-lG. 
 
 3 There — i. e. 
 " upon that occa- 
 sion." — HORSLET. 
 
 ^ Clothed with 
 pouier. — " This 
 verse contains an 
 inference from the 
 preceding. God 
 iseing the same, and 
 ruling for ever, let 
 not any dare, like 
 Egypt, to provoke 
 again his wrath." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
 5 Tried, &c. — by 
 affliction. This is 
 the Are by which 
 God tries and puri- 
 fies his people. 
 1 Pet. i. 7. 
 
 6 A^c^— God Jiad 
 permitted their 
 enemies to ensnare 
 them. 
 
 ' Through fire 
 and water., &c. — 
 " This is a prover- 
 bial expression, sig- 
 nifying extreme 
 danger." — F. & S. 
 Is. xliii. 2. 
 
 SDeut. xii. 11. 
 
 3 Lev.ii. 1,2; and 
 Rev. viii. 3. 
 
 '" The sacrifices 
 off'ered by David 
 were typical of that 
 one sacrifice offered 
 by Christ, through 
 which believers find 
 acceptance "with 
 God. 
 
PSALM LXVn. 
 
 105 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 he invites all who 
 revere God to hear 
 what the Lord had 
 done for him : 
 
 and infers, from the 
 gracious accept- 
 ance of his prayer, 
 that he had been 
 sincere before God. 
 
 The Church im- 
 plores the mercy 
 and favour of God, 
 in order that the 
 knowledge of Jeho- 
 vah may be univer- 
 sally diffused, and 
 the Kingdom of 
 Messiah be univer- 
 sally established ; 
 
 6 
 
 Ye who fear the Lord,' come see 
 What His grace hath done for me: 
 Up to Him my cry I raised, 
 Him extolled, His goodness praised. 
 Conscious,^ if my soul prefen-ed 
 Sin, my prayer would not be heard. 
 
 7 
 But the Lord hath bent his ear, 
 Hath^ approved my prayer sincere: 
 God, who heard me in distress, 
 Gratefully my soul shall bless; 
 Who my prayer did never spurn. 
 Nor from me His mercy turn. 
 
 PSALM LXVn. 
 
 SEVENS. 
 
 " A hymn for the feast of Tabernacles, prophetic of a general con- 
 version of the world to the worship of God." — Bishop Horslet. 
 
 Calmet is of opinion that this Psalm was composed after the return 
 from Babylon, and that the occasion was the restoration of fer- 
 tility to the soU, after the long period of drought and scarceness 
 recorded by Haggai.'' 
 
 1 
 
 /^ OD,^ in mercy, cause His face 
 ^^ Graciously on vis to shine ! 
 Make Thy way,® Thy saving grace, 
 
 Known through earth by power divine. 
 2 
 Let the people praise Thee, Lord ! 
 
 Thee let all the people bless! 
 Nations sound their joys abroad, 
 
 Ruled,^ by Thee, in righteousness. 
 p 
 
 ' Mai. iu. 16. 
 
 2 Conscious, &c. — 
 " He means that if, 
 while praying, the 
 love of iniquity had 
 been indulged, God 
 would not have lis- 
 tened to him ; for 
 He heareth not sin- 
 ners, (John is. 31,) 
 nor hypocrites, (Job 
 xxvii. 8, 9.)"-Dr. B. 
 
 3 Ps. cxvi. 1. 
 
 -I See Hag. i. 10, 
 11; andii. 17-19. 
 
 ' Compare Numb, 
 vi. 24, 25. 
 
 ^ Thy way, &c. — 
 i. e. thy salvation, 
 by the promised 
 Messiah. The pe- 
 tition was partially 
 fulfilled on the day 
 of Pentecost. (See 
 Acts ii.) Its full 
 accomplishment is 
 still the daUy prayer 
 of the Church. 
 
 7 Ps. Ixxii. 2, 3. 
 
106 
 
 PSALM LXVm. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 that so there may 
 be "glory to God 
 in the highest, and 
 on earth peace." 
 
 In the exercise of 
 faith, she predicts 
 this glorious result. 
 
 Jirst ^art. 
 
 As the ark is be- 
 ing placed on the 
 shoulders of the 
 Levites, in order 
 to its removal to 
 Mount Zion, the 
 singers raise their 
 voices in praise to 
 God, for His tender 
 compassion towards 
 those in distress, 
 
 Let the people praise Thee, Lord I 
 
 All the people jom to singl^ 
 Earth/ (Thy blessing on her poured,) 
 
 Then a rich increase shall bring. 
 4 
 God on us will blessings pour. 
 
 Our own God His people bless: 
 Then shall all the earth adore. 
 
 All mankind His name confess. 
 
 PSALM LXVHL 
 
 L. M. DOUBLE. 
 
 " This beautiful, sublime, and comprehensive, but vei'y difficult 
 Psalm, seems evidently to liave been composed on that festive 
 and joyful occasion, the removal of the ark to Mount Zion.^ 
 In its mystical sense, which is authorized by St. Paul,'' it is, 
 according to Vitringa, the ascension of Christ into heaven, and 
 His session at the right hand of the Father, and the effects thereof, 
 namely, the gathering together and preservation of the Church, 
 and the destmction of His own and the Church's adversaries." 
 
 " Dr. Chandler has made a very ingenious division of this Psalm 
 into five parts, founded on the supposition of its being performed 
 at the removal of the ark." — Bishop Horne. 
 
 The division made by Dr. C. is observed in the following version. 
 
 1 
 
 T ET God arise^ and scatter those 
 ^-^ Wlio hate Him, and disperse His foes ! 
 Like smoke, let them be driven away; 
 As wax beneath the scorching ray 
 Dissolves, — so let the wicked^ fall 
 Before Jehovah, Lord of all ! 
 But let the just in God rejoice 
 Exceedingly, with heart and voice ! 
 
 ' Ps. c. 1 ; cxvii. 
 
 2 When the reign 
 of Christ is esta- 
 blished fully " there 
 shall be no more 
 curse." The physi- 
 cal earth shall bring 
 forth abundantly ; 
 and the hearts of 
 men, no longer 
 bearing " thorns 
 and thistles," shall 
 abound in the fruits 
 of the Spirit, " in aU 
 goodness, andright- 
 eousness, & truth." 
 Amen! See Ezek. 
 xxxvi. 25 to end. 
 
 3 See 2 Sam. vi 
 •> Eph. iv. 8. 
 
 5 " And it came 
 to pass, when the 
 ark set forward, 
 that Moses said, 
 Rise up. Lord, and 
 let Thine enemies 
 be scattered ; and 
 let them that hate 
 Thee flee before 
 Thee." Numb. x. 
 3-5. 
 
 * The wicked — 
 i.e. " the idolatrous 
 enemies of the Is- 
 raeUtes."— F. & S. 
 
PSALM LXVIII. 
 
 107 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 and for His goodness 
 and justice dis- 
 played in His con- 
 duct to Israel. 
 
 Sccontt ^art. 
 
 As the procession 
 towards Mount 
 Sion commences, 
 they advert, with 
 gi-eat propriety, to 
 the occasion when 
 God went before 
 His people in the 
 wilderness, pro- 
 vided for their 
 wants, subdued 
 their enemies, and 
 clothed His servants 
 with their spoil. 
 
 Approaching near 
 to Zion, they exult, 
 in the boldest strain 
 of poetry, in its 
 superiority over the 
 
 Sing unto God ! Jehovah praise ! 
 
 A highway' in the desert raise ! 
 
 A judge of widows in distress, 
 
 A father of the fatherless, 
 
 Is God, in His most holy dome: 
 
 He brings the weary wanderers home ;^ 
 
 He frees the captives, breaks their bands; 
 
 But rebels pine in thirsty lands. 
 
 3 
 TT7HEN, marching^ through the desert 
 ' ' wide, 
 O God, Thy people Thou didst giude. 
 Earth trembled,* — Sinai shook, — the sky 
 Dropped* atthe' approach of GodMostHigh, 
 Thou, Lord, didst send a plenteous rain," 
 To cheer Thine heritage again: 
 Enclosed'' with food Thy people dwelt, 
 And there the poor Thy goodness felt. 
 
 4 
 The Lord Jehovah gave the word;® 
 'Twas published by the hosts that heard: 
 Kings, with their armies flee, and they 
 Who stayed at home® divide the prey: 
 They shine,'" like doves' wings, silvery bright. 
 And tinged with gold ; or as the height 
 Of Salmon, covered o'er with snow, 
 WhenGodthe scattered kings" brought low 
 
 5 
 TS Bashan's hill the favoured place ?'^ 
 -^ Will God its lofty summit grace.'' 
 Ye lofty hills, why envy ye 
 The hill where God desires to be.?'^ 
 
 ' A highway. — 
 F. & S. render this 
 passage, " Raise a 
 highway for Him 
 who rideth through 
 the desert." Com- 
 pare Is. xl. 3 ; Matt, 
 iii. 3. 
 
 2 " In this verse 
 reference is made 
 to the forlorn con- 
 dition of the Israel- 
 ites in Egypt, and 
 to their ungrateful 
 and rebellious con- 
 duct while proceed- 
 ing to the promised 
 land." — F. & S. 
 Compare Ps. cvii. 
 32-36. 
 
 3 Ps. cxiv ; Judges 
 V. 4, 5. 
 
 ■> Ps. Ixxvii. 18. 
 
 5 Dropjjed — i. e. 
 " the clouds poured 
 out water." Ps. 
 Ixxvii. 18. 
 
 6 Rain. — " This 
 refers to the manna, 
 which God is figu- 
 ratively said to rain 
 down. Exod. xvi. 
 4."— Dr. B. 
 
 ^ See Bp. HoRNE, 
 and compai-e Exod. 
 xvi. 13; and Numb, 
 xi. 31. The supply 
 of quails is referred 
 to. 
 
 8 T/ie ivord — i. e. 
 " the promise of 
 victory, which was 
 immediately ful . 
 fiUed."— F. & S. 
 
 9 Who stayed at 
 home — i. e. the wo- 
 men. 
 
 1" They shine — i.e. 
 in the spoils of the 
 enemy. 
 
 " Kings — of Ca- 
 naan. See Numb. 
 xxi. 1-3 ; Josh. x. 
 
 >» See Bp. HoENE. 
 
 '3 Ps. cxxxii. 13. 
 
108 
 
 PSALM LXVm. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 surrounding moun- 
 tains, inasmuch as 
 God liad chosen it 
 for His peculiar 
 abode. 
 
 JFourtI) ^art. 
 
 The procession 
 having ascended 
 Mount Zion, and tlie 
 Levites having de- 
 posited their sacred 
 bm'den in the place 
 assigned for it, the 
 congregation renew 
 their praise to God 
 who deigns to dwell 
 with men, who daily 
 loads them with 
 benefits, and who 
 had promised to de- 
 stroy all the ene- 
 mies of His people. 
 
 The sacrifices hav- 
 ing been offered, 
 and the people being 
 about to return 
 home, they raise a 
 song of joy and 
 triumph, because 
 the great work of 
 transferring the 
 ark to Mount Sion 
 had been so happily 
 
 Here will the Lord for ever dwell :^ 
 Not countless chariots* guard so well: 
 Jehovah dwells on Zion now, 
 As once on Sinai's awful brow.^ 
 
 6 
 
 T^HOU hast ascended* up on high, 
 
 -^ And captive led captivity; 
 
 Accepted gifts for men, that thus, 
 
 (Though rebels,) God might dwell with us; 
 
 The God of oui* salvation bless. 
 
 His daily benefits confess: 
 
 The Lord our God alone can save 
 
 From death,* and from the yawning grave. 
 
 But God will surely wound the head® 
 Of those who sinful courses tread. 
 The Lord hath said, " My arm of might 
 Shall bring,^ as once fi'om Bashan's height, 
 Or fi-om the depths of Egypt's sea. 
 My people, crowned with victory: 
 Then, bathed in blood^ shall be their feet. 
 And dogs® their slaughtered foes shall eat." 
 
 8 
 
 n^HY goings forth to Thine abode,'" 
 -*- Thy sanctuary, were seen, O God! 
 The singers went before," and they 
 Who instruments of music play 
 Followed, enclosed by virgin bands. 
 With sacred timbrels in tlieu* hands; 
 " Bless ye the Lord our God," they sing, 
 " Ye Avho from Israel's fountain spring!'"^ 
 
 ' Ps. cxxxii. 14. 
 
 2 See F. & S. and 
 compare Deut. xx. 
 1-4 ; 2 Kings ii. 12. 
 
 ^ Deut. xxxiii. 2. 
 
 •* Ascended, &c. — 
 See Eph. iv. 8, 
 where the Apostle 
 Paul applies this to 
 the ascension of 
 Christ to the right 
 hand of the Father, 
 and to his receiving 
 the Holy Ghost, 
 " the gift of God," 
 to communicate to 
 His church. Com- 
 pare Luke xxiv. 49, 
 with Acts iii. 33. 
 
 5 From death — 
 with which then* 
 enemies had threat- 
 ened them. 
 
 6 T/ie head. — 
 They who follow 
 the serpent's ex- 
 ample, shall share 
 his punishment. 
 Gen. iii. 15. 
 
 T Shall bring.— "I 
 will bring thee, O 
 Israel, back in tri- 
 umph now from 
 the battle, as I did 
 heretofore from 
 your conflict with 
 Og, King of Bashan, 
 and from the pas- 
 sage of the Red 
 Sea."— F. & S. 
 
 8 Ps. Iviii. 10. 
 
 9 Ps. Ixiii. 10. 
 
 •0 To thine abode. 
 — The presence of 
 God with the ark 
 on Mount Sion, was 
 a pledge of success 
 and victory to the 
 Israelites.- — "Alike 
 pledge of her future 
 enlargement and 
 exaltation, was the 
 ascension of her 
 Lord and Head, 
 to the Christian 
 church." — Bishop 
 
 HORNE. 
 
 ii2Sam.vi.5&15. 
 '2 Is. xlviii. 1. 
 
PSALM LXVm. 
 
 109 
 
 accomplished ; they 
 rejoice in the unity 
 God had thus 
 wrought amongst 
 them ; and pray 
 that the nations 
 may be brought to 
 renounce their ido- 
 latry, and to wor- 
 ship Jehovah on 
 His " holy hill of 
 Zion." 
 
 Animated by the 
 spirit of prophecy, 
 they call upon all 
 nations to sound 
 His praise. 
 
 There little Benjamin' is seen, 
 And Judah's princes there convene; 
 With those of Zebulun, and those 
 Who Naphtali's chief strength compose : 
 Their happy union strength has brought: 
 Confirm, O God, what Thou hast wrought: 
 Then,^ at thy temple, we shall see 
 The kings presenting gifts to Thee. 
 
 10 
 
 Rebuke the monster' wont to hide 
 Among the reeds of Egypt's tide; 
 The crowds of mighty men who bow 
 To bulls and calves, and, prostrate, vow: 
 Make all submit, make all adore, 
 And scatter those who joy in war; 
 Till princes come from Egypt's shores,^ 
 And Ethiopia^ God implores. 
 
 11 
 
 Sing jjraise, ye kingdoms of the earth," 
 Sing praise to God who gave you birth : 
 To Him who rides'' the heavens on high, 
 Whose voice of thunder® shakes the sky: 
 Ascribe ye strength' to God alone, 
 Whose glory is to Israel shown: 
 God, who is dreadful to His foes,'" 
 But who, on Israel," strength bestows. 
 
 ' Benjaynin and 
 Judah were the 
 tribes nearest to 
 the city of David; 
 Zebulun and Naph- 
 tali were the most 
 remote. Mention 
 is made of these 
 four tribes to show 
 the uniformity of 
 the whole nation, 
 since the ceremony 
 was attended by all 
 the tribes, fai- and 
 near. 
 
 2 Then. — Thus 
 when the church 
 of Christ is orac, we 
 may expect the con- 
 version of the world. 
 See John.wii. 21. 
 
 ' Rebuke the mon- 
 ster, or the wild 
 beast of the reeds. — 
 F. & S. By which, 
 " we are to under- 
 stand the Egyptian 
 power, described by 
 its emblem, the cro- 
 codile, living among 
 the reeds of the 
 Nile." — Bishop 
 HoBNE. The bulls 
 and calves refer 
 also to the worship 
 paid by the Egyp- 
 tians to Apis and 
 Osiris. 
 
 "Is. xix. 18 & 2.5; 
 xlv. 14. 
 
 5 Zeph. iii. 10 ; 
 Acts viii. 27. 
 
 6 Romans xv. 10, 
 1 1 ; Rev. XV. 4. 
 
 !■ Ps. xviii. 10. 
 
 8 Ps. xxix. 
 
 9 Rev. xix. 6. 
 
 '0 See verse 1. 
 " Deut. xxxiii. 29. 
 
110 
 
 PSALM LXIX. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 JFirst ^art. 
 
 Messiah, in the 
 depth of His humi- 
 liation, pours forth 
 His soul in strong 
 crying and tears to 
 Him who is able to 
 save Him from 
 death. 
 
 From the false 
 charges of His ene- 
 mies He appeals to 
 God, and prays that 
 none of His disciples 
 may be oflFended in 
 consequence of His 
 suiferings. 
 
 He declares his zeal 
 for the prosperity of 
 God's holy temple ; 
 and laments " the 
 contradiction of 
 
 PSALM LXIX. 
 
 L. M. DOUBLE. 
 
 " This Psalm, though written by David, is doubtless prophetical of 
 
 our Redeemer." — Bishop Mant. 
 The rebellion of Absalom was, probably, the occasion on which it 
 
 was composed. 
 
 1 
 
 QAVE me, O God! the waters' threat 
 ^ My soul; — I sink in yielding mire !^ 
 With deepest waters am beset, 
 
 The overwhelming floods rise higher. 
 Wearied* with cries, my throat is dry ; 
 
 Mine eyes fail while for God I look: 
 My foes are countless ; therefore I 
 
 Restored* the wealth I never took. 
 
 My folly, Lord,^ to Thee is known, 
 
 No sin can be concealed fi-om Thee : 
 Let none that fear Thee be o'erthrown*' 
 
 For my sake, or confounded be : 
 'Tis for Thy sake I suffer scorn, 
 
 Shame veils my face, and I become 
 A stranger to my brethren born. 
 
 An alien from my mother's home. 
 
 ZeaF for Thine house doth eat me up. 
 And the reproach® of those who scorn 
 
 Thy name, hath been my bitter cup ; 
 With tears and fastings 1 am worn : 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Waters. — This 
 image is frequently 
 employed to de- 
 scribe great cala- 
 mities. Compare 
 Ps. xviii. 16; Is. 
 xliii. 2. 
 
 2 Ps. xl. 2 ; Jer. 
 xxxviii. 6. 
 
 3 Heb. V. 7. 
 
 ^ Restored, &c.— 
 "A proverbial ex- 
 pression, signifying 
 I have been ac- 
 countable for the 
 crimes of others." 
 
 — HOKSLET. 
 
 5 My folly. Lord, 
 &c. — i. e. " Thou 
 knowest whether I 
 am really guilty of 
 the charges brought 
 against me by my 
 enemies. By this 
 appeal the Psalmist 
 means to assert 
 his innocence." — • 
 F.& S. 
 
 6 Thus our Lord 
 prayed for Peter, 
 that his faith might 
 not fail. Luke xxii. 
 32. 
 
 !■ Zeal. — " And 
 His disciples re- 
 membered that it 
 was written. The 
 zeal of Thine house 
 hath eaten me up." 
 John ii. 17. 
 
 8 " For even 
 Christ pleased not 
 Himself; but, as it 
 is written. The re- 
 proaches of them 
 that reproached 
 Thee, fell on me." 
 Rom. XV. 3. 
 
PSALM LXIX. 
 
 Ill 
 
 sinners against 
 Himself," resulting 
 from that zeal. 
 
 Swontj part. 
 
 He renews His fer- 
 vent supplications 
 to God, pleading 
 His mercy and His 
 truth, and prays 
 that He maybe de- 
 livered from the 
 power of wicked 
 men, of death, and 
 of the grave. 
 
 He foretells the 
 utter ruin which 
 should overwhelm 
 His enemies, by 
 the righteous judg- 
 ments of God, in 
 consequence of 
 
 their having re- 
 jected His Messiah, 
 and that " right- 
 eousness which is 
 of God by faith." 
 
 To weep in sackcloth is my fate; 
 
 A proverb to the' ungodly throng ; 
 While those who sit' within the gate, 
 
 And di'unkards, make my woes their song. 
 4 
 T)UT as for me, my j)rayer shall rise, 
 -^ In an accepted time to Thee : 
 O God, in mercy hear my cries. 
 
 And, in Thy truth,^ deliver me : 
 Save from the mire, nor let me sink, 
 
 From waters deep, from hostile spite, 
 From the dark deep's impending brink, 
 
 Nor let the pit enclose me quite. 
 5 
 Hear me,' O Lord, Thy love and grace 
 
 Are good ; in mercy turn to me ; 
 Nor fr'om Thy servant hide Thy face. 
 
 In trouble, hear me speedily : 
 Draw near,* redeem me, check my foes. 
 
 Thou my reproach hast known, and 
 shame : 
 My heart is broken; full of woes, 
 
 I look for comforters in vain. 
 6 
 Gall,* for my meat, their hands prepare. 
 
 And vinegar, my thirst to slake : 
 Their table® shall become a snare. 
 
 Their wealth a trap, their loins shall 
 shake. 
 Their eyes be darkened, and Thy wrath, 
 
 And indignation on them seize ; 
 Their home be desolate,'' henceforth. 
 
 And none possess their tents in ease. 
 
 ' Who si/. Sec— 
 The gate of the city 
 being the place 
 where justice was 
 administered, the 
 persons here spoken 
 of are judges and 
 magistrates. See 
 2 Sam. XV. 2 ; and 
 Dan. ii. 49. The 
 Roman authorities, 
 and the cliief priests 
 united with tlie low- 
 est of the rabble to 
 mock our Lord. 
 
 '2 Messiali here 
 prays that " tlie 
 sufferings due to 
 the sins of tlie world 
 may not ftnally 
 overwhelm Him ; 
 but that the morn- 
 ing of His resurrec- 
 tion may at length 
 succeed the night of 
 His passion." — Bp. 
 
 HoRNE. 
 
 3 This repetition 
 of His entreaties 
 suggests the solemn 
 period when," being 
 in an agony. He 
 prayed more ear- 
 nestly." Luke xxi. 
 44. 
 
 'i The favourable 
 answer to this 
 prayer enabled our 
 Lord, when for- 
 saken by all, to say, 
 " Yet I am not 
 alone, because the 
 Father is with me." 
 John xvi. 32. 
 
 5 " They gave 
 Him vinegar to 
 drink, mingled with 
 gall." Matt, xxvii. 
 34. 
 
 ^ " This seems to 
 refer peculiarly to 
 the judgments 
 
 wliich should fall 
 on the Jews for 
 their sins, and es- 
 pecially for their 
 unbelief, and re- 
 jection of our Lord. 
 This has been 
 strikingly fullilled." 
 — ^Dr. B. Compare 
 Romans xi. 9, 10. 
 
 7 See Acts i. 20, 
 where Peter applies 
 these words to the 
 traitor Judas. 
 
112 
 
 PSALM LXIX. 
 
 In anticipation of 
 His resurrection, 
 He declares His re- 
 solution to show 
 forth the praise of 
 God; 
 
 and concludes by 
 calling on the whole 
 creation to swell 
 the song of thanks- 
 giving and praise. 
 
 For lo! they vex whom Thou hast scourged;' 
 
 Theu' tongues,^ whom Thou hast 
 wounded, grieve ; 
 Theu- countless crimes shall not be purged, 
 
 Nor they Thy righteousness receive :^ 
 But, from the book of life erased. 
 
 They to the just shall not draw nigh ; 
 Whilst I, distressed and poor, am raised,^ 
 
 By Thy salvation, Lord, on high. 
 
 T'LL praise my God, nor ever cease,* 
 -^ (The song of praise my lips adorns ;) 
 This offering more my God shall please 
 
 Than ox or steer, with hoofs and horns : 
 The humble gladly this shall see ; 
 
 Your heart shall live^ that seek the Lord; 
 For God regards the poor man's plea,'^ 
 
 Nor shall his prisoners be abhorred. 
 
 Let heaven® and earth resound His praise. 
 
 The seas, and all that in them live ; 
 For God will Zion^ save, and raise 
 
 Judah's fair cities, and will give 
 His people a possession there ; 
 
 Their seed shall fill the promised land ; 
 And all wdio love His name shall share 
 
 The blessings of His bounteous hand. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Is. liii. .5. 
 
 2 Their tongues. 
 — The aUusion here 
 appears to be to the 
 manner in which 
 our Lord was 
 mocked, previous 
 to His crucifixion." 
 See Matt, xxvii. 29. 
 
 3 Rom. ix. 31-33. 
 
 * Christ, raised 
 from the dead by 
 the glory of the 
 Father, had all 
 power given to Him 
 in heaven and on 
 earth. 
 
 5 " Here, as in 
 the 22nd, and many 
 other Psalms, the 
 scene changes from 
 sorrow to joy; fi'om 
 a state of suffering 
 to one of triumph ; 
 from the passion to 
 the resurrection." 
 — Bp. HORNE. 
 
 s Live — or revive. 
 — F. & S. 
 
 ' Ps. xxxiv. 6. 
 
 8 Dr. Boothroyd 
 thinks it probable 
 that the remainder 
 of this Psalm was 
 added by one of the 
 prophets during the 
 captivity in Baby- 
 lon. 
 
 9 Zion. — " As the 
 Psalm is delivered 
 in the person of the 
 Messiah, we must 
 interpret these ex- 
 pressions not of 
 Zion " the moun- 
 tain which might 
 be touched," but of 
 the Zion which is 
 spiritual and invi- 
 sible." — Walford. 
 Compare Heb. xii. 
 22; Rev. xiv. 1. 
 

 PSALM LXX. 
 
 113 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 
 PSALM LXX. 
 
 
 
 S. M. 
 
 Composed, probably, by David, during the rebellion of Absalom. 
 
 
 
 It is the same as Ps. .\1. 13 to end; and as it is styled " A Psalm 
 
 
 
 of David to bring to remembrance," it is probable that, on the 
 
 
 
 present season of distress, he repeated the petitions he had pre- 
 
 
 
 sented on a former occasion. 
 
 
 The King of Israel, 
 in a state of 
 distress and humi- 
 
 1 
 
 ll/rAKE haste to help me, Lord!' 
 -'-'-*- Make haste, my foes control : 
 
 1 Ps. xl. 13. 
 
 liation, as a type of 
 
 Let them be shamed,^ and overawed, 
 
 2 Ps. cix. 29. 
 
 " the man of sor- 
 rows," beseeches 
 
 That persecute my soul. 
 
 
 God to succour 
 
 
 
 him ; to disperse 
 
 •2 
 
 
 his enemies ; 
 
 Turn back, and scatter far 
 Those who desh-e my hurt; 
 
 
 
 All those who cry "Aha! Aha!"^ 
 And give them their desert. 
 
 ^ Aha ! — an ex- 
 pression of supreme 
 contempt and scorn . 
 See Mark xv. 29. 
 
 and to cause those 
 who trust in Jeho- 
 vah to rejoice in 
 
 3 
 
 Let those who seek Thy face* 
 Gladly in Thee confide. 
 
 -•Ps. V. II. 
 
 the assurance of 
 
 And sing, with all who taste Thy grace, 
 
 
 His favour and pro- 
 tection. 
 
 " Let God be magnified!"* 
 4 
 
 5 Ps. XXXV. 27. 
 
 
 Needy and poor,® to Thee 
 
 ePs. xl. 17; Ixix. 
 29 ; cix, 22. 
 
 
 For speedy aid I pray; 
 
 
 
 My help and my deliverer be. 
 
 
 
 Lord,'' make no delay. 
 
 :■ Dan. ix. 19. 
 
 
 Q 
 
 
114 
 
 PSALM LXXI. 
 
 jFtrst ^art. 
 
 David, in great 
 affliction, expresses 
 his confidence in 
 God, and implores 
 His promised aid 
 and protection. 
 
 He pleads the for- 
 mer goodness of 
 God ; and that his 
 present apparent 
 desertion was mis- 
 inteiT)reted by his 
 enemies. 
 
 Oppressed by the 
 infirmities of age, 
 he pathetically im- 
 plores a continu- 
 ance of God's fa- 
 vour and pi-esence. 
 
 PSALM LXXI. 
 
 SEVENS. DOUBLE. 
 
 Bishop Home and many others consider that this Psalm was com- 
 posed by David dui-ing the rebellion of Absalom ; which was a 
 severe trial to him in his declining years. 
 
 1 
 
 T ORD, I put my trust in Thee,' 
 -'-' Let me not confoundec? be : 
 Save me in Thy righteousness, 
 Bend Thine ear to my distress ; 
 Be my rock of refuge,^ where, 
 Constantly, I may rejiair; 
 Safety let Thy word^ impart, 
 Thou my rock and fortress art. 
 
 my God, deliver me, 
 
 Set me fi"om the wicked free ; 
 Thou, my hope, my trust on earth. 
 Hast sustained me fi'om my birth :^ 
 
 1 a feai-fiil sign® appear, 
 
 Yet art Thou my refuge near; 
 Let Thine honour and Thy praise 
 Fill my mouth through future days. 
 
 3 
 When, through age, my powers decay. 
 Cast me not, O God, away: 
 Slanderous foes against me rise, 
 Evil counsels they devise : 
 " God hath left him now,"'' they say, 
 " Persecute and take your prey:" 
 O, my God, remove not far,® 
 Haste, and make my soul Thy care. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Ps. xvi. 1. 
 
 2 Confoutidcd — 
 i. e. let not my ex- 
 pectations be dis- 
 appointed. 
 
 3 Rock of refuge. — 
 See F. & S. and Dr. 
 B.'s versions. 
 
 •* Thy word. —In- 
 stead of " Thou hast 
 given command- 
 ment to save me," 
 — F. & S. — read 
 " Give command- 
 ment to save me." 
 
 5 Ps. xxii. 9. 
 
 ^ Afearfulsign. — 
 F. & S. render it, "« 
 portentous sign ;" 
 and note, " Many 
 I are wUling to per- 
 suade themselves 
 that my trials pro- 
 ceed directly from 
 God's wrath ; and 
 are intended to 
 warn them against 
 a like course of 
 conduct." See 2 
 Sam. xvi. 8. Thus 
 Simeon foretold 
 that our Lord 
 should " he for a 
 sign which should 
 be spoken against." 
 Luke ii. 34. 
 
 ' Ps. iii. 2. 
 
 8Ps. xxii. 11. 
 
PSALM LXXI. 
 
 115 
 
 strengthened, by 
 waiting on God in 
 prayer, he foretells 
 the destruction of 
 his enemies, and 
 declares his resolu- 
 tion to hope in God, 
 and to praise Him. 
 
 Encoui-aged by the 
 review of God's 
 providence towards 
 him through life, 
 he again prays that 
 he may not be de- 
 serted In old age, 
 but that his life may 
 be prolonged, for 
 the glory of God, 
 and the good of 
 future generations. 
 
 He declares his 
 determination to 
 " bless the Lord at 
 all times," for His 
 righteousness dis- 
 
 nPHOU wilt shame/ confound, destroy 
 
 All who now my soul-annoy: 
 I will hope for evermore, 
 Praise Thee louder than before; 
 Thy salvation,^ all the day. 
 Truth and mercy will display ; 
 In the strength of God express' 
 Nothing but His righteousness. 
 
 5 
 Thou hast taught me fi'om my youth, 
 I have long proclaimed Thy truth; 
 Now, that I am old and grey,* 
 Lord, forsake me not, I pray; 
 Till, to every age,^ I tell 
 Power with God alone doth dwell; 
 Spread Thy righteousness abroad; 
 Who is like to Thee, O Lord? 
 
 6 
 
 Thou hast shown^ me, oft before, 
 Many troubles,'' great and sore; 
 Once again Thy mercy show. 
 Raise me from the depths of woe; 
 Spread my gi'eatness far and wide. 
 Comfort me on every side : 
 Let me, with Thy holy throng, 
 Make Thy faithfrilness my song. 
 
 7 
 Loud my tongue Thy praise shall tell,® 
 Holy One of Israel ! 
 Greatly shall my lips rejoice. 
 When to Thee I raise my voice. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Thou wilt shame. 
 — This prophecy 
 was strikingly ful- 
 tilled, both in refer- 
 ence to the enemies 
 of David, and to 
 tliose of Messiah. 
 Compare Ps. xxxv. 
 26 ; xl. 14. 
 
 2 Ps. xl. 9, 10. 
 
 3 Is. 1. 7. 
 
 ^Till,to every age. 
 " He wishes to live, 
 to instruct the pre- 
 sent race and all 
 posterity, in the 
 righteous & mighty 
 deeds of Jehovali." 
 —Dr. B. 
 
 8 Shown — i. e. 
 " made to experi- 
 ence."— F. & S. 
 
 7 Few men have 
 ever been called 
 to undergo greater 
 trials than David. 
 It was from expe- 
 rience that he was 
 led to say, " Many 
 are the afflictions 
 of the righteous." 
 Ps. xxxiv. 19. Com- 
 pare Hosea vi. 1, 2. 
 
 8 " The truth of 
 God, in accomplish- 
 ing His promises, 
 by the redemption 
 of our souls, and the 
 confusion of our 
 spiritual enemies, is 
 a subject which de- 
 mands a never- 
 ceasing tribute of 
 gi-atitude and love, 
 of praise & thanks- 
 giving." — Bishop 
 
 HOENE. 
 
116 
 
 PSALM LXXII. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 played in the deli- 
 verance of His ser- 
 vant. 
 
 Make Thy righteousness my song, 
 This recording all day long ; 
 Since the foes who sought my hurt, 
 Sink in shame/ their just desert. 
 
 Jirst ^art. 
 
 David prays that 
 Solomon's throne 
 may be established 
 in righteousness. 
 
 From the pros- 
 perity and peace 
 resulting from his 
 wise and righteous 
 government, he de- 
 scribes propheti- 
 cally the blessings 
 of Messiah's king- 
 dom ; 
 
 PSALM LXXII. 
 
 |This Psalm appears to have been composed by David when, at the 
 close of life, he had set Solomon on the throne of Israel. 
 " Then," says Calmet, " transported with joy and gratitude, 
 he addressed tliis Psalm to God, in which he prays Him to pom- 
 out His blessings on the young king and the people. He then, 
 wrapped up in a divine enthusiasm, ascends to ahigher subject ; 
 and sings the glory of Messiah, and the magnificence of His 
 reign." 
 
 1 
 
 /~^ IVE to the king^ Thy judgments, Lord, 
 ^^ Thy righteousness bestow. 
 To judge Thy people, and award 
 Right to Thy poor below. 
 
 The mountains^ righteousness shall bring, 
 
 The little hills yield peace ; 
 The poor be guarded by their King, 
 
 The fierce oppressor cease. 
 
 Long as the sun and moon remain,* 
 
 He shall be feared alone; 
 Like showers^ shall He descend, like rain 
 
 On grass but newly mown. 
 
 ' Sink in shame — 
 i. e. their impious 
 schemes again.st the 
 Lord's Anointed 
 end in disappoint- 
 ment and disgrace. 
 
 2 The prayer here 
 presented on behalf 
 of Solomon bears 
 a striking resem- 
 blance to the pi'o- 
 phecy respecting 
 Messiah, as record- 
 ed. Is. xi. 1-5. 
 
 ^ The mountains. 
 " It was usual to 
 place persons upon 
 eminences for the 
 purpose of convey- 
 ing intelligence, or 
 proclaiming good 
 tidings. Compare 
 Is. lii. 7, 8 ; and xl. 
 9."— F. & S. 
 
 4 " And of His 
 kingdom there shall 
 be no end." Luke i. 
 33. 
 
 5 2 Sam. xxiii. 4 ; 
 Hosea vi. 3. 
 
PSALM LXXII. 
 
 117 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 the security and 
 happiness of His 
 subjects ; and the 
 unbounded extent 
 of His dominion. 
 
 The benevolence 
 and righteousness 
 of Messiah's ad- 
 ministration, dis- 
 played especially in 
 His regard for the 
 poor. The endless 
 duration of His 
 kingdom foretold ; 
 and the character 
 of the offerings His 
 subjects shall pre- 
 sent. 
 
 Under the figure of 
 outward national 
 prosperity is fore- 
 told the spiritual 
 prosperity of His 
 kingdom ; the vast 
 numbers of those 
 who should be 
 bom in "the city 
 of God ;" until His 
 dominion be uni- 
 versal. 
 
 Then shall the righteous thrive/ and be 
 With peace and plenty crowned ; 
 
 His kingdom^ stretch from sea to sea, 
 To earth's remotest bound. 
 
 5 
 His rule the desert tribes^ shall own, 
 
 His foes shall lick the dust ;^ 
 All kings shall bow before His throne, 
 
 All nations serve and trust. 
 
 6 
 
 T70R He shall hear the poor man's plea,' 
 
 Maintain the needy' s^ right ; 
 Their souls redeemed by Him shall be, 
 And precious in His sight.^ 
 
 Long shall He live,® and men shall send, 
 
 From Sheba,' gifts of gold ; 
 For Him shall ceaseless prayer'" ascend. 
 
 His praise be daily told. 
 
 8 
 The mountain tops" shall wave with corn, 
 
 Like Lebanon's'^ tall head ; 
 The crowds within the city born'^ 
 
 Like grass on earth shall spread. 
 
 9 
 
 Long as the sun shall light afford, 
 His name shall be confessed ;'^ 
 
 Men shall be blest'^ in Him their Lord, 
 All nations call Him blest. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 2 Compare Zech. 
 ix. 9,10; Ps. ii. 8; 
 -xxii. 27, 28. 
 
 ' Desert tribes — ■ 
 those who from 
 their predatory ha- 
 bits were most un- 
 likely to submit to 
 the sceptre of right- 
 eousness. 
 
 ■* Lick the dust. — 
 "This denotes pros- 
 tration before Him, 
 as is the Eastern 
 custom." — Dr. B. 
 
 5 Ps. cii. 17. 
 
 * Needy. — " Such 
 have ever formed 
 the chief part of the 
 church of God." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
 7 Ps. xlix. 9 ; 
 cxvi. 15. 
 
 8 See Ps. xxi. 4 ; 
 Is. liii. 10; & Heb. 
 vii. 3. 
 
 s Sheba — a part 
 of Arabia Felix. 
 
 '0 Prayer — " for 
 His success, the es- 
 tablishment and ex- 
 tension of His king- 
 dom."— Dr. B. 
 
 " Mountain tops 
 ■ — i.e. " in situations 
 where corn is least 
 to be expected." — 
 F. &S. 
 
 '2 Like Lebanon's, 
 &c. — i. e. " like the 
 trees planted on 
 Lebanon. This im- 
 plies that the com 
 will be lofty and 
 luxuriant." — F.& S. 
 
 '3 Ps. Ixxxvii. 5. 
 
 14 Ps. xlv. 17. 
 
 •5 Men shall be 
 blest, &c. — This was 
 the original pro- 
 mise made to Abra- 
 ham, and fulfilled 
 in "his seed, which 
 is Christ." Com- 
 pare Gen. xxii. 18, 
 with Gal. iii. 8, 16. 
 
118 
 
 PSALM LXXIII. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 Jehovah is to be 
 praised eternally 
 " for His unspeak- 
 able gift." 
 
 JFirst ^art. 
 
 The Psalmist de- 
 clares his convic- 
 tion of the goodness 
 of God to His 
 people, notwith- 
 standing he had 
 been tempted, in 
 a moment of unbe- 
 lief, to think other- 
 wise, when he saw 
 the prosperity of 
 the wicked ; whose 
 daring impiety and 
 presumption, nou- 
 rished by their 
 worldly affluence, 
 he describes. 
 
 10 
 
 For ever blest be Israel's Lord, 
 Wlio wonders works for men!' 
 
 His glorious narae^ be spread abroad 
 Through all the earth, Amen ! ^ 
 
 PSALM LXXIIL 
 
 L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 This interesting and instructive Psalm is thought to have been 
 composed by Asaph,'* the seer, on occasion of tlie destraction of 
 Sennacherib's army.5 
 
 1 
 
 rPRULY to IsraeP God is kind, 
 
 The piu*e in heart His goodness find : 
 But ah ! my feet^ almost had tripped, 
 My steps, alas! had nearly slipped; 
 For I was envious when I saw 
 The wicked prospering more and more. 
 
 Fmn is their strength till death® draws near. 
 They feel no j)lague, no trouble fear: 
 Like costly chains,® or garments, they 
 Their pride and violence display : 
 Their eyes stand out with fat,'" and more 
 Than heart could wish they have in store, 
 
 3 
 
 Corrupt they are, their words profane, 
 They breathe oppression and disdain; 
 Against the heavens their mouth doth talk," 
 Theu- tongues through earth, unbridled, 
 walk:'- 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Rev. XV. 4 ; Is. 
 vi. 3. 
 
 - Tills prayer will 
 be fulfilled wlien 
 the gospel is univei'- 
 sally established. 
 
 3 " The second 
 Hebrew division of 
 the Psalms ends 
 with this doxo- 
 logy."— F. & S. 
 
 * 2 Chron. xxix. 
 
 30. 
 
 ^ 2 Kings xbc. 
 
 6 To Israel — i. e. 
 to the people of 
 God — orthe pure in 
 heart. 
 
 7 Ml/ feet.—" He 
 here figuratively 
 states that his con- 
 viction of the great 
 truth contained in 
 verse 1, had been, 
 for a moment, 
 shaken." — F. & S. 
 
 8 Till. — F. & S. 
 render this, until 
 their death, not in 
 their death, as in the 
 common version. 
 
 3 Compare Prov. 
 i. 9, and Cant. iv. 
 9. " This is a me- 
 taphorical allusion 
 to the rich collars 
 or chains worn 
 about the necks of 
 gi-eat personages." 
 —Dr. B. 
 
 10 Fat. — " The 
 sacred writers em- 
 ploy this term to 
 signify a body pam- 
 pered to excess by 
 luxury and self-in- 
 dulgence." Com- 
 pare Ps. xvii. 10 ; 
 Jobxv. 27.— F.&S. 
 
 11 Talk.— " They 
 blaspheme the God 
 of heaven, and ca- 
 lumniate His ser- 
 vants on earth." — 
 Green. 
 
 12 Walk — " lite- 
 rally march — hke 
 plunderers attack- 
 ing everybody they 
 meet." — Dr. B. 
 
PSALM LXXm. 
 
 119 
 
 He contrasts the 
 prosperity of these 
 sinners with his 
 own multiplied 
 afflictions. 
 
 Second ^art. 
 
 Greatly perplexed, 
 yet anxious not to 
 ensnare, by his 
 doubts, any of his 
 believing brethren, 
 he seeks, in the 
 temple of God, di- 
 vine instruction, 
 and discovers, by 
 the light of faith, 
 the terrible danger 
 in which the wick- 
 ed stand, and the 
 vanity of those 
 pleasures which had 
 made him envious. 
 
 He confesses and 
 deplores his foUy in 
 having been thus 
 misled and en- 
 snared ; and having 
 hitherto been " kept 
 by the power of 
 God," rejoices in 
 
 " How doth Jehovah know?'" they cry; 
 " Can knowledge dwell with God Most 
 High ?" 
 
 4 
 Lo ! these, the' ungodly, live in jjeace," 
 Prosper on earth, and still increase ! 
 Siu-ely, I've cleansed my heart in vain, 
 And washed my hands from every stain f 
 For all day long am I oppressed, 
 And every morning sore distressed. 
 
 5 
 FT AD I, in words, my grief declared, 
 
 -^ Thy children,Lord, I might have snared,^ 
 Therefore, I studied, to discern 
 What was too difficult to learn. 
 Till to the house of God* I Avent, 
 And saw revealed their punishment. 
 
 6 
 Surely, in slippery paths they're placed, 
 Thence to destruction's pit they haste ; 
 To sudden desolation doomed," 
 With terrors utterly consumed, 
 How all their j)leasures, like a dream,^ 
 When Thou dost wake to judgment, seem ! 
 
 Thus was my heart with grief oppressed, 
 Pricked in my reins,® I had not rest ; 
 So had my foolishness increased, 
 Before Thee, I was like a beast f 
 Still, Lord, I ever near Thee stand, 
 Thou holdest me by my I'ight hand. 
 
 ■ Ps. xciv. 7. 
 
 2 Live in peace. — 
 When temporal re- 
 wai'ds and punish- 
 ments were the ob- 
 vious sanctions of 
 the law, the pros- 
 perity of the wicked 
 caused great per- 
 plexity to the 
 godly, by suggesting 
 doubts respecting 
 the equity of the 
 divine administra- 
 tion. See Jer. xi. 
 1, 2. The argu- 
 ment between Job 
 and his friends is a 
 further illustration 
 of this truth. 
 
 3 Ps. xxvi. G. 
 
 * Snared. — "1 
 should have be- 
 trayed the cause of 
 religion, and sup- 
 ported their im- 
 piety." — Dr. B. 
 
 ^ The house of 
 God. — " And Heze- 
 kiah received the 
 letter from the hand 
 of the messengers, 
 and read it; and 
 Hezekiah went up 
 unto the House of 
 the Lord, and 
 spread it before the 
 Lord." Is. xxxvii. 
 14. 
 
 ^ Is. xxxvii. 36. 
 
 7 Like a dream — 
 i. e. " As a pleasing 
 dream vanishes in- 
 stantly on awaking, 
 so the pleasures of 
 these men will 
 vanish when God 
 shall effect His 
 righteous judg- 
 ment." — Walford. 
 
 8 My reins — i. e. 
 in my heart. See 
 Ps. vii. 9. 
 
 9 Like a beast. — 
 " I deserved to be 
 put on a level with 
 irrational crea- 
 tures, for having 
 hastily taken so er- 
 roneous and unjust 
 a view of Thy deal- 
 ings." — F. & S. 
 Compare Ps. xcii. 6. 
 
120 
 
 PSALM LXXIV. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 the assurance that 
 Jehovah will be his 
 guide even until 
 death, and his pre- 
 sent and eternal 
 portion. 
 
 He declares the 
 fearful end of idola- 
 tors; and his own 
 highest good. 
 
 The Church sup- 
 plicates God on be- 
 half of Zion, and 
 bewails her desola- 
 tion by impious 
 foes. 
 
 8 
 Me, by Thy counsel,' Thou wilt guide, 
 And bring to glory, sanctified : 
 To whom in heaven do I asj^ire 
 But Thee? or whom on earth desu'e ? 
 My heart may fail, my sti-ength depart. 
 But Thou my strength and portion art.^ 
 
 9 
 
 For lo ! they perish^ who remove 
 Far off from Thee, and idols love : 
 But, to di'aw near,* my God, to Thee, 
 Is good, the highest good to me : 
 I put my trust in God the Lord, 
 And live to spread His works abroad. 
 
 PSALM LXXIV. 
 
 L. M. DOUBLE. 
 
 " This, which is the second of the Psalms by Asaph, was probably 
 occasioned by the desolation of Jerusalem, the temple, and the 
 neighbotiring country of Judea, by Nebuchadnezzar." — Bishop 
 Mant. 
 
 T ORD, why for evermore reject,* 
 
 -*-^ In wi-ath,Thy sheep,^ once loved so well ? 
 
 Thy purchased heritage respect. 
 
 Mount Zion,' where Thou long didst 
 dwell. 
 Haste* to the desolations war 
 
 Within Thy sacred courts hath made ; 
 Thine enemies amidst them roar,^ 
 
 And boast their ensigns'" there displayed. 
 
 ' Thy counsel. — 
 " God's counsels, 
 contained in His 
 word, are the belie- 
 ver's guide to eter- 
 nal life, and his 
 song in the house 
 of his pilgrimage." 
 
 2 Ps. xvi. .5 ; Lam. 
 iii. 24. 
 
 ^ They perish. — 
 Such was the case 
 with Sennacherib 
 and his host. (See 
 Is. xxxvii. 30 to 
 end.) 
 
 •I " Nearness to 
 God is my felicity. 
 This is a fine con- 
 trast with the pre- 
 ceding verse." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
 ^ Lam. v. 20 & 22. 
 6 Ps. xcv. 7. 
 
 " Ps. Ixxviii. 68 ; 
 Ixxxvii. 2. 
 
 8 Haste. — This 
 implies that God 
 had withdrawn His 
 presence. 
 
 9 Roar — as wild 
 beasts. Compare 
 Lam. ii. 7. 
 
 '" Ensigns — the 
 signals of victory. 
 
PSALM LXXIV. 
 
 121 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 She describes their 
 profane and sacri- 
 legious conduct ; 
 
 and, mourning the 
 absence of any di- 
 vine communica- 
 tion as to the period 
 of her calamities, 
 beseeches God to 
 interpose on her 
 behalf. 
 
 Sccontr ^art. 
 
 The Church calls 
 to mind God's 
 mighty works on 
 behalf of His people 
 in times past, espe- 
 cially in delivering 
 them from Pharaoh 
 and the Egyptians ; 
 adverts to His 
 power and goodness 
 displayed in the 
 world of nature ; 
 and hence takes en- 
 couragement to im- 
 plore God to con- 
 sider her distress, 
 and not to forsake 
 her. 
 
 Like men' with axes they appear, 
 
 Who come to fell a forest rude ; 
 Thus Zion's" fretted work, so dear, 
 
 With axe and hammer they have hewed: 
 Thy sanctuary^ is burnt with fire, 
 
 Thy dwelling place, Thy people's joy; 
 Our utter ruin they conspire,* 
 
 And all Thy synagogues* destroy. 
 
 3 
 
 We see no sign,® nor learn by dream, 
 
 Or prophet, when shall end our shame. 
 How long, O Lord, shall foes blaspheme ? 
 
 For ever shall they scorn Thy name ? 
 Why, why withdi'awest Thou Thy hand ?^ 
 
 Thy right hand why withholdest Thou.^' 
 For Zion's sake, for Judah's land, 
 
 O pluck it* from thy bosom now ! 
 4 
 T?OE, God,' our King of old, is He 
 -'- Wlio wi'ought salvation for our sake; 
 Thou by Thy strength didst part the sea,'" 
 
 And there the heads of dragons break:" 
 Leviathan by Thee was crushed. 
 
 And desert tribes'^ with food'^ supplied ; 
 At thy command the fountains gushed'* 
 
 From rocks, — or mighty streams were 
 dried.'* 
 
 5 
 Thine is the day, the night is Thine, 
 
 The sun with light hast Thou an-ayed; 
 The bounds of earth didst Thou assign. 
 
 Summer and winter Thou hast made. 
 R 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 • F. & S. render 
 this, " They appear 
 like men bringing 
 up axes against a 
 tangled forest." 
 
 2 Jer. iii. 12-23. 
 ^ 2 Kings XS.V. 9. 
 
 •^ Ps. Ixxxiii. 4. 
 
 ^ Synagogues — or 
 places of assembly 
 for worship. 
 
 8 No sign — i.e. 
 no token usually 
 given by our God 
 of approaching de- 
 liverance. — F. & S. 
 Compare Lam. ii. 9. 
 This state of things 
 had been foretold by 
 Amos, viii. 1 1 . 
 
 ' Lam. ii. 3. 
 
 8 Pluck it — i. e. 
 exert Thy mighty 
 power to save us. 
 
 9 For God, &c. — 
 i. e. Notwithstand- 
 ing God's refusal 
 now to interfere on 
 our behalf. He is the 
 same God who res- 
 cued us on former 
 occasions. 
 
 i" T/ie sea — the 
 Red Sea. Compare 
 Is. Ii. 9, 10. 
 
 " Heads of dra- 
 gons — Ltviathan — 
 i. e. Pharaoh and 
 his army. 
 
 '2 Desert tribes — 
 i.e. "the wild Arabs 
 on the border of the 
 Red Sea."— F. & S. 
 
 '3 Food. — " This 
 term is used figura- 
 tively for the spoils 
 of the Egyptians." 
 F. & S. 
 
 '■' Exodus xvii. 6. 
 
 'S Josh. iii. 1.5, IG. 
 
122 
 
 PSALM LXXV. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 She pleads the co- 
 venant made witli 
 the father of the 
 faithful ; and re- 
 peats her earnest 
 entreaties, vn-ged 
 by the increasing 
 fury of her foes. 
 
 The King of Zion 
 unites with the 
 Church in offering 
 the sacrifice of 
 thanksgiving to 
 God, and declares 
 the rectitude of his 
 government. 
 
 He adverts to the 
 disorganized state 
 of God's heritage 
 previous to his ad- 
 ministration. 
 
 Consider, Lord, their impious scorn, 
 
 The foolish' have blasphemed thy name ; 
 Leave not Thy turtle dove^ forlorn. 
 
 Nor Thine afflicted poor disclaim. 
 6 
 Respect Thy covenant,^ for the' abodes 
 
 Of ciiielty the dark world fill ; 
 Forsake not those oppression goads. 
 
 But let the needy praise^ Thee still. 
 Arise, O God! plead Thine own cause; 
 
 Consider Thy reproachful foes ; 
 Their voice amidst Thy temple roars. 
 
 Louder their impious tumult grows. 
 
 PSALM LXXV. 
 
 148th. 
 
 This Psalm appears to have been composed by Asaph, the friend 
 
 of David, shortly after his accession to the throne of Israel. 
 
 1 
 
 Tj^OR Thee, O God most high, 
 -■- Qui' thanks we now prepare ; 
 For that Thy name is nigh,^ 
 Thy wondrous works declare ; 
 When I the congregation sway," 
 My rectitude will I display. 
 o 
 
 The land,^ and those contained 
 
 Within it, were dissolved ; 
 Its pillars^ I sustained, 
 
 To judge by truth resolved : 
 Fools against foolishness I w^arn. 
 To sinners cry. Lift not the horn. 
 
 ' The foolish— \. e. 
 the wicked, or ido- 
 laters. Compare 
 Ps. Uii. 1. 
 
 2 Tttrtlc dove — 
 i. e. Thy church, 
 in danger of being 
 devoured by her 
 enemies. 
 
 ^ Thy covenant — 
 i. e., the covenant 
 made with Abra- 
 ham, by which the 
 land of Canaan was 
 given to him, with 
 the promise that in 
 his seed should all 
 the families of the 
 earth be blessed. 
 See Gen. xv. & xvii. 
 
 ■* Praise — i. e. 
 have cause to praise 
 the mercy of God 
 displayed in their 
 deliverance. 
 
 sps. xlvi. 1. 
 
 s David, ruling 
 righteously, was a 
 type of Him who is 
 the king of right- 
 eousness and the 
 king of peace. 
 
 " The land, &c.— 
 " In the latter part 
 of Saul's reign, and 
 during the war be- 
 tween David and 
 the house of Saul, 
 the country must 
 have suffered gi-eat- 
 ly. By supporting 
 and enforcing the 
 law, David re- 
 established order." 
 —Dr. B. 
 
 8 Its pillars — i. e. 
 those fundamental 
 laws which are es- 
 sential to the exist- 
 ence and well-being 
 of society. 
 
PSALM LXXVI. 
 
 123 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 He urges submis- 
 sion to his autho- 
 rity from the fact 
 that his exaltation 
 was by divine ap- 
 pointment ; and 
 warns the wielded 
 not to provolie the 
 anger of tlie Al- 
 mighty, lest they 
 bring upon them- 
 selves His fearful 
 judgments. 
 
 He declares His 
 determination to 
 pi-aise God, and to 
 persevere in the 
 path of rectitude. 
 
 The Church, ex- 
 ulting in the tokens 
 of God's presence, 
 ascribes to Him her 
 deliverance from 
 imminent danger. 
 
 Lift not your horn' on high, 
 
 Nor with a stiff neck speak; 
 Not from the east" did I, 
 Or west, promotion seek, 
 Or from the south, — for God alone 
 The Judge, casts down, or gives the throne. 
 4 
 Lo ! in His hand the Lord 
 
 Hokls forth a cup f the w ine* 
 Is red, and when out-poiued, 
 (Mingled by wrath divine,) 
 All wicked men will God constrain 
 The very dregs thereof to cfrain. 
 5 
 But I, for evermore, 
 
 Thy wonders will declare ; 
 Will Jacob's God adore,^ 
 
 And make His praise my care ; 
 Cut off'° from wicked men the horn, 
 But raise the just above their scorn. 
 
 PSALM LXXVL 
 
 L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 ' This spirited composition is evidently a hymn of thanksgiving and 
 triumph on occasion of some gi'eat deliverance ; probably on the 
 miraculous destruction of the Assyrian anny under Senna- 
 cherib." — Bishop Mant. 
 
 1 
 
 TN Judali^ God the Lord is known, 
 -*- His name in Israel is great; 
 His tabernacles Salem^ own, 
 
 His dwelling place is Zion's gate : 
 
 ' Horn — the 
 emblem of power. 
 See Ps. -xviii. 2. 
 
 2 The east, &c.— 
 i. e. " From no 
 quarter can merely 
 human support and 
 assistance avail."- — 
 F. &S. 
 
 3 Ps. xi. 6; Is. li. 
 
 17. 
 
 '• The wine. — 
 " The stunning ef- 
 fects of God's judg- 
 ments are here 
 compared to those 
 of an intoxicating 
 draught."— F. & S. 
 See Ps. Ix. 3 ; Is. U. 
 21. 
 
 ' Adore — to wor- 
 ship God in sin- 
 cerity is the best 
 preparation for the 
 discharge of our 
 duties to men. 
 
 s Cut off the horn 
 — i. e. destroy their 
 power to do mis- 
 chief. 
 
 7 Ps. cxlvU. 19. 
 
 8 Salem — i. e. 
 Jerusalem. The 
 meaning of Salem 
 is peace. " This 
 name was probably 
 given because here 
 peace was to be 
 made by the blood 
 of the cross." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
124 
 
 PSALM LXXVII. 
 
 By a beautiful apo- 
 strophe of Mount 
 Zion, she celebrates 
 the honour con- 
 ferred on her by 
 God, inthedesti'uo- 
 tion of His people's 
 
 The reverence due 
 to Jehovah in con- 
 sequence of this 
 display of divine 
 power ; 
 
 especially in over- 
 ruling the wicked- 
 ness of men, and 
 causing it to pro- 
 mote His own gloi-y . 
 
 The Psalmist re- 
 cords his experi- 
 ence when, over- 
 
 'Twas there against our foes' He warred, 
 And brake the arrows, shiekl, and sword. 
 
 2 
 Zion!^ thou art more glorious far 
 
 Than all the mountains famed for prey. 
 Spoiled the stout-hearted waniors are, 
 
 The men of valour prostrate lay : 
 At Thy rebuke, O God, Thy breath. 
 Both horse and horseman sleep in death. 
 
 3 
 Thou,^ even Thou, our fear dost claim. 
 
 And who before Thy wrath can stand ? 
 Sentence from heavenVlidstThou proclaim. 
 
 Earth feared, and still was every land. 
 When Jacob's God to judgment rose. 
 To save the meek, and quell their foes. 
 
 4 
 The wrath^ of man shall swell Thy praise ; 
 
 The rest wilt Thou restrain, O Lord ! 
 Fulfil your vows, your offerings raise 
 
 To Him who ought to be adored : 
 He brings the jDride of princes low ; 
 The kings of earth His terrors know. 
 
 PSALM LXXVH. 
 
 L. M. G LINES. 
 
 This elegant composition of Asaph is generally supposed to have 
 been written dui-ing the captivity in Babylon. 
 
 T CRIED to God, my voice He heard,® 
 -*- My prayer to Him in grief preferred : 
 
 ' 2 Kings, xix. 35. 
 
 2 T,ion, secure in 
 the protection of 
 God, was far more 
 glorious tlian the 
 most exalted of 
 eartlily kingdoms, 
 which from their 
 rapacity are justly 
 described as moun- 
 tains of prey. 
 
 3 Jer. X. 6, 7. 
 
 ■* Sentence from 
 heaven, &c. — " God 
 is represented as 
 first i^ronouncing 
 the sentence on His 
 enemies, and then 
 arising to execute 
 it."— Dr. B. 
 
 ^ The wrath, &c. 
 — The crucifixion 
 of our Lord, "by 
 wicked hands," 
 bringing " glory to 
 God in the highest, 
 on earth peace, and 
 good will to men," 
 is the most illus- 
 trious example of 
 this truth. 
 
 6 Ps. cxvi. 1 . 
 
PSALM LXXVII. 
 
 125 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 whelmed with grief 
 on account of the 
 apparently for- 
 saken condition of 
 the Church, he 
 poured out his soul 
 to God on her be- 
 half. 
 
 The perplexing 
 doubts with which 
 he was harassed re- 
 specting the mercy 
 and tiiith of God. 
 
 His faith having 
 been renewed by 
 meditation and by 
 prayer, he calls to 
 mind God's past in- 
 terpositions on be- 
 half of His people ; 
 especially that 
 
 great deliverance, 
 wrought for them, 
 when, by a series 
 of the most asto- 
 nishing miracles. 
 He brought them 
 " out of the land of 
 Egypt, out of the 
 house of bondage," 
 thus encouraging 
 
 All night my hands' stretched out^ I kept, 
 My soul no comfort would accept; 
 I thought of God/ yet trouble felt ; 
 Complamed, yet found my spmt melt. 
 
 2 
 
 Thou holdest/ Lord, mine eyes awake, 
 Nor I, through grief, my silence break: 
 The days of old* I call to mind. 
 The ancient years when God was kind ; 
 Commune with my own heart by night," 
 And thus my soul to search incite. 
 
 3 
 
 Will God cast off for evermore,' 
 His favour never to restore } 
 For ever hath His mercy flown. 
 His word of promise been o'erthrown !** 
 Hath God forgotten to be kind }^ 
 His tender love, in wrath, confined ? 
 
 4 
 
 THEN I exclaimed. Though great my 
 grief,'" 
 God's mighty arm can bring relief: 
 I'll call to mind His works of old," 
 The wonders Israel did behold ; 
 Will muse on all Thy works so vast. 
 And talk of all Thy doings past,'^ 
 
 5 
 
 Thy way is holy,'^ Lord, we know ; 
 Who is so great a God as Thou .-"^ 
 Thy wondrous works hast Thou made 
 
 known, 
 Thy strength amongst the people shown ; 
 
 ' Ml/ hands. — See 
 F. & S. 
 
 2 Stretched out— 
 i. e. in prayer for 
 divine assistance, as 
 Moses did ; Exod. 
 xvii. 11. 
 
 ■* Jobxxiii. 15, 16. 
 
 I Job vii. 13-15. 
 
 5 Is. 11. 9. 
 
 ^ See Horsley's 
 version. 
 
 7 Ps. Ixxlv. 1 ; 
 Lam. ill. 31, 32. 
 
 8 Numb. xiv. 34. 
 Is. xllx. 15. 
 
 '" ^^1/ grief. See 
 Dr B. 
 
 " 1 Chron. xvi. 
 
 1' E.xod. XV. 6. 
 
 '^ Holy. — See 
 F. & S. — " The 
 meaning is, the 
 methods of Tliy 
 providence are just 
 and holy."- — Bishop 
 Patkick. 
 
 •■' Exod. XV. 11. 
 
126 
 
 PSALM LXXVIII. 
 
 himself to hope for 
 deliverance under 
 present distress. 
 
 JFtrst ^art. 
 
 The Psalmist in- 
 vites the attention 
 of all to his instruc- 
 tive discourse ; and 
 enjoins the duty of 
 making known to 
 children the won- 
 derful works of 
 God, in order that, 
 wai-ned by the ex- 
 ample of then- 
 fathers, the young 
 may bo taught to 
 
 Thine arm tlie sons of Jacob saved, 
 And Joseph's' offspring, when enslaved. 
 
 6 
 The waters saw Thee, God of might ! 
 The waters^ saw Thee with affright : 
 Troubled' was then the mighty main. 
 The clouds poured out abundant rain ; 
 Thy lightnings^ flashed. Thy thunders 
 
 roared, 
 Earth shook and trembled, overawed. 
 
 7 
 Thou^ through the sea Thy way didst keep, 
 Thy path was through the mighty deep : 
 Thy footsteps" were to all unknown. 
 Thy goodness w^as to Israel shown. 
 Guiding thy flock, by Moses' hand,^ 
 And Aaron's, safe to Canaan's land. 
 
 PSALM LXXVIII. 
 
 ' An instructive Psalm of Asapli." Composed probably to com- 
 memorate the decisive victory obtained by Abijah, king of 
 Judah, over Jeroboam, king of Israel.^ 
 
 /^ IVE ear, ye people, to my speech, 
 ^-^ Incline your ears to what I teach : 
 My mouth instruction shall unfold,® 
 And wisdom draw from things of old :'° 
 
 2 
 What we have heard our sires reveal. 
 We fi'om our sons will not conceal ; 
 That future ages may be taught 
 The wondrous works the Lord hath wrought 
 
 ' Sons of Jacob 
 and Joseph. — " The 
 reason of Joseph's 
 being coupled with 
 Jacob is, that as the 
 Israelites derived 
 their birth from 
 Jacob, so they were 
 sustained by Joseph 
 in Egypt, who be- 
 came a second pa- 
 rent to them." — 
 Walford. 
 
 - Hab. iii. 8. 
 
 3 Exod. XV. 8. 
 
 ■* Lightnings. — 
 Hence it appears 
 that the passage of 
 the Red Sea was 
 attended by a thun- 
 der-storm. This 
 explains that sub- 
 lime passage, Ex- 
 odus xiv. 24. 
 
 5 Thou, &c. — 
 God's presence at 
 the passage of the 
 Red Sea was mani- 
 fested by the mi- 
 racle He then 
 wrought for their 
 deliverance." — F. 
 & S. Hab. in. 1-5. 
 
 ^ Thy footsteps, 
 &c. — No traces 
 were left behind. 
 The Egyptians, at- 
 tempting to follow, 
 were drowned. 
 
 ? Is. Ixiii. 12. 
 
 8 2 Chron. xiii. 
 
 9 See Dr. Booth- 
 royd's version. 
 
 '0 Things of old— 
 i. e. the historical 
 facts recoi'ded in 
 this Psalm. " All 
 these things hap- 
 pened unto them 
 for ensamples ; and 
 they are written for 
 our admonition, on 
 whom the ends of 
 the world are 
 come." 1 Cor. x. 
 U. 
 
PSALM LXXVIII. 
 
 127 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 place their hope 
 and confidence in 
 God. 
 
 SfconU ^art. 
 
 He adverts to the 
 mighty display of 
 God's power on be- 
 half of His people, 
 in delivering them 
 from the Egyptian 
 yoke ; in guiding 
 them through the 
 desert ; and there 
 providing miracu- 
 lously for their 
 wants. Yet, not- 
 withstanding this, 
 
 Our fathers' thus did he command, 
 To make then* children understand; 
 That children yet unborn might know, 
 And to then- seed His wonders show : 
 
 That they their hope in God might set, 
 And not the works of God forget ; 
 But His commandments practise well, 
 Nor, like their stubborn sires,^ rebel; 
 
 5 
 
 Who set not right their heart, — whose mind 
 Not steadfastly on God reclined ; 
 Like Ephraim's sons,^ who, armed with 
 
 bows. 
 Turned back * in battle fi-om their foes : 
 
 6 
 
 God's covenant* they cast aside. 
 Refused to make His laws their guide ; 
 His mighty works remembered not. 
 The wonders He had wrought forgot. 
 
 'T^HESE to their fathers were revealed® 
 -*- In Egypt's land, and Zoan's field : 
 He clave the sea,'' they passed the deep, 
 The waters stood up like a heap :* 
 
 8 
 He led them by a cloud all day,® 
 By night the fire marked out their way : 
 Rocks, in the wilderness. He clave,'" 
 And drink, as from the ocean, gave : 
 
 ' Our fathers. — 
 " This refers to the 
 injunction recorded 
 Deut. iv. 9, 10."— 
 Dr. B. See also 
 Exod. xiii. 8. 
 
 2 Their stubborn 
 sh'cs. — " These are 
 often mentioned as 
 a stubborn and per- 
 verse race. Exod. 
 xxxii. 9 ; Deut. 
 xxxi. 27."— Dr. B. 
 
 3 Ephraim's sons. 
 — The ten tribes 
 are here refer- 
 red to, of which 
 Ephraim was the 
 head. 
 
 •* 2 Chron. xiii. 
 15-17. 
 
 ^ God's covenant, 
 &c. — They wor- 
 shipped the two 
 calves in Dan and 
 Bethel, and thus 
 turned to idolati-y. 
 1 Kings, xii. 2G-33. 
 
 ^ See Exodus vii. 
 and following chap- 
 ters. 
 
 7 Exod. xiv. 21. 
 
 8 Exod. XV. 8. 
 
 s E.xod. xiii. 21, 
 22. 
 
 10 Exod. xvii. 6 ; 
 Numb. XX. 11. 
 
128 
 
 PSALM LXXVIII. 
 
 they distrusted and 
 rebelled against 
 Him. 
 
 The displeasure of 
 God in consequence 
 of " their manners 
 in the wilderness." 
 
 9 
 
 Streams jfrom the rock' He caused to burst, 
 Like rivers, to allay their thirst : 
 Yet, His commands still more they broke, 
 And dared the Most High to provoke r 
 
 10 
 They tempted^ God, and caused His ire. 
 By asking meat for their desire : 
 Yea, against God they spake, and cried, 
 " Can God a table here provide ? 
 
 11 
 He smote the rock, the waters gushed. 
 The overflowing stream forth rushed, — 
 Bread can He give, and flesh provide, 
 That Israel may be satisfied ?" 
 
 12 
 
 THE Lord their murmurings heard with 
 ire," 
 Towards Jacob glowed the kindling fire ; 
 Because in God they would not place 
 Their trust, nor in His saving grace: 
 
 13 
 Though to the clouds His word was given. 
 And opened were the doors of heaven ; 
 Though manna* God rained down for 
 
 bread, 
 With corn of heaven his people fed ; 
 
 14 
 
 The food of angels*' man did eat. 
 And to the full He sent them meat ; 
 He made the east wind^ blow, and brought 
 A strong south wind," with plenty fi'aught; 
 
 1 Compare 1 Cor. 
 X. 4. " They drank 
 of that spiritual 
 rock which followed 
 them, and that 
 rock was Christ," — 
 i. c. a type of Christ. 
 
 2 Deut. ix. 22. 
 
 3 T/ni/ tempted, 
 &c. — " They raslily 
 called for the divine 
 interference, by 
 miracle, in their 
 favour." See Exod. 
 xvi ; Numb. xi. — 
 F. & S. Thus they 
 were guilty of base 
 ingratitude and dis- 
 content. 
 
 "i Numbers xi. 
 
 5 Manna. — This 
 miraculous supply 
 ought to have in- 
 spired them with 
 confidence. Com- 
 pare Exod. xvi. 13- 
 15 with John vi. 49- 
 51. 
 
 ^ Food of angels — 
 " or bread of the 
 mighty, or great 
 men — i.e. the whole 
 body of the people 
 lived upon excellent 
 food." — ROSEN- 
 MDLLER. 
 
 ' East wind — so 
 called here, because 
 the east wind was 
 regarded as the 
 most violent. 
 
 8 South wind. — 
 " And there went 
 forth a wind from 
 the Lord, and 
 brought quail.s,/>'0»2 
 the sea. — The sea 
 referred to in tliis 
 passage is the Red 
 Sea, which was to 
 the south." — F. & S. 
 Numb. xi. 31. 
 
PSALM LXXVIII. 
 
 129 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The Almighty an- 
 swers their request 
 in anger ; sends 
 them an abundant 
 supply of flesh ; ac- 
 companied with the 
 tokens of His fierce 
 displeasure. 
 
 JFourti^ ^art. 
 
 In consequence of 
 their repeated acts 
 of disobedience, 
 they were con- 
 demned to wander 
 in the wilderness, 
 where, by their 
 rebellion, incon- 
 stancy, and insin- 
 cerity, God " was 
 grieved with this 
 generation ;" and 
 although He fre- 
 quently displayed 
 His anger, yet His 
 compassion to- 
 wards them pre- 
 vailed. 
 
 15 
 With showers of flesh He strewed the land, 
 With feathered fowls like ocean's sand ; 
 He let them fall upon the ground 
 Amidst their camp, their tents around; 
 
 16 
 
 So they did eat,' and well were filled, 
 In wrath He gave them what they willed : 
 Scarce had their lust been satisfied,^ 
 (Their teeth did still the food divide,) 
 
 17 
 When wrath from God against them flew,^ 
 Smote down their chosen men, and slew : — 
 They, for all this,^ to sin did cleave, 
 Nor would His wondrous works believe. 
 
 18 
 TTENCE, God in vanity^ consumed 
 -^-^ Their days, their years to trouble 
 
 doomed: 
 They sought Him'' when they felt His rod. 
 Returned, and early cried to God : 
 
 19 
 'Twas then their Rock they called to mind. 
 The High God, their Redeemer kind : 
 But flattery^ still their mouth did guide, 
 And with their tongues to Him they lied: 
 
 20 
 Their heart was far from right with God,^ 
 Nor steadfast in His covenant stood: 
 But He, fall of compassion,^ kind, 
 Forgave them, nor to death consigned; 
 s 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Numbers xi. 20. 
 
 2 See Dr. Booth- 
 royd. 
 
 ■ Numb. xi. 33. 
 
 •* See Numb. xiv. 
 xvi. xvii. 
 
 5 In vanity. — 
 They were sen- 
 tenced to wander 
 forty years in the 
 wUderness, and 
 there to die, under 
 the mark of God's 
 displeasure. See 
 Josh. V. 6. 
 
 6 Hosea v. 15. 
 
 'i Ezekiel xxxiii. 
 31, 32. 
 
 8 8th verse of this 
 Psalm. 
 
 3 Numb. xiv. 18- 
 
130 
 
 PSALM LXXVIII. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The Psalmist pro- 
 ceeds to particular- 
 ize the sins which 
 so highly displeas- 
 ed God, especially 
 their desire to re- 
 turn to that very 
 land, to deliver 
 them from which 
 He had wrought so 
 gi-eat miracles. The 
 plagues brought 
 upon Pharaoh and 
 the Egyptians, by 
 which Jehovah 
 " executed judg- 
 ments" upon them 
 and upon the ob- 
 jects of their wor- 
 ship, are here enu- 
 merated ; the object 
 of which was to 
 teach not only the 
 Israelites, but also 
 the Egyptians, and 
 the whole world, 
 the folly of idolatry, 
 and that Jehovah 
 is God alone. 
 
 21 
 
 Oft checked His anger bursting forth, 
 And would not stir up all His Avrath : 
 That they were flesh' He ne'er forgot, 
 A passing wind,^ returning not. 
 
 22 
 TTOW often,^ in the desert, they 
 ^^ Provoked and grieved Him day by day ! 
 Yea, to turn back had they begun, 
 They limited the Holy One : 
 
 23 
 
 Remembered not His hand* when He 
 Rescued them fi'om the enemy ; 
 The signs He wrought by His right hand 
 In Zoan's^ field, and Egypt's land : 
 
 24 
 
 Their rivers® He had turned to blood, 
 (Loathsome to drink,) and every flood; 
 Devouring flies'' amongst them sent, 
 And fi-ogs,® an awfiil punishment ; 
 
 25 
 
 The increase of theu* labour great 
 Locusts and caterpillars ate :® 
 He smote their vines with hail,'" — they lost 
 Their sycamores by nipping fi'ost:" 
 
 26 
 Their herds'^ to death by hail He doomed, 
 Hot thunderbolts'* their flocks consumed : 
 On them His anger fierce burst forth, 
 Causing distraction,'* ti'ouble, WTath. 
 
 2 Wind, or breath. 
 See Job vii. 7. 
 
 ■' Hoic often. — 
 Ainsworth has ob- 
 served that we have 
 an account of 
 seventeen instances 
 of their rebellion 
 against God. 
 
 ■• His hand — i. e. 
 " the power dis 
 played by God on 
 theii- behalf." — 
 F. & S. 
 
 5 Numb. xiii. 22. 
 
 ^ Rii<ers. 
 " Streams derived 
 from the Nile." — 
 F. & S. Compare 
 Exod. vii. 20, 21. 
 
 ' Exod. viii. 24. 
 
 8 Exod. viii. 6. 
 
 9 Exod. x. 13-15. 
 
 "> Exod. ix. 23-25. 
 
 » Frost— or hail- 
 stones. 
 
 12 Exod. ix.l9,&c. 
 
 '3 Hot thunder- 
 holts — or lightning. 
 
 '■* Distraction, &c. 
 Bishop Horsley con- 
 siders this as de- 
 scriptive of the state 
 of mind produced j 
 by evil spirits, in 
 those suffering un- 
 der God's judg- I 
 nients. 
 
PSALM LXXVIIL 
 
 131 
 
 He recapitulates 
 the sins of which 
 the Israelites were 
 guilty after God 
 had brought them 
 into Canaan, and 
 the judgments with 
 which they were 
 visited in conse- 
 quence. God de- 
 parted from them, 
 and left His people 
 a prey to their ene- 
 :nies. 
 
 27 
 
 Of evil angels made the prey ; 
 God for His wrath prepared a way ; 
 He did not spare fi'om death their soul, 
 Pestilence^ raged without control ; 
 
 28 
 He smote of Egypt the fu"st-born/ 
 And made the tents of Ham^ to mourn : 
 But led His people forth, like sheep, 
 Through pathless deserts, and the deep : 
 
 29 
 Guided them safe,* fi'om terror fi*ee, 
 But whelmed their foes beneath the sea:^ 
 Israel to Canaan's borders brought, 
 This mountain® which His right hand 
 bought ; 
 
 30 
 
 Cast out the heathen, and, by line,^ 
 Did to each tribe its lot assign : 
 Yet the Most High did they provoke. 
 His testimonies daily broke ; 
 
 31 
 
 Still, like their faithless sires, would go 
 Backward, as starts the treacherous bow:^ 
 Him their high places' moved to ire, 
 Their gods His jealousy did fire : 
 
 32 
 
 This roused the anger of the Lord,'" 
 And Israel greatly He abhon-ed; 
 Forsook the tabernacle, placed 
 In Shiloh," with His presence graced ; 
 
 ' Pestilence.— This 
 refers to the mur- 
 rain amongst the 
 cattle. E.xod. i.x. 3. 
 
 2 Exod. xii. 29. 
 
 3 Ham — " the son 
 of Noah, from 
 whom the Egyp- 
 tians derived tlieir 
 origin. The sons 
 of Ham, Cush, and 
 Mizraim." Gen. x. 
 6.— F. & S. The 
 Egyptians descend- 
 ed from tlie latter. 
 
 * E.TOd. xiv. 19, 
 
 20. 
 
 5 Exod. xiv. 2G- 
 
 28. 
 
 6 T)iis mountain 
 — Zion. 
 
 7 By line — i. e. 
 " by measurement, 
 that the land might 
 be justly divided 
 amongst its new pos- 
 sessors." — F. & S. 
 Compare Josh. xv. 
 to xviii. ; and Ps. 
 xvi. 5. 
 
 8 Hosea vii. 16. 
 
 5 High places — 
 " on which they 
 sacrificed to their 
 idols."— F. & S. 
 
 1° Judges X. 6-8. 
 
 1' Skiloh—" lathe 
 time of Eli, the ark 
 was talien from 
 Shiloh to battle, 
 and captured by the 
 Philistines. See 1 
 Sam. iv."— F. & S. 
 
132 
 
 PSALM LXXVni. 
 
 Sixtf) Part. 
 
 The God of Jacob 
 again interposes on 
 behalf of His afflict- 
 ed people, destroys 
 their enemies, and 
 establishes His holy 
 temple on Mount 
 Zion. 
 
 He chooses David, 
 the great type of 
 Messiah, to rule 
 over His people. 
 
 The character of 
 his government. 
 
 33 
 
 His strength, His glory' He allowed 
 To be borne oflf by captors proud; 
 Gave up His people to the sword, 
 And His inheritance abhoiTed ; 
 
 34 
 
 The fii*e consumed their youthful pride,^ 
 No nuptial song extolled the bride f 
 Their priests* fell by the sword, — and lo ! 
 Their widows^ made no plaint of woe. 
 
 35 
 rPHEN God, like one from sleep, did rise, 
 -*- Or like a mighty man who cries,' 
 Elate with wine ; smote back His foes,^ 
 Consigned to shame, no more they rose : 
 
 36 
 
 Then'' did the Lord the tents refuse 
 Of Joseph, nor would Ephraim choose ; 
 But towards the tribe of Judah moved ; 
 The mount of Zion, which He loved : 
 
 37 
 There built'" His sanctuary high, 
 Fii'm as the earth, or changeless sky : 
 David," His servant, too, He chose, 
 And from the sheepfolds he arose, 
 
 38 
 From following nursing ewes,'' to feed'^ 
 The tribes of Israel," Jacob's seed : 
 With upright heart and skilful hands,"* 
 He fed and guided Israel's bands. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' His strength. 
 His glory. — These 
 terms are descrip- 
 tive of the ark, 
 " The glory is de- 
 pai-ted." 1 Sam. 
 iv.21,22. "Theark 
 of Thy strength." 
 Ps. cxxxii. 8. 
 
 - The slaughter 
 of the Israelites by 
 the Philistines is 
 here referred to. 
 See Bishop Hokne. 
 
 3 See F. & S. 
 
 * Their priests — 
 Eli, Hophni, and 
 Phineas. 
 
 ' Their widows. — 
 Stupified by cala- 
 mity, they were 
 silent in their gi-ief. 
 
 6 Ps. xUv. 23. 
 
 ' Is. xlii. 13. 
 
 8 See F. & S. 
 translation. 
 
 3 Then.—" When 
 the ark was brought 
 back, God did not 
 permit it to be 
 placed again in 
 Shiloh, which was 
 in the tribe of 
 Ephraim, the son of 
 Joseph. "-Pa tkick . 
 
 ^0 There built— i.e. 
 on Zion, in Jemsa- 
 lem. This refers to 
 the building of the 
 temple by Solomon. 
 1 Kings vi. and viii. 
 
 >' 1 Sam. svi. 11, 
 12 ; and Ps. Ixxxix. 
 20. 
 
 '2Is. xl. 11. 
 
 '3 To feed—i. i 
 " to rule over."- 
 F.&S. 
 
 " 2 Sam. V. 2. 
 
 '5 1 Kings ix. 4. 
 
PSALM LXXIX. 
 
 133 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The Psalmist be- 
 wails the destruc- 
 tion of the city and 
 temple of God, and 
 the slaughter of 
 His chosen people. 
 
 He prays that the 
 just anger of God 
 may be poured out 
 on the enemies of 
 Israel, and that di- 
 vine compassion 
 may interpose on 
 behalfof His afflict- 
 ed and oppressed 
 servants : 
 
 PSALM LXXIX. 
 
 ' In this Psalm, Asaph complains that the Babylonians had de- 
 stroyed the city and temple of Jerusalem, and beseeches God 
 to be reconciled to His people, and to punish the blasphemies 
 and cruelties of their idolatrous enemies." — Green. 
 
 THE heathen have entered Thine heritage,' 
 Lord, 
 Thy temple defiled,^ and in heaps Salem laid! 
 The flesh of Thy servants, cut off by the sword,^ 
 A feast for the fowls and wild beasts'* they have 
 made. 
 
 2 
 Their blood, just like water, round Salem is poured; 
 Unburied they lie;* — and reproach is our 
 doom ; — 
 How long? Shall Thy wrath burn for ever, O 
 Lord? 
 Thy jealousy, "constantly flaming, consume? 
 
 3 
 
 Pour out on the heathen Thine anger, '^ God! 
 
 On kingdoms neglecting Thy name to invoke; 
 Who Jacob devour, and lay waste his abode! — 
 
 Nor let our past sins Thy displeasure provoke. 
 
 4 
 
 Thy tender compassion our miseries claim; 
 
 Brought low,^ very low, for Thy succour we 
 pray; 
 O God, our Salvation, exalt Thy great name,^ 
 
 And save us, and purge our transgressions away ! 
 
 1 Exod. XV. 17. 
 
 2 2 Kings, XXV. 9, 
 
 10. 
 
 3 Ps. Ixiii. 10. 
 
 ■• This calamity 
 had been foretold. 
 See Jer. vii. 33. 
 
 ' Jer. xiv. 16 ; 
 xvi. 4. 
 
 ^ Thy jealousy. — 
 " To understand 
 the force of this 
 expression, it is 
 necessai-y to bear in 
 mind, that the rela- 
 tion of God to His 
 chosen people is, 
 in scripture, fre- 
 quently compared 
 with that of the 
 husband to the 
 wife. Compare Ps. 
 Ixxiii. 27 ; Ixxviii. 
 58."— F. & S. 
 
 7 Jer. X. 25. 
 
 8 Deut. xxviii. 43. 
 
 9 Jer. xiv. 7&21. 
 
134 
 
 PSALM LXXX. 
 
 that the profane 
 repi'oaches of the 
 heathen may be 
 silenced: 
 
 that so, the people 
 of God may praise 
 their Deliverer. 
 
 iPtrst ^gart. 
 
 The Church, in a 
 state of great afflic- 
 tion, appeals to her 
 covenant God, and 
 solicits the exertion 
 of His power and 
 gi-ace to accom . 
 plish her restora- 
 tion, deploring His 
 apparent desei'tion 
 of His people, and 
 
 O why should the heathen say, " Where is 
 their God?"' 
 Be known in their sight, and revenge our 
 blood shed; 
 Let sighs^from Thy prisoners ascend Thine abode ; 
 O rescue our souls from the death that we dread ! 
 
 6 
 
 And render sevenfold^ to the impious men 
 Who dared to reproach and profane Thy great 
 name; 
 Thy people, the sheep of Thy pasture,^ will then 
 Give thanks, and Thy praise without ceasing 
 proclaim. 
 
 PSALM LXXX. 
 
 L. M. DOUBLE. 
 
 Composed by Asaph : the occasion is not ascertained. It was evi- 
 dently one of great national distress. 
 
 OHEPHERD of Israel, who dost still 
 ^ Lead Joseph^ like a flock, give ear ! 
 Thou who the mercy seat dost fill, 
 Between the cherubim,^ appear ! 
 Shine forth ! and let Thy people see 
 Thy power to save and set them free : 
 Turn us,^ O God ! and cause Thy face 
 To shine on us with saving grace. 
 
 ' Ps. xlii. 10 ; 
 cxv. 2. 
 
 3 Gen. iv. 15. 
 
 •> Ps. Ixxiv. 1 ; & 
 xcv. 7. 
 
 5 Joseph. — "Ains- 
 worth supposes that 
 he is mentioned as 
 chief because the 
 birthi'ight was 
 
 taken fi-om R euben 
 and given to him." 
 — Dr. B. Compare 
 1 Chron. v. 1, 2. 
 
 ^ Compare Exod. 
 XXV. 20-22. 
 
 ' Turn us — or, 
 restore us. 
 
PSALM LXXX. 
 
 135 
 
 the consequent mi- 
 series they had to 
 endure. 
 
 Sfconlj ^nrt. 
 
 She adverts to the 
 circumstances un- 
 der which she was 
 at first planted ; and 
 to her gi-eat pi'os- 
 perity when enjoy- 
 ing the divine fa- 
 vour. 
 
 The sad contrast, 
 now that God had 
 fulfiUed the threat 
 denounced against 
 His vineyard, " I 
 will take away the 
 hedge thereof, and 
 it shall he eaten up ; 
 and break down the 
 wall thereof, and it 
 shall be trodden 
 down." Is. V. 5. 
 
 In the spirit of pro- 
 phecy, she antici- 
 pates and prays for 
 the coming of the 
 Great Deliverer. 
 
 Lord God of Hosts ! how long wilt Thou 
 
 In wrath reject Thy people's prayer .' 
 With tears/ for bread,' Thou feed'st them 
 now, 
 Tears for their drink dost Thou prepare : 
 A strife we are to nations near,^ 
 Our foes deride us, laugh, and sneer : 
 Tiu'u us, O God ! and cause Thy face 
 To shine on us with saving grace. 
 
 3 
 T?I10M Egypt Thou didst bring a vine,* 
 -*- Cast out the heathen, and Thy hand 
 Did plant it; — space didst Thou assign, 
 
 It took deep root, and filled the land : 
 The hills were covered with the shade. 
 Like cedars were the boughs displayed : 
 These to the distant sea* she sent, 
 Her branches to the river*^ went. 
 
 4 
 Her hedges why hast Thou displaced. 
 
 So that she's plucked by lawless power? 
 Thy vine the forest boar doth waste, 
 
 The wild beast^ of the field devour: 
 O God of Hosts ! Thine ear incline. 
 Look down from heaven, — behold Thy vine! 
 The plant* which Thou didst plant of old, 
 The branch Thou madest strong, behold ! 
 
 5 
 'Tis burnt with fire ! We cannot stand 
 
 Thy fierce rebuke ! — Let Thy hand® be 
 Over^" the man of Thy right hand, 
 
 The son of man, made strong" for Thee : 
 
 1 Ps. xUi. 3 ; cii. 9. 
 
 2 For bread. — 
 " Tlu'ough exces- 
 sive grief tliey re- 
 fuse to take their 
 ordinary food." — 
 F. & S. 
 
 ^A strife.—" They 
 contend among 
 themselves for the 
 privilege of plun- 
 dering us." — Dr. B. 
 
 '^ A vine. — The 
 Jewisli church is 
 repi'esented by this 
 emblem. See Is. 
 V. 1-7; Jer. ii. 21. 
 
 5 5t'«— the Medi- 
 terranean. 
 
 6 The river — the 
 Euphrates. These 
 were the bounda- 
 ries of the land pro- 
 mised to Abraham, 
 and such was its 
 real extent in the 
 time of Solomon. 
 
 7 Boar and ivild 
 beast. — " This re- 
 fers to the kings of 
 Assyria and Baby- 
 lon, who, like wild 
 beasts, laid waste 
 the country of Ju- 
 dea."— Dr. B. 
 
 ^Plant.—" By the 
 plant is meant the 
 vine, and by the 
 branch, the royal 
 house of David." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
 9 Let thy hand— 
 i. e. let TJfiy power 
 be over him for his 
 protection. 
 
 '0 Over. — See 
 F. & S. 
 
 " Made strong. — 
 God had raised Da- 
 vid to be ruler over 
 His people, and pro- 
 mised that from 
 him Messiah should 
 descend to rule in 
 righteousness. 
 
136 
 
 PSALM LXXXI. 
 
 The Church is 
 called upon to sing 
 to God, with sacred 
 joy, according to 
 His appointment. 
 
 The Almighty de- 
 clares to His assem- 
 bled people the 
 manner in which 
 He effected their 
 deliverance from 
 Egypt, and the di- 
 rections He gave 
 them to observe, in 
 order to their en- 
 joying a continu- 
 
 So shall we not go back, nor fall, 
 But quickened, on Thy name will call 
 Turn us, O God ! and cause Thy face 
 To shine on us with saving grace. 
 
 PSALM LXXXI. 
 
 L. M. DOUBLE. 
 
 Composed by Asaph, for the use of the Jewish church during the 
 feast of Trumpets,' which was held in the iirst new moon of the 
 civil year. It is still used by the Jews on that solemnity. 
 
 nnO God, the strength of Israel,^ sing; 
 -*- Loud let your songs, and joyful be : 
 Prepare a psalm, the timbrel bring, 
 
 The pleasant harp and jDsaltery : 
 The trumpet^ in the new moon^ blow, 
 
 At the set time, the solemn feast ; 
 In Israel God ordained it so, 
 
 When fi'om the' Egyptian yoke released.' 
 
 " I*^ from his shoulder took the load ;' 
 
 I rescued when in grief he cried ; 
 Answered thee from the dark abode 
 
 Of thunder,® and at Massah" tried : 
 Hear, O My people. My command; 
 
 Oh, that ye would My words retain ! 
 Let no strange God defile thy land,'" 
 
 Nor worship any idol vain." 
 
 ' Lev. x.\iii. 24. 
 
 2 1 Sam. XV. 29. 
 Hab. iii. 19. 
 
 3 Trumpet. — " In 
 the Jewish church, 
 notice was given of 
 feasts, jubilees, &c., 
 by sound of tiiim- 
 pet."^ — HORNE. 
 
 * New moon — i. e. 
 the commencement 
 of a month. Com- 
 pare Numb. X. 10. 
 
 5 Ps. cxiv. 1. 
 
 6 " The remain- 
 ing verses contain 
 the words of the 
 Almighty."— F.& S. 
 
 ? The load — I. e. 
 the burdens im- 
 posed by the Egyp- 
 tians. 
 
 s The dark abode 
 of thunder — i. e. the 
 cloud in which Je- 
 hovah dwelt. Com- 
 pare Exod. xiv. 19- 
 25 ; and Ps. xcix. 
 6,7. 
 
 9 Massah — or 
 Meribah. — See 
 Exod. xvii. 6, 7. 
 
 10 Exod. XX. 3-.5. 
 
PSALM LXXXII. 
 
 137 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 ance of His favour 
 and protection as 
 their covenant God. 
 
 Tiie disobedience of 
 Israel, and their 
 consequent rejec- 
 tion by the Al- 
 mighty. 
 
 With divine affec- 
 tion, God expresses 
 His wish that His 
 people had been 
 obedient, and de- 
 clares the many ad- 
 vantages obedience 
 would have secured. 
 
 Judges and magis- 
 trates are remind- 
 ed that God, the 
 righteous Judge of 
 all, is present in 
 their assemblies. 
 
 The Almighty 
 Judge of all sever ely 
 reproves the injus- 
 tice and partiality 
 of earthly judges ; 
 reprimands their 
 
 3 
 
 " I am the Lord thy God Most High/ 
 
 Who brought thee out of Egypt's land ; 
 Open thou wide thy mouth,^ and I 
 
 Will fill it,* with a liberal hand. 
 But they My counsel from them thrust, 
 
 And Me rejected,* with disdain ; 
 So I resigned them to their lust,* 
 
 To walk in their own counsels vain. 
 4 
 " Oh ! had My people Israel chose*^ 
 
 To hear, and walk in My commands ! 
 I soon should have subdued their foes,' 
 
 Against the adverse turned My hands; 
 Made those who hated God submit, 
 
 But Israel evermore endure ; 
 Have fed them with the finest wheat. 
 
 And honey ,^ from the rock, most pm^e." 
 
 PSALM LXXXIL 
 
 S. M. 
 
 Composed probably when Jehoshaphat reformed the courts of 
 justice.^ 
 
 1 
 
 GOD standeth up'" to plead 
 Amongst the sons of might;" 
 Where earthly judgments are decreed, 
 Jehovah judges right.'^ 
 
 2 
 " How long will ye maintain'* 
 Your most unrighteous course ? 
 Persons accept,'* and men profane 
 Favour, without remorse ? 
 
 T 
 
 1 Exod. XX. 2. 
 
 2 John XV. 7. 
 
 3 Will fill it—i. e. 
 " thy mind shall be 
 satisfied with my 
 instructions, as thy 
 wants with my 
 bounty." — Dr. 
 
 HUSSET. 
 
 ^ Exod. xxxii. 1. 
 
 ' Hosea iv. 17 ; 
 Actsvii. 42. 
 
 6 Deut. V. 29 ; 
 xxxii. 29 ; Luke xiii. 
 34. 
 
 ' Only unreserved 
 obedience will en- 
 able the clnu-ch to 
 triumph over the 
 world. 
 
 8 Honey. — Wild 
 honey is very 
 abundant in the 
 crevices of the 
 rocks in Palestine. 
 Deut. xxxii. 13; 1 
 Sam. xiv. 26, 27 ; 
 Matt. iii. 4. 
 
 9 See 2 Chron. 
 xix. 5-7. 
 
 l" Standeth up— 
 in order to pass 
 sentence. Com- 
 pare Is. iii. 13. — 
 F. & S. 
 
 11 Is. iii. 14. 
 
 12 Ps. ix. 4. 
 
 13 " This and the 
 five following verses 
 are the words of 
 God."— F. & S. 
 
 I'' Persons accept 
 — i. e. "be biassed 
 in your decision by 
 the worldly condi- 
 tion of the parties, 
 and not be guided 
 by the real merits 
 of the case." — 
 F.& S. 
 
138 
 
 PSALM LXXXIII. 
 
 obstinate perseve- 
 rance in falsehood 
 and iniquity ; and 
 reminds them that, 
 although exalted by 
 ofSce above their 
 fellow men, they 
 are but mortal. 
 
 The Psalmist prays 
 that the King of 
 Righteousness may 
 reign throughout 
 the eai-th. 
 
 Jirst ^art. 
 
 The Church, sur- 
 rounded by threat- 
 ening foes, be- 
 seeches God to in- 
 terpose for her de- 
 liverance. 
 
 3 
 
 " They' will not understand, 
 In darkness choose to go ; 
 All the foundations^ of the land 
 Are shaken to and fi-o. 
 
 " Although I said^ that ye 
 Are sons of God^ Most High, 
 Yet frail as others ye shall be, — 
 Ye princes, too, must die !" 
 
 5 
 
 Arise, O God, to sway 
 The earth in righteousness !* 
 All nations shall Thy rule obey," 
 For Thou shalt all possess.^ 
 
 PSALM LXXXIII. 
 
 3 LINES 8, AND 2 LINES G. 
 
 This Psalm of Asaph was evidently composed at a time when 
 several heathen nations had combined against God's people. 
 From the mention of Assyi'ia in the catalogue of Israel's ene- 
 mies. Dr. Wall infers that the date of its composition must be 
 referred to the later times of the Jewish kingdom ; as it was not 
 till this period that the Assyrians began to molest Israel. 
 
 HOLD not Thy peace. Thy silence break, 
 O God, and be not still ! 
 For, lo ! Thy foes a tumult make, 
 And those who hate® Thee counsel take, 
 To work Thy chosen ill. 
 
 1 They — i. e. 
 " these judges pay 
 no regard to the 
 principles of equi- 
 ty. They shut then- 
 eyes to the light of 
 truth."— F. & S. 
 
 2 Foundations. — 
 These are the prin- 
 ciples of religion 
 and justice, essen- 
 tial to the existence 
 of society. Com- 
 pare Ps. xi. 3. 
 
 3 1 said — i.e. when 
 ye were appointed. 
 
 " Sons of God— 
 i. e. His represen- 
 tatives on earth, by 
 administering His 
 laws. 
 
 5 Ps. ii.8. 
 
 8 Ps. Ixxxvi. 9. 
 
 7 Rev. xi. 15. 
 
 8 The season of 
 persecution or 
 temptation, is the 
 season for special 
 prayer. 
 
 9 Those who hate 
 God are the ene- 
 mies of His C hurch . 
 Compare Ps. ii. 1. 
 
PSALM LXXXIII. 
 
 139 
 
 She describes their 
 malice and liatred, 
 whicli sought no- 
 thing less than her 
 extermination. 
 
 Their numbers and 
 unity ; rendering 
 them so extremely 
 formidable. 
 
 The Church fore- 
 tells the destruction 
 of her numerous 
 foes, by the same 
 arm which former- 
 ly destroyed the 
 enemies of God's 
 people ; and adverts 
 to those instances, 
 recorded in the 
 scriptures, in which 
 the powerful and 
 self-confident ene- 
 mies of Israel had 
 been utterly de- 
 stroyed. 
 
 " Come,' let us cut them off'," they say, 
 
 " Their nation extirpate ; 
 That so the name of IsraeP may 
 Henceforth be blotted out, and they 
 
 Forgotten whom we hate." 
 
 With one consent they all convene. 
 
 Against the Lord unite ; 
 The tents^ of Edom there are seen, 
 The Ishmaelite, the Hagarene,* 
 
 And fierce Amalekite. 
 
 Moab and Ammon, too, conspire, 
 
 And GebaP joins the plot; 
 Philistia, with the sons of Tyre, 
 And Assur" comes at their desire. 
 To help the sons of Lot. 
 
 T IKE Midian's host'' shall they be slain, 
 -*-^ Like Sisera* betrayed; 
 Or Jabin's troop® at Endor's plain. 
 And Kishon's brook,'" who fought in vain. 
 And all as dung were made. 
 
 Their nobles and their princely pride. 
 
 Like Zeeb and Oreb slay ;„ 
 As Zeba and Zalmunna died,'" 
 Destroy all those who would divide. 
 And make Thy land'^ a prey. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Esther iii. 6, 9. 
 
 2 Jer. xxxi. 3G. 
 
 3 Tents. — It was 
 the custom of the 
 Edomites and Ish- 
 maelites to live in 
 tents, and to en- 
 camp in those parts 
 most suited for the 
 support of their 
 cattle. 
 
 ■* Hagarene. — An 
 Arabic tribe, who 
 dwelt east of Gilead. 
 Compare 1 Chron. 
 V. 10. 
 
 5 Gebal — a dis- 
 trict of Phenicia, 
 near Tyre. Ezek. 
 x.wii. 9. 
 
 6 Assur — i. e. 
 Assyria. Bp. Home 
 observes, that these 
 nations were typi- 
 cal of the present 
 enemies of the 
 Church. 
 
 ' Judges vii. 12, 
 &c. 
 9 Judges iv. 15-22. 
 8 Judges iv. 24. 
 •" Judges v. 21. 
 
 " Judges vii. 25. 
 12 Judges viii. 21. 
 
 '3 See Boothroyd. 
 
140 
 
 PSALM LXXXIV. 
 
 She prays that 
 God's interposition 
 on her behalf may 
 lead those who are 
 now hostile to her 
 to seek the Lord ; 
 and that the punish- 
 ment of her inve- 
 terate enemies may 
 lead mankind at 
 large to confess that 
 He alone is Jeho- 
 vah. 
 
 The Psalmist, when 
 absent from Zion, 
 expresses his de- 
 light in the sanctu- 
 ary of God, and his 
 intense desire again 
 to engage in its 
 sacred exercises. 
 
 Like thistle down before the blast,' 
 
 May they be driven away ; 
 As fire a wood' consumeth fast, 
 And, rising, flames the mountains vast, 
 
 Destroy our foes, we pray. 
 8 
 Let fimous stonns on them be poured. 
 
 With tempests make them fear: 
 Let utter shame be their reward. 
 That they may seek Thy name, O Lord,^ 
 
 And Israel's God revere. 
 9 
 They shall be filled with gxief and shame. 
 
 Who still Thine arm defy ; 
 That men^ may know and fear Thy name, 
 Jehovah,'^ — evermore the same. 
 
 O'er all the earth Most Hiyh.' 
 
 PSALM LXXXIV. 
 
 8. 8. 6. 
 
 " This expressive and beautiful Psalm was, as we are warranted to 
 believe, composed by David, when he was sojom-ning at a dis- 
 tance fi-om Jerusalem, whence he had been expelled by Absa- 
 lom, and was deprived of the sacred pleasures of devotion hi the 
 sanctuary of God." — Walford. 
 
 TT OW lovely is Thy dwelling place,' 
 -'--^ O Lord of hosts, O God of grace ! 
 
 My soul for Thine abode 
 Doth long :* it faints Thy courts to see ; 
 My heart and flesh cry out for Thee, 
 
 For Thee, the living God. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 1 Bishop Horne 
 remai'ks, that tliis 
 allusion expresses 
 the inconstancy and 
 instability of their 
 fortune ; wliat fol- 
 lowsexpresses their 
 speedy and utter de- 
 struction. 
 
 - A wood. — In un- 
 cultivated counti'ies 
 it is a usual prac- 
 tice to set woods on 
 fire as a first step 
 towards clearing the 
 ground. — B. C. B. 
 
 3Ps. lix. 13. 
 
 ■• That men, &c. 
 — This prayer was 
 pax-tially answered 
 when the Baby- 
 lonian empire, the 
 most powerful foe 
 to Israel, was de- 
 stroyed. Cyrus, the 
 conqueror, in his 
 celebrated edict, 
 acknowledged the 
 supremacy of Je- 
 hovah. See Ezi-a, i. 
 
 * Exod. vi. 3. 
 
 6 Ps. xcii. 8. 
 
 !■ See P. & S. ver- 
 sion. Compare Ps. 
 xlviii. 2 ; cxxii. 3. 
 
 8 Ps. xxvii. 4 ; 
 xlii. 1 : Ixiii. 1. 
 
PSALM LXXXIV. 
 
 141 
 
 He reflects on the 
 happiness of those 
 who are permitted 
 to abide in the 
 coiuts of the Lord's 
 house ; and of those 
 also who are privi- 
 leged to ascend 
 thither, at stated 
 seasons, to worship, 
 and who, on their 
 way, are refreshed 
 and strengthened 
 by the providence 
 and gi'ace of God. 
 
 Adverting to past 
 tokens of the divine 
 regard, and relying 
 on the divine pro- 
 mises, he again ex- 
 presses to God his 
 intense desire to 
 enjoy the sacred 
 delights of the 
 sanctuary ; 
 
 and concludes by 
 declaring his assur- 
 ance tliat no good 
 
 The sparrow' there a house hath found, 
 The swallow there a nest, around 
 
 Thine altars, O my King ! 
 How blest" are they who still abide 
 Where Thou dost graciously reside, 
 
 And who Thy praises sing ! 
 3 
 How blest the men who, in Thy might 
 Are strong,^ and who with fresh delight* 
 
 Their steps to Zion bend ! 
 When passing through the vale of tears,* 
 A living sti'eam to them appears. 
 
 And showers of rain descend. 
 
 4 
 
 With growing strength the way is trod 
 By them, till each before his God 
 
 In Zion stands to sing: 
 O Lord of Hosts, O God of grace. 
 Behold our shield,® behold the face 
 
 Of Thine anointed king/ 
 
 5 
 
 For better than a thousand days 
 
 Is one,* where God His grace displays, 
 
 And deigns His saints to bless : 
 Rather would I attend" His gate, 
 Than be a guest in tents of state. 
 
 In tents of wickedness. 
 
 6 
 
 Jehovah is a Sun and Shield,'" 
 His gi'ace and glory are revealed. 
 In mercy, to the just : 
 
 ' The sparrow. — 
 The Psalmist thus 
 laments his condi- 
 tion in being denied 
 all access to the 
 courts of the Lord, 
 whilst even the 
 birds were permit- 
 ted to build in the 
 neighbourhood of 
 His altars. — See 
 F. &S. 
 
 2 Ps. l.Yiv. 4. 
 
 3 Eph. vi. 10. 
 
 'i Delight.— V.Si.S. 
 render this, " Who 
 love the paths 
 which lead thither," 
 j. e. to the house of 
 God. 
 
 ^ Vale of tears. — 
 F. & S. thus trans- 
 late what is ren- 
 dered in om- Bible, 
 valley of Baca. Bp. 
 Home remarks that 
 Baca is derived 
 ft'om a verb which 
 signifies to weep ; 
 and observes that 
 in this valley the 
 travellers to Zion, 
 being refreshed by 
 plenty of water, 
 were enabled to 
 proceed on their 
 journey with re- 
 newed vigour. 
 
 6 Ps. xlvii. 9 ; 
 Ixxxix. 18. 
 
 1 1 Sam. ii. 1 1 ; 
 and Ps. Ixxxix. 19, 
 20. 
 
 8 One — i. e. " one 
 day spent in Thy 
 courts is better 
 than a thousand 
 spent elsewhere." 
 — F. & S. 
 
 9 Attend, &c.— 
 i. e. " I would ra- 
 ther perform one 
 of the lowest offices 
 there, than dwell 
 among the wicked, 
 however distin- 
 guished or honour- 
 ed."— Dr. B. 
 
 1" Su7i and Shield. 
 " These metaphors 
 are bold and beau- 
 tiful. God is the 
 source of spiritual 
 liglit, and life, and 
 safety to those who 
 
142 
 
 PSALM LXXXV. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 thing will be with- 
 held from those who 
 trust in their cove- 
 nant God." 
 
 The Church, in ad 
 dressing God, ac 
 knowledges His re- 
 cent interpositions 
 on her behalf, and 
 is hence encouraged I 
 to pray that the | 
 evils she still has : 
 cause to deplore 
 may be graciously 
 removed, that so 
 she may be enabled 
 to rejoice in God 
 her Savioui'. 
 
 On tliem His choicest blessings rest;- 
 O Lord of hosts, how truly blest^ 
 The men who in Thee trust! 
 
 PSALM LXXXV. 
 
 L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 Composed after the return of the Jews from their captivity in 
 Babylon. 
 
 " In celebrating the return of the Jews fi-om the Babylonish cap- 
 tivity, the Psalmist is carried by a prophetic impulse to foretell 
 a much greater deliverance by the coming of Christ." — Dimock. 
 
 T ORD, Thou hast favour shown Thy land, 
 -^ Andbroughtback Jacob's captive band,^ 
 
 And pardoned all Thy people's crimes : 
 Thou all their sins hast covered o'er,^ 
 Taken away Thine anger sore, 
 
 Andturned fi-om Thy fierce wrath betimes.' 
 o 
 Turn us,^ O God our Saviour, turn, 
 Nor longer let Thine anger burn : 
 
 Wilt Thou*^ for ever angry be I 
 Through ages shall Thy wrath sm-vive .? 
 Wilt Thou not us again revive, 
 
 That so w^e may rejoice in Thee ? 
 3 
 O Lord, Thy mercy to us show. 
 And Thy salvation now bestow ! 
 
 We wait to hear what God will say:' 
 Peace^ to His people He will speak. 
 And to His saints, unless they seek 
 
 Again in folly's' path to stray. 
 
 serve Him." — Dr. 
 B. Compare Gen. 
 XV. 10; Is. Ix. 19. 
 
 = See Ezra, i. The 
 Psalm appears to 
 have been com- 
 posed shortly after 
 the return of the 
 Jews, whilst the 
 people were in gi-eat 
 distress and danger 
 from their enemies. 
 
 ^ Ps. x.xxii. 1. 
 
 " Deut. .xiii. 17. 
 
 5 Turn — or re- 
 store us. — " The 
 Psalmist goes on to 
 pray that God, who 
 on former occa- 
 sions had done so 
 great things for 
 His people, would 
 now again restore 
 them."— F. & S. 
 
 6 IVilt Thou, &c.. 
 — " This is equi- 
 valent to saying. 
 Thou wilt not, &c. 
 Thy covenant. Thy 
 faithfulness to Thy 
 promises forbid it." 
 — Walfokd. 
 
 ? Hab. ii. 3. 
 
 8 Zech. ix. 10 ; 
 and Acts x. 36. 
 
 9 Fo%— this term 
 is frequently used 
 in scripture to e.\- 
 press wickedness, 
 especially idolatry. 
 
PSALM LXXXVI. 
 
 143 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 Animated by the 
 spirit of faith, she 
 adverts to tlie com- 
 ing of the Great 
 Deliverer, and to 
 the temporal and 
 spiritual blessings 
 which shall abound 
 when His kingdom 
 is established. 
 
 Jirst ^art. 
 
 The Psalmist, in 
 distress, beseeches 
 God for preserva- 
 tion and for com- 
 fort. 
 
 He adverts to the 
 gracious character 
 of God, as revealed 
 in His word, and to 
 his own past expe- 
 
 Siirely, His great salvation's' near 
 To those who love the Lord, and fear, 
 
 That glory^ in our land may be : 
 Mercy and Truth* together meet, 
 And Righteousness and Peace to greet 
 
 And kiss each other now we see. 
 5 
 Truth, springing forth, the earth shall crown, 
 And Righteousness from heaven look down. 
 
 And God His goodness on us shed : 
 Our land^ shall then with plenty flow, 
 And Righteousness before Him go, 
 
 And cause us in His steps to tread. 
 
 PSALM LXXXVI. 
 
 L. M. DOUBLE. 
 
 This beautiful Psalm was composed by David, probably during the 
 persecution by Saul. 
 
 1 
 
 r\ LORD, Thy gracious ear incline, 
 ^-^ Needy and poor,* to Thee I pray, 
 Preserve my soul, for I am Thine,® 
 
 On Thee alone my hopes I stay: 
 Be mercifril,'' O God, to me. 
 For every day I cry to Thee : 
 Rejoice Thy servant's soul, for I 
 Lift up my soul to Thee on high.^ 
 
 2 
 For Thou, O Lord, art good and kind,* 
 
 Ready to pardon sins confessed ; 
 And all,'" who call upon Thee, find 
 
 Thy plenteous mercy makes them blest: 
 
 > Is. xlvl. 13. 
 
 2 Glory. — The 
 presence of God in 
 His temple was the 
 glory of the land ; 
 and whilst Messiah 
 was " a light to 
 lighten the Gen- 
 tiles," He was the 
 glory of Israel. 
 Luke ii. 32. 
 
 ^ Mercy and 
 Truth.— These met 
 in the person of our 
 Lord : " We beheld 
 His glory, the glory 
 as of the only begot- 
 ten of the Father, 
 full of grace and 
 truth ;" John i. 14. 
 And they were per- 
 fectly united for the 
 salvation of sinners 
 when Christ having 
 " sutfered for us, the 
 just for the unjust," 
 God could " be just, 
 and yet the justitier 
 of him that belie- 
 veth in Jesus." 
 Rom. iii. 26. 
 
 " Ps. Ixvii. G. 
 
 5 Poor — or afflict- 
 ed. 
 
 ^ / a?)i Thine. — 
 " Literally, for I 
 a?>i holy. The term 
 appears to denote 
 one devoted to the 
 service of God, and 
 is equivalent to 
 another passage in 
 the Psalms, ' I am 
 Thine, save me.' — 
 Ps. cxix. 94." — Bp. 
 
 HORNE. 
 
 ?Ps. Ivi. l;lvii. 1. 
 
 8 Ps. XXV. 1 ; 
 cxliii. 8. 
 
 9 Ps. cxxx. 7 ; 
 cxlv. 9; Joelii. 13. 
 
 i» Kom. x. 12, 13. 
 
144 
 
 PSALM LXXXVI. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 rience of divine 
 goodness in times 
 of distress. 
 
 He takes encou- 
 ragement from the 
 consideration of 
 God's supreme do- 
 minion, and from 
 the promises con- 
 tained in His word, 
 that all nations 
 shall bow before 
 the God of Israel. 
 
 Scconft ^art. 
 
 The Psalmist prays 
 for dii-ine guidance, 
 and expresses his 
 determination to 
 declare the good- 
 ness of His God. 
 
 Again adverting to 
 the gracious cha- 
 racter of Jehovah, 
 he renews his 
 prayer that mercy 
 may be extended to 
 him, so as to put his 
 enemies to shame. 
 
 To Thee, O Lord, my prayers ascend, 
 My supplicating voice attend; 
 To Thee my troubles' I declare, 
 For Thou, I know,^ wilt answer prayer. 
 
 Among the gods,^ O Lord, are none 
 Like Thee, nor any works like Thine ; 
 
 All nations Thou hast made^ shall come, 
 And bow before Thine hallowed shrine; 
 
 The worship pay which Thou dost claim. 
 
 And glorify Thy holy name ; 
 
 For Thou art great,^ Thy wonders shown 
 
 Declare that Thou art God alone.^ 
 
 n^EACH me to tread Thy sacred ways, 
 
 1 
 
 Unite my heart* to fear Thy name ; 
 
 Thee, Lord, with all my heart, I'll praise, 
 
 And live Thy glory to proclaim : 
 How great Thy mercy I will tell. 
 That saved me fi-om the lowest hell :® — 
 In vain the proud'" against me rise, 
 Who set not God before their eyes. 
 
 5 
 Thou, O Jehovah! art a God" 
 
 Full of compassion, gracious, kind ; 
 Long suffering, slow to use the rod, 
 
 Plenteous in gi'ace to all mankind : 
 In mercy turn to me,'' impart 
 Thy strength to cheer Thy servant's heart :'^ 
 Shame shall confound my foes to see'* 
 That Thou dost help and comfort me. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 1 Ps. 1. \5. 
 
 - The promises 
 of God, and his past 
 experience justified 
 the Psalmist in this 
 confidence. 
 
 3 Exod. XV. 11 ; 
 Ps. Ixxxix. G. 
 
 * Ps. xxii. 31 ; 
 18 : Rev. xv. 4. 
 
 5 Ps. xlviii. 1 ; 
 cxlv. 3. 
 
 * Deut. vi. 4 ; Is. 
 xlv. 18. 
 
 ' Ps. XXV. 4 ; 
 xxvii. 11 ; cxliii. 8. 
 
 8 Unite my heart 
 — i. e. unite the 
 thoughts and de- 
 sires of my heart, 
 that they may all 
 centre in reverenc- 
 ing Thee.— Dr. B. 
 
 ^ Loioest hcIL — 
 " the most im- 
 minent danger of 
 death." — Dr. Hus- 
 
 SET. 
 
 '0 The proud. — 
 Saul and his cour- 
 tiers ai'e here, pro- 
 bably, referred to : 
 they paid no regai-d 
 to the wiU of God. 
 
 1' Exod. xxxiv. G ; 
 Neh. ix. 17 ; Ps. ciii. 
 8 ; ex.xx. 4&7. 
 
 1-' Ps. 
 Ixix. 16. 
 
 16; 
 
 ■^ Ps. xxviii. 7, 
 ; Zech. x. 12. 
 
 i^Micah vii.8-10. 
 
PSALM LXXXVII. 
 
 145 
 
 The Church ex- 
 ults in the stability 
 of that holy city 
 which God hath 
 founded, on which 
 His love is fixed, 
 and concerning 
 which such glori- 
 ous things are fore- 
 told, especially in 
 reference to the 
 conversion of the 
 heathen nations, 
 even of those who 
 had been the most 
 hostile to the inter- 
 ests of Zion. 
 
 The growing pros- 
 perity and the final 
 blessedness of the 
 Church. 
 
 PSALM LXXXVII. 
 
 SEVENS. 6 LINES. 
 
 This exquisite ode was most probably composed on the return of 
 the Jews from Babylon, and after the building of the second 
 temple . 
 
 1 
 
 TTIS' foundation firm abides 
 -'-'- On the holy mountains'^ sides: 
 Jacob's dwellings God approves, 
 But the gate of Zion loves : 
 Glorious things foretold of Thee/ 
 City of our God ! we see. 
 
 Babylon/ thine ancient foe, 
 Rahab too. My name shall know. 
 Tyre, Philistia, Cush behold 
 Born in her,* and thus enrolled ! 
 Hence, of Zion they aver 
 Multitudes" are born in her. 
 
 3 
 
 God, the Most High God, her peace 
 Will establish,^ and increase : 
 He will count, when He em-ols® 
 (Born in her) His people's souls : 
 Then the song of each shall be, 
 " Lord, my springs^ are all in Thee." 
 u 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' His — i. e. " the 
 city founded by Je- 
 hovah,"— F. & S. 
 and typical of the 
 Christian chm-ch. 
 See Is. xiv. 32. 
 
 2 Holy mountains 
 " So all the moun- 
 tains on which the 
 city stood are 
 caUed."— Dr. B. 
 
 3 These are the 
 thingswhich follow, 
 relating to the in- 
 crease and grow- 
 ing extent of the 
 church. See Hag. 
 u. 9. 
 
 ■• Babylon, Rahab, 
 or Egypt, &c. — 
 These nations re- 
 present the most 
 haughty and power- 
 ful of the heathen 
 nations. Is. Ixii. 
 l-7;Zech.ii. 10-13. 
 
 ^ Born in her — ■ 
 i. e. converted, or 
 born again, in the 
 Church of God. 
 
 ^ Multitudes — al- 
 luding to the num- 
 ber of converts un- 
 der the gospel, the 
 sons of that " Jeini- 
 salem which is the 
 mother of us all." 
 
 — HOENE. 
 
 'Matt. xvi. 18. 
 
 8 Enrols — i. e. 
 " includes these va- 
 rious nations in the 
 class of His wor- 
 shippers." — F. & S. 
 
 9 My springs — i.e. 
 all the fountains of 
 my happiness are 
 in Thee. 
 
146 
 
 PSALM LXXXVIII. 
 
 JFirst ^art. 
 
 The Psalmist, in 
 the deepest afflic- 
 tion, beseeches God 
 to listen to his cry, 
 and declares to 
 Him his multiplied 
 sorrows both of 
 body and of mind : 
 bewailing especi- 
 ally his apparent 
 desertion by God, 
 and his exposure to 
 the divine anger. 
 
 In order that he 
 may glorify God on 
 earth, he beseeches 
 the Almighty to 
 grant him deliver- 
 ance and restora- 
 tion: 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 PSALM LXXXVIII. 
 
 L. M. G LINES. 
 
 A Psalm of Heman,' the Ezrahite.^ Dr. Kennicott supposes it to 
 be " the prayer of a person shut up in a separate house for the 
 leprosy, who seems to be in the last stage of the distemper. This 
 disease was understood, under the Mosaic dispensation, to be the 
 immediate stroke of God." 
 
 r\ GrOD of my salvation, hear ! 
 
 ^ To Thee I cry by night and day:^ 
 
 Before Thee let my prayer come near/ 
 
 Incline Thine ear to what I say : 
 For full of inward grief am I, 
 And to the grave my life draws nigh.*^ 
 
 2 
 Lo ! I am numbered" with the dead, 
 
 Like one who strength no more retains ; 
 Like those who make the grave their bed. 
 
 And whom Thy hand no more sustains : 
 Laid in the lowest pit, forlorn. 
 In darkness,'' in the deep, I mourn. 
 
 3 
 Thy wrath lies hard on me, and Thou 
 
 Hast all Thy waves® upon me poured: 
 All mine acquaintance shun me now,'' 
 
 And by them all am I abhorred : 
 Lord, I have daily called on Thee, 
 With outstretchedhands, have m'gedmy plea, 
 4 
 
 WILT Thou the dead Thy wonders 
 show?'" 
 Shall they arise,' ^ Thy name to bless ? 
 Or shall the grave Thy kindness know } 
 Destruction speak Thy faithfulness } 
 
 1 1 Kings iv. 31. 
 1 Chron. ii. G. 
 
 2 Exrn/iitc — i. e. 
 " a descendant of 
 Zerah, the son of 
 Judah." — Dr. 
 Wells. 
 
 2 Ps. xxii. 2 ; Luke 
 xviii. 7. 
 
 4 Ps. cxix. 169. 
 
 5 Ps. cvii. 18. 
 
 ' Numbered, &c. 
 i. e. ready to die; 
 all hope of recovery 
 having vanished. 
 See Ps. xxxi. 12. 
 " He alludes to the 
 separation of lepers, 
 who were as much 
 removed from all 
 society as if they 
 were really dead." 
 — Fenton. 
 
 7 Darlmess. — The 
 emblem of tx'ouble. 
 
 8 All Thy ii'aves. 
 " Tumultuous wa- 
 ters and roaring bil- 
 lows are a pregnant 
 type of great dis- 
 tress." — Walford. 
 Corapai'e Ps. xlii. 7. 
 
 sjobxix. 13&19; 
 Mark xiv. 50. 
 
 10 Ps. vi. 5. 
 
 " Arise Sf praise. 
 — " That is, shall 
 they return to live 
 on earth, and to 
 serve Thee ? These 
 versesintimate that 
 after death no 
 means will be em- 
 ployed to bring 
 them hack to live 
 on earth, nor will 
 they have any op- 
 portunity of repent- 
 ing, of knowing 
 God's truth, or find- 
 ing mercy."— Dr. B. 
 
PSALM LXXXIX. 
 
 147 
 
 and concludes by an 
 affecting descrip- 
 tion of his dis- 
 tresses, arising 
 chiefly ft-om the 
 consciousness of 
 God's displeasure. 
 
 JFirst ^art. 
 
 The Psalmist re- 
 cords the mercy 
 and truth of God, 
 and adverts to the 
 covenant made with 
 David and his seed. 
 
 Where darkness and oblivion dwell, 
 Thy truth, Thy wonders "shall we tell ? 
 
 5 
 But still to Thee, O Lord, I cry, 
 
 Early my morning prayer present ; ^ 
 Why dost Thou cast me off?" and why 
 
 Conceal Thy face from my lament ? 
 Up from my youth afflicted, I, 
 Distracted by Thy terrors,^ die, 
 
 6 
 Thy fierce wrath* over me* doth go, 
 
 Thy terrors cut me off, O Lord ! 
 Daily they round about me flow. 
 
 Like waters, and are on me poured : 
 Lover and friend are distant far,*^ 
 In darkness'' mine acquaintance are. 
 
 PSALM LXXXIX. 
 
 L. M. DOUBLE. 
 
 Maschil (or an instructive Psalm) of EthanS the Ezrahite. Dr. M. 
 
 Good conjectures that the occasion of its composition was the 
 
 calamities brought on the Jews by the invasion of Shishak, king 
 
 of Egypt.9 
 " The glorious things here spoken of David and his posterity, are 
 
 prophetical of the Messiah." — Teavell. 
 
 1 
 
 T 'LL sing the mercies of the Lord, 
 
 ■^ His truth to every age record: 
 
 Mercy,'" declared for ever sui'e. 
 
 And truth, that must like heaven endure : 
 
 " A covenant" I made of yore. 
 
 And to My servant David swore, 
 
 Thy seed for ever I'll defend, 
 
 And build thy throne till time shall end." 
 
 ' Ps. V. 3. 
 2 Ps. xlii. 9. 
 
 3 Job vi. 4. 
 
 ■• Ps. xxxviii. 1, 2. 
 
 ' Over me — " as 
 a flood to over- 
 whelm me." — F. 
 
 &S. 
 
 ^ Ps. xxxi. 11 ; 
 xxxviii. 11. 
 
 7 In darkness — a 
 figurative expres- 
 sion, to denote that 
 he now never saw 
 them. 
 
 8 1 Kings iv. 31. 
 
 9 2 Chron. xii. 
 
 '" Mercy, &c. . — 
 i. e. " God's mercy 
 and His regard to 
 the truth of His 
 promises, are as 
 fixed & unchange- 
 able as the very 
 heavens them- 
 
 selves." See Ps. 
 cxix.89. — Patkick. 
 
 " A covenant. — 
 " These are the 
 words of Jehovah, 
 (1 Chron. xvii. 11,) 
 and they have their 
 only completion in 
 our Lord. Luke i. 
 69, &c."— Dr. B. 
 
148 
 
 PSALM LXXXIX. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 He adores the ma- 
 jesty of God, who 
 alone is to be wor- 
 shipped and revered 
 in heaven and in 
 earth, being infi- 
 nitely perfect. 
 
 His glories, as dis- 
 played in the crea- 
 tion and govera- 
 ment of the world. 
 
 The happiness of 
 those people to 
 whom He has re- 
 vealed His word, 
 and who stand in a 
 covenant relation 
 to Him. 
 
 The heavens' Thy wonders, Lord, confess. 
 Assembled samts Thy faithfiihress : 
 For who,^ in heaven or earth, will dare. 
 Though mighty, with the Lord compare ? 
 God by His saints is greatly feared,^ 
 By all around His throne revered : 
 For who, like Thee, has power divine ?* 
 Or where is faitlifulness like Thine ? 
 
 Thou, Lord, dost rule the raging sea,* 
 Its rising waves are stilled by Thee : 
 By Thee was Rahab*^ crushed and slain. 
 Thine arm dispersed the hostile train: 
 Heaven, earth, and all therein are Thine, 
 Formed and sustained by power divine: 
 The north and south Thou madest be. 
 Tabor and Hermon' joy in Thee. 
 
 4 
 
 Who shall Thy mighty arm defy ? 
 Strong is Thy hand. Thy right hand high.® 
 Justice and judgment base Thy throne,^ 
 Mercy and truth Thy way make known:'" 
 Blest are the people," Lord, who know 
 The joyful sound ;'^ who here below 
 Walk daily in the light divine 
 Shed by Thy countenance benign. 
 
 5 
 Rejoicing in Thy name" all day. 
 Clothed in Thy righteousness, shall they 
 Exalted be ; for Thou, O Lord, 
 (Our glory,) wilt Thy strength afford; 
 
 ' The heavens — 
 i. e. the inhabitants 
 of heaven. 
 
 2 Ps. Ixxi. 19. 
 
 3ps.lxxvi.7&ll. 
 
 ••Exod. XV. 11. 
 
 5 Matt. viu. 24- 
 
 27. 
 
 s Rahab — i. e. 
 Egypt. The allu- 
 sion is to the de- 
 struction of Pha- 
 raoh and his ai'my 
 at the Red Sea. 
 Exod. xiv. 27, 28. 
 
 ' Tabor and Her- 
 man — i. e. owing to 
 the fertility with 
 which Thou hast 
 blessed them, these 
 " hills are girded 
 with gladness." (Ps. 
 Ixv. 12.) Both are 
 well watered and 
 fruitful.— F. & S. 
 
 8 High — i. e. " su- 
 perior to every ad- 
 versary."— F. & S. 
 
 9 Ps. xcvii. 2. 
 
 10 Ps. Ixxxv. 10. 
 
 " Matt. xiii. 16. 
 
 '2 The Joyful 
 sound. — The imme- 
 diate reference of 
 tlie Psalmist is to 
 the sound of the 
 tinunpet, inviting 
 them to the worship 
 of God. Compai-e 
 Numbers x. 10. 
 
 '^ Thi/ 7iame — i. e. 
 Thy perfections. 
 Compare Exod. 
 xxxiv. 5-7. 
 
PSALM LXXXIX. 
 
 149 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The Psalmist re- 
 peats the gracious 
 promises of pros- 
 perity and of lasting 
 stability made by 
 God to David and 
 his seed ; which 
 promises, although 
 partially fulfilled in 
 the experience of 
 David, receive their 
 full accomplish- 
 ment in " Christ 
 our Lord, who was 
 made of the seed of 
 David according to 
 the flesh." (See 
 Eom. i. 3.) 
 
 And, in Thy favour, shall our horn," 
 By Thee exalted, high be borne: 
 Jehovah,^ our defence, we sing. 
 And Israel's Holy One, our King. 
 
 6 
 
 rFHEN,' to Thy holy one,* didst Thou, 
 -*- In vision,^ Thy designs avow: 
 " Help on one mighty I have laid, 
 My choice amongst the people made ; 
 David,® My servant, I appoint. 
 His head with holy oil anoint j 
 Him shall My powerful hand sustain. 
 My right hand strengthen him to reign. 
 
 " The foe shall not of him exact,^ 
 Nor son of wickedness disti'act : 
 Before his face his foes I'll beat. 
 And those who hate him will defeat; 
 My truth and mercy he shall claim. 
 His horn exalted by My name: 
 Over the sea® his hand shall spread. 
 And o'er the mighty river's bed. 
 
 8 
 " ' Thou art my father,'^ he shall cry, 
 ' The rock of my salvation nigh:' — 
 Lo ! I will make him My first born ;'" 
 Above all kings exalt his horn : 
 My mercy evermore shall last. 
 With him My covenant stand fast: 
 His seed shall live, My truth to own, 
 And, as the days of heaven," his throne. 
 
 ' Horn. — The 
 emblem of power. 
 See Ps. Ixxv. 10. 
 
 2 Deut. xxxiii. 27 
 and 29. 
 
 3 Then — i. e. at 
 the time God made 
 the covenant with 
 David, adverted to 
 in the 3rd and 4th 
 verses of this Psalm. 
 
 ■• Thy holy one — 
 i. e. the prophet 
 Nathan, who was 
 commissioned to re- 
 veal to David God's 
 merciful designs. 
 
 5 2 Sam. vii. 17. 
 
 6 David. — " An 
 emment type of our 
 Lord, who is pro- 
 mised under this 
 name. Jer. xxx. 9 ; 
 Ezek. -xxxiv. 23 ; 
 Hosea iii. 5." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
 ' Exact tribute. 
 
 8 The sea — i. e. 
 " 1 will extend his 
 dominion over the 
 whole country lying 
 between the Medi- 
 terranean Sea, and 
 the river Euphra- 
 tes. Ps. Ixxii. 8." — 
 F. &S. 
 
 3 2 Sam. vii. 14. 
 
 '0 First born. — 
 " Kings and rulers 
 are called, from 
 their office, " Sons 
 of God," (Ps. Ixxxii. 
 G;)and the first born 
 of these denotes the 
 greatest, the chief. 
 This passage is 
 strictly true of Him 
 who was both Da- 
 vid's son and Lord. 
 Compare 1 Col. xv. 
 18 ; Heb. i. 6 ; Rev. 
 i. 5. "—Dr. B. 
 
 11 Deut. xi. 21. 
 
150 
 
 PSALM LXXXIX. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The equity of the 
 divine government 
 displayed in punish- 
 ing the sins of His 
 people ; 
 
 and His eternal 
 truth and faithful 
 ness in the accom- 
 plishment of all 
 His promises. 
 
 He contrasts the 
 state of prosperity 
 promised, with the 
 deploi'able condi- 
 tion of David's de- 
 scendants, who, for- 
 saken by God, had 
 become the prey of 
 the heathen. 
 
 9 
 
 " Lo ! if his children' break My law, 
 Nor in My judgments walk with awe; 
 If they My statutes will forsake, 
 And daily My commandments break ; 
 Then, with the rod, will I express 
 Mine anger, oft as they transgress; 
 But not from him My love remove,^ 
 Though I, in faithftilness, reprove. 
 
 10 
 " My covenant I will not break, 
 Nor alter that which once I spake: 
 Once,^ by My holiness, have I 
 Sworn, nor to David will I lie, 
 His seed for ever to maintain. 
 His throne shall as the sun remain,^ 
 Or like the moon, or rainbow given, 
 A faitliful witness* bright in heaven." 
 
 11 
 
 T) UT Thou hast cast us off,« abhorred, 
 -"-^ And wrath on Thine anointed poui'ed ; 
 Thy servant's covenant made void, 
 His crown, cast to the earth,^ destroyed: 
 His fences^ Thou hast broken down, 
 And all his strong-holds overthrown : 
 By strangers he is spoiled and torn,^ 
 And by his neighbours made a scorn. 
 
 12 
 The right hand'" of his foes hast Thou 
 Set up, and made them triumph now ; 
 Blunted the sword that filled his hand, 
 Nor made him in the battle stand: 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' If his children. 
 — " The history of 
 Israel shows how 
 God punished the 
 wicked kings, but 
 He still preserved 
 the house of David, 
 until He came in 
 whom all the pro- 
 mises were ful- 
 filled."— Dr. B. 
 
 = 2Sam. vii. 15, 16. 
 
 5 Once — 1. e, 
 " once for all and 
 irrevocably." — F. 
 & S. Amos iv. 2. 
 
 ■I Jer. x.Kxii. 35, 
 3G ; Luke i. 33. 
 
 !> A faithful wit- 
 ness. — " He refers 
 to the rainbow, 
 which continues 
 yet to be a witness 
 of God's faithful- 
 ness to His word. 
 Gen. ix. 9."— Dr. B. 
 
 6 Cast us off.— 
 Thus fulfilling the 
 last words of David 
 to Solomon. — 1 
 Chron. xxviii. 9. 
 
 ^ Ps. vii. 5 ; Lam. 
 v. 16. 
 
 8 Fences. — These 
 were the walls 
 around small towns, 
 the strong - holds 
 were the fortifica- 
 tions of cities, &c. 
 
 9 Ps. Ixxx. 12, 13. 
 
 '" See Lev. xxvi. 
 17-25 ; Deut. xxviii. 
 25. The judgments 
 deplored by the 
 Psalmist were the 
 accomplishment of 
 what Moses had 
 foretold in the 
 above passages. 
 
PSALM XC. 
 
 151 
 
 iFirst ^.irt. 
 
 He concludes by 
 beseeching Jehovah 
 to return to His 
 people and to His 
 land ; and urges, as 
 a motive to speedy 
 deliverance, the 
 shortness of his own 
 life; he pleads God's 
 former kindness ; 
 and the reproach 
 to which His chosen 
 people were sub- 
 jected ; 
 
 and concludes by 
 blessing God. 
 
 JFtrst ^avt. 
 
 The holy Psalmist, 
 although grieved at 
 not being allowed 
 to enter the pro- 
 mised rest, declares 
 the unchangeable 
 
 Thy servant's glory now is past, 
 Down to the ground his throne is cast; 
 His youthful days hast Thou cut short, 
 Clothed him with shame, — to ruin brought. 
 
 13 
 TTOW long,» Jehovah, wilt Thou hide 
 -'-'■ Thyself from us, unpacified ? 
 For ever shall Thine anger burn,^ 
 Like flaming fire, nor from us tiu'n ? 
 Short are my days,^ and full of pain, 
 "Why hast Thou made all men in vain ? 
 AVliat living man can shun the grave ? 
 Or who fr-om death his soul can save ? 
 
 14 
 Where is Thy former kindness, where, 
 Which Thou to David, Lord, didst swear? 
 Remember the reproach and scorn," 
 By me from mighty people borne; 
 The scorn with which Thy foes pursue 
 The steps of Thine anointed few. 
 Blest be the Lord* for evermore ! 
 Amen, Amen : let all adore ! 
 
 PSALM XC. 
 
 C. M. DOUBLE. 
 
 " A prayer of Moses, the man of God :" supposed to have been 
 written by him when the Israelites were sentenced to wander 
 forty years in the wilderness, and to die without entering the 
 promised land.^ 
 
 1 
 
 T ORD,Thouhastbeenoiu- dwelling-place^ 
 -■-^ Through generations past; 
 Before Thou didst the mountains raise. 
 Or form the world, so vast, — 
 
 2 Ps. Lsxiv. 1 ; 
 Ixxix. 5. 
 
 3 Short are my 
 days. — " The 
 Psalmist urges this 
 as a ground for 
 God's not continu- 
 ing any longer to 
 be angry with him, 
 inasmuch as the 
 opportunity of his 
 enjoying the divine 
 favoiu" in this world, 
 is rapidly passing 
 away." — F. & S. 
 
 1 Ps. Ixix. 20. 
 
 5 Blest be the Lord. 
 —The thu-d book of 
 the Psalms, accord- 
 ing to the Helirew 
 division, terminates 
 with this doxology. 
 
 ^ See Numb. xiv. 
 
 ' Dwelling-place 
 -or refuge. 
 
152 
 
 PSALM XC. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 Jehovah to be the 
 dwelling - place of 
 His people. 
 
 He celebrates the 
 eternity of God, 
 and contrasts with 
 it the frailty and 
 vanity of man. 
 
 This frailty and 
 vanity are acknow- 
 ledged to be the 
 just consequences 
 of sin, committed 
 against the Omni- 
 scient Judge. 
 
 The Psalmist la- 
 ments that these 
 dispensations of 
 God, in shortening 
 human life, and 
 stamping it with 
 vanity, are not duly 
 considered by man- 
 kind : and prays 
 for the retm'n of 
 God's presence and 
 
 Through all eternity, Thou art,' 
 
 But we, the sons of men, 
 When Thou dost say " Return,"^ depart, 
 
 And turn to dust again. 
 
 A thousand years* are as one day 
 
 To Thee, eternal God; 
 But man Thou earnest away, 
 
 As by a torrent flood :* 
 At morn,* he flourishes, like grass, 
 
 Cut down, ere night, it fades: 
 Thus we,'' beneath Tliine anger/ pass 
 
 To death's eternal shades. 
 
 Thou our iniquities dost set® 
 
 Before Thee, and dost place 
 The secret sins,® which we forget, 
 
 Before Thy radiant face : 
 Hence are om* days, in wi'ath, cut short; 
 
 How soon oui" years are spent ! 
 Or, if by strength prolonged, are nought" 
 
 But pain and discontent. 
 
 T/^ET who," with holy fear. Thy ways 
 -*- Of providence reviews ? 
 So teach us. Lord, to count our days. 
 
 That wisdom we may choose. 
 Return, O Lord! and satisfy 
 
 Us early with Thy grace ; 
 Then shall our souls'^ be filled with joy 
 
 And gladness, all our days. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 1 Thou Art.— Bp. 
 Horsley thus ren- 
 ders this most sub- 
 lime passage. The 
 allusion is to Exod. 
 iii. 14. " / Am hath 
 sent me unto you." 
 
 2 Return. — " In 
 the sweat of thy 
 face shalt thou eat 
 bread, till thou 
 return unto the 
 grotind; for out of 
 it wast thou taken ; 
 for dust thou art, 
 and unto dust shalt 
 thou return." Gen. 
 iii. 19 ; Eccl. xii. 7. 
 
 3 2 Peter iii. 8. 
 
 * i. e. as by a sud- 
 den, an overwhelm- 
 ing and ii'resistible 
 power. 
 
 5 Ps. xcii. 7 ; 1 
 Pet. i. 24. 
 
 6 We — i. e. " the 
 whole human race." 
 
 — F.&S. 
 
 ' Thine anger. — 
 " Thy threatening 
 that we must die in 
 the wilderness, and 
 not enter the good 
 land."— Dr. B. 
 
 8 Ps. 1. 21 ; cLx. 
 15. 
 
 9 " Those most 
 carefully concealed 
 from the eye of 
 man." — F.&S. See 
 Ps. xix. 12. 
 
 10 2 Sam. xix. 35. 
 
 " F. & S. trans- 
 late this passage, 
 " Who considereth 
 the weight of Thy 
 wrath? Who, with 
 due reverence for 
 Thee, Thine indig- 
 nation?" and they 
 remark, — " The 
 Psalmist here pas- 
 sionately laments 
 the general indiffer- 
 ence of mankind to 
 the feai'fiil conse- 
 quences of God's 
 anger." 
 
 12 Ps. 1.XXXV. 6, 7. 
 
PSALM XCI. 
 
 153 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 favour as the only 
 good which can 
 satisfy His people, 
 and impart to them 
 solid joy and peace. 
 
 The Psalmist de- 
 clares the security 
 of the devout man, 
 who is the subject 
 of divine protection, 
 and therefore safe, 
 although surround- 
 ed by enemies and 
 dangers of every 
 kind. 
 
 According to our years of woe, 
 
 Let years of joy succeed ; 
 Thy work' to us Thy servants show, 
 
 Thy glory^ to their seed; 
 And let the beauty' of the Lord, 
 
 Our God, upon us shine ; 
 The labour of our hands reward,^ 
 
 And be the glory Thine. 
 
 PSALM XCL 
 
 7. 6. 8. 
 
 This beautiful Psalm is thought by many to have proceeded from 
 the pen of Moses, dm-ing the abode of the Israelites in the wil- 
 derness. Dr. M. Good has advanced some strong arguments 
 in favour of this opinion. 5 
 
 Bishop Louth remarks, " Without a question, the pious person, the 
 king, or high priest, perhaps, who, in the literal sense, is the 
 principal character in the poem, is meant in reality to repre- 
 sent some greater and sublimer personage." 
 
 1 
 
 HE that in the secret place^ 
 Of God Most High doth dwell, 
 Safe beneath His shadow^ stays. 
 
 The' Almighty guards him well : 
 I will say of God the Lord, 
 'Tis He, my refuge and defence,^ 
 Saves me from the fowler's^ cord. 
 And noisome pestilence. 
 2 
 Trusting Him, and safe concealed. 
 Beneath His wings'" outspread. 
 Thou shalt find His truth thy shield, 
 No midnight terror dread, 
 
 X 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Ps. xliv. 1 ; Hab. 
 iii. 2. 
 
 - Thy glory. — 
 " God's works of 
 mercy are His 
 glory, as they dis- 
 play His perfec- 
 tions." — Dr. B. 
 
 3 Let the beauty, 
 &c.— i. e. "let the 
 countenance of the 
 Lord our God smile 
 upon us." — Green. 
 Compare Ps. xxvii. 
 4 ; 2 Cor. iii. 18. 
 
 ■• 1 Cor. XV. 58. 
 
 5 See " Historical 
 Outline of the 
 Psalms,"— p. 37-40. 
 
 6 Secret place — 
 i. e. in the presence 
 of God. Compare 
 Ps. xxvij. .5 ; and 
 xc. 1. 
 
 7 Shadow. — " In 
 the figurative lan- 
 guage of the East, 
 it is still very com- 
 mon to describe a 
 protected person as 
 sitting or dwelling 
 under the shadow 
 of His protector." 
 —Pict. Bible. 
 
 8Ps. cxlii. 5. 
 
 9 Fowler. — " A 
 fowler represents 
 any enemy who 
 tries to ensnare or 
 ruin the pious 
 man." — Dr. B. 
 
 •" His wings. — 
 A beautiful image, 
 expressive both of 
 protection and love. 
 See Deut. xxxii. 11, 
 12; Matt, xxiii. 37. 
 
154 
 
 PSALM XCI. 
 
 When thousands 
 and tens of thou- 
 sands are cut off by 
 pestilence, the ser- 
 vant of God may 
 still feel secure in 
 the protecting care 
 of Him who sends 
 His holy angels to 
 watch over, and " to 
 minister for them 
 who shall be heirs 
 of salvation." 
 
 The Almighty de- 
 clares the safety 
 and happiness of 
 those who love and 
 confide in Him. 
 
 Fear no shafts tliat flies by day, 
 Nor pestilence that walks by night ; 
 Nor shall be destruction's prey, 
 That wastes by noon-day light. 
 
 Though a thousand at thy side 
 Fall, and at thy right hand, 
 
 Death o'er tens of thousands ride, 
 Yet thou secure shalt stand; 
 
 Only^ with thine eyes shalt thou 
 Behold the wicked man's reward, 
 
 Having made thy refuge now. 
 And thine abode — the Lord. 
 
 Thee no evil shall betide,^ 
 Nor any plague come nigh : 
 
 Angels o'er thee shall preside,^ 
 To keep thee constantly; 
 
 They shall bear^ thee up, nor let 
 Thy foot be dashed against a stone; 
 
 Lions,*^ dragons, asps may threat, 
 But thou shalt tread them down. 
 
 " Wlioso sets on Me his love,^ 
 May My deliverance claim; 
 
 I will set him high above. 
 
 Because he knows My name :® 
 
 I will answer when he prays, 
 Will honour him, and save fi'om woe 
 
 Satisfy with length of days,' 
 And My salvation show." 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Shaft, or arrow. 
 — " Any disease or 
 plague. See Deut. 
 xxxii. 23 and 42." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
 2 Only — i. e. Thou 
 shalt see, but not 
 be involved in the 
 reward, or recom- 
 pence, of the wick- 
 ed. See Ps. xxxvii. 
 34 ; Prov. iii. 2-3, 26. 
 
 3 Prov. xii. 21. 
 
 ■< Heb. i. 14. 
 
 5 Thcij shall bear, 
 &c. — These words 
 were applied to our 
 Lord by the tempt- 
 er. Matt. iv. 6. 
 
 6 Lions, &c. — 
 These are figura- 
 tive expressions, re- 
 presenting the most 
 flerce and crafty 
 enemies. 
 
 ? " In the former 
 part of the Psalm, 
 the prophet spoke 
 in his own person ; 
 here God Himself 
 is plainly intro- 
 duced as the speak- 
 er." — Bp. HORNB. 
 
 ^ Ml/ name. — To 
 know the name of 
 God, is to approve 
 and take pleasure 
 in the perfections of 
 His character. 
 
 9 Prov. iii. 2.. 
 
PSALM XCII. 
 
 156 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The Psalmist de- 
 clares how delight- 
 ful it is to show 
 forth the praise of 
 God, to " regard 
 the works of the 
 Lord, and the ope- 
 ration of His 
 hands." 
 
 He reflects on the 
 sad insensibility of 
 wicked men, who 
 are absorbed with 
 transient pleasiu'es, 
 whilst approaching 
 endless perdition. 
 
 He expresses his 
 confident assurance 
 that God will be- 
 stow on him an in- 
 crease of power and 
 of enjoyment ; and 
 that he shall see 
 his foes disappoint- 
 ed, whilst the 
 righteous flourish ; 
 and thus display to 
 
 PSALM XCII. 
 
 EIGHTS. 
 
 " This Psalm was appointed by tlie Jews to be used constantly on 
 the Sabbatli day, as it was probably composed by David after 
 God had given him rest from all his enemies."' — Fenton. 
 
 1 
 
 'rpiS gooc? to give thanks to the Lord, 
 -*- To sing to Thy name, O Most High ! 
 Each morning^ Thy love to record, 
 
 Thy truth oft as night veils the sky: 
 For I, by Thy work,* am made glad, 
 
 I joy in the works of Thy hand; 
 Thy works with Thy greatness are clad, 
 
 Thy thoughts* are too deep to be scanned, 
 2 
 The brutish'' in mind doth not know, 
 
 The fool doth not understand this, — 
 Wlien sinners, like grass,^ spring and grow. 
 
 Destruction will follow their bliss : 
 But Thou, O Jehovah, Most High !' 
 
 Exalted eternally art: 
 For, lo ! Thy foes perish and die, 
 
 And sinners, all scattered, depart. 
 3 
 But Thou wilt my horn^ lift on high. 
 
 Like that of the unicorn strong; 
 Anoint'" me with oil, and mine eye 
 
 Shall see my foes checked before long: 
 Who hate me, and mischief contrive. 
 
 My ears shall be filled with their woe ; 
 But saints,like the palm tree,'' shall thrive, 
 
 Like cedars in Lebanon grow. 
 
 Sam. vii. 1. 
 
 ^ Guoil — i.e. "the 
 part of a rightly dis- 
 posed mind, and 
 conducive to holy 
 joy."— F. & S. 
 
 ^ Each morning, 
 &c. — " This relates, 
 probably, to the 
 appointed times of 
 morning and even- 
 ing sacrifice." — 
 F. & S. 
 
 •> Thy work. — 
 The Psalmist rel'ers 
 to God's providence 
 in tlie government 
 of human aftairs. 
 
 5 Thoughts — or 
 counsels. See Rom. 
 .\i. 33. 
 
 6 Ps. xlix. 20. 
 
 ^ Ps. xx.xvii. 2 ; 
 
 xc. 5, 6. 
 
 8 Most High. — 
 " The expression is 
 equivalent to God's 
 sitting in heaven, 
 and tiiere over- 
 ruling all the de- 
 signs of men to His 
 own glory and tlie 
 good of His ser- 
 vants." — MODGE. 
 
 3 Horn. — The 
 emblem of power. 
 See Ps. LK.KV. 10. 
 
 "> Anoint, &c. — 
 The Jews were ac- 
 customed, on feast 
 days, to anoint their 
 heads with oil ; this 
 is made emblematic 
 of the unction of 
 the Holy Spirit. 1 
 John ii. 20. 
 
 " Palm. — The 
 palm is the emblem 
 of beauty ; the ce- 
 dar, of stability and 
 strength. 
 
156 
 
 PSALM xcm. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 all who behold 
 them, the goodness 
 and faithfulness of 
 God. 
 
 The Church cele- 
 brates the majesty 
 and might of her 
 eternal King. 
 
 Although nearly 
 overwhelmed with 
 afilictions, she is 
 enabled, by faith, 
 to rejoice in the 
 supreme power of 
 Jehovah, whose 
 word of promise 
 
 For those that are planted and trained^ 
 
 Wliere God has on earth His abode, 
 Shall flourish, for ever ordained 
 
 To thrive in the courts of our God ; 
 Their fiaiit" in old age, without blight, 
 
 Theu" verdure all other excels. 
 To show that the Lord is upright, 
 
 In Him no unrighteousness dwells. 
 
 PSALM XCHI. 
 
 148th. 
 
 The occasion on which this beautiful Psalm was composed is not 
 known. The Jews consider it prophetic of Messiah's kingdom. 
 
 rPHE Lord, Jehovah, reigns,^ 
 -'- With majesty* arrayed, 
 And clothed with strength, sustains 
 The world which He hath made : 
 Of old, O God! is fixed Thy throne. 
 Thou art eternal. Thou alone.^ 
 
 The floods" lift up, O Lord ! 
 
 The floods lift up their voice I 
 The floods their waves have poui'ed! 
 But we in this rejoice. 
 The Lord on high'^ is mightier far 
 Than ocean's mightiest billows are. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 1 Is. Ixi. 3. 
 
 2 Fruit. — This is 
 in allusion to the 
 date palm, which 
 is remarkable for 
 its longevity and 
 fruitfulness. 
 
 3 Ps. xcvi. 10 ; 
 xcvii. 1 ; Is. lii. 7. 
 
 * Majesty, &c. — 
 It is usual for the 
 Hebrew poets to 
 employ the imagery 
 of clothing to repre- 
 sent attributes not 
 observable by sense. 
 Comp. Ps. cxxxii. 
 18; Is. Ux. 17. 
 
 5 Ps. xc. 2. 
 
 6 Floods. — A very 
 frequent emblem of 
 deep affliction. See 
 Ps. Ixix. 1 ; Is. lix. 
 19. " The mean- 
 ing is, Our nume- 
 rous enemies are 
 risen up against us, 
 and threaten to 
 overwhelm us, like 
 a furious storm." — 
 Travell. 
 
 ? Ps. xxix. 10. 
 
PSALM XCIV. 
 
 157 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 cannot fail, and 
 who delights in 
 holiness. 
 
 Jirst ^art. 
 
 The Church, suf- 
 fering affliction and 
 persecution, ear- 
 nestly invokes the 
 aid of her God, to 
 check the pride and 
 wickedness of her 
 enemies. 
 
 Their cruelty de- 
 scribed, and the 
 atheistic impiety 
 with which they en- 
 deavour to appease 
 their consciences. 
 
 Thy testimonies/ Lord, 
 
 We know are very sure; 
 And we would here record 
 That holiness, most pure. 
 For evermore becomes the courts 
 To which the Holy One resorts. 
 
 PSALM XCIV. 
 
 L. M. DOUBLE. 
 
 There is reason to believe that this Psalm was written by David , 
 probably during his persecution by Saul. 
 
 1 
 
 r\ GOD of vengeance,^ Israel's Lord, — 
 ^ O God of vengeance, now appear !^ 
 Arise, Thou Judge of earth, reward 
 
 The proudjSvho scorn Thy name to fear 
 How long shall wicked men, and proud, 
 How long shall they exult aloud .? 
 How long their bitter words express, 
 And boast themselves in wickedness? 
 
 They grind^ Thy people. Lord, all day, 
 
 And Thine inheritance afflict; 
 The widow and the stranger slay. 
 Death on the fatherless inflict: 
 And yet they say, " Jehovah, He 
 Whom Israel worships, will not see f 
 Nor can the God of Jacob^ know 
 The evils wrought by men below. 
 
 ' Testimonies. — 
 By these we are 
 to understand the 
 truths and the pro- 
 mises revealed in 
 God's word. These, 
 which are the 
 foundation of the 
 Church's hopes, 
 have one tendency, 
 to promote that 
 holiness, " without 
 which no man can 
 see the Lord." 
 
 2 Deut. xx.xii. 35 ; 
 Rom. xii. 19. 
 
 3 Appear, or shine 
 forth — i. e. in mercy 
 to us, and in terror 
 to our enemies. See 
 Ps. Ixxx. 2. 
 
 '' Thejyroud. — An 
 epithet very fre- 
 quently used to de- 
 signate the wicked; 
 pride being the most 
 prominent feature 
 of impiety, as humi- 
 lity is the chief 
 characteristic of de- 
 votion. 
 
 5 Grind. — See 
 
 F. &S. 
 
 6 Ps. X. 11 & 13. 
 
 7 Ps. Ixxiii. 11. 
 " It is probable that 
 many of them, being 
 unbelievers, denied 
 God's providence 
 and interference in 
 human affairs, as 
 unworthy of His 
 notice. "^Dr. B. 
 
158 
 
 PSALM XCIV. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 An earnest remon- 
 strance addressed 
 to such characters, 
 and a pointed ex- 
 posure of their 
 extreme folly. 
 
 %cconts ^art. 
 
 The gracious de- 
 sign of God, in suf- 
 fering His people 
 to be thus afflicted, 
 is set forth, and en- 
 couragement drawn 
 from His faithful- 
 ness and rectitude. 
 
 The Psalmist, in- 
 quiring who will 
 aid him in tlie time 
 of persecution, ex- 
 presses his confi- 
 dence in God; and 
 adverts to past e.x- 
 perience of divine 
 goodness. 
 
 Ye brutish* men, reflect, and fear! 
 
 When will ye fools instructed be ? 
 Who formed the ear,^ shall He not hear? 
 
 Who made the eye, shall He not see? 
 Shall not the Source^ of knowledge know? 
 And shall not He whose hand brings low 
 The heathen, all your sins arraign? — 
 He knows the thouahts of man* are vain. 
 
 T) LEST is the man* whom Thou,0 Lord, 
 -'^ By chastening, teachest in Thy law; 
 That rest to him Thou mayest award. 
 When simiers fall, to rise no more: 
 For God*^ will not His people spurn. 
 But to His heritage return ; 
 Justice'^ a righteous doom shall send. 
 And all the' upright His® steps attend. 
 
 5 
 
 From sinners who my peace invade, 
 
 Who will arise my soul to save ? 
 Unless the Lord had been my aid, 
 
 I soon had filled the silent grave :** 
 When " My foot slippeth !" I exclaimed. 
 Thy mercy, Lord, my stejjs reclaimed; 
 When anxious thoughts"' my fears excite. 
 Thy comforts. Lord, my soul delight. 
 
 C 
 Shall wicked thrones," that mischief frame 
 
 By law, have fellowship with Thee?'- 
 Against the just they take their aim. 
 
 To slay the innocent agree : 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Brutish — i. e. 
 " irrational and 
 unworthy the name 
 of human beings." 
 F. & S. 
 
 2 E.xod. iv. 11; 
 Prov. XX. 12. 
 
 ' Job XXXV. 1 1 . 
 
 " Mara.— St. Paul 
 quotes these words, 
 1 Cor. iii. 20, where 
 we read fhe wise, in- 
 stead of nian. 
 
 5 Job V. 17 ; Prov. 
 iii. 11. The history 
 of David forms a 
 striking illustration 
 of this statement. 
 
 B 1 Sam. xii. 22 ; 
 Ps. xxxvii. 28. 
 
 ■SeeP.&S.,who 
 add, " The judg- 
 ment of God will, 
 at some future 
 time, be manifested 
 against wickedness, 
 and the cause of the 
 righteous will tri- 
 umph." 
 
 8 His, i. e. God's. 
 —They shall at- 
 tend " as ready wit- 
 nesses of God's 
 judgment, and mi- 
 nisters of His will." 
 F. & S. 
 
 sPs. cxv. 17. 
 
 ' " A yixious thoughts 
 — For an illustra- 
 tion of this, see 1 
 Sam. -xxiii. 14-18. 
 
 ' ' fVickcd thrones. 
 — Such was the go- 
 vernment of Saul, 
 in consequence of 
 which it was over- 
 thrown, as a warn- 
 ing to all unrighte- 
 ous governments. 
 
 '■^ This interro- 
 gative is the strong- 
 
PSALM XCV. 
 
 159 
 
 He declares his con- 
 fidence in God, and 
 foretells the doom 
 of his enemies 
 
 The Church unites 
 to celebrate the 
 praise of God her 
 Saviour ; to oflFer 
 the tribute of 
 thanksgiving ; and 
 to adore the su- 
 preme majesty of 
 Him by whom " all 
 things were cre- 
 ated, that are in 
 heaven, and that 
 are in earth." (Col. 
 i. 16.) 
 
 The relation in 
 which He stands 
 to His people, as 
 " the good Shep- 
 herd," is urged to 
 induce attention 
 and obedience to 
 His commands : and 
 the example of 
 those who, " be- 
 
 Biit God is my defence ; the Lord 
 My rock, that refiige doth afford: 
 He, for' their sins, will them destroy, 
 And cut them off"fL'om endless joy. 
 
 PSALM XCV. 
 
 L. M. C LINES. 
 
 An ode for the Sabbath day ; composed by David.2 
 " The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews hath taught us to con- 
 sider this Psalm as an address to believers under the gospel." 
 — Bishop HoRNE. 
 
 1 
 
 r\ OME, let us sing to God the Lord, 
 ^ The Rock of our salvation praise f 
 Enter His presence, and record 
 
 Our thanks with psalms, and joyful lays : 
 Great is the Lord^ whose praise we sing. 
 Above all gods a mighty King. 
 
 2 
 The deep recesses of the earth,^ 
 
 The mountain heights are in His hand;'' 
 The sea is His, He gave it birth,' 
 
 His hands prepared the solid land : 
 O come,^ and let us worship now. 
 Before the Lord, our Maker, bow ! 
 
 3 
 We are the people of His choice," 
 
 The flock He guides, the sheep He 
 knows ; 
 To-day,'" if ye will hear His voice, 
 
 O harden not your hearts, like those 
 Wlio, in the wilderness, beheld 
 His works, — yet tempted and rebelled." 
 
 est mode of stating 
 that wicked gover- 
 nors can have no 
 fellowsliip with a 
 righteous God. 
 
 'i^or.— See F.&S. 
 
 2 See Heb. iv. 7. 
 
 3 Deut. xxxii. 1.5. 
 
 ■• " He is a great 
 king, ruling over all 
 that are accounted 
 gods, whether an- 
 gels, or princes, or 
 idols."— Dr. B. 
 
 5 See F. & S. 
 
 I" In His hand — 
 i. e. in His power. 
 
 ^ Gen. i. 9, 10. 
 
 ' Kev. iv. U. 
 
 ^ Choice. — As the 
 nalural descend- 
 ants of Abraham 
 constituted God's 
 chosen people, for- 
 merly, so now the 
 spiritual descend- 
 ants, or those who 
 possess Abraham's 
 faith, are the people 
 of God's choice. 
 
 !" To-day.— Com- 
 pare Heb. iii. 7, and 
 following verses ; 
 andiv. 7. 
 
 » 1 Cor. X. 9. 
 
160 
 
 PSALM XCVI. 
 
 cause of their un- 
 belief, could not 
 enter into His rest," 
 is adduced as a so- 
 lemn warning to all 
 mankind. 
 
 The Church calls 
 on all mankind to 
 unite in praising the 
 Lord, and in de- 
 claring His great 
 salvation. 
 
 His supreme great- 
 ness and majesty 
 demand exclusive 
 reverence and wor- 
 ship. 
 
 " Forty years^ long," (did God aver,) 
 " This generation grieved Me sore; 
 
 A people that in heart^ did err, 
 
 Nor knew My ways, nor kept My law 
 
 To whom I did, in wrath, protest, 
 
 They shall not see My promised rest.'" 
 
 PSALM XCVI. 
 
 8. 8. 6. 
 
 This beautiful song of praise was first used when David brought 
 the ark to Mount Zion,'' an event typical of the ascension of 
 Christ our Saviom*. 
 
 " By common consent of Jews and Christians, we apply this Psalm 
 to the times of Messiah." — Bishop Hoene. 
 
 1 
 
 QING to the Lord new songs of praise:^ 
 *^ Sing, all the earth ;" your voices raise ; 
 
 O sing, and bless His name : 
 Sound^ His salvation day by day, 
 His glory* to the world display. 
 
 His wondrous works proclaim. 
 
 Great" is the Lord, and greatly feared. 
 Above'" all gods to be revered, 
 
 For they" are idols vain : 
 God'^ made the heavens; before His shrine, 
 Honour and majesty divine. 
 
 Beauty and strength remain. 
 
 ' Forty years. — 
 The time which 
 transpired between 
 the Exodus and the 
 passage of the Jor- 
 dan. Acts xiii. 18. 
 
 "Inheart. — They 
 erred not so much 
 in understanding as 
 in their affections. 
 
 3 Josh. V. 6 ; Heb. 
 ili. 11 & 18. 
 
 ■< 1 Chron. 
 23-34. 
 
 ^ Ps. xxxiii. 3. 
 6 Rom. XV. 10, 11. 
 
 7 Sound. — Bishop 
 Home renders it 
 Preach. 
 
 ^Hts glory .—God's 
 glory is His good- 
 ness, (see Exodus 
 xxxiii. 18, 19,) and 
 its richest display 
 is in the gospel of 
 Christ. See Luke 
 ii. 14. 
 
 9 Ps. cxlv. 3. 
 
 10 Ps. xciii. 3. 
 
 >i Jer. X. 11, 12. 
 12 Ps. cxv. 15. 
 
PSALM XCVII. 
 
 161 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 " All the families 
 of the earth, blessed 
 in Him," are called 
 upon to worship the 
 Lord with holy 
 reverence. 
 
 The establishment 
 of Messiah's king- 
 dom to be univer- 
 sally made known, 
 as calculated to 
 produce universal 
 joy. In this joy, 
 inanimate natiu"e 
 is described as par- 
 taking ; especially 
 in anticipation of 
 His second advent. 
 
 The Church calls 
 upon all mankind 
 to rejoice in the 
 establishment of 
 Messiah's kingdom ; 
 whose power and 
 
 Ascribe to God,' O every tribe ! 
 Glory" and strength to God ascribe; 
 
 All glory is His right: 
 With offerings to His courts draw near ; 
 O worship Him with holy fear/ 
 
 Let all the earth unite. 
 4 
 Say to the world, " Jehovah reigns,* 
 His mighty arm the earth sustains ; 
 
 He rules the people well:" 
 O, let the heavens* and earth rejoice. 
 Let the sea® roar with mighty voice, 
 
 And all that in it dwell. 
 5 
 Let every field,^ and all therein, 
 The trees, the woods, their joys begin 
 
 Before the Lord, — for lo ! 
 He comes. He comes, on earth to reign 
 In righteousness, and thus maintain 
 
 His people's cause below. 
 
 PSALM xcvn. 
 
 L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 This Psalm was probably composed by David on the same occa- 
 sion as the preceding. It likewise is prophetic of Messiah's 
 kingdom. 
 
 TEHOVAH reigns!® let earth resound, 
 ^ And all her isles,^ with joy again ! 
 Darkness '" and clouds the Lord surround. 
 Judgment and truth His throne sustain. 
 
 . Y 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 iPs. xxix. I, 2. 
 
 2 Glory. — Thus 
 at the first advent 
 the angels sang, 
 " Glory to God in 
 the highest, and on 
 earth peace, good- 
 will towards men." 
 Luke ii. 14. 
 
 3 See Dr. Booth- 
 royd. 
 
 ■» Ps. xciii. 1 ; 
 xcvii. 1 ; Rev. xi. 
 15 ; and xix. 6. 
 
 ' The Psalmist 
 represents the hea- 
 vens, earth, &c., as 
 taking up in suc- 
 cession the strain of 
 praise at the ap- 
 pearing of the 
 Lord." — F. & S. 
 See Ps. Ixix. 34. 
 
 sps. xcviii. 7, &c. 
 
 '' Thus Isaiah, 
 when prophesying 
 respecting Mes- 
 siaii's kingdom, 
 adopts a similar 
 elevated strain of 
 poetry, — " The 
 mountains and the 
 hills shall break 
 forth before you 
 into singing, and all 
 the trees of the field 
 shall clap their 
 hands." Is. Iv. 12. 
 The ground had 
 been cursed for the 
 sin of man, (Gen. 
 iii. 17 ;) and on the 
 removal of that 
 curse, it is repre- 
 sented as rejoicing. 
 
 8 Jehovah reigns. 
 — This announce- 
 ment is equivalent 
 to that made by 
 John the Baptist, 
 " The kingdom of 
 heaven is at hand." 
 Matt. iii. 2. 
 
 9 Isles — or distant 
 parts of the world. 
 
 "> Ps. xviii. 11. 
 
162 
 
 PSALM XCVII. 
 
 majesty are dis- 
 played in the de- 
 struction of His im- 
 penitent foes. 
 
 The abolition of 
 idolatry foretold ; 
 and the consequent 
 joy of the Church 
 in beholding God 
 alone universally 
 adored. 
 
 An exhortation and 
 encouragement to 
 love God, and to 
 delight in Him. 
 
 Consuming fire^ before Him goes, 
 And all around burns up His foes. 
 
 His lightnings^ lit the world below ; 
 
 Earth saw, and trembled ; and the hills 
 Melted like wax, and down did flow, 
 
 At His approach the earth who fills : 
 To praise His truth the heavens^ agree. 
 His glory all the people see. 
 
 Idolaters^ are filled with shame, 
 
 Their gods before the Lord bow down ; 
 
 Zion exults to hear Thy name, 
 
 Thy judgments^ thro' the world made 
 known; 
 
 And God,'' above the earth and sky, 
 
 Above all gods,^ exalted high. 
 
 Ye who love God,* all sin disown ; 
 
 His saints He keeps,® and sets apart; 
 Light'" for the righteous man is sown, 
 
 And gladness for the pure in heart : 
 Rejoice, ye righteous in the Lord," 
 His holiness'^ with thanks record. 
 
 2 The imagery 
 here employed is 
 taken from the ap- 
 pearance of God on 
 Mount Sinai. See 
 Exod. xix. 18, &c. ; 
 also Ps. xxix. 
 
 3 The heavens — 
 i. e. " the inhabi- 
 tants of heaven." — 
 F. &S. 
 
 * Such were the 
 results of the 
 preaching of the 
 gospel, as Isaiah had 
 foretold, (xlii. 17.) 
 
 5 Is. xlii. 1. 
 
 6 Ps. Ixxxiii. 18. 
 '" Exod. xviii. 11. 
 
 8 1 John ii. 15. 
 
 s Ps. xxxvii. 28. 
 
 ^^ Light. — The 
 emblem of prospe- 
 rity and joy. See 
 Job xxii. 28. 
 
 " Ps. xx.xiii. 1. 
 
 " His holiness. — 
 The holiness of God, 
 which is a terror to 
 the unbeliever, is a 
 source of joy to 
 those who are re- 
 conciled in Clu'ist. 
 
PSALM XCVIII. 
 
 163 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The Chm-ch adores 
 the power and good- 
 ness of God, dis- 
 played in the esta- 
 blishment of Mes- 
 siah's kingdom. 
 
 The universal dif- 
 fusion of gospel 
 light, an event de- 
 manding praise 
 from those who 
 had been " sitting in 
 darkness, and in the 
 shadow of death." 
 
 In this universal 
 joy, even inanimate 
 nature, redeemed 
 from the original 
 curse, is called 
 upon to participate. 
 
 PSALM XCVIII. 
 
 EIGHTS. DOUBLE. 
 
 ' This Psalm is of the same kind with the two preceding, in wliich 
 the Psalmist extols the victory and salvation of the Redeemer, 
 and calls on all to praise Him. In the Greek it is called a 
 Psalm of David." — Dr. Boothrotd. 
 
 1 
 
 f\ SING to the Lord a new song,^ 
 
 ^^ For marvellous things He hath wrought; 
 
 His right hand and holy arm^ strong, 
 
 To Him have the victory^ brought : 
 Salvation the Lord hath made known/ 
 
 His righteousness^ He, in the sight 
 Of heathens hath openly shown. 
 
 His mercy and truth brought to light." 
 
 The ends of the earth have beheld^ 
 
 Thy glorious salvation, O Lord! 
 Shout gladly, ye nations,® impelled 
 
 His praise, with delight, to record ! 
 O sing, with the harp, to His name, 
 
 With harp, and with psalms to Him sing; 
 With trumpets® and cornets proclaim 
 
 The Lord, our Redeemer and King. 
 
 3 
 
 Let ocean and earth'" lift their voice, 
 Let all that reside in them roar ; 
 
 The floods clap their hands, and rejoice. 
 The mountains be jo}^il before 
 
 1 Is. xlii. 10. 
 
 2Is. liii. 1. 
 
 ^ T'ictory — " or 
 salvation. The sal- 
 vation effected was 
 by our Lord's vic- 
 tory over his ene- 
 mies. Is. lix. 16 ; 
 l.viii. 5."— Dr. B. 
 
 ■• Made known. — 
 "By the appear- 
 ance of His Son in 
 the flesh."— Dr. B. 
 
 ' His righteous- 
 ness — i. e. the right- 
 eousness which is 
 of God by faith in 
 Jesus Christ. Rom. 
 iii. 22. 
 
 8 Ps. l.xxxv. 10. 
 
 7 Is. xlix. 6. 
 
 sps. c. 1. 
 
 3 Numb. X. 10. 
 
 1" Ocean andearth. 
 — " Nothing can be 
 conceivedmore sub- 
 lime than this ad- 
 dress to inanimate 
 objects to join the 
 chorus in praise of 
 the advent of the 
 Saviour." — Dr. B. 
 Compare Is. Iv. 12. 
 
164 
 
 PSALM XCIX. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 Just p.irt. 
 
 The Church cele- 
 brates the majesty 
 of her khig.who "is 
 greatly to be feared 
 in the assembly of 
 the saints, and to 
 be had in reverence 
 of all them that are 
 about Him ;" ador- 
 ing His power, His 
 justice, and His ho- 
 liness. 
 
 She e.xhorts all 
 mankind to unite 
 in this sacred exer- 
 cise. 
 
 Jehovah! — forlo! He appears, 
 
 To judge all the earth, and to reign ; 
 
 His justice shall banish our fears. 
 And righteousness^ flourish again. 
 
 PSALM XCIX. 
 
 This fine Psalm is attributed to David. The occasion on which 
 he penned it is unknown. 
 
 '^PHE Lord Jehovah reigns!^ Of Him 
 -*- Let nations, trembling, hear! 
 He sits between the cherubim,^ 
 Let earth be moved v? ith fear ! 
 
 Jehovah is in Zion great,* 
 
 High above all in fame : 
 Let men Thy glorious praise repeat, 
 
 For holy is Thy name.^ 
 
 3 
 
 The King of strength'^ doth judgment love, 
 
 And equity maintain ; 
 His righteousness in Jacob prove. 
 
 And there with justice reign. 
 
 4 
 
 Exalt the Lord our God,' all ye. 
 
 And worship at His throne ! 
 Exalt the Lord our God, for He 
 
 Is holy,** He alone. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Is. xx.vii. 
 Heb. i. 8. 
 
 3 Between the 
 cherubim — i. e. on 
 the mercy seat. 
 Corap. Exod. x.xv. 
 22. 
 
 * Ps. xlviii. 1. 
 
 5 Is. vi. 3 ; Rev. 
 XV. 4. 
 
 s Job xxxvi. 5 ; 
 Ps. Ixx.xix. 8. In- 
 stead of " the king's 
 strength," F. & S. 
 render it " the 
 mighty king." Bp. 
 Home remarks, 
 " although the 
 strength of our 
 king be infinite, yet 
 it is never exerted 
 but in righteous- 
 ness and just judg- 
 ment." 
 
 'Is. xii. 4. 
 
 8 Lev. xix. 2 ; 
 Peter i. IG. 
 
SUBJECT. 
 
 Sccon^f part. 
 
 As an encourage- 
 ment to draw near 
 to God, reference is 
 made to His for- 
 mer gracious ac- 
 ceptance of prayer 
 on especial occa- 
 sions, recorded in 
 the history of Is- 
 rael, and displaying 
 both His mercy and 
 justice: thus affoi-d- 
 ing motives to wor- 
 ship Him " with re- 
 verence and godly 
 fear." 
 
 All nations are 
 called upon to woi'- 
 ship God the only 
 sovereign, with sa- 
 cred joy : especially 
 as He is our crea- 
 tor and preserver; 
 the covenant God 
 of His people ; and 
 their " good Shep- 
 herd." 
 
 PSALM C. 
 
 11 TOSES' and Aaron m*ged their plea, 
 -'-'-'- And Samuel to Him cried; 
 And, from the cloudy pillar, He 
 
 To their requests replied. 
 6 
 His statutes they did not desert ; 
 
 Thou answeredst them betimes: 
 A gi'aeious God to them Thou wert," 
 
 Though punishing their crimes.^ 
 7 
 Exalt the Lord our God, all ye, 
 
 And worship at His throne ! 
 Exalt the Lord our God, for He 
 
 Is holy. He alone ! 
 
 165 
 
 PSALM C. 
 
 ' Tills Psalm appears to have been composed for the Israelites, 
 when they offered their thank-offerings."'' — Dr. Boothkotd. 
 
 1 
 
 T) AISE to the Lord a joyful shout f 
 -'-^ Ye lands, adore your King! 
 Worship the Lord with joy" devout, 
 
 Before His presence sing. 
 2 
 Know that the Lord is God alone -J 
 
 He made us,® His we are f 
 The people whom He deigns to own, 
 
 The sheep He makes His care. 
 
 ' Moses, &c. — 
 These holy men 
 made intercession 
 for the people when 
 exposed to the anger 
 of God for theii' sins. 
 See E.vod. xxxii. 
 11-14; Numb. xvi. 
 20-22; 1 Sam. vii.9. 
 
 2 Numb. -xiv. 20. 
 
 ^ Their crimes. — 
 " Some refer this to 
 the evil deeds of the 
 people ; but the re- 
 ference is to Moses 
 and Aaron, who so 
 provoked God, that 
 they were not per- 
 mitted to enter into 
 the promised land." 
 See Numb. xx. 12; 
 Deut. x-xxii. .50-52. 
 —Dr. B. 
 
 '^ Lev. vii. 12. 
 
 5 Ps. .xcv. 1 . 
 
 ^ With Joy. — Even 
 under the Mosaic 
 dispensation, joy 
 was associated with 
 religion. See Neh. 
 viii. 9-12. The faith 
 of the gospel is pro- 
 ductive of "joy un- 
 speakable." 1 Peter 
 i. 8. 
 
 ^ Is. xlv. 5. 
 
 8 Made us. — " Not 
 only as being the 
 Creator of aU man- 
 kind, but as having 
 made us a people, 
 and framed the 
 whole of our nation- 
 al polity."— F. & S. 
 Comp. Deut. xx.xii. 
 6 ; and Ps. xlix. 2. 
 
 9 SeeF.&S. 
 
166 
 
 PSALM CI. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 His perfections 
 unchangeable and 
 eternal. 
 
 The King of Israel 
 communes with 
 God on the subject 
 of mercy and truth, 
 and declares his re- 
 solution to regulate 
 his household, and 
 to govern his king- 
 dom by these divine 
 principles;thuspre- 
 figux-ing the esta- 
 blishment of Mes- 
 siah'skingdom, who 
 is the king of right- 
 eousness and the 
 king of peace. 
 
 3 
 
 Enter, with grateful thanks, His gates,' 
 Praise in His courts express; 
 
 Thankful to Him whose power creates, 
 His name for ever bless. 
 
 4 
 
 For, truly, God the Lord is good f 
 
 His truth and love divine,^ 
 From all eternity have stood. 
 
 And shall for ever shine. 
 
 PSALM CL 
 
 Composed probably by David shortly after his accession to the 
 throne of Israel.'' 
 
 MERCY and truth^ inspire my lay, 
 O Lord, I sing to Thee; 
 Wisely would keep Thy perfect way,'' 
 When wilt Thou come to me V 
 
 I rule my house with upright heart. 
 Nor please with sin mine eyes; 
 
 From those who turn aside* depart, 
 Their evil works despise. 
 
 3 
 
 No froward heart shall be allowed. 
 No wicked person known ;^ 
 
 The slanderer silenced, and the proud 
 And lofty looks brought down. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' His gates — i. e. 
 " the gates of His 
 sanctuary." — Pa- 
 trick. 
 
 ^ Luke xviii. 19. 
 
 '^ Ps. Ixxxv. 10. 
 The perfections of 
 God, which so beau- 
 tifully harmonize in 
 the gospel, are the 
 great subject of the 
 Church's praise. 
 
 ^ 2 Sam. V. 
 
 5 Ps. Ixxxv. 10. 
 
 s 1 Sam. xviil. 14. 
 
 ' Come to me — 
 " to bless me. In 
 all places where I 
 record my name, I 
 will co7ne to tkcc, 
 and I will bless 
 thee." Exod. xx. 
 24. — F. & S. In 
 this petition, David 
 probably expresses 
 his desire that the 
 ark, the token of 
 God's presence,may 
 be brought to Zion. 
 
 8 mto turn aside. 
 — " Those who in 
 their counsels and 
 their actions devi- 
 ate ft"om the Divine 
 law." — Bp. HoRNE. 
 See Ps. cxxv. 5. 
 
 9 Known — i. e. 
 approved. See Ps. 
 i. C ; Matt. vii. 23. 
 
PSALM CII. 
 
 167 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 Jirst ^art. 
 
 The prophet, in 
 deep distress on ac- 
 count of the de- 
 pressed condition of 
 the Church, pours 
 forth his soul in 
 prayer to God ; and 
 describes, in a most 
 pathetic manner, 
 the effect of grief 
 on his mind and 
 body. 
 
 Mine eyes' shall on the faithful stay, 
 
 That he may dwell with me ; 
 And he that keeps the perfect way,^ 
 
 My servant here shall be. 
 5 
 No son of fi-aud shall near me stand, 
 
 No liar with me dwell : 
 Early ^ the wicked of the land 
 
 From Zion I expel. 
 
 PSALM CII. 
 
 This pathetic and sublime Psalm was written towards the close of 
 the captivity in Babylon ; some ascribe it to the prophet Daniel. 
 It is styled in the Bible, " A prayer of the afflicted, when he is 
 overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the Lord." 
 
 T ORD, hear my prayer,* and let my cry 
 -^-^ Come near before Thy throne of grace: 
 When, in the day of trouble, I 
 
 Call upon Thee,'' hide not Thy face. 
 2 
 Speedily answer my demand ; 
 
 Like smoke,^ my life consumes, alas ! 
 My bones are dried up like a brand,^ 
 
 My heart is withered like the grass. ^ 
 3 
 Forgetful'" of my food I groan; 
 
 My bones cleave to my skin, and I 
 Dwell, like the pelican, alone, 
 
 And, like the desert owl, I sigh. 
 
 ' Mine eyes — i. e. 
 my favourable re- 
 gard. Compare Ps. 
 xxxiv. 16. 
 
 2 "The law of the 
 Lord is perfect, con- 
 verting the soul." 
 Ps. xix. 7. 
 
 3 Early. — " The 
 morning was that 
 part of the day in 
 which justice was 
 administered." — 
 F. & S. See Jer. 
 xxi. 12. 
 
 " " The author, 
 speaking concern- 
 ing himself, repre- 
 sents the sad state 
 of every Israelite, 
 or the whole people 
 in captivity." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
 5 Ps. cxi.K. 109. 
 
 eps 1. 15. 
 
 7 Ps. cxix. 83. 
 
 8 Brand. — " Lite- 
 rally, as a fire- 
 brand." — Dr. 
 Wall. 
 
 9 Ps. cxxix. 6. 
 Like grass deprived 
 of moisture through 
 being exposed to an 
 oriental sun. 
 
 1° Forgetful, &c. 
 Compare this with 
 what we read of 
 Daniel, " And I set 
 my face unto the 
 Lord God, to seek 
 by prayer and sup- 
 plications, with 
 fasting, and sack- 
 clotli, and ashes." 
 (ix. 3.) " In those 
 days I Daniel was 
 mourning three full 
 weelis." Dan. x. 2. 
 
168 
 
 PSALM CII. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 He contrasts liis 
 own transitory life 
 with tlie eternity of 
 Jehovah. 
 
 SeconU ^art. 
 
 He pleads the pro- 
 mises of God in 
 favour of Zion, and 
 prays for their ful- 
 filment in tlie sub- 
 mission of the hea- 
 then to Messiah. 
 
 The gracious cha- 
 racter of Messiah's 
 government evinced 
 in Histenderregard 
 to the temporal and 
 spiritual miseries of 
 
 Sleepless I am/ and like the bird 
 That to the house-top loves to flee : 
 
 All day my foes' reproach is heard, 
 They rave against, they swear by me.^ 
 
 5 
 
 For bread, I eat but ashes^ now ; 
 
 Tears are my drink, beneath Thy frown ; 
 Because, in indignation, Thou 
 
 Didst lift me up, and cast me down. 
 
 6 
 My days like lengthening shades depart;* 
 
 Like withered grass I fade away; — 
 But Thou, O Lord! eternal art,^ 
 
 And every age shall own Thy sway. 
 
 7 
 A RISE l*^ and grace to Zion show ! 
 -^ O Lord, the' appointed time^ draws 
 
 near : 
 Thy sei'vants o'er her ruins glow 
 With pleasure, and her dust revere. 
 
 8 
 So shall the heathen fear the Lord; 
 
 All earthly kings Thy glory fear; 
 When God hath Zion's courts restored, 
 
 He, in His glory,® shall appear. 
 
 9 
 The destitute with Him shall plead. 
 
 And He will not their prayer despise; 
 This, ages yet to come, shall read,' 
 
 Nations, to fear the Lord, shall rise.'" 
 
 ' SeeF. & S. 
 
 2 Swear by me — 
 i. e. " Into then- 
 forms of impre- 
 cating cui'ses, they 
 introduce me as the 
 most striking ex- 
 ample of extreme 
 wretchedness." — 
 F. & S. Compare 
 Is. Ixv. 15 ; Jer. 
 xxix, 22. 
 
 ^ Ashes — " are a 
 symbol of grief; the 
 sense, therefore, is, 
 grief is my food." — 
 Walford. 
 
 '' " Like a sha- 
 dow which is be- 
 coming evei'y in- 
 stant more faint, 
 and is upon the 
 point of vanishing 
 entirely away." — 
 F. & S. 
 
 5 Ps. xc. 1, 2 ; 
 xciii. 2. 
 
 6 Arise ! — The 
 best translators 
 render this as a 
 prayer or invoca- 
 tion, instead of a 
 prophecy. 
 
 ' The appointed 
 time — i. e. the 70 
 years during which 
 the Jews were to be 
 captives in Baby- 
 lon. Compare Dan. 
 \x. 2, with Jer. xxv. 
 U, 12. This deU- 
 verance was typical 
 of tlie greater de- 
 liverance by Christ. 
 Hence we find 
 many prophecies 
 commencing with 
 the former, con- 
 cluding with the 
 latter. See Is. xlv. 
 &c. 
 
 8 His glory. — 
 " The glory of this 
 latter house shall 
 be greater than of 
 the former ; and in 
 this place will I give 
 peace, saith the 
 Lord of Hosts." 
 Hag. ii. 9. 
 
 9 Rom. XV. 4. 
 
 "> Ps. xxii. 31. 
 Dr. Boothroyd ob- 
 serves that in tliis 
 and in what follows, 
 
PSALM CII. 
 
 169 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 mankind ; and in 
 revealing to them 
 tlie name or tlie 
 perfections of His 
 Father. 
 
 V!i)ixti Part. 
 
 Suffering under bo- 
 dily infirmity, the 
 prophet prays that 
 His life may be pro- 
 longed to behold the 
 prosperity of Zion, 
 and comforts him- 
 self in contrasting 
 with human weak- 
 ness, and with the 
 instability of all 
 created objects, the 
 eternity and un- 
 changeableness of 
 Jehovah. 
 
 10 
 
 For, from His sanctuary on high, 
 
 From heaven, Jehovah looked beneath, 
 
 To hear the groaning prisoner's cry,^ 
 To loose the souls consigned to death: 
 
 11 
 
 His name^ in Zion to declare. 
 His praise in Salem to record, 
 
 When nations meet for praise and prayer. 
 And kingdoms join to serve the Lord. 
 
 12 
 
 MY strength He weakened in the way,* 
 My days cut short. " O God !" 1 cried, 
 " Take me not early hence away," 
 Thy years through every age abide. ^ 
 
 13 
 
 " Founded of old was earth by Thee,® 
 Thy hands the heavens have formed 
 and placed ; 
 
 Though they must perish. Thou shalt be, 
 They all shall like a garment waste. 
 
 14 
 
 "Changed^ shall they be, like vestures worn ; 
 
 But Thou, unchangeable, art HE :" 
 The children of Thy servants born, I 
 
 Shall be established near to Thee." ' 
 
 " there is an im- 
 plied reference to 
 the coming and 
 work of the Saviour, 
 and the calling of 
 all nations to the 
 knowledge of God's 
 salvation." 
 • Ps. Ixxix. 11. 
 
 2 His name — i. e. 
 His gracious cha- 
 racter. Compare 
 Exod. x.xxiv. 5-7. 
 Thus our Lord says, 
 " And I have de- 
 clared unto them 
 Thy name, and will 
 declare it, that the 
 love wherewith 
 Thou hast loved me 
 may be in them, and 
 I in them." John 
 xvii. 26. 
 
 3 In the way — i. e. 
 " ere I had proceed- 
 ed far in the jour- 
 ney through Ufe." 
 — F.& S. 
 
 ■* Is. xxxviii. 10. 
 
 5 Hab. i. 12. 
 
 6 The author of 
 the Epistle to the 
 Hebrews cites this 
 passage to prove 
 the superiority of 
 Christ to men and 
 angels, tlius afford- 
 ing a most conclu- 
 sive proof of His 
 divinity. Heb. i. 10. 
 
 ? Changed. — Here 
 is an intimation of 
 some great change 
 which God will pro- 
 duce in the system 
 ofnature. See2Pet. 
 iii. 
 
 8 HE.—Bp. Hors- 
 ley and Mr. Louth 
 render the passage, 
 " Thou art HE." 
 These words ex- 
 press the eternal 
 and unchangeable 
 nature of God. 
 Comp. Deut. xxxii, 
 39 ; Is. xlviii. 12. 
 They are equiva- 
 lent to I AM. 
 
 9 Near to Thee— 
 in the promised 
 land, and under 
 Thy peculiar care 
 and protection. 
 
170 
 
 PSALM cm. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 JFtrst ^part. 
 
 The Psalmist in- 
 vokes all the powers 
 of his soul to engage 
 in the sacred exer- 
 cise of praise to 
 God, especially for 
 His forgiving mer- 
 cy, and for His pro- 
 vidential goodness. 
 
 From Jehovah's 
 goodness to himself, 
 he proceeds to no- 
 tice His gracious 
 dealing with His 
 people, in deliver- 
 ing them from the 
 Egyptian bondage, 
 and in revealing to 
 them, by Moses, His 
 gracious character ; 
 displayed to them 
 since, in their expe- 
 rience of His for- 
 bearance and for- 
 giving love. 
 
 PSALM cm. 
 
 L. M. DOUBLE. 
 
 Dr. M. Good thinks that this exquisite Psalm of praise was com- 
 posed by David, as a temple service for one of the gi-and fes- 
 tivals. 
 
 1 
 
 r\ BLESS the Lord/ my soul, and all 
 ^ Within me/ bless His holy name ! 
 O bless the Lord; to memory call 
 
 His benefits, His grace proclaim! 
 Who freely doth Thy sins forgive; 
 
 All Thy diseases doth remove ; 
 Saves from destruction, bids thee live, 
 
 And crowns thee v^ith His tender love : 
 
 Who satisfies thy mouth^ with good, 
 
 Thy youth with eagles' strength^ re stores 
 By Him oppression is withstood,* 
 
 He vindicates His people's cause: 
 To Moses He revealed His word," 
 
 His acts to Israel's seed did show; 
 " Gracious and merciful the Lord, 
 
 In mercy rich, to anger slow." 
 
 He will not always chide,'' nor be 
 Angry with us for evermore ; 
 
 Not as our sins deserve^ hath He 
 
 Dealt with all us, who break His law: 
 
 ' Ps. civ. 1. 
 
 2 All within me. 
 ■ — The intellectual 
 powers of the soul, 
 and all its affections, 
 should be engaged 
 in the praise of Him 
 who is " the Father 
 of spirits." 
 
 3 Thy mouth — or 
 thy desires. As the 
 hand is the emblem 
 of power, so the 
 mouth is the em- 
 blem expressive of 
 desu'e. 
 
 ■• Eagles' strength. 
 — " They that wait 
 upon the Lord 
 shall renew their 
 strength ; they shall 
 mount up with 
 wings as eagles," 
 &c. Is. xl. 31. 
 
 5 Exod. iii. 7-9. 
 
 s Exod. xxxiii. 
 13-18; andxxxiv. 6. 
 The allusion is evi- 
 dently to that occa- 
 sion when " the 
 Lord passed by be- 
 fore him, and pro- 
 claimed, The Lord, 
 the Lord God, mer- 
 ciful and gracious, 
 long-suffering, and 
 abundant in good- 
 ness and truth." 
 
 1 1s. Ivii. 
 Micah vii. 18. 
 
 8 Ezra ix. 13. 
 
 16 ; 
 
PSALM cm. 
 
 171 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 Sccontr ^art. 
 
 The paternal affec- 
 tion of God for all 
 who fear Him ; His 
 tender regai'd for 
 the infirmities of 
 man, whose days 
 are transient as the 
 flower of the field. 
 
 The eternity of Je- 
 hovah's compassion 
 and faithfulness, 
 strikingly contrast- 
 ed with human 
 frailty. 
 
 God heing the uni- 
 versal sovereign, all 
 creatures, in hea- 
 ven and throughout 
 the universe, are 
 called upon to bless 
 and to praise His 
 name. 
 
 For liigh as heaven is earth above/ 
 So great His mercy is confest; 
 
 Our sins^ are banished, by His love, 
 Far' as the east is from the west. 
 
 A S pity fills a father's heart,^ 
 
 -'-^ The Lord so pitieth the just ; 
 He knows our fi'ame in every jjart,* 
 
 He bears in mind we are but dust :^ 
 For man, — his days are like the grass,' 
 
 Or flower that flourishes before 
 The scorching wind^ doth o'er it pass ; 
 
 Its place beholds it then no more. 
 
 5 
 
 But the compassions of the Lord® 
 
 Through everlasting years extend; 
 On all who fear Him they are poured, 
 
 To children's children they descend:' 
 To such as faithfully observe 
 
 His covenant of saving grace ;" 
 Keep His commands, without reserve, 
 
 And humbly walk before His face. 
 
 The Lord in heaven hath fixed His throne ;' 
 
 Wide over all extends His sway :'' 
 Ye angels,'* bless the Lord alone. 
 
 Who hear His voice,'^ His will obey ! 
 All ye His hosts,'*' whose joy is found 
 
 In pleasing Him, His praise express ! 
 Let all His works His praise resound !'' 
 
 And Thou, my soul, Jehovah bless ! 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 '- Ps. Ivii. 10. 
 
 2 Our sins — i. e. 
 " the punishment 
 due to our offences." 
 — F. & S. 
 
 3 Far, &c. — i. e. 
 " He hath entirely 
 remitted the pu- 
 nishment due to our 
 manifold offences." 
 — Bp. Patbick. 
 
 ■* Malaclii iii. 17; 
 Luke xi. 13. 
 
 5 Ps. Lxxviii. 39. 
 
 6 Dust. — " The 
 Lord God formed 
 man out of the dust 
 of the ground." 
 Gen. ii. 7. 
 
 7 Is. xl. 6, 7. 
 
 8 Scorching wind. 
 — The allusion is to 
 the sirocco, which, 
 in the East, at 
 once destroys every 
 green herb. 
 
 9 Luke i. 50 ; 1 
 Pet. i. 25. 
 
 '" Exod. XX. 6. 
 
 » Deut. vii. 9. 
 
 f Ps. cxlviii. 2. 
 
 '5 Hear His voice. 
 " His wUl is made 
 known to them, as 
 men make theirs 
 known by their 
 voice." — Dr. B. 
 
 '6 Hosts. — An- 
 other term for an- 
 gels. See Genesis 
 xxxii. 2. 
 
 'Ts. cxlv. 10. 
 
172 
 
 PSALM crv. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 jpirst ■part. 
 
 The Psalmist cele- 
 brates the majesty 
 of Jehovah, the 
 Universal Sove- 
 reign, who " dwell- 
 eth in the light 
 which no man can 
 approach unto," 
 seated on the hea- 
 vens as His throne. 
 
 He records the won- 
 ders of Jehovah as 
 displayed in the 
 creation of the 
 world ; - when " the 
 Spirit of God moved 
 upon the face of the 
 waters," and God 
 said, " Let the wa- 
 ters under the hea- 
 ven be gathered to- 
 gether unto one 
 place, and let the 
 
 PSALM CIV. 
 
 This magnificent Psalm, which celebrates the wisdom, power, and 
 goodness of God in creation and providence, was probably com- 
 posed by David as an ode for the Sabbath Day. 
 
 1\ yf Y soul, before Jehovah bow ! 
 
 ■^-*- O Lord, my God, how great art Thou ! 
 
 Honour and majesty divine, 
 
 To form Thy radiant robe' combine : 
 
 2 
 Who coverest Thyself with light,^ 
 As with a garment, spotless, bright : 
 Wlio for his tent^ the heavens hath made, 
 His chamber's beams^ on waters* laid: 
 
 3 
 Whose chariot is the cloudy skies. 
 And on the temjjest's wing He flies: 
 Whose messengers are whh'lwinds du'e. 
 His ministers'' a flame of fire : 
 
 4 
 Who firmly earth's foundations based, 
 Never again to be displaced : 
 Clad with the deep,^ as with a robe. 
 Were all the mountains of the globe ; 
 
 5 
 At Thy rebuke,* the waters fled, 
 They heard Thy thundering voice with 
 
 dread: 
 They course the hills, the valleys wind. 
 To seek the place by Thee assigned:^ 
 
 1 liohc. — It is 
 usual with the He- 
 brew poets to em- 
 ploy the imagery of 
 clothing to repre- 
 sent attributes not 
 observable by the 
 senses. See Ps. 
 xciii. 1 ; Ps. cxxxii. 
 18. 
 
 2 Daniel vii. 9 ; 1 
 Tim. vi. 16 ; 1 John 
 i. 5. 
 
 3 Tent. — See 
 F. & S., and com- 
 pare Is. xl. 22. 
 
 ■• Chambcr^s beams 
 — i. e. "His dwell- 
 ing place." — F. & S. 
 
 5 If'atrrs — i. e. 
 the watery clouds. 
 — F. & S. Ps. 
 xxix. 3. 
 
 s Messengers — 
 ministers. — The 
 Psalmist is here 
 speaking of the ma- 
 terial agents by 
 which God accom- 
 plishes His will. 
 The Apostle (Heb. 
 i. 7,) applies this 
 language to the 
 angels. 
 
 7 Gen. i. 2;2Pet. 
 iii. .5. " The earth, 
 when first formed, 
 was, according to 
 Moses, covered with 
 waters." — Dr. B. 
 
 8 Gen. i. 9. 
 
 9 Job xxxviii. 8- 
 11; Jer. V. 22. 
 
PSALM CIV. 
 
 173 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 dry land appear.' 
 Gen. 1. 2 and 9. 
 
 Sccontt Part. 
 
 Having celebrated 
 the power and wis- 
 dom of God dis- 
 played in creation, 
 the Psalmist pro- 
 ceeds to celebrate 
 His power, wisdom, 
 and goodness, dis- 
 played in His pro- 
 vidence, by which 
 He " preserveth 
 both man and 
 beast." 
 
 6 
 With bounds their force dost Thou restrain,' 
 Lest they should cover earth again :^ 
 Springs, in the valleys, God provides, 
 They run between the mountains' sides: 
 
 7 
 
 There all the beasts in forests nursed, 
 There the wild asses^ quench their thirst: 
 And there the birds, of varied wing. 
 Assembling, on the branches sing. 
 
 8 
 /^ OD from His chambers^ water pours, 
 ^-^ And earth with rich abundance stores :^ 
 Grass for the cattle makes to grow,*^ 
 And herbs to serve for man below ;' 
 
 9 
 And food,® the produce of the earth. 
 And wine,^ to fill his heart wdtli mirth: 
 And oil,'" to cause his face to shine. 
 And bread," that strengthens more than 
 
 wine : 
 
 10 
 
 The trees of God'^ with sap abound. 
 With cedars Lebanon is crowned: 
 These with the nests of birds are filled ; 
 The stork in fir trees loves to build: 
 
 11 
 
 High hills the wild goats' refuge prove. 
 And the rough rocks the conies"' love ; 
 The moon for seasons serves below," 
 The sun his going down doth know:''^ 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 • Job xxvi. 10 : 
 xxxviii. 8-11. 
 
 2Gen. ix. 11& 15. 
 
 ■^ JVi'/d asses. — 
 " These wild ani- 
 mals, from living in 
 the desert, might 
 be thought especi- 
 ally liable to suffer 
 from want of wa- 
 ter."— F. & S. 
 
 * Chavibeis — i. e. 
 the clouds. 
 
 5 Ps. Ixv. 9, 10. 
 
 6 Gen. i. 29, .30. 
 
 7 Gen. iii. 18. 
 
 8 Ps. cxxxvi. 2-5. 
 ^ Judges ix. 13. 
 :" Ps. xxiii. .5. 
 
 " Bread — i. e. 
 bread corn. Com- 
 pare Is. xxviii. 28. 
 — F. & S. 
 
 ^'^ The trees of God. 
 — " This is an allu- 
 sion to the size and 
 great age of these 
 trees, which had 
 received no culture 
 from man." — See 
 F.&S. 
 
 ■3 Conies — " the 
 Jerboa or bear- 
 mouse. This aboun- 
 ded in the moun- 
 tainous country of 
 Judea, & especially 
 about Lebanon." — 
 Ur. B. Prov. xxx. 
 2G. 
 
 i^Gen. i. 14. 
 
 " Ps. xix. 4-0. 
 
174 
 
 PSALM CIV. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 W)ixts ^art. 
 
 With feelings of 
 devout admiration, 
 the Psahiiist adores 
 the wisdom of God, 
 proclaimed by all 
 His works, both on 
 earth, and through- 
 out the mighty 
 deep; and His good- 
 ness, which sustains 
 all the creatures He 
 has made. 
 
 12 
 
 Thou makest darkness/ and 'tis night ; 
 The forest beasts, who shun the hght, 
 Prowl forth; the lions roar for prey, 
 And seek" their meat from God till day : 
 
 13 
 
 The sun ariseth, quickly then. 
 With one accord, they seek their den; 
 Man goeth forth to work,^ and earn 
 His bread by toil, till night return. 
 
 14 
 TTOW manifold Thy works,* O Lord ! 
 -'— ^ To speak Thy wisdom^ all accord: 
 The earth" is filled with wealth by Thee; 
 So is this great unbounded sea, 
 
 15 
 
 Where countless creatures swim or creep. 
 Both small and great throughout the deep : 
 The nautilis,' with graceful sail. 
 And there the ocean-tossing whale.® 
 
 16 
 
 All these look up to Thee on high. 
 Their meat in season to su23ply: 
 Thy hand Thou openest, ever good, 
 They take Thy gifts, are filled with food. 
 
 17 
 
 Hid is Thy face .? — deprived of breath,'' 
 They mingle in the dust of death : 
 Thy breath'" sent forth, they" rise to birth. 
 And Thou dost renovate the earth. 
 
 2 Seek — i. e. by 
 their cry. See Ps. 
 cxlvii. 9. " Natural- 
 ists inform us that 
 the lion first af 
 frights animals, by 
 his roaring, from 
 their coverts, and 
 then pursues them ." 
 — F. & S. 
 
 3 Gen. iii. 19. 
 
 •< Rev. XV. 3. 
 
 ^Wisdom. — " They 
 all prove Thy wis- 
 dom, being exactly 
 adapted to answer 
 Thy designs." — 
 Dr. B. Prov. iii. 
 19, 20. 
 
 6 Ps. cxis. 64. 
 
 J" Nautilis. — 
 " This small animal 
 floats on the surface 
 of the sea. Its shell 
 resembles the hull 
 of a ship, whence it 
 has its name." — 
 F. & S. 
 
 8 Whale, " Heb. 
 leviathan. — This 
 word sometimes de- 
 notes the crocodile. 
 Here it is used to 
 designate some one 
 of the largest of the 
 inhabitants of the 
 ocean." — F. & S. 
 
 s Job xxxiv. 14, 
 15. 
 
 '0 Thi/ breath, &c. 
 — i.e. " Thouspeak- 
 est the word. See 
 Job xxxiii. 4." — 
 F. & S. 
 
 " Thit/ — i. e. 
 " others in suc- 
 cession are brought 
 into existence." — 
 F. & S. 
 
PSALM CV. 
 
 175 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The glory of God 
 everlasting ; and 
 His works a source 
 of joy. 
 
 The Psalmist de- 
 clares His inten- 
 tion to praise Je- 
 hovah for ever. 
 
 JFirst ^art. 
 
 The childi-en of 
 God are called upon 
 to give thanks to 
 Him, and to " de- 
 clare His works 
 with rejoicing." 
 
 18 
 /^ OD'S glory ever shall endure, 
 ^^ His works afford Him joy most pure :' 
 Earth trembles^ if Jehovah gaze, 
 Touched by His hand, the mountains blaze : 
 
 19 
 Long as I live,* to God I'll sing, 
 While being lasts, my praises bring : 
 Sweet shall my meditation be,* 
 I will be glad, O Lord, in Thee. 
 
 20 
 Sinners shall be from earth consumed,* 
 The wicked are to ruin doomed: 
 My soul, let all thy powers accord 
 To bless His name ! — Praise ye the Lord l^ 
 
 PSALM CV. 
 
 ' This Psalm of praise is the same as that which was sung on 
 bringing the ark to Zion/ as far as the 16th verse, and the re- 
 mainder, Dathe thinks, was added by some prophet, and sung 
 at the dedication of the second temple." — Dr. Boothbotd. 
 
 /^ IVE thanks to God;® invoke his name ; 
 ^-^ Through every land His deeds pro- 
 claim f 
 Sing to the Lord a sacred psalm, 
 Declare the wonders of His arm :'" 
 2 
 
 O let His name exalt your voice. 
 Let all who seek the Lord rejoice; 
 Seek" ye the Lord, His strength implore ; 
 Seek ye His face for evermore: 
 
 ' Gen. i. 31 ; Rev. 
 iv. 11. 
 
 - Earth trembles, 
 &c. — " It is pro- 
 bable that earth, 
 quakes and volca- 
 noes are here espe- 
 cially referred to." 
 — F. & S. 
 
 3 Ps. Ixui. 4. 
 1 Ps. xix. 14. 
 
 5 Ps. xxxvii. 38 ; 
 Prov. ii. 22. 
 
 6 Praise ye the 
 Lord'. — This is a 
 literal translation of 
 the Hebrew word 
 Allehiia, or Halle- 
 lujah. 
 
 ' Chron. xvi. 
 
 3 Ps. CYlv. 4, 5. 
 
 '0 Ps. Ixxvii. 12. 
 
 11 Seek—\.^. "Be 
 earnest and con- 
 stant in attending 
 upon the public 
 worship of Jehovah, 
 in the place where 
 the ark, the symbol 
 of His power and 
 presence, is depo- 
 sited."— F. & S. 
 
176 
 
 PSALM CV. 
 
 The Church de- 
 clares its subjection 
 to Jehovah, and re- 
 cords His faithful- 
 ness in the fulfil- 
 ment of the pro- 
 mises made to Ab- 
 raham, Isaac, and 
 Jacob. 
 
 The Church re- 
 cords the wonders 
 of divine providence 
 preparatory to the 
 introduction of the 
 promised seed into 
 Egypt ; in accord- 
 ance with the de- 
 claration made by 
 God to Abraham, 
 " Know of a surety, 
 thy seed shall be a 
 stranger in a land 
 that is not theirs, 
 and shall serve 
 them." Gen. XV. 13. 
 
 His wondrous works recall to mind/ 
 His judgments,^ for oui* good designed ; 
 Ye seed of Abraham, His friend, 
 From favoured Jacob^ who descend. 
 
 4 
 TEHOVAH is our God,* and we, 
 ^ In all the earth, His judgments see f 
 His covenant He keeps in mind,*' 
 His words, which future ages bind, 
 
 5 
 The covenant^ with Abraham made. 
 His oath to Isaac;* and conveyed 
 To JacoV as an endless grant. 
 This everlasting covenant, — 
 
 6 
 " The land of Canaan'" I bestow 
 For your inheritance below ;" 
 When few in number they were found, 
 And strangers" to the nations round. 
 
 7 
 'T^HROUGH various nations when they 
 -■- went ; 
 Through kingdoms when their cause was 
 
 bent. 
 He suffered none then- peace to break. 
 Yea, kings'" reproved He for their sake, — 
 
 8 
 " Touch Mine anointed'^ not," said He, 
 " Nor do My prophets'* injury." 
 He called '^ for famine on the earth, 
 And brake the staff of bread by dearth ; 
 
 ' Ps. Ixxvii. 11. 
 
 2 His jitdgnients — 
 i. e. the judgments 
 brought on the ene- 
 mies of Israel. 
 
 3 Favoured Jacob. 
 — " Ye children of 
 Jacob whom He 
 chose, (rejecting 
 Esau,) to inherit 
 the promised bless- 
 ing. See Gen. xxv. 
 23."— Bp. Patrick. 
 
 4 See F. & S. 
 
 5 Is. xxv. 9. 
 
 6 It is worthy of 
 remark that, in the 
 song of Zacharias, 
 which commemo- 
 rates the advent of 
 Messiah, similar 
 language is em- 
 ployed. See Luke 
 i. 72, 73. 
 
 ' Gen sy\\. 8. 
 
 8 Gen. xxvi. 3. 
 
 3 Gen. xxviii. 13. 
 
 >» That the pro- 
 mise of the land of 
 Canaan included 
 the promise of that 
 heavenly inheri- 
 tance of which it 
 was the type, is evi- 
 dent from Heb. xi. 
 9, 10, compared 
 with Acts vii. 5. 
 
 " Strangers. — 
 " Abraham, Isaac, 
 and Jacob sojourned 
 in the land of pro- 
 mise merely as 
 strangers." — F.& S. 
 
 '2 Kings. — He 
 plagued Pharaoh, 
 (Gen. xii. 17,) and 
 threatened Abime- 
 lech. Gen. xx. 7. 
 
 '3 Anointed — i. e. 
 " persons dedicated 
 to God."— Dr. B. 
 
 ''' Prophets.^Ah- 
 raham is called a 
 prophet,Gen. xx. 7. 
 The patriarchs and 
 the whole people of 
 Israel were pro- 
 phets, or teachers of 
 mankind. 
 
 '5 He called — "As 
 a master to a ser- 
 vant, commanding 
 obedience." — F. & 
 
PSALM CV. 
 
 177 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 JFourtl^ ^art. 
 
 The journey of Ja- 
 cob into Egypt, 
 where, through the 
 blessing of God, his 
 seed multiplied, so 
 as to excite the jea- 
 lousy and hatred 
 of the Egyptians, 
 whereupon God 
 raised up Moses and 
 Aaron, who brought 
 plagues upon Pha- 
 raoh and his people, 
 to punish their 
 idolatry and cruel- 
 ty, and to make 
 theEgyptiansknow 
 that God alone was 
 Jehovah. SeeExod. 
 vii. 5. 
 
 But had before them Joseph sent,' 
 Sold for a slave, with bad intent; 
 Whose feet with fetters fast were bound,^ 
 Whom iron chains encompassed round; 
 
 10 
 
 Until, his prophecies' made clear. 
 Proved, by the word of God, sincere, 
 The king sent forth a just decree,* 
 The people's ruler set him fi-ee: 
 
 11 
 
 Over his household made him Lord,^ 
 To rule his wealth in Egypt stored. 
 Princes to bind,** the state conduct, 
 And hoary senators instruct. 
 
 12 
 'T^HEN Israel into Egypt went,' 
 -^ And Jacob pitched in Ham his tent; 
 God multiplied the people there,® 
 Till stronger than their foes they were;^ 
 
 13 
 
 Whose hearts with hate to Israel burned,'" 
 And who to crafty dealings tm-ned : 
 Moses and Aaron He sent forth," 
 His servants, ministers of wrath ; 
 
 14 
 They, in the land of Ham, made known 
 His wonders; there His signs were shown: 
 Darkness He sent,'^ and dark 'twas made : 
 Yet still His word was disobeyed : 
 
 A A 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Gen. xlv. 5. 
 
 ^ Gen. xxxix. 20. 
 
 ^ His prophecies 
 — respecting the 
 butler and baker. 
 Gen. xli. 9-13. 
 
 * Gen. xli. 14. 
 
 ' Gen. xli. 40. 
 
 5 Princes to bind 
 — i. e. " He entrust- 
 ed him with abso- 
 lute power, to com- 
 mand the rulers of 
 his several provin- 
 ces at his pleasure." 
 — Bp. Patrick. 
 
 7 Gen. xlviii. 28- 
 30; Acts vu. 15. 
 
 s Exod. i. 5 ; Acts 
 vii. 15. 
 
 9 Exod. i. 9. 
 
 10 Exod. i. 10-14. 
 
 11 Exod. iii. 10 ; 
 iv. 14, and 28-30. 
 
 12 Exod. X. 22. 
 In narrating the 
 plagues, the Psalm- 
 ist does not confine 
 himself to observe 
 the order in which 
 they were inflicted. 
 
178 
 
 PSALM CV. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The Exodus of the 
 Israelites is com- 
 memorated, and the 
 goodness of God in 
 guiding them thro' 
 the desert, in sup- 
 plying all their 
 wants by the way, 
 in bringing them 
 to " the pleasant 
 land," and estab- 
 lishing them there, 
 in order that " they 
 might keep His sta- 
 
 15 
 
 He turned their waters into blood/ 
 Slew all the fish in Egypt's flood; 
 With frogs/ in great abundance brought, 
 The chambers of their kings were fraught: 
 
 16 
 
 He spake, and divers sorts of flies,^ 
 And lice, in all their coasts, did rise ; 
 Instead of rain,^ He sent them hail. 
 Struck them, with flaming lightning, pale ; 
 
 17 
 Destroyed their fig trees, and their vines,^ 
 Brake all their trees by stormy signs ; 
 Sent forth the locust to distress,® 
 And caterpillars numberless; 
 
 18 
 Who ate up all the herbs they found,' 
 And fi'uits, in Egypt's fertile ground; 
 Their firstborn fell beneath His hand,® 
 Their chief in strength throughoutthe land.' 
 
 19 
 
 HE brought His people forth with 
 bribes,'" 
 None feeble was in all their tribes: 
 Egypt was glad with them to part," 
 The fear of Israel quelled their heart: 
 
 20 
 A cloud to cover them He spread,^^ 
 A fire, by night, their footsteps led: 
 The people asked, and quails were given,'^ 
 He fed them with the bread of heaven:'* 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Exod. vii. 20, 
 
 2 Exod. viii. 6. 
 
 3 Exod. viii. 17 & 
 
 ■• Exod. ix. 23-25. 
 
 5 Ps. Ixxviii. 47. 
 
 6 Exod. X. 4, 13, 
 
 14. 
 
 ' Exod. X. 15. 
 
 8 Exod. xii. 29. 
 
 9 Gen. xlix. 3. 
 
 "> Exod. xii. 35. 
 
 " Exod. xii. 33. 
 
 '2 Exod. xiii. 21 ; 
 Neh. ix. 12. 
 
 13 Exod. xvi. 12, 
 
 "Exod. xvi. 14, 
 15 ; John vi. 32, 33. 
 
PSALM CVI. 
 
 179 
 
 tutes and observe 
 His laws," this 
 being the great end 
 of all His miracles 
 on their behalf. 
 
 JFfrst ^art. 
 
 A general exhorta- 
 tion to give thanks 
 to God, and to 
 praise Him for His 
 goodness and great- 
 ness ; and a prayer 
 that the Psalmist 
 and all the people 
 
 21 
 
 He smote the rock,' and waters gushed, 
 A stream amid the desert rushed : 
 For He His promise kept in mind," 
 To Abraham,^ His servant, kind; 
 
 22 
 
 His people freed from bondage sad. 
 His chosen triumphed,* and were glad: 
 He gave to them the heathen lands,* 
 To' enjoy the labour^ of their hands; 
 
 23 
 
 That they His statutes might observe,^ 
 And keep His laws, nor fr'om them swerve. 
 Praise ye the Lord! adore His name, 
 His wonders through the earth proclaim ! 
 
 PSALM CVL 
 
 This Psalm is thought to have been composed shortly after the cap- 
 tivity, and to have been sung at the dedication of the second 
 temple. 
 
 Hallelujah ! 
 
 1 
 
 GIVE thanks to God, for He is good;' 
 His mercy ever firm hath stood : 
 Who can declare His wondrous ways.?^ 
 Or who can show forth all His praise ? 
 Blessed are they who justice do,'" 
 Who always righteousness pursue ! 
 
 ' Exod. xvii. 6 ; 
 Numb. XX. 11 ; 1' 
 Cor. X. 4. 
 
 2 Gen. XV. 14. 
 ^ Luke i. 72-75. 
 
 ^ Exod. XV. 
 
 ^ Joshua xxiii. 14. 
 
 s The labour, &c. 
 — " They took pos- 
 session of the cities, 
 towfts, fields, and 
 vineyards which 
 the labour of the 
 Canaanites had 
 built and planted." 
 — Bp. Patrick. 
 
 ^Deut. vi. 21-25. 
 
 8 Ps. cxx.>tvi. 1. 
 
 '0 Ps. cxix. 1-3. 
 
180 
 
 PSALM CVI. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 of God may enjoy 
 the divine favour. 
 
 %tconts ^art. 
 
 A confession of ttie 
 sins committed by 
 Israel at tlie Red 
 Sea, and a record 
 of the amazing dis- 
 play of God's power, 
 by which the sea 
 was parted, to efl'ect 
 the deliverance of 
 His people, and re- 
 turned to over- 
 whelm their pur- 
 suing foes. 
 
 VLWa part. 
 
 Their forgetfulness 
 of God's mighty 
 acts, their discon- 
 tent and ingrati- 
 tude ; and their 
 consequent expo- 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 Remember me with favour, Lord/ 
 That favour on Thy people poured ; 
 With Thy salvation visit me, 
 That I Thine Israel's good may see ; 
 May, in Thy nation's joy, be blest, 
 And glory in the land of rest, 
 
 3 
 /^UR fathers sinned, and we confess^ 
 ^^ Our oft repeated wickedness : 
 Our fathers^ did not understand 
 Thy wonders wrought in Egypt's land; 
 
 4 
 Forgot the grace their chains that broke. 
 At the Red Sea* did God provoke : 
 Yet, for His holy name, He wrought. 
 His mighty arm salvation brought : 
 
 5 
 The Red Sea He rebuked and dried,^ 
 They passed the deep,^ (the Lord their 
 
 guide,) 
 As through a desert -J saved they were 
 From those who hatred towards them bare: 
 
 6 
 The waters covered all their foes,* 
 Not one was left their course to' oppose ; 
 Then Israel trusted in His word, 
 And songs® of praise to God preferred. 
 
 7 
 npHEY soon forgot His works,'" so great, 
 -*- Nor would Jehovah's counsel wait ;" 
 But in the desert tempted God, 
 And, by their lust,'^ provoked His rod: 
 
 ' Bememher me. 
 " The Psalmist first 
 offers up his request 
 for himself, and 
 then adverts to the 
 whole body of the 
 people, whose pros- 
 perity, joy, and tri- 
 umph he wishes to 
 share." — Dr. B. 
 
 2 T,ev. xxvi. 40 ; 
 1 Kings, viii. 47 ; 
 Dan. ix. 5. 
 
 ' Exod. xiv. 10- 
 
 •< The Red Sea.— 
 " This refers to the 
 murmuring of the 
 Israelites before the 
 passage of the R ed 
 Sea. Kxod. xiv." 
 — F. & S. 
 
 5 Exod. -xiv. 21 
 Isaiah 1. 2. 
 
 eis.lxUi. 11-13. 
 
 ? Desert — i.e. " as 
 if upon drv ground." 
 — F.&S. 
 
 8 Exod. xiv. 27, 
 
 28. 
 
 9 Songs. — This 
 refers to the song 
 of Moses, in Exodus 
 
 XV. 
 
 "> Exod. .XV. 22. 
 
 " " They were 
 too impatient to 
 wait for the full 
 execution of His 
 purposes towards 
 them." — TitAVELL. 
 
 '2 Numb. xi. 4. 
 
PSALM CVI. 
 
 181 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 sure to His judg- 
 ments. 
 
 Their rebellion 
 against Moses and 
 Aaron, and its aw- 
 ful consequences. 
 
 Their shameful ido- 
 latry during the 
 absence of Moses 
 on Mount Sinai, in 
 consequence of 
 
 which God threat- 
 ened to destroy 
 them utterly, but 
 spared them at the 
 intercession of Mo- 
 ses. 
 
 JFiftJ) ^^art. 
 
 Their unbelief, for 
 which they were 
 not permitted to 
 enter Canaan, but 
 sentenced to pei-ish 
 in the wilderness. 
 
 In wrath, He granted theii- request, 
 Then, with His plagues, their host distrest.' 
 
 8 
 They envied Moses,^ made complaint 
 Of Aaron, God's peculiar saint ; 
 Earth yawned,' — and then (so God 
 
 disposed) 
 On Dathan and Abiram closed:* 
 Consuming fire amongst them came, 
 Burnt were the wicked by the flame. 
 
 9 
 
 A CALF,* in Horeb's mount, they made, 
 -^ And worship to an image paid; 
 Their Glory they forsook,® once more. 
 An ox, that eateth grass, to' adore: 
 
 10 
 God, their Redeemer, they forgot, 
 His mighty works remembered not; 
 His miracles, in Ham made known, 
 His terrors, by the Red Sea shown: 
 
 11 
 
 Therefore He would have slain them there. 
 But Moses interposed by prayer ;'' 
 Stood in the breach® before the Lord, 
 And to avert His wrath implored. 
 
 12 
 T/^EA, they despised the pleasant land,^ 
 -*- They trusted not His word or hand: 
 But murmured in their tents aloud. 
 Nor to the Lord's commandments bowed. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Nimib. xi. 33. 
 
 2 Numb. xvi. 
 
 3 Deut.-xi. 6. 
 
 * " Perhaps Da^ 
 than and Abiram 
 are mentioned only 
 as being guilty of 
 the greater crime of 
 invading the priest- 
 ly office, which be- 
 longed to the tribe 
 of Levi." — DiMOCK. 
 
 5 Exod. xxxii. 4. 
 
 6 Glory. — God 
 was the glory of His 
 people ; hence the 
 ark, the symbol of 
 the divine presence, 
 is called tfic glory. 
 See 1 Sam. iv. 22; 
 and Rom. ix. 4. 
 The worship of the 
 calf in Horeb was 
 in imitation of the 
 homage paid to 
 Apis by the Egyp- 
 tians. 
 
 ' Exod. xxxii. 30- 
 32. 
 
 8 Breach. — " This 
 word is used figu- 
 ratively. It means 
 strictly a breach 
 made by the enemy 
 in the wall of a 
 city."— F. & S. 
 
 9 See Numbers 
 xiii. and xiv. The 
 Psalmist refers to 
 their conduct on 
 hearing the report 
 of the spies sent to 
 search the land. 
 
182 
 
 PSALM CVI. 
 
 Their idolatry in 
 worshipping the 
 gods of Midian, and 
 consequent judg- 
 ments of the Al- 
 mighty. 
 
 Their rebellions 
 " at the waters of 
 strife," which caus- 
 ed Moses to sin. 
 
 Their disobedience 
 in not destroying 
 the idolatrous Ca- 
 naanites ; in min- 
 gling with them by 
 marriage, and in 
 conformingto cruel, 
 unnatural, and abo- 
 minable idolatries. 
 
 13 
 Then, lifting up His hand,' He sware 
 To slay them in the desert bare ; 
 To waste their seed by Gentile bands, 
 And scatter^ them in heathen lands. 
 
 14 
 
 To BaaP Peor s shrine they fled, 
 And ate the offerings of the dead:* | 
 
 Thus did they God to wrath provoke, 
 Until the jilague^ upon them broke: 
 
 15 
 Then Phineas rose, and zeal displayed 
 For judgment,'^ — so the plague was stayed: 
 Hence he was counted to possess'' 
 An everlasting righteousness. 
 
 16 
 At Meribah^ they caused His wrath. 
 Which against Moses issued forth ; 
 For they provoked his spmt meek 
 Most' rashly with his lips to speak. 
 
 17 
 rPHEY'" did not slay, at God's" command, 
 -*- The nations that defiled the land ; 
 But mingled'^ with the heathen there. 
 And learned their works, which proved a 
 snare ; 
 
 18 
 To demons'^ sacrificed, with fear. 
 Even their sons and daughters dear ; 
 Whose blood, all innocent, thus spilt. 
 Flowed through the land, a stream of 
 guilt. I 
 
 ' Lifting up His 
 hand. — An expres- 
 sive action, accom- 
 panying an oath. 
 See Deut. xxxii. 40, 
 and compare Ps. 
 xcv. 1 1 . with Heb. 
 iii. 18, 19. 
 
 2 Lev. xxvi. 33. 
 
 3 Numb. XXV. 2, 3, 
 and xxxi. 16. Baal 
 signifies Lord. 
 
 •• The dead—i. e. 
 " idols, so called 
 in contradistinction 
 to the living God." 
 — F.&S. 
 
 * Numb. XXV. 9. 
 
 ^ Judgment — 
 which he executed 
 on Zimri and Coz- 
 bi. Numb. xxv. 7, 8. 
 
 7 Rom. iv. 5. 
 
 * Meribah — i. e. 
 strife. See Numb. 
 XX. 13. 
 
 9 Numb. XX. 10. 
 
 "> Judges i. 27 to 
 end; Judges ii. 2, 3. 
 
 " Deut. vii. 7 and 
 16. 
 •2 Judges iii. 5-7. 
 
 " To demons. — 
 " That is, the idols 
 before mentioned; 
 and this proves that 
 in the worship of 
 Molech.buman vic- 
 tims were offered. 
 From the New Tes- 
 tament it is clear 
 that there was a 
 distinction between 
 demons and devils ; 
 demons were the 
 spirits of dead men, 
 and devils fallen 
 angels." — Dr. B. 
 
PSALM CVI. 
 
 183 
 
 SDBJECT. 
 
 The anger of God, 
 in consequence of 
 their unfaithful- 
 ness ; causing them 
 to be led into capti- 
 vity; 
 
 \ 
 
 yet mingled with 
 mercy, even in His 
 heaviestjudgments. 
 
 The Church prays 
 for unity and in- 
 crease ; and offers 
 solemn praise to 
 God. 
 
 19 
 Thus with their works^ were they defiled, 
 To worship idol gods beguiled ; 
 This roused^ the anger of the Lord, 
 So that His people He abhorred, 
 
 20 
 
 And gave them up^ to heathen hands. 
 Whose hatred tied their servile bands: 
 Their enemies oppressed them sore. 
 And they the yoke of bondage wore : 
 
 21 
 
 Though oft He saved, their counsels* vain, 
 Urged Him to bring them low again ; 
 Yet, when their sorrows He beheld, 
 And heard their cry, by love impelled, 
 
 22 
 He called^ His covenant to mind. 
 Relented, for the Lord^ is kind ; 
 And planted pity in their breast'' 
 Who had His captives sore oppressed. 
 
 23 
 
 O AVE' us, O God, our tribes collect^ 
 *^ From heathen nations, and protect : 
 We to Thy holy name will raise 
 Our songs, and triumph in Thy praise : 
 
 24 
 
 Blest be Jehovah, Israel's Lord!'" 
 His name eternally adored ! 
 Amen, let all the people cry ! 
 Praise ye Jehovah, God Most High ! 
 
 ' Their works — 
 i. e, " the works of 
 the heathen." — 
 F. &S. 
 
 ^ Judges ii. 14, 
 &c. 
 
 3 Judges iv. 2, 3 ; 
 Neh. ix. 27. Bishop 
 Home observes that 
 this is an epitome 
 of the history of 
 Israel. " Trans- 
 gressions brought 
 on chastisements ; 
 chastisements pro- 
 duced repentance ; 
 and repentance ob- 
 tained mercy." 
 
 ^ Counsels — i. e. 
 " the perverseness 
 with which they 
 followed their own 
 evil imaginations." 
 — F.& S. 
 
 ' Lev. xxvi. 40-42. 
 6Neh. ix. 31. 
 
 ' Ezra ix. 9 ; Jer. 
 xlii. 12. 
 
 8 2Chron.xvi.35; 
 Ps. cxxvi. 4. 
 
 9 Colled. — " Re- 
 store such of us as 
 are dispersed in 
 foreign lands unto 
 our own country." 
 — Pateick. 
 
 10 " This doxology 
 closes the fourth 
 book of the Psalms." 
 
 — F.& S. 
 
184 
 
 PSALM CVII. 
 
 The redeemed of 
 the Lord are ex- 
 horted to praise 
 Him for having de- 
 livered them out of 
 their former dis- 
 tressed condition, 
 which is compared 
 to that of weary 
 travellers ready to 
 perish in a desert, 
 who, on crying to 
 God, are heard by 
 Him and guided to 
 a place of safety. 
 
 Their condition is 
 here illustrated by 
 that of captives shut 
 up in a dungeon, to 
 which state of mi- 
 sery they had been 
 brought by disobe- 
 
 PSALM CVII. 
 
 L. M. DOUBLE. 
 
 Dr. M. Good considers this exquisite Psalm to have been composed 
 after the return of the Jews from Babylon, and used, at one of 
 the great festivals, in the second temple. 
 
 1 
 
 /~^ IVE thanks to God! for He is good;' 
 ^ His mercy ever firm hath stood ; 
 Let the redeemed of God thus say/ 
 Rescued from their oppressor's sway; 
 And gathered/ to the land of rest, 
 From north and south, from east and west! 
 They wandered in the desert* bare. 
 Fainting with thirst and hunger there : — 
 
 Then to the Lord they cried,^ in grief; 
 He heard, and quickly brought relief; 
 Led them the right,® unerring way, 
 To seek a city'^ there to stay; 
 Oh ! that mankind would praise the Lord, 
 His love, His wondrous works record ! 
 The longing soul He satisfies, 
 With good* the hungry soul supplies. 
 
 3 
 
 SUCH as in darkness^ sit alone, 
 The shades of death around them 
 thrown. 
 With galling iron fetters bound,'" 
 Because" rebellious they were found 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Ps. cxviii. 1. 
 
 2 Ps. cvi. 47, 48. 
 The propriety of 
 this language from 
 the lips of the Is- 
 raelites just re- 
 turned from Baby- 
 lon is obvious. 
 
 3 Is. xliii. 5, 6 ; 
 Jer. xxxi. 8, 10. 
 
 '^ Desert.— "That 
 between the Eu- 
 phrates and Judea. 
 See Ezra viii. 21, 
 22."— Dr. B. 
 
 5 Ps. 1. 1.5 ; Hos. 
 v. 15. 
 
 6 Ezra viii. 21. 
 
 7 City. — " The 
 Chaldee explains 
 this to mean Jeru- 
 salem ; and this was 
 the city of their 
 fathers to which the 
 exiles returned." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
 8 Ps. xxxiv. 10 ; 
 Luke i. 53. 
 
 9 Luke i. 79. 
 
 lO^OMKrf.— "This 
 passage may be 
 rendered, — Being 
 bound with galling 
 chains." — Dimock. 
 2 Chron. xxxiii. 11 ; 
 Job xxxvi. 8. 
 
 '1 Ezra ix. 7 ; 
 Dan. ix. 11. 
 
PSALM cvn. 
 
 185 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 dience to the Most 
 High ; but who, on 
 their humbling 
 themselves in pray- 
 er before Him, 
 " proclaims deliver- 
 ance to the captive, 
 and the opening of 
 the prison to them 
 that are bound." 
 
 Their state, pre- 
 vious to their re- 
 demption, is here 
 compared to that 
 of men pining away 
 under some fatal 
 disease, and ap- 
 proaching the gates 
 of death ; but who, 
 on crymg to God for 
 relief, are healed by 
 Him, who " Him- 
 self took our sick- 
 nesses, and bare our 
 diseases." 
 
 Against the words of God Most High, 
 And dared His counsel' to defy; 
 Wliose heart He brought, by trouble,^ low. 
 They fell,^ and none could help bestow : — 
 
 4 
 
 Then to the Lord they cried, in grief ;^ 
 He heard, and quickly brought relief; 
 Freed them fi'om darkness,'"* and the pains 
 Of death, and brake their iron chains : 
 Oh ! that mankind would praise the Lord, 
 His love, His wondrous works record! 
 'Tis He who bursts the brazen gates,® 
 The bars of iron separates. 
 
 T700LS,^ who the God of heaven deny, 
 -■- And whose transgressions multiply. 
 Who pour contemjDt upon His law. 
 He visits with affliction sore :® 
 Their inmost soul abhors to eat. 
 Through sickness, the most dainty meat: 
 They pine away with grief and fear. 
 And to the gates of death draw near: — 
 
 6 
 
 Then to the Lord they cry, in grief ;^ 
 He hears, and quickly brings relief; 
 Sends forth His word to heal,'" and save 
 His suppliants from the threatening grave : 
 Oh ! that mankind would praise the Lord, 
 His love, His wondrous works record ! 
 Let thankful offerings men employ," 
 While they declare His works with joy !'^ — 
 
 B B 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Jer. xxiii. 22 ; 
 Luke vii. 30. 
 
 2 Trouble. — 
 
 F. &S. 
 
 ^ 2 Chron. xxxiii. 
 12, 13: Lara. iii. 
 55-57. 
 
 5 Darkness — the 
 emblem of misery. 
 
 ^ Braxen gates. — 
 An evident allusion 
 to the taking of 
 Babylon, which was 
 defended by brazen 
 gates. Compare Is. 
 xlv. 1, 2. 
 
 7 Fools. — This 
 term is commonly 
 used in Scripture 
 to describe wicked 
 men ; sin against 
 God being the 
 greatest of all folly. 
 Compare Ps. xiv. 1 ; 
 Luke -xii. 20. 
 
 8 Job xxxiii. 19- 
 22. " Disease is 
 often represented 
 as the punishment 
 of sin, and which 
 God in mercy sanc- 
 tifies to bring to re- 
 pentance." — Dr. B. 
 
 3 Job xxxiii. 26- 
 
 1" 2 Kings XX. 4,5. 
 
 ■iLev. vu. 12;Ps. 
 cxvi. 17. 
 
 12 Ps. Ixxiii. 28 ; 
 cxviii. 17. 
 
186 
 
 PSALM cvn. 
 
 Their distressed 
 and dangerous situ- 
 ation is here com- 
 pared to that of 
 mariners in a storm, 
 who, having relin- 
 quislied every other 
 hope of deliverance, 
 cry unto the Lord 
 in their distress, 
 and are, by His 
 power and good- 
 ness, brought in 
 peace to their de- 
 sired haven. 
 
 The various dispen- 
 sations of God's pro- 
 vidence towards the 
 wicked and the 
 righteous are here 
 set forth, as calcu- 
 lated to convey in- 
 struction and warn- 
 ing to all mankind ; 
 
 rpHEY who in ships the ocean dare/ 
 -'- Behold His works/ His wonders there : 
 He bids the stormy wind arise/ 
 The waves are lifted to the skies: 
 They mount to heaven; descend again; 
 Their sonl dissolves with fear and pain;* 
 They stagger/ just as drunkards reel, 
 And, void of skill,*^ through terror, feel. 
 
 Then to the Lord they cry, in grief ;^ 
 He hears, and quickly brings relief: 
 He makes the fimous tempest cease,* 
 And brings them to their port in peace :® 
 Oh ! that mankind would praise the Lord, 
 His love, His wondrous works record! 
 Exalt His name, His praise repeat, 
 Where people crowd,^" where elders meet !" 
 
 9 
 
 ■p IVERS He turns to desert sand,'" 
 ■^^ And water- springs to thirsty land; 
 A fruitful soil to barren ground. 
 Where crime and wickedness abound: 
 He turns the desert to a pool,'' 
 And diy ground into fountains cool ; 
 And makes the hungry settle there, 
 An habitation to prejaare ; 
 Vineyards to plant, to sow the field, 
 Which fruits of rich increase may yield: 
 His blessing multiplies their peace,'* 
 Nor does He let then* herds decrease. 
 
 1 Ps. xlviii. 7. 
 
 2 Ps. civ. 24-27. 
 
 3 Jonah i. 4. 
 
 ■> Ps. cxix. 28. 
 
 5 Is. xxix. 9. 
 
 6 F. & S. render 
 this " all theii" skill 
 faileth." 
 
 " Jonah 1. 5, 6, & 
 16; Matt.viii. 2b. 
 
 8 Ps. Ixxxix. 9. 
 
 9 John vi. 21. 
 
 loPs. cxii. 1. 
 
 " Ps. cxxxviii. 1. 
 
 '- 1 Kings xvii. 
 1, 7. The judg- 
 ments brought on 
 the cities of the 
 plain, on Babylonia, 
 Judea, and Egypt, 
 illustrate this. 
 
 I' Ps. cxiv. 8 ; Is. 
 xliii. 19, 20. The 
 state of Judea, after 
 seventy years of ne- 
 gligence during the 
 captivity, was, no 
 doubt, that of great 
 bai'renness ; it was 
 like a desert; but 
 through the bless- 
 ing of God on the 
 industry of His 
 people, it was re- 
 stored to fruitful- 
 ness, thus fulfilling 
 the prophecy, (Is. 
 XXXV. 1, 2,) " The 
 wilderness and the 
 solitary place shall 
 be glad for them, 
 and the desert shall 
 rejoice, and blossom 
 as the rose," &c. 
 
 '■• Peace — i. e. 
 their prosperity. 
 
PSALM cvm. 
 
 187 
 
 and to display to 
 those who atten- 
 tively observe these 
 things, not only the 
 justice, but also 
 " the loving kind- 
 ness of the Lord." 
 
 The King of Israel 
 offers to God so- 
 lemn thanksgiving 
 and praise for His 
 loving kindness and 
 truth. 
 
 10 
 Or, if diminished, and brought low, 
 Through fierce oppression, grief, and woe, 
 He pours, on tyrant princes,^ scorn, 
 They stray the wilderness, forlorn ; 
 Yet sets His poor high on a rock,^ 
 And makes their offspring like a flock: 
 This shall the just with gladness fill,^ 
 And all iniquity be still/ 
 Whoso, endued with wisdom's grace,* 
 Will thus Jehovah's wonders trace,® 
 Shall understand, and spread abroad 
 The loving kindness of the Lord. 
 
 PSALM CVHL 
 
 This Psalm appears to have been compiled from Psalms Ivii. and 
 Ix. It was probably used on the same occasion as tlie latter, 
 i. e. shortly after David's accession to the throne, and whilst 
 engaged in war with the surrounding states. The triumph of 
 David over his enemies is typical of the triumph of Messiah. 
 
 OGOD, my heart is fixed on Thee,'' 
 My tongue shall sound Thy praise: 
 Awake, my hai-]) and psaltery, 
 To aid my morning lays. 
 
 2 
 
 Lord, I would sound Thy praise afar,* 
 Would sing to listening crowds : 
 
 Above the heavens Thy mercies are,^ 
 Thy truth above the clouds. 
 
 ' Tyrant princes 
 — i. e. those who 
 oppress his people : 
 such as Pharaoh, 
 Nebuchadnezzar, & 
 others. 
 
 2 1 Sam. ii. 8. 
 
 ^ Job xxii. 19. 
 
 4 Job V. 16. 
 
 5 Jer. ix. 12; Hos. 
 xiv. 9. 
 
 6 " To take notice 
 of the providence of 
 God, is the most 
 effectual way to 
 make men wise." — 
 Bp. Wilson. 
 
 ^ Ps. Ivii. 7. This 
 holy decision is ne- 
 cessary to success. 
 It is the reverse of 
 what is declared of 
 Reuben, " Unstable 
 as water, thou shalt 
 not excel." — Gen. 
 xUx. 4. 
 
 8 Rom. XV. 9. 
 
 9 Ps. xxxvi. 5 ; 
 
 Iv. 8, 9. 
 
188 
 
 PSALM cvni. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 With devout adora- 
 tion, he presents his 
 petition for deli- 
 verance. 
 
 Encouraged by the 
 promises of God, he 
 foretells the domi- 
 nion he should ob- 
 tain, not only over 
 the tribes of Israel, 
 but also over the 
 Gentile nations. 
 
 Foreseeing great 
 difficulties to be 
 surmounted, he im- 
 plores divine guid- 
 ance and help ; and 
 renouncing all con- 
 fidence in the arm 
 of flesh, declares his 
 certainty of suc- 
 cess. 
 
 3 
 
 Be Thou exalted/ Lord, above 
 
 The earth, above the sky! 
 Rescue the object of Thy love, 
 
 And answer when I cry.^ 
 
 4 
 
 /^ OD,^ by His holiness,'' hath sworn ; 
 ^^ And I shall hence prevail; 
 Through Schechem be in triumph borne, 
 And measure* Succoth's vale. 
 
 Gilead is mine, Manasseh mine; 
 
 Ephraim my head, defends ; 
 From Judah,^ by the word divine, 
 
 The Law-giver descends. 
 
 6 
 Moab, enslaved, shall wash my feet;' 
 
 On Edom I will tread ;^ 
 To proud Philistia's warlike seat, 
 
 My triumph soon shall spread. 
 
 7 
 
 To Edom who will be my guide. 
 
 Its city^ strong to gain } 
 Lord, wilt not Thou, our God, preside 
 
 Over our hosts again ? 
 
 8 
 From trouble give us help, for vain 
 
 The help of man, we know : 
 Through God shall we the victory gain. 
 
 And ti-ead down every foe. 
 
 ' Ps. IvU. 5&11. 
 
 3 Bff His holiness 
 — i.e. " sworn by 
 Himself that He 
 will maintain the 
 cause of David."- — 
 F. & S. 
 
 •• Measure. — " For 
 the purpose of dis- 
 tributing it among 
 my followers." — 
 F. &S. 
 
 ' Mt/ head — i. e. 
 guards my person. 
 Compare 1 Samuel 
 xxviii. 2. 
 
 * Fro?n Juda/i. — 
 " The sceptre shall 
 not depart from 
 Judah, nor a law- 
 giver — imtil Shiloh 
 be come," &c. Gen. 
 xlix. 10. 
 
 7 This was the 
 work of slaves. 
 
 s Tread. — See 
 Bishop Home, and 
 compare Josh. x. 24, 
 and 1 Cor. xv. 25. 
 
 9 Its city. — Boz- 
 rah, the capital of 
 Edom, deemed im- 
 pregnable. — See 
 Obad. iii. Home re- 
 marks that Christ's 
 triumph is set forth 
 under the striking 
 image of a king of 
 Israel returning 
 from the reduction 
 of Idumea, " Who 
 is this that cometh 
 from Edom, with 
 dyed garmentsfrom 
 Bozrah?" Is.lxiii. 1. 
 
PSALM CIX. 
 
 189 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 JFtrst ^art. 
 
 Messiah, betrayed 
 and persecuted by 
 wicked men, spreads 
 His sorrows before 
 His heavenly Fa- 
 ther, deploring the 
 base ingratitude 
 with which His love 
 was requited. 
 
 Sccontr ^art. 
 
 He predicts the 
 fearful judgments 
 with which God 
 would visit those 
 who were His "be- 
 trayers and mur- 
 
 PSALM CIX. 
 
 " This Psalm is a perspicuous, and most awful prediction of the 
 sufferings which awaited the enemies of Messiah : primarily 
 Judas, who was guide to them that took Jesus (Acts i. 16-20) ; 
 secondarily, the synagogue, and the whole nation of the Jews." 
 — Bp. Mant. 
 
 It is thought to have been composed by David during the rebellion 
 of Absalom, when he suffered so deeply from the traitorous con- 
 duct of Ahithophel. 
 
 " The 28th chapter of Deutei-onomy may be considered as a kind 
 of commentary on this Psalm." — Tkavell. 
 
 1 
 
 /n OD' of my praise, Thy silence break : 
 ^^ For wicked and deceitful men 
 Open tlieir mouths my life to take f 
 
 Their lying tongues would me condemn.' 
 
 With words of hate they round me close, 
 And war, without a cause,* prepare : 
 
 They, for my love,^ become my foes; 
 But I devote myself to prayer.® 
 
 3 
 With evil basely they requite 
 
 The good I freely on them poured: 
 And though to love is my delight. 
 
 My love with hatred they reward.^ 
 
 4 
 
 nPHE wicked o'er him shalP preside, 
 -*- And Satan' stand at his right hand : 
 Guilty shall he be found when tried. 
 And God his prayer with sin shall brand. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 1 God, &c. — i. e. 
 "the object of my 
 praise." — F. & S. 
 
 2 ; 
 
 2 Luke xxiii. 
 John xviii. 30. 
 
 3 Matt. xxvi. 59- 
 61. 
 
 4 Ps. Ixix. 4 ; John 
 XV. 25. 
 
 5 John X. 32. 
 
 ^ Walford renders 
 this, " I pray for 
 them." Thus our 
 Lord prayed for His 
 persecutors & mur- 
 derers — " Father, 
 forgive them, for 
 they know not what 
 they do." 
 
 7 John XV. 25. 
 
 8 Shall. — The 
 verbs in this and 
 the following verses 
 are rendered in the 
 future on the au- 
 thority of Bishop 
 Home. 
 
 8 Satan — or an 
 adversary. (Com- 
 pare Zech. iii. 1 ; 
 Kevelationsxii. 10.) 
 " Amongst the 
 
 Jews, the accuser 
 stood at the right 
 hand of the ac- 
 cused." — ROSEN- 
 MULLEB. 
 
190 
 
 PSALM CIX. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 derers," foretelling 
 that they should be 
 dispersed through- 
 out all the nations 
 of the earth; that 
 there they sliould 
 " be only oppressed 
 and crushed al- 
 ways," (Deut. 
 xxviii. 33 ;) 
 
 that the sins of the 
 fathers and the 
 children should be 
 visited in the de- 
 struction of the na- 
 tion: 
 
 and that, in conse- 
 quence of their 
 unjust and cruel 
 treatment of Mes- 
 siah, and their re- 
 jection of the bless- 
 ings He came to 
 bestow, they should 
 be the subjects of 
 the most fearful 
 curses, according 
 to the prediction of 
 Moses, Deut. xxviii. 
 15-19. 
 
 Few days on earth shall he possess, 
 His office shall another take ;^ 
 
 His children soon be fatherless ; 
 His wife a widow God will make. 
 
 6 
 Like vagrants/ shall his children crave 
 
 (Outcast from home) their bread with toil : 
 Extortioners seize all he gave/ 
 
 And strangers all his labom* spoil.^ 
 
 7 
 Mercy to him shall none extend/ 
 
 Nor favoiu' to his oi-phans show : 
 Cut off, his offspring soon shall end, 
 
 Nor the next age^ their name shall know. 
 
 His father's sins/ his mother's crimes, 
 Unpurged, the Lord will call to mind; 
 
 Will set before His face* betimes. 
 
 That none their name on earth may find.^ 
 
 9 
 
 Because no mercy'" he would show. 
 
 But cruel hatred did display 
 To one in need, oppressed with woe. 
 
 The broken-hearted man to slay. 
 
 10 
 As he loved cursing, filled with spite. 
 
 So shall the curse upon him rest/' 
 As blessing gave him no delight, 
 
 For ever shall he be unblest. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Actsi. 20. "If 
 this refers to 
 Ahithophel prima- 
 rily, his office must 
 mean that of coun- 
 sellor; and as also 
 intending Judas, 
 that which he held. 
 Ahithophel and Ju- 
 das died in the 
 same manner." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
 2 Ps. l.'^ix. 25. 
 Horsley thinks that 
 this alludes to the 
 state of the Jews in 
 their dispersion, 
 having no settled 
 home. 
 
 3 Job V. 5. 
 
 ■• Deut. xxviii. 33. 
 " The Jews, when 
 they have acquired 
 wealth, have been, 
 from time to time, 
 in all countries, the 
 prey of tyrannical 
 exactions." — Hors- 
 ley. 
 
 5 James ii. 13. 
 
 ^ Nert age. — The 
 existence of the 
 Jews as a nation 
 ceased shortly after 
 the death of Mes- 
 siah. 
 
 ' Exodus X.X. 5 ; 
 Matt, xxiii. 34-36. 
 
 8 Set before Hts 
 face — i. e. in order 
 to their punish- 
 ment. Comp. Ps. 
 xc. 8. 
 
 9 Ps. xxxiv. 16. 
 
 '" No mercy. — 
 " Neither Ahitho- 
 phel nor Judas 
 showed any to those 
 to whom they were 
 under the greatest 
 obligations ; but 
 both proved trai- 
 tors."— Dr. B. 
 
 !• Matt. vii. 2. 
 " The curse alludes 
 to the imprecation 
 by which they ven- 
 tured to take upon 
 themselves the guilt 
 
PSALM CIX. 
 
 191 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 Messiah again prays 
 for deliverance ; 
 
 and pathetically de- 
 scribes the suffer- 
 ings He endured. 
 
 £ovirif) ^art. 
 
 He prays for divine 
 interposition on His 
 behalf, in order to 
 the conviction of 
 His enemies ; 
 
 11 
 
 Like garments that around him flow, 
 He clothed himself with curses fierce : 
 
 These through his frame, like water, go, 
 Or oil,' that through the bones doth pierce. 
 
 12 
 
 These, like a robe, shall him enclose. 
 And, as a ghdle, clasp him tight : 
 
 Thus will the Lord my bitter foes,^ 
 My false accusers thus requite. 
 
 13 
 
 T)UT Thou, O God Jehovah, deal 
 -*-^ With me according to Thy name !' 
 How good Thy mercy is, reveal ; 
 Deliverance to my soul proclaim ! 
 
 14 
 
 Needy and poor I now am made,* 
 
 My wounded heart with grief is riven; 
 
 I waste, like a declining shade,^ 
 
 Like locusts,*' up and down am diiven, 
 
 15 
 
 My knees are weak, through fasting long ; 
 
 My flesh doth waste away through dread ; 
 I am become their scorn, their song ; 
 
 They look at me, and shake their head,^ 
 
 16 
 TTELP me, O Lord ! my foes withstand; 
 
 n 
 
 Save me, according to Thy grace; 
 
 That they may thus discern Thy hand,^ 
 Thy work on my behalf may trace. 
 
 of our Lord's death, 
 when Pilate pro- 
 nounced Him inno- 
 cent. (Matt, xxvii. 
 25.) The blessing 
 on which they set 
 not their heart, was 
 that which they 
 might have obtain- 
 ed from our Lord." 
 
 — Bp. HOBSLEY. 
 
 ' Like water, or 
 oil — i. e. " affecting 
 him not merely 
 superficially, but 
 penetrating and 
 pervading his whole 
 frame." 
 
 2 Foes. — " This 
 seems to intimate 
 that what has been 
 said emphatically 
 against one person, 
 is to be understood 
 of all associated 
 with him ; both 
 Ahithophel and 
 those engaged with 
 him on the one 
 hand; and on the 
 other, Judas, Pon- 
 tius Pilate, and the 
 Jewish nation, who 
 rose up against the 
 Son of David." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
 3 Jer. xiv. 7. 
 
 ■« Ps. xl. 17. 
 
 sps. cii. 11. 
 
 ^Locu ts.— "The 
 Psalmist alludes to 
 their being driven 
 about from place to 
 place by fire, noise, 
 and other means 
 employed to dis- 
 perse these dread- 
 ful ravagers." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
 ' Matt, xxvii. 39. 
 
 8 Discern Thy 
 hand — i.e. see "that 
 mine aid cometh 
 from Thee." — 
 F.& S. 
 
192 
 
 PSALM ex. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 anticipates a glori- 
 ous triumph ; 
 
 and vows His grate- 
 ful acknowledg- 
 ments to His Fa- 
 ther in heaven. 
 
 The Psalmist de- 
 clares the decree 
 of Jehovah respect- 
 ing Messiah's exal- 
 tation. 
 
 In the spirit of pro- 
 phecy, he foretells 
 the establishment 
 of Christ's king- 
 dom ; and the num- 
 bers and the cha- 
 racter of His sub- 
 jects. 
 
 17 
 
 Though they may curse/ yet Thou wilt bless ; 
 
 They rise to shame, but I rejoice:' 
 My foes with shame themselves shall dress,' 
 
 As with the mantle of their choice. 
 18 
 Greatly my mouth shall praise the Lord,* 
 
 Yea, amongst multitudes of men ; 
 For near the poor* He stands, to ward 
 
 His soul fi'om those who would condemn. 
 
 PSALM ex. 
 
 This Psalm, of which David was the author, is prophetic of the 
 kingdom,^ priesthood, and triumph of Messiah. Dr. M. Good 
 thinks it was used at the feast of the Passover. 
 
 rPHUS, to my Lord, Jehovah spake,' 
 -L " Sit' Thou at My right hand, 
 Enthi'oned, till I Thy footstooF make 
 
 The foes who Thee withstand." 
 2 
 Thy rod'" from Zion God will send. 
 
 Rule Thou amidst Thy foes: 
 Thy people" freely shall attend 
 
 Thine armies to compose. 
 
 3 
 
 In sacred robes, in youtliful bloom. 
 In crowds shall they convene; 
 
 Like dew-drops from the morning's womb 
 Their countless hosts are seen. 
 
 1 2 Sam. xvi. 11, 
 12. 
 
 2 Is. Ixv. 14. 
 
 •'' Ps. cxxxii. 18. 
 
 ^ Ps. XXXV. 18 ; 
 Heb. ii. 11. 
 
 ^ The poor — or, as 
 Horsley renders it, 
 the poor one. See 
 Ps. Ixix. 29 and 33. 
 
 6 Matt. xxii. 43- 
 45; Heb. i. 13; v. 6 ; 
 X. 12, 13. 
 
 '' Mark xii. 36 ; 
 Luke XX. 42 ; Acts 
 u. 34, 3.5. 
 
 8 Sit.—" This im- 
 plies a participation 
 of sovereign power." 
 — F. & S. 
 
 9 Footstool.— This 
 refers to the custom 
 of Eastern con- 
 querors putting 
 their feet on the 
 necks of their ene- 
 mies. See Josh. 
 X. 24 ; and com- 
 pare 1 Cor. XV. 25 ; 
 Heb. i. 13. 
 
 '0 Thy rod, or 
 sceptre. — The en- 
 sign of regal autho- 
 rity. Messiah's 
 kingdom, commen- 
 cing in Zion, is to 
 extend over aU na- 
 tions. 
 
 " Thy people, &c. 
 F. & S. render this 
 " Thy people shall 
 freely offer them- 
 selves, at the ga- 
 thering of Thine 
 armies, in holy at- 
 tu-e." This is a 
 prophetic descrip- 
 tion of the church 
 miUtant, assem- 
 bling to follow the 
 Captain of their 
 salvation. Their 
 numbers shall be 
 greater, and their 
 appearance more 
 brilliaut than the 
 dew-drops from the 
 womb of the morn- 
 ing ; — a highly poe- 
 tical figure. 
 
PSALM CXI. 
 
 193 
 
 The nature of 
 His wnchangeable 
 priesthood, com- 
 bining the regal 
 with the priestly 
 office. 
 
 The prophet fore- 
 tells the destruc- 
 tion of Messiali's 
 enemies ; 
 
 and the miracu- 
 lous support which 
 should be given to 
 Him and His fol- 
 lowers until His 
 great designs be ac- 
 complished. 
 
 The Psalmist 
 praises God in the 
 sanctuary, on ac- 
 count of His mighty 
 works of creation, 
 which display the 
 glory of Jehovah, 
 and which He 
 would have kept in 
 remembrance by 
 mankind. 
 
 The Lord hath sworn,' nor in the least, 
 
 Will from His oath depart, 
 " Thou, like Melchisedec, a Priest 
 
 And King for ever art." 
 5 
 Jehovah is at Thy right hand, 
 
 Opposing kings'- to' o'erthrow; 
 To subject every heathen land, 
 
 And bring their princes low. 
 6 
 He,' by the way that He must tread, 
 
 Shall drink^ the flowing stream; 
 Therefore shall He lift up His head, 
 
 O'er all His foes supreme. 
 
 PSALM CXL 
 
 Dr. M. Good thinks that this Psalm was composed at the close of 
 David's reign, and used at the feast of Tabernacles, or Ingather- 
 ing. It is an alphabetical Psalm. 
 
 1 
 
 pRAISE ye the Lord ! I will recite, 
 -*- With all my lieart,^ His praise ; 
 Li the assembly of the' upright,® 
 
 To Him loud anthems raise. 
 2 
 His works are gi*eat, sought out^ by those 
 
 Wlio therein take delight ; 
 His glorious honour they disclose ; 
 
 His truth shines ever bright, 
 c c 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Sworn. — See 
 Heb. vii. 20, 21. 
 Our Lord's priest- 
 hood, unlike that of 
 Aaron, is eternal. 
 In Him the sceptre 
 and tlie mitre are 
 united, as had been 
 foretold by Zecha- 
 riah, (vi. 13,) " He 
 shall be a Priest 
 upon His throne." 
 
 2 Compare Ps. ii. 
 10-12. " Accord- 
 ingly, many kings 
 and emperors who 
 set themselves to 
 oppose Christianity, 
 were destroyed in a 
 dreadful manner, as 
 were also the Jews." 
 —Dr. B. 
 
 3 He — i. e. " the 
 victorious king, the 
 Messiah."— F. & S. 
 
 '• Drink. — " Be 
 miraculously re- 
 freshed, as Moses 
 and the children of 
 Israel were in the 
 desert. (Exod. xvii. 
 6.) When thus re- 
 freshed, the Mes- 
 siah will be victo- 
 rious over His ene- 
 mies."— F. & S. 
 
 sps. ix. 1. 
 6 Ps. XXXV. 18. 
 
 i' Sought out — 
 " with earnest care 
 and attention, as 
 being most admir- 
 able and worthy of 
 their whole re- 
 gard."— F. & S. 
 
194 
 
 PSALM CXI. 
 
 He celebrates the 
 providence of God 
 manifested on be- 
 half of His people, 
 in accordance with 
 His covenant. 
 
 He praises God for 
 the blessings of re- 
 demption ; 
 
 and declares that 
 the fear of Jehovah 
 is the beginnhig of 
 wisdom. 
 
 Deeply within our memory stored 
 His mighty works' should be : 
 
 Full of compassion is the Lord,^ 
 Gracious and kind is He. 
 
 For those who fear Him He provides,^ 
 
 His covenant ever stands ; 
 His mighty arm His people guides, 
 
 And Rives them heathen lands. 
 
 His works are truth and equity ;* 
 All His commands are sure f 
 
 They stand, and shall eternal be/ 
 Most upright, true, and pui'e. 
 
 6 
 
 He, to His people, doth proclaim 
 Redemption by His hands f 
 
 Holy and reverend is His name. 
 His covenant ever stands. 
 
 Wisdom begins in fearing God,® 
 
 And truly wise are they 
 Who shun the path by sinners trod, 
 
 And His commands obey. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' His mig/iti/ 
 tvorks. — One great 
 design of the in- 
 stitution of the 
 Sabbath was to 
 commemorate the 
 mighty works of 
 God. 
 
 2 Ps. Ixxxvi. 5 ; 
 Ps. ciii. 8. 
 
 3 Ps. xxxiv. 9 ; 
 Matt. vi. 33. 
 
 4 Rev. XV. 3. 
 
 5 Ps. xLx. 7; Luke 
 xvi. 17. 
 
 6 Matt. V. 18. 
 
 ' Matthew i. 21 ; 
 Luke i. G8. The 
 redemption of Is- 
 rael from Egypt is 
 alluded to by the 
 Psalmist; this was 
 typical of the re- 
 demption of God's 
 people from the 
 bondage of sin. 
 
 8 Job xxviii. 28 ; 
 Prov. i. 7. 
 
PSALM cxn. 
 
 195 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The Psalmist ex- 
 horts to the praise 
 of God ; and de- 
 clares the happi- 
 ness of the man 
 who delights in His 
 wUl: 
 
 the blessings which 
 descend to his pos- 
 terity ; 
 
 and the consolation 
 he enjoys in the 
 hour of alHiction. 
 
 His peace of mind, 
 resulting from con- 
 fidence in God. 
 
 PSALM CXII. 
 
 C. M 
 
 There can be little doubt that this Psalm was written on the same 
 occasion as the preceding. As in the former David celebrates 
 the divine bounty, so here he describes the blessedness of those 
 who imitate that benevolence. 
 
 This also is an alphabetical Psalm. 
 
 1 
 
 pRAISE ye the Lord ! How truly blest' 
 -*- The man who fears the Lord : 
 Who finds his greatest joys and best^ 
 
 In God's most holy word I 
 2 
 His seed shall mighty be below/ 
 
 His offspring dwell secure; 
 His house in wealth and riches grow, 
 
 His righteousness endure/ 
 3 
 Light/ amidst darkness, shall arise, 
 
 The upright man to cheer ; 
 Gracious he is, and kind and wise, 
 
 Righteous, and most sincere, 
 4 
 A good man favour shows, and lends. 
 
 Guides wisely*^ his affairs ; 
 The memory of the just extends 
 
 Through everlasting years. 
 5 
 Trusting in God,'^ he finds repose, 
 
 No evil he shall fear / 
 His heart is fixed,^ while all his foes 
 
 Shall find destruction near. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 Ps. cxxviii. 1. 
 
 2 Ps. cxix. 16. 
 
 3 Ps. XXV. 
 
 .xxxvii. 26. 
 
 13; 
 
 ■• Endure — i. e. 
 the reward of his 
 righteousness shall 
 extend to his chil- 
 dren. So in Psalm 
 xxxvii. 26, we read, 
 " He is ever merci- 
 ful and lendeth, and 
 his seed is blessed." 
 
 5 Light is the em- 
 blem of comfort, as 
 darkness is of trou- 
 ble. Compare Ps. 
 xcvii. 11, " Even 
 in adversity, the 
 good man e.xperi- 
 ences the favours of 
 the Almighty." — 
 F.& S. 
 
 6 Guides wisely — 
 thus enabling him- 
 self to render as- 
 sistance to his poor- 
 er and less fortu- 
 nate brethren. 
 
 7 Ps. Ixiv. 10. 
 P Prov. i. 33. 
 
 9 Ps. Ivii. 7. 
 
196 
 
 PSALM cxm. 
 
 The Church, com- 
 memorating, in the 
 ordinance of God's 
 appointment, her 
 deliverance from 
 bondage, offers so- 
 lemn praise to God, 
 and calls on all na- 
 tions to join in the 
 sacred exercise. 
 
 The supreme ma- 
 jesty of Jehovah, 
 combined with His 
 infinite condescen- 
 sion, disjjlayed 
 when " God looked 
 
 His benevolence to 
 
 The envy caused 
 by his prosperity in 
 the heai"t of the 
 wicked. 
 
 6 
 
 He hath dispensed with liberal hand,^ 
 
 And given to the poor; 
 His righteousness shall ever stand/ 
 
 For evermore endure. 
 7 
 The wicked shall be grieved^ when they 
 
 Behold him raised on high ; 
 Gnash with their teeth/ and melt away, 
 
 And their desire shall die/ 
 
 PSALM cxm. 
 
 S. M. 
 
 Composed, probably, after the return of the Jews fi-om Babylon. 
 
 " This and the five following Psalms form what is called by the 
 Hebrews the great Hallel, or praise, which was sung on their 
 most solemn festivals, and particularly after the celebration of 
 the Passover." 6— B. C. B. 
 
 1 
 
 T)RAISE ye Jehovah!^ praise, 
 
 ■*- Ye servants of the Lord !® 
 For evermore,' in tuneful lays, 
 
 Jehovah's praise record. 
 2 
 
 From where the sun doth rise,'" 
 
 To where his setting rays 
 Go down beneath the western skies, 
 
 Let men Jehovah praise ! 
 3 
 
 The Lord, exalted high 
 
 Above all nations, reigns /' 
 His glory shines above the sky,'" 
 
 And fills the heavenly plains. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 1 2 Cor. i.x. 9. 
 
 2 Deut. x-viv. 13. 
 
 3 Luke xlii. 28. 
 
 * Ps. xxxvii. 12. 
 5 Prov. X. 28. 
 
 6 See Matt. xxvi. 
 30 ; Mark xiv. 26. 
 
 7 Heb. Hallelu- 
 jah! 
 
 8 Ps. C.XX.XV. 1 . 
 
 9 Dan. ii. 20. 
 
 'OPs.SO. 1 ;Is. Hx. 
 19; Malachii. 11. 
 
 11 Ps. xcix. 2. The 
 miracles wrought 
 in Egypt, especially 
 the deliverance of 
 Israel, which the 
 passover celebra- 
 ted, were designed 
 to teach this great 
 truth. See Exod. 
 X. 2. 
 
 12 Ps. viii. 1. 
 
\ 
 
 I 
 
 PSALM CXIV. 
 
 197 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 upon the children 
 of Isi'ael, and God 
 had respect unto 
 them," is devoutly 
 celebrated. 
 
 The Church, com- 
 memorating, in 
 the ordinance of 
 God's appointment, 
 her deliverance 
 from bondage, cele- 
 brates the won- 
 drous miracles 
 wrought by the Al- 
 mighty in accom- 
 plishing " His own 
 purpose and grace." 
 
 Who with our God can vie,' — 
 
 Jehovah, — in renown ? 
 Who sits enthroned above the sky,^ 
 
 And yet to earth looks down ?* 
 5 
 
 The poor,* from dunghills prone, 
 
 He lifteth up, to place 
 With princes on the lofty throne 
 
 Of Jacob's favoured race. 
 6 
 
 The barren woman He^ 
 
 A household doth award; 
 Makes her the joyful mother be 
 
 Of children : — Praise the Lord. 
 
 PSALM CXIV. 
 
 L. M. 
 
 This highly poetical Psalm was probably composed on the same 
 occasion as the preceding, and used by the Jews at the celebra- 
 tion of the Passover.^ It was natural for the Jews delivered 
 from Babylon to advert to the deliverance from Egypt as an 
 event calling for devout praise. 
 
 1 
 
 TT7HEN Israel went from Egypt's land,^ 
 ' " Whose speech they did not understand,' 
 Judah' was God's most holy place, 
 His throne with Israel's favoured race. 
 
 o 
 The sea,'" affrighted, saw and fled ; 
 Jordan was driven back with dread:" 
 The lofty mountains skipped like rams,'^ 
 And all the little hills like lambs. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Ps. Lxxxix. 6. 
 
 2 Ps. xi. 4 ; Is. Ivii. 
 1-5. 
 
 3 Ps. cii. 19 ; 
 Exod. ii. 25. 
 
 1 1 Sam. ii. 8 ; 
 Ps. cvii. 41. This 
 is eminently the 
 case under the gos- 
 pel ; God having 
 chosen the poor to 
 be heh's of His king- 
 dom. See James 
 ii. 5. 
 
 5 1 Sam. ii. 5 ; Ps. 
 Ixviii. 6 ; Is. liv. 1 ; 
 Gal. iv. 27. 
 
 6 Matt. xxvi. 30. 
 
 ? Exod. xiii. 3. 
 
 8 Ps. Ixxxi. .5. 
 
 9 Judah, &c. — 
 " God fixed His 
 abode in the tribe 
 of Judah. See 
 Ps. Ixxviii. C8." — 
 F. & S. 
 
 "> The Sea — i. e. 
 the Red Sea. Com- 
 pare Exod. xiv. 21. 
 
 11 Josh. iii. 14-16. 
 
 12 Ps. xxix. 6 ; 
 Ixviii. 16; Hab. iii. 
 6. Sinai, Horeb, 
 and the adjoining 
 mountains, are re- 
 ferred to. 
 
198 
 
 PSALM CXV. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 JF(rst ^art. 
 
 The Church as- 
 cribes all the glory 
 of her deliverance 
 to Jehovah. 
 
 She confidently re- 
 plies to the blasphe- 
 mous taunts of her 
 adversaries. 
 
 In a vein of severe 
 sarcasm, she des- 
 cribes the utter im- 
 potence of the gods 
 of the heathen, and 
 the senselessness of 
 their worshippers. 
 
 What ailed thee, Jordan ? ' and thou sea, 
 That thus your waters back did flee ? 
 Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams ? 
 And all ye little hills like lambs? 
 
 4 
 Tremble, thou earth ! Be moved with fear ! 
 Jehovah, Jacob's God, is near ! 
 Who made the rock a standing pool," 
 The flint a bubblino; fountain cool ! 
 
 PSALM CXV. 
 
 L. M. 
 
 A song of thanksgiving for some great national deliverance. Bp. 
 Horsley thinks it was composed on the flight of Sennacherib 
 from Palestine after the moi-tality in his army .3 It was used 
 at the feast of the Passover. 
 
 1 
 
 lU'OT unto us, O God, the Lord,* 
 -'-^ Not unto us, but to Thy name 
 Glory and praise let all award. 
 
 Thy truth and mercy all proclaim ! 
 2 
 Why should the impious heathen cry 
 "Where' is their God?"— Our God doth 
 still 
 Reign in the heavens, enthroned on high,® 
 Performing all His holy will. 
 3 
 They'' gods of gold and silver seek. 
 
 To works of men present their plea: 
 Though they have mouths, they cannot 
 speak f 
 Though they have eyes, they cannot see.^ 
 
 1 Habak. iil. 8. 
 Dr. Boothroyd ob- 
 serves, " Nothing 
 can exceed the 
 beauty of these 
 verses. The proso- 
 popoeia is bold, but 
 striking. The fol- 
 lowing verses show 
 the reason why 
 there was this com- 
 motion and change 
 in nature ; — the 
 Author of natm-e 
 was present." 
 
 2 Exod. xvii. 6 ; 
 Numb. XX. 11 ; 1 
 Cor. X. 4. 
 
 3 See Is. xxxvi. 
 xxxvii. 
 
 4 In a similar 
 strain of piety He- 
 zekiah had prayed 
 for deliverance : — 
 ' Now, therefore, O 
 Lord, our God, save 
 us from his hand, 
 that all the king- 
 doms of the earth 
 may know that 
 Thou art the Lord, 
 even Thou only." 
 Is. xxxvii. 20. 
 
 5 W/tere, &c. — 
 The Psalmist may 
 here allude to the 
 blasphemies of Rab- 
 shakeh. Compare 
 Is. xxxvi. 18-20; 
 xxxvii. 10 and 2-3. 
 
 6 Is. xxxvii. 16. 
 
 ' They — \. e. the 
 heathen. See Is. 
 xxxvii. 19. 
 
 8 Jer. X. 5. 
 
 " Ps. cxxxv. 16. 
 
PSALM CXV. 
 
 199 
 
 The childi-en of 
 Israel, and all who 
 fear God, are ex- 
 horted to confide 
 only in Him. 
 
 From her past ex- 
 perience of Jeho- 
 vah's goodness, the 
 I Church is encou- 
 ] raged to expect His 
 futm-e blessing ; 
 
 Ears though they have, they hear no sound; 
 
 Noses, but they no smell discern: 
 Their hands devoid of touch are found. 
 
 Their feet to walk can never learn. 
 
 5 
 
 They breathe not through their throat ; as far 
 From life and motion as the dust : 
 
 Senseless, like them, then* makers are, 
 And all who in them vainly trust.' 
 
 6 
 r\ ISRAEL, trust in God Most High !- 
 ^^ He is their help,^ their shield is He : 
 On Him let Aaron's house rely, 
 
 Their help, their shield the Lord will be : 
 Let all who fear* Him trust His name. 
 And God their help and shield proclaim. 
 
 7 
 Mindful of us* the Lord hath been, 
 
 His blessing shall on Israel fall ; 
 On Aaron's house shall it be seen, 
 
 And all who fear Him, great and small : 
 God will increase you more and more, 
 You, and your cliildren, and your store. 
 
 8 
 Ye of the Lord our God are blest, 
 
 Who formed the heavens, the earth who 
 made ; 
 As for the heavens, they are possest 
 
 By Him whose power is there displayed; 
 But earth, with rich abundance stored. 
 Was given to man by God the Lord. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Vainly trust. — 
 The vanity of trust- 
 ing in idols was dis- 
 played in the case 
 of Sennacherib — 
 whilst " worship- 
 ping in the house of 
 NisTOch, his God," 
 he was slain by his 
 own sons. See Is. 
 xxxvii. 38. 
 
 ^ Ps. cxviii. 2-4 ; 
 Jer. xvii. 7, 8. 
 
 ^ Ps. xxxiii. 20. 
 
 '* All who fear, &c. 
 — " Proselytes of 
 the nations, who are 
 styled, " men that 
 fear God." Acts x. 
 2 and 22 ; xiii. 16. 
 
 ' Mindful of us, 
 &c. — " We are here 
 presented with a 
 beautiful contrast 
 between the God of 
 Israel and heathen 
 idols. He made 
 everything ; they 
 themselves were 
 made by men : He 
 is in heaven; they 
 are upon the earth : 
 He doeth whatso- 
 ever He pleaseth ; 
 they can do no- 
 thing : He seeth the 
 distresses, heareth 
 and answereth the 
 prayers, accepteth 
 the offerings, Co- 
 meth to the assist- 
 ance, effecteth the 
 salvation, andbless- 
 eth His servants ; 
 they are blind, deaf, 
 and dumb, sense- 
 less, motionless, & 
 impotent."-B.C.B. 
 
200 
 
 PSALM CXVI. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 and to cherish the 
 assurance that Is- 
 rael will be pre- 
 served to praise 
 God through every 
 period of time. 
 
 The Psalmist de- 
 clares His love to 
 God, and his reso- 
 lution to persevere 
 in prayer, since 
 Jehovah had heard 
 his cry, and deli- 
 vered him in the 
 houi- of sore trou- 
 ble. 
 
 He celebrates the 
 grace and mercy of 
 the Lord, as mani- 
 fested in his own ex- 
 perience. 
 
 9 
 The dead' no more Jehovah praise, 
 
 Nor any who to silence go : 
 But we, unto the Lord, will raise 
 
 Our songs, for we His goodness know ; 
 From this time forth, and evermore. 
 Will praise Jehovah, and adore. 
 
 PSALM CXVL 
 
 L. M. 
 
 Bishop Horsley, and most other commentators, are of opinion that 
 this Psalm was composed on Hezekiah's miraculous recovery .2 
 It was used by the Jews at the feast of the Passover. 
 
 1 
 
 T LOVE the Lord,^ my voice He heard, 
 -*- The supplication I preferred ; 
 Inclined His ear, and therefore I, 
 Long as I live,* to Him will cry. 
 
 2 
 The snares of death, the bands of lielP 
 Seized me, and trouble on me fell ; 
 I sought the Lord,® and urged my plea, 
 " Lord, I beseech Thee, rescue me." 
 
 3 
 Gracious and righteous is the Lord," 
 Yea, with our God is mercy stored: 
 The Lord preserveth souls sincere ; 
 Brought low, I found His helj) w^as near. 
 
 4 
 Retiu'n, my soul, to God thy rest,® 
 Jehovah's bounty makes thee blest ; 
 My soul from death hast Thou withheld,® 
 Mine eyes fi'om tears, my feet upheld. 
 
 ' The dead, &c.— 
 " The meaning is, 
 if Thou sufferest 
 us. Thy people, to 
 perish by the hand 
 of our enemies, who 
 will there be on 
 earth to praise 
 Thee?"— Dr. B. 
 
 2 See Is. xx.wiii. 
 
 ^ Ps. xviii. 1 ; Is. 
 x.xxviii. 3, &c. 
 
 * Is. xxxviii. 20. 
 
 5 Hell — or the 
 grave. Compare 
 Ps. xviii. 5. 
 
 eps. 1. 15. 
 
 ? Ps. ciii. 8. 
 
 8 Jer. vi. 16 ; 
 Matt. xi. 29. 
 
 9 See Is. xxxviii. 
 
PSALM CXVI. 
 
 201 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 Animated by feel- 
 ings of fervent gra- 
 titude, he resolves 
 to offer the spiritual 
 sacrifices of praise 
 and prayer ; and in 
 the courts of the 
 Lord's house, be- 
 fore His assembled 
 people, to perform 
 the solemn vows he 
 had made in trou- 
 ble. 
 
 I now shall walk before the Lord, 
 And live/ confiding in His word : 
 Though in my haste, oppressed with pain, 
 " All men,"^ I said, " are false and vain," 
 
 6 
 
 WHAT shall I render to the Lord 
 For all His blessings on me poured? 
 The cup of ^ His salvation I 
 Will take, and to His throne draw nigh. 
 
 I to the Lord my vows will pay. 
 Now, where His saints convene to pray ; 
 His saints are precious* in His sight, 
 Their life He guards from hostile spite. 
 
 I am Thy servant. Lord ; set free 
 From bondage, I would live to Thee : 
 My grateful thanks shall now arise. 
 With prayer, a holy sacrifice. 
 
 9 
 
 I to the Lord my vows will pay. 
 Now, where His saints convene to pray: 
 Here, in thy courts,* His praise record, 
 Jerusalem! — Praise ye the Lord! 
 
 D D 
 
 ' 2 Cor. iv. 13. 
 
 2 All men. — " Per- 
 haps Hezekiah had 
 doubted the truth 
 of God's promise by 
 Isaiah, for which 
 he now reproved 
 himself." — Dr. B. 
 
 3 The cup of, &c. 
 — " He calls the cup 
 used on offering eu- 
 charistic sacrifices, 
 the cup of salvation, 
 i. e. commemorat- 
 ing salvation ; as the 
 apostle calls the 
 sacramental cup, 
 the cup of blessing." 
 —Dr. B. 
 
 * Precious, &c. — 
 " Jehovah, out of 
 His regard to His 
 faithful servants, 
 will on no account 
 allow them to be 
 destroyed by their 
 enemies." — See Ps. 
 Ixxii. 14. — F. & S. 
 Nor will He suffer 
 them to be cut off 
 by disease, before 
 they have finished 
 their appointed 
 work. 
 
 ^In thy courts. — 
 Comp. Is. xxxviii. 
 22. Hezekiah had 
 also said, " What is 
 the sign that I shall 
 go up to the house 
 of the Lord ?" 
 
202 
 
 PSALMS CXVII. CXVIII. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 All nations are 
 called upon to unite 
 in songs of endless 
 praise to God for 
 His great salvation. 
 
 Jirst ^^art. 
 
 The Psalmist in- 
 vites all classes of 
 men to unite in 
 adoring the mercy 
 of God. 
 
 PSALM CXVII. 
 
 8.7. 4. 
 
 This Psalm " celebrates the deliverance from the Babylonian cap- 
 tivity, the gi-and type of the redemption of the world by the 
 Messiah."— B. C. B. 
 
 "PRAISE Jehovah,' eveiy nation ! 
 -■- All ye people, join to praise ! 
 Praise Him for His great salvation; 
 
 Truth and mercy^ God displays — 
 Praise Jehovah! 
 
 Praise Him in eternal lays ! 
 
 PSALM CXVIIL 
 
 L. M. DOUBLE. 
 
 ' This Psalm contains the thanks of the king for deliverance from 
 great danger, by a signal victory over his enemies. The opinion 
 that it was composed by David, after his many victories, is most 
 probable ; and sung, in alternate choirs, at some public festivity. 
 From the 22nd verse we have a prophecy of our Lord.'" — Dr. B. 
 
 r\ IVE thanks to God, for He is good;^' 
 ^-^ His mercy* ever firm hath stood: 
 Let Israel say,^ (whom He secures,) 
 " His mercy evermore endures;" 
 The house of Aaron now'' proclaim 
 His mercy changeless as His name; 
 And all who fear the Lord unite 
 To speak His mercy infinite. 
 
 • Compare Rom. 
 sv. 8, 9, &c., where 
 the apostle quotes 
 this passage to show 
 that the trut/i of 
 God in fulfilling the 
 promise made to 
 Abraham, and His 
 mercy to the Gen- 
 tile world, are dis- 
 played in the salva- 
 tion of Christ. 
 
 2 Ps. Ixxxv. 10 ; 
 Rom. iii. 26. 
 
 3 1 Chron. xvi. 8 
 &34; Ps. cxxxvi. 1. 
 
 * His Mercy, &c. 
 • — " This line was 
 the response of the 
 second choir." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
 5 Ps. cxv. 9, &c. 
 
 6 Koir. — " The 
 word nou\ in this 
 and otlier parts of 
 the Psalm, is not a 
 mark of time, but 
 of intensity — equi- 
 valent to, ' I be- 
 seech, intreat.'" — 
 Walford. 
 
PSALM cxvin. 
 
 203 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 He records the 
 goodness of the 
 Almighty as dis- 
 played in his deli- 
 verance from trou- 
 hle ; and declares 
 the superior advan- 
 tages resulting from 
 contidence in God. 
 
 Scconti ^art. 
 
 In the season of 
 imminent peril, 
 having been aided 
 by God, he ascribes 
 to Him alone the 
 glory ; 
 
 I on Jehovah called, in grief,' 
 
 He answered me, and brought relief; 
 
 The Lord is on my side,^ and I 
 
 The hostile rage of man defy : 
 
 Jehovah^ takes my part with those 
 
 Who help me, and destroys my foes: 
 
 'Tis better* in the Lord to trust 
 
 Than man, than princes, formed of dust. 
 
 3 
 
 All nations* joined to seek my fall, 
 Trusting in God, I smote them all : 
 Gathering around me thick they came : 
 I triumphed in Jehovah's name : 
 Like bees, they gathered round from far, 
 Quenched, like a fire of thonas,* they are ; 
 For, in the name of God Most High, 
 Did I obtain the victory. 
 
 4 
 nPHOU didst' thrust sore at me, to slay, 
 -■- But God, my helper, proved my stay : 
 Jehovah is my strength and song,* 
 He my salvation, sure and strong: 
 Songs of salvation, songs of joy. 
 The voice of righteous men employ; 
 " Valiant is God's right hand,"^ they cry, 
 " The Lord's right hand doth valiantly." 
 
 5 
 
 I shall not die,'" but live to tell 
 The works of God, His praise to swell : 
 Sorely He chastened me ;" yet kind. 
 Hath not to death my soul consigned : 
 
 2 Ps. xxvii. 1 
 Rom. viii. 31. 
 
 3 Ps. liv. 4. 
 
 ■• Ps. xl. 4 ; cxlvl. 
 3, 4 ; Jer. xvii. 5-8. 
 
 '' All nations — 1. e. 
 all the nations sur- 
 rounding Judea. 
 
 s Fire of thorns. 
 — " Briers and 
 thorns, when set on 
 fire, are an image 
 frequently applied 
 in Scripture to the 
 rage of the wicked, 
 violent, yet impo- 
 tent, and of no long 
 continuance." - Bp. 
 Mant. 
 
 ^ Thou didst.— 
 " This is an apo- 
 strophe addressed to 
 the absent foe, as 
 if present." — Wal- 
 
 FORD. 
 
 8 Exod. XV. 2 ; 
 Is. xii. 2 ; i. e. 
 " the source of my 
 strength, and the 
 subject of my song." 
 F. & S. 
 
 * Exod. XV. 6. 
 
 '0 Hab. i. 12. 
 
 " 2 Cor. vi. 9. 
 
204 
 
 PSALM CXVIII. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 and resolves in the 
 courts of the Lord's 
 house, to offer to 
 Him the sacrifice 
 of praise. 
 
 As a type of the 
 Messiah, he adverts 
 to the fact of his 
 having been " de- 
 spised and rejected" 
 by the Jewish peo- 
 ple, yet " chosen by 
 God." 
 
 The prayer of the 
 king. 
 
 The blessing with 
 which he is greeted 
 by the priests. 
 
 The concluding 
 chorus. 
 
 Open' the gates of righteousness,^ 
 I will go in, the Lord to bless; 
 This gate,^ the gate of Zion fair. 
 None but the righteous enter there/ 
 
 6 
 
 I praise Thee, Thou hast owned my claim, 
 God, my salvation,* I proclaim : 
 The stone" the builders would not own, 
 Is made the head, the corner stone : 
 This is the work of God, most wise, 
 And it is marvellous in our eyes : 
 This is the day' the Lord hath blest. 
 The day of gladness, joy, and rest. 
 
 q AVE,« I beseech Thee, now, O Lord! 
 
 ^ Prosperity to us afford ! 
 
 On him' who, in the name most high 
 
 Of God the Lord, to us draws nigh. 
 
 Let blessings evermore remain ! 
 
 We bless you from Jehovah's fane. 
 
 8 
 
 God is the Lord, who shows us light,'" 
 With sacrifice His praise recite : 
 Thou art my God," and Thee I praise. 
 Exalt Thy name in sacred lays: 
 O bless the Lord !'' for He is good, 
 His mercy ever fiim hath stood I 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Is. x.xvi. 2. 
 
 2 Gates of right- 
 eousness — i.e. " the 
 gates by which the 
 righteous worship- 
 pers enter the 
 temple."— F. & S. 
 
 3 Ps. xxiv. 7. 
 
 ^ Is. xx.vv. 8 ; Rev. 
 xxi. 27. 
 
 5 Is. .xii. 2. 
 
 s The stone, &c. 
 — " These words, 
 strictly applicable 
 to David, a type of 
 Messiah, are ap- 
 plied to our Lord in 
 several parts of the 
 New Testament. 
 See Matt. xxi. 42 ; 
 Mark xii. 10; Luke 
 XX. 17 ; Acts iv. 11; 
 Eph. ii. 20 ; 1 Pet. 
 ii. 4,7. Tlie mean- 
 ing is, that " He 
 wlio was despised 
 and rejected, has 
 attained tlie highest 
 dignity."-Dr. Hus- 
 
 SET. 
 
 ' The day — when 
 David triumphed 
 over his enemies, 
 prefigured tlie day 
 of Messiali's tri- 
 umph when he arose 
 fi'om the dead. 
 
 8 5ayt'— Heb. Ho- 
 samia. 
 
 9 Matt. ''xxi. 9; 
 and xxiii. 39 ; Mark 
 xi. 9 ; Luke xix. 38. 
 See also Zech. iv. 7. 
 
 I" Light. — The 
 emblem of prospe- 
 rity. See Esther 
 viii. 16. 
 
 •' Is. x.tv. 1. 
 '- Ezra iii. 11. 
 
PSALM CXIX. 
 
 205 
 
 JFirst ^art. 
 
 The Psalmist de- 
 clares the happi- 
 ness of those who 
 delight in God's 
 commands, & who 
 devote themselves 
 to His service ; 
 
 and he prays for 
 grace to enable him 
 to persevere in the 
 right way ; that 
 thus, freed from 
 guilt and shame, he 
 may glorify God by 
 offering praise. 
 (See Ps. 50. 23.) 
 
 PSALM CXIX. 
 
 There is reason to believe that this remarkable composition was 
 written, after the return of the Jews from Babylon, by Ezra, of 
 whom we read, that he " had prepared his heart to seek the law 
 of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and 
 judgments."' 
 
 It consists of twenty-two parts, answering to the letters of the He- 
 brew alphabet ; every part is divided into eight verses ; and each 
 verse begins with that letter which forms the title of the part. 
 
 ALEPH. L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 "DLEST are the upright^ in the way,^ 
 -^ Whose steps with God's commands 
 
 accord ; 
 His testimonies who obey, 
 
 And seek, with all their heart, the Lord; 
 Who all iniquity disown, 
 And make the ways of God their own. 
 
 2 
 
 Thou who hast given the command, 
 With diligence* Thy law* to' observe, 
 
 O gviide me with Thy gracious hand. 
 Nor let me from its precepts swerve : 
 
 No shame^ shall then my soul deject, 
 
 When all Thy statutes I respect. 
 
 3 
 
 Thee will I praise, with heart sincere. 
 In uprightness, when taught, by Thee, 
 
 Thy righteous judgments' to revere. 
 And keep Thy statutes constantly : 
 
 O guide me, lest Thy laws I break ; 
 
 Nor utterly my soul forsake. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Ezravii. 10. 
 
 ^ The upright ■ — 
 i. e. "those whose 
 course of life ac- 
 cords with the pre- 
 cepts of religion." — 
 F.& S. 
 
 3 Way. — " The 
 course of life is here 
 represented under 
 the figure of a road 
 or way, in which 
 men are continually 
 advancing. The 
 way of the upright 
 leads to life ; that 
 of the wicked to 
 death."- Walford. 
 
 * Deut. xxviii. 1. 
 
 5 Law. — " The 
 words law, statutes, 
 testimonies, pre- 
 cepts, Judgments, 
 &c., which occur 
 so constantly, seem 
 here to be used pro- 
 miscuously." — Bp. 
 Pateick. 
 
 6 Shame was in- 
 troduced into the 
 world by sin (see 
 Gen. iii. 8) ; and it 
 can be banished 
 only by Him " who 
 gave Himself for us, 
 that He might de- 
 liver us from all ini- 
 quity." Titus ii. 14. 
 
 ' Judgments — i. e. 
 the decisions, con- 
 cerning sin and 
 righteousness, of the 
 " only wise God," 
 revealed to us in 
 His word. 
 
206 
 
 PSALM CXIX. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 ScconU ^Hxt. 
 
 The Psalmist shows 
 that it Is only by 
 strict attention to 
 the word of God 
 that any, especially 
 the young, can at- 
 tain the blessedness 
 of those " who are 
 undefiled in the 
 way ;" and prays for 
 divine teaching, in 
 order that he may 
 be qvialified to make 
 known to others the 
 sacred truths of 
 God's holy word, 
 which afforded liim 
 such pure delight. 
 
 The Psalmist prays 
 for grace, and for 
 divine illumination 
 in the mysteries of 
 God's will ; that, as 
 a stranger and so- 
 journer on earth, 
 he may enjoy divine 
 direction in all his 
 ways. 
 
 BETH. c. M. 
 
 4 
 TTOW shall a young man cleanse his way ?' 
 
 Thy word must be his guide :^ 
 With my whole heart/ great God, I pray, 
 Let me not turn aside.* 
 5 
 Thy word I've hid within my heart,^ 
 
 From sin to keep me free : 
 Supremely blest/ O Lord, Thou art, 
 Thy statutes teach to me. 
 6 
 My lips' shall then declare abroad 
 
 The truths by Thee revealed: 
 For greater joys Thy words afford, 
 Than earthly treasiu'es yield. 
 7 
 I meditate^ by day and night 
 
 Thy truth, Thy ways respect: 
 Thy statutes yield me pure delight, 
 Thy words my path direct. 
 
 GOIEL. L. M. 
 
 8 
 TTVEAL bountifully,^ Lord, with me, 
 ■^-^ That I may live alone to Thee: 
 Open mine eyes,'°that I may more 
 Behold the wonders" of Thy law. 
 
 9 
 A stranger in the earth, I pray 
 That Thy commands may guide my way. 
 My longing spirit faints to know 
 Thy judgments, my delight below. 
 
 ' Prov. i. 4. 
 
 2 Ps. cxix. 30. 
 
 3 Jer. xxix. 13. 
 
 ■• Twn aside — i.e. 
 from God's way. 
 Thus David says, 
 " I hate the work of 
 them which turn, 
 aside." Ps. ci. 3. 
 Compare also Ps. 
 cxxv. .5. 
 
 5 Ps. xxxvii. 31 ; 
 xl. 8. 
 
 6 Supremely blest. 
 — The infinite hap- 
 piness of God re- 
 sults from His in- 
 finite purity. The 
 contemplation of 
 the former leads the 
 Psalmist to pray 
 that he may be 
 made to partake of 
 the latter. 
 
 ' My lips. — 
 This will always be 
 the result when the 
 word of God is hid 
 in the heart, since 
 " out of the abun- 
 dance of the heart 
 the mouth speak- 
 eth." Matt. xii. 34. 
 
 sPs. i. 2. 
 
 9 Bountifully — or 
 kindly. See Psalm 
 cxvi. 7. 
 
 "> Eyes.—'Y\i6 eye 
 is the emblem of the 
 understanding. 
 
 ^' The tvonders, 
 &c. " The law of 
 Moses contained 
 many such things, 
 as a typical system, 
 and the Psalmist de- 
 sires divine illumi- 
 nation, that he 
 might contemplate 
 them, for the sup- 
 port of his own hope 
 of a better life." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
PSALM CXIX. 
 
 207 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 In seasons of perse- 
 cution he derives 
 support and com- 
 fort from tiie word 
 of God. 
 
 JFourt'^ ^art. 
 
 Lamenting the ten- 
 dency of his affec- 
 tions to created ob- 
 jects, and confess- 
 ing to God the sins 
 of his heart, the 
 Psalmist repeats 
 his prayers for di- 
 vine guidance, in- 
 struction, and help. 
 
 He declares his at- 
 tachment to the 
 word of God, and 
 prays for deliver- 
 ance from carnal 
 affections, in order 
 that he may obey it 
 with delight. 
 
 10 
 
 Thou hast rebuked the sons of pride, 
 Wlio turn' from Thy commands aside ; 
 Reproach and shame from me remove, 
 For all Thy statutes I approve. 
 
 11 
 Though princes sit and slander me. 
 Fixed ^ on Thy word my heart shall be 
 Thy precepts still my thoughts invite. 
 My counsellors, my chief delight. 
 
 DALETH. SEVENS. 6 lines. 
 
 12 
 T ORD, my souP to earth doth cleave, 
 -"-^ Let me quickening grace receive ! 
 I declare* my ways to Thee, 
 Teach Thy statutes. Lord, to me : 
 Make me in Thy ways to walk, 
 And of all Thy judgments talk. 
 
 13 
 
 Melts^ my soul with inward grief. 
 Strengthen me, and grant relief: 
 Falsehood® far fi'om me remove, 
 Grant me grace Thy law to love ; 
 Still the way of truth'' to choose. 
 And on all Thy judgments muse. 
 
 14 
 Lord, I hold Thy precepts dear ; 
 Save me from the shame I fear : 
 I shall Thy commands obey. 
 Run, with sacred joy, their way. 
 When my heart, enlarged® by Thee, 
 Glows with sacred liberty.^ 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Ps. cxxv. 5. 
 
 - The example of 
 the Psalmist points 
 out to US the best 
 method of meeting 
 slander and of en- 
 during persecution. 
 
 3 Ps. xliv. 25. 
 
 •• / declare, &c. — 
 i. e. " I am wont to 
 appeal to Thee, as 
 to the general con- 
 duct of my life." — 
 F. & S. 
 
 ' Ps. cvii. 26. 
 
 6 Ps. cxli. 3, 4. 
 
 7 The way of truth. 
 — This, as Bishop 
 Home observes, 
 comprehends every 
 thing in doctrine 
 and practice that is 
 right, and therefore 
 true. 
 
 ^Enlarged — i. e. 
 set free from all 
 unholy affections. 
 Compare 2 Cor. vi. 
 11-14. 
 
 9 " Where the 
 spirit of the Lord is, 
 there is liberty." 
 2 Cor. iii. 17. 
 
208 
 
 PSALM CXIX. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The Psalmist prays 
 for divine teaching, 
 and for heavenly 
 understanding, in 
 order that he may 
 render a steady and 
 cheerful 'obedience 
 to the will of God. 
 
 Stxt!) ^nrt. 
 
 The Psalmist prays 
 for the blessings of 
 God's salvation, that 
 he may now be ena- 
 bled to answer those 
 who reproach him ; 
 and that he may, 
 throughout eter- 
 nity, render obedi- 
 ence to the divine 
 commands. 
 
 HE. L. M. 
 
 15 
 
 npEACH me Thyway, Thy statutes, Lord, 
 -'- And I shall keep it to the end:' 
 Wisdom^ hnpart, that to Thy word, 
 
 I may, with all my heart, attend. 
 16 
 Make me in Thy commands to go. 
 
 These with delight my soul inspire; 
 Incline my heart Thy truth to know, 
 
 And not to covetous' desire. 
 17 
 From vanity* turn off mine eyes. 
 
 And quicken me^ to tread Thy way ; 
 Confirm'' to me the word' I prize. 
 
 For I would fear Thee, and obey. 
 18 
 
 turn from me the scorn I fear ; 
 Good are Thy judgments, I confess: 
 
 1 long to see Thy truth appear. 
 
 Quicken me in Thy righteousness. 
 
 19 
 'T^HY promised mercies^ I implore, 
 -■- Thy gTeat salvation," Lord : 
 So shall I fear reproach no more. 
 
 Confiding in Thy word. 
 20 
 Take not the word of tnith from me, 
 
 My hopes are in Thy law ; 
 So shall I keep'" continually, 
 
 Thy word for evermore. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' The end — i. e. 
 " of my life." — • 
 F. & S. Compare 
 Matt. X. 22; Rev. 
 ii. 26. 
 
 2 Prov. ii. 6 ; Jas. 
 i. 5. 
 
 3 A saving know- 
 ledge of divine 
 truth cannot be at- 
 tained by the man 
 whose heart is de- 
 voted to covetous- 
 ness. 
 
 ' or 
 
 ■* Vanity ■ 
 wickedness." — F. 
 
 & S. 
 
 ' duicken me — 
 " Give me gi'ace to 
 go on with more and 
 more vigour in Thy 
 way." — Dr. Wells. 
 
 6 2 Sam. vii. 2.5. 
 
 7 The word — i. e. 
 the promises made 
 by God to His ser- 
 vants. 
 
 8 Ps. cvi. 4, 5. 
 s Acts xiii. 26. 
 
 '"> So shall I keep. 
 &c. — Perfect obe- 
 dience to the divine 
 commands was the 
 great object of the 
 Psahnist's desire. 
 This, as it wiU form 
 one chief source of 
 the happiness of 
 heaven, is the great 
 object of the be- 
 liever's piu"suit on 
 earth. Col. iv. 12. 
 
PSALM CXIX. 
 
 209 
 
 Scbcntl) ^art. 
 
 ThePsalmist pleads 
 for the fulfilment 
 of the promises of 
 God on his behalf; 
 and comforts him- 
 self, in trouble, by 
 the consideration 
 that he had felt 
 the power of divine 
 truth, and had been 
 enabled to " hold 
 fast the profession 
 of his faith without 
 wavering, believing 
 that He is faithful 
 that has promised." 
 
 21 
 
 And I, who seek Thy precepts, Lord, 
 
 At liberty' will walk; 
 And before kings,^ unshamed, unawed, 
 
 Of Thy commandments talk, 
 oo 
 I take delight in Thy commands. 
 
 My love to them is great ; 
 Daily to these I lift my hands,^ 
 
 And on them meditate. 
 
 ZAIN. t. M. 
 
 •23 
 rpHE word* unto Thy servant, Lord, 
 -*- On which my hopes are built, I plead : 
 That I am quickened by Thy word, 
 
 Cheers me when comfort most I need.^ 
 24 
 I from Thy law have not declined," 
 
 Although the proud deride and scorn:' 
 Thy judgments® I have called to mind. 
 
 And hence sweet consolation drawn. 
 25 
 Horror® hath seized me, to have seen 
 
 The wicked on Thy statutes throw 
 Contempt, — for these my songs have been. 
 
 During my pilgTimage below. 
 26 
 By night,'" upon Thy name, O Lord, 
 
 I think, and Thy commands obey : 
 In trouble, this doth peace afford," 
 
 Thy holy precepts guide my way. 
 
 E E 
 
 ' Liberty.—" The 
 liberty of the sons of 
 God, freed from the 
 fetters of sin." — Bp. 
 Mant. 2 Cor. iii. 
 17. 
 
 2 Ps. cxxxviii. 1 ; 
 Matt. X. 18, 19; 
 Acts xxvi. 1, 2. 
 
 ' Lift inyhands. — 
 The iiftingupof the 
 hands was the atti- 
 tude of prayer. (See 
 Lam. iii. 41.) This 
 action in reference 
 to the commands of 
 God, expresses the 
 Psalmist's earnest 
 desire to know His 
 will, and the reve- 
 rence with which 
 he heard His word. 
 
 '' Word — or pro- 
 mise. — F. & S. 
 " God's promise is 
 the only foundation 
 of faith and hope." 
 —Dr. B. 
 
 ^ Rom. XV. 4. 
 
 f" Ps. xliv. 18. 
 
 ? Jer. XX. 7. 
 
 ^ Thy judgjnents. 
 — The Psalmist 
 may probably allude 
 to God's judgments 
 on behalf of His 
 people, in deliver- 
 ing them from 
 Egyptian bondage, 
 and similar interpo- 
 sitions. 
 
 9 Horror, &c. — 
 There is no portion 
 of sacred history 
 which illustrates 
 this so well as the 
 9th chapter of Ezra. 
 It atfords a strong 
 argument in favour 
 of the opinion that 
 this whole psalm 
 was composed by 
 that eminent saint . 
 
 '0 Ps. Ixiii. 6. 
 
 '1 Dr. B. renders 
 this passage thus, 
 " This hath been 
 my consolation, that 
 I have kept Thy 
 precepts." 
 
210 
 
 PSALM CXIX. 
 
 The Psalmist de- 
 clares God to be his 
 portion ; expresses 
 his determination 
 to seek Him with 
 all his heart; and 
 records his own ex- 
 perience of the be- 
 nefit resulting from 
 self-examination in 
 inducing a holy de- 
 cision of character. 
 
 The Psalmist ac- 
 knowledges the 
 goodness and faith- 
 fulness of God in 
 all His dispensa- 
 tions towards him, 
 however painful. 
 
 CHETH. 
 
 27 
 
 s Luke XV. 17, IR. 
 This affords a valu- 
 able example of the 
 good resulting from 
 self - examination 
 and secret prayer. 
 
 ■• Snares. — " They 
 have spread around 
 me their toils or 
 nets, in the hope of 
 ensnaring me to my 
 ruin." — Walford. 
 
 5 Acts xvi. 23. 
 
 rpHOU art my portion, Lord;' and I \ ^ 'ig ''Lam m ^2T' 
 -■- Have saidHhat I would keep Thy word: 2Sa« — or pur- 
 Witli my whole heart, to Thee my cry 
 For mercy oft have I preferred. 
 
 28 
 I thought,^ in secret, on my way. 
 
 And turned to Thy commands my feet; 
 With haste that suffered no delay, 
 
 To keep Thy law, without deceit. 
 
 29 
 The snares* of sinners close me ronnd. 
 
 Yet from Thy law I have not strayed : 
 At midnight* shall my songs resound. 
 
 Because Thy judgments are displayed. 
 
 30 j 
 
 I'm a companion of all those ! 
 
 Who fear Thee, and Thy laws obey:*^ i 
 Through all the earth Thy goodness flows,^i 
 
 Teach me Thy statutes, Lord, I pray. ' 
 
 TETH. L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 31 
 
 rPHY dealings with Thy servant, Lord,® 
 -*- Are good, according to Thy word : 
 Teach me good judgment,^ so that I 
 May firmly on Thy word rely: 
 Ere trouble came, I went astray,'" 
 But now I keep the narrow way. 
 
 6 Ps. cxix. 79. 
 
 7 Ps. xxxiii. 5. 
 The considex'ation 
 of God's goodness, 
 displayed in every 
 part of the earth, 
 led the Psalmist to 
 pray that it might 
 be manife.sted to 
 him, by imparting 
 to liim divine in- 
 struction. 
 
 8 Ps. cxvi. 7. 
 
 8 Judgment — or 
 discernment. That 
 mental faculty by 
 which I shall be 
 enabled to discern 
 between good and 
 evil. 1 Cor. ii. lH ; 
 Heb. V. 14. 
 
 '0 Jer. xxxi. 18, 
 19; Heb. xii. II. 
 
PSALM CXIX. 
 
 211 
 
 He adores the in- 
 finite goodness of 
 Jehovah, and prays 
 I that that goodness 
 I may be displayed 
 In teaching him to 
 I know and to de- 
 j light in the will of 
 I God: and acknow- 
 j ledges that the af- 
 flictions with which 
 he had been visited 
 had endeared to 
 his soul the sacred 
 scriptures. 
 
 Contemplating God 
 as his Creator, the 
 Psalmist prays for 
 spiritual under- 
 standing ; that so 
 the gracious pur- 
 pose of the Author 
 of his existence may 
 be accomplished : 
 
 he acknowledges 
 the faithfuhiess of 
 God in all the af- 
 flictions he had en- 
 dured ; and prays 
 that divine mercy 
 may prove his con- 
 solation. 
 
 ;3-2 
 
 Thou, Lord, art good,' and Thou alone; 
 Thou doest good:^ to me make known 
 Thy statutes ; then, although with lies,^ 
 The proud assail me, and despise, 
 (Whose hearts are grown as fat* as grease,) 
 My joy shall in Thy law increase. 
 
 33 
 
 That I Thy statutes, Lord, might learn, 
 'Tis good for me,^ I now discern. 
 Oft to have borne affliction's yoke. 
 And learned,® from Thy coiTecting stroke, 
 To' esteem Thy word of truth far more 
 Than silver mines, or golden ore/ 
 
 JOD. L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 34 
 
 T'M made and fashioned by Thy hands;® 
 -^ Give me an understanding heart, 
 That I may learn Thy just commands, 
 
 And never from Thy law depart: 
 Then those who fear Thee shall rejoice,^ 
 Because I make Thy word my choice. 
 
 35 
 
 Right are Thy judgments,'" Lord, I know; 
 
 In faithfulness" dost Thou chastise; 
 O let Thy tender mercy flow 
 
 To comfort mc, when troubles rise ; 
 That I may live before Thy sight, 
 For sure Thy law is my delight. 
 
 1 Matt. xix. 17. 
 ■ Ps. cxlv. 9. 
 3 Ps. cix. 2. 
 
 4 As/af, &c.— i. e. 
 " from the effects of 
 self indulgence." — 
 F. & S. Sensual 
 gratification dis- 
 qualifies the soul 
 for taking delight 
 in God's law. 
 
 5 Ps. xciv. 12,13; 
 1 Cor. xi. 32. 
 
 6 Job xxxvi. 22. 
 " Who teacheth like 
 Him ?" 
 
 ' Ps. xix. 
 Prov. iii. 14. 
 
 10 ; 
 
 8 Job x. 8 ; Ps. c. 
 3 ; cxxxix. 14. 
 
 3 Ps. xxxiv. 2. 
 " They shall rejoice 
 when they see me 
 delivered out of all 
 these troubles." — ■ 
 Dr. Wells. 
 
 '" Judgmetils — or 
 appointments. 
 
 " In faithfulness, 
 &c. — i. e. " During 
 my severest trials, 
 I have found my 
 God to be faithful 
 to His promises." — 
 F. & S. See 1 Cor. 
 X. 13; Heb. xii. 7. 
 
212 
 
 PSALM CXIX. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The Psalmist, 
 " faint, yet pursu- 
 ing," expresses his 
 intense longing for 
 God's salvation ; 
 
 though deeply af- 
 flicted,he is enabled, 
 by divine grace, to 
 adhere to his prin- 
 ciples : 
 
 he implores di- 
 vine assistance 
 against his enemies. 
 
 36 
 
 Shamed let the proud, the wicked be ! 
 
 But I will meditate Thy word: 
 Let those who fear Thee turn to me,' 
 
 And those who have Thy truth preferred: 
 My heart- sound in Thy statutes make. 
 That shame my peace may never break. 
 
 CAPH. 1.. M. 
 
 37 
 
 ll /FY soul for Thy salvation, Lord,^ 
 ■^^-^ Doth faint ; yethope Thy words impart; 
 And fail mine eyes,* while to Thy word 
 I look, for gTace to cheer my heart. 
 
 38 
 
 Though like a bottle^ in the smoke, 
 Thy statutes I do not forget: 
 
 How long shall I endure the yoke? 
 Wilt Thou not judge my slanderers yet? 
 
 39 
 
 The proud, who pits® for me prepare, 
 To break Thy law are not afraid : 
 
 All Thy commands Thy truth declare ; 
 They persecute, — be Thou my aid. 
 
 40 
 
 Though to the verge of ruin driven. 
 Thy precepts I did not forsake -J 
 
 May quickening grace to me be given. 
 That I Thy word my guide may make. 
 
 ' Tur7i to me — i.e. 
 " unite themselves 
 with me, and rejoice 
 in my deliverance." 
 — F. & S. 
 
 2 My heart, &c. 
 — •" By sovindness 
 of heai't is meant 
 solidity and stead- 
 fastness in grace 
 and virtue, as op- 
 posed to the mere 
 form of godliness, 
 or fair show of the 
 hypocrite, which 
 conceals the rotten- 
 ness and corruption 
 lurking within." — 
 
 — HORNE. 
 
 3 Ps. Ixx.xiv. 2. 
 
 5 A bottle, &c.— 
 " As the bottles in 
 the East are made 
 of skin, it is evident 
 that one of these 
 hung up in the 
 smoke must soon be 
 parched, shrivelled 
 up, lose all its 
 strength, and be- 
 come unsightly and 
 useless. Thus the 
 Psalmist appear- 
 ed to himself to 
 have become use- 
 less and despicable, 
 through the ex- 
 hausted state of his 
 body and mind." — 
 B. C.B. 
 
 6 Pits, &c. — 
 " This metaphor is 
 taken from the 
 mode in which wild 
 beasts are caught in 
 the East."— B.C.B. 
 
 ? This was a satis- 
 factory proof that 
 the word of God in 
 the heart of the 
 Psalmist was not 
 like the seed which 
 fell in stony ground. 
 See Matt. xiii. 20, 
 21. 
 
PSALM CXIX. 
 
 213 
 
 ThePsalmist adores 
 the immutability of 
 Jehovah.as display- 
 ed in His appoint- 
 ing and " upholding 
 all things by the 
 word of His power;" 
 and expresses his 
 delight in God's re- 
 vealed will, and 
 in the relation in 
 which he stood to 
 its divine Author. 
 
 Though exposed to 
 danger, he finds 
 comfort in God's 
 word, this alone be- 
 ing perfect. 
 
 The Psalmist de- 
 clares his strong 
 attachment to the 
 holy law of God, 
 from the study of 
 which he acquired 
 divine wisdom. 
 
 LAMED. SEVENS. G lines. 
 
 41 
 OETTLED/ Lord, for ever sure, 
 *^ Fixed as heaven. Thy words endure 
 Earth, established by Thy power, 
 Hath continued to this hour : 
 All Thy servants are, and they" 
 What Thou hast ordained obey. 
 
 42 
 Were not Thy commands my joy. 
 Trouble would my soul destroy: 
 Quickened by Thy precepts, I 
 Never will Thy word deny: 
 I am Thine ;^ Thy servant save, 
 Grace to' observe Thy laws I crave. 
 
 43 
 Wicked men my life would take, 
 I Thy word my comfort make : 
 Imperfection^ is, I know. 
 Stamped on every thing below; 
 Thy commandment, gracious Lord,* 
 Is, alone, exceeding broad. 
 
 MEM. L. M. 
 
 44 
 r\ HOW I love Thy holy law ! 
 ^ My meditation all the day :^ 
 Superior wisdom thence I draw^ 
 
 To what mine enemies display. 
 45 
 Through meditating on Thy truth,* 
 
 Far more instruction' I have gained 
 Than all the teachers of my youth, 
 
 Or ancient sages had attained.'" 
 
 ' Settled — or, 
 " Thy word.O Lord, 
 is for ever ; it is 
 firmly fixed like the 
 heavens."— MuDGE. 
 " This comparison 
 is frequently used 
 in scripture to ex- 
 press the stability of 
 God's promises." — 
 F. & S. See Jer. 
 xxxi. 35, 36 ; Matt. 
 xxiv. 35. 
 
 - They — i. e. " the 
 heavens and the 
 earth." — F. & S. 
 See 2 Peter iii. 7. 
 " Thou hast given 
 an ordinance or ap- 
 pointment to the 
 heavens and tlie 
 earth, and each con- 
 tinues to fulfil Thy 
 will in the place 
 Thou hast assigned 
 to it."— B. C. B. 
 
 ^ Ps. Ixxxvi. 2. 
 
 ■• Itnperfection, &c. 
 — " All human 
 things, however 
 full, perfect, and ad- 
 mirable, are neces- 
 sarily deficient and 
 mutable ; but the 
 law of God, like the 
 nature of Him from 
 whom it proceeds, 
 endureth for ever, 
 and is — in all re- 
 spects — complete 
 and unalterable." 
 — Walford. See 1 
 Peter i. 24, 25. 
 
 ' Ps. xix. 7. 
 
 sps. i. 2. 
 'Deut. iv. 6-8. 
 
 8 1 Tim. iv. 15. 
 
 9 2 Tim. iii. 15. 
 " The spiritual wis- 
 dom in which Thy 
 law instructs me, is 
 infinitely superior 
 to all other know- 
 ledge." — Dr. Ham- 
 
 MOND. 
 
 '" Job xxxu. 7-9. 
 
214 
 
 PSALM CXIX. 
 
 leading him to for- 
 sake every evil way ; 
 and thus aifording 
 him the best pos- 
 sible evidence that 
 he had been" taught 
 of God." 
 
 The Psalmist de- 
 clares that the re- 
 vealed will of God is 
 his sure guide. 
 
 He spreads his sor- 
 rows before the 
 Lord ; and offers to 
 Him " the fruit of 
 his lips, the sacri- 
 fice of praise." 
 
 40 
 My feet from every evil way^ 
 
 Have I refrained, to keep Thy word ; 
 Nor from Thy statutes gone astray, 
 
 For Thou hast taught me, gracious Lord! 
 47 
 How sweet Thy words are to my taste ! ^ 
 
 Than honey^ to my mouth more sweet: 
 Through them, divinely taught, I haste 
 
 To turn from sinful paths my feet. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 48 
 n^HY word a lamp unto my feet,* 
 -*- A light unto my path I find : 
 My resolution is complete 
 
 Thy righteousjudgments,Lord,to mind 
 49 
 Heavy on me affliction lies ; 
 
 Revive me, Lord, — Thy word I plead : 
 Accept my grateful sacrifice,* 
 
 And teach me Thy commands to heed. 
 50 
 Though dangers thick my souf' surround, 
 
 I to Thy statutes still adhere ; 
 Though snares of wicked men abound,^ 
 
 Still all Thy precepts I revere. 
 51 
 I, as an heritage,® Thy law 
 
 Have taken,^ — hence delight I find : 
 To keep Thy statutes evermore. 
 
 My heart, O Lord, have I inclined. 
 
 > Prov. i. l*). Bp. 
 Home remai-ks — 
 " The affections are 
 the feet of the soul ; 
 and unless these be 
 reframed from evil 
 ways, no progress 
 can be made in that 
 way which alone is 
 good and right : we 
 cannot keep God's 
 word." 
 
 2 Ps. xix. 10 ; 
 Prov. viii. 11. 
 
 ^ Honey. — " To 
 characterize words 
 of instruction or 
 affection by the 
 quality of sweetness, 
 and supei'latively, 
 by the sweetness of 
 honey, is still very 
 common in the 
 East." — Pictorial 
 Bible. 
 
 ■> Prov. vi. 23. The 
 word of God is to 
 the Christian what 
 the pillar of fire by 
 night was to the Is- 
 raelites in the wil- 
 derness. See Numb, 
 ix. 1-5-21. 
 
 5 Sacrifice — i. e. 
 " the thanks and 
 praise which I free- 
 ly offer."— F. & S. 
 Comp. Deut. xxiii. 
 23;Ps. 1. 14; Hosea 
 xiv. 2 ; Heb. xiii. 1-5. 
 
 •> Soul — or life. 
 See Job xiii. 14. 
 
 "Ps. cxl. 5 ; cxli.9. 
 
 8 Heritage ■ — i.e. 
 " As that which will 
 be the means of my 
 enjoying the chief- 
 est good." — Dr. 
 Wells. See Deut. 
 xxxiii. 4. 
 
PSALM CXIX. 
 
 215 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 JFiftecntf) ^art. 
 
 The Psalmist so- 
 lemnly appeals to 
 the Searcher of 
 hearts respecting 
 his sincerity. He 
 declares his deter- 
 mination to devote 
 himself to the ser- 
 vice of God, and 
 pi-ays for grace to 
 enable him to keep 
 his resolution. 
 
 He is confinned in 
 his attachment to 
 the divine com - 
 mands by consider- 
 ingthe fearful judg- 
 ments brought on 
 the wicked. 
 
 Sixtccnti) ^art. 
 
 Encouraged by the 
 consciousness of his 
 integrity, the ser- 
 vant of God be- 
 seeches the Judge 
 
 SAMECH. SEVENS. 
 
 52 
 T ORD, Thou knowest I abhor 
 -'-^ All vain thoughts/ but love Thy law : 
 Thou, my hiding-place^ and shield, 
 Hast to me Thy word revealed. 
 
 53 
 Evil doers, hence depart!^ 
 I to God have given my heart : 
 Consecrated is my will 
 His commandments to fulfil. 
 
 54 
 Lord, u]3hold* my soul, for I 
 On Thy promises rely: 
 I, if grace divine direct, 
 Ever shall Thy laws respect. 
 
 55 
 Thou hast trodden down all those 
 Who the path of error chose: 
 Them, like dross,* dost Thou remove, 
 Hence, Thy precepts I approve. 
 
 56 
 Trembling,^ Lord, for fear of Thee, 
 I Thy judgments on them see : 
 Hence I learn, with holy fear, 
 All Thy statutes to revere. 
 
 TUSTICE'' and judgment I have done, 
 ^ Lord, aid me in distress : 
 Be surety* for my good ; let none. 
 In pride, my soul oppress. 
 
 ' I'ain thoughts. 
 — " These were 
 doubting, fluctua- 
 ting opinions re- 
 specting tlie object 
 of worship ; whe- 
 ther Jehovah is to 
 be served, or idols. 
 It is the word Eli- 
 jah used when he 
 addressed the Is- 
 raelites, (1 Kings 
 xviii. 21,) rendered 
 ' halting between 
 two opinions.' " — 
 Dr. B. Comp. Jas. 
 i. 6. 
 
 2 Ps. xxxii. 7. 
 
 3Ps. vi. 8. 
 
 " Uphold, &c. — 
 This prayer shows 
 that the firm reso- 
 lution expressed in 
 the preceding verse, 
 was not made by 
 the Psalmist in his 
 own strength, but in 
 bumble dependence 
 on the grace of God. 
 
 5 Ezek. xxii. 18. 
 
 8 Trembli7ig, &c. 
 — " This state of 
 horror was produ- 
 ced by a contempla- 
 tion of the fearful 
 destruction of wack- 
 edmen, who are i-e- 
 jected like dross." — 
 Waiford. 
 
 ' Justice, &c. — 
 The Psalmist refers 
 to his conduct to- 
 wards his fellow- 
 men. 
 
 8 Be surety, &c. 
 — i. e. " Grant me 
 
216 
 
 PSALM CXIX. 
 
 of all to undertake 
 his cause. 
 
 He pleads liis re- 
 lationship to his 
 divine Master as 
 a reason why he 
 should be instruct- 
 ed in His will : and 
 declares the high 
 esteem he enter- 
 tains for all God's 
 commands. 
 
 The Psalmist ex- 
 presses lus admira- 
 tion of God's word ; 
 describes the bless- 
 ed effects resulting 
 from the knowledge 
 of it; 
 
 prays that its sa- 
 cred precepts may 
 be his guide ; 
 
 58 
 I long Thy saving grace to feel, 
 
 Thy righteous word to know ! 
 In mercy with Thy servant deal/ 
 
 To me Thy statutes show. 
 
 59 
 I am Thy servant/ Lord ! make known 
 
 Thy precepts, I implore : 
 'Tis time Thy mighty power was shown, ^ 
 
 For men make void^ Thy law. 
 
 60 
 In Thy commands I find delight. 
 
 More than in treasures great ; 
 Esteem Thy precepts wholly right, 
 
 And every false way hate. 
 
 PE. SEVENS. DOUBLE. 
 
 61 
 
 TT70NDERFUL Thy precejDts are,* 
 
 ' ~ Them my soul observes with care: 
 Lo ! the entrance of Thy words 
 Light" to souls sincere affords : 
 Understanding they impart ; 
 Pants'^ for them my anxious heart: 
 I that mercy hvmibly claim. 
 Shown to all who love Thy name. 
 
 62 
 
 Guide my footsteps by Thy word. 
 Let not sin control me, Lord !^ 
 Freed from man's oppressive sway, 
 I shall all thy will obey: 
 
 assurance that 
 
 Thou wilt impart 
 to me all needful 
 good for my protec- 
 tion and safety." 
 — Walford. Com- 
 pare Heb. vii. 22. 
 ' Ps. ciii. 10 & 17. 
 
 2 Fs. lx.xxvi. 16. 
 
 3 Shown — i. e. " in 
 inflicting deserved 
 punishment on the 
 rebemous."-F. & S. 
 
 •> Make void, &c. 
 —"The law of God 
 is made void by 
 those who deny its 
 authority, or its ob- 
 ligation ; by those 
 who render it of 
 none effect, through 
 their traditions or 
 their lives." — Bp. 
 HoiiNE. 
 
 ^ Ps. cxxxviii. 2. 
 
 ^ Light — i. e. 
 knowledge or wis- 
 dom. SeePs. xix. 7. 
 
 7 Pants. — " In a 
 simple state of so- 
 ciety, inward emo- 
 tions were accom- 
 panied with more of 
 corresponding out- 
 ward action than is 
 e.xhibited where ci- 
 vilization is more 
 advanced." — F. & S. 
 Compare Ps. xlii. 1. 
 
 8 Ps. xix. 13. 
 
PSALM CXIX. 
 
 217 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 and expresses his 
 grief at its violation 
 by the ungodly. 
 
 TEiQ'i)tctnt\) ^art. 
 
 The Psalmist adores 
 the rectitude of 
 God, and of His re- 
 vealed will ; and 
 evinces his attach- 
 ment to the word 
 of God, by his zeal- 
 ous concern that it 
 may not be violated 
 by men. 
 
 He declares that the 
 word of God is his 
 consolation in every 
 trouble. 
 
 Make Thy face on me to shine/ 
 Teach me Thy commands divine ; 
 Tears, like rivers/ from mine eyes 
 Flow, for men Thy law despise. 
 
 TZADDI. s. M. 
 
 63 
 
 ■piGHTEOUS art Thou, O Lord! 
 ^^ And all Thy judgments just: 
 Thy testimonies peace afford 
 To those who in them trust. 
 
 64 
 
 My zeal will not endure* 
 To see men slight Thy word; 
 Because Thy word is very pure,'^ 
 Thy servant loves it, Lord. 
 
 65 
 
 Though shame and scorn are mine. 
 Thy precepts peace bestow: 
 Eternal righteousness is Thine, 
 Thy law the truth,'' I know. 
 
 66 
 When pain and anguish seize/ 
 And hold Thy servant, Lord, 
 Still Thy commandments ever please,® 
 And pure delight afford. 
 
 67 
 
 Justice in every part 
 Of Thy commands I see : 
 Give me an understanding heart,'' 
 That I may live to Thee. 
 
 F F 
 
 ' Numb. vi. 25 ; 
 Ps. iv. 6. 
 
 2 Jer. ix. 1 ; xiv. 
 17. " The orientals 
 are, in general, very 
 copious weepers ; 
 and this strong hy- 
 perbole is still much 
 employed among 
 them to express the 
 highest degree of 
 lamenting grief." — ■ 
 Pictorial Bible. 
 
 3 Ezra ix. 1.5 ; 
 Neh. ix. 33 ; Jer. 
 xii. 1 ; Dan. ix. 7. 
 
 ■» Ps. Ixix. 9 ; 
 John ii. 17. 
 
 5 rety pure. — • 
 " The purity which 
 is here ascribed to 
 the word of God, is 
 such as gold pos- 
 sesses which has 
 been thoroughly re- 
 fined, so that no 
 alloy remains mixed 
 with it." — Wal- 
 FOKD. Compare Ps. 
 xii. 6. 
 
 6 Ps. xix. 9 ; John 
 xvii. 17. 
 
 7 Ps. cxix. .50. 
 
 8 The word of 
 God yields to the 
 Christian the high- 
 est enjoyment in 
 the hour when it is 
 most needed — when 
 all earthly streams 
 of happiness are 
 dried up. 
 
 9 2 Tim. ii. 7. 
 
218 
 
 PSALM CXIX. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 jEinctf cnti) ^art. 
 
 The Psalmist ear- 
 nestly beseeches 
 God to make him 
 obedient to His 
 commands ; and de- 
 clares that they are 
 his constant delight, 
 his meditation by 
 night and by day. 
 
 Their eternal and 
 unchangeable ex- 
 cellence. 
 
 ©■fiocntictl) Part. 
 
 In his aflBiction, 
 the Psalmist seeks 
 consolation from his 
 Father in heaven ; 
 expresses his at- 
 tachment to the 
 word of God; and 
 thence derives com- 
 fort. 
 
 KOPH. c. M. 
 
 68 
 
 TT7ITH my whole heart I cry to Thee/ 
 
 ' ^ Hear me, O Lord, that I 
 Obedient to Thy laws may be, 
 And keep them constantly. 
 69 
 Ere morning dawns to Thee I cry,^ 
 
 Thy words my hope restore: 
 And, in the night, my heart apply 
 To meditate' Thy law. 
 70 
 Hear me, according to Thy love. 
 Thy quickening grace afford: 
 My foes draw nigh,^ my fears to move, 
 Bnt Thou art near, O Lord ! 
 71 
 All Thy commands are truth, I see, 
 
 Thy testimonies* sure : 
 Founded of old, O Lord, by Thee, 
 They ever must endure. 
 
 RESH. s. M. 
 
 72 
 
 riONSIDER, Lord, my grief,'' 
 
 ^-^ I keep in mind Thy law : 
 Plead'' Thou my cause, and send relief. 
 
 Thy quickening grace restore. 
 73 
 
 Salvation^ — it is far 
 
 From those who leave thy way: 
 But great Thy tender mercies are,^ 
 
 Oh ! quicken me, I pray. 
 
 ' Jer. xxix. 13. 
 
 2 Ps. V. 3 ; cxxx. 
 6. " So intent was 
 his spirit on devout 
 contemplation, that 
 he awoke before the 
 night was ended, 
 for that purpose." 
 — Walford. 
 
 3 To meditate, &c. 
 — Thus affording a 
 striking contrast to 
 the conduct of the 
 wicked, who " de- 
 vises mischief upon 
 his bed." Psalm 
 xxxvi. 4. 
 
 ■* Draw nigh. — 
 " If our enemies 
 draw nigh to de- 
 stroy us, God is still 
 nearer to preserve 
 us." — HoRNE. Com- 
 pare 2 Tim. iv. 17. 
 
 5 Teslimcmies. — 
 " These are unal- 
 terable and ever- 
 lasting as the attri- 
 butes of their great 
 Author, and can 
 never fail those who 
 rely on them, in 
 time or in eter- 
 nity."— Hobne. 
 
 "Lam. V. 1. 
 
 7 Micah vii. 9 ; 
 I John ii. 1. 
 
 8 Ps. Ixxiii. 27. 
 
 siChron.xxi. 13. 
 

 PSALM CXIX. 
 
 219 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 74 
 How many are my foes !' 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 
 ' Ps. iii. 1. 
 
 
 Still to Thy word I cleave: 
 
 
 
 Wlien wicked men Thy law oppose, 
 
 
 
 My soul doth sorely grieve/ 
 
 2 Grieve. — The 
 grief of the Psalmist 
 arose, not so much 
 
 
 75 
 
 from their opposi- 
 tion to him, as from 
 
 He pleads his strong 
 
 Consider how I love 
 
 their dishonour of 
 
 attachment to God's 
 revealed will ; 
 
 Thy precepts, and obey; 
 
 God's law. Com- 
 pare Ezek. ix. 4. 
 This was a proof 
 
 
 Let loving kindness from above 
 
 that zeal for the di- 
 
 
 
 vine glory had sub- 
 
 
 Quicken me, lest I stray. 
 
 dued his natural 
 selfishness. 
 
 
 76 
 
 
 and declares his full 
 
 Thy word with truth is bright,^ 
 
 3 PrOV. XXX. 5 ; 2 
 Tim. iii. IG. 
 
 conviction of its 
 eternal and un- 
 
 From the beginning pure; 
 
 
 changeable excel- 
 
 Its every precept wholly right,^ 
 
 * Ps. .xix.7, 8, 9. 
 
 lence. 
 
 And ever must endure. 
 
 SCHIN. c. M. 
 
 
 5rto£ntB=first 
 
 
 
 ^art. 
 
 77 
 
 
 When suffering 
 
 pRINCES, Lord, without a cause,^ 
 ■■- Have persecuted me ; 
 
 5 Ps. cxix. 23. 
 
 persecution from 
 earthly princes, the 
 
 
 Psalmist appeals to 
 
 But still my heart reveres Thy laws, 
 
 
 the King of kings, 
 
 And stands in awe of Thee.*' 
 
 8 Ps. iv. 4 ; x.xxiii. 
 
 and takes encou- 
 
 
 8. 
 
 ragement from the 
 
 78 
 
 
 fact that the word 
 of God had afforded 
 
 As one who findeth treasures great,'' 
 
 ^ Jer. XV. 16 ; 
 Matt. xiii. 44. 
 
 ] him peace and de- 
 
 I in Thy word rejoice; 
 
 
 : light in the midst 
 
 And whilst deceit and lies I hate,* 
 
 8 Ps. ci. 7. 
 
 of his troubles. 
 
 Make Thy commands my choice. 
 
 
 
 
 9 Seven times — 
 
 
 79 
 
 i. e. " frequently. 
 
 
 Seven times^ a day I offer praise. 
 
 The number seven 
 is often used for 
 
 
 For righteous is Thy law: 
 
 any large indefinite 
 number."— F. & S. 
 
 
 Great peace have they who love Thy ways,'" 
 
 Compare Ps. xii. 6. 
 >" Is. .xxxii. 17 ; 
 
 
 Who never thence withdraw. 
 
 John xiv. 27. 
 
220 
 
 PSALM CXIX. 
 
 5EtDfnti)=s;ccontr 
 
 The Psalmist prays 
 earnestly for spiri- 
 tual understand- 
 ing; 
 
 and declares his re- 
 solution to praise 
 God when taught 
 by Him, and to de- 
 clare His truth, for 
 which purpose he 
 implores divine as- 
 sistance. 
 
 He prays that he 
 may enjoy the guar- 
 dian care of " the 
 Shepherd & Bishop 
 of souls." 
 
 80 
 
 1 Thy salvation hope to see,' 
 For, sure, I love Thy word: 
 
 Lord, all my ways are known'^ to Thee, 
 Nor have my footsteps en'ed. 
 
 81 
 
 T ORD, let my cry^ come near Thy throne, 
 -*-^ Give me an understanding heart; 
 
 My fervent supplication own, 
 And freedom to my soul impart. 
 
 82 
 
 My lips shall utter praise when Thou 
 Hast taught me Thy commands to' obey; 
 
 My tongue shall all Thy truth avow,^ 
 For righteous is Thy every way. 
 
 83 
 
 Helj) to Thy servant now afford. 
 
 Thy precepts I have made my choice f 
 
 I long for Thy salvation, Lord, 
 And in Thy sacred law rejoice. 
 
 84 
 
 Let my soul live to praise and pray,*^ 
 And let Thy judgment^ me restore: 
 
 Like a lost sheep, I've gone astray,* 
 Seek me, for still I love Thy law. 
 
 ' Gen. xlix. 18; 
 Ps. cxxx. 5-7. 
 
 " Known, &c. — 
 "Heb. before Thee 
 — i. e., perfectly 
 known to Thee." — 
 F. &S. "The con- 
 sideration of God's 
 omnipresence is the 
 best motive to a 
 holy Ufe." — Bp. 
 Wilson. 
 
 3 My cry. — " This 
 is really a fine 
 image ; though, 
 from its frequent 
 occurrence, it is 
 little heeded. The 
 Psalmist's cry for 
 deliverance is here 
 pcrso7iified, made an 
 intelligent being, 
 and sent up to the 
 throne of grace to 
 negotiate on his be- 
 half."— B. C. B. 
 
 ^ Deut. vi. 7; 
 
 ' Josh. x.viv. 22 ; 
 Prov. i. 29. 
 
 6 Ps. Ixiii. 4. 
 
 7 Judgment — " or 
 decision in my fa- 
 vour."— F. & S. 
 
 » Is. liii. 6 ; Luke 
 XV. 4 ; 1 Pet. ii. 25. 
 
PSALMS CXX. CXXI. 
 
 221 
 
 The Psalmist, suf- 
 fering from the de- 
 ceit and falsehood 
 of his persecutors, 
 appeals to God for 
 aid; 
 
 warns his ene- 
 mies to beware of 
 the divine venge- 
 ance; and deplores 
 the necessity of his 
 remaining among 
 those who delight 
 in stiife. 
 
 The Psalmist looks 
 up to the God of 
 Zion for help. 
 
 PSALM CXX. 
 
 I..M. 
 
 ' This, and the fourteen Psalms which follow it, are entitled, 
 ' Psalms of degrees, or of ascensions.' Probably, as Bishop 
 Louth observes, they were sung when the people were going up 
 or ascending to Jerusalem, either for the celebration of their 
 annual festivals, or at the time of their return from the Baby- 
 lonish captivity." — Bp. Mant. 
 
 1 
 
 TN my distress, to God I cried ;' 
 
 He heard me fi-om His mercy seat ; 
 " From lying lij)s^ Thy servant hide, 
 
 From tongues of falsehood and deceit." 
 2 
 What shall be given, or what be done 
 
 To thee, thou lover of deceit? 
 Sharp arrows,^ of the mighty One, 
 
 With coals of fiercely burning heat. 
 3 
 Alas ! that I in Mesech stray, 
 
 And Kedar,^ where they peace abhor : 
 1 am for holy jDcace, but they. 
 
 Oft as I speak, declare for war. 
 
 PSALM CXXL 
 
 C. M. 
 
 A song of degrees, or ascents, used by the Jews on the same occa- 
 sions as the preceding. 
 
 1 
 
 TTP to the hills* I lift mine eyes,*^ 
 ^ From whence my help descends: 
 The Lord, who made the earth and skies. 
 The help I look for sends. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Ps. cxviii. 
 Jonah ii. 2. 
 
 5; 
 
 2 Lying lips. — 
 " From the re- 
 proaches of Tobias, 
 Sanballat, & others. 
 See Ezra iv. 1,2." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
 3 Arrows. — " Ca- 
 lumny and false- 
 hood being fre- 
 quently represent- 
 ed by the images of 
 arrows and fire, the 
 same images suit- 
 ably express the re- 
 quital which awaits 
 them at the hand of 
 God."— F.&S. See 
 Ps. Ivu. 4, 
 
 4 Mesech — Kedar. 
 " Under the names 
 of these barbarous 
 tribes, the Psalmist 
 designates his ene- 
 mies."— F. & S. 
 
 5 Hills. — " Upon 
 which the temple 
 stands." — F. & S. 
 Compare 1 Kings 
 viii. 42-44. Psalm 
 cxxxviii. 2 ; Ixxxvii. 
 1. 
 
 s Lift mine eyes. 
 — A silent, but ex- 
 pressive mode of 
 prayer. Compare 
 Ps. cxxiii. 1. 
 
222 
 
 PSALM CXXII. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 He receives an as- 
 surance that divine 
 aid and protection 
 will be afforded, in 
 answer to his appli- 
 cation. 
 
 The Psalmist de- 
 clares the joy he 
 felt when asked by 
 his friends to go to 
 the house of God in 
 company. 
 
 Thy foot unmoved He ever keeps/ 
 No slumber He requires: 
 
 Lo ! Israel's Guardian never sleeps/ 
 Jehovali never tires.' 
 
 The Lord, thy guardian, shades* thy way. 
 And keeps thee in His sight; 
 
 Nor shall the sun smite thee by day,^ 
 Nor shall the moon by night. 
 
 4 
 
 God will preserve thy soul from sin. 
 
 From danger and distress; 
 Thy going out, thy coming in," 
 
 For evermore will bless. 
 
 PSALM cxxn. 
 
 SEVENS. G LINES. 
 
 A song of degrees, or ascents. " This Psalm was probably written 
 by David, for the use of the Israelites, when they went up to 
 Jerusalem, after the ark was removed thither, to celebrate the 
 sacred feasts." — B. C. B. 
 
 1 
 
 T WAS glad to hear them say,'' 
 -■- On the holy sabbath day, 
 Let us now attend the courts^ 
 "Wliere the Holy One resorts: 
 We within thy gates will stand, 
 Salem, pride of all the land. 
 
 ' 1 Sam. ii. 9. 
 
 ^ Ps. c.x.Kvii. 1 . 
 3 Is. xl. 28. 
 
 * S/indes — i. e. " to 
 protect thee from 
 the heat of the sun. 
 The same image is 
 employed by Isaiah, 
 who (xxv. 4) de- 
 scribes the Al- 
 mighty as a shadow 
 from the heat." — 
 F. &S. 
 
 ' By day, &c. — 
 " You shall be in- 
 jured neither by 
 the scorching heat 
 of the day, nor by 
 the extreme cold of 
 the night."— F.&S. 
 
 5 Deut. xxviii. 6. 
 
 ? Ps. xlii. 4. 
 
 8 Is. ii. 3 ; Zech. 
 viii. 21. 
 
PSALM cxxni. 
 
 223 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 Approaching the 
 holy city, the de- 
 vout worshippers 
 express their admi- 
 ration and delight, 
 and call upon each 
 other to pi-ay for 
 the prosperity of 
 Jerusalem. 
 
 Entered within the 
 walls of the temple, 
 they present their 
 fervent prayer for 
 the city of God. 
 
 The Church, in 
 its deep affliction, 
 looks up to God for 
 comfort and deli- 
 verance ; and com- 
 plains of the con- 
 
 Like a city Salem see, 
 Built compactly,' strong and free ! 
 Gladly there the tribes ascend,^ 
 There Jehovah's tribes attend: 
 There, where He reveals^ His word. 
 Songs of praise to God are heard. 
 
 3 
 Thrones* of judgment Salem grace. 
 Thrones of David's royal race : 
 Pray for Salem's peace, for they^ 
 Prosper, who for Salem pray: 
 Peace within thy walls be found, 
 All thy courts with wealth abound ! 
 
 4 
 Now for my companions' sake," 
 Brethren dear, my prayer I make; 
 Peace' within thee ever rest, 
 God's own presence make thee blest. 
 Since the house of God is there, 
 Salem's good shall be my prayer.^ 
 
 PSALM CXXHL 
 
 L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 " A song of ascents." 
 " This Psalm is probably a complaint of the captives in Babylon, 
 relative to the contempt and cruel usage they received." — B. C. B. 
 
 'T'O Thee I lift my mournful eyes,^ 
 -*- O Thou, enthroned above the skies! 
 As servants watch their master's hand,'" 
 Or maids who near their mistress stand, 
 
 ' Built compactly. 
 — " Not straggling, 
 like most oriental 
 cities, with exten- 
 sive gardens and 
 fields interspersed, 
 but a mass of con- 
 tiguous houses." — 
 Dr. HussET. 
 
 2 Deut. xvi. 16. 
 
 ^ Reveals. — The 
 allusion is to "the 
 ark of the testi- 
 mony," from which 
 God declared His 
 will. 
 
 ■> Thrones, Ac- 
 Jerusalem was the 
 residence of the 
 supreme judge of 
 Israel, who was 
 an eminent type of 
 the King whom God 
 had appointed to 
 rule in Zion for 
 ever. 
 
 5 Ps. h. 18. 
 
 6 Ps. cxix. 63. 
 
 ''Peace. — The 
 peace and prospe- 
 rity of the Church 
 of Christ depend 
 not on any worldly 
 advantages, but on 
 the purity of its 
 members, and the 
 presence of God. 
 These blessings can 
 be obtained only 
 by united and fer- 
 vent prayer. 
 
 SNeh. ii. 10; xiii. 
 H. 
 
 sPs.cxxi. 1. The 
 lifting up of the 
 eyes is a silent, but 
 expressive mode of 
 imploi'ing aid. 
 
 '" Their master's 
 hand. — " When ex- 
 pecting to receive 
 
224 
 
 PSALM CXXIV. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 tempt and scorn 
 to which she is 
 subjected by her 
 haughty foes. 
 
 The Cliurch re- 
 cords the gracious 
 deliverance effected 
 by her covenant 
 God, in a time of 
 eminent peril ; 
 
 she offers the tri- 
 bute of grateful 
 praise ; 
 
 So to the Lord our eyes we raise, 
 Until His mercy He displays. 
 
 Have mercy, Lord, we cry to Thee ; 
 Filled with contempt Thy servants see ! 
 Have mercy on us ! scorned by those 
 Who live in undisturbed repose ! 
 Beneath the scorning' of the proud. 
 And their contempt our soul is bowed.^ 
 
 PSALM CXXIV. 
 
 148th. 
 
 " A song of ascents." 
 
 • This Psalm contains praise for victory, and was probably com- 
 posed by David after his victory over the Philistines."? — Dr. B. 
 
 1 
 
 TTAD not Jehovah been* 
 -'— *- Engaged upon our side. 
 Had not Jehovah seen. 
 
 When, like a swelling tide. 
 Against us men arose to fight,^ 
 Then had they overwhelmed us quite. 
 
 2 
 
 The waters,® if allowed. 
 Had carried us away, 
 The waters, dark and proud,' 
 Had made our souls their prey: 
 Blest be the Lord ! when overpowered, 
 He left us not to be devoured.® 
 
 some token of their 
 master's favour."^ — 
 F. & S. Or, "these 
 words may be un- 
 derstood as expres- 
 sive of a readiness to 
 obey His commands 
 when known, and 
 also as the language 
 of dependence, ex- 
 pecting support, 
 protection, and re- 
 dress."— B. C. B. 
 
 ' Nell. iv. 4. 
 
 3 2 Sam. v. 19. 
 
 * Ps. cxviii. 
 Rom. viii. 31. 
 
 5 Ps. iii. 1. 
 
 6 Waters — are 
 used to represent 
 multitudes of hos- 
 tile men. See Is. 
 lix. 19. 
 
 ? Proud — i. e. 
 " which cannot be 
 restrained." — Dr. 
 
 HUSSEY. 
 
 8 Devoured.- — The 
 enemies of Israel, 
 described above as 
 floods of water, are 
 here described as 
 ravenous wild 
 
 beasts. 
 
PSALM CXXV. 
 
 225 
 
 and declares all her 
 help to proceed 
 from God alone. 
 
 The Church exults 
 in the conscious- 
 ness of her security, 
 resulting from the 
 presence and pro- 
 tection of Jehovah. 
 
 She implores the 
 blessing of God on 
 the faithful ; fore- 
 tells the fearful 
 doom of the wicked; 
 and prays for her 
 own peace and pros- 
 perity. 
 
 Now from the snare' set free, 
 
 The treacherous fowler's snare, 
 Delivered, Lord, by Thee, 
 Thy goodness we declare: 
 Oirr help is found in God the Lord,^ 
 Who spread the heaven and earth abroad.^ 
 
 PSALM CXXV. 
 
 SEVENS. DOOBLE. 
 
 " A song of ascents." 
 ' Some refer this Psalm to the miraculous deliverance of Jeru- 
 salem from the invasion of Sennacherib ; but it was most pro- 
 bably written after the return of the Jews from Babylon." — 
 B. C. B. 
 
 1 
 
 rPHEY who in the Lord confide, 
 -^ Firm as Zion's mount abide: 
 As the mountains^ stand around 
 Salem's consecrated ground. 
 So, about His saints, the Lord 
 Ever stands, His aid to' afford; 
 Nor permits the sinner's rod^ 
 Long to rule the saints of God. 
 
 2 
 O Jehovah! now impart 
 Good to all the pure in heart! 
 As for such as turn away, 
 Choose in crooked paths'^ to stray. 
 Them, in wrath, wilt Thou consume. 
 They shall feel the sinner's doom -7 
 But may peace for ever dwell, 
 Sacred peace on Israel !* 
 
 G G 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Snare.- — ^This is 
 the third compari- 
 son used to describe 
 the danger to which 
 God's people had 
 been exposed. Com- 
 pare Ps. xci. 3. 
 
 2 Ps. cxxi. 2. 
 
 3 Gen 
 cxxxiv. 3. 
 
 i. 1 : Ps. 
 
 ■* As the moun- 
 tains. — " The com- 
 parison beautifully 
 illustrates the pow- 
 er and constant 
 care of God towards 
 those who trust in 
 Him."— Dr. B. 
 
 5 Rod — i. e. " the 
 sceptre or power of 
 the wicked." — Dr. 
 B. This iiortion of 
 the Psalm affords 
 some evidence that 
 it was composed 
 after the return 
 from Babylon, when 
 the people were in 
 a state of subjection 
 to the Persian mo- 
 narchs. 
 
 ^ Crooked paths — 
 i. e. " the paths of 
 the workers of ini- 
 quity."— F. & S. In 
 opposition to this, 
 the path of the just 
 is described as a 
 plain path. See Ps. 
 xxvii. 11. 
 
 ' Matt. XXV. 46. 
 
 8 Ps. cxxviii. 6 ; 
 Gal. vi. 16. 
 
226 
 
 PSALM CXXVI. 
 
 The Church re- 
 cords, with exul- 
 tation, her gi'eat 
 deliverance from 
 bondage, by the 
 grace and power of 
 God. 
 
 She prays that God 
 would complete the 
 good work he had 
 begun, and that 
 through His bless- 
 ing, she may again 
 enjoy times of safety 
 and prosperity. 
 
 PSALM CXXVI. 
 
 L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 " A song of ascents." 
 " This Psalm evidently appears to have been composed in conse- 
 quence of the proclamation of Cyi-us in favour of the Jews,' 
 giving them leave to return to their own land, and rebuild their 
 city and temple." — B. C. B. 
 
 1 
 
 T"I7HEN God His people did redeem 
 ' ' From bondage, it ajDpeared a dream :" 
 Then laughter every mouth employed, 
 And songs our tongues, all oveijoyed: 
 The heathen cried, with wonder fraught, 
 " Great things for them the Lord hath 
 wrought." 
 
 2 
 
 Great things for us the Lord, we own,'' 
 
 Hath wrought, we gladly make them known 
 
 Turn our captivity, O Lord, 
 
 As streams* on southern deserts poured! 
 
 Thy land shall then again revive. 
 
 And, favoured with Thy blessing, thrive. 
 
 Then we, who sow in tears^ of grief, 
 Shall reap, with joy, the yellow sheaf: 
 They who go forth with precious grain, 
 (Though tears bedew the furrowed plain,) 
 With joy shall see the sheaves of corn, 
 In harvest time, securely borne. 
 
 ' SeeEira, i.2-4. 
 
 "^ A dream. — " Our 
 return to the land 
 of our fathers was 
 so unexpected, that 
 we could scarcely 
 believe it had really 
 taken place."— F. 
 & S. 
 
 3 Ezra vii. 27, 28. 
 
 * As streams, &c. 
 — i. e. "Let the re- 
 sidue of our cap- 
 tives return, and let 
 their retvu-n be fol- 
 lowed by such bless- 
 ings to their ex- 
 hausted country, as 
 currents of water 
 would bestow on 
 the pai'ched desert." 
 — F. & S. 
 
 ° Sow in tears. — 
 "Doubtful,from the 
 insecure state of 
 the country at the 
 time, whether we 
 shall enjoy the fruit 
 of our labours." — 
 F.&S. 
 
PSALM CXXVII. 
 
 227 
 
 The Psalmist de- 
 clares the utter 
 vanity of all human 
 efforts to ensure 
 success, unless ac- 
 companied with the 
 divine blessing ; 
 
 and shows the secu- 
 rity and prosperity 
 of those who place 
 their confidence in 
 God ; these bless- 
 ings extending to 
 their offspring, and 
 thi'ough them to 
 theu- country. 
 
 PSALM CXXVII. 
 
 8. 8. G. 
 
 " A song of ascents, by Solomon." 
 ' If this Psalm were written by Solomon, or by David for Solomon, 
 it was probably used again at the time of rebuilding the city and 
 temple, after the return from Babylon." — Bp. Horne. 
 
 TTNLESS the Lord the house erect,' 
 ^ The builders spend, without effect, 
 
 Their labour, thought, and care: 
 Unless the Lord the city keep, 
 The watchman may refrain from sleep,^ 
 
 But safety is not there. 
 
 Vain is your toil who early rise,' 
 Who sit up late with sleepless eyes, 
 
 And eat the bread of woe :* 
 'Tis God who gives His chosen rest,* 
 With numerous offspring they are blest, 
 
 'Tis theu' reward below. 
 
 As an'ows bright the hands adorn 
 Of mighty men, so children® born 
 
 Of youthful parents are : 
 Happy the man whose quiver's filled! 
 By them invading hosts are killed; 
 
 They guard the gate^ in war. 
 
 - Ps. xxxiii. 16- 
 18. "What is said 
 with regard to an 
 earthly house, city, 
 or family, extend- 
 eth also to the spi • 
 ritual house, city, 
 & family of Christ." 
 
 — HORNE. 
 
 2 Ps. cxxi. 3-5. 
 
 3 Early rise, &c. 
 — " Thereby deny- 
 ingthemselves their 
 natural rest." — F. 
 & S. 
 
 ■i Bread of woe — 
 i. e. bread acquired 
 by much painful 
 labour. 
 
 5 Rest. — " Sleep 
 was graciously or- 
 dained by God to 
 recruit the exhaust- 
 ed frame of man ; 
 and those wlio trust 
 in His favour, en- 
 joy their repose, un- 
 distiu'bed by any 
 feeUngs of anxiety." 
 — F.& S. 
 
 6 Children. — 
 " These are men- 
 tioned as being, like 
 wealth, objects of 
 great solicitude to 
 mankind." — F. & S. 
 
 7 The gate. — 
 " The main struggle 
 between contend- 
 ing armies was 
 usually at the gates 
 of the besieged 
 city."— F. & S. 
 
228 
 
 PSALM cxxvin. 
 
 The Psalmist de- 
 clares the security 
 and happiness of 
 the man who fears 
 and obeys God ; 
 
 that the divine 
 blessing shall rest 
 upon his household ; 
 
 that he shall see the 
 prosperity of Zion ; 
 and that his " days 
 shall be long in the 
 land." 
 
 PSALM CXXVIII. 
 
 " A song of ascents." 
 ' This is generally supposed to have been a marriage song, sung at 
 the marriage of the Israelites ; and it is well adapted to so 
 solemn and, at the same time, so joyous an occasion." — Mant. 
 
 1 
 
 T) LEST is the man who fears the Lord, 
 -*-' And walks in His commands! 
 For thou shalt eat, as thy reward, 
 The labour' of thy hands. 
 
 Thy wife"^ shall be a fruitful vine,^ 
 With richest clusters stored; 
 
 Thy children like young olives shine^ 
 Around the festive board. 
 
 3 
 
 Behold, that thus* shall he be blest. 
 Who fears the Lord above: 
 
 Blessings from Zion on him rest. 
 Sent by the God of love. 
 
 The good of Salem it shall be 
 Thy joy through life to' increase: 
 
 Thy children's children thou shalt see, 
 And Israel crowned with peace. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 1 The labour, &c. 
 — i. e. the fruit of 
 thy labour. This 
 promise was peculi- 
 arly adapted to the 
 state of the Israel- 
 ites on their retui-n 
 from captivity, as 
 they were in danger 
 of being deprived of 
 their harvests by 
 surrounding ene- 
 mies. 
 
 2 Thy wife.—ThB 
 people being few in 
 number, and there- 
 fore weak, a rapid 
 increase of popula- 
 tion was most essen- 
 tial. This God had 
 promised, Jer. x.yx. 
 19. 
 
 3 Gen. xlix. 22. 
 
 " Ps. lii. 8. 
 
 5 Thus. — " With 
 nimierousofiFspring, 
 with seeing the 
 prosperity of the 
 Church, and with a 
 vigorous old age." 
 —Dr. B. 
 
PSALM CXXIX. 
 
 229 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The Church, on a 
 review of the won- 
 derful interposi- 
 tions of God on her 
 behalf, in deliver- 
 ing her out of so 
 many calamities, 
 adores the divine 
 faithfulness ; 
 
 and prays for the 
 confusion of her 
 bitter and invete- 
 rate enemies. 
 
 PSALM CXXIX. 
 
 " A song of ascents." 
 
 ' This Psalm was probably composed in consequence of the oppo- 
 sition of the Samaritans."' — B. C. B. 
 
 n REATLY I have been afflicted^ 
 ^■^ From my youth,"^ may Israel say; 
 Great distress have they* inflicted; 
 Yet I am not made their prey. 
 
 " Often on my back the plougher* 
 Made his ftuTows deep and long ; 
 
 Righteous is the Lord ! His power 
 Cut the cords of sinners strong." 
 
 3 
 
 Let them be confounded ever, 
 Who to Zion hatred show ! 
 
 Be like withered grass/ that never 
 Mowers take the pains to mow ! 
 
 Nor do those who pass, expressing 
 Words of peace,^ to them exclaim, 
 
 " May you have Jehovah's blessing !" 
 " Lo ! we bless you in His name." 
 
 2 See F. & S. 
 
 ^ From my youth 
 — i. e. "even from 
 the time of my so- 
 journing in Egypt." 
 — F. & S. See Ho- 
 sea xi. 1. 
 
 < rAfj-— 1. e. "the 
 various enemies of 
 Israel."— F. & S. 
 
 ^ The plougher. — 
 " This strong figure 
 seems to intimate 
 that the enemies of 
 Israel cut their 
 backs by scourging 
 as the ploughers cut 
 the soil."— B. C. B. 
 
 8 Ps. xxxni. 2. 
 
 ? Word!: of peace. 
 — The usual saluta- 
 tion in the time of 
 harvest, " And be- 
 hold, Boaz came 
 from Bethlehem, 
 and said unto the 
 reapers. The Lord 
 be with you ! And 
 they answered him. 
 The Lord bless 
 thee !" Ruth ii. 4. 
 See F. & S. 
 
230 
 
 PSALM CXXX. 
 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 
 KOTES. 
 
 
 PSALM CXXX. 
 
 
 
 " This Psalm was probably written under the pressure of some 
 
 
 
 heavy national calamity." — F. & S. Some refer it to the cir- 
 
 
 
 ciunstances recorded Ezra ix. 
 
 
 The Psalmist, in 
 the depth of afflic- 
 
 1 
 
 r\\JT of the depths' I cry to Thee, 
 ^ Lord! attend my cry; 
 
 ' Depths — i. e. 
 " Deep waters, the 
 
 tion, earnestly sujj- 
 
 standing symbol for 
 all kinds of extreme 
 
 plicates divine aid ; 
 
 And let Thine ears attentive be 
 To each imploring sigh. 
 
 affliction and dis- 
 tress."— Walfokd. 
 
 confesses his guilt ; 
 
 2 
 
 If thou shouldst mark- iniquity, 
 
 2 Mark — i. e. for 
 the purpose of pu- 
 
 
 Who then could stand, Lord! 
 
 nishing. 
 
 
 But there is pardoning grace with Thee, 
 
 
 
 That Thou mayest be adored.^ 
 
 3 Adored — The 
 pardoning mercy of 
 God leads men to 
 worship Him with 
 
 
 3 
 
 reverence. Com- 
 pare 1 Kings viii. 
 
 declares all his hope 
 
 I wait for God,* my soul doth wait, 
 
 39, 40. 
 
 •iPs. xl. 1. 
 
 ' Words — i. e. 
 
 to be in the mercy 
 of God as revealed 
 
 His words* my hope inspire; 
 
 in His word ; 
 
 Not those who watch,'' with longings great, 
 
 promises. 
 * See Acts xxvii. 
 
 
 The morning thus desire. 
 
 29 ; Ps. cxxxiv. 1. 
 
 and encourages all 
 
 4 
 
 Let Israel hope in God,^ whose grace. 
 
 7 Ps. cxxxi. 3. 
 
 the Israel of God to 
 
 
 confide in His grace. 
 
 An overflowing stream. 
 
 
 
 From all iniquity* the race 
 
 sps. ciii. 3, 4; 
 
 
 Of Israel will redeem. 
 
 Matt. i. 21. 
 
PSALMS CXXXI. CXXXII. 
 
 231 
 
 SDBJECT. 
 
 The Psalmist ap 
 peals to the Search- 
 er of hearts, and de- 
 clares his humility, 
 his freedom from 
 ambition, and from 
 all worldly desires. 
 
 In the spirit of a 
 " little child," he 
 not only reposes on 
 God, but exhorts 
 others also to trust 
 in Him. 
 
 iF(rst ^avt. 
 
 The ancient 
 
 Church, in her 
 solemn worship, 
 pleads with God the 
 anxious concern 
 manifested by His 
 
 PSALM CXXXI. 
 
 8. 7. 4. 
 
 " A song of ascents, by David." 
 
 This Psalm was probably composed by David when accused by 
 
 Saul and liis courtiers of aspiring to the crown of Israel. 
 
 1 
 
 T ORD, my heart' is not uplifted, 
 "^ Neither lofty is mine eye : 
 Things for which I am not gifted, 
 
 Things which are for me too high, 
 Lord, Thou knowest, 
 
 I to these do not apply, 
 
 2 
 
 Surely, I compose and quiet 
 All my cravings, like a child^ 
 
 Weaned from its maternal diet; 
 Tranquil is my soul, and mild: 
 
 Oh ! let Israel' 
 Trust Jehovah reconciled ! 
 
 PSALM CXXXII. 
 
 ' This Psalm was composed for the dedication of Solomon's temple,'' 
 and was most probably used at that of the second temple." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
 1 
 
 TN David's favour call to mind, 
 -^ O Lord, his anxious care;^ 
 The sacred purpose he designed, 
 The solemn oath he sware; 
 
 • My heart. — 
 " This language" 
 (as Bishop Horne 
 remarks) " is pecu- 
 Uarly applicable to 
 Messiah in His state 
 of humiliation on 
 earth. Happy would 
 it be for the world, 
 if all His disciples 
 could imbibe the 
 spix'it of this short, 
 but lovely psalm, 
 and copy the ex- 
 ample it setteth be- 
 fore them." 
 
 2 Matt, xviii. 3. 
 
 ^ Ps. cxxx. 7. 
 
 ■< 2 Chron. v. G. 
 
 5 His anxious care 
 " in bringing up the 
 ark of God, and pro- 
 viding a place in 
 which it might be 
 safely deposited. 
 Compai-e 1 Chron. 
 xiii. 1-3."— F. &S. 
 
232 
 
 PSALM cxxxn. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 servant David, to 
 erect a temple to 
 the God of Jacob. 
 
 Scconti ^art. 
 
 The Church sup- 
 plicates the divine 
 presence and bless- 
 ing, for the sake of 
 her anointed King ; 
 
 and pleads the 
 gracious promises 
 made by God, re- 
 specting the esta- 
 blishment of His 
 kingdom. 
 
 " Up to my house I will not go,* 
 
 Nor to my bed ascend; 
 No slumber shall mine eyelids know, 
 
 Nor sleep my powers suspend, 
 
 Until for God on earth I find 
 
 A consecrated place, 
 Where the Most Highmay dwell enshrined, 
 
 The God of Jacob's race."^ 
 
 At Ephi-atah, in Jaar's field,* 
 We heard^ the ark did stay : 
 
 Now, where His presence is revealed. 
 Let us oui* worship pay. 
 
 L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 A RISE," O Lord ! Thy rest possess ; 
 -^ Thou, mth the ark of might divine ! 
 Clothe all Thy priests with righteousness. 
 
 And let Thy saints to shout combine : 
 For David's sake attend our prayer, 
 And for Thine own anointed^ care. 
 
 6 
 Jehovah hath to David sworn,' 
 
 Nor from His oath will He recede ; 
 " The chilchen that to thee are born 
 
 Shall fill thy throne f and if their seed 
 Will steadfast in my covenant stay. 
 Their children too shall Israel sway." 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' " This vow must 
 not be interpreted 
 too strictly. The 
 whole means no 
 more than that he 
 was fully resolved to 
 build a place for the 
 ark. See 2 Sam. 
 vii. Compare Prov. 
 vi. 4."— Dr. B. 
 
 2 Acts vii. 46. 
 
 3 1 Chron. xiii. 6. 
 Jaar, or Kiijath- 
 jearim. 
 
 "* We heard. — 
 " This probably re- 
 fers to some event 
 not recorded in the 
 history of the 
 Bible."— F. & S. 
 
 5 Arise, &c. — '• In 
 the jom-neying of 
 the Israelites thro' 
 the desert, this 
 verse was part of 
 the form of words 
 used whenever the 
 ark was carried 
 forward. Solomon 
 adopted it at the 
 consecration of the 
 temple. See 2 
 Chron. vi. 41 ; Ps. 
 Ixvui. 1."— -F. & S. 
 
 6 Thine oivn 
 anointed — i. e. Solo- 
 mon, anointed by 
 God's command to 
 be king over His 
 people, and a type of 
 the Prince of peace. 
 
 7 Ps. Lxxxix. 3, 4. 
 
 8 2 Sam. vii. 12; 
 Acts ii. 30. Where 
 the apostle Peter 
 applies these words 
 to Messiah. 
 
 i 
 
PSALM CXXXIII. 
 
 233 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 In the conscious en- 
 joyment of the di- 
 vine favour, the 
 Church repeats the 
 promises made on 
 her behalf, which 
 were to receive 
 their full accom- 
 plishment in the 
 universal establish- 
 ment of Messiah's 
 kingdom. 
 
 The excellent ad- 
 vantages of bro- 
 therly love are set 
 forth, by allusions 
 to the holy anoint- 
 ing oil with which 
 Aaron was conse- 
 crated, and to the 
 refreshing influ- 
 ence of the dew 
 descending from 
 heaven. 
 
 rPHE Lord hath chosen Zion's hill;' 
 -*- Hath made it His desired abode ; 
 Hath said, " Here will I dwell, and stilP 
 
 My presence here shall be bestowed. 
 8 
 " All her provisions I will bless, 
 
 And satisfy her poor with bread; 
 Her priests with my salvation dress,^ 
 
 Her saints aloud their joys shall spread. 
 9 
 " There shall the horn^ of David grow; 
 
 His lamp* with splendour ever flame: 
 Bright on his head his crown shall glow. 
 
 And all his foes be clothed with shame." 
 
 PSALM CXXXHL 
 
 L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 " A song of ascents." 
 ' This Psalm celebrates brotherly love ; it was probably composed 
 after David became king over all Israel ; and was used after the 
 captivity, to enforce union and concord. Neh. viii. ] , &c." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
 1 
 
 T) EHOLD, how pleasant 'tis to see 
 •^ Brethren who dwell in unity !® 
 'Tis like the precious ointment'' shed 
 On consecrated Aaron's head; 
 The sacred stream suffused his beard. 
 And fragrant on his robes appeared. 
 
 2 
 Not Hermon's hill,* with dew o'erspread, 
 So sweet an influence can shed: 
 
 H H 
 
 1 Ps. xlviii. 1, 2. 
 
 2 Ps. Ixviii. 16. 
 
 3 2 Chron. vi. 41. 
 
 ■• The horn — i. e. 
 the power. 
 
 5 Lamp. — " This 
 is an emblem of 
 splendour and pros- 
 perity. (See Psalm 
 xviii. 28.) Allusion 
 is also made to the 
 lamp in the taber- 
 nacle, which was to 
 be kept always 
 burning, (Exodus 
 xxvii. 20 ;) and an 
 assurance is thus 
 given that the fa- 
 mily of David would 
 never be extin- 
 guished. In Mes- 
 siah, who was 
 " made of the seed 
 of David according 
 to the flesh," were 
 these promises, in 
 their ftiUest extent, 
 completed." — F. 
 & 8. 
 
 8 Gen. xiii. 8 j 
 Heb. xiii. 1. 
 
 ' Precious oint- 
 ment — or " oil of 
 holy ointment." 
 See Exod. xxx. 2.5- 
 30. This holy oil, 
 with which Aaron 
 and his sons were 
 consecrated, was 
 emblematical of the 
 Holy Spirit by 
 whom believers are 
 consecrated to God. 
 
 8 Deut. iv. 48. 
 
234 
 
 PSALMS CXXXIV. CXXXV. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The devout address 
 of one company of 
 priests to the other, 
 when performing 
 their nightly duties . 
 
 The response of the 
 second company. 
 
 jFirst ^art. 
 
 The servants of God 
 are exhorted to 
 praise Him in His 
 sanctuary, because 
 praise is delightful ; 
 and because of the 
 
 Not Zion's mountains, wet with dew 
 From heaven, so cheering are to view; 
 For there' the Lord delights to pour 
 The blessing, life for evermore. 
 
 PSALM CXXXIV. 
 
 L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 *' A song of ascents." 
 Bishop Louth remarks that this Psalm gives us an example of 
 the Temple watch ; and is nothing more than the alternate cry 
 of two different divisions. The first watch, in the two first 
 verses, addresses the second, reminding them of their duty ; 
 the second, in the third verse, answers by a solemn blessing. 
 
 "\7E servants of the Lord, who stand, 
 -*- By night," within His sacred place. 
 Lift, in the sanctuary, your hand,^ 
 
 And bless the Lord, the God of grace. 
 The Lord, who heaven and earth hath made, 
 From Zion bless, and gi'ant thee aid ! 
 
 PSALM CXXXV. 
 
 " We know not on what occasion this Psalm was composed ; but the 
 probable opinion is, that it belongs to the class of hymns that 
 were written for the use of the people of Israel, soon after their 
 return from captivity." — Walfobd. 
 
 Dr. Wells thinks it was sung by the Levites at the opening of the 
 gates of the temple. 
 
 1 
 
 I3RAISE ye the Lord! Praise ye His 
 -*- name ! 
 
 Praise Him, ye servants of the Lord!* 
 Now, in His house, resound His fame. 
 
 And, in His courts. His praise record ! 
 
 - There — i.e. where 
 " brethren dwell to- 
 gether in unity." 
 See verse 1. 
 
 2 It was the duty 
 of the priests (Lev. 
 viii. 3-5) and Le- 
 vites (1 Chron. ix. 
 33) to serve day 
 and night in the 
 house of God. 
 Their nightly ser- 
 vice alone, which 
 was the most ardu- 
 ous, is here men- 
 tioned.— F. & S. 
 
 3 1 Kings viii. 38. 
 
PSALM CXXXV. 
 
 235 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 peculiar favour He 
 had shown to them. 
 
 The power and 
 wisdom of God as 
 displayed in the go- 
 vernment of the 
 material world, a 
 suitable subject for 
 praise. 
 
 His merciful inter- 
 positions on behalf 
 of His people in de- 
 livering them from 
 their enemies de- 
 mands also their 
 praise. 
 
 ScconO ^art. 
 
 Jehovah, the self- 
 existent, eteraal, 
 and unchangeable 
 God, contrasted 
 with the vain idols 
 
 Praise ye the Lord, the God of grace ! 
 
 Sing to His name! 'tis sweet employ:' 
 For God hath chosen Jacob's race, 
 
 Israel is His peculiar joy. ^ 
 
 3 
 
 Great is the Lord in power and skill,^ 
 Above all gods exalted high: 
 
 He doth according to His will, 
 
 In heaven, in earth, the sea, the sky. 
 
 4 
 
 He causeth clouds from earth to rise. 
 He maketh lightning with the rain :* 
 
 And brings forth from His treasuries 
 The winds that swell the mighty main. 
 
 5 
 
 Who^ the first bom of Egypt slew,® 
 Both man and beast; and wonders 
 wrought 
 
 In thee, O Egypt I'' and o'erthrew 
 
 Pharaoh, and all the host he brought; 
 
 6 
 Who smote great nations,^ kings of might, 
 
 Sihon and Og, and Canaan's hosts : 
 And gave to Israel, His delight. 
 
 To dwell for ever in their coasts. 
 
 7 
 nPHY name," Jehovah, shall endure, 
 And Thy memorial never cease: 
 For God will judge His people,'" sure. 
 And give to all His servants peace. 
 
 ' Ps. cxlvii. 1. 
 
 2 Exod. xix. 5 ; 
 Jer. X. 6. 
 
 3 Ps. -xcv. 3. 
 
 ■I Main. — " In sul- 
 try climates, heavy 
 rains generally ac- 
 company thunder 
 and lightning, — 
 "When He uttereth 
 H/'s voice, there is a 
 Tnultitiide of waters 
 in the heavens, and 
 He causeth the va- 
 pours to ascend 
 from the ends of the 
 earth ; He maketh 
 lightning with the 
 rain, and bringeth 
 forth the wind out of 
 His treasures. Jer. 
 X. 13."— F. & S. 
 
 5 Who. — " (Praise 
 ye Jehovah) who, 
 &c."— F. & S. 
 
 6 Exod. xii. 12 & 
 29. 
 
 ^ Exod. vii. to xiv. 
 
 8 Numb. xxi. &c. 
 
 ' Thy name. — 
 Compare Exod. iii. 
 14, 1.5, "I AM. This 
 is my name for ever, 
 and this is my me- 
 morial unto all ge- 
 nerations." 
 
 lOHeb.x. 13. The 
 meaning is, that 
 God will surely see 
 justice done to His 
 people. 
 
236 
 
 PSALM CXXXVI. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 worshipped by the 
 heathen. 
 
 Those who know 
 the living and tnie 
 God, are again ex- 
 horted to offer to 
 Him tlie sacrifice of 
 praise. 
 
 JFirst ^avt. 
 
 The spiritual wor- 
 shippers of God are 
 called upon to oflFer 
 to Him the tribute 
 of thanksgiving and 
 praise ; to adore 
 
 8 
 The heathen bow to gods' of gold 
 
 And silver ; works of men they seek ; 
 Whose eyes no object can behold, 
 
 Whosemouths can neither taste nor speak. 
 
 9 
 
 Their ears from hearing sounds are far; 
 
 Nor through their mouths can they re spire; 
 Senseless, like them, their makers are,^ 
 
 And all who aid from them require. 
 10 
 O house of Israel, bless the Lord !^ 
 
 The Lord, O house of Aaron, bless ! 
 His praise let Levi's house record. 
 
 And all who fear* His name express ! 
 11 
 Blest be the Lord, from Zion's hill,* 
 
 Who in Jerusalem doth dwell ! 
 Praise ye the Lord, who know His will. 
 
 And to the world His wonders tell ! 
 
 PSALM CXXXVL 
 
 L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 Bishop Horsley conjectures that this Psalm was composed for the 
 feast of Pentecost, after the return of the Jews from Babylon.^ 
 
 It is evidently a responsive song ; the first line of each verse, or 
 couplet, was probably sung by the Levites, and the second by 
 the congregation. 
 
 1 
 
 ri IVE thanks to God, for He is good;' 
 ^^ His mercy ever firm hath stood : 
 The God of gods,® Jehovah, praise ; 
 For endless mercy He displays: 
 
 ' Ps. cxv. 4, &c. 
 
 2 Is. xUv. 18-20; 
 Jer. X. 8. 
 
 3 Ps. cxv. 9. 
 
 4 miofcar,hc.— 
 i. e. " Proselytes of 
 the nations, who are 
 styled men that fear 
 God. Actsxiii. 16." 
 —Dr. B. 
 
 5 From Zion's hill 
 — i. e. " May the 
 holy city resound 
 with the praises 
 of Jehovah!" — F. 
 
 ^Ezraiii. 10, 11. 
 
 7 1 Chron. xvi. 41 ; 
 Ezra iii. 1 1 ; Jer. 
 xxxiii. 11. 
 
 8 God of gods. — 
 " One, as being the 
 Creator, infinitely 
 higher than all 
 others. His crea- 
 tures, who have at 
 any time been re- 
 garded as gods." — 
 F. & S. 
 
PSALM CXXXVI. 
 
 237 
 
 Him on account of 
 His supreme ma- 
 jesty; and His won- 
 drous works dis- 
 played in the crea- 
 tion of the world j 
 
 and of the heavenly 
 bodies. 
 
 %tconts ^art. 
 
 God's merciful in- 
 terpositions on be- 
 half of His people, 
 in delivering them 
 from a state of 
 bondage, when in 
 Egypt; in dividing 
 the Red Sea for His 
 people to passthro' 
 in destroying Pha- 
 raoh and his host ; 
 
 Give thanks unto the Lord of lords ;' 
 Whose mercy every age records: 
 
 To Him who wonders^ works alone ;^ 
 To make His endless mercy known: 
 Who, by His wisdom, heaven hath made ;* 
 His mercy infinite displayed: 
 Who spread the earth above the deep f 
 Who mercy evermore doth keep ; 
 
 3 
 
 Who made great lights to rule below ;^ 
 Whose mercies toward us ever flow: 
 The sun to rule by day, for sure/ 
 His mercy ever doth endure: 
 The moon and stars to rule the night ;8 
 His mercy shines for ever bright : 
 
 TX7H0 the first born of Egypt slew;^ 
 ' * His mercies every day are new: 
 And Israel from amongst them brought;'" 
 His mercies are surpassing thought: 
 With stretch'd-out arm, and mighty hand;" 
 For sure. His mercies ever stand: 
 
 To Him who did divide the seaj'j 
 
 His mercy lasts eternally: 
 
 'Till Israel through the midst had past; 
 
 Eternally His mercies last: 
 
 But Pharaoh, and his host o'erthrew;'^ 
 
 His mercies every day are new: 
 
 ' Lord of lords. 
 — " Lord of the 
 kings and princes of 
 the earth." — Bp. 
 Patrick. 
 
 2Ps. Ixxii. 18. 
 
 3 Alone. — " Solely 
 by His own power " 
 — F. & S. 
 
 * Gen. i. 1 ; Prov. 
 iii. 19. 
 
 ' Above the deep. 
 — " Thou shalt not 
 make vuitothee any 
 graven image, or 
 any likeness of any 
 thing that is in hea- 
 ven above, or that 
 is in the earth be- 
 neath, or that is in 
 the water under the 
 earth." Exod. xx. 4. 
 
 6 Gen. i. 14. 
 
 7Gen. i. 16. 
 
 8 Ps. viii. 3. 
 
 9 Exod. xii. 29. 
 
 '" Exod. xui. 3 & 
 
 " Exod. vi. 6. 
 
 >2Exod. xiv. 21, 
 22; Ps. Lxxviii. 13. 
 
 '3 Overthrew — or 
 shook off into the 
 Red Sea. " The 
 fate of Pharaoh and 
 his army, when pur- 
 suing the Israelites, 
 is compared to that 
 of the swarm of 
 locusts mentioned 
 Exodus X. 19." — 
 F. &S. 
 
238 
 
 PSALM CXXXVI. 
 
 in guiding them 
 through the desert ; 
 in destroying their 
 enemies ; 
 
 and in bringing 
 them safely into the 
 promised land, are 
 additional subjects 
 for praise. 
 
 His condescension 
 and goodness in de- 
 livering His people 
 from bondage and 
 misery j 
 
 and in supplying the 
 wants of all His 
 creatm-es, devoutly 
 celebrated. 
 
 6 
 
 His people through the desert led ;* 
 
 By everlasting mercy fed; 
 
 Who mighty kings, and famous, slew ; 
 
 Still to His changeless mercy true : 
 
 Sihon, the haughty Amorite;" 
 
 His countless mercies we recite: 
 
 And Og,^ of Bashan mighty king: 
 His everlasting mercy sing: 
 And gave their land an heritage;^ 
 His mercy lives tlu-ough every age: 
 An heritage to Israel's host;* 
 His changeless mercy is our boast! 
 
 8 
 
 TT7H0 mindful of om- low estate ;" 
 
 ' ' His mercy never can abate : 
 Redeemed us from ojjpressive foes:' 
 Because His mercy ever flows : 
 
 9 
 
 Who food to every creature gives,* 
 Because His mercy ever lives: 
 Oh! to the God of heaven give praise;® 
 Whose mercy lives thi'ough endless days ! 
 
 1 Led. — " The 
 Lord went before 
 them by day in a 
 pillar of a cloud, to 
 lead them the way ; 
 and by night in a 
 pillar of fire, to 
 give them light." 
 Exod. xUi. 21. 
 
 2 Numb. xxi. 21. 
 
 3 Numb. xxi. 33. 
 
 ■* Joshua xii. 1. 
 
 6 Low estate. — 
 The allusion is pro- 
 bably made to the 
 condition of the 
 people when cap- 
 tives in Babylon. 
 
 ' Ezra ix. 9. 
 
 8 Pa. cxlv. 16. 
 
 9 Jonah i. 9. 
 
PSALM CXXXVII. 
 
 239 
 
 The people of God, 
 in a state of bond- 
 age and sore op- 
 pression, record tlie 
 bitter taunts of 
 their tyrannical 
 foes, who urged 
 them to sing, in a 
 heathen land, for 
 their amusement, 
 the sacred songs 
 they once sang to 
 Jehovah in Zion. 
 
 They express their 
 devoted attachment 
 to the city of God, 
 though in ruins ; 
 
 PSALM CXXXVII. 
 
 L. M. DOUBLE. 
 
 " The author of this beautiful and affecting elegy is unknown ; but 
 the occasion of it is evident ; and it was most probably com- 
 posed dui-ing, or near the close of the captivity." — B. C. B. 
 
 Bishop Home devoutly remarks, " This Psalm admits of a beauti- 
 ful and useful application to the state of Christians in this world, 
 and their expected deliverance out of it." 
 
 1 
 
 TT7 E sat' where Babel's rivers^ flow, 
 
 ' " And wept, remembering Zion'swoe: 
 And, sorely by oppression stung, 
 Our harps upon the willows hung: 
 For they who carried us away 
 Captive, and Salem made then* prey, 
 Asked us to sing a song of joy. 
 With Zion's songs our hai'ps to' employ. 
 
 2 
 
 How shall we sing Jehovah's song, 
 
 In a strange land, where heathen throng ? 
 
 Salem, if I dishonour thee. 
 
 Let my right hand unskilfuP be ! 
 
 My tongue,^ if Zion I forget, 
 
 Fast in my mouth be ever set! 
 
 When my chief joy ^ I do not draw 
 
 From Salem, let me joy no more ! 
 
 3 
 
 O Lord! remember Edom's hate,® 
 Breathed in the day of Salem's fate ; 
 " Rase it," they cried, with base delight, 
 " Rase the foundation of it quite !" 
 
 ' Sat. — " Sitting 
 on the gi-ound," 
 says Bishop Louth, 
 " was a posture that 
 denoted mourning 
 and deep distress." 
 Seels, iii. 26; Lam. 
 u. 10. 
 
 2 Sabel's rivers — 
 the Euphrates, Ti- 
 gris, &c. " In their 
 captivity and dis- 
 persion, it was cus- 
 tomary for the Jews 
 to hold their reli- 
 gious meetings on 
 the banks of i-ivers, 
 (Acts xvi. 13,) and 
 sometimes they 
 built their syna- 
 gogues here, when 
 expelled from the 
 cities." — B. O. B. 
 See also Dan. x. 4. j 
 
 3 Unskilful — i. e. 
 " lose the power > 
 of playing on the 
 harp."— F. & S. , 
 
 ■* Tongue, &c. — 
 1. e. " refuse to per- 
 form its office in 
 singing." — F. & S. 
 
 5 Ch/'rf joy. — 
 " The Psalmist de- 
 clares, in the strong- 
 est terms, that he 
 will not indulge 
 himself in the plea- 
 sure arising from 
 the sacred music of 
 his country, during 
 her desolation." — . 
 F. & S. ] 
 
 6 Chad. 10-16. 
 
240 
 
 PSALM cxxxvin. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 and foretell the just 
 retribution of God 
 on their oppressors. 
 
 The king of Israel 
 offers solemn praise 
 to God for His 
 mercy and faith- 
 fulness, in the ful- 
 filment of the gra- 
 cious promises of 
 His word. 
 
 He foretells that all 
 nations shall unite 
 with Him in this 
 sacrifice of praise. 
 
 Daughter of Babel ! blest shall he 
 The' avenger of our soitows be: 
 Who dashes (deaf to all their groans) 
 Thy little ones' against the stones ! 
 
 PSALM CXXXVIII. 
 
 3 LINES 8, AND 2 LINES 6. 
 
 This Psalm was, probably, composed by David at the commence- 
 ment of his reign, to commemorate a victory over the sm-round- 
 ing nations. 
 
 Bishop Horsley considers it prophetic of Messiah's triumph. 
 
 1 
 
 ^HEE, Lord, with all my heart I'll praise, 
 -^ Before the gods^ will sing; 
 My songs within Thy temple raise, 
 Thy truth and love, in grateful lays, 
 Record, Eternal King. 
 
 For Thou Thy word hast magnified^ 
 
 Far above all Thy name: 
 In trouble, when to Thee I cried. 
 My prayer was heard, and strength 
 supplied. 
 
 In answer to my claim. 
 
 3 
 
 All earthly kings^ shall praise Thee, Lord, 
 
 Soon as Thy words they hear; 
 Yea, they shall sing, with glad accord. 
 The pleasure that Thy ways afford, 
 And make Thy gi'ace appear. 
 
 ' Little ones. — 
 This had been fore- 
 told. Is. xiii. 16. 
 " Their infants shall 
 be dashed to pieces 
 before their eyes." 
 
 " Gods — i. e. 
 "kings and judges 
 of the earth, so 
 called as being the 
 representatives of 
 God. (See Psalm 
 Ixxxii. 1.)— F.&S. 
 
 3 Hast magnified, 
 &c. — " By God's 
 name is intended 
 the whole of His 
 ciiaracter ; in the 
 favours that had 
 been shown to Da- 
 vid, God liad made 
 a more express dis- 
 play of His truth 
 and faithfulness 
 than of any other 
 perfection."— Wal- 
 
 FORD. 
 
 ■I All kings, &c. — 
 " The call of the 
 Gentiles to the gos- 
 pel is here foretold 
 in words which 
 cannot be mis- 
 taken; and the re- 
 demption of the 
 Church in Christ 
 her Head, is spoken 
 of as the subject of 
 thanksgiving among 
 the kings of the 
 earth." — Bishop 
 
 HOBNE. 
 
PSALM CXXXIX. 
 
 241 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 He declares that 
 whilst God respects 
 the humble, He 
 abhors the proud; 
 
 and expresses his 
 confidence in the 
 divine protection ; 
 
 and his assurance 
 that God will finish 
 the good work He 
 had begun in his 
 behalf. 
 
 iTtrst ^art. 
 
 The Psalmist adores 
 the omnipresence 
 and omniscience of 
 Jehovah, as dis- 
 played in His per- 
 fect acquaintance 
 
 Although Jehovah dwells on high,' 
 
 The lowly He respects ; 
 To contrite hearts the Lord is nigh, 
 But men of proud and lofty eye^ 
 
 He knows,^ and He rejects. 
 
 5 
 
 Though in the midst of grief I go,* 
 
 Thou wilt revive me, Lord;^ 
 Against the wrath of every foe, 
 Thy hand wilt Thou stretch forth, I know. 
 
 And me from danger ward. 
 
 6 
 The Lord will perfect that which He,'' 
 
 Li goodness, hath begun : 
 Thy mercy lives eternally,® 
 And Thou wilt not depart from me,^ 
 
 Till all Thy will be done. 
 
 PSALM CXXXIX. 
 
 This beautiful and sublime composition is thought to have pro- 
 ceeded from the pen of David, when suffering from the perse- 
 cution of Saul and his courtiers. From the false accusations of 
 wicked men, he appeals to the omniscient Jehovah. 
 
 1 
 
 LORD, Thou hast searched me and 
 known ;'" 
 Thou knowest when I sit" and rise ; 
 And all my thoughts'^ are open thrown. 
 Though distant, to Thy searching eyes. 
 I I 
 
 ' Ps. cxiii. 5, 6 ; 
 Is. Ivii. 1.5. 
 
 2 James iv. 6 ; 1 
 Pet. V. .5. 
 
 3 Knows — i. e. 
 " takes judicial no- 
 tice of." — Dr. Hus- 
 
 SET. 
 
 < Ps. xlii. 7, 8. 
 
 ^ Ps. Ixxxv. G. 
 ^ Rom. viii. 31. 
 
 7 Philip, i. 6. 
 
 8 Ps. c. b. 
 
 9 Heb. xiii. 5. 
 
 10 Ps. xvii. 3. 
 
 1' When I sit, &c. 
 — i.e. the most pri- 
 vate occupations of 
 my life are known 
 to Thee."— F.& S. 
 
 '2 My thoughts. — 
 This omniscience 
 was displayed by 
 our Lord in the days 
 of His humiliation. 
 See Matt. ix. 4; 
 John i. 48. 
 
242 
 
 PSALM CXXXIX. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 with all our ways 
 and with even our 
 thoughts. 
 
 He declares the 
 utter vanity of all 
 attempts to shun 
 the presence of Him 
 " who fills heaven 
 and earth." 
 
 The perfections of 
 God further mani- 
 fested in the crea- 
 tion of man, and 
 in the wonderful 
 
 My path Thou compassest around,' 
 My lying down, my every way; 
 
 Nor from my tongue proceeds a sound, 
 But lo ! Thou knowest what I say.^ 
 
 3 
 
 Thou art behmd me, and before,^ 
 
 And on me Thou hast laid Thine hand ;* 
 
 Such knowledge fills my soul with awe,^ 
 Too high for me to understand. 
 
 4 
 
 Where, from Thy Spirit, shall I go?® 
 Or whither, from Thy presence, flee ?'' 
 
 If I descend to hell^ below, 
 
 Or soar to heaven, I'm still with Thee. 
 
 5 
 
 If, on the wings of morn,® I ride, 
 
 And dwell in ocean's utmost bound. 
 Yet there, Thy hand would be my guide, 
 And Thy right hand would hold me 
 round. 
 
 6 
 
 Covered with darkness should I be,'" 
 The darkness would be turned to light: 
 
 Yea, darkness hideth not from Thee, 
 Alike to Thee are day and night. 
 
 7 
 T?OIl Thou,0 Lord, didst form" my reins,' 
 -'- When, liid within the womb, I laid: 
 Thy mighty power my praise constrains, 
 For I am wonderfully made. 
 
 > Job xxxi. 4. 
 
 2 Heb. iv. 13. 
 
 3 Job sxiii. 8,9. 
 
 " Laid Thine 
 hand — i. e. "hast so 
 restrained me that 
 I cannot stir with- 
 out Thy leave."— 
 Bp. Patkick. 
 
 •''Job xlii. 3; Ps. 
 xl. 5. 
 
 6 Jer. xxiii. 23, 
 
 24. 
 
 7 Jonah i. 3. 
 
 8 Hell, or the 
 grave, and heaven. 
 — " Here these two 
 places are opposed, 
 as being at the 
 greatest distance 
 from each other, 
 the one for height, 
 and the other for 
 depth."— Dr. B. 
 
 9 Wings of tnorn 
 — i. e. " If, like the 
 sun in his daily 
 course, I traverse 
 the earth from east 
 to west."— F. & S. 
 
 '0 Job x.xxiv. 22 ; 
 Dan. ii. 22. 
 
 >' J'oj-?;?.— See F. 
 & S. 
 
 12 Reins — or kid- 
 neys. The He- 
 brews ascribed to 
 these, knowledge, 
 pain, joy, &c. 
 
PSALM CXXXIX. 
 
 243 
 
 structure of the hu- 
 man body, previous 
 to its entrance into 
 this world. 
 
 Vtl)itts ^art. 
 
 From the infinite 
 knowledge of God, 
 and His omnipre- 
 sence, the Psalmist 
 infers the certainty 
 of the punishment 
 of the wicked ; de- 
 clares his abhor- 
 rence of their cha- 
 racter ; 
 
 and prays that God 
 would search his 
 heart, and " show 
 him the path of 
 Ufe." 
 
 Marvellous are Thy works, I know! 
 
 My substance was not hid from Thee, 
 When formed in secret, as below 
 
 The earth,' and wrought so curiously.^ 
 
 9 
 
 Thine eyes my unformed members viewed, 
 And written in Thy book they were, 
 
 As each, in order just, ensued. 
 
 Fashioned by Thy continued care. 
 
 10 
 
 How precious are Thy thoughts,^ O Lord ! 
 
 How great their number, that on me. 
 Countless, like ocean's sands, are poured ! 
 
 When I awake, I'm still with Thee.* 
 
 11 
 OURELY, the wicked Thou wilt slay: 
 ^ Depart from me, ye men profane ! 
 They speak against Thee, day by day, 
 And take Thy holy name in vain. 
 
 12 
 Do not I hate,*^ O Lord, Thy foes.' 
 
 And all who dare against Thee rise ? 
 I hate them throughly, and oppose ; 
 
 I count them all mine enemies. 
 
 13 
 
 Search** me, O God, and know my heart : 
 Try me, and know my thoughts, I pray : 
 
 Make me from every sin depart, 
 And lead me in the' eternal way.' 
 
 1 In secret, as be- 
 low the earth. — 
 " These expressions 
 refer to the dark- 
 ness of the womb." 
 — F. & S. 
 
 2 Wrought so cu- 
 riously — " or em- 
 broidered, as Ains- 
 worth translates. 
 This beautiful me- 
 taphor illustrates 
 the wonderful me- 
 chanism of the hu- 
 man body, the va- 
 rious implications 
 of the veins, ar- 
 teries, fibres, and 
 membranes ; the in- 
 describable texture 
 of the whole fabric." 
 —Dr. B. 
 
 3 Thy thoughts— 
 i. e. " Thy designs 
 and counsels, as 
 manifested in Thy 
 works, and especi- 
 ally in the forma- 
 tion of man." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
 "* Vm still with 
 Thee — i. e. " on 
 each succeeding 
 morning, I find an 
 ample subject for 
 my meditations in 
 Thy goodness and 
 power." — F. & S. 
 
 * Do not I hate, 
 &C.- — " This strong 
 languageonly means 
 that David could not 
 bear those wicked 
 men, who opposed 
 God as far as was 
 in their power." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
 ^ Job xxxi. 
 Ps. xxvi. 2. 
 
 1 The eternalway 
 — i. e. the way 
 of righteousness, 
 which is the same 
 throughout eter- 
 nity, (see Ps. cxix. 
 144,) and which 
 leads to an eternity 
 of happiness here- 
 after. 
 
 6 ; 
 
244 
 
 PSALM CXL. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The Psalmist, ex- 
 posed to great dan- 
 ger from the craft, 
 malice, and power 
 of His enemies, be- 
 seeches God to be 
 Ills deliverer. 
 
 He is encouraged by 
 past experience of 
 the divine goodness, 
 to pray tliat the de- 
 signs of his enemies 
 may be frustrated : 
 
 PSALM CXL. 
 
 L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 Composed by David when in danger arising from the bitter perse- 
 cution of Saul and his courtiers. Bishop Home remarks, " It 
 was composed by David in his troubles, and is applicable to 
 Christ and to the Church, respectively, in theirs." 
 
 TJELIVER me, O Lord, I pray,' 
 From men of violence and spite ; 
 
 Wlio mischievous designs betray. 
 And constantly for war unite : 
 
 Their sharpened tongues, like sei-pents, 
 glide,2 
 
 Their lips the adder's poison' hide. 
 
 From hands of wicked men, O Lord,* 
 
 And violent, my life defend : 
 The proud, with many a snare and cord,* 
 
 To overthrow my steps intend; 
 Their nets they place, their traps they 
 
 spread. 
 Beside the way my feet must tread. 
 
 3 
 
 Thou, my salvation, strength, and shield,® 
 
 Li battle, coverest my head: 
 The hopes of wicked men, concealed, 
 
 Frustrate, nor let their pride be fed: 
 Let those who compass me around, 
 The mischief of their lips' confound. 
 
 ' Ps. lix. 1, 2. 
 
 2Ps.lii. 2;lxiv.4. 
 
 3 Adder's poisoii. 
 — Underthis image, 
 the deadly effects 
 of slander are de- 
 scribed."— F. & S. 
 Compare Ps. Iviii. 
 4; Kom. iU. 13. 
 
 ■• Ps. Ixxiv. 4. 
 
 5 Snare and cord 
 — i. e. they em- 
 ployed that cunning 
 and energy to de- 
 stroy him that are 
 employed for the 
 destimction of wild 
 beasts. 
 
 sps. iu. 7. 
 
 ? Their lips — 
 " which uttered 
 mischief against 
 others, shall be the 
 means of covering 
 themselves with 
 confusion, when out 
 of their own mouths 
 they shall be jud- 
 ged !" — Bp. HOKNE. 
 
PSALM CXLI. 
 
 245 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 foretells the awful 
 doom that awaits 
 his persecutors : 
 
 and expresses his 
 confidence that God 
 will vindicate his 
 cause, and bring 
 him to dwell in His 
 presence. 
 
 David, in great 
 di.stress, beseeches 
 God that his peti- 
 tions may find ac- 
 ceptance, although 
 not presented in the 
 appointed place of 
 prayer. 
 
 Fierce burning coals' shall on them fall; 
 
 Into the fire shall they be cast; 
 The yawning earth^ entomb them all ; 
 
 No evil speaker long shall last, 
 Or be established here below, 
 For evil shall the' unjust o'erthrow. 
 
 5 
 
 I know Jehovah will maintain' 
 The cause of His afflicted saints; 
 
 Will make the poor their right regain, 
 Oft as He hears their sore complaints: 
 
 The righteous shall Thy goodness tell. 
 
 The upright in Thy presence dwell.^ 
 
 PSALM CXLI. 
 
 'David appears to have composed this Psalm just before his flight^ 
 to Achish, king of Gath." — Bp. Horne. 
 
 T ORD, unto Thee I cry, 
 -'-^ O hasten unto me f 
 Give ear unto my voice when I 
 Address myself to Thee. 
 
 O, let my prayer sincere. 
 To Thee, like incense,^ rise; 
 The lifting of my hands appear 
 As evening sacrifice. 
 
 ' Burning coals — 
 i. e. " lightning." — 
 F. &S. 
 
 ^ Yawning earth. 
 — See Horsley, who 
 remarks, " 1 be- 
 lieve, with Mr. 
 Parkhurst, that the 
 Psalmist, in this 
 verse, alludes to the 
 punishment of Co- 
 rah, Dathan, and 
 Abiram." — See 
 Numb. xvi. 31-33. 
 
 3 1 Kings viii. 4.5 ; 
 Ps. ix. 4. 
 
 •> To dwell in the 
 presence of God, 
 and to declare His 
 goodness, form the 
 great happiness of 
 His saints. 
 
 5 1 Sam. xxvii. 
 
 ^ Ps. Ixx. .5. 
 
 7 Incense. — " The 
 incense was offered 
 up in the morning ; 
 the evening sacri- 
 fice at three o'clock 
 in the afternoon, at 
 the time of offering 
 which, devout Jews, 
 at a distance from 
 Jerusalem, used to 
 send up their pray- 
 ers to God." — Dr. 
 B. Compare Dan. 
 ix. 21. 
 
246 
 
 PSALM CXLI. 
 
 He prays that he 
 may be preserved 
 from temptation ; 
 and enjoy, when 
 deprived of the 
 public ordinances 
 of God's house, the 
 benefit of pious 
 counsel and re- 
 proof, which he de- 
 clares will be re- 
 ceived by liim with 
 sincere gratitude. 
 
 He deplores the suf- 
 ferings inflicted on 
 his adherents ; 
 
 and renews his sup- 
 plications for divine 
 assistance. 
 
 Watch Thou my mouth, O Lord ! 
 Keep of my lips the door; 
 My heart^ from every evil ward, 
 And make me sin abhor. 
 
 Me let the righteous smite," 
 The blow I will not dread; 
 Reproof from him, like oil,^ shall light 
 Fragrant upon my head. 
 
 5 
 
 For them shall rise my prayer, 
 When troubles swell their heart; 
 When overthrown their judges^ are, 
 My words shall peace impart. 
 
 6 
 
 Our bones^ all scattered lie 
 The open grave around. 
 As branches, cleft by woodmen, fly. 
 That, scattered, strew the ground. 
 
 I lift to Thee mine eyes. 
 In Thee my trust I place; 
 Leave not my soul, attend my cries, 
 O Lord, the God of grace. 
 
 Keep me from every snare. 
 From traps my feet divert; 
 Let wicked men be taken there,'^ 
 Whilst I escape unhurt. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' My heart — Da- 
 vid, surrounded by 
 idolators,prays that 
 his heart may be 
 preserved by divine 
 grace, in order that 
 he may not sm with 
 his tongue. 
 
 "Smite — i.e. "cor- 
 rect me if I ever 
 practise deeds of 
 wickedness." — Dr. 
 B. 
 
 3 Oil — i. e. " frag- 
 rant oil, with which 
 it was usual for the 
 heads of guests at 
 feasts to be anoint- 
 ed."— F &S. Com- 
 pare Luke vii. 46. 
 
 •I Judges.— In this 
 difficult passage, 
 may not David, in 
 the spirit of pro- 
 phecy, anticipate 
 the time when Saul 
 and his family 
 should be cut off, 
 and tlie restoration 
 of peace to Israel 
 devolve upon him, 
 the Lord's anoint- 
 ed? 
 
 5 Bones. — " Per- 
 haps some of Da- 
 vid's adherents had 
 fallen into Saul's 
 hands, whom he 
 had ordered to be 
 slain ; or tliat David 
 refers to the ci-uel 
 slaughter of the 
 priests." 1 Sam. 
 xxii. 16-19. — Dr. 
 B. The Christian 
 church, in seasons 
 of persecution, has 
 often felt this lan- 
 guage applicable to 
 her state. 
 
 6 Ps. XXXV. 8. 
 
PSALM CXLII. 
 
 247 
 
 David, the type of 
 Messiah, persecu- 
 ted by his enemies, 
 and forsaken by his 
 friends, pours forth 
 his soul in earnest 
 supplication " to 
 Him who was able 
 to save him from 
 death." 
 
 PSALM CXLII. 
 
 " Maschil" (or instructive Psalm) " of David, when he was in the 
 
 cave." 
 " The title of this Psalm informs us that it was a prayer of David 
 
 when he was in the cave, that is, most probably, the cave of 
 
 Adullam, whither he fled when in danger both from Saul and 
 
 from the Philistines." ' — Bp. Horne. 
 Bishop Horsley regards it as a " Prayer of Messiah when taken 
 
 and deserted." 
 
 I CRIED unto the Lord, 
 My sujjplication made; 
 Before Him my complaint I poured/ 
 My trouble sore displayed. 
 
 2 
 
 Though overwhelmed^ I feel, 
 Thou knowest, Lord, my way; 
 My foes, around my path, conceaP 
 The snares for me they lay. 
 
 3 
 
 I looked on my right hand,^ 
 But none to help was there; 
 All refuge failed me, none would stand 
 To make my life their care. 
 
 4 
 
 To Thee, oppressed with woe, 
 I cried, and said, " O Lord, 
 Thou art my refuge,® and, below. 
 My portion and reward.^ 
 
 1 1 Sam. xxii. 
 
 2 I poured — i. e. 
 as a sacrificial liba- 
 tion. Compare 1 
 Samuel vii. 6 ; 1 
 Chron. xi. 18. 
 
 3 Overivhelmed — 
 i. e. " with distress 
 and trouble." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
 ■• Ps. xxxi. 4. 
 
 ' Right hand — 
 i. e. the place where 
 the advocate of the 
 accused used to 
 stand. Compare Ps. 
 cix. 31. 
 
 5 Refuge. — David, 
 though seeking re- 
 fuge in a cave, re- 
 garded God as his 
 only refuge. Com- 
 pare Ps. xlvi. 1 ; 
 xci. 2. 
 
 ' Gen. XV. 1. 
 
248 
 
 PSALM CXLIII. 
 
 He prays for deli- 
 verance, believing 
 that he will obtain 
 the blessing he im- 
 plores. 
 
 The Psalmist,— 
 deeply affected 
 
 with " godly sorrow 
 whicli worketh re- 
 pentance unto life," 
 beseeches God not 
 to enter into judg- 
 ment with him for 
 his sins ; 
 
 describes the miser- 
 able eflfects of sin 
 upon his soul ; 
 
 Attend unto my cry, 
 I am brought very low;' 
 My foes are stronger far than I,^ 
 Thy saving help bestow. 
 
 6 
 
 From prison' set me free, 
 That I may praise Thy name: 
 The righteous shall encomjjass me,* 
 Whilst I Thy grace proclaim. 
 
 PSALM CXLIII. 
 
 ' This Psalm is thought to have been composed under Absalom's 
 rebellion." — Dr. B. 
 
 1 
 
 T ORD, hear the prayer that I address 
 -'-^ To Thee, my supplication own ; 
 Answer me in Thy faithfulness, 
 
 Thy righteousness divine make known. 
 
 Enter not into judgment, Lord,^ 
 With me, Thy servant ; for if tried 
 
 Before Thy sight,® and by Thy word, 
 No living man were justified.^ 
 
 3 
 
 For, persecuted by the foe. 
 
 To dwell in darkness* is my fate; 
 
 Hence is my soul o'erwhelmed with woe, 
 My heart within is desolate. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Ps. cxvi. 6. 
 
 2 Ps. Ixix. 4. 
 
 3 Prison. — David 
 here prays for deli- 
 verance from the 
 cave of Adullam. 
 Bishop Horsley re- 
 gards it as the 
 prayer of Messiah 
 for deliverance fi-om 
 the prison of the 
 grave. 
 
 ■* Encompass me. 
 — " to rejoice with 
 me upon my de- 
 liverance. Com- 
 pare Ps. cxix. 79." 
 — F. &S. 
 
 ■'• Job xiv. 3. 
 
 6 Before Thy sight, 
 &c. — " If Thou 
 shouldst proceed 
 according to the 
 rigour of the law, 
 the best man living 
 would not be ac- 
 quitted at Thy tri- 
 bunal." — Bishop 
 Patrick. 
 
 " Rom. iii. 20 ; 
 Gal. ii. 16. 
 
 8 Darkness. — The 
 emblem of sorrow. 
 See Ps. Ixxxviii. 6. 
 
PSALM CXLIII. 
 
 249 
 
 encourages himself 
 by the retrospect of 
 God's former mer- 
 cies; 
 
 prays earnestly for 
 speedy aid ; 
 
 implores divine di- 
 rection ; 
 
 deliverance from 
 his enemies ; the 
 teaching and guid- 
 ance of the good 
 Spirit, 
 
 and His quickening 
 influence. 
 
 I call to mind the former days/ 
 
 The works of Thine Almighty hand : 
 
 My hands to Thee in prayer I raise, 
 I thirst for Thee, like thirsty land.^ 
 
 Speedily hear, O Lord, my cry; 
 
 My spirit fails, no help I find : 
 Hide not Thy face from me, lest I 
 
 Be made like those to death consigned. 
 
 Thy loving kindness let me hear 
 Early,' for Thou my ti'ust shalt be: 
 
 O, make my way before me clear,* 
 For I lift up my soul to Thee. 
 
 Save me, and bid my foes depart ; 
 
 I flee to Thee my soul to hide;* 
 Teach me Thy will, my God Thou art; 
 
 Let Thy good Spirit® be my guide. 
 
 Revive me. Lord, for Thy name's'' sake, 
 Deliverance to my soul afford; 
 
 Destroy the foes my peace who break. 
 For I Thy servant am, O Lord ! 
 
 K K 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Former days. — 
 Probably the days 
 of his former pros- 
 perity. See Psalm 
 Ixxvii. 3 
 
 2 Thirsty land.— 
 The great dryness 
 of the land in the 
 East, in times of 
 drought, producing 
 deep chinks, which 
 " thirst " for the 
 rain, is the founda- 
 tion of this beauti- 
 ful and expressive 
 figure. 
 
 ^ Early — Heb. in 
 the morning, "that 
 is, speedily." — Di- 
 
 MOCK. 
 
 1 Ps.xxv.4,8,&9. 
 
 * Ps. xxvii. 6. 
 
 ^ Good Spirit.— 
 See also Neh. ix. 
 20. It is worthy of 
 remark, that the 
 Holy Spirit, the 
 great agent in man's 
 salvation, is never 
 represented as per- 
 forming any act of 
 judgment : all his 
 acts are those of 
 benevolence and 
 mercy. 
 
 ' The name of 
 God would have 
 been blasphemed 
 by David's enemies 
 had he been left to 
 their malice : the 
 interests of religion 
 would have been 
 sacrificed by their 
 impiety. 
 
250 
 
 PSALM CXLIV. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 The king of Israel 
 ascribes to God the 
 praise of His deli- 
 verance from his 
 powerful foes ; 
 
 and adores the di- 
 vine condescension 
 on his behalf. 
 
 He prays tliat God 
 would again inter- 
 pose to perfect his 
 salvation ; 
 
 PSALM CXLIV. 
 
 8. 8. G. 
 
 This Psalm appears to have been composed shortly after David's 
 accession to the throne, when he had yet many enemies to en- 
 counter. 
 
 Bishop Home remarks, " If we substitute in our minds, Messiah 
 for David, the Church for Israel, and sph'itual for temporal 
 blessings, the Psalm will present itself to us as a noble evangeli- 
 cal hymn." 
 
 1 
 
 T BLESS the Lord, my rock adore, 
 -'- 'Tis He instructs my hands to war,' 
 
 My fingers how to fight: 
 My benefactor,^ fortress, tower,^ 
 Deliverer, shield, and trust, whose power 
 
 Hath put my foes to flight. 
 2 
 
 Lord, what is man,^ that Thou shouldst take 
 Knowledge of him! that Thou shouldst 
 make 
 
 Account of lost mankind! 
 Man is a vapour,'* and his days 
 A shadow,'' that a moment stays, 
 
 But leaves no trace behind. 
 
 3 
 
 Lord, bow Thy heavens!^ beneath thy 
 
 stroke. 
 The lofty mountain tops shall smoke f 
 
 Now hurl Thy lightnings forth:® 
 Scatter my foes; Thine arrows shoot; 
 Save me, and let Thy hand'" uproot 
 
 The alien'' hosts in wrath; 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' 2 Sam. xxii. 35. 
 
 3 2 Sam. xxii. 2, 
 3 ; Ps. xviii. 2. 
 
 '^ What is man, 
 &c. — " This is spo- 
 ken in rapture on 
 the regard God had 
 shown to his peti- 
 tion." — MUDGE. 
 Compare Ps. viii. 4. 
 with Heb. u. 6 & 9. 
 
 ^ Vapour — or 
 breath. See F. k S. 
 Compare Jas. iv. 14. 
 
 eps. cii. 11. 
 
 8 Ps. civ. 32. 
 
 9 Ps. xviii. 13, 14. 
 
 '0 Thy hand—i. e. 
 Thy power. 
 
 '' Alien — i. e. 
 strange and idola- 
 trous people. 
 
PSALM CXLV. 
 
 251 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 describes the im- 
 piety and treachery 
 of his enemies ; 
 
 and prays that the 
 blessing of Jeliovah 
 may rest abundant- 
 ly on him and his 
 people. 
 
 .first ^part. 
 
 The Psalmist offers 
 solemn praise and 
 thanksgiving to 
 God, 
 
 Whose mouths speak vanity,' and they 
 Lift their right hand when they betray : 
 
 But as for me, O Lord, 
 I, in new songs, to God will sing. 
 Who gives salvation to the king. 
 
 From man's destructive sword. 
 5 
 From alien hosts, whose mouths are vain. 
 Their right hand" false, fi'om men profane. 
 
 Lord, save me by Thy hand: 
 And make our sons like plants appear,' 
 Vigorous in youth ; our daughters dear. 
 
 Like corner pillars^ stand. 
 6 
 Our garners fill, our flocks increase, 
 Our cattle strengthen, and let peace 
 
 Hush each complaining groan ! 
 Happy the people whom the Lord^ 
 Hath thus with every blessing stored, 
 
 And where His name is known. 
 
 PSALM CXLV. 
 
 L. M. 
 
 • This incomparable song of praise, which is the last of the acrostic 
 or alphabetical psalms, each verse beginning with a consecutive 
 letter of the Hebrew alphabet, is supposed to have been com- 
 posed by David toward the close of liis life." — B. C. B. 
 
 1 
 
 HHHEE I extol,'' my God, O King! 
 -"- For evermore Thy name will bless : 
 Will every day Thy goodness sing,^ 
 Eternally Thy praise express. 
 
 ' Vanity — i. e. 
 " not truth, but lies ; 
 and in their oaths, 
 when they raise 
 their right hand to 
 God, swearing to a 
 covenant, they deal 
 falsely." — Dr. B. 
 Compare Rev. x. 
 5,6. 
 
 2 Right hand. — 
 " The forms of 
 oaths have been al- 
 ways various ; but 
 consisting, for the 
 most part, of some 
 bodily action, and 
 of a prescribed form 
 of words. Amongst 
 the Jews, the juror 
 held up his right 
 hand toward hea- 
 ven." — Paley. 
 
 ^ Ps. cxxviii. 3. 
 
 * Like corner pil- 
 lars — i. e. "tall and 
 beautiful, like those 
 poli-shed pillars 
 
 which are the orna- 
 ments of a palace." 
 — Bp. Patrick. 
 
 5 Dent, xxxiii. 29 ; 
 Ps. xxxiii. 12. 
 
 ^ Ps. xxxiv. 1. 
 
252 
 
 PSALM CXLV. 
 
 on account of His 
 supreme gi'eatness : 
 
 His divine ma- 
 jesty; His wonders 
 wrovight on behalf 
 of Israel ; 
 
 and His infinite 
 goodness, as well as 
 His unchangeable 
 rectitude. 
 
 He celebrates the 
 glory of the divine 
 government ; 
 
 and its endless du- 
 ration. 
 
 Great is the Lord, and great His praise;^ 
 His greatness is unsearchable:^ 
 
 All ages shall adore Thy ways/ 
 
 Thy mighty acts, Thy wonders tell. 
 
 3 
 
 Thy glorious majesty divine 
 
 Shall they^ proclaim. Thy works relate ; 
 Recount each fearful act^ of Thine, 
 
 And all Thy greatness celebrate. 
 
 4 
 
 Thy goodness they shall spread abroad, 
 Thy righteousness to all below: 
 
 Full of compassion is the Lord,® 
 Gracious and kind, to anger slow. 
 
 5 
 
 The Lord is good to all:' His ways. 
 And works, His tender love express; 
 
 Lord, all Thy works declare Thy praise,® 
 And saints delight Thy name to bless. 
 
 6 
 
 The glory of Thy kingdom' they 
 
 Shall tell, and make Thy greatness 
 known ; 
 
 Thy mighty acts to men display. 
 
 And glories that surround Thy throne. 
 
 7 
 Thine is an everlasting throne,'" 
 
 Thy reign extendsthrough endlessyears: 
 raithfid" are all Thy words, we own, 
 
 Kindness in all Thy ways appears. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' Ps. cxlvii. 5. 
 
 2 Job xi. 7-9 
 Rom. xi. 33. 
 
 ^ Is. xxxviii. 19. 
 
 " Thet/.—See Dr. 
 B.'s version. 
 
 •' Fearful act. — 
 The reference is, 
 probably, to those 
 terrible judgments 
 which God had, in 
 various ages, in- 
 flicted upon the ene- 
 mies of His people. 
 
 s Exodus xxxiv. 
 7, 8; Ps. lxx.xvi. 15. 
 
 7 Ps. c. 5 ; cxix. 
 68 ; Nahum i. 7 ; 
 Luke xviii. 19. 
 
 8 Ps. xix. 1. 
 
 s Thy kingdom. — 
 The glory of God is 
 manifested in the 
 kingdom of nature ; 
 but its richest dis- 
 play is in the king- 
 dom of grace, or in 
 the gospel. 
 
 '" Ps. cxlvi. 10 ; 
 Dan. iv. 3. 
 
 •1 Faithftil, &C.— 
 This verse, wanting 
 in the Hebrew text, 
 is retained in the 
 Septuagint, &c. See 
 B. C. B. 
 

 PSALM CXLVI. 
 
 253 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 8 
 rpHE Lord uplioldeth all that fall, 
 -*- Andraiseththoseboweddown with woe:' 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 SetoxCa ^art. 
 
 1 Ps. cxlvi. 8. 
 
 The compassion of 
 God to those in dis- 
 
 On Thee attend' the eyes of all, 
 
 2 Ps. civ. 27. 
 
 tress ; and His ten- 
 
 Their meat, in season, to bestow. 
 
 
 der regard to the 
 
 9 
 
 
 wants of all His 
 
 
 creatures. 
 
 Thou openest Thy hand benign,^ 
 
 3 Ps. civ. 28. 
 
 
 The wants of all to satisfy ;* 
 
 ■• Ps. cxlvii. 9. 
 
 
 Righteous^ are all Thy ways divine. 
 
 5 Deut. xxxii. 4. 
 
 
 Holy are all Thy works, Most High ! 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 His especial regard 
 to those who reve- 
 
 The Lord is nigh® to all who still 
 
 6 Deut. iv. 7 ; Ps. 
 xxxiv. 18. 
 
 rence Him, and de- 
 
 Call on His name with heart sincere ; 
 
 
 sire His favour. 
 
 Their best desires will He fulfil, 
 
 And save all those His name who fear. 
 11 
 The Lord will guard'' His servant's ways, 
 
 
 
 7 Ps. xxxi. 23 ; 
 xcvii. 10. 
 
 
 But all the wicked will destroy :^ 
 
 8 Ps. xi. 17. 
 
 
 My mouth shall speak Jehovah's praise, 
 
 
 
 And let all flesh unite with joy!' 
 
 9 Ps. cl. 6. 
 
 
 PSALM CXLVL 
 
 
 
 L. M. 
 
 " A thanksgiving of the returned captives. Dr. Prideaux thinks 
 
 
 
 this and the following Psalms were composed for the dedication 
 
 
 
 of the second temple."^ — Hoeslet. 
 
 
 
 The prophets Haggai and Zechariah are thought to have been the 
 
 
 
 authors of this beautiful ode. 
 1 
 
 pRAISE ye the Lord!'" my soul shall 
 -^ raise" 
 
 
 The Psalmist ex- 
 
 lOEzraiii. 11. 
 
 horts others to join 
 
 " Ps. ciii. 1. 
 
 with him in cele- 
 
 
 
 brating the praise of 
 
 To Him the song of grateful praise : 
 
 
 God; 
 
 While life and being last will I'^ 
 Sing praises to my God on high. 
 
 '2Ps. civ. 33. 
 
254 
 
 PSALM CXLVI. 
 
 shows the vanity of 
 confiding in an arm 
 of flesh ; 
 
 and describes the 
 exalted happiness 
 of the man whose 
 trust is in the Lord 
 his God ; whose 
 perfections, as ma- 
 nifested in His va- 
 ried dispensations 
 towards mankind, 
 he devoutly cele- 
 brates. 
 
 The rectitude and 
 eternal duration of 
 His government. 
 
 Put not' in princes vain your trust, 
 The son of man who is but dust: 
 His breath goes forth, he sinks to nought; 
 And then departs his every thought.^ 
 
 3 
 
 Haj)py is he whom God doth aid, 
 Whose hopes are on Jehovah stayed ! 
 Who made the heavens, the earth, the sea,^ 
 Who keepeth truth eternally:* 
 
 Who justice brings to men oppressed; 
 Who feeds the hungry and distressed; 
 Jehovah sets the jjrisoners free; 
 Jehovah makes the blind to see :^ 
 
 Jehovah raiseth^ those bowed down ;' 
 Jehovah loves the just to crown; 
 Jehovah strangers doth defend;® 
 The fatherless,^ the widow's friend : 
 
 6 
 
 He thwarts'" the plans of men profane ; 
 Jehovah shall for ever reign :" 
 Thy God, O Zion, be adored 
 Through every age : — Praise ye the Lord ! 
 
 • Put not, &.C.— 
 Dr. M. Good thinks 
 that the Psalmist 
 here refers to the 
 inconsistent con- 
 duct of the Persian 
 court, after the 
 death of Cyrus, in 
 reversing their de- 
 creeforthe rebuild- 
 ing of the temple. 
 See Ezra iv. 23, 24. 
 
 2 Every thought 
 — i. e. aJl his pur- 
 poses. 
 
 3 Jer. X. 12. 
 
 "I Titus i. 2. The 
 Psalmist probably 
 alludes to the fulfil- 
 ment of God's pro- 
 mises for the resto- 
 ration of His peo- 
 ple. 
 
 '■• John ix. 32. 
 
 ^ Raiseth — i. e. 
 " enableth them to 
 maintain their 
 
 right."— F. & S. 
 
 ' Luke siii. 13. 
 
 8 Deut. X. 18. 
 
 9 Ps. Ixviii. 5. 
 
 'o/fe thwarts, &c. 
 This appears to re- 
 fer to the manner 
 in which God had 
 frustrated the base 
 attempts of the ene- 
 mies of the Jews, 
 to prevent their re- 
 building the tem- 
 ple. See Ezra v. 
 
 '• Daniel iv. 3. 
 
PSALM CXLVII. 
 
 255 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 JFirst ^avt. 
 
 The Church gladly 
 records the praise 
 of God, who builds 
 up the holy city, 
 gathers in the out- 
 casts of Zion, and 
 binds up the broken 
 hearted. 
 
 She celebrates His 
 almighty power, 
 
 and infinite wisdom, 
 combined with di- 
 vine condescension 
 and justice. 
 
 The duty of praise 
 urged by the consi- 
 deration of God's 
 providential good- 
 ness extending to 
 all His creatures. 
 
 PSALM CXLVII. 
 
 L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 " This is a Psalm of praise ; by the second, third, and thirteenth 
 verses, it seems to have been composed just after the restoration 
 from captivity upon the rebuilding of Jerusalem." — Mudge. 
 
 It was probably used at the feast of Tabernacles, or Ingathering, 
 and is ascribed, by some, to Haggai and Zechariah. 
 
 1 
 
 T)RAISE ye the Lord ! 'tis pleasant, right, 
 
 -*- And comely in His praise to' unite: 
 
 The Lord' Jerusalem erects, 
 
 And Israel's outcast tribes collects : 
 
 He kindly heals the broken heart. 
 
 Binds up its wounds, and soothes the smart. 
 
 He counts the starry hosts,^ and they. 
 Called by their names. His word obey: 
 Great is our Lord, and great His might, 
 His understanding infinite :^ 
 The Lord delights the meek to crown,^ 
 But casts the haughty sinner down. 
 
 Sing to the Lord, your thanks express. 
 Sing praise to God, Jehovah bless ! 
 Who covers heaven with clouds of rain,* 
 To raise the grass, and swell the grain; 
 Gives to the beasts a full supply. 
 And the young ravens," when they cry. 
 
 ' The Lord, kc— 
 i. e. "It is the Lord 
 who enables us to 
 build up Jerusalem 
 again, (Ezravi. 14,) 
 and encourages all 
 our brethren who 
 remain in foreign 
 countries to return 
 home." — Dr. 
 Wells. 
 
 2 Gen. XV. 5 ; Is. 
 xl 2G ; Jer. xxxiii. 
 22. 
 
 3 Is. xl. 2G ; 1 Cor. 
 ii. 16. 
 
 5 Job xxxviii. 26, 
 27; Ps. civ. 13, 14. 
 
 8 Job xxxviii. 31 ; 
 Luke xii. 24. 
 
256 
 
 PSALM CXLVII. 
 
 The duty of trust- 
 ing in Him, rather 
 than in an arm of 
 flesh, enforced by 
 His special regard 
 to His saints. 
 
 The security of His 
 people, and the 
 bountiful provision 
 made for them by 
 His kind provi- 
 dence. 
 
 His power and good- 
 ness, displayed in 
 the varieties of the 
 seasons ; 
 
 and above all, the 
 gracious revelati- 
 ons of His will to 
 Israel, demand the 
 sacrifice of praise. 
 
 Not in the fleetness,' or the might 
 Of horse or man, can God dehght; 
 The soul that fears Him He approves, 
 And those who trust His mercy loves : 
 Praise, O Jerusalem, the Lord ! 
 O Zion, be thy God adored ! 
 
 'Tis He^ who makes secure thy gates. 
 Whose blessing on thy children waits ; 
 Who makes thy land a peaceful seat, 
 And fills thee with the finest wheat :^ 
 Soon as the Lord's command is heard. 
 Earth hastens* to perform His word. 
 
 6 
 
 With snow, like wool. He spreads the 
 
 ground. 
 Hoar frost, like ashes,"^ scatters round; 
 With hailstones overspreads the land ; 
 And who before His cold can stand ? 
 He makes the southern gales to blow," 
 The ice dissolves, the waters flow. 
 
 To Jacob He reveals His word,'' 
 
 In Israel are His judgments heard : 
 
 He to no land such love has shown,® 
 
 To them® His judgments are not known: 
 
 Then be His holy name adored 
 
 In Zion's courts ! — Praise ye the Lord ! 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 8 Not in the fleet- 
 ness, &c. — " He 
 grants not His fa- 
 vour to the nations 
 that excel in mili- 
 tary power, in ca- 
 valry and infantry." 
 — Manx. Compare 
 Ps. xxxiii. IG, 17; 
 Eccl. ix, 11. 
 
 '^'Tis He, &c.— 
 i. e. " He hath ena- 
 bled us to fortify 
 again the city of 
 Jerusalem with 
 walls and gates. 
 SeeNeh. vi. l.'i, 16." 
 — Dr. Wells. 
 
 •^ Ps. Ixxxi. 16. 
 
 •• See Dr. B., who 
 remarks, " There 
 is an allusion to 
 the messengers of 
 kings, whose de- 
 crees are swiftly 
 spread abroad, and 
 executed." 
 
 ' Ashes ■ — i. e. 
 " light wood ashes, 
 dispersed by the 
 wind." — Dr. Hds- 
 
 SET. 
 
 ^ Job xxxvii. 17. 
 
 ' Deut. xxxiii. 2- 
 
 8 Deut. iv. 32-34 ; 
 Rom. iii. 1, 2. 
 
 3 To them — i. e. 
 to other nations. 
 
PSALM CXLVm. 
 
 257 
 
 The Psalmist calls 
 upon aU things in 
 heaven.animate and 
 inanimate, to unite 
 in one general cho- 
 rusof praise to God. 
 
 The song of praise, 
 commencing from 
 before the throne, 
 is echoed by all the 
 works of God on 
 earth. 
 
 PSALM CXLVIII. 
 
 A Psalm of Praise, composed, probably, by Haggai and Zechariah, 
 and used at the dedication of the second temple. 
 
 T) RAISE Jehovah! bless His name: 
 -*- Praise Him from the heavens above; 
 All on high^ His praise proclaim, 
 
 Angels, who enjoy his love: 
 2 
 All His hosts,^ in praise unite; 
 
 Sun and moon,^ the chorus raise; 
 Praise Him, all ye stars of light; 
 
 Join, ye heavens of heavens,* in praise. 
 
 3 
 
 Clouds, that heaven above pervade, 
 Praise Jehovah, night and day ; 
 
 His command hath all things made;^ 
 His decree they still obey: 
 
 4 
 
 Praise the Lord from earth® below; 
 
 Huge sea monsters, ocean deeps ; 
 Fire^ and vapours, hail and snow; 
 
 Stormy wind, His word that keeps:® 
 
 5 
 
 Mountains, hills, His praise proclaim,* 
 Fruitful trees, and cedars high; 
 
 Savage beasts, and cattle tame, 
 
 Creeping things, and fowls that fly : 
 
 L L 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 ' All on high — 
 " or in the high 
 places. The celes- 
 tial powers are 
 meant, as in the 
 next verse." — Dr. 
 B. 
 
 2Ps. ciii. 21. 
 3 Ps. xix, 1. 
 
 ■• Heavens of hea- 
 vens — i. e. " the 
 highest heavens." 
 — F. & S. See 2 
 Cor. xii. 2. " In the 
 language of the 
 Jews, the first hea- 
 ven is the region of 
 the air, where the 
 birds fly ; the se- 
 cond heaven is 
 that part of space 
 where the stars are; 
 and the third hea- 
 ven is the seat of 
 God and of the holy 
 angels." — Mac- 
 knight. 
 
 5 Ps. xxxiii. 6. 
 
 ^ Earth.—" ¥vom 
 the heavens and 
 their phenomena, 
 he descends regu- 
 larly to the waters 
 under the fii'ma- 
 ment." — Dr. B. 
 
 7 Fire — or light- 
 nings. 
 
 sps.cxlvii. 15-18. 
 
 3 Is. xliv. 23. 
 
258 
 
 PSALM CXLIX. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 Man, whom God 
 created for Himself, 
 to show forth His 
 praise, is especially 
 called upon to en- 
 gage in this sacred 
 exercise ; 
 
 and to adore Him, 
 who, though infinite 
 in majesty, takes 
 delight in the wel- 
 fare of His people. 
 
 The Church re- 
 cords the praise of 
 God, the Creator 
 and Governor of 
 His people : 
 
 6 
 
 Kings and people swell the song,' 
 Princes, judges, join the lay; 
 
 Tender virgins, young men strong. 
 Hoary age, and childhood gay : 
 
 7 
 
 Let them praise Jehovah's name ; 
 
 Excellence is His alone ;^ 
 High above the earth His fame,* 
 
 High above the heavens 'tis known 
 
 8 
 He exalts His people's might; 
 
 All His saints His praise record; 
 Near to God,^ His chief delight 
 
 Israel is : — Praise ye the Lord ! 
 
 PSALM CXLTX. 
 
 ' This is a song of praise for victory obtained over enemies. Some 
 refer it to Nehemiah. See iv. and vi." — Dr. B. 
 
 T)RAISE ye Jehovah ! sing new songs^ 
 To God, to whom alone belongs 
 
 The congregation's praise ; 
 Let Israel to his Maker sing,® 
 Let Zion's sons exalt their King,^ 
 
 In loud and joyful lays! 
 2 
 In holy dances* praise His name, 
 With harp and timbrel sound His fame, 
 
 To sing His praises vie, 
 
 ' Ps. cxxxviii. 4. 
 
 2 Ps. viii. 1 . 
 ' Ps. cxiii. 4. 
 
 ^ Near to God. — 
 " Namely, by spe- 
 cial relation, friend- 
 ship, and covenant, 
 and by familiar in- 
 tercourse, God ma- 
 nifesting His favour 
 to them, and they 
 frequently ap- 
 
 proaching His pre- 
 sence, and worship- 
 ping Him at His 
 footstool." — PoOLE. 
 Deut. iv. 7. 
 
 * New songs — to 
 commemorate a 
 recent victory. See 
 Is.xlii. 10. 
 
 Ps. c. 3. 
 Zech. ix. 9. 
 
 8 Dances. — Dan- 
 cing was an expres- 
 sion of joy. See 2 
 Sam. vi. 16. 
 
PSALM CL. 
 
 259 
 
 who takes delight 
 in His saints, and 
 adorns them with 
 His salvation ; and 
 who enables them 
 securely to triumph 
 in the victory 
 achieved for them 
 by God. 
 
 The triumph of 
 Messiah's kingdom 
 foretold. 
 
 An invocation to all 
 creatures to unite 
 in the praise of 
 God, 
 
 Who in His people takes delight,' 
 And with salvation's robe^ of white, 
 
 The meek will beautify. 
 3 
 Let the saints glory and rejoice, 
 And, from their couches,^ raise their voice 
 
 Loud to their God on high : 
 Let i^raises* fr'om their mouth be poured, 
 While their hand grasps the two-edged 
 sword, 
 
 And they their foes defy. 
 4 
 The heathen shall be captive led,^ 
 Their kings and lords, with holy dread, 
 
 Jehovah shall confess : 
 This honour, to fulfil His word. 
 Hath God on all His saints conferred ; 
 
 Let all Jehovah bless ! 
 
 PSALM CL. 
 
 L. M. 6 LINES. 
 
 " This Psalm was probably composed by David for the annual fes- 
 tivals, and used on those occasions after the captivity." — Dr. B. 
 
 "pRAISE ye the Lord, in sacred lays : 
 -'- The Holy One,'' Jehovah, praise ; 
 
 Exalt Him in the heavens above : 
 Praise Him for all His mighty deeds ;'' 
 His greatness all our thought exceeds : 
 
 Praise Him for His transcendent love. 
 
 ' Ps. cxlvii. 11. 
 
 2 Salvation's robe 
 — "Those who were 
 clothed with sack- 
 cloth, on account 
 of their oppres 
 sions, He saves, and 
 clothes with robes 
 of joy." — Dr. B. 
 See Is. Ixi. 10. 
 
 3 Couches — i. e. 
 " in a state of per- 
 fect ease and secu- 
 rity." — Bp. HORNE. 
 
 '' Praises. — The 
 Jews, when advan- 
 cing against then- 
 enemies, used to 
 sing the praise of 
 God, (see 2 Chron. 
 XX. 21 ;) whence we 
 may learn in what 
 manner Christians, 
 who wield the two- 
 edged sword of the 
 Spirit, should ad- 
 vance against their 
 spiritual foes. 
 
 5 Deut. vii. 23, 
 24 ; xxxii. 4.3. 
 
 s Holy One. — 
 " His holiness. His 
 essential purity and 
 perfection, is the 
 first subject of 
 praise. The second 
 is, for the exertion 
 of His almighty 
 power, forming the 
 expanse of heaven, 
 and including the 
 whole of His 
 works." — Dr. B. 
 
 7 Mighty deeds — 
 in the preservation 
 and government of 
 
260 
 
 PSALM CL. 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 and to express their 
 joy with all kinds 
 of sacred music. 
 
 With trumpets sound His praise abroad ; 
 With harp and psaltery praise the Lord, 
 
 Organs, and flutes, and timbrels sweet : 
 With loud and soft- toned cymbals praise ; 
 Let all that breathe their voices raise. 
 
 And loud Jehovah's praise repeat! 
 
 all His works. This 
 is the third subject 
 of praise; and the 
 fourth is, His ex- 
 cellent goodness, as 
 the king of Israel, 
 displaying His mo- 
 ral attributes, and 
 receiving the ho- 
 mage and worship 
 of His people." — 
 Dr. B. 
 
 < 
 
INDEX. 
 
 ADVENT — our Lord's, 
 
 SStli Psalm, latter part. 
 9Cth .. 
 gsth .. 
 
 Afflictions — relieved by prayer, 
 
 3rd Psalm. 
 
 4tli .. 
 
 6th .. 
 13th .. 
 17th .. 
 77th .. 
 
 spread before the Lord, 
 
 88th Psalm. 
 
 sustained by confidence in God, 
 
 11th Psalm. 
 
 sanctified, 
 
 66th Psalm, second part. 
 
 94th 
 
 119th .. ninth pai't. 
 Aged — for the, 
 
 71st Psalm. 
 Angels — ministry of, 
 
 91st Psalm. 
 Attributes of God : — 
 
 Condescension, 
 
 8th Psahn. 
 113th .. 
 144th .. 
 Eternity and Immutability, 
 90th Psalm, first part. 
 93rd .. 
 102nd .. third part. 
 119th .. twelfth part. 
 Faithfulness, 
 
 89th Psalm. 
 Goodness and Mercy, 
 
 31st Psalm, third part. 
 36th 
 51st 
 86th 
 103rd 
 147th 
 Holiness and Justice, 
 5th Psalm. 
 7th .. 
 9th .. 
 
 Attributes of God : — 
 
 Holiness and .Justice, 
 11th Psalm. 
 12th .. 
 50th ,. 
 93rd .. 
 94th .. 
 99th .. 
 Omniscience, Omnipresence, Omni- 
 potence, 
 29th Psalm. 
 33rd 
 
 66th .. first part. 
 93rd 
 94th 
 139th 
 Wisdom, 
 
 104th Psalm, third part. 
 147th .. 
 Benevolence — duty and advantage of, 
 41st Psalm. 
 112th .. 
 Children — invited to receive instruction, 
 34th Psalm, second part. 
 
 to be instructed in God's word, 
 
 78th Psalm, first part. 
 
 showing forth God's praise, 
 
 8th Psalm. 
 Christ — see Messiah. 
 Christian union, 
 
 13] st Psalm. 
 Church, the — her security, 
 46th Psahn. 
 48 th .. 
 76th .. 
 
 distressed and persecuted, seeks 
 
 relief by prayer, 
 44th Psalin, second part. 
 60th .. first part. 
 74th .. 
 79th .. 
 80th .. 
 83rd .. 
 
 89th .. fourth part. 
 94th .. 
 102nd .. first part. 
 
262 INDEX. 
 
 Cburch, the — distressed aud persecuted, 
 
 Judges — their duties. 
 
 seeks relief by prayer, 
 
 75th Psalm. 
 
 123rd Psalm. 
 
 101st .. 
 
 ]29th .. 
 
 Justification by grace, 
 
 her extension foretold, 
 
 32nd Psalm. 
 
 87th Psalm. 
 
 130th .. 
 
 89th .. second part. 
 
 143rd . .. 
 
 138th .. 
 
 Mariner's hjTun, 
 
 ditto, prefigured by the subjugation 
 
 107th Psalm, fourth part. 
 
 of the heathen nations. 
 
 Marriage, 127th 
 
 COth Psalm, second part. 
 
 128th .. 
 
 108th 
 
 Messiah — His humiliation, sufferings and 
 
 foretels the destruction of her 
 
 death, 
 
 enemies. 
 
 22nd Psalm, first part. 
 
 129th Psalm. 
 
 31st .. 
 
 137th .. 
 
 35th .. 
 
 Confession of sin, 
 
 41st .. 
 
 38th Psalm. 
 
 59th 
 
 51st 
 
 C4th .. 
 
 143rd .. 
 
 69th .. 
 
 
 109th 
 
 Creation — displaying the glory of God, 
 
 His resurrection and ascension, 
 
 8th Psalm. 
 
 ICth Psalm. 
 
 19th .. first part. 
 
 47 th 
 
 33rd 
 
 68th 
 
 lOJLth .. 
 
 
 Depravity of mankind. 
 
 His triumph and exaltation, 
 
 18th Psalm. 
 
 10th Psalm, first part. 
 
 21st 
 
 lith .. 
 
 40th 
 
 53rd .. 
 
 110th .. 
 
 58th .. 
 
 His priesthood. 
 
 Desertion —complaint of, 
 
 16th Psalm. 
 
 13th Psalm. 
 
 40th .. first part. 
 
 88th .. 
 
 110th .. 
 
 Funereal, 49th 
 
 His prophetic office. 
 
 90th .. 
 
 22nd Psalm, second part. 
 
 Guidance, divine — prayed for. 
 
 40th 
 
 5th Psalm. 
 
 His kingdom. 
 
 27th .. second pait. 
 
 2ud Psalm. 
 
 43rd .. 
 
 22nd .. second part. 
 
 143rd .. 
 
 45th .. 
 
 ■r\»./\*viic.rt^l + *■! rt ' <^* 
 
 72nd .. 
 
 proiniseti to me jusi. 
 
 32nd Psalm, second part. 
 
 75th .. 
 
 Harvesthymn, 65th 
 
 93rd .. 
 
 147th .. part of 
 
 96th .. 
 
 Historical, 78th 
 
 97th .. 
 
 105th .. 
 
 98th .. 
 
 106th .. 
 
 100th .. 
 
 Humility, 131st 
 
 101st 
 
 Judges — unjust, reproved. 
 
 102nd .. second & third pt. 
 
 58th Psalm. 
 
 110th .. 
 
 82nd .. 
 
 146th .. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 263 
 
 Messiah — His beauty and gloiy, 
 
 45th Psalm, first part. 
 
 His union witli the cliurcli, 
 
 45tli Psalm, second &third pt. 
 Missionary services, 
 
 21st Psalm. 
 44th .. first part. 
 47tli .. 
 48tli .. 
 
 60th .. second part. 
 67th .. 
 GSth .. 
 
 74th .. second part. 
 86th .. pai-t of 
 87th .. 
 
 89th .. first part. 
 (See also Messiah's kingdom.) 
 National piety — advantages of, 
 
 33rd Psalm, second part. 
 
 prosperity the gift of God, 
 
 lOHth Psalm, fifth part. 
 144th .. second part. 
 147th .. 
 Ordination, 20th 
 
 132nd .. second part. 
 Praise — general exhortations to, 
 
 66th Psalm, first part. 
 95th .. 
 90th 
 
 97th .. 
 
 98th .. 
 
 99th .. 
 
 100th .. 
 
 105th .. first part. 
 
 106th 
 
 107th 
 
 113th .. 
 117th .. 
 134th .. 
 147th .. 
 148th 
 
 for victory, 
 
 149th 
 150th .. 
 
 for deliverance from danger, 
 
 9th Psalm. 
 27th .. first part. 
 
 34th 
 
 118th .. 
 138th .. 
 144th .. first pai't. 
 
 Praise for Creation, Providence, & Grace. 
 8th Psalm. 
 33rd 
 
 first part. 
 
 89th 
 95th 
 103rd 
 104th 
 111th 
 112th 
 113th 
 135th 
 136th 
 147th 
 
 for revelation of God's will, 
 
 19th Psalm, second part. 
 81st 
 147th .. 
 
 • for recovery from sickness, 
 
 30th Psalm. 
 116th .. 
 
 for merciful interpositions on behalf 
 
 of the Church, 
 44th Psalm, first pai't. 
 
 66th 
 
 76th 
 
 85th .. 
 114th .. 
 115th .. 
 124th .. 
 126th .. 
 Prayers — morning, 
 
 3rd Psalm. 
 5th .. 
 63rd .. 
 
 evening, 
 
 4th .. 
 
 ■ for the pardon of sin, 
 
 0th Psakn. 
 51st 
 130th 
 143rd .. 
 
 for recovery from sickness, 
 
 39th Psalm. 
 • in seasons of aflSiction and perse- 
 cution, 
 7th Psalm. 
 lOth .. 
 25th 
 
 27th .. second part. 
 28th .. 
 41st 
 42nd .. 
 
264 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Prayers — in seasons of affliction and perse- 
 cution, 
 43rd Psalm. 
 52nd 
 54th 
 55th 
 56th 
 57th 
 61st 
 70th 
 71st 
 86th 
 88th 
 120th 
 123rd 
 140th 
 141st 
 142ud 
 143rd 
 
 on account of the spread of impiety, 
 
 12th Psalm. 
 
 for the extension of the chiu'ch, 
 
 67th Psalm. 
 85th .. 
 132nd .. 
 
 for instruction in the word of God, 
 
 119th Psalm. 
 Providence disi)layed in the different states 
 of the righteous and the 
 wicked, 
 37th Psalm. 
 73rd .. 
 107th .. fifth part. 
 
 in the seasons, 
 
 65th Psalm. 
 147th .. 
 
 in family prosperity, 
 
 127th Psalm. 
 128th .. 
 
 confidence in, 
 
 23rd Psalm. 
 46th .. 
 62nd .. 
 91st 
 121st .. 
 125th .. 
 Resurrection — of Christ. — See Messiah. 
 
 of believers, 
 
 49th Psalm, second pait. 
 
 Sabbath, 84th Psalm. 
 
 92nd .. 
 
 95th .. 
 100th .. 
 122nd .. 
 
 Sacramental, 22nd Psalm. 
 23rd .. 
 40th .. 
 45th .. 
 69th .. 
 100th .. 
 (See also Messiali's kingdom.) 
 
 Scriptures — the advantage of studying them, 
 1st Psalm. 
 19th .. second part. 
 112 th .. 
 119th .. 
 
 Thunder — displaying the glory of God, 
 29th Psalm. 
 
 Vanity of man, and of all tilings earthly, 
 39th Psalm. 
 49th .. 
 90th .. 
 
 Worldly prosperity dangerous, 
 10th Psalm. 
 52nd .. 
 73rd .. first part. 
 
 Worship — must be paid to God only, 
 81st Psalm. 
 
 must be spiritual, 
 
 50th Psalm, first part. 
 
 hypocritical and fonnal, reproved, 
 
 50th Psalm, second part. 
 
 deUghtful, 
 
 26th .. 
 84th .. 
 
 absence from it deplored, 
 
 43ud Psalm. 
 43rd .. 
 61st 
 
 63rd .. 
 chai'acter of the acceptable wor- 
 shipper, 
 15th Psalm. 
 24th .. 
 66th .. second part. 
 
 T. C. Savill, Printer, 4, Chandos Street, Covent Garden.