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THE 
 
 POETICAL BOOKS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 HOLYSCEIPTURES. 
 
 WITH 
 
 A CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY COMMENTARY. 
 
 / 
 
 BY THE REV. A. E. FAUSSET, A.M., 
 
 KECTOR, ST. CUTHBERT'S, YORK, i.XGLAND, 
 ANT- 
 REV. B. "1 ;sMITH. D.D., 
 
 PEOFESSOR OF ORIENTAL LlIiiRATURE AND BIBLICAL INSTEUCTIOIT 
 I^ UNION THEOLOQICAI, SEMINARY. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 JAMES S. CLAXTON, 
 
 SUCCESSOR TO WM, S. & ALFRED MARTIEN, 
 
 1214 Chestnut Street. 
 
 1867. 
 
5bl oi %,bhxtbhiwm. 
 
 A.^EvrroN. .Miss Adelaide JSewtoa, 
 
 Bo Bochart. 
 
 Benq ...BenKel. 
 
 Bub. ..~ Burrowes. 
 
 Cocc Cocce lis. 
 
 De. W De Wette. 
 
 Pur Dnrham. 
 
 EiCH tichorn. 
 
 Ges Gesenius. 
 
 Grot. Giotius.Annott. In Act. Apost. 
 
 HoL Holden. 
 
 Hengst Hengstenberg. 
 
 Linn Linnaeus. 
 
 Mich Michaelis. 
 
 Maur Maurer of Heiligstedt. 
 
 M. Stuart.. .Moody Stuart. 
 
 Nor Noyes. 
 
 Parkh Parkhurst. 
 
 Raavl Ra'vlinson. 
 
 Ros RoserimuJler. 
 
 ScH •• .Sf:hutcens. 
 
 South. .....3outhey. 
 
 Tat-m Talmud 
 
 Umbr V mbreii 
 
 O. T Old Testament. 
 
 N. T New Testann?-it. 
 
 N. S. E. W. ..ISorth, South. iSast. West 
 
 Cf. (confer,, meaning Compar" 
 
 Lit Literally. 
 
 FtG Figurativeif 
 
 Sing Singular. 
 
 Plur Plural. 
 
 Ex. OR For example's sake. 
 
 Tk A NSL Translate, T'ranslation. 
 
 NoM Nominative 
 
 Gr Greek. 
 
 E. V Eightsh Version. 
 
 T.XX The vSeptugint Greek Version 
 
 of the 0. T., written at Alex- 
 andria for ll<iaejiistic Jews, 
 
 Arab Aranic Ver>iin. 
 
 Syb The Syriac Version. 
 
 iVuLO VuL'ate, Latin Version of 
 
 ) Jerome. 
 
INTRODUCTION TO THE POETICAL BOOKS. 
 
 According to a division of the Old Testament Scriptures, now very generally 
 received, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon are 
 termed Poetical Books. Large portions of the Prophecies also present specimens 
 of poetic composition, but. these books alone, are almost, and some exclusively, 
 composed in that style. By the Jews they were reckoned in that division of the 
 Old Testament Scriptures, to which the title Hagiographa, or Holy Writings, was 
 apphed, because they were thought to have been inspired by direct communica- 
 tions of the Holy Spirit, and not through the medium of dreams and visions. 
 
 I. 1. In reading the Bible in the English version, we discover that there is an 
 obvious difference in the tone we insensibly adopt in reading the books of Genesis 
 and Samuel, for instance, and that we use in reading Job and P&alms. We also 
 observe a marked peculiarity in the structure of most of the sentences in these 
 latter books, and also in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon, so that 
 one part of a sentence corresponds, by repetition, comparison, or contrast, with 
 the other. These and some other peculiarities, to be more fully stated below, con- 
 stitute what is called the poetic style of the Old Testament. This differs in many 
 respects from that of Western and modern writings. Some, whose assoeiation.s 
 with the word Poetry suggest compositions of equal lines, sometimes terminating 
 in like sounds, called Rhyme, are disposed to question the poetic character of writ- 
 ings devoid of such marks. But it is quite obvious that as there maybe poetry with- 
 out Rhyme, so there may be poetry without Rhythm or Metre. The compositions 
 ascribed to Ossian are conceded to be highly poetic, though devoid of both Rhyme 
 and Rhythm. A translation of the most celebrated ancient and modern poets 
 generally destroys these artificial distinctions, but there will remain a poetic sen- 
 timent or style of thought. This constitutes ultimately the marked distinction 
 between prose and poetry in all languages, a distinction which arises from an 
 essential difference in the mental conceptions of the writers. The mind of the 
 poet is excited. His conceptions are greatly influenced by the imagination and 
 the passions, which are often kindled into enthusiasm. The associations are rapid, 
 so rapid as often to obscure connecting links. The objects of his attention are 
 often highly exaggerated in his apprehension. Every faculty of the soul becomes, 
 more or less, affected by the imagination. His language reflects his mental condi- 
 tion. It abounds in metaphors, comparisons, and strong contrasts. It is abrupt, 
 concise, and filled with expressions of surprise, exultation, joy, grief or despair, 
 of a highly coloured character. The mind of the purely prose writer, on the 
 other hand, is ordinarily calm and tranquil, and his language, as a vehicle for ex- 
 pressing regular and progressive trains of thought, exhibits, in the choice of words 
 and the structure of sentences, nothing unusual or extraordinary. 
 
 In all nations we find that poetry has preceded prose. It is more the lan- 
 guage of nature. The poet was also a prophet, and in most languages the same title 
 was employed to designate both. He was the instructor of tlie people. He ij> 
 
 (iii) 
 
INTRODUCTION TO THE 
 
 cited them to deeds of valour, and celebrated those deeds in their festive gather- 
 ings. It was also his office to pourtray great and virtuous deeds, to embellish and 
 commend the precepts of religion, and celebrate the beneficence, vrisdom, and 
 power of Deity. These general characteristics of poetry and poets belong in 
 common to the poetry of thought, in whatever language or age its monuments 
 exist. But in respect to the poetic sentiment developed by the ancient Hebrews, 
 and especially as illustrated in these books, there are peculiarities, the delineation 
 of which may serve to enhance our appreciation of these parts of revelation, and, 
 at the same time, aid in the eflfbrt to understand them. 
 
 2. Whether the more natural province of poetry and poets is men's""moral in- 
 struction or not, there is good reason for believing that poetic forms of composi- 
 tion are well adapted to such purposes, as they were selected by God as the medium 
 by which some of the most solemn and important truths of divine revelation have 
 been made known to man. Indeed, in view of what has been already said, we may 
 see the reasons for this fact. By its vivid and impressive delineations, poetry is well 
 adapted to excite the strongest emotions, and produce the most lively and permanent 
 conceptions. We have been so accustomed to regard the Greek and Roman poets as 
 models of ancient, and the great English, Italian, and German poets, as models of 
 modern poetry, that since their most celebrated works are pictures of the imagination, 
 we have insensibly adopted the opinion that there is a necessary connection between 
 fiction and poetry; that it is only when the "poet's eye" is "in a fine phrenzy roll- 
 ing," and "imagination bodies forth the forms of things unknown," that we can 
 expect the " poet's pen" to charm and instruct the soul by words of beauty, sub- 
 limity, and pathos. But though most of the Hebrew poets are more ancient than 
 those of Greece and Rome, and so lived nearer the ages of that fabulous antiquity, 
 esteemed so favourable to poetry, they did not deal in fiction. Their inspiration 
 was no work of phrensy, and yet their compositions evince a true poetic fervor. 
 The elevated conceptions, gorgeous imagery, tenderness and sweetness of expres- 
 sion, bold metaphor, vivid comparisons and contrasts, exclamations, interroga- 
 tions, and apostrophes which distinguish the book of Job, the Psalms, Isaiah, 
 and Habakkuk, and many other parts of the Old Testament, are unequalled by 
 the compositions of any uninspired men. The splendid conceptions which imagi- 
 nation furnished Homer, Virgil, and Shakspeare are exceeded by the grand ideas 
 which the Spirit of God imparted to the Hebrew poets from the facts of creation, 
 providence, and redemption. The themes thus supplied, taught in the words 
 which the Holy Ghost teaches, were in themselves of the most sublime character, 
 and calculated to excite those very feelings, the existence of which gives rise to 
 the loftiest poetic style. God, in his infinite and incomprehensible nature, attri- 
 butes, and perfections, the displays of his creative power and the "might of his 
 terrible acts," in his "most holy, wise, and powerful" government; the creation, in 
 all the vastness, variety, grandeur, harmony, beauty, and usefulness of its parts ; 
 the ordering of the processes of nature, in the storms, floods, volcanoes, and 
 earthquakes, as well as in the usual, though not less magnificent, courses of the 
 sun, moon, and stars, and the changes of the seasons; the special providence 
 of God to his chosen people, his miraculous interventions for their deliverance, 
 his judgments on their enemies, the brilliant future depicted for them, and more 
 especially the coming glories and prevalence of the mediatorial kingdom, with the 
 foreshadowing of the majestic reigu pf his illustrious incarnate Son as head over 
 (iv) 
 
POETICAL BOOKS. 
 
 all principality and power and eternal King in Zion, are examples of the topics on 
 which, long before the period of the most celebrated classic literature, the Hebrew 
 poets were employed to instruct mankind. 
 
 3. Growing out of the origin and nature of Hebrew poetry, and the character and 
 relation of the writers, are some distinguishing peculiarities. 
 
 (1.) It is eminently national. The country, clime, peculiar institutions, with all 
 their rites and ceremonies, and the singular national history of the people are so 
 Tividly reflected in these poems, that they can belong to no other people. 
 
 (2.) It is peculiarly original. Even Homer's great poems may have had their 
 predecessors in the unrecorded legends and songs of an earlier day. But the 
 song of triumph over Pharaoh's destruction could have had no model. The i)re- 
 dictions of Jacob, Gen. xlix., had no type in any precedent history. David's 
 lament for Saul and Jonathan could find no example in other than a people's his- 
 tory, who had received the lessons of inspiration, and the rapt songs in which 
 David mourns the past, or triumphs in the future history of the church, found no 
 precedents in the records of a world which know but one Zion. On the Hebrew 
 muse, it has been well said, " the rose of Sharon blushed with its first loveliness, and 
 the dews of Hermon were first disturbed by her unsandled feet." 
 
 (3.) Hebrew poetry is the spontaneous effusion of the heart. There is neither 
 " constraint, eflTort, nor affectation." With this is united a winning simplicity. The 
 artificial methods of critics and rhetoricians did not incite or guide, curb or con- 
 fine the poet. "He lisped in numbers for the numbers came." There is no effort 
 to supply the deficiencies of fancy by the labours of culture. Patriarchs, legisla- 
 tors, kings, prophets, priests, herdsmen, warriors, and ploughmen were the bards 
 of this wonderful age. 
 
 (4.) Lastly, Hebrew poetry possesses an undying power. Though Hebrew, it is 
 universal. Its pure religious element, divine truth, fulness and energy have given 
 it perpetual existence. These books, after the lapse of so many ages, "the rise 
 and fall of so many modes of thought and forms of social life," are read by in- 
 creasing hundreds. Even through the medium of translations, they are re- 
 garded with profound admiration. The passions which they pourtray still exist 
 in men's souls, and whether the mourning and sighs of the penitent or the trium- 
 phant praises of hearts joyful in God, these writings are found to be more ex- 
 pressive of religious sentiment than any other compositions. They still exercise 
 a moulding influence over men greater than any other rehgious teachings within 
 the range of human literature, excepting only the words of Him, " who spake as 
 never man spake." 
 
 II. 1. It is evident that no artificial structure is essential to true poetry. The ex- 
 ternal form of a poem in one language is necessarily laid aside in a literal transla- 
 tion. Illustrations of this remark are afforded by attempts to translate the Greek 
 and Latin poets into our own tongue. Those versions of the Psalms of David 
 which are most literal have least of the external form of poetry, as the versions of 
 Sternhold and Hopkins and of Rouse fully testify. Hence, if we find in the poetical 
 books of the Bible an entire want of artificial structure, our foregoing remarks are 
 not at all affected. Still, it is true, that though not presented in the poetic forms 
 of other languages, there is an obvious peculiarity of structure which distinguishea 
 some portions of Scripture from others, and, as already observed, this is so per- 
 ceptible, even through the medium of a translation, that we insensibly fall into 
 
INTHODUCTION TO THE 
 
 a different tone of voice in reading such portions. Let any one, for instance, read 
 the first verse of the first chapter of Isaiah and then proceed to read the second. 
 It will be discovered that without any design the voice assumes a tone in reading 
 the latter unlike that used in reading the former. Compare thus Job xlii. 1-6 with 
 what follows from verse 7th through the chapter. So also read Deut. xxxi. 
 30, and follow by reading chap, xxxii. 1, and following. This difference in ex- 
 ternal form corresponds very strongly with the difference in the style of thought. 
 The passionate feeling gives rise to passionate expression. The excited and vivid 
 conception and animated style of sentiment produces a corresponding mode of 
 speech. 
 
 2. A distinguishing peculiarity of poetry is sententiousness. This, however, is 
 combined with another feature which may be called repetition. The ardour of mind 
 in the writer, leads him to express himself in a brief form of speech, and the 
 desire to impress what he says, induces a repetition of the idea in very similar 
 language. Thus Isaiah says, " Israel does not know," by which he very briefly 
 states the unwillingness of the people to receive or retain instruction ; then he 
 adds, repeating the same idea,' '-my people doth not consider." So in the Psalms, 
 
 ' What is man that Thou art mindful of him, or the son of man that Thou visitest 
 him?" In this verse the idea of the first part is repeated in the second. We may 
 observe this same tendency in poets of other languages. Thus Pope in his 
 " Messiah," 
 
 "'Tis he the obstructed paths of sound shall clear, 
 And bid new music charm the unfolding ear." 
 
 So Shakespeare in King John, 
 
 "Our discontented countries do revolt, 
 Our people quarrel with obedience." 
 So also Milton, Paradise Lost, b. 1, 1. 591-4, 
 
 " His form hath not yet lost 
 All her original brightness ; nor appeared 
 Less than archangel ruined, and tn' excess 
 Of glory obscured." 
 Similar examples could be easily adduced in great numbers, illustrating the 
 tendency of poetic sentiment to such modes of expression. 
 
 3. To this prominent characteristic of poetry, as it appears in the Scriptures, has 
 been given the title of Parallelism. It presents examples of various forms, and in 
 their classification some difference exists among critics. We may, however, offer 
 what follows as a fair representation of the views which are now generally received. 
 
 There are three forms of Parallelism, the Synonymous, the Antithetic, and tlie 
 Synthetic. 
 
 (1.) The Synonymous Parallelism.— In. this the two members express substantially 
 the same thought. Sometimes this involves the use, in part, of the same terms, 
 and sometimes of different terms throughout. It occasionally presents a very 
 accurately adjusted arrangement of members, in which each word in one member 
 has a correspondent term in the other. This has, by some, been called the original 
 parallelism. Thus, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament 
 showeth his handywork." Ps. xix. 1. See a series of such in this Psalm, verses 
 7-11. To those forms in which the same words occur, in part, in both members, the 
 term identical has been applied. Ps. cxviii. 8-9, 
 
 "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. 
 
 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes." 
 (vi) . '- 
 
POETICAL BOOKS. 
 
 Other examples of parallelism occur in Gen. iv. 23, Job xviii. 13, Ps. Ixviii. 32, Ps- 
 xxxvi. 6, Ps. xl. 9, Ps. xlviii. 1, Ps. xxxi. 10, Ps. xl. 16. 
 
 (2.) The Antithetic Parallelism,. — Here the two members express an opposition 
 or contrast of sentiment and also of terms, or only in sentiment. Prov. x. 1, 
 
 "A wise son maketh a glad father; 
 But a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother." 
 In this, as in the foregoing species, one of the members may be extended so as 
 to form a complex idea, as in Ps. xv. 4. So also there is sometimes a double set 
 of contrasts, as in Is. liv. 10. 
 
 (3.) The Synthetic Paralldism is indicated by a resemblance in' the form of con- 
 struction and progression of the thoughts. This is subject to a similar variety to 
 that presented in the other species. In its simpler form we have an example in 
 Ps. xci. 7, 
 
 " Though a thousand fall at thy side, 
 And ten thousand at thy right hand, 
 It shall not come nigh thee." 
 
 In which there is a great similarity to one kind of Synonymous Parallelism, in that 
 the last member is extended. But this extension, it will be observed, introduces a 
 new thought, which pertains equally to both the previous members. There may 
 be an equality in terms, as in Ps. xix. 8, 
 
 "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul, 
 The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." 
 
 And by reference to the Psalm it will be seen how this parallel is continued 
 through several verses. So also in many other cases, as in Ps. 1. 1 and 3; Ixv. 10; 
 Ixviii. 31, &c. 
 
 On the fundamental idea of Parallelism, as a distinguishing feature in the ex- 
 ternal form of Hebrew poetry, we thus see at least three leading varieties in that 
 form, and these again subject to several modifications. Different modes of classi- 
 fication have been suggested by different critics, but the considerations which are 
 adduced in the favour of any one. by its advocates, are not of a very important charae" 
 ter, and the sketch now given may be regarded as sufficiently accurate and com- 
 prehensive. Modifications, however, of tlie general principles now explained, 
 might be cited, in which, while the traces of parallelism are distinctly found, an 
 adherence to the specified forms which most usually occur does not exist. 
 
 4. A careful perusal of the poetical books and other portions of the Old Testament, 
 written in poetry, will afford full illustrations of the views which have now been 
 given, even to the ICnglish reader. It will appear very clearly that "the primitive 
 and fundamental characteristics of poetry in general, viz., a constant brevity of ex- 
 pression, and a reinforcing of the sentiment by means of repetition, comparison, 
 and contrast, have ever remained the principal and almost the sole distinguishing 
 features of the poetry of the ancient Hebrews." It is true, there are a few passages, 
 in which, at the close of two connecting clauses, there are syllables of like sound, 
 and the clauses having the purest form of parallelism, each consisting of a like 
 number of syllables, such passages have been cited as instances of rhyme. Butnot 
 only are these very few, and then occurring incidentally, as it were, but the so-called 
 rhymes are formed, in most instances, by the recurrence of the same pronoun 
 forms, added to nouns or verbs. We may safely say, there was no rhyme iu 
 Hebrew poetry. Even the appearance of rhythm or metre must be regarded 
 
 (vii) 
 
INTRODUCTION TO THE 
 
 rather as an incidental accompaniment of parallelism than a designed form of 
 writing. 
 
 5. On the other hand, the poetry of Western nations may have had, in their 
 origin, a character analogous to the Hebrew. But these languages were more cul- 
 tivated. Writers, not content with the harmony of sentiment and a corresponding 
 fitness in sound, produced by the arrangement already described, undertook to 
 establish, as an attribute of poetry, a farther degree of harmony, by not only re- 
 quiring a certain number of syllables in each line, but also a regular and sometimes 
 complicated arrangement of such syllables. To this was subsequently added the 
 ornament of rhyme. Whether these artificial methods of expression have added any- 
 thing more than a pleasing impression through the ear, may well be questioned. 
 The English reader may so far find the means of forming an opinion as the perusal 
 of some of the most distinguished English poets will allow, by comparing the best 
 productions in blank verse and rhyme either of the same author or of different 
 authors. It is believed that the result of such a comparison will not greatly favour 
 the opinion that rhyme has improved poetry. There is often required some sac- 
 rifice of sense and sound; and so, even in blank verse, there may be a requisition 
 on the writer for similar subordination of -tiie higher elements of poetry to the 
 demands of verses of equal syllabication, and a prescribed recurrence of syllables 
 of like quantity. 
 
 6. To the English reader, what has now been offered on the subject of the 
 external form of Hebrew poetry, is as much as seems important or can be made 
 intelligible. A question at once arises, relating to the practical advantage accruing 
 to the students of divine truth, from its presentation to the mind in the garb 
 of poetry. Everything has been made by God beautiful in its time. God has gar- 
 nished the heavens and the earth with the elegant as well as useful monuments 
 of his power and skill. It would, therefore, be not only no reflection on his wisdom, 
 but only analogous to his providential orderings, that he should clothe the thoughts 
 of Eternal Truth in the forms of an attractive beauty. Could we theuvdiscover no 
 other advantage arising from the poetical compositions of the Scriptures, this 
 might seem sufficient reason for their existence. 
 
 But we know by our own observation and experience that the memory both 
 acquires and retains sentiments expressed in poetic form with greater ease than 
 it does those expressed in prose. And when we find, as in the Book of Psalms, 
 that most of these compositions are really Liturgical and adapted to the purposes 
 of divine worship, and have been so used ever since their existence, and consider 
 that there is an apparent adaptation of poetic forms to the expression of devotional 
 sentiments. We discover another most admirable mark of divine wisdom. 
 
 Farther, to the interpreter of scripture, the particular feature of Hebrew poetry 
 which has been discussed is not without its value. When a sentiment has been 
 expressed in two or three forms, each substantially of the same meaning, obscure 
 words or clauses in one are often elucidated by the clearer corresponding terms 
 of the other. Even in the absence of exact correspondence of terms, the meaning, 
 which may clearly attach to one member, will aid in apprehending the otherwise 
 obscure idea of the other. Thus we are often guided to the settlement of the 
 proper significations of words and idioms, for which an extensive usage may be 
 lacking. So the member of an antithetic parallelism which is in contrast with 
 another, becomes a guide of similar utility. It is only in the constant practice of 
 (?iii) 
 
POETICAL BOOKS. 
 
 the art of interpretation that the student will fully appreciate and enjoy the bene- 
 fits here set forth. 
 
 Again, as the mind thus learns more clearly to perceive, and fully appreciate 
 the truths addressed to the understanding in a mode at once pleasing and im- 
 proving to the taste, it is not unfrequently a consequence that a greater, love for 
 the Scriptures, and more zeal in the effort to become wise in the words and teach- 
 ings of the Spirit, will arise. 
 
 III. A very interesting topic of inquiry is the doctrinal character of the Poetical 
 Books. The word, doctrinal, is used in its widest sense as synonymous with teach- 
 ing. It may be observed, in the outset, that we would not properly look to these or 
 indeed to any of the Old Testament writings for as full expositions of the dis- 
 tinguishing truths of revealed religion as to the New Testament writers. For 
 during the greater part of the time occupied with the formation of the Old Testa- 
 ment, the Jews enjoyed the instructions of Prophets or living inspired teachers, 
 and had thus access to supernatural sources of instruction. For our benefit there 
 was needed no more explicit discoveries of the truths of Christianity than would 
 serve to show that Old and New Testaments declare the same great system, and to 
 supply the material whene the advocates and defenders of Divine Revelation 
 might derive their arguments. In the New Testament life and immortality are 
 brought fully to light. Now, not to dwell on the special teachings of each of these 
 books in order, which more properly belongs to the special Introductions to them, 
 it may be profitable to point out, how, as a whole, they unfolded for the ancient 
 church, as fully as was then needed, the essential teachings of that Christian faith 
 which Christ and his apostles have more fully set before their own, and all suc- 
 ceeding ages. It will be remembered that four of these books — Psalms, Proverbs, 
 Ecelesiastes, and the Song of Solomon— were the productions of two consecutive 
 generations, thus belonging to the same age; and that, most probably, the book of 
 Job, of far more ancient origin, had been broilght to light by Moses not more than 
 a few centuries previously. Thus before the decline of the nation in piety, before 
 responses had ceased to emanate from between the cherubim, and before the 
 spirit-of prophecy had taken its flight from a corrupt and hardened church, God 
 provided a collection of writings, by which the faith of his true people might be 
 fed with sound doctrine, on the great themes of his moral government, and 
 especially the scheme of redemption through his Son. This will appear from such 
 considerations as follow, in which these books are regarded as a whole, presenting 
 as such, in distinction from the Historical, on the one hand, and the Prophetical 
 on the other, those religious views which more peculiarly teach what "man is to 
 believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man." It may be proper 
 further to say that while, as will be seen, the Song of Songs, as part of the collec- 
 tion, has a most important place, in respect of the one great truth it unfolds, it 
 cannot properly, as it is an allegory for the illustration and enforcement of that 
 truth, be quoted as contributing to the general system presented in other books. 
 
 1. The being and attributes of God are most fully set forth, especially in Job and 
 the Psalms. In no portion of the Scriptures is the religion of a pure Theism more 
 clearly unfolded. The religious systems of the Eastern nations, other than Jews, 
 very generally favoured the idea, afterwards so distinctive of the Manicheans, that 
 the universe was governed by a good and an evil principle; and we know how Greek 
 and Roman Mythology peopled Hell, as well as Heaven, with Deities, the one class 
 
 (ix) 
 
INTRODUCTION TO THE 
 
 to be deprecated as much as the other were to be supplicated. God is revealed 
 especially in the Book of Job as one: and this is the more remarkable, in that the 
 great theme of discussion, by Job and his friends, was that very feature of Divine 
 providence, the mingled good and evil of the present state, which, misapprehended, 
 furnished the argument for the Dualism of heathen religions. This one God is de- 
 scribed as infinite in his attributes of omnipresence, omniscience, omnipotence, 
 wisdom, justice, holiness, mercy, and truth. He is eternal, the supreme ruler of 
 the world, the hearer of prayer, and the gracious dispenser of good, or the indig- 
 nant vindicator of his government, and the avenger of his broken laws, or of his 
 oppressed people. 
 
 2. He is set forth as the creator, and the sole creator of the world. He founded 
 it on the seas, and established it on the floods. It was no woi'k of chance, or of 
 created beings; nor was it eternal. The heavens declare his glory, and the firma- 
 ment showeth his handywork. 
 
 3. The /ac^ that God governs all men, both good and evil, is everywhere clearly 
 taught, and the Book of Job, more specially, is occupied with an illustration of the 
 wisdom and justice with which this government is administered, as against the crude 
 theories of them, who saw in affliction no other than an evidence of Divine hatred, 
 and in prosperity, only an evidence of Divine love. Through the Psalms and 
 Eeclesiastes, as well as by occasional notices in Proverbs, this, to unaided man — 
 to the natural man — most inexplicable and perplexing topic, God's government of 
 the wicked as well as the good, is most frequently presented, as well in the forms 
 of a simple didactic teaching, as in the melting strains of devotion, both in the 
 language and sentiment of prayer and praise. 
 
 4. The existence of good angels, and their service to the heirs of salvation, and 
 of bad, and their agency in the production of evil, are most explicitly announced, 
 and illustrations of the benevolence of the one, and the malevolence of the other 
 are afforded, as if in advance of the poor theories of groping heathen or semi- 
 Christian philsophers. 
 
 5. " Of man's first disobedience," and its mournful and memorable results, in the 
 condemnation, as well as the spiritual death of the world, we may not have the 
 clear and explicit teaching presented in the forms of a logical discussion such as 
 Paul gives us, but the whole tenor of these writings implies the belief of these 
 great and awful truths. In no book, inspired or uninspired, are there more 
 clearly exhibited the power and workings of sin, or more fully opened up the 
 depravity and deceitfulness of the heart of man than in many memorable passages 
 of David's inspired declarations of the character and conduct of his enemies, and 
 his equally inspired declarations of his personal convictions and his personal peni- 
 tence. The Divine mercy to the truly humbled and contrite soul, along with the 
 spiritual import of a divinely appointed ritual, is more than a mere inference, but 
 comes to us in as explicit and encouraging declarations as ever fell from apostolic 
 lips. ^ 
 
 6. The great truth of New Testament revelation, though not expounded in the 
 forms of dogmatic statement, is fully presented in the doctrine of a Divine mercy 
 to those who confess and forsake their sins, and approach God for his mercy 
 through those mediums of access, which typified a nobler Victim, a costlier Sacri- 
 fice, and a more worthy and exalted Priest and Intercessor. 
 
 7. In no portions of Scripture is more light shed on the duties of daily life, 
 
POETICAL BOOKS. 
 
 even of the humblest; on the conduct proper in every age and especially in youth ; 
 on the intercourse of man, in business as well as the various relations of domestic, 
 social, and civil life, than in these books, especially in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, 
 though not exclusively; for in Job and Psalms also, we are constantly reminded 
 that the religion of the Bible is not a system of mysticism for anchorites and 
 monks, but of faith and practice for men of like passions, temptations, trials, and 
 duties as ourselves. Even the minor morals, which have respect to men's outward 
 behaviour, gentleness, kindness, politeness, cleanliness, industry, diligence, pa- 
 tience, and perseverance are enforced by the precepts of a Divine teaching, and 
 under the sanctions of a Divine authority. 
 
 8. It has been questioned very strongly, whether the doctrines of a future life, 
 and especially of a resurrection, are taught in these books. Time and space allow 
 no discussion of the subject. But the celebrated passage in Job xix. 25-27, we 
 think, admits of no sound interpretation other than that which teaches the 
 doctrine of a resurrection, and Psalms xvi. 9-11, in foretelling, as inspired apostles 
 have declared, the Resurrection of Christ, was doubtless recorded in language 
 capable of application, by those he represented, to their own future, for their com- 
 fort and peace in view of the common lot, which they knew they must experience. 
 Of a future state of rewards and punishments, not only must the readers of these 
 books become convinced they teach, by many portions through their general 
 tenor, but the whole view they give of men's relations to God, their subjection to 
 his government, in that their destiny, whether for good or evil, must be contem- 
 plated as reaching beyond time,, and especially the sublime foreshadowing of a 
 general judgment in Ps. 1., and the allusions of Ps. xlix. and xvii., xv., all together 
 seem sufficient to establish in our minds the belief, that theaneient church was not 
 left in ignorance of these awful and glorious truths. 
 
 These books, in their attractive dress, more than any other poetic writings pre- 
 serving that attraction in its native beauty and simplicity, even in a translation, are 
 now presented to the reader with a brief explanation, which, it is hoped, will cast 
 light on many obscure and doubtful passages, enforce the lessons of divine wisdom 
 on the minds of those who peruse it, and thus encourage and promote the success- 
 ful study of this, as well as other portions of the inspired volume. Brevity and 
 fulness combined have been sought, that, for those whose time and occupations 
 allow them but little leisure for sacred studies, the means of understanding God's 
 word may be afforded. To the authors and publishers of this Commentary no 
 higher reward can be found, no purer pleasure afforded, than will be obtained in 
 the knowledge that the blessing of the author of the Bible may have rested on 
 their labours. To him be glory and dominion evermore. 
 
 (xi) 
 
THE BOOK OF JOB. 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 inTi A REAli PBRSON'.— It has been supposed by some that the BooTt of Johisan allegory.feot 
 ftrpYlnBrraUve on account of the artificial character of many of its staiements. Thus the sacre.i 
 niirnhera three and seven, often occur. He had tetcn thousaud slieep. seven sons, both before and after 
 hiVtrialo'- his three friends Bit down with him seven days and seven nights ; both before and after his 
 trials he"^^ad three daujjhtere. So also the number and form of the speeches of the several speakers 
 Beem to beartiticial The name of Job, too, is derived from an Arabic word signifying repe^itance. 
 
 Rut Ez 14 14 (cf V 16 20,), speaks of " Job"in conjunction with " Noah and Daniel." real persons. 
 8t James (5 11 ) also refers to Job as an example of ' patience," which he wonld not have been likely 
 to do had Job been only a fictitious person. Also the names of persons and places are specified wirh 
 A particularity not to be looked for in an allegory. As to the exact doubling of his possessions after his 
 restoration lip doubt the round number is given for the exact number, as the latter approached near 
 the former • tnis is often done in undoubtedly historical books. As to the studied number and form 
 of the speeches it seems likely that the arguments were substantially those whicli appear in the Book. 
 but that the stddUd and poetic form were given by Job himself guided by the Holy Spirit. He lived 
 140 years after his trials, and nothing would be more natural, than that he should, at his leisure, 
 mould into a perfect form the arguments used in the momentous debate, for the instruction of the 
 Church in all ages. Probably, too, the debate itself occupied several sittings ; and the number of 
 BDeeohes assigned to each was arranged by preconcerted agreement, aud each was allowed the interval 
 of a day or more to prepare carefully his speech and replies : this will account for the speakers 
 bringing forward their arguments in regular series, no one speaking out of his turn. As to the 
 name Job— repenJance- (supjosing the derivation correct) it was common in old times to give a name 
 from circumstances which OQturred at an advanced period of life, and tbisisnoargumentagainBt the 
 
 "w H ERE^J^B LIVED.— Fz, accfttding to [(7e».l means a light sandy soil, and was in the N. of 
 Arabia Ueserta, between Palestine and the Euphrates, called by Ptolemy {Geog. 19) Awitai or 
 Aisitai In Gen. 10. 23; 29. 21: 36. 28; and 1 Chr. 1. 17, 42, it is the name of a man : in Jer. 25. SO; 
 Lam 4 21; and Job 1. 1, it is a country. Uz, in Gen. 22. 21. is said to be the son of Kahor, brother of 
 Abraham, a different person from the one mentioued (Gen. 10. 23,), a grandson of Shem. The proba* 
 bility is that the country took its name from the latter of the two ; for this one was the eon of 
 Aram from whom the Arameans take their name, and these dwelt in Mesopotamia, between the 
 rivers Euphrates and Tigris. Cf. as to the dwelling of the sons of Shem in Gen. lO. 30, "amount of 
 the East " answering to " men of the Ease' (Job, 1. 3.). Raxol., in his deciphering of the Assyrian in- 
 scriptions, states that " Cz is the prevailing name of the country at the mouth of the Euphrates." 
 It is probable that Eliphaz the Temanite and the Sabeans dwelt in that quarter ; and we know that 
 the Chaldeans resided there, and not near Idumea, which some identify with L'z. The tornado 
 from " the wilderness" (ch. 1. 19,) agrees with the view of it being Arabia Deserta. Job (ch. 1, 3.) is 
 called " the greatest of the men of the East ;" but Idumea was not E., but S. of Palestine: therefore 
 in Scripture language, tbe phrase cannot apply to that country; but probably refers to the N. of 
 Arabia Deserta, between Palestine, Idumea. and tbe Euphrates. So the Arabs still show io the 
 Houran, a place called Uz, as the residence of Job. v ^ ..^ . 
 
 THE A(iE WHEN JOB LIVED.— ^Mjefiiw* 6x69 it two ages before Moses: *.«., about the time 
 of Isaac: eighteen hundred years before Christ, aud six hundred after the deluge. Agreeing with 
 this are the following considerations :— 1. Job's length of life is patriarchal, 200 years. 2. He alludes 
 only to the earliest form of idolatry, viz., the worship of the sun, moon, and heavenly hosts (called 
 Saha, whence arises the title Lord of Sabaoth, as opposed to wSabeanism,) {ch. 3i. 26-28.). 3. The number 
 of oxen and rams sacrificed, seven, as in the case of Balaam. God would not have sanctioned this 
 «/fer the giving of the Mosaic law, though He might graciously accommodate Himself to existing 
 customs before the law. 4. The language of Job is Hebrew, interspersed occasionally with Syriae 
 and Arabic expressions, implying a time when all the Shemitic tribes spoke one common tongue and 
 had not branched into diflFerent dialects, Hebrew, Syriae, and Arabic. 5. He speaks of the most 
 ancient kind of writing, viz., sculpture. Riches also are reckoned by cattle. The Hebrew word, 
 translated a piece of money, ought rather to be rendered o lamb. 6. There is no allusion to the exodus 
 from Egypt and to the miracles that accompanied it; nor to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah 
 (Patrick, however, thinks there is,); though there is to the flood (ch. 22. 15,); and these events, happening 
 in Job's vicinity, would liave been striking illustrations of the argument for God's interposition in 
 destroying the wicked and vindicating the righteous, had Job and his friends known of them. Nor 
 is there any undoubted reference to the Jewish law, ritual, and priesthood. 7. The religion of Job 
 is that which prevailed among the patriarchs previous to the law; sacrifices performed by the head of 
 each family; no officiating priesthood, temple, or consecrated altar. 
 
 THE WRITER.- All the foregoing facts accord with Job himself having been the author. The 
 style of thought, imagery, and manners, are such as we should look for in the work of an Arabian 
 emir. There is prensely that degree of knowledge of primitive tradition (see ch. 31. 33, as to Adam) 
 which was universally spread abroad in the days of Noah and Abraham, and which wa.s subsequently 
 embodied in the early chapters of Genesis. Job. in his speeches, shows that he was much more com- 
 petent to compose the work than EUhu. to whom Liahtfoot attributes it. The style forbids its being 
 attributed to Moses, to whom its composition is by some attributed, "whilst be was among the 
 Madianites, about B. O. 1520." But the fact, that it, though not a Jewish book, appears among the 
 Hebrew sacred writings, makes it likely that it came to the knowledge of Moses during the forty years 
 which he passed in parts of Arabia, chiefly near Horeb ; and that he, by Divine guidance, introduced 
 it as a sacred writing to the Israelites, to whom, in their aflliction, the patience and restoration of Job 
 were calculated to be a lesson of especial utility. That it is inspired appears from the f.ict that Paul 
 U (Jos. 3. 18) (iaot«0 it (Job, S. liii wiU) Ul« formula, "It it» nxitte.a." Our Saviour, too (Mat. Si. ssj. 
 
INTRODFCrnON-JOB. 
 
 Slainly refers to Job. 29 30. Cf. also Jam. 4. 10. and 1 Pet f>. G, with Job, 22. 29; Rom. 11. :u. :;.- v-nth 
 ob 1.5 8. It is probably the oldest book in the Avorld. It stands among the Ilasiogr.-.plia in the 
 threefold division of Scripture into the Law, the Prophets, aud the llasiogiayLa (" Psalms," 
 
 CEsIgN OF THE BOOK.— It is a public debate in poetic form on nn imrortnnt qiieption con- 
 cerning the Divine government ; moreover the piologue and epiloL'ue, v/hich are iu iirose, shed the 
 interest of a liviup history over the deliate, which would otherwise be but a contest ol ab^tl■act 
 ^ea^onin:;s. To each speaker of the three friends three speeches are assigned. Job having no one to 
 Btand by'him is allowed to reply to each speech of each of the three. Eliphaz, as the elde.-it, Icaila the 
 way. Zophar.at his third turn, failed to speak, thus virtually owning himself overcome (ch. 27); and 
 therefore Jobcontinued Lis reply, which forms t/trpe speeches (ch. 26; 27,28; 29-31.). Eiibu (ch. ii2-:i7.) 
 is allowed /owr speeches. Jehovah mak.'S three addresses (ch. 38-41.). Thus, throughout there is a 
 tripartite division. The whole is divided into three parts :-the prologue, poem proper, and epi- 
 logue. The poem, into three:—!. The dispute of Job and his three friends ; 2. The address of Elihu ; 
 3. The address of God. There are three series in the controversy, and in the same order. The 
 epilogue (ch. 42.,) also is threefold ; Job's justification, reconciliation with his frien s, restoration. 
 The speakers also in their successive speeches regularly advance from less to greater vehemence. ^V■ith 
 all this artificial composition, everything seems easy aud natural. 
 
 The question to be solved, as exemplified in the case of Job, is. Why are the righteous afflicted con- 
 sistently with God's justice ? The doctrine of retribution after death, no doulit, is the great solutinn 
 of the difficulty. And to it Job plainly refers in ch. 14 14, and ch. 19. 25. The objection to this, that 
 the explicitness of the languase on the resurrection in Job is incon.sistent with the obscurity on the 
 .subject in the early books of the O.T,, is answered by the fact, that Job enjoyed the Divine vision 
 (ch. 38. 1; 42.5,), and therefore, by inspiration, foretold these truths. Next, the revelations made 
 outside of Israel being few needed to be the more explicit ; thus Balaam's prophecy (Num. 24. 17,), 
 •was clear enough to lead the wise men of the East by the star (Mat. 2.); and in the age before the 
 ■written law, it was the more needful lor God not to leave himself without witness of the truth. Still 
 Job evidently did not fully realise the significance designed by the Spirit in his own words (cf 1 Pet. 
 1. 11, 12.). The doctrine, though existing, was not plaip^y revealed, or at least understood. Hence 
 lie does not mainly refer to this solution. Yes, and even now, we need something in addition to this 
 solution. David, who firmly believed in a future retribution (Ps. 16. 10; 17. 15,), still felt the diffi- 
 culty not entirely solved thereby (Ps. 83.). The solution is not in Job's or in his three friends' 
 speeches. It must, therefore, be in Elihu's. God will hold a final judsment, no doubt, to clear up 
 all that seems dark in his present dealings ; but He also now providentially and morally governs the 
 world and all the events of human life. Even the comparatively righteous are not without sin which 
 iieeds to be corrected. The justice and love of God administer the altogether deserved and merciful 
 correction. AfSiction to the godly is thus meicy and justice iu disguise. The afflicted believer on 
 repentance sees this. ** Via crucis, via saliitis." Though afflicted, the godly are happier even novo 
 than the ungodly, and when affliction has attained its end, it is removed by the Lord. In the O.T., 
 the consolations are more temporal and outward: in the N.T., more spiritual; but in neither to the 
 entire exclusion of the other. " Prosperity," says Bacon, " is the blessing of the O.T. ; adversity that ol 
 the N.T., which is the mark of God's more especial favour. Yet even in the O.T., if you listen to 
 David's harp, you shall hear as many hearse-like airs as carols; and the pencil of the Holy Ghost has 
 laboured more in describing the afflictions of Job than the felicities of Solomon. Pro.operity is not 
 without many fears and distastes ; and adversity is not without comforts aud hopes." Tliis solution 
 of Elihu is seconded by the addresses of God, in which it is shown God must be just (because He it 
 God) as Elihu had shown how God can be just and yet the righteous be afflicted. It is also acquiesced 
 in by Job, who makes no reply. God reprimands the three friends, but not Elihu. Job's general 
 course is approved ; he js directed to intercede for his friends ^ aa4 ig restored to double his formei 
 prosperity. 
 
 POETRY.— In all countries poetry is the earliest form of composition as bein? best retained in 
 the memory, and in the East especially it was customary to preserve their sentimeiits in a terse, pro- 
 verbial, and poetic form (called maschal.). Hebrew poetry is not constituted by the rhythm oi 
 metre, but in a form peculiar to itself :—l. In an alphabetical arrangement somewhat like oui 
 acrostic. For instance. Lam. 1. 2. The same verse repeated at inteivals; as Ps. 42; 107. 3 
 Rhythm of gradation. Psalms o/ Utyrees,l%-V3i; in which the expression of the previous verse is 
 resumed and carried forward in the next (Ps. 121.). 4. The chief characteristic of Hebrew noetrj 
 is parallelism, or the correspondence of the same ideas in the parallel clauses. The earliest ms'tance 
 is Enoch's prophecy (Jude, 14.), and Lamech's parody of it (Gen. 4. 23.). These kinds occur, (i ) The 
 synonymous parallelism, in which the second is a repetition of the first, with or without increase o< 
 force (Ps. 22. 27; Isa. 15. 1,); sometimes with double parallelism (Isa. 1. 15.). (■.) The antithetic in 
 which the idea of the second clause is the converse of that in the first (Pro. 10. 1.). (3.) The synthetic 
 where there is a correspondence between different propositions, noun answering to noun, verb tc 
 yerb, member to member, the sentiment, moreover, being not merely echoed, or put in contrast but 
 enforced by accessory ideas (Job. 3. 3-9.). Also alternate (Isa. 51. 19,), "Desolation and destruction 
 famine and sword," i.e., desolation by famine, and destruction by the sword. Introverted ■ where the 
 fourth answers to the first, and the third to the second (Mat. 7. 6.). Parallelism thus often affords a 
 key to the interpretation. For tuller information, see Lowth (Introduction to Isaiah, and Lecture 
 on Tie'urew Poetry) and Spirit of Hebrew Poetry by Herder, transi. by Mai'sU. The simpler and lesi 
 wcifieialfoijafeolp»raUeli8mpi,'e?ailiaJob-amnrk of its early ase. 
 
THE 
 
 BOOK OF JOB. 
 
 GENERAL ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK. 
 Parti The hixtorical introduction, eh. i. ii. Part II. The argument or controversy, ch. iii.-xlii. 6, 
 t Ti.e!<?^< series oi the coutraversy. Job opeus the discussiou by carsmg his day auu by a bitter coia- 
 D'airt of his calamity, ch. ui. Spcecl. of Elipnaz, iv. v. Auswer of Job, vi. vii. Speech ol BildaU, yuu 
 A^.twer of Job ix X S»eecU of Zophar, xi. Aiisw^r of Job, xU.-xiv. 2. The seco-nd series m the coutro- 
 ves Speech' ol Eiiph z'ch. xv Inswer of Job, x i. xvii. Speech of Bildad, xviii. Answer of Job. xijL 
 srifich oi Zo har xs. Aiiswer of Job, xxl. 3. The third fieries lu Lhe coniroversy. Speech of Rliphaz, ch 
 x^ A^sw^r of J^ x^.U xxiv. Speech of BUda.i, xxv. Answer of Job, xxv,.-xxxL 4. Speech oi;^Eiihu, 
 ^^Ti^^^vii 5 The Close of the disoussi. ii. Tbe .iddvesa of the Almighty, ch. xxxvui.-xli. The le- 
 spouse and peuiteutial confessiou of Job, ch. xlii. 1-6. III. The conclusion, chap, xiiii, 7-17. 
 
 I Th* hoUnest of Job; his wealth; his religious 
 earefor his ehitilren: 6 Satan, appearina Oeft 
 God, falsely accuses Job, and obtains leave 
 
 tempt him. 13 Job in affliction blesses God. 
 rrHEKE was a man " in the land of Uz, 
 •*■ whose namet<)as6Job; and that man 
 was * perfect and upright, and one that 
 feared <* God. and escliewed e\'il. 
 
 2 And there were boDi uuto him seven 
 sons and three daughters. 
 
 3 His 1 substance aiso was seven thonsand 
 sheep, and three thousand camels, and live 
 hundred yoke of oxen, and live hundred 
 she-asses, and a very great 2 household; so 
 that this man was the greatest of all the 
 8 men of the east. 
 
 4 And his sons went and feasted in their 
 houses, every one his day; and sent and 
 called for their three sisters, to eat and to 
 drink with them. 
 
 5 And it was so, when the days of their 
 feasting were gone about, that Job sent 
 and sanctified them, and rose up early in 
 the morning, 'and offered bunit olferines 
 according to the number of them all : lor 
 Job said,"/ It may be that my sons have 
 sinned, and ^ cursed God in their hearts. 
 Thus did Job * continually. 
 
 6 H ^'ow /^ there was a day 'when the sons 
 of God came to present themselves before 
 the LoED, and 6 Satan came also 6 among 
 them. 
 
 7 And the Lobd said unto Satan, Whence 
 comest thou? Then Satan answered the 
 Loud, and said. From > going to and fro in 
 the earth, and from walkiiig up and down 
 in it. 
 
 8 And the Lord said unto Satan, 7 Hast 
 thou consideretl my servant Job, that there 
 is none hke him m the earth, a perfect and 
 an upright man, one that feareth God, and 
 cscbeweth evil? 
 
 y Then Satan answered the Lord, and 
 aaid. Doth Job fear God for nought? 
 
 10 Ilast *not thou made an hedge about 
 Luii, and about his house, and about all 
 that he hath on every side? 'Thou hast 
 blessed the work of his nanus, and his 8 sub- 
 Btiince is iuci.'used in the land: 
 
 11 But put forth thine hand now, and 
 touch all that he hath, 9 and he will cmse 
 tlice to thy face. 
 
 i J And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold 
 all that he hath is in thy i" power; only 
 npoti hinisell put not forth thine hand. So 
 Satan went forth from the presence of the 
 
 CHAP. 1. 1 
 
 a Gen. 22. 20. I 
 
 b £36. 14. 14. 
 m. 6. 11. 
 
 e Gen. 6. 9. 
 Gen. 17. 1. I 
 ch. 2. 3. I 
 
 d Pro. 8. 13. 
 Pro. 16. 6. 
 
 1 Or, cattle. I 
 
 2 Or, hus- I 
 bfiLdry. 
 
 3 ^ona of tba < 
 east. I 
 Gen. 25. 6. , 
 
 e Gen. 8. 20. 
 
 oh. 42. 8. 
 / 2 Cor. 11.2. 
 ff 1 tin. 21. 
 
 10, 13. 
 
 4 aU tha 
 d«y.. 
 
 h ch. 2. 1. 
 i 1 Kin. 23. 
 
 19. 
 
 ch. 38. 7. 
 
 Dan. 7. 10. 
 
 midst of 
 
 } Mat. 12 .43. 
 1 Pet. 6. 8. 
 
 7 Hast thou 
 .et thy 
 heart on. 
 
 k Pa. 34. 7. 
 
 Isa. 6. 2. 
 
 i Pb. lES. 1. 
 
 Pro. 10. 22. 
 
 8 Or, Mitt!e. 
 
 9 if he curee 
 thee not ta 
 thy face. 
 
 10 hand. 
 Gen. 15.6. 
 
 w» Ecc. 9 12. 
 n Gen. 10. 7. 
 U Or, s 
 great fire. 
 
 12 rushed. 
 
 13 from 
 aeide. etc. 
 
 14 Or, robs. 
 « 1 Pet. 5. 6. 
 P Jam. 1. 17. 
 g Mat. 20,15. 
 r Eph. f.. 2<J. 
 
 15 0r,attri- 
 buujd foUy 
 
 13 IT And there was a day "• when his sons 
 and his daughters ivtre eating and drinking 
 wine in their eldest brother's house: 
 
 14 And there came a messenger unto Job, 
 and said. The oxen were plowing, and the 
 asses feeding beside them; 
 
 15 And the " Sabeans fell upon them, and 
 took them away ; yea, they liave slaiu the 
 servants with the edge of the sword; and 
 I onlv am escaped alone to tell thee. 
 
 16 While he was yet sjieaking, there came 
 also another, and said, n The fire of God is 
 fallen from heaven, and hath burnt up the 
 sheep, and the servants, and consumed 
 them; and 1 only am escaped alone to tell 
 thee. 
 
 17 While he teas yet speaking, there came 
 also another.and said. The Chaldeans made 
 out three bands. and 12 fell upon the camels, 
 and have carried them away, yea, and 
 slain the seiTants with the edge of the 
 sword; and 1 only am escaped alone to tell 
 thee. 
 
 18 While he was yet speaking, there came 
 also another, and said, Thy sons and thy 
 daughters were eating and drinking wine 
 in their eldest brother 3 house: 
 
 19 And, behold, there came a great wind 
 13 from the \sildemes3, and smote the- four 
 comers of the house, and it fell upon the 
 young men, and they are dead; and I only 
 am escaped alone to tell thee. 
 
 20 Then Job arose, and rent his 1* mantle, 
 and shaved his head, and ° fell down upoa 
 the groimd, and worshipped, 
 
 21 And said, Naked came I out of my 
 mother's womb, and naked shall I return 
 thither: the Lord ^gave, and the Lord 
 hath « taken away ; »■ blessed be the name of 
 the Lord. ,, , 
 
 2-J In all this Job sinned not, nor 15 charged 
 God foolishly. 
 
 CHAPTER IL 
 1 Baton, appearing again before Ood, obtains 
 
 further leave to tempt Job: The smites him with 
 tore boils. 9 Job reproves his wife. 
 
 A GAIN there was a d.ay when the sons of 
 ■"- God came to pr .sent themselves before 
 the Lord, and Satan came also among 
 them, to present himself before the Lord. 
 
 2 And the Lord said imto Satan, From 
 whence comest thou? And Satan ans'nered 
 the Lord, and said. From going to and fro 
 in the earth, and from walkmg up and down 
 in it. 
 
 3 And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast 
 thou considered my servant Job, that thtrt 
 is none like him in the earth, a perfect and 
 
THE 
 
 BOOK OF JOB. 
 
 CHAPTER I. \ ascend, referring to the smoke ascending to 
 
 PAKT I.— PKOLOQUE OR HISTORICAL INTRO- lieavcn,) by each fatlier ot a family officiat- 
 UTJCTION IN PROSE— CHAPTERS i„ n. I in;,' as priest in behalf of his lioiisehold. 
 Ver. 1-6. The Holiness op .Job, His ! cursed God— The same Hebrew word means 
 Wealth, &c. 1. Uz— N. of Arabia Deserfca, ! to curse, and to Mess; Ges. says, the original 
 lying towards the Euphrates; it 'i-as in this : sense is to kneel, and thus it came to mean : 
 neighbourhood, and not in that of Idumea, bending the knee in order to invoice either a 
 that the Chaldeans and Sabeans who plun- ! blessing, or a curse. Cursing is a perversion 
 dered him dwelt. The Arabs divide their ' of blessina, as all sin is of goodness. Sin is 
 countryintotheX.calledSVirtTO, or'*thelett:" a degeneracy, not a genei-ation. It is not, 
 and the S. called Yemen, or " the right:" for however, likely that Job should fear the 
 they taced E. and so the W. was on their possibility of his sons cursing God. Th© 
 left, and the S. on their right. Arabia De- sense hidfareivell to, derived from the Uess- 
 sertawasontheE.,Ai-abiaPetri;ea on theW., ing customary at pai-ting, seems sufficient 
 and Arabia Felix on the S. Job— The name 1 (Gen. 47. 10. i. Thus Umbr. translates "may 
 conies from an Arabic word meaning to re- 1 have dismissed God from their hearts;" viz. 
 tarn, viz., to God, to repent, referring to his amidst the intoxication of pleasure (Prov. 
 end: [EtcH.] or rather from a Heb. word i20. 1.). This act illustrates Job's "fear of 
 signifying one to whom enmity was shown, ' God. " v.l. 
 
 greatly tried. [Ges.] Significant names were i 6-12. Satan, Appearing Before God, 
 often given among ihe Hebrews, from some | Falsely Accuses Job. 6. sons of God- 
 event of the after life icf. Isa. 8. IS; Gen. 4. i Angels (ch. 38. 7; 1 Ki. 22. 19.1. They present 
 2), Abel— a feedm' of sheep. So the emir of themselves to render accountof their "minis- 
 Vz was by general consent called Job, on ac- try" in other parts of the universe Heb. 1. 14). 
 count of his tricds. The only other person ! the Lord— He&., Jehovah— the self-existing 
 so called was a son of Issachar (Gen. 46. 13.). [God, faithful to His promises. God says 
 
 ?ierfect— Not absolute or faultless perfection i (Ex. 6. 3, that He was not known to the 
 cf. 9. 20; Eccl. 7. 20.1, hilt integrity, sincerity, 1 patriarchs by this name. But, as the 7iame 
 and consistency on the whole, in all relations ' occurs -previously in Gen. 2. 7-9, fee, what 
 of life (Gen, 6. 9; 17. 1; Prov. 10. 9; Matth. 5. !must be meant is, not until the time of 
 iS.i. It was the/earo/ God that kept Job from i delivering Israel by Moses was He known 
 ei;iJ (Prov. 8. 13.!. 3. she asses— Prized on ac- i peculiarly and publicly in the character 
 count of their milk, and for riding Judg. 5. I which the name means, viz., making things 
 10.). Houses and lands are not mentioned \to be, fulfilling the promises made to their 
 among the emir's wealth, as nomadic tribes j forefatliers. This nr.me. therefore, here, is 
 dwell in iiioveaMc tents, and live chiefly by ^ no objection against the antiquity of the 
 pasture, the right .to the soil not bein^ap- jbookof Job. Satan— The tradition was widely 
 propriated by individuals. The " five hun- ' spread that he had been the agent in Adam's 
 dred yoke of oxen" imply, however, that Job I temptation. Hence his name is given with- 
 tiUed the soil. He seems also to have had a 'out comment. The feeling with which ha 
 dwelling in a town, in which respect he dif- looks on Job is similar to that with which 
 fered from the patriarchs. Camels are well \ he looked on Adam in Paradise: embold- 
 called shijis of the desert, especially valu- i ened by his success in the case of one not 
 able for caravans, as being able to lay in a ] yet fallen, he is confident that the piety of 
 store of water that suffices them for days, 'Job, one of a fallen race, will not stand the 
 and sustaining life on a very few thistles or ' test. He had fallen himself (ch. 4. 19; 15. 15; 
 thorns, household— (Gen. 26. 14.). The other i Jude, 6.). In thebook of Job first Satan is de- 
 rendering, wliich the Heb. admits, /ms- : signated by name: Saton., in fle&., one who 
 bandry, is not so probable, men of the east— lies in wait; an Adversary in a court of justice 
 Denoting in Scripture those living east of ! (i Chron. 21. 1; Ps. 109. 6; Zech. 3. 1.). The 
 Palestine; as the people of North Arabia : accitser (Rev. 12. 10.). He has got the law of 
 Deserta tJudg. 6. 3; Ez. 25. 4.). 4. every one 'God on his side by man's sin, and against 
 his dav— viz., the birth-day (ch. 3. 1.). Im- > man. But Jesus Christ has fulfilled the law 
 plying the love and harmony of the members for us; justice is once more on man's side 
 of the family, as contrasted with the ruin I against Satan (Isa. 42. 21,',; and so Jesus 
 ■which soon broke up such a scene of happi- Christ can plead as our Advocate against the 
 ness. The sisters axe specified, as these feasts ! adversary (Rom. 8. 33.). Devil is the Greek 
 were not for revelry, which would be incon- 1 name— the slanderer, or accuser. He is sub- 
 sistent with the presence of sisters. These ject to God, who uses his ministry for chas- 
 latter were invited by the brothers, though tising man. In Arabic 5ate7i is often applied 
 they gave no invitations in return. 5. when ■ to a serpent (Gen. 3. 1.). He is called Prince 
 the days of feasting were gone about— ie., 'of this world (John, 12. 31,); the God of this 
 at the end of all the birth-days collective- 1 world (2 Cor. 4. 4,) ; Prince of the power of 
 ly, when the banquets had gone round the air (Eph. 2. 2.). God here questions 
 through all the families. Job sanctified them t him, in order to vindicate His own ways 
 —By offering up as many expiatory burnt- 1 before angels. 7. going to and fro— Eather, 
 offerings as he had sons (Lev. 1. 4.). This hurrying rapidly to and fro. The original 
 was done in tlie morning (Gen. 22. 3; Lev. 6. ■ idea in Arabic is the heat of haste (1 Pet. 5. 
 12.). So .Jesus began devotions early (Mk. 8; Matth. 12. 43.). Sitan seems to have had 
 1. 3.5.). The holocaust, or burnt-ortering, in l some peculiar connexion with this earth. 
 patriarchal times, was offered ^it., caused to i Perhaps he Wfts formerly its luler under 
 361 
 
.T.h ^,r<<,m tht day of Ms UrtTi. JOB, HT. IT 
 
 Eliphaz reproves Job. 
 
 m upright man. one that feareth Uort, aiid 
 escheweth evU? and still he " holdeth last 
 his integrity, although thou moyedst me 
 against ffi Uo distroy him ^ without 
 
 *4 And Satan answered the Lord, and s^d, 
 Skhi for skin, yea, all that a man hath will 
 ^^^p'S^Silinehand now -d touch 
 his "bone and his flesh, and he >m11 curse 
 'fl'l Shi LORD said unto Satan. Behold, 
 teism thine hand; ^b^* ^X^^^ge pre- 
 7 IT So went Satan forth "i'™ ^ne pie- 
 Bence of the Lord, and smote Job with 
 Iwe boils from the sole of his foot unto his 
 
 ^'s^Andhetookhim a potsherd to scrape 
 toelf withal: <*andhe sat down among 
 
 ^sVlhln said 'his wife tinto him /Dost 
 thou still retain thine mtegrity? curse God, 
 
 *W fillt'he said unto her. Thou speakest as 
 one of the foolish women speaketh. What! 
 Bhall ' we receive good at the hand ot t od, 
 and shaU we not receive eyill In aU this 
 did not J oh "sin with his lips. 
 11 II Now when Job's three fiiends heard 
 of aU this evil that was come upon him, 
 thev came every one from bjsqwTi place; 
 Elii'haz the ifemanite, and Bildad nhe 
 Shi lute, and Zophar the ^aanmthlte: for 
 they ha.i made an appointment together to 
 come *to mourn with ham and to comloit 
 
 *^^And when they lifted up their eyes afar 
 off, and knew him not, they litted up their 
 voice, and wept; and they rent everyone 
 his m.antle, and » sprinkled dust upon theu 
 heads toward heaven. , 
 
 13 So they sat down with him upon the 
 eiound "* seven days and seven nights, ana 
 none spake a word unto him: for they saw 
 that his grief was verj' great. 
 CHAPTER in. 
 I Job eurtes the day of hi> birlh, 13 and msheB 
 
 for the ease of deathi 20 ht complatna of life oe- 
 
 «au'e of hit anguish. 
 
 A FTER this opened Job his mouth, and 
 ■"■ cursed his day. 
 
 2 And J ob 1 spake, and said, 
 
 3 Let « the day perish wherein I was bom, 
 and the night in which it was said, There 
 IB a man child conceived. . ^ j 
 
 4 Let that day be darkness; let not (rOd 
 regard it from above, neither let the light 
 Bhme u;)on it. , „ ■■ ... 
 
 5 Let darkness and 6 the shadow of death 
 8 stain it; let a cloud dwell upon it; ^ilet 
 the blackness of the day terrify it. 
 
 6 As for that night, let darkness seize 
 upon it; * let it not be joined unto the days 
 Of the year; let it not come into the num- 
 ber of the months. , X „„ 
 
 7 Lo, let that night be Bohtary; let no 
 Joj-ful voice come therein. 
 
 8 Let them curse it that curse the day, 
 who * are ready to raise up & their mourn- 
 
 /'Let the stars of the twilight thereof be 
 dark; let it look for light, but haw none; 
 neither let it see « the dawnmg of the 
 day; 
 
 10 Because it shut not up the doors of my 
 mother's womb, uor hid sorrow from mme 
 eyes. 
 
 B. c. icao. 
 
 CHAP. 2. 
 ich.27.5. 6. 
 1 to «w»Uow 
 
 h Gen. £2. 1. 
 
 Mat. 7.11. 
 
 John 9. 2. 
 
 Heb. 2. 10. 
 
 Heb. 12. 
 
 6-11. 
 c ch. 19. 20. 
 a Or, only. 
 d Ezck. 27. 
 
 30. 
 • Gen. 3. 6. 
 /ch. 21. 15. 
 g Rom. IS. 
 
 12. 
 
 Jam. 6.10. 
 h Ps. 39. 1. 
 
 Jam. 1.12. 
 i Gen. 36. 11. 
 
 Jer. 49. 7. 
 j Gen. £6. 2. 
 k Rom. 12. 
 
 15. 
 I Neh. 9. 1. 
 
 Lam. 2. 10. 
 
 E«. 27 30. 
 tnGen. 60.10. 
 
 CHAP. 3. 
 
 1 answered. 
 a Jer. 2iX 14. 
 6 Pa. 44. 19. 
 
 Amos 5. 8. 
 
 2 Or, chal- 
 lenge it. 
 Or, let 
 them ter- 
 rify it, as 
 
 thoeo 
 
 have* 
 
 bitter day. 
 4 Or, let it 
 
 not rejoice 
 
 among th» 
 
 dayi. 
 e Jer. 9. 17. 
 6 Or, a 
 
 leviathan. 
 
 6 the eyelid* 
 of the 
 morning. 
 
 7 wearied in 
 ttrength. 
 
 d Jer. 20. 18. 
 
 8 wait. 
 • ProT. 2. 4. 
 / Lam. 8. 7. 
 
 9 before my 
 meat. 
 
 10 1 feared i 
 fear, and 
 it came 
 upon me. 
 
 CHAP. 4. 
 1 a word, 
 who can 
 refrain 
 from 
 wordaT 
 
 3 the bowing 
 knee. 
 
 o Luke 4. 23. 
 6ch. 1. 1. 
 e ProT. 3.26. 
 d P». 7. 14. 
 Pro 22. 8. 
 
 4 That i», by 
 hie arger. 
 Is. 30. 33. 
 2Thes.2.S 
 
 e Pi. 68. 6. 
 / P.. 34. 10. 
 6 by ite^th. 
 
 eyes. ^ 6 by tte^th 
 
 Jl Why died I not ftom the womb? why I* «b. b. i6. 
 
 did 1 vot give up the ghost when I came out 
 ofthebellv? . , „ „-_ 
 
 12 Why did the knees prevent me? or why 
 the breasts that I should suck'. 
 
 13 For now should I have lain still and 
 been quiet, I should have slept: then had I 
 
 llVith kings and counsellors of the earth, 
 which built desolate places for themselves; 
 
 15 Or with princes that had gold, wl» 
 filled theu- houses with silver: 
 
 16 Or as an hidden untimely birth I 
 had not been; as infants which never 
 
 if Tlfere the wicked cease from troubling 
 and there the 7 weary be at rest. 
 
 18 lliere the prisoners rest together; they 
 hear not the voice of the oppressor. 
 
 19 The smaU and great are there; and the 
 sen-ant is free from his master. 
 
 20 Wherefore <* is light given to him that 
 is in misery, and life unto the bitter m 
 
 ^2?^hich 8 long for death, but it comefft 
 not; and dig for it more than <> lor hid 
 
 *"2^ Which rejoice exceedingly, and are 
 glad, when they can find the gravej 
 
 23 Why is liaht given to a man whose way 
 is hid, /and ^^hom God bath hedgea m? 
 
 24 For my sighing cometh 9 be tore I cat 
 and my roaiings are poured out hke the 
 
 ^5^ For 10 the thing which I greatly feared 
 is come upon me, and that which I waa 
 afraid of is come unto me. 
 26 I was not in satety, neither had I rest, 
 neither was I quiet; yet trouble came. 
 
 CHAPTER IV, 
 1 Elivhaz reproves Job for want of rehg-ion:! M 
 
 riohteovs, but for the wicked: ]2 his fearful 
 vdion desianed to humble the vamm^o.^ oj 
 man's exeelleney in the siyht of his Maker. 
 
 rPHEN Eliphaz the Temanite answered 
 
 2 If -KB as'sav lt« commune with thee, 
 wilt thou be Sieved? but 2 who can with- 
 hold himself from speaking? 
 
 3 Behold, thou hast instructed many, and 
 thou hast strengthened the weak hands. 
 
 4 Thy words have upholdeu hira that waa 
 falling, and thou hast strengthened a the 
 
 %%Tno^ it is come^upon thee and 
 thou " faintest; it toucheth thee, and thoo 
 
 "rifnot ffti5 6 thy fear, « thy confidence 
 thy hope, and the uprightness ol. thy ways* 
 7 Remember, 1 pray thee, who e^er per- 
 ished, being innocent? or where were the 
 "lEvras'ltve seen, ^ they that plow 
 iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the 
 
 'g^By the blast of God they perish and * by 
 the breath of his nostrils are they con- 
 
 'wThe roaring of the lion, and the voice 
 of the fierce lion, and • the teeth ot the 
 voun" lions, are broken. , „ , , „ „„ 
 ^11 The/old Uon perisheth for lack of prey 
 and the stout lion's whelps are scattered 
 
 ^12 Now a thing was 5 secretly brought to 
 ml and mine e^ received a little thereof. 
 13 In thoughts from the visions ot th« 
 nSht. when dlep sleep feUeth on men. 
 
Job, Ml Affliction, Blesses Ood. 
 
 joB.n. 
 
 Satan Further Tempts Job. 
 
 God. Man succeeded to the vice-royalty 
 
 iGen. 1. 26; Ps. 8. 6.) . Man lost it, and Satan 
 )ecame Prince of this world. The Son of 
 
 man (Ps. 8. 4,)— tlie representative man. re- 
 gains the forfeited inheritance iE.ev. 11. 15.). 
 
 batan's replies are characteristically curt 
 and short. When the angels ai)pear before 
 God, Satan is amona; them, even as there 
 was a Judas among the apostles. 8. con- 
 sidered— ilfavg'., set thine heart on; i.e., con- 
 sidered attentivelv. No true servant of God 
 escapes the eye of the Adversary of God. 9. 
 fe.'ir God for nought— It is a mark of the chil- 
 dren of Satan to sneer and not give credit to 
 any for disinterested piety, ^'ot so much 
 God's ffifts, as God Himself is "the reward" 
 of His people (Gen. 15. 1.). 10. his substance 
 is incrensea— Lit., spread out like a flood: 
 Job's herds covered the face of the country. 
 11. curse thee to thy face— In antithesis to 
 God's praise of him iv. 8,), "one thatfeareth 
 God." Satan's words are too true of many. 
 Take away their prosperity and you take 
 away their religion (Mai. 3. 14.!. 12. in thy 
 power— Satan has no power against man till 
 God gives it. God would not touch Job with 
 His own hand, though Satan asks this iv. 11, 
 thine), but alloics the enemy to do so. 
 
 13-22. Job, m Affliction, Blesses God, 
 &c. 13. wine— Not specified in verse 4. The 
 mirth inspired by the wine here contrasts 
 the more sadly with the alarm which inter- 
 rupted it. 14. the asses feeding beside them— 
 Heb., SiLe-asses. A graphic picture of rural 
 repose and peace; the more dreadful, there- 
 fore, by contrast is the sudden attack of the 
 plunderinsArabs. 15. Sabeans— Not those of 
 Arabia Felix, butthoseof Arabia Deserta.de- 
 scending from Sheba, grandson of Abraham 
 andKeturah (Gen. 25. 3.). The Bedouin Ai-abs 
 of the present day resemble, in marauding 
 habits, these Sabeans (cf. Gen. 16. 12.). I 
 alone am escaped— Cunningly contrived by 
 Satan. One in each case escapes {v. 16, 17. 
 19,', and brings the same kind of message. 
 This was to overwhelm J oh, and leave him 
 no time to recover from the rapid succession 
 of calamities-" misfortunes seldom come 
 single." 16. fire of God — Hebraism for a 
 mighty fire; as cedars of God—lofttj cedars. 
 Not Uohtning, which would not consume all 
 the sheep and servants. Umbr. understands 
 it of the hiirning wind of Arabia, called by 
 the Turks "'wind of poison." "The prince 
 of the power of the air" is permitted to 
 have control over such destructive agents. 
 17. Chaldeans — Not merely robbers as 
 the Sabeans; but experienced in war, as 
 is implied by "they set in array three 
 bands," (Hab. 1. 6-8.). Eawl. distinguishes 
 three periods:'!. When their seat of em- 
 pire was in the S., towards the conflu- 
 ence of the Tigris and Euphrates. The 
 Chaldean period, from 2300 B.C., to 1500 B.C. 
 In this period was Chedorlaomer (Gen. 14.,), 
 the Kudur of Hur or Ur of the Chaldees, 
 in the Assyrian inscriptions, and the con- 
 queror of Syria. 2. From 1500 to 625 B.C., the 
 As.syrian period. 3. From 625 to 638 B.C. 
 (when Cyrus the Persian took Babylon,), 
 the Babylonian period. Chaldees in Heb.— 
 Chasdim, They were akin, perhaps, to the 
 Hebrews, as Abraham's sojourn in Ur, and 
 the name Chestd, a nephew of Abraham, 
 imply. The three bands were probably in 
 order to attack the three separate thousands 
 of Job's camels [v. 3.). 19. wiad from the wil- 
 362 
 
 derness — S. of Job's house. Tiie tornado 
 came the more violently over the desert as 
 being uninterrupted J-sa. 21. 1; Hos. 13. 
 15.). the young men — Eather, the young 
 people; including the daughters (so in Euth 
 2. 21.). 20. Job arose— Not necessarily from 
 sitting. Inward excitement is implied, and 
 the beginning to do anything. He had heard 
 the other messages calmly, but on hearing 
 of the death of his children, then he arose; 
 or, as [EiCH.J translates, he started up (2 
 Sam. 13. 31.). The rencUng of the mantle was 
 the conventional mark of deep grief (Gen. 
 37. 34.). Orientals wear a tunic or shirt, and 
 loose pantaloons: and over these a flowing 
 mautle(especially great persons and women,). 
 Shaving tne head was also usual in grief 
 (Jer. 41. 5; Mic. 1. 16.). 21. naked— (1 Tim. 6. 
 7.). "Mother'swomb" is poetically the earth, 
 the universal mother (Ec. 5. 15; 12. 7; Ps. 139. 
 15.). Job herein realizes God's assertion {v. 
 8,) against Satan's {v. 11.). Instead of cursing, 
 he blesses the name of Jehovj\.h (the Heb.). 
 The na7ne of Jehovah, is Jehovah himself, as 
 manifested to us in His attributes (Isa. 9. 6.). 
 22. nor charged God foolishly— Eather, allowed 
 himself to commit no folly against God. 
 LUmbr.] Ch. 2. 10 proves that this is the 
 meaning. Not as marg. attributed no folly to 
 God. Hasty words against God, though na- 
 tural in the bitterness of grief, ^xq folly; lit., 
 an insipid, unsavoury thing (ch. 6. 6; Jer. 23. 
 13, margin. 1. Folly in Scripture is continu- 
 ally ec[uivalenfc to wickedness. For when man 
 sins, it is himself, not ( Jod, whom he injures 
 iProv. 8. 36.). We are to submit to trials, 
 not because we see the reasons for them, nor 
 yet as though they were matters of cliance, 
 but because God tvills them, and has a right 
 to send them, and has His own good reasons 
 inisendingthem. 
 
 CHAPTEE n. 
 Ver. 1-9. Satan Fltrther Tempts Job. 
 1. a day— Appointed for the angels giving an 
 account of their ministry to God. The 
 words to present himself before the Lord oc- 
 cur here, though not in 1. 6, as Satan has 
 now a special report to make as to Job. 3. 
 integrity— Zii., completeness; so "perfect," an- 
 other form of the same Heb. word, ch. 1. 1. 
 movedst . . . against— So 1 Sam. 26. 19; cf. 1 
 Chr. 21. 1, with 2 Sam. 24. 1. 4. Skin for skiu 
 —A proverb. Supply, He will give. The skin 
 is figurative for any oidward good. Nothing 
 outward is so dear that a man will not ex- 
 change it for some other outward good; but 
 not yea} life, the inward good, cannot be re- 
 placed, a man will sacrifice every thing else 
 for its sake. Satan sneers bitterly at man's 
 egotism, and says. Job bears the loss of pro- 
 perty and children, because these are mere 
 oidv-ard and exchangeable goods, but he will 
 give up all things, even his religion, in order 
 to save his life, if you touch his bones and 
 flesh. Skiio and life are in antithesis. 
 [Umbr.] The martyrs prove Satan's sneer 
 false. Eos. explains it not so well, A man 
 willingly gives up another's skin (life) for his 
 own skin (life.). So Job might bear the loss 
 of his children, &c.,with equanimity so long 
 as he remained unhurt himself; but, when 
 touched in his own person, he would re- 
 nounce God. Thus the first "skin" means 
 the olher's skin, i.e^body; the second "skin," 
 one's own, as in Ex. 21. 23. 6. but save- 
 Rather, only spare. Satan shows his ingenu- 
 ity in inflicting pain, and also Uis knowled^d 
 
JOB, m. 
 
 He Wishes for Veafh. 
 
 ^3 oh IteprovesHisWife^ 
 
 if what man's body can bear without vital , then sententiously. Hence this formula ex« 
 
 Injury. 7, sore boils — Malignant boils. 
 Eather, as it is singular in the Heb., a hum- 
 ing acre. Job was covered with one univer- 
 sal injlammcdion. The use of the potsherd 
 agrees with this view. It was that form of 
 leprosy called black to distinguish it from 
 the white' or Elepliantiasis, because the feet 
 swell like those of the elejjhant. The Arabic 
 judharn (Dew. 28. 35,), where sore botch is 
 rather tlie black burning boil (Isa. l. 6.). 8. a 
 DJtsiierd— Not a piece of a broken earthen 
 vessel, but an instrument made for scratch- 
 ing 'the root of the Heb. word is scratch, ; 
 the sore was too disgusting to touch. "To 
 sit in the ashes" marks the deepest mourn- 
 ing (Jonah 3. 6,); also humility, as if the 
 mourner were nothing but dust and, asJies, 
 so Abraham (Gen. 18. :i7.). 
 
 9-13. JobEeprovesHisWife. 9. curse God 
 —Rather renounce God. Note, 1. 5. [Umbr.] 
 However, it was usual among the heathens, 
 \\ hen disappointed in their prayers accom- 
 panied with offerings to their gods, to re- 
 proach and cv^rse them, and die— *.e.. take 
 thy farewell of God and so die. For no good 
 
 is to be got out of religion, either here or 
 
 hereafter ; or, at least, not in this life. [Gill.] 
 Nothing makes the ungodly so angry, as to 
 
 see the godly under trial not angry. 10. the 
 
 foolish women— ,S'i?i and folhj are allied in 
 
 Scripture (1 Sam. 25. 25; 2 Sam. 13. 13; Ps. 14. 
 
 1.). receive evil— Bear willingly (Lam. 3. 39.). 
 
 11. Eliphaz— The view of Eawl. that " the 
 
 names of Job's three friends represent the 
 
 Oliaidean times, about 700 B.C., cannot be 
 
 accepted. Eliphaz is an Idumean name, 
 
 Esau's eldest son Gen. 36. 4,); and Teman, 
 
 son of Eliphaz, ,15,) called "duke." Euseb. 
 
 places Teman in Arabia Petrea (but see 
 
 Note 6, 19.1. Teman means at the right 
 
 li'nid; and then the S., viz., part of Idumea; 
 
 capital of Edom (Amos, 1. 12.). Hebrew geo- 
 
 kTaphers faced the E.. not the N. as we do; 
 
 hence with them the right hand was the S. 
 
 Temanites were famed for wisdom (Jer. 49. 
 
 7.). Bakuch mentions them as " authors of 
 
 fables (viz., proverbs embodying the results 
 
 of observation,), and searchers out of under- 
 standing." Bildad the Shuliite— Shuah (a pit) 
 
 Son of Abraham and Ketarah ;C:en. 25. 2.). 
 
 Ptol. mentions the region Syccea, in 
 
 Arabia Deserta, E. of Batanea. ZoBhar the 
 
 NaaiTiathite- Not of the Naanians in Judah 
 
 (Josh. 15. 41,), which was too distant; biit 
 
 some region in Arabia Deserta. Freielius 
 
 says there was a Naamath inlJz. 12. toward 
 
 heaven— Tliey threw violently ashes upwards, 
 
 that they might fall on their heads and cover 
 
 them. The deepest mourning iJosh. 7. 6; 
 
 Acts 22. 23.). 13. seven days . . . nig'hts— 
 
 They d.d not remain in the one posture and 
 
 without food, &.C., all this time, but for the 
 
 most of this period daily and nightly. Sit- 
 ting on the earth marked mourning (Lam. 2. 
 
 10.). Seven days was the usual length of it 
 
 (Gen. 60. 10; 1 Sara. 31. 13.). This silence may 
 
 have been due to a rising suspicion of evil iii 
 
 Job; but chiefly because it is only ordinary 
 
 griefs that tindventin language; extraordi- 
 nary griefs are too great for utterance. 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 THE POEM OK. DEBATE ITSELF, 2-42. 6; FIRST the raiser up' of leviathan, i.e., of a host 0} 
 
 SERIES IN IT, 3-14. ; JOB FIRST 3. ! cinls. 9. dawiiing of the dsLy—lit, eyelashes 0/ 
 
 Ver. 1-19. Job Curses the L)ay of Kis onorning. The Arab poets call the sun the 
 
 Birth, ANi) WiiSHEs FOR Death. 1. opened ewe of day. His early rays, therefore, break* 
 
 his moutk— The Orientals speaii seldom, and ' ing forth before sunrise, are the opening eim 
 
 862 LU 
 
 pressing deliberation and gravity (Ps. 78. 2.), 
 Formally began, cursed his day— The strict 
 Heb. word for cursing; not the same as in 
 ch. 1. 5. Job cursed his birth-day, but not 
 his God. 2. spake— i/e?), amivered, i.e., not 
 to any actual question that nreceded, but to 
 the question virtually involved in the case. 
 His outburst is singularly wild and bold 
 (•Jer. 20. 14.). To desire to die so as to be 
 free from sin is a mark of grace; to desire 
 to die so as to escape troubles is a mark 
 of corruption. He was ill fitted to die, 
 who was so unwilling to live. But his trials 
 were greater, and his iieht less, than ours. 3. 
 the night in which— Rather "the night which 
 said." The words in Italics are not in the 
 Heb. Night is personified and poetically 
 made to speak. So m v. 7, and Ps. 19. 2. The 
 birth of a male in the East is a matter of joy; 
 often not so, of a female. 4. let not God regard 
 it— liather, more poetically. Seek it out. "Let 
 not God stoop from his bright throne to 
 raise it up from its dark hiding-place." The 
 curse on the day in v. 3, is amplified in v. 4, 
 5; that on the night, in v, 6-10. 5. let the 
 shadow of death— (deepest darkness, Isa. 9. 2.) 
 —stain it— This is a later sense of the verb, 
 [Ges.] better the old and more poetic idea, 
 " Let darkness (the ancient night of chaotic 
 gloomi resume its rights over light (Gen. 1. 
 2,), and claim that day as its own." a cloud 
 —Collectively, a gathered massofdark clouds. 
 the blackness of tlie day terrify it — lit, th^e 
 obscurations; whatever darkens the day. 
 [Ges.] Th verb in Heb. expresses sudden 
 terrifying. May it be suddenly affrighted at 
 its own darkness. Umbr. explains it of 
 magical incantations that darken the day, 
 forming the climax to the previous clauses; 
 V. 8, speaks of curscrs of the day similarly. 
 But the former view is simpler. Others refer 
 it to the poisonous Simoom wind. 6. seize 
 upon it— As its prey; 'i.e., utterly dissolve it. 
 joined unto the days of the year— Rather, by 
 poetic personification, " Let it not rejoice in 
 the circle of days and nights, and mouths, 
 which form the circle of years." 7. solitary 
 —Rather, unfniAtJul. " Would that it had 
 not given birth to me." 8. them . . . that 
 carse the day— If mourning be the right ren- 
 dering in the latter clau.se of this verse, these 
 words refer to the hired mourners of the 
 dead (Jer. 9. 17.). But the Heb. ioxmourning 
 elsewhere, always denotes an animal, whe- 
 ther it be the crocodile or some huge serpent 
 (Isa. 27. 1,1 that is meant by leviathan. 
 Therefore, the expression, cursers or day, 
 refers to magicians who were believed to 
 be able by charms to make a day one of evij 
 omen. So Balaam, Num. 22.5. This accords 
 with Umbreit's view v. 7,); or, to the Ethi- 
 opians and Atlantes who " used to cur.se tl ,e 
 sun at his rising for burning up them aud 
 their country," [Herod.] Necromancers 
 claimed power to control or rouse wild beasts 
 at will; as the Indian serpent-charmers at 
 this day (Ps. 58. 5.\ Job does not say they 
 had the power they claimed, but, sunposing 
 they had, may they curse the day. ScH. 
 
 renders it by supplying words (?i Let those 
 tliat are ready for anything,^ call it ^the day) 
 
Kb Cbwplains'of lAfe. 
 
 JOB. IV. 
 
 TiM Speech ofEliphaz. 
 
 lids or eyelashes of morning. 12. Why did the i CHAPTER IV. 
 
 knees prevent me?— Old English for a?i<iCTpa<e i "Ver. 1-21. First Speech ov Eliphaz. 
 my wants. The reierence is to the solemn : Eliphaz— The mildest of Job's three accusers, 
 recognition of a new-born child by the lather, j llie f;reatness of Job's calamities, and his 
 who used to place it on his knees as his own, i complaints against God, and the opinion 
 whom he was bound to rear (Gen. 30. 3: 60. 1 that calamities are proofs of guilt, led the 
 23; Jsa. C6. 12.). 13. lain . . . quiet . . . sJeptj three to doubt Job's integrity. 2. Ifwe:issayto 
 —A gradation. I should not only have lam, \ commune— Eather, two questions, " May we 
 but been quiet, and not only heen quiet but i attempt a word with thee? A'\''ilt th: .u be 
 slept. JDea:/), in Scripture is called stop iPs. grieved at it V" Even pious friends often 
 13. 3,); especially in the New Testament, I count that only a touch wliich we feel as a 
 
 where the Eesurrection - awaking is more wound. S.weali hands^-Isa. 35. 3; 2Sam. 4. l. 
 clearly set forth (l Cor. 15. 51; 1 Thess. 4. 14; ! 
 
 5. 10.). 14. With kings . . . which built desolate 
 t'laccs for themselves — V/ho built up for 
 themselves what proved i.o be (not jiolaces, 
 but) rums! The wounded spirit of Job, once 
 a great emir himself, sick of the vain strug- 
 gles of mortal great men after grandeur, con- 
 templates the palaces o^ kings, now desolate 
 heaps of ruins. His regarding the repose of 
 death the most desirable end of the great 
 ones of the earth, wearied with heaping up 
 Jperishable treasures, marks the irony that 
 breaks out from the black clouds of melan- 
 choly. (Umbs.] The for tlmnsdvej marks 
 their selfishness. Mich, explains it >ieakly 
 Df mausoleums, such as are tound still, of 
 stupendous proportions, in the ruins of 
 Petraof IduK.ea. 15. filled theii- houcss v/ith 
 silver— Some take this of the treasures which 
 the ancients used to bury with their dead. 
 ISut see last verse. 16. untimely biriu— (Ps. 
 5S. 8.). Preferable to the life of the restless 
 miser 'Eecles. 6. 3-5. ^ 17. the wicked— The 
 original meaning, those ever restless, full of 
 desires (isa. .57. 20, 2].). wer.ry— Ki., those 
 %v7i.ose strength is wearied out Ciiev. 14. 13.). 
 18. There tne prisorers res; — From tlieir 
 ch ains. 19. servant— The slave is there manu- 
 mitted from slavery. 
 20 2G. He Complains of Life Because 
 
 5. thou ai't troubled— Rather, unldnged, hast 
 lost thy self-command il Thess. 3. 3.'. 6. 
 Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, &c.— Does 
 thy fear, thy confidence, &c., come to no- 
 thing? Does it come only to this, that thou 
 f.'Jntest now ? Rather, by transposirioii, 
 "Is not thy fear (of God) thy b.ipe? and 
 the upriglitness of thy ways, thy confidence? 
 If so, bethink thee, who ever perished being 
 innocent?" [Umb.J But Luke 13. 2,3, shows 
 that, though there is a retributive divine 
 government even in this life, yet we cannot 
 judge by the mere outward appearance. 
 "One event is outwardly to the righteous 
 and to the wicked" (Eccl. 9. 2.!; but yet we 
 must take it on trust, that God deals riglit- 
 eouslycwnnow iP.s. 37. 2.5;Isa.33. 16.). Judge 
 not by a paH, but by the whole of a god;y 
 man's life^and by Ids end, even here (James. 
 5. 11.). The one and the .same outward 
 event is altogether a different thin.; in its 
 inward bearings on the godly and on the 
 ungodly even here. Even pro.sperity, much 
 more calamity, is a imnishment to the 
 wicked Pro V. 1.32.). Ti-ialsarec/iasfecKie?/.fe 
 for their good (to the righteous.) (Ps. 119.; 
 07.; 7_1.; 75.;. See Preface on the Design of 
 this Book. 8. they th;r. plow iniquity, . . . 
 reap the same— (Prov. 22. 8; Hos. 8- 7; 10. 13; 
 Gal. G. 7. 8.1. 9. breath cf iiis nostrils— God's 
 
 OF His Anguish. 20. Whereibre giveth He ; anger. A figuie from the fiery winds of the 
 light— ^iz., God. Often omitted reverenti- 1 East fch. 1. 10; Isa. 6. 25; Ps " 
 ally (ch. i;4. 23; Eecles. 9. 9.). Light, i.e. life. 
 
 6. 25; Ps. 18. 8, 15. . 10, 
 . lion— i.e.. Wicked men, upon whom Eliphaz 
 
 The joyful light ill suits the mourner. The | wished to show that calamities come in spite 
 grave is most in unison with their feelings, i of their various resources, just as des'ruc- 
 23. whose way is hid— The picture of Job is I tion comes on the lionm spite of his strength 
 drawn from a wanderer who has lost hisway, I (Ps. 58. 6; 2 Tim. 4. 17.). Five different lleb. 
 and who is hedged in, so as to have no exit ! terms here occur for lion. The raging of th^ 
 of escape (Hos. 2. 6; Lam. 3. 7, 9.). 24. my I lion {the tearer,), and the roaring of the hel- 
 sighing ccmetn before I eat— i.e.. prevents my \ lowing lion, and the teeth of the young lions, 
 eating. [Umbr.J Or, conscious that the , not whelps, but grown up enough tn hunt 
 effort to eat brought on the disease, Job 'for prey. The strong lion (E. V., old,], &c., 
 must sigh before eating. [Ros.] Or, sigh- 1 the whelps of the lionefs (not the stout lion, 
 ang takes the place oi good (Ps. 42. 3.). as JB. F.). [Bakne3 and Umbr.1 The various 
 [Good.] But the first explanation accords ! phases of wickedness are expressed by tliis 
 best with tlie text, my roaring is poured j variety of terms: obliquely Job, his wife, and 
 out like the waters — An image from the j children, may be hinted at by the lion, lion- 
 xushing sound of water streaming. 25. ! e%T,, and whelps. The one verb, are broken, 
 the thing which I . . . feared is come upon me I does not suit both subjects: therefore, sup- 
 — In the beginning of his trials, when he j ply "' the roaring of the bellowing lion is 
 Jieard of the loss of one blessing, he feared silenced." The strong lion dies of want at 
 the loss of another, and when he heard of | last, and the whelps, torn from the mother, 
 the loss of that, he feared the loss of a third, are scattered, and the race becomes extinct, 
 that wliich I was afraid cf is come unto me- 112. a thing — Heb., a word. Eliphaz con- 
 viz., the ill-opinion of his friends, as though | firms his view by a divine declaration which 
 he were a hypocrite on account of his trials, was secretly and unexpectedly imparied to 
 26. I was not in safety, ... yet trouble | him. a little— Ki., a ivhisper. Implying the 
 c?.me— Referring, not to his former state, but | still silence around, and that mora was con- 
 to the herj Inning of his troul^les. From that , veyed than articulate words could utter (ch. 
 time I had no rest there was no intermis- i 20. 14; 2 Cor. 12. 4.). 13. In thoughts from the 
 sioti of sorrows. And (not. yet] a fresh visions— [So Winer and £.F.] Whilst revolv- 
 troubleiscoming,i;i2;., my friends' .suspicion ing night visions previoiisly made to him 
 of ray being a hypocrite. This gives the L'an 2. 29.1. Rather, "In my "manifold (Heb., 
 starting point to the whole ensuing contro- ' dicided: thoughts, he^tore the visions of the 
 yersy. ' night commenced;" therefore not a delusive 
 
 362 [2] 
 
Thi msion of EHphaz. " 
 
 JOB, V, VI. 
 
 14 Fear ' came \\\nm nie, and trembliug, 
 whii^h made ' all tiiy bonos to shake. 
 
 15 Then " a spirit p^-ssed before my face; 
 the hair of my fleah stood up: 
 
 It) It 8t<.)0d still, but I could not dis^^em 
 the form thercor: an imase was before 
 mine eyes; 8 there was silence, aud 1 heard 
 a voif-e, saying, . 
 
 17 Shall mortal man be more just than 
 God? shall a man be more pure than his 
 Maker? ^ . ^. 
 
 13 Jkhold, he * put no trust m his ser- 
 vants; » aud his angels he charged with 
 folly: 
 
 19 liow ranch less in them that dwell in 
 houses of clay, whose foundation w in the 
 dust, which are n ushed b.-iore the moth? 
 
 20 They are w destroyed from morning to 
 evening : they perish for ever without any 
 regarding if. ,. , . . 
 
 i'l Doth not their excellency tvhich is In 
 them go away? they die, even without 
 wisdom. 
 
 CHAl'TER V. 
 1 Harm of inconsithration. 3 Misery the end of 
 
 the wicked. 6 ilar, Ixirn to trot:He. 8 God to 
 
 be regarded in ajjliction. i7 Happy end of 
 
 Ood's eorrection. 
 pALL now, if there be any that will 
 ^ answer thee • and to which of the saints 
 wUt thou 1 turn? 
 
 2 For wrath kilkth the foolish man, and 
 8 en\'y slayeth the silly one. 
 
 3 I have seen the foolish taking root: but 
 suddenly I cursed liis habitation. 
 
 4 His children are far from safety, and 
 they are crushed in the gate, neituer is 
 there any to deliver them. 
 
 5 Whose harvest the hungry eateth np, 
 and taketh it even out of the thorns, and 
 the robber swalloweth up their substance. 
 
 6 Although 3 affliction cometh not forth 
 of the dust, nciiher doth trouble spring 
 out of the gromid ; 
 
 7 Yet man is born tmto ♦ trouble, as 6 the 
 BVarks flv upward. 
 
 8 I would * seek unto God, and unto God 
 would I commit my cauae: 
 
 9 Which doeth gro.'tt things « and un- 
 Bearchable ; manelloua tilings 7 without 
 number: 
 
 10 Who giveth rain upon the earth, and 
 Bendeth waters upon the 8 fields: 
 
 11 To set up on high tho.se that below; 
 that those which mourn may be e.^ialted to 
 Bafety. 
 
 12 He disappointeth the de\-ices of the 
 crafty, so that theii- hands 9 cannot per- 
 form their enterprise. 
 
 13 He taketh the wise in their own crafti- 
 ness; and the counsel of the froward is 
 carried headlong. 
 
 14 They lo meet with darkness in the 
 day-time, and grope in the noon-day as in 
 the night. 
 
 15 But he saveth the poor from the sword, 
 from their mouth, ana from the hand of 
 the mighty. 
 
 16 So the poor hath hope, and iniquity 
 Btfipjteth her mouth. 
 
 17 Behold, 6 happy is the man whom God 
 correcteth; theretore despise not thou the 
 ch;ifitening of the Almighty: 
 
 18 For he maketh sore, and bindethup; 
 he woundeth, and his hands make whole. 
 
 19 He " shall deliver ttiee in six troubles; 
 yea, in seven <* there suall no evil touch 
 kbee. 
 
 B. C. U20. 
 
 CHAP. 4. 
 met me. 
 
 titiide cf 
 
 mv bones. 
 
 AHeh. 1. 14. 
 
 8 Or, J heurd 
 a still 
 Toice. 
 
 1 Kin. 19. 
 12. 
 i 2 Pet. 2. 4. 
 
 9 Or, uor in 
 his angels, 
 in wliom 
 
 U?ht. 
 
 10 bo.^ten in 
 
 CHAP. 5. 
 
 1 Or, look. 
 
 2 Or, indjg- 
 
 8 Or, 
 
 iniquity. 
 4 Or, lal.onr 
 6 the sons o1 
 the burn- 
 ing coal 
 . lift up to 
 
 a P.. 5'). 15. 
 8 and there 
 
 8 out-placo». 
 
 9 Or, cannot 
 perform 
 auy thing. 
 
 10 Or. run 
 into. 
 
 6 Heb. 12. 5. 
 
 Jam. 1. 12. 
 
 3 Ps. 84. 19. 
 
 d P«.91.10. 
 
 11 from the 
 hands. 
 
 e Ps. 31. 16. 
 
 12 Or, when 
 the tongue 
 Bcourceth. 
 
 / Ps. 91'. 12. 
 IIo'.. 3. 18. 
 
 13 Or, that 
 
 tbj 
 tabernacle. 
 
 14 Or. err. 
 
 15 Or, much. 
 
 16 asceDtleth. 
 
 17 forthyself. 
 
 Job's reply to Eliphae, 
 
 20 In famine he shall redeem thee from 
 death ; and in war u from the power of the 
 sword. 
 
 21 Thou • Shalt be hid 12 from the sconr.?e 
 of the tongue; neither shalt thou be afraid 
 of destruction when it coiueth. 
 
 22 At destruction and famine thou shalt 
 biu^h; neither shalt thou be afraid of the 
 beasts of the earth. 
 
 23 For / thou shalt be in league witli the 
 stones of the field; and the beasts of the 
 field shall be at peace \dt\\ thee. 
 
 2i And thou shalt know 13 that thy taber- 
 nacle shdil be in peace; and thou i^halt 
 visit thy habitation, and shalt not 1* shi. 
 
 25 Thou shalt know also that thy seed 
 shall be i5 KTeat, and thine oftspring as the 
 grass of the earth, 
 
 26 Thou shalt come to thy grave in a 
 full age, like as a shock of com le cometh 
 in in his season, 
 
 27 Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; 
 hear it, and know thou it i' for thy good. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 1 Job thows that his fimiplaints are not canseUsi 1 
 
 8 he wishes for death, wherein he is a^sur^d of 
 
 rest and comfort: 14 he reproves his frieitds oj 
 
 unkindness. 
 
 "DUT Job answered and said, 
 -'-' 2 Oh that my grief were throughly 
 weighed, and my calamity ilaid in the 
 balances together! 
 
 3 For now it would be heavier than the 
 sand of the sea : therefore 2 my wouls are 
 swallowed up. 
 
 4 For the an-ows of the Almighty are 
 within me, the poison whereof drinketh up 
 my spirit : the terrors of God do set them, 
 selves in array against me. 
 
 5 Doth the wild ass bray 3 when he hatb 
 gi'ass? or loweth the ox over his fodder? 
 
 6 Can that which is unsavoury be eaten 
 viTthout salt? or is there any taste in the 
 white of an egg? 
 
 7 The things tJint my soul refused to touch 
 are as my sorrowfid meat. 
 
 8 Oh that 1 iiiiglit have my request; and 
 that God would grant me ^ the thing that 
 I long for! 
 
 9 Even that it would please God to de. 
 stroy me ; that he would let loose his hand, 
 and cut me oif ! 
 
 10 Then stiould I yet have comfort; yea, 
 6 I would harden myself in soitow: let him 
 not spare; for I have not concealed the 
 words of the Holy One. 
 
 11 What is my strength, that I should 
 hope? and what is mine end, that I should 
 prolong my life? 
 
 12 Is my strength the strength of stones? 
 or i5 mv iiesh 6 of brass? 
 
 13 7s not my help in me? and is wisdom 
 di'iven quite from me? 
 
 14 ' To him that is afflicted pity shotdd 
 he showed from his friend; but he torsaketh 
 the fear of the Almighty. 
 
 15 xMy brethreu have dealt deceitfully as 
 a brook, and as the stream of brooks they 
 
 ice, and wherein the snow is bid: 
 
 17 What time they wax ,wann, 9 they 
 vanish: i'^ when it is hot, they are 11 con- 
 sumed out of their place, 
 
 18 The paths of their way are turned 
 aside ; they go to nothing, and perish. 
 
 13 The troops of Tenia looked, the COHH 
 paiiies of Sheba waited for them. 
 
Elivha^s Condusi6nfrom the Vision. JOB, V. 
 
 Happy End ofGo^s Correction. 
 
 dream (Ps. 4. 4.)- [Umb.] deep sleep— (Gen. 
 2. 21; 15. 12.1. 16. It stood still— At first tliC 
 apparition slides before Eliphaz, then stands 
 Btill, but with that shado^^■y indistinctness 
 oi' form which creates stich an impression of 
 awe; a gentle murmttr! not [E. V. : there 
 was silence: For in 1 Kings, 19. 12, the voice, 
 as opposed to the previous storm, denotes a 
 gentle still murinur. 17. mortal mau . . . 
 a man— 2'wo Heb. words for man are used; 
 the first implying his feebleness; the second 
 his drength. Whether feeble or strong, 
 man is not righteous before God. 17. 
 more just than God . . . more pure than his 
 Maker— But this would be self-evident with- 
 out an oracle. 18. Mly—Inwerfedion is to 
 be attributed to the angels, in comparison 
 ■with Him. The holiness of some of them 
 had given way (2 Pet. 2. 4,), and at best is but 
 the holiness of a creature. Folly is the want 
 of moral consideration. LUmbb.] 19. houses 
 of clay— 12 Cor. 5.1.). Houses made of sun- 
 dried clay bricks are common in the East; 
 they are easily washed away (Matth. 7. 27.). 
 Man's foundation is this dust (Gen. 3. 19.). 
 before the moth— Eather, as before the moth, 
 •which devours a garment (ch. 13. 28; Ps. 39. 
 11; Isa. 60. 9.). Man, who cannot, in a phy- 
 sical point of view, stand before the very 
 moth, surely cannot, in a moral, stand before 
 God. 20. from morning to evening— Unceas- 
 ingly; or, better, bettoecn the morning and 
 evening of one short day fso Ex. 18. 14; Isa. 
 38. )2.>. " They are destroyed;" better, "they 
 woidd he destroyed," if God withdrew His 
 loving protection. Therefore man must not 
 think to be holy before God, but to draw holi- 
 ness, and all things else, /rom God (ij. 17.'. 
 21. their excellency— (Ps. 39. 11; 146. 4; 1 Cor. 
 1S.8.\ ButUMBR,., by an Oriental image from 
 a bow useless, because unstrung. "Their 
 nerve or string would be torn away." JIich., 
 better, in accordance with v. 19, makes the 
 allusion be to the cords of a tabernacle taken 
 down (Isa. 33. 20.). they die, even without wis- 
 dom— Eather, "They Mould perish, yetnot ac- 
 cording to wisdom," but according to arbi- 
 trary choice, if God were not infinitely wise , 
 and holy. The design of the S]iirit is to 
 show that the continued existence of weak 
 man proves the inconceivable wisdom and 
 holiness of God, which alone save man from 
 ruin. [Umbe.] Beng. shows from Scrip- 
 ture, that God's holinefs Heh. Kadosh,) 
 comprehends all his excellencies and attri- 
 butes. De W. loses the scope in explaining 
 
 dren . . . crushed in the gate— A judicial for- 
 mula. Tlie gate was the place oi judi^nient, 
 and of other public proceedings (Fs. 127. 5; 
 Prov. 22. 22; Gen. 23. 10; Deut. 21. 19.). Such 
 propyloea have been found in the Assyrian 
 remains. Eiiphaz obliquely alludes to the 
 calamity which cut ofi Job's children. 5. even 
 out of the thorns- Even when part ot the grain 
 remains hanging on the thorn bu.'ihes or, is 
 growing among thorns, Matth. 13. 7,), the 
 Iiungry gleaner does not grudge the troul>Ie 
 of taking even it away, so clean swept away 
 isthe harvest of the wicked, the robber-As the 
 Sabeans, who robbed Job. Eather translate, 
 the tliirsty, as the antithesis in the parallel- 
 ismfhehunory, proves. 6. Although- Eather, 
 for truly. [Umbp.,] affliction cometh not forth 
 of the dust— Like a weed, of its own accord. 
 Eliphaz hints that the cause of it lay with 
 Job himself. 7. Yet— Eather. Truly, or. But. 
 Affliction does not come from chance; but 
 is the appointment of God for sin; i.e., the 
 original birth sin of man. Eliphaz passes 
 from the particular sin and consequent suf- 
 fering of Job to the universal sin and sufier- 
 ing of mankind. Troubles spring from man's 
 common sin by as necessary a law of natural 
 consequence as sparks, iHeb., sons of coal,) 
 fly upward. Troubles are many and .fiery, 
 as sparks (1 Pet. 4. 12; Isa. 43. 2,). Umbr., 
 for spares has birds of prey; lit., sons of light- 
 ning, not so well. 8. Therefore (as affliction 
 is ordered by God, on account of sin,) I 
 would have you to seek unto God (Isa. 8. 19; 
 Amos, 6. 8; Jer. 5. 24.). 11. Connected with 
 V. 9. His unsearchable dealings are with a 
 view to raise the humble land abase the 
 proud.), Luke, 1. 62. Therefore Job ought to 
 turn humbly to Him, 12. enterprise— Zii., 
 realization. The Hebrew combines in the 
 one word the two ideas, wisdom and happi- 
 ness, enduring existence being the etymologi- 
 cal and philosophical root of the combined 
 notion. [Umbb.I 13. Paul (1 Cor. 3. 19,) 
 quoted this clause with the formula estab- 
 lishing its inspiration, it is ivritten. He cites 
 the exact Hebrew words, not as he usually 
 does the LXX. Greek version (Ps. 9. 15.). 
 Haman was hanged on the gaUows he pre- 
 pared for Mordecai (Esth. 6. 14; 7. 10. i. The 
 wise — <?ie cunning, is carried headlong— 
 Their scheme is precipitated before it is 
 ripe. 14. Judicial blindness often is sent 
 upon keen men of the world (Deut. 28. 29' 
 Isa. 69. 10; John, 9. 39.). 15. From the su-ord 
 which proceedeth /roDi their mouth iPs. 59. 
 
 it, of the shortness of man's life contrasted ' 7; i>7. 4.). 16. the poor hath hope— of the inter- 
 with the angels "before they have attained , position^of God. iniq^uity stoppeth her mouth 
 
 to wisdom.' 
 
 CHAPTEE V. 
 
 ;Ps. 107. 42; Mic. 7. 9, 10; Isa. 52. 15.). Espe- 
 ! dally at the last day, through shame f Jude 
 
 Ver. 1-27. Elii'Haz's Conclusion feom 15; Matth. 22. 12.). The mouthwRs the offend- 
 THE Vision. 1. if there be any, &c.— Eather, er (r. 15,), and the mouth shall then be stop- 
 Will He God,) reply to thee? Job, after the ped (Isa. 25. 8.) at the end. 17. happy— Not 
 revehition just given, cannot be sopresump- 1 that the actual suffering is joyous; but the 
 tnous as to think, God or cmvoytTie/jo/i/oizes consideration of the righteousness of Him 
 (Dan. 4. 17; angeis,) round His throne, M'iU who sends it, and the end for which it is 
 vouchsafe a reply (a judicial expression) to | sent, make it a cause for thankfulness, not 
 his rebellious complaint. 2. wrath, ... envy , for complaints, such as Job had tittered 
 ^Fretful and passionate complaints: such as ! (Heb. 12. 11.). Eliphaz implies that the end 
 Eliphaz charged Job with ich.4.5; soProv.l4. | in this case is to call back Job from the par 
 
 ISot.the wrath oyG'od killeththe foolish 
 and His envy, &c. 3. the foolish- The wick 
 
 ticular sin. of which he takes for granted 
 that Job is guilty. Paul seems to allude to 
 
 ed. Ihave seen the sinner spread his roois this passage in Heb. 12. 5; so James, 1. 12 
 wide in prosperity, yet circumstances sud- Prov. 3. 12. Eliphaz does not give due promi- 
 denly occurred which gave occasion for his nence to this truth, but rather to Jolt's sm. It 
 once prosperous dwelling being cursed as is Elihu alone (32.-37.;) who fully dwells upon 
 desolate (Fs. 37. 35, 36; Jer. 17. 8.) 4. His ckil- , the truth, that ailUction is mercy and jusbicd 
 
Jbd reproves his friends. 
 
 JOB, TH, ym, TX. 
 
 20 They were confounded oecause they 
 had helped; tbey came thither, and were 
 ashamed. 
 
 21 12 For now ye are is nothing; ye see my 
 casting down, and are afraid, 
 
 22 Did 1 say, Bring uiiio me? or. Give a 
 reward lor nie of your substance ? 
 
 23 Or, Dtiiver me from the enemy's hand? 
 or. Redeem me from the hand of the 
 mighty? 
 
 24 Teach me, and I will hold my tongue; 
 and cause me to miderstand wherein I have 
 erred. 
 
 25 How forcible are right words! but what 
 doth your arguing reprove? 
 
 26 Do ye unadne to reprove words, and 
 the speeches of one that is desperate, 
 which are as wind? 
 
 27 Yea, i*ye overwhelm the fatherless, 
 and ve dig a pit for your friend. 
 
 28 5.'ow therefore be content; look upon 
 me: for it is is evident unto you if I lie. 
 
 29 Return, I pray you, let it not be ini- 
 quity; yea, return again, my righteousness 
 ts 16 in it. 
 
 30 Is there iniqiuty in my tonj;ue? camiot 
 17 my taste discern perverse things? 
 
 OIIAl'TER VIl. 
 
 1 Joh ttetues his desire of death, by rt presenting 
 
 his extreme rettUssneigi 17 he expotttUatet with 
 
 TS there not i an appointed time to mau 
 upon earth? are not his days also like 
 the days of an hireling? 
 
 2 As a servant 2 taniestly desireth the 
 shadow, and as an hireling looketh for the 
 reward of his work; 
 
 3 So am I made to possess montlis of 
 vanity, and wearisome mghte are appointed 
 tome. . 
 
 4 When I lie down, I say. When shall I 
 arise, and 3 the night be gone? and I am 
 Cull of tossings to and fro unto the damiiug 
 of the day. 
 
 5 My flush is clothed with worms and 
 clods of dust; my skin is broken, and be- 
 come loathsome. 
 
 6 My days are swifter than a weaver's, 
 shuttle, and are spent without hope. 
 
 7 O remember that " my life is wind: mine 
 eye * shall no more » see good. 
 
 8 The * eye of him that hath seen me 
 shall see me no more: thine eyes are upon 
 me, and ^ I am not. 
 
 9 As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth 
 away; so " he that goeth down to the grave 
 ehall come up no more. 
 
 10 He shall return no more to his house, 
 neither shall his place know him any more. 
 
 11 Therefore 1 will "^ not refrain my inouth 
 
 1 will speak in the ancaiish of my spirit; i 
 will complain in the biUerness of my soul. 
 
 12 Am 1 a sea, or a whale, that thou set- 
 test a watch over me? 
 
 13 When I say. My bed shall comfort me, 
 my couch shall ease my complaint; 
 
 14 Then thou scarest me with dreams, and 
 terrifiest me through visions; 
 
 15 So that my soul chooscth stranglmg, 
 and death rather than my ' lil'e. 
 
 16 1 • loathe it; 1 would not live alway: 
 let me alone ; for/ my days are vanity. 
 
 17 What " is man, that thou shouldest 
 magnify him? aud inat thou shouldest set 
 thine heart upoL hini? 
 
 18 And tJuit tiiou shoiddest visit liim every 
 morning, and try him every moment? 
 
 U How long wilt thou no6 depart from 
 S64 
 
 B. C. 1620. 
 
 CHAP. 8. 
 OGen.l3.*.i5. 
 Deia.A'i.i. 
 2 Ci.r. 19.7. 
 ch. 34. 12. 
 Dan. 9 14. 
 KoDi. a. 5. 
 
 1 in U.S. Land 
 
 transgres- 
 
 6 Dcu.'4. 32. 
 Deu. 32. 7. 
 c Pa. 39. 6. 
 
 2 not, 
 
 d Ps. 129. 8. 
 
 e ch. 11. 20. 
 
 Pro. 10. 28. 
 
 3 a .'.pidor'g 
 
 CHAP. 9. 
 a Pa. 113. !i. 
 
 TJie address of BVdad. 
 
 me, nor let me alone till I swallow down 
 my spittle? 
 
 'JO 1 have sinned; what shall I do unto 
 thee, " U thou 8 1 re.server of men? why 
 h.ist thou set me as a mark against thee, 
 so that 1 am a bmden to myself? 
 
 -'1 And why dost thou hot pardon my 
 transgie-ssion, and take away mine iniquity? 
 lor now shall 1 sleep in the dust; aud thou 
 m<i\i seek me in the morning, but 1 s/iaW 
 not be, 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 1 BiJiiad shou'i God's JMStiee: 8 apveals to anti. 
 qiiitu to prove the destruction of tfir liyyocritc: 
 'A) aypliet Ood's just dealing to the cat'e of Job. 
 
 nrilEN answered Bildad the Shuhite, and 
 -*■ said, 
 
 2 How long wilt thou speak these things? 
 and how long shall the words of thy mouth 
 he like a, strong wind? 
 
 3 Dnth " God pervert judgment? or dot** 
 the Almighty pen-ert justice? 
 
 4 If thy children have sinned against him, 
 and he have cast them away i for their 
 transgression; 
 
 ."5 If thou wouldest seek unto God be 
 times, and make thy supplication to the 
 Ahnighty; 
 
 6 If thou wcrt pure and upright; surely 
 now he woidd awake for thee, and make 
 the habitation of thy righteousness pros, 
 perous. 
 
 7 Though thy beginning was small, yet 
 thy latter end should greatly mcrease. 
 
 8 For ' enquire, 1 pray thee, of the former 
 age, aud prepare tnyself to the seaixh of 
 their fathers: 
 
 9 (For ' we are hut of yesterday, and know 
 
 2 nothing, because our days upon earth art 
 a shadow :) 
 
 10 Shall not they teach thee, and tell thee, 
 and utter words out of their heart? 
 
 11 Can the rush grow up without mke? 
 can the flag grow without water? 
 
 12 Whilst <i it is jet in his greenness, and 
 not cut down, itwithereth before any otfier.. 
 herl): 
 
 13 So are the patlis of all that forget God; 
 and the "hypocrit^j's hupe shall perish: 
 
 14 Whose nope shall be cut off, aud whose 
 trust shall be ^a spider's web. 
 
 15 lie /shaU lean upon his house, but it 
 shiill not stand: he shall hold it fast, but it 
 shall not endure. 
 
 in lie is green before the sim, aud hia 
 blanch shootelh forth in his garden. 
 
 17 His roots are wrapped about the heap, 
 and !>eeth the place of stones. 
 
 18 It" he destroy him from his place, tlien 
 it siiail deny him, saying, I have not seen 
 thee. . „ , . 
 
 19 Heboid, this is the joy of his way, and 
 out " of the eai'tii shall others grow. 
 
 20 Heboid, God will not » cast away a per- 
 fect inan, neither wiU he ^ help the evil 
 
 21 Till he fill thy mouth with laug.hing, 
 andthy lips with 5 rejoicing. 
 
 22 They that hate thee shall be clothed 
 with shame ; and the dwelling-place of the 
 wicked shall "J come to nought. 
 
 CHAriFR IX. 
 1 Job. aehiMwUJiiivii (h'ds jusfiee. shows there U 
 nocoutenling viiiti him. 'M Man's i'nn<ceno% 
 not to be judged by hts ivt in this vjorUi. 
 fVUEli Job answered and said, 
 -•■ >' 1 know it is so of a truth: but how 
 should " man be just i with God? 
 
'Meply of Job to SHphaz. 
 
 JOB. VI. 
 
 Joh Excnseth Eis Desire ojf Death. 
 
 in disguise, lor the good of the suflerer. 18, 
 he maketh sore, and bindeth up— (Deut. 32. 39 
 flos. 6. 1; 1 Sam. 2. 6.) An image from bind- 
 ing mi a wound. The healing art consisted 
 nnich at that time in external applications, 
 19. in six . . .yea, in seven— (Prov. 6. 16; Amos, 
 
 1. 3.). The Hebrew idiom fixes on a certain 
 number (here six], in order to caU attention 
 as to a thing o! importance; then increases 
 the force by adding, with a yea,nav even, the 
 next higher number; here seven, the sacred 
 and penect number. In all possible troubles 
 not merely in the precise nmnber seven,. 20, 
 power — (Jer. 6. 12.). Heb., hands, of the 
 sword— Ezek. ;^6. 6,) Marg. Hands are given 
 to the sword personified as a living agent, 
 
 21. il's. 31. 20; Jer. 18. 18.). Smite (Ps. 73. 9.). 
 
 22. lainiiie thou shalt laugh— I^ot, in spite of 
 destruction and famine, whicli is true Hab, 
 3. 17, lb,), though not the truth meant bj 
 EHphaz, but because those calamities shall 
 not come upon .thee. A diflerent Hebrew 
 word from that in v. 20; there, famine in 
 general; here, the langmd state of those 
 wanting proper nutriment. [Barnes.] 23. 
 in league with the stones of the field— They 
 shall not hurt the fertility of thy soil; nor 
 the wild beasts thy fruits. Spoken in 
 Arabia Deserta, where stones abounded. 
 .,4 rftfcia, derived from Arabah—a, desert 
 plain. The first clause of this verse answers 
 to the first clause of verse 22; and the last 
 of thisver-e to the last of that verse. Th« 
 full reaiizationof this is yet future (Isa.65. 23 
 25; Hos. 2. 18.). 24. know— "Thou shalt rest 
 in the assurance, that thine habitation is the 
 abode of peace; and (if) thou numberesi 
 thine herd, thine expectations prove not 
 fallacious." [Umbk.] Sin does not agree 
 with the context. The Hebrew word— 
 to miss a mark, said of archers (Judg. 20. IC.) 
 The Hebrew for "habitation" primarily 
 means the fold for cattle; and for "visit," 
 often to take an account of, '■'to number." 
 "Peace" is the common Eastern salutation ; 
 including inward and outward iir asperity. 
 25. as the grass— ,Ps. 72. iC). Properly, herb 
 bearing seed (Gen. 1. 11, )2.). 26. in full age- 
 So full of days (42. 17; Gen. 36. 29.). Not 
 mere length of years, but ripeness for death, 
 one's inward and outward full development 
 not being prematurely cut short, is denoted. 
 (Isaiah, 65. 22.). Thou shalt come, not lit,, 
 but expressing willingness to die. Eliphaz 
 speaks from the Old Testament point of 
 view, which made full years a reward of the 
 righteous (Psalm 91. 16;, Ex. 20. 12,), and pre- 
 mature dealli the lot of the wicked (Ps. 
 65. 23.). 5 The righteous are in mortal till their 
 work is done. To keep them longer would 
 be to render ihem less fit to die. God takes 
 them at their best ilsaiah, 67. 1.). The good 
 are compared to zt;7t(ai(Matth.l3.30.). cometh 
 in- lit., ascends. The corn is lifted up offttie 
 earth and carried honie; so tne good man 
 "Is raised into the heap of sheaves." [TJmbr.] 
 
 27. Searched it for thy good— lit., for 
 
 thyself [Fs. 111.2; Prov. 2. 4; 9. 12.). 
 
 cllAPTEE VI. 
 
 FIRST SERIES CONTINUED. 
 
 Ver. 1-30. Eeply of Job to Eliphaz.— 
 
 2. thorci/glily weighed— O that, instead of 
 censuring my complaints when thou ought- 
 est rather to have sympathized with me. 
 
 sand— (Prov. 27. 3.). are swallowed up— See 
 Marg. SoPs. 77. 4. But Job plainly is apolo- 
 gizing, not for not having had words enough 
 but for having spoken too much and tot. 
 boldly: and the Hebrew is, to speak rashly^ 
 [Umub., Gks.,Kos.1 "Thereiore were my 
 words so rasli." 4. arrows . . . within me— 
 have pierced me. A poetic image represent- 
 ing the avenging Almighty armed Vv ith bow 
 and arrows (Ps. 38. 2, 3.), Here ilie arrowi 
 are poisoned. Peculiarly appropriate, in 
 reference to the burning pjains which pene 
 trated, like poison, into the iumoU parti 
 — (" spirit ;" as contrasted with mere 
 surjace flesh wounds,] of Job's body, set 
 themselves in array— A military image (Judg. 
 20. 33.). All the terrors which the divine 
 wrath can muster are set in array against 
 me lisa. 42. 13.), 5. Neither wild aniu als, 
 as the wild ass, nor tame, as the ox, are dis- 
 satisfied when well supplied with food. The 
 braying of the one, and the lowing of the 
 other, prove distress and want of palatable 
 food, fco. Job argues, if he complains.iti.-, uot 
 without cause; viz., his pains, which are, as 
 it were, disgusting food, which God feeds 
 him with— end of verse 7. But he should 
 have remembered a rational being should 
 evince a better spirit than the brute. S. 
 unsavoury— Tasteless, insipid. Salt is a chiet 
 necessary of life to an Eastern, whose food 
 is mostly vegetable, the white— ?ii., sintile, 
 1 feam. 21, 13,), which the white of an e.cg 
 resembles. 7. To toudi is contrasted v.ith 
 meat. " My taste refused even to touch it, 
 and yet am 1 fed with such meat of sickness." 
 Ihe second clause lit., is, "tiuch is like the 
 sickness of my food." The natural taste 
 abhors even to touch insipid food, and such 
 forms my nourishment. Tor my sickness is 
 like such nauseous food. [Umbr.] ;Ps. 42. 
 3; 80. 6; 102. 9.). No wonder, then, I com- 
 plain. 8. To desire death is no necessary 
 proof of fitness for death. The ungodly 
 sometimes desire it, so as to escape troubles, 
 without thought of the hereafter. The godly 
 desire it, in order to be with the Lord; but 
 they patiently wait God's will. 9. destroy— 
 lit, grind or crush (Isa. 3. 15.). Jet looBe his 
 hand— God had put forth His hand only so 
 far as to wound the surface of Job's flesh 
 (ch. 1. 12; 2. 6,i; he wishes that hand to be let 
 loose, so as to wound deeply and vitally, cut 
 me off— Metaphor Irom a weaver cutting off 
 the web, when finished, from the thrum 
 fastening it to the loom (Isa. 38. 12.). 10. I 
 would harden myself- Kather, "1 would exult 
 the pain," if I knew that that pain v ould 
 hasten my death. [Ges.] Umbr. translates 
 tiie Eeb. of "Bet Him uot spare." wtsparing; 
 and joins it with pain. Ihe E. V. is more 
 vivid, concealed- 1 have ndt disowned, in 
 word or deed, the commands of the Hnjy 
 One (Ps. 119. 4 6; Acts, 20. 20.;. He saj's this 
 in answer to Eli])l]az' insinuation that lie is 
 a hypocrite. God is here called the Holy 
 One, to imply man's reciprocal obhgcition to 
 be holy, as He is holy (Lev. 19. 2.}. 11. What 
 strength have I, so as to icarrant the hope of 
 restoration to health? a hope which Eliphaz 
 had suggested. And what but a miserable 
 end of life is before me, that I should desire 
 to prolong life? [Umer.] Umbr. and Eos. 
 not so well transuate the last words io be 
 
 thou wouldest accurately compare togetherlpaiient. 12. Disease had so attacked him, 
 my sorroiv, and my misfortunes: these latter , that his strength would need to be hard as 
 outweigh in Vie balance ttie foimer. 3. tLeja stone, and his flesh hke bra^s, uot to sink 
 
Job Assured of Rest and Comfort. JOB. 'VI. He Heproves His Frknds of Unlcindnfss. 
 
 wnder it. But he has only flesh, like other 
 men. It must, therefore, give way; so that 
 the hope of restoration suggested by Eliphaz 
 is vain .see Note. 6. li.l. 13. Is not my help 
 iu me?— I'he interrogation is better omitted. 
 "Tiiere is no help in me!" For "wisdom, 
 deliverance is a better rendering. *'And 
 dehverance is driven quite from me. 14L 
 pity— A proverb. Chased is Vie love which 
 judges indulgently of our fellowmen: it is 
 put on a par with truth in Prov. 3. 3, for they 
 together form the essence ol moral periec- 
 tion. [Umcr.] It is the spirit of Christian- 
 ity a Pet. 4. 8; 1 Cor. 13. 7; Prov. 10. 12; 17 
 17.). If it ought .to be used towards all 
 men, much more towards friends. %. But he 
 -who does not use it forsaketh (renounceth) 
 the fear of the Almighty (Jam. 2. 13.). 15. 
 Those whum I regarded as myorethren. from 
 whom I looked for faithfulness In my adver- 
 sity, have disappointed me, a.s the streams 
 failing from drought; wadys of Ari; bia. filled 
 in the wmter. but dry in the summer, which 
 disappoint the caravans expecting to find 
 -water there. The fulness and noise oi" these 
 temporary streams answers to the past large 
 and loud professions o: my friends; tlioir 
 dryness in summer, to the failure of the 
 friendship when needed. The Arab proverb 
 says of a treacherous friend, "I trust not in 
 thy torrent" (Isa. 68. 11. marg.). stre.uns of 
 brooks— liacher, ''the broolc in the raviyies 
 which passes away." It has no perpetual 
 spring of water to renew it (unlike "the 
 fountain of living waters." Jer. 2. 13; Isa. 33. 
 16, at the end,); and thus passes away as 
 rapidly as it arose. 16. blackish— lit.. Go as 
 a m-ournerin black clothing Ps. 34. 14.). A 
 vivid and poetic image to picture the stream 
 turbid and black v?ith melted ice and snow, 
 descending from the mountains into the 
 valley. In the next clause, the snow dis- 
 solved, is, in the poet's view, hid in the flood. 
 1_Umbr.] 17. wax warm— Eather, "At the 
 
 !;ime when. (But they soon.) LUmbb.] they 
 )ecome narrower, (flow in a narrower bed], 
 they are silent, (cease to flow noisily); in the 
 heat of the sun) they are consmned or vanish 
 out of their place. First the stream Hows more 
 narrowly,— then becomes sUent and stiU: at 
 length every trace of water disappears by 
 evaporation under the hot sun." (.Ujibe.] 18. 
 turned aside — Eather, Caravans (Heb. trav- 
 ellers , turn aside from their way, by circuit- 
 ous routes, to obtain water. They had seen 
 the brook in spring full of water: and now in 
 the summer neat, on their weary journey, 
 they turn off their road by a devious 
 route to reach the living waters, which they 
 remembered with such pleasure. But, when 
 "they go," it is ''info a desert." [Koy. and 
 tJMBR.] Not as E. v., " They go to noth iny," 
 ■which would be a tame repetition of the dry- 
 ing up of the waters in v. 17; instead of 
 waters, they find an "empty wilderness. " 
 and, not having strength to regain their 
 road, bitterly disappointed, Uiey perish. The 
 terse brevity is most expressive. 19. the 
 troops- i.e.. Caravans. Tema north of Arabia 
 JDeserta, near the Syrian desert; called from 
 Tenia son of Ishmael (Gen. 25. 15; Isa. 21. 14; 
 Jer. 25 2.!.). Still so called by the Arabs. Verses 
 19, 20, give another picture of the mortification 
 of disappointed hopes: ^-/z., those of the cara- 
 vans on //le direct roacZ.anxiously awaiting the 
 return of their companions from the distant 
 valley. The mentio.i of the locality whence 
 304 [11 
 
 the caravans came gives living reahty to the 
 picture. S/t€ba refers here not to the mar- 
 auders in N. Arabia Deserta, (ch. l. 15.) 
 but to the merchants (Ez. 27. 22,) in the S. 
 in Arabia Felix or Yemen, "afar off," (Jer. 6. 
 20; M. 12. 42; Gen. 10. 28.). Caravans are firs^ 
 mentioned, (Gen. 37. 25;) men needed to travel 
 thus in companies across the desert, for 
 defence agains t the roving robbers.and for mu- 
 tual accommodation. "The companies waited 
 for them," cannot refer to the caravans who 
 had gone in quest of ihe waters: for v. 18 de- 
 scribes their utter destruction. 20. lit., each 
 had hoped, viz., that their companions ^vould 
 find water. The greater had been their hopes 
 the more bitter now their disappointment; 
 they came thither, to the place, and wi.ra 
 ashamed; lit., their countenances owrn, an ori- 
 ental phrase for the sliame and consternation 
 of deceived expectation. So ashamed as to 
 disappointment Rom. 5. 6. . 21. As the dried 
 up brook is to the caravan, so are ye to me, 
 VIZ., a nothing; ye might as well not be in ex- 
 istence. [Umbk.] The Marg. like to them or 
 it, mz., the waters of the brook,) is not so 
 good a reading, ye see, and are afraid— Ye are 
 struck aghast at tlie sight of my misery', and 
 ye lose presence of mind. Job puts this mild 
 construction on their failing to relieve him 
 with affectionate consolation. 22. And yet 
 I did not ask you to bring me a gift: or to 
 pay for me out of your substance a reward 
 ito the Jud^e, to redeem me from my punish- 
 ment ; all Tasked from you was anectionate 
 treatment. 23. the mighty— IVte oppre-tsor, 
 or creditor, in whose power the debtor was. 
 [Umbr.] 24, 25. Irony. If you can teach 
 me the right view, I am willing to be set right 
 and hold my tongue; and to be made to see my 
 error. But then if your words be really tlie 
 right xvords, how is it that they are so feeble. 
 " Yet how feeble are the words of -<\'hat you 
 call the right view." So the Heb. is used in 
 (IVIic. 2. 10; 1. 9.). The E. V. " How pou-erjul," 
 &c., does not agree so weU with the last 
 clause of the v. "And what wUl your argu- 
 ings reprove ?" lit.," the reproofs which pro- 
 ceed ./ro7>!. you-" the emphasis is on vou; you 
 may find fault, who are not in my situation. 
 [Umbr.] 26. Do you imagine, or mean, to 
 reprove words, and (to reprove) the speeches 
 of one desperate, (which are) as wind, mere 
 nothings, not to be so narrowly taken to 
 task* CJmbr. not so well takes, the Htb. 
 for as wind, "as sentiments;" making formal 
 sentiments antithetical to mere speeches, and 
 supplying, not the word "reprove," but 
 " would you regard," from the first clause. 
 27. "Ye overwhelm:" lit., ye cause, (supply, 
 youranger] [LiMBR.lanef, r/z., of soplustry, 
 [NoY. & SCH.] to fail upon the desolate, (one 
 bereft of help. Uke the fatherless orphan ; and 
 ye dig (a pit) /or your friend" i. e., try to en- 
 snare him. to catch him in the use of im- 
 guarded language [Nov.] Ps. 57. 6;) meta- 
 phor from hunters catching wild beasts in a 
 pit covered with brushwood to conceal it. 
 Umbr. from the Syr., and answering to 
 his interpretation of the first clause, lias 
 " Would you be indignant against your 
 friend?" The Heb. in ch. 41. C. means to 
 ftast upon. As the first clause asks. "Would 
 yon catch him in a net?" so this foUows up 
 the image. " And would you next feast upon 
 /ii?>i. and his miseries?" So LXX. 28. be con- 
 tent— Bather, be pleased fo,— look. Since yuu 
 have so ialsely judged my yfox(is, look upun 
 
Job Excuses 
 
 JOB.TTL 
 
 Sis Desire for VeafX 
 
 me, i. e., upon my countenance: for (it is 
 eviJcnt before your faces if I He; my coun- 
 tenance will betray me, if I be the hyitocrite 
 that you suppose. 29. Return— Bather, rc- 
 traciy our charges : "Let itnot be iniqiuty;"t.e., 
 (retract that injustice may not be clone me. 
 Yea retract, " my righteousness is in it," i. e., , 
 my right is involved in this matter. 30. Will 
 you say tluxt my guilt lies in the organ of\ 
 
 feech, and will you call it to account ? or is 
 that 7rt,v taste (palate,) or discernment i^ not 
 capable to fo rm a judgment of perverse things? 
 Is it thus you will explain the fact of my 
 having no consciousness of guilt. IUmbb.1 
 CIIAPTEE VII. 
 Ver. 1-21. Job Excuses His Desire for 
 Death. 1. appointed time— Eetter, tear/are, 
 hard conflict with evils : iso in Isa. 40. 2- Dan. 
 10.1; and ch. 14. 14;) ti&nsl&teit appointed time, 
 (eh. 14. 5, 13; Ps. 39, 4.). Job reverts to the 
 sad picture of man, however gi-eat, which he 
 had drawn, (ch. 3. 14;> and details in this ch. 
 the miseries which his friends will see, if, ac- 
 cording to his request, (ch. 6. 28,) they will 
 look on him-. Even the Christian soldier, 
 "warring a good warfare," rejoices when it is 
 completed (l Tim. 1. 18; 2 Tim. 2. 3; 4. 7, 
 8.). 2. earnestly desireth— £fe&. panis for the 
 
 ievetdngi shadow. Easterns measure time 
 )y the length of their shadow. If the ser- 
 vant longs for the evening when his wages 
 are paid, why may not Job long for the close 
 of his hard sei-vice, when he shall enter on 
 his reward? This proves that Job did not, as 
 many maintainj regard the grave as a mere 
 sle;p. 3. Months oj comfortless mi$f07'tune, 
 "I am made to rwssess, lit., to be heir to. 
 Irony. To be heir to, is usually a matter of 
 joy; but here it is the entail of an involuntary 
 and dismal inheritaiice. Months, for days, 
 to express its long duration. Appointed., lit., 
 they have numbered to me; marking well the 
 imavoidable doom assigned to him. 4. Lit., 
 "when shall be the Jiight of the night ? " [Ges. J 
 TJmeb. not so •well, "The night is long 
 extended:" lit., measured out: so Marg, 5. 
 In Elephantiasis maggots are bred in the 
 sores, (Acts 12. 23; Isa. 14. 11.). clods of dust 
 —Bather, a crust of dried filth and cuxumu' 
 lated corruption (ch. 2. 7, 8.), my skin is 
 broken and loathsome— Bather, comes together 
 so as to heal up, and again breaks out with 
 running matter. [Ges.J More simply the 
 Eeb. is, " My skin rests (for a time) and 
 (again) melts away" (Ps. 68. 7.). 6. (Isa. 38. 
 12.). Every day like the weaver's shuttle 
 leaves a thread behind; and each shall wear, 
 as he weaves. But Job's thought is, that his 
 (lays must swiftly be cut oflf as a web: mth- 
 out hope, viz., of a recovery and renewal of 
 life (ch. 14. 19; 1 Chron. 29. 15.). 7. Address 
 to God. Wind, a picture of evanescence. 
 (Ps. 78. 39^.). shall no more see— Bather, "shall 
 no more return to see good." This change 
 from the different wish in ch. 3. 17, &c., is 
 most true to nature. He is now in a softer 
 mood: and a beam from former days of pro- 
 sperity falling upon memory, and the thought 
 of the unseen world, where one is seen no 
 more (V. 8), drew from him an expression of 
 regret at leaving this world of light (Eccl. 
 11.7.), So Hezekiah (Isa. 38. Jl.), t^race rises 
 above nature (2 Cor. 6. 8.). 8. The eye of 
 him who beholds me [present not pa^st, as 
 E. F.] i. e., in the very act of beholding me, 
 Bceth me no more." " Thine eyes are) upon 
 tae, a.ud I axa not?" He disappears, ev^n 
 iM [2] 
 
 v^Jtile C>od. is looking upon liim. Job cannot 
 sui-vive the gaze of Jehovah iPs. 104. ?:•>■ Kev. 
 lO. 11.). Not, " Tliine eyes seek me and 1 am 
 not to be found;" for Gcd's eye penetrates 
 even to the unseen world (Ps. 130. 8.). 
 Umbb. imnaturaUy takes. Thine, to refer to 
 one of the three friends. 9. (2 Sam. 12. 23.). 
 the grave— The Sheol, or place of departed 
 spirits, not disproving Job's belief in the re- 
 surrection. It merely means, "He shall 
 come up no more" in the present order of 
 things. 10. (Ps. 103. 16.) The Oriental keen- 
 ly loves his dwelling. In Arabian elegies the 
 desertion of abodes by their occupants is of- 
 ten a theme of sorrow. Grace overcomes 
 this also Xuke 18. 29; Acts 4. 34.) 11. There- 
 fore, as such is my hard lot, I will at least 
 have the melancholy satisfaction of venting 
 my sorrow in words. The Hcb. opening 
 words, therefore I, at all events, express sell- 
 elevation. [Umbb.] 12-14. Why dost thou 
 deny me the conifort of care-assuaging sleep ? 
 Why scarcst thuu me with frightful dreams? 
 Am I, then, a sea, (regarded in O. T. poetry, 
 as a violent rebel against God, the Lord of 
 nature, who therefore curbs his violence, 
 Jer. 6. 22. 1 or a whale, lor some other sea 
 monster (Isa. 27. 1.), that thou iieedest thus 
 to watch and curb me? The Egyptians 
 "watched" the crocodile most carefully to 
 prevent its doing mischief. 14. The fright- 
 ful dreams resulting from Elephantiasis, he 
 attributes to God; the common belief assign- 
 ed all night visions to God. 15. IJMiiK. 
 translates," So that I could wish to strangle 
 myself,— dead by my OMn hands." He softena 
 this idea of Job s harbouring the thought oi 
 suicide, by representing it as entertained 
 only in agonizing dreams, and immediately 
 repudiated with horror next verse, "Yet thai 
 (self-stranglingi I loathe." This is forcible 
 and graphic. Perhaps the meaning is simply, 
 " My soul chooses leven) strangling (or any 
 violenti death rather than my kle," lit., mu 
 bones, Ps. 35. 10; i. e., rather than the wasted 
 and diseased skeleton, left to him;. In thia 
 view, "I loathe it,"r. I6, refers to his life. 
 
 16. " Let me alone:" i. e., cease to aftlict me 
 for the few and vain days still left to me. 
 
 17. (Ps. 8. 4; 144. 3.). Job means "What la 
 man that thou shouldest make him of so 
 much importance, and that thou shouldest 
 expend such attention (heart-thought,) upon 
 him," as to make him the subject of so 
 severe trials? Job ought rather to have 
 reasoned from God's condescending so far to 
 notice man as to try him, that there must be 
 a wise and loving purpose in trial. David 
 uses the same words in their right applica- 
 tion, to express wonder, that God should da 
 so much as he does, for insignificant man. 
 Christians who know God manifest in the 
 man Christ Jesus stiU more may use them. 
 
 18. With each new day (Ps. 73. 14.). It Is 
 rather God's mercies, not our trials, that are 
 "new every morning" (Lam. 3. 23.!. The 
 idea is that of a shepherd taking count of his 
 flock every morning, to see il" all are t'lere, 
 [Cocc] 19. "How long (like a jealous 
 keeper,) wilt thou never take thine eyes o3 
 (so the Heh. for depart Jrom) me? Nor let 
 me alone /or a brief respite" (lit., so longaal 
 take to swallow my spittle. An Ai-abic pro- 
 verb, like our, till I draw mv breath 1 20 
 " I have sinned (I grant) : yet what sin can I 
 do against ito: ch. 36. tj, , thee (of such a na- 
 ture tbat,thou shouldest jealously watch and 
 
Jb6 acknowledges Ood's justice. 
 
 JOB. S, XL 
 
 Se exposdifMes with God, 
 
 3 If he will contend with him, he cannot 
 answer him one of a thousand. 
 
 4: He is wise in heart, imd mighty in 
 strength: who hath hardened himself 
 
 Tinst him, and hath prospered? 
 Which removeth the mountains, and 
 they know not; which overtm-neth them in 
 his anzer; 
 
 6 Which * shaketh the earth out of her 
 place, and the pillars thereof tremble; 
 
 7 Which eommandeth the sun, and it 
 rispth not, and sealeth up the stars; 
 
 8 Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, 
 and treadeth upon the 2 waves of the sea; 
 
 9 Which " maketh 3 Arctnrus, Orion, and 
 Pleiades, and the chambers of the south; 
 
 10 Which doeth great things past finding 
 out; yea, and wonders without number. 
 
 11 Lo, rf he goeth by me, and I see him 
 not: he passeth on also, but I perceive him 
 not. 
 
 12 Behold, • he taketh away, * who can 
 hinder him? who will say unto him. What 
 doest thou? 
 
 13 If God will not withdraw his anger, 
 the 5proud helpers do stoop under him. 
 
 14 How much less shall I answer him, and 
 choose out my words to reason with him? 
 
 15 Whom, /though I were righteous, yet 
 would I not answer, but I would make sup- 
 plication to my judge. 
 
 16 If I had called, and he had answered 
 me; yet would I not believe that he had 
 hearkened unto my voice. 
 
 17 For he breaketh me with a tempest, 
 and multiplieth mv wounds "without cause. 
 
 18 He will not sutler me to take my breath, 
 but fillelh me with bitterness. 
 
 19 W I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: 
 and if of judgment, who shall set me a time 
 
 •to plead? 
 
 20 If 1 justify myself, mine own mouth 
 shall condemn me: If i say, I am perfect, 
 it shall also prove me pei-verse. 
 
 21 Though I were perfect, yet would I not 
 know my soul: I would despise my life. 
 
 22 This is one thing, therefore I said it. 
 He 1 destroyeth the perfect and the Tricked. 
 
 23 If the scourge slay suddenly, he will 
 langh at the trial of the innocent. 
 
 ^ The earth is given into the hand of the 
 wicked : ' he covereth the faces of the judges 
 thereof; if not, where, and who is he? 
 
 25 Now my days are swifter than a post: 
 they flee away, they see no good. 
 
 26 They are passed away as the 8 swift 
 ships -^ as the eagle that hasteth to the prey. 
 
 27 It I say, 1 Mill forget my complaint, 1 
 will leave off my heaviness, and i comfort 
 myself; 
 
 28 I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know 
 that thou wilt > not hold me innocent. 
 
 29 ^ I be wicked, why then labour I in 
 vain! 
 
 30 If I wash myself with snow water, and 
 make my hands never so clean; 
 
 31 Yet shalt thou plunge me m the ditch, 
 and mine own clothes shall 8 abhor me. 
 
 32 For f-'he is not a man, as I am, that I 
 should answer him, and we should come 
 together in judgment. 
 
 33 Neither 'is there 9 any lo daysman he- 
 ti\ixt us, that might lay hiia hand upon us 
 both. 
 
 34 Let him take his rod away from me, and 
 let not his fear terrify me: 
 
 35 Then would 1 speak, and oot fear him: 
 U but it w not so with me. 
 
 CHAP. 9. 
 6 Hng. 2. e. 
 
 2 height!. 
 
 ^ Amoa 5. 8. 
 
 3 A^h.CesU, 
 ami Cimah. 
 
 d ch. 'ia. 3. 
 « Is. 46 9. 
 
 Jer. 18. 8. 
 
 Eom. 9. 80. 
 1 who em 
 
 away? 
 6 helwr. of 
 
 pride, or, 
 
 strength, 
 /ch. 10. 16. 
 g ch. 2. 3. 
 
 <h. 34. 6. 
 h Ew. 21. 3. 
 t2S«.15.30. 
 2 Sa. 19. 4. 
 
 Jer. 14. 4. 
 
 6 ghipi of 
 de«ire, or, 
 ihipe of 
 Ebeh. 
 
 7 Or, 
 stroDfthen. 
 
 J Ex. 20. 7. 
 
 8 Or, maks 
 m« to be 
 abhorred. 
 
 k Eccl. 6. 10. 
 
 It. 46. 9. 
 
 Jer. 49. 19. 
 
 Rom. 9.20. 
 I 1 Sa. 2. 25. 
 
 9 one that 
 should 
 argue. 
 
 10 Or, 
 umpire. 
 
 11 but I am 
 not so 
 with 
 myself. 
 
 CHAP. 10. 
 1 Or, cut off 
 
 whUei 
 live. 
 
 5 the labour, 
 P«. 138.8. 
 le. 64. 8. 
 
 a 1 Sa. le. 7. 
 
 3 it is upon 
 thy know- 
 ledge. 
 
 Ps. 139. 1. 
 b Pa. 119. 
 73. 
 
 4 taken pains 
 
 c Is. 64. 8. ' 
 d P». 139, 
 14. 
 
 6 hedged. 
 e la. 3. 11. 
 / ch. Q. 12. 
 g Pb. 25. 18. 
 ft IB. 33. 13, 
 
 Lam. 3. 10, 
 6 That i», 
 
 thy 
 
 plagues, 
 
 Emhl.21. 
 i Pa. 89. 13. 
 ; ch, 7, 16. 
 * Ps. 88. 12, 
 I Pi. 23. 4, 
 
 CHAP. 11. 
 
 t a man of 
 lipt. 
 
 OllAFl'Ell X. 
 
 1 Job, faiing lilerty of cicmyylaint, eapoatulatet 
 with Gcd about his ajlietions: 18 Aa comvlaini 
 Of life, and craves a little taae before his death. 
 
 ■^T soul is 1 weary of my life: I will leave 
 
 ■^'■*- my complaint upon myself; I will sneak 
 
 in the bitterness of my soul, 
 
 2 I will say unto God, Ho not condemn 
 me; show me wherefore thou contendest 
 with me. 
 
 3 Is it good nnto thee that thou shouldest 
 oppress^ that thou shouldest despise -' the 
 work ot thine hands, and shine upon tha 
 counsel of the wicked? 
 
 4 Hast thou eyes of flesh? or "seest thoq 
 as man seeth? 
 
 5 Are thy days as the days of man? a^rd 
 thy years as man's days, 
 
 6 That thou eiiqoirest after mine iniquity, 
 and se.arc-hest. after my sin? 
 
 7 3 Thou knowest that I am not wicked: 
 and there is none that can deliver out oi 
 thine hand. 
 
 8 Thine * hands have ♦ made me, and 
 fashioned me together round about; yet 
 thou dost destroy me. 
 
 9 Remember, I beseech thee, that * thoa 
 hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou 
 bring me into dust again? 
 
 10 Ha.st ■* thou not poured me out as milk, 
 and curdled me like cheese? 
 
 11 Thou hast clothed me with skin and 
 flesh, and hast 6 fenced me with bones and 
 
 12 Thon hast granted me life and favour, 
 and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit. 
 
 13 And these things hast thou hid m thina 
 heart: I know that this is with thee. 
 
 14 If I sin, then thou markest me, and 
 thou wilt not acquit me from mine in- 
 iquity. 
 
 15 If I be wicked, • woe imto me; /and if 
 
 1 be righteous, yet will I not lift up my 
 head. / am full of confusion ; therefore 
 ^ see thou mine aftiiction • 
 
 16 For it increaaeth. ^ Thou huntest me 
 as a fierce lion; and again thou showest 
 thyself man'ellous upon me. 
 
 17 Thou renewesto thy witnesses against 
 me, and increasest thine indignation upon 
 me; chsingea and war are againstme. 
 
 18 Wherefore then hast thou brought ma 
 forth out of the womb ? Oh that I had givem 
 up the ghost, and no eye had seen me! 
 
 19 I should have been as though I had not 
 been; I should have been carried from tha 
 womb to the grave. 
 
 20 Are not my days few? 'cease then, and 
 let > me alone, that I may take comlort a 
 little, 
 
 21 Before I go whence I shall not retnm, 
 even *to the land of dai-kness, 'and tha 
 shadow of death; 
 
 22 A land of darkness, as darkness itself; 
 and of the shadow of death, without any 
 order, and where the light is as dai-kness. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 1 Zophar reproves Job for justifying himself t ? 
 A« thow3 God's eountel ts unsearchable, IS 
 Blessing of repentance. 
 
 npHEN answered Zophar the Naamathite, 
 ■*■ and said, 
 
 2 Should not the multitnde of words be 
 answered? and should i a man fuU of talfe 
 be Justified? 
 
 3 Should thy suesmake men hold theii 
 peace? and when thou meekest, shall ua 
 man tualce thee ashamed? 
 
First Speech of Bildad, 
 
 JOB. vra. 
 
 more Severe than Eliphaz, 
 
 deprive me of all strength, as if thou didst 
 fear me,? (Yet thou art one who hast men 
 ever in view, evevvMtdust them,— u thou 
 Watcher, [v. 12; Dan. 9, u.), not as E. V., 
 Preserver [GEsJof men." Job had borne with 
 patience his trials, as sent by God: (ch. l. •^l^, 
 ch. a. 10. ' ; (only his reason cannot reconcile 
 the ceaseless continuance of his mental and 
 bodily pains with his ideas of the divine na- 
 ture . se I me as a mark— W herefore dost thou 
 make me thy point of attack? i. e., ever assail 
 me M'ith new pains. [Umcr.] (Lam. 3. 12. i 
 21. for now— very soon, in the morning— Not 
 the resurrection: for then Job will be found. 
 It is a figure, from one seeking a sick man in 
 the morning, and iindlug he has died in the 
 hiAht. So Job implies, that if God does not 
 help hitn at once, it will be too late, for he 
 will be ftone. The reason why (^od does not 
 give an iniraediate sense of rKxrdon to awak- 
 ened sinners is, they think they have a claim 
 on God for it. 
 
 CHAPTER Vni. 
 
 FIRST SERIES.— FIRST SPEECH OF BILDAT), 
 M"RE SEVERE AND COARSS THAN ELIFHAZ. 
 
 Ver. 1-22. The Address op Bilbao. 
 2. liKe a . . . wind— Disregarding restrainrs, 
 and daring, against God. 3. The repeciiion 
 of pervert gives an emphasis galling to Job 
 (ch. 3i. 12.). " Woiildest thou have God as 
 thy f/ords imply) pen^ert judgment," by let- 
 ting thy sins go unpnnishedv Heaf^sumes 
 Job's guilt from his sufferings. 4. If— Kather 
 " since thy children have sinned against 
 Him, and {since} He has cast them away for 
 [Heh., hy the hand of) their transgresfiion, 
 jYet) if thou wouldest seek unto God, <fec., 
 if thou wert pnre, &c., surely (even) now He 
 would awake for thee." Umbr. makes the 
 apodosis to, " since thy children," &c., begin 
 at " He has cast them away." Also, instead 
 'of /or, "He gave them up to lit, into tlie 
 hand of) their own guii*." Bildad expresses 
 the justice of God, which Job liad arraigned. 
 Thy children have sinned, God leave.? them 
 to the consequence of their sin. Mosi cut- 
 ting to the heart of the bereaved father. 5. 
 seek unto God bstimes— Eariy. Make it the 
 
 -any. luaice ic the 
 ^rst and cluef anxiety Ps. 78. 34: i£os. 5. i.5: 
 Isa. 20. 9; Prov. S. i7; 1.3. 21.). 6. '' He would 
 awake for thee," i.e., arise to thy help. God 
 seemed to be asleep towards the sufferer (Ps. 
 35. 2:5; 7. 6; Isa. 51. 9.). make . . . prorperous 
 — Eestore to prosperity thy (their) righteous 
 habitation. Eildad assumes it to have been 
 heretofore the habitation of guilt. 7. thv bp- 
 girining- The beginning of thy new happiness 
 after restoration, latcer end— (ch. 42. 12; Prov. 
 23. 18.). 8, 9. The sages of the olden time 
 reached an age beyond those of Job's time 
 (Note 42. 16,); and therefore could give the 
 testimony of a fuller experience, of .vesterdaj' 
 —i.e., a recent rice. We know nothing as com- 
 pared with tiiem, from the brevity of our 
 lives. So even Jacob (Gen. 47. 9.1. Know- 
 ledge consisted then in the results of ob- 
 servation, embodied in poetical provei-bs, 
 and handed down by tradition. Longevity 
 gave the opportunity of wider observation, 
 a shadow— ^Ps. 144. 4; 1 Chr. 29. 16. . 10. teach 
 thee — (ch. 6. 24,i, had said, "Teach me." 
 Biidad, therefore, says. Since you want 
 teaclnnn. Enquire of the fathers. They will 
 teacli thee, utter words— more than mere 
 speaking: "put forth well-considered words." 
 out Oi.their heart — From observation and 
 reflection. (Not merely, jrom their mouth: 
 S6o 
 
 such as Bildad inshiuates, were Job's words. 
 Verses 11, 12, 13, onbody in poetic and sen- 
 tentious foi-m (probably the fragment of an 
 old poem, the observation of the elders. 
 The double point of comparison between the 
 ungodly and the paper-reed is, 1. The luxuri- 
 ant prosperity at first; and, 2. The sudden 
 destrttction. 11. rusn— Bather, paper reed: 
 the papj'rus of Egypt, which was used to 
 make garments, shoes, baskets, boats, and 
 paper (a word derived from it.). It and tlie 
 flag or bidrush grow only in marshy places 
 such as are along the Nile.). So the godless 
 thrive only in external prosperity; there is 
 in the hypocrite no inward stability; Ms 
 prosperity is like the rapid growth of water 
 lilants. 12. not cut down— Ere it has ripened 
 for the scythe, it withers more sitddenly than 
 any herb, liaving no self-sustaining power, 
 once tliat the moisture is gone, which othe? 
 herbs do not need in the same degree. So ruia 
 seizes on the godless in the zenith of prosperi- 
 ty, more suddenly, than on others who ap- 
 pear less firmly seated in their possessions. 
 LUmbb.] (Ps.112.10.'. IS.paths- So?wi?/s iPro. 
 1. 19.). all that forget God— The distinguishing 
 trait of the godless (Ps. 9. 17; 60. 22.). 14. 
 cur. off— So Ges. Or, to accord with the me- 
 taphor of the spider's house, " The confidence 
 on which he builds] sliall be laid in ruins" 
 Isa. 59. 6, 6.!. 15. he shall hold it fast — Im- 
 plying his eager grasp, when the storm of 
 trial comes. As the spider "holds fast" by 
 its web: but with this diiference, the light 
 spider is sustained by that on wMch it rests, 
 tue godless is not, by the thin web on which 
 he rests. Tlie expression, " Hold fast," pro- 
 perly applies to the spider holding his Tveb, 
 but is transferred to the man. Hypocrisy, 
 like the spider's web, is fiue-spun, fiimsy, 
 and woven out of its own inventions, as 
 the spider's web out of its own bowels. 
 An Arab proverb says, "Time destroys the 
 well-built house, as weU as the spider'? 
 web." 16. before the sun— i.e.. He ithe god- 
 less,) is green only before the sun rises; 
 but he cannot bear its heat, and withers 
 So succulent plants like the gourd Jonali, 4. 
 r, 8.). But the wide-spreadmg in the garden 
 does not quite accord with this. Better, "in 
 .sunshine;' the sim representing the smUing 
 fortune of the hypocrite, during wMch he 
 wondrously progresses. [^Hmbr.] The image 
 is rhat oiwecas gr^^Wing m rank luxuriance, 
 and spreading over even heaps of stones and 
 walls, and then being speedily torn away 
 17. seeth the place of sion'^s—Heb., " the house 
 of stones j" %.e., the wall surrotmding the 
 garden. The parasite plant, in creeping to- 
 wards and over the wall— the utmost boiuid 
 of the garden— is said figuratively to " see" 
 or regard it. 18. If He (God,) tear him away 
 [E. v., destroy; properly, to tear away rapidly 
 ana violently,] from his place, "then it ithe 
 place personified,) shall deny him" 'Ps 103 
 lfi.>. The very soU is ashamed of the weeds 
 iymg withered on its surface, as though it 
 never had been connected with them So 
 wlien the godless falls from prosperity his 
 nearest fnends disown him. 19. Bitter irony 
 The hypocrite boasts of joy. This tlien is 
 his "joy' at the last, and out of the earth- 
 Others immediately, who take the place of 
 ihe man thus punislied. Not (jodly men 
 ..'latth. 3. 9.). i^or "the place" of the weeds 
 is among stones, where the gardener wishes 
 no plants. But, ungodly: a fresh crop of 
 
Reply of Job to Bildad. 
 
 JOB. IX 
 
 ^0 Contending with God. 
 
 •weeds always springs up in the room of those 
 torn up: there is no end of hypocrites on 
 earth. [XJ.-mbr.] 20. Bildad regards Job.as 
 a righteous man, who has fallen into sin. 
 •• God will not cast off for ever a perfect' lor 
 godly man, such as Job was,), if he will only 
 repent. "Tliose alone wlio persevere in sin 
 God wiU not help" (Heb., take by the hand; 
 Ps. 73. 23; Isa. 41. 13; 42. G,) when fallen. 21. 
 Till— ^ii.. " to the point that:" God s blessing 
 on thee,when repentant, will go on increasing 
 to the point that, or until, «S^. 22 Ihe 
 haters of Job are the wicked. They shall be 
 clothed with shame iJer. 3. 25; Ps.3% 26; 109. 
 29,1 at the failure of their hope, tliat Job 
 would utterly perish, and because they, in- 
 stead of Mm, come to nonght. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. i 
 
 FIRST SERIES. I 
 
 Ver. 1-35. Eeply of Job to Bildad. 2. ' 
 
 I know that it is so — That God does not 
 "pervert justice" (8. 3.). But (even though! 
 I be siu-e of being in the right,) how can a ] 
 mere man assert his right— ;be just,) with 
 God. The Gospel answers (Rom. 3. 20.). 
 3. If He vGod) will contend with him— lit., 
 "deign to enter into judgment." he canno. 
 ansv.'er, (fcc— He (man; would not dare, even 
 if he had a thousand answers in readuiess 
 to one question of God's, to utter one of 
 them, from awe of his Majesty. 4. Heh., 
 Wise in heart understanding) ! And mighty ; 
 in power! God confounds the ablest arguer j 
 by His wisdom, and the mightiest by His I 
 power, hardened— Aiz., himself, or his neck 
 (Prov. 29.1,); i.e., defied God. To prosper, one ; 
 must fall in with God's arrangements of Pro- 
 vidence and grace. 5. and tney know not— j 
 Heh. for "suddenly, unexpectedly, before; 
 they are aware of it" (Ps. 35. 8,); "at una- 
 wares;" Heb., which he knoweth not of (Joel, 
 2. 14; Prov. 6. 6.). 6. The earth is regarded, 1 
 poetically.as resting on pillars, which tremble ! 
 in an earthquake (Ps. 75. 3; Isa. 24. 20.). The 1 
 literal truth as to the earth is given (26. 7.). 7. 1 
 The sun. at His command, doth not rise; viz., | 
 in an eclipse, or the darkness that accom- j 
 panie.-; earthquakes [v. 6.1. sealeth up— i.e., 1 
 totally covers, as one would seal up a room, i 
 that its contents may not be seen. 8. spread- : 
 Bthout— Isa. 40. 22; Ps. 104.2.). But through-! 
 out It is not so much God's creating, as His 
 governing, power over nature that is set 
 forth. A stonn seems a struggle between 
 Nature and her Lord! Better, therefore, j 
 "Who boiveth the heavens alone," without 
 help of any other. God descends from the 
 bowed-down heaven to the earth (Ps. 18. 9). 
 The storm, wherein the clouds descend, sug- ; 
 gests this image. In the descent of the 
 vault of heaven, God has come down from ] 
 His high throne, and walks majestic over the 
 mountain waves [Heb., heights,), as a con- 
 queror tamina tJieir violence. So tread upon [ 
 (Deut. 33. 29; Amos, 4. 13; Matth. 14. 2G.). The 
 Egyptian hieroglyphic for impossibility is a j 
 man walking on waves. 9. maketh— Bather, { 
 from the Arabic, covereth up. This accords i 
 better with the context which describes His 
 boundless pov/er as controller, rather than ; 
 as creator. IUmbb.] Arcturns— The great; 
 bear, which always revolves about the pole, ■ 
 and ne\ er sets. The Chaldeans and Ai-abs, 
 early named and grouped in constellations 
 the stars; often travelling, and tem.ing 
 flocks by ni^ht, they woidd naturally do, 
 80, especially aa the rise aud setting of I 
 36a [1] 
 
 s/ime stars mark the distinction of seasons. 
 Brinkley ijrcsuming the stairs here men- 
 tioned to be those of Taurus and Scorpio, and 
 that these were the cardinal constellations ol 
 spring and autumn in Job's time, calculates, 
 by the precession of eqiunoxes, the time oi 
 Job to be 81S yeai-s after the deluge, a^d 184 
 before Abraham. Oriow—Reb., tiie fool; in 
 rh. 38. 31, he appears fettered with "bands." 
 The old legend represented this star as a hero, 
 who presumptuc'Uslj- rebelled against God, 
 and ■was therefore &fool, and was chained in 
 the sky, as a punishment: for its rising is at 
 the storm.y period oi the year. He is Nimrod 
 — the exceedingly impioiis rebel,} among the 
 Assyrians; Orion, among the Greeks. Sab- 
 aism (worship of the heavenly hosts,) and 
 hero-worship were Wended in his person. 
 He first subverted the piitriarchai order of 
 society by sub-titutingachieftainship ba.S9d 
 on conquest (Gen. lo. 9, 10.). Pleiuaes— a^, 
 " the heap of stars:" Arabic, "knot of stars." 
 The various names of this constellation in 
 the East expresses the close union of the 
 stars in it lAmos, 6. 8.). chambers or the 
 soiuh— llie unseen regions of the S. hemi- 
 sphere, with its own set of stars, as distin- 
 guished from those just mentioned, of the 
 i^. The true structure of the earth is 
 here implied. 10. Repeated from Eliphaz, 
 ch. 5. 9. 11. I see Him not : He passeih 
 on — The image is that of a howUng wind 
 (Isa. 21. 1.). Like it when it bttrsts invisibly 
 upon man; so God is felt in the awful effecia 
 of His wrath, but is not seen John, 3. 8.). 
 Therefore, reasons Job, it is ii.ipossible to 
 contend with Him. 12. If "He taketh away,* 
 as in my case all that was dear to me, still a 
 mortal cannot call him to account. He only 
 takes His own. He is an absolute King (Ecci. 
 8. 4; Dan. 4. 35.). 13. If God— Rather, "God 
 will not withdrav.' His anger," i.e., so long aa- 
 a mortal obstinately resists. [Umbr.] t)ie 
 prcud helpers— 2/ie arrogant, who would help 
 one contending with the Ahnighty, are of no 
 avail against Him. 14. H,w much less shall 
 I— Who am weak— seeing that the mighty 
 have to stoop belore Him. Clioose words 
 luse a veil chosen speech, in order to reason) 
 with Him. 15. ch. 10. 15. . Though I were 
 conscious of no sin, yet I would not dare to 
 say so, but leave it to His judgment and 
 mercy to justify me (I Cor. 4 4). 16,17. "I 
 would not believe that He had hearkened 
 tmto my voice, who breaketh me as a tree 
 stript of its leaves) with a tempest." 19. 
 llMBB.takes these as the words of God, trans- 
 lating, "Wliat availeth the might of the 
 strong? 'Here (saith he.) behold! what 
 availeth justice ? Who will appoint me a 
 time to plead?'" (so Jer. «9. 19.). The last 
 words certainly apply better to God, than to 
 Job. The sense is substantiallv the same, 
 if we make "me," with E. V. apply to 
 Job. The "lo!" expresses God's swift 
 readiness for battle, when challenged. 20. 
 it— ch. 15. 6; Lu. 19. 22;) or, "He," God. 
 21. Lif., here (and in v. 20.). "I perfect! I 
 should not know my soul! I would despise 
 I disown,) my life;" i.e.. Though conscious of 
 innocence, I should be compelled, in con- 
 tending with the infinite God, to itrnore my 
 own soul, and despise my past life, as if it 
 were guilty. [Ros.J 22. one thing— " It is all 
 one; whether perfect or wicked,— He rte- 
 stroyeth." This was the po:nt Job mam- 
 tained against his friends, that the righteous 
 
Job's Reply to 
 
 JOB, X. 
 
 BUdad Continued. 
 
 and wicked alike are afflicted; and that great I Bis own hands, as of no value" {v. S; Ps. 
 sufferings here do not prove great guilt (Lu. 138. 8.). shine upon— Favour with prosijevity 
 
 13. 1-5; Eccles. 9. 2.). 26. If— Kather. " "While | iPs. 50. 2.). 
 (His) scourge slays suddenly ithe wicked, v. j as man? i.e. 
 
 22,), He laughs a,t [disregards: not derides,) 
 
 4, 5, 6. Dost thou see as ieebly 
 Ith the same uncharita. le eye. 
 
 lor instance, Jctb's triends. Is ihy tii 
 
 the pining away of the innocent." Ihe only [ as short? luipossible! Yet one might ihink, 
 
 ditference, says Job, between the innocent 
 and guilty is, the latter are slain by a sudden 
 stroke, the former jilne away gradually. 
 The translation, " trial," does not express 
 the antithesis to "slay suddenly," as '" pining 
 
 from the rapid succession of thy strokes, 
 that thou hadst no time to spare in over- 
 whelming me. 7. " Although thou ithe Om- 
 niscienti knowest," &c., (connected with v. fi,) 
 thousearchest after my sin." aud . . . ithat} 
 
 aw ay" does. [Umbr.] 24. ileterring to righte- ' none can deliver out of tMne hand— Therefore 
 ons judges, in auiithesis to " the wicked," in I thou hast no need to deal with me with the 
 the parallel first clause, Whereas the mcfcecJ I rauid violence, 
 oppressor often has tlte earth given into his ! (Note. v. 6.). 8. 
 
 which "man" would use 
 Made" with pains- imply- 
 
 hand, the lighteous jwd^es are led to execu- \mg a work of difficulty and art; applying to 
 tion; culpr.ts had their /aces cowred prepara- ! God language ai)plicabie only to man. to- 
 tory to execution (Esth. 7. 8.. Thus the geiher round about— Implying that the hnman 
 contrast of the wicked and righteous here ; body is a complete xmity, the pans of vhich 
 answers to that in verse 23. if njt, wliere and on aW sides will bear the closest scnit.ny. 
 fflio— //God be not the cause of these ano- ; 9. clay— Next v. proves that the reference 
 malies, where is the cause to be found, and here is, not so much to the perisliahle nature 
 who is he? 25. a post— A courier. In the wide ' of the materials, as to tlieir wonderjul 
 Persian empire such couriers, on drome- '/as/iiomrtfif by the Divine potter. 10. In the 
 daries, or on foot, were emp oyed to carry organization of the body from its rude com- 
 the royal commands to the distant provinces mencements the liquid original gradually as- 
 (Esth. S. 13, 15; 8. 14.). My days ai-e, not like ; sumes a more solid consistency, like milk 
 the slow caravan, but the fleet post. 
 
 diiys are themselves poetically 
 
 see no good, instead of Job in them (1 Pet. 3 
 
 The I curdling into cheese iPs. 139. 15, J6.). >Science 
 said to I reveals that the chyle circulated by the lac- 
 vessels is the supply to every organ. 
 
 10.). 26. swift ships— Kather, canoes of reeds, j 11. fenced— Or "inlaid" (Ps. l.';9. 15,); citrious 
 or papyrus-skiffs, used on the Nile, swift j ly wrought." [Umbr.] In the foetus the skia 
 from their lightness ilsa. 18. 2.). 28. The appears first, then the flesh, then the harder 
 apodosis to 27,— "If I say, &c." I still am parts. 12. visitation — Thy watchful Provi- 
 afraid of all my sorrows (returning), for I , dence. spirit— Breath. 13. is with t nee— Was 
 
 thy purpose. Ail God's dealings with Job in 
 his creation, preservation, and present afflic- 
 tions were part ot His secret counsel iPs. 
 139. 16; Acts, 15. 18; Eccl. 3. 11.). 14, 15. Job 
 is perplexed, because God "marks" every 
 sin of his with such ceasele-ss rigour. 
 Whether " wicked" [godless and a hypocrite) 
 or " righteous" ; comparatively: sincere,), God 
 condemns and punishes alike, lift up my 
 head— in conscious innocence (Ps. 3. 3.>. see 
 thou— Bather, " and seeing I see— il too well 
 see) mine affliction," (which seems to prove 
 me guilty.). [Umbr.] 16. iucreaseiu— Eather, 
 (if) 1 lijl up my head) thou wouldest hunt 
 me, &c. [Umpr.] and again- As if a lion 
 
 know that thou wilt (dost) not ^by removing 
 my sufferings) hold or declare me innocent. 
 How then can I leave off my heaviness? 29. 
 Tlie if is better omitted: I (am treated by 
 God, as) wicked; why then labour I in vain 
 (to disprove His charge. ;. Job submits, not 
 so much because he is convinced that God is 
 right, as because God is powerful, and he 
 iveak. [Barnes.] 30. snow water— Thought to 
 be more cleansing than common water, ow- 
 ing to the whiteness of snow (Ps. 51 . 7; Isa. 1. 
 18.). never so clean— Better, to answer to the 
 parallelism of the first clause which ex- 
 presses the cleansing material, lye: the 
 
 Arabs used alkali mixed with oil, as soap:xxi^, ,^. i^i,l, iv.j ai^^ ngaiu— xxo x± a, ,ivnx 
 (Ps. 73. l:;; Jer. 2. 22. . 32. (Eccl. 6. 10; Isa. 1 should not kill his prey at once, but come 
 
 6. 9.). 33. daysman — Mediator or umpire 
 he imposition of whose hand expr 
 
 b.ack and torture it again. 17. witnesses— 
 His accumulated trials were like a succession 
 
 power to adjudicate between the persons. [ of witnesses brought up in proof of his guilt. 
 There might be one on a level with Job, the i to wear out the accused, changes and war- 
 one party: but Job knew of none on a level Eather (" thou settest in array) against me 
 with the Almighty, the other party (1 Sam. 2. i host after host" Hit., changes and a host. i.e. 
 
 25.; ■■ ' ' '■ ■ - - - 
 
 (not, however, m tne sense umpt 
 
 with both, the God man, Christ J( . , 
 
 Tim. 2. 5.). 34. rod— Not here the symbol of j my birth to these ills, at least give me a 
 
 5.;. We Christians know of such a Mediator a succession of hosts,), viz., his afflictions, 
 aot, however, in the sense Mmj/ire,) on a level and then reproach upon reproach from his 
 
 1 1 friends. 20. But, since I was destined Ircm 
 . f i my birth to these iUs, at least give me a 
 
 mnishment, but of power. 3 ob cannot meet i little breathing time during the few days left 
 God on fair terms, so long as God deals with me (ch. 9. 34; 13. 21; Ps. 39. 13.). 22. The ideas 
 
 nim on the footing of His Almighty power. 35 
 t IS not so witli me— As it now^ is, God not tak- 
 ng His rod away, I am not on siich a footing 
 of equality, as to lie able to vindicate myself. 
 CHAPTER X. 
 Ver. 1-22. Job's Eeply to Bildad Con- 
 tinued. 1. leave my complaint on myself 
 
 of order and light, disorder, and darkness, 
 harmonize (Gen. 1. 2.). Three ifef). words 
 
 Kather, '' i M'iU give loose to my complaint' 
 -Do not, by 
 
 (ch. 7. 11.). 2. shuw me, &c. 
 
 tue of thy mure sovereignty, treat me 
 
 guilty, without showing me the reasons. 
 
 are used for darkness; in v. 21 [l,) the com- 
 mon word "darkness: here (2,) "a land of 
 gloom" from a Heb. root, to cover up,: (3,) 
 ■'as thick darkness" or blackness from a root, 
 expressing sunset.). "Where the li^Iit there- 
 of is like blackness." Its only sunshine is 
 vir- ' thick darkness. A bold figure of poetry. 
 Job in a better frame has brighter thuiig is 
 of the imseen world. But his \ lews at bes 
 
 Job is unwilling to think, God can have | wanted the dt'tinite clearntss of the Cliris- 
 ■■ pleasure" in using his power to "oppress"! tian's. Comiiaie with liLs words here [Bay, 
 
 the weak, and to " treat" man, 
 365 L2J 
 
 ' the work of i 21. 23; 22. 6; 2 Tim. 1. lO.i. 
 
Tlie address of ZopMr. 
 
 JOB. xn. xm. 
 
 TTie omnipotence of Ood. 
 
 4 Fur "tho'j h.ist smd, My doctrine is\ 
 pure, and 1 am tucan in thine eyes. 
 
 5 Hut oh that God wotild speak, and open 
 bis lii»s !!J?aiTist thee: 
 
 6 And that he wonlit show thee the secrets 
 of wisddiii, th;it tiitij are double to that 
 which is! Know therefore thMt*God ex- 
 at-ttth of thee less than thine iniquity 
 desuvetk. 
 
 7 Ciiiut 'thou by searching find out God? 
 cimst thou find out the Almighty unto 
 li.rfectionl , ^ 
 
 S It is 3 as hish as heaven; what canst 
 thou do* deeper than hell; what canst thou 
 Know? 
 
 9 The measure thereof is longer than the 
 earth, and broader than the sea. 
 
 10 If he * cut oil' and shut up, or gather 
 together, then 6 who can hinder him? 
 
 11 For << he knoweth vain men: he seeth 
 wickedness also; will he not then consider 
 
 12 For 8 vain man would be wise, though 
 man be bom like a wild ass's colt. 
 
 13 If thou * prepare thine heart, and 
 stretch/ out thme nands toward him; 
 
 14 If iniquity be in thme hand, put it far 
 away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy 
 tabernucles. 
 
 16 For " then shalt thou lift up thy face 
 without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, 
 and shalt not tear: 
 
 16 Because thou shalt forget thy misery. 
 a^vi remember it as waters that pass away: 
 
 17 And tttine age "> shall be clearer than tlie 
 noon-day ; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt 
 be as the morning. 
 
 18 And thou shalt be secure, because there 
 is hope ; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and 
 thou shalt take thy rest in safety. 
 
 19 Also thou shalt lie down, and none 
 shall make thee afraid; yea, many shall 
 
 8 make suit unto thee. 
 
 20 Uut the eyes of the wicked shall fail, 
 and 9 they shnll not escape, and their hope 
 shall be as i*^ the giving up of the ghost. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 1 Job censures the arrogant pretentiont of his 
 friends to superior hncwleage: he shojvs that 
 wicbed nun often prosper: 13 Ood'a divine wis- 
 dom and omnipoteney. 
 
 A ND Job answered and said, 
 ■"■ 2 No doubt but ye are the people, and 
 wisdom shall die mth you! 
 
 3 But I have i understanding as well as 
 you; " I am not inferior to you: yea, 3 who 
 knoweth not such things as these? 
 
 4 I am as One mocked of his neighbour, 
 who " calleth upon God, and he answereth 
 him: the just upright man is laughed to 
 scorn. 
 
 5 He 6 that is ready to slip with his feet is 
 as a lamp despised in the thought of him 
 
 6 The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and 
 they that provoke God are secure; into 
 whose hana God bringeth abxindantly. 
 
 7 But ask now the beasts, and they shall 
 teach thee ; and the fowls of the air, and 
 tho} shall tell thee: 
 
 8 Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach 
 th' e ; and the fishes of the sea shall declare 
 uuui thee. 
 
 9 Who knoweth not in all these that the 
 hand of the Lord hath wroni;hl this? 
 
 ID In "whose hand is the ^sdulof every 
 li\ii,g thing, and the breath of ^ all mau- 
 kind. 
 
 B. C. 1520. 
 
 CHAP. 11. 
 
 o ch. 6. V). 
 
 Eirii9. 13. 
 
 Ltm. 3. 2S. 
 
 Eccl. 3. 11. 
 
 Eo. ll.iS3. 
 8 the heights 
 
 of heaven. 
 
 empty. 
 1 S». 7. 3. 
 
 P.. -a 8. 
 
 / P., K.3. 6. 
 a Gen. i. 6. 
 
 Ps. 119. 6. 
 
 1 John 3. 
 
 21. 
 
 7 ehiU airiee 
 0Lbo7e the 
 noonday. 
 P». 37. S. 
 
 8 intreatthy 
 face. 
 
 9 flight ghall 
 perish from 
 
 10 Or, a puer 
 of breath 
 
 ii Doth not the ear try words? and the 
 omcuth taste his meat? 
 
 12 With the ancient is wisdom; and in 
 length of days understanding. 
 
 IS With 1 him is wisdom and strength, he 
 hath counsel and understanding. 
 
 14 Behold, he breaketh down, and it can- 
 not be built again; he rfshuttetli 8 up a 
 man, and there can be no opening. 
 
 15 Behold, he "withholdeth the waters, 
 and they dry up ; also he / sendeth them 
 out, and they overturn the earth. 
 
 16 With him ie strength and wisdom: the 
 deceived and the deceiver are his. 
 
 17 He leadeth counseOors away spoiled, 
 and maketh the judges fools. 
 
 18 He looseth the bond, of kings, ana 
 girdeth their loins v^ith a girdle. 
 
 19 He leadeth princes away spoiled, and 
 overthroweth the mighty. 
 
 20 He removeth away " the speech of the 
 trusty, and taketh away the understanding 
 of the aged. 
 
 21 He poureth contempt upon princes, and 
 
 10 weakeneth the strength bf the mighty. 
 
 22 He » discovereth deep things out ol 
 darkness, and bringeth out to light the 
 shadow of death. 
 
 23 He increaseth the nations, and destroy, 
 eth them : he enlargeth the nations, and 
 
 11 straiteneth them a^rawi. 
 
 24 He taketh away the heart of the chlel 
 of the people of the earth, and causeth them 
 to wander in a wilderness where there is no 
 
 25 They grope in the dark without light, 
 and he maketh them to 12 stagger like a 
 drunken man. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 1 Job reproves his friends of partiality : 14 he pro- 
 fesses his confidence in Ood, etc. 
 
 T 0, mine eye hath seen all this, mine eai 
 -^ hath heard and understood it. 
 
 2 What ye know, the same do I know also: 
 I am not inferior unto you. 
 
 3 Surely 1 would speak to the Almighty, 
 and 1 desire to reason with God. 
 
 4 But ye are forgers of lies, ye ore all 
 physicians of no value. 
 
 5 O that ye would altogether hold youi 
 peace! and " it should be your wisdom. 
 
 6 Hear now my reasoning, and hearken to 
 the pleadings of my lips. „ ^ ,. , 
 
 7 Will » ye speak wickedly for God? and 
 talk deceitfully for him? 
 
 8 Will ye " accept hia person? will ye con. 
 tend lor God? 
 
 9 Is it good that he should search yoa 
 out? or as one man mocketh another, do 
 ye so mock him? 
 
 10 He will surely reprove you, if ye do 
 secretly accept persons. 
 
 11 Shall not his 1 excellency make you 
 afraid? and his dread tall upon you? 
 
 12 Your remembrances are like unto 
 ashes, your bodies to bodies of clay. 
 
 13 2 Hold your peace, let me alone, that 
 I may speak, and let come on me what 
 ivill. 
 
 14 Wherefore do 1 take my flesh in my 
 teeth, and "* put my life in mine hand? 
 
 15 Tnough « he slay me, yet will 1 tiaist in 
 him : / but 1 ^^ill 3 maintain mine own 
 wavs before him. 
 
 16"lle al«o s/iall be my » salvation: for an 
 hypocrite Rhall not come before him. 
 " f.rsne'. " ' 1 i< i'''it ailu'tn.'-ij my speech, and mj 
 b. IS. 1, 3, 1 declarution with youi eaia. 
 
 CHAP. 12, 
 
 1 an heart. 
 
 2 1 fall not 
 lower th« 
 you. 
 with whom 
 
 these? 
 
 I'l. 91. 15. 
 6 ProT. 14. 2. 
 c Nu. 16. 22. 
 
 DcD. 6. 23. 
 
 Acts 17.23. 
 4 Or, life. 
 6 kU aeeb ef 
 
 6 palate. 
 
 7 That ia, 
 With God. 
 
 d Rer. 3. 7. 
 
 8 upon. 
 «1 Ki. 17.1. 
 / Gen. 7. 11. 
 
 9 the lip of 
 the faith- 
 ful. 
 
 10 Or, 
 looseth 
 the ^rdle 
 of the 
 strong. 
 
 g Mfl. lU. 26. 
 1 Cor. 4. 6. 
 
 11 leadeth in. 
 
 12 wander. 
 
 CHAP. 13. 
 a Pr«.17.2S. 
 6 eh. 17. 5. 
 cpro. 24 23. 
 
 1 Or, height 
 of preat- 
 
 2 Bo silent 
 from mo. 
 
 d PMlm 119, 
 
First Speech ofZophwr. 
 
 JOB. XI. XIL 
 
 JoVs Beply to Zophar. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 FIKST SEBJIES. 
 
 Ver. 1-20. FiKisT Speech of Zophar. 2. 
 Zorhar assails Job for his empty words, and 
 indirectly, the two friends, for their weak 
 reply. Taciturnity is b)ghiy prized among 
 Orientals Prov. 10. 8, 19.). 3. lies— Eather, 
 vain boasting Isa. IC. 6; Jer. 48. 30.'. The 
 "men" is emphatic; men of sense; in anti- 
 thesis to "vain boasting." mockest — Up- 
 braidest God by complamts. 4. doctrine— 
 Purpo-sely used of Job's speeches, which 
 sounded like lessons of doctrine (Deu. '62. 2; 
 Prov. 4. 2.). thine— Addressed to God. Job 
 had maintained his sincerity, against his 
 friends' suspicions, not faultlessness. 6. to 
 that which is!— Hather, " they are double to 
 (man's) ivisdom." [Mich,] So the Heb. is 
 rendered {Prov. 2. 7.). God's ways, which 
 you arraign, if you were shown their secret 
 wisdom, would be seen vastly to exceed that 
 of men, including yours (1 Cor. 1. 25.). ex- 
 acteth— Raiher, " God consigns to oblivion in 
 thy favour much of thy gmlt." 7. Eather, 
 " Penetrate to the perfections of the Al- 
 mighty" ch. 9. 10: Ps. 139. 6.). 8. It-The 
 " wisdom " of God (v. 6. ). The abruptness of 
 the Heb. is forcible; " Tlie heights of heaven ! 
 What canst thou do" (as to attaining to them 
 •with thy gaze, Ps. 139. 8.)? know— viz., of 
 His perfections. 10. cut off— Eather, as in 
 ch. 9. 11, pass over as a storm; viz., rush 
 upon in anger, shut up— In prison, with a 
 view to trial, gather together— The parties 
 for judgment: hold a .judicial assembly, to 
 pass sentence on the prisoners. 11. (Ps. 94. 
 11.). consider— So as to punish it. Eather, 
 from the connexion, v. 6, " He seeth wicked- 
 ness also, which man does not perceive:" lit.. 
 "But no (other, save He) perceiveth it. 
 [UmbkJ God's "wisdom" [v. 6,) detects sin 
 where Job's human eye cannot reach [v. 8,', 
 so as to see any. 12. vain— Hollow, wouid 
 ie— Wants to consider himself "wise:" op- 
 posed to God's "wisdom" (note, -y. 11,); refuses 
 to see sin, where God sees it Eom. 1. 22.). 
 wild ass's colt— A proverb for untamed wild- 
 ness (ch. 39. 5, 8; Jer. 2. 24; Gen. 16. 12; Heb., 
 "a wild-ass man.") Man wishes to appear 
 •wisely obedient to his Lord, whereas he is 
 from his birth, unsubdued in spirit. 13. 
 The apodosis to the " If" is at v. 15. The 
 *' preparation of the heart" is to be obtained 
 (Prov. 16. 1.) by " stretching out the hands " 
 in prayer for it Ps. 10. 17; l Chr. 29. 18.). 14. 
 Eather, "if thou wilt put far away the ini- 
 quity in thine hand " (as Zaccheus did, Luke, 
 19. 8.). The apodosis or conclusion is at v. 
 15, " then shalt thou," &c. 15. Zophar refers 
 to Job's own words ch. 10. 15,), '"yet will I 
 not lift up my head," evt-n though righteous. 
 Zophar declares, if Job will follow his advice, 
 he may "lift up his face." spot— (Deu. 32. 5. . 
 steadfast— Hi., run fast together, like metals 
 which become firm and hard by fusion. The 
 ' sinner on the contrary is wavering. 16. Just 
 as when the stream runs dry (ch. 6. 17,1. the 
 danger threatened by its wild waves is for- 
 gotten (Isa. 65. 16.). [Umbr.] 17. age— Dai/s 
 or life, the noon-day — -yiz., of thy former 
 prosperity; which, in the poet's image, had 
 gone on increasing, until it reached its 
 height^ as the sun rises higher and higher 
 until It reaches the meridian (Prov. 4. 18. . 
 shine forth— Eather, " though now in dark- 
 ness, thou shalt be as the morning." Or, 
 "thy darkness (if any dark shade should 
 
 arise on thee, it) shall be as the morning" 
 only the dullness of morning twilight, not 
 nocturnal darkness.). [Umbr.] 18. 'J'he ex- 
 perience of thy life will teach thee, there is 
 hope for man in every trial. Aig— viz., wells; 
 the chief ne essary in the E. Better, "though 
 now asliamxl (Eom. 6. 5, opposed to the pre- 
 vious 'hope,"! thou shalt then rest safely." 
 [Ges.1 19— (Ps. 4. 8; Prov. 3. 24; Isa. U. 3o.). 
 Oriental images of prosperity. 19. mttke suit 
 —lit., "stroke thy face, caress thee" (Prov. 
 19. 6.). 20. A warning to Job, if he would. 
 not turn to God. " The wicked." i. e., 
 obdurate sinners, eyes . . . fail — i.e., in 
 vain look for relief (Deu. 28. 65.1. Zophar 
 implies, Job's only hope of relief is in a 
 cliange of heart, they shall not escape— ?ii., 
 " evevy refu'.;e shall vanish from tliem. 
 giving up the phost— Their hope shall leave 
 them as the breath does the body (Prov. 
 11. 7.). 
 
 CHAPTEE Xn. 
 n]!ST series. 
 Ver. 1-25. Job's Eeply to Zophak, xil, 
 XIII, XIV. 2. wisdom shall die with you!— 
 Ironical. As if all the wisdom in the world 
 was concentrated in them, and would expire 
 when they expired. Wisdom makes "a 
 people:" a foolish nation are " not a people " 
 (Eom. 10. 19. 1. 3. not inferior— Not vanquished 
 in argument and "wisdom" (ch. 13. 2.i. such 
 things as these— Such commonplace maxims, 
 as you so pcmpously adduce. 4. The un- 
 founded accusations of Job's friends were a 
 "mockery" of him. He alludes to Zophar's 
 word, "mockest" (ch. 11. 3. . liis neighbour, 
 who calleth. &c.— Eather, "I who caU upon 
 God that he ma/y ayis^cer me favourably. 
 [Umbr.] 5. Eather, "a torch lamp) is an 
 object of contempt in the thoughts of him 
 who rests securely (is at ease,), though it 
 (which) was prepared for the falterings 
 of the feet." [Umbr.] (Prov. 25. 19.). 
 "Tlioughts" and "feet" are in contrast: 
 also rests " securely, " and " falterings." 
 The wanderer, arrived at his night-quar- 
 ters, contemptuously throws aside the 
 torch, which had guided his uncertain steps 
 through the darkness. As the torch is 
 to the wanderer, so Job to his friends. 
 Once they gladly used his aid in their need, 
 now they in prosperity mock him in his 
 need. 6. Job shows that the matter of fact 
 opposes Zoi>har's theory (ch. 11. 14, 19, 20,), 
 that wickedness causes "insecurity" in 
 men's "tabernacles." On the contrary they 
 who "rob the tabernacles" (dwellings) of 
 others "prosper securely" in their own. into 
 whose hand, &c. — Eather, "who make a 
 god of tlieir own hand," i.e., who regard their 
 might as their only ruling principle. [Umbr.] 
 7, 8. Beasts, birds, fishes, and plants, rea- 
 sons Job, teach that the violent live the 
 most securely [v. 6.). The \Tilture lives more 
 securely than the dove, the lion tlian the ox, 
 the shark thnn the dolphin, the rose than 
 the thorn wh i i li tears it. speak to the earth— 
 Eather, " the ■■'' rubs of the earth." [Umbb.] 
 9. In all the,'- ■ cases, says Job, the agency 
 mu.st be refened to Jehovah ("the Lord," 
 E. V.) though they may seem to man to imply 
 imperfection [v. 6; ch. 9. 24.). Tliis is the only 
 undisputed passage of the poetical part, in 
 which the name "Jehovah occurs: in the 
 historical parts it occurs frequently. 10. 
 Tloe soul, i.e., the animal life. Man, reasons 
 Job, is subjected to the same laws as the 
 
vmc 
 The 
 
 JoVs Re ply to JOB, XIII. Zophar ConUmted^ 
 
 lower animals. 11. As the nisufh by tasting ^a- a sinner, because he was a snfferer. 8. 
 meats selects what pleases it, so ilie ear tries accept liis peisou— God's: i.e., be partial for 
 the words of others and retains what is cun- Him, as when a judge favours one party in a 
 
 pcing. Each chooses according to his taste, trial, because of personal considerations. 
 _.ie connexion with v. 12 is, in reference to contend f.r God— viz., with fallacies and pre- 
 Bildad's appeal to the " ancients" ich. 8. 8.). possessions ak'ainst Job before judgment 
 You are right in appealing to them, since (Jud. 6. :il.). Partiality can never please the 
 " with them was wisdom," &c. But you se- impartial God; nor the goodness of the cause 
 lect sucla proverbs of tlieirs as suit your excuse the unfairness of the arguments. 9. 
 views, so I may borrow from the same such WiU the issue to you be good, v:)i.en He 
 as suit mine. 13. ancient— Aged (ch. 15. 10.). searcTies ow^i/oii and your arguments? "VViU 
 13. In contrast to, "with the ancient is wis- you be regarded by Him as pure and dism- 
 dom" (v. 12,), Job quotes a saying of the an- terested? mock— (Gal. 6. 7.). Kather, "can 
 cients which suits his arg: I ment, with Him you deceive Him as one man?" <fcc. 10. If 
 (God) is (the true) wisdom" (Pro. 8. 14, i: and ye do, though secre%, act particdly. (Note 
 by that " wisdom and strength" " He break- v. 8; Ps. 82. 1, 2.i. God can successfully vin- 
 eth down," <fcc., as an absolute Sovereign, not dicate His acts, and needs no fallacious 
 allowing man to penetrate His mysteries: argument of man. 11. make you afiaid?— 
 man's part is to bow to His unchangeable i>;'2.. of employing sophisms in Hisname(Jer. 
 decrees ch. 1. 21.). The Mahomedan saying 10. 7, 10. . 12. remembrances — " Provei-lnal 
 is, " if God will, and how God will." 14. shut- maxims," so called because ivell-remembercd. 
 teth up— (Isa. 22, 22.). Job refers to Zophar's like unto ashes— Or, " parables of ashes;" the 
 "shut up" (ch. 11. 10.). 15. Probably allud- image of lightness and nothingness (Isa. 44. 
 ing to the flood. 16. (Ez. 14. 9.;. 18. He loos- 20.). bodies— Either, "entrenchments;" those 
 et'i the aui/iorif?/ of kings— the " bond" with of claj', as opposed to those of stone, are 
 which they bind their subjects (Isa. 45. l; easy to be de.stroyed: so the proverbs, behind 
 Ge. 14. 4; Dan. 2. 21.). a girdle— The cord, which they entrench themselves, will not 
 with which they are bound as captives, in- shelter them, when God shall appear to re- 
 stead of the royal "girdle" they once wore provethemfortheirinjusticeto Job. 13. Job 
 (I.sa. 22. 21,), and tlie bond they once bound would wish to be spared their speeches, soas 
 others with. So "gird,"— put on one the tends to speak out all his mind as to his wretched- 
 of a prisoner, instead of the ordinary girdle ness iv. 14,', happen what will. 14. A pro- 
 (Jn. 21.18.). 19. princes— Rather, priests, as verb for, "Wliy should I anxiously desire to 
 the Heh. is rendered (Ps. 99. 6.). Even the save my lifer [Eich.] The image in the 
 sacred ministers of religion are not exempt fir.«t clause is that of a wild beast, which in 
 from reverses and captivity, tlie nughty— order to preserve his prey, carries it in his 
 Rather, "the firm-rooted in power: the teeth. That in the second refers to men who 
 Arabic root expresses everfloioing water, hold in the hand what they want to keep se- 
 LUsfBR.] 20. the trusty- Rather, "those se- cure. 15. in him— So the margin or Keri 
 cure in their eloquence:" «c. gr., the speak- reads. But the textual reading or cetib is 
 ers in the gate (isa. .3. 3.'. [Beza.J under- *"?io^," which agrees best with the context, 
 standing— Zit., taste, i.e., insiglit or spiritual and other passages wherein he says he has 
 disceri ment, which experience gives the wo /iO))e(ch.6. 11; 7.21; io.i;0; 19.10.). "Though 
 aged. The same Heb. -word is applied to Dan- He slay me, and I dare i^ hiore hope, yet I 
 iel's wisdom in interpretation (Dan. 2.14.1. will maintain," <fec., i.e., " " I desire to vindi- 
 21. Ps. 107. 40 quotes, iii its first clause, this cate myself before Him, as not a hypocrite. 
 v., and, in its second, the 24th v. of the ch. [Umbr. <fe I^oy.] 16. He — Rather, '*This 
 y^eBikener-hthe strength— lit., looseth the girdle; also already speaks in my behalf [lit, "for 
 Orientals wear flowiuj; garments: when ac- my saving acquittal,"! for an hypocrite 
 tive strength is to be put forth, they gird up would not wish to come before Him " las I 
 their garments with a girdle. Hence here— do.. [Umbr.] (See last clause of « 15.). 17. 
 " He destroyeth their power" in the eyes of my declaration— t- is., that 1 wish to be per- 
 the people. 22. (Dan. 2. 22). 23. Isa. 9. 3; mitted to justify myself immediately before 
 Ps. 107. 38, 39, which Ps. quotes this ch. else- God. with your e;.rs— i.e., attentively. 18. 
 where. (See note v. 21.). s raitene h— /ii., ordered — Implying a constant preparation 
 leadeth in, i.e., reduces. 24. hear —Jnfc/tt- for defence in his confidence of innocence. 
 gence. wander in a wilderness— Figurative; 19. if, &c.— Rather, Then would I hold my 
 not referring to any actual fact. 1 Ms cannot tonaue and give up the ghost," i.e., if any 
 be quoted to prrve Job lived after Israel's one can contend with me and prove me false, 
 wanderings in the desert. Ps. 107. 4, 40, I have no more to saj', "I wUi be silent and 
 quotes tlu- passage. 25. Deu. 28. 29; Ps. 107. die." Like oui-. "I would stake my life on 
 27, again quotes Job. but in a difi'erent con- it." ITJmbr.I 20. Address to God. no: hide 
 nexion. ' —Stand forth boldly to maintain my ca^use. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 21. Note, 9. 34; Ps. 39. 10.). 22. call— A 
 
 Ver. 1-28. Job's Reply to Zophar Con- challenge to the defendant to answer to the 
 TINUED. 1. all this— as to the dealings of Pro- charges, answer— The defence^ begun, sneak 
 vidence(ch.l2.3.). 3. Job wis!;, s to plead his —As plaintiff', answer— To the plea of the 
 cause before God ch. 9. 34, :.o, as he is more plaintiff'. Expressions from a trial. 23. '1 he 
 andmoreconvincedof theDo'v'^es.^character catalogue of my sins ought to be great, to 
 of his would-be "physicians" ch. 10.2.). 4. judge from the severity with which God ever 
 forgers cf lies— Ki., artful ttiistcrs of vain anew crushes one already bowed dowa. 
 speeches. [Umbr.] 5. (Pro. 17; 28.). The Would that He would reckon them up! 
 Arabs say, " the wise are dumb: silence is He then would see how much my calamities 
 wisdom." 7. deceitfully— Use fallacies to outnumber them, sin?— Sing., "I am un- 
 vindicate God in His dealings; as if the end con.scious of a single particular sin, much 
 justified the means. Their "deceitfulness" less many." [Umbk.1 24. hidest . . . i^ce— 
 for God, against Job, was. they assened lie A figure uom the gloomy impression caused 
 360 fl] 
 
Job Passes from TTis Own to the 
 
 JOB, XIY. 
 
 Common Misery ofManTcind, 
 
 by the sudden clouding over of the sun. 
 eueiny— God treated Job as an enemy who 
 must be robbed of power by ceaseless suffer- 
 ings ch. 7. 17, 21.). 25. (Lev. 26. ;-;6; Ps. 1. 4.). 
 Job compares himself to a leaf already fallen, 
 which the storm still chases hither and 
 thither, break— lit., s/iafcewi//;, thy terrors. 
 Jesus Christ does not "break the bruised 
 reed " (Isa. 42. 3; 27. 8.). 26. writest— A judi- 
 cial phrase, to note down the determined 
 piTnishnient. The sentence of the condemn- 
 ed used tohe wrii ten dovm (isa. 10. 1; Jer. 22. 
 30; Ps. 140. 9.). [Umbr.1 bitter things— Bit- 
 ter punishments, makest me to possess— Or 
 inherit. In old age he receives possession of 
 the inheritance of sin thoughtlessly acquired 
 in youth. "To inherit sins" is to inherit the 
 'punishments inseparably connected with 
 them in Heb. ideas (Ps. 25. 7.). 27. stacks— 
 In n hich Ihe prisoner's feet were made fast 
 imtil the time of execution (Jer. 20. •_'.). look- 
 est uarrowiy— As an overseer would watch 
 a prisoner, print— Either the stocks, or liis 
 disease, marked his soles (Heb. roots as the 
 bastinado would. Better, thou drawest lor 
 diggest [Ges.J a line- (or trench [Ges.] round 
 my soles, beyond which I must not move. 
 [Umbr.] 28. Job speaks of himself in the 
 third person, thus forming the transition to 
 the general lot of man (ch. 14. 1; Ps. 39. 11; 
 Hos. 6. 12.). I 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. I 
 
 Ver. 1-22. Job Pa^ises from His Own to 
 THE Common Misery of Mankind. 1. 
 woman— Feeble and in the E. looked down 
 upon Gen. 2. 21). Man being born of one so 
 frail must be frail himself (Matt. 11. 11.). 
 few days— (Gen. 47. 9; Ps 90. 10.\ Lit., short 
 of days. Man is the reverse oifull of days 
 and short of trouble. 2. (Ps. 90. 6; Note, ch. 
 8. 9.). 3. open . . . eyes upon— Not in graci- 
 ousness;but, "Dost thou sharply fix thine 
 eyes upon':" (Note, 7. 20; also 1. 7.). Is one so 
 frail as man worthy of such constant watch- 
 ing on the part of God? Zech. 12. 4.). me— | 
 So frail, ihee— So Almighty. 4. A plea in 
 mitigation. The doctrine of original sin was 
 held from the first. "Man is unclean from ; 
 his birth, how then can God expect perfect 
 cleanness from such a one and deal so 
 severely with me?" 5. determined— ch. 7. 1; 
 Isa. )0. 23; Dan. 9. 27; 11. 36.). 6. Twm—viz., 
 thine eyes from watching him so jealously , 
 (v.S.) hireling— (ch. 7. 1.) scccmplish— Rather, ' 
 
 " enjoy." That he may at least enjoy the 
 measure of rest of the nirelinsc, who though 
 hard-worked reconciles himself to his lot by 
 the hope of his rest and reward. [Umbe.] 
 7. Man may the more claim a peaceful life, 
 since, when separated from it oy death, he 
 never returns to it. This does not deny a 
 futm-e life, but a return to the present condi- 
 tion of life. Job plainly hopes for a future 
 state [v. 13; ch. 7. 2.). Still it is but vague 
 and trembling hove, not assurance; except- 
 ing the one bright glimpse in ch. 19. 2b. 
 The, Gospel revelation was needed to change 
 feors, hopes, and glimpses into clear and 
 definie certainnes. 9. scent— ExJialation, 
 which, rather than the humidity of water, 
 causes the tree to germinate. In the anti- ; 
 thesis to vian the tree is personified, and vo- j 
 lition is poetically ascribed to it. like a: 
 planl—" as if newly planted." [Umbr.] Not 
 as if trees and plants were a different species. 
 10. man . . . man— T^'o distinct Heb. words 
 are here used; Gehcr, a rnAghty man; though 
 366 [2] 
 
 mighty, he dies: Adam, a man of earth: be- 
 cause earthy, he gives up the ghost, wasteth 
 —is reduced to nothing: he cannot revive 
 in the present state, as the tree does. The 
 cypress raid pine, which when cut down, do 
 not revive, were the symbols of death among 
 the Romans. 11. sea— i.e., a lake, or pool 
 formed from the outspreading of a river. 
 Job lived near the Euphrates: and " sea" is 
 appUed to it (Jer. 51. 36; I,«a. 27. 1.). So of the 
 Nile (Isa. 19. 5.). fail— Utterly disappeared 
 by drying up. The rugged channel of the 
 once flowing water answers to the outstretch- 
 ed corpse— ("lieth down," V. 12,) of the once 
 living nan. 12. heavens be no more— Tliis 
 only implies that Job had no hope of living 
 again in the present order of the world, not 
 that he had no hope of life a^ain in a new 
 order of things. Ps. 102. 26, proves that early 
 under the O. T. the dissolution of the pre- 
 sent earth and heavens was expected ;cf. 
 Gen, 8. 22.). Enoch before Job had implied 
 that the " saints shall live again Jude, 14; 
 Heb. 11. 13-16.). Even if, by this phrase. Job 
 meant "never" (Ps. 89.29,) in his gloomier 
 state of feelings, yet the Holy Ghost has 
 made him unconsciously (1 Pe. 1. 11, 12,) use 
 language expressing the truth, that the re- 
 surrection is to be preceded by the dissolu- 
 tion of the heavens. In v. 13-15. he plainly 
 passes to brighter hopes of a world to come. 
 13. Job wishes to be kept hidden in the 
 grave, until (TOd's wrath aj^ainst him shall 
 have passed away. So whilst God's wrath is 
 visiting the earth for the abounding apos- 
 tasy which is to precede the Second Commg, 
 God's people shall be hidden against the re- 
 surrection-glory (Isa. 26. 19-21.1. set time— 
 A decreed time (ActSjl.7.). 14. shall he live ?— 
 The answer impUed is, There is a hope that 
 he shall f though not in the present order ot 
 life: as is shown by the words following. Job 
 had denied v. 1012,' that man shall live 
 again in this present world. But hoping for 
 a "set time" when God shall remember and 
 raise him out of the "hiding" place of the 
 grave v. 13,), he declares himself willing to 
 "wait all the days of his appointed time of 
 continuance in the grave, however long and 
 hard that may be. "Apioiated time," lit., 
 warfare, hard service: implying the hardship 
 of being shut out from the realms of li^ 
 light and God for the time he shall be in 
 the grave (ch. 7. 1.). change— My release, 
 as a soldier at his post released from duty by 
 the relieving guard (Note 10. 17.). [Umbr. 
 & Ges.] but elsewhere [Ges.] explains it, 
 renovation, as of plants in spring [v. 7,), but 
 this does not accord so well with the meta- 
 phor in "appointed time" or " icarfare." 
 15. viz., at the resurrection (John, 6. 28; Ps. 
 17. 15.). have a desire lo—lit., become pale 
 icith anxious desire: the same word is trans- 
 lated " sore longedst after" (Gen. 31. 30; Ps. 
 84. 2,): implying the utter unlikelihood that 
 God would leave in oblivion the "creature of 
 His own hands so fearfully and wonderfully 
 made." It is objected that if Job knew of a 
 future retribution, he would make it the 
 leading topic in solving the jjroblem of the 
 permitted afflictions of the righteous. But 
 1. "He did not intend to exceed the limits of 
 what was clearly revealed; the doctrine was 
 then in a vague form only. 2. The doctrine 
 of God's moral government in this life, even 
 independentlv (fine future, needed vindica- 
 tion, iti. Piiither.lea, thou wilt number. &c.. 
 
Of man's frailty and mortality. JOB, XIV. XV. 
 
 Eliphaz reprovefh Job. 
 
 18 Behold now, I have ordered my cause; 
 I know that I shall be .iustified. , 
 
 19 Who " i« he that will plead with me? 
 for now, if I hold my tongue, I shall give 
 UD the ghost. , . .. 
 
 20 Only do not two things unto me; then 
 will I not hide myself from thee. 
 
 21 Withdraw thine hand far from me; 
 and let not thy dread make me atraid: 
 
 22 Then call thou, and I will answer; or 
 let me speak, and answer thou me., 
 
 23 How many are mine miqmties ana 
 Bins? make me to know my transgression 
 
 *24 Wherefore < hidest thou thy face, and 
 boldest i me for thine enemv? . 
 
 25 Wilt * thou break a leaf dnven to and 
 frol and wiit thou pursue the dry stubble? 
 
 26 For thou writest bitter things against 
 me. and * makest me to possess the miqm- 
 ties of my youth. ^ i , • +V,„ 
 
 27 Thou "* puttest my feet also in the 
 stocks, and * lookest narrowly unto aU my 
 paths ; thou settest a print upon the & heels 
 of mv feet. , . . , 
 
 28 And he, as a rotten thing, consumetn 
 as a garment that is moth-eaten. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. . ^ ^. 
 1 Brevity of man's life. 13 Job waits for hu 
 change. 
 
 MAN that is bom of a woman is i of few 
 days, and » fuU of trouble. 
 2 He Cometh forth like a flower, and is 
 
 h ch. 33. e. 
 
 Is. 60. 8. 
 
 i Ps. 13. 1. 
 
 8.17. 
 
 n. 2. 6. 
 
 42. a 
 
 I Pa. 25. 7. 
 
 cut down: he fleeth also as a shaaow, ana 
 continueth not. 
 
 3 And « dost thou open thme eyes upon 
 such an one, and <* bnngest me into judg- 
 ment with thee? , ^,. . - 
 
 4 2 Who • can bring a clean thmg out ot 
 an unclean? not one. - j xu 
 
 6 Seeing his days are determmea, tne 
 number of his months are with thee, thou 
 hast appointed his bounds that he caxmot 
 
 *6 Turn / from him, that he may 8 rest, tUl 
 te shall accomplish, as an hirehng, his day. 
 
 7 For there is hope of a tree, it it he cut 
 down, that it will sprout again, and that 
 the tender branch thereof will not cease. 
 
 8 Though the root thereof wax old m the 
 earth, and the stock thereof die in the 
 
 % Yet through the scent of water it will 
 bud, and bring forth bouglis like a plant. 
 10 But man dieth, and * wasteth away; 
 yea, man ^iveth up the ghost, and where 
 
 *ll^As the waters fail from the sea, and 
 the flood decaveth and drieth up; 
 12 So man lieth down, and nseth not: 
 till the heavens be no more, they shaU 
 not awake, nor be raised out of theur 
 
 ^ll^fe that thou wouldest hide me in the 
 crave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, 
 until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest 
 appoint me a set time, and remember 
 
 "il'lf a man die, shall he live again? All 
 the davs of my appointed time '» will I 
 wait, till my < change come. 
 
 15 Thou > shalt call, and I will answer 
 thee: thou wUt have a desire to the work 
 of thine hands. 
 
 16 For now thou numberest my steps 
 flost thou not watch over my sin? 
 
 17 lily * transgression is sealed up in a 
 bag, and thou sewest up mine iniqmty, 
 
 CHAP. 14. 
 
 1 short of 
 
 days. 
 aEccl. 2.23. 
 b la. 40. 6. 
 
 Jam. 1. 10. 
 
 1 Pet. 1. 
 
 24. 
 e Pa. 144. 3. 
 d Pa. 143. a. 
 3 Who wlU 
 
 give? 
 « Oen. 6. 3. 
 
 Pa. 61. 5. 
 
 John 3. 6. 
 
 Rom. 5. U. 
 
 Eph. 2. 3. 
 / Ps. 39. 13. 
 
 3 ceaie. 
 
 4 is 
 weakened, 
 or, cut off. 
 
 »Ps. 102.26. 
 
 la. 51. 6. 
 
 la. 65. 17. 
 
 Is. 66. 22. 
 
 Acts 3. 21. 
 
 Rom. 8. 20. 
 
 2 Pet. 3. 7. 
 
 Rev. 20.11. 
 
 Bey. 21. 1. 
 h ch. 13. 15. 
 i Pa. 16. 10. 
 
 1 Cor. 16, 
 
 42-58. 
 j ch. 13. 23. 
 
 Ps. 50. 4. 
 
 John 6. 28. 
 
 1 Theig. 4. 
 
 16. 
 k Ho. 13. 12. 
 6 &detb. 
 6 over- 
 
 Boweat. 
 
 ( Eccl. 9. 6. 
 
 m Pa. 49. 14. 
 
 "Pro. 14. 32. 
 
 M*t. 8. 12. 
 
 CHAP. 16. 
 1 knowledge 
 
 of wind. 
 
 3 tboumak- 
 
 eat void. 
 
 3 Or, speeeh. 
 
 4 teacbeth. 
 a Pro. 8. 25. 
 6 Rom. 11.34. 
 
 1 Cor. 2. 11. 
 Och. 13. 2. 
 d ch. 32. 6. 
 e 1 Ki. 8. 46. 
 
 1 John 1.8. 
 /ch. 25.6. 
 g Pa. 14. 3. 
 A Pro. 19. 28. 
 t Gen. 18. 19. 
 > Gen. 10. 25. 
 k Joel 3. IT. 
 I Pa. 90. 12. 
 6 a sound of 
 
 fears. 
 CTlThesa. 6. 
 
 3. 
 n Fa. 6». 16. 
 cb. 18. U. 
 
 18 And surely the mountain falling & Com- 
 eth to nought, and the rock is removed 
 out of his place. 
 
 19 The waters wear the stones : thou 
 • washest away the things which grow out 
 of the dust of the earth ; and thou destroy, 
 est the hope of man. 
 
 20 Thou prevaOest for ever agamst him, 
 and he passe th: thou changest nis counte- 
 nance, and sendest him away. 
 
 21 His sons come to honour, and ' he 
 knoweth it not; and they are brought low, 
 but he perceiveth it not of them. 
 
 22 But "* his flesh upon him shaU have 
 pain, and " his soul within him shall 
 mourn. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. . ,, „ 
 1 Eliphat rtproves Job for justifying hxmstlj. 
 17 He proves the unquidness of wicked men. 
 
 rPHEN answered Eliphaz the Temanite, 
 ■*• and said, . , . , 
 
 2 Should a wise man utter i vam know- 
 ledge, and fill his belly with the east 
 
 3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk? 
 or with speeches wherewith he can do no 
 good? „ „ 
 
 4 Yea, 2 thou castest off fear, and re- 
 strainest 3 prayer before God. 
 
 5 For thy mouth * uttereth thine imqmty, 
 and thou choosest the tongue of the crafty. 
 
 6 Thine own mouth condemneth thee, 
 and not I ; yea, thine own lips testiiy 
 against thee. 
 
 7 Art thou the first man that was bom? 
 or " wast thou made before the hills? 
 
 8 Hast * thou heard the secret of God? 
 and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself? 
 
 9 What * kuowest thou, that we know 
 not? what understandest thou, which is 
 not in us? . , , , , 
 
 10 With <» ns are both the grey-headed 
 and very aged men, much elder than thy 
 father. 
 
 11 Are the consolations of God small with 
 thee? is there any secret thing with thee? 
 
 12 Why doth thine heart carry thee away? 
 and what do thy eyes wink at, . 
 
 13 That thou turnest thy spint against 
 God, and lettest such words go out of thy 
 
 M What • is man, that he should be clean? 
 and he which is bom of a woman, that he 
 should be righteous? ^ ^ ■ u- 
 
 15 Behold, /he putteth no trust m his 
 saints: yea, the heavens are not clean in 
 
 16 How' ' much more abominable and 
 filthy is man, '» which drinketh iniquity like 
 
 Tyo + pj- 2 
 
 17 I will show thee, hear me ; and that 
 icWcA I have seen I will declare; 
 
 18 Wliich wise men have told ♦ from theu: 
 fathers, and have not hid it: 
 
 19 Unto J whom alone the earth was given, 
 and * no stranger passed among them. 
 
 20 The wicked man travailetn with pain 
 all his days, « and the number of years ia 
 hidden to the oppressor. 
 
 21 A 6 dreadfol sound is in his ears: "» m 
 prosperity the destroyer shall come upon 
 
 22 He believeth not that he shall return 
 cut of darkness, and he is waited for of the 
 
 23 He ** wandereth abroad for bread, sav. 
 ing. Where is it? he knoweth that'tUe 
 day of darkness is ready at his baud. 
 
Second Speech of Elwha». 
 
 JOB, XV. 
 
 and wilt not (as now) jealously watch over 
 my sin." Thenceforward, instead of severe 
 watching for every sin of Job, God wUl guard 
 him against em*\'y sin. *' Number . . . steps," 
 i.e., minutely attend to them, that they may 
 not wander. [Umbr.I (1 Sam. 2. 9; Ps. 37. 
 23.). 17. s aledup— (ch. 9. 7.). Is shut up in 
 eternal oblivion, i.e., Ood thenceforth will 
 think no more of my former sins. To cover 
 sins is to completely forgive them (Ps. 22. l; 
 86. 2.). Purses of money in the East ai'e usu- 
 ally sealed, sewest up— Eather, "coverest:" 
 aki;i to an Arabic word " to colour over," to 
 forijet wholly. 18. cometh to nought— ii^., 
 fadeth,: a i)oetical image from a leaf (Isa. 34. 
 4.). Here Job falls back into his gloomy 
 bodings as to the grave. Instead of '"and 
 surely:" translate "yet:" marking the transi- 
 tion from his brighter hopes. Even the solid 
 mountain falls and crumbles away, man 
 therefore cannot "hope" to escape decay or 
 to live again in the vresent world (v. 19.) . out 
 of his place— So man (Ps. 103. 16). 19. Tlie 
 Hrb. order is more forcible. " Stones them- 
 selves are worn away by water." things 
 which grow out of— Rather, "floods wash away 
 the dust of tlie earth." There is a gradation 
 from " mountains" to "rocks" (v. 18,', then 
 "stones," then last "dust of the earth;" thus 
 the solid mountain at last disappears ut- 
 terly. 20. prevailest— Dost overpower by 
 superior strength, passeth— Dieth. changest 
 counteuance— The change in the visage at 
 death. Differently (Dan. 5. 9.). 21. One 
 striking trait is selected from the sad picture 
 of the severance of the dead from all that 
 passes in the world (Eccl. 9. 5,), viz., the ut- 
 ter separation of parents and children. 22. 
 "Flesh" and "soul" describe the whole man. 
 Scripture rests the hope of a future life, not 
 on the inherent immortality of the soul, but 
 on the restoration of the body with the soul. 
 In the unseen world. Job in a gloomy frame 
 anticipates, man shall be limited to the 
 tliought of his own misery. "Pain is by per- 
 sonification, from our feelings whilst alive, 
 attributed to the flesh and soul, as if the 
 man could feel in his body when dead. It is 
 the dead in general, not the wicked, who are 
 meant here. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 SECOND SERIES. 
 
 Ver. 1-35. Second Speech of Eliphaz. 
 2. a wise man— which Job claims to be. vain 
 knowledge— Heh., windy knowledge: lit., "'of 
 wind" ch. 8. 2.). In Eccl. 1. 14, Ueb. to catch 
 wind expresses to strive for what is vain, 
 east wind-Stronger than the previous "wind." 
 For in tliat region the East wind is the most 
 destructive of winds ilsa. 27. 8.). Thus here, 
 — empty violence, belly— The inward parts,the 
 breast (Pro.l8.8.j. 4. fear— Reverence for God, 
 (ch.4.G;Ps.2.11.). prayer ~MeditationinPs.l04. 
 34; so devotion. If thyviews were right.reasons 
 Eliphaz, that God disregards the afflictions 
 of the righteous and makes the wicked to 
 prosper, all devotion would be at an end. 
 5. The sophistry of thine own speeches 
 proves thy guilt. 6. No pious man would 
 utter such sentiments. 7. i.e.. Art thou icis- 
 dom personified? Wisdom existed before 
 the hills, i.e., the eternal Son of God (Prov. 
 8. 25; Ps. 90. 2.) Wast thou in existence be- 
 fore Aflam. The farther back one existed, 
 the nearer he was to the Eternal Wisdom. 
 8. secret— Rather, "Wast thou a listener m 
 t'lie secret council of God ? " The Heb. means 
 
 The State of Wicked Men^ 
 
 properly tM cushions on which a divan of 
 counsellors in the E. usually .sit. God's ser- 
 vants are admitted to God's secrets (Ps. 25. 
 14; Gen. 18. 17; John, 15. 15. . restrain— 
 Pather, didst thou take away, or borrow!, 
 thence {viz., from the Divine secret council) 
 thy wisdom? Eliphaz in this [v. 8, 9,) retorts 
 Job's words upon himself ch. 12. 2, 3; 13. 2.). 
 9. in us— Or " with us," Hebraism for vx are 
 avxire of. 10. On our side, tliinking with us 
 are the aged. Job had admitted that wisdom 
 is with them (ch. 12. 12. . Eliphaz seems to 
 have been himself older than Job; perhaps 
 the other two also were so 'ch 32. 6.1. Job 
 in ch. .30. 1, does not refer to his three friends; 
 it therefore forms no objection. The Araos 
 are proud of fulness of years. 11 cm'^ola- 
 thns — viz., the revelation which E'iphnz 
 had stated as a consolatory reproof to Job, 
 and which he repeats in v. 14. secret— Hast 
 thou some secret wisdom and source of con- 
 solation, which makes thee disregard those 
 suggested by me? d. 8.). Eather, from a du- 
 ferent Heb. root. Is the word of kindness or 
 
 gentleness addressed by me treated by thee 
 as valueless? [^Umbr.J, 12. wink— i 
 
 hy 
 
 do thy eyes evince pride? (Prov. 6. 13; Ps, 
 .35. 19.). 13. i.e., Frettest against God, and 
 lettest fall rash words. 14. Eliphaz repeats 
 the revelation (ch. 4. 17,) in substance, hut 
 using Job's own words (ch. 14. 1, Note on 
 " born of a woman,") to strike him Mith his 
 owu weapons. 15. Repeated from ch. 4. l^; 
 "servants" there are "saints' here, viz., holy 
 auL^els. heavens— Kl, or else answering to 
 "angels" (ch. 4. 18; see Note there, and cIk 
 25. 5.). 16. filthy— In Arabic sottr*(Ps. 14. 3; 
 53. 3,', corrupted from his ori.inal purity, 
 drinketli— (Prov. 19. 28.). 17. In direct con- 
 tradiction of Job's position (ch. 12. 6, kc.,) 
 that the lot of the wicked was the most 
 prosperous here, Eliphaz appeals (1,; to his 
 own experience, (2,' to the wisdom of the 
 ancients. 18. Rather, "and which as handed 
 down from their lathers, they have not con- 
 cealed. • 19. Eliphaz speaks like a genuine 
 Arab when he boasts that his ancestors 
 had ever possessed the land unnuxed with 
 foreigners. [UmbrJ His words are in- 
 tended to oppose Job's (ch. 9. 24,); "the 
 earth" in their case was not " given into the 
 hand of the wicked." He refers to the divi- 
 sion of the earth by Divine appointment 
 (Gen. 10. 5, 25. 32.). Also he may insinuate 
 that Job's sentiments had been corrupted 
 from original purity by his vicinity to the 
 Sabeans and Chaldeans. [Eos.] 20. travail- 
 eth— P^ather, " trembleth of himself," though 
 there is no real danger. [Umbr.] i^ndtne 
 number of his) years, &c.— This gives the 
 reason why the wicked man trembles con- 
 tinually, viz., because he knows not the mo- 
 ment when his life must end. 21. An evil 
 conscience conceives alarm at every sudden 
 sound, though it be in a time of peace 
 (" prosperity,") when there is no real danger 
 (Lev. 26. 36; Prov. 28. 1; 2 Ki. 7. 6.). 22. dark- 
 ness— ^•^z., danger or calamity. Glancing at 
 Job who despaired of restoration: in contrast 
 to good men when in darkness (Mic. 7. 8, 9.). 
 waited for of— i.e.. He is destined for the 
 sword. [Ges.] Rather, (in the night oi 
 danger) he looks anxiously toivards the 
 sword," as if every sword was drawn against 
 him. [Umbr.I 23. Wandereth in anxious 
 search for bread. Famine in O. T., depicts 
 sore need (Isa. 6. 13.J. Contrast tlie pious 
 
Jbb lemoans his ealemities, JOB, XVI, XVTl, XVIIL 
 
 and asserts his innocence. 
 
 24 Trouble and ancruish shall make him | b. c. 1620. 
 
 afraid ; they shall prevail against hiin, as a | 
 
 king ready to the battle. I chap. 15. 
 
 25 For he stretchcth out his hand against P^'- "• lo- 
 God, and stifiigtheneth himself against 
 the Almighty. 
 
 26 He runneth upon him, even on his 
 neck, upon the thick bosses of his bucklers ; 
 . 27 Because*' he covereth his tace with his 
 fatness, and maketh collops of fat on his 
 
 28 And he dweUeth in desolate cities, and 
 in houses which no man inhabiteth, which 
 are ready to become heaps. 
 
 29 He shall not be rich, neither shall his 
 substance continue, neither shall he pro- 
 long the perfection thereof upon the earth. 
 
 30 He shall not depart out of darkness: 
 the flame shall dry up his branches; and 
 by « the breath of his mouth shall he go 
 away. 
 
 31 Let not him that is deceived ♦" trust in 
 vanity; for vanity shjill be his recompence. 
 
 32 It shall be 6 accumjilished * before his 
 time, and his branch shall not be green. 
 
 33 He shall shake otf his unripe grape as 
 the Aine, and shall cast off his flower as 
 the olive. 
 
 34 For ' the congregation of hjTocrites 
 shall be desolate, and fire shall consume 
 the tabernacles of bribery. 
 
 35 They " conceiA e mischief, and bring 
 forth 1 vanity, and their belly prepareth 
 deceit. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 1 Job reproves ?iis frieruit forttnmercifulness I 17 
 
 he asserts hia mnoceney. 
 
 T^HEN Job answered and said. 
 
 21 have heard m:iny such things: l mi- 
 Berable comforters are ye all. 
 
 3 Shall 2 vain words have an end? or 
 what embo-ldeneth thee that thou answer- 
 est? 
 
 4 I also could speak as ye do: if your soul 
 •were in my souls stead, I coiild heap up 
 
 words against you, and * shake mme head 
 at you. 
 
 5 B\it I would strengthen you with my 
 mouth, and the moving of my lips should 
 asswage your grief. 
 
 6 Though I speak.'my grief is not asswaged ; 
 and though I forbear, 3 what am I eased? 
 
 7 But now he hath made me weary: thou 
 hast made desolate all my company. 
 
 8 And thou hast tilled me with wiinkles, 
 tvhioh is a witness against me: and my 
 leanness rising up in me beareth witness 
 to my face. 
 
 9 He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth 
 me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; 
 mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes ujion me. 
 
 10 They have * gaped upon me with their 
 mouth; they* have smitten me upon the 
 cheek reproachfully; they have <* gathered 
 themselves together against me. 
 
 11 God * hath delivered me to the ungodly, 
 and turned me over into the hands of the 
 wicked. 
 
 12 I was at ease, but he hath broken me 
 asunder: he hath also taken vie by my 
 neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me 
 ni> for his mark. 
 
 13 His archers compass me round about; 
 fae cleaveth my reins asunder, and doth 
 not spare : he poureth out my gall upon 
 the ground. 
 
 14 He breaketh me Avith breach upon 
 breach; be ruimeth upon me like a giant. 
 
 q ch. 4. 9. 
 r l8. 69. 4. 
 6 Or, cut ofl 
 
 Pa. 66. 23. 
 t U. 33. 14. 
 « Pi. 7. 14. 
 
 Is. 59. 4. 
 
 Ho. 10. 13 
 7 Or. 
 
 iniquity. 
 
 CHAP. 16. 
 
 1 Or, troub- 
 lesome. 
 
 2 words of 
 wind. 
 
 a P3 "2. 7. 
 Pa. 1(« 25. 
 La. 2. 15. 
 
 3 what gocth 
 from mo? 
 
 b P» 22. 13. 
 c Lam. 3. 3D. 
 
 Mic. 6. 1. 
 d Pa. 36. 15. 
 
 4 hath shut 
 me up. 
 ch. 1. 16, 
 17. 
 
 e Pa. 7. 6. 
 /ch. 27. 8. 
 
 Ps. 66. 18, 
 
 19. 
 Bnm. 1. 9. 
 
 1 Thes8.2.5. 
 
 5 in the high 
 
 ficornere. 
 h ch. 31. 35. 
 Eccl.8.10. 
 Is. 45 9. 
 Kom.9. 20. 
 
 7 Or, friend. 
 
 8 years of 
 number. 
 
 4 Eccl. 12. 6. 
 
 CHAP. 17. 
 
 1 Or, spirit 
 
 « Pa. 83. 3,4. 
 
 2 lodge. 
 
 A 1 Sa. 1. 6. 
 « Prov. 6. 1. 
 d ch. 30. 9. 
 
 3 Or, before 
 thorn. 
 
 4 Or, my 
 thoughta. 
 
 e Prov. 4. is. 
 
 1 Pet. 1. 6. 
 / Pa. 24. 4. 
 6 ahall add 
 
 gtrength. 
 9 cli. 6. 29. 
 h ch. 7. 6. 
 
 ch. 0. 25. 
 6 tlie poa- 
 
 aeaaions. 
 
 8 cried, or, 
 
 called. 
 i 2 Cor. 1. 9. 
 j ch. 18.13. 
 k ch. 3. 17. 
 
 CHAP. 13. 
 » ch. 13. 14. 
 
 15 I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, 
 and * defiled my horn in the dust. 
 
 16 My face is foul with weeping, and ou 
 my eyelids is the shadow of d^ath; 
 
 17 JS'ot for any injustice in mine hands : 
 also my prayer is pore. 
 
 18 O earth, cover not thou my blood, and 
 let/ my cry have no place. 
 
 19 Also now, behold, " my witness is in 
 heaven, and my record is 6 on high. 
 
 20 My friends 6 scorn me: but mine eye 
 poureth out tears unto God. 
 
 21 Oh '' that one might plead for a man 
 with God, as a man pleadeth for his ' neigh- 
 bom-! 
 
 22 When 8 a few years are come, then I 
 shall » go the way whence 1 shall not re- 
 turn. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 1 Job appeals from men io God. 6 The unnureiftil 
 
 dealing of men with the afflicted may astonish, 
 
 fct«{ not discourags the rigiiteotis. U Job's hope. 
 
 TV/IY 1 breath is comipt, my days are ex- 
 
 ■^ ■*- tinct, " the graves are ready for me. 
 
 2 Are there not mockers witli me? and 
 doth not mine eye 2 continue in their 
 i provocation? 
 
 3 Lay down now, put me in a surety with 
 thee ; who is he that " will strLke hands 
 with me? 
 
 4 For thou hast hid their heart from 
 understanding: therefore shalt thou not 
 exalt them. 
 
 5 He that speaketh flattery to his friends, 
 even the eyes of his children shall fail. 
 
 6 He hath made me also d a byword of 
 the people; and 3 aforetime I was as a 
 tabret. 
 
 7 Mine eye also is dim by reason of sor- 
 row, and all * my members are as a shadow. 
 
 8 Upright men shall be astoiued at this, 
 and the innocent shaU stir up himself 
 against the hypocrite. 
 
 9 The * righteous also shall hold on his 
 way, and he that hath /clean hands 5 shall 
 be stronger and stronger. 
 
 10 But as for you ail, " do ye return, and 
 come now: for I cannot find one wise man 
 among you. 
 
 11 ily " days are past, my purposes are 
 broken otT, even 6 the thoughts of my heart. 
 
 12 They change the night into day: the 
 light is 7 short because of darkness. 
 
 13 If I wait, the grave is m.hie house: I 
 have made my bed in the darkness. 
 
 14 I have 8 said to corruption, Thou art 
 my father; to the worm. Thou art my 
 mother, and my sister. 
 
 15 And where is now my hope? as for my 
 hope, who shall see it? 
 
 16 They ' shall go do^vn J' to the bars of the 
 pit, when our * rest together is in the dust, 
 
 CHAPTER XVm. 
 I Bjldad reproves Job for prefmnption and im- 
 patience. 6 Calamitiei of the xuicked. 
 
 fVllEN answered Bildad the Shuhite,and 
 •^ said, 
 
 2 How long will it he ere ye make an end 
 of words? mark, and afterwards we will 
 speak, 
 
 3 Wherefore are we counted as beasts, and 
 reputed vile m your sight? 
 
 4 He ° teareth i himself in his anger: shall 
 the earth be forsaken for thee? and shall 
 the rock be removed out of his place? 
 
 5 2 Yea, <> the light of the wicked shall b« 
 put out, and the spark of his Are shall not 
 shine. 
 
Job Reproves His FHcnds JOB, XVI. 
 
 man'slot ch. 6. 20-22.1. knoweth-Has the firm 
 conviction. Contrast the same -word applied 
 to the pious ;ch. 6. 24,26.:. ready rt his hand 
 —An Arabic phrase to denote a thing's com- 
 pldr reudincsa and full prfixevce, as if in the 
 hand. 24. prevail — - Break upon him sud- 
 denly and terribly, as a king, A-c. iProv.6. 
 11.;. 25. stretcheth . . . hand— Wielding the 
 spear, as a bold rebel against God (ch. 9. 4; 
 Lsa. i'7. 4.1. 26. on his neck— Bather, "with 
 outstretched neck," mz.. that of the rebel. 
 flJMBK.] (Fs. 76. 5.) upon . . . bucl<lers— 
 Bather, "wifh— his (the rebel's, not God's) 
 bucklers." The rebel and his fellows are 
 depicted as joining shields together, to form 
 a compact covering over their heads against 
 the weapons hurled on them from a fortress. 
 [Umbr. & Ges.I 27. The well nourished 
 body of the rebel is the sij^n of his prosper!' y. 
 coilops.—il/ ass' .s of fat. He pampers and 
 fattens himself with sensual indulgences. 
 Hence his rebellion against God (Deu. 32. 15; 
 1 ISam. 2. 29.). 28. The class of wicked here de- 
 scribed is thatof robbers who plunder' cities." 
 and seize on the houses of the banished citi- 
 zens lsa. 13. 20.1. Eliphaz chooses this class, 
 because Job had chosen the same (ch. 12. 
 6.;. heaps— Of ruins. 29. Bather, he shall 
 not increase his riches : he has reached his 
 highest point: his prosperity shall hot con- 
 tinue, perfection — Bather, "His acquired 
 wcaHh —whsit he possesses— shaU not be ex- 
 tended" &c. 30. depart— i. e., escape ,«. 22, 
 23.). branches— ^• (2., his ofl'spring ch. 1. IS, 
 19; Ps. 37. 35.1. dry up— The "flame" is the 
 sultry Avind in the £. by m hich plants most 
 full of sap are suddenly slirivelled. His 
 mouth — i.e., God's wrath (lsa. 11. 4.). 31. 
 Bather, let him not trust in var ity or he will 
 be deceived, &c. vanitv — That which is 
 unsubstantial. Sin is its own punishment 
 (Prov. 1. 31: Jer. 2. 19.). 32. lit, "it {the tree 
 to which he is compared v. 30. or else his 
 life, shall not be filled up in its time:" i.e., 
 " he shall be ended before his time." shall 
 not be Kreen— Image from a withered tree: 
 the cMldless extinction of the wicked. 33. 
 Images of incompleteness. The loss of the 
 unripe grapes is poetically made the vine 
 tree's own act, in order to express more 
 pointedly that the sinner's ruin is the fruit 
 of his own conduct (lsa. 3. 11; Jer. 6. 19.). 34. 
 Bather, The binding together of the hypo- 
 crites iwicked shall be fruitless. [Umbr.] 
 Tabernacles of bribery, viz., dwellings of 
 unjust judges, otten reprobated in the O. T'. 
 (lsa. 1. 23.). The "fire of ' iod" that consumed 
 Job's possessions (ch. l. 16.) Eliphaz insinu- 
 ates may have been o\\ account of Job's 
 bribery as an Arab sheikh or emir. Zb. 
 Bitter irony, illustrating the "unfruitful- 
 ness [v. 34,) of the wicked. Their conceptions 
 and birth-givings consist solely in mischief, 
 &c. (lsa. 33. 11.). werareth— Hatcheth. 
 CHATTEB XVI. 
 
 SECOND SEKIES, 
 
 Ver. 1-22. Job's Bkply. 2. (ch. 13. 4.}. 3. 
 "Words of wind," Heb. He retorts uvion 
 Eliphaz his reproach (ch. 15. 2.). smbMdeneth 
 — i'i., What wearies you so that ye contra- 
 dict? i.e.. What have I said to provoke you? 
 «fcc. [Sen.] Or, as better accords with the 
 first clause, "wherefore di ye weary your- 
 selves contradicting." [Umbe.] 4. heap up 
 —Bather, marshal together (an army of; 
 words, shake 1 ead— in mockery: it means 
 wocidmy, rather than sMking: nodding is not 
 368 
 
 For Uvinerriftilness. 
 
 with us, a,? in the East, a tesrure of sci.tti 
 (lsa. ,37. 22; Jer. 18. 16: Matt. i.'7. ;;9. . 5. 
 st'engtlien with nfiouth— Bitter iiony. In al- 
 lusion to Ehphaz's boasted "consolations" 
 ;ch. 15. 11.). Opposed to, strengthening with 
 the heart, i.e., with real consolation. Transl. 
 " I also (like you; could strengthen with the 
 moufh," i.e., with heartless talk: "And the 
 moving of my lii)s (mere lip-comfnrt could 
 console" (in the same fashion as you do. . 
 [Umbr.] "Hearty counsel" Prov. 27. 9,) is 
 the opposite. 6. eased— /if., What portion of 
 my sufieringsl goes from me? 7. But luw- 
 Bather, "ah!" he— God. c^mrany- Bather, 
 "band of tntnesses," viz., those M'ho could 
 attest his innocence, his children, servants. 
 <fec. So the same Heb. is translated next 
 V. Umbr. makes his "band of witnesses" 
 himself, for alas ! he had no other to wit- 
 ness for him. But this is too recondite. 8. 
 filled with wrinkles — Bather (as also the 
 same Heb. word in ch. 22. ifi: E. V., 
 " cut down,"), " thou hast feHered me, 
 thy witness," [besides cutting off my "band 
 of witnesses," v. 7,'. i.e., hast disabled me by 
 pains from properly attesting my innocence. 
 But another "w^itness" ai'ises against him, 
 viz., his "leanness" or wretched state of 
 body, construed by his friends into a proof 
 of his guilt. The radical meaning of the 
 Heb. is to draw together, whence flow the 
 double meanings to bind or Jetter, and in 
 Syr. to wrinkle, leanness— meaning also lie; 
 implying it was a, false "witness." 9. Image 
 from a wild beast. So God is represented 
 (ch. 10. 16.;. who hate'.h me— Bather, "and 
 pursues me hard." Job would not ascribe 
 "hatred" to God (Ps. 50. 22.). mine en^my— 
 Bather, he sharpens, &c., as an enemy" (Ps. 
 7. 12.). Darts wrathful glances at me, like a 
 foe (ch. 13. 24.). 10. gapet— not in order to 
 devour, but to mock him. To fill his cup of 
 misery, the mockery of bis friends [v. 10.) is 
 added to the hostile treatment from God iv. 
 9.). smitten . . . cheek— fig., for contemptu- 
 ous abuse (Lam. 3. 30; Matt. 6. 39.). gath- 
 ered tliemselves— " Conspired unanimously." 
 [ScH.] 11. turned me over— H^., cast me head- 
 long into, &c. the ungodly — viz., his profes- 
 sed friends.who persecuted him with unkind 
 speeches. 12. I w;<s at ease— in past times 
 (ch. 1.). by my neck— as an animal does its 
 prey (so ch. 10. 16.). shaken- violently; in 
 contrast to his foniier "ease" (Ps. 102. 10.). 
 Set me up {again}, mark— (ch. 7. 20; Lam. 
 3. 12.). God lets me always recover strength, 
 so as to torn ent me ceaselessly. 13. his 
 archers— The image of last v. is continued. 
 God, in making me His "mark," is accom- 
 panied by the three friends, v hose words 
 w'ound like sharp arrows, gall— put for a 
 vital part. So the liver (Lam. 2. 1).). 14. 
 The image is from storming a fortress by 
 making breaches in the walls (2 Ki. 14. 13.). a 
 giaiiT— a mighty warrior. 15. sev/ed— denot- 
 ing the tight fiit of the mourning garment: it 
 was a sack with arm-holes closdy sewed to 
 the body, horn— image from horned cattle, 
 which when excited tear the earth with their 
 horns. The horn was the emblem ci poxoer; 
 (1 Ki, 22. 11.). Here, it is "in the dust!' 
 which as applied to Joli denotes 7/ is humili- 
 ation from former greatness. To throw one's 
 self in the dust was a sign of raourning: this 
 idea is here joined with that of excited de- 
 s]>air, depicted by the fury of a horned beast. 
 The Druses of Lebanon still wear horns as 
 
Eildad reproves Job. 
 
 JOB, XIX, XX. 
 
 Job complains of his friendt. 
 
 6 The lifrht shall be dark in his tabernacle, 
 and his ^ caudle shall be put out with him. 
 
 7 The steps of his strength shall be strait- 
 ened, and his own counsel shall cast him 
 down. 
 
 8 For he is cast into a net by his own feet, 
 and he %valketh upon a snare. 
 
 9 The gin shull take him by the heel, a7i<i 
 the robber shall prevail asauist him. 
 
 10 The snare is * laid for him in the 
 gromid, and a trap for him in the way. 
 
 11 Tenors " shall make him alraid on 
 every side, and shaU 5 drive him to his feet. 
 
 12 Ills strength shall be hunger-bitten, 
 and <i destruction shall be ready at his side. 
 
 13 It shall devour the 6 strent^h of his 
 skin: even the first-bom of death shall de- 
 vour his strength. 
 
 ■ 14 His * confidence shall be rooted out of 
 his tabernacle, and it shall bring him to 
 thekingof teiTors. 
 
 15 It shaU dwell in his tabernacle, because 
 it is none of his:/ brimstone shall be scat- 
 tered upon his habitation. 
 
 16 His roots shall be dried up beneath, 
 and above shall his branch be cut oflT. 
 
 17 His ^ remembrance shall perish from 
 the earth, and he shall have no name in 
 the street. 
 
 . 18 He 7 shall be driven from light into 
 darkness, and chased out of the world. 
 
 19 He '' shall neither have son nor nephew 
 among his people, nor any remaining in 
 his dwellings. 
 
 20 They tbat come after him shall be as- 
 tonied at his day, as they that 8 went be- 
 fore 9 were affrighted. 
 
 21 Surely snch are the dwellings of the 
 wicked, and this is the place of him that 
 knoweth » not God. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 1 Job complains of his friends' cruelty i W his be- 
 
 ^_^ lief %n the resurrection. 
 
 'THEN Job answered and said, 
 ■*- 2 How long will ye vex my soul, and 
 break me in pieces with words? 
 
 3 These ten times have ye reproached me: 
 ye are not ashamed that ye i make your- 
 selves strange to me. 
 
 4 And be it indeed that 1 have erred, 
 mine error remaineth isith mvself. 
 
 5 If indeed ye ynW. magnify yourselves 
 against me, and plead against me my re- 
 proach; 
 
 6 Know now that God hath overthrown 
 me, and hath compassed me with his net. 
 
 7 Behold, I cry out of 2 wrong, but 1 am 
 not heard: I cry aloud, but there is no 
 judgment. 
 
 ' 8 He hath fenced up my way that I can- 
 not pass, and he hath set darkness in my 
 paths. 
 
 9 He hath stripped me of my glory, and 
 taken the crown from my head. 
 
 10 He hath destroyed me on every side, 
 and I am gone ; and mine hope hath he re- 
 moved like a tree. 
 
 11 He hath also kindled his wrath against 
 me, and he counteth me unto him as one of 
 bis enemies. 
 
 12 His troops come together, and raise up 
 their way against me, and encamp round 
 about my tabernacle. 
 
 13 He hath put my brethren far from me, 
 and mine acquaintance are verily estranged 
 from me. 
 
 14 Vijj kinsfolk have failed, and my fami- 
 Uar friends have forgotten me. 
 
 9 Uid hold 
 
 t Jer. 9. 3. 
 Jer. 10. 25 
 1 Thea«.4.5 
 2The8».1.8 
 Tit. 1. 16. 
 
 CHAP. 19. 
 
 1 Or, harden 
 yourselvee 
 ■gainat 
 
 2 Or,' 
 TioloDce. 
 
 3 my belly. 
 1 Or, the 
 
 wicked. 
 
 6 the men of 
 
 my secret. 
 
 6 Or, as. 
 
 7 Who wiU 
 give, etc. 
 
 8 Or, After 1 
 shall 
 
 thou^ 
 this body 
 be destroy- 
 ed, yet out 
 of rny flesh 
 shall 1 see 
 God. 
 
 a Kora.8.28. 
 
 M's.n. 15. 
 1 Cor. 13. 
 12. 
 1 John 3. 2. 
 
 9 a stranger. 
 
 10 Or, my 
 
 Debt desire 
 tfor that 
 dav.l 
 
 11 in'my 
 
 12 Or, and 
 what root 
 
 CHAP. 20. 
 
 1 my haste 
 is in me. 
 
 2 from near. 
 
 3 cloud. 
 
 i Or, The 
 poor shall 
 oppress bis 
 children. 
 
 6 in the 
 midst of 
 bit paUt«. 
 
 15 They that dwell in mine house, and my 
 maids, count me for a stranger: 1 am an 
 alien in their sight. 
 
 16 I called my servant, and he gave me 
 no answer; I entreated him with mj 
 mouth. 
 
 17 My breath is strange to my wife, though 
 
 1 entreated for the children's safce of 3 mine 
 own body. 
 
 18 Yea, * }oung children despised me; I 
 arose, and they spake against me. 
 
 19 All 6 my inward friends abhorred me; 
 and they whom I loved are turned against 
 me. 
 
 20 My bone cleaveth to my skin 6 and to 
 my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin 
 of m V teeth. 
 
 21 Have pity upon me, have pity upon 
 me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God 
 hath touched me. 
 
 22 Why do ye persecute me as God, and 
 are not satisfied with my flesh? 
 
 23 7 Oh that my words were now written! 
 oh that they were printed in a book! 
 
 24 That they were graven with an iron 
 pen and lead in the rock for ever! 
 
 25 For " I know that my Redeemer liveth, 
 and that he shall stand at the latter day 
 upon the earth: 
 
 26 8 And thmtgh after my skin tcorms de- 
 stroy this body, yet * in my flesh shall I see 
 God: 
 
 27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine 
 eyes shall behold, and not 9 another; 
 1" thcmgh my reins be consumed n within 
 me. 
 
 28 But ye should say, "W hy persecute we 
 him, 12 seeing the root of the matter ia 
 found in me? 
 
 29 Be ye afraid of the sword: for wrath 
 hringeth the punishments of the sword, 
 that ye may know tJi^re w a judgment. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 Zovhar shows the state and portion of the vjieJced, 
 fpiIEN answered Zophar theJ»aamatliite, 
 and said, 
 
 2 Therefore do my thoughts cause me to 
 answer, and f r this 1 1 make haste. 
 
 3 I have heard the check of my reproach, 
 and the spirit of my understandmg canseth 
 me to answer. 
 
 4 Knowest thou not this of old, since man 
 was placed upon earth, 
 
 5 1 nat the triumphing of the wicked is 
 
 2 short, and the joy of the hi-pocrite biU 
 for a moment? 
 
 6 Though his excellency mount up to the 
 heavens, and his head reach unto the 
 
 3 clouds ; 
 
 7 Yet he shall perish for ever like his own 
 dung: they which have seen him shaU say, 
 Where is he? 
 
 8 He shall fly away as a dream, and shall 
 not be found ; yea, he shall be chased away 
 as a \1sion of the night. 
 
 9 The eye also rvhich saw him shall see 
 him no more ; neither shall his place any 
 more behold him. 
 
 10 4 His children shall seek to please the 
 poor, and his hands shall resttjce their 
 gooils. 
 
 11 His bones are full of the sin of his 
 youth, which shall lie down with him in 
 the dust. 
 
 12 Though wickedness be sweet m his 
 mouth, tho-iigh he liide it under his tongue; 
 
 13 Though he snare it, and forsake it uot^ 
 but keep it still » vritliiu his mouth; 
 
Jdthi Ansrver Contintied. 
 
 JOB, xvn. 
 
 Eis Hope in Death.^ 
 
 «n ornament. 16. foul— Eather. "isred," i.e.. i (see note 16. 21.). strike hands— "who else 
 flushed and heated. [Umbk. &No-x.J shadow I (save God Himself) could stiike hands with 
 of death-i.e.. darkening through many tears me?" i.e.. be my security (Ps. 119. 122.). The 
 (Lam. 5. 17.). Job here refers to Zophar's , Hebrew strikes the hand of him for whom 
 implied charge (ch. 11. 14.). :Nearly the same I he goes security (Proy. 6 1.). 4. their heart- 
 words occu' as to Jesus Clirist (Isa. 53. 9.), ' The intellect of his friends, shalt . . , exalt- 
 So V. 10 above answers to the description of i Rather imperative, exalt them not. Allow 
 •lesns Christ (Ps. 12. 13; Isa. 50. 6; and v. 4, to j thein not to conquer [Umbr.J (Isa. 6. 9, 10.). 
 Ps. 22. 7.). He alone realized what Job as- ' 5. The Heb. (or flatten/ is smoothness: then it 
 pired after, viz., outward righteousness of i came to mean a j^rei/ divided by (olt, because 
 acts and inward purity of devotion. Jesus | a smooth stone was used in casting the lots 
 Chrisi as the representative man is tjoiified ; (Deut.lS.S.), "a portion" (Gen.14.21.).. ihere- 
 in some degree in every servant of God m the j fore transl. " He that delivers up hi 
 
 O. T. 18. my blood- 
 
 „ „ slrieiid 
 
 my undeserved suf- as a prey (which the conduct of my friends 
 
 fering. He compares himself to one mur- implies that they would do), even the eyes,' 
 deied, whose blood the earth refuses to! &c. [Nov.] (ch. ih 20.). Job says this as to 
 drink up until he is avenged (Gen. 4. 10, 11; the sinner's children, retorting upon their 
 Ez. 24. 1, 8; Isa. 26. 21.).. The Arabs say that 1 reproach as to the cutting off ot his (ch. 5. 4; 
 the dew of heaven will not descend on a spot j 15. 30.). This accords witli the O. T. dispen- 
 watered with innocent blood (cf. 2 Ham. 1. sation of legal retribution (Ex. 20. 5.). 6. He 
 21.). no place— no resting-place. "May my —God. Tlie poet reverentially suppresses 
 cry never stop!" May it go abroad ! " Earth" the name of God, when speaking of calami- 
 in this v. in antithesis to "heaven" {v. 19.). ; ties inflicted, byeword— (Deut. 28. 37; Ps. 
 May my innocence be as well known to ?Hcm, 69. 11.). My awful punishment makes my 
 as it is even now to God! 19. Also now— even name execrated everywhere, as if I must 
 now when 1 am so greatly misunderstood on , have been superlatively bad to have earned 
 earth, God in heaven is sensible of my inno- 1 it. aforetime . . . tabret— As David was hon- 
 cence. recori.— Heb., my loitness. Amidst|oured (lSam.18. 6.). Eather from a different 
 all his impatience, Job still trusts in God. Heb. root^ "I am treated to my face as an ob- 
 20. Heb., more forcibly, "my mockers— my ject of disgust." Lit., an objectto be spit upon 
 
 14.). So Raca means 
 
 „ [Umbr.] 7. (Ps. 6. 7; 31. 9; 
 
 attestation of his innocence ; plaintively Deut. 34. 7.). members— ?if., figures; aU the 
 with te I rful eye be supplicates for this. 21. individual members being peculiar ^or-ms 
 one— Eather, He (God). "O that He would of the body: opposed to "shadow," which 
 plead for a man (viz. me) against God." Job \ looks like a figure without solidity. 8. asto- 
 
 , forcibly, "my mockers— my , 
 
 friends!" A heart-cutting paradox! [Umer.] in the Jace (Nu.__12 
 God alone remains to whom he can look for i (Matt. 6. 22.) 
 
 quaintly says, God must support me against ; nied— at my unmerited sufferings. aga,mst 
 God: for He makes me to suffer, and He! the hypocrite— The upright shall feel their 
 alone knows me to be innocent. [Umbk.] i sense of justice wounded ( 'wiU be mdig- 
 So God helped Jacob in wrestling against ; nant") because of the prosperity of the wick- 
 Himself (ch. 23. 6; Gen. 32. 25.). God in Jesus , ed. By " hypocrite" or " ungodly" he perhaps 
 Christ does plead with God for man (Eom. 8. i glances at his false friends. 9. The strength 
 26, 27.). as a man— ^i^., the Son of man. Ajof religious principle is heightened by mi? 
 prefiguring of the advocacy of Jesus Christ— , fortune. The pious shall take fresh courage 
 a boon longed for by Job (ch. 9. 33,), though : to persevere from the example of suffering 
 
 the_ spiritual pregnancy of his ^ovyu words, ! Job, 
 
 ^, „ ^ , The image is from a warrior acquiring 
 
 designed for all ages, was but little under-; new courage in action (Isa. 40 30, 31; Pliil. 1. 
 
 stood by him (Ps. 80. 17.). for his neighbourly.). 10. "Eeturn." If you have anything 
 —Heb.,friend. Job himseK (ch. 42. 8,) plead- to advance really wise, though I doubt it, re- 
 ed as intercessor for his "friend," though commence your speech. For as yet I cannot 
 'his scorners" {v. 20,): so Jesus Christ the findone wise man among you all. ll.Onlydo 
 
 Son of man (Lu.23 
 15. 1.3-1.5.). 22. few . . 
 Le., few, opposed to mimberless (Gen 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 Ver. 1-16. Job's Answer Continued 
 
 34,1 ; " for friends " (John. ' not vainly speak of the restoration of health 
 
 7— lit., " years of number' to me; for " my days are past." broken off— 
 
 o numberless (Gen. 34. 30.). As the threads of the web cut off from the 
 
 "'~ loom (Isa. 38. 12.). thoughts— Zii.,po>ses6"io?ts, 
 
 „. ^ ^„. . , ^^ „„ _^„ I i.e., all the feeUngs and fair hopes which my 
 
 1. breath-corrupt— result of elephantiasis, heart once nourished. These belong to the 
 
 But [Umbr.I "my strength (spirit) is spent." heart, as "purposes" to the understanding: 
 
 extinct— Life is compared to an expiring the two together here describe the entire 
 
 light. "The light of my day is extinguished.^' inner man. 12. They — viz., my friends 
 
 graves — i^kir., to heighten the force. 2. would change the night into day, i.e., would 
 
 [IJMBR.JmoreemphaticaUy. "hadloiUy not try to persuade me of the change of my 
 
 to endure mockery, in che midst of their con- misery into joy, which is impossible, [Umb.I 
 
 tevtions I (mine eye) would remain quiet." (ch. 11. 17,) (but) the light of prosperity (could 
 
 " Eye continue," or tarry all night (Heb.), it be enjoyed,) would be short because of 
 
 is a figure taken from sleep at night, to ex- the darkness of adversity Or better for 
 
 press imdisturbed rest: opposed to (ch. 16. " short," the Heb. ' near; ' and the light of 
 
 20,), when the eye of Job is represented as new prosperity should be near in the face of 
 
 " i without rest 3. (before) the darkness of death; i.e., they 
 
 ^ .„., ^pledge or security, i.e., be would nersuade me that light is near, even 
 
 my surety; do thou attest my innocence, though darkness approaches. 13. Esther, if 
 
 pouring out tears to God 
 Lay down 
 
 Both I wait for this gi-ave (scheol, or the unseen 
 
 since my friends only niocfc me (v. 2.). , ^ , ,. ^ ^. , 
 
 litigating parties had to lay down a sum as world) as my house, and make my bed in tho 
 security before the trial, put me in surety— darkness {v. 14,) and say to corruption," 
 Provide a surety for me (in the trial) with rather, <o<7iepi(, oromt'e, &c.,(y.l5.). Where, 
 thee. A presage of the " surety" (Heb. 7. 22,), • then, is my hope? [Umbr.] The apodosis ia 
 
 'one Mediator between God and man att?. 15. 14. Tiiouajrtmy fatter. &c.— Express 
 
 art] 
 
Reply of Bildad. 
 
 JOB, xvin. XIX. 
 
 Job's Reply to Sildad, 
 
 ing most intimate connexion (Prov. 7. 4.). 
 His diseased state made him closely akin to 
 the grave and worm. 15. Who shall see it 
 fulfilled? viz„ the "hope" (eh. 11. 18,1, which 
 they held out to him of restoration. 16. 
 Tliey— viz.. my hopes, sliall be buried with 
 me. bars— (Isa. 38. 10.). Eather, the vjastes, 
 or solitudes of the pit (scheol, the unseen 
 world.), rest together— The rest of me and my 
 hopes is in, &c. Both expire together. The 
 word "rest" implies that man's ceaseless 
 hopes only rob him of rest. 
 
 CHAl'TKR XVin. 
 
 SECOND SERIES. 
 
 Ver. 1-21. EbplyofBildad. 2. ye— T/ie 
 other t^vo friends of Job, whom Bildad charges 
 with having spoken mere " words," i.e., 
 empty speeches: opposed to "mark," i.e., 
 come to reason, consider the question intel- 
 ligently: aid then let us speak. 3. bensts— 
 AUudiiig to what Job said (ch. 12. 7; so Isa. 1. 
 3.). vile— Eather, from a Heb. root to stop tip. 
 "Stubborn," answering to the stupidity im- 
 plied in the parallel first clause. [Umbr.] 
 V\ hy should we give occasion by your empty 
 lib 
 
 speeches for our being mutually reputed in 
 the sight of J ob, and one another, iminteUi- 
 gentv ,ch. 17. 4, lO.). 4. Eather, turning to 
 Job, " thou that tearest thyseli in anger ich. 
 5. 2.). be forsaken— Become desolate. He al- 
 ludes here to Job's words as to the " rock," 
 &c., crumbling away ich. 14. 18, 19,;; but in a 
 different application. He says biiteily "for 
 thee." Wert thou not punislied as thou art, 
 and as thou art unwilling to bear, the eternal 
 order of the universe would be disturbed, 
 and the earth become desolate through un- 
 avenged wickedness. [Umbr.] Bildad takes 
 it for granted Job is a great sinner (ch. 8. 3-6; ' 24.) 
 Isa. 24. 5, 6.). "ShaU that which stands fast 
 as a rock be removed for your special accom- 
 modation?" 5. That {V. 4,) cannot be. The 
 decree of God is unalterable, the light (pros- 
 perity) of tlie wicked shall at length be put 
 out. his fire— Alluding to Arabian hospitality, 
 which prided itself on welcoming the stranger istence 
 to the fire in the tent, and even lit fires to 14. 22 ^ 
 direct him to it. The ungodly shall be de- 
 prived of the means to show hospitality. His 
 dwelling shaU be dark and desolate! 6. 
 candle— The lamp which in the E. is usually 
 fastened to the ceiling. Oil abounds in those 
 regions, and the lamp was kept burning all 
 night, as now in Egypt, where the poorest 
 wou.ld rather dispense with tood, than the 
 night-lamp (Ps. 18. 28.). To put out the 
 lamp was an image of utter desolation. 7. 
 "Steps of strength." Heb. for. His strong 
 steps. A firm step marks health. To be 
 straitened in steps is to be no longer able to 
 move about at will Prov. 4. 12 ). his own 
 counsel- Or plans shall be the means of Ids 
 fall ich. 5. 13.). 8. he walketh upon— Eather, 
 "he lets himself go into the net." [Umbr. J 
 If the E.V. be retained, then understand 
 " snare" to be the pit-fall, covered over with 
 branches and earth, which when walked 
 upon give way (Ps. 9. 15; 35. 8.). 9. robber— 
 Eather answering to "gin" in the parallel 
 clause, "the noose shall hold him fast." 
 [Umbr.I 11. teirors — Often mentioned in 
 this book [v. 14; ch. 24. 17; &c.). The terrors 
 excited through an evil conscience are 
 here personified. " Magor-missabib," (Jer. 
 20. 3.). drive ... to his feet— Eather, shall 
 pursue (Zi(., scatter, Hab. 3. 14.) him close at 
 m& heels (tit., immediately after his feet, 
 36t> [XJ 
 
 Hab. 3. 5; 1 Sam. 25. 42; Heb.). The image is 
 chat of a pursuing conqueror who scatters 
 the enemy. [Umbr.J 1^. The Heb. is brief 
 and bold, "his strength is hungry." destruc- 
 tiou— i.e., a great calamity (Prov. 1. 27.). • 
 ready at Ms side— Close at hand to destroy him 
 Prov. 19. 29.). 13. Umbr. has "he" for "it," 
 i.e., "in the rage of hunger he shall devour 
 his own body:" or, his own children (Lam. 4. 
 10.). Eather, "destruction" from the last 
 verse is nom. to "devour." strength— Eather, 
 "members " [lit., the branches or a tree. . the 
 first-born of death— A personification full of 
 poetical horror. The first-bom son held the 
 chief place (Gen. 49. 3,); so here the chief est 
 {most deadly) disease that death has ever en- j. 
 gendered Isa, 14. 30; "first-born of the > 
 poor."— the poorest.). The Arabs call fever 
 " dauditer of death." 14. confidence — All 
 that the father trusted in for domestic hap- 
 piness, children, fortune, &c., referring to 
 Job's losses. rooted out — Suddenly torn 
 away, it shall bring— i.e., he shall be brought: 
 or. as Umbr. better has, " Thou (God) sualt 
 bring him sloidy." The Heb. expresses, "to 
 stride slowly and solemnly." The godless has 
 a fearfid death for long before his eyes, and 
 is at last taken by it. Alluding to Job's 
 case. The King of terrors, not like the 
 heathen Pluto, the fabled ruler of the dead, 
 but Death, with all its terrors to the ungodly, 
 personified. 15. It— Terror shall haunt, (fee, 
 and not as Umbr. another, which the last 
 clause of the verse disproves, none of hi? — 
 it is his no longer, brimstone- Probably 
 comparing the calamity of Job by the "fire 
 of God" (ch. 1. 16,), toithe destruction of 
 giulty Sodom by fire and brimstone (Gen. 19. 
 16. "Eoots," himself. "Branch," his 
 childi-en (ch. 8. 12; 15. 30; Mai. 4. 1.). 17. 
 street— Men shall not speak of him in meet- 
 ing in the highways. Eather, in the field, 
 or meadow: the shepherds shall no more 
 mention his name. A picture from nomadic 
 life. [Umbr.] 18. light . . . darkness— Ex- 
 non-existence. 19. nephew— So Isa. 
 But it is translated "grandson" 
 Gen. 21. 2A,), transl. "kinsman." 20. after 
 . . . before — Eather, "those in the W.— 
 those in the E.;" i.e., all people; lit., those 
 behind— those before; for Orientals m geo- 
 graphy turn with their face to the E. mot to 
 ihe N. as we, and back to the W.; so that 
 before— E.;behind—'N. so Zech. 14. 8.). day— 
 Of ruin (Obad. 12j. affrighted— Seized with 
 terror (ch. 21. 6; Isa. 13. 8.). 21. (jch. 8. 22. 
 Marg.). 
 
 CHAPTEE XIX. 
 
 SECOND SERIES. 
 
 Ver. 1-29. Job's Eeply to Bildad. 2. 
 
 How long, (fee— Eetorting Bildad's words (ch. 
 IS. 2.). Admitting the punishment to be de- 
 served, is it kind thus ever to be liarpmg on 
 this to the sufferer? And yet even this they 
 have not yet proved. 3. These— Prefixed to 
 numbers emphatically (Gen. 27. 36.1. ten— 
 i.e., often (Gen. 31. 7.). make yourselves 
 strange— Eather, siwi me. [Ges.] (See Mara. 
 for a difterent meaning.). 4. erred— The Heb. 
 expresses unconscious error. Job was un- 
 conscious of wilful sin. remaineth— ^u.^ pass- 
 eth the night. An image from harbourmg an 
 unpleasant guest for the night. I bear the con- 
 sequences 5. magnify, (fee— Speak proudly 
 (Obad. 12; Ez. 35. 13.). against me— Emphati- 
 cally rept- ated (Ps. 38. 16.). plead . . , reproacii 
 -'E.V. makes this part of the protasis "if" 
 
Jobs Complaint 
 
 JOB. XTK. 
 
 of Ms Friends' Cruelty. 
 
 being understood, and the apodosis beginning they would speak against (abuse) me." 
 att). 6. JbJetter, witli Umbr., If ye would be- I (Jmer.J 19. iv.wArd — C07ifi dent ial: lit., 
 come great heroes against me in truth, ye ; men of my secret '—to wnom 1 entrusted 
 must prom (evince) against me my guUt, or my most intimate coniidence. 2U. ii,xcreme 
 slmme, ■whi.ch you assert, in the il.V. "re- nieagreness. The oone seemea to sticic to 
 proach' will mean Job's calamities, which I the skin, being seeji througti it, owing to the 
 
 they ■* pleaded" against him as a ' 
 or proof ol guilt. 6. compassea . , 
 luding to Bildad's words ch. lb. 8 ). 
 
 proach,' j flesh drying up and faning away from the 
 
 nut— Ai- 1 bone. I'he Marg. "as to myflesn," makes 
 
 Know, 'this sense clearer. The ii. y. however ex- 
 
 thatitis not that i as a wicked man have! presses the same; "A7Ul to my hesn," viz., 
 been caught in my " o^v■tl net : ' it is God who j which has fallen away from the bone, instead 
 has coiiuassed me in His— why, 1 know not. ! ot firmly covering it. skin ot my teeta— 
 7. wrong— Violence: brought on him iiy God. j Proverbial. I have escaped with bare lile; I 
 no judgment— Grjd will not remove my cala- i am whole only v:'th the skin ot my teeth, i.e., 
 mit es, and so vindicate my just cause: and my gums alone are whole, the rest of the skin 
 my friends will not do justice to my past of my body is broken with sores (ch. 7. 5; Ps. 
 character. 8. Image from a benighted tra- 1 102. 5.j. Satan left Job speech, in hope that 
 Teller. 9. strippec . . . cvown— image from he might therewith curse God. 21. When 
 a deposed king, deprived of his robes and God had made him such a piteous speotacie, 
 crown: appropriate to Job, once an emir with I his friends should spare him the additional 
 all but royal dignity (Lam. 5. 16; Ps. Si). 39.). i persecution of their cruel speeches. 22. As 
 10. destroyed ... on every side— " Shaken all I God- • has persecuted me. Prefiguring Jesus 
 round, so that I fall in the dust:" image: Christ (Ps. 69. 26.). That God afflicts, is no 
 from a tree uprooted by violent shaking from \ reason that man is to add to a sufi'erer's af- 
 everyside. [Umbb.] The last claiise accords fliction (Zech. 1. 16.). satisfied with my fish 
 with this 'Jer. 1. 10.). _ mine hope— As to this ;— It is not enough that God afflicts my flesh 
 
 lile (in opposition to Zophar, cl 
 
 as to the world to come, {v. 'lo; ch 
 
 removed — Uprooted. 11. enemies 
 
 24: Lam. 2. 6.). 12. troops —Calamities ad 
 
 vance together like hostile troops (ch. 10. 17 
 
 11. 18,): not ; literally (v. 20,), butyoumust "eat my fle.sh" 
 
 14. 15.). ] meVa.ph.OTicii,\ly lFs.27. 2,); i.e., utter the worst 
 
 (ch. 13.] calumnies, as the phrase often mean-s in 
 
 Arabic. 23. Despairing of justice from his 
 
 friends in his li'e time, he wishes his words 
 
 raise up . . . way— An army must oas^ wp a i could be preserved imperishably to posterity, 
 way of access before it, in marching against a i attesting his hope of vindication at the re- 
 
 surrection, printed— Not our modern print- 
 ing, but engraven, pen — Graver, lead— 
 poured into the engraven characters, to make 
 ~ Kot on leaden 
 rock" that they 
 were engraved. Perhaps it was the hammer 
 that was of "lead," as sculptors find more 
 delicate incisions are made by it, than by a 
 harder hammer. rFosTEK.J (One Primev. 
 Lang.] has shown, that the inscriptions on 
 the rocks in VVady-Mokatta, along fsraigl's 
 
 city (Isa. 40. 3.). 13. brethren— N^taresi kins 
 
 men, as distinguished from "acquaintance. 
 
 So " kinsfolk " and " familiar friends " [v. l'4 . , . 
 
 correspond in parallelism. The Arabic pro- \ them better seen. [XJmbr.J 
 
 verl) is, " The brother, i.e., the true friend is \plates; for it was in the 
 
 only known in time of need." estr.niged— Ki., ' -^ n„_i-„„„ :i 
 
 turn away with disgust. Job attain uncon- 
 sciously uses language prefiguring the deser- 
 tion 01 Jesus Christ (ch. 16. 10; Lu. 23. 49; Ps. 
 38. 1;.). 15. They that dwell, &c.— Rather, 
 sojouni: male-servants, sojourning in his 
 house. Mark the contrast. The stranger 
 admitted to sojourn as a dependent treats 
 the master as a stranger in his own house. 
 
 16. servant — Born in my house (as distin- 
 guished' from those sojourning in it,), and so 
 altogether belonging to the family. Yet even 
 he disobeys my call, mouih— i.^., calling 
 aloud; formerly a nod was enough. Now I 
 no longer look for obedience, I try entreaty. 
 
 17. stranee— His breath by elephantiasis bad 
 become so stronsr^j/aWerea and offensive, that 
 his wife turned away as estranged from him 
 
 iv. 13; ch. 17. 1.) children_ 
 
 route through the desert, record the jour- 
 neys of that people, as Cosmas Indicopleus- 
 tes asserted, 535 a.d. 24. for ever— As long as 
 the rock lasts. 25. Redeemer— Umbr., &:c., 
 understand tMs and v. 26, of God appearing 
 as Job's Avenger bej^ore his death, when his 
 body would be wasted to a skeleton. But 
 Job uniformly despairs of restoration and 
 vindication of his cause in this lile (ch. 17. 
 15, 16.). One hope alone was left, which the 
 Spiiit revealed, a vindication in a future 
 life: it would be no full vindication, if his 
 
 body-/ii. , belly. But "loins " is wliat we Should 
 expect, not ''belly," (womb) which applies 
 to tue v.'oraan. The " mine" forbids it being 
 taken of his wife. Their children besides 
 w-ere dead. In ch. 3. 10, the same words 
 * ' my womb " mean, my motJier's womb: there- 
 fore tnmsl. " and I must entreat (as a sup- 
 pliant) the children of my mother's womb ;" 
 i.e., my own brothers. A heightening of 
 force, as compared with last clause of v. 16. 
 flTMBR.I Not only must I entreat suppli- 
 antly my servant, hnt my own brothers IPs. 
 69. 8.1. Here too, he unconsciously fore- 
 shadows Jesus Christ (John, 7. 5.). 18. 
 young children- So the if e?). means (ch. 21. 
 11.). Reverence for age is a chief duty in the 
 E. Tne word means "wicked" (ch. 16. 11.'. 
 So Umbr. has it here, not so well. I arose— 
 
 f mine own j soul alone were to be happy %vithout the body: 
 
 as some explain (v. 26,) " out oj the flesh." it 
 was his body that had chiefly suffered: the 
 resurrection of his body, therefora. alone 
 could vindicate his cause: to see (lou with 
 his own eyes, and in a renovated body (v. 27,), 
 would disprove the imputation of guilt cast 
 on him because of the sufferings of his pre- 
 sent body. That this truth is not further 
 dwelt on by Job, or noticed by his friends, 
 only shows that it was with tdm a bright 
 passing glimpse of 0. T. hope, rather than the 
 steady light of Gospel assurance: with us this 
 passage has a definite clearness, which it had 
 not in his mind (see Note 21. 30.). The idea 
 In "Redeemer" with Job is Vindicator (ch. 
 16. 19; Nu. 35. 27,), redressing his wrongs: 
 also including at least with ws. and probably 
 with him, tlie 'dea 01 the oredicted Bruiser 
 
 Rather, su))p!v "if," as Job was no more in of the Serpents head. Traditiun would in 
 a state to stand up. " If I stood up (arose) 1 form him of the prediction, FosiJiR shows 
 369 [21 
 
Zophar describes the wicked. 
 
 JOB, XXI. xxn. 
 
 b's reply to Zopfxtr. 
 
 14 Yet his meat in his bowels is turned, 
 it is thp pill ofnsps within him. 
 
 15 lie hath sw.illDwed down riches, and 
 he shall vomit them up again: God shall 
 cast them out of his belly. 
 
 16 He shall suck the poison of asps; the 
 viper's tongue shall slay nim, 
 
 17 He shall not see " the rivers, « the 
 floods, the bro( ks of honey and butter. 
 
 18 That which he laboured for shall he 
 restore, and shall not swallow it down: 
 1 according to his substance shall the resti- 
 tution be, and he shall not rejoice therein. 
 
 19 Because he hath » oppressed and 
 hath forsaken the poor; because he hath 
 violently taken away an house which he 
 builded not; 
 
 20 Surely » he shall not » feel quietness in 
 his belly, he shall not save of that which 
 he desired. 
 
 21 If There shall none of his meat be left; 
 therefore shall no man look for his goods. 
 
 22 In the fulness of his suiRciency he shall 
 be in straits: every hand of the " wicked 
 shall come upon him. 
 
 23 When he is about to fill his beUy, God 
 shall cast the fury of his wrath upon him, 
 and shall rain it upon him ' while he is 
 eating. 
 
 24 He I* shall flee from the iron weapon, 
 and the bow of steel shall strike nim 
 through. 
 
 25 It is drawn, and cometh out of the 
 body; yea, the glittering sword cometh out 
 of his gall: • terrors are upon him. 
 
 26 All darkness shall be hid in his secret 
 
 g laces: / a fire not blown shall consume 
 im ; it shall go ill with him that is left in 
 his tabernacle. 
 
 27 The heavens shall reveal his iniquity; 
 and the earth shall rise up against him. 
 
 28 The increase of his house shall depart, 
 and his goods shall flow away in the day 
 of his wrath. 
 
 29 This " is the portion of a wicked man 
 from God. and the heritage 12 appointed 
 unto him by God. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 1 ^06 craves to be patiently heard because of his 
 calamities: he shows that sometimes the wicked 
 do so prosper that they despise Ood, etc. 
 
 RUT Job answered and said, 
 
 ■^ 2 Hear diligently my speech; and let 
 
 this be your consolations. 
 
 3 Suffer me that 1 may speak; and after 
 that I have spoken, mock on. 
 
 4 As for me, is my complaint to man? and 
 if it ivere so, why should not my spirit be 
 1 troubled? 
 
 5 2 Mark me, and be astonished, and lay 
 poiir hand upon your mouth. 
 
 6 Even when I remember 1 am afraid, and 
 trembling taketh hold on my flesh. 
 
 7 Wherefore do the wicked live, become 
 oldjj'ea, are mighty in power? 
 
 8 Their seed is established in their sight 
 vith them, and their offspring before their 
 eyes. 
 
 9 Their houses 3 are safe from fear, neither 
 is the rod of God upon them. 
 
 10 Their bull gendereth, and faileth not; 
 their cow calveth, and casteth not her calf. 
 
 11 They send forth their little ones like a 
 flock, and their children dance. 
 
 12 They take the timbrel and harp, and 
 rejoice at the sound of the organ. 
 
 13 They spend their days * in wealth, and 
 In a moment go down to the grave. 
 
 370 
 
 B. C. 1620. 
 
 CHAP. 20. 
 o Jer. 17. 6. 
 6 Or, ilream- 
 
 ing brooki. 
 
 according 
 
 to the 
 
 10 Or, There 
 ahiiUbe 
 none left 
 for his 
 
 e Nu. 11. 33. 
 
 Pb. 78. 30. 
 d Is. 24. 18. 
 
 Jer. 48. 43. 
 
 Amos 6.19. 
 ech.18. 11, 
 /Ps.21.9. 
 g ch. 27. 13. 
 
 ch.31.2,8. 
 12 of his 
 
 CHAP. 21. 
 
 1 shortened. 
 
 2 look UDto 
 me. 
 
 3 are peace 
 from fear. 
 
 4 Or. in 
 mirth. 
 
 5 Or, lamp. 
 
 6 Btealeth 
 away. 
 
 7 That U, 
 the pun- 
 ishment of 
 his ini- 
 quity. 
 Ex. 20. B. 
 
 8 in his very 
 perfection, 
 or, in the 
 strength of 
 his perfeC' 
 tion. 
 
 g Or, milk 
 
 pails. 
 10 the tent 
 
 of the 
 
 Uber- 
 
 o Pro. le. 4. 
 Heb. 9. 27. 
 2 Pet. 2. 9 
 
 11 tbeduyof 
 wraths. 
 
 12 graves. 
 
 13 watch in 
 the heap. 
 
 gression. 
 
 CHAP. 22. 
 a Ln. 17, 10. 
 1 Or, if ho 
 
 profitable, 
 doth his 
 good suc- 
 cess depend 
 thereon! 
 
 2stripi>pt! the 
 clothes of 
 the naked, 
 
 ( eh. U. 17 
 
 14 Therefore they say unto God, Ueparl 
 from us; for we desire not the knowkugt 
 of thy ways. 
 
 15 What is the Almighty, that we should 
 serve him? and what pront should we have, 
 if we pray Unto him? 
 
 IG Lo, their good is not in their hand: the 
 counsel of the \vicked is far from me. 
 
 17 How oft is the 6 candle of the wicked 
 put out? and how <M cometh their destruc- 
 tion npon them? God distributeth sorrows 
 in his anger. 
 
 18 They are as stubble before the wind, 
 and as chaff that the storm 6 canietb 
 away. 
 
 19 God layeth up 7 his iniquity for hit 
 children: he rewardeth him, and he shall 
 know it. 
 
 20 His eyes shall see his destraction, and 
 he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty. 
 
 21 For what pleasure hMXh he in his house 
 after him, when the number of his months 
 is cut off"m the midst? 
 
 22 ShaU any teach God knowledge? see- 
 ing he judgetn those that are high. 
 
 23 One dieth 8 in his ftdl strength, being 
 wholly at ease and quiet: 
 
 24 His 9 breasts are full of milk, and his 
 bones are moistened with marrow. 
 
 25 And another dieth in the bitterness ol 
 his soul, and never eateth with pleasure. 
 
 26 They shaU lie down aUke in the dust, 
 and the worms shall cover them. 
 
 27 Behold, I know yoiu- thoughts, and the 
 devices whichye wrongfully imagine against 
 me. 
 
 28 For ye say. Where is the house of the 
 prince? and where are lo the dwelling- 
 places of the wicked? 
 
 29 Have ye not asked them that go by the 
 way? and do ye not know their tokens, 
 
 30 That " the wicked is reserved to the 
 day of destruction? they shall be brought 
 forth to 11 the day of wrath. 
 
 31 Who shall declare his way to his face? 
 and who shall repay him what he hath 
 done? 
 
 32 Yet shall he be brought to the 12 grave, 
 and shall is remain in the tomb. 
 
 33 The clods of the valley shall be sweet 
 unto him, and every man shall draw after 
 him, as there are innumerable before 
 him. 
 
 34 How then comfort ye me in vain, seeing 
 in your answers there remaineth "talse- 
 hood? 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 1 Eliphaz shows that God is not profited by man's 
 goodness: 6 he accuses Job of divers sinsi 21 ha 
 exhorts him to repentance, etc. 
 
 '■PHEN Eliphaz the Temanite answered 
 -*■ and said, 
 
 2 Can " a man be profitable unto God, i as 
 he that is wise may be profitable unto him- 
 self? 
 
 3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that 
 thou art righteous? or is it gain to him, 
 that thou makest thy ways perfect? 
 
 4 Will he reprove thee for fear of theef 
 will he enter with thee into judgment? 
 
 5 Is not thy wickedness great? and thine 
 iniqiiities infinite? 
 
 6 For thou hast taken a pledge from thy 
 brother for nought, and 2 stripped the nakea 
 of their clothing. 
 
 7 Thou hast not given water to the weary 
 to drink, and thou * hast withholden bread 
 from the hungry. 
 
Job's Belief in the Resurrection. 
 
 JOB. XX. 
 
 State and Portion oftU WiclceS, 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 STECOND SJSEIES, 
 
 Ver. 1-29. Keply of zoptiae. 2. There- 
 
 ^ , „^,^j^^ , .„„ „.,, 'fore— ilather.tne more exciteaiteel by Job's 
 
 Job'sl7cViflceVrmTlV sense or smaiKl need I speech, tne more jor that very reason shall 
 
 that the lall by the serpent is represented; 
 perfectly on the Tempie ot Osiris at Ir'hyloe; 
 ana tJie resurrection on the tomb ol the] 
 K?yptian JVlycermus, dating 4u00 years baclr. 
 
 J s sacrifices imply sense or S!n and need ... .. ^ , 
 
 of atonement, fcatan was the Jnjnrer ollmy reply be supplied by my calm consici- 
 
 Jobs body: Jesus cnrist his Vindicator, the I eration. Lit.,^ -jNotwithstamlmg; my calm 
 JLi.vmsone, who giveth life (John, 5. 21, 26.M thouL;hts (as m ch. 4. 13,J shall Jurmsh my 
 at tiae latter aav-Kather, "the Uist," the 1 answer, because oi the excit^ement (haste) 
 peculiar title of Jesus Christ, thouph Job within me." LLTmbk.J ^.3. checK ot my re- 
 maynot nave known the pregnancy of his ' pioach— t.^.. the castigaaon intended as a 
 own inspired words, and may have under- ! reproach {kt., shame) to me. spirit ot ._. , 
 Btood merely one that ccmes after (1 Cor. 15. 1 unaerstanaing— My rational spirit; answering 
 45; Kev. 1. 17.). Jesus Llirist is the last. I'he j to "calm thoughts ' [v. 2.1. In spite ol tliy 
 dayof Jesus Christ </ie tost rtav (John, 6. 39.). reproach urK'ng me to "hastiness, 1 will 
 Btanri— llather, arise. As Cod is said to answer in calm reason. 5. hypotiite— a(., 
 "raise up" the iMessiah (Jer. -.^3. 5; Dent. 18. tlip. ungodly iPs. 37. 36, 36.). 6. (isa. 14. 13; 
 16.). earth— Kather, aust: often associated Obad. 3. 4.). 7. dung — In contrast to the 
 with the bodv crumbling away in it (ch. 7, ! haughtiness of the sinner r. 6,i; this strong 
 21: 17. 16,): therefore appropriately here. 1 term expres,?es disgust and the lowest degra- 
 ^^owethatverydwstwherewiih was mingled idation (Ps. 83. 10; 1 Ki. 14. 10.). 8. (Ps. 73. 
 man's aecaying body, shall man's Vindica- j 20.). 9. Eather, "the eye followeth him. but 
 torarise. " Arise above the dust." strikingly \ can dii'cern. him no more. A sharp looking 
 expresses that fact that Jesus Christ arose , is meant (ch. 28. 7; cf. ch. 7 10.). 10. seek to 
 first Himseli above the dvst, and then is to i please-" Atone.to tlie poor Hby restoring the 
 raise His people above it (lCor.15.20.21). The 1 property of which they had been robbed by 
 Spirit intended in Job's vvords more tlianithe father.). [De W.l Eetter than E.V. 
 J ob fully understood (1 Pet. i . 12.). Though I " The children are reduced to the humUlat- 
 he seems, in forsaking me, to be as one dead: I ing condition of "seeking the favour ot those 
 He now truly "iiveth" in heaven; hereafter very poor," whom the father had oppressed. 
 He shall appear also above the dust of earth. But Umbr. translates as marg. his hands— 
 l'her;oelorVindicatorof blood was the near- Rather, their (the childrens) hands their 
 est kinsman of the slain. So Jesus Christ goods— The goods of the poor. Righteous 
 " ■ retribution! (Ex. 20. 6.) 11. (Ps. 25. 7,); so 
 ViUg. Ges. has "full of youth;" viz.. in the 
 fulness of his youthjul strennth he shall be 
 laid in the dust. But " bones ' plainly alludes 
 
 took our flesh, to be our kinsman. Man lost 
 life by Satan the "murderer" (John 8. 44,^ 
 here Job's persecutor (Heb. 2. 14.). Comp. 
 also as to redernvtion of the, inheritance by 
 the kinsman of the dead (Euth, 4. 3-5; £ph. 
 1. 14.). 26. Eather, "though after my skin 
 
 fis no more) this (body) is destroyed. " body " 
 leing omitted, because it was so wasted as 
 not to deserve the name', yet from, my flesh 
 
 to Job's disease, probably to Job's own 
 words (ch. 19. 20.). Umbr. transl. " full of Iris 
 secret sins," as iii Ps. 90. 8; his secret guilt in 
 his time of seeming riehteousness, like secret 
 poison, at last lays him in the dust. The 
 
 then the " body." 27. for myself— I'nr my 
 vantage.as my friend, not another— Mine eyes 
 
 (from mv renewfd body, as the starting E.F. is best. z<ophar alludes to Job s own 
 point of vision (Song Sol. 2. 9,); "looking out words (ch. 17. 16.). with hun— His sin had so 
 ^romthewindows")- shall I see God." Next pervaded his nature that it accompanies 
 clause proves bodily vision is meant, for it ! nim to the grave: tor eternity the sinner can- 
 specifies " mine eyes." [Ros. 2nd Ed.] The ; not get rid of it (Rev. 22. 11.). 12. be—" Taste 
 Heb., opposes "in my flesh." Tlie "skin" sweet." Sin's fascination is like poison sweet 
 was the first destroyed by Elephantiasis, [to the taste, but at last deadly to the vital or- 
 • ■■ — ■ " ' gansiProv. 20.17;ch.9.17. IS.), hide. . .tongue 
 
 —Seek to prolong the enjoyment by keeping 
 shall behold Him, but no longer as one es-! the sweet morsel long in the mouth sov.13.). 
 traijorsd from me, as now. [Beng.] though— 14. turned— The Heb. denotes a total change 
 Eetter omitted: my reins (inward recesses of ! into a disagreeable contrary (Jer. 2. 21; cf. 
 the heart) are consumed within me, i.e., I Rev. 10. 9. lO.). 14. gall-In which the poison 
 pine withlonging desire for that day (Ps. 84. 2; i of the asp was thought to lie. It rather is 
 119. 81.;. The Gentiles had but few revealed I contained in a sack m the inoutJi. Scripture 
 promises: how gracious that the few should I uses popular language, where no moral 
 have been so explicit (cf. Nu.24. 17; Matt. , truth is thereby endangered. 15. He is 
 2. 2.). 28. Rather, ye will then (when the forced to disgorge his ill-gotten wealth. 16. 
 Vindicator cometh) say. Why, &c. root . . . shall suck— It shall turn out, that he has 
 in ire— The root of pious integrity, which sucked the poison, &c. 17. floods — <i«., 
 WAS the matt er a,t issue, whether it could he streams of floods, plentiful streams ftowing 
 in one so afllicted, is found in me [Umbr.] i with milk. <fcc. (ch. 29. 6; Ex.. 3. 17.,. Honev 
 with many MSS. and versions reads "in 'and butter are more fluid m tiie K than 
 him." " Or how found we in him ground of \ with us. and are poured out from jars. These 
 contention." 29. "Wrath (the nassionate ! "rivers" or u-aier &rooA;s are in the sultry E. 
 violence with which the friends persecuted | emblems of prosperity. 18. Image from food 
 Job) bringeth, &c.: tit, is sin of the sivord. which is taken away from one, before he can 
 " ■ " Supply. "I say this." swallow it. restitution— (So Prov. 6. 31.). 
 
 that ye may know- ._, _ ... , , rr 
 
 judgment— Inseparably connected with the ' Tlie parallelism favours the E.V. rather th^n 
 
 coiiiingof the Vindicator. The "wrath" of )the transl. of Ges. "As a posses.^^ion to be 
 God at His appearing for the temporal vin- 1 restored in which he rejoices not." he shall 
 dication of Job against the friends (ch. 42.7.)., \ net reirice-His enjoyment of his ill-gotten 
 is a pledge ol the eternal wrath at the final ' gains shall then be at an end iv. ?>.). 19. on- 
 coming to glorify the .^aints and judge their , pjessed- Whereas he ought to have espon.sed 
 enemies (2 Thess. l, 6-i0; Isa, 25. 8.). ' their cause (2 Chr. 16. lo.). foiBaken— Left 
 
 ^70 
 
state <md Portion of the Wicked. 
 
 JOB, XXI. 
 
 Tlie Wicked Despise God. 
 
 helpless, house — Thus leaving the poor 
 without shelter (Isa. 5. 8; Mie. 2. 2.). 20 
 Umbr. transl. " His inward parts know no 
 rest" from desires, his belly— i.e., peace m- 
 wardly. ijot save— Kf., "not escape with that 
 which," <fcc. Alluding to Job's having beer 
 stripped of hi-* all. 21. look for— Rither, Be 
 caiise his goods, i.e., prosperity shall have no 
 enrhfrnnce. 22. shall ba- Rather, "he is 
 
 Ifetleth/ straitened." The next clause ex- 
 plains in v.hat respect, wicked — Bather. 
 
 'the v/hole hand of the miserable whom he 
 had oppressed cometh upon liim ; " viz., the 
 sense of his having oppre.<sed the poor, now 
 in turn conies with all its power (hand) on 
 Mm. This causes his ".straitened" feeling 
 even in prosperity. 23. Rather, " God shall 
 cast (may God tend) [Umbp..] upon him the 
 fury, of His wrath to Jill his belly.'" wj.ile 
 eating— Rather, " Shall rain it up m him /or 
 his food.'" Fiery rain, i.e., lightning (Ps. 11. 
 6; alluding to Job's misfortune cli. 1. 16.). 
 The force of the in.age is felt by picturing; to 
 one's self the opposite nature of a rerreshing 
 rain in the desert [E\. 16. 4; Ps. 68. 9J. ?A. 
 steel— Rather, "brass." Wliilst the wicked 
 flees from one danger, he falls into a greater 
 one from aa opposite quarter. [Umbr.] 25. 
 It is drawn— Rather, " He (God) draweth (the 
 sword. Josh. 5. 13,) and (no sooner has He 
 done so, than) it cometh out of (i.e.. passes 
 right through! the (sinner's) body " ,Deu. 32. 
 41, 42- Ezek. 21. 9, 10.). The glittering sword 
 IS a happy image for lightning, gall — i.e., 
 his life (ch. 16. 13.). "Inflicts a deadly 
 wound." terrors — Zopbar repeats Bildad's 
 words (ch. 17. 11; Is. 88. 16; 65. 4.). 26. "All 
 d3,rkness," i.e., everj^ calamity that befalls 
 the wicked shall be hid (in store for him in 
 ifis (God's secret places, or treasures iJude, 
 13; Deu. 32. 34.). not blown— Not kindled by 
 man's hands, butby God's Isa. : o, 33; LXX. in 
 AxEX. Ms>. read "unquenchable tire" Mat. 
 3.12.). Tact is shown by the friends in not 
 expressly mentioning, but alludiug under 
 colour of general cases, to Job's calamities; 
 here (ch. l. 16,) Umbr. explains it, vncked- 
 wes.sisa "self-iunitiiig tire ;" init lie the prin- 
 ciples of destruction, ill . . . tabernacle — 
 Every trace of the sinner must be obliterated 
 (ch. 18. 15.). 27. All creation is at enmity 
 with him, and proclaims liis guilt, which he 
 would fain conceal. 28. increase— Prosperity. 
 Ill got— ill gone. AjW away— Like waters that 
 run diy in summer: using Job's own meta- 
 phor against himself (ch. 6. 1.5-17; 2 Sain. 14. 
 14; Mic. 1. 4.), his wrath — God's. 29. ap- 
 pointed—Not as a matter of chance, but by 
 the Divine "decree" 'Marg.) and settled 
 principle. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 SECOND SERIES. 
 
 Ver. 1-34. Job's Answer. 2. consolations 
 —If you will listen calmly to me, this will be 
 regarded as " consolations;" alludiLg to P^ti- 
 phaz' boasted " ci insolations" (ch. 15. 11,), 
 which Jobfeltmoreas aggravations ("niock- 
 ings," V. 3,1 than consolations (ch. 16. 2.). 3. 
 lit.. Begin your mockings" (ch. 17. 2.i. 4. 
 J^b'.s difficulty was not as to man. but as to 
 God, why He so afflicted him, as if he were 
 the guilty hypocrite which the friends alleged 
 him to be. Vulg. translates it, " niy dispu- 
 tation." if it were— Rather, since this is the 
 case. 5. lay . . . hand upon . . . mouth— 
 (Prov. 30. 32; Jud. IS. 19.). So the heathen 
 god of silence was pictured with his hand I 
 370 HI 
 
 on his mouth. There was enough in Job's 
 case to awe them into silence ch. 17. 8.). 6. 
 remember — Think on it. Can you wonder 
 that I broke out in o complaints, when the 
 struggle was not with men but with the Al- 
 mighty! Reconcile, if you can, the ceaseless 
 woes of the innocent with the Divine justi(;e! 
 Is it not enough to make one tremble? 
 LUmbr.] 7. The answer is (Rom. 2. 4; i Tim. 
 1. 16; Ps. 73. IS; Eccl. 8. Il-i3- Luke, 2. 35 end; 
 Prov. 16. 4; Rom. 9. 22.). old— Jn opposition 
 to the friends who asserted that sinnera 
 are "cue Ou" early ;ch. 8. 12, 14.1. 8. In oppo- 
 sition to (ch. 18. 19; 6. 4.). 9. Lit, peace from 
 fear: with poetic force. Their house is peace 
 itself far removed from fear. Opposed to 
 the friends' assertion, as to the bad ch. 15. 
 21-24; 20. 26-28,), and c mversely, the good, (ch. 
 5. 23, 24.). 10. Rather, theiv cattle conceive. 
 The first clause of the verse describes aa 
 easy conception, the second, a happy birth. 
 [Umbr.] 11. " Send forth," viz., out of door3, 
 to their happy sports i.nder the skies, like 
 a joyful flock sent to the pastures. Jitue 
 tnes — Like lambkins. children— Son e- 
 what older than the former. dance — 
 Not formal dances: but skip, like lambs, 
 in .joyous and healthful play. 12. take- 
 Rather, lift up the voice (^ing) to the note 
 of. LUmbr.] timbrel— Rather, tambour- 
 ine. org.iii — Not the modern "organ," but 
 the "pipe" (Gen. 4. 21.!. The first clatise 
 refers to stringed, the latter, to wind instru- 
 ments; thus, with "the voice" all kind.s of 
 mu.sic are enumerated. 13. wealth — tUd 
 E.V. for prosperity, in a moment— Mot by a 
 lingering disease. Great blessings ! Length- 
 ened life with prosperity, and a sudden pain- 
 less death (Ps. 73. 4.). 14. Therefore- Rather, 
 Andyet they are such as say, &c., i.e., say, 
 not in so many words, but virtually, by their 
 conduct (so the Gergesenes, Matth. 8. 34. . 
 How differently the godly (isa. 2. 3.). ways— 
 The course oj action, which God points out; 
 as in Psalm 50. 23; m/xrg. 15. (cf. Jer. 2. lO; 
 marg.; Prov. 30. 9; Ex. 5. 2.), what profit — 
 ch. 35. 3; Mai. 3. 14: Ps. 73. 13.!. Sinners ask, 
 not what is right, but what is for the profit of 
 self. They forget, "if religion cost self some- 
 thing, the want of it will cost self infinitely 
 more." 16. not in their hand — But in the 
 hand of God. This is Job's difficulty, that God 
 who has sinners' prosperity igood) in His 
 hand should allow them to have it. is— 
 Piather, "may the counsel of the wicked be 
 far from me ! " [Umbr.] This naturally fol- 
 lows the sentiment of the first cLause; Let 
 me not hereby be thought to regard wiih 
 aught but horror the ways of the wicked, 
 however prosperous. 17. Job in thiswjiole 
 passage down to 21 quotes the assertion of 
 the friends, as to the short continuance of 
 the sinner's prosperity, not his own senti- 
 ments. In 22 lie proceeds to refute them. 
 ■ How oft is the candle" (lamp' &c., quoting 
 Bildad's .-entiment (ch. 18. 5, 6,), in order to 
 question its truth cf. Mat. 25. 8.). how oft— 
 " God distributeth," &c., alluding to ch. 20. 
 23, 29.). sorrows— Umbr. translates "snares," 
 lit., cords, which lightning in its twining mo- 
 tion resembles (Ps. 11. 6.). 18. Job alludes 
 to alike sentimcntof BildaA (ch. 18. 18,), using 
 his own previous viords (ch. 13. 25.). 19. 
 Equally questionable is the friends' asser- 
 tion, that if tliegodlesshim.'ielf is notpuni-h- 
 fd. the childten are ch. 18. 19; 20. 10, ; j.ud 
 that God rewardeth him here for Ms iniquity. 
 
Eliphaz Acmsefh Job 
 
 JOB, xxn. 
 
 of Divers Slna. 
 
 nnd that he shall know it to his cost. So 
 *'know" iHos. 9. 7.). 20. Another question- 
 able assertion of the friends, that the sin- 
 ner sees his own and his children's destruc- 
 tion in iiis life-tiine. drink— ;rs. 11. 6; Isa. 
 51. 17; Lam. 4. 21.). 21. Tlie argument of the 
 friends, in proof of v. 20, AVhat pleasure can 
 he have from his house (children) when he Is 
 dead— (" after him ;' Eccl. 3. 22.). wJien the 
 number, (fee— ;ch. 14. 21.). Or, rather, What 
 hath lie to do with his children, <fcc.? (so the 
 Heb. in Eccl. 3. 1; 8. 6.). It is therefore ne- 
 cessary "his eyes should see his and their 
 destruction." cut off ~ Bather, "Wlien tlie 
 number of his allotted months is fulfilled 
 (ch. 14. 5.). From an Arabic word, arroiv, 
 ■which was used to draw lots with. Hence 
 arrozy — inevitable destiny. [Umbr.] 22. 
 JReply of Job, " In all these assertions 
 you try to teach God how He owjht 
 to deal with men, rather than [prove 
 that He does in fact so deal with them. Ex- 
 perience is against you. God gives pros- 
 perity and adversity as it pleases Him, not 
 as man's wisdom would have it, on i)rinci- 
 ples inscrutable to us." (Isa. 40. 13; Rom. il. 
 34. : . those . . . high— The high ones, not only 
 angels, but men Jsa. 2. 12-17.). 23. Lit, in 
 the bone of his perfection, i.e., the full 
 strength of unira paired prosperity. [Umbr.] 
 24. breasts— Rather, skins or vessels for fluids. 
 [Lee.] But TUmbr.] "stations or resting- 
 places of his herds near water :" in opposi- 
 tion to Zophar 'ich.20. I7,)the first clause refers 
 to his abundant substance, the second to 
 his vigorous health, moistened— Comparing 
 man's body to a well-watered field (Prov. 3. 
 8; Isa. 58. 11.). 26. (Eccl. 9. 2.). 27. Their 
 wrongful thoughts against Job are stated by 
 him in v. 28. They do not honestly name 
 Job, but insinuate his guilt, 28. ye say— re- 
 ferring to Zophar (ch. 20. 7.). the house- 
 referring to the fall of ttie house of Job's 
 eldest son (ch. 1. 19, i and tne destruction of 
 M^ family, prince— The parallel 'wicked" 
 in the second clause requires this to be taken 
 in a bad sense, tyrant, oppressor Isa. 13. 2,), 
 the same Heb. "nobles"— oppressors, dwel- 
 ling-places— Eather, pavilions; lit., a tent 
 containing many dwellings, such as a great 
 emir. Like Job, with many dependents.would 
 have. 29. Job seeing that the friends will 
 not admit him as an impartial judge, as they 
 consider his calamities prove his guilt, begs 
 them to ask the opinion of travellers (Lam. 
 1. 12,) who hav^ the experience drawn from 
 observation, and who are no way connected 
 with him. Job opposes this to Bildad (ch. 
 8. 8,) and Zophar (ch. 20. 4.). tokens— Eather, 
 int%mations (ex. gr., inscriptions, proverbs, 
 signifying the results of their ob.«;ervation', 
 testimony. Lit., signs or proofs in confirma- , 
 tion of the word spoken Isa.7.11.). 30. Their i 
 testimony (referring perhaps to those who [ 
 had visited the region where Abraham who i 
 .enjoyed a revelation then lived is, that "tlie | 
 wicked is -now) spared {reserved} ag.iinst the j 
 day of destruction" ihereafter.). The Heb. I 
 does not so well agree with [Umbr.1 "-in the | 
 day of destruction." Job docs not deny sin- ! 
 Tiers' future punishment, but their punish-' 
 rnent in this life. They have their "goodj 
 things" noi'j. Hereafter their lot. and that 
 of the godly, shall be reversed (Lu. 16. 25.). I 
 Job, by the Spirit, often utters truths, which 
 solve the difficulty under which he laboured. ; 
 His afllictions mo;-;tiy clouded his faith, else i 
 
 m 12] 
 
 he would have seen the solution furnislied 
 by his own words. This answers the oojec- 
 tion, that if he knewol the Ptesurrection in 
 ch. 19. 25, and future retribution (ch. 21. 30,;, 
 why did he not draw his reasonings else- 
 where from them, which he does nutv God's 
 righteous government, however, needs to 1 Q 
 vindicated as to this life also, and therefore 
 ■the Holy Ghost has caused the aigun.env 
 mainly to turn on it, at the same time giving 
 glimpses of a future fuller vindication ot 
 God's ways, brought forth — not "carried 
 away safe" or *'esc;!,i)e" ireferringto/Z^is ?//t), 
 as TJmbr. has it. wratli— itt., "wraths," i.e., 
 multiplied and fierce wrath. 31. i.e., wlio 
 dares to charse him openJy with his bad 
 ways ? viz., in this present life. He shall, i 
 grant {v. 30,), be " repaid" hereafter. 32. Yet 
 —Rather, and. bi ought— with solemn pomp 
 (Ps.45. 16.). grave— Kt., graves; i.e., the place 
 where the ^aves are. reraaiii in— liatlier, 
 ivatch on the tomb, or sepuh^hral mound. 
 Even after death he seems siiU to live and 
 wat.-:h i.e., have his "remembrance" pre- 
 served) by means of the monument o^'er the 
 grave. In opposition to Bildad ch. 18.17.). 
 33. As the classic sayin>j has it, "The earth 
 is light upon hnn." His repose siiall be 
 "sweet." draw— follow. He snail share the 
 common lot of mort.als: no worse ofl" than 
 they (Heb. 9. 27.). [Umbr.] JS'ot so well 
 (for it is not true of "every mun."). ''Moft 
 men follow in his bad steps, as countle'!9 
 such preceded him." 34. falsehood— ttf., wick- 
 edness. Yourl boasted "consolations' {ch. 
 15. 11,) are contradicted by fac.\s, ("vain,") 
 they therefore only betray yoiu" evil intent 
 ("wickedness"' against me. 
 
 CHAPTER XXn. 
 
 THIRD SERIE.S. 
 
 Ver. 1-SO. As before, Eli ph a z Begins. 
 1. Eliphaz shows, thai man's gooilness docs 
 not add to, or man's badness take from, the 
 happiness of God: therefore it cannot be that 
 God sends prosperity to some, and calamities 
 on others, for his own advantage: the cause 
 of the goods and iUs sent must lie in the men 
 themselves (Ps. 16. 2; Lu. 17. 10; Acts. 17. 25; 
 1 Chr. 29. 14.). So Job's calamities must arise 
 from guilt. Eliphaz instead of meeting the 
 facts, tries to show that it couldnot be so. 2. 
 as he that is wise— Either, yea the pious man 
 profiteth himself. So "understanding" or 
 "wise"— pious (Dan. 12. 3, lO; Ps. 14. 2.). 
 [Mich.] 3. pleasure— Accession ol happiness: 
 God has pleasure in man's righteousness it's. 
 45. 7,), but He is not dependent on man's 
 character for His happiness. 4. Is the pun- 
 ishment inflicted on thee from fear of tJiee, 
 in order to disarm thee? as Job had impJitd 
 (Notes, 7. 12, -20; 10. 17.). will He enter . . . into 
 judgment?— Job had desired this (ch. 13. 3. 
 21.). He ouc;ht rather have spoken as (Ps, 
 l'i3. 2.). 5. Heretofore Eliphaz had only in- 
 sinuated, now he plainly asserts Job's guilt; 
 merely on the ground of his sufTerings. 6. 
 The Climes alleged, on a harsh inference, by 
 Eiiiihaz against Job are such as he Mould 
 think likely to be committed by a rich man. 
 The Mosaic law (Ex. 2 J. 2f.; Deut. 24. 10,) sub- 
 sequently embodied the feeling that existed 
 among the godly in Job's time against op- 
 pression of debtors as to their pledges. Here 
 the case is not quite the same: Job is charged 
 with taking a pledge where he had no just 
 claim to it: and in the second clause, that 
 pledge \ths outer garment whiqh served tbe 
 3B 
 
Job txhcyrfed to repent. 
 
 JOB, xxm, XXIV. 
 
 Job appeals to m<X. 
 
 8 But ast'ov 3 the mightvrnan, he had the 
 earth ; aud the *hoiiou:ahle man dwelt in it. 
 
 y Thou hast sent widows away empty, and 
 the arms of the fatherless have been 
 broken. 
 
 10 Therefore snares are round about thee, 
 and sudden tear troubleth thee; 
 
 11 Or darknt'ss, that thou canst not seo; 
 end abundance of waters cover thee. 
 
 1- Is ''not God in the height of heaven? 
 and behold 5 the height of the stars, how 
 hi>:?h they are! 
 
 lo And" thou sayest, 6 How doth God 
 know? can he judge through the dark 
 cloud? 
 
 14 Thick clouds are a covering to him, 
 that he seeth not; and he walketh iu the 
 circuit of heaven. 
 
 15 Hast thou marked the old way which 
 wicked nieu have trodden? 
 
 16 Which were cut down out of time, 
 ^ whose foundation was overflown with a 
 flood: 
 
 17 Which said unto God, Depart from us: 
 and what can the Almighty do 8 for them? 
 
 It* Yet he filled their houses with good 
 (hhiqs: but toe cotmsel of the wicked is far 
 from me. 
 
 19 T'u righteous see it, and are glad; and 
 the innocent laugh them to scorn. 
 
 20 Whereas oixr 9 substance is not cut 
 down, but 10 the remnant of them the fire 
 consumetb. 
 
 21 Acquaint now thyself" with him, and 
 be <* at peace: thereby good shall come un- 
 to thee. 
 
 22 Receive, f pray thee, the law from his 
 mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart. 
 
 23 If thou return to the Almighty, thou 
 Bhalt be built up, thou slialt put away ini- 
 quity far from thy tabernacles. 
 
 24 Then shalt thou lay up gold 12 as dust, 
 and the gold of t'phu: as tne stones of the 
 brooks. 
 
 25 Yea, the Almighty shall be thy 13 de- 
 fence, and thou shalt have i* plenty of 
 silver. 
 
 2G For then shalt thou have thy delight in 
 the Almightj', and shalt lift up thy face 
 onto God. 
 
 27 Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, 
 and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay 
 thy vows. 
 
 28 Thou shalt 'also decree a thing, and it 
 shall be established unto thee: and the light 
 shall shine upon thy ways. 
 
 29 When men are cast down, then thou 
 shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall 
 save 15 the humble person. 
 
 30 18 He shall dehver the island of the in- 
 nocent: and it is delivered by the pureness 
 of thine hands. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 1 Job longs to appear before God, 6 m ecnUdenee 
 
 of his meres/. 13 Go'd's decree immutable. 
 n^HEN Job answered and said, 
 ■"- 2 Even to-day is my complaint bitter: 
 ' uiv stroke is heavier than my groaning. 
 
 3 Oh that 1 knew where 1 might find him! 
 that I might come even to his seat! 
 
 4 1 would 01 dcr mp cause before him, and 
 fill my mouth with "arguments. 
 
 6 1 would know the words which he would 
 answer me. and imderstand what he would 
 Bay unto me. 
 
 G Vv ill " he plead against me with his peat 
 power* No; but he would put strength, in 
 
 KUbt 
 
 sax 
 
 CHAP. 23. 
 3 the niKD ol 
 
 6 the head of 
 thesrnrs. 
 
 6 Or. What. 
 
 7 B flood was 
 poiu-ed 
 upon their 
 foundation. 
 Geo. 7. 11. 
 
 8 Or, to 
 them. 
 
 9 Or, eeUt«. 
 lU Or, their 
 
 excel- 
 lency. 
 
 11 That i», 
 with God. 
 
 d Is. 27. 5. 
 
 12 Or, on 
 the dust. 
 
 13 Or, gold. 
 
 14 silver of 
 
 e Pro. 16. 3. 
 
 15 bim that 
 hath loff 
 
 liTer the 
 Gen. 18. 
 
 CHAP. 33. 
 
 1 my hand. 
 " Is. 27. 4. 
 6 ch 9. 11. 
 
 2 the way 
 that ia 
 with me. 
 
 ePs. 17.3. 
 
 Jam. 1. 12. 
 
 1 Pot. 1. 7. 
 d P». 44. 13. 
 
 3 I have hid, 
 
 John 4. 32. 
 
 4 Or, Diy 
 
 appointed 
 
 e Eom. 9. 19. 
 /lTho88.3.3. 
 
 CHAP. 24. 
 
 » Acts 1. 7. 
 )Deu,19.14 
 
 Pro. 
 
 1 Or. feed 
 
 « Deu.M. 6, 
 
 10,12.17. 
 
 d Pro. 28. 28. 
 
 2 utngled 
 
 vintage. 
 
 e Ex. 22. 26 
 
 Deu 24.12 
 
 th. 22. U 
 
 V feci 8.11 
 
 4 setteth hit 
 
 &C0 in 
 
 7 There the righteous might dispute with 
 him ; so should I be delivered for ever from 
 my .judge. 
 
 8 Beliold, 6 1 go forward, but he is not 
 there; and backward, but I cannot perceive 
 him: 
 
 9 On the left hand, where he doth work, 
 but I cannot behold him: he hideth him- 
 self on the right hand, that I cannot see 
 him: 
 
 10 But he knoweth 2 the way that I take: 
 wlien " he hath tried me, I shall come forth 
 as gold. 
 
 11 My ''foot hath held his steps, his way 
 have I kept, and not declined. 
 
 12 Neither have I gone back from the com- 
 mandment of his lips ; 3 1 have esteemed the 
 words of his mouth more than * my neces- 
 sary /ood. 
 
 13 But he is in one mind, and 'who can 
 turn liim? and what his soul desneth, even 
 that he doeth. 
 
 14 For he performeth the thing that is /ap- 
 pointed for me: and many such thUigs are 
 with him. 
 
 15 Therefore am I troubled at his pre- 
 sence: when I consider, I am afraid of him. 
 
 16 For God maketh my heart soft, and 
 the Almighty troubleth me: 
 
 17 Because I was not cut off before the 
 darkness, neither hath he covered the dark- 
 ness from mv face. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 1 Bin often goes vitpunisfied in this life. 12 0/ 
 
 God's providence in all things, etc. 
 
 "WHY. seeing "times are not 'hidden fi-om 
 ' ' the Almighty, do they that know him 
 not see his days? 
 
 2 Some remove the ^landmarks: they \'io- 
 lently take away flocks, and ifeed thereof. 
 
 3 They drive away the ass of the father- 
 less, they ''take the widow's ox for a 
 pledge. 
 
 4 They turn the needy out of the way: 
 the <i poor of the earth hide themselves to- 
 gether. 
 
 5 Behold, as wild asses in the desert, go 
 they forth to their work; rising betimes for 
 a prey: the wilderness yieldeth food for 
 them and lor their children. 
 
 6 They reap every one his Scorn in the 
 field ; and ^ they gather the \intage of the 
 wicked. 
 
 7 They " cause the naked to lodge without 
 clothing, that they have no covering in the 
 cold. . 
 
 8 They are wet with the showers of the 
 mountains, and / embrace the rock for want 
 of a shelter. 
 
 9 They pluck the fatherless from the 
 breast, and take a pledge of the poor. 
 
 10 They cause him to go naked without 
 clothing, and they take away the sheal/rom 
 the hnngry ; 
 
 11 W]nch make oil within their walls, and 
 tread their wine-presses, and sutler thirst. 
 
 12 Men groan from out of the city, and 
 the soul of the wounded crieth out: ^yet 
 God layeth not folly to them. 
 
 i 13 They are of those that rebel against the 
 light; they know not the ways thereof, nor 
 abide in tne paths thereof. 
 
 14 The iTiuideror rising with the light kill- 
 eth the poor and netdy, and in the night is 
 as a thief. 
 
 15 The eye also of the adulterer waiteth 
 for the twilight, saying, ISo eye shall see 
 
 , me ; and * disguiseth his face. 
 
Job Acmsed of Divers Sitis. 
 
 JOB, XXII. 
 
 He is Uxhorted to Repent. 
 
 poor as a covering by day, and a bed by i the godly and ungodly seed, as between the 
 ni?hti is represented as taken from one who unfallen and restored Adam and Satan [ad- 
 ha< I not "chaiiires of raiment" s, common con- iversary); tliis forms Jhe groundwork of tha 
 
 chs 
 
 ;ti:nent of wealth intlie East) but was poorly- 
 clad— '' miked" Matt. 25. 36; Ja. 2. 16,): a sin 
 the move heinous in a rich man like Job. 7, 
 Hospitality to the weary traveller is regard- 
 ed in the Ea<t as a primary duty (Isa. 21. 14.). 
 8. mighty— J/e&., "man of arm" (Ps. 10. 15; 
 viz.,J\.ib.). hojiQivca.h\e—Heb.,accepted of coun- 
 tenance, (Isa. S. 3; 2 Ki. 5. 1,) i.e., possessing 
 authority. Eliphaz repeats his charge (oh. 
 15. 28; so Zophar, ch. 20.19,) that it was by 
 
 book 
 that 
 
 Land 2. -Gen. 3.15.). remnant— all 
 is left" of tne sinner: repeated from 
 
 (ch. 20. 26.) which makes [Umbr's.] rendering 
 "glory" [marg.), "excellency" less probable, 
 fire-alluding to .Job (ch. 1. 16; 15. 34; 18. 15.). 
 1. First is mentioned destruction by ivater 
 (v. 16.); here, by fire (2 Pet. 3. 5-7.). 21. Eli- 
 phaz takes it for granted. Job is not yet 
 acquainted" with God; lit., become a cojii- 
 payiion of God 
 
 Turn with famiUar confid- 
 
 violerice Job wrung houses and lands from jence to God. and be— So thou slialt be: tlia 
 the poor, to whom now he refused relief 2nd Imperat. expresses the consequence of 
 (y. 7. 9. . [MiCH.J 9. empty— without their i obeying the 1st (Ps. 37. 27.). peace-prosper- 
 ■wants being relieved (Gen. 31. 42.). The ity and restoration to Job : true spiritually 
 Mosaic law especially protected the widow also to its (Kom. 6. 1; Col. 1. 20.). Gocd— 
 and fatherless (Ex. 22. 22,); the violation of it (1 Tim. 4. 8.). 22. lay up— (Psalm 119. 11.). 
 in their case by the great is a complaint of 23. "Built up" anew, as a restored house, 
 the prophets (Isa. 1. 17.). arms- supports, thou shalt put away — Rather, J/ thou put 
 helps, on v.hich one leans (Hos. 7. 15.). Thou away. [MiCH.l 24. Eather. containing the 
 hast robbed them of their only stay. Job protasis from the last clause of v. 23, If thou 
 replies in (ch. 29. 11-16.1. 10. snares— alluding regard the glittering metal as dust; lit, lay 
 to Job's admission ;ch. 19. 6; cf. ch. 18. 10; it on the dws<; to regard it of as little value 
 Prov.22.5.). 11. that— Soi/iattliou. abundance las the dust on which it lies. The apodosis 
 —floods. Danger by floods is a less frequent ' is at v. 25, Then shall the Almighty oe, &c. 
 image in this book, than in the rest of the | God will take the place of the wealth, m 
 O. T. (ch. 11. 16; 27. 20.). 12. Eliphaz says I which thou didst formerly trust, gold — 
 this to prove that God can from His height i Rather, "precious" or "glittering metal," 
 heholdaU things; gratuitously iw/errmo that 'parallel to "(gold) of Ophir," in the second 
 Job denied it, because he denied that the | clause. [Umbr. & Maur.] Onhir— Derived 
 
 from a Heb. word— dusi, viz., gold dust. 
 Heeren thinks it a general name for the rich 
 countries of the S., on the African, Indian, 
 and especially the Arabian coast, (where was 
 the port Aphar. El Ophir, too, a city of 
 Oman, was formerly the centre of Arabian 
 commerce.). It is curious, the natives of Ma- 
 lacca still call their mines Ophirs. stones of 
 the brooks— 1/ thou dost let the gold of Ophir 
 remain in its native vaUey among the stones 
 of the brooks; i.e., regard it as of little worth 
 as the stones, &c. The gold was washed dowa 
 by mountain torrents and lodged among the 
 stones and sand of the vaUey. 25. Apodosis. 
 Yea— Rather, Then shall the Almighty be, 
 &c. defence— Eather, as the same Heb. means 
 in V. 24 (see note,)— Thy precious metals; God 
 will be to thee in the place of riches, plenty 
 of silver— Puather, "And shall be to thee in 
 the place of laboriously obtained treasures of 
 silver." [Ges.] Elegantly implying, it is 
 less labour to find God than the hidden 
 
 wicked are punished here, height— if e6. 
 head, i.e., elevation (ch. 11. 8.). 13. Rather, 
 And yet thou 'ayest, God does not concern 
 himself with ("know") human affairs (Ps. 73. 
 11.). ■ 14. "In the circuit of heaven" only, 
 3iot taking any part in earthly affairs. Job^ 
 is alleged as holding this epicurean senti- 
 ment (Lam. 3. 44; Isa. 29. 15; 40. 27; Jer. 23. 
 24; Ez. 8. 12; Ps. 139.12.). 15. marked— Rather, 
 Dost thou keep to? i.e., wish to follow (so 
 Heb., 2 Sam. 22. 22.). If so. beware of sharing 
 their end. the old way— The degenerate ways 
 Of the world before the flood (Gen. 6. 5.). 16. 
 cut down— Eather, "fettered," as in ch. 16. 8; 
 i.e., arrested by death, out of time— Prema- 
 turely, suddenly: fih. 15. 32; Eccl. 7. 17,) Lit., 
 •whose foundation was poured out (so as to 
 toecome! a stream, or flood. The solid earth 
 passed from beneath their feet into a flood 
 (Gen. 7. 11.). 17. Eliphaz designedly uses 
 Job's own words (ch.21. 14,15.). do for them— 
 
 They think they can do everything for them- ,_ - — ,_ 
 
 selves. 18. "Yet" you say (ch. 21. 16, see metals; at least to the humble seeker :ch. 
 Note) that it is ''He who filled their houses 28. 12-28.). But [Maur.] " the shining silver.* 
 with good"— "their" "good is not in their 26. lift up . . , face. &c.— Repeated from Zo- 
 hand,' but comes from God. hut the counsel phar (ch. 11. 15.). 27. (Isa. 58. 9. 14.). pay thy 
 ... is, (fee— Rather, may the counsel be, &c. vows— Which thou hast promised to God m 
 Eliphaz sarcastically quotes in continuation the event of thy prayers being heard : God 
 Job's words (ch. 21. 16.). Yet, after uttering will give thee occasion to pay the former, by 
 this godless sentiment, thou dost hypocriti- hearing the latter. 28. light— Success. 29. 
 cally add, "May the counsel," &c. 19. Tri-1 Eather, When {thy ways; from v. 28,) are 
 nmph of the pious at the fall of the recent least down (foratime,i,thoushalt (soon again 
 followers of the antediluvian sinners. Whilst , have joyful cause to) say. There is liftmg up 
 in tlie act of denying that God can do them (prosperity returns back to me.). [Maur.| 
 any good or harm, they are cut off by Him. he— God. humble— jHe&., him that is of low 
 Eliphaz hereby justifies himself and the I eyes. Eliphaz implies, that Job is not so 
 friends for their conduct to Job: not derision i now in his affliction; therefore it continues : 
 0- the wTetched, but joy at the vindication with this he contrasts the blessed effect of 
 of God's v.ays (Ps. 107. 42; Eev. 15. 3; 16. 7; 'being humble ixnder it (James, 4. 6; and 1 
 19. 1, 2.). 20. The triumphant speech of the , Pet. 5. 5, probably quote tliis passage.), 
 pious. If "substance" be retained, fm?is?., j Therefore it is better, I think, to take the 
 rather as LXX., "has not their substance I first clause as referred to by "God resisteth 
 been taken away, and " <fec.? But the Heb. is I theproud." When (men) are cast down, thou 
 rai her, " Truly our adversary is cut down." : shalt say, (behold the effects of) pride. Eli- 
 LGes.] The same opposition exists between ' phaz hereby justifies himself for attributing 
 371 
 
Joh'8 Confidence In Gocfs Mercy. JOB, XXTTT, XXTV. TTe Declares Fit Innocence. 
 
 Job's calamities to his pr'dr. "(Uveth trracct( 
 the humble," answers to (he second clause. 30. 
 island— V.^:., dwelling. 15ut the Jlcb. exi'i-essc^ 
 the ni'uafire fl Sam. 4.21, j, trand. "Thus ll( 
 (i<)(\) Hliall deliver him who was iiot (uiilt 
 
 .elf 
 
 ■If 
 
 less," vi/., one, who like .7ol> hii 
 Version shall lie saved, but iiol lice; 
 wa.s, as Job so constantly .iHiinis ot 1 
 guiltless, but liecause he livuihlcH hiii 
 21>,':an ol)li(ine aitick on .(ol), even to the 
 last, and i-— llather, "he (the one not here 
 tofore f-'uiltle^s) .shall be delivered throuuh 
 the "purity (.'icfiuired since C(jnversion) of th.\ 
 hands;" by thy intercession (as (Jen. IN. ■,;(;, 
 &c.\ [Matk.J '{'he irony is .strikingly exhi- 
 bited in Kiiphaz uncon.sciously uttering 
 words which exactly answer to what hap 
 pened at last : he and the f)ther two were 
 delivered" by(;od accepting the interces- 
 sion of Job for thr-ni ch. 42. 7, h.). 
 CIIAI'J'KR XX HI. 
 
 Tlllltl) HKRIK«. 
 
 Ver. 1-17. Joii'H Anhvvkh. 2. to-day— Tm- 
 plyiuK. ))(^rh,ap.s, that the debate was carrie<l 
 on throutih moie days than oiu; see Inlrod. . 
 bitter— eii. 7. 11; 10. 1.,'. my sirokc— The Anon' 
 of (Jod (tninc. {muro. ; ch. I!t. '.il ; I's. .'i'J. 1. . 
 heaviertli 111— Issolusavy lh;it I cannot relieve 
 nivselfa(le(|uately byKro.'inin^'. 3. Tlu: same 
 Wish as in ch. 1,1. 3 cl. Jjeb. 10. l!»-'.i2.L smt 
 —The idea in the llch. is a vdl-iripdntl 
 throne (Ps. 9. 7.). 4. order— State mcMiodi 
 cally (ch. i:t. is; Isa. 4:t. 2(!. . fill, A.'c.- I would 
 have atiundance of arL'uinmtx to adduce. 5. 
 he-Kmpliatic: it littJc m;illeis wh;it man 
 may say of me, if only I know what (led, 
 judges of m(!. 6. An obiectinn suKKCsts it 
 Keif, whil.st he utters the wish >r. !,.\. Do | 
 hereby \vi>h,thath(! should plc'ul ;iKaiusf me 
 ■with His omnipoleiiceV far from it! (ch. !». 
 19, ;J4; l.i. 'J.\ ; .iO. IK.). 8lre;iKtli-So jis to pre 
 vail with Jlini : as in Jacoli's case (lln.s. 12. 
 S, 4.). UiMMK. and Mauh. better tr.anslate as 
 in ch. 4. 20, (1 only wish i.hat I lei "would 
 afl<)i(l U) me," i.e.. Kive nic a p.'iticnt hc-iriii^; 
 as an ordin.-i.rv io<l;;e, not nsiu'; Ills nmiii|io 
 teiice, but, only His divine kn<iwlcd^c ul niv 
 innocence. "/. tlierc KjiiIkt, Then ; if (iod 
 Vciidd ".attend" to me r.(i.,. ri(<litcou.s- i.i 
 the ntsnltotmy (/i.s;,i(^' Aonld lie. He would 
 acknowledge nie as riiihtcoiis. deiivcnd- 
 Frfmi suHjiicion of «uilt on the piirt of tnii 
 Judm. 8. liut I wish in v.nn, h'or "lu- 
 hold," &c. loi-ward . . . tiackwavd Kathcr, 
 "to the E.—U, the Jr." The Hebrew kco 
 graphers faced the K., ■»,.«., sun rise: not the 
 N. as we do. So " before ' means K.: " be 
 hind." W. (So th(! llindf.os.) " Vnm: hvjore- 
 K.: "Apara." hrhnid-\\.: " Daschin.a," thr 
 rifihl hiiiul->^:" r..ii,ia.' ^// N. A siniil.ir 
 reieiencc to sun rise appcirs in ihc n;uue 1 
 Asia, ridirisr: luirope, sini'^it: jiure I'.iiby 
 Ionian i:anies, as lU wi,. sliow.s. fi. Rather, n 
 "To the N." work— t Jod's Kh'rious ic/)//,-.s- ;ire ' si 
 espi;cially seen towards the N. re-ion of ihc 
 Hkv by one in the N. hendsiihere. Th(> :n\ 
 titln'Sis i.; between «;od vnrLitiu .and yd 
 ni'l beini; Ik lit hi: ;is in ch. 0. II. between 
 "He (lorlk hil," and " I ser Him vol." \{ tlie 
 i/.//. be.'ir.s It, the panillelisni to the scicond 
 clatr-e 
 
 llMI'.lt 
 
 antiihrsis to hrhnhl wouhl be lost, litrlit 
 hiiiid "In the S." Indeth — A|)|iropriately, 
 ol thf vnr.rnlKii'il S. , then rek'arded ;is unin- 
 habitable through heat s<:e <'h. .'M. 20.). 10, 
 
 cau.se should be known before (!od. 'ihe 
 omniscient One .already A)((//iv7/( the way in 
 iitr my iiiii-iinl ptiiuiples: His (ki/( icard way 
 01 ((.nisc ol jicls is menlioned in V. 11. 
 So hi ■inc. ch. 1. 21,1; thonuli lor some inscru- 
 table • •.•luse He .'is yet hides him.^elf {v. 8, 
 '.>. . v/lioii— Let Him only but try my cause, 
 I shall, .\.-c. 11. hold \'':\^t \>y Tils slips, 'i he 
 law is 11 (). T. iMietry regarded as 11 van, 
 < lod uoiii;,' before us as our ;,'ui(le. in whose 
 footsteps we must tread J's. 17. . '■..). dtclintd 
 - (I's. 12.-). f).). 12. esteemed- b'atlier, laid vp. 
 viz., as a trcas\ire found (Matt. l.'i. 41; f's. 
 110. 11,): .allutlinK to the words of l';ii|)li,';z 
 ch. 22. L'2,),'J'here w.as no need to tell me so; I 
 have <ione so alre.'idy (.Icr. 1.^. Ifi.). m cisnny 
 —"Appointed portion" (of food : asm I'rov. 
 .30. 8.1. rMKi:. <V Mami. transi.'ite •" .Moro 
 than i\f, loir," niv owii v. ill, in .antilhti.'-is to 
 "the words of His nuuilh" .bilin (i. :;s.). 
 Proliablv under the ceneral term, "what is 
 iii'ponit.d to me" (the same //,/.. is in ?;. 
 14,), .all that niiiiisier^ to llu! .■ippetiies of 
 the body ami carnal will is included. 13. m 
 "lie mind— Notwilh'^tandinK my iiinocenco, 
 III' is liiKiUirrdiu His purpose of pro vim; me 
 Kuilly (ch. 0. 12.). soul- 1 1 is (/■/■// (I's. lir>. :i.). 
 Cod's sovereii^nty. He liiis our ^'icit luir- 
 po.se ; nothinu is liaiHh.'iz.'ird ; everytlum,' h.as 
 its iiropcr pl.'u (! with a view to His piiiposo. 
 14. many such— He has yet many m< ire .such 
 ills in store for me, thoii;.'h hidden in His 
 breast (ch. 10. i::.). 16. (iod's decrees, im- 
 )iosviilile to ]i(^ re-is'ed, and le;iviii ■ ns in the 
 dark ;is to what may come next, ;ire <;ilenla- 
 leiltotill the mind with holy awe. | 1!,\ 1; nks.J 
 16. 8oft-l''.aint. Hath melted my (vuniire. 
 Here npiin Job's lanKUaj,'e is th.-it of Jesus 
 • hrist (I's. 22. 14.). 17. liecause I was 
 not taken away by death from the evil to 
 come {lit., from hc.fore the face oj the dnrl> 
 iK'ss, Isa. 57. I.). Alluding to the words of 
 Kliphaz (ch. 22. 11,). "d;irkn<'SM," i.e., cala- 
 mity. "Cut off;" rather, in the Arabic 
 sense. Ihoiifilit lothi' Land of silnirr ; n^y s.ad 
 eoii,)'hiinthn>he<liiide;i!h. IHmi'.u.I "H.'irk- 
 n-ess" in the s<(ond clause, not, tlie samo 
 //W). word as in the llrst. rlovd, ohsnirity. 
 Inste.'ul of " covenn i the i loud (of evil) from 
 my face," lie "com is' hk with it (ch. 22. 11.). 
 C'HAI'll 1; WIV. 
 Ver. 1-25. 1. Why is it that. Rceinj,' that 
 the tunes of punishment (Kz(!k. ;«). :i; " time" 
 in the same sen.sei are not liiddeu from the 
 Almi>,'hty, they who know Hini (His (rue 
 worshippers, ch. is. 21,) do not see His days 
 (of vengeance ; Joel, 1. ir. ; 2 I'et. .'!. lo.' ? ( »r 
 with Hmi'.u. resssimiily, making' the pandlel 
 cl.auses more nicely o.alaiiced, Why .'ire not 
 times of piimshmentho;ii(led uii (" hiid up;" 
 ch, 21. \'.>: (niroiiihd: hy Ihe .Abniuhty? /,-;,, 
 why are tlii'y not >i) .'ippoiiited as that ina.n 
 now sre Ihoni ; as the second clause 
 s. ,lob does not doubt that they are 
 ijtpointed : nay, he asserts it (oh. 21. .'iO,): 
 Aliat he wishes is that ( io.l Would Irt ;iU 
 low .■.'. th.ititis so. 2 ;?4. Instances ot the 
 Aicked doinj,' the worst deeds nil h seeming 
 mnunity. Some The wicked. Ind.iailiS 
 - Ikmndaries lietween dille 
 
 nt pasti 
 bitter suited by iranslatiiik', as ,' (Deu. 11). 14 ; I'rov. 22. 2s.). 3. pledge— Allnd- 
 hilh hiilr hiuistll; but then the ! inu to ch. 22. (!. <>th(!rs really do. and with 
 
 ■' impnnitv, tli.itwhirh Ivliphaz r.'ifselvcliaive.s 
 
 the .illlieled .lob with. 4. /,//.. t hev jmsh 
 
 the poor.mtof their ro.ol in nieetii,« liieui. 
 
 J''iii., they t.ik(> ;idv,inta:;e of them by force 
 
 But— Cofrecting himself for the wish that hia and injustice (alludiiiK to the cluir«e "of iili- 
 
 371 ill 
 
WlfSxd Mencfiao JOB. XSIV . Vn punisl.cd ffere, 
 
 phaz^ ch. 22. 8 ; 1 Sam. 8. S.l poor— In spirit ; whole previous list of sins Acts. irrsoT. 
 nud in circumstances Matt. 5. 3.!. hide— jUmbk. widi^i/r. reads by chaiigiug a vowel 
 From the injustice of their oppressors, who ! point, " Regards not tlieir sttpviication." 13. 
 have robbed them of their all and driven 'So far as to openly committed sins ; now. 
 them into vmfrequeuted places ;ch. 2i\ la ; those done in the dark. Trans. "There are 
 
 3-6; Prov. 2S. 
 
 5. wild asses— ch. 11. i those amons them ithe wicked who reliel," 
 
 12.). Solshmael is called a wild ass-man ;i&c. light— Both lit. and. na. John. 
 Hib., (Gen. W. 12.). These Bedouiu robbers < Prov. 2. 13.\ paths thereof— Pl;\ces i 
 withtheunbridledwilduess of the ass of the light shines "" -'^ * ' ■ 
 
 3. 19, •20 : 
 
 where the 
 
 1-1. with the lig:it— At early 
 
 desert, go forth thither. Kobbery is their dawn, whilst still dark, when the traveller 
 Lswlejs "work."* The desert, which >-ields in the E. usually sets out. and the poor 
 no food to otlier men. yields food for tlie labourer to his work; the murderous robler 
 robber and his chil ireu by the plunder of lies in wait then (Ps. 10. s.. is as a thief— 
 caravans. r;su;g betimes- In the E, trayel-l Tliicvcs in the E. steal wliilst men sleep at 
 ling- is begun very earl.v. before the heat night, rollers murder at earlv dawn. The 
 comes on. 6. Like the wild asses v. 5.' they ^ same man who steals at ni4:ht. when lidit 
 
 ithe.<e Bedouiu robbers) reap auetaphoricai- dawns not only robs, but murders to escape 
 y their various grain so the iff^. for "corn"' detection^ 15. (Prov. r. <i ; Ps. 10. 11.'. dis- 
 ine;ins.\ The wild ass does not let man pile 
 up in a stable his mu'd p^i-ovendcr (Isa. 30. 
 24.); so these robbers lind their food in the 
 
 open air. at one time in the desert ir. i\\ 
 at another, in the fields, the viutag:e of the 
 wickei— The vintace oi robbery, not of honest 
 industry. If we translate " beionying to iiie 
 wicked," theu it wiU impb". that ilie wicked 
 alone have vineyards, the "pious poor" ,v. 
 4,', have none. " Gather " in, Htb.. is gatJur 
 late: as the first clause refers to the early 
 harvest of corn, so t)ie second to the viutaizo 
 
 Ittft' in autumn. 7. Umbr. imderstauds it of ^ _^ 
 
 the Bedouin robbers who are quite regard- know well are familiar with the terrors 
 less of the comforts of life. "Iney iHi.s^J/k' of," <S:c. [Umbr.] Or. as M.\rR., "They 
 
 giiiieth— Puts a veil on. 16. dig through • 
 Houses in the E. are generally buUt of 
 sun - dried iiuid bricks so Matt. 6. 19.'. 
 "Thieves break throuch," Ut.,d'ia ihrouoh 
 lEzek. 12. 7.\ had n.aiked — Kath.er as in 
 ch. 9. 7. "Tliey shut themselves up vin 
 their houses: lit., they s&tl up. for them- 
 selves—For their own ends, viz., to es- 
 cape detection, know not— i^hun. 17. Tliey 
 shrink from the "morning" light, as much 
 as other meu do from the blackest dark- 
 ness, ("the shadow of death." it one 
 kuow—i.«., recognize them. Eather, "Thev 
 
 d, &c., and uncovered." itc. But know the tenors of ithis' darkness," viz., o"£ 
 
 n to ch. ii. 6, makes the E.V. pre- morning, the light, which is as terrible to 
 
 Frost is not 1 them, as darkness i" the shadow of de.uh") 
 
 's to other men. 16-21. In these verses 
 
 ni^ht 
 
 the al 
 
 ferab.e .see ^v'ote beiow, r. 10 
 
 uucoui'.r.on _at niglit in those reg ons iC 
 
 jiglit 
 
 ?n. 
 
 31.40.). 8. They— The plundered travellers. I Job quotes tlie opinion of his adversaries, 
 cmbi-.ace the rock— T'ake refuge luider it ,Lam. j ironicivUj': he quoted them so before ,ch. 21. 
 4. 5. . 9. fr-m the breasi— Of the widowed 17-2l.\ In v. 2J-24. he states his own obser- 
 mother. Kidnapping children for slaves. I vation as the opposite. You. say " The sinner 
 Here Job passes from wrongs in the desert, : ^^ sicijt. i.e., swiftlj- passes away as a thing 
 to those done among the habitations of nien.'fioatiiK on the surface o.f the vaters" ,Eocl. 
 pledge— viz., the garment of the poor debtor, li. l ; Hos. 10. 7.'. is cnrsed-By tliose who 
 as next vei-se shows. 10. iXote ch. 22. 6.). In witness their " swift " destruction, beholdeth 
 V. 7. a like sin is alluded to: but there he not- "Turnetli not to : " .n";?., for. He cannot 
 implies open robbery of garments in the.eiyoy lus pleasant possessions ich 
 
 desert; htre, the more retiued robbery in 
 civilized life, under the name ot a " pieoge." 
 
 3;>.i. the w..y of the viuevaids— Inchuling hia 
 nelds, fertile as viue.vards ; opposite to "the 
 
 .Having stripped the poor, they make them; way of the desert." 19. Arabian image; 
 besides labour in their harvest-fields, and melted snow, as contrasted with the living 
 do not :illow them to satisfy their huncer with fountain, quickly dries up in the su:i-burut 
 anj- of the very corn wliicli they au-rv to the sand, not ieaviug a trace behind ch. 6. lo- 
 heap. "SN'orse treatment, than diat of the ox, is.). Tb.e Heh. is terse and ellipticsil to ex- 
 according to Deu. 25.4. J;-(Jiis. "they ithe press the swift and utter destruction of the 
 pporiabourersl iumgeringcarry the sheaves." godless : (so "tlie grave— they have sinned !"' 
 LUmbk.I 11. Wach— They," tJ\e poor, 120. The womb — The very mother that bare 
 ** press tlie oil within their walls:'' viz., not him. and who is the last to "foiget" the 
 only in the open fields {v. 10,'. but also in the child that sucked her Jsa. 49. 15,\ shall dis- 
 vcatlenclosed vinej-jurds and olive gardens of miss Mm from her memory ,ch. IS. 17 ; Prov. 
 tlie oppressor (Isa. 5. 5.). Yet tluy are not 10. 7. . The worm shall suck; ue., "feed 
 allowed to quench their "thirst" with the isweetlj'" on him as a delicate moi-sel ch. 21. 
 
 grapesand olives. Here. thir.<i>i- v. 10, hun 
 gry. 12. Mtu—Eatler, "mortals" not the 
 common Htb. for " meii.'"' ; so the JIasoretic ,ch 
 
 kediiess —i.e., the -wicked ; abstract 
 f . r concrete >as ch. o. 10.''. as a tiee— Utterly 
 
 ■ " 'm^v " Ac o cf.3*T^ 
 
 But the vow 
 
 vowel points read as £. V. 
 points are modern. The 
 The diriug: answering to "' the wounded ' in 
 
 [Umbr.] better, "As a stalf. 
 
 el A bivken statf is the emblem of iri-e- 
 
 irable ruin Jsa. 14. 5; Hos. 4. V2.\ 21. 
 lie reason given by the friends why tlie 
 
 the nexidause, so Sur.. Not merolv in the sinner deserves such a fate. b.irreii— With- 
 coui^trv r. li.' but also in the citv there are out sons, who might have protected her. 
 oppiessedsufferers.whoayfor help in v.ain. widow— \Vithout a husband to support her. 
 ■ !■(.!,) oHf of the city ;' j.f.. tlit^- long to get •:2-25. Eeplv of Job to the opinion of the 
 ' ' ' utside of u Ex. l. li; friends. Kxporionce proves the contrary. 
 ■" ■ TraiiSl " But He ,t,iod' pnilongeth the lii'eoc 
 at., drau-cth out at Jen'ith; jtar'j., Ps. ;-;c. 
 10, tlie mighty with His tOod's power. He 
 
 OV}: 
 
 for;h and be fr 
 
 2. 23 h wounded 
 
 SO. 24.)_ 
 
 of d">v punisliiug) their 
 
 By the orpre<sor [Fzek. rAJa.</. " But He ,God' pnilongeth thejiieoc 
 layeth not foUy— Takes no account; 
 
 foib-' 
 
 Scripture ; ch, h -ii.y This is the gist of the 1 ^the ivicked) riseth up .from lus sick bed 
 
 an [2] 
 
God's power and wisdom. 
 
 JOB, xxv-xxvm. 
 
 Job protests Tiis tineeritjf. 
 
 16 In the dark they dig throizgh houses, 
 which they had marked for themselves in 
 the day-time: f^ they know not the light. 
 
 17 For the morning is to them even as the 
 shadow of death: if one know them, they 
 are in the terrors of the shadow of death. 
 
 18 He is swift as the waters; their portion 
 is cursed iu the earth: he beholdeth not the 
 way of the vineyards. 
 
 19 Drought and heat ^ consume the snow 
 waters ; so doth the grave those which have 
 Binned. 
 
 20 The womb shall forget him; the worm 
 shall feed sweetly on him: »he shall be no 
 nK)re remembered; and wickedness shall be 
 broken as a tree. 
 
 21 He evil-entreateth the barren that 
 beareth not, and doeth not good to the 
 widow. 
 
 22 He draweth also the mighty with his 
 power: he riseth up, 6 and no man is sure 
 .•of life. 
 
 23 Though it be given him to be in safety, 
 whereon he resteth, yet ? his eyes are upon 
 their ways. 
 
 24 They are exalted for a little while, but 
 8 are gone and brought low ; they are 9 taken 
 out of the way as all other., and cut off as 
 the tops of the ears of corn. 
 
 25 And if it be not so now, who will make 
 me a liar, and make my speech nothing 
 woi-th? 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 Bildad declares the sovereignty of God, before 
 
 whom man cannot be justified. 
 fHEN answered Bildad the Shuhite, and 
 "^ said, 
 
 2 Dominion and fear are with him; he 
 maketh peace in his high places. 
 
 3 Is there any number of his armies? and 
 upon whom doth not "his light arise? 
 
 4 How * then can man be justilied with 
 God? or how can he be clean t/tat is born of 
 a woman? 
 
 5 Behold even to the moon, and itshineth 
 not; yea, the stars are not pure in his 
 sight: 
 
 6 How much less man, that is * a worm; 
 and the son of man, which is a worm? 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 1 Job reproves the uncharitable spirit of Bildad. 
 
 6 God's ■poyjer infinite and unsearchable. 
 "DUT Job answered and said, 
 ^^ 2 How hast thou helped him that is 
 without power? how savest thou the aim 
 thot hath no strength? 
 
 3 How hast thou counselled him that hath 
 no wisdom? and hoiv hast thou plentifully 
 declared the thing as it is? 
 
 4 To whom hast thou uttered words? and 
 whose spirit came from thee? 
 
 5 Dead things are formed from under the 
 waters, i and the inhabitants thereof. 
 
 6 Hell " is naked before him, and destruc- 
 tion hath no covering. 
 
 7 He *stietcheth out the north over the 
 emiJty place, and hangeth the earth upon 
 nothing. 
 
 8 He *= bindeth up the waters in his thick 
 clouds; and the cloud is not rent under 
 them. 
 
 9 He holdeth back the face of his throne, 
 and spreadeth his cloud upon it. 
 
 10 lie <i hath compassed the waters with 
 boiuids, 2 until the day and night come to 
 an ctirt. 
 
 11 The pillars of heaven tremble and are 
 astoimhed at his reproof 
 
 CHAP. 24. 
 
 h John 3. 20. 
 8 Tioleatly 
 
 take. 
 i Pro. 10. 7. 
 
 6 Or, he 
 trustoth 
 EOt his 
 own life. 
 
 7 That is, 
 God's. 
 Heb. 4. 13. 
 
 8 are not. 
 
 9 closed up. 
 
 CHAP. 25. 
 a Jam. 1. 17. 
 
 CHAP. 28. 
 
 1 Or, with 
 the inha- 
 
 a Pe. Vii. 8. 
 Pro. 15. 11. 
 b Pa. 24. 2. 
 e ProT. 30. 4. 
 d Jer. 5. 22. 
 
 2 until the 
 end of light 
 with dark- 
 
 » Ex. 14. 21. 
 la. 51. 15. 
 Jer. SI. ii5. 
 
 3 pride, or, 
 Kahnb. 
 
 /•Ps. 33. 6. 
 
 CHAP. 87. 
 
 1 added to 
 take up. 
 
 <» ch. 34. 5. 
 
 2 made my 
 Boul bitter. 
 
 3 That is, 
 the breath 
 which God 
 gave him. 
 
 6 ch. 13. 15. 
 e ch. 2. 3. 
 d Acts 24.15. 
 
 4 from my 
 
 «]Mi»t.i6.26. 
 
 h\x. 
 
 20. 
 
 / ch, 35. 12. 
 
 Ps. 13. 41. 
 
 Pa. 109. 7. 
 
 Pro. 1. 28. 
 
 Jer. 14. 12. 
 
 Ek). 8. 18. 
 
 Mic. 3. 4. 
 
 Jam, 4, 3, 
 g ch. 22. 29. 
 6 Or, being 
 in the 
 hand, etc. 
 ft Esth. 9. 10, 
 i Pa, J8. 64. 
 } Pro, 28. 8. 
 
 Eccl. 2. 20, 
 
 * Lam, 2. 6. 
 
 I Nu. 20. 26, 
 
 6 in tieeing 
 
 he would 
 
 12 He'divideth the sea with his power, 
 and by his understanding he smitetn 
 through 3 the proud. 
 
 13 By /his Spirit he hath garnished the 
 heavens ; his hand hath formed the crooked 
 serpent. 
 
 14 Lo, these are parts of his ways: but 
 how little a portion is heard of him? but 
 the thunder of his power who can under- 
 stand? 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 1 Job protests his sincerity. 8 The hypocrite with- 
 
 out hope. 
 
 TVfOREOVER Job i continued his par- 
 ■^■^ able, and said, 
 
 2 As God liveth, " who hath taken away 
 my judgment; and the Almighty, who hath 
 
 2 vexed my soul; 
 
 3 All the while my breath is in me, and 
 
 3 the spirit of God is in my nostrils, 
 
 4 My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor 
 my tongue utter deceit. 
 
 5 God forbid that I should justify you: tiU 
 I die * I will not remove mine integrity fi'om 
 me. 
 
 6 My righteousness I ' hold fast, and wili 
 not let it go: "^my heart shall not reproach 
 tne * so long as I live. 
 
 7 Let mine enemy be as the wicked, and 
 he that riseth up against me as the un- 
 righteous. 
 
 8 For * what is the hope of the hypocrite, 
 though he hath gained, when God taketh 
 away his soul? 
 
 9 Will / God hear his cry when trouble 
 Cometh upon him? 
 
 10 Will !> he delight himself in the Al- 
 mighty? wiU he always call upon God? 
 
 11 I will teach you 6 by the hand of God: 
 that which is with the Almighty wiU I not 
 conceal. 
 
 12 Behold, all ye yourselves have se^n it; 
 why then are ye thus altogether vaini 
 
 13 This is the portion of a wicked man 
 with God, and the heritage of oppressors, 
 which they shall receive of the Almighty. 
 
 14 If h his children be multiplied, it is for 
 the sword: and his otfspiing shall not be 
 satisfied with bread. 
 
 15 Those that remain of him shall be 
 buried in death; and 'his widows shall not 
 weep. 
 
 16 Though he heap up silver as the dust, 
 and prepare raiment as the clay; 
 
 17 He may prepare it, but i the just shall 
 put it on, and the innocent shall divide the 
 silver. 
 
 18 He buildeth his house as a moth, and 
 as * a booth that the keeper maketh. 
 
 19 The rich man shaUlie down, but he 
 shall not be ' gathered: he openeth his eyes, 
 and he is not. 
 
 20 Terrors take hold on him as waters, a 
 tempest stealeth him away in the night. 
 
 21 The east wind carrieth him awav, and 
 he departeth; and as a stonn hmietn him 
 out of his place. 
 
 22 For God shall cast upon him, and not 
 spare: 6 he would lain flee out of liis hand- 
 
 23 Men shall clap their bauds at him, and 
 shall hiss Mm out of his place. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 1 There is a knowledge of natural things, 12 6ul 
 
 ivisdom is an excellent qift of God. 
 CURELY there is i a vein for the silver, 
 *^ and a place for gold where they tine it. 
 2 Iron is taken out of the 2 eaith, and Lraaa 
 is molten out of the stone. 
 
SUdads Reply. 
 
 JOB, XXV. XXVL 
 
 JoVs Reply. 
 
 although lie had civen up hope of (lit., when gion of the dead. Replinim here, and Pro, 
 
 21. 10; Isa. 14. 9, is from a Heb. root, vi eaning 
 
 lie no longer believed in) life" (Deu. 
 
 23. Lit., He (God omitted as often: ch. 3.! to he weak, hence deceased; in ^^en. 14. o, 
 
 20; Eccl. 9. 9: reverentially) giveth to him it is applied to the Canaanite gian's; per- 
 
 (the wicked, to be in satety, oi 
 
 yet — .Job means, How .strange 
 
 should so favour them, and yet have his witli Jehovah IUmbr.] ; or as the imagina- 
 
 in satety, or security, haps in derision, to express their we ikvess, 
 tow .strange that God in spite of their gigantic size, as compared 
 lem, and yet have his with Jehovah IUmbr.] ; or as the imagina- 
 eyes all the titr.e open to their wicked ways ! , tion of the living magnifies apparitions, tlie 
 (Frov. 15. 3; Fs. 73. 4.). 24. Job repeats wiiat ; term originally was applied to ghosts, and 
 he said (ch. 21. 13,), that sinners die in ex- j then to giants in general. [Magee.I from 
 aitert positions, not the paintul and lingering | under^XJMBR. .joins this with the previous 
 death we might expect, but a q^iich and easy j word, tremble from beneath I'so I^a. 14. 9.). 
 death. Join " for a while " Willi " are gone," But the Masoretic text joins it " under the 
 not as E. V. Transl. " A moment— and they | waters." Thus the place of the dead will b8 
 are no more ! They are brought low, as all i represented as under the waters Ps. 18. 4, 5,): 
 
 gthers) gather up their feet to die " (so the 
 fib. of " are taken out of tlie way." A na- 
 tural death Gen. 49. 33.). ears of coin— In a 
 ripe and full age, not prematurely (ch. 6. 26,). 
 25. (soch. 9. 24.). 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 THIRD SKRIES, 
 
 Ver. 1-6. Bildad's Eeply. He tries to 
 ihow Job's rashness (ch. 23, 
 
 md the waters as under the earth iPs. 24.2,), 
 M.'i.GEE well transl. thus, " The souls of tlia 
 dead tremble; (the places) under the waters, 
 and their inhabitants." TTius the Masoretic; 
 connexion is retained; and at the same time 
 the parallel clauses are evenly balanced. 
 "The inhabitants of the places under the 
 waters" are those in Gehenna, the lower of 
 
 ments borrowed from Eiiphaz (ch. 15. 15,) 
 with which cf. ch. 11. 17. 2. P iwer and 
 terror, i.e., terror-inspiring po^ er. peace in 
 His high places— Implying thai His power is 
 
 !, by argu-jthe two parts into which Sheol, according to 
 -1, ,f ,- I ^]jg Jews, is divided: they answer to "de- 
 struction," i.e., the place of the wicked ia 
 V. 6, as "Rephaim" [v. 5,) to " HeU" (Sheol), 
 [v. 6.) Sheol comes from a Heb. root— ask. 
 
 such on high as to quell all oi position, not i because it is insatiable (Prov. 27. 20,); or ns/j 
 merely there, but on earth als. . The Holy as a loan to he returned, implying Sheol is 
 Ghost here shadowed forth ( ospel truths but a temporary abode, previous to the re- 
 (Col. 1. 20; Eph. 1. 10.). 3. armies— Angels and surrection; so for E. F." formed :" LXX. and 
 stars (Isa. 40. 26; Jer. 33. 22; Gen. 15. 5; count- Chaldee transl. shall be horn, or born again, 
 less Dan. 7. 10.). His ligtit— (Jam. 1. 17.). 4. i implying the dead are to be given back from 
 (ch. 4.17,18; 14.4- 15.14.>. 5."Lodkur> even]Sheol&ndbornagaininto anew state. [Ma- 
 unto the moon (ch. 15. 15.). " Stars here gee.] 6.— (ch. 38. 17; F 
 answer to "saints" (angels) there 
 moon" here, to "the heavens" there. 
 
 the "stars," the most dazzling object to ing— from God's eyes. 7. Hint of the true 
 man's eye, and the angels, of which the stars theory of the earth. Its suspension in empty 
 are emblems (ch. 4. 18; Rev. 9. 1,), are imper- space is stated in the 2nd clause. The N. in 
 feet in His sight. Theirs is the light and particular is specitied in the 1st, being be- 
 purity of but creatures; his, of the Creator. | lieved to be the highest part of the earth (Isa. 
 6. (ch. 4. 19-21; 15. 16.). worm ... worm— Two 14. 13.). The iS^. hemisphere or vault of 
 distinct J/e&. words. The first, a worm bred i /leaweit is included; often compared to a 
 
 , . . Ps. 139. 8; Prov.5. 11. 
 
 the ; struction— T/ie abode ofdestruction,i.e., of lost 
 Even i souls. Heh. Abaddon (Rev. 9. ll.i. no cover- 
 
 putridity; alluding to man's corruption 
 ffhe second, a crawling worm; implying that 
 man is weak and grovelling. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 THIRD SERIES. 
 
 Job's Reply. 2, 3. without wower ... no 
 strength ... no wisdom— The negatives are 
 used instead of the positives, powerlessness, 
 &.C., designedly (so Isa. 31.8; Deut. 32.21.). 
 Granting I am, as you say (ch. 18. 7; 15. 2,', 
 povKrlessrtess itself, &c. How hast thou help- 
 ed such a 'one 1 savest— supportest. plenti- 
 fully . . . the thing as it is— Rather, "aound- 
 antly— wisdom." Bildad had made great 
 pretensions to abundant ivisdom. How has 
 he shown it ? 4. For whose instruction were 
 thy word-^ meant? If for me, I know the 
 subject (God's omnipotence) better than my 
 instructor: (w. 5-14,) is a sample of Job's 
 knowleilge of it. whose spirit— not that of 
 Gorl ff^li. 32. 8, : nay rather, the borrowed 
 sentiment of Eiiphaz (ch. 4. 17-19; 15. 14-10.). 
 5-14. As before in chap. 9. and 12., Job had 
 shown iU. 11 self not inferior to the frieiids in 
 auilicy to describe God's greatness, so now 
 he describes it as manifested in Hell the 
 world of the dead) 5, 6; on earth 7; in the sky 
 8-11; the sea 12; the heavens 13. Dead things 
 a^e formed— Rather, ■■ 
 (Rephaimi tremble.' 
 
 ' The souls of the dead , ror. 
 Not only does God's l 
 
 stretched out canopy (Ps. 104. 2.). The 
 chambers of the S. are mentioned (ch. 9. 9,), 
 i.e., the S. hemisphere, consistently with the 
 earth's globular form. 8. in . . . clouds— as if 
 in airy vessels, which though light do not 
 burst with the weight of water in them 
 (Prov. 30. 4.). 9. Rather, He encompasseth or 
 closeth. God makes the clouds a veil to 
 screen the glory not only of His person, but 
 even of the exterior of His throne from pro- 
 fane eyes. His agency is everywhere, yet 
 Himself invisible (Ps. 18. 11; 104. 3.). 10. 
 Rather. " He hath drawn a circular bound 
 roimd the waters" (Prov. 8. 27; Fs. 104. 9.). 
 The horizon seems a circle. Indication ia 
 given of the globular form of the ea-rth. 
 until the day, &c.— To the confines of li^iiit 
 and darkness. When the light lalls on our 
 horizon, the other hemisphere is dark. 
 Umbr. & Maur, transl. " He has most 
 pertcctbj [lit. to perfection' drawn the bo' nd 
 (taken from the 1st clause) between light .and 
 darkness" (cf. Gen. 1. 4. 6, 9.) : where the 
 boiiufling of the light from darkness is simd- 
 lafly brought into proximity with the bound- 
 ing of the v/aters. 11. pillars— poetically for 
 the mountains which seem to bear up the 
 sky (Ps. 104. 32.). astonished— viz., from ter- 
 Personification. His reproof— (Ps. i04. 
 The Uiunder, reverberating from cli9I 
 
 power exist, as Bildad .says ch. '^5. 2.1, "in i to clift' iHab. 3. lo; Nah. 1. 5.). 12. divideth- 
 high places" (heaven), but reaches to the re- 1 (Ps. 74. U.i. Perhaps at creation (Gen. 1. d, 
 372 
 
The "HoDe 0/ fhe Bvpomle. 
 
 ch.l9.25;20.u;Fs.62. 8.). 11- 
 nieans He 23. These words are contrary to Job's previ- 
 
 Joh Protests His Sirtcerity. JOB. XXVIL 
 
 10.. Tlie nnral el clause favours Umbr. , be aj^ hypocrite 
 •'He stilleih." But the Heh. 
 
 moves. Probably such a "moving" is meant : ous sentiments (Notes, ch. 21. 22-33; 24. 22-25.). 
 as that at the amcaginrj of the flood by the They therefore seem to be Job's statement, 
 wind which "God made to piss over" it : notsomuchofhisownsentiments, asofwhat 
 ((^en. 8. i; Ps. 104. 7.). the proud— Rather, I Zophar would have said.had he spoken when 
 its pride, viz., of the sea(ch.9.] 3. . 13. Umbr. . his turn came (end of ch. 2C.}. So Job stated 
 less simply. "By His breath He maketh j the friends' opinion (ch. 21. 17-21; 24. 18-21.). 
 the heavens to revive:" viz., His wind dissi- ; The objection is, why, if so, does not Job an- 
 pates the clouds, which obscured the shining swer Zophar's opinion, as stated by himself? 
 stars. And so the next clause in contrast. The fact is, it is probable that Job tacitly, by 
 
 His hand doth .^trande, ' 
 N. constellation, the dragon 
 
 ^cures the [giving, in ch. 28.. only a general answer, im- 
 Pagan astro- 1 plies, that in spite of the wicked often dying. 
 
 nomy typified the flood trying to destroy the ] as he said, in prosperity, he does not mean 
 ark by 1 he dragon constellaiion about to de- 1 to deny that the wicked are in the vuiin 
 vour the moon in its eclipsed crescent-siuq^e i dealt with according to right, and that Hod 
 like a boat (ch. 3. 8, ."''(' rt?.). But better as herein vindicates His moral goverj)ment 
 JE. V. (Ps. 33. 6.1. crookea — Implyiu;: the even here. Job therefore states Zophar's 
 dbUque course, of the stars, or the ecliptic. : argument more strongly than Zophar would 
 •"Fleeing" or "swilt" [Umbr.] (Isa. 27. 1.), have done. But by comparing v. 13, with 
 Tills particular constellation is made to re-;ch. 20. 29 i"portion," "heritage."), it wUl be 
 present the splendour nt all the stars. 14. seen, it is Zophar's argument, rather than 
 
 parts— Rather, "only the exti-eme hound 
 aries of. &c., and how faint is the whisper 
 tiiat we hear of Him !" thunder— The enrir 
 
 his own, that Job states. Granting it to be 
 true, implies Job, you ought not to use it as 
 an arguij;ent to criminate me. For (ch. 2S.), 
 
 fulness. In antithesis to "whisper" (1 Cor. | the ways of Divine wisdom in afflirling the 
 
 13. 9, 10. 12.) 
 
 CHAPTER XXVTI. 
 
 godly are inscrutable: all that is sure to man 
 lis, the fear of the Lord is wisdom j'l'. 28.). 
 
 Ver. 1-23. It \\as now Zophar's turn to ; by the hand— Rather, concenmi^ the hand of 
 SPeak. But as he and the other two were i God, viz., what God does in governing men. 
 silent, virtually admitting defeat, after a) with the Almighty— The counsel or pnnciyle 
 pause Job proceeds. 1. parable— Applied j which regulates God's dealings. 12. "Ye 
 in the E. to a figurative sententious embo- 1 yourselves see." that the wicked often are 
 dimeiit of wisdom in poetic form, a gnome ' afflicted (though often the reverse ch. 21. 33.). 
 (Ps. 49. 4.). contiraied — proceeded to put (But why do you "vainly" make this an ar- 
 forth: implying elevation of discourse. 2. 'gumentto prove from my afflictions that I 
 (1 Sam. 20. 3.). tak°n awav . . . judgment— { am wicked? 13. (Note, ■??. 11.). 14. His fa- 
 words unconsciously foreshadowing Jesus ' mily only increases to perish by sword, or 
 Ciirist (Isa. 53. 8; Acts. 8. 33.'. God mil not Ifamine (Jer. 18. 21; ch. 5. 20. , the converse. 
 
 give Job his riiht. by declaring his inno 
 cence. vexed— F^b. meufe bitter (Ruth.l. 20 ) 
 3. Implyin^i Job's knowledge of the fact that 
 the living soul was breathed into man by 
 God (Gen. 2. 7.). "All the while." But 
 Maur. "as yet all my breatli is in me (not^ 
 
 withstanding my trials):" the rei 
 can speak so boldly. 4. (ch. 6. 2S, 30.) 
 
 15. Those that escape war and famine ,_. 
 14J, shall be buried hy the deadly plague-^ 
 "death" (ch. 18. 13; Jer, 15. 2; Rev. 6. 8.). 
 The plague of the middle ages was called 
 "the black death." Buried by it implies, 
 that they would have none else, but the 
 
 why 1 1 death plague itself (poetically person 
 
 onifiedL 
 "deceit" would be, tf he were to admitguilt, { have none, his— Rather, their widows. Tran- 
 
 ■iiy 
 Tl 
 
 he i to perform their funeral rites, i. e. 
 
 against the witness of his conscience, 5. 
 
 justify you— ap))iove of your views, mine I Polygamy is not implied. 16. dust 
 integrity— which you deny, on accoimt of | —Lnases of multitudes (Zech. 9. 3.). 
 my misfortunes. 6. Rat her, "my heart" (con- 1 changes of raiment are a chief con? 
 'not one ol 
 
 science) reproaches 
 
 (con- 
 ;y days,'' 
 
 sitions from Sing, to Plur. are frequent. 
 
 Many 
 
 nges of raiment are a chief constituent 
 
 of wealth in the E, 17. Introverted par-al- 
 
 I do not repent of any of my days Idism. My Introd. Of the four clauses in 
 since I came into existence. [Maurer.J , the two verses, 1 answers to 4, 2 to 3 
 
 7. Let . . . be— Let mine enemy be accounted 
 as wicked, i.e.. He who opposes n y ss-ever- 
 ation of innocence must be re-'arded as actu- 
 ated I y criminal hostility. Not a curse on 
 his enemies. 8. "What hope hath the hypo- 
 crite, notwithstanding all his gams, when?" 
 &c. "Gained" is antithetic to "taketh 
 away." L^mbr's. translation is an unmeanin; 
 
 Matt. 7. 6.). 18. (ch. 8. 14; 4., 19.). The 
 transition is natural from "raiment" (■y.16,), 
 to the " house " of the " moth " in it, and of 
 ix,, when in its larva state. The moth ivorm's 
 /toiwe is broken whenever the "raiment" is 
 shaken out, so frail is it. booth— A bough- 
 formed hut which the guard of a vineyard 
 raises for temporary shelter (Isa. 1. 8.). 19. 
 
 tautology. "When God cuts oft', when He ' gathered— Buried honourably (Gen. 25. 8; 2 
 tahth aivav hU life." taketh away— Lii.. iKi. 22. 20.). But Umbr., agreeably to i). 18, 
 dmi's out the soul from the body, which is, ; which describes the short continuance of the 
 as it \\ ere, its scabbard ch.. 4. 21; Ps. 104. 2'.); sinner's prosperity, " He layeth himself rich 
 Dan. 7. 15.). Job says, headmits wiiatBildad in his bed, and nothing is robbed jrom him, 
 said ch. 8. 13.) and Zophar (ch. 20. .5.). But he he openeth his eyes, and nothing more is 
 says, the very fact of his still calling upon | there." If E. V. be retained, the first clau-se 
 God {v. 1 0.) amidst all his trials which a hypo- ' probably means, rich though he be in dying, 
 crlfe would not dare to do, shows he is no [he shall not be honoured with &juueral; 
 "hypocrite." 9. (Ps. 66. 18.). 10. Alluding to the second, When he opens his eyes in tfie 
 ch.'J2.2<). always call— he may do so in times of i uns^eenworld, it is only to see his destruction. 
 prosperity, in order to be thought religious. LXX. read for " not gathered," He does not 
 But he will not, as I do, call on God in cala- ; proceed, i.e., goes to his bed no more. So 
 mities verging on death. Therefore I cannot i]\L\.UB. 20. (ch. 18. 11; 22. ll, 21.). Like a 
 372 [I] 
 
Job's Sveecli Continued, 
 
 sudden violent flood dsa. 8. 7, . 
 conversely (Fs. 32. 6.). 21. (ch 
 
 JOB, XXVIIL The Excellency of Wisdom. 
 
 Jer. 47. 2,): ided in cneiss. Tlie ancients distinguished 
 21. ]S; 15. 2; two kinds : 1. The real, oi' transparent blue : 
 
 Ps.5s. 9.). 22. ci'st— viz., thunderbolts ch. 2. That improperlyso called, opaque, with 
 
 23. clap lands I gi 
 ". 15; Nah.ilc 
 
 6. 4; 7. 20; 16. 13; Ps. 7. 12, 13). 
 —for joy at his downfall (Lam 
 3. 19.). iiiss— deride Jer. 25. 9.). 
 toBildad's words (ch. 18. ^S.\ 
 
 CHAPTER XXVin. 
 Ver. 1-2S. Job's sSpebx'H CoNTiNtrED. 
 In ch. 27., Job had tacitly admitted, that 
 the statement of the friends was often true, 
 that God vindi.cated His justice by pun- 
 ishing the x.icked here: but still the af- 
 fliction of the godly remained unexplained. 
 Man lias, by skill, brought the precious 
 inet.ils froni their concealment. JBut the 
 Divine Whsdom, which governs human af- 
 fairs, he cannot similarly discover, 12, &c. 
 However, the image from the same metals 
 (ch. 23. 10.), implies Job has made some way 
 
 old spots, i.e., lapislaznli. To the latter. 
 
 _. ^„. ^ ,. coking like cold dust Umbr. refers "du.st 
 
 Job alludes of cold." E.V. better, "The sto7h\<i of the 
 earth are, &c., and the clods of it [Vuh/.) are 
 gold :" the parallel clauses are thus neater. 
 7. fowl — Kather, ravenous hvd, or enole, 
 which is the most sharp-sighted of .birds 
 (Isa. 46. 11.). A vulture will spy a carcass at 
 an amazing distance. The miner penetrates 
 the earth by a way unseen by birds of keenest 
 sight. 8. lion's whelps— Xii., the sovs of pride, 
 i.e., the fiercest beasts, passed— The Meb. 
 imphes the proud gait of the lion. The 
 miner ventures, where not even the fierce 
 lion dares to go in pursuit of his prey. 9. 
 rock — Flint. He puts forth his hand to 
 cleave the hardest rock, by the rcots- From 
 
 towai ds solving the riddle of his life, viz., ! their foundations, by undermining thera. 
 
 that afiiictionis to him, as the refining fire to 
 gold, vein —A mine, from which it goes 
 forth. Hcb., i.e., is dug. place for gold — A 
 place where gold may be found, icJucli, m.en 
 refine. Not as E. V., " A place— w/ie re," &c. 
 (Mai. 3. 3.). Contrasted with gold found in 
 tlie bed and sand of rivers, which does not 
 need refining ; as the gold dug from a mine 
 does. Golden ornaments have been found 
 in I gypt, of the times of Joseph. 2. biass 
 
 10. He cuts channels to drain off the waters, 
 which hinder his mining ; and when the 
 waters are gone, he is able to see the precious 
 things in the earth. 11. floods—" He retrains 
 the streams from icei j-i'Ug ;" a poetical ex- 
 pression for the trickling subterranean rills, 
 which impede him : answering to the first 
 clause of v. 10; so also the two latter 
 clauses in each verse corres) ond. 12. Can 
 man discover the Divine Wisdom by which 
 
 i.e., cower: for brass is a mixed meta. of i the world is governed, as he can the treasures 
 copper and zinc, of modern invention. Iron I hidden in the earth ? Certainly not. Divine 
 is less easily discovered, and wrought, than "Wisdom is conceived as a person {v. 12-27J 
 copiier : tlierefoie copper was in common distinct from God (v. 23; also in Prov._ 
 
 copper 
 ise long before iron. Coppi 
 'cadmium" by Pliny [^^ 
 
 stone is called 23, 27.). The Almighty Word, Jesus Christ, 
 AT. Hist. 31. 1 ;|we know now, is that Wisdom. The order 
 
 by Pliny U\_^_. .., __ . . . ^ , 
 
 36. 21.1. Iron is fitly said to be taken out of i of the world was origmated and is niam- 
 the "earth" idust,). for ore looks like mereltained by the breathing forth (Fpint) of 
 earth. 3. "Man makes an end of dark- 1 Wisdom, unfathomable and uni.urchaseable 
 De?s," by exploring the darkest depths (with by man. In verse 28, the only aspect of it, 
 torches.), all nenection— Eatlier. carries out v/hich relates to, and may be understood by, 
 his search to t)ie utmost perfection ; most ' man, is stated, understanding— Insight into 
 thoroughly searches ihe stones of darkness 1 the plan of the Divine goverment. 13. Man 
 and of the shadow of death (thickest gloom,), t can fix no price upon it. as it is nowhere to 
 i.e., the stones, whatever they be, end)edded I be found in man's abode (Isa. 38. 11.). Job 
 in the darket,t bowels of the earth (Umbr.] implies both its invaluable worth, and the 
 (ch. 26. 10.). 4. Three hardships in mining : impossibility of buying it at any price. 15. 
 1. "A-stream (flood) breaks out at the side Not the usual word for "gold :" from ai?e&. 
 of the stranger ;" viz., the miner, a strange \ root, to shut up with care ; i.e., purest gold 
 «eio-co?)7cr into places heretofore unexplored; j (i Ki. 6. 20, Marg.]. weighed— The precious 
 his surprise at the sud^len stream breaking metals were weighed out before coining was 
 out ?), side him is expressea(i;.F.,,/rom/7ie'm- 1 known (Gen. 23. 16.). 16. god of Ophir— The 
 habitant: 2. "Forgotten (unsupported; by (most precious (Note, 22. 24 ; Ps. 45. 9.'. onyx 
 the('ootthey7ian6f,viz.,byropes,indescend- — (Gen. 2. 12.). More valued formerly than 
 ing. Inthe Heb., "Lo there" precedes this now. The term is Greek, meaning thumb 
 clause, graphically placing it as it before the nail, from some resemblance in colour. The 
 eyes. Th& tcafers are inserted by jE.F., .^4 re Arabic denotes, of two colours, white pre- 
 dricd up, ought to be, "hang," "are sus-.ponderating. 17. crystal— Or else glass, if 
 pended." E.V. perhaps understood, waters | then known, very costly. Yvm. a root, to be 
 of whose existence man was previously un- 1 transparent, jewels — Eather, vts^cls. 18. 
 conscious, and near which he never trod; Ped coral (Fzek 27. 16.). 18. pearls- ii<., 
 andyet man's energy is such, that by pumps, k(-/ioi is Jrozcn. Probably crystal; and v. 
 &c., he soon causes them to " dry up and go ' 17 v ill then be glass, rubies— Umbk. tnrnsl. 
 away." [!So Heuder.] 3. "Far away from ; pears (see Lam. 4. l;Prov, 3. 15.). TheUrira 
 men, they move with uncertain step:" they: and Thummim, the means of consulting 
 stagger : not " they are gone." [Umbr.] 5. Its 1 God by the twelve stones on the high priests? 
 fei tile surface yields food: and yet "beneath I breastplate, "the stones of the sanctuary" 
 itisuirnedupasitwerewithfire." SoPlin. ' (Lam. 4. l. , have their counterpart in this 
 Hist. Nat. 33, observes on the ingrati- cliapter ; the precious stones symbolizing the 
 tude of man who repays the debt, he owes ; " light" and "yierfection" of the Divine wis- 
 tlie earth for food, by digging out its bowels. ' dom. 19. Ethiopia-C'Us/i in the Hcb. Either 
 " F.re " was used m mining. [UiMbr.] E. V. i I.thiopia, or the S. of Arabia, near the Tigris. 
 is simpler, which means precious stones 20. Verse 12 repeated with great force. 21. 
 •wMch glow like fire; and so v. 6 t'vUows 1^ one cmi tell vshence or where, seeing it, &c, 
 natii ally (Ezek. 28. 14.). 6. Rapphires are, fowls— The gift of divination was assigned 
 
 lallv 
 
 found in alluvial soil near rocks and embed- ' by the lieathen especially to birds. 
 ST2 m 
 
 Theu 
 
The eitceUenoy of wisdom. 
 
 JOB, XXIX, XXX. 
 
 Job deplores his eaZamitiet. 
 
 3 He setteth <in end to darkness, "and 
 Bearcheth out all perr'ection: the stones of 
 darkness, and the shadow of death. 
 
 4 The flood breaketh out from the inhabi- 
 tant; even the ivaters forgotten of the foot: 
 they are dried up, they are gone away from 
 men. 
 
 5 As for the earth, out of it cometh bread 
 and under it is turned up as it were fire. 
 
 6 The stones of it are the place of 
 Sapphires ; and it hath 3 dust of eold. 
 
 7 There is a path whi'^h no fowl knoweth, 
 and which the wdtme's eye hath not seen: 
 
 8 The lion's whelps have not trodden it 
 nor the tierce lion passed by it. 
 
 9 He putteth forth his hand upon the 
 ♦ rock ; he overtumeth the mountains by 
 tiie roots. 
 
 10 He cutteth out rivers among the rocks ; 
 arid his eye seeth every precious thing. 
 
 li He bindeth the floods 5 from oveiHow- 
 ing- and the thing that is hid bringeth he 
 forth to light. 
 
 12 But * where shall wisdom be found? 
 and where is the place of understanding? 
 
 13 Man kuowcth not the " price thereof ; 
 neither is it found in the land of the living. 
 
 14 The <i depth saith. It is not ia me; and 
 the sea saith, /( is not with me. 
 
 15 b It * catmot be gotten for gold, neither 
 shall silver be weighed /or the price there- 
 of. 
 
 16 It cannot be valued with the gold of 
 Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the 
 Bapphu-e. 
 
 17 The gold and the crystal cannot equal 
 it; and the exchange of it shall not be for 
 J jewels of fine gold. 
 
 18 No mention shall be made of 8 coral, or 
 of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above 
 rybies. 
 
 19 The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal 
 it, neither shall it be valued with puie 
 •gold. 
 
 20 Whence then cometh wisdom ? and 
 where is the place of understanding? 
 
 21 Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all 
 living, and kept close from the fowls of the 
 »air. 
 
 22 Destruction and death say. We have 
 heard the fame thereof with our ears. 
 
 23 God / undersTandeth the way thereof, 
 and he knoweth the place thereot. 
 
 24 For he looketh to the ends of the earth, 
 and" seeth imder the whole heaven; 
 
 25 To " make the weight for the winds; 
 and he weigheth the waters by measure. 
 
 26 When he » made a decree for the rain, 
 and a way for the lightning of the thunder; 
 
 27 Then did he see it, and lo declare it; he 
 prepared it, yea, and searched it oat. 
 
 28 And ;' unto man he said, Behold, * the 
 fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to 
 depart from evil is understanding. 
 
 CHAPTER XXTX. 
 Job bemoans himself when he rtmembers his for- 
 mer prosperity and hoitour. 
 
 ■jyi OREOVEK Job i continued his para- 
 ble, and said, 
 
 2 Oh that I were as in months past, as in 
 the days when God preserved me ; 
 
 3 When " his 2 candle shiued upon my 
 head, and when by his light I walked 
 through darkness; 
 
 4 As 1 was i,n the days of my youth, when 
 tthe secret of God icas upon my tabernacle ; 
 
 5 When the Almighty was yet with me 
 when my children were arbcAit me: i 
 
 373 
 
 CHAP. 28. 
 a Eccl. 1. 13 
 
 3 Or, gold 
 
 4 Or, flint. 
 
 6 from weep- 
 ing. 
 b Eecl. 7. 24 
 c Pro. 3. 15. 
 d Ro. U. 33 
 8 FinegoM 
 •hall not 
 be t-iven 
 
 of fln* 
 gold. 
 
 8 Or, 
 RAmoth. 
 
 9 Or, heavdn. 
 /Acts 16. 18. 
 
 Heb. 4. 13. 
 g Pro 15. 3. 
 ft Ps. 135. 7. 
 i ch. i3. 25. 
 
 10 Or, num- 
 ber it. 
 
 7 Den. 29. 29. 
 
 2 Tim. 3.16. 
 * Don. 4. 6. 
 
 P.. 111. 10. 
 
 Pro. 1. 7. 
 
 Pro. 9. 10. 
 
 Ecc. 12. 13. 
 
 CHAP. 29. 
 
 L added to 
 
 a ch. 18. 6. 
 Or, lamp. 
 
 6 Ps. 25. 14. 
 Gen. 49 11 
 Deu. 32 13 
 Deu. 33.24 
 ch. 20. 17. 
 
 d P» 81.16. 
 Tith me. 
 
 4 the voice 
 of the 
 i>oble» wai 
 hid. 
 
 Pa. 137. 6. 
 / Ps. 72. 12. 
 
 Pro. 21. 13 
 
 Pro. 24. U 
 P Deu. 24. 13 
 
 1». 59. 17. 
 
 Eph. B. 14. 
 ANu. 10 31 
 -; Pro. 2V>. 7. 
 
 5 thojaiT. 
 
 the 
 
 * ch. IS. 16. 
 7 opened. 
 I Pb. 1. 3. 
 
 Jer. 17. 8. 
 e new. 
 m Gcn,49.24. 
 changed. 
 
 night, 
 men of DO 
 
 6 When " I washed my steps with butter, 
 and ^ the rock poui'ed 3 me out rivers of 
 oil! 
 
 7 When I went out to the gate through 
 the city, ivken I prepared my seat in the 
 street: 
 
 8 The young men saw me, and hid them- 
 selves : and the aged arose, and stood up. 
 
 9 The princes refrained talking, and laid 
 their hand on their mouth. 
 
 10 * The nobles held their peace, and their 
 ' tongue cleaved to the roof of their 
 mouth. 
 
 11 When the ear heard me, then it blessed 
 me ; and when the eye saw me, it gave mt- 
 ness to me: 
 
 12 Because / I delivered the poor that 
 cried, and the fatherless, and him that had 
 none to h<ilji him. 
 
 13 The blts.sing of hun that was ready to 
 perish came upon me : and I caused the 
 widow's heart to sing for joy. 
 
 14 I ^ put on righteousness, and it clothed 
 me: my judo'ment was as a robe and a 
 diadem. 
 
 15 I was '* eyes to the blind, and feet was 
 I to the lame. 
 
 16 I ivas a father to the poor: and • the 
 cause vjhich I knew not 1 searched out. 
 
 17 And I brake 5 the jaws of the wicked, 
 and 6 plucked the spoil out of his teeth. 
 
 18 Then I said, ; I shall die in my nest, 
 and I shall multiply my days as the sand. 
 
 19 My * root was ' spread out ' by the 
 waters, and the dew lay all night upon my 
 branch. 
 
 20 My glory was 8 fresh in me, and "* my 
 bow was 9 renewed in my hand. 
 
 21 Unto me men gave ear, and waited, 
 and kept silence at my counsel. 
 
 22 After my words they spake not again; 
 and my speech dropped upon them. 
 
 23 And they waited for me as for the rain; 
 and they opened their mouth wide as for 
 the latter rain. 
 
 24 If 1 laughed on them, they believed it 
 not ; and the light of my countenance they 
 cast not down. 
 
 25 I chose out their way, and sat chief, 
 and dwelt as a king in the army, aa one 
 that comforteth the mourners. 
 
 CHAPTEK XXX. 
 I Job'$ honour turned into extreme contempt; Ifi 
 
 his prosperity into calamity. 
 T5 UT now they that are l younger than I 
 ^-^ have me in derision, whose fathers I 
 would have disdained to have set with the 
 dogs of my flock. 
 
 2 I'ea, whereto might the strength of their 
 hands profit me, in whom old age was per- 
 ished? 
 
 3 For want and famine thoy were 2 solitary; 
 fleeing uito the wilderness 3 in former time 
 desolate and waste. 
 
 4 Who cut up mallows by the bushes, and 
 juniper roots for their meat. 
 
 5 They were driven forth from among 
 men, (they cried after them as after a 
 thief;) 
 
 6 To dwell in the cliffs of the valleys, in 
 * caves of the earth, and in the rocks. 
 
 7 Among the bushes they brased; vmder 
 the nettles they were gathered together. 
 
 8 They were children of fools, yea, chil- 
 dren of 6 base men ; they were vUer than 
 the earth. 
 
 And now am I their gong; yea, I am 
 their byword. 
 
^oh Bpmoaneth himself 
 
 JOB. XXIX. 
 
 of Ms Former Prosperity. 
 
 2. 13.). Olives amidst rocks yield the best 
 Oil ir ' ■ ' " - - -- 
 
 rapid fii'jht heavenwards and keen sight, 
 
 origiuiited the superstition. Job may allude oil. Oil in the E. is iised for food, light, 
 to It, Not even the boasted divination of anointing, and medicine. 7-10. The great 
 birds has an insi'.,'ht into it (Eccl. lo. 20.). 1 influence Job had over young and old, and 
 But it may merely mean, as verse 7, It escapes noblemen, tbrou^'h . . . street — Ilather, 
 the eye of the most keen-sighted bird. 22. 1 When I went out of my house, in the coun- 
 i.e., theabode-iofftesirwdionandofthedead. ! try (see ch. l., prologue) to the gate, (ascend- 
 •*Jjeath"putforSheol(ch.30. 23;26. 6, Note : ing) up to the city (which was on elevated 
 Ps. 9. 13.). We have (only) heard— The report ground,), and when I prepared my (judicial) 
 of her. We have not seen her. In the land of 1 seat in tlie market-ptace. The market-ijlace 
 the living {v. 13,) the workings of Wisdom j was the place of judgment, at the gate or 
 are seen, though not herseli. In the regions ! propyloja of the city, such as is fouud in 
 of the dead, she is only /leard of, her actings; the remains of Nineveh and Persepoiis 
 on nature not being seen (Eccl. 9. 10.), 23. (Isa. 59. 14; Ps. 65. 11; 127. 5.). 8. hid— Not lit. 
 God hath, and is Himself wisdom. 24. lEather, Stepped backioarcls, reverentially. 
 *' Seeth (all that is) under," &c. 25. God has ; Theaged, who were already seated, arose and 
 adjusted the weight of the winds, so seem- remained standing iHeb.l until Job seated 
 ingly imponderable, lest, if too weighty, or | himself. Oiiental manners. 9. fch. 4. 2 ; 
 too light, injury should be caused. He Note, 21. 5.). "Eefrained," stopped in the 
 measureth out the waters, fixing their middle of their speech. 10. Marg., roice— 
 bounds, with wisdom as His counsellor 7iid, i.e., hushed (Ezek. 3. 20.1. "Tongue 
 (Prov. 8. 27-31 ; Isa. 40. 12.). 26. The decree , cleaved, &c.. i.e., awed bv my presence the 
 regulating at what time and place, and in emirs or sheikhs were silent. 11. blcEsed— 
 whfit quanuty the rain should fall, a way Extolled my vii-tues (Prov. 31. 28.. Omit 
 —Through the parted clouds (ch. 38. 25; Zech. [ me after *' heard ;" whoever heard of me in 
 10. 1.), 27. declare — Manifest her, viz., in 'general, not in the market-place, (7-l'i,), 
 His works {Ps. 19. 1, 2.). So the approval i praised me. gave witness— to my lionourable 
 bestowed by the Creator on His works (Gen. character. Imare from a court of justice 
 1. 10. 31.) ; cf. the "rejoicing" of wisdom at i (Luke 4. 22.). "Theeye"— i.e., faceto face; ami- 
 the same (Prov. 8. 30 ; which Umbk. transl. thesis to "ear"— i.e., report o/me. 12-17. The 
 "T vms the skilful artificer by his side" 31.). \ grounds on which Job was praised \v. ll,), 
 j>rf pared— Not, created, for wisdom is from! his helping the afflicted (Ps. 72. 12,/ who 
 everlasting (Prov. 8.); but " established " j cried to him for help, as a judge, or as one 
 Her as Governor of the world, searched! possessed of means of charity. Transl.lhQ 
 oi^t— Examined her works to see, whether j fatherless who had none to help him. 13. 
 she v/as adectuate to the task of govern- So far was I from sending "widows" away 
 ing the world. [ Maur. 1 28. Eather, empty (ch. 22. 9.). ready to perish— (Prov. 31. 
 But unto man, &c., My wisdom is that 6.). 14. (Isa. 61. 10; 1 Chron. 12. 18,) Marg. 
 whereby all things are governed: Thy wis- judgment— Justice, diadem— TJara. Puither, 
 
 dom is in fearing God and shunning evil. 
 and in feeling assured that my wisdom al- 
 ways acts, aright, though thou dost not un- 
 derstand the principle which regulates it : 
 ex. gr., in alHicting the godly (John 7. 17.). 
 The friends, therefore, as not comprehend- 
 ing the Divine Wisdom, should not infer 
 JoIj's guilt from his sufferings. Her^ alone 
 in Job the name of God, "Adonai" occurs, 
 iordormasifiT-, often applied to Messiah in 
 
 O. T. Appropriately here, in speaking of fatherless," as Eliphaz asserts (ch 
 the Word or Wisdom, by whom the world was a "fatlier" to such, the cau 
 was made (Prov. 8. ; John 1. ;Ecclus. 24.). 
 CHAPTEE XXIX. 
 1. Job pauses for a reply. None being 
 anade ; he proceeds to illustrate the mysteri- 
 •ousness of God's dealings, as set forth (ch. 
 28.) by his own case. 2. preserved me— From 
 
 turban, head-dress. It and the full flowing 
 outer mantle or " robe," are the prominent 
 characteristics of an Oriental's grandee or 
 high-priest's dress 'Zech. 3. 6.). So Joble 
 righteousness especially characterized him. 
 15. Lit., the blind [Den. 27. 18,): lame (2 Sam. 
 9. 13); fig., also the spiritual sui>pi)rt which 
 the more enlightened gives to those less so 
 !ch. 4. 3; Heb. 12. 13; Num. 10. 31.). 16. So 
 far was I from "breaking the arms of the 
 22. 9,\ I 
 cause which I 
 knew not— Eather— 0/ hjm v^hom. I knew not, 
 the stranger (Prov. 29. 7; [UiiER.] contrast 
 Luke, 18. 1, &c.) Applicable to oum^sgiving 
 (Ps. 41. 1,); but here primarily, jitdi(i((i con- 
 scientiousness (ch. 31. 13.). 17. Image from 
 combating with wild beasts (ch. 4. ll; Ps. 3. 
 
 calamity. 3. caudle— When His favour shone : 7.). So compassionate was Job to the op' 
 on me, (Note, IS. 6; Ps. 18. 28.). darkness .pressed, so terrible to the oppressor! jaws— 
 By His safeguard I passed secure through ' Job broke his power, so that he could do no 
 
 dangers. Perhaps alluding to the lights 
 carried before caravans in nightly travels 
 through deserts. [Nov.] 4. your;h — iii., 
 autumn; the time of the ripe fruits of my 
 prosperity. Applied t5 youth, as the Orien 
 
 more hurt, and tore from him the spoil, 
 which he had torn from others. 18. I said 
 -In my heart (Ps. ;iO. 6.). in — Eather. 
 *' With my nest : " as the Seconal clause refers 
 to long life. Instead of my family dying 
 
 talists began their year with autumn, the before me. as now, I shall live so long as to 
 most temperate season in the E. secret— diewith them : proverbial for long li!e. Job 
 When the intimate friendship of God rested did realize Ms hope (ch. 42. 16.). Hov,•e^ er, 
 on my tent (Prov. 3. .32; Ps. 31. 20; Gen. 18. 17; ' In the bosom ofmy family, gives a good seme. 
 John, 15. 15.1. Theifti&.oftenmeansadiwwUNum. 24. 21; Obad. 4). Use "nest" for o 
 for deliheration. 6. butter— Eather, cream, 'secure dwelling, sand— 'Gen. 22. 17; Ilab. 1. 
 lit., thick milk. Wherever I turned my steps 9.i. But LXX., and FWfir., and Jewish in- 
 the richest milk and oil flowed in to me terpreters, favour the transl., "the plitenix- 
 abund.mtly. Image from pastoral life. Li- bud." "Nest" in the paallel clg-use sup- 
 tcralwastdngof the feetinmilkisnotmeant, ports the reference to a bird. "Sand' fox 
 as the second clause shows ; Marg. icith me, midtitude, applies to men, rather than to 
 i.e., near my path, wherever X walked (Deu. i years. The laytli was, that the Phoenis 
 . 373 . 
 
Jof-'s Ho'>->OMr turned 
 
 JOB, XXX, 
 
 into Extreme Contempt, 
 
 sprang- from a uest of myrrh, made by his 
 faUier btfore death, and that he then came 
 from Aralia Job's country) to Heliopohs 
 (the city of the Sun) in Egypt, once in every 
 foo years, and there burnt his father. 
 [Heeodot. 2. 73.] Modern research has 
 sh.own that this was the Etryptian mode of re- 
 presenting hieroglyphically aparticular chro- 
 nological era or cycle. The death and revival 
 every 600 jears. and the reference to the 
 s^in implies such a grand cycle commencing 
 afresh from the same point in relation to 
 the sun, from which the previous one 
 started. Job probably refers to this. 19. 
 Lit-, opened to the waters. Opposed to ch. 
 IS. 16. Vigorous health. 20. My renown, 
 like my bodily health, was continually 
 f csh. bow— iffetaphor from war, for. My 
 strength, which gains me "renown," was 
 ever renewed iJer. 49. 35.). 21. Job reverts 
 with peculiar pleasure to his former dignity 
 in assemblies (v. 7-10.). 22. not ag?.in— Did 
 not contradict me. dropped— Affected their 
 minds, as the genial raiu does the soil on 
 wliich it gently drops (Amos, 7. 16 ; Deu. 32. 
 2; Song, 4. 11.). 23. Image of v. 22 continued. 
 O-'hey waited for my salutary counsel, as the 
 dry soil does for the refreshing rain, opened 
 . . . mouth -Pan^d /or; Oriental image (Ps. 
 119. 131.). The "early rain" is in autumn 
 and onwards, while the seed is being .'■own. 
 The "latter rain" is in March, and brings 
 forward the harvest, which ripens in May or 
 Jr,ne. Betv.een the early and latter rains, 
 some rain falls, but not in such quantities as 
 those rains. Between March and October 
 no rain falls (Deu. 11. 14 ; James 6. 7.). 24. 
 When I relaxed from my wonted gravity (a 
 virtue much esteemed in the E.) and smiled, 
 they could hardly credit it, and yet, not- 
 withstanding my condescension they did not 
 cast aside reverence for my gravity. But 
 the parallelism is better in Umbr.'s transl., 
 *'I milled kindly on those who trusted not," 
 i.e., in times of danger I cheered those in 
 despondency. " And they could not cast 
 down (by their despondency) my serenity of 
 countenance" (flowing from trust in God, 
 (Prov. 16. 15; Ps. 104. 15.) The opposite 
 phrase (Gen. 4. 5, 6.). "Gravity" cannot 
 well be meant by "light of countenance." 
 25. I cluse. . .their way — i.e., I willingly 
 went up to their assembly (from my country 
 residence, v. 7.). in . . . army— As a king 
 supreme in the midst of his army, comfort- 
 eih . . . mourners- Here again Job uncon- 
 sciously foreshadows Jesus Christ (Isa. 61. 
 2 3.1. Jt)b's afflictions, as those of Jesus 
 Christ, were fitting him for the office here- 
 after (Isa. 60. 4 ; Heb. 2. IS.). _ 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 Ver. 1-31. 1. younger— Kot the three friends 
 (ch. 15. 10 ; 31. 4, 6, 7.). A general descrip- 
 tion ; 1-8, the lowness of the persons who 
 derided him ; 9-15, the derision itself. 
 Formerly old men rose to me (ch. 29. 8.). 
 Isow not only nw juniors, who are bound to 
 reverence me (Lev. 19. .';2,), but even the 
 mean and hase-horn actually deride me: 
 oppcsed to, " smiled upon "(ch. 29. 24.). This 
 goes lartJier than even the "mockery" of 
 Job by relations and friends (ch. 12. 4 ; 16. 
 10, 20 ; 17. 2, 6 ; 19. 22.). Orientals feel keenly 
 any indignity shown by the young. Job 
 si>eaks as a rich Arabian emir, proud of his 
 descent, dogs— Regarded with disgust in 
 the E. as unclean (i Sam. 17. 43 ; frov. 26. 
 °.73 [ij 
 
 11.). They are not allowed to enter a hou.se, 
 but run about wild in the open air, living on 
 offal and chance morsels (Ps. 59. 14, 16.). Here 
 again we are reminded of Jesus Christ (Ps. 22. 
 16.). Their fathers, my co-evals, were so 
 mean and famished that I would not have 
 associated them with (not to say, set them 
 over) my dogs in guarding my flock." 2. If 
 their fathers; could be of no pro ft to me, 
 much less the sons, who are feebler than 
 their sires : and in whose case the hope of 
 attaining old age is utterly gone, so puny are 
 they (ch. 5. i6.). []\'Iauk.] Even if they had 
 " strength of hands," that could be now of 
 no use to me, as all 1 want in my i^resent 
 affliction is sympathy. 3. solitary— Zyii., hard 
 as a rock ; so transl. rather, dried up, ema- 
 ciated with hunger. Job describes the 
 rudest race of Bedouins of the desert. 
 [Umbr.1 fl°eing-So LXX. Better, as S]/n, 
 Arab, and Vulg., "g^iav^ers of the wilder- 
 ness." What they gnaw, follows in v. 4. iu 
 former time— Lit., the " yesternight of de>ola,- 
 tion and waste" (the most utter desolation : 
 Ezek. 6. 14,); i.e., those deserts frightful as 
 niuht to man and even there /rom time im- 
 wer?) orial. I think both ideas are in the word 
 darkness [Ges.] and antiquity [Umbr.] ilsa. 
 30. 33., Marg.). 4.maIlows— Bather, sa^^n•ort. 
 winch grows in deserts and is eaten as a salad 
 by the poor. [Maur.] by the lushes— Among 
 the bushes, juniper — Bather, a kind of 
 broom, spartnim' junceum [Linn.], still 
 called in Arabia, as in the Heb, of Job, 
 Retem, of wliich the bitter roots are eaten 
 by the poor. 5. thej cried— i.e., a cry is 
 raised, &c. Expressing the contempt felt 
 for this race by civilized and well-born 
 Arabs. When these wild vagabonds make 
 an incursion on villages, they are driven 
 avvav, as thieves would be. 6. They are 
 lorced " to dwell." ' clifis of valleys— Bather, 
 "in the gloomy (Zi*., gioom of) valleys," or 
 ivadvs. To dwell in valleys, is, in the E., a 
 m.ark of wretchedness. The Troglodytes, in 
 parts of Arabia, lived in such dv ellings as 
 caveSj^&c. 7. brayed— Like the w ild ass (ch. 
 0. 6,) f^r food. The inarticulate tones of this 
 uncivilized rabble are but little above those 
 of the beast of the field, gathered together 
 —Bather, sprinkled here and there. Lit., 
 poured out, graphically picturing their dis- 
 orderly mode 01 encampment, lying up and 
 down behind the thorn-bushes, nettles— Or 
 brambles. [Umbr.! 8. tools— i.e., the im- 
 pious and abandoned (1 Sam. 26. 25.). base 
 — Nameless, low-born rabble, viler than, 
 (fee— Bather, they were driven or beaten out 
 of the land. The Horites in Mount Seir 
 (Gen. 14.6, with which cf. Gen. 36. 20, 21 ; Deut. 
 2. 12, 22,) were probably the abor gines, 
 driven out by the tribe to which Job's an- 
 cestors belonged ; their name means IVoglo- 
 dytae. or diodlers in caves. To these Job 
 alludes here, v. 1-8. and Gen. 24. 4-8, which cf. 
 together. 9. (ch. 17. 6.). Strikingly similar 
 to the derision Jesus Christ underwent 
 (Lam. 3. 14 ; Ps. 69. 12.). Here Job returning 
 to the sentiment in v. 1. It is to such I am 
 become a song of " derision." 10. m my face 
 —Rather, refrain not to spit (in deliberate 
 contempt' before my face. To spit at all in 
 presence of another is thought in the E. in- 
 sulting, much more when done to mark "ab- 
 horrence." Cf. the further insult to Jesus 
 Christ (Isa. 50. 6; Matt. 26. 07.). 11. He. i.e., 
 God : antithetical to tftey, E.V., here followg 
 
J'oVs Prosperity is turned 
 
 JOB. XXSL 
 
 Into CaTainUyt 
 
 the marginal reading (Keri) "My cord ;"| deliverance, death — as in ch. 28. 22, the 
 Image from a bow unstrung ; opposed to ch. | realm of the dead (Heb. 9. 27; (Jen. 3. 19.). 
 29. 20. The text (Chetib; "His cord," or 1 24. Expressing Job's faith as to the state 
 " reins," js better : "yea, each lets loose his | after death, Tl lugh one must go to the 
 reins." 
 brood. 
 
 Umbr.] 12. youth— Rather, a (low) | grave, yet He will no more afflict in the ruin 
 
 rise on the right hand is to accuse, \ of the body (so Heb. for grave. : there, if one 
 
 as that was the ijosition of the accuser in 1 has cried to Him when being destroyed 
 
 " JUm 
 . Tori 
 
 court (Zech.3. 1; Ps. lo9. 6.). push . . . feet 
 —Jostle me out of the way ich. 24. 4.). ways 
 of— i.e., their ways of (i.e., with a view to my) 
 destruction. Image, as in ch. 19, 12, from a 
 besieaing army throwing up a way of ap 
 
 Ihe " stretching of His hand \ to punish 
 after death, answers antithetically to the 
 raising "the cry" of prayer in the second 
 clause. Maur. gives another transl. which 
 accords with the scope of v. 24-31 ; if it be 
 
 proacb for itself to a city. 13. Image of an natural for one in iiffliction to ask aid, why 
 
 assailed fortress continued. Tlaey tear up 
 the path, by which succour might reach me. 
 set forward— (Zech. 1. 15.). they have no helper 
 —Arabic proverb for contemijtible persons. 
 Yet even such afflict Job. 14. waters— iSo 2 
 Sam. 5. 20.). But it is better to retain the 
 image of «. 12,13. "They came ;upon me) 
 
 should it be considered (by the friends) 
 wrong in my case? "Nevertheless does not 
 a man in ruin stretch out his hand" (implor- 
 ing help, V. 20 ; Lam. 1. 17.) ? If one be in his 
 calamity (destruction) is there not therefore 
 a "cry" (for aid.)? Thus in the parallelism 
 cry" answers to "stretch— hand;" "in his 
 
 as through a wide breach," viz. . made by the j calamity," to " in ruin." The iiegative of the 
 
 besiegers in the wall of a fortress fisa. 30, 13, 
 [Maur.] iathe(lesolation--"Amidstthe crash" 
 of falling masonry: or "with a shout like the 
 crash" of, &c. 15. they— Terrors, soul — 
 Bather, my dignity. [Umkr.] welfare — 
 Prosperity, cloud— ch. 7. 9; Isa. 44. 22.). 16- 
 23. Job's outward calamities affect his mind, 
 poured out--In irrepressible complaints tPs. 42. 
 4; Josh. 7. 5.). 17. In the Heb., night is poeti- 
 cally personified, as ch. 3. 3 : " night pierceth 
 jny bones, so that they faU) from me " (not 
 as E.V., "in me,") see v. 30. sinews— So the 
 Arabic, veins, akin to the Heb.; rather, 
 gnawers, as in v. 3 (Note,), viz., mv gnawing 
 pains never cease. Effects of elephantiasis. 
 18. of my disease— Rather, "of God" (ch. 23. 
 B.). garment changed— From a robe of hon- 
 our to one of mourning, literally (ch. 2. 8; 
 Jon. 3. 6,) and metaphorically. [Umbr.] Or 
 rather, as Sch., following up v. 17, My outer 
 garment is changed into affliction; i.e., af- 
 fliction has become my outer garment., it 
 also bindeth me fast round (my throat) as 
 the collar of the inner coat; i.e., it is both 
 xny inner and outer garment. Observe the 
 tiistinction between the inner and outer gar- 
 anents. The latter refers to his afflictions 
 from without, (v. 1-13,) : the former his per- 
 sonal afflictions (v. 14-23.). Umbr. makes 
 ""God" subject to "bindeth," as in v. 19. 19. 
 God is poetically said to do that, which the 
 mourner had done to himself (ch. 2. 8.). 
 "With lying in the ashes he had become, like 
 them, in dirty colour. 20. stand up— The 
 reverential attitude of a suppliant before a 
 king (1 Ki. 8. 14; Luke. 18. 11-] 3.). not— Sup- 
 plied from the first clause. But the inter- 
 vening affirmative "stand" makes this el- 
 lipsis unlikely. Rather, as ch. 16. 9 (not 
 only dost thou refuse aid to me " standing" 
 as a suppliant, but) thou dost regard me with 
 afroxon: eye me sternly. 22. lifcest ... to 
 wind— As a " leaf," or "stubble" (ch. 13. 25.). 
 The moving pillars ofisand, raised by the 
 ■wind to the clouds, as described by travel- 
 lers, would happily depict Job's agitated 
 spirit, if it be to them that he alludes, dis- 
 solvest . . . substance— The mara. Heb. read- 
 ing iKeri,): "mywealth,"orelse "wisdom," 
 i.e., sense and spirit; or "my hope of de- 
 liverance." But the text (Chetib) is better. 
 Thou dissolvest me (with fear, Ex. 15. 15,) in 
 ihe crash (of the whirlwind ; as v. 14, Note.:. 
 [Maur.]. Umbr. transl. as a verb, " Thou 
 lerripest me." 23. This shows ch. 19. 25 can- 
 not be reetricted to Job's hope of a temporai 
 373 t2i 
 
 first clause, is to be supplied in the second, 
 as in V. 25 ;ch. 28. 17.). 25. May 1 not be al- 
 lowed to complain of my calamity, and beg 
 relief, seeing that I myself sympathized with 
 those "in trouble" {lit.,hardofday- those who 
 had_a hard time ot it.). 26. 1 maybe allowed 
 to crave help, seeing that, "when I looked 
 for good (onaccount of my piety and charity), 
 yet evil," <fcc. liglit— (ch. 22. 28.). 27. bowels 
 —Regarded as the seat of deep feeling (Isa. 
 16. 11.). boiled— Violently heated and agita- 
 ted, prevented— Old English for unexpectedly 
 came upon me, surprised me. 28. mourning 
 —Rather, I move about blackened, though 
 not by the sun ; i.e., whereas many are black- 
 ened by the sun, I am, by the heat of God's 
 wrath (so "boiled," v. 27,J; the elephantiasis 
 covering me with blackness of skin [v. 30,), as 
 with the garb of mourning (Jer. 14. 2.). This 
 striking enigmatic form of Heb. expres- 
 sion occurs, Isa 29. 9. stood up— As an inno- 
 cent man crying for justice in an assembled 
 court [V. 20.). 29. dragons . . . owls— Rather, 
 jackals, ostriclus, both of which utter dismal 
 screams (Mic. 1. 8,) ;in which respect, as also in 
 their living amidst solitudes, the emblem of 
 desolation. Job is their brother and com- 
 panion, i.e., resembles them. "Dragon," 
 Heb., Tannim, usually means the crocodile ; 
 so perhaps here, its open jaws lifted towards 
 heaven, and its noise making it seem as if it 
 mourned over its fate. [Bo.] 30. upon me 
 —Rather, as in 17 (Note), my skin is black 
 (and falls away) from me. my bones- {ch. 19. 
 20; Ps. 102. 6.). 31. orgau— Rather, pipe (ch. 
 21. 12,); "My joy is turned into the voice of 
 weeping" (Lam. 6. 15.). These instruments 
 are properly appropriated to joy (Isa. 30. 29, 
 32,), which makes their use now in sorrow the 
 sadder by contrast. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 Ver. 1-40. 1. Job proceeds to prove, that 
 he deserved a better lot. As in ch. 29., he 
 showed his uprightness as an Emir, or ma- 
 gistrate, in public life, so in this chapter he 
 vmdicates his character in private life. 14. 
 He asserts his guarding against being allur- 
 ed to sin by his senses. 1. think— Rather, 
 cast a (lustful) look. He not merely did not 
 so, but put it out of the question by coven- 
 anting with his eyes against leading him into 
 temptation (Prov. 6. 25; Matt. 5. 28.). 2. Had 
 I let my senses tempt me to sin, " what por- 
 tion would there have been to me, i.e., mnst 
 I have expected) from (lit. of) God above. 
 and what inheritance from {lit. of) ILeAl- 
 
J'db deplores Us caXamitles, 
 
 JOB, XXXL 
 
 Job protests his integrity. 
 
 10 They abhor me, they flee far from me, 
 9 and spare not " to spit in my face. 
 
 11 Because he * hath loosed my cord, and 
 afflicted me, they have also let loose the 
 bridle before me. 
 
 12 Upon my right hand rise the youth; 
 they push aV\-av my feet, and ' they raise 
 op ag-^in8t uje the ways of their des traction. 
 
 13 They mfer my path, they set forward 
 my calamity, they have no helper. 
 
 14 They came upon «ie as a wide breaking 
 in of waters: in the desolation they rolled 
 themselves upon me. 
 
 15 Terrors are turned upon me: they pur- 
 sue 7 my soul as the wind; and my welfare 
 passeth away as a cloud. 
 
 16 And now my soul is poured out upon 
 me ; the days of affliction have taken hold 
 upon me. 
 
 17 My bones are pierced in me in the night 
 season; and my sinews take no rest. 
 
 18 By the great force o/ my disease is my 
 garment changed: it bmdeth me about as 
 clie collar of my coat. 
 
 19 He hath cast me into the mire, and I 
 am become like dust and ashes. 
 
 20 I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear 
 me: I stand up, and thou regardest me 
 not. 
 
 21 Thou art 8 become cruel to me: with 
 e thy strong hand thou opposest thyself 
 against me. 
 
 'II Thou liftest me up to the wind; thou 
 causest me to ride upon it, and dissolvest 
 my 10 substance. 
 
 23 For I know that thou wilt bring me to 
 death, and to the house appointed for aJl 
 living. 
 
 24 Howbeit he will not stretch out his 
 hand to the u grave, though they cry in his 
 destruction. 
 
 25 Did <* not I weep 12 for him that was in 
 trouble? was not my soul is grieved for the 
 poor? 
 
 26 When • I looked for good, then evil 
 came unto me; and when I waited for light, 
 there came darkness. 
 
 27 My bowels boiled, and rested not; the 
 days of affliction prevented me. 
 
 .28 I went mourning without the sun : I 
 stood up, and I crieof in the congregation. 
 
 29 I am a brother to dragons, and a com- 
 panion to 1* owls. 
 
 30 My skin is black upon me, and my 
 bones are burnt with heat. 
 
 31 My harp also is turned to mourning, 
 and my organ into the voice of them that 
 weep. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI, 
 Job's lolemn protestation of his integritt/. 
 
 T MADE a covenant mth mine " eyes ; why 
 ■*- then should 1 think upon ft maid? 
 
 2 For what portion of God is tliere from 
 above? and what inheritance of the Al- 
 mighty from on high? 
 
 3 Is not destruction to the wicked? and a 
 strange punishment to the workers of iu- 
 i(iuity? 
 
 4 Doth 6 not he Bee my ways, and count 
 all my steps? 
 
 5 If I have walked with vanity, or if my 
 foot hath hasted to deceit; 
 
 6 1 Let me be weighed in an even balance, 
 that God may know mine integrity. 
 
 7 If my step hath turned out of the way, 
 and " nime heart walked after mine eyes, 
 and if any blot hath cleaved to mine 
 hands; 
 
 87« 
 
 CHAP. ao. 
 
 B and with- 
 
 o Mat. 26. 67. 
 
 6 ch. IS. 18. 
 e ch. 19. 12. 
 
 7 mv princi- 
 pal one. 
 
 8 turned to 
 be cruel. 
 
 9 the 
 strength of 
 thj hand. 
 
 10 Or, 
 wisdom. 
 
 11 heap. 
 
 d Ko. 12. 16. 
 
 12 for bim 
 that TTU 
 bu-dof 
 day. 
 
 13 burned. 
 
 2 Cor. 11. 
 
 29. 
 » Jer. 8. 16. 
 UOr, 
 
 ottricbei. 
 
 CHAP. 31. 
 
 a ilat. 6. 28. 
 62Chr.l6.9. 
 
 ch. B4. 21. 
 
 ProT. 5. 21. 
 
 ProT. 16. 3. 
 
 Jer. 32. 19. 
 
 1 let bim 
 weigh ms 
 in balance! 
 of justice. 
 
 e Nu. 15. 39. 
 Hat. 6. 29. 
 
 d ch. 31. 19 
 Pro 14. B) 
 Pro. 22. i: 
 Mai. 2. lu 
 
 2 Or, did he 
 not fashion 
 
 8 Then let me sow, and let another eat; 
 yea, let my otTspring be rooted out. 
 
 9 If mine heart have been deceived by a 
 woman, or if 1 have laid wait at my neigh- 
 bour's door; 
 
 10 Then let my wife grind tmto another, 
 and let others bow down upon her. 
 
 11 For this is an heinous crime ; yea, it is 
 an iniquity to he punished by the judges. 
 
 12 For it is a fire that consumeth to de- 
 struction, and would root out all mine 
 increase. 
 
 13 If I did despise the cause of my man- 
 sen-ant, or of my maid-servant, when they 
 contended with me: 
 
 14 What then shall I do when God riseth 
 up? and when he visiteth, what shall I 
 answer him? 
 
 15 Did <* not he that made me in the womb 
 make him? an^ ^ did not one fashion us in 
 the womb? 
 
 16 If I have withheld the poor from their 
 desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow 
 to fail: 
 
 17 Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, 
 and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof; 
 
 18 (For from my youth he was brought up 
 with me, as with a father, and I have guidea 
 3 her from my mother's womb ;) 
 
 19 If I have seen any perish- for want of 
 clothmg, or any poor without covering; 
 
 20 If his loins have not blessed me, and ij 
 he were not warmed with the fleece of mj 
 sheep; 
 
 21 If I have lifted up my hand against th« 
 fatherless, when I saw my help in the 
 gate; 
 
 22 Then let mine arm fall from my 
 shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken 
 from * the bone. 
 
 23 For destruction /rom God was a terror 
 to me, and by reason of his highness 1 could 
 not endure. 
 
 24 If I have made gold my hope, or have 
 said to the fine gold. Thou art my confi. 
 dence ; 
 
 25 If I rejoiced because my wealth was 
 great, and because mine hand had 6 gotten 
 much; 
 
 If • I beheld 6 the sun when it shined. 
 
 or the moon walking tin brightness; 
 
 , or 8" my m 
 
 hand 
 
 27 And my heart "hath been secretly en- 
 8 my mouth hath kissed my 
 
 ticed. 
 
 28 This also were an iniquityto he punished 
 hy the judge: for /I should have denied the 
 God that is above. 
 
 29 If I rejoiced at the destruction of bim 
 that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil 
 found him; 
 
 30 Neither ^ have I suffered 9 my mouth to 
 sin by wishing a curse to his soul ; 
 
 31 If the men of my tabernacle said not. 
 Oh that we had of ms flesh! we cannot be 
 satisfied; 
 
 32 The ft stranger did not lodge in the 
 street: but 1 opened my doors loto the 
 traveller; 
 
 33 If I covered my transgressions n aa 
 Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my 
 bosom: 
 
 34 Did I fear a ^eat multitude, or did the 
 contempt of families terrify me, that I kept 
 silence, and went not out of the door? 
 
 35 Oh that one would hear me! 12 behold, 
 my desire is, that the Almighty would an- 
 swer me, and that mine advdtsary had 
 written a book; 
 
JoVs Protesfation 
 
 SOB.JLXKL 
 
 of his Integrttv* 
 
 mighty," <fec. [Maur. ', (ch. 20. 29; 27. 13.). 3. ror from God mi^ht have befallen me 'had 1 
 Answer to the question in v. 2. strange— done so) : mere /ear not being the motive, 
 extruordinarv. 4. Doth not He see, fcc? highness— majestic might, endure— I could 
 Knowing this. I could only have expected have availed nothing against it. 24, 25. Job 
 "destruction" {v. 3,), had I committed ihis asserts his freedom Iroin trust in money (I 
 sin {Prov. 5, 21.i. 5. Job's abstinence from lim. 6. 17.). Here he turns to his duty to- 
 evil deeds, vrnity— 1\«., falsehood (Ps.l2.2.i. wards God, as before he had spoken of his 
 6. Parenthetical. Transl., "O that (iod duty towards himself, and his neifihbour. 
 would weigh me, hc.Jken would He know," Covetousness is covert idolatry, as it trans- 
 Arc. 7. Connected with v. 6. the v/ay— of fers the heart from the Creator to the crea- 
 God (ch. 2:j. 11; Jer. 5. 5.). A godly life, ture (Col. 3. 5.). In v. 26, 27, he passes to 
 heart . . . after . . . eyes— If my heart coveted, i overt idolatry. 26. If I looked unto the Sun 
 what my eyes beheld (Eccl. ii. 9; Josh. 7. 21.). ! (as an object of wor-ship). because he shined; 
 hands— (Ps. 24. 4.). 8. Apodosis to V. 5 and 7; or to the Moon because she walked, &c. 
 the cixrses which he imprecates on him .self, Sabaism (from tsaba, the heavenly hosts) 
 if he had done these things (Lev.26.16; Amos, was the earUest form of false worship. God 
 9. 14 : Ps. 128. 2.). cffspring— Eather. %vhut I is hence called in contradistinction "Lord 
 -plant, my harvests. 9-12. Job asserts his ofSabaoth." The sun, moon, and stars, the 
 innocence of adultery, deceived— hath let briglitest objects in nature, and seen every- 
 itself be seduced ,Prov. 7. 8, &c. ; Gen. 39. where, were suppo-ed to be visible repre- 
 7-12.). laid wait— until the husband went sentatives of the invisible (vod. They had 
 out. 10. grind— turn the handmill. Be the no temples, but were worshipped on high 
 most abject slave and concubine (Isa. 47. 2; places and roofs of houses (Ezek. 8. 16; Deut. 
 2 Sam. 12. 11.). 11. In the earliest times 4.19; 2 Ki. 23. 5, 11.). The if t*. here for "sun" 
 punished with death (Gen. 38. 24.1. ^o in i?, light. Probably %/it was worshipped as 
 later times Deut. 22. 22.). Heretofore he (the emanation from God, before its embo- 
 had spoken only of sins against conscience;; diments, the sun, &c. This worship pre- 
 now, one against the community, needing vailed in Chaldea; wherefore Job's exemp- 
 the cognizance of the judge. 12. (Prov. 6. j tion from tlie idolatry of his neighbours was 
 27-35; 8. 6-2o, 26, 27.). Iv'o crime more pro- 1 the more exemplary. Our "' Sun-day, Mon- 
 vokesGod Xo sienA desiniction as a consum- d&y" or Moon-day, bear traces of Sabaism. 
 ing fire, none so desolates the soul. 13-23, 27. enticed— away from God to idolatry. 
 Job affirms his freedom from imfairness to-| kissed . . . hznd.— Adoration, lit., means this. 
 v.ards Iris servants; from harshness and op- In worshipping they used to kiss the hand, 
 pression towards the needy, despise the cause ; and then throw the kiss, as it were, towards 
 —refused to do them justice. 14, 15. Paren- , the object of worship (l Ki. 19. 18; Hos. 13.2.). 
 tlietical; the reason why Job did not despise , 28. The Mosaic law embodied subsequently 
 the cause of his servants.' 7 ratiil, What i the feeling of the godly from the earliest 
 then (had I done so) could I have done, when | times against idolatry, as deserving judicial 
 God arose (to call me to account) ; and when ; penalties: being treason against the Supreme 
 He visited (came to enquire , what could I King (Deut. 13. 9; 17. 2-7; Ezek. 8. 14-18.). 
 have answered Him? 15. Slaveholders try to i This passage therefore does not prove Job to 
 defend themselves by maintaining the orini- ; have been subsequent to Moses. 29. lifted 
 nal inferiority of the slave. But (Mai. 2. 10; up myself— in malicious triumph (Prov. 17. 
 Acts, 17.26; Eph.6.9,) make the common origin ! 6 ; 24. 17 ; Ps. 7. 4.)_ 30. mouth— 2ii., palate; 
 of mastersandservantstheargumentforbro- 1 ch. 6. 30, Note.) wishing— ttt.,*' so as to de- 
 therly love being shown by the former to the mand his (my enemy's) soui, i.e., life by a 
 latter. 16. to fail— in the vain expectation 1 curse." This verse parenthetically confirms 
 of relief ch. 11. 20.). 17. Arabian rules oi\v. 30. Job in the patriarchal age of the pro- 
 
 mise, anterior to the law, realizes the Gos- 
 pel Spirit, which was the end of the law (cf. 
 Lev. 19. 18; Deut. 23. 6, with Matt. 6. 43, 44.). 
 31. i.e.. Job's household said, O that we had 
 Job's enemy to devour, we cannot rest satis- 
 (see ch. 29.16.). | fied till we have ! But Job refrained from 
 sh (ch. 29. 13.). even wishing revenge (1 Sam. 26. 8 ; 2 Sam. 
 
 hospitality require the stranger to be helped 
 first, and to the best. 18. Parenthetical : 
 asserting that he did the contrary to the 
 things in v. 16, 17. he— the orphan, guided 
 her— viz., the widow, by advice and protec- 
 tion. On this and "a father" ' ' ' 
 
 19. perish— i.e., ready to perisl 
 
 20. loins— the parts of the body, benefitted by ' 16. 9, 10.). So Jesus Christ (Lu. 9. 54, 55.;. 
 Job. are poeticahy described as thanking i But, better (see v. 32.) <ransJ.. "Who can 
 him. the loins before naked, when clad by show {lit., give) the man who was not satis- 
 me, wi.shed me every blessiug. 21. " When fied with the flesh (meat) provided by Job?"* 
 (i.e., becausei I saw,** that I might calculate , He never let a p<jpr man leave his gate with- 
 on the "help" of a powerfvl party in the j out giving him enough to eat. 32. traveller 
 court of justice— ("gate"), if I. should be sum- —lit. way, i.e., wayfarers; so expressed to in- 
 moned by the injured fatherless. 22. Apo-lclude all of every kind i2 Sam. 12. 4.). 33. 
 dosis to vs. 13, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21. If 1 had done I Ad&m— Transl. by Umbk. "as men do" (Hoa. 
 those crimes, I should have made a bad use 6. 7, where see Marg.). But E. V. is more 
 of my influence (my arm. /irmm(wcJ!/,i;. 21.): natural. The very same word for "hiding" 
 therefore, if I have done them let my arm is used in Gen. 3. 8, 10. of Adam hiding him- 
 (literaUy) suffer. Job alludes to Eliphaz's : sell from God. Job elsewhere alludes to 
 charge ,ch. 22. 9.\ The first "arm" is rather the flood. So he might easily know of the 
 "" ■ " fall, through the two links which connect 
 
 the shoulder. The second " arm " is the fore- 
 arm, from the hone— Lit. a reed : hence the 
 upper arm. above the elbow. 23. For— i.e.. 
 the reason why Job guarded against such 
 
 Adam and Abraham (about Job's time) via, 
 Methuselah, and Shem. Adam is represei^ 
 tative of fallen man's propensity to concealr 
 
 pr 
 sins. Fear of 'God, though he could escape ment (Prov. 28. 13.). It was from God thai, 
 man's judgment (Gen. 39. 9,) Umbr. more! Job did not "hide his iniquity in his bo- 
 spiiitedly <rai!si. Yea, destruction and tef- 1 som," as on the contrary it was from God 
 174 
 
Elihu rsproves Ms friends. 
 
 JOB, XXXII, xxxm. 
 
 and reasons vMU Job, 
 
 86 Siirely I would take it upon my 
 shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me. 
 
 37 1 would declare unto him the number 
 of my steps; as a prince would I go near 
 nntohim. 
 
 38 If my land cry against me, or that the 
 furrows likewise thereof 13 complain; 
 
 39 If I have eaten n the fruits thereof 
 without money.or have i6 caused the owners 
 thereof to lose theu' life: 
 
 40 Let thistles Rrow instead of wheat, and 
 16 cockle instead of bai'ley. The words of 
 Job are ended. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 1 Elihu is angry with Job and his three friends s 
 
 Whe re-proves them for not satisfying Job. 
 
 CO these three men ceased i to answer 
 ^ Job, because he was righteous in his 
 own eyes. 
 
 2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu 
 the son of Barachel * the Buzite^ of the 
 kin dred of Ram ; against Job was his wrath 
 kindled, because ne justified 2 himself 
 rather than God. 
 
 3 Also against his three friends was his 
 wrath kindled, because they had found no 
 answer, and yet had condemned Job. 
 
 4 Now EUhu had 8 waited till Job had 
 Bpoken, because they were * elder than 
 he. 
 
 5 When Elihu saw that there was no an- 
 swer in the mouth of these three men, then 
 his wrath was kindled. 
 
 6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the 
 Buzite answered and said, I am 6 youn^, 
 and ye are very old ; wherefore I was afraid, 
 and * durst not show you mine opinion. 
 
 7 I said. Days should speak, and multi- 
 tude of years should teacn wisdom. 
 
 8 But there is a spirit in man: and * the 
 Inspiration of the Almighty giveth them 
 tmaerstandiug. 
 
 9 Great men are not aVways wise; neither 
 do the aged understand judgment. 
 
 10 Therefore I said. Hearken to me; I also 
 will show mine opinion. 
 
 11 Behold, I waited for your words ; I gave 
 ear to your 1 reasons, whilst ye searched 
 out 8 what to say. 
 
 12 Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, 
 CAere was none of you that convinced Job, 
 or that answered his words: 
 
 13 Lest ye should say, W e have found out 
 wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not 
 man. 
 
 14 Now he hath not e directed Ms words 
 against me; neither wiU I answer him with 
 your speeches. 
 
 15 They were amazed; they answered no 
 more; lo they left off speaking. 
 
 16 When I had waited, (foi^they spake 
 not, but stood still, and answered no 
 more,) 
 
 17 I said, I will answer also my part; I 
 also will show mine opinion. 
 
 18 For I am foil of ii matter; 12 the spirit 
 within me constraineth me. 
 
 19 Behold, my belly is as wine which 
 13 hath no vent; it is ready to burst like 
 new bottles. 
 
 20 1 will speak, that I may i* be refreshed: 
 I will open my lips and answer. 
 
 21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any 
 man's person ; neither let me give flatter- 
 ing titles unto man. 
 
 22 For I know not to give flattering 
 titles ; in so doing my Maker would soon 
 take me away. 
 
 275 
 
 CHAP. 81. 
 
 13 weep. 
 1* the 
 
 cftbe 
 owner! 
 thereof to 
 expire, or, 
 
 out. 
 
 CHAP. 32. 
 
 1 from 
 answering. 
 
 o Gen.22.ai. 
 
 2 his toul. 
 'i expected 
 
 Job in 
 
 words. 
 4 elder for 
 
 days. 
 6 few of ivft. 
 6 feared. 
 
 6 James 1.6. 
 
 7 onder- 
 itandingf. 
 
 e Or, ordered 
 his words. 
 10 they 
 remoTed 
 
 firom 
 them- 
 telrei. 
 
 11 words. 
 
 12 the spirit 
 of my 
 teUy. 
 
 13 is not 
 opened. 
 
 1« breath*. 
 
 CHAP. 83. 
 
 1 in my 
 palate. 
 
 2 purely. 
 
 3 according 
 to thy 
 mouth. 
 
 4 cut out of 
 the clay. 
 
 5 in mino 
 
 6 he 
 
 7 he rereal- 
 
 COTOreth. 
 
 8 work. 
 
 9 from 
 passing by 
 the sword. 
 
 10 meat of 
 desire. 
 
 U Ur, an 
 atone- 
 ment. 
 
 12 than 
 childhood. 
 
 13 Or, He 
 (hall look 
 upon men, 
 and say, I 
 hare 
 
 14 Or, He 
 hath 
 
 delivered 
 my soul, 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIIL 
 
 1 Elihv offers to reason with Job i a he excuses God 
 from giving men an account of his ways; 14 
 
 God calls men to repentance by visions, affiio- 
 tioTis, and by his ministry. 
 
 WHEREFORE, Job, I pray thee, hear 
 my speeches, and hearken to all my 
 words. 
 
 2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth, 
 my tongue hath spoken i m my mouth. 
 
 3 My words shall be of the uprightness of 
 my heart ; and my lips snail utter Knowledge 
 
 2 clearly. 
 
 4 The Spirit of God hath made me, and 
 the breath of the Almighty hath given me 
 life. 
 
 5 If thou canst answer me, set thy words 
 in order before me, stand up. 
 
 6 Behold, I am 3 according to thy wish in 
 God's stead: I also am* formed out of the 
 clay. 
 
 7 Behold, my terror shall not make thee 
 afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy 
 upon thee. 
 
 Surely thou hast spoken B in mine hear- 
 ing, and I have heard the voice oithy words, 
 sayvig, 
 
 9 I am clean without transgression, I am 
 innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. 
 
 10 Behold, he findeth occasions against 
 me, he counteth me for his enemy, 
 
 11 He putteth my feet in the stocks, he 
 marketh all my paths. 
 
 12 Behold, in tnis thou art not just: I will 
 answer thee, that God is greater than 
 man. 
 
 IB Why dost thou strive against him? for 
 6 he giveth not account of any of his mat- 
 ters. 
 
 14 For (Jod speaketh once, yea twice, yet 
 man perceivetn it not. 
 
 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, 
 when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slum- 
 berings upon the bed; 
 
 16 Then i he openeth the ears of men, and 
 sealeth their instruction, 
 
 17 That he ma^- withdraw man from his 
 8 purpose, and hide pride from man. 
 
 18 He keepeth back his soul from the pit, 
 and his life ^ from perishing by the sword. 
 
 19 He is chastened also with pain upon 
 his bed, and the multitude of his bones with 
 strong pain: 
 
 20 So that his lift abhorreth bread, and 
 his soul 10 dainty meat. 
 
 21 His flesh is consumed away, that it can- 
 not be seen; and his bones that were not 
 seen stick out. 
 
 22 Yea, his soul draweth near unto the 
 grave, and his life to the destroyere. 
 
 23 If there be a messenger with him. an 
 interpreter, one among a thousand, to show 
 unto Vnan his uprightness; 
 
 24 Then he is gracious mito him, and 
 saith. Deliver him from going down to the 
 pit; I have found n a ransom. 
 
 25 His flesh shall be fresher 12 than a 
 child's: he stall return to the days of his 
 youth: 
 
 26 He shall pray unto God, and he will be 
 favourable unto him ; and he shall see his 
 face with joy: for he will render unto man 
 his righteousness. 
 
 27 1^ He looketh upon men; and if any 
 say, I have sinned, and penerted that which 
 was vi-'ht, and it protited me not; 
 
 28 l*iie will deliver his soul from going 
 into the pit, and his life shall see the light. 
 
Joh'ii Proip.stauon of hia Intecjnty. JOB, XXXn. 
 
 Elifiu Eeproves his Friends, 
 
 thai ■"Adam" hid in his lurking place. This 
 disi>roves the trand."' a,s men:" for it is from 
 their jelloivmen tliat "men" are chielly 
 anxious to hide their real character as 
 guilty. Magke, to make the comparison 
 ■with Adam more exact, for my "bosom' 
 transl. "lurking place. 34. Kather, the 
 apodosis to v. 33, "Then let me be fear- 
 stricken before a great multitude, let the 
 contempt, Aic.let me keep silence (the great- 
 est disgrace to a patriot, heretofore so pro- 
 minent in assemblies), and not go out," &c. 
 A just retribution, that he who hides his sin 
 from ftod, should have it exposed before 
 man (2 iSam. 12. 12.). But Job had not been 
 so exposed, but on the contrary was es- 
 teemed in the assemblies of the <ri7je.s— ("fa- 
 milies"): a proof, he implies, that God does 
 not hold him guilty of hiding sin (ch. 24. 
 16, contrast with ch. 29. 21-:i5.). 35. Job 
 returns to his wish ich. 13. 22; 19. 23.). Omit 
 is; "Behold my sign," i.e., my mark of sub- 
 scription to the statements just given in my 
 defence : the mark of signature was origin- 
 ally a cross; and hence the letter Tau or T. 
 Transl. also," that the Almighty," &c. He 
 marks "God" as the "One" meant in the 
 first clause. Adversary, i.e., he who con- 
 tends with me, refers also to God. The 
 vagueness is designed, to express " whoever 
 it be tliat judicially opposes me,"— the Al- 
 jnighty if it be He. had written a book— 
 Ilather, "would write down his charge." 36. 
 So far from hiding the adversary's "answer" 
 or "charge" through fear, "I would take it 
 on my shoulders " as a public honour (Isa. 9. 
 6.). a crown— not a mark of shame, but of 
 distinction (Tsa. 62. 3.). 37. A good con- 
 science imparts a princely dignity before 
 man and free assurance in approaching God. 
 This can be realized, not in Job's way (ch. 
 42. 5, 6,); but only through Jesus Christ 
 (Heb. 10. 22.). 38. Personification. The com- 
 plaints of the unjustly-ousted proprietors 
 are transferred to the lands themselves (u.20; 
 Gen. 4. 10; Hab, 2. 11.). If I have unjustly 
 acquired lands (ch. 24. 2; Isa. 6. 8.). furrows 
 —The specification of these makes it likely, 
 he implies in this, "if I paid not the lab- 
 ourer, for tillage ;" as next verse, " If 1 paid 
 him not for gathering in the fmits." Thus 
 of the four clauses in v. 38, 39, the 1st refers 
 to the same subject as the 4th, the 2d is con- 
 nected with the 3rd by introverted ■parallel- 
 ism. Jam. 5. 4, who plainly alludes to tliis 
 passage: cf. "Lord of Sabaoth" with v. 26 
 here. 39. lose ... life— not lit., but "har- 
 assed to death;" until he gave me up his land 
 gratis [Maur.]; as in Judg. 16. 16; "suflfer- 
 «d him to languish" by taking away his 
 means of living [Umbr.j II Ki. 21. 19.). 40. 
 thisies — or brambles, thorns, cockle— Ki., 
 noxious \oeeds. The words . . . ended — i.e., 
 in the controversy with the friends. He 
 spoke in the book afterwards, but not to 
 them. At 37 would be the regular conclusion 
 in strictart. But 3S-40 is nainrai to ie added 
 by one whose mind in agitation recurs to its 
 
 sense oi innocence, even after it has come to 
 the poLat usual to stop at; this takes away 
 the appearance of rhetorical artifice. Hence 
 the transi)osiiion by EiCH. of 38-40 to follow 
 25, is quite unwarranted. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 Ver. 1-22. Sp.'iECH of Elihu (ch. 32-37.). 
 
 1-8. Prose (poetry begins with "I am young." 
 
 1. because, $^c.— and because they could not 
 
 376 
 
 prove to him that he was unrighteous. 2. 
 Elihu— meaning "God is Jeltovau." in liis 
 name, and character as messenger betwee!i 
 God and Job, he shadows forth JesusCijrist 
 (ch. 33. 23 26.). Barachel — nieaning "God 
 blesses." Both names indicate the piety 
 of the family, ajid their separation from 
 idolaters. Buzite— Buz was son of iN'ahor. 
 brotlier of Abraham. Hence was named 
 a region in Arabia Deserta (Jer. 25. 23.). 
 Ram— Aram, nephew of Buz. Job was pro- 
 bably of an elder generation than Ehlia. 
 However the identity of names does not 
 necessarily prove the identity of persons. 
 The particularity with which Elihu's descent 
 is given, as contrasted with the others, led 
 LiGHTFOOT to infer, Elihu was the author 
 of the book. But the reason for particula- 
 rity was, probably, that Elihu was lessknoivn 
 than the three called " friends" ot Job: and 
 that it was right for the poet to mark espe- 
 cially him who was mainly to solve the 
 problem of the book, rather than God — 
 i. e., was more eager to vindicate himself 
 than God. In ch. 4. 17, Job denies that 
 man can be more just than God. LUmbe.] 
 Trans., "Before (in the presence ol) God." 
 3. Though silenced in argument, they held 
 their opinion still. 4. had spoken— i^'efe. in 
 words, referring rather to his own "words" 
 of reply, which he had long ago ready, but 
 kept back in deference to the seniority of 
 the friends who spoke. 6. was atraid— the 
 root meaning in Heb. is to cratvl (Deut. 32. 
 24.). 7. days— i.e., the aged (ch. 15. 10.). 8. 
 Elihu claims inspiration, as a divinely-com- 
 missioned messenger to Job (ch. 33. 6, 23,); 
 and that claim is not contradicted in ch. 42, 
 Transl.,"' But the spirit iwhich God puts) in 
 man, and the inspiration, &c., is that which 
 giveth," &c., it is not mere "years" which 
 give understanding (Prov. 2. 6; John, 20. 22.). 
 9. Great— Ptather, old (v. 6.). So Heb. in Gen. 
 25. 23, "Greater, less" for the elder, the 
 younger, judgment — what is right. 10. 
 Eather, I say. opinion— Rather, knoivledge. 
 11. Tlierefore Elihu was present from the 
 first, vesisona— lit, understandinris, i.e., the 
 meaning intended by words, wlulst— I wait- 
 ed until you should discover a stiitable re- 
 ply to Job. 13. This has been so ordered, 
 " lest you should" pride yourselves on hav- 
 ing overcome him by your "wisdom" Jer. 
 9. 23, the great aim of the book of Job) ; and 
 that you may see, God alone can thrust 
 him down," i.e., confute him, "not man." 
 So Elilm grounds his confutation not on the 
 maxims of sages, as the friends did, but on 
 his special conmiission from God {v. 8 ; ch. 
 33. 4, 6.). 14. 1 am altogether unprejudiced. 
 For it is not I, whom he addressed. " Your 
 speeches" have been influenced by irrita- 
 tion. 15. Here Elihu turns from the friends 
 to Job: and so passes from the second per- 
 son to the third; a transition frequent in a 
 rebuke (ch. 18. 3, 4.). th-y left off— words 
 were taken from them. 17. my par:— for my 
 part, opinion— knowledge. 18. "I am full 
 of words," wliereas the friends have not a 
 word more to J-ay. the spirit— (v. 8; ch. 33. 
 4; Jer. 20. 9; Acts. 18. 5.). 19. bely— Bosom: 
 from which the words of orientalists in 
 speaking seem to come more than with u.s: 
 tney speak gutturaVy. "Like (new wine 
 dn fermentation) witnout a vent," to work 
 itself off. iVeii' wine is kept in new goatskin 
 bottles. This fittingly ai ^plies to the youiv 
 3 C 
 
E'tfiu's Address to Job. 
 
 JOB, XXXm. God CaUeih Men to iRepentance. 
 
 Eiiliii, as contrasted with the old friends, it. 14. TrarisJ./'Yet inanreflrarc?f<7iit not:" 
 (Matt. 0. 17.). 20. refres ei—lit., that there on nither, as Umbh., "'Yea twice (He re- 
 Vfu.iv ie air to me il fciam. 16. 2.?. . 21. "May ! peats the warning),— if man gives no " 
 
 I never accept," &c. E'dlni alludes to Jo 
 words (eh. r.i. s, lo,). v/herein he complains 
 that the fnends plead for God partially, 
 "accepting His person." Elihii says, he will 
 HOC do so, but act impartially between God 
 ?nd Job. " And 1 will not give flattery," &c. 
 (Prov. 2i. 23.). 22. taJie me away— as a pun- 
 ishment (Ps. 103. 24.). 
 
 CHAt-TER XXXin. 
 
 Ver. 1-33. Address to Joe, as fch. 32.) 
 
 TO THE Friends. 2. month— Eather, palote, 
 
 whereby the taste discerns. Every_man 
 
 to the first warning, Eiihu iinjilies thaKiod's 
 reason for sending ;ifi1iction is, becau^.e.wlieii 
 God has communicated His will in various 
 ways, man in prosperity has net heeded it: 
 God therefore mtist try what afilitticn wUl 
 effect John, 15.2; Ps. 62. 11; Isa 28. 10, 13.). 
 15. shimberii'gs— light, as oppc^ed to "deep 
 
 eep." Klihu has in view Eliphaz (ch. 4. 13,) 
 also Job hiiii.'^elf (ch. 7. 14.,. "Dreams 
 
 and 
 
 inslecp.and " visions" of actual apparitions, 
 were among the ways, whereby God then 
 spake to man (Gen. 20. 3.). 16. lAt„ sealeth 
 
 speaks with his mouth, but few, as Elihu I ^their ears to himself by warnings, i.e.. with 
 
 ti-y their words iviili discrimina'Aon first 
 and only say what is really good ch. 6. 30; 
 12. 11.). hath spoken— Eather, Proceeds to 
 sveak. 3. I will speak according to my in- 
 ward conviction, clearly— Eather, purely: __ 
 
 sincerely, not distorting the truth through Sam. 20. 19.t 
 passion, as the friends. 4. "The Spirit of j (ch. 17. 11.) 
 God Larh made me," as He did thee: latter " "' 
 clause of v. 6, (Gen. 2. 7.). Therefore thou 
 needest not fear me, as thou wouldest God 
 (•». 7; ch. 9. 34.). On the other hand, "the 
 breath of the Almighty hath inspired me " 
 (as ch. 32. 8,i; not as E. F.,"givenme life :" 
 therefore "I am, according to thy wish (ch. 
 
 9. 32, 33,) in God's stead" to thee; a "days- 
 man," i\mpire, or mediator, between God 
 »nd thee. So Elihu was designed by the 
 Holy Ghost to be a type of Jesus Christ (v. 
 23-2C.). 5. Images from a court of justice, 
 stand up— alluding to Job's words (ch. 30. 
 20.). 6. (Note, •>;. 4; ch. 31.35; 13.3,20,21.). Jorra- 
 e:i— though acting as God's representative, 
 I am but a creature, like thy.seif. Arabic, 
 pressed together, as a mass of clay by the 
 potter, informing a vessel. [TJmbr.I Heb. 
 cut off, as the portion ta-ken from the clay 
 to /o?7?t it. fMAUR.l 7. hand— alluding to 
 Job's words (ch. 13. 21.). 8. thy words— ich. 
 
 10. 7; 16. 17; 23. 11, 12; 27. 5, 6; 29. 14. . Inch. 
 
 9. 30; 13. 23, Job had acknowledged sin; but 
 tlie general spirit of his words was to main- 
 tain himself to be "clean:" and to cliai^e 
 God with injustice. He went too far on the 
 opposite side in opposing the fi'iends' false 
 charge of hypocrisy. Even the godly though 
 willing to confess themselves sinners in 
 geiii red, often dislike sin in particidar to le 
 Drought as a charge against them. Affliction 
 is therefore needed to bring them to leel 
 that sin in them deserves even worse than 
 they suffer, and that God does them no in- 
 justice. Then at last humbled under God 
 they find, affliction is Jor their real good, 
 and so at last it is taken away either here, or 
 at least at death. To teach this is Elihu's 
 mission. 9. clean— spotless. 10. ocraaons— 
 for hostility: lit., enmities ;ch. 13. 24; 16. 9; 
 
 10. 11; 30. 21.). 11. (ch. 13. 27.). marketh— 
 narrowly watches (ch. 14. 16; 7. 12; 31. 4.). 
 12. in this— view of God and His govern- 
 cient. It cannot be that God should jeal- 
 ously "watch" man, though "'spotless," as 
 an " enemy, " or as one afraid of hiin as an 
 eq'ial. For "God is greater than man." 
 There must be sin in man, even though he 
 Le no hypocrite, which needs correction by 
 suffering for the sufferer's good. 13. (Isa. 
 45. 9.1. his matters— ways. Our part is, not 
 to "strive" with God, but to iivhmit. 'j'o 
 bebeve, it is ri-,ht, because He does it, not 
 becduse we see ail tlie redsomtot His doing, 
 
 375 [I] 
 
 the sureness and secrecy of a seal He re- 
 veals His warnings. LUmbr.J To seal up 
 securely (ch. 37. 7.). On the "openeth" (see 
 ch. 3G. 10.). 17. purpose— il/arg., work. So 
 ch. 36. 9. So " business " in a bad sense (1 
 Elihu alludes to Job's words 
 'Pride" is an open "pit" (v. 
 IS,) which God hides or covers up, lest nau 
 should fall into it. Even the godly need to 
 learn the lesson, which trials teach, to 
 " humble themselves under the mighty hand 
 of God." 18. his soul— his Ufe. the pit— the 
 grave; a symbol of hell, perishing by the 
 sword— i.e., a violent death; in the O. T. a 
 symbol of the future punishment of the un- 
 godly. 19. Y/lien man does not heed warn- 
 ings of the night, he is chastened, <L'c. Tha 
 new thought suggested by Elihu is that af- 
 fliction is disciplinary (ch. 36. 10,): /or the 
 oood of the godly, multitude— so the Marg.^ 
 Heb., (Keri.) Eetter with the text (Che- 
 TiB,) " And with the perpetual (strongi con^ 
 test of his bones;" the never-resting fever in 
 his bones (Ps. 38. 3. . lUmbr.J 20. hie— . 
 i.e., the appetite, which ordinarily sustains 
 "life" (ch. 38. 39; seg Ps. 107. 18; Eccl. 12.5.). 
 Tlie taking away of desire for food by sick- 
 ness symbolizes the removal by affliction of 
 lust, for things which foster the spiritual 
 fever of pride, soul— desire. 21. His flesh 
 once prominent "can nn more be seen." His 
 bones once not seen now appear prominent. 
 stick out-Kt.. are hare. The Marg., Heh. 
 Keri) reading. The text (Chetib) reads it 
 a noun (are become), "bareness." The Keri 
 was no doubt an explanatory reading of 
 transcribers. 22. oestroyexs— angels oj death 
 commissioned by God to end man's liie .2 
 Sam.24.16; Ps.78.49.). The decdh pains I'evsoni' 
 tied may, however, be meant; so "gnawers" 
 (Note, ch. 30. 17.). 23. Eliliu refers to him- 
 self as the divinely-sent (ch.32.8; 3.3.6.)," mes- 
 senger," the "interpreter" to explain to Job 
 and V indicate God's righteousness : such a 
 one Eliphaz had denied that Jqb could look 
 for (ch. 5. 1,), and Job (ch. 9. 33,) had wished 
 for such a "daysman" or un.pire between 
 him and God. The "messenger" oi good is 
 antithetical to "the destroyers" v. 23.). 
 with him— If theie be vouchsafed to the suf- 
 ferer. The office of the interpreter is staitd 
 "to show unto man Goa's upriglitness" iu 
 His dealings; or, as Umbr.. "man's upright 
 course towards God'" (Prov. 14. l^). The 
 former is better: Job maintained his own 
 "uprightness" 'ch. 16. 17; 27. 5. 6,), Elihu on 
 the contra r.v'maintains God's, and that man's 
 true uprightness lies in submission to God. 
 "One among a thousand " i.'. a man rarely to 
 be found. ^:o Jesus Christ (Song Sol. o. lo.). 
 Elihu, the God-sent mediator of a tempwoU 
 
Elihu Accfiiseth Job for 
 
 JOB. XXXIV. 
 
 Charging God with IriSustilte. 
 
 deliverance iv. 24-26,), is a type of the God- 
 man Jesus Christ the Mediator of eternal 
 deiiverauce: "the mes^serujer of the coven- 
 ant" (M'll. 3. 1.). Tliis is the wonderful work 
 of the Holy Ghost, that persons and events 
 move in their own sphere in such a way, as 
 iincon-ciously to shadow forth Him, Avhose 
 *■ testimony is the Spirit of prophecy;" as 
 the same point may be centre of a small 
 andot avastly larger concentric circle. 24. 
 Apodosis to 23. he — God. Deliver— Lii, 
 redeem: in it and "ransom" there is refer- 
 ence to the consideraLion, on account of 
 which God pardons and relieves the suffer- 
 ers ; here it is primarily the intercession of 
 EliliU. But the language is too sti'ong for its 
 full meaning to be exhausted by this: Tlie 
 Holy Ghost has suggested language which 
 receives its fidl realization only m the " eter- 
 nal redemption found" by God in the price 
 paid by Jesus Christ for it, i.e.. His blood 
 and iiieritorious intercession (Heb. 9. 12.). 
 "Obtained," lit.JoundK implying the earnest 
 leal, wisdom, and faithfulness of the finder, 
 and the newness and joyousness of the find- 
 ing. Jesus Christ could not but have./oti?Td 
 it, but still His seeking it was needed. [Beng.] 
 (Luke, 15. 8.) God the Father, is the Finder 
 (Ps. 89. 19.). Jesus Christ the Eedeemer, to 
 whom He saith. Redeem (so Heb.,) him from 
 going, &c. (2 Cor. 5. 19.) ransom— Used in a 
 general sense by Elihu. but meant by the Holy 
 Ghost in its strict sense as applied to Jesus 
 Christ, of a price paid for deliverance (Exod. 
 21. 30,), an atonement 'i.e., means of selling 
 at once, i. e., reconciling ttuo who are 
 estranged.), a covering, as of the ark with 
 pitch, typical of what covers us sinners from 
 wrath (Gen. 6. 14; Ps. 32. 1.). The pit.is 
 primarily here the grave fisa. 38. 17,), but 
 . the spiritual pit is mainly shadowed forth 
 (Zech. 9. 11.). 25-28. Effects of restoration 
 to God's favour ; lit, to Job a temporal re- 
 vival ; spiritually an eternal regeneration. 
 The striking words cannot be restricted to 
 their temporal meaning, as used by Elihu 
 
 &Pet. 1, 11, 12.). fresher than a child's— So 
 aaman, 2 Ki. 6. 14; spiritually, John, 3. 3-7. 
 26. Job shall no longer pray to God, as he 
 comidains. in vain {ch. 23. 3, 8. 9.). True 
 especially to the redeemed in Jesus Christ 
 (John, 16. 23-27.). He (Job) shall see his face 
 —Or God shall make him to see His face. 
 [Ma ur.J God shallno longer " hide His face " 
 (ch. 13. 24.). True to the believer, now, .1 ohn, 
 14. 21, '22: eternally, Ps. 17. 15: John, 17. 24. 
 his God's) righteousness— Godwin again make 
 the restored Job, no longer ("i perverted- 
 right," V. 27,) doubt God's justice, but to 
 justify Him in His dealings. The penitent 
 ju-tifies God (Ps. 51. 4.). So the believer is 
 made to see God's righteousness in Jesus 
 Christ (Is. 45. 24 ; 46. 13.). 27.iHe Icoketh-God. 
 JRather, with Umbr., "Now he (the restored 
 penitent) singeth jovfidly sansweringto "joy" 
 V. 26; Ps. 51. 12,] before men, and saith," &c., 
 (Prov. 25. 20; Ps. 66. 16; 116. 14.). perverted- 
 Made the straight crooked : as Job had mis- 
 represented God's character, profited— iii., 
 V}as made even to me ; rather, " My punish 
 ment \Aas not commensurate with my sin : ' 
 (so Zephar, ch. n. 6,); the reverse of what 
 Job heretofore .'jaid (ch. 16. 17; Ps. 103. 10: Ezra, 
 9.13.). 28. Note v. 2»; rather, as Heb. text 
 
 testimony to the people. light^-(i;. SO; ch, 
 3. 16, 20 ; Ps. 56. 13: Eccl. 11. 7.) 29. Marg. 
 twice and thrice, alluding to v. 14 : once, by 
 visions, 15-i7; secondly, by afflictions, l9-22j 
 now, by the "messenger, thirdly, 23. 30. 
 Eeferring to v. 28 (Ps. 56. 13.). 32. justify-To 
 do thee justice ; and, if I can, consistently 
 with it, to declare thee innocent. At v. 33, 
 EUhu pauses for a reply; then proceeds ;ch. 34, 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 Ver. 1-37. 1. answered — Proceeded. 2. 
 This ch. is addressed also to the " friends," 
 as ch. 33. to Job alone. 3. Palate: (Note ch. 12. 
 11; ch. 33. 2.). 4. judgment — Let us select 
 among the conflicting sentiments advanced, 
 what will stand the test of examination. 5. 
 judgment— My right. Job's own words (ch, 
 13. 18; 27. 2.). 6. i.e.. Were I to renounce 
 mv right (i.e., confess myself guilty,), t 
 snould lie. Job virtually had said so (ch, 
 27. 4. 5; 6. 28.). Maub., not so well, "Not- 
 withstanding my right (innocence) I am 
 treated as a liar by God," by his afflicting 
 me. my woivai—Lit., mine arrow, viz., by 
 which 1 am pierced. So "my stroke" (hand 
 Ma.rg., ch. 23. 2.). My sickness (ch. 6. 4; 16. 13.). 
 witiiout transgression— Withoutfault of mine 
 to deserve it (ch. 16. 17.). 7. (ch. 15. 16.). 
 Image from the camel, scorning — Against 
 God ich. 1.5. 4.). 8. Job virtually goeth iu 
 company (makes common cause) with the 
 wicked, by taking up their sentiments (ch. 
 9. 22,23, 30; 21. 7-15.!, or at least bysaying.that 
 those who act on such sentiments are un- 
 punished (Mai. 3. 14.) To deny God's right- 
 eous government, because we do not see the 
 reasons of His acts, is virtually to take part 
 with the ungodly. 9. with God— In intimacy 
 (Ps. 50. 18.). 10. The true answer to Job, 
 which God follows up (ch. 38.). Man is to 
 believe God's ways are right, because they 
 are His, not because we fully see they are so 
 (Rom. 9. 14; Deu. 32. 4; Gen. 18.25). 11. Partly 
 here; fully, hereafter (Jer. 32. 19; Rom. 2. 6; 
 1 Pet. 1. 17; Rev. 22. 12.). 12. (ch. 8. 3.). In 
 opposition to Job, v. 6. will not— Cannot. 
 13. If the world were not God's property, as 
 having been made by Him. but committed 
 to His charge by some Superior, it might be 
 possible for Him to act unjustly, as He would 
 not thereby be injuring Himself ; but as it 
 is, for God to act unjustly would underir,iH6 
 the whole order of the world, and so would 
 injure God's own property (ch. 36. 23.) dis- 
 posed — Hath founded ilsa. 44. 7,), estab- 
 lished the circle of the globe. 14, 15. "If 
 He were to set His heart on man, " either to 
 injure him, or to take strict account of hia 
 sins. The connexion supports rather, IUmbr.] 
 " If He had regard to himself (only), and 
 were togather unto Himself (Ps. 104 29,) man'g 
 spirit, &c. (which he sends forth, Ps. 104. 
 30; Eccl. 12. 7,), all flesh must perish together,* 
 &c. 'Gen. 3. 19.) God's loving preservation 
 of his creatures proves. He cannot be selfish, 
 and therefore cannot be unjust. 16. In w. 
 2, Elihu had spoken to all in general, now h« 
 calls JoUs special attention. 17. " Can even 
 He who (in thy view) hateth right Justice) 
 govern?" The government of the world 
 be impossible if injustice were sanctioned. 
 God must be just, because He governs 
 (2 Sam. 23. 3.). govern — Lii. , bind, viz., 
 by authority (so '."reign," Marg., 1 Sam. 9. 
 
 \E.V. reads as Marg., Heb., Keri, ' his\l7.). Umbr^ transl. for "govern," repress 
 Boul, his life.") " He hath delivered my soul, wrath, viz., against Job for his accusations. 
 
 Ac., my life." Continuation of the penitent's i most just— Rather, 
 375 [2i 
 
 'Him who is at once 
 
reproves Job 
 
 JOB, XXXIV. XXXV. f<rr charging God mth inyusdoe. 
 
 29 Lo, all these ihiiigs worketh God often 
 times with man, 
 
 30 To bring back his soul from the pit, to 
 be enlightened with the light of the living. 
 
 31 Mark weU, O Job; hearken unto me: 
 hold thy peace, and I will speak. 
 
 32 If tnou hast anything to say, answer 
 me: speak, for I desire to justify thee. 
 
 33 If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, 
 and I shall teach thee wisdom. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 1 Elihu accuses Job for charging God with injus- 
 tice. 10 God all-perfect cannot he unjust, etc. 
 
 FURTHERMORE, Elihu answered and 
 •*■ said, 
 
 2 Hear my words, O ye wise msn; and 
 give ear unto me. ye that have knowledge 
 
 3 For the ear trieth words, as the i mouth 
 tasteth meat. 
 
 4 Let us choose to ns judgment: let us 
 know among ourselves what is good. 
 
 5 For Job hath said, " I am righteous: and 
 B God hath taken away my judgment. 
 
 6 Should "I lie agamst my right? 2 my 
 wound is incurable without transgression. 
 
 7 What man is like Job, who drinketh up 
 Bcoming like water? 
 
 8 Which goeth in company with the work- 
 ers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked 
 men. 
 
 9 For <* he hath said. It profiteth a man 
 nothing that he should delight himself with 
 God. 
 
 10 Therefore hearken unto me, ye 8 men 
 of understanding : • Far be it from God, 
 that he shovld do wickedness ; and from 
 the Almighty, that he should commit 
 iniquity. 
 
 11 For/ the work of a man shall he render 
 tmto him, and cause every man to find ac- 
 cording to his ways. 
 
 12 Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, 
 neither will the Almighty pervert judg- 
 ment. 
 
 13 Who hath given him a charge over the 
 earth? or who hath disposed * the whole 
 world? 
 
 14 If he set his heart 6 upon man, if " he 
 
 father unto himself his spirit and his 
 reath; 
 
 15 All flesh shall perish together, and man 
 ehall turn again unto dust. 
 
 16 If now thou hast understanding, hear 
 this; hearken to the voice of my words: 
 
 17 Shall '» even he that hateth right 
 6 govern? and wilt thou condemn him that 
 is most just? 
 
 18 Is it Jit to say to a king. Thou art 
 wicked? and to princes. Ye are ungodly? 
 
 19 How m^ch less to him that » accepteth 
 not the persons of princes, nor regardeth 
 the rich more than the poor? for wiey all 
 are the work of his hands. 
 
 20 In a moment shall they die, and the 
 people shall be troubled at midnight, and 
 pass away: and 7 the mighty shall oe taken 
 away without hand. 
 
 21 For his eyes are ui)on the ways of man, 
 and he seeth all his goings. 
 
 22 There is no darkness, nor shadow of 
 death, where the workers of inquity may 
 hide themselves. 
 
 23 For> he will not lay upon man more 
 than right, that he should 8 enter into judg- 
 ment with God. 
 
 24 He shall break in pieces mighty men 
 B without Qomber. and set others in their 
 
 S76 
 
 CHAP. 34. 
 
 1 palate. 
 
 o ch 33. 9. 
 
 6 ch. 27. 2. 
 « ch. 9. 17. 
 
 2 mine 
 
 MTOW. 
 
 d ch. 9. 22. 
 
 3 men of 
 heart., 
 
 « Gen. 18.25. 
 
 Deut. 32.4, 
 
 2Chr.l9.7. 
 
 Bom. 9.14. 
 / ProT. 24. 
 
 12. 
 
 Jer. 32. 19. 
 
 Mat.16 27. 
 
 Kom. 2. 6. 
 
 2 Cor.6.10. 
 
 1 Pet.1.17. 
 BoT. 22.12. 
 
 4 all of it. 
 
 5 upon him. 
 ff Eecl. 12. 7. 
 
 Pb. 104.29. 
 It Gen.18.26. 
 
 2 Sam. 23. 
 3. 
 
 i Deu'.10.17. 
 2 Chr. 19. 
 7. 
 
 Aet>10.34. 
 Kom. 2.11. 
 Gal. 2. 6. 
 Ephes. 6.9. 
 Col. 3. 25. 
 1 Pet.1.17. 
 
 7 they Bhall 
 take away 
 themighty. 
 
 } Eiitk 9. 13. 
 
 9 without 
 searchuig 
 
 10 crushed. 
 
 place of 
 
 beholders. 
 
 12 from after 
 
 2-12. 
 »2Kin.21.9. 
 ISthouldit 
 
 with thee? 
 
 14 of heart. 
 ch. 38. 2. 
 
 15 Or, My 
 father, let 
 
 tried. 
 
 CHAP. 35. 
 1 Or, by it 
 
 2 I will re- 
 turn to 
 
 theewords. 
 O ProT.9.ia. 
 
 Hom. 11. 
 
 35. 
 6 Ex. 2.23. 
 c 1.. 61. 13. 
 d P». 42. 8. 
 • P.. 8. e. 
 
 Pa. 94. 12. 
 
 1 John 5. 
 
 20. 
 /PrOT.1.28. 
 i That 11, 
 
 Qoi. ' 
 
 25 Therefore he knoweth their works, and 
 he overturneth them in the night, so that 
 they are lo destroyed. 
 
 26 He striketh them as wicked men n in 
 the open sight of others ; 
 
 27 because they turned back 12 from him, 
 and would not consider any of his ways: 
 
 28 So that they * cause the cry of the poor 
 to come unto him,and he ' heareth the cry 
 of the atHicted. 
 
 29 When he giveth quietness, who then 
 can make trouble? and when he hideth his 
 face, who then can behold him? whether 
 it be done against a nation, or against a 
 man only: 
 
 30 That the hypocrite *" reign not, " lest 
 the people be ensnared. 
 
 31 Smely it is meet to be said unto God, 
 I have borne chastisement, I will not offend 
 any more: 
 
 32 That which I see not, teach thou me: if 
 
 I have done iniquity, I will do no more. 
 
 33 13 Should it be according to thy mind? 
 he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, 
 or whether thou choose ; and not I: there- 
 fore speak what thou knowest. 
 
 34 Let men 1* of understanding tell me, 
 and let a wise man hearken unto me. 
 
 35 Job ° hath spoken without knowledge, 
 ar.d his words ivere without wisdom. 
 
 36 16 My desire is, that Job may be tried 
 unto the end, became of his answers for 
 wicked men. 
 
 37 For he addeth rebellion unto his sin; 
 he clappeth his hands among us, andmul- 
 tiplietn his words against God. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 1 .[fo comparison to be made with God, because our 
 
 good or evil cannot extend to him. 9 Many cry 
 
 in thiir aMieiicns, but are not heard for want 
 
 of faith. 
 
 T7LiHU spake moreover, and said, 
 -^ 2 Thiiikest thou this to be right, thta 
 thou saidst. My righteousness is more than 
 God's? 
 
 3 For thou saidst, What advantage will 
 it be unto thee? and. What profit shall I 
 have, "^ if I he cleansed from my sin? 
 
 421 will answer thee, and thy companions 
 with thee. 
 
 5 Look unto the heavens, and see; and 
 behold the clouds, which are higher than 
 thou. 
 
 If thou sinnest, what doest thou against 
 him? or i/thy transgressions be multiplied, 
 what doest thou unto liim? 
 
 7 If " thou be righteous, what givest tho* 
 him? or what receive th he of thine 
 hand? 
 
 8 Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou 
 art; and thy righteousness may profit the 
 son of man. 
 
 By f> reason of the multitude of oppres- 
 sions they make the oppressed to cry j they 
 cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty. 
 10 But none saith, " Where is God my 
 maker, <* who giveth songs in the night; 
 
 II who ' teaeneth us more than the beasts 
 of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the 
 fowls of heaven f 
 
 12 There /they cry, but none giveth an- 
 swer, because of the pride of evil men. 
 
 13 Svjely God will not hear vanity, neither 
 will the Almighty regard it. 
 
 14 Although thou say est thou shaltnot see 
 him, yet judgment is before him; therefore 
 trust thou in him. 
 
 15 But now, because U is not so, 3 be hatb 
 
God Omnipotent cannot be Unjust. JOB. XXXV. Comparison not to he made with God, 
 
 mighty and just" (in His government of the 
 world. . 18. Lit., (Is it lit; to he said to a king ? 
 It would be a gross outrage to reproach thus 
 an earthly monarch, much more, the King 
 of kings (Exod. 22. 28.). But Maub. with 
 LXX. and Vulg. reads (It is not fit to accuse 
 of injustice Him) who says to a king. Thou 
 art wicked, to princes. Ye are ungodly, i.e., 
 who punishes impartially the great, as the 
 email. This accords with v. 19. 19. Acts, 10. 
 34; 2 Chron. 19. 7; Prov. 22. 2; ch. 31. 15. 20. 
 they—" Tlie rich " and "princes" who offend 
 God. the peoTDle— viz., of the guilty princes; 
 guilty also themselves, at midnight— Luage 
 from a night-attack of an enemy on a camp, 
 which becomes an easy prey (Ex. 12. 29, 30. j. 
 without hand— Without visible agency, by the 
 mere word of God iso ch. 20. 2G; Zech. 4. 6; 
 Dan. 2. 34.). 21. God's omniscience and om- 
 nipotence enable Him to execute immedi- 
 ate justice. He needs not to be long on the 
 *' watch," as Job thought (ch. 7. 12; 2 Chron. 
 16. 9; Jer. 32. 19.). 22. shadow of death— 
 TMck darkness (Amos, 9. 2, 3; Ps. 139. 12.). 
 23. (1 Cor. 10. 13; Lam. 3. 32; Isa. 27. 8.). Bet- 
 ter, as XJmbr., " He does not (needs not to) 
 regard (as in v. 14; Isa. 41. 20,) man long (so 
 Heb., Gen. 46. i!9.; in order that he may go 
 (be brought by God) into judgment." Lit., 
 "seihis (attention upon men" (ch. 11. 10, 11.). 
 So V. 24, "svithout number" ought to be 
 tranfl. "witliout (needing any) searching 
 out," such as has to be made in human judg- 
 ments. 24. break in pieces — (Ps. 2. 9; ch. 
 12. 18; Dan. 2. 21.). 23. therefore— Because 
 He knows aU things, [v. 21,) He knows their 
 works, without a formal investigation, i;. 24.). 
 in the night— Suddenly, unexpectedly (v. 20.). 
 fitly in the night, as it was in it that the 
 godless hid themselves 'v. 22.). Umbr., less 
 simply, for " overturneth," transl. "walk- 
 eth :" i.e., C4od is ever on the alert, discover- 
 iog all wickedness. 26.striketh— Cha.sten8th. 
 as — i.e., because ihey are wicked, sight of 
 others— Sinners hid themselves in darkness; 
 therefore they are punished before all, in 
 open day. Image from the place of iiublic 
 execution I'ch. 40. 12; Exod. 14. 30; 2 Sam. 12. 
 12.;. '27, 28. The grounds of their punish- 
 ment in t7.26;'y. 28, states in what respect they 
 "considered not God's ways," viz.. by op- 
 pi^ession, whereby "they caused the cry," 
 &c. 29. (Prov. 16. 7; Isa. 26. 3.). make 
 tr'uble— Bather, condemn (Rom. 8. 33, 34.). 
 Maub. from the reference being only to the 
 godless, in the next clause, and v. 20, transl. 
 "When God keeps quiet (leaves men to 
 perish) Ps. 83. 1; iXJmbb.] from the Arabic, 
 strikes to the eartli), who snail condemn Him 
 as unjust?" v. 17. hideth . . . face— ch. 23. 8, 
 9; Ps. 13. 1.) it be done— Whether it be against 
 a guilty nation (2 Ki. 18. 9-12, i, or an indivi- 
 dual, that God acts so. 30. "Ensnared" into 
 sin (1 Ki. 12. 28, 30.). Or rather, enthralled 
 by fiirther oppression, v. 26-28. 31. Job ac- 
 cordingly says so (ch 40. 3-.o; Mic. 7. 9; Lev. 
 26. 41.1. It was to lead him to this, that 
 Elihu was sent. Though no hypocrite. Job, 
 like all, had sin, therefore througli affliction 
 he was to be brought to humble himself 
 under God. All sorrow is a proof of the com- 
 mon heritage of sin, in which the godly 
 shares : and therefore he ought to regard it 
 as a merciful correction. Umbb. & Maub. 
 lose this by transl. as the Heb. will bear, 
 
 ned?" (sow. 6.) borne— viz., the penalty of 
 sin, as in Lev. 6. 1, 17. oSenA—Lit., to deal 
 dedructively or corruptly (Neh. i. 7.]. 32. 
 ch. 10.2; Ps. 32.8; 19.12 ; 139. 23, 24. no more— 
 Prov. 28. 13 ; Eph. 4. 22. 33. Bather " should 
 God recompense (sinners) according to thy 
 mind? Then it is for thee to reject and to 
 choose, and not me," [Umbb.] or as Maub. 
 "For thou hant rejected God's way of recom- 
 pensing; state therefore thy way, for thou 
 must moose, not I," i.e., it is thy part, not 
 mine, to show a better way than God's. 34, 
 35. Bather, men, &c., will say to me. and the 
 wise man [v. 2, 10,) who hearkens to me (will 
 say,) "Job hath spoken," &c. 36. Marg., 
 not so well. My father, Elihu addressing 
 God. This title does not elsewhere occur ia 
 Job. tried — by calamities, answers for 
 wicked men- (See IS'ote v. 8.). Trials of the 
 godly are not removed until they produce 
 the eflect designed. 37. clappeth . . . hands 
 —In scorn (ch. 27. 23; Ezek. 21. 17.). multi- 
 nlieth . . . words— ich. 11. 2; 35. 16). To his 
 briginr»l " sin," to correct which trials have 
 been sent, "he adds rebellion" i.e., words 
 arraigning God's justice. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 Ver. 1-16. 2. more than— Bather as ch. 9. 
 2; 25. 4; "I am righteous {lit., my righteous- 
 ness is) before God." E. V., however agrees 
 with ch. 9. 17; 16. 12-17; 27. 2-6. Ch. 4. 17 is 
 susceptible of either rendering. Elihu means 
 J ob said so, not in so many words, but virtUf 
 ally. 3. Rather, explanatory of "this" in v. 2» 
 " That thou sayest ito thyself, as if a distinct 
 person,) What advantage is it thy integrity) 
 to thee? What profit have I (by integrity) 
 more than (I should have) by my sini" i.e., 
 more than if I had sinned (ch. 34. 9.). Job 
 had said that the wicked, who ns^these very 
 words, do not suffer for it (ch. 21. 13-16,) ; 
 whereby he virtually sanctioned their senti« 
 ments. The same change of persons from 
 oblique to direct address occurs (ch. 19. 28; 
 22. 17.). 4. companions— Those entertaining 
 Uke sentiments with thee (ch. 34. 8, 36.). 5-8. 
 Elihu Uke Eliphaz ,ch. 22. 2, 3, 12,) shows that 
 God is too exalted in nature to be suscepti- 
 ble of benefit or hurt from t^he righteousness 
 or sin of man respectively : it is themselves 
 that they benefit by righteousness, or hurt 
 by sin. higher than thcu— Spoken with irony. 
 Not only are they higher than thou, but thou 
 can not even reach them clearly with the 
 eye. Yet these are not as high as God's seat. 
 God is there lore too exalted to be dependant 
 on man. Therefore 11 e has no inducement 
 to injustice in His dealings with man. Whea 
 He afflicts, it must be from a difierent mo- 
 tive ; viz., the go»d of the sufferer. 6. what 
 doest— How canst thou affect Him? unto 
 him— That can hurt Him? (Jer. 7. 19; Prov.. 
 8. 36.). 7. (Ps. 16. 2; Prov. 9. 12; Luke, 17. 
 10.). 9. (Eccl. 4. 1.). Elihu states in Job's 
 words (ch. 24. 12; 30. 20.) the difficulty; the 
 cries" of " the oppressed" not being heard 
 might lead man to think that wrongs are not 
 punished by Him. 10-13. But the reason is, 
 that the innocent sufferers often do not 
 humbly seek God for succour; so to their 
 pride" is to be laid the blame of their 
 ruin : also because 13-16 they, as Job, in- 
 stead of waiting God's time in pious trust, 
 are prone to despair of His justice, when it 
 is not immediately visible ch. 33. 19-26.). 
 Has any- a right to say to God, I have I If the sufferer would apply to God with an 
 borne chastisement and yet have not sin- humbled, penitent spirit. He woul4 hear, 
 376 
 
Elihu de fends God's providenee, JOB, XXXVI, XX XV IT. and deserTbes Ms great worTes, 
 
 28 Which the clouds do drop and distil 
 upon man abundantly. 
 
 29 Also can any understand the spread- 
 ings of the clouds, or the noise of his 
 tabernacle? 
 
 Tisit^d in his anger ; yet * he knoweth it not 
 In great extremity: 
 
 16 Therefore " doth Job open his mouth in 
 vain; he multiplieth words without know- 
 ledge. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI. 
 1 Elihu shows hew God is just in all his wavs. 
 
 8 tht end of Ood's chastisement!.- 16 hotv Job's 
 
 sins hinder God's blessings. 22 God's works to 
 
 be magnified. 
 
 TTLIHU also proceeded, and said, 
 •*-* 2 Sufler me a little, and I will show 
 thee 1 that I have yet to speak on God's 
 behalf. 
 
 3 1 will fetch my knowledge from afar, and 
 will ascribe righteousness to my Maker. 
 
 4 For truly my words sfuill not be false: he 
 that is perfect in knowledge is with thee. 
 
 5 Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth 
 not any: he is mighty m strength aiui 
 s wisdom. 
 
 6 He preserveth not the life of the wicked: 
 but giveth right to the 3 poor. 
 
 7 He withdraweth not his eyes fi-om the 
 righteous: but « with kings are they on the 
 throne; yea, he doth establish them for 
 ever, and they are exalted. 
 
 8 And * if they be bound in fetters, and 
 be holden in cords of affliction; 
 
 9 Then he showeth them their work, and 
 their trangressions thattheyhaA-e exceeded. 
 
 10 He openeth also their ear to discipline, 
 and commandeth that they return from 
 iniquity. 
 
 11 If they obey and serve him, they shall 
 spend * their days in prosperity, and their 
 years in pleasures: 
 
 12 But if they obey not, * they shall perish 
 by the sword, and they shall die without 
 knowledge. 
 
 13 But the hypocrites in heart heap up 
 wrath • they cry not when he bindeth them. 
 
 14 6 They die in youth, and their life is 
 among the 6 unclean. 
 
 15 He delivereth the 7 poor in his affliction, 
 and openeth their ears in oppression: 
 
 16 Even so would he have removed thee 
 out of the strait into a. broad place, where 
 there is no straitness; and » that which 
 should be set on thy table should be full of 
 fatness. 
 
 17 But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of 
 the wicked: 9 judgment and justice take 
 hold on thee. 
 
 18 Because there is wrath, beware lest he 
 take thee away with his stroke: then a great 
 ransom cannot i" deliver thee. 
 
 19 Will he esteem thy riches ? no, not gold, 
 nor all the forces of strength. 
 
 20 Desire not the night, when people are 
 cut off' in their place. 
 
 21 Take hecci, regard not iniquity: for 
 this d hast thou chosen rather than afflic- 
 tion. 
 
 22 Behold, God exalteth by his power: 
 who «teacheth like him? 
 
 23 Who hath enjoined him his way? or 
 who /can say. Thou hast wrought iniquity? 
 
 24 Remember that thou ''magnify his 
 work, which men behold. 
 
 25 Every ''man may see it; man may be- 
 hold it afar off. 
 
 26 Behold, God is great, and we »know 
 him not, } neither can the number of his 
 years be seai-ched out. 
 
 27 For he maketh small the drops of 
 water: they pour down rain according to 
 the vapour thereof, 
 
 377 
 
 CHAP. 35. 
 4Tbatis, 
 
 CHAP. 36. 
 
 1 that there 
 are yet 
 words for 
 God. 
 
 Z heart. 
 
 3 Or, a£. 
 fiicted. 
 
 O P«. 113. 8. 
 6 P». 107. 10, 
 e I. 1 19. 
 1 Tim. 4.8. 
 
 4 they «haU 
 
 by the 
 
 6 their aoul 
 dietb. 
 
 6 Or, eodom- 
 ites. 
 Deu.!i3.17. 
 
 7 Or, af- 
 flicted. 
 
 8 the rest of 
 thy table. 
 
 9 Or.judg- 
 
 juBtice 
 Bhould up- 
 hold thee. 
 
 lOtumthes 
 aside. 
 
 d Heb.n.25. 
 
 e Is. 40. 13. 
 Eo. 11. 34. 
 1 Cor.2.16. 
 
 f Deut. 32.4. 
 
 g Ps. 92. 6. 
 Kev. 15. 3. 
 
 h Kom. 1.19. 
 
 i 1 Cor. 13. 
 12. 
 
 27. 
 
 Heb. 1. 13, 
 
 11 the roots. 
 
 12 that 
 
 goeth up. 
 
 CHAP. 37. 
 
 1 Hear in 
 hearing. 
 
 2 light. 
 
 3 wings of 
 the earth. 
 
 4 and to the 
 Bhower of 
 rain, Bed 
 to the 
 showers of 
 rain of his 
 strength. 
 
 a Ps. HI. 2. 
 6 Out of the 
 
 6 scattering 
 winds. 
 
 7 the cloud 
 ofhisligbt. 
 
 8 a rod. 
 
 b eh, 38. 4. 
 e Is. 44. 24. 
 
 9 Gold. 
 
 d 1 Ti. 6.16. 
 e ch. 36. 6. 
 / Lam. 3. 33. 
 g Mat. 10.28, 
 h Mat. 11.25. 
 1 CMr.l.aO. 
 
 I Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, 
 and covereth n tne bottom of tne sea. 
 
 31 For by them judgeth he the people; he 
 giveth meat in abundance. 
 
 32 With clouds he covereth the light; and 
 commandeth it not to shine by the clowi 
 that Cometh betwixt. 
 
 33 The noise thereof showeth concerning 
 it, the cattle also concerning 12 the vapour. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIl. 
 
 1 Ood to be feared for his great works: 15 his 
 
 wisdom is unsearchalle in them. 
 
 A T this also my heart trembleth, and is 
 ■^^ moved out of his place. 
 
 2 1 Hear attentively the noise of his voice, 
 and the sound that goeth out of his mouth. 
 
 3 He directeth it under the whole heaven, 
 and his 8 lightning unto the Sends of the 
 earth. 
 
 4 After it a voice roareth: he thundereth 
 with the voice of his excellency; and he 
 wUl not stay them when his voice is heard. 
 
 5 God thundereth man'ellously with his 
 voice; gieat things doeth he, which we 
 cannot comprehend. 
 
 6 For he saith to the snow. Be thou on the 
 earth; * likewise to the small rain, and to 
 the great rain of his strength. 
 
 7 He sealeth up the hand of every man; 
 that " all men may know bis work. 
 
 8 Then the beasts go into dens, and re- 
 main in their places. 
 
 9 6 Out of the south cometh the whiilwind; 
 and cold out of the 6 north. 
 
 10 By the breath of God frost is given; 
 and the breadth of the waters is straitened. 
 
 11 Also by watering he wearieth the thick 
 cloud; he scattereth 7 his bright cloud, 
 
 12 And it is turned round about by his 
 counsels: that they may do whatsoever he 
 commandeth them upon the face of the 
 world in the earth. 
 
 13 He causeth it to come, whether for 
 8 correction, or for his land, or for mercjr. 
 
 14 Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, 
 and consider the wondrous works of God. 
 
 15 Dost thou know when God disposed 
 them, and caused the light of his cloud to 
 shine? 
 
 16 Dost thou know the balancings of the 
 clouds, the wondrous works of * mm which 
 is perfect in knowledge ? 
 
 17 How thy gai-ments are warm, when he 
 quieteth the eaith by the south wind? 
 
 18 Hast thou with him " spread out the 
 sky, ivhich is strong, and as a molten look- 
 ing-glass? 
 
 19 Teach us what we shall say unto him; 
 for we cannot order our speech by reason 
 of darkness. 
 
 20 Shall it be told him that I speak? If a 
 man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up. 
 
 21 And now men see not the bright light 
 which is in the clouds; but the wind pas- 
 seth, and cleanseth them. 
 
 22 9 Fair weather cometh out of the north: 
 with God is terrible nm,jesty. 
 
 23 2'ouching the Almighty, <*we cannot 
 find him out: ' he is excellent in power, and 
 in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he 
 will /not atnict. 
 
 24 Men do therefore ''fear him: he respec- 
 teth not day Uuit a«'« ^ wise ot'lieartii 
 
ElUm sMws hov) God is 
 
 Where, &c.— {Jer. 2. 6, 8; Isa. 51. 13.). songs— 
 Of joy at deliverance (Ps. 42. 8; 149. 5: Acts, 
 16. 25.1. ill the nigiit— Unexpectedly (oh. 34. 
 20. 25. ) . Rath er , in calamity. 1 1 . Man's spirit 
 wliich distinguishes him from the brute, is 
 the strongest pi*oof of God's beneficence : by 
 the use of it we may understand that God is 
 the Almighty helper of all sufferers who 
 humbly seek him ; and that they err who do 
 not so seek him. fowls— (oh. 28. 21; ISote.). 
 12. There— Rather, Thejt, (when none humbly 
 casts himself on God, v. 10.). They cry 
 proudly against God, rather than humbly to 
 God. So, as the design of affliction is to 
 humble the sufferer, there can be no answer 
 until "pride" gives place to humble peni- 
 temt prayer (Ps. 10. 4; Jer. 13, 17.). 13. Vanity, 
 i.e., cries uttered in an unhumbled spirit, 
 p. 12, which applies in some degree to Job's 
 cries; .stiU more to those of the wicked ich. 
 27. 9; Prov. 15. 29.). 14. Although thou say- 
 est, thou Shalt not see Hiin (as a temporal 
 deliverer ; for he did look for a Redeemer 
 ajter death: (ch. 19.26-27,) which passage can- 
 not consistently with Elihu's assertion here 
 be interpreted of "seeing" a temporal 
 "Redeemer,") ch. 7. 7; 9. 11; 23. 3, 8, 9, yet, 
 judgment, &c., therefore trust, &c. But the 
 Eeb. favours Maub. " How much less (will 
 God — regard, v. 13). since thou sayest, 
 that He does not regard thee." So in ch. 4. 
 19. Thus Eiihu alludes to Job's words (ch. 
 19. 7; 30. 20.). judgment— i.e., thy cause, thy 
 right; as in Ps. 9. 16; Prov. 31. 5. 8. trust— 
 
 tither, wait thou, on Him, patiently, until 
 e take up thy cause (Ps. 37. 7. . 15. As it 
 is, because Job waited not trustingly and 
 patiently {v. 14; Num. 20. 12; Zeph. 3. 2; Mic. 
 7. 9,), God ,hath visited, &c., yet still he has 
 not taken (severe) cognizance of the great 
 multitude IE. V. wrongly, "extremity ; of 
 Bins ; therefore Job should not complain of 
 being punished with undue severity (ch. 7. 
 20; 1]. 6.). IVTaur. transl. "Because His 
 anger hath not visited (hath not immediate- 
 ly punished Job for his impious complaints,) 
 nor has He taken strict igreat) cognizance of 
 his folly (sinful speeches,), therelore, &c. 
 For " folly," Umbr. transl. with the Rabbins, 
 multitude. Ges. reads with LXX. and Vulg. 
 neeedlessly "transgression." 16. Apodosis 
 to 15. in vain— Rashly. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI. 
 Ver. 1-33. 1, 2. Ehhu maintains, that af- 
 flictions are to the godly disciplinary, in 
 order to lead them to attain a hiyher moral 
 wortJi, and that the reason for their con inu- 
 ance is not, as the friends asserted, o.i ac- 
 count of the sufferer's extraordinary guilt, 
 but because the discipline has not yet at- 
 tained its ob.iect, viz., to lead him to humble 
 himself penitently betore God Jsa. 9. 13; Jer. 
 6. 3.). This is EUhu's fourth speech. He 
 thus exceeds the ternary number of the 
 lOthers. Hence his formula of politeness, v. 
 
 2. Lit.,Waityetbutalittleforme. Bearwiih 
 me a little farther. I have yet (much ch. 32. 
 as-20. . There are Chaldeisms in this verse, 
 agreeably to the view that the scene of the 
 book is near the Euphrates and the Chaldees. 
 
 3. Iram atar— Not trite common-places, but 
 drawn from God's mighty works, asciibe 
 righteousness — Whereas Job had ascribed 
 unrighteuusness (ch. 34. 10-12.;. A man, in 
 enquiring into God's ways, should at the out- 
 set presume they are all just, be ivilling to 
 liud them so, and expect that the result of in- 
 
 377 
 
 JOE. XXXVL Just in all His Ways. 
 
 vestii^ation \nll prove them to be so ; such a 
 one will never lie disaiipointed. [Ba.] 4. 
 1 will not "speak wickedly for God," as the 
 friends, ch. 13. 4, 7, 8 ; i.e., vindicate God by 
 unsound arguments, he that is perfect, &c. 
 —Rather, as the parallelism requires, "a 
 man of integrity in sentiments is with thee " 
 (is he with whom thou hast to do.). Elihu 
 means himself, as opposed to the dishonest 
 reasonings of the friends (ch. 21. 34.). 5. 
 Rather, Btrengih of under-standing (heart) 
 the force of the repetition of " mighty" is, 
 "mighty" as God is, none is too low to be 
 " despised" by Him ; for His " might " lies 
 especially in "His strength of understand- 
 ing," whereby He searches out the most 
 minute things, so as to give to each liis 
 right. Ehhu confirms his exhortation (ch. 
 35. 14.). 6. right . . .poor— He espouses the 
 cause of the afflicted. 7. (1 Pet. 3. 12.) God 
 does not forsake the godly, as Job imphed, 
 but "establishes," or makes them sit on the 
 throne as kings (1 Sam. 2.8; Ps. 113. 7, 8.). 
 True of believers in the highest sense, already 
 in part, l Pet. 2. 9!; Rev. l. 6; hereafter fully. 
 Rev. 5. 10; ch. 22. 5. and tliey are-That they may 
 be. 8-10. If they be afflicted, it is no proof 
 that they are hypocrites, as the friends main- 
 tain : or that God disregards them, and is 
 indifferent whether men are good or bad, as 
 Job asserts: (Jod is thereby "disciplining 
 them," and "showing them their sins," ana 
 if they bow in a right spirit under Goa's 
 visiting hand, the greatest blessings ensue. 
 9. work— Transgression, that . . . exceeaed — 
 ' * In that they behaved themselves mightily," 
 lit., great: i.e., prestmiptuously, or, at least, 
 self-confldently. 10. (ch, 33. ic-i8, 23.) 11. 
 serve— i.e., vmrship; as in Isa. 19. 23, God is 
 to be supplied (cf. Isa. 1. 19, 20.) 12. (ch. 33. 
 18.) witiiout knowledge— In, i.e.. on account 
 of their fooliahuess (ch. 4.20, 21.). 13-15. Same 
 sentiment, as v. 11, 12, expanded. 13. hypo- 
 criies- Or, the ungodly [Maub.J; but "hy- 
 pocrites" is perhaps a distinct class from the 
 openly wicked iv. 12.). heap up wratli— Of 
 God against themselves (Rom. 2. 6.). Umbr. 
 transl. " nourish their wrath against God," 
 instead of " crying" unto Him. Tliis suits 
 well the parallelism and the Heb. But E. V, 
 gives a good parallehsm, "hypocrites" an- 
 swering to "cry not" (ch. 27. 8, lOJ; "heap 
 up wrath" against themselves, to "He 
 bindeth them " with fettei's of affliction {v. 
 8.). 14. Rather, (Deu. 23. i7,) Their lije is 
 (ended) as that of [lit., among) the imckan," 
 prematurely and dishonourably. So the 
 second clause answers to the first. A warn- 
 ing that J ob make not common cause v, ith 
 the Avicked ,ch. 34. 36.J. 15. poor— 2V(e afflic- 
 ted j^ious. openeth . . . ears— ,y. lo,); so as to 
 be admonished in their straits (" oppres- 
 sion") to seek God penitently, and so be 
 "dehvered" (ch. 33. 16, 17, 23-27.). 16. Rather, 
 " He ivill lead forth thee also out of theji^us 
 of a strait" (Ps. 18. 19; 118. &.). The " bro; d 
 place" expresses the liberty, and the weli- 
 s applied "table" the abundance of the pros- 
 perous (Ps. 23. 5; Isa. 25. 6.]. 17. Rather, 
 " But // thou art fulfilled (i.e., entirely filled) 
 with the judgment of the wicked (i.e., the 
 guilt iDcurriag judgment [MAUR.];or rather, 
 as Umbii. referring to ch. 34. 5, 6, 7, 3i;. the 
 judgmetit pronounced on God by the guilty in 
 misfortunes; judgment \God's judgment on 
 the toicked; Jer. 51. 9, playing on the 
 double meaning of *' iudgment.,"j. and 
 
Job's Sins Hinde r GocUb B lessxngt . JO B. XXXVU. 
 
 justice shall closely follow each other. 
 IUmbr.J 18. (Num. 16. 45; Ps. 49. 6, 7 ; ISIatt. 
 16. 26.!. Even the "ransom" by Jesus 
 Christ (ch. 33. 24,) will be of no avail to wil- 
 ful despisers (Heb. 10. 26-'29.;. with his stroke 
 — (ch. 34. 26.1. tlMBR. transl. "Beware lest 
 the wrath of God (thy severe calamity) lead 
 thee to scorn" (ch. 34. 7; 27. 23.). This accords 
 better v.-ith the verb in the parallel clause, 
 •which ought to he transl., "Let not the great 
 lansom (of money, which thou canst give) 
 seduce thee." {Marg., turn thee aside, as if 
 thou couldst deliver thyself from " wrath" 
 by it.) As the "scorn" in the first clause 
 answers to the "judgment of the wicked," 
 V. 17, so "ransom, seduce" to "Will he es- 
 teem riches." v. 19. Thus v. 18 is the transi- 
 tion between v. 17 and 19. 19. forces of 
 strength— i.e., resources ol wealth (Ps. 49. 7; 
 Prov. 11.4.). 20. Aesixe—Pa)it for. Job had 
 wislied for death 'ch. 3. 8-9, <fec.). nit^ht— Jo. 
 9. 4. when— Katlier, whereby, cut cS—fJt., 
 ascend, as the corn cut and lifted upon the 
 waggon or stack iv. 26,); so cut off, disapijear. 
 in tueir place — Z/ii., under themselves; so, 
 without moving from their place, on the 
 
 God^s Works to he Magnified. 
 
 He attracts from the earth below) the drops ' 
 of water; they (the drops of v.ater) pour 
 down rain, iwhich is) His vapour." " Va- 
 pour" is in apposition with " rain," marking 
 the w ay in which rain is formed , viz. , from the 
 vapour drawn up by God into the air arid 
 then condensed into drops, which fall (Ps. 
 147. 8.). The suspension of such a mass of 
 water, and its descent not in a debtee, but 
 in drops of vapoury rain, are tlie mar\el. 
 The selection of this particular illustration 
 of God's greatness forms a fit prelude to the 
 storm in which God appears !ch. 40. i.). 28. 
 a.\)VLnda.nt\y—Lit.,uponmanynien. 29.— ch. 37. 
 5. God's marvels in thunder and lightnings, 
 29. spreadings, &c. — The canopy of thick 
 clouds, which covers the heavens in a storm 
 (Ps. 105. 39.). the noise (crashing) of his 
 tabernacle— viz., thunder; God being poeti- 
 cally said to have His pavilion amidst dark 
 clouds (Ps. 18. 11; Isa. 40. 22.). SO. bght— 
 Lightning, it— His tabernacle. I'he light, 
 in an instant spread over the vast mass of 
 dark clouds, forms a striking picture. 
 " Siiread" is repeated from v. 29. to form an 
 antithesis, "He spreads not only clouds, but 
 
 sviot, suddenly {ch.iO. 12.) (Maur.] Umer.'s light." covereth tne bottom (roofs) of the s 
 
 transl., "To ascend (which is really, as thou 
 wilt find to thy cost, to descend) to the people 
 beloio," {lit., under themselves,) answers better 
 to the parallelism and the Heb. 'J'hou pant- 
 est for death as desirable, but itis a "night" 
 or reaion of darkness, thy fancied a.-^cent 
 (amelioration) will prove a descent (deterio- 
 ration, ch. 10. 22,); therefore desire it not. 
 21. regard— Lii.. ttmi thyself to. iniqviiy— 
 viz., presumptuous speaki!:gagainstG(jd ch. 
 34. 6, and above, V. 17, J 8: Note.), rather than 
 —To bear "afiliction" with pious patience. 
 Men think it an alleviation to compiain 
 against God. But this is adding sin to sor- 
 row ; it is sin, not sorrow, which can really 
 hurt us, (contrast Heb. 11. 25.). 22-25. God 
 is not to be impiously arraigned, but to be 
 
 viz., .with the light. In the storm the 
 depths of ocean are laid bare ; and the light 
 "covers" them, at the same moment that i-t 
 "spreads" across the dark sky. So in Ps. 
 18. 14, 15, the discovering of " the channels oi 
 waters" follows the "lightnings." Umbr. 
 transl. "He spreadeth His light upon Him- 
 self, and covereth Himself with the roots of 
 the sea ;" (Ps. 104. 2;) God's garmentis woven 
 of celestial light and of the watery depths, 
 raised to the sky to form His cloudy canopy. 
 The phrase " cover Himself with the roots of 
 the sea" is harsh : but the image is grand. 
 31. These (rain and lightnings) are marvel- 
 lous and not to be understood, [v. 29,) yet 
 necessary: "i^cr by them He judgeth (chas- 
 tiseth on the one hand) &c., (and < n the otlier. 
 
 praised for His might, sho\yn in His works. | by them) He giA^eth meat" (food.) &c. (ch. 37. 
 
 exaiteth— Rather, doelh lojtij things, shows 
 His exalted power IUmbr.] (Ps. 21. 13.). 
 teacheth— (Ps. 94. 12, Arc). The connexion is, 
 returning to v. 5. God's " might" is shown in 
 His "wisdom :" He alone can teach ; yet, be- 
 cause He, as a sovereign, explains not all His 
 dealings, forsooth Job must presume to teach 
 Him ;Isa. 4). 13, 14; Eom. 11. 34; l Cor. 2. 16.). 
 So the transition to v. V3 is natural. Umbr. 
 with IiXX. transl. "Who is Lord : " wrongly, 
 as this meaning belongs to later Heb. 23. 
 Job dared to prescribe to God, what He 
 should do (ch. 34. lO, 13.) 24. Instead of ar- 
 raigning, let it be thy fixed principle to mag- 
 nify God in His works (Ps. 111. 2-S; Eev. 15.' 
 3.) : these, which all may " see," may con- 
 vince us, that what we do not see is alto- 
 gether wise and good (Eora. l. 20.). behold- 
 As "see," V. 25 shows ; not, as Maur." sing," 
 laud (Note 33. 27.). 26. "See" viz., with 
 wondering admiration. [Maur.] man may 
 behold— Kather. "lyet) mortals a different 
 Heb. word from "man") behold it (only) 
 from afar off:" see but a small "part" ich. 
 26. 14.). 26.— ch. 37. 13. God's greatness in 
 heaven, and earth: a reason why Jo.b should 
 bow under His afflicting hand. 26. knowl.im 
 not— Only in part {v. 25; iCor. 13. 12. i his 
 years— IPs. 90. 2; 102. 24. 27,); applied to Jesu8 
 Christ (Heb. 1. 12.) 27. 28. The marvellous 
 formation of rain 'so ch. 5. 9. 10.]. mnketh 
 small— JRatlier. "He draweth (up) to Him, 
 377 HI 
 
 lo;38. 23, 27; Acts, 14. 17.). 32. Rather, "He 
 covereth (both) His hands with ligiit (light- 
 ning, ch. 37. 3, Marg.\ and giveth it a com- 
 mand against his adversary" dit., the one 
 assailing Him: (Ps. 8. 2; 139. 20, 21. 19.i Thus, 
 as in V. 31. the twofold effects of His waters 
 are set forth, so here, of His light; in the 
 one hand destructive lightning against the 
 wicked; in the other, the genial light for 
 good to His friends, &c.,v. 33. [Umbr.] 33. 
 noise— Kather, Herevealeth it Ut.,aniiounC' 
 eth concerning it) to His .friend (antithesis 
 to adversary, v. 32, so the Heb. is transl, ch, 
 2. 11,); also to cattle and plants [lit., that 
 ivhich shooteth uv; Gen. 40. 10: 41. 22.). As 
 the genial effect of "water" in the growth of 
 food, is menti -ned v. 31, so here that of 
 " I'.c'ht" in cherisliing cattUand plants. [Um.] 
 If E.V. "noise" be retained, transl. "His 
 noise (thunder) announces concerning Him 
 iHis coming in the tempe.st . the cattle too 
 announce' concerning Him when He is in the 
 act of risinn tip" (in the storm.'. Some ani- 
 mals give various intimation?, that tiiey are 
 sensible of the approach of a storm. (Virg. 
 Georg. I. ST.',, &c.) 
 
 CHAPTER XXXYIL 
 Ver. 1-24. 1. At this— When I hear the 
 thundering of the Divine Miijesty. Peili'ius 
 the storm already had begun, out of \Nhich 
 God was to address Job ch. 38. 1.). 2. Hear 
 attentively— The i/wnder, ("noise,") <iic., and 
 
God to he Feared 
 
 JOB. XXXVU. Because ofEis Great IVnrhi, <L'e. 
 
 then yon will feel that thore is Kood reason whom God deals, as opposed to the parts rtu- 
 to tremble, sownd.— Muttering of the thxxn- inhabited, on which ram is at other times 
 der. 3. diiecteth it— However zig-zag the ' apMointed to fall (ch. 38. 26, 'll,) or for mercy. 
 Hahtrdno's course ; or, rather, it applies 6o " If it be destined for His laud" is a paren- 
 the peeling roll of the t/mWer. God's aW- j thetical supposition. [Maur.] In E.V., 
 embracing power, ends— Lit., wings, skirts,\t]ns clause spoils the even balance of the 
 the habuable earth being often compared to 1 antithesis between the "rod" (Marg.) and 
 an extended garment (ch. 38. 13; Isa. 11. 12.^. "mercy." (Ps. 68. 9; Gen. 7.). 14. (I's. ill. 2.). 
 4. The thunder-clap follows at an interval ' 15. when— Rather, hoiv. disposed them— Lays 
 after the flash, stay them— He will not TioW j i/fs charge on these "wonders" [v, 14,) to 
 lack the lightnings {v. 3,) when the thunder arise, light— Lightning, shhie— Flash. How- 
 ls heard. (Ma OB,.] Rather, take "them" is it that %M arises from the cfarA; thun<i er- 
 
 as the usual concomitants of thunder, viz., 
 rain and hail [Umbr.] (ch. 40. 9.). 5. (ch. 36, 
 2C; Ps. 65. C; 139. 14.). The sublimity of the 
 description lies in this, that God is every- 
 where in tlie storm, directing it whither He 
 •will. [Ba.1 See Ps. 29, where, as here, the 
 *' voice" of God is repeated with grand effect. 
 The thunder in Arabia is sublimely terrible. 
 6. Be— More forcible than " Fall." as Umbr. 
 iransl. (Gen. 1. 3.). to the small rain, &c.— 
 He saith. Be on the earth. The shower in- 
 creasing from "small" to "great," is ex- 
 pressed by the plur. showers [Marg.,] follow- 
 ing the sing, shoiver. Winter rain (Song Sol. 
 2. 11.). 7. In winter God stops man's out-of- 
 doors activity, sealeth— Closeth up (ch.9. 7). 
 Man's " hands" are then tied up. his work 
 —In antithesis to man's own tvork (" hand") 
 ■which at other times engages men so as to 
 be liable to forget their dependence on God. 
 Umbr. more lit. transL, That all men whom 
 He has made (lit., of His making) may be 
 brought to acknowledgment. 8. remain— 
 Rest in their lairs. It is beautifully ordered 
 that during the cold, when they could not 
 obtain food, many lie torpid ; a state where- 
 in they need no food. The desolation of the 
 fields, at God's bidding, is poetically graphic. 
 9. soxxth— Lit, chambers ; connected v/ith the 
 S. (ch. 9. 9.). The whirlwinds are poetically 
 regarded as pent up by God in His S. cham- 
 bers, whence He sends them forth (so ch. 
 38. 22; Ps. 135. 7.). As to the S. whirlwinds 
 (see Isa. 21. i; Zech. 9. 14, ^ they drive before 
 them burning sands; chiefly from February 
 to May. the noith— Lit., scattering; the N. 
 Vfind- scatters the clouds. 10, frost — 
 Rather, ice. the breath of God— Poetically, 
 for the ice-producing N. wind. str;dtined— 
 Physically accurate : frost compresses or con- 
 tracts the expanded liquid into a congealed 
 mass (ch. 38. 29, 30; Ps. 147. 17, 18. j. 11-13. 
 How the thunder-clouds are dispersed, or 
 else employed by God, either for correction 
 or mercy, by watering— By loading it with 
 water, weaxieth — Burdeneth it, so that it 
 falls in rain: thus "wearieth" answers to 
 the parallel "scattereth" (cf. Note t). 9,); a 
 clear sky resulting alike from both, bright 
 cloud— iti., cloud of His light, i.e., of His 
 lightning. Umbr. for "watering," <fec., 
 transl. " Brightness drives away the clouds. 
 His light scattereth the thick clotids :" the 
 parallelism is thus good, but the Heb. hardly 
 Sanctions it. 12. it— The cloud of lightning, 
 counsels— Guidance (Ps. 148. 8,); lit, steering; 
 the clouds obey God's guidance, as the ship 
 does the helmsman. So the lightning (Note, 
 36. 31, 32,); neither is hap-hazard in its move- 
 ments, they— IZVie clouds, implied in the 
 collective sing. " it." face of the world, &c 
 
 light \ 
 clotid? 16. Heb. "Hast thou understanding 
 of the balancings," <fec., how the clouds are 
 poised in the air, so that their watery gravity 
 does not bring them to the earth? The con- 
 densed moisture, descending by gravity, 
 meets a warmer temiierature, •which dissi- 
 pates it into vapour (the tendency of which 
 is to ascend) and so counteracts the descend- 
 ing force, perfect in knowledge — God : not 
 here in the sense that Elihu uses it of him- 
 self (ch. 36. 4.). 17. dost tliou know— How, 
 (fee. thy garments- i.e., how thy body grows 
 warm, so as to affect thy garments with heat ? 
 south wind— Lii.,resfio)i of the S. " When He 
 maketh still (and sultry' the earth [i.e., the 
 atmosphere) by (during) the S. wind (Song 
 Sol. 4. 16.). 18. with him— Like ss He does 
 (ch. 40. 16.1. spread out— Given expanse to. 
 strong— Firm; whence the term "firma- 
 ment" (Gen. 1. 6; Marg. expansion, Isa. 44. 
 24.1. molten looking-glass — Image of the 
 bright smiling sky. Mirrors were then 
 formed of molten pohshed metal, not 
 "glass." 19. Men cannot explain God's 
 wonders ; we ought, therefore, to be dumb 
 and not contend with God. If Job thinks 
 we ought, ' ' let him teacli us, what we shall 
 say." order— Frame, darkness— Of mind: 
 ignorance. " Tlie eyes are bewilderingly 
 blinded, when turned in bold controversy 
 with God towards the sunny heavens" (v. 
 18.). rUMBR.J 20. What I a mortal say 
 against God's dealings is not wortliy of being 
 told Him. In opposition to Job's wish to 
 " speak" before God ch. 13. 3, 18-22.). If . . . 
 surely he shall be swallowed up — The paral- 
 lelism more favours Umbr,, *' Durst a man 
 speak (before Him, complaining) tliai he is 
 (without cause) being destroyed?" 21. 
 ''G.etmseih," i.e., cleareth the air of clouds. 
 When the " bright light " of the sun, previ- 
 ously "not seen" through "clouds, sud- 
 denly shines out from behind them, owing 
 to " the wi)id clearing them away," the effect 
 is dazzling to the eye ; so if God's majesty, 
 now hidden, were suddenly revealed m all 
 its brightness, it would spread "darkness" 
 over Job's eyes, anxious as he is for it (cf. 
 Note, V. 19.). [Umbr.] It is because "now 
 man sees not the bright sunlight" (God's 
 dazzling Majesty,) owing to the intervening 
 "clouds" (ch. 2ti. 9,), that they dare to wish 
 to " speak" before God {v. 20.). Prelude to 
 God's appearance (ch. 38. 1.). The words also 
 hold true in a sense not intended by Elihu, 
 but perhaps included by the Holy Ghost. 
 Job and other sufferers cannot see the light 
 of God's countenance through the clouds of 
 ti-ial : but the wind will soon clear them off, 
 and God shall appear again : let them but 
 wait patiently, for He stiLl shines, though 
 
 In the face ofthe earth's circle. 13. L\t, He \ for a time they see Him not see Note 23"), 
 maketh it the rain cloud) find place, whether : 22. Rather, golden splendour. _ Maur. tratisl. 
 
 gold. 
 
 for correction, if (it be destined) for H 
 land, (i.e. forthepart inhabited bymMUt with 1 cannot be 
 3?? [2j 
 
 It is found in N. regions. Mnt God 
 found out," because of His ' ' Ma- 
 
God, ty his mrghty works, 
 
 JOB, XX XVIII, XXXIX. cmvineeth Job of ignorance. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
 } Ood challenges Job to answtr. 4 God, bv enu- 
 tneraUng hh miijhty works, convinces Job of 
 igiuyran'oe, 31 and of imbecility. 
 
 'THEJS; the Lokd answered Job "out of 
 
 the whirlwind, and said, 
 
 2 \Mio is this that darkeneth counsel by 
 words without knowledire? 
 
 3 Gii-d ^up now thy loins like a man; for 
 I will demand of thee, and ^ answer thou 
 me. 
 
 4 Where " wast thou when 1 laid the foun- 
 dations of the earth? declai-e, 2 it' thou hast 
 understanding. 
 
 5 Who hatb laid the measures thereof, if 
 thou knowesti or who hath stretched the 
 line upon it? 
 
 G Whereupon are the 3 foundations thereof 
 * fastened? or who laid the comer stone 
 
 thrlfof, 
 
 7 When the morning stars sang together, 
 and all ''the sons of God shouted for joy? 
 
 8 Or 'who shut up the sea with doors, 
 when it braJce forth, as if it had issued out 
 of the womb? 
 
 y When I made the cloud the garment 
 thereof, and tiiick darkness a swaddiing- 
 band for it, 
 
 10 And 5 brake up for it my decreed place, 
 and set bars and doors, 
 
 11 And said. Hitherto shalt thou come, 
 but no further; and here shall 6 thy proud 
 waves be stayed? 
 
 12 Hast thou commanded the moming 
 since thy days ; atul caused the dayspring 
 to know his place ; 
 
 13 That it might take hold of the ' ends of 
 the earth, that the wicked might be shaken 
 
 . out of it? 
 
 14 It is tm-ned as clay to the seal; and they 
 stand as a garment. 
 
 15 And from the wicked their light is 
 withholden, and the high arm shall be 
 broken. 
 
 16 Hast thou entered into the springs of 
 the sea? or hast thou wjilked in the search 
 of the depth? 
 
 17 Have /the gate."? of death been opened 
 unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of 
 the shadow of death? 
 
 18 Hast thou perceived the breadth of the 
 earth? declare if thou knowest it all. 
 
 19 Where is the vfny where light dwelleth? 
 and as for dai-kness, where is the place 
 thereof, 
 
 20 That thou shouldest take it 8 to the 
 bomid thereof, and that thou shouldest 
 know the paths to the house thereof? 
 
 21 Knowest thou it, because thou wast 
 then bom? oi because the number of thy 
 d)iys is great? 
 
 2"J Hast thou ent«red into the treasures of 
 the snow ? or hast thou seen the treasures 
 of the hail, 
 
 23 Which I have resen-ed. against the time 
 of trouble, against the day of battle and 
 war? 
 
 24 By what way is the light parted, icliich 
 scattereth the east wind upon the earth? 
 
 25 Who hath divided a watercourse for the 
 qveiflowing of waters; or a way for the 
 lightning of thunder; 
 
 26 To cause it to ram on the earth, where 
 no mau is; on the wilderness, wherein 
 there is no man; 
 
 27 To "satisfy the desolate and waste 
 ground; and to cause the bud of the tender 
 herb to BiHiJig forth? 
 
 CHAP. 38. 
 a Ex. 1* 
 
 10, 18. 
 
 1 Kin. 19. 
 
 U. 
 
 Efok. 1. 4. 
 
 Nah. 1. 3. 
 6 ch. 40. 7. 
 
 1 mako me 
 ki.ow. 
 
 c, Prov. 8.*.'9, 
 Prov. 30.4 
 
 2 if thou 
 
 3 Bofkcts.' 
 
 d ch. 1. 6. 
 
 * Pa. 33, 7. 
 Pi. 104. 8, 
 ProT. 8. 
 
 the pride 
 of thy 
 
 Pa. 147. 8. 
 i Pa. 147. 10. 
 
 9 ia takea. 
 ch. 37. 10. 
 
 10 Cimah, 
 
 sevenstars. 
 ch. 9. 9. 
 Js. if). 26. 
 
 13 guide 
 ;• Jer.o'l. 
 
 CHAP. 39. 
 » ch. 24. 6. 
 Jer. 2. 24. 
 
 Deu.33.17. 
 4 Or, the 
 
 feathers of 
 
 28 Ifath ft the rain a father? or who hath 
 begotten the di-ops of dew? 
 
 2y Out of whose womb came the ice? and 
 the « hoary frost of heaveu. who hath gea- 
 deied it? 
 
 30 The watere are hid as ivith a. stone, and 
 the faf!e of the deep 9 is frozen. 
 
 31 (^laiLst thou bind the sweet influences of 
 1" I'leiades, or loose tlie bands of n Orion? 
 
 "•J Canst thou bring forth 12 Mazzaroth in 
 his season? or canst thou I3gxu(ie Arcturus 
 with his sons? 
 
 3:! Knowest thou ^the ordinances of 
 heaven? canst thou set the dominion there- 
 of in the earth? 
 
 ^ Canst thou lift up thy voice to the 
 clouds, that abvmdance of waters may cover 
 thee? 
 
 35 Canst thou send lightnings, that they 
 may go, and say unto thee, i* Here we 
 are? 
 
 36 Who * hath put wisdom in the inward 
 parts? or who hath given miderstanding to 
 the heart? 
 
 37 Who can number the clouds in wis- 
 dom? or 15 who can stay the bottles of 
 heaven, 
 
 38 10 When the dust i^gi-oweth into hard- 
 ness, and the clods cleave fast together? 
 
 3d AMlt thou hunt the prey for the lion, 
 or till 18 the appetite of tne young lions, 
 
 40 When they couch in their dens, and 
 abide in the covert to lie in wait? 
 
 41 Who i p^o^■ideth for the raven his food! 
 when his young ones cry unto God, thej 
 wander for lack of meat. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX. 
 
 Qod sftouis his iiower; 1 Of tt,e wild goats and 
 
 hinds, 5 of the wild ass, 9 the unicorn, 13 tk« 
 
 peacock and ostrich, 19 th< horse, 26 the hawk, 
 
 27 the eagle. 
 
 IT NOWEST thou the time when the wild 
 
 -•-^ goats of the rock bring forth? oi- canst 
 
 thou mark when the hinds do calve? 
 
 2 Canst thou number the months that 
 they fulfil? or knowest thou the time when 
 they bring forth? 
 
 3 They bow themselves, they bring forth 
 their young ones, they cast out their sor- 
 rows. 
 
 4 'i'heir young ones are in good liking, they 
 crow up with coin; they go forth, and re- 
 turn not unto them. 
 
 5 Who liath sent out the wild ass free? or 
 v\ho hath loosed the bands of the \^^ld 
 ass? 
 
 ti Whose " house I have made the mlder- 
 ness. and the i barren land his dwellings. 
 
 7 He scorneth the nniltitude of the city, 
 neither regardeth he the crying "-of the 
 diiver. 
 
 8 The range of the mountains is his pas- 
 ture, and he searcheth after every green 
 thinij. 
 
 y Will the Sunicom be willing to seri'e 
 thee, or abide by thy crib? 
 
 10 Canst thou bind the unicorn with his 
 band in the fiiriows or will he haiTow the 
 valleys alter thee? 
 
 11 Wilt thon trast him, because his 
 strength is great? or wilt thou leave thy 
 labour to him? 
 
 12 Wilt thou believe him, that he will 
 biing home thy seed, and gather it into thy 
 barn? 
 
 13 Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the 
 peacocks? or * wmgs and feathers unto the 
 ostnch? 
 
God Convincefh Job 
 
 JOB. xxxvnL 
 
 jesT.y" {V. 23.). Thus ch. 28. corresponds; 
 E.V. is simpler, the north— Brightness is 
 chiefly associated with it {IS ote, 23. 9.). Here, 
 perhaps, because the N. wind clears the air 
 (I'rov. 25. 23.). Thus this clause answers to 
 the last of v. 21; as tlie second of this v. to 
 the first of v. 21 ; Inverted parallelism. (Set 
 Isa. 14. 13; Ps. 48. 2.). with God— Eather, 
 jyjoji God, as a garment (Ps. 104. 1, 2.). ma- 
 jesty—Splendour. 23. afflict— Oppressively, 
 so as to " -pervert judgment" as Job implied 
 (Note, 8. 3, ; but see end of Note, 21, above 
 The reading "He answereth not, i.e., gives 
 no account of His dealings, is like a tran 
 sciiber's correction, from ch. 33. 13; Marg. 
 24. do— Eather, ought, wise— in their own 
 conceits. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
 Ver. 1-41. 1. Jehovah appears unexpect 
 edly in a whirlwind, (already gathering ch 
 37, 1, 2.) the symbol of "judgment," (I's. 50 
 3, 4, &c.,) to which Job had challenged 
 him. He asks him now to get himself 
 jeady for the contest. Can he explain the 
 rhenomena of God's natural government? 
 How can he, then, hope .to understand 
 the principles of His moral government? 
 God thus confirms Elihu's sentiment, 
 tha.t.submission to, not reasonings on, God's 
 •ways is man's part. This and the dis- 
 eipUnarij design ortrial to the godly is the 
 great lesson o) this book. He does not solve 
 the difticulty by reference to future retribu- 
 tion : for this was not the immediate ques- 
 tion: (jlimvses of that truth were already 
 given, in ch. 14. and 19.. the full revelation 
 of it being reserved for Gospel times : Yet 
 even now we need to learn the lesson taught 
 by Elihn and God in Job. 2. this— Job. 
 counsel— Impugning my divine wisrfom in the 
 providential arrangements of the universe. 
 Such "words" (including those of the friends) 
 rather obscure,th&n throw light on my ways. 
 God is about to be Job's vindicator, but 
 must first bring him to a right state of mind 
 for receiving relief. 3. a man— Hero, readv 
 for battle (1 Cor. 16. 13,) as he had wished 
 (ch. 9. 35; 1.3. 22; 31. 37.). The robe, usually 
 worn flowing, was girt up by a girdle, when 
 men ran, laboured, or fought (l Pet. 1. 13.) 4. 
 to understand the cause of things, man 
 should have been present at their origin. 
 The finite creature cannot fathom the infinite 
 wisdom of the Creator ich. 28. 12; 15. 7, 8.). 
 hast (knowesf understanding— (Prov. 4. 1.). 
 6, measures— Of its proportions. Image from 
 an architect's plans of a building. Line- 
 
 -of 
 measurement (Isa. 28. 17.). The earth is 
 formed on an all-wise plan. 6. foundations 
 —Not sockets, as Marg. fastened— iii.. made 
 to sink, as a foundation-stone letdown till it, 
 
 settles firmly in the clay (ch. 26. 7.). Gravi- ,,- ., .^^ , „ 
 
 tation makes and keeps the earth a sphere, place so well, as to be able to guide i take ' 
 7. So at the founding of Zerubbabel's teni- as in Isa. 36. 17.) it to (but Umbr. , reach it 
 
 tf Tgnorance, Jkc. 
 
 See Note, 25. 5. 8. dcors— Flood-gates ; these 
 when opened caused the flood (Gen. 7. 2,); or 
 el^e, the shores, womb— of Chaos. The bowels 
 of the earth. Image from child-birth Iv. 8, 
 9.). Ocean at its birth was wrapped in clouds 
 as its swaddling bands (Ezek. 32. 2; Jlic. 4. 
 10.). 10. brake up for— i.e., appointed it. 
 Shores are generaDy fcrofcen and abrupt cliffs. 
 The Greek for shore means a brolxCJi place. 
 I broke o#' or measured off' for it my limit, 
 i.e., the limit which /thought fit ch. 26. 10.). 
 11. stayed— Heb.,alimit shall be set to. 12-15. 
 Passing from creation to phenomena in the 
 existing inanimate world. 12. hast thou— 
 As God daily does, commanded the morning 
 —To rise, since thy days— Since thou hast 
 come into being, its place— It varies in its 
 place of rising from day to day, and yet has 
 Its place each day according to fixed laws. 
 13. take hold of the ends, &c.— Spread itself 
 over the earth to its utmost bounds in a 
 moment, wicked— Who hate the light, and 
 do their evil works in the dark (ch. 24. 13.). 
 shaken out of it— The corners {Heb., vnngs or 
 skirts) of it, as of a garment, are taken hold 
 of bv the day-spring, so as to shake off the 
 wicked. 14. Explaining the first clause of 
 V. 13, as r. 15 does the second clause. As the 
 plastic clay presents the various figures im- 
 pressed on it by a seal, so the earth, Avhich 
 in the dark was void of aU form, when illu- 
 minated by the day-spring, presents a variety 
 of forms, hills, valleys, &c. "Turned" 
 ("turns itself," Heb.) alludes to the rolling 
 cylinder seal, such as is found in Babylon, 
 which leaves its impressions on the clay, as 
 it is turned ahout : so the morning light roll- 
 ing on over the earth, they stsaii—Thejorms 
 o/beauty, unfolded by the dawn, stand forth 
 as a garment, in which the earth is clad. 15. 
 their light— by which ihev work, viz., dark- 
 ness, which is their day (ch. 24. 17,), is extin- 
 guished by daylight, high — Eather, The 
 ann uplifted for murder or other crime is 
 broken ; it falls down suddenly, powerless, 
 through their fear of light. 16. Ejarings— 
 Fountains beneath the sea (Ps. 05. 4.). search 
 —Eather, The inmost recesses, lit., thatxvhich 
 is ordy found by searchina, the deep caverns 
 of ocean. 17. seen— The second clause 
 heightens the thought in the first. Man 
 during life does not even "see" the gates of 
 the realm of the dead ("death," ch. 10. 21,), 
 much less are they "opened" to him. But 
 those are "naked before God' (ch. 26. 6.). 
 18. Hast thou— As God doth (ch. 2S. 24.). 19- 
 38. The marvels in heaven. 19. "What is 
 the way (to the place wherein) light dwell- 
 eth ? " Tlie origin of light and darkness. In 
 Gen. 1.," light" is created distinct from, and 
 previous to, .light-emitting bodies, the lumin- 
 aries of heaven. 20. Dost thou know its 
 
 founding 
 pie (Ezra, 3. 10-13.). So hereafter at the com 
 pletion of the Church, the temple of the 
 Holy Ghost (Zech. 4. 7.); as at its foundation 
 (Luke, 2. 13, 14.). 7. morning stars— Especi- 
 ally beautiful. Tlie creation-morn, is appro- 
 priately associated with these, it being the 
 commencement of this world's-dai/. The stars 
 are Jig. said to sing God's praises, as in Ps. 
 19. 1: 148. 3. They are symbols of the angels, 
 bearing the same relation to our earth, as 
 angels do to us. Therefore they ansvi er to 
 ** sons of God," or angels, in the parallel. 
 
 m 
 
 in") its' own boundary, i.e., the limit be- 
 tween light and darkness ch. 26. 10.). 21, 
 Or without the interrogation, in an ironical 
 sense. fUMP.R.] then — When I created 
 light and darkness (ch. 15. 7.). 22. treasures 
 —Store-houses, from which God draws forth 
 snow and hail. Snow is vapour congealed 
 in the air, before it is collected in drops 
 large enough to form hail. Its shape is that 
 of a crystal in endless variety of beautiful 
 fitures Hail is formed by rain falling 
 throush dry cold air. 23. against the time d 
 
Job Convinced oflmbeciliiy. 
 
 3GB, XXXIX. 
 
 O/God^s Great Worles, 
 
 bfouble— The time when I design to chastise 
 men (Ex. 9. IS; Josh. lO. ll; Eev. 16. 21; Isa. 
 28. 17; Ps. 18. 12. 13; Hag. 2. 17.). 24. is . . . 
 parted— Parts, so as to diffuse itself over the 
 whole earth, though seeming to come from 
 one point. Light travels from the sun to 
 the earth, ninety millions of miles, in 
 eight minutes, which scattereth— P^ather. 
 "And by what way the E.'nind (personified) 
 spreads (scattereth) itself." &c. The light 
 and E. wind are associated together, as both 
 come from one quarter, and often arise to- 
 gether (Jon. 4. 8.). 25. waters— i?am falls, 
 not in a mass on one spot, but in countless 
 separate canals in the air marked out for 
 them, way lor the lightning — (ch, 28. 26.). 
 20. Since rain falls also on places uninhabited 
 by man, it cannot be that man guides its 
 com-se. Such rain, though man cannot ex- 
 plain the reason for it. is not lost. God has 
 some wise design in it. 27. As though the deso- 
 late ground thirsted for God's showers. Per- 
 sonification. The beauty imparted to the 
 uninhabited desert pleases God, for whom 
 primarily all thmgs exist, and He has ulteri- 
 or designs in it. 28. Can any visible origin 
 of rain and dew be assigned by man 1 Dew 
 is moisture, which was suspended in the air, 
 but becomes condensed on reaching the— 
 in the night— lower temperature, of objects 
 on the earth. 29. ch. 37. 10. 30. The un- 
 frozen waters are hid under the frozen, as 
 icith a covering of stone, frozen— Lit., is 
 taken: the particles take hold of one another 
 so as to cohere. 31. sweet iuflueuces— Tlie 
 joy diffused by spring, the time when the 
 Pleiades appear. The E. poets, Hafiz, Sadi, 
 &c.. describe them as "brilliant rosettes." 
 Ges. transl. "bands" or "knot," which 
 answers better the parallelism. But E.V. 
 agrees better with the Heb. The seven stars 
 are closely "bound" together. Note, 9. 9. 
 " Canst thou bind or loose the tie?" "Canst 
 thou loose the bonds by which the constella- 
 tion Orion (represented in the E. as an impi- 
 ous giant chained to the sky) is held fast." 
 (Note, 9. 9.). 32. Canst thou bring forih 
 from their places or houses (Mazzaloth, 
 Marg., 2 Ki. 23. 6; to which Mazzaroth 
 here is equivalent) into the sky the signs 
 of the Zodiac at their respective seasons 
 — the twelve lodgings in which the sun 
 successively stays, or appears, in the sky? 
 Arcturus — Ursa l^Iajor. his sons — The 
 three stars in its tail. Canst thou make 
 them appear in the sky?(ch. 9. 9.) The 
 great and less Bear are called by the Arabs 
 "Daughters of the Bier," the quadrangle 
 being the bier, the three others the mourn- 
 ers. 33. orainauces— Which regulate the al- 
 ternations of seasons, &c. (Gen. 8. 22.1 
 dominion — Controlling influence of the 
 heavenly bodies, the sun, moon, &c., on the 
 earth on the tides, weather.). (Gen. 1. 16; Ps. 
 13e. 7-9.) 34. Jer. U. 22; above, ch. 22. 11, 
 metaphorically. 35. Here we are— At thy 
 disposal (Isa. 6. 8.). 36. inward parts . . , 
 heart— But [Umbr.] "dark clouds ("shining 
 phenomena," Maur.) —meteor," referring 
 to the consultation of these as signs of 
 weather by the husbandman (Eccl. 11. 4.. 
 But Heb. supports E. V. The connexion is, 
 "Who hath given thee the intelligence to 
 comprehend in any degree the phenomena 
 just specified ? " heart— Not the usual Heb. 
 word, but one from 'a root tovieio; percep- 
 tion. 37. Who appo nts by his wisdom the 
 378 [IJ 
 
 due measure of the clouds? stay— Bather, 
 empty; lit., lay doivn or iticline so as to pour 
 out. " Bottles of heaven," rainfiUed clouds, 
 38. groweth, &c.— Ea.ther, pours itself into a 
 mass by the rain, like molten metal ; then 
 trans. 38, "WTio is it that emptier, &c., 
 when,"&c.1 .E.F. however is tenable: "Is 
 caked into a m^ass" bv heat, like molten 
 metal, before the rain falls ;" " Who is it that 
 can empty the rain vessels, and bring down 
 rain at sucha time ?" iv. 38.), 39. From this v. 
 to ch. 39. 30, the Instincts of animals. Is 
 it thou that givest it the instinct to hunt 
 its prey (Ps. 104. 21.). appetite — Lit, life: 
 which depends on the appetite (ch. 33. 20.). 
 40. he in wait— for their prey (Ps. 10. 9.) 41. 
 Luke, 12. 24. Transition from the noble 
 lioness Ito the croaking raven. Though 
 man dislikes it, as of ill-omen, God cares 
 for it, as for all His creatures. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX. 
 Ver. 1-SO. 1. Even wild beasts, cut off from 
 all care of man, are cared for by God at their 
 seasons of greatest need. Their instinct 
 comes direct from God, and guides them to 
 help themselves in parturition ; the very ti me 
 when the herdsman is most anxious for liis 
 herds, wild goats— Ibex (Ps. 104.18; iSam. 
 24. 2). hinds— Fawns: most timid and de- 
 fenceless animals, yet cared for by God. 2. 
 They bring forth with eas*. and do not need to 
 reckon the months of pregnancy, as the shep- 
 herd does in the case of his flocks. 3. "Bow 
 themselves" in parturition ; bend_ on their 
 knees (1 Sam. 4. 19.). bring forth— Lit., cause 
 their young to cleave the womb and break 
 forth. Sorrows— Their young ones, the cause 
 of their momentary pains. 4. are in good 
 liking— In good condition, grow up strong, 
 with corn— Bather, in the .field, without man s 
 care, return not— Being able to provide for 
 themselves. 5. wild ass— Two different Hf&. 
 words, are here used for the same animal, tlie 
 ass of the icoods and the wild ass. {Note 0. 5; 
 ch. 11. 12; 24. 5; Jer. 2. 24.) loosed the bands 
 —Given its Uberty to. Man can rob animals 
 of freedom, but not, as God, give freedom, 
 combined with subordination to fixed laws. 
 6. barren — Lit., salt, i.e., unfruitful. (So 
 Marg. Ps . 107 . 34. ) 7. multitude— Bather, din: 
 he sets it at defiance, being far away from it 
 in the freedom of the wilderness, driver— 
 who urges on the tame ass to work. The 
 wild ass is the symbol of uncontrolled free- 
 dom in the E. ; even kings have, therefore, 
 added its name to them. 8. The rr-nge 
 —Lit., searching, "that which it finds by 
 searching is," &c. 9. unicorn— Pliny, H. N. 8. 
 21, mentions such an animal: its figure is 
 found depicted in the ruins of PersepoUs. 
 The Heb. reem conveys the idea of loftiness 
 und'power, cf. Ramah, Indian Pmm, Lat. 
 Roma. The rhinoceros was perhaps the ori- 
 ginal type of the unicorn. The Arab rim is 
 a two horned animal. Sometimes "unicorn" 
 or reem is a mere podiml symbol or abstrac- 
 tion. But the buffalo is the animal referred to 
 here, from the contrast to the tame ox, used 
 in ploughing, &c., v. 10, 12. crib— lis. 1. 3.) 
 abide— Lit., pass the night. 10. his band— 
 fastened to the horns, as its chief strength 
 i!es in ihe head and shoulders, after thee— 
 Obedient to thee; wiUing to follow, instead 
 of being goaded on before thee. 11. thy 
 labour— Rustic work. 12. Believe— Trust. 
 Seed— Produce (1 Sam. 8. 15.). into thy bara 
 —Rather, gather (tiie contents ofj thy UitisJir 
 
OfGocTs Great Works. 
 
 JOB, XL. 
 
 Job Enmhles h{ms''Jffn Hod. 
 
 ingfioor; [jMaur.] the corn threslied on it. 
 13. Rather, " the wing of the ostrich hen— [lit. 
 the c/ i/! ftf7-bird;as the Arab name forit means 
 song: referring to its nisht-cries, (ch. 30. 29; 
 Mic. 1. 8.) vibrates joyously. Is it not like 
 the quill and feathers of the pious bird" (the 
 stork)? flJMBR.l The vibrating, quivering 
 wrng, servini? for sail and oar at once, is 
 characteristic of the ostrich in full course. 
 Its white and black feathers in the wing and 
 tail are like the stork's. But unlike that 
 bird, the symbol of parental love in the E., 
 it with seeming want of natural (pious) affec- 
 tion deserts its young. Both birds are poeti- 
 cally calieii by descriptive, instead of their 
 •usual appellative names. 14. Yet (unlike the 
 stork she leaveth, &c. Hence called by the 
 Arabs the impious Hrd. However, the fact 
 is, she lays her eggs with great care and 
 hatches them, as other birds do; but in hot 
 countries the eggs do not need so constant 
 incnbation: she therefore often leaves them; 
 and sometimes forgets the place on her re- 
 turn: moreover the outer eggs, intended for 
 food, she feeds her young with; these eggs 
 lying separate in the sand, exposed to the 
 sun, gave rise to the idea of her altogether 
 leaving them. God describes her as slie 
 seems to man: implying, though she may 
 seem foolishly to neglect her young, yet 
 really she is guided by a sure instinct from 
 God, as much as animals of instincts widely 
 different. 16. On a slight noise often she 
 forsakes her eggs, and returns not, as if she 
 •were "hardened towards her young." her 
 labour— in producing eggs, is in vain, (yet) 
 she has no disquietude (about her young) : un- 
 like other birds, who, if one egg and another 
 are taken away, will go on laying till their 
 full number is made up. 17. wisdnra— such as 
 God gives to other animals, and to man: (ch. 
 S5. 11.1. The Arab proverb is. " foolish as an 
 ostrich." Yet her very seeming want of wis- 
 dom is not without wise design of God, 
 though man cannot see it: just as in the 
 trials of the godly, which seem so unreason- 
 able to Job, there lies hid a wise design. 18. 
 JNoiwitlistandmg her deficiencies, she has 
 distinguishing excellencies, iifteth . . . her- 
 self—for running: she cannot mount in the 
 air. (iEs. transl. lashes herself up to her 
 course by flapping her wings. Tlie old ver- 
 sions favour E. V., and the parallel "scorn- 
 eth" answers to her proudly " lifting up her- 
 self." 19. The allusion to "the horse" v. 18, 
 suggests the description of him. Arab poets 
 delight in praising the horse; yet it is not 
 mentioned in the possessions of Job (chs. 1. 
 and 42.). It seems to have been at the time 
 chiefly used for war, rather than " domestic 
 purposes." thunder— poetically for, "he with 
 arched neck inspires fear as thunder does." 
 Trans?. "Majesty." [Umbr.I ivatlier"the 
 trembling, quivering mane, answering to 
 the " vibrating wing" of the ostrich; (Note 
 13.) [Maur.] Mane in Greek also is from 
 a root meaning fear. E. V. is more sub- 
 lime. 20. make . . . afraid— Rather, "canst 
 thou (as I do) make him. spring a,s the locust." 
 So in Joel 2. 4, the comparison is between 
 locusts and war horses. The heads of the two 
 are so like, that the Italians call the locusts 
 cavaletta, "little horse." nostrils— Snorting 
 furiously. 21. valley— Where the battle is 
 joined, goe^h on— Goeth forth. (Numb. 1. 
 3; 21. 23.). 23. quiver— for ^;i€ arrows, which 
 tiiev contain, and which are directed^aaainst 
 378 [2] 
 
 him." glittering spear— Zit., giintrniii ai ihe 
 spear, like " lightning of the spear," (Hab. 
 3. 11.) shield— Rather, lance. 24. swalloweth 
 —Fretting with impatience, he draics the 
 ground towards him with liis lioof, as if he 
 would sionllow it. The parallelism shows 
 this to be the sense: not as Maur., "scours 
 over it." neither believetli— For joy. Rather, 
 "he will not stand still, vihen ihe note of the 
 trumpet" (soundeth). 25. snth— Poetically 
 applied to his mettlesome neighing, whereby 
 he shows his love of the battle, smelleth— 
 Snufifeth: discerneth -Marg. Isa.ll. 3.) thun- 
 der— Thundermg voice. 26. The instinct by 
 which some birds migrate to warmer climes 
 before winter. Rapid flying peculiarly char- 
 acterizes the whole hawk genus. 27. eagle 
 —It flies highest, of all birds: 1 hence called 
 the bird of heaven. 28. abideth— Securely, 
 (Ps. 91. 1,); it occupies the same abode mostly 
 forUfe. crag— lit., tooth {Marg. l Sam. 14. 
 5.). strong place — Citadel, fastness. 29. 
 seeketh— Is on the look out for. behold— the 
 eagle descries its prey at an astonishing dis- 
 tance, by sight, rather than smell. 30. 
 Quoted partly by Jesus Christ, ;]Matt.24.28.). 
 Ihe food of young eagles is the blood of vic- 
 tims brought by the parent, when they are 
 stiU too feeble to devour flesh, sl^in— as 
 ihfi vulture chi8fly feeds on carcases, it is in- 
 cluded probably in the genus eagle. 
 CHAPTER XL. 
 Ver. 1-24. God's Secoind Addrbss. He 
 had paused for a reply, but Job was silenU 
 1. the Lo-id— iie^., Jehovah. 2. he that 
 contendeth— As Job had so often expressed a 
 wish to do. Or, rehuketh. Does Job now 
 still (after seeing and hearing of God's ma- 
 jesty and wisdom) wish to set God right? 
 answer it— viz., the questions I have asked. 
 3. Lord — Jehovah. 4. I am (too) vile to 
 reply.). It is a very different thing" to vin- 
 dicate ourselves before God, from what it is 
 before men. Job could do the latter, not 
 the former, lay . . . hand upon . . . mouth— 
 I have no plea to offer (ch. 21. 5; Jud. 18. 19.). 
 5. Once . . . twice — Oftentimes, more than 
 once (ch. 33. 14, cf. with 29; Ps.;62. Ill: " I have 
 spoken " viz. , against God. not answer— Not 
 plead against thee. 6. the Lord— Jehovah, 
 7. (Note, 3S. 3.) Since Job has not only- 
 spoken against God, but accused Him of in- 
 justice, God challenges him to try, could he 
 govern the world, as God by His power doth, 
 .and punish the proud and wicked (v. 7-14.). 
 
 map 
 
 8. Wilt thou not only contend with, but set 
 aside m,y judgment, or justice in the govern- 
 ment of the world, condemn— Declare me 
 unrighteous, in order that thou mayest be 
 accounted righteous (innocent; undeserv- 
 ingly-afiiicted.) 9. arm— God's omnipotence 
 (Isa. 53. 1.). thunder— God's voice ch. 37. 4.). 
 10. See hast thou power and majesty like 
 God's, to enable thee to judge and govern the 
 world. 11. rage— Rather, pour out Um redun- 
 dant floods of, &c. behold— Try, canst thou, as 
 God, by a mere glance abase the proud (Isa. 
 2. 12. &c.). 12. proud— high (Dan. 4. 37.). in 
 this place— On the spot : suddenly, before the.v 
 can move from their place (Note, 34. 26; 
 36. 20.). 13. (Isa. 2. 10.) Abase and remove 
 them out of the sight of men. bind . . . faces— 
 i.e.. Shut up their persons. [Maur J But it 
 refers rather to the custom of binding a 
 cloth over the faces of persons about to be 
 executed (ch. 9. 24; Esth. 7. 8.). in secret— 
 Cousin tnem to darkness. 14. confes»— 
 
Job Tivmhles himself to God. 
 
 JOB. XL, XLT. 
 
 Ledatlian described. 
 
 14 Which leaveth her eggs in the earth. 
 ind vrarmeth them in dust, 
 
 io And foierettoth that the foot may crush 
 them, or that the wild beast may break 
 them. 
 
 16 She is & hardened against her young 
 ones, as though thev ivere not her's: her 
 liiboiir is in vain without fear; 
 
 17 Because God hath dei^rived her of wis- 
 dom, neither hath he "imparted to her 
 understanding. 
 
 18 What time she lifteth up herself on 
 high, she scorneth the horse and his rider. 
 
 19 Hast thou given the horse strength? 
 hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? 
 
 20 Canst thou make him afraid as a grass- 
 hopper? the glory of his nostrils & is terrible. 
 
 21 6 He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth 
 in his strength: <* he goeth on to meet i the 
 aimed men. 
 
 22 He mocketh at fear, and is not af- 
 frighted; neither tmneth he back from the 
 Rword. 
 
 23 The qtiiver rattleth against him, the 
 glittering snear and the shield. 
 
 24 He Bwalloweth the ground with fierce- 
 ness and rage; neither believeth he that 
 it is the soimd of the trumpet. 
 
 25 He saith among the tnimpets, Ha, ha! 
 and he snielleth the battle afar off, the 
 thunder of the captains, and the shouting. 
 
 2(3 Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and 
 stretch her wings toward the south? 
 
 27 Doth the eagle mount up 8 at thy com- 
 mand, and * make her nest on high? 
 
 28 Sne dwelleth and abideth on the rock, 
 apon the » crag of the rock, and the strong 
 place. 
 
 29 From thence she seeketh the prey, and 
 her eyes behold afar oft". 
 
 30 Her young ones also suck up blood: 
 ^and/where the slain are, there is she. 
 
 CHAPTER XL. 
 I JobhvmNes himself to God: 6 Ood stirs him 
 tip to shoiv his righteousness, power, and wis- 
 dom. 15 Of the behemoth. 
 
 TV j ORE OVER the Lord answered Job, 
 
 ■*■ and said, 
 
 2 Shall he that " contendeth with the Al- 
 mighty instract Mm? he that reproveth 
 God, let him answer it. 
 
 3 % Then Job answered the Lord, and 
 said, 
 
 4 Behold, * I ara vile; what shall I answer 
 thee? "1 will lay mme hand upon my 
 mouth. 
 
 5 Once have I spoken; but I will not an- 
 swer: yea, twice; but I wiU proceed no 
 further. 
 
 6 U Then <* answered the Lord unto Job 
 out of the whirlwind, and said, 
 
 7 Gird "up thy loins now like a man: /I 
 will demand of thee, and declare thou unto 
 me. 
 
 8 Wilt B thou also disannul my judgment? 
 wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be 
 righteous? 
 
 y Hast thou an arm like God? or canst 
 tiiou thunder with '<■& voice like him? 
 
 10 Deck 'thyself now ivith majesty and 
 excellency, and array thyself with glory and 
 btauty. 
 
 11 Cast abroad th.e rage of thy wrath: and 
 bi'hold every one that is proua, and abase 
 him. 
 
 12 Look on every one that is i proud, and 
 bring iiini low; and tread down the wicked 
 in their place. 
 
 878 
 
 CHAP. S9. 
 ( Lam. 4. 3. 
 c ch. 35. U. 
 
 5 terrors. 
 
 6 Or, Hi» 
 feet dig. 
 
 d Jer. 8. 6. 
 
 7 the ar- 
 mour. 
 
 8 by thy 
 mouth. 
 
 e Jer. 49. 16. 
 Obad. 4. 
 
 9 tooth. 
 /Mat. 24.28. 
 
 Luko 17. 
 
 CHAP. 40. 
 
 ich. ; 
 
 13. 
 
 ch. 84. 37. 
 
 Is. 45. 9. 
 6 Eira 9. 6. 
 
 ch. 42. 6. 
 
 Pb. 51. 4. 
 « ch. 29. 9. 
 
 Ps. 39. 9. 
 
 Zech. 2.13. 
 A ch. 38. 1. 
 
 Ps. 60. 3. 
 e ch. 38. 3. 
 / ch. 42. 4. 
 g Pb. 51. 4. 
 
 Rom. 3. 4. 
 ft ch. 37. 4. 
 
 Ps. 29. 3. 
 i Ps. 93. 1. 
 
 Ps. 104. 1. 
 i Is. 2. 12. 
 
 Dan. 4. 37. 
 
 1 Supposed 
 to be either 
 the ele- 
 phant or 
 the hippo- 
 potamus. 
 
 2 Or, He 
 setteth up. 
 
 A: Ps. 104.14. 
 
 3 he oppres- 
 setb. 
 
 I Gen, 13.10. 
 Jos. 3. 17. 
 Jer. 12. 6. 
 
 4 Or, Will " 
 any take 
 him in his 
 eight, or, 
 bore his 
 no30 with 
 Bgint 
 ch.41.1,2. 
 
 CHAP. 41. 
 
 1 Tl^Btig,a 
 whalo, or, 
 crocodile. 
 P«. 1(14.26. 
 Is. 27. 1. 
 
 2 which thou 
 drownest. 
 
 a Is. 37. 29. 
 6 ch. 9. 4. 
 
 ch. 40. 2. 
 
 1 Cor. 10. 
 
 22. 
 e Rom.n.35. 
 d, Ex. 19. 5. 
 
 Deu.10.14. 
 
 Ps. 24. 1. 
 
 P«. 50. 12. 
 
 1 Cor. 10. 
 
 26,28. 
 8 Or, with- 
 
 13 Hide them in the dust together; and 
 hind their laces in secret. 
 
 14 Then will 1 also confess unto thee that 
 thine own right hand can save thee. 
 
 15 11 Behold now ^ behemoth, which I 
 made with thee; he eateth grass as an 
 ox. 
 
 16 Lo pow, his strength is in his loins, and 
 his force is in the navel of his belly. 
 
 17 '-2 He moveth his tail like a cedar: the 
 sinews of his stones are wrapped together. 
 
 18 His bones are as strong pieces of brass; 
 his bones are like bars of iron. 
 
 19 He is the chief of the ways of God: he 
 that made him can make nis sword to 
 approach unto him, 
 
 20 Surely the mountains * bring liim forth 
 food, where all the beasts of the field play. 
 
 21 lie lieth under the shady trees, in the 
 covert of the reed, and fens. 
 
 22 The shady trees cover him with their 
 shadow; the willows of the brook compass 
 hira about. 
 
 23 Behold, 8 he drinketh up a river, and 
 hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw 
 up ' J ordan into his mouth. 
 
 24 * He taketh it with his eyes; his nose 
 pierceth through snares. 
 
 CHAPTER XLL 
 
 Of Ood's great power in the leviathan. 
 
 rj ANST thou draw out i leviathan with an 
 
 ^ hook? or his tongue with a cord ^ which 
 
 thou lettest down? 
 
 2 Canst thou " put an hook into his nose? 
 or bore his jaw thi-ough with a thorn? 
 
 3 Will he make many supplications unfo 
 thee? wiU he speak soft words unto thee? 
 
 4 Will he make a covenant with thee? 
 vrilt thou take him for a servant for ever? 
 
 5 Wilt thou play with him as ivith a bird? 
 or wilt thou bind; him for thy maidei^s? 
 
 6 Shall thy companions make a banquet 
 of him? shall they part him among the 
 merchants? 
 
 7 Canst thou fill his skin with barbed 
 irons? or his head with fish spears? 
 
 8 Lay thine hand upon him, remember 
 the battle, do no more. 
 
 9 Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall 
 not one be cast down even at the sight of 
 him? 
 
 10 None is so fierce that dare stir him up: 
 who * then is able to stand before me? 
 
 11 Who " hath prevented me, that I should 
 repay him? <i ichatsoever is under the 
 whole heaven is mine. 
 
 12 I will not conceal his parts, nor hia 
 power, nor his comely proportion. 
 
 13 Who can discover the face of his gar- 
 ment? or who can come to him 3 with his 
 double bridle? 
 
 14 Who can open the doors of his face? 
 his teeth are terrible round about. 
 
 15 His * scales are his pride, shut up to- 
 gether as with a close seal. 
 
 16 One is so near to another, that no air 
 can come between them. 
 
 17 They are joined one to another, they 
 stick together, that they cannot be sun- 
 dered. 
 
 18 By his neesings a light doth shine, and 
 his eves are like the eyelids of the morning. 
 
 19 Out of his moutn go burning lamps, 
 and sparks of fire leap out. 
 
 20 Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as out 
 of a seethhig pot or caldron. 
 
 21 His breatn kindleth coals, and a flame 
 goeth out of his mouth. 
 
Oftlie Behemoth. 
 
 SOB, xn. 
 
 Of Go(Vs Great Power 
 
 Bather, extol: "1 also," who now censure ■ 
 fchee. But since thou canst not do these | 
 works, thou must, instead of censuring, 
 extol my government, thine own. . . Land 
 . . . gave— (Ps. 44. 3.). So as to eternal .?a'va- , 
 tion bv Jesus Christ (Isa. 59. 16; 63. 5.). 15- ! 
 24. God shows that if Job cannot bring under 
 control the lower animals of which he se- 
 lects the two most striking. Behemoth on 
 land, Leviathan in the water), much less is 
 he capable of governing the world. 15. be- 
 hemoth—The description in part agrees with 
 the hippopotamus, in part with the elephant, 
 but exactly in all details with neither. It is 
 rather a poetical personification of the great 
 Pacht/dermata, or Herbivora (so " he eateth 
 grass," &C.1, the idea of the hippopotamus 
 being predominant. In v. 17, "the tail like 
 a cedar," hardly applies to the latter ; (so 
 also V. 20; 23, " Jordan," a river which ele- 
 
 Bhants alone could reach, but see Note 23.1. 
 n the otlier hand, 21, 22 are cliaracieristic 
 of the amphibious river-horse. Ho leviathan 
 (the twisting animal) ch. 41. 1, is a generalized 
 
 neighbouring seas, and rivers, including the 
 crocodile which is the most proofinent, and 
 is often associated with the river-horse by 
 old writers. "Behemoih" seems to be 
 the Egyptian Pehniiout, " water-ux," Heb- 
 raized, so called as being like an ox. whence 
 the Ital. " bomarino." with trpe— As I made 
 thyself. Yet how great the difference ! The 
 manifold wisdom and power of God ! he 
 eateth grass— Marvellous in an animal living 
 so much in the water : also stran;;e, that 
 8uch a monster should not be carnivorous. 
 16. navel— Kather, muscles of his belly; the 
 weakest point of the eiephant, therefore it 
 is not meant. 17. like a cedar— As the tem- 
 pest bends the cedar, so it can move its 
 smooth thick tail. [Umbr.J But tlie cedar 
 implies straightness and length, such as dn 
 not apply to the river-horse's short tail, but 
 perJiaps to an extinct species of animal see 
 Note 15.). stones— Eather, thighs, wrapped— 
 Firmly twisted together, like a thick rope. 
 18. strong pieces— Bather, tubes of copper 
 [Umbr.] 19. Chief of the works of God : so 
 "ways (ch. 26. 14; Prov. 8. 22). can make 
 his sword to approach— Bather, has furnished 
 kimwithhissword,ihRY\)e,) \iz., the sicMe-likc 
 teeth with which he cuts down grain. E. V. 
 however, is lit. right. 20. The mountain is not 
 his tisual hannt. Bo. says it is sometivuf- 
 found there i?) beasts . . . play— A grapliic 
 trait : though armed with such teeth, he let 
 the Ijeasts play near him unhurt, for his food 
 Is grass. 21. uetu— He leads an inactive life, 
 shady trees — Rather, lotus-bushes; as v. 2.' 
 requires. 22. Transl. lotus -bushes. 23 
 Rather, "(Though) a river be violent (ovei-- 
 flow), he tremblethnot;" (for though livin<: 
 on land, he can live in the water too,: he is se 
 cure, though a Jordan swell up to his mouth." 
 "Jordan" is used for ajuj great river; 
 consonant with the "behemoth" being ;. 
 pon^ical generalization (Note 15.i. TIk 
 autlior cannot have been a Hebrew as Umep . 
 asserts, or he would not adduce the Jordan 
 where there were no river horses. He al 
 ludes to it as a name for any river, but no- 
 as one known to him, ex-cept by hearsay. 
 2-1-. Rather, "will any take him by open 
 force [lit., before his cijes), or p'erce his nose 
 with cords?" No : he can only be taken by 
 suile, and in a pitfall 'ch. 41. i, 2.). 
 379 
 
 CHAPTER XLI. 
 Ver. 1-34. 1. 1': viat lian— Lii. , the twisted ani' 
 mal, j-'.-ithering itself in folds : a synonym to 
 the Thannin (ch. 3. 8,Murg.; see Ps, 74. 14; type 
 of the ]<;gvptian tyrant ; Ps. 104. 26; Isa. 27. l; 
 the Babylon tyrant.). J4. iioetical oenerah/M- 
 tion for all cetacean, serpentine, and saurian 
 monsters (Note, 40. 15; hence aa the descrip- 
 tion applies to no one animal) ; especially the 
 crocodile : which is naturally descril)ed after 
 the river-horse, as both are found in tlie 
 Nile, tongue . . . lettest down— The croCodilB 
 has no tongue, or a very small one cleaving 
 to the lower jaw. But as in fishing the tongue 
 of the fish draws the baited hook to it, God 
 asks, Canst thou in like manner take levia- 
 than? 2. hook— Rather, a rope of rxishes. 
 thorn— Rather, a ring or hook. So M-ild beasts 
 were led about when caught (Isa. 37. 29; 
 Ezek. 2y. 4,); fishes also were secured thus, 
 and thrown into the water, to keep them 
 alive. 3. soft words— That tliou mayest spare 
 his life. No : he is untameable. 4. Can he 
 be tamed for domestic use? (so ch. 39. 10-12.). 
 5. a bird— That is tamed. 6. Rather, part- 
 ners (viz., iit fishing.:, make a banquet-The 
 parallelism rather supports Umbb,., "Do 
 partners (in trade) desire to purcha^^e him I 
 (so the Heb. Dea. 2. 6.) merchants— Li*.,Ca- 
 ■naanites, who were great merchants (Hos. 
 12. 7, Marg.). His hide is not penetrable, as 
 that of fishes. 8. If thou lay, &c. thou wilt 
 have reason ever to remember, &c., and thou 
 wilt never try it again. 9. the hope— 0/ tak- 
 ing him. cast, down— "With fear "at the 
 (mere) sight of him." 10. fierce— Courageous. 
 If a man dare attack one of my creatures 
 (Gen. 49. 9; Num. 24. 9,), who AviU dare (as 
 Job had wished) oppose himself (Ps. .;, 2) to 
 me, the Creator? This is the main drift of 
 the description of leviathan. 11. prevented 
 —Done me a favour first: anticipated me 
 with service (Ps. 21. 3.). None can call me 
 to account (" stand before me," v. lO, as un- 
 just, because I have withdrawn favours from 
 him (as in Job's case): for none has laid me 
 under a prior obligation by conferring on me 
 something which was not already my own. 
 What can man give to Him, who possesses 
 all, including man himself? Man cannot 
 constrain the creature to be his " servant," 
 w. 4,) much less the Creator. 12. I will not 
 conceal — A resumption of the description 
 broken off by the digression, which formed 
 ai agreeable change, his power— iii., the 
 may, i.e., true proportion or expression of 
 'lis strength (so Heb., Deut. 19. 4.). comely 
 proportion— ii^., the comeliness of his struc- 
 'ure (his apparatus: so "suit of apparel" 
 Fud. 17. 10.). [Maur.] Umbr. transl. "his 
 irmour." But that follows after. 13. dis- 
 :over— Rather, uncover the surface of his gar- 
 ment [skin, ch. 10. 11): strip off the hard 
 mtcr coat with which the inner skin is 
 •overed. with— Rather, within his double 
 1 7, MS. lit., bridle: hence that into which the 
 ■iridic is put, the double roiv of teeth; but 
 ' biidle" is used to imply that none dare put 
 li^j hand in to insert a bridle where in other 
 inimals it is placed [v. 4; ch. 39. 10.). 14. 
 loor? rf . . . face— His mouth. His teeth are 
 -ixty in number, larger in proportion than 
 iiis body, some standing out, some serra- 
 ed, fitting into each other like a comb. [Bo.] 
 \ 5. Rather, hi^ furrorvs of shields fas " tubes, 
 "channels," Note, 40. 18,) are, &c., i.e., the 
 roxos of scales, like shields covering Mm ; he 
 
Jeh sybmffs Mmsc'^id God. 
 
 JOB, XLn. 
 
 Job restored to prosperUp. 
 
 'IJ, lu his ueck reniaineth strength, and 
 6 sorrow is turned into joy belbre him. 
 
 23 « The flakes of his tiesh are joined to- 
 gether: they are firm in themselves; they 
 cannot be moved. 
 
 24 His heart is as firm as a stone; yea, as 
 hard as a piece of the nether miilstone. 
 
 •2b When he raiseth up himself, the mighty 
 are alhiid: by reason of breakings they 
 purifv themselves. 
 
 26 the sw ord of him that layeth at him 
 cannot hold; the spear, the dart, nor the 
 1 habergeon. 
 
 27 lie esteemeth iron as straw, and brass 
 as rotten wood. 
 
 28 The arrow cannot make him flee: sling- 
 stones are tmned with him into stubble. 
 
 29 Darts are counted as stubble: he 
 laugheth at the shaking of a spear. 
 
 30 8 Sharp stones are under him: he 
 spreadeth snarp-poiuted things upon the 
 mire. 
 
 31 He maketh the deep to boU like a pot; 
 he maketh the sea like a pot of ointment. 
 
 32 He maketh a path to shine after him; 
 one would think the deep to be hoary. 
 
 _ 33 Upon earth there is not his like, ^ who 
 is made without fear. 
 31 He beholdcth all high tliinps: he w a 
 king oyer all the children of pride. 
 
 CHAPTER XLII. 
 
 i Job submits himself to (Jod. 7 Job's friends 
 
 subnUt tn him. 9 God accepts Job, and doubles 
 
 his blessings. 13 Job's childrem 16 his age and 
 
 death. 
 
 T^IIEN Job answered the Lorc, and said, 
 2 1 know that thou " canst do every 
 thing, and that i no thought can be with- 
 hokfen from thee. 
 
 3 Who * is he that hideth counsel without 
 knowledge? therefore have I uttered that 
 I understood not; ' things too wonderful 
 for me, which 1 knew not. 
 
 4 Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: 
 I <* will demand of thee, and declare thou 
 unto me. 
 
 5 I have ' heard of thee by the hearing of 
 the ear; but now /mine eye setth thee: 
 
 6 Wherefore I abhor viyself, and repent 
 in dust and ashes. 
 
 7 H And it was so, that after the Lood 
 
 CHAP. 41. 
 
 6 Borrow 
 reioiceth. 
 
 6Tho 
 
 7 Or, breast- 
 plate. 
 
 8 Shnrp 
 pieces of 
 potsherd. 
 
 9 Or, who 
 behave 
 tbemseWos 
 
 fear. 
 
 CHAP. 42. 
 
 a Gen. 18. 14. 
 Blat. 19. 2b. 
 
 1 Or, no 
 thought of 
 thine can 
 bo hin- 
 dere/1. 
 
 6 ch. 3b. 2. 
 c Pa. 40. 6. 
 
 Pa. 131. 1, 
 
 Pa. 139. 6. 
 
 d ch, 38. 3. 
 
 ch. 40. 7. 
 
 e Ro. 10. 17. 
 
 / Eph. 1 17, 
 
 18. 
 g Nu. 23. 1. 
 h Mat. 5. 24. 
 i Gen. 20. 17. 
 
 Jam 5. IG. 
 
 lJohn5.16. 
 
 2 hiaface, or, 
 person. 
 
 3 the face of 
 Job, 
 
 4 added all 
 that had 
 been to Job 
 unto the 
 double. 
 Zech. 9. 12. 
 
 j U. 40. 2. 
 k ch. 19, 13. 
 I ch. 8. 7. 
 
 Jam, 6. 11. 
 m ch. 1. 3, 
 » ch. 6. 26. 
 
 Pro. 
 
 ,16. 
 
 OGeo. 8&.& 
 
 had spoken these words unto Job, the Loud 
 said to Eliphaz the Temanite, Aly wrath 
 is kindled against thee, and against thy 
 two friends: for ye have not spoken of me 
 tlie thing that is right, as my servant Job 
 hath. 
 
 8 Therefore take unto yon now ^ seven 
 bullocks and seven rams, and '' go to my 
 servant Job, and ofi:er up for yourselves a 
 bmnt oliiering; and my servant Job shall 
 pray « for you; for 2 him will 1 accept; lest 
 I deal with you after your folly, in that ye 
 have not spoken of me tlie thmg whick is 
 right, like my servant Job. 
 
 y U 8o Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad 
 the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite 
 went and did according as the Lokd com- 
 manded them: the LofiD also accepted 
 a Job. 
 
 10 And the Loed turned the captinty of 
 Job, when he prayed for his friends: also 
 the Lord * ga^■e Job > twice as much as he 
 had Ijefore. 
 
 11 Then came there unto him * all hia 
 brethren, and all his sisters, and all they 
 that had been of his acquaintance before, 
 and did eat bread with nun in his house: 
 and they bemoaned him, and comforted 
 him over all the evil that the Lord had 
 brought upon him: every man also gave 
 him a piece of money, and every one an 
 earring of gold. 
 
 12 So the Lord blessed * the latter end 
 of Job more than his beginning; for he had 
 fourteen "' thousand sheep, and six thou- 
 sand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, 
 and a thousand she-asses. 
 
 13 He had also seven sons and three 
 daughters. 
 
 li And he called the name of the first, 
 Jemima ; and the name of the second, 
 Kezia; and the name of the thiid, Keren- 
 happuch. 
 
 15 And in all the land were no women 
 found so fair as the daughters of Job: and 
 their father gave them inheritance among 
 their brethren. 
 
 16 After this " lived Job an hundred and 
 forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' 
 sons, even four generations. 
 
 17 So Job died, being old,and<'J[ull of days. 
 
 THE 
 
 BOOK OF PSALMS, 
 
 PSALM L 
 
 Mappintst of the godly. 4 Misery of tht im- 
 
 godly- 
 
 TJLESSED '^is the man thatwalketh not 
 •*^ in the counsel of the i ungodly, nor 
 Btandeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth 
 in the seat of the scornful: 
 
 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord • 
 and in his law doth he meditate day and 
 night. 
 
 3 And he shall be like a tree plant^'d by 
 the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his 
 fruit in his season ; his leaf also shall not 
 2 wither; and whatsoever he doeth ' shall 
 prosper. 
 
 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the 
 chat!' which the wind driveth away. 
 
 5 Therefore the migodly shall uut stand 
 
 PSALM 1, 
 a Pro. 4. 14. 
 
 1 Or, wicked. 
 
 2 fade. 
 
 b Gen. 39. 8. 
 Job 22. 21. 
 
 1 Tim. 4. 8. 
 c John 10. 14. 
 
 2 Tim.a.l9, 
 
 PSALM 2. 
 
 1 Or, tumul- 
 tuously 
 aasemblo. 
 
 2 meditate. 
 a Ps. 45. 7. 
 
 John 1. 41. 
 b Lu. 19 14. 
 c P». 11. 4. 
 
 in the judgment, nor sinners in the con- 
 gregation of the righteous. 
 6 For * the Lord knoweth the wav of the 
 righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall 
 perish. 
 
 PSALM IL 
 
 1 Kingdom of Christ: lu kings and judges ee- 
 
 iwrted to accept of it. 
 
 "VyHY do the heathen i rage, and the 
 ' ' people 2 imagine a vain thing? 
 
 2 The kings of the earth set themselve3,and 
 the nilers take counsel together.against the 
 Lord, and agamst his " Anointed, saying, 
 
 3 Let * us break their bands asunder', and 
 cast away their cords from us. 
 
 4 He " that sitteth in liie heavens shall 
 laugh: the Lord shall have them in de. 
 lisioQ. 
 
Leviathan Described. 
 
 JOB, XLll. 
 
 JoVs Penitent 'Reply, 
 
 has seventeen such rows, shnt up— Firmly 
 eioseil togetlier. A musket ball cannot pe- 
 netrate him, save in the eye, throat, and 
 beliy. 18. JVausi., "his sneezing causeth a 
 light to shine," Amphibious animals, emerg- 
 irg after having long held their breath under 
 water, respii-e by violently expelling the 
 breath like one sneezing : in the effort the 
 eyes which are usually direc ed towards the 
 sun, seem to flash tire : or it is the exielled 
 breath that, in the sun, seems to emit light, 
 eyelids ot morning— The Egyptian hierogly- 
 pnics paint the t.yes of the crocodile as the 
 symbol lor morning, because the eyes ap- 
 pear the first thing, before the whole body 
 enierLos from the deep. iHoR. >iierog., 1. 
 65. JJo.j 19. burning lamps— Torches, viz., 
 in res iring {v. 18,) seem to go out. 20. seech- 
 irjg- ii<>]ling : lit., blowrt under, under which 
 a tire is blown. 21. kindlcth coals— Foe Ileal 
 imagery iPs. 18. 8.). 22. remaine in— Abide th 
 permanently. His chief strength is in the 
 neck, sorrow— Anxiety or dismay personi- 
 fied, is turned into joy— Rather, danceth, 
 exidtefh ; wheTQvev hegoes, he spreads terror 
 ** before him." 23. flakes— Rather, dewlaps. 
 That which falls down (Marg.). They are 
 •■joined" fast and firm, together, not Jiang- 
 ing. loose, as in the ox. are firm— Umbk. 
 and Maur. "Are spread." In themselves— 
 Rather, upon him. 24. hearc — Bo., "In 
 large beasts which are less acute in feeling, 
 there is great tirmness of the heart, and 
 Blower motion." [Bo.] The nether mill- 
 stone, on which the upper tut iis, is especi- 
 ally hard. 25. he— The crocodile : a type of 
 the awe which the Creator inspires, when 
 frle rises in wrath, breakings — viz., of the 
 
 Siind, i.e., terror, purify tnemselves — Rather, 
 ley wander from me way, i.e., flee away be- 
 wildered. [Maur. & LTmbr.] 26. cannot hold 
 —On his hard skin. habergeo:i — Coat of 
 mail : avail must be taken by Zeugma out 
 of "hold," as the verb in the second clause : 
 " hold" cannot apply to the " coat of mail." 
 27. iron . . . brass— viz., weapons. 28. arrow 
 —Lit., son of tlie how; Oriental imagery, 
 (Lam. 3. 13; Marg.) stubble— Arrows pro- 
 du(-e no more eflect. than it would to throw 
 stubble at him. 29. dans— Rather, clubs; 
 darts have been already mentioned. 30. 
 stones— Rather, potsherds, i.e., the sharp and 
 pointed scales on the belly, like broken 
 pieces of pottery, sharp-pointed tilings — 
 Rather, a threshing instr^lment, but not on 
 the fruits of the earth, bttt "on the wire;" 
 irony. When he lies ou the mire, he leaves 
 the marks of his scales so imprinted on it, 
 that one might fancy a thi-eshing instr\iment 
 with its sharp teeth had been drawn over it 
 (Isa. 2S. 27.!. 31. Whenever he moves, sea— 
 The .Viie Isa. 19. 5; Nah. 3. 8.) pot of oint- 
 ment—The ves^sel in which it is mixed. Ap- 
 propriate to the crocodile, which emits a 
 musky smell. 32. path— Tlie foam on his 
 tr,';ck. ho iry- As hair of the aged. 33. who 
 —Being one who, &c. 34. benoldeth — As 
 their superior, children of pride— The proud 
 and lierce Ijeasts. So ch. 28. 8; Heb., sons of 
 pride. To htimble the pride of man, and 
 to teach, implicit submission, is the aim of 
 Jehovali's siieech, and of the book : therefore 
 wuh tliis as to leviathan, the type of God in 
 His Lordship over creation, he closes. 
 CHAPTER XLII. 
 Vev. 1-fi, .loB's Penitent Reply. 2. 
 In the first claase lie owns God to be om- 
 
 nipotent over nature, as contrasted with his 
 own feebleness, which God had proveel ;ch. 
 40, 15; 41. 34, ; in the second, tliat God is .su- 
 premely just, (Which, in order to be governor 
 of the world. He must needs be,) in aU His 
 I dealings, as contrasted with his own viieiiesa 
 I (v. ti,), and incompetence to deal with the 
 : wicked as ajust judge fell. 40. 8-14.). thought— 
 \ Purpose, as m ch. i7. 11; but it is u-ually 
 : applied to evil devisrs (ch. 21. 27; Ps. lO. 2,j: 
 1 the ambiguous word is designedly cho.5en to 
 I express, that, whilst to Joli's hnite view, 
 God's plans seem bad, to the All-wise One, 
 jthey cominue unhindered in their develop- 
 I rnent, and will at last be seen to be as good 
 las they are infinitely wise. No evil can 
 1 emanate Irom the Parent of good (Ja. 1. 1.3, 
 1 17,; but it is His prerogative to overrule 
 I evil to good. 3. 1 am the man! Job in God's 
 ' own words (ch. 38. 2,1, expresses his deep and 
 i humble penitence. God's word concerning 
 jour guilt should be engraven on our hearts 
 and form the ground-work of our confession. 
 Most men in confessing sin pall ate, rather 
 than contess. Job in omitting " by words" 
 I (ch. 38. 2,), goes even further than God's 
 {accusation. JN'ot merely my words, but my 
 ' whole thoughts and ways ^vere " without 
 knowledge." too wonderful— I rashly denied 
 that thou hast any fixed plan in t;overning 
 human afiairs, merely because thy plan was 
 " too wonderful" for my comprehension. 4. 
 When I said, "Hear, &c., Job's demand 
 (ch. 13. 22, , convicted him of being "without 
 knowledge." God alone could speak thus to 
 Job, not Job to God: therefore he quotes 
 again God's words as the ground-work of 
 retracting his own foolish words. 5. hearing 
 of ear— iPs. 18. 44, Marg.). Hearing and 
 Seeing are often in antithesis (ch. 29. 11; Ps. 
 1 48. 8.). seeth- not God's face (Ex. 33. 20,). 
 but his presence in the veil of a dark cloud 
 (ch. 38. 1.). Job implies also th.at. bes des 
 this literal seeing, he now saw spiritually 
 what he had indistinctly taken on hearsay 
 before God's infinite wisdom. Pie "now 
 proves this ; he had seen in a literal sense 
 before, at the beginning of God's speech, but 
 he had not seen spiritually till " now" at its 
 close. 6. myself — Rather, "I abhor," and 
 retract the rash speeches I made against 
 thee, V. 3, 4. [Umbr.J 
 
 7-17. Epilogue, in prose. 7. to Eliph^z— 
 Because he was the foremost of the three 
 friends: their speeches were but tlie tci^'": of 
 his. right — L>i., weU -grounded, sure riid 
 true. Their spirit towards Job was unkindly, 
 and to justify themselves in their unkindii- 
 ness they used false arguments (ch. 13. 7,j, 
 (viz., that calamities always prove pecidiar 
 guiitj ; therefore, though it was "for God," 
 they spake thus faPely. God " reproves " 
 them, as Job said He would (cli. 13. 10.). 
 like Job— Job had spoken ri.htly in relation 
 to them and their argument, denying tlieir 
 theory, and the iaci whicli tiiey a leged, that 
 he was peculiarly guilty and a h.vpocrite; but 
 wrouifly in relation to God, when he fell into 
 the opposite extreme of almost denying all 
 gudt. lliis extreme he has now repented of, 
 and there ore God speaks of him .-is now 
 aUo.c;etlier "richt." 8. s-^ven- See Intrfid.). 
 The number offered by the (^'entile prorliet 
 (Num. 23. 1,'. Job plainly lived before the 
 leu'al iirie>thood, (fee. The patiiarchs acted 
 as priests for their families; and sometimes 
 as praying media.tor3 (Gen. 20. 17,/, thus 
 -3D 
 
God Blesseth Job. ___^__„ JOB, XLTL Job's Age andDeath.^ 
 
 foreshadowing; the true Mediator (1 Tim. 2. ; kashat, "pure," viz., metal. The term, in- 
 6,, l)Ut saciitice accompanies, and is the stead of the usual " shekel," &c., is a mark 
 ground-work, on which the mediation rests, of antiquity, ring— whether for the nose or 
 him — Rither, "His person (face; only" ear (Gen. 3.5. 4; Isa. 3. 21.). Much of the gold 
 (Note -^2. 30.). The "person" must be first in the E., in the absence of banks, is in the 
 accepted, before (iod can accept liis offering shape of ornaments. 12. Probably by de- 
 andwork((ien. 4.4,) :ttat can be only through i grees, not all at once. 13. The same num- 
 Jesus Christ, foiiv— Impiety (ch. 1. 22 ; 2. ber as before ; perhaps by a second wife : in 
 10. . 9. The forgivinjj spirit of Job foresha- ch. 19. 17, his wife is last mentioned. 14. 
 dows the love of Jesus Christ and of Chris- : Names significant of his restored prosperity 
 tiai s to enemies .Mat. 5. 44 ; Luke. 23. 34 ; (Gen. 4. 25; 5. 29.;. Jemima, daidight, atter 
 Acts 7. CO; 16. 24, 28, .0, 31.). 10. turued ... his "night" of calamity: but Maur., " a 
 car. tivity— Proverbial for rentored, or amvlv dove." Kezia, cassia, an aromatic herb 
 indemnified Mm for ail he had lost [Ez. 16. (Ps. 45. 8 : instead of his offensive breath 
 53: I's. 14. 7; Hos. 6. 11.1. Thus the future and ulcers. Keren- happuch. "horn of sti- 
 vindication of man, body and soul, against hium" a paint with which feiuales dyed their 
 Satan (ch. 1. 9-i2,), at the resurrection (ch. eye-lids ; in contrast to his "horn defiled in 
 19. 2.J-27,), has its earnest and adumbration the dust" (ch. 16. 15.). The names also imply 
 in the temporal vindication of Job at last the beauty of his daughters. 15. inherit nee 
 bv Jehovah in person. ti;rice— So to tlie among .. . bretlueii— An unusual favour in 
 affdcted literal and spiritual Jerusalem (Isa. the E. to daughters, who, in the Jewish law, 
 40. 2 ; 60. 7 ; 61. 7 ; Zech. 9. 12.'. As in Job's only tnlierited, if there were no sons Num. 
 case, so in that of J esus Christ, the glorious 27. 8. >, a irroof of wealth and unanimity. 16. 
 recouipence follows the "intercession" for LXX. make Job live 170 years after his 
 enemies (Is. 53. 12.). 11. It was .lob's com- calamity, and 240 in all. This would make 
 plaujt in his misei-y that his "brethren," &c., him seventy at the time of his calanuty, 
 were "estranged"from him (ch. 19. 13,*: these which added to 140 in Hch. text make up 
 now return with the return of his prosperity 210 ; little more than the age 20.i) of 'lerah, 
 (Pro. 14. vO; 19. 8,7,: the true friend loveth at father of Ahraham, perhaps his contempor- 
 all times iPro. 17. 17; 18. 24.). "Swallow- ary. Man's length of life gradually shortened 
 friends leave in the winter and return with till it reached three score and ten in Moses' 
 the spring." [Hexry.] eat bread— in token time (Ps. 90.10. . 16. sous' sous— A proof of I)i- 
 of irier.dsliip (^'s. 41. 9."-. piece of m ney— vine favour (Gen. 50. 23; Ps. 128. 6; Prov. 17. 
 P.'-eseiits are usual in visiting a man of rank 6.). 17. full of inys—Fuliij saled and con- 
 in the E. especially after a calamity 2Chron. te^ited with all the happiness that lite could 
 32 23.. Hch., Keslta. Magee transL, a five him: Eealizing what tliphaz liad 
 knnh, (the medium of exchange then, before painted as the lot of the godly (ch. 6. -iO; 
 muneywasused,iasitisinJliarer. of Gen. 3.3. Ps. 9i. 16; Gen. 2.5. 8; 35. 29.;. LXX. add.s, 
 i;»; Josh. 24. :;2. P.ut it is fro;!i the Arabic "It is written, that he wdl rise again with 
 ilTasai, "weighed out," [X^MBR. J not coined; those whom the Lord will raise up." Cf. 
 EoGen.42.35;;i3.19;cf.withGen 23.1.5,makes Mat. 27. 52, £3, from which it perhaps was 
 it likely it was equal to foiu- shekels : Heb. derived spuriously. 
 
 THE BOOK OF PSALMS. 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 THE Hebrew title of this looJc is [Teliilim] Praises or iTyrnva. for a leading feature in its contents 
 18 praise, though the word occurs iu the title ut onlj oiie Psalm (145). The Greek title (in the 
 Septu::t;im. a nanslation made SCO years lefore Cliiist,) is Psalmoi, whence our word Fsalms. This 
 conesp'juds to the Hebrew word J/uwior,liy whieh sixty-five Fi-aJmsare desiguatediatiieir inscrip- 
 tions, and which the iSyriac, a language like the Kel rew, uses for the whole book. It means, as 
 does also the Greek name, an ode, or Koup, whose ringing is accompanied by an instrument, parti- 
 culai iy i.lio harp, cf. 1 Chr. 16. 4-8; 2 Chr. 5. V2, 13, To bome I'salms, the Hebrew word ifhir^ a Sony, 
 is pietixf d. Paul seems to allude to all these terms in Eph. 5. 19, " singing . . . iu J'salvis, Uymt.a, 
 and Spiritual Songs." 
 
 Ti'l'J-ES.— To more than a hundred Psalms are prefixed inscriptions, which give one or more, 
 (and in one case, 60th, all) of the,?e particulars: the direction to the Musician, the name of the 
 aiuiior. or the instrument, the style of the music or of the poetry, the suiiject or occasion. The 
 atuhoriiyof these inscriptions has been disputed by some writers. They say that the earliest 
 trntishitois, as the Ureek and Syriac, evince a disregard for their authorit.s', l>y variations from a 
 proper iranslatiou of some, altering others, and, in several instances, supplying titles to Psalms which, 
 in Hebrew, had none. It is also alleged, that the subject ot a Psalai, as given in the title, iu often 
 ino lnsi^tent with its contents. Ilut tliose translators have also varied from a right translation or 
 mnny passages in the Bible, which ail agree to lie of good authority: and the aliei,'ed iucunsistency 
 may besliown>on more accurate mvestiHatiou. not to exist. The admitted antiquity of these in- 
 scriptions, on the other hand, and even their obscurity, raise a proumption in tlieir favour, while 
 such pre.f:i''fs ♦o a composition accord witli the u.'^ages of that age and part of the world, cf. Is. :^8 9. 
 ■' The Chief MvMciaii" was the Superintendent of the Music, cf. 1 Chr. 15. 21, Marg. To pieftxed to 
 this, n'.e:uis,j3ertami'n// Join his oflicial character. This inscription is found in 53 I'sulnis, and is 
 attached to ilai'akkukV prayer. Ha. 3. The 8:ime Hebrew preposition is prefixed to the name ot the 
 author, and translated o/", "as a Psalm of David," "o/ Asaph," etc., except tiiat to "the snns of 
 Korah;" it is trd!:flated Voi", which is evidently wrong, as the usual direction " to ««■■ ciiief Miis.i:lan" 
 :> L'ivcn, and no other authorsfir intimated. ( n the apparent exception to this la>t :en. ink, see 
 following page, and Psalm 8;^, titla. The explauaiious of other particuluxs iu the titles wUl be 
 giveu as tue> ocuuc. 
 
 380 [1] 
 
INTRODUCTION-PSALMS. 
 
 AUTHORS.— This book is usually called "The Psalms of David," he being the 011I3' author 
 mentioned in the N. T., Lu. 20. 42, and his name appearing in more titles than that of any other 
 writer. Besides about one-half of the Psalms in which it thus appears, the 2nd and 9oth are 
 ascribed to him, Acts i. 25, ani Heb. 4. 7. He was probably the author of many others which ap- 
 pear without a name. He used^reat efforts to beautify the 'worship of the Sanctuary. Among the 
 268 Levites he appointed for singing and performing instrumental Music, we find mentioned the 
 "sons of Korah," 1 Chr. 9, 19; including Heman, 1 Chr. 6. 33-38; and also Asaph, 39-44; and Ethan, 
 15-19. God was doubtless pleased to endow these men with the inspiration of His Spirit, so thai 
 they used those poetic talents, which their connexion with the kindred art of Music had led them 
 to cultivate, in the production of compositions like those of their King and patron. To Asaph are 
 ascribed twelve Psalms; to the sons of Korah, eleven, including the 88th, which is also ascribed to 
 Hemau, that being the only instance in which the name of the "son" (or descendant) is mentioned; 
 and to Ethan, one. Solomon's name appears before the 72nd and 127th; and that of Moses before 
 the 90th. Special questions respecting authorship will be explained as they arise. 
 
 CONTENTS. — As the book contains 150 independent compositions, it is not susceptible of any 
 logical analysis. The Jews having divided it iuto five books, corresponding to the Five Books of 
 Moses, (1st, 1-42; 2nd, 43-72; 3rd, 73-89; 4th, 90-106; 5th, 107-150,) many attempts have been made 
 to discover, in this division, some critical or practical value, but in vain. Sundry efforts have been 
 made to classify the Psalms by subject. That of "Angus's Bible Hand-Book" is perhaps the most 
 useful, and is appended. 
 
 Still the Psalms have a form and character peculiar to themselves: and with individual diversi- 
 ties of style and subject, they all assimilate to that form, and together constitute a consistent 
 system of moral truth. They are all poetical, and of that peculiar parallelism (Intro, to Poetical 
 Books) which distinguished Hebrew Poetry. They are all lyrical, or songs adapted to Musical instru- 
 ments, and all religious lyrics, or such as were designed to be used in the Sanctuary worship. 
 
 The distinguishing feature of the Psalms is their devotional character. Whether their matter 
 be didactic, historical, prophetical, or practical, it is made the ground or subject of prayer, or praise, 
 or both. The doctrines of theology and precepts of pure morality are here Inculcated. God's na- 
 ture, attributes, perfections, and works of creation, providence and grace, are unfolded. In the 
 sublimest conceptions of the most exalted verse, His glorious supremacy over the principalities of 
 Heaven, Earth, and Hell, and His holy, wise, and powerful control of all material and immaterial 
 agencies, are celebrated. The great covenant of grace resting on the fundamental promise of a Re- 
 deemer, both alike the provisions of God's exhaustless mercy, is set forth in respect of the doctrines 
 of Regeneration by the Spirit, Forgiveness of sins, Repentance toward God, and Faith toward 
 Jesus Christ, while its glorious results, involving the Salvation of men from " the ends of the earth," 
 are proclaimed in believing, prophetic prayer and thankful praise. The personal history of the 
 authors, and especially David's, in its spiritual aspects, is that of God's people generallv. Chris- 
 tian biography Is edifying, only as it is truth illustrated in experience, such as God's Word and 
 Spirit produce. It may be factitious in origin and of doubtful authenticity. But here the experi- 
 ence of the truly pious is detailed, under Divine influence, and " in words which the Holy Ghost" 
 taught. The whole inner life of the pious man is laid open, and Christians of all ages have here 
 the temptations, conflicts, perplexities, doubts, fears, penitent moanings, and overwhelming griefs 
 on the one hand, and the joy and hope of pardoning mercy, the victory over the seductions of false- 
 hearted flatterers, and deliverance from the power of Satan on the other, with which to compare 
 their own spiritual exercises. Here, too, are the fruits of that sovereign mercy, so often sought in 
 earnest prayer, and when found, so often sung in rapturous joy, exhibited by patience in adversity, 
 moderation in prosperity, zeal for God's glory, love for man, justice to the oppressed, holy contempt 
 for the proud, magnanimity towards enemies, faithfulness towards friends, delight in the prosperity 
 of Zion, and believing prayer for her enlargement and perpetuity. 
 
 The historical summaries of the Psalms are richly instructive. God's choice of the patriarchs, 
 the sufferings of the Israelites in Egypt, their exodus, temptations of God, rebellions and calamities 
 in the Wilderness, settlement in Canaan, backslidings and reformations, furnish illu.strations of 
 God's providential government of His people, individually and collectively, tending to exalt His 
 adora-blo grace and abase human pride. But the promises and prophecies connected with these 
 summaries, and elsewhere presented In the Psalms, have a far wider reach, exhibiting the relations 
 of the book to the great theme of promise and prophecy. 
 
 THE MESSIAH AND HIS KINGDOM.— David was God's chosen servant to rule His 
 people, as the Head, at once, of the State and the Church, the lineal ancestor "according to the 
 flesh," of His adorable Son, and His type, in His official relations, both in suffering and in triumph. 
 Generally, David's trials by the ungodly depicted the trials of Christ, and his final success the 
 success of Christ's kingdom. Typically, he uses language describing his feelings, which only finds 
 its full meaning in the feelings of Christ. As such it is quoted and applied in the N. T. And far- 
 ther, in view of the great promise (2 Sam. 7) to him and his seed, to which such frequent reference 
 is made in the Psalms, David was Inspired to know, that though his earthly kingdom should perish, 
 his spiritual would ever endure, in the power, beneficence, and glory of Christ's. In repeating and 
 amplifying that promise, he speaks not only as a type, but "being a prophet, and knowing that God 
 had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise 
 np Christ to sit on his throne," he " foretold the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should fol- 
 low. His incarnation, humiliating sorrows, persecution, and cruel death are di.sclosed in the plaint- 
 ive cries of a despairing sufferer; and his resurrection and ascension, his eternal priesthood, his 
 roj'al dignity, his prophetical office, the purchase and bestowal of the gifts of the Spirit, the con- 
 version of the nations, the establishment, increase, and perpetuity of the Church, the end of time, 
 and the blessedness of the righteous, who acknowledge, and the ruin of the wicked, who reject, this 
 King in Zion, are predicted in the language of assured confidence and joy." While these great 
 themes have supplied the people of God with a popular theology and a guidein religious experience 
 and Christian morality, clothed in the language of devotion, they have provided an inspired liturgy 
 in which the pious, of all creeds and sects, have, for nearly three thousand years, poured out their 
 prayers and praises. The pious Jew, before the coming of Christ, mourned over the adversity, or 
 celebrated the future glories, of Zion, in the words of her ancient king. Our Saviour, with his dis- 
 ciples, sung one of these hymns on the night on which he was betrayed : he took from one the 
 words in which he uttered the dreadful sorrows of his soul, and died with those of another on his 
 lips. Paul and Silas in the dungeon, primitive Christians in their covert places of worship, or the 
 costly churches of a later day, and the scattered and feeble Christian flocks ia the prevalence of 
 380 [2] 
 
The Messiah's Tcingdom. 
 
 PSALMS IIl-VI. 
 
 David's complaint in sickness. 
 
 5 Then shall he speak unto them in his 
 wrath, and 3 vex them in his sore displea- 
 sure. 
 
 6 Yet have I <set my King ^upon my 
 holy hill of Zion. 
 
 7 I will declare 6 the decree: the Lord 
 hath said unto me, <* Thou art my Son ; this 
 day have I begotten thee. 
 
 8 Ask eof me, and I shall give tJiee the 
 heathen for thine inheritance, and the 
 uttermost parts of the earth /or thy pos- 
 session. 
 
 9 Thou /shalt break them with a rod of 
 iron ; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a 
 potter's vessel. 
 
 10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings ; be 
 instructed, ye judges of the earth. 
 
 11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice 
 with trembling. 
 
 12 Kiss (/the Son, lest he be angry, and 
 ye perish from the way, when his wrath is 
 kindled but a little. Blessed are all thej' 
 that put their trust in him. 
 
 PSALM III. 
 
 Security of God's protection, 
 
 A Psalm of Cavid, when he fled from Absalom 
 
 his son. 
 T ORD, a how are they increased that 
 -^ trouble me? many are they that rise 
 up against me. 
 
 2 Many there he which say of my soul, 
 TAere 6 w no help for him in God. Selah. 
 
 3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield > for me; 
 my glory, and cthe lifter up of mine head. 
 
 4 I cried unto the Lord with my voice, 
 and he heard me out of his holy hill. 
 Selah. 
 
 5 I f' laid me down and slept ; I awaked ; 
 for the Lord sustained me. 
 
 6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of 
 people that have set theniseloes against me 
 round about. 
 
 7 Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: 
 for thou hast smitten all mine enemies 
 upon the cheek-bone ; thou hast broken the 
 teeth of the ungodly. 
 
 8 Salvation « helongeth unto the Lord : 
 thy blessing is upon thy people. - Selah. 
 
 PSALM IV. 
 1 David prays for audience: 2 he reproves and 
 
 exhorts his enemies. 6 Man's happiness in 
 
 God's favour. 
 To the 1 chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm 
 
 of David. 
 TTEAR me when I call, O God of my 
 -»--'• righteousness : thou hast enlarged me 
 wActj i ?p«s in distress ; ^have mercy upon 
 me, and hear my prayer. 
 
 2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn 
 my glory into shame? hmc long yfiW ye love 
 vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah. 
 
 3 But know that a the Lord hath set 
 apart him that is godly for himself: the 
 Lord will hear when I call unto him. 
 
 4 Stand 6 in awe, and sin not: commune 
 with your own heart upon your bed, and 
 be stiil. Selah. 
 
 5 Offer cthe sacrifices of righteousness, 
 and ('put your trust in the Lord. 
 
 6 There be many that say. Who will show 
 us any good ? eLoRD, lift thou up the light 
 of thy countenance upon us. 
 
 7 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, 
 more than in the time that their corn and 
 their wine increased. 
 
 8 I will both lay me down in peace, and 
 Bleep: /for thou, Lord, only makest me 
 dwell in safety. 
 
 PSALM 2. 
 Or, trouble 
 
 4 anointed, 
 upon Zion, 
 the hill of 
 mj holi- 
 ness. 
 
 6 Or, for a 
 decree. 
 
 d Acts 13.33. 
 Dan. 7. 13. 
 John 17.4. 
 Johnl9.15. 
 
 /Kev. 12. 
 
 g Joh 
 
 .5.23. 
 
 PSALM 3. 
 a 2 Sam. 15. 
 12. 
 
 2 Sa. 16. 1. 
 
 Or, about. 
 
 Pb. 27. 6. 
 
 d Lev. 26. 6. 
 
 0. 3. 24. 
 
 i. 13. 4. 
 
 PSALM 4. 
 1 Or, over- 
 
 gracious 
 unto me. 
 a 2 Tim. 2. 
 19. 
 
 2 Pet. 2. 9. 
 Eph. 4. 26. 
 Deu. 33. 19. 
 
 PSALM 5. 
 
 a Vs. 30. 5. 
 
 6 Jer.41.4. 
 
 H.ib. 1. 13 
 
 before 
 
 PSALM V. 
 1 David prays,and professes constancy in pray- 
 er, i God favours not the wiched. 1 David 
 prays unto God to guide him, 10 to destroy 
 his enemies, 11 and to preserve the godly. 
 To the chief Musician Upon Nehiloth, A Psalm 
 
 of David. 
 (^IVE ear to my words, O Lord ; consider 
 ^-^ my meditation. 
 
 2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my 
 King, and my God: for unto thee will I 
 pray. 
 
 3 My a voice shalt thou hear in the morn- 
 ing, O Lord ; in the morning will I direct , 
 my prayer unto thee, and will look up. 
 
 4 For thou art not a God that b hath plea- 
 sure in wickedness; neither shall evil dwell 
 with thee. 
 
 5 The c foolish shall not stand ^in thy 
 sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. 
 
 6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak 
 leasing: the Lord will abhor ^the bloody 
 and deceitful man. 
 
 7 But as for me, I will come into thy house 
 in the multitude of thy merc.v ; aiid in thy 
 fear will I worship <i toward ^ thy holy 
 tgmple. 
 
 8 Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness 
 because of * mine enemies ; make thy way 
 straight before my face. 
 
 9 For there is no s faithfulness ^ in their 
 mouth ; their inward part is '' very wicked- 
 ness; their throat is an open sepulchre; 
 they flatter with their tongue. 
 
 10 8 Destroy thou them, O God ; let them 
 fall shy their own counsels; cast them out 
 in the multitude of their transgressions; for 
 they have rebelled against thee. 
 
 11 But let all those that put their trust in 
 thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, 
 l»cause '"tijou defendest them: let them 
 
 I also that love thy name be joyful in 
 
 thine eyes. I , , 
 
 .),„ n,»n r>f thee. 
 
 12 For thou. Lord, wilt bless the right- 
 eous : with favour wilt thou " compass him 
 as tcith a shield. 
 
 PSALM VI. 
 1 David's complaint in his sick7iess: 8 iy faith 
 
 he triumphs over his enemies. 
 To the chief Musiciau on Neginoth ' upon She- 
 
 mini;h, A Psalm of David. 
 r\ LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, 
 ^-^ neither chasten me in thy hot dis- 
 pleasure. 
 
 2 Have mercy upon me, O Lord ; for I am 
 weak : O Lord, « heal me ; for my bones are 
 vexed. 
 
 3 My soul is also sore vexed; hut thou, O 
 Lord, b how long ? 
 
 4 Return, O Lord, deliver my soul: oh 
 save me for thy mercies' sake ! 
 
 5 For « in death there is no remembrance 
 of thee : in the grave who shall give thee 
 thanks? 
 
 6 I am weary with ray groaning ; ^ all the 
 night make I my bed to swim; I water my 
 couch with my tears. 
 
 7 Mine eye is consumed because of grief; 
 it waxeth old because of all mine ene- 
 mies. 
 
 8 Depart from me, all ye workers of in- 
 iquity ; for the Lord hath heard the voice 
 of my weejiing. 
 
 9 The Lord rfhath heard my supplication; 
 '3. 90. 13. the Lord will receive my prayer. 
 
 " Or everv ^^ ^^^ ^'^ mine enemies be ashamed and 
 ' night sore vexed : let them return and be ashamed 
 
 (jp».6a.l9. suddenly. 
 
 2 the man of 
 
 blood and 
 
 deceit. 
 
 1 Ki. S. 29. 
 
 the temple 
 
 of thj 
 
 holiness. 
 4 those which 
 
 obseri-e 
 
 Or, sted- 
 fastness. 
 in his 
 mouth, 
 that is, in 
 the mouth 
 of any of 
 them. 
 
 7 wicked- 
 nesses. 
 
 8 Or, Make 
 them 
 guilty. 
 
 9 Or, from 
 
 counsels. 
 
 10 thou cov- 
 erest 
 over, or, 
 protectest 
 
Happiness of the Gadly. 
 
 PSALMS I. n. 
 
 The Messiah's Kingdom. 
 
 daikuess aud error through the middle ages, fed their faith and wanned their love with these con- 
 soling Fongs. Now, ihreughont the Cliristiau world, in untold forms of version, paiaplirase, and 
 imitation, by Papists aud Protestants, Prelatists aud Presbyterians— Independents, Baptists, Me- 
 thodises—men of all lands and all creeds, in public and private worship, God is still adored in the 
 seniiinents expre.-sed in these venerable Psalms. From the tone of sorrow aud suffering which 
 p<rvide their earlier portions, we are gradually borne on ami I alternate conflicts and trmmphs, 
 n ou uful complaints and awakening coutideuce; as we approach the close the tones of sorrow gn.w 
 feci.ier, and those of praise wax louder and stronger— till, in the exulting strains of the last I'salm, 
 the chorus of earth mingles with the Hallelujahs of the multitude which no man can number, in 
 the Sanctuary above. , , ^ ,. „ , 
 
 Angus's or Bickersteth's arrangement may be profitably used as a guide for finding a Psalm on a 
 special topic. It is a little modified, as follows:— 
 
 1 Didactic— (Tood and bad men, Ps. 1, 5, 7, 9-12, 14, 15, 37, 24, 25, 32, 34, 36, 37, 50, 52, 5:?, 58. 73, 
 75 84, 91,112, 94,112, 121, 125, 127, 128, 133.— Uod's Law, Ps. 19, 119.— Pluman life vain, Ps. 3U, 49, 
 9y'_l)iity ot Rulers, Ps. 82, 101.— 2. Praise. (1) For tiod's goodness generally to Israel, Ps 4ii, 48, 
 65' Gti 68, 76, 81, 85, 98, U'5, 124, 126, 129, 1;;5, 136, 149. (2) To Good Men, Ps. 23, 34, 36, 91, 100, 103, 107, 
 117 121 14.^), 14(i. (3) Mercies to Individuals, Ps. 9, 18, 22, 30, -40, 75, 103, 108, 116, 118, 138, 144. (4) 
 For His attributes generally, Ps. 8, 19, 24, 29, 33, 47, 50, 65, 66, 76, 77. 93, 9.>97, 99, 104, 111, 113 Hi, 
 134, 139, 147, 148. 1 0.— 3. Devotional— expression of (1) Penitence, Ps. 6, 25,32,38,51, 102, i3(i, 143; 
 i") Tru-t in trouble, Ps. 3, 16,27, 31, 54, 56, 57,61, 62.71, 86. (3) Sorrow with Hope, Ps. 13,22, 69,77, 
 88-(4) Of Deep Distress, Ps 4, 5, 11, £8, 41, 55, 59, 64, 70, 109, 120, 140, 141, 143— (5) Feelings when De- 
 prived of Religious Privileges, Ps. 42. 43, 63, 84. (6) Desire for Help, Ps. 7, 17, 26, 35, 44, 6ii, 74, 79, 80, 
 83 89 94, 102, 129, 137. (7) intercession. Ps. 20, 67, 1-2, 132, 144.-4. Historical, Ps. 78, 103, 106.-5. 
 Propi'ietical, Ps. 2, 16, 22. 40, 45, 68, 69, 72, 97, 110, 118. 
 
 ^'ote. — The compiler of the following notes has omitted all references to author-^ as needlessly en- 
 cumUeiing the commentary. He has had before him the works of Calvin, Scott, Poole, Ainsworth, 
 Cobbin, Geier. Vatablus, Tholuck, J. H. Michaelis, RosenmuUer, and Alexander. To the two 
 last named he has been particularly indebted for the pan.llel pass.iges. He has made a free use of 
 the views advanced by these author.«, and claims no credit for any thing in the work except the 
 conciseness united with fulness of exposition. Whoever attempts it will find it far easier to write 
 a long commentary than a brief one. 
 
 PSALM I. 
 
 Ver. 1-6. The character and condition, 
 and he preisent and future destiny of the 
 pious and the wicked, are described and 
 contrasted, teaching that true piety is the 
 source oi ultimate happiness, and sin, of 
 misery. As this is a summary of the teach- 
 ings 01 the whole book, this Psalm, whether 
 designedly so placed or not, forms a suitable 
 preiace. 
 
 1. Blessid— Jii., oh, the hapinnetses—an 
 exclamation of strong emotion, as if re- 
 sulting from refieiiing on the subject. The 
 use ol the plural may denote fulness and 
 variety (2 Chr. 9. 7.-. counsel . . . way . . . seat— 
 With their corresponding verbs, mark gra- 
 dations of evil, as acting on the principles, 
 cultivating the society, and permanently cim- 
 fonuing to the conduct of the ^^ icked, who 
 are described by three terms, of which the 
 lastisindicat've of the boldest impiety cf. 
 Ps. 26. 4, 5; Jer. 16. 17.). 2. law— all of God's 
 word then written, especially the books of 
 Mose.s cf. Ps. 119. 1, 55, 97, k.c.). 3. like a 
 tree— Jer. 17. 7, 8. planted— settled, fast, by 
 —or over, tue rivers- canals tor irrigation, 
 shall prosper- iii., make prosper, brings to 
 perfection. Ihe basis of this condition and 
 character is given Ps. 32. 1. 4. not so— either 
 as to conduct or hapiiness. like the chafE'— 
 which by eastern modes of winnowing 
 against the wind, was utterly blown away. 
 5. standinttiejudgment— be acquitted. They 
 shall be driven from among the good (M. 25. 
 45, 46.1. 6. kn vv-etli the wa^'— attends to and 
 provides for ihem (Ps. U 1. G; Pr. 12. 10; Ho. 13. 
 5). way of he wicked— all their plans will 
 end in disappointment and ruin (Ps. 37. 13; 
 141). 8; Prov. 4. 19.). 
 
 PSALM II. 
 
 Ver. !-12. The number and authorship 
 of this I'snlm are stated (Acts, 4. 25 ; 13. 33.-. 
 Th ugh the warlike events of David's 
 ri-i.h ir.ay have sug;.'ested its itnagery, the 
 tceues depicted, and the subjects presented 
 SSI 
 
 .can only find a fulfilment in the history 
 land character of Je>us Christ, to which, 
 as above cite.l and Heb. 1. 6; 5. 5, the 
 N.T. writers most distinctly testuy. in a 
 most animated and highly poetical style, the 
 writer, in " lourstanzas of three vtr.ses each," 
 sets iortli the inveterate and fiv.I_us. though 
 futile, hostility of men to Ood and His anoint- 
 ed, fxod's determination to carry out His i mr- 
 pose, that purpose as stated more fully by 
 His ^-'on, the establishment of the Media- 
 torial Kingdom, and the imminent danger 
 of all who resist, and the blessing of all 
 who welcome this mighty and triumphant 
 king. 
 
 1. Why do the heathen, &c. — Beholding, 
 in prophetic vision, the peoples and na- 
 tions, as if in a tumultuous assembly, 
 raging with a fury like the raying of the .=ea, 
 designing to resist God's government, the 
 writer breaks forth into an exclamation in 
 which are mingled surprise at their folly, 
 and indignation at their rebellion. heatLen 
 —nations genei-ally, not as opposed to Jews, 
 reiple— or, lit, peoples, or races of men. 2. 
 The kings and rulers lead on their subjects, 
 sec themselves- take a stand. tak=, counfei— 
 lit., sit together, denoting their deliberation. 
 anointeQ— /ft'6., Messiah; Gr., Chri-t .)o. 1. 
 41.). Anointing, as an emblem of the gifts of 
 the Holy Spirit, was conferred on Propliets, 
 Lsa. 61.1; Priests, Ex. 30. 30; and Kings, i Ki. 
 1. 39; 1 Sam. 10. 1; 16. 13. Hence this title 
 well suited Him who holds all these offices, 
 and was generally used by the Jews betore 
 His coming to denote Hun (Dan. 9. 20.). 
 While the iirophet has in view men's opposi- 
 tion generally, he here depicts it in its cul- 
 I minating aspect as seen in the events . t 
 I Christ's great trial. Pilate and Herod, and tlie 
 rulers of the Jews (Lu. 23. 1-25; M. •7. D, ^\ith 
 tlie furious mob are vividly pourtrayed. 3. 
 'J'he rebellious purposes of men are more dis- 
 tinctly announced by this representation of 
 1 their avowal in words, as well as actions. 
 
Thx MessiaKs Kingdom. ?SALMS m. TV. 
 
 bands and cords— denote the restraints of go- 
 vernment. 4. By a figure whose boldness is 
 only allowal'le to an inspired writer, Clod's 
 conduct and lan^iuage in view of this oppo- 
 sition are now related, he that sitteth in the 
 leavens— enthroned m quiet dignity cf. Ps. 
 2y. 10; Isa. 40. 22). shrli laugh— in supreiue 
 contempt : their vain rage excites His deri- 
 sion, lie is still the Lord, lit.. Sovereign, 
 though they rebel. 5. Then shall he speak— 
 His righteous indignation as well as con-' 
 tempt is roused. For God to speak is for 
 Him to act, ior what He resolves He will 
 do (Ps. 33. 9; ( ien. 1. 3.;. vex them— agitate or 
 terrify them iPs. 83. 15. . 6. The purpose here 
 declared, in its execution, involves their 
 ovei throw, yet— iii., and, in an adversative 
 sense. I have set— anointed, or Jiiinly placed, 
 with alhxsion in the Ueb., to "cas^tingan image 
 in a mould." Ihe sense is not materially 
 varied in either case, my king— appointed 
 by me and for me (Mum. 27. 18.). on niy holy 
 hill of Zion— Zion, selected by Uavid as the 
 abode of the ark, and the seat of God's visi- 
 ble residence, as 1 Ki. 8. 1,) also of David, 
 the-head of the Church and nation, and type 
 of Christ, was called holy, and the Church 
 itself came to be thus named (Ps. 9.11; 51. 
 is; 99. 2; Isa. S. 18; 18. 7, Arc). 7. The king 
 thus constituted declares the fundamental 
 law of Mis kingdom, in the avowal of His 
 Son-ship, a relation, involving His universal 
 dominion, tins day h^ve I begotten thee— 
 as 2 Sam. 7. 14 "he shall be my son," is a 
 solen.n recognition of this relation. The in- 
 terpretation of this passage to describe the 
 inauguration of Christ as Mediatorial King, 
 by no means impugns the Eternal tionshipof 
 His divine nature. In Acts, 13. 33. Paul's 
 quotation does not imply an application of 
 this passage to the resurrection ; for raised 
 up in V. 32 is used in the sense of Acts, 2. 30; 
 3. 22, &c., to denote bringing him into being 
 as a man : and not that of resurrection wMch 
 it has, only when, as in v. 34, allusion is 
 made to His death Eo. 1. 41, which says He 
 was declared as to His divine nature to be 
 the Son of God. by the resuiTection, only 
 teaches that ihat event manifested a truth 
 already exi>ting. A .similar recognition of 
 his Sonship is introduced Heb. 5. 5, by these 
 vords, and by others in M. 3. 17; 17. 5. 8. The 
 hopes of the rel els are thus overthrown, and 
 not only so, the kingdom they opposed is 
 destined to be co-extensive with the earth, 
 heathen— or nations (r. 1.). and me uttermost 
 P'rtsof theeartii— Ps. 22. 27, denote universal- 
 itv. 9. His enemies shall be subject to His 
 terrible power Job, 4. 9; 2 Th. 2. 8), as His 
 peoiile to liis grace fPs. 110. 2, 3.:. rod of iron 
 —denotes severity (Eev. 2. 27.'. a potter's 
 vevsei— when shivered cannot be mended, 
 which willdescrihe utter destruction. 10-12. 
 ting; . . . judges— for ruleis generally (Ps. 148. 
 n, who have been leaders in rebellion 
 should be examples of penitent submission, 
 and with fear for His terrible judgments, 
 mingled with trust in. His mercy, acknow- 
 ledge— kiss— the authority of the Son. perish 
 from the way— i.e., is suddenly and hopelessly, 
 kintiled but, a little— or in a little time, pit 
 their trust in him— or take refuge in Him (Ps. 
 5. n.'. Men still cherish opposition to Christ 
 in their hearts, and evince it in their lives. 
 Their ruin, without such trust is inevitable 
 (Heb. in. 29 , while their happiness in His 
 favour is equally sure. 
 
 381 [1] 
 
 Security ofGo^s Protedion. 
 
 PSALM in. 
 
 Ver. 1-8. For the historical occasion men- 
 tioned, cf. 2 Sam. chs. 15-17. David in the 
 midst of great distress, with fihal con- 
 fidence implores God's aid, and, anticipating 
 relief, offers praise. 
 
 1. Lcrd . . . increased — The extent of the 
 rebellion (2 Sam. chs. 15-13.) surprises and 
 grieves him. 2. say of my soul— i.e., of me (cf. 
 Ps. 25. 3. . Tliis use of soul is common, per- 
 haps it arose trom rei;arding the soul as 
 man's chief part, no iiCip . . . m God— rejected 
 by Hiir,. This is the bitterest reproach tor a 
 pious man, and denotes a spirit of malignant 
 triumph. Selah— This v>ord is of very ob- 
 scure meaning. It probably denotes rest or 
 paiise. both as to the music and singing, in- 
 tiraatin,' something emi hatic in the senti- 
 ment icf. Ps. 9. 16.). 3. But— lit., and Ps. 2. 
 6. . He repels the reproach by avowing his 
 continued trust, shield — a favourite and 
 often-used figure for protection, my glory- 
 its source. Jifter up of mine head — one who 
 raises me from despondency. 4. cried . . . 
 heard— Such has been my experience. The 
 last verb denotes a gracious heaving or 
 answering, out ot (or from) 1 is holy idll— 
 Zion (Ps. 2. 6), His visible earthly residence. 
 
 5. the Lord sustained me— lit., will sustain 
 me, as if his language or thought when he 
 laid doivn and the reason of his composure. 
 
 6. ten thousands of pe pie— or myriads, any 
 very great number cf. 2 Sam. 16. 18. . 7. 
 Arise, Lord— God is figuratively lepresented 
 as asleep to denote His apparent indiffer- 
 ence (Ps. 7. 6.1. The use of cheek-bone and 
 teeth represents his enemies as tierce, like 
 wild beasts ready to devour (Ps. i7. 2), and 
 smiting their cheek-bone 1 Ki. 22. 24,) de- 
 notes violence and insult, thou hast broken 
 —God took his part, utterly depriving the 
 enemy of power to in.iure. 8. An ascription 
 of praise to a delivering God, whose favour 
 is an efficient benefit. 
 
 PSALM rv^. 
 
 Ver. 1-8. On Neginoth, i.e.. Stringed In- 
 struments, as the kind of musical accom- 
 paniirent on other parts of title cf. Intr.). 
 The historical occasion was probably the 
 same as that of the foregoing. The writer, 
 praying for further relief, admonishes his 
 enemies of the vanity of attacking God's 
 servant, exhorts them to rei>entance, and 
 avo\^s his confidence and peace in God's 
 favour. 
 
 1. Hear— as Ps. 3.4. God my righteous- 
 ness — or my righteous God, as my holy 
 hill Ps. 2. 6,1 \Yho will act toward me on 
 righteous principles, thou has: enla'gtd— 
 expresses relief afforded in opposition to 
 distress, which is exiaressed by a word de- 
 noting straits or pressure. Past favour is a 
 ground or hope for future. 2. susof men- 
 Men of note or prom nence (cf. 2 Chr. 21. 9.'. 
 turn my glrry— or royal dignity, to shame— 
 or reproach, vanity— a foolish and hope- 
 less enterprise (Ps. 2. l.). lea sing— a lie. 3. 
 godly— an oiiject as well as subject of divine 
 favour (cf. Ps. 105. 14. 15.;. 4. stnnd in awe— 
 Eph. 4. 26, from Stpt. be angry. Both clauses 
 are qualified by jtoi. 6. Kot only repent, 
 but manifest penitence by sacrifices oi right- 
 eou.^ness or righteous sacrifices, <fcc. 6, 7. Con- 
 trasts true with vain ccnfidence. light of 
 countenace— figure for favour ;Ps. 81. 16; 44. 3; 
 Nu. G. 26. . corn and wine- /*7., nev corn and 
 wine, increased— an abimdant harvest giving 
 
Fray er in S ickness. P SALMS V— "VH. Profession of Innocency. 
 
 Rreat ioy (Isa. 9. 3.). 8. both lay me down, 1 17, 18; Isa. 38. 18.). There is no incredulity as 
 &c.— or, will lie down at once, and sleep i to a future state. Tlie contrast is between 
 in sure confidence and quiet repose (Ps. Ithis scene of life, and the grave or sheol, the 
 3. 6.). I unseen world of the dead, give . . . thanks— or, 
 
 PSALM V. I praise for mercies. 6. By a strong figure 
 
 Ver. 1-12. Upon Nehiloth—^ntes or wind the abundance as well as intensity of grief is 
 instruments. The writer begs to be heard, on depicted. 7. consuined— or, has lailed, deuot- 
 the ground of God's regard for His covenant ing general debility ;Ps. 13. 3; 38. 10.). wax- 
 people and true worshippers as contrasted eth old— or, dim. grief— mingled with indig- 
 with His holy hatred to the wicked. He prays nation. 8. 9. Assured of God's heaving, he 
 for Divine guidance, on account of his watch- suddenly defies his enemies by an address 
 ful.malignant.and deceitful enemies; and also indicating that he no longer fears tlieai; 10. 
 for their destruction, as being also God's ene- and knows they will be disappointed and m 
 niies. At the same time he expresses his their turn (cf . v. 3} be terror-stricken or con- 
 contidence that God will extend aid to His , founded. 
 people. PSALM VII. 
 
 1. meditation— moanings of that half-uttered ] Ver. 1-17. Shiggaion—a, plaintive song or 
 form, to wliich deep feeling gives rise— groan- elegy. Though ooscure in details, this title 
 ings, asEom. 8. 26, 27. 2. Hearken— incline 'the seems to intimate thai the occasion of this 
 ear, Ps. lO. i7) (cf.Ps. 61. 2)— give close atten- Psalm was some event in David's persecu- 
 tion, my cry— i.e., tor helpiPs. 61. 2; Jer. 8. tion by Saul. He prays for relief, because 
 19.). my King— thus by covenant relation in- j he is innocent, and God will be glorified in 
 terested in my cause. 3. aired— lit., set in his vindication. He thus passes to the cele- 
 order, as the shewbread was placed or set in bration of God's righteous government, in 
 order ; Ex. 40. 23.). 4. For, &c.— God only re- defending the upright and punishing the 
 gards sincere worshippers, evil— or the evU wicked, whose malignant devices will result 
 man. dwell— lodge, remain under protection, in their own ruin; and, confident of God's 
 6. frolisli- vain-glorious and insolent, ini- aid, closes with rejoicing, 
 qaity especially such as denotes a negation, 1, 2. Though many enemies set upon him, 
 or delect, i.e., of moral principle. 6. leasing one is singled oitt as prominent; and com- 
 — a lie. the Moody . . . man— iif., man oj pared to a wild beast tearing his prey to 
 biood- murderer. 7. But— as Ps. 2. 6,) lit, . pieces (cf. 1 Sam. 26. 19; 20. l; 'zx -23.1 3. if I 
 and. house— (1 Chr. 9. 23,) the tabernacle, have done this— i.e., the crime charged in the 
 temple— lit., palace, applied to God's resid- " words of Cush" (cf. 1 Sam. 24. 9.;. 4. If 
 ence, the Holy of Holies (1 Sam. 3. 3 ; 2 1 have injured my friend, yea, I have de- 
 Sam. 22. 7;); the inner part of the taber- livered.&c.—Tliis makes a good sen^e, but in- 
 nacle. toward — not in, the high priest terrupts the course of thought, and hence 
 alone was allowed to enter. 8. enemies— it is proposed to render— i/I/iaw ,swifec/.?n.V 
 lit., watchers (Ps. 27. 11), hence special need enemy— \n either case cf. l Sam. 24. 417; 3). 
 of guidance, in thy right eousness— an attri- 8. 11. 5. This is the consequence, if such has 
 bute implying faithfulness in promises as been his conduct, mine lionour— (cf. Ps. 3. 3; 
 well as thfeatenings. make thy way straight 4. 2,)— my personal and official dignity. 6. 
 —i.e., make the way of providence "plain. 9. God is invoked as if hitherto careless of 
 The wicked are not reliable, because by him (Ps. 3. 7; 9. 18.). rage— the most violent, 
 nature full of wickedness,oriii.,wicfced)ie.5«e.s, like a flood ri.sing over a river's banks, the 
 of every kind (Rom. 8, 7.). sepulchre— a dwell • judgment . . . commaiided— or ordained ; a just 
 ing- place of corruption, emitting moral decision. 7. compass thee— as those seeking 
 putridness. flatter— or make .smooth, their justice, return thou ou high — as.sume the 
 tongue— speaks deceitfully. 10. Destroy— or, judgment-seat, to be honoured as a just 
 condemn them to destruction as guilty. 11. Eulerbythem. 8. Thouuh not claiming in- 
 flefendest— (cf. Mara.), love thy name— thy nocence in general, he can confidently do so 
 manifested perfections (Ps. 9. 10.). 12. with in this case, and in demanding from the 
 favour— or acceptance, alluding to the favour Judge of all the earth a judgment, he vir- 
 sliown to an acceptable ofleriug and wor- tualiy asks acquittal. 9. the hearts and reins- 
 shipper (Lev. 7. IS; 19. 7.). shield— (cf. Ps. the affections and motives of men, or the 
 
 3. 3.). iseat of them (cf. Ps. 16. 7; 26. 2,); as we use 
 
 PSALM VI. : heart and bosom or breast. 10. defence— iii., 
 
 Ver. 1-10. On Ncghxoth (cf. Ps. 4.) upon' shield iPs. 5. 12.). 11. judgeth— as v.9>. ti.e 
 Sheminifh — the eiohtJi.—a,n instrument for wicked— though not expressed, is implied, for 
 the eigJtth /cei/— or, more pr(:)bably, the bass, they alone are left as objects of anger, 12, 13. 
 as it is contrasted with Alamoth (the treble, and here distinctly pointed out, though by 
 Ps. 43 ,) in 1 Chr. 16. 20, 21. In deep afflic- changing the person, a very common mode of 
 tion the Psalmist appeals to God's mercy l^r speech, one is selected as a representative of 
 relief from chastisement, which otherwise wicked men generally. The military figures 
 must destroy him, and thus disable him for are of obvious meaning, againsc the perse- 
 God's service. Sure of a gracious answer, he cutors — some render "for burning," but 
 triu'^phantly rebukes his foes. the former is the best sense. Arrows tor 
 
 1. He owns his ill desert in begging a relief burning would be appropriate in besieging 
 from chastisement. 2. I am weak— as a wilt- a town, not in warring against one man 
 ed plant :lsa. 24. 4.). my bories— the very or a company in owen fight. 14. The first 
 frame, are vexed— (Ps. 2. 5,)— shaken with clause expresses the general idea that wicked 
 fear. 3. how loug?— shall this be so (cf. Ps. men labour to do evil, the others carry out 
 79.5.:. fcu— or, a:id. thou— tne sentence is the figuie fully. 15, 16. 1 Sam. iS 17; 
 incomnlete as expressive of .stronu emotion. 31. 2. illustrates the statement whether al- 
 
 4. Rturii —i.e., to my relief— or, turn, as now luded to or not. These verses are expos lory 
 h.aving His face averted, for thy mercies' of v. 14, showing how the devices of the 
 sake— to illustrate thy mercy. 5. (Cf. Ps. 115. wicked end in disappointment, falsifying 
 
 381 I2l 
 
Datid prayeth agai7ist his enemies. PSALMS YIT-X. Ood praised for his judgments. 
 
 rSALM VI 1. 
 I David prays apainst the malicf of his enemies, 
 
 professii.g his tntwcence : iO by faith he sees his 
 
 defence, und derules their vain entei prises 
 "Shiggaion of David, which he sanf; unto the 
 
 liORD, 6 concerning the 1 words ot Cush the 
 
 Beiijamite. 
 Q LORD my God, in thee do I nut my 
 ^-^ trust : save me I'rom all them tnat per- 
 Becute me, and deliver me; 
 
 2 Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending 
 it iu pieces, while there is suoue to deliver. 
 
 3 Lord my God, * if I have done this ; it 
 there be iniquity in my hands; 
 
 4 If I have rewarded evil unto him that 
 was at peace with me; (yea, •'I have de- 
 livered Mm that without cause ia mine 
 enemy;) 
 
 5 Let the enemy persecute my soul, and 
 take it; yea, let him tread down my liie 
 upon the earth, and lay mine hououi' in the 
 dust. Selah. 
 
 6 Arise, O Lord, in thine anger, * lift up 
 thyself, because of the ra^e of mine ene- 
 mies; and awake for me to the judgment 
 that thou hast conynanded. 
 
 7 So shall the coni,Tegation of the people 
 compiiss thee about: for then: sakes there- 
 fare return thou on high. 
 
 8 The Lord shall judge the people: judge 
 me, Lord, accordmg to my righteousness, 
 and according to mine integiity Umi is in 
 me. 
 
 9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come 
 to an end; but establish the just: /lor the 
 righteous God trieth the heaiis and reins. 
 
 10 3 My defence is of God, which saveth 
 the upright in heart. 
 
 11 *God judgeth the righteous, and God 
 is angry with the tvicked ever\ day. 
 
 12 If he turn not. he will wlat his sword; 
 he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. 
 
 13 He hath also prepared for him the 
 instruments of death; he ordaineth his 
 an-ows against the persecutors. 
 
 li Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and 
 hath conceived mischief, and brought forth 
 falsehood. 
 
 15 5 He made a pit, and digged it, ^ and is 
 fallen into the ditch ichich he made. 
 
 16 His 'I mischief shall return upon his 
 own head.and liis violent dealing shall come 
 down upon his own pate. 
 
 17 I wUl praise the Lord according to his 
 righteousness; and will sing praise to the 
 name ot the Lord most high. 
 
 PSALM Vlil. 
 
 Ood's glory magni/ed by hif works, and by his 
 
 astonishing litve to man. 
 
 C) LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy 
 ^^ name m all the earth! who hast set thy 
 glorj' above the heavens. 
 
 2 Out * of the mouth of babes and suck- 
 lings hast thou 1 ordained streiigth because 
 of thine enemies, that thou mightest stUl 
 the " enemy and the avenger. 
 
 3 When I 'J consider thy heavens, the work 
 of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which 
 thou hast ordained : 
 
 4 What * is man, that thou art mindful of 
 him? and the sou of man, that thou visitest 
 him? 
 
 5 For thou hast made him a little lower 
 than the angels, and hast crowned him 
 with glory and hoi;oiu-. 
 
 6 Ihou / madest hini to have domiiuou 
 
 P8ALM 7. 
 a Hab 3. 1. 
 
 « Ps. 94 2. 
 /I Sa. 10 7. 
 
 Jer. n.20. 
 
 Rev. 2. 23. 
 
 3 My buckler 
 i« upon 
 God. 
 
 4 Or, God is 
 a riv'hteoui 
 judge. 
 
 5 He hath 
 diicged • 
 
 rSALM 8. 
 a Psalm 81. 
 
 title. 
 6 Mat. 11.25. 
 
 Mat. 21. 16. 
 
 1 Cor. 1. 
 
 1 founded. 
 
 c Ps. 44. IB. 
 d Ps 111.2. 
 e Job 7. 17. 
 
 Ps. 144. 3. 
 
 neb. 2. 6. 
 f Ciui. 1 20. 
 9 1 Cor. 15. 
 
 27. 
 
 Ileb. 2. 8. 
 
 2 Plucks and 
 oxen aU of 
 them. 
 
 h Ps. 35. 10. 
 
 PSALM 9. 
 1 tliou hast 
 
 a Deu. 9. 14. 
 
 Pro. 10. 7- 
 3 Or, The 
 
 deatruc- 
 
 petualend: 
 ami their 
 cities hast 
 
 6 Ps. 90. 2. 
 Heb. 1. U. 
 high 
 
 place 
 
 17.8. 
 
 6 Or, 
 
 aSlieted. 
 d Pb. 13. 6. 
 e Ex. 7. 5. 
 That is, 
 
 Meditation. 
 /Jobs. 13. 
 
 Pa. 50. 22. 
 Ps. 12. 6. 
 ft Ps. 72. 4. 
 
 Pro. 23.18. 
 
 Pio. 24.14. 
 i P>>alm 73. 
 
 over the works of thy hands; « thou haal 
 put all things under his feet: 
 
 7 '^ All sheep and osceu, yea, and the beasts 
 of the til Id; 
 
 8 Th-e fowl of the air, and the lish of the 
 sea, and icfiatsoever passeth through tiie 
 paths of the seas. 
 
 9 Lord our Lord, how >* excellent is thy 
 name in ail the earth! 
 
 PSALM IX. 
 I David pi-aises God for executing judgment on 
 his enethies: II he incites others to pruise him; 
 13 Me prays that he may have cause to praist 
 him. 
 To the chief Musician upon Muth-labben, A 
 
 TsaUw of David. 
 T WILL praise thee, O Lord, with my 
 •*- whol_f; heart; I will show forth all thy 
 man'eli*us works. 
 
 2 1 will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will 
 sing praise to thy name, O thou Most High. 
 
 3 When mine enemies are turned back, 
 they shall fall and perish at thy presence. 
 
 4 1; or 1 thou hast maintained my right and 
 my cause; thou satest in the thi'one judg- 
 ing 2 viglit. 
 
 5 Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou 
 hast desitroyed the wicked, thou hast "put 
 out their name for ever and ever. 
 
 G a o thou enemy, destructions are come to 
 a jiei-petual end; and thou hast destroyed 
 cities ; their memorial is perished wit L them. 
 
 7 I'ut * the Loud shall endure for ever: he 
 hath prepared his tlirone for judgment; 
 
 8 And he shall judge the world iu righ- 
 teousness, he shall minister judgment to 
 the people in uprightness. 
 
 y The Lord also will be * a refuge for the 
 o])piessed, a refuge in times of trouble. 
 
 10 And they that know '^ thy name will put 
 their tnist in thee: for thou. Lord, hast not 
 forsiiken them that seek thee. 
 
 11 Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth 
 in Zimi : declareaniong the people his doings. 
 
 12 When he niaketh inquisition for blood, 
 he reinembereth them: he forgetteth not 
 the cry of the » humlde. 
 
 13 Have mercy upon me, O Lord; con- 
 sider my trouble which I suffer of them 
 that hate me, thou that lillest me up Horn 
 the gates of death ; 
 
 14 Ih t I may show forth all thy praise 
 in the ^-aes of the daughter of Zion: I will 
 rejoice '^ in thy salvation. 
 
 15 The heathen are smik down in the pit 
 that they made: in the net which they hid 
 is then- t>wn foot taken. 
 
 16 The Lord is ' known by the judgment 
 which he execnteth: the wicked is snared 
 in the work of his own hands. 6 Higgaion. 
 S.lah. 
 
 17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, 
 and all the nations /that forget God. 
 
 18 For " the needy shall not alway be for- 
 gotten: the ''expectation of the poor shall 
 not perish for ever. 
 
 19 Arise, Lord; let not man prevail; 
 let the heathen be judged in thy sight. 
 
 20 Put 'them iu fear, 1.oki>; that the 
 nations may know themselves to be but 
 men. Selah. 
 
 PSALM X. 
 1 David ccmpluins to Ood of the outrage of tht 
 tvicked: VI he prays for reartss: \6 he projease* 
 his confidence. 
 
 ■W7HY standest thou afar olf. O Lord? 
 »'' why 
 
 ti'oubief 
 
 Lidest thou iliyselj' lu times of 
 
God's Love to Man. ■ 
 
 their expectations. 17. his riprhte-'iisuess— 
 ;i's. a. 8.). Thus illustrated in the ilefence of 
 his servant and punislin'eat of the wicked. 
 PSALIM Vlll. 
 
 Ver. 1-9. Uiwn or according to the) Gittith, 
 probably means that the mus cal per- 
 iormance Avas directed to be according to a 
 tune of that name; which, derived from Gath, 
 a wine-pross, d.enotes a tune (used in con- 
 nection vvitli gathering the vintage; of a joy- 
 ous character. All the Psalms to which this 
 term is prefixed are ol" such a character. 'Ihe 
 Psalmist gives vent to his admiration of 
 God's manifested perfections, by celebrating 
 Hi^conde.sceiiding and beneficent providence 
 to man as evinced by the position of the race, 
 as onianaHy created andassigued a dominion 
 over the works of His hands. 
 
 1. thy name— perfections iFs. 5. 11; 7. IT.). 
 who hc,st act— lit., which, set thou thy glory 
 &c., or. which glory of thme set thou, <fec., 
 make it u ore conspicuous as if earth 
 
 PSALMS Vin, IX._ God Praised for msjudomcnia. 
 
 expositions (Heb. 2. 6-8; l Cor. lo. 27, --S, rliat 
 the language liere emidoyed, finds its tuiril- 
 ment only in the final exaltation ni Chri-i'.s 
 human nature. There is no limit lo the " all 
 tliinas" mentioned, God only excepted, who 
 " puts all things under." Man, in the person 
 and glorious destiny of Jesus ff ISazareth, 
 the Second Adam, the Jiead and representa- 
 tive of the race will not only be rest' red to 
 his original position, but exalted lar beyond 
 it. ■ ■ The last enemy, death ." th rough fear of 
 which, man, in his i/resent estate, is "all his 
 htetime in bondage," "shall be destroyed." 
 Then all things wiU have been put under 
 his feel, '"principalities and powei's beiny 
 made subject lo him." This view, so far 
 from being alien from the scope of the pas- 
 sage, is more consistent than any other ; for 
 man as a race cannot well be conceived to 
 have a higher honour put upon him, than to 
 be thus exalted in the person and destiny of 
 Jesus of IVazareth. And at the same time. 
 
 were too small a theatre for its display. A i by no other ot His glorious manifestatiuna 
 similar exposition suits the u.5ual render- 1 has God more illustriously dec.aied those 
 ing. '-i. !6o manliest are God's perfections, attributes which distinguish His name than 
 that by very weak instruments. He conclu- in the scheme of redemption, of which this 
 sively sets torth Jrdis praise. Infants are not economy forms such an important ai.d essen- 
 omy wtinderiul illustrations of God's power tial feature. In the generic import of the 
 and skill, in their physical constitution, in- ' language, as describing man's present rela- 
 stinc^s, and early developed intelligence, but 1 tion to the works of G' d's hands, it may be 
 also in tlieir spontaneous admiration of I regarded as typical, thus atiowmg not only 
 God's works, by which they put to shame— i the usual application, but also this hi.lier 
 sdd— or, silence men who rail ai.d cavil i sense which the inspired writers of the N.T, 
 against God. A siiecial illustration of the have assigned it. 9. Apjiropriately, the 
 passage is afforded in Mat. 21. 16, when our : writer closes this brief but pregnant and 
 Saviour stiVicd the cavillers by quoting these sublime song of praise with the terms of 
 
 words; tor the glories with which God in- 
 vested His incarnate Son, even in His humi- 
 liation, constitute a most wonderful display 
 
 admiration with which it was opened. 
 PSALM IX. 
 Ver. 1-20. Upon Muth-labben. or, after the 
 
 of the perfections of His wisdom, love, aid i wanner, according to " death to the Soji," by 
 power, in view of the scope of v. 4-8 see ; which some song was known, to whose air or 
 below,), this quotation by oiu- Saviour niay ' melody the Musician is directed to perform 
 be regarded as an exposition of the propheti- j this Psalm. This mode of denoting a song by 
 calcliaracteroi the words, sucklings— among some prominent word or words i^ still coiir- 
 the Hebrews were probably of an age tolmon cf. Ps. 22.). The Psalmist pr.dses God 
 speak cf. 1 Sam. 1. 22-21; Mark, 7. 27.). or- for deliverance from hi- eneniies, ai:d cele- 
 daiued— founded, or prepared, and perfected, jbrates the divine government, for providing 
 which occurs in Mat. 21. 16; taken from the security to God's peoj'le and punishment to 
 Sept. has the same meaning, streiigih— In ; the wicked. 'J lius encouragiiig himself, he 
 the quotation in the N.T., pmise occurs as prays for r-evv occasions to recount God's 
 the consequence or efi'ect put for the cause mercies, and confident of His continued 
 (cf. Ps. 118. 14.1. aviuger — as inPs. 44. le; judguent on the wicked and vindication of 
 
 one desirous of revenge, disposed to be quar- 
 relsome, and so apt to cavil against God's 
 governnient. 3, 4. The allusion to the mag- 
 n.ftceuce of the visible heavens is introduced 
 for the pui'pose of illustrating God's con- 
 descension, who, though tbe mighty creator 
 of these glorious worlds of light, makes man 
 the ob.iect of regard and recipient of favour. 
 man— lit., frail mart, an allusiun to his essen- 
 tial infirmity, son of man— only varies the 
 form of speech, visitest— in favour (Ps. O.j. 
 10.). This favour is now more fully illu>trat- 
 ed. 5-8. God has placed man next in dignity 
 to angels, and but a little lower, and crowned 
 him with the empire of the world, glory and 
 honour- are the attributes of royal dignity 
 (Ps. 21. 5; 45. 3.). The position assigned man 
 is that dt scribed (Gen. l. 26-28.' as belonging 
 to A'laiii, in his original condition, the terms 
 employed in detailing tlie subjects of man's 
 dominion corresponding with those there 
 used. In a nodifled sense, in his oresent 
 faUen state, n an is still invested \\ith some 
 remains of this original dominion. It is very 
 evident, however, by the apostle's inspired 
 382 
 
 the oppressed, he implore^ a prompt and 
 efficient manifestation of the divine sove- 
 reignty. 
 
 1. Heart-felt gratitude will find utterance. 
 3-6. When ... are tu' ned back— it is the result 
 of God's power alone. He, as a righteous 
 judge (Ps. 7. 11,1, vindicates His people. He 
 rebukes by acts as well as words (Ps. 6. 1; 
 IS. 15,), and so effectually as to destroy the 
 uaires of nations as \\ell as persons. 6. Lit., 
 As to theevemu rnishcd are }tis rtmis for e'cer. 
 Thou (God) hast destroyed. &c l Sam. 15. 3, 
 7; 27. 8, 9.;. The wicked are utterly undone. 
 Their ruins shaU never be repaired. 7, 8. 
 God'setcni-ilpossessionof a throneof ju-tice 
 is contvasnd with the ruin of the wicke.l. 
 9, 10. So hat the opi)resstd, and all who 
 know Him i s. 5. 3; 7. l,), find Him a sure re- 
 fuge. 11. iGi. Ps. 2. 6; 3 4). 12. f ' r blr.oa— 
 i.e., murders 'Ps. 5. 6,), includng all the op- 
 pressions of His people, n aktth irqU'^ition— 
 (cf. Gen. 9. 5.). He vdll avenge their cause. 
 13. Ruies— or, regions— of re tii- gates being' 
 the entrance is put for the boi.n.is. 14. 
 gates . , . Ziou— the enclosure of the city {cf. 
 
David dGmplaint of the wicked. PSALMS XI-XIV. 
 
 David eravefh Mlp of Ood. 
 
 2 1 The wicked in his pride doth persecute 
 the poor: let them be taken in the devices 
 th:U they have iiiiH^iiK'd. 
 
 3 For the wicked boasteth of his 2 heart's 
 desire, and shlesseth the covetous, w/toni 
 the LoED abhorreth. 
 
 4 The \\icked, throusrh the pride of his 
 countenance, will not seek after God: * God 
 is not in all his thoui^hts. 
 
 5 His ways are always giievons; thy judg- 
 ments are far above out of his sight: as /or 
 all his enemies, he ntilleth at them. 
 
 6 He hath said in his heart, I shall not be 
 Tioved: tov I shall 6 never he in adversity. 
 
 7 His mouth is full of cmsing and 6 deceit 
 and fraud; mider his tongue is mischief 
 aaid ' vanity. 
 
 8 He sitteth in the lurking-places of the 
 villages: in the secret places doth he mur- 
 der the innocent: his eyes 8 are privily set 
 against the poor. 
 
 9 He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his 
 den: he lieth ui wait to catch the poor: he 
 doth catch the poor, when he draweth him 
 into his net. 
 
 10 10 He croucheth, and humbleth himself, 
 that the poor may fall ii by his strong 
 ones. 
 
 11 He hath said in his heart, God hath 
 forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never 
 eee it. 
 
 12 Arise, Lord; O God, lift up thine 
 baud: forget not the 12 humble. 
 
 13 Wherefore doth the wicked contemn 
 God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt 
 not reiiuire it. 
 
 14 Tliou hast seen it; for thou beholdest 
 mischief and spite, to requite it with thy 
 hand: the poor la conimitteth himself unto 
 thee; thou till the helper of the father- 
 less. 
 
 15 Break thou the arm of the wicked and 
 the evil nnan: seek out his wickedness till 
 thou find none. ' 
 
 16 The Lord is King for ever and ever: 
 the heathen are perished out of his land. 
 
 17 Lord, thou bast heard the desire of the 
 humble: thou wilt 1* prepare their heart, 
 thou wilt cause thine ear to heai-; 
 
 18 To judge the fatherless and the op- 
 piessed, that the man of the eaith may no 
 more i* oppress. 
 
 PSALM XL 
 
 I David encourages biniftlf in Ood against his 
 
 enemies; 4 he rcjoicei in the provplence and 
 
 justice of God. 
 
 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. 
 
 TN the Lord j>ut I my_ trust: how say y^to 
 
 Flee as a bu:d to your moun- 
 
 tain! 
 
 2 For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they 
 make ready their arrow upon the string, 
 that they may 1 privily shoot at the upright 
 in heart. 
 
 3 If the foundatioris be destroyed, what 
 can the righteous dof 
 
 4 The " Lord is in his holy temple, the 
 Lord's throne is in heaven: his eyes ''be- 
 h'lld, hLs eye-lids try. the children of men. 
 
 5 The Lord ' trieth the righteous ; but the 
 wicked and him that loveth violence his 
 Boul hateth. 
 
 6 Upnn the wicked he shall vain 2 snares, 
 fire ami brimstone andean horrible tem- 
 pest: this itoall I't the portion of their cup. 
 
 7 For the righteous Lord loveth righte- 
 oasnei^s;hiscouuteniuico doth behold the 
 QpriKht. 
 
 PSALM 10. 
 
 1 in tbe 
 priiie of 
 the wirked 
 he doth 
 persecute. 
 
 core tout 
 bl-fseth 
 himiielf. he 
 abhorreth 
 the 
 
 LORD. 
 
 1 Or, all hit 
 
 thoughts 
 
 5 an 
 
 oGod. 
 I jene- 
 
 generation. 
 
 6 deceits. 
 
 7 Or, 
 iniquity. 
 
 8 hide thern- 
 Eclves. 
 
 9 in tlie se- 
 cret places. 
 
 10 He 
 broakoth 
 himself. 
 
 U Or, into 
 hii strong 
 parts. 
 
 12 Or, 
 afflicted. 
 
 13 cleaveth. 
 liOr, 
 
 ostebliih. 
 15 Or, 
 terrify. 
 
 ODeu »1.17. 
 b iiira 9. 8. 
 « Jer. 61. 39. 
 
 8 VN ho 1 
 give. 
 
 PSALM XIL 
 
 1 David,, destitute of human comfort, craves help 
 of God: 3 God's judgments on the wicked, 6 bu 
 promises to protect the righteous. 
 
 TTELP, 2 Lord; for the godly man ceas- 
 ■•■ et)i ; for the faithful fail trom among 
 the cliildren of men. 
 
 2 They speak vanity every one with his 
 nei'-'hbour: with flattering lips, and with 
 3u double heart, do they spt-ik. 
 
 3 The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, 
 and the tongue that speaketh * pnud 
 things; 
 
 4 Who have Baid, With our tongue will 
 we urevail ; our lips 5 are our own: who is 
 loru over us? 
 
 5 For the oppression of the poor, for the 
 signing of the needy, now will I arise, saith 
 the Lord; I will set him in satety from him 
 that 6 puUeth at him. 
 
 6 The words of the Lord are pure words: 
 as silver tried in a furnace of eaith, puri- 
 fied seven times. 
 
 7 Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou 
 Shalt preserve 7 them from this generation 
 for ever. 
 
 8 The wicked walk on every side, when 
 the vilest 8 men are exalted. 
 
 PSALM illL 
 
 1 David craves help of God: 3 he prays Ood to 
 support him, thai Ms enemies may not insult over 
 him ; 5 he trusts in the divine mercy. 
 To tiie 1 ciiief Musician, A Psalm of David. 
 
 UOW long wilt thou forget me, Lord? 
 
 -'-'■ for ever? " how long wUt thou hide 
 
 thy face from me? 
 
 2 How long shall I take counsel in my 
 soul, having son'ovv in my heart daily? how 
 long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? 
 
 3 Consider and hear me, Lord my God: 
 lighten * mine eyes, ' lest 1 sleep the sleep 
 0/ death; 
 
 4 Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed 
 against him; and those that trouble me 
 rejoice when I am moved. 
 
 5 Lut I have trusted in thy mercy; my 
 heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. 
 
 6 I will sing unto the Lord, because he 
 hath dealt bountifully with me. 
 
 PSALM XIV. 
 
 1 David describes the general corruption of marl' 
 
 kind: i the iniquit;/ of the wicked i 7 he pray$ 
 
 for God's sah'iition. 
 
 To the cliief Musician, A Psalm of David. 
 
 T'HE *» fool hath said in his heart. There 
 
 -*- is no God. They are corrupt; they 
 
 have done abominable works; there is none 
 
 that doeth good. 
 
 2 The Lord looked down from heaven 
 upon the children of men, to see if thei'e 
 were any that did midcrstand, and seek 
 God. 
 
 3 They are all gone aside, they are all to- 
 gether become i filthy; (Nereis none that 
 doeth good, no, not one. 
 
 4 Have all the workers of iniquity no 
 knowledge? who eat up my peo]de as they 
 eat bread, and call not upon the Lord. 
 
 5 There 'were they in great fe.ar: for God 
 is in the generation of the righteous. 
 
 6 Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, 
 because the Lord is his refuge. 
 
 7 3 oh that the salvation of Israel were 
 come out of Zion! When the Lord bring, 
 eth back the captivity of liis i>eople, Jaceb 
 eball rejoice, and Israel sball be glad. 
 
David Complains of the Wicked . P SALMS X— XII. God!s Providence and, Justice. 
 
 Ps. 48. 12; Isa. 23. 12,) or, ch\ir.ch, as denoted; overloiik sin, however forbearing; for He 
 by this phrase contrasted with that of death, carefully examines or beholds all wicked- 
 carries out the idea of exaltation as w ell as ness. and will mark it by His providential 
 deliverance. Signal favoui;s should lead ua {th]i hand) punishment, mischief and spite- 
 
 to render signal and puDlic thanks. 15. . 
 
 16. The undesigned results of the devices Ps. 6. 7;7. 14.) 
 
 of the wicked prove them to be of (■od's den) on thee 
 
 overrulin.' or ordering, especially when thos( 
 
 results are destructive to the wicked them 
 
 provocation and trouble of the sufferer cf. 
 
 committetii— or leaves (his bur- 
 
 15. arm— power, till th(iU find 
 
 none— so far from not requiiing .v. U. V.i.), 
 
 (lOd will utterly destroy the wicked nnd his 
 
 means meditation, and, deeds Ps. 9. 5,6; .H. Iti; 
 
 16 18. God 
 
 selves. Hi^'gi . , ... 
 
 conibined with Selah, seems to denote a re yns. The wicked, if ior a time successful, 
 p.iuse of \tnusnal solemnity and enip'.iasis sliall be cut off. He hears, u. d conlir usthe 
 (cf. Fs. 8. 2.). Though Selah occurs seventy- hearts of His suffering people (Ps. U2. 7,), 
 t.hvee times, this is the only case in wjiich executes justice for the feeble, and represses 
 Hi:4gaion is found. In the view which is , the pride and violence of conceited though 
 
 given here of the retribution on the wicked ; frail m 
 as an instance of God's wise and holy order- j 
 in;:, we may well pause in adoring wonder 
 
 Ver. 1-7. 
 
 Ps.9. 16.] 
 
 PSALM XL 
 On title cf. Ititr. 
 
 Alluding to 
 
 .._,d faith. 17. shall be turned— or, shall turn, j some event in his history, as 1 Sam. Si. 13, 
 retreatingunder God's vengeance, and driven: the Psalmist avows his confidence in God, 
 by Him to the extreme of destruction, even when admonished to flee from his raging 
 hell itself. Those who forget God are classed , persecutors, whose destruction of the usual 
 with the depraved and openly profane. 18. j fotmdations of safety rendered all his eflbrts 
 (Cf. Ps. 13.i.»tlie needy— Wi., poor, as deprived ; useless. The grounds of his confidence are 
 of anything ; hence miserable, expectation \ God's supreme dominion. His watchful care 
 ' ' ' ' ■■ ) by af- of His iieople. His iwitred to the wicked, and 
 
 Ipt not ' judgments on them, and His love for right- 
 and of I eousness and the righteous. 
 
 1. my soul— me (Ps. 3. 2.). Ylss— lit., flee ye; 
 
 cf the poor— or, meek, humble made s. > by af 
 fliction. 19. Arise— (cf. Ps. 3. 7.j. ' ^ 
 man— (Ps. 8. 4.i. let . . . be judged 
 course condemned "" ^ ^^^^ 
 
 20. By their effectual! 
 
 subjection, make them to realise their frail ; i.e., he and his companion, us a bird to your 
 nature (Ps. 8. 4,j. and deter them from aU 1 niount:iin— having as such no safety but in 
 
 conceit and future rebellion. 
 PSALM X. 
 Ver. 1-18. The Psalmist mourns God's ap- 
 
 flight (cf. 1 Sam. 26. 20; Lam. 3. .52.). 2. privily 
 —lit., m darkness, treaclierously. 3. Lit, 
 The foundations [i.e., of good order and " 
 
 parent indifference to Ids troubles, v/hmh] vnll he di'stroyed, what has the righteous 
 are aggravated by the successful malice, | done (to sustain them)? All his efforts have 
 blasphemy, pride, deceit, and profanity of! failed. 4. temple ... heaven— the connection 
 the wicked. On the just and discriminating: seems to denote God's heavenly residence; 
 providence of God, he relies for the destruc- { tlie term used is taken from the place of His 
 tion of theiu fake security, and the defence visible earthly abode (Ps. 2. 6; 3. 4; 5. 7.). 
 
 of the needy. 
 
 Thence He inspects men with close scrutiny. 
 
 1. These are, of course, figurative terms : 5. The trial of the righteous results in their 
 (cf. Ps. 7. 6; 13. 1; &c.). hidest— supply </)ine 'approval, as it is contrasted with God's hatred 
 eves or face. 2. Lit., In pride of the wicked I to the wicked, 6. Their punishment is de- 
 theu (the poor or humble, v. 17; Ps. 12. l^,] shall j scribed by viv^ figures denoting abtmdant, 
 he taken in the devices they (the proud) hare ; sudden, furious, and uttej.- destruction (cf. 
 imaaincd. 3. Ms heart's (or soid's) desire— Gen. 19. 24; .lob, 18. 15; Ps. 7. 15; 9. 15. >. cup 
 
 I.e., his success in evQ, 
 (the wicked) Uesseth 
 
 and blessetli, &c.—he 
 the covetous, he de- 
 
 is a frequent figure for God's favour or 
 wrath (Ps. l^;. .5; 23, 5; Mat. 20. 22, 23.) 7. his 
 
 spisKih the Lord. 4:._Thefaceexpresses'theseii-j countenance— iii., i/i,etr /aces— a use of the 
 
 conceit, whose fruit is practical atheism (P; 
 14. 1.1. 5, 6. Such is his confidence in tl-.e per 
 
 plural applied to (iod, like Gen. 1. .^u, .>. ^^, 
 11. 7; Isa. C. 8. &c., denoting the fulness of 
 
 manence of his way or course of life, that he His perfections, or more probably originating 
 
 disregards God's providential government, 
 lout of dght, because he will not look, Isa. 26. 
 
 reference to the trinity of persons. Faces 
 used as eyes, [v. 4), expressing here (iod's 
 
 PSALM XII. 
 
 On title cf . Intr. and Ps. 6. The 
 
 11,), sneers at his enemies, and boasts per- ! complacency towards the upright, (cf. Ps. 34. 
 petual freedom from evil. 7-10. The ma- 15, 16.). 
 lignitJ^ and deceit (Ps. 140. 3,), of such are I 
 followed by acts combining cunning, fraud, Ver. 1-8. 
 
 and violence cf. Pro. 1. 11, 18,), aptly illus- Psalmist laments the decrease of good men. 
 trated by the habits of the lion, and of I The pride and deceit of the wicked provokes 
 hunters taking their prey. Poor, in v. 8, 10, ; God's wrath; whose promise to avenge tlie 
 14, represents a word peculiar to this Psalm, | cause of pious sufferers will be verified even 
 
 amidst prevailing iniquity. 
 1. the faithful— or W., faithfidness iPs. 31. 
 
 23.). 2. The want of it is illustrated by the 
 
 meaning the sad or sorrowful ; in -y 
 usual, it means the pious or meek sufferer. I 
 ir vily set — he watches with half 
 
 ey 
 
 closed eyes, appearing not to 
 
 —as a lion gathers himself into as small com 
 
 pass as possible to make the greater spring, 
 
 croncheth ! prevalence of deceit and instability. 
 
 Boasting (Dan. 7. 25; is, like flattery, a species 
 of lying. lips and . . . tongue— for persons. 5. 
 
 fall by Ms scrong ones— the figure of the lion | 'The writsr intimates his confidence by de- 
 is dropped, and this phrase means the ac-l picting God's actions cf. Ps. 9. l!i; 10. 12,1 as 
 complices of the chief or leading wicked j coming to save the poor at whom the wicked 
 man. 11. As before, such condvict implies 1 sneers Ps. 10. 5.). 6. The words— //f., saying 
 disbelief or disregard of <4od's government, i o/ v.b.). seven times— thoroughly (Dan. 3 19. 
 
 19.. Cf. Ps. 9. 19;3. 7.). hu nble— c 
 
 Marg.' 
 
 13. 14, 
 
 383 
 
 17, and 7. them— Ma?Y/.). 8. The wicked roam un- 
 lift up thine hand- exert tliy power. ! disturbed, doing evil, when vileues.s or vile 
 It is m vain to suppose God will j men ar<i exalted. 
 
Hope of eterlasting life. 
 
 PSALMS xv-xvm. 
 
 David praiseth God 
 
 PSALM XV. 
 
 David deferibts a citizen of Zion. 
 
 A Psalm of David. 
 
 T ORD, who shall i abide in thy taberna- 
 
 *^ cle? who shall dwell " in thy holy hill? 
 
 2 He * that walketh uprightly, and work- 
 eth riirhteousnesa, and speaketn the truth 
 iu his heart. 
 
 S i/e titat backbiteth not with his tongue, 
 nor (loeth evil to his neighbour, nor 2 tak- 
 eth ap a reproach against his neighbour. 
 
 i 1 u whose eyes a vile person is conteirmed ; 
 but he honoiu-etli ttiem that Tear the Lord. 
 He that " sweareth to his own buit, and 
 changeth not. 
 
 € He <^ that putteth not out his money to 
 usury, nur tiikttli reward against the inno- 
 cent. He that doeth these things shall 
 nevei' be moved. 
 
 PSALM XVL 
 
 1 David, in distrust vf merit, and hatred of idol- 
 atr.u, flees to ■>i)d fur preservution: 6 he shows 
 the hopf of liis culling, of the resu,reciion, and 
 lije everlasting- 
 
 1 Michtam of David. 
 pRE.SERVE me, God: " for in thee do 
 ■*■ 1 put my trust. 
 
 2 O my soul, thou hast said unto the 
 LoKD, 'lliou art my Lord: my goodness 
 extendtth not to thee; 
 
 3 JJiU to the saints that are in the earth, 
 and £y the excellent, in whom is all my de- 
 light. 
 
 4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied that 
 
 2 hasten a/ttr another god: their driiik 
 otierings ot blood will I not ofler, nor take 
 up tluLr naiui's into my lips. 
 
 5 'Ihe Lord is the portion 3 of mine in- 
 heritance and of my cup: thou maintainest 
 my lot. 
 
 6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant 
 places; yea. I have a goodly heritage. 
 
 7 I will bless the Loan, who hath given 
 me counsel; my reins also instruct me m 
 the night seasons. 
 
 8 I have set the Lord always before me: 
 because he is at my right hand, 1 shall not 
 be moved. 
 
 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my 
 glory rejoiceth: my tlesh also shall * rest in 
 nope: 
 
 10 Tor *thou wilt not leave "my soul in 
 hell; neither wilt thou sutler thuie <* Holy 
 Oi.e lo st(- conuption. 
 
 11 Th.iu wilt show me the path of life: in 
 thy pieseni-e is fulness of joy; at thy right 
 hand tliere art pleasures lor evermore. 
 
 PSALM XVIL 
 1 Dav id ■prays to God to be saved from his ene- 
 mies ; iu he shows their pride, craft, and eager- 
 ness : 1 3 A< prays against them iti confidence of 
 his !u)pe. 
 
 A Prayer of David. 
 TJEAll 1 the right, Lord, attend unto 
 ■*"'• my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that 
 gott/i - not out of feigned lips. 
 
 2 Let my sentence come Ibith from thy 
 presence ; let thine eyes behold the things 
 that are equal. 
 
 3 Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast 
 visited me in the ni^ht; thou hast tried me, 
 and slialt find notLuig: lam pmposed tluU 
 my mouth siiall not transgress. 
 
 4 Concerning the works of men, by the 
 word of thy hps 1 have kept me from the 
 paths ot the destroyer. 
 
 5 Hold up my goings in thy paths, that 
 B3> footsteps 3 slip not. 
 
 3Si 
 
 « P«. 2. 6. 
 b U. 33. 15. 
 2 Or, receir- 
 
 P8ALM 16. 
 
 1 Or, a gol- 
 den PsiUm. 
 
 a P.. 25. 20. 
 
 2 Or, givo 
 
 3 of my part. 
 
 4 dwe;: con- 
 fidently. 
 
 6 Pb. 49. 15. 
 Acts 2. 27. 
 ActB LJ.ciS, 
 
 PSAL4117. 
 
 1 justice. 
 
 2 wiiliout 
 lips of 
 deceit. 
 
 3 be not 
 
 i Or, that 
 
 them 
 Ttiiich 
 trust in 
 thco from 
 tliuse tliat 
 
 against 
 tl.e Boul. 
 7 U-he lilje- 
 ness of 
 him, (that 
 i», of every 
 ono of 
 them) is 
 
 8 sitting. 
 
 9 prevent 
 his £ac«. 
 
 W Or. by thy 
 Bword. 
 
 11 Or, their 
 children 
 are full. 
 
 » I John 3.2. 
 
 6 Col. 1. 16. 
 
 PSALM 18. 
 a 2 Sam. 22. 
 6 Ps. 144. 1. 
 
 1 my roclc. 
 
 c Ueb. 2. 13. 
 d P». 76. 4. 
 «Ps. 110.3. 
 
 2 Kelial. 
 
 3 Or, cords. 
 / Acts 4. 31. 
 
 4 by hi«. 
 
 g li. C4. 1. 
 
 A P«. 99. 1. 
 i Pa. lOi. 3. 
 j Fi. 97. 2. 
 
 6 I have called upon thee, for thou wilt 
 hear me, God: incline thine ear unto me, 
 a7Hi hear my speech. 
 
 7 Show ths marvellous loving-kindness, 
 O thou tthat savest by thy right hand 
 them which put their trust in thee from 
 those that rise up against them. 
 
 8 Keep me as the apple of the eye; hide 
 me under the shadow of thy wings, 
 
 9 From the wicked 6 that oppress me, 
 from 6 my deadly enemies, wlio compass 
 me about. 
 
 10 They are inclosed in their owp fat: with 
 their mouth they speak proudly. 
 
 11 They have now compassed us in our 
 steps ; they have set their eyes bowing 
 down to the earth; 
 
 12 1 Like as a lion that is gi'eedy of his 
 prey, and as it were a young Hon 8 lurking 
 m secret places. 
 
 13 Arise, O Lord, 9 disappoint him, cast 
 him down: deliver my soulliom the wicked, 
 1" ivhich is thy swcrd: 
 
 14 From men which are thy hand, 
 Lord, from men of the world, which have 
 their portion in this life, and whose belly 
 thou liUest with thy hid treasure : i^ they 
 are full of children, and leave the rest of 
 their subatance to their babes. 
 
 15 As for me, " i will behold thy face m 
 righteousness: I shall be satistied, when I 
 awake, with * thy likeness. 
 
 PSAL.M XVIIL 
 David's psalm of thanksgiving for Ood't mani- 
 fold and tuarveilous blessings. 
 To the chief Musician, A rsalm of David the 
 servant of tlie Lord, who spake unio the 
 Lord the words of " this song m the day that 
 the Lord delivered hiui from the liand of all 
 his ei.oiuies, and from the iiand of Saul: And 
 he said, 
 T i> WILL love thee, Lord, my strength, 
 ■*■ 2 The Lord is my rock, and my for- 
 tress, and my deliverer; my God, i mj 
 strength, ' in whom I will tmst; my buck- 
 ler, and the horn of my salvation, and my 
 high tower. 
 
 3 1 uill call upon the Lord, ^ who is wor- 
 thy to be praised: so shall I be saved from 
 mine eneniies. 
 
 4 The * sorrows of death compassed me, 
 and the floods of 2 ungodly men made me 
 afraid. 
 
 5 Tiie 3 sorrows of hell compassed me 
 about; the snares of death prevented me. 
 
 6 In my distress I called upon the Lord, 
 and cried unto my God: he heard my voice 
 out of his temple, and my cry came before 
 him, even into his ears. 
 
 t Then / the earth shook and trembled: 
 the foundations also of the hills moved and 
 were shaken, because he was wroth. 
 
 8 There went up a smoke * out of his nos- 
 trils, and tire out of his mouth devomed: 
 coals were kindled by it. 
 
 9 He * bowed the heavens also, and 
 came down: and darkness was under his 
 feet. 
 
 10 And ft he rode upon a cherub, and did 
 fly ; yea, • he did fly upon the wings of the 
 wind. 
 
 11 He made darkness his secret place; 
 his J pavilion round about him wtra 
 dark waters and tuick clouds of the 
 .SKies. 
 
 12 At the brightness that was before hiiu 
 bis thick clouds passed, hail atou^i and 
 coals of hie. 
 
Corruption of Mankind. 
 
 PSALM XTII. 
 
 Ver. 1-6. On title cf. Intr. The Psalmist, 
 mourning (Jod's absence and the triumph 
 of his enemies, prays for relief ere he is 
 totally destroyed, and is encouraged to hope 
 his trust will not be in vain. 
 
 1. The forms of expression and figure 
 here used are freciuent (cf. Ps. 9. 12, IS; 10. 
 11,12.). How long . . . lor ever— shall it be 
 for ever? 2. The counsels or devices of 
 his heart aflord no reliet. 3. ligiuen n.ine 
 eyes— dim with weakness, denotin£>- approach- 
 ingdeath (cf. iSam. 14. 27-29; Ps. (>. 7; :.^. 10.; 4. 
 rcjoi.e-7/7., shout as in iriumjilt. 1 am inovid 
 —cast down from a firm position (Ps. lO. 6.). 
 5, 6. Tru.-t is followed by rejoicing in the de- 
 liverance which Gffd effects, and, instead of 
 his enemy, he can lift the song of triumph. 
 ISALM .\IV. 
 
 "Ver. 1-7. Tlie practical atheism, and total 
 and universiil depravity, or the wicked, v^ith 
 their hatred to the good, are set lorth. Yet, 
 as they dread God's judgments when He vin- 
 dicates His people, the Psalmist prays for 
 His delivering power. 
 
 1. Sinners are termed /ools, because they 
 think and act contrary to right reason iGen. 
 34. 7; Josh. 7.' 15; Ps. 39. 8; 74. 18, 22.'. in his 
 heart— to himself iGen. 6. 12.). 2. locked 
 —in earnest inquiry, understind- as opposed 
 to fool. 3. &M\Y— lit., spoil ed, or, sourtd, cor- 
 rupted (Job, 15. Ifi; Pom. 3. 12.). 4-6. Their 
 conduct evinces iudifiereuce rather rhan ig- 
 norance of God; lor wlien He aj)pears in 
 judgment they are stricken with great fear. 
 WHO rat uTj my people— to express their beastly 
 fury (Pro* 30. 14; Hab. 3. 14;); to call on the 
 Lord is to worship Him. 7. cap: ivit.— de- 
 notes any great evil. Zion— God's abode, 
 from which He revealed His pnriioses of 
 mercy, as He now d(.es by the C'huich ;cf'. 3. 
 4; 20. 2,), and which He rules, and all other 
 things for the good of His people lEph. l. 22.J. 
 PSALIM XV. 
 
 Ver. 1 -5, Those who are fit for communion 
 with (lod may be known by a conformity to 
 His law, which is illustrated in various im- 
 portant jarticul rs. 
 
 1. abide— or, sojourn fcf Ps. 5. 4,), where it 
 means under God's protection; here, as (Ps. 
 23. 6; 27. 4, G,), communion, tabernacle— seat 
 or the ark (2 Sam. 6. 17 ), the symbol of God's 
 presence, holy hiil— (cf. Ps. 2. 6.). 2.walketh 
 — (cf. Ps. 1. l.\ upriglitly— in a complete 
 manner, as to all partsot conduct (Gen. 17, 1,), 
 not as to degree, worlieth— or does, right- 
 eoubness— what is right, in his heart— sincerely 
 (Pro. 23. 7.). 3. He neither slanders nor 
 spreads slander. 4. Love and hate are regu- 
 lated by a regard to God's, sweareih . . . 
 hurt- or what so results (cf. Lev. 5.4.). 5. 
 (Cf. Lev. 25. 37; Dent. 23. 19. 2u.j. usury— is 
 derived from a verb meaning to bite. All 
 gains made by the wrongful loss of others 
 are forbidden, taketh leward, Arc ,— the in- 
 nocent would not otherwise be condemned 
 (cf. Ex. 23. 8; Dent. 16. 19.). Bribery of all 
 sorts is denounced, doeth tl ese, <tc,— Such 
 persons admitted to God's presence and fa- 
 vour shall nevei- (Ps. 10. 6; 13. 5.) be moved. 
 PSALM XVI. 
 
 Ver.l-U. Michtam or, by the change of one 
 letter, Michtnh—n writing, such as a poem or 
 son- cf. I.-a.3S. 9 ). Such a change of the letter 
 ni for/' was not unusual. The position of this 
 word in connection with the author's name, 
 being that usually occupied by some term, 
 384 
 
 PSALT^IS XITI-^XVI. 
 
 Preservation in God, 
 
 such as Psj.nlm or Song, denoting t)ie style of 
 matter of the composition, favours this view 
 of its meaning, though we know not why 
 this and Ps. 56.-fi0. should l)es])ecial!y called 
 a writiiui. A golden (P.-alm . or a M<morial, 
 are explanations proposed I y some— neither 
 of which, however applicable here, appear 
 adapted to the other Psalms wliere the term 
 occurs. According to Peter (Acts, 2. 25,) and 
 i Paul Acta, 13. 35, , this Psalm relates toChrist, 
 and expresses tlje feelings or His human na- 
 ture, in view of His sufferings and victoiy 
 over death and the grave, including His sub- 
 sequent exaitation at the right hand of God. 
 Sucli was the exposition of the best earlier 
 Christian intepreters. Some moderns have 
 held tii.at the Psalm relates exclusively to 
 David, but this view is expressly contradicted 
 by the ai ostles; others hold that thelanguage 
 of the P.salm is applicable to David as a type 
 of (.'hrist. capable of the higher sense assigned 
 it in the IS' .T. .But then the language of v. 10 
 cannot be u.sed of David in any sense, lor 
 "he saw corruption." Others again propose 
 to refer the first part to David, anrl the last 
 to Christ; but it is evident that no change 
 in the subject of the P.saim is indicated. In- 
 deed, the peisoa who apue-.iis t" Gi d lor help 
 is evidently the same who rejoice- in having 
 found it. In referring the wliole Psalm to 
 Chii.<t, It is, however, by no me.iiiS denied 
 that much of its language is expressive of 
 the feelings of His people, so far as m their 
 humble measure they have the .eelings of 
 trust in God expressed by Him, their head and 
 reprtsentalive. Such use of His ianL,uage, 
 as recorded in His last prayer John. ]7.); 
 and even that He used in Gethsemane, under 
 similar modifications, is equally proper. The 
 projiriety of this reference of the Psalm to 
 Christ wi.l appear in the scope and inter- 
 pretation. In view of the sufierings before 
 Him, the Saviour, with thatin.^tmctive dread 
 of death manifested in Ciethsemane, calls 
 on God to "preserve" Him: He avows Hia 
 delight in holiness and abhorrence of the 
 wicked and their wickedness; and for "the 
 joy that was set lefore Him, despi.sing the 
 shame," encourages Himself; contemplating 
 the glories of the heritage apjiointea Him. 
 Thus even death and tlie grave lo^e their 
 terrors in the assurance of the victory to be 
 attained and "the glory that should fol- 
 lov/." 
 
 1. Preserve me-«keep or watch over my in- 
 terests, ill thee ... 1 . . . t- ust— as one seek- 
 ing shelter from pressing danger. 2. n.ysou; — 
 must be supplied; expressed in similar cases 
 (Ps. 42. 5, 11.). my goodne.ss . . . thte— 'ihia 
 obscure passage is variously expounded. 
 Either one of two expositions fails in with 
 the context. My goodness or merit is not on 
 account of thee— ie., is not for thy benefit. 
 Then follows the contrast of v. 3. but is in 
 1 respect, or for the saints, &c.—i.e., it enures 
 I to them. Or my goodness— or happiness is 
 ! not— besides thee— i.e., without thee I have 
 : no other source of happiness. Then, " to the 
 saints," &c. means that the san e priA'ilega 
 of deriving happinessfromGodonly IS theirs. 
 The first is most consonant with the ]\iessia- 
 I nic ciiaracter of the Psalm, though tlie latter 
 I is not inconsistent with it 3. saiirs— or iier- 
 : sons con-ecrated to God, set aj'Mrt from 
 others, to liLs service, intho faril — /.t., land 
 i of Palestine— the residence of (.'od's chosen 
 1 people— figuratively for the Church, excel- 
 
PSALJIS XVII, xvin. 
 
 noye of Everlasting Life. 
 lent— or nobles, distinguished for moral ex- j dominion over him. 
 
 Of Worldly Men. 
 Thou wilt show me— 
 
 cellence. 4. He expresses his abhorrence of j guide me to attain. tl'e_pathof life— or. li 
 those who seek other sources of happiness i the plural denoting variety and abundance— 
 or objects of worship, and, by characteris-j immortal lilessedness of every sort— as life 
 ing their rites by drink-offerings of lilood, often deaotes. in t'y presence- or, before 
 clearly denotes idolaters. The v.-ord for sor-\thy faces. The frequent u?e of this plural 
 rovja is by some rendei'ed idols; but, thoii':;h ' form for faces may contain an allusion to the 
 a similar word to that for idols, it is not the i Trinity (Num. 6. 25, 20; Ps. 17. 15; 31. 16. . at 
 same. In selecting such a term, there may thy right hand— to which Christ was exalted 
 be an allusion, by the autlior, to the sorrows (Ps. 110. 1; Acts, 2. .iS; Col. 3. 1 H. b. 1. 3.'. Fn 
 produced l>y idolatrous practices. 6-7. God the glories of this state, f!e shall see of the 
 
 .-^,.- ,, «. ., .J 1- .._,!. __.i -,^...x tra^jail (Isa. 53.10, U; rhil.2. 9,!,of hissoul, 
 
 and be satisfied. 
 
 PS.AL]\l XVII. 
 Ver. 1-15. This Psalm is termed a prayer, 
 becau.?e the language of petiticn is iircdon i- 
 nant. Withajui-tcaiue since ely i re-ented, 
 the writer prays f'^r a just deci.^jibn and help 
 and protection. Pie-uliiig former mercies as 
 a ground of liope. lie br-es l.is prjiyer in ^ iew 
 of tlie malice, pride, rap:icity, and soltishress 
 of his foes, whose rhnr;ic er is ''ontrp.sted 
 with his pious devotion snd del glit n Ood's 
 favour. 2. sentence— acquitting judsnient. 
 from thy presence— thy tribi ml. thivgs that 
 are equal— just and right, do tin ii re^'ard. 3. 
 proved . . . visl'ed . . . tried— his character was 
 most rigidly tested, at all times, and by aU 
 methods, affliction and others (Ps. 7. 10.). 
 purposed that, (tc— or, my mouth does not 
 exceed my purpose— I am sincere. 4. works 
 of men— sinful practices, by tie word of thy 
 liDs— asauuide (Ps. 119. 9, 11, 95.'. destroyer- 
 violent man. 5. May V e read as an as'-ert'on; 
 "my steps or goings have held on to thy 
 paths." 6. wilt he^r me— i.e., graciously ;Ps. 
 3. 4.1. 7. Show— set apart as special and emi- 
 nent (Ex.8. 18; Ps. 4. ?,.). thyrigi tiiaiid-for 
 thy power. 8. Similar figures denoting the 
 iireciousness of God's people in his sight, in 
 Deut. .'^2. 10-11; Mat. 23. 37. 9. compass me 
 — fcf. Ps. 118. 10-12.). 10. iiiclcsed . . . ?>it-are 
 become proud in prosperity, and insolent to 
 God iDeut. 32. 15; Ps. 73. 7.}. 11. They pur- 
 sue us as beasts tracking their prey. 12. 
 The figure made more special, by that of a 
 lion lurking. 13-15. disavpoiut— 'i<., come hC' 
 fore, or, encounter Mm,. Supply unth before 
 sv-ord {V. 13,', and hand (v. 14.). These de- 
 note God's power, men . . . world— all men of 
 this present time. They appear, by fulness 
 of bread and large famil es, to be prosperous 
 but {v. 15,', he implies this will be transient 
 contrasting his better portion in a joyfu 
 union with God hereafter. 
 
 PSALM X\TII. 
 Ver. 1-50. " The servant of the Lord," 
 which in the Hebrew precedes "David," is a 
 significant part of the title and not a mere 
 epithet of David', denoting the inspired cha- 
 racter of the sonu, as the production of one 
 intrusted with the execution of God's will. 
 He was not favoured by (iod, because he 
 served Him, but served Hi m because select- 
 ed and appointed by (4od in His sovereign 
 mercy. After a general expres.«ion of praise 
 and confidence in God for the future, David 
 gives a sublimely poetical description of 
 God's deliverance, which he char.icterises as 
 an illu stration of God's justice to the in nocent 
 and His righteous government. His own 
 prowess and success are celebrated as the re- 
 ults of divine aid. and, corjfident of its con- 
 tinuance, he closes in terms of triumphant 
 raise. 2 Sam. 22. is a copy of this P.salm, 
 with a few unimportant variations, recoriled 
 there as a part of the history, and repeated 
 
 is the cliief good, and supplies all need Peut 
 10. 9.). portion of mine inheritance and of my 
 cup— may contain an allusion to the daily 
 supply of food, and also to the inheritance of 
 Levi (Deut. 18. l, 2). maintainest— or, dravust 
 out my lot— enlargest it. The next 
 carries out this idea more fully, given me 
 counsel— cared for me. my reins — the suv>posed 
 seat of emotion and thought (Ps. 7. 9; 2G. 2.\ 
 iustrnc me— or, excite to acta of praise fisa 
 63. 11 , l.>; Heb. 12. 2.). 8. With God's presence 
 and aid he is sure of safety (Ps. 10. 6; 15. 5; 
 John, 12. -z', 2«;Heb. .5. 7,8.. 9.'glory— as heart 
 iPs. 7. .5, , for self. In (.\cts,2. 26,', after the 
 Sept., my tongue as "the glory of the frame' 
 —the instrument for praisim^ God. flesh— if 
 taken as opposed to soul w. 10, , it may mean 
 the body; otherwise, the whole person [cf 
 Ps. 6:5. 1; 8-1. 2. . ' est in hop'?— (cf. Mnrg. . 10. 
 soul- or, .self. Tills use of soul for the person 
 is frequent (Gen. 12. 5: 46 26; Ps. 3. 2; 11. 1; 
 7. 2.) even when the body may be the part 
 chieily affected, as P-s. 3.5, 13; 10.5. 18,^ Some 
 cases are cited as Lev, 22. 4; Num. 6. 6; 9. 
 C. 10; 19 13; Hag. 2. 13, (fee.) which seem to 
 justify assigning the meaning of hody, or 
 dead body; but it will be found that the 
 latter sense is given by some adjunct ex- 
 pressed or impl'ed. In those cases person is 
 the i.roper sense, wilt r.ot 'eave . . . hell- 
 abandon to the power of (Jo'>, 39. 14; Ps. 
 49. !0.1. Hell as (Gen. 42. 38; Ps. 6. 6; Jon. 
 2. 2, , the state or region of death, and so 
 frequently— or the grave itself (Job, 14. 13; 
 17. 13; Eccl. 9. 10. &c.) So the Greek Hades 
 cf. Acts, 2. 27, 31.1. The context alone can 
 settle whether the state mentioned is one of 
 sulferins. and place of the damned cf. Ps. 
 9. 17; Pro. 5. 5; 7. 27.). wilt . . . suffer— lit., 
 give, or, appoint. Holy One— Ps. 4. 3.), one 
 who is the object of God's favour, and so a 
 recipient of divine grace which he exhibits 
 —P'ons. to see— or, experience — undergo 
 (Luke, 2. 26.^ corruption— Some render the 
 word, the pit, which is possible, but for the 
 obvious sense which the apostle's exposition 
 (Acts, 2. 27; 13. 36, .'.7,1. gives. The sense of the 
 whole passage is clearly this:— by the use of 
 JfesJi and soid, the disembodied state pro- 
 duced by death is indicated; but, on the 
 other hand, no more than the state of death 
 is intended; for the last clause of v. 10 is 
 strictly parallel with the first, and Holy One 
 Corresponds to soul, and corruption io hell. 
 A* ffoi^i/;>nfl, or David Acts,1.3. 36,.37,\which 
 denotes the person, including soul and body, 
 is used for body, of which only corruption 
 can be predicated (cf. Acts, 2. 31. ^ ; so on the 
 contrary, soul, which literally means the im- 
 material part, is used for the person. The 
 language n^aybethusparaphrased, "In death 
 I shall hope for resurrection; for I shall not 
 be left under its dominion and within its 
 bounds, or be subject to the corruption which 
 ordinarily ensues." 11. Eaised from the dead, 
 he shall die no more, death hath no more 
 384 [li 
 
David Praiseth Ood . 
 
 PSALM XIX^ for His Manifold HUsdngs. 
 
 here as part of a collection designed for per- mine iniquity— perhaps the tlionsht of his 
 manent use. heart to kill Saul a l?am. '>\. 6. >. 1'liat David 
 1. I will love thee— with most tender affec- does not allude to all Ids conduct, in all 
 tion. 2,3. 'i'he various terms used describe relations is evident from Ps. 51. l, &c. 25- 
 Godas an object of the most implicit and 27. God renders to uien according to their 
 reliable trust, rock— ^ii., a cleft rock, tor deeds in a penal, not vindictive, sense (Lev, 
 conceabnent. strength— a firm immovable 20. 2:5, 24.) . mercifid— or, kind (Ps. 4..-^..). fro- 
 rock, horn of )ny salvation— the horn, as the ward— contrary to. the Lfflicted ceople— i.e., 
 means of attack or defence of some of the the humbly pious, liigli i>.oks— pride (Ps. 
 strongest animals, is a frequent emblem of lul. .5; 131. l.). 28 To (lirt one light is to 
 power or strength efficiently exercised (cf. make prosi)erous Job, is. r,, C; n. 17. . thou 
 Deut. 3.;. 1"; Luke. 1. 69. . tovrex—lit.Jurih —is emphatic, as if to say, I can fulJy con- 
 place, beyond reach of danger, to be praised fide in thee for help. 29. And this on past 
 —lor past lavours, and worthy of confidence. : experience, in his military lite, set forth by 
 
 4. soriows— ?i(., bcnids as of and cPs. 116 
 floods— denotes multitude, deati'— and hell 
 
 these fi^'ures. SO-32. God's perfection is the 
 source of his own, which has rosidted from 
 
 cf. Ps. 16. 10, —are personified as man's great his trust on the one hand, and God's pro- 
 enennes (cl. Rev. 20. 13, 14.). prevented— en- i mised help on the other, tried—" a.^ metala 
 countered me, crossed my path and endan- ' are tried by fire and proved genuine," Ps. 
 gered ray safety. He does not mean he was 12.6.:. Shield [Fs. 3.3.). G<r<i/nf/ was essen- 
 in their power. 6. He relates his mediods tial to free motion on account of the loose- 
 to iirocure relief when distressed, and his ness of oriental dresses, hence it is an ex- 
 saccess. ;emple— (cf. Ps. 11. 4.. 7, 8. God's pressive figure for de.scril.ini>; the gift of 
 corning described in figiires drawn from His stren-th. 33- 6. God's help farther descrilied 
 
 appearance on iiinai cl. Dent. 32. 22.). smoke 
 
 out 
 
 Ps. 74. 1.). by it— ic, the fire (Ex. 19. 18. 
 9. darkness- or, adensec.'otid Ex. 19. If!; Deut 
 5. 2-'.). 10. clierub— angelic agents (cf. Gen 
 
 ^ ... He pives swiftness to pursue or elude hi3 
 s nGstnls-;-better in his wrath (cf. j enemies (Hab. .3. 19,), stren'.;th, protection, 
 " ' and a firm footing, thy gentle); ess— as ap- 
 plied to God— condescension— or, that wh'ch 
 He gives, in the sense of huvuUtu icl. Pro. 
 
 3. 24,), the figures of which were placed over j 22. 4.). enlargedmy steps— iiade amiile roi*m 
 the ark (1 Sam. 4. 4,), representing God's 1 (cf. Pro, 4. 12.). 37-41. In actual conflict, !;y 
 dwelling; used here to enhance the majesty i (clod's aid, the defeat of his enemies is ccr- 
 of the divine advent. Angels and winds i)>a,y turn. A present and continued success is 
 represent all rational and irrational agencies I expressed, that rose up against me— /iL, in- 
 of God's providence cf. Ps. 104. 3, 4.'. dirt liv ' surgents iPs. 3. 1; 44. 6 1. given me the n^nks 
 
 -rapidity of motion adds to the grandeur of 
 the sceric. 11. dark waters— or, clouds heavy 
 
 -lit, he 
 (Ex. 23 
 
 acks oj the necks— uiaAe them retreat 
 . 27; Josh. 7. 8.)^ 42. This conquest 
 
 with vapour. 12. Out of this obscurity, which ' was complete. 43-45. Not only does He con- 
 impresses tlie i-eholder w ith aw e and dread, 1 quercivil foes, biit foreigners, who are driven 
 He reveals Himself by sudden light and the [ from thtir places of refuge, submit, fee- 
 means of His terrible wrath Josh. 10. U; Ps. l(cf Jl/arsr.)— i,e., show a forced subjection. 
 78.47.). 13. Thestormbreaksforth— thunder 46. Tlie Lord liveth— contrasts Him with 
 follows lightning, and hail with repeated I idols ( 1 Cor. 8. 4.h 47, 48. ; vengetli n-.e- iiis 
 lightning, as often seen, like bails or coals of! cause is espoitsed by i ;od as His own. lirest 
 fire, succeed Ex. 9. 23.). 14. The fiery bright- 1 me up— to safety and honours. 49,50. Paul, 
 ness of lightning, in shape like burning ar-l(Poni. 15. 9,1. quotes from this doxolo'4y :o 
 rows rapidly shot through the air, well repre- , show that, under the O.-T. economy, other.s 
 sentstheniostterriblepartofanawfulscorm. than the Jews were regarded as sulijectsuf 
 Beforetheterrorsof such a scene the enemies that spiritual Kovernment, of which I'avid 
 are confpunded and overthrown in dismay, i was head, and in which character his delivcr- 
 15. The tempest of the air is attended 1 -y ap- 1 ances and victories were tyjiical of the more 
 propriate results on earth. The language, ; illustrious trium;>hs of David's greater Son. 
 though not expressive of any special physical i The langua'.;e of v. 50 justifies this view in its 
 changes, represents the utter subversion of i distinct allusion to the great promise (cf. 
 the order of nature. Before such a God ; 2 fciam. 7.). In all David's successes he saw 
 nonecan stand. 16-19. fromabove- as seated j the pledges of a fulfilment of that pronu>,e, 
 on a throne, directing these terrible .scenes, and he mourned in all his adversities not 
 God— sent— Hi5 hand (Ps. 144. 7,), renched ■ only in view of his personal suffering, but 
 down to His humble worshiiiper anddeliver- because he saw in them evidences of danger 
 ed him. maiy waters— calamities (Job, oO. to the great interests which were committed 
 14; Ps. 124.4,5.;. prevented— (y. 3.). a large to his keeping. It is in th.ese aspects <f lus 
 pi ce— denotes safety or relief, as contrasted character that we are led pn'periy to appre- 
 with the siraits of di.stress (Ps. 4. 1.'. Allhis date the importance attached to his soirowa 
 deliverance is ascribed to God, and this sub- and sufferings, his joys and succes.ses. 
 liis.e poetical representation is given to in- j PSALM XIX. 
 
 spire the pious with confidence and the Ver.l-14.— Afterexhibitingtheharmonioua 
 wicked with dread. 20-24. The statements revelation of God's lerlections made by His 
 of innocence, ri;;hteousness,<bc., refer, doubt- works and His word, the Psalmist prays for 
 less, to his iiersona! and official conduct and conformity to the divine teaching, 
 his purposes, during all the trials to which 1. the glory of God— is the sum of His per- 
 lie was suVijected in Saul's persecutions and fections iPs. 24. 7-10; Rons. 1. 20.), haudyw.rk 
 Alisaloni's rebellions, as well as the various —old English for work of his hands, lirnia- 
 wars in which he had been engaged as the ment— another word for heavens iien. l. S.). 
 hend and defender of (iod'sChurch and peorde. 2. uttereth— pours forth— as a stream— a per- 
 iiiTiihr, be.o.e him— in my relation to (JodI petnal testimony. 3. Though there is no 
 have been perfect as to all parts of His law. articulate speech or words; yet. without 
 The perieciion does not relate to degree, these, their voice is heard (ct. Marg.]. 4. 
 3S4 [2] 
 
for^ ma nifold Ueisings. 
 
 13 The Lord also thundered m the heav 
 ejis. and the llij^hest gave *his voice; hail 
 st'-iics and coab of fire. 
 
 14 Vea, 2 he sent out his arrovs, and scat- 
 tered them; and he shot out lightnings, 
 aJid I'iscomJited them. 
 
 15 I'hon the oh,",nnel.H of waters were seen, 
 and t!ie foundatii^ns of the world v/ere dis- 
 covLTed at thy rehnke. Lord, at the blast 
 of ti;e breath of thy nostrils. 
 
 li) lie "' sent from" above, he took me, he 
 diew nie out of 5 many waters. 
 
 17 lie (ielivered me from my strong enemy, 
 and ftoni tht-m which hated me: for they 
 were 'oo strorar for me. 
 
 IS Tliej prevented me in the day of my 
 calamity: nut the Lord was my stay. 
 
 19 lie " brought me lorth also into a large 
 place; he delivered me, because he delighted 
 m me. 
 
 20 The " Lord rewarded me according to 
 my righteousness; according to the clean- 
 nes^i of my hands hath he recompensed me. 
 
 21 For 1 have kept the ways of the Lord, 
 and have not wickedly departed from my 
 God. 
 
 22 For all his judgments were before me, 
 and I did not put away his statutes from 
 me. 
 
 23 I was also u])right 6 before him, and I 
 kept myself from mine iniquity. 
 
 24 Therefore ^ hath the Lord recompensed 
 me according to my righteousness, accord- 
 ins to the cleanness of my hands "i in his 
 evesight. 
 
 25 U'ith ' the merciful thou wilt show 
 thvself merciful; with an upright man thou 
 wilt show thyself upright ; 
 
 26 With tho pure thou wilt show thyself 
 
 Fure; and *■ with the fro ward thou wilt 
 show thyself fio ward. 
 
 27 For thou wilt save the afflicted people; 
 but wilt bring down * high looks. 
 
 28 For ' thou wilt lis^ht ray 9 candle: the 
 Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. 
 
 29 For by thee I have i" run through a 
 troop; and by my God have I leaped over 
 a wall. 
 
 SO .4s for God, ** his way is perfect: " the 
 word of the Lord is " tiied ; he is a buckler 
 to all those that trust in him. 
 
 31 For "' who is God save the Lord? or 
 who is a rock save our God? 
 
 S2 /( is God that girdcth me with strength, 
 and maketh my wa^' perftct. 
 
 33 lie tn.aketh my feet like hinds'/eet, and 
 aetteth me upon my high places. 
 
 34 lie teacheth my hands to war, so that 
 a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. 
 
 35 Thou hast also given me the shield of 
 thy salvation: and thy right hand hath 
 holden me up. and ^- thy gentleness hath 
 made me gieat. 
 
 S6 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, 
 that 13 my feet did not slip. 
 
 37 I have pursued mine enemies, and over- 
 taken them; neither did I turn again till 
 they were consumed. 
 
 38 I have wounded them, that they were 
 not able to rise: thej ai'e fallen under my 
 feet. 
 
 39 For thou hast girded me with strength 
 unto the battle: thou hast i* subdued under 
 me those that mst; up against me. 
 
 41) Tlii'U hast also given me the necks of 
 mine eiiemiis, that T 
 that hate me. 
 
 41 Thejr cried, but tln'rewae none to save 
 
 fSAJM_TCL O od'& works proclaim his glory. 
 
 might destroy them 
 
 PSALM 18. 
 t p.. 29. 3. 
 I It. 30. 30. 
 m Ps. 144. 7. 
 6 Or, froat 
 
 walerl. 
 « Ps. 118. 6. 
 
 » Pro. 6. 17 
 t Job 13 6. 
 9 Or, Ump 
 lU Or, 
 
 broken, 
 ti Deu.3:i 4. 
 
 Dan. 4 37. 
 
 Rer. 15.3. 
 V Ps. 12. 0. 
 
 P»n9.140. 
 
 Pro. -M. 6. 
 
 11 Or, 
 refin«d. 
 
 «'Deu.32 31. 
 
 12 Or. with 
 thy mcck- 
 neit thou 
 ha«t mul- 
 tiplied 
 me. 
 
 13 mine 
 
 14 caused to 
 
 ?he ear. 
 
 16 the son! 
 of the 
 
 stranger. 
 
 17 lie, 
 
 or, yield 
 
 obedience. 
 V Mic. 7. 17. 
 z Jer. lU. 10. 
 
 18 giveth 
 
 tlioir voice 
 
 out these 
 their voice 
 
 a Or, Their 
 role, or, 
 direction. 
 
 3 Or, 
 doctrine. 
 
 4 Or, 
 restoring. 
 
 5 truth. 
 
 6 the drop- 
 ping of 
 
 7 Or, much. 
 my rock. 
 
 them; * even unto the Lord, but he an- 
 
 Bweied them not. 
 
 42 Then did 1 beat them small as the dust 
 before the wind ; I did cast them out as the 
 dirt in the streets. 
 
 43 Thou hast delivered me from the striv- 
 ings of the t)eople; and thou ha.st made me 
 the head of the heathen : a people wh07n I 
 have not known shall sen-e me. 
 
 44 16 As soon as they hear of me, they 
 shall obey me: 16 the strangers shall l^ sub- 
 mit themselves unto me. 
 
 45 The "stiiingers shall fade away, and be 
 afraid out of tl eir close places. 
 
 46 The ' Lord liveth; and blessed hr my 
 liock; and let the God of my salvation be 
 exalted. * 
 
 47 It is (iod that i* avengeth me, and 
 13 subdi;eth the people under me. 
 
 48 lie di'li\treth me fioin mine enemies; 
 yea, thou iiltesl me up above those that 
 rise up against me: thou hast delivered me 
 from the -" violent man. 
 
 49 Thereibre will 1 21 give thanks unto 
 thee, O Lord, among tn^. heathen, and 
 sing praises unto thy name. 
 
 50 Great deliverance giveth he to his king; 
 and showeth mercy to his anointed, to 
 David, and to his seed for evermore. 
 
 PSALM XIX. 
 1 The erfvturea sh<-,w Gnd's glry. 7 Fx(tlUnej/ 
 of God'.' law. IJ Jjavid pruii.' for grace 
 To the Chief Musician, A rsalni of David. 
 'piIE " heavens declare the glory of God; 
 ■*■ and the firmament showeth liis handy- 
 work. 
 
 2 Day unto dayuttereth speech, and night 
 unto night showeth knowledge. 
 
 3 Thert is no speech nor language ito/iere 
 their voice is not heard. 
 
 4 ^ Their line is gone out through all the 
 earth, and their words to the end of the 
 world. In them hath he set a tabernacle 
 for the sun; 
 
 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of 
 his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man 
 to nm a race. 
 
 6 His going forth is from the end of the 
 heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: 
 and there is nothing hid from the heat 
 thereof. 
 
 7 The 3 law of the Lord is perfect, * con- 
 verting the soul: the testimony of the Lord 
 is <ure, making wise the simple: 
 
 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, 
 rejoicing the heart: the commandment 
 ol the Lord is pure, enlightening the 
 eyes: 
 
 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring 
 for ever: the judgments of the Lord cere 
 6 true and righteous altogether. 
 
 10 More to be desiied are they than gold, 
 yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also thau 
 nonev, and i' the honeycomb. 
 
 11 Aloreover bythem is thyser\'ant warned: 
 and in keeping of them there is great re- 
 ward. 
 
 12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse 
 thou me from secret faults. 
 
 13 Keep back thy servant also from pre- 
 sumptuous sins; let them not have domin- 
 ion over me: then shall 1 be upright, and I 
 shall be innocent from " the great tra?i8- 
 gression. 
 
 14 Let the words of my mouth, atid the 
 meditation of my heart, be acceptiible ia 
 thy sii,'lu, O Lord, 8 my strength, and my 
 redeemer. 
 
The Church's CovJicUnce in God. TSALMS XX— XXII. A Thanksgiving for Vktoi-y. 
 Their line— or, instruction— tlie influence ex- under David, but also under his last greatest 
 erted by their tacit display of Gt)d's perfec- , successor, '"The King ol the Jews 
 
 tions. Paul, (Rom. 10. 8,;, quoting from the ■ 
 Sept.,\\:<es sound, which gives the same sense. 
 
 1. thy strength ... iliy salvage n— as sup- 
 plied by thee. 2. The sentiment aliirmeil m 
 
 6. <3. The sun, as the most glorious heavenly the first clause is re-affirjued by the ne-atiou 
 body, is specially used to illustrate the sen- 1 of its opposite in the second. 3. prcventesc 
 tiiiient; and his vigorous, cheerful, daily, —/i(., to meet, /'-ere in good sense, ov,frt,end- 
 and extensive course, and his reviving- heat ; s/i?.p iFs. 59. lO.I. (cf. opposite, Ps. 17. V.i.]. 
 (including li^ht well display the wondrous i blessings of goodness— wluchconter happiness, 
 ■wisdom of his Maker. 7-9. The law is de-j crown of pure gold— a figure tor the highest 
 scribed by six names, epithets, and effects, royal prosperity. 4-6. ;Cf. 2 Ham. 7, I'li-lC). 
 
 It is a rule, God's testimony for the truth, | The glory and blessedness of the king 
 JUs special and geueralprescriptiori of duty, ! head of his line, including Christ, as welJ 
 
 las 
 
 fear (as its c.iuse), and judicial decision. It; in being Gods specially selected servant. 
 is distinct and certain, reliable, right, pure, ; exceeded that of ad others, made him most 
 liolv, and true. Hence it revives those de- i bltssed— or set him to be blesdngs, as Abra- 
 pressed by doubts, makes wise the unskilled ham ^Gen. 12. 2.). with, thy countenance— by 
 (2 Tun. 3. 1.5.), rejoices the lover of truth, i sis-Zt^ of thee {Ps. 16. 11,), or, by thy favour 
 strengthens the desponding (Ps. 13. 4; 34. 6,), ; expressed by the light of thy countenance 
 provides permanent principles of conduct, i (iN um. fi. 25,), or both. 7. The mediate cause 
 ai.d by (lOd's grace briims a rich reward, as the king's faith, the eflicient, God's mercy. 
 12-14 The clearer our view of the law, the 1 8. The address is now made to the king, 
 more manitest are our sins. Still, for its iliand— denotes power, and— right hand— a 
 full effect, we need divine grace to show us : more active and efficient degree of its exer- 
 our faults, acquit us, restfa,iu us from the ' else, find out— reach, lay hold of, indicating: 
 practice, and free us from the power, of sin. : success in pursuit of his enemies. 9. Ihe 
 Thus cnly can our conduct be blameless, and I king is only God's agent, anser— lit., face, as 
 
 our words and thoughts acceptable to God. 
 I'SALM XX. 
 
 j appearing 'against them, as a fiery oven— as 
 'ill it. 10. fruit— children (Ps. 37. 25; Hos. 
 
 Ver. 1-9. David probably composed thisjo. IC). 11 This terrible overthrow, reaching 
 Psalm to express the prayers of the pious for I to posterity, is due to their crimes (Ex. 20. 
 his success as, at once, the head of the Church i 5,0.). 12. turn their back-iti., plaice them 
 and nation. Like other compositions of I [as to the] s/iotti'der. against the face of them 
 •which David, in such relations, is the sub- 1— The shooting agamst their faces would 
 ject, its sentiments have a permanent value [ cause them to turn their backs in night. 13. 
 
 -the prosperity of Christ's kinudom beinj 
 involved, as well as typified, in that of Israei 
 and its king, 
 
 The glory of all is ascribable to God alone. 
 PSALM XXII. 
 Ver. 1-31. The obscure words Aijeleth 
 
 i. hear tiiee— graciously (Ps. 4. 1.). name of ! SJ'ia/iar in this title have various explana- 
 — or, manifested perfections, as power, wis- tions. Most interpreters agree in translat- 
 dom, (fee. defend thee— set thee on high from ing them by "Hind of the morning. _ But 
 dauiier iPs. 9. 9; IS. 3.). 2. strengthen thee— ! great difference exists as to the meaning of 
 sustain in conflict; even physical benefits 1 these words. By some they are supposed (cf. 
 may be included, as courage for war, &c., as ! Ps. 9.) to be the name of the tune to which the 
 such mav proceed from a sense of divine fa- ! words of the Psalm were set; by others, the 
 vour, secured in the use of spiritual privi- name of a musical instrument. Perhaps the 
 letres. 3. all thy offsrings— or, gifts, vegetable j best \-iew is to regard the phrase as enigma- 
 offerings, accept— iii., turn to ashes (cf. 1 Ki. i tically expressive of the subject— the sufferer 
 18. 38-.) Selah— Ps. 3. 2.). 4. thv counsel— or, j being likened to a liind pursued by hunters 
 plan. 5. salvation— that wrought and expe- [in the early morning, M., the dawn of day,) 
 rienced by him. set up our banners— (Num. —or that, while hind suggests the idea of a 
 2. 3.10,), in usual sense, or, as some render— I meek, innocent sufferer, the addition of 
 muij ive be made great. 6. He speaks as if morning denotes relief obtained. The feel- 
 suddenly assured of a hearing. Ms holy hea- ings of a pious sufferer in sorrow and deliver- 
 veu — or. lit., the heavens of His holiness, ance are vividly pourtrayed. He earnestly 
 where He resides (Ps. 2. C; 11. 4). saving . . . pleads for divine aid on the ground of his 
 hand— His power which brings salvation, his relation to God, whose past goodness to His 
 anointed— not only David personally, but as i people eucourages hope, and then on account 
 the specially appointed head of His Cliurch. i of the imminent danger by which he is 
 7. remember— or, cause to remember, men- i threatened. The language of complaint is 
 tion thankfuUy. (1 Sam. 17. 45; Ps. 33. 16,). i turned to that of rejoicing. in the a.ssured 
 8 They— i.e., who trust in horses, &c. stand ' pros: lectof relief from suffering and triumph 
 urrigni— K<., v)e have straightened cmrse toes ! over Ms enemies. The use oi the words of 
 nil from our distress and fears. 9. let th°. | the first clause of v. 1, by our Saviour on the 
 King hear— as God's representative, delivered j cross, and the quotation of i; 18 by John, 
 to deliver. Perhaps a better sense is, " Lord, \ (19. 24.), and of y. 22 by Paul, (Heb 2. 12,', as 
 save the king, hear us when we call," or fulfilled in His history, clearly intimate the 
 
 PSALM XXI. 
 
 rophetiral and Messianic purport of the 
 salm. The ntensity of the grief and the 
 
 Ver. 1-13. Thepious are led by the Psalmist completeness and glory of the deliverance 
 to celebrate (^od^s favour to the king in the .and triumph, alike appear to be unsuitable 
 bounties already conferred and in prospec- 1 representations of the tortimes ot any less 
 t ve victories. The doxologv added m:iy re- ; personage. In a general and modified sense, 
 late to both Psalms; the preceding of peti- : (cf. on Ps. 16.). the experience here detailed 
 tion chiefly, this of thanksgiving, ascribing 1 mav be adapted to the case of all Christians 
 honour to (.nd for His dispL^y of grace ana suffering from spiritual foes, and delivered 
 power to His Church iu all ages, not only i by divine aid, inasmuch as Ohnst, ux Uig 
 3SS 3£ 
 
A thanksgiving for vlctori;. 
 
 psALisrs xx-xxn. 
 
 PSALM XX. 
 
 I The ehuTch bl(.<se$ tht king in his exr^loitst 6 the 
 
 erfresaea a eoyijiiimee in Ood's tauour. 
 
 To the Chief Musician. A Pp.alm of Uavld. 
 
 'THK LoHD hear thee in thedayoftrouble; 
 
 the name of the God of Jacob i defend 
 
 thee. 
 
 2 Send 2 thee help from the sanctuary, and 
 s streiiKthen thee out of Zion. 
 
 3 lifitieiiihrrall thy offerings, and * accept 
 thy burnt s.-icrilice. Selah. 
 
 4 C-IH.M tJiie iiccording to thine own heart, 
 Riivi fulfil fill thy counsel. 
 
 5 ^Ve will rejoice in thy salvation, and in 
 the name of our God we will set up our 
 banners: the Lord fulfil all thy petitions. 
 
 S Now know I that the Lord savttlr his 
 anointed: he will hear him 6froiii hi/holy 
 heaven « with the saving strength of his 
 rit,'hi hand. 
 
 1 Some trust in chariots, and some in 
 horses • but we will « remember the name, 
 of the LoKD our God. 
 
 8 They are broucrht down and fallen; but 
 w. are risen, and stand ujiright. 
 
 9 Sffve, Lokd: let the King hear us when 
 we call. 
 
 PSALAI XXL 
 
 1 A thanksgiving for victory. 7 with eonfidenee of 
 
 further success. 
 
 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. 
 
 'THE king shall joy in thy strength, 
 
 Lord ; and in thy salvation how greatly 
 
 shall he rejoice! 
 
 2 Thou liiist given him his heart's desire, 
 and hast not witUholden the request of his 
 lips. Selah. 
 
 o For thou preventest him with the bles- 
 sings of guxjdness: thousettest a crowu of 
 pure gold on his head. 
 
 4 He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it 
 him, tvi7t length of days for ever and ever. 
 
 5 liis glory w great in thv salvation: hon- 
 our and majesty hast thou laid upon him. 
 
 6 For thou hast i made him most blessed 
 for ever: thou hast^madehdra exceeding 
 glad with thy countenance. 
 
 7 For the king trusteth in the Loed; and 
 through the mercy of the Most High he 
 shall not be moved. 
 
 8 Thine hand shall find out all thine ene- 
 mies: thy right hand shall find out those 
 that hate thee. 
 
 _ 9 Thou shalt u:ake them as a fiery oven 
 in the time of thine anger: the Lokd shall 
 swallow them up in his Avrath, and the fire 
 shall devour them. 
 
 10 Their fruit shalt thou destroy from the 
 earth, and theii- seed from among the chil- 
 dren of men. 
 
 11 For they intended evil against thee; 
 they imagined a mischievous device, which 
 they are not able to perform: 
 
 12 Therefore 3 shalt thou make them turn 
 their * back, ivhen thou shalt make ready 
 thine arrows upon thy strings against the 
 fece of them. 
 
 13 Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own 
 strength : so will we sing and praise thy 
 power. 
 
 PSALM XXIL 
 
 1 David complains in great discouragement: 9 he 
 
 prays in great distress : 21 he promises public 
 
 thanksgiving and praise. 
 
 To the chief Musician upon i Aijeleth Shahar, 
 
 A Psalm of David. 
 TVf Y « God, my God, why hast thou for- 
 ^■^ soken ine? u-hy art thou so far 2 from 
 
 PSALM 20. 
 I sot thee on 
 
 inakG iat. 
 frora the 
 heaven of 
 
 right hand, 
 a 2 Chr. 11. 
 11. 
 
 be Hes- 
 Bings. 
 
 2 gladdened 
 him with 
 
 joy- 
 
 3 Or, thou 
 
 Bhult Bet 
 thim as K 
 
 I'SALM 22. 
 
 1 Or, the 
 hind of the 
 morning. 
 
 « Ma. 27. 46. 
 
 2 from my 
 salvation. 
 
 6 Heb. 5. 7. 
 
 3 there is no 
 silence to 
 
 e Ex. 15. 11. 
 
 ti.el.OKD. 
 G Or, if he 
 delight in 
 him. 
 
 7 Or. kept«Bt 
 
 safety. 
 
 8 nota 
 
 thcii 
 
 / I'a. 35. 21. 
 
 10 Or, sun- 
 dered. 
 
 ff Pro. 17. 22. 
 h ila. '.i7. 35. 
 
 Mark 15. 
 
 24. 
 
 Lu.23.33. 
 
 Johnl9,23. 
 
 JohniO.SS. 
 ( Lu. 23. 34. 
 
 11 my only 
 one. 
 
 12 from th* 
 
 y 2 Ti. 4. 17. 
 A John2'U7. 
 I J.ev 7. 11 
 "1 Joh.i 6.61. 
 n Ps 2. 8. 
 Mat. 0. 13. 
 V U. S6. 19. 
 
 Sn^erings of (he Messiah. 
 
 helping rae, and from t> the words of my 
 roaring? 
 
 '.' my God, T cry in the day-time, but 
 thon hi'rtrestnot; and in the night season, 
 and 3 ani not silent. 
 
 3 I^ut Thou art ' holy, O thov. that in- 
 habitest the praises of Israel. 
 
 4 Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, 
 and thou didst deliver them. 
 
 5 They cried unto thee, and were de. 
 livered: tliey trusted in thee, and were not 
 confounded. 
 
 6 But I am a worm, and no man: d a 
 reproach of men, and despised ot the 
 
 eople. 
 7 All'1 
 
 7 All 'they that see me laugh me to scorn: 
 they * shoot out the lip, tiey shake the 
 head, saying, 
 
 8 6 lie fnisied on the Lord that he would 
 deliver him: let him deliver him, 6 seeing 
 he delighted in him. 
 
 9 But thou art he that took me out of the 
 womb; thou 7 didst make me hope when 1 
 was upon my mother's breasts. 
 
 10 I was cast upon thee from the womb: 
 thou art my God from my mother's belly. 
 
 11 Be not far from me, for trouble is near; 
 for there is 8 none to help. 
 
 12 Many bulls have compassed me: strong 
 bv.Us of Bashan have beset me rourd. 
 
 13 They 9 gapied upon / me with their 
 mouths, as a ravening and a roniing lion. 
 
 14 I am poiu-ed out like water, and all my 
 bones are i^^out of joint: my heart is like 
 wax ; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. 
 
 15 My^strc ngth is dried up like a potsherd; 
 and my tongue deaveth to my jaws; and 
 thou hast brought me into the dustof death. 
 
 16 For dogs have compassed me; the as- 
 sembly of the wicked have encl(jsed me: 
 they ''pierced my hands and my feet. 
 
 17 1 may tell all my bones: they look and 
 stare upon me. 
 
 18 They < part my garments among them, 
 and ciist lots upon my vesture. 
 
 19 But be not thou far from me, Lord: 
 O my strength, haste thee to help me. 
 
 '20 Deliver my soul from the sword ; n my 
 darling i'-^ trom the power of the dog. 
 
 'Il Save^me from the lion's mouth : lor thou 
 hast heard me from the horns of the uni- 
 corns. 
 
 22 I will declare thy name unto *my 
 brethren: in the midst of the congregation 
 will I praise thee. 
 
 23 Ye that fear the Lord, praise him; all 
 ve the seed of Jacob, gloiii'y him; and fear 
 him, all ve the seed of Israel. 
 
 24 For he hath not despised nor abhorred 
 the attiiction of the atliicted; neither hath 
 he hid his face from him; but when he 
 cried unto him, he heard. 
 
 25 My praise shall be of thee in the great 
 congregation: I will pay my vows before 
 them that fear him. 
 
 26 The ' meek shall eat and be satisfied: 
 they shall praise the Lord that seek him: 
 your heart *" shall live lor ever. 
 
 27 All " the ends of the worid shall re- 
 member, and tmnunto the Lord; and all 
 the kindreds of the nations shall worship 
 before thee. 
 
 28 I'or " the kingdom is the Lord's; and 
 he is the governor among the nations. 
 
 29 All thty that be t,at upon earth shall eat 
 and worship: P all they that go dow u to the 
 dust shall bow before him: and none cao 
 keep aiive his own soul. 
 
The Suffering KALM XXIH. oj the Messiah. 
 
 human nature, was their head and represen- discussion, /involvini^ questions as to the 
 tative. I genuineness of the Hebrew word translated 
 
 1. A summary of the complaint. Deser- pierce,) which cannot be made inteliiKible to 
 tion by God, when overwhehned by distress, the En?lish reader. Though not quoted in 
 is the clitiiax of the sutferer's misery, words the N. T., the remarkable aptness of the de- 
 cf my roaring— .^hows that the cou)pIaint is scription to the facts of the Saviour's history, 
 expressed intelligently, though the term together with difticulties attending any other 
 rearing is figurative, taken from the conduct mode of explaining the clause in the llebrew, 
 of in-ational creatures in pain. 2. The long justify an adherence to the terms of our ver- 
 distress is evinced by— am not silent— /ii., ?(o^ sion and their obvious meaning. 17. His 
 silence to mc, either meaning, 1 continually emaciated frame, itself an item of his miserj' 
 cry; or, corresponding with mou hearest not, is rendered more so, as the object of delighted 
 or, answerest not, it may mean, there is no contemplation to his enemies. The verbs, 
 rest or quiet to me. 3. Still he not only look, and stare, often occur as suggestive of 
 refrains from charging God foolishly, but feelings of satisfaction (of. Ps. '^7. 13; 54. 7; 
 evinces his confidence in God by appealing 118.7.). 18. This literally fulfilled prediction 
 to htm. thou art holy— or possessed of all the j closes the sad picture of the exposed and de- 
 attributes which encourage trust, and the ' serted sufferer. 19, 20. He now turns with 
 right object of the jjraise^ of the Church;, imabated desire and trust to God, who, in 
 hence the suff'erer need not despair. 4, 5. ; His strength and faithfulness, is contrasted 
 Past experience of God's people is a ground | with the urgent dangers described, my soul 
 of trust. The mention of "our fathers" does ' —or, self !cf. Ps. 3. 2; 16. 10.). my darling— 
 not destroy the applicability of the words as ; lit, rmi only one, or, solitary one, as desolate 
 the language of our Saviour's human nature, and afflicted (Ps. 25. 16; 35. 17.). 21. Deliver- 
 6. He, who was despised and rejected of His ance pled in view of former help, when in 
 own people, as a disgrace to the nation, might I the most imminent danger, from the most 
 well use these words of deep abasement ' powerful enemy, represented by the unicorn 
 which express not His real, but esteemed, -ua- ; or wild buffalo, the lion's mouth— icf. v. 13.). 
 lue. 7. 8. For the Jews used one of the ges- 1 The lion often used as a figure representing 
 tures, (Mat. 27. 39,), here mentioned, when i violent enemies; the connecting of the 
 taunting Him on the cross, and {v. 43,) re- mouth intimates their rapacity. 22-24. He 
 proached Him almost in the very language of declares his purpose to celebrate God's gra- 
 this passage, trusted in the Lord— lit., rolled cious dealings and publish His manifested 
 —i.e., his burden, (Ps. 37. 5; Pro. 16. 3,), on the i perfections (name, Ps. 5. 11,), &c., and forth- 
 Lord. This is the language of enemies sport- 1 with invites the pious, those who have a re- 
 ing with his faith in the hour of his deser-) verential fear of God, to unite in special 
 tion. sho t cut [or, open] the lit)— (cf. Ps. 35. j praise for a deliverance, illustrating God's 
 21.). 9, 10. Though ironically spoken, the kind regard for the lowly, whom men neg- 
 exfaortation to trust was well founded on his lect. To hide the face or eyes expresses a 
 previous experience of divine aid, the special studied neglect of one's cause, and reftisal of 
 illustration ot which is drawn from the period aid or sympathy (cf. Ps. 30. 7; Isa. ]. 15.). 
 of helpless infancy, didst make me hcpe— or 25,26. My praise shall be of thee— or, perhaps 
 Hi., mode me secure. 11. From this state- better, from thee— i.e., God gives grace to 
 ment of reasons for the appeal, he renews it, praise him. With offering praise, he farther 
 pleading his double extremity, the nearness evinces his gratitude, by promising the pay- 
 
 of trouble, and the absence of ahelper. 12, 13. 
 His enemies, with the vigour of bullsandra- 
 pacity of -lions, surround him, eagerly seek- 
 ing his ruin. The force of both figures is 
 greater without the use of any particle de- 
 noting comparison. 14, 15. litter exhaus- 
 tion and hopeless weakness, in these circum- 
 
 ment of his vows, in celebrating the usual 
 festival, as provided in the law, (T)eut. 12. 18; 
 16. 11,), of which, the pious or humble, ana 
 they that seek the Lord, His true worship- 
 pers, shall partake abundantly, and join lihn 
 in praise. In the enthusiasm produced by 
 his lively feelings, he addresses such in 
 
 people, others shall be brought to acknow- 
 ledge and worship God; the fat ones, or the 
 
 stances of pressing danger, are set forth by j words, assuring them of God's peiijetual fa- 
 the most expressive figures: the soUdiiy of ; vour. The dying of the heart denotes death 
 the body is destroyed, and it becomes like (1 Sam. 25. 37;); so its living denotes life, 
 water; the bones are parted; the heart, the 27-31. His case illustrates God's righteous 
 very seat of vitality, melts like wax; all the government. Beyond the existing time and 
 
 juices of the system are dried up; the tongue , '' '^^ '"" '" ' '' " ' 
 
 can no longer perform its office, but lies! 
 
 parched and stiffened cf. Gen. 49. 4; 2 Sam. 14. i rich as well as the poor, the helpless who 
 14; Ps. 58. 8.). In this, (rod is regarded as the j cannot keep themselves alive, shall together 
 ultimate source, and men as the instruments. ! unite in celebratmg God's delivering power, 
 the dust of death— of course denotes the grave. ! and transmit to unborn people the records 
 We need not try to find the exact counter- 1 of his grace, it shall be accounted to the Lord 
 part of each item of the description in the for, &c.— or, it shall be told of the Lord to a 
 
 .i_..i c — o-...-_...j ^...; — rn.- gencratiou. God's wonderful works shall be 
 
 ^cit,x,v- „.„e.""e, ov-...„xv,o i..^....^.. ^x .X.O- 1 told from generation to generation, that he 
 
 torical scenes, presenting substantial truth, ! hath done— supply it, or this— i.e., what the 
 .„ . ^. ,_•-, i, , i Psalm has unfolded. 
 
 particulars of our Saviour's sufferings. Fi 
 gurative language resembles pictures of his 
 
 under illustrations, which, though not essen- 
 tial to the facts, are not inconsistent with I 
 them. Were any portion of Christ's terrible I 
 
 Ver. 1-6 
 
 sufferings specially designed, it was doubt- from scenes of pastoral 
 
 PSALM xxni. 
 
 Under a metaphor borrowed 
 life. 
 
 with which 
 
 less that of the garden of Gethsemane. 16. ' David was familiar, he describes God's pro- 
 Evil-doers are well described as dogs, which, | vidential care in providing refreshment, 
 in the East, herding together, wild and rapa- guidance, protection, and abundance, and so 
 cious, are justly objects of great abhorrence, j affording grounds of confidence in His per* 
 The last clause has been a subject of much ' petual favour. 
 
David's eonfidenee in Ood. ^PSALMS XXIH-XXVIl. Sis faith in Gods protection. 
 
 r£RE 
 
 YHE 
 
 80 A seed shall serve hira ; it shall be ac- 
 counted to the LoKD for a generation. 
 
 31 They shall come, and shall declare 
 his righteonsness unto a people that shall 
 be born, that he hath done this. 
 PSALM XXIII. 
 
 J>avid'3 confidencf in Ood't groM, 
 
 A Psalm of David. 
 Lord is " iny shepherd, 1 shall- not 
 want. 
 
 2 lie maketh me to lie down in i green 
 pastures: ' he leadeth me beside the 2 still 
 waters. 
 
 3 He restoreth ray soul: he leadeth me in 
 the paths of righteouBness for his name's 
 Bake. 
 
 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley 
 of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:, 
 for ' thou art vrith me ; thy rod and thy stafi' 
 they comfort me. 
 
 6 Thou preparest a table before me in the 
 presence of mine enemies: thou 3 anointest 
 my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 
 6 Smely goodness and mercy shall follow 
 me all the days of my life ; and I will <* dwell 
 in the house of the Lord * for ever. 
 
 PSALM XXIV. 
 1 Ood t lordship over the world: S citizens of his 
 Bpirit%ial kingdoiy>. 7 The Lard's toUmn cn- 
 tranoe into his sanctuary. 
 
 A Fsalm of David. 
 " earth is the Lord's, and the ful- 
 ness thereof; the world, and they that 
 dwell therein: 
 
 2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, 
 and established it upon the tfoods. 
 
 3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the 
 Lord? and who shall stand in his holy 
 place? 
 
 4 1 He that hath clean hands, and* a pure 
 heart; who bath not lifted up his soul unto 
 vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. 
 
 6 He shall receive the blessing from the 
 Lord, and righteousness from the God of 
 his salvation. 
 
 6 This is the generation of them that seek 
 him, that seek thy tace, 2 O Jacob. Selah. 
 
 7 Lilt up your heads, ye gates: and be 
 we lift up, ye everlasting doors; "and the 
 King of glory shall come in. 
 
 8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord 
 Btrong and mighty, the Lord mighty in 
 battle. 
 
 9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift 
 Viem up, ye everlasting doors; and the 
 King of glory shall come in. 
 
 10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord 
 of hosts, he is the Kmg of glory. Selah. 
 
 PSALM XXV. 
 I David's eonfidenee in jirayer, 2 being grieved at 
 the malice of his enemies i 16 he prays for help 
 inaffiiction. 
 
 A Pjolm of David. 
 TTNTO" thee,0 Lord, do I lift up my soul. 
 '-^ 2 O my God, I * trust in thee: let me 
 not be ashamed; let not mine enemies tri- 
 omph over me. 
 
 3 Yea, let none that wait on thee be 
 ashamed : let them be ashamed which 
 transgress without cause. 
 
 4 Show • me thy ways, Lord ; teach me 
 thy paths. 
 
 5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: 
 fbr thou art the God of my salvation ; on 
 thee do I wait all the day. 
 
 6 Remember, O Lord, i thy tender mer- 
 cies and thy loving-kindneBses; for they 
 mvt been &fit of old. 
 
 PSALM 23. 
 
 a JoholO.ll. 
 1 Pe. 2. £5. 
 
 6 Key. 7.17. 
 2 waters of 
 
 quietneis. 
 Is. 43. 2. 
 8 ciakestfat. 
 rf 2 Cor. 5.1. 
 4 to length 
 
 of ds;>. 
 
 PSALM 24. 
 
 Ex. 9. 29. 
 
 Job 41. 11. 
 
 1 The clean 
 of hards. 
 
 1 Tim. 2. 8. 
 b Mat. 5. 8. 
 
 2 Or, O God 
 of Jacob. 
 
 e Hag. 2. 7. 
 Mai. S. 1. 
 1 Cor. 8. 8. 
 
 PBAhH 3^. 
 a Lam. 3. 41. 
 6 Ro. 10. 11. 
 e Ex. 33. 13. 
 
 1 thy bow 616. 
 d Ps. 51. 1. 
 e P«. 31. 8. 
 
 Pa. 79. 9. 
 
 Ps. Ifjy 21. 
 
 Ps. 143.11. 
 /■Rom. 5.20. 
 g Ps 37. 23. 
 
 2 shall Iodg« 
 ID good- 
 Pro. 19. 23. 
 
 h Ps. 37. li, 
 
 22,29. 
 i Prov.3.32. 
 
 John 7. 17. 
 
 John 16.15. 
 
 2 Cor. 4. 
 
 2-6. 
 
 3 Or, and hi* 
 covenant 
 to make 
 them know 
 it. 
 
 ; - 
 
 141. 8. 
 
 4 bring forth. 
 * Ps. 69. le. 
 
 Ps. 8«. 16. 
 { 2 Sam. IC. 
 
 12. 
 6 hatred of 
 
 violence. 
 •nPi. 130. 8. 
 
 PSALM 26. 
 « Ps. 7. 8. 
 6 Ps. 28. 7. 
 
 Pro. 29. 25. 
 « Ps. 1. 1. 
 
 Jer. 15. 17. 
 d Ps. 31. 6. 
 « £x. 30. 19. 
 
 Ps. 73. 13. 
 
 1 Ti. 2. 8. 
 
 1 of the 
 tabernaelo 
 of thy 
 honour. 
 
 2 Or, Take 
 not away. 
 1 Sam. 25. 
 
 7 Remember not the sms of my youth, 
 nor my transgressions: <* according to thy 
 mercy remember thou me for thy goodness* 
 sake, O Lord, 
 
 « Good and upright is the Lord: there, 
 fore will he teacli sinners in the way. 
 
 9 The meek will he guide in .iudgment; 
 and the meek will he teach his way. 
 
 10 All the paths of the Lord art nieroy 
 and truth unto such as keep his covenant 
 and liis testimonies. 
 
 11 For ' thy name's sake, Lord, pardon 
 mine iniquity; /for it is grtat. 
 
 12 What man is be that fe:ireth the Lord? 
 him » shall he teach in the way that he 
 shall choose. 
 
 13 His soul 2 shall dwell at ease; and 
 his 'i seed shall inherit the earth. 
 
 14 The * secret of the Lord is with them 
 that fear him ; s and he wUl show them his 
 covenant. 
 
 15 Mine > eyes are ever toward the Lord; 
 for he shall * pluck my feet out of the net, 
 
 16 Turn * thee unto me, and have mercy 
 upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted, 
 
 17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged: 
 
 bring thou me out of my distresses. 
 
 18 Look ' upon mine affliction and my 
 pain; and forgive all my sins. 
 
 19 Consider mine enemies, for they are 
 many ; and they hate me with 5 cniel hatred. 
 
 20 O keep my soul, and tielivei me: let me 
 not be ashamed; for I put my trust in 
 thee. 
 
 21 Let integiity and uprightness preserve 
 me ; for 1 wait on thee. 
 
 22 Kedeem »» Israel, O God, out of all his 
 ti'oubles. 
 
 PSALM XXVL 
 
 1 Vavid, in emifidenee of his integrity, resorts to 
 
 God: 8 his love to Ood's hoxise, 
 
 A Jftalm of David. 
 
 JUDGE » me, Lord; for I have walked 
 
 *' in mine integrity: * I have trusted also 
 
 in th.; Lord; therefore I shall not slide. 
 
 2 Examine me, Lord, and prove me; 
 try my reins and my heart. 
 
 3 For thy loving-kindness is before mine 
 eyes ; and 1 have walked in thy truth. 
 
 4 1' have not sat with vain persons, nei- 
 ther will I go in with dissemblers. 
 
 5 1 have <i hated the congregation of evil- 
 doers; and will not sit with the wicked. 
 
 6 I * will wash mine hands in innocency: 
 so wiU I compass thine altar, O Lord; 
 
 7 That 1 may publish with the voice of 
 thanksgiving, and tell of aU thy wondious 
 works. 
 
 8 Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy 
 house, and the place i where thine honour 
 dwelleth. 
 
 9 - Gather not my soul with sinners, nor 
 my life with a bloody men; 
 
 10 In whose hands is mischief, and their 
 right hand is * fuU of bribes. 
 
 11 But as for me, 1 will walk in mine in- 
 tegiity: redeem me, and be merciful unto 
 me. 
 
 12 My foot standeth in an even place: in 
 the congi-egations will I bless the Lord. 
 
 rSALM XXVIL 
 
 1 David SKStains his faith by the potver of Ood, 
 
 i by hit love for the service of God, by prayer. 
 
 A Jfsiilm of David. 
 
 THE Lord is my light and my salvation; 
 ■*■ whom shall 1 fear? the Lord is the 
 strength of my lil'e: of whom shall 1 be 
 afraid« 
 
DavicCs Confidence m God. PSALMS XXIV-XXVT. 
 
 He Prays to God. 
 
 1. Christ's relation to His people is often all ci'eatures, and especially the heavenly 
 representedbythefigureof a slieylierd (John, armies (Josh. 5. 14; 1 Ki. 22.19.). Whetlier.aa 
 10. 14; Heb. 13. 20; 1 Pet. 2. 25; 5. 4,; and I some think, the actual enlargement of the 
 therefore the opinion that He is the Lord i ancie^nt gates of Jerusalem be tlie basi^ of 
 here so described, and in Gen. 48.16; Ps.80. l;lthe figure, the effect of the whole is to im- 
 Isa. 40. 11, is not without some good reason. \ press us with a conception of the matchless 
 2. green pastures—or, pastures of tende.r grass, 1 majesty of God. 
 are mentioned, not in i-esyect to food, but as PSALM XXV. 
 
 places of cool and refreshing rest, the still j Ver. 1-22. The general tone of this Psalm 
 waters— are, lit., vjaters of stillness, whose : is that of prayer lor help from enemies, 
 quiet flow invite to repose. They are con- ! Distress, however, exciting a sense of .sin, 
 trasted with boisterous streams on the one | humble confession, supplication for pardon, 
 hand, and stagnant, offensive pools on the i preservation from sin, and flivine guidance, 
 other. 3. To restore the soul is to revive 1 are prominent topics. 
 
 or quicken it (Ps. 19. 7,), or relieve it (Lam. 1. , 1. lift up my soul— (Ps. 24. 4; 8G. 4,1, set my 
 11,19.). patlisofrigliteousuess— those of safety, \ affections icf. Col. 3. 2.). 2. not be ashamed— 
 as directed by God, and pleasing to Him. | by disappointment of hopes of relief 3. The 
 for his uame's sake— or, regard for His per- prayer generalised as to all who wait o» God 
 fections, pledged for His people's welfare. ' —i.e., who expect His favour. On the other 
 4. In the darkest and most ti-ying hour God ; hand, the disappointment of the perfidious, 
 is near, the valley of the shadow of death— is '■ who, unprovoked, have done evil, is invoked 
 a ravine overhung by high precipitous cliffs, i (cf. 2 Sam. 22. 9.). 4, 5. On the ground of 
 filled with dense forests, and well calculated ' former favour, he invokes divine guidance, 
 to inspire dread to the timid, and afford a; according to God's gi-acious'wsys of dealing 
 covert to beasts of prey. "While expressive ofi and faithfulness. 6, 7. Confessing past and 
 any great danger or cause of terror, it does ' present sins, he pleads for mercy, not on pal- 
 not exclude the greatest of all, to which it is ; liations of sin, but on God's well-known be- 
 most popularly applied, and which its terms : nevolence. 8, 9. upright— acting according to 
 suggest, thy rod and thy staff— are symbols i His promise, sinners— the general term, li- 
 of a shepherd's office. By them he guides mited by the meek— who are 'penitent, in 
 his sheep. 5, 6. Another fi,giire expresses judgment— rightly, the way— and his way- 
 God's provident care, a table— or, food, an- ; God's way of providence. 10. paths— similar 
 ointing oil— the synibol of gladness, and the : sense— his modes of dealing (cf. v. 4.). me:cy 
 overflowing cup— which represents abund-; and truth— (Job, 14,), God's grace in promis- 
 ance— are prepared for the child of God. who ; ing and faithfulness in performing. 11. 
 may feast in spite of his enemies, confident; God's perfections of love, mercy, goodness, 
 that this favour will ever attend him. Tliis ; and truth are manifested [his name, cf. Ps. 9. 
 beautiful Psalm most admirably sets before 1 10,) in pardoning sin, and the greatness of 
 us, in its chief figure, that of a siiepherd, the sin renders pardon more needed. 12, 13. 
 gentle, kind, and sure care extended to God's I What he asks for himself is the common lot 
 peoDle, who, as a shepherd, both rules and i of all the pious. The phrase— inherit the 
 feeds them. The closing verse shows that the earth— (cf. Mat. 5. 5,), alluding to the promise 
 blessings mentioned are spiritual. of Canaan, expresses all the blessings in- 
 
 PSALM XXIV. eluded in that promise, temporal as well as 
 
 Ver. 1-10. God's supreme sovereignty re- 1 spiritual. 14. The reason of the blessing ex- 
 quires a befitting holiness of life and heart I plained— the pious enjoy commnnion with 
 in His worshippers; a sentiment sublimely I God [d. Pro. 3. 21, 22,), and, of course, learn 
 illustrated by describing His entrance into I His gracious terms of pardon. 15.,,His trust in 
 
 the sanctuary, by the symbol of His wor- 
 ship—the ark, as requiring the most profound 
 homage to the glory of His Majesty. 
 
 1. fulness— every thing, world— the habit- 
 able globe, with, they that dwell— forming a 
 parallel expression to the first clause. 2, 
 
 God is fixed, net— is frequently used as 
 figure for dangers by enemies (Ps.9. 15- 10. 9.), 
 16-19. A series of earnest appeals for aid, 
 because God had seemed to desert him (cf. 
 Ps. r.i. 1; 17. 13, &c.,),his sins oppressed him, 
 his enemies had enlarged his troubles and 
 
 etically represents the facts of Gen. 1. 9. | were multiplied, increasing in hate and viol- 
 
 3, 4. The form of a question gives vivacity. 
 Hands, ton(iue,&ndhe(irtnve organs of action, 
 speech, and feeUng, which compose charac- 
 ter, lifted up bis soul— is to set the affections 
 (Ps. 25. 1) on an object; here, vanity— or, any 
 false thmg, of which swearing falsely, or to 
 falsehood, is a specification, hill of the Lord 
 — iCf. Ps. 2. 6, (fee. ). His Church— the true or in- 
 visible, as typified by the earthly sanctuary. 
 5. righteousuess— the rewards which God be- 
 stows on His people, or the grace to secure 
 those rewards as weil as the result. 6. Jacob— 
 by Jacob, we may understand God's people (cf . 
 Isa. 43. 22; 44. 2, &c.,). corresponding to "the 
 generation," &c., as if he had said, "those 
 who seek thy face are thy chosen people." 
 7-10. The entranceof the ark, with theattend- 
 ing procession, into the holy sanctuary is pic- 
 tured to us. The repetition of the terms gives 
 emphasis. Lord of Jiosts— or fully. Lord God 
 of hosts (Hos. 12. 5; Amos, 4. 13,) describes 
 God by a title indicative of supremacy over 
 
 3sr 
 
 ence (Ps. 9. 8; 18. 48.). 20. keep my soul- 
 (Ps. 10. 1.). nut my trust— flee for psfuge (Ps. 
 2. 12.). 21. "In conscious innocence of the 
 faults charged by his enemies, he confidently 
 commits his cause lo God. Some refer— in- 
 tegrity, &c.— to God, meaning His covenant 
 faithfulness. This sense, though good, is an 
 unusual application of the terms. 22. Ex- 
 tend these blessings to all thy people in all 
 their distresses. 
 
 PSALM xxvr. 
 
 Ver. 1-12. After appealing to God's judg- 
 ment on his avowed integrity and innocence 
 of the charges laid by his enemies, the Psalm- 
 ist professes delight in God's worship, and 
 prays for exemption from the fate of the 
 wicked, expressing assurance of God's fa- 
 vour. 
 
 1. Judge— decide on my case— the appeal of 
 innocence, in iniue integrity— freedom from 
 blemish 'cf. Ps. 25. 21.). His confidence of 
 perseverance results from trust in God's sus- 
 
David's trust in God. 
 
 PSALMS XXYIII-XXX. 
 
 Pod's glory and majesty. 
 
 2 When the wicked, even mine enemies 
 and my foes, i came upon me to eat up my 
 flesh, they stumbled and fell. 
 
 3 Though an host should encamp against 
 me, my heart shall not fear- though war 
 ehould rise against me, in this ■will 1 be 
 confident. 
 
 4 One thing have I desired of the Lokd, 
 that will 1 seek after; that I may dwell in 
 the house of the Lord all the days of my 
 lile. to behold 2 the beauty of the LoED, 
 and to enquire in his temple. 
 
 5 For " in the time of trouble he shall hide 
 me in his pavilion: in the secret of his ta- 
 bernacle snail he hide me; he shall set me 
 up upon a rock. 
 
 6 And now shall mine head be lifted up 
 above mine enemies round about me : 
 therelbre will I offer in his tabernacle sac- 
 rinees 3 of joy ; 1 will sing, yea, 1 will sing 
 praises imto the Loud. 
 
 7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my 
 voice: have mercy also upon me, and an- 
 swer me. 
 
 8 * When thou saidst. Seek ye my face ; 
 my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, 
 wul 1 seek. 
 
 S Hide not thy face far from me; put not 
 thy servant away in anger: thou hast been 
 my help ; leave me not, neither forsake me, 
 O'God of my salvation. 
 
 10 When my father and * my mother for- 
 sake me, then the Lord & will take me 
 
 U Teach me thy way, Lord, and lead 
 me in 6 a plain path, because of l mine 
 enemies. 
 
 12 Deliver me not over mito the will of 
 mine enemies: for * false witnesses are risen 
 up against me. and such as breathe out 
 craelty. 
 
 13 / had fainted, unless I had believed to 
 Bee the goodness of the Lord in the land 
 of the living. 
 
 14 Wait on the Lord ; be of good courage, 
 and he shall strengthen thine heait: wait, 
 I say, on the Lord. 
 
 PSALM XXAnn. 
 
 1 David prays against his enevxies: 6 hebUlStS 
 Qodi 9 he pyaj/s for the people, 
 A Fsalm of David. 
 TTNTO thee will 1 cry, O Lord my rock; 
 *^ be not silent i to me: lest, if thou be 
 silent to me, I become like them that go 
 down into the pit. 
 
 2 Hear the voice of my supplications when 
 I crj- \mto thee, when I litt up my hands 
 8 toward thy holy oracle. 
 
 3 Draw me not away with the wicked, and 
 with the workers of iniquity, which speak 
 peace to their neighbours, but mischief is 
 m ttieir hearts. 
 
 4 Give " them according to their deeds, 
 and accordbig to the wickedness of their 
 endeavours: give them after the work of 
 then hands; render to them their desert. 
 
 5 Eecause they regard not the wcirks of 
 the Lord, nor tne operation of his hands, 
 he shall destroy them, and not build them 
 
 6 Blessed he the Lord, because he hath 
 heard the voice of my supplications, 
 
 7 The Lord is ' my strength and my shield ; 
 my lieart tiusted in him, and I am helped: 
 therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and 
 with my song will I praise him. 
 
 8 The Lord is a their strength, and he is 
 the ^ saving strength of his auointed^ 
 
 PSALM 27. 1 
 
 1 approached ) 
 BgaiDBt m«. 
 
 2 Or, the 
 deligbt. 
 
 o 1.. 4. 6. 
 S of shouting, 
 4 Or, My 
 
 face seek 
 
 thy face. 
 6 Is. 49. 15. 
 6 wiU gather 
 
 me. 
 
 Is. 40. 11. 
 
 6 a way of 
 plainseis. 
 
 7 those 
 which ob- 
 
 F8ALM 28. 
 
 1 from me. 
 
 2 Or, toward 
 the oracle 
 of thy 
 sanctuary. 
 
 « 2 Tim. 4. 
 
 14. 
 
 P«. IS. 2. 
 8 Or, his 
 
 rength. 
 4 strength of 
 
 salvations. 
 
 Or, rule. 
 
 PSALM 29. 
 
 1 yo sons of 
 the 
 mighty. 
 
 2 the honour 
 of his 
 
 3 Or, in his 
 
 glorious 
 sanctuary. 
 
 4 Or, g:reat. 
 6 in power. 
 
 6 inmnjesty. 
 a Deu. 4. 48. 
 
 7 cutt«th 
 
 6 Nu.'lS. 26. 
 
 8 Or, to be 
 in pain, 
 and so 
 bring 
 forth. 
 
 9 Or,eTery 
 whit of it 
 utteretb, 
 etc. 
 
 moment in 
 a Ps. 63. 3.' 
 
 4 singing, 
 
 5 settled 
 slre.sth 
 for my 
 mountain, 
 
 b Psalm 104. 
 
 e Psalm 115. 
 
 17. 
 
 Is. 88. 18. 
 That i», 
 
 my tongue, 
 
 or, aiy 
 
 a Save thy people, and bless thine inherit 
 tftnce: & feed them also, and lift them up 
 for ever. 
 
 PSALM XXIX. 
 1 David exhorts 'princes to give glcrp to Ood, S6y 
 reason of his power, 11 and protection of hu 
 people. 
 
 A Psalm of David. 
 rj.IVE unto the Lord, O lye mighty, give 
 ^-" unto the Lord glory and strength. 
 
 2 Give unto the Lord 2 the glory due unto 
 his name ; worship the Lord 3 in the beauty 
 of holiness. 
 
 3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; 
 the God of glory thunderetn: the Lord is 
 upon * many waters. 
 
 4 The voice of the Lord is 6 poweiful; 
 the voice of the Lord is ^ full of majesty. 
 
 5 The voice of the Lord breaketh the 
 cedars ; yea, the Lord breaketh the cedars 
 of Lebanon. 
 
 6 He maketh them also to skip like a calf; 
 Lebanon and * Suion like a young mu- 
 corn. 
 
 7 The voice of the Lord 7 divideth the 
 flames of fire. 
 
 8 The voice of the Lord shaketh the wil- 
 derness: the Lord ehaketh the wilderness 
 of *Kauesh. 
 
 9 The voice of the Lord maketh the 
 hinds 8 to calve, and discovereth the forests: 
 and in his temple ^ doth every one speak 
 of his glory. 
 
 10 The Lord sitteth upon the flood; yea, 
 the Lord sitteth King tor ever. 
 
 11 The Lord wUl give strength unto his 
 people ; the Lord will bless his people with 
 peace. 
 
 PSALM XXX. 
 
 1 David praises Cod J or his deliverance: i ttt 
 
 exhorts others to praise him, by the example of 
 
 Qod's dealing ttiith him. 
 
 A Psalm and Song at the dedication of tli9 
 
 hou.so of David. 
 T WILL extol thee, Lord; for thou haafc 
 -*■ lifted me up, and hast not made my foes 
 to rejoice over me. 
 
 2 Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and 
 thou hast healed rne. 
 
 3 O Lord, thou hast brought up my sonl 
 from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, 
 that 1 should not go down to the pit. 
 
 4 Suig unto the Loud, ye saints of his, 
 and give thanks i at the remembrance or 
 his holiness. 
 
 5 For '■^ his anger endureth hid a moment; 
 " in his lavour is life: weeping may endure 
 3 for a night, but * joy cometh in the moiu- 
 ing. 
 
 6 And in my prosperity I said, I shall 
 never be moved. 
 
 7 Lord, by thy favour thou hast 6 made 
 my mountain to stand strong: tliou '' tiidst 
 hide thy lace, and 1 was troubled. 
 
 8 I cried to thee. O Lord ; and unto the 
 Lord I made supplication. 
 
 9 What profit is there in my L'lood, when 
 I go down to the pit? ' fc^hall the dust 
 praise thee? shaU it declare thy truth? 
 
 10 Hear, Lord, and have mercy upon 
 me: Lord, be thou my helper. 
 
 11 Thou hast turned for me my momuing 
 into dancing: thou hast put oti' my sact 
 cloth, and girded me with gladness: 
 
 12 To the end that "^ my glory niiiy suig 
 praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord 
 my God, I will give thanks unto thee Ibi 
 ever. 
 
David Sustaineth his Faith. PSALJIS XXVU-XXX. 
 
 Go^s Glory and Majesty. 
 
 taining grace. 2. He asks the most careful against his enemies, as being also those of 
 scrutiny of his affections and thoughts (Ps. God, is followed by the Psalmist's praise in 
 7- 9,), or motives. 3. As of en, the ground assurance of a favourable answer, and a 
 of prayer for present help is former favour. ; prayer for all God's people. 
 
 4-8. As exemplified by the fruits of divine : 
 grace, presented in his life, especially in hi.- 
 
 1. my rock— (Ps. IS. 2, 31.). be not sile t to 
 lit., from me, deafor iiattentive. become 
 
 avoiding the vvicked and his purposes of j like them. &c.— share their fate, go down 
 cleaving to God's worship, wash mine hands , into the pit— or, grave (Ps. 30. 3.). 2. lift up 
 —expressive symbol of freedom from sinful i my hands—a gesture of prayer (Ps. 63. 4; 141. 
 acts (cf. Mat. 27. 24.). the habitation of thy 2.) . oracle- place of ype'tking Ex. 26. 22- 
 house— where thy house rests— as the taber- j iNum. 7, 89,), where God answered His people 
 nacle was not yet permanently fixed, honour | (cf . Ps. 5. 7.). 3. Draw me not, &c.- -implies pu- 
 dwelleth— conveys an allusion to the Holy of uishinent as well as death ,cf. Ps. 26. 9.). Hy- 
 Holies. 9. Gather not, &c.— bring me not to ! pocrisy is the special wickedrtens mentioned, 
 death, bloody men— (cf. Ps. 5. 6.). 10. Their j 4. The imprecation is justified in v. 5. The 
 ' ' -'■'■•■••■ ^ , r , force of the lassage is greatly enhanced by 
 
 &c.— He contrasts his character ] the accunmlatioai of terjns describing their 
 sin. endeavours— points out their deliberate 
 
 whole conduct is that of violence and fraud, 
 
 11, 12. But, 
 
 and destiny with that of the wicked (cf. v. 
 
 aft _ 
 Hence he will render to God his praise pub 
 licly. 
 
 PSALM XX vn. 
 
 Ver. 1-14. With a general strain of confid- 
 ence, hope, and joy, especially in God's wor- 
 ship, in the midst of dangers, the Psalmist 
 introduces prayer for divine help and guid- 
 ance. 
 
 1. light— is a common figure for comfort. 
 6trengrh— or stronghold— affording security 
 against aU violence. The interrogations give 
 greater vividness to the negation implied. 2. 
 CHt . . . my flesh— (Job, 19. 22; Ps. 14. 4 ). The 
 allusion to wild beasts illustrates their ra- 
 pacity, they stumbled— "they" is emphatic; 
 7iot I, but they were destroyed. 3. In the 
 greatest dangers, in this— i.e., then, in such 
 extremity. 4, 5. The secret of his confidence 
 is his delight in communion with God (Ps. 
 16. 11; 23. 6;) beholding the harmony of His 
 perfections, and seeking His favour in His 
 temple or •palace; a term ai^plicabie to the 
 ta''eruade (cf. Ps. 6. I.i. There he is safe 
 
 1, 2.). even place— free from occasions of sinfulness. 5. Disregard of God's judgments 
 stumbling— safety in his course is denoted, brings a righteous punishment, destrov . . . 
 
 " build... up— The positive strengthened by the 
 
 negative form. 6. suiplications— or, cries for 
 mercy. 7. The repetition of heart denotes 
 his sincerity. 8. The distinction made be- 
 tween the people, their strength— and the 
 anomt-ed— may indicate Absalom's rebellion 
 as the occasion. 9. The special prayer for 
 the people sustains this view, feed tJiem— as 
 a shepherd (Ps. 23. l, &c.). 
 
 PSALM XXIX. 
 Ver. 1-11. Trust in God is encouraged by 
 the celebration of his mighty power as illus- 
 trated in his dominion over the natural 
 world, in some of its most terrible and won- 
 derful exhibitions. 
 
 1. Give— or, ascribe (Deut. 32. 3.). mighty— 
 or, sons of the mighty (Ps. 89. 6.). Heavenly 
 beings as angels. 2. name— as (Ps. 5. 11; 8. l.f. 
 beauty of holiness— the loveliness of a spiritual 
 worship, of which the perceptible beauty of 
 the sanctuary worship was but a type. 3. 
 The voice of the Lord— audible exhibition c: 
 His power in the tempest, of which thunder 
 
 Ps. 31. 21; 61. 5.). Tlie figure is changed in i is a specimen, but not the uniform or sole 
 the last clause, but the sentiment is the same. | example, the waters— are the clouds or va- 
 6 head be lifted up— I shall be placed beyond | pours (Ps. 18. 11; Jer. 10. 1.;.). 4. powerful. . . . 
 the reach of my enemies. Hence he avows mpjesty— M<., in poicer, in majesty. 5, 6. The 
 his purpose of rendering joyful thank-offer- } tall and large cedars, especially of Lebanon, 
 ings. 7. Still pressing need extorts prayer 
 for help, cry with my voice— denotes earnest- 
 ness. Other things equal. Christians in ear- 
 nest pray audibly, even in secret. 8. The 
 
 shivered, utterly broken. The waving of 
 the mountain forests before the wind is ex- 
 pressed by the figure of skipping or leaping, 
 
 ^_-., -. 7. divideth— ^i^., /),e?i;sc>#'. The lightning, like 
 
 meaning is clear, though the construction in flakes and splinters, hewed from stone or 
 
 a literal translation is obscure. The E. V 
 supplies the implied clause. To seek God's 
 face is to seek His favour (Ps. lO.'j. 4.). 9. 
 Hide not, fee— (Ps. 4. 6; 22. 24.), Against 
 rejection he pleads former mercy and love. 
 10. In the extremity of earthly destitution 
 (Ps. 31. 11; 38. 11.). God provides (cf. Mat. 
 25.35.). 11. thy way— of providence, aplani 
 path— (Ps. 26. 12.). enemies— lit., watchers for 
 my fall, (Ps. 5. 8.'. 12. -wiW— lit., soul, dcsi 
 
 wood, flies through the air. 8. tlie wilder- 
 ness—especially Kadesh, south of Judea, is 
 seleced as another scene of this display of 
 divine power, as a vast and desolate region 
 impresses the mind, like mountains, with 
 images of grandeur. 9. Teiror-stricken ani- 
 mals and denuded forests close the illustra- 
 tion. In view ot this scene of awful subli- 
 mity, God's worshipjiers respond to the call 
 of, (v. 2,', and speak or cry, "glory!" By 
 
 (Ps. 35. 25.). enemies— /i<., onprcssors. False- j temple, or palace (God's residence. Ps. 6. ., , 
 hood aids cruelty against him. breatlic cut— i may l.ere be meant, heaven, or the whole 
 as being filled with it (Acts. 9. 1.). 13. The ' frame of nature, as the angels are called on 
 strong emotion is indicated ))y the incom- j for praise. 10, 11. Over this terrible rnging 
 plete sentence, for w Inch the E. V. sni'plies \ of th.e elements God is enthroned, directipg 
 proper clause; or, omitting that, and ren-jand restraining by sovereign power; and 
 
 dering, yet I believed, &c., the contrast of his 
 faith and his danger is expres.-ed. to see— is 
 to experience ;Ps. 22. 17.). 14. Wait, &c.— in 
 confident expectation. The last clause is, 
 kt., and icait, &c., as if expecting new mea- 
 sures of help. 
 
 PSALM xxvni. 
 
 Ver. 1-9. An earnest cry for divine aid 
 
 hence the comfort of His people. "This 
 awful God is ours, our Father and our Love." 
 PSALM XXX. 
 Ver. 1-12. Lit, A Pscdm-song—a, composi- 
 tion to be sung with musical instruments, 
 or without them— or, "Song of the dedica- 
 tion." (fee. specifying the particular charac- 
 ter of the Psalm, Some suppose that "of 
 
A. prayer in calamiti/. 
 
 PSALMS XXXI-XXXin. Blessedness of the pa^-doned. 
 
 PSALM XXXL 
 I David, ihoiving his confidence in God, craves 
 his help: 19 he extols Ood'.i goodness to them 
 that fear him. 
 
 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. 
 TN thee, Lokd, do I put my trust; let 
 _ ine never be ashamed: deliver me in thy 
 righteousness. 
 
 2 Uow "» down thine ear to me; deliver me 
 epeedily: be thou i my strong rock, for an 
 house of defence to save me. 
 
 3 For thou art my rock and my fortress ; 
 therefore ' for thy name's sake lead me, 
 end guide me. 
 
 4 Pull me out of the net that they have 
 laid privily for me; for thou art my 
 strength. ,, 
 
 5 Into * thine hand I commit my spirit: 
 thou hast redeemed me, Lord d God of 
 tnith. 
 
 6 I have hated them that regard lying 
 vanities: but I tnist in the Lord. 
 
 7 I mil be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: 
 for thou hast considered my trouble ; thou 
 bast * kno\vn my soul in adversities; 
 
 6 And hast not shut me up iuto the hand 
 of the enemy: / thou hast set my feet in a 
 large room. 
 
 9 Have mercy upon me, Lord, for I am 
 in trouble : mine eye is consumed with 
 grief, yea, my soul and my belly. 
 
 10 For my life is spent with giief, and my 
 years with sighinj?: my strength faileth be- 
 cause of mine uuquity, and my bones are 
 consumed. 
 
 11 1 was a reproach among all mine ene- 
 mies, but ^ especially among my neigh- 
 bours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: 
 they that did see me without fled from 
 me. 
 
 12 I am forgotten as a dead man out of 
 mind: I am like 2 a broken vessel. 
 
 13 For I have henrd the slander of many: 
 fear '» was on every side: while they » took 
 counsel together against me, they demised 
 to take away my lite. 
 
 14 But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, 
 Thou art my God. 
 
 15 My times are in thy hand: deliver me 
 from the hand of mine enemies, and from 
 them that jiersecute me. 
 
 16 Make J thy face to shine upon thy ser- 
 vant: save me for thy mercies' sake. 
 
 17 Let * me not be ashamed, O Lord; for 
 I have called upon thee: let the wicked be 
 ashamed, and 3 let them be silent in the 
 gi-ave. 
 
 18 Let • the lying lips be put to silence ; 
 which speak * grievous thuigs proudly and 
 contemjptuously against the rigliteous. 
 
 19 Oh '" how great is thy goodness, which 
 thou hast laid up for them that fear thee ; 
 which thou hast 'Wrought for them that 
 trust in thee before the sons of men! 
 
 20 Thou " shalt hide them in the secret of 
 thy presence from the pride of man; ° thou 
 Bhalt keep them secretly in a pa\'ilion from 
 the strife of tongues. 
 
 21 Blesed be the Lord; for he hath showed 
 me his marvellous kindness in a & strong 
 city. 
 
 22 For I said in my haste, I am cut off' 
 from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou 
 heardest the voice of my supplications 
 when I cried unto thee. 
 
 23 O love the Lord, all ye his saints: 
 for the Lord p prescrveth the faithful, 
 aud pieDtifiilly rewardt-th the proud doer. 
 
 PSALM 31. 
 a Ps. 71. 2. 
 
 1 to mo for « 
 rocUof 
 strength. 
 
 b Ps. 25. 11. 
 e Lu. ii3. 40. 
 Acts 7. 59 
 d Heb. 6. 18. 
 e John 10.27. 
 f Ps. 18. 19. 
 9 Ps. 88. 8. 
 
 2 a vessel 
 that 
 porisheth. 
 
 ft Jer. 20. 3. 
 
 j^a. 2. 22. 
 
 i Mai. 27. 1. 
 
 ;• Nu. li. 25. 
 
 Ps. 4. 5. 
 
 cvit cfi' for 
 the prave. 
 
 I P«. 12. 3. 
 
 1 a hard 
 thing. 
 
 m Is. 04. 4. 
 
 nPs. 27.'6.' 
 "Job 5. 21. 
 6 Or, fenced 
 city. 
 
 PSALM 
 1 Or. riv 
 
 6 2 Cor. 6. 19. 
 e John 1. 47. 
 d Pro. 28. 13. 
 
 la 05. 24. 
 
 Lu. 15. 18. 
 
 1 John 1.9. 
 » 1 Ti. 1. 16. 
 /Is. 65. 6. 
 
 John 7. 34. 
 
 2 in a time 
 of finding. 
 
 ff Pa. 9. 9. 
 
 Ps. 27. 5. 
 
 Pa. 31. 20. 
 
 Ps. 119. 
 
 114. 
 ft la. 48. 17. 
 
 3 1 will 
 counsel 
 thee, mine 
 eye shall 
 be upon 
 thee. 
 
 t Pro. 13. 21. 
 
 Rom. 2. 9. 
 J Ps. 34. 8. 
 
 Ps 64. 12. 
 
 Pro. 10. 20. 
 
 Jer. 17. 7. 
 
 PSALM 33. 
 
 a Is 42. 10. 
 1 Or. morcy. 
 6 John 1.1-3. 
 
 Heb. 11.3. 
 
 2 Pet. 3. 5. 
 
 : Job : 
 
 13. 
 
 iZPs. 148.6. 
 
 fru.slratfl. 
 
 e Job 23. 13. 
 Pro. 19.21. 
 Is. 4<i. 10. 
 
 3 to genera- 
 tion and 
 genera. 
 
 24 Be of good courage, and he shall 
 strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in 
 the Lord. 
 
 PSALM XXXIL 
 1 Blessedness of him whose sins are forgiven. 8 
 The psalmist exhorts to a wellrregiilated condvet 
 by its many bUssings. 
 
 A Fsalm of David, 1 Maschil. 
 ■RLESSED is he whose " tmn.sgression is 
 
 forgiven, whose sin it> covered. 
 2 Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord 
 ft imputeth not iniquity, and " in whose 
 
 spirit ifi ere is no giiile. 
 
 When I kept silence, my bones waxed 
 old through my roaring all the day long: 
 
 4 For day and night th^ hand was hea\7 
 upon me: my moisture is turned into the 
 drought of summer. Selah. 
 
 5 1 acknowledged my sin imto thee, and 
 mine iniquity have I not hid. d i said, I 
 will confess my transgressions unto the 
 Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of 
 my sin. Selah. 
 
 6 For • this shall every one that is godly 
 pray / unto thee 2 in a time when thuu 
 mayest be found: surely hi the floods of 
 gi-eat waters they shall not come nigh unto 
 him. 
 
 7 Thou ^art my hiding-place; thou shalt 
 preserve me from trouble; thou shalt com- 
 pass me about with songs of deliverance. 
 Selah. 
 
 8 I will '^ instruct thee and teach thee in 
 the way which thou shalt go: 3 1 will guide 
 thee with mine eye. 
 
 9 Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, 
 ivhich have no understanding; whose mouth 
 must be held in with bit and bridle, lest 
 they come near unto thee. 
 
 10 iVIany * soitows shall be to the wicked: 
 but > he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy 
 shaU compass liim about. 
 
 11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye 
 righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are 
 upright m heart. 
 
 PSALM XXXIIL 
 1 God to be praised for his goodness, 6 for hi* 
 power, 12 and for his providence. 20 Confidcnct 
 is therefore to be placed in him. 
 
 "DEJOICE in the Lord, ye righteous; 
 for praise is comely ibr the upright. 
 
 2 Praise the Lord w^ith harp: sing mito 
 him with the psaltery and an instrument 
 often strngs. 
 
 3 Sing " unto him a new song; play skil- 
 fully with a loud noise. 
 
 4 For the word of the IiOKD is right; and 
 all Ills works are done in truth. 
 
 5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: 
 the earth is full of the i goodness of the 
 Lord. 
 
 6 By the * word of the Lord were the 
 heavens made; and all the host of them 
 by "^ the breath of his moutJi. 
 
 7 He gathereth the waters of the sea to- 
 gether as an heap: he layeth up the depth 
 m storehouses. 
 
 8 Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all 
 the inhabitants of the world st;md in awe 
 of hhn: 
 
 9 For dhe spake, and it was done; he 
 commanded, and it stood fast. 
 
 lu The Lord - bringcih the counsel of the 
 heathen to nought: ne maketh the devices 
 of the people of none elfect. 
 
 11 The " counsel of the LoRp standeth for 
 ever, the thoughts of his heart ""to all 
 generations. 
 
A Prover m Calamity. 
 
 PSALMS XXXr, XXXn. BlcsRcdti ess of the Pardm ed. 
 
 David" shoii d be connected with the name of i his i;nshaken confidence in (iod. The Psalni- 
 
 the composition, and not with "Itouse;" and 
 refer for tlie occasi'in to the selection of a site 
 for the temple 1 Chr. 21. 2(i-:iO; 22. 1.). But 
 '* house" is never used absolutely for the 
 temple, and dediaiiion does not well apply 
 
 ist rests on God's faitlifulness to His promises 
 to His people, and hence avows himself one 
 of them, detesting all who revere objects of 
 idolatry cf. Deut. 32. 21; 1 Cor. 8. 4... 7. hast 
 known my soul, &c.— had regard to me in 
 
 to such an occasion. Though the phrase i trouble. 8. shut me up . . . enemy— abandon 
 in the Heh., "dedication of the house of [to (1 Sam. 23. 11. K large room— place of sa'ety 
 
 ;f. Ps. 18. 19 
 
 David" is an unusual form; yet it is equally 
 unusual to disconnect the name of the author ] extreme weakness 
 and the composition. As a "dedicition of i mingled sorrow 
 David's house" (as provided, Deut. 20. 5,\ thf;;soul and 
 
 10. mine eye, &c.— denotes 
 (cf. Ps. 6. 7.!. grief— 
 
 _ 1 indignation (Ps. e. 7.). 
 
 . . belly— the whole person. Though 
 
 scope of the Psalm well corresponds with the effects ascribed to grief are not mere 
 the state ol repose and meditation on hit figures of speech, spent . . . consumed— must 
 past trials, suited to such an occasion (2 Sam. be taken in the modified sense of wasted and 
 
 or, suffering bj' it (cf. on 
 mong— or, lit., from, or, ' 
 
 5. 11; 7.2.). For beginning with a celebration decaytd. iniquity 
 
 of Uod's delivering favour in which he in- Pb. 40. 12.). 11. a _ . . _ 
 
 vites others to join, he relates his prayer ir my enemies. The latter clauses describe the 
 distress, and God's gracious: and prompt progress of his disgrace to the lowest degree, 
 answer. |till, 12. he is forgotten as one dead, and 
 
 1. lifted me up— as one is drawn from a well i contemned as a useless broken vessel. 13. 
 (Ps. 40. 2.). 2. healed me— affliction is often iForwntroducesfartherreasonsforhisprayer, 
 
 ' the unjust, deliberate, and murderous pur- 
 poses of his foes. 14-18. In his profession of 
 trust he includes the terms of the prayer ex- 
 pressing it. times— course of life, deliver 
 . . . l:ia;id— opposed to " slmt me tip," <fcc. ot 
 V. 8. make . . . shine— of. ^um. 6. 25; Ps. 4. 
 6. ) . Deprecatin g from him self, he imprecates 
 on the wicked, God's displeasure, and prays 
 that their virulent persecution of him may 
 be stopped. 19-21. God displays openly His 
 purposed goodness to His people, the secret 
 of thy presence— or, covering of thy counte- 
 nance: the protection He thus affords; cf. 
 Ps. 27. 5 for a similar figure; "dwelling" 
 used there for "presence" here. Tlie idea of 
 security farther presented by the figure of a 
 tent and a fortified city. 22. For I said— ^ii., 
 and I said, in an adversative sense. I, thus 
 favoured, was despondent, in my haste— in 
 my terror. cu.t off . . . eyes— from all the pro- 
 tection of thy presence. 23, 24. the Lord . . . 
 jroud doer— /it., the Lord is keeping jaith— 
 I e., with His people, and is repaying, &c 
 Then let none despair, but take courage, 
 their hopes shall not be in vain. 
 PSALM XXKIl. 
 Ver. 1-11. Maschil—lit., giving instruction. 
 The Psalmist descrilies the blessings of His 
 forgiveness, succeeding the pains of convic- 
 tion, and deduces from his own experience 
 instruction and exhortation to others. 
 
 1, 2. (Cf. Eora. 4. 6.). forgiven— lit., taken 
 away, opposed to retain (John, 20. 23.). 
 covered— so that God no longer regards the 
 
 described as ^disease Ps. 6. 2; 41. 4; 107. 20, 
 and so rehef by healing. 3. The terms de- 
 scribe extreme danger, soul— or, myself, 
 grave— Mf., hell, as in Ps. 16. 10. hast kept 
 rsie . . . pit— quickened or revived me from 
 the state of dying (cf. Ps. 28. 1.). 4. remem- 
 br nice— the thing remembered or memorial, 
 holiness— as the sum of God's perfections (cf. 
 Ps. 22. 3,), used as name (Ex. 3. 15; Ps. 135. 13.). 
 5. Relatively, the longest experience of divine 
 anger by the pious is momentary. These 
 precious words have consoled millions. 6, 7. 
 What particular prosperity is meant we do 
 not know. Perhaps nis accession to the 
 throne. In his self-complacent elation he 
 was checked by God's hiding His face (cf. Ps. 
 22. 24; 27. 9.). troubled — confounded with 
 fear (Ps. 2. 5.). 8-11. As in Ps. 6. 5; 88. 10; Isa. 
 38. 18, the appeal for mercy is based on the 
 destruction of his agency in praising God 
 here, which death would produce. . The 
 terms expressing relief are poetical, and not 
 to be pressed, though dancing is the transla- 
 tion of a word which means a lute, whose 
 cheerful notes are contrasted with mourning, 
 or, ; Amos, 5. 16,),waJling. sackcloth— was used, 
 even by kings, in distress '1 Chr. 21. 16; Isa. 
 37. 1,); but gladness, used lor a garment, 
 shows the language to be figurative. 12. 
 Though— my— is supplied before— glory— it is 
 better as Ps. 16. 10, to receive it as used for 
 tongue, the organ of praise. The ultimate end 
 of God's mercies to us is our praise to Him. 
 
 PSALM XXXI. . . 
 
 Ver. 1-24. The prayer of a believer in time | sin (Ps. 85. 3.^. imputeth— charge to him, aud 
 of deep distress. In the first part, cries fori treat him accordingly, no guile— or, deceit, 
 help are mingled with expressions of confid- no false estimate of himself, nor insincerity 
 
 ence. Then the detail of griefs engrosses 
 his attention, till, in the assurance of strong 
 but submissive faith, he rises to the language 
 of unuiingled joyful trust, and exhorts others 
 to like love and confidence toward God. 
 
 1. expresses the general tone of feeling of 
 the P.salm. 2-4. .He seeks help in God's 
 righteous .-overnment (Ps. 5. 8.), and begs for 
 an attentive hearing, and speedy and effec- 
 tual aid. With no other help and no claim 
 of merit, he relies solely on God's regard to 
 his own perfections for a safe guidance and 
 release from the snares of his enemies. On 
 the terms "rocks," <fec., cf. Ps. 17. 2; 18. 2, 
 5,6 
 
 50; 20. 0; 23. 3; 25. 21. 5, 6. commit my spirit 
 —my life, or, myself. Our Saviour used the 
 
 wordsonthecross, not as prophetical, but, as,-,.™. „-- --. — -- 
 
 many pious men have done, as expressive ot'lperience illustrates the statement oi' v, 
 369 
 
 before God (cf. Rom. 8. 1.). 3, 4. A vivid de- 
 scription of felt, but unacknowledged, sin. 
 when— lit., for, as v. 4, the hand— of God. or, 
 power in distressing him (Ps. 38. 2.). mois- 
 ture—vital juices ol the body, the parching 
 heat of which expresses the anguish of the 
 soul. On the other figures (cf. Ps. 6. 2, 7; 31. 
 9-11.). If composed on the occasion of the 
 fifty-first Psalm, this distress may have been 
 protracted tor several months. 5. A prompt 
 fulfilment of the purposed confession is fol- 
 lowed by a prompt forgiveness. 6. For this 
 —i.e., my happy experience, godly— pious in 
 the sense of I's. 4. 3. a time— (Isa. .55. 6.), 
 when God's Spirit inclines us to seek pardon. 
 He is ready to forgive, floods, &c.— denote 
 eat danger (Ps. IS. 17; 66. 12.). 7. His ex- 
 
iiiessedness of the righteous. PSALMS XXXiV, XXXV. Anappealfor God's protection. 
 
 12 Blessed is the nutioii whose God is the 
 Lokd; and the people wtutm he hatti 
 chosen ibr his own inheiitsuice. 
 
 15 The /Lord looketh from heaven; he 
 beholdeth all the sons of men. 
 
 14 From the place of his habitation he 
 looketh upon all the inhabitants of the 
 earth. 
 
 15 He " fashiorieth their hearta alike; '» he 
 considereth all their works. 
 
 16 There is no king saved by the multi- 
 tude of an host: a mighty man is not de- 
 livered by much streni,'th. 
 
 17 Au horse is a vain thing for safety: 
 neither shall he deliver any by his great 
 Btrength. 
 
 IS r.ehold, < the eye of the LoKD is upon 
 them that fear him, upon them that hope 
 In his tnercy ; 
 
 19 To deli\er their soul from death, and to 
 keep them alive in famine. 
 ; 20 Our soul waiteth for the LoED: he is 
 our help and our shield. 
 21 For our heart shall rejoice in him; be- 
 cause we have tmsted in his holy name. 
 ' 22 Let thy mercy, O Loud, be upon us, 
 Bccording as we hope in thee. 
 PSALM XXXIV. 
 David praists God, and exhorts others thereto 
 by his experieiue. B Whet/ blessed who ti-ust i7i 
 God. II He exhorts to the ftar of Qod, etc. 
 A rsalmof David, when he changed his behav- 
 iour before i Abimelech; who drove him away, 
 and he departed. 
 T WILL bless the Lord at all times: his 
 *• praise shall continually be in my mouth. 
 
 2 My soul shall make her" boast in the 
 Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and 
 be glad. 
 
 3 magnify the Lord with me, and let 
 Ds exalt his name together. 
 
 4 16 sought the Loud, and he heard me, 
 and deUvered me from all my ftars. 
 
 6 2 They looked unto him. and were ligh- 
 tened; and their iiices were not ashamed. 
 
 6 This "poor man cried, and the Lord 
 heard him, and <* saved him out of all his 
 troubles. 
 
 7 The ' angel of the Lord / encampe.th 
 tound about them that fear him, and de- 
 livereth them. 
 
 8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: 
 blessed is the man that trustelh in him. 
 
 9 O fear the Loud, ye his saints: for there 
 is " no want to tliein that fear him. 
 
 10 The young lions do lack, and suffer 
 nunger: but they that seek the Lord shall 
 not want any good thing. 
 
 11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me; 1 
 »«rill tea-ch you the fear of the Lord. 
 
 12 What '' man is he that desireth life, and 
 loveth many days, that he may see good? 
 
 IS Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy 
 lips from « speaking guile. 
 
 li Depart from evil, and do good; seek 
 peace, and pmsue it. 
 
 15 The > eyes of the Lord are upon the 
 righteous, and his ears are open imto theu- 
 cry. 
 
 16 The * face of the Lord is against them 
 that do evil, ' to cut otf the remembrance 
 of them from the earth. 
 
 17 The righteous cry, and the Lord 
 lieareth, and dehvereth them out of aD 
 their troubles. 
 
 18 The Lord is nigh 3 unto them that are 
 of a broken heart ; and saveth * such as be 
 ot'acontiite spirit. 
 
 PSALM 83. 
 
 / a chT. 10. 
 
 9. 
 
 Job 28. 24. 
 Pb. U. 4. 
 P». 14. 2. 
 Pro. 15, 3. 
 
 4 Job3ti.'7. 
 P>. 34. 15. 
 1 Pet. 8. 18. 
 
 PSALM 34. 
 
 1 Or, 
 
 Achi»h. 
 1 Sam. 21. 
 13. 
 Jer. 9. 24. 
 
 1 Cor.1.31. 
 
 2 Cor. 10. 
 17. 
 
 Mat. 7. 7. 
 Lu. 11. 9. 
 
 2 Or, They 
 flowed. 
 Ps. 3. 4. 
 
 d 2 Sam. 22. 
 
 1. 
 •Dan. B. 22. 
 
 Hob. 1. 14. 
 / Qbd. 32. 1. 
 
 2 Ki. 6 17. 
 
 Zech. 9. 8. 
 9 Phil. 4. 19. 
 h 1 Pet. 3. 
 
 10. 
 i 1 Pet. 2.22. 
 ;■ Job 86. 7. 
 A Lot. 17. 10. 
 
 Jer. 44. 11. 
 
 Amoa 9. 4. 
 I Via. 10. 7. 
 
 5 to the 
 broken of 
 heart, 
 contrite of 
 Epirit. 
 
 in Johal9.3(!. 
 »t P». 94. 23. 
 5 Or, ehall 
 
 2 S», 4. 9." 
 Ps. 103. 4. 
 Lam. 3. 58. 
 
 PSALM 36. 
 
 1 darknesi 
 
 and slip- 
 
 knoweth 
 
 6 Ps. 7. 15. 
 
 Pi. 57. e. 
 
 P*. 141. 9, 
 
 10. 
 
 Pro. 5. 22. 
 e Pi. 13. 5. 
 d £1. 15. 11 
 
 Ps. 71. 19. 
 
 of 1 
 
 5 depriving. 
 
 6 Or, 
 afflicted. 
 
 7 walked. 
 
 11 strong, 
 la ialtelf . 
 
 19 Many are the afllictions of the rishte- 
 ous: bat the Lord delivereth hira out of 
 them alL 
 
 •iO lie keepeth aU his bones: ""not one of 
 them is broken. 
 
 21 E\-il " shall slay the wicked: and they 
 that hate the righteous * shall be desoLite. 
 ^i Tlie LoKU "redeenieth the soul of lii.i 
 servants; and none of them that trust in 
 him shall be desolate. 
 
 PSALM XXXV. 
 1 David prays for his mun safety, and his ene- 
 mies' confusion: 'it he pleads with God to do 
 Mm right. 
 
 A Fsalm of David. 
 pLEAD my cause, Lord, with them 
 ■* that strive with mc: fight against them 
 that fight against me. 
 
 2 Take hold of shield and buckler, and 
 stand up for mine help. 
 
 3 Draw out also the spear, and stop the 
 u'au ag.iinst them that pevsecut-e me: say 
 unto iny soul, I am thy salvation. 
 
 4 Let them be confounded and put to 
 shame that seek after my soul: let them be 
 turned back and brought to confusion that 
 devise my hurt. 
 
 5 Let tliem be as chaff before the wind: 
 and let the angel of the Lord chase them. 
 
 6 Let their way be i dark utid slipiieiv: and 
 let the angel ot the Lord persei.iite them. 
 
 7 For without cause have they hid for ma 
 their net in a pit, which without cause thej 
 have digged for my soul. 
 
 8 Let "destnaction come upon him 2 at 
 unawares ; and * let his net that he hath 
 hid catch himself: into that very destruc- 
 tion let him fall. 
 
 And my soul shall be jojful in the LosD: 
 It " sliall rejoice in his salvation. 
 
 10 All my bones shall say. Lord, t* who ia 
 like unto thee, wliich dcliverest the poor 
 fi-oni him that is too strong for him, yea, 
 the poor and the needy from him that 
 spoUeth him* 
 
 11 -I False witnesses did rise up : * they 
 laid to my charge things that I knew 
 not. 
 
 12 They rewarded me evil for good, to tha 
 ^similing of my soul. 
 
 13 But as for me, when they were sick, my 
 clothing was sackcloth: 1 6hun»bied my 
 soul with fasting; and my prayer reluiiiea 
 into mine own bosom. 
 
 14 1 < behaved my self 8 as though Ae had 
 been my friend or brother: I bowed down 
 hea^•ily, as one that mom-neth for his 
 mother. 
 
 15 iiutinmine 9 adversity they rejoiced, 
 and gathered themselves together: yea, 
 the abjects gathered themselves togetliei 
 against uie. and I knew it not; they did 
 tear me, and ceased not: 
 
 It; With hypocritical mockers in feasts, 
 they gnjvslied upon me with tlieir teeth. 
 
 17 Lord, how long wilt thou look on? res. 
 cue my soul from tlieir destnictions, lo niy 
 darling fiom the lions. 
 
 18 1 will give thee thanks in the great 
 congregation: 1 wiU praise thee among 
 11 much people. 
 
 VJ Let nut them that are mine enemies 
 11! wioiigt'ully rejoice over me; neither let 
 tlicui « ink with the eye that hate me with- 
 out a cause. 
 
 20 For they speak not peace; but they dfc 
 vise ueceiilul matters aaahist tlmn thid 
 are tiuiet in the laud. 
 
Blessedn ess of the Righteous. 
 
 Whether, as most likely, the language of 
 David (cf. Ps. 51. 13,), or that of God, this is 
 a promise of divine guidance. I will . . . 
 niliie eye— or, mtj eye shall be on thee, watch- 
 ing and directinu thy way. 9. The latter 
 clause, more literally, "in that they come 
 not near thee"— i.e., because they will not 
 come, (fee, unless forced by bit and bridle 
 10. The sorrows of the impenitent contrasted 
 with the peace and safety secured by God's 
 mercy. 11. ITie righteous and upright, or 
 those conforming to the divine teaching for 
 securing the divine blessing, may well re- 
 oice with shouting. 
 
 PSALJMU xxxin. 
 
 Ver. 1-22. A call to lively and joyous praise 
 to God for His glorious attributes and works, 
 as displayed in creation and His general and 
 special providence, ' in view of which, the 
 Psalmist, for all the pious, professes trust 
 and joy, and invokes God's mercy. 
 
 1-3. The sentiment falls in with Ps. 32. 11, 
 (cf. 1 Cor. 14. 15.).The instruments, {Ps. 92.3; 
 144. 9,), do not exclude the voice, a new 
 song— fresh, adapted to the occasion (Ps. 40. 
 3; 96. 1.). play skilfully— (cf. Ps. 15. 16, 21.), 
 4-9. Eeasons for praise, first, God's truth, 
 faithfulness, and mercy, generally; then. His 
 creative power which all must honour. In 
 word and breath— or, spirit, there may be an 
 allusion to the Son (John, 1. l,), and Holy 
 Spirit, he spake— iii., said, it was— the ad- 
 dition of clone weakens the sense (cf. Gen. 
 1. 3-10.). 10, 11. In God's providence He 
 thwarts men's purposes and executes His 
 own. heathen— iii., nations. 12-19. The in- 
 ference from the foregoing in v. 12, is illus- 
 trated by God's special providence, under- 
 lying which is His minute knowledge of all 
 men. looketh — intently (Isa. 14. 16.). fashioD- 
 etli— or, forms, and hence knows and con- 
 trols (Pro. 21. 1.). alike— without exception. 
 considereth — or, understands, God knows 
 men's motives. 16,17. Men's usual reliances 
 in their greatest exigencies are, in themselves, 
 useless. On the war horse (cf. Job, 39. 19-25.). 
 a vaiu thing— a lie, which deceives us 18, 19. 
 Contrasted is God's guidance and power to 
 save -from the greatest eartlily evil and its 
 most painful precursor, and hence from all. 
 20-22. waiteth— -in earnest expectation hoiy 
 name— (cf. Ps, 5. 12; 22. 22; 30, 4.). Our faith 
 measures mercy (Mat. 9. 29,), and if of grace, 
 it is no more of debt (Eom. 11 6.). 
 PSALM XXXIV. 
 
 Ver. 1-22 On the title cf. 1 Sam. 21. 13. 
 Abimelech was the general name of the 
 sovereign (Gen. 20. 2). After celebrating 
 God's gracious dealings with him, the Psalm- 
 ist exhorts others to make trial of His pro- 
 vidential care, instructing them how to se- 
 cure it. He then contrasts God's care of His 
 people and His punitive providence to- 
 wards the wicked. 
 
 1-4. Even in distress, which excites suppli- 
 cation, there is always matter for praising 
 and thanking God (cf. Eph. 5. 20; Phil. 4. 6.). 
 make lier boast— glory (Ps. 105. 3; cf. Gal. 6 
 14.). humble— the pious, as Ps. 9. 12; 25. 9. 
 msgnify the Lord— ascribe greatness to Him, 
 an act of praise, together— alike (Ps. 33. 15,). 
 or. equally, without exception, delivered . . . 
 fears— as well as actual evil (Ps. 64. 1.). 5-7. 
 God'.« f-i.vour to the pious generally, and to 
 him.s If specially, is celebrated, looked— with 
 desiie lor help, lightened- or, brightened, 
 expressuig joy, opposed to the downcast fea- 
 390 
 
 ^ALMS XXXin-XXXV. _^w Appeal for Protection. 
 tures of those who are ashamed or disap- 
 pointed (Ps. 25. 2, 3.). Tlus poor man— Ki,, 
 /m5)(6/e, himself as a specimen of such, angel 
 —of the covenant (Isa. 63. 9,), of whom as a 
 leader of God's host (Josh. 5. 14; 1 Ki.22.l9,), 
 the phrase-— encampeth, &c.— is ajipropriate; 
 or angel., used collectively for angels (Heb. 1. 
 14.). 8. taste and see— try and experience. 
 9. Those fear him— who are pious— fear and 
 love (Pro. 1. 7; 9. 10.). saints- consecratedto 
 His service (Isa. 40. 31.) 10. not want any good 
 — " Good" is emphatic: they may be afflicted 
 (cf. w. 10); but this may be a good (2 Cor. 4. 
 17, 18; Heb. 1-'. 10, li.). 11. children— sutiects 
 of instruction (Pro. 1. 8, 10.). 12. Wi.at 
 man- whoever desires the bles.sings of piety 
 let him attend. 13, 14. Sins of thought in- 
 cluded in those of speech (Luke, 6. 45,), avoid- 
 ing evil and doing good in our relations 
 to men are based on a right relation to 
 God. 15. eyes of the Lord are upon— (Ps. 32. 
 8: 33. 18.). 16. Face . . . Against—opposed to 
 them (Lev. 17. 10; 20. 3.) cut off the remem- 
 brance— utterly destroy, (Ps. 109. 13.1. 17, ig. 
 Humble penitents are objects of God's si ecial 
 tender regard (Ps. 51. 19;Isa. 57. 15.). 20. bones 
 —framework of the body. 21, 22. Contrast in 
 the destiny of righteous and wicked, the for- 
 mer shall be delivered and never come into 
 condemnation (John, 5. 24; Horn. 8. 1,), the 
 latter left under condemnation and desolate. 
 PSALM XXXV. 
 
 Ver. 1-28. The Psalmist invokes God's aid, 
 contrasting the hypocrisy, cunning, and ma- 
 Uce of his enemies with his integrity and 
 generosity. The imprecations of the first part 
 iacluding a brief notice of their conduct, the 
 fuller exposition of their hypocrisy and ma- 
 lice in the second, and the earnest prayer for 
 deliverance from their scornful triumph in 
 the last, are each closed {v 9, 10, 18, 27. 
 28,) with promises of praise for the desired 
 relief in which his friends will unite. The 
 historical occasion is probably 1 Sam. 24. 
 
 1-3. God is invoked in the character of a 
 warrior (Ex. 15. 3; Dent. 32. 41.). iight against 
 —lit, devour rmj devourers. stoo the way 
 against— Zif., shut up (the way,i, to meet or 
 oppose, &c. I . . . thy salvation— who saves 
 thee. 4. (Cf. Ps. 9. 17.). devise my hurt- 
 purpose for evU to me. 5, 6.— (cf. Ps. 1. 4,:- 
 a terrible fate; driven by wind on a slippery 
 path in darkness, and hotly pursued by 
 supernatural violence (2 Sam. 24. 16; Acts, 12, 
 23.). 7, 8. net in a pit— or, pit of their net— or, 
 net pit— as holy hiU for hill of holiness- 
 (Ps. 2. 6,)— a figure from hunting (Ps. 7. 15.). 
 Their imprecations on impenitent rebels 
 against God need no vindication: His jus- 
 tice and wrath are for such; His mercy for 
 penitents. Cf. Ps. 7. Ki; 11. 5, on the peculiar 
 fate of the wicked here noticed. 9, 10. AU 
 my bones— every part, him that spoileth him 
 — (cf. Ps. 10. 2.). 11. False witnesses- i/f., Wit- 
 nesses of injustice and cruelty (cf. Ps. 11. 5; 
 25.19.) 12-14. Though they rendered evil for 
 good, he showed a tender sympathy in their 
 affliction, spoiling— ^it., bereavement. The 
 usual modes of showing grief are made, as 
 figures, to express his sorrow. prr,yer . . . 
 bosom— may denote either the posture— the 
 head bowed— cf. 1 Ki. 18. 42)— or, that the 
 prayer was in secret. Some think there is a 
 reference to the result— the prayer would 
 benefit him if not them, behaved— ;;!!., v;ent 
 071— denoting his habit, heavily— or, sqiui 
 lidly. Ills sorrow occasioning neglect of hia 
 
ExceJlency of God's merep. PSALMS XXXVI, XXXTII. T?ie wicked and the rigUeoua. 
 
 21 Yea, they opened their mouth wide 
 against me, and said, Aha, aha! our eye 
 hath seen it. 
 
 22 This thou hast •seen, Lokd: keep 
 cot silence: O Lord, be not far from me. 
 
 23 Stir up thyself, and awake to my judg- 
 ment, even unto my cause, my God and my 
 Lord. 
 
 2i Judge me, Lord my God, / accord- 
 ing to thy righteousness; and let them not 
 re.ioice over me. 
 
 25 Let them not say in their hearts, 13 Ah! 
 BO would we huve it: let them not say, "^e 
 have swallowed him up. 
 
 26 Let them be ashamed and brought to 
 confusion together that rejoice at mine 
 hurt: let them be clothed with shame and 
 dishonour that magnify themselves against 
 me. 
 
 27 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, 
 that favour i* my righteous cause; yea, let 
 them say continually. Let the Lord be 
 magnified, which hath pleasure in the 
 prosperity of his sen'ant. 
 
 28 And my tongue shall speak of thy 
 righteousness and of thy praise all the 
 day long. 
 
 PSALM XXXVI. 
 1 QrUvous estate of the wicked. 6 ExeeUewy of 
 
 God's mercy. 
 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David the 
 
 servant of the Lord. 
 T^HE transgression of the wicked saith 
 ■*• within my heart, that " there is no fear 
 of God before his eyes. 
 
 2 For he tlattereth himself in his own eyes, 
 I until liis iniquity be found to be hateful. 
 
 3 The words of his mouth are iniquity and 
 deceit: * he hath left ofl"to be wise, and to 
 do good, 
 
 4 He "deviseth 2 mischief upon his bed; 
 he setteth himself "^ in a way that is not 
 good; he abhorreth not evil. 
 
 5 Thy * mercy, O Lord, is In the heavens ; 
 and thy faithfulness reacheih unto the 
 elouds. 
 
 6 Thy righteousness is like 3 the great 
 mountains; /thy judgments are a great 
 deep: Lord, * thou preservest man and 
 beast. 
 
 7 How * excellent is thy loving-kindness, 
 O God! therefore the children of men ''put 
 their trust under the shadow of thy wings. 
 
 8 They shall be 6 abundantly satisfied with 
 the fatness of thy house ; and thou shalt 
 make them di-ink of i the river of thy pleas- 
 nres. 
 
 9 For } with thee is the fountain of life: 
 in thy light shall we see light. 
 
 10 6 continue thy loving-kindness unto 
 them that know thee ; and thy righteous- 
 ness to the upright in heart. 
 
 11 Let not the foot of pride come against 
 me, and let not the hand of the wicked 
 remove me. 
 
 12 There are the workers of iniquity fallen; 
 they are cast down, and shall not be able 
 to rise. 
 
 PSALM xxxvn. 
 
 David persuades to patience and huynhle trust in 
 
 God, bii the happy state of the godly, and the 
 
 short-lived prosperity of the wicked. 
 
 A Psalm of David. 
 
 XfRET not thyself because of evil-doers, 
 
 "*• neither be thou envious against the 
 
 workers of iniquity: 
 
 2 for they shall soon be cut down like the 
 glass, and wither as the green hexi). 
 SSI 
 
 PSALM 35. I 
 
 Ex. 3. 7. 
 
 Acts 7. 34. 
 
 f2Thes.l.6. 
 
 13 Ah, ah, 
 our «oul. 
 
 14 my righ- 
 teousness. 
 
 PSALM 38. 
 <» Gen. 80. 
 
 11. 
 
 Ko. 3. 18. 
 
 1 to find his 
 iniquity to 
 hate. 
 
 6 Jer. 4. 22. 
 c Mic. 2. 1. 
 
 2 Or, vanity. 
 d Is. 65. 2. 
 
 e Pb. 57. 10. 
 Ps. 108. 4. 
 
 3 the moun- 
 tains of 
 God. 
 
 /•Job 11. 8. 
 Ro. 11. 33. 
 g Job 7. 20. 
 
 Ps. 145. 9. 
 
 ITim. 4. 
 
 10. 
 
 4 precious. 
 Pa. 31.19. 
 
 h Ruth 2. 13. 
 
 5 watered. 
 
 i Job 2<). 17. 
 
 Rev. 22. 1. 
 ) Zech. 13. 1. 
 
 John 4. 10. 
 
 PSALM 37. 
 1 in truth, 
 
 or, stable- 
 
 nesB. 
 
 way upon 
 the 
 
 LORD. 
 Pro. 16. 3. 
 Mat. 6. 25. 
 Lu. 12. 22. 
 
 1 Pet. 5. 7. 
 6 Mic. 7. 9. 
 
 3 Be silent 
 to the 
 LORD. 
 
 c Ps. 73. 3. 
 Eph. 4. 26. 
 
 4 Or, prac- 
 tiseth. 
 
 d 1 Sam. 26. 
 
 10. 
 6 the upright 
 
 of way. 
 e Pro. 15. 16. 
 
 Pro. 16. 8. 
 
 ITim. 6. 6. 
 / Ps. 1. 6. 
 g Is. 60. 21. 
 h Job 6. 20. 
 
 6 the pre- 
 ciousness 
 of lambs. 
 
 i Pro. 3. 33. 
 
 j Ps. 121. 8. 
 
 Pro. 15. 9. 
 
 7 Or, estab- 
 lished. 
 
 k Mic. 7. 8. 
 
 2 Cor. 4. 9. 
 
 8 all tb« 
 day. 
 
 : Ps. 11. 7. 
 
 a Or, 
 goingt. 
 
 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt 
 thou dwell in the land, and i verily thou 
 shalt be fed. 
 
 4 Delight " thyself also in the Lord ; and 
 he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 
 
 5 2 Commit thy way unto the Lord ; trust 
 also in him, and he shall bring it to pass: 
 
 6 And * he shall biing forth thy lighte- 
 ousness as the light, and thy judgment as 
 the noon-day. 
 
 7 3 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently 
 for him: fret not thyself because of him 
 who prospereth in his .way, because of the 
 man who bringeth wicked de\'ices to pass. 
 
 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: 
 fret ' not thvself in anj-wise to do evil. 
 
 9 For evil-doers shaD be cut off: but those 
 that wait upon the Lord, they shall in- 
 herit the earth. 
 
 10 For yet a little while, and the wicked 
 shall not he: yea, thou shalt diligently 
 consider his place, and it shaU not be. 
 
 11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; 
 and shall deli,:4ht themselves in the abtm- 
 dance of peace. 
 
 12 The wicked * plotteth against the just, 
 and gnasheth upon him witn his teeth. 
 
 13 The Lord shall laugh at him; for he 
 seeth that <* his day is coming. 
 
 14 The \vicked have drawn out the sword, 
 and have bent their bow, to cast down the 
 poor and needy, and to slay 6 such as be of 
 upright conversation. 
 
 15 Their sword shall enter into their own 
 heait, and then: bows shall be broken. 
 
 16 A • httle that a righteous man hath ic 
 better than the riches of many wicked. 
 
 17 For the anns of the wicked shall be bro- 
 ken : but the Lord upholdeth the righteous. 
 
 18 The Lord /knoweth the days of the 
 upright ; and their inheritance shall be ^ for 
 ever. 
 
 19 They shall not be ashamed in the e\il 
 time ; and '« in the days of famine they shall 
 be satisfied. 
 
 20 But the wicked shall perish, and the 
 enemies of the Lord shaU he as ^ the fat of 
 lambs: they shall consume; into smoke 
 shall they consume away. 
 
 21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not 
 again: but the righteous showeth mercy, 
 and giveth. 
 
 22 For « such as be blessed of him shall 
 inherit the earth; and they that be cursed 
 of him shall be cut off. 
 
 23 The } steps of a good man are 1 ordered 
 by the Lord ; and he deligliteth in his way. 
 
 24 Though * he fall, he shall not be utterly 
 cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him 
 with his hand. 
 
 25 I have been young, and now am old 
 yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, 
 nor his seed begging bread. 
 
 26 He is 8 ever merciful, and lendeth; and 
 his seed is blessed. 
 
 27 Depart tiom evil, and do good; and 
 dwell for everaiore. 
 
 28 For the Lord * loveth judgment, and 
 forsaketh not his saints; they are pre- 
 8er\'ed for ever: but the seed of the wicKed 
 shall be cut off. 
 
 29 The righteous shall inherit the land, 
 and dwell therein for ever. 
 
 30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh 
 wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judg- 
 ment. 
 
 31 The law of his God is in his heart; noue 
 of his 9 steps shall siide. 
 
Esccellency ofGod^s Mercy. TSATMS XXXVT, XXXYII. The Wicked and the UiciMeom. 
 
 person. Altogether, his grirf was that of one , final ruin of the wicked. Thus the -vvisdora 
 for a dearly loved relative. 15. 16. On the and justice of God's pro\^deiice are vindicat- 
 contrary, they rejoiced in his affliction. i?ft?<- 
 ing, or Inmeness, as Ps. 38.17, for any dis- 
 tress, ply acts— either as cripples (cf. 2 Sam. 
 4. 4' contemptible ; or, degraded persons, 
 such as had been beaten (cf. Job, 30. 1-8.' I 
 knew it not— either the persons, or, reasons 
 of such conduct, tear me, and ceaspd not— 
 lit , were not si?.en<— showing that the tear- 
 ing meant slandering, mockers— who were 
 hired to make sport at feasts iPm. 28. 21.). 
 17. darling-(cf. Ps. 22. 20, 21.). 18. (Cf. Ps. 
 22. 22.). 19. enemies wrongfully— by false and 
 slanderous imputations, wink with tiie eye— 
 an insulting gestui-e iPro. 6. 13. ). without cause 
 —manifests more malice than having a wrong 
 cause. 20. dsceitlul matters — or, words of 
 deceit, quiet in the land— the pious lovers of 
 peace. 21. On the gesture cf. Ps. 22. 7, and 
 
 on the expressions of malicious trium})h cf. 
 Ps. 10. 13; 28. 3. 23, 24. (Cf. Ps. 7. 6; 26. 1; 
 2Thes.l. 6.). God's righteous government 
 is the hope of the pious and terror of the 
 wicked. 25. swallowed him up— iitterly de- 
 stroyed him Ps. 21. 9; Lam. 2. 10.). 26. 
 clothed— covered wholly (Job, 8. 22.). 27 
 favour 
 by thee. Let the Lord, &c.— Let Him be 
 
 freatly praised for His care of the just. 28. 
 n this praise of God's equitable government 
 (Ps. 5. 8,!, the writer promises ever to engage. 
 PSALM XXXVI. 
 Ver. 1-12. On servant of the Lord cf. title 
 Ps. IS. The wickedness of man contrasted 
 with the excellency of God's perfections and 
 dispensations; and the benefit of the latter 
 sought, and the evils of the former depre- 
 
 1. 'The general sense of this difficult 
 verse is, "that the wicked have no fear of 
 God." Tlie first clause may be rendered, 
 " iSaith transgression in my heart, in respect 
 to the wicked, there is no fear," <fcc., i.e., such 
 is my reflection on men's trangressions. 2-4. 
 This reflection detailed, until his iniquity, 
 &c.--lit., for finding his iniquity for hating; 
 i.e..' he persuades himself God will not so 
 find it— "/or hating" involving the idea of 
 punishing. Hence his words of iniquity 
 and deceit, and his bold rejection of all 
 right principles of conduct. The climax is 
 that he deliberately adopts and patronises 
 evil. The negative forms affirm more em- 
 phatically their contraries. 5, 6. mercy . . . 
 aud . . . faithfulness— as mercy and truth (Ps. 
 25. 10.). righteousness and judgments— quali- 
 ties of a good government (Ps. 5. 8; 31. 1.). 
 These all are set forth, by the figures used, 
 as unbounded. 7. shadow of thy wings— (cf. 
 Deut. 32. 11; Ps. 91. 1.1. 8. fatness— richness, 
 thy hous3— residence— for the privileges and 
 blessings of communion with God (Ps. 23. 6; 
 27. 4.) river of thy pleasures— plenteous sup- 
 ply—may allude to Eden. 9. Lii-'ht is an 
 emblem of all blessings— given of God as a 
 means to gain more. 10. that know thee— 
 right knowledge of God is the source of right 
 affections and conduct. 11. foot oi . . . hand 
 . . . wicked— all kinds of violent dealing. 12. 
 There— in the acting of violence, they are 
 overthrown. A signal defeat. 
 PSALM XXXVIL 
 Ver. 1-40. A composed and uniform trust in 
 God, and a constant course of integrity, are 
 urged in view of the blessedness of the truly 
 pious, contrasted in various aspects with the 
 
 ed, and its seeming inequalities, which excite 
 the cavils of the wicked and the distrust of 
 the pious, are explained. David's personal 
 history abundantly illustrates the P-alm. 
 
 1, 2. The general sentiment of the whole 
 Psalm is expressed. The righteous need not 
 be vexed by the prosperity of the wicked; for 
 it is transient, and their destiny undesirable. 
 3. Trust— sure of safety, shalt thou dwell— 
 or, dwell thou— repose quietly, verily ... fed 
 —or. feed on, triUh— God's promise (Ps. 36. 6, 
 cf. Hos. 12. 1.). 4. desires- (Ps. 20. 5; 21. 2,). 
 what is lawful and right, really good (Ps. 
 84. 11.). 5. Commit thy way — (Pro. 16. 3.). 
 iror/os— what you have to do and cannot— 
 set forth as a burden, trust ... in him— lit., 
 on Him. He vMl do what you cannot 'cf . Ps. 
 22. 8; 31. 6.). He will not suffer your charac- 
 ter to remain binder suspicion. 7, 8. Rest 
 m—lit., he silent to the Lord, and wait- 
 be submissive— avoid petulance and mur- 
 murings, anger and rash doing. 9. Two 
 reasons. The prosperity of the wicked is 
 short, and the pious, by humble trust, will 
 secure all covenant blessings denoted here, 
 cause— delight in it, as vindicated |by " inherit the earth" icf. Ps. 2.5. 13.). 10, 11. 
 shall not he— lit, is not— is not to be found. 
 
 peace— includes prosperity. 12. gnasheth . 
 teeth — in beastly rage. 13. iCf. Ps. 2. 4.). 
 seeth— knows certainly, his day— of pimish- 
 ment, long delayed, shall yet come (Heb. 10. 
 37.). 14, 15. sword, and . . . bow— for any in- 
 struments of violence, slay— ^it, slaughter 
 (1 Sam. 25. 11.). poor and needy— God's people 
 (Ps. 10. 17; 12. 5.). The punishment of the 
 wicked as drawn on themselves— often men- 
 tioned (cf. Ps. 7. 15, 16; 35. 8.) 16. riches— 
 lit., noise avd tumult, as incidental to much 
 wealth (cf. Ps. 39. 6.). Thus the contrast with 
 the "little" of one man is more vivid. 17. 
 Even the members of the body needed to 
 hold weapons are destroyed. 18, 19. God, 
 who knows his people's changes, provides 
 against evil, and supplies all their need. 20. 
 "While the wicked, however mighty, are de- 
 stroyed, and that utterly, as smoke which 
 vanishes and leaves no trace. 21, 22. payeth 
 uot— not able; having grown poor (cf. Deut. 
 15. 7,). Ability of the one and inability of 
 the other do not exclude moral dispositions. 
 God's blessing or cursing makes the differ- 
 ence, cut of— opposed to "inherit the earth" 
 (cf. Lev. 7. 20, 21.). 23, 24. steps— way, or, 
 course of life; as ordered by God, failures 
 will not be permanent. 25, 26 bis seed is 
 blessed— Zi'^., for a blessing (Gen. 12. 2; Ps. 21. 
 6.). Tins position is still true as the rule 
 of God's economy (1 Tim. 4. 8; 6. 6.). 27-29. 
 The exhortation is sustained by the assur- 
 ance of God's essential rectitude in that pro- 
 vidential government, which provides per- 
 petual blessings for the good, and perpetual 
 misery for the wicked. 30,31. The righteous 
 described as to the elements of character, 
 thought, word, and action, steps— or, goings 
 —for conduct which is unwavering fPs. 18. 
 36.). 32, 33. The devices of the wicked 
 against the good fail, because God acquits 
 them. 34. On the contrary, the good are 
 not only blessed, but made to see the ruin 
 of their foes; 35, 36. of which a picture is 
 given, under the figure of a flourishing tree 
 (cf. Marg.), which soon withers, he was not 
 — (cf. V. 10.). 37. By the end. is meant reward 
 (Pro. 23. 18; 24. 14,), or expectation of success. 
 
A prayer {« distress. 
 
 PSALMS XSXVIII-XL. The sTioHness of human Ufa. 
 
 32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and 
 S€eketh to slay hiiii. 
 
 33 The Lord will not leave him in his 
 hand, nor "* condemn him when he is 
 judged. 
 
 iJt Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, 
 and he shall exalt thee to inhentthe land: 
 when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see 
 it. 
 
 35 I have seen the wicked in great power, 
 ftnd spreading himsell' like i" a green bay 
 tree. 
 
 36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was 
 notj yea, 1 sought Mm, but he could not 
 be found. 
 
 37 Alark the perfect man, and behold the 
 upright : for " the end of thai man is 
 peace. 
 
 38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed 
 together: the end of the wicked shall be 
 cut otf. 
 
 39 Hut ° the salvation of the righteous is 
 of the Lokd; he is their strength in the 
 time of trouble. 
 
 40 And the Lord shall help them, and de- 
 liver them: he shall deliver them ixora the 
 wicked, and save them, * because they 
 trust in him. 
 
 PSALM XXXVIIL 
 David moves God to take compassion of his pitifM 
 
 ease, confessing his sins to be the cause thereof. 
 
 A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. 
 Q LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: 
 ^^ neither chasten me in thy hot displeas- 
 ore. 
 
 2 For thine arrows stick fast in me, and 
 thy hand presseth me sore, 
 
 3 There is no soundness in myflesh because 
 of thine anger; neither is there any i rest 
 in my bones because of my sin. 
 
 4 For mine iniquities are gone over mine 
 head; as an heavy buiden they are too 
 heavy for me. 
 
 5 Afy wounds stink and are corrupt be- 
 cause of my foolishness. 
 
 6 1 am 2 troubled; I am bowed down 
 neatly; I go mourning all the day long. 
 
 7 For my loins ai*e tilled with a " loath- 
 some disease; and there is no soundness in 
 my flesh. 
 
 8 I am feeble and sore broken: I have 
 roared by reason of the disquietness of my 
 heart. 
 
 9 Lord, all my desire is before thee; and 
 my groaning is not hid from thee. 
 
 10 My heart panteth, my strength faileth 
 me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also 
 3 is gone from me. 
 
 11 Aly lovers and my friends * stand aloof 
 from my * sore, and 6 my kinsmen stand 
 afar o'i'. 
 
 12 Th.?y also that seek after my life lay 
 snares for me; and they that seek my hurt 
 speak mischievous things, and imagine de- 
 ceits all the day long. 
 
 13 But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and 
 / was as a dumb man that openeth not his 
 mouth. 
 
 14 Thus I was as a man that heareth not, 
 and in whose mouth are no reproofs. 
 
 15 For 6 in thee, O Lord, * do 1 hope: 
 thou wilt 7 hear, Lord my God. 
 
 16 For 1 said. Hear me, lest otherwise 
 they should r^oice over me: when my foot 
 Blippeth, they magnify themselves against 
 me. 
 
 17 For I am ready 8 to halt, and my bct- 
 row is continually before me. 
 
 PSALM 37. 
 
 "t p.. 109. 
 31. 
 
 10 Or, ■ 
 green tre« 
 that fcTow- 
 6th in his 
 own soil. 
 
 n la. 32. 17. 
 l8. 57. 2. 
 1 Theat. i. 
 17. 
 
 9 Ps. 3. 8. 
 
 p 1 Chr. 6. 
 
 PSALM 38. 
 
 1 peace, or, 
 heiiltb. 
 
 2 wearied. 
 « Job 7. 6. 
 
 3 is not 
 with me. 
 
 b Lu. 10. 31. 
 i itroke. 
 
 boura. 
 
 6 Or, ^hoe 
 do X wait 
 for. 
 
 Jer. 14. 8. 
 Jer. 50. 7. 
 
 7 Or. 
 •nswer. 
 
 8 for 
 halting^. 
 Pa. 36. 16. 
 
 d Pb. 82. 5. 
 
 Pro. 28. 13. 
 •2 Cor. 7.9. 
 
 9 being 
 living, are 
 Btrong. 
 
 /I John 3.12. 
 1 Pet. 3. 13. 
 
 10 for my 
 
 g Ex. 16. 2 
 12. 2. 
 
 PSALM 39. 
 a X Chr. 16. 
 
 41. 
 6 1 Ki. 2. 4. 
 1 a bridle, 
 
 or, muc£l« 
 
 c Col. 4. 5. 
 
 2 troubled. 
 d Jer. W. 9. 
 
 3 Or, what 
 
 have hero. 
 « Ps. 90. 4. 
 
 4 Bottled. 
 
 5 an image. 
 
 6 conflict. 
 
 7 that which 
 is to be 
 desired in 
 him to 
 melt away. 
 
 / Lev. 26. 23. 
 
 PSALM 40. 
 1 In waiting 
 
 I waited. 
 S a pit of 
 
 noise. 
 a Pa. 3. 12. 
 
 18 For I will <* declare mine iniquity; I 
 will be * sorry for my sin. 
 
 19 Bat mine enemies 9 are lively, and they 
 are strong; and they that hate me wrong- 
 fully are multiplied. 
 
 20 They also that render evil for good are 
 mine advei-saries; /because I foUow the 
 thing that good is. 
 
 21 Forsake me not, O Lord: my God, 
 be not far fi-om me. 
 
 22 Make haste lo to help me, O Lord ^ my 
 salvation. 
 
 PSALM XXXIX. 
 1 David's eareofhis thoughts: 4 his consideration 
 
 of the brevity and vanit;/ of life; She prays for 
 
 pardon and comfort, etc. 
 To tho chief Musician, even to » Jeduthun, A 
 
 Psalra of David- 
 T SAID, I will * take heed to my ways, 
 -"■ that I sin not with my tongue: I will 
 keep 1 my mouth with a bridle, " while the 
 wicked is before ma. 
 
 2 I was dumb with silence; I held my 
 peace, even from good; and my sorrow 
 was 2 stirred. 
 
 3 My heart was hot within me; while I 
 was musing <* the fire bm'ued: then spake I 
 with my tongue, 
 
 4 Lord, make me to know mine end, and 
 the measiu'e of my days, what it is; that I 
 may know 3 how frail I am. 
 
 5 l5ehold, thou bast made my days as an 
 handbreadth, and * mine age is as nothing 
 before thee: verily every man 4 at his best 
 state is altogether vanity. Selah. 
 
 6 Surely every man walkcth In 5 a vain 
 show: surely they are dis(iuieted in vain: 
 he heapelh up riches, and kuoweth not who 
 shall gather them. 
 
 7 And now. Lord, what wait I for? my 
 hope is in thee. 
 
 8 Deliver me from all my transgressions: 
 make me not the reproach of the foolish. 
 
 9 1 was dumb, I opened not my mouth; 
 because thou didst it. 
 
 10 Remove thy stroke away from me: I 
 am consumed by the 6 blow of thine hand. 
 
 11 When thou with rebukes dost correct 
 man for iniquity, thou makest ^ bis beauty 
 to consume away like a moth: surely every 
 man is vanity. Selah. 
 
 12 Hear my prayer, Lord, and give eat 
 unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my 
 tears: /for I am a stranger with thee, and a 
 sojourner, as all my fathers were. 
 
 13 O spare me,that I may recover strength, 
 before 1 go hence, and be no more. 
 
 PSALM XL. 
 
 1 The btnefit of confidence in God. 6 Obedienu 
 
 the best sacrifice. 
 
 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. 
 
 T 1 WAITED patiently for the Lord; and 
 
 ■•- he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 
 
 2 He brought me up also out of " an hor- 
 rible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my 
 feet upon a rock, and established my 
 goings. 
 
 3 And he hath pat a new song m my 
 mouth, even praise unto our God: many 
 shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in tha 
 Lord. 
 
 4 Blessed '*'is that man that maketh the 
 Lord his trust, and respecteth not tha 
 proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. 
 
 5 Many, O Lord my God, are thy won* 
 derfui works which thou hast done, * and 
 thy thoughts which are to us-waid: 3 they 
 cannot be reckoned up in order uoto thee: 
 
Prayer in DMress. PSALMS XXXVUI— XL._ _____ Confidence in Qod. 
 
 as V. 38, which describes the end of the racter of his suppressed emotions. But, ad- 
 wicked in contrast, and that is cut off (cf. Ps. dressing God, they are softened and subdued, 
 73. 17.). 38. togsiher— at once— entirely (Ps, 4. , make me to kuow— experimentally appreciate. 
 8.). 30,40. strength— (Ps. 27. 1; 28. 8.). trouble how ixnil lam—lit, ivhen I shall ceaf^e. 5,6. 
 —straits Ps. 9. 9; 10. 1.). In trust and quiet- His prayer is answered in his obtaining an 
 ness is the salvation of the pious from all , impressive view of the vanity of the life of 
 foes and all their devices. i all men, and their transient state. Their 
 
 PSALM XXXVIIT. I pomp is a mere image, and their wealth ia 
 
 Ver. 1-22. To hring to remembrance, or, re- ; gathered they know not for whom. 7. The 
 mind, God of His mercy and himself of his interrogation makes the unplied negative 
 sin. Appealing to God for relief from His stronger. Though this world offers nothing 
 heavy chastisement, the Psalmist avows his , to our expectation, God is worthy of all con- 
 integrity before men, complains of the de- fidence. 8-10. Patientlysubmissive, he prays 
 lection of friends and per.secution of enemies, for the removal of his chastisement, and that 
 and in asiibmissive spirit, casting himself on , he may not be a reproach. 11. From his own 
 God. with penitent confession, he pleads case, he argues to that of all, that the de- 
 God's covenant relation and his innocence ! struction of man's enjoyments is ascribable 
 
 of the charges of his enemies, and prays for 
 divine comrort and hel 
 
 i to sin. 12, 13. Consonant witli the tenor of 
 the Psalm, he prays for God's compassionate 
 
 !lp. , _ , ^ _ 
 
 1-4. He deprecates deserved punishment, ! regard to him as a stranger here, and that, 
 which is described (Ps. 6.1,) under the figure \ as such was the condition of his lathers, so. 
 
 of bodily disease, arrows . . . and thy hand- 
 the sharp and heavy afflictions he suffered 
 (Deut.32.23.). iniquities— afflictions in punish- 
 ment of sin (2 Sam, 16. 12; Ps. 31. 10; 40, ]2.) 
 gone over mine head— as a flood. 5-8. The loath- 
 someness, corruption, and wasting torture of 
 severe iihysical disease set forth his mental 
 anguish. It is possible some bodily disease 
 Wiis connected, lite loins are the seat of 
 strength. 'His exhaustion left him only the 
 power to groan. 9. That God can hear (Kom. 
 8. 26.1. 10. My heart Banteth— as if barely 
 surviving, light . . . from me— utter exhaus- 
 tion Ps. 6. 7; 13. .3.}. 11, 12. friends desert 
 but foes increase in malignity, seek after my 
 liie— (lSam.20. 1; 22.23.). 13, 14. He patiently 
 submits, uttering no rewoaches or replies 
 (John, 19. 9,) to their insulting speeches; 
 15-17. for he is confident the Lord— Kt., So- 
 vereiqn to whom he was a servant\ would 
 answer his prayer .Ps. 3. 4; 4. l,/, and not per- 
 mit their triumph in his partial halting, of 
 wliich he was in danger. 18. Consciousness 
 of isin makes suffering pungent, and suffering, 
 riL'htly received, leads to confession. 19, 20. 
 Still, while humbled before God, he is the 
 victim of deadly enemies, full of malice and 
 treachery, enemies are lively— ^(i., o/7t'/e, who 
 would take my life, i.e., deadly. 21, 22. (Cf. 
 Ps. 22. 19; 35. 3.). All terms of frequent use. 
 ]n this Psalm the language is generally sus- 
 ceptible of application to Christ as a sufferer. 
 
 like them, he may be cheered instead of be- 
 ing bound under wi-ath and chastened in dis- 
 pleasure. 
 
 PSALM XL. 
 
 Ver. 1-17. In this Psalm a celebration of 
 God's deliverance is followed by a profession 
 of devotion to His service. Then follows a 
 prayer for relief from imminent dangers, in- 
 volving the overthrow of enemies and the 
 rejoicing of sympathising friends. In PTeb. 
 10. 6, &c., Paul quotes v. 6-8, as the words of 
 Christ, offering himself as a better sacrifice. 
 Some suppose Paul thus accommodated Da- 
 vid's words to express Christ's .sentiments. 
 But the value of his quotation would be thus 
 destroyed, as it would have no force in his ar- 
 gument, unless regarded by his readers as 
 the original sense of the passage in the O. T. 
 Others suppose the Psalm describes David's 
 feelings in suffering and joy; but the language 
 quoted by Paul, in the sense given by him. 
 could not apply to David in any of his rela- 
 tions, for as a type the language is not 
 adapted to describe any event or condition 
 of David's career, and as an individual re- 
 presenting the pious generally, neither he 
 nor they could properly use it (cf. on v. 7 be- 
 low.). The Psalm must be taken then, as the 
 sixteenth, to express the feelings of Christ's 
 human nature. The dilflculties pertinent to 
 this view w.U be considered as they occur. 
 
 1-3. The figures for deep distress are illus- 
 
 David, as such, typifying Him. This does j tratedinJeremiah'shistory (Jer.SS. 6-12.;. Pa- 
 
 not require us to apply the confessions of sin, 
 but only the pains or penalties which he bore 
 for us. 
 
 PSALM XXXIX. 
 
 Ver. 1-13. To Jcduthun (l Chr. 16. 41, 42,). 
 one of the chief singers. His name men- 
 tioned, perhaps, as a special honour. Under 
 depressing views of his frailty and the pro- 
 sperity of the wicked, the Psalmist, tempted 
 to murmur, checks the expression of his feel- 
 ings, till led to regard his case aright, he 
 prays lor a proper view of his condition and 
 for the divine compassion. 
 
 1. I said— or, resolved, will take heed- 
 watch, ways— conduct, of which the use of 
 the tongue is apart (Jam. 1. 26.). bridle— Zi^., 
 muzzle, fcf. Deut. 25. 4.). while . . . before me 
 —in beholding their prosperity (Ps. 37. 10, 36. J, 
 
 2. even tron^good— (Gen. 31. 24,), everything. 
 
 3. His emotions, as a. smothered flame, hurst 
 forth. 4-7. Sometake these wordsastho.se of 
 
 tience and trust manifested in distress, deli- 
 verance in answer to prater, and the blessed 
 eflect of it in eliciting praise from God's true 
 worshippers, teach us that Christ's suffering is 
 our exam pie, and His deliverance our encou- 
 ragement (Heb. 5. 7. 8; 12, 3; 1 Pet. 4. 12-16.). 
 inclined— (the ear, Ps. 17. 6,), as if to catch the 
 faintest sigh, a new song— (Ps. S3. 3.) fear, 
 and . . . trust— revere with love and faith. 
 4. Blessed— (Ps. 1. 1; 2. 12.;. respecteth— Kt., 
 turns towards, as an object of confidence, 
 turn aside— from true God and His law to 
 falsehood in worship and conduct. 5. be 
 reckoned up in order— (cf. Ps. 5. 3; 33. 14; Isa. 
 44. 7,), too many to be set forth regularly. 
 Tills is but one instance of many. The use 
 of the plural accords with the union of Christ 
 and His people. In suffering and triumph, 
 they are one with Him. 6-8. In Paul's view 
 this passage has more meaning than the mere 
 expression of grateful devotion to God's ser- 
 
 fretting, but they are not essentially such, i vice. He represents Christ as declaring that 
 The tinge of discontent arises from the cha- ' the sacrifices, whether vegetable or animal- 
 
BUssedntss of the charitable man. PSALMS XLI-XLIV. PuUio V)orsMp Vmgedfof. 
 
 if I would declare and spnak 0/ tAem, they 
 are more than can be numbered. 
 C Siu'iifice ' and otierino; thou didst not 
 desire; mine ears hast thou ^ opened: burnt 
 otlenng and siii oflering hast thou not re- 
 quired. 
 
 7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume 
 of the bock it is <* written of me, 
 
 8 I « dcli'-ht to do thy will, O my God: 
 yea, tiiv law is 6 within my heart. 
 
 9 1 have preached riuhteousness in the 
 great congregation: lo, I have not refrained 
 my lips, O Lord, / thou knowest. 
 
 lb 1 " have not hid thy righteousness within 
 my heart; 1 have declared thy faithful ness 
 and thy salvation: I have not concealed 
 thy loving-kindness and thy truth from the 
 great coiiLTegation. 
 
 11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies 
 from me, Lord: '' let thy loving-kindness 
 and thy tmth continually preserve me. 
 
 12 For innumerable evils nave compassed 
 me about: « mine iniquities have taken hold 
 upon me, so that 1 am not able to look up: 
 they are more than the hairs of mine head; 
 therefore my heart 6 faileth me. 
 
 13 Be pleased, Lokd, to deliver me: 
 Lord, make liaste to help me. 
 
 14 Let them be ashamed and confounded 
 together that seek after my soul to destroy 
 it; let them be driven backward and put to 
 shame that wish me evil. 
 
 15 Let them be desolate for a reward of 
 their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha! 
 
 16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and 
 be glad in thee: let such as love thy salva- 
 tion say continually. The Lord be magni- 
 fied. 
 
 17 But I am poor and needy; yetiihe 
 Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help 
 
 ' and my deliverer; make no tarrying, my 
 God, 
 
 rSALM XLI. 
 1 Blessitig of the eharilable man. 4 Vavid eom- 
 
 plaitis of Ms enemies' treachery: 11 he acknoui- 
 
 ledgei God's favour. 
 
 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. 
 T5LESSED " 15 he that considereth 1 the 
 ■^ poor: the Lord will deliver him 2 in 
 time of trouble. 
 
 2 The Lord will preserve him, and keep 
 him alive; and he shall be blessed upon 
 the earth: and 3 thou wilt not deliver him 
 unto the will of his enemies. 
 
 3 The Lord will strengthen him upon the 
 bed of languishing: thou •vnli * make all 
 his bed in his sickness. 
 
 4 1 said. Lord, be merciful unto me: * heal 
 my soul; for 1 have sinned against thee. 
 
 5 Mine enemies speak evil of me. When 
 Bhall he die, and his name perish? 
 
 6 And if he come to see me, he ' speaketh 
 vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to it- 
 self: when he goeth abroad, he telleth it. 
 
 7 All that hate me whisper together against 
 me: against me do they devise 6 my hurt. 
 
 8 6 An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast 
 unto him: and iww that he lieth he shall 
 rise up no more. 
 
 9 Yea, T mine own familiar friend, in 
 whom I trusted, <* which did eat of my 
 bread, hath 8 lifted up his heel against me. 
 
 10 But thou, Lord, be merciful unto me, 
 and raise me up, that I may requite them. 
 
 11 By this I know that thou favouiest me, 
 because mine enemy doth not trimuph 
 over me. 
 
 12 And as for me, thou upholdest me in 
 
 PSALM 40. 
 c Hoa. 6. 6. 
 
 Mat. 9. 13. 
 
 Heb. 10. 5. 
 4 digged. 
 
 Ei 21. 6. 
 (JLu. 24.44. 
 
 John 6. 89. 
 • John 4. 34. 
 
 Rom. 7.22. 
 6 in tho 
 
 midst of 
 
 myboweU. 
 /Pa. 139.2. 
 ff Acts 20,20. 
 h Pa. 43. 3. 
 i Ps. 38. 4. 
 6 forsrtketh. 
 / Neh. 5. 19. 
 Jonah 1. 6. 
 1 Pet. 6. 7. 
 
 PSALM 41. 
 « Pro. 14. 21. 
 
 Mar. 10.21 . 
 
 Heb. 13.15. 
 1 Or, the 
 
 weak, or, 
 
 sick. 
 8 in the 
 
 day of 
 
 evil. 
 3 Or, do 
 
 not thou 
 
 deliver. 
 
 Ps. 27. 12. 
 
 6 Ps. 6. 2. 
 e Ps. 12. 2. 
 
 5 evil to me. 
 
 6 A thing of 
 Belial. 
 
 7 the man of 
 
 Jer. 20 10. 
 d John 13.18. 
 
 8 ma^^nified. 
 • Job 36. 7. 
 
 Ps. 34. 15. 
 Acts 2. 23. 
 
 PSALM 42. 
 1 Or, A 
 
 Psalm 
 
 c Is. 30, 29. 
 
 3 bowed 
 down. 
 
 d Lam. 3. 24. 
 
 4 Or, give 
 thanks. 
 
 6 Or, his 
 presence is 
 
 6 Or, the 
 
 Uttle hill. 
 «Ezek.7. 26. 
 / Dou. 28. 8. 
 
 7 Or, 
 killing. 
 
 PSALM 43. 
 
 1 Or, un- 
 merciful, 
 
 2 from ft 
 man of 
 deceit and 
 iniquity. 
 
 o Ps. 28. 7. 
 
 Is. 20. 4. 
 
 6 Ps. 42 9. 
 
 3 the glad- 
 ness of my 
 jo,. 
 
 mine integrity, and * settest me before thy 
 face for ever. 
 
 13 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from 
 everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and 
 Amen. 
 
 PSALM XLIL 
 
 David's zial to serve God in the Uri.pU. 
 
 To the Chief Musician, 1 Maschil, i r the sons 
 
 of Korah. 
 
 A S the hart 2 panteth after the water 
 
 -"- brooks, 80 panteth my soul after thee, 
 
 God. 
 
 2 My " soul thirsteth for God, for ^ the 
 living God: when shall 1 come and appear 
 before God? 
 
 3 My te.ars have been my meat day and 
 nii-'ht, while they continually say unto me, 
 W"here is thy God? 
 
 4 When 1 remember these things, I pour 
 out my soul in me: for I had gone with the 
 multitude ; " I went with them to the house 
 of God, with the voice of joy and praise, 
 with a multitude that kept holyday. 
 
 5 Why art thou 3 cast down, O my soul? 
 and ^vhy art thou disquieted in me? <* hope 
 thou in God ; for 1 shall yet * praise him 
 5 /or the help of his countenance. 
 
 6 my God, my soul is cast down within 
 me: theielore will I remember thee frura 
 the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, 
 from 6 the hill Mizar. 
 
 7 Deep ' calleth unto deep at the noise of 
 thy water-spouts: all thy waves and thy 
 billows are gone over me. 
 
 8 Yet the Lord will / command his lo\'ing- 
 kindness in the day-time, and in the night 
 his song shall be with me, aiid my prayer 
 unto the God of my life. 
 
 9 I will say unto God my rock. Why hast 
 thou forgotten me? w^hy go I mourning 
 because of the oppression of the enemy? 
 
 10 As with a 7 sword in my bones, mine 
 enemies reproach me ; while they say daily 
 unto me. Where is thy God? 
 
 11 Why art thou cast down, my soul? 
 and why art thou disquieted within me? 
 hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise 
 him, who is the health of my countenance, 
 and my God. 
 
 PSALM XLIIL 
 David, praying to be restored to the temple, pro- 
 
 mises to serve Ood joyfully. 
 JUDGE me, God, and plead my causa 
 " against an l ungodiv nation: O deliver 
 me 2 from the deceitful and unjust man. 
 
 2 For thou art the God of my strength: 
 why dost thou cast me off? * why go I 
 mourning because of the oppression of the 
 enemy? 
 
 3 O send out thy light and thy truth: let 
 them lead me; let them bring me unto thy 
 holv hill, and to thy tabernacles. 
 
 4 Then will I go mito the altar of God, 
 unto God 3 my exceeding joy: yea, upon 
 the hail) will 1 praise thee, O God, my Gotl. 
 
 5 Why art thou cast down, my soul? 
 and why art thou disquieted within me? 
 hope in God; for I shall yet praise him, 
 who is the health of my countenance, and 
 my God. 
 
 PSALM XLIV. 
 
 1 Tlieehureh, in memory of former favours. 9 eon^ 
 flains of her present evils: 17 professing her 
 integrity, 2S she fervently prays for succour. 
 
 To the Chief Musician for the sons of Korah, 
 
 Maschil. 
 "ttrE have heard with our ears, God, 
 * ' our fathers have told us, tvlMt work 
 
PSALM XLI. 
 
 God's Care, of the Poor. 
 
 Obedience the Best Sacrifice. 
 
 general or special expiatory offerings, would 26. 38,\ " My soul is exceedint; sorrowful, even 
 not avail to meet lUe demands of God's law, unto death." cannot lo.k np—lit., I cannot 
 and that H e had come to render the required see. not denoting the depression of conscious 
 satisfaction, which he states was effected by guilt, as Luke, 18. 13, but exhaustion from 
 •' the otiering of the body of Christ," for that suffering, as dimness of e3'es (cf. Ps. 6. 7; 13. 3; 
 is the "will of Cxod" which Christ came to 38.10./. The whole context thus sustains the 
 fulfil or do. in order to effect man's redemp- sense assigned toiniquities. 13. (Cf.Ps. 22.19.). 
 tion. Vi'e thus see that the contrast to the 14, 15. The language is not necessarily im- 
 unsatisfactory character assigned the O. T. precatory, but rather a confident expecta- 
 olferings in v. 6, is found in the compliance tion (Ps. 5. 11,), though the former sense is 
 M'ith God's law (cf. v. 7, 8.1. Of course, as not inconsistent with Christ's prayer for the 
 Paul and other JS. T. writers explain Christ's forgiveness of His murderers, inasmuch as 
 work, it consisted in more than being made their confusion and shame might be the very 
 under the law or obeying its precepts. It means to prepare them for humbly seeking 
 required an "obedience unto death," and forgiveness cf. Acts. 2. 37. j. for a reward- 
 that is the compliance here chiefly intended, lit., in consequence o/. Aha— (cf. Ps. 35. 21, 2.5.). 
 and which makes the contrast with v. 6 clear. 16. (Cf.Ps. 35. 27.). love thy salvation— de- 
 mine ears hast thou opened— Whether allusion light in its bestowal on others as well as 
 is made to the custom of boring a servant's themselves. 17. A summary of his condition 
 ear, in token of voluntary and perpetual en- and hopes, thinketh upon— or, provides ior 
 slavement (Ex. 21. 6,), or, that the opening of me. "He was heard," "when he liad ottered 
 the car, as in Isa. 48. 8; 50. 5, (though by a dif- up prayers and supplications with strong cry- 
 ferent word in Heb.,) denotes obedience by ing and tears, unto him that was able to 
 the common figure of hearing for obeying, it save him from death." 
 is evident that the clause is designed to ex- 1 PSALM XLL 
 
 press a devotion to (.Tod's wiU as avowed j Ver. 1-13. The Psalmist celebrates the 
 more fully in v. 8, and already explained, blessedness of those who compassionate the 
 Paul however uses the words, "a body hast poor, conduct strongly contrasted with the 
 thou prepared me," which are found in the spite of his enemies and neglect of his friends, 
 Sept. in the place of the words, " mine ears in his calamity. He prays for God's mercy 
 hast thou opened." He does not lay any stress in view of his ill desert, and, in confidence of 
 on this clause, and his argument is complete relief, and that God will vindicate his cause, 
 without it. It is. perhaps, to be regarded , closes with a doxology. 
 
 ratlier as an interpretation or free transla- 
 tion by the Sept., than either an addi- 
 tion or attempt at verbal translation. The 
 
 1-3. God rewards kindness to the poor 
 (Pro. 19. 17.). From v. 2 and 11 it may be in- 
 ferred that the Psalmist describes his own 
 
 Sept. translators may have had reference I conduct, poor -in person, position, and pos- 
 to Christ's vicarious sufferings as taught i sessions, s.iall be blessed— iit., teri ari<//if, or, 
 in other Scriptures, as Isa. 63; at all events I safdy. prospered (Ps. 23. 3.). up n tiie earth 
 
 the sense is substantially the same, as a body 
 was essential to the required obedience (cf. 
 Rom. 7. 4; 1 Pet. 2. 24.). 7. Then— in such 
 case, without necessarily referring to order 
 of time. Lo, I come— I am prepared to do, 
 <toc. in the volume of the book— ro/i of the book. 
 Such rolls, resembling maps, are stiU used in 
 the synagogues, written of me— or, on me, 
 prescribed to me (2 Ki. 22. 13.). The first is 
 the sense adopted by Paul. In either case, 
 the Pentateuch, or law of Moses, is meant, 
 and while it contains much respecting Christ 
 directly, as Gen. 3. 15; 49. 10; Deut. 18. 15, 
 and, indirectly, in the Levitical ritual, there 
 is nowhere any allusion to David. 9, 10. 
 Christ's prophetical oftice is taught. He 
 " preached" the great truths of God's govern- 
 ment of sinners. I have preached^^if., an- 
 nounced good tidings. 11. may be rendered 
 as an assertion, that God vnll not witJihold, 
 (fee. (Ps. 16.1.). 12. evils— inflicted by others, 
 iniquities— or, penal afflictions, and some- 
 times calamities in the wide sense. This 
 meaning of the word is very common (Ps. 
 31. 11; 38. 4;,; cf. (Gen. 4. 13, Cain's punish- 
 ment!; (Gen. 19. 15, that of Sodom); (1 Sam. 
 28. 10. of the witch of Endor); also (2 Sam. 
 16. 12; .Job, 19. 29; Lsa. 5. 18; 53. ll.l. This 
 meaning of the word is also favoured by the 
 clause, taken hold of me, which follows, which 
 can be said appropriately of sufferings, but 
 not oisins (cf. Job, 27. 20; Ps. 69. 24.). Thus, the 
 difiiculties, in referring this Psalm to Christ, 
 arising from the usual reading of this verse, 
 are removed. Of the terrible afflictions, or 
 sufferings, alluded to and endured lor us cf. 
 Luke, 22. 30-44, and the narrative of the 
 scenes of Calvary, my heart faileth me— (Mat. 
 393 
 
 or, land or promise (Ps. 25. 13; 27. 3-9, &c.). 
 The figures of v. 3 are drawn from the acts of 
 a kind nurse. 4. I said— I asked the mercy 
 I show, heal my soul— (cf. Ps. 30. 2.). "Sin 
 and sufferiQi are united." is one of the great 
 teachings ot the Psalms. 5, 6. A graphic pic- 
 ture of the conduct of a malignant enemy, 
 to see me— as if to spy out my case, he speak- 
 eth . . . itself— or, "he speaketh vanity as to 
 his heart "—i.e., does not speak candidly, "he 
 gathereth iniquity to him," collects elements 
 for mischief, and then divulges the gains of 
 his hypocrisy. 7, 8. So of others, all act 
 alike. An evil disease— H(., a word of Belial, 
 some slander, cleaveth— Mi., poured on him. 
 that he lieth— u^to has now laid down, " he is 
 utterly undone and our victory is sure." 9. 
 mine . . . friend— Ki., man of my i)eace. eat 
 . . . bread- who depended on me, or was well 
 treated by me. lifted up his heel— in scornful 
 violence. As David and his fortunes typified 
 Christ and His (cf. Intr.), so these words ex- 
 pressed the treatment he received, and also 
 that of his Son and Lord; hence, though not 
 distinctly prophetical, our Saviour John. 
 13. 18,), applies them to Judas, "that the 
 Scripture may be fulfilled." This last phrase 
 has a wide use in the N. T., and is not re- 
 stricted to denote special prophecies. 10. A 
 lawful puni hment of cruninals is not re- 
 venge, nor inconsistent with their final good 
 cf Ps. 40. 14. 15.). 11-13. favonrest— or, ten- 
 derly lovest me Gen. 34. 19,), evinced by re- 
 lief from his enemies; and, farther, God re- 
 cognises his innocence by upholding him. 
 settest . . . before thy face— under thy watch 
 and care, as God before main's face (Ps. 16. 8,) 
 is an object of trust and love. Biessea— 
 3f 
 
The eomptaint of the <:hurch. 
 
 PSALMS XLV, XL VI. Majesty of Chrtsfs kingdom. 
 
 thou didst in tboir days, iu the times of 
 old. 
 
 2 How 'than didst drive out the heatheii 
 with thy haiul, uiid pliiiitedst them; how 
 thou didst atttict the people, and cast them 
 out. 
 
 3 For 6 they got not the land in possession 
 by their own sword, neither did their o\vn 
 aim save them ; but thy right hand, and 
 thine arm, and the light ofthycounteiiance, 
 because '^ thou hadst a favour unto them. 
 
 4 Thou ■* art my King, O God: command 
 deliverances for Jacob. 
 
 5 Through thee * will we push down our 
 enemies; tluough thy uame nill we tread 
 them under that rise up against us. 
 
 6 For / 1 will aot trust in my bow, neither 
 shall my sword save me. 
 
 7 But thou hast saved us from our enemies, 
 and hast put them to shame that hated us. 
 
 8ln0 God we boast all the day long, and 
 praise thy name for ever. Selah. 
 
 9 Bnt thou hast cast oft', and put us to 
 shame ; and goest not forth with our armies. 
 
 10 Thou makest us to ^^ turn back from the 
 enemy; and they which hate us spoil for 
 themselves. 
 
 11 Thou hast given us i like sheep ap- 
 pointed for meat; and hast » scattered us 
 among the heathen. 
 
 Vi Thou> seltest thy people 2 for nought, 
 and dost not iucreasc thy wealth by their 
 price. 
 
 13 Thou makest tis a reproach to our 
 neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them 
 that are round about us. 
 
 14 Thou makest us a byword among the 
 heathen, a shaking of the head among'the 
 people. 
 
 15 My confusion is continually before me, 
 and the shame of my face hath covered me, 
 
 16 For the voice of'lum that reproacheth 
 and blasjihemeth; * by reason of the enemy 
 and avenger. 
 
 17 AH * this is come upon us; yet have we 
 not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt 
 falsely m thy covenant. 
 
 18 Our heart is not turned back, neither 
 have our 3 steps declined from thy way; 
 
 19 Though thou hast sore broken us in 
 the •" place of dragons, and covered us with 
 the shadow of death. 
 
 20 If we have forgotten the name of our 
 God, or stretched out our hands to a strange 
 god: 
 
 21 Shall ♦» not God search this out? for " he 
 knoweth the secrets of the heart. 
 
 22 Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the 
 day long; we are counted as sheep for the 
 daughter. 
 
 23 Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? 
 arise, cast us not ofl'for ever. 
 
 24 Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and 
 forgettest our affliction and our oppression? 
 
 25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust; 
 our belly cleaveth unto the earth. 
 
 26 Arise * for our help, and redeem us for 
 thy mercies' sake. 
 
 FSALM XLV. 
 1 Majesty and grace of Christ's kingdom, 10 
 
 I)uty of the church, and benefits thereof. 
 To the chief Musician upon Slioshanniin, for 
 tUe sons of Korab, i Masctiil, A Song of loves. 
 
 MY heart " is inditing a good matter: I 
 speak of the things which I have made 
 touclnn<^ the Kuig; my tongue is the pen 
 of a ready writer. 
 2 Thou art fairer than the children of men; 
 
 FSALM 44. 
 o Deu. 7. 1. 
 
 Dsu. 8.17. 
 
 Jo3h,a4.12. 
 
 Deu. 4. 37. 
 d P«. 74. 12. 
 e Dan. 8. 4. 
 / Pa. 33. 16. 
 
 Jer. 9. 24. 
 Rom. H. 17. 
 ft Lov.2e.l7. 
 Deu. 28. 
 2d. 
 
 Josh. 7. 8, 
 12. 
 
 1 as «heop 
 of meat. 
 
 i Dou. 4. 27. 
 Fb. CO. 1. 
 
 3 l8. 52. 3, 4. 
 Jer. 15. 13. 
 
 2 without 
 
 k P«. 8. 2. 
 I Dan. 9. 13. 
 
 »» U. S4. 13. 
 
 I..36. 7. 
 » Job 31. 14. 
 
 Jer. 17. 10. 
 1 Sa. 10. 7. 
 lChr.28.9. 
 John 2. 25. 
 Acts 1. 24. 
 Ro». 2. 23. 
 
 4 a help for 
 
 PSALM a 
 1 Or, of in- 
 
 a Ps. 93. 2. 
 
 Is. 9.6,7. 
 
 Heb. 1. 8. 
 b Pa. 33. 6. 
 
 Heb. 7. 26. 
 4 Or, O God. 
 e 13.61.1. 
 
 Jchn2U.17. 
 li Deu. 21 .13. 
 1 Ps. 95. 6. 
 
 Is. 64. 6. 
 6 thy face. 
 /Bey. 19. 
 
 7.8. 
 a 1 Pet. 2. 9. 
 
 PSALU 4S. 
 1 Or, of. 
 o 1 Chr. 15. 
 
 c P.. 48. 1. 
 
 Is. 60. 14. 
 
 d Dou. 23. 
 
 14. 
 
 Is. 12. 6. 
 
 £ie. 43. 7. 
 
 Hos. 11.9. 
 8 when the 
 
 grace is poured into thy lips: therefore 
 God hath blessed thee for ever. 
 
 3 Gird thy sword upon thv thigh, O Most 
 Mighty, with thy glory and thy ninjfisty. 
 
 4 And u» thy majesty 3 lide i)rosperously, 
 because of truth and meekness aitd rigli- 
 teousuess ; and thy right hand shall teach 
 thee terrible things. 
 
 5 Thine arrows are sharp in tha heart of 
 the King's enemies; tvhereby the people 
 fall under thee. 
 
 6 Thy " throne, O God, is for ever and 
 ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right 
 scejitre. 
 
 7 Thou * lovest righteousness, and hatest 
 wickedness: tlieretbre * God, " thy God, 
 hath anointed thee mth the oil of glad- 
 ness above thy fellows. 
 
 8 All thy garments smell of myrrh, and 
 aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, 
 whereby they have made thee glad. 
 
 9 Kings' daughters were among thy hon- 
 ourable women: upon thy righii hand did 
 stand tlie queen in gold of Ophir. 
 
 10 11 earken, O daughter, and consider, and 
 incline thine ear; '^ forget also thine own 
 people, and thy father's house; 
 
 11 So shall the King greatly desire thy 
 beauty: ' for he is thy Lord; and worship 
 thou him. 
 
 12 And the daughter of Tyre s/iaIJ6e there 
 with a gift; even the rich among the peo. 
 pie shall entreat 5 thy favour. 
 
 13 The /King's daughter is all glorious 
 within ; her clothing is of wrought gold. 
 
 14 She shall be brought unto the King in 
 raiment of needlewort: the virgins her cora- 
 l)ainons that follow her shall be brought 
 unto thee. 
 
 15 With gladness and rejoicing shall they 
 be brought : they shall enter into the 
 King's palace. 
 
 16 Instead of thy fathers shall be thy chil- 
 dren, " whom thou mayest make princes in 
 all the earth. 
 
 17 1 '> will make thy name to be remem- 
 bered in all generations: therefore shall the 
 people praise thee lor ever and ever. 
 
 PSALM XLVL 
 1 ConMenee whick the church has in God: 8 exhor- 
 tation to contemplate the ivorks of Providence, 
 To the chief Musician 1 for the sons of E.orab, 
 
 A Son;; upon " Alamoth. 
 Q.OD is our refuge and strength, a very 
 ^-^ present help in trouble. 
 
 2 Thcrelbrc will not we fear, though the 
 earth be removed, and though the moun- 
 tains be carried into 2 the midst of the 
 sea; 
 
 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be 
 troubled, though the mountams shake with 
 the swelling thereof. Selah. 
 
 4 There is * a river, the streams whereof 
 shall make glad " the city of God, the hnly 
 place of the tabernacles of the Most l!i'-;h. 
 
 5 God is <!■ in the midst of her; she shall 
 not be moved: God shall help her, ^and 
 that right early. 
 
 6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were 
 moved: he uttered his voice, the earth, 
 melted. 
 
 7 The Lord of hosts is with us ; the God of 
 Jacob is * our refuge. Selah. 
 
 8 Conse, behold the works of the Lord, 
 what desolations he bath made in the 
 earth. 
 
 9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end 
 of the earth; he breaketh the bow, aud 
 
Public JVorship Longed for. PSALMS XLII— XLV. 
 
 The Church's Complaint. 
 
 praised, usually applied to God. 
 
 usually applied to men denotes happiness repose in him 
 
 IPs. 1. 1; o2. ' ■ ^-^=^'— -^— -'- --f----- -•--- >- 
 
 book closes. 
 
 PSALM XLII. 
 
 The word times, and the confidence they had learned to 
 
 ' ■ " After a vivid pictm-e ol their 
 
 1; u2. 1.). With this doxology tlie first calamities, he humbly expostulates as^ainst 
 
 j God's apparent forgetfulness, reminding him 
 
 of their faithfulness and mourning their 
 
 Ver. 1-11. MaschU—{c{. Ps. 32. title.). For, or, heavy sorrows. 
 of ,cf. Infr.) the sons of Korah. The writer, i 1-3. This period is that of the settlement of 
 perhaps one of this Levitical family of singers ; Canaan Josh. 24. 12; Jud. 6. 3.). have told— 
 accompanying David in exile, mourns his or. related icf. Ex. 10.2.). plantedst them— -i.e., 
 absence from the sanctuary, a cause of grief our fathers, who are also, from the parallel 
 aggravated by the taunts of enemies, and is ' constructionof the last clause, to be regarded 
 comiorted in hopes of relief. This course of ! as the object of " cast them out," which means 
 thoughtisrepeated with some variety of de- 1— tt^., send them out, or, "extend them." 
 
 tad, but closing witli the same refrain. 
 
 Heathen and people denote the nations who 
 
 1. 2. ,Cl. Ps. 63. 1.). paiiietli— desires, in a were driven out to make room for the Israel- 
 state of exhaustion, appear before God— in ites. 4. Thou art my King— ii^., he v:ho is my 
 acts of worship, the terms used in the com- i King, sustaining the same covena,nt relation 
 mand for the stated personal appearance of as to the " fathers." 6. The figure drawn 
 the Jews at the sanctuary. 3. Wliere is thy from the haOits of the ox. 6-8. God is not 
 God?— implying that He had forsaken him only our sole help, but only worthy ot praise. 
 (cf. 2 Sam. 10. 7; Ps. 3. 2; 22. 8.]. 4. The verbs . thy name— as Ps. 5. 11. put ... to shame— cf. 
 are properly rendered as futures, " I will re- Ps. 6. 10,), disgraced. 9. But— contrasting, cast 
 member," &c., &c.— i.e., the recollection of ; oif as abhorrent (Ps. 43. 2.). goest not forth— 
 this season of distress will give greater zest W^, vnll not go (2 Pam. 5. 23.). In several 
 to the privileges of God's worship, when ob- J consecutive verses the leading verb is future, 
 tained. 5. Hence he chides his despondent ; and the following one past (in Heb.), thus de- 
 soul, assuring himself of a time of joy. helpof noting the causes and effects. Thus, {v.\0, 
 his countenance— or,face(cf. Num. 6. 25;Ps.4.6; 1 11, 12,), when defeated, spoiling follows, when 
 16. 11.1.6. Dejection again described, therefore ' delivered as sheep, dispersion follows, &c. 
 —i.e„ finding no comfort in myself, I tui-n to j 11. The Babylonian captivity not necessarily 
 thee, evenin this distant "tandoy/ordft?i'/7id meant. There were others id. 1 Ki. 8. 46.). 
 the (mountains) Hcrmons," the country east : 13, 14. Cf. Deut. 28. 37; Ps. 79. 4.). 15. shame 
 of J ordan. hill Mizar— as a name of a small ; of . . . face— blushes in disgrace. 16. Its cause, 
 hill contrasted with the mountains round \ the taunts and presence of malignant ene- 
 about Jerusalem, perhaps denoted the con-!mies (Ps. 8. 2.). 17-19. They had not apos- 
 tenipt with which the place of exile was re- ' tatised totally— were still God's people. Re- 
 garded. 7. Theroarof successive billows, re- 1 clined— turned aside from God's law. sore 
 sponding to that of floods of rain, represented ; broken— crushed, place of dragons— desolate. 
 
 the heavy waves of sorrow wliich over 
 whelmed him. 8. Still he relies on as con 
 
 barrenrocky wilderness (Ps. 63. 10;Isa. 13.22. . 
 shadow ot death— (cf. Ps. 23. 4.). 20, 21. A m- 
 
 stant a flow of divine mercy which will elicit j lemn appeal to God to witness their con- 
 his praise and encourage his prayer to God; | stancy. stretched out . . . hands- gesture of 
 9, 10. in view ot which, he dictates to him- worship (Ex. 9. 29; Ps. 88. 9.). 22. Their pro- 
 self a prayer based on his distress, aggra- ; tracted sufferings as God's people attests the 
 vated as it was by the cruel taunts and in- ! constancy. Paul (Eom. 8. 36,), uses this to 
 fidel suggestions of his foes. 11. This brings | describe Christian stedfastness in persecu- 
 on a renewed self-chiding, and excites hopes tion. 23-26. This style of addressing God, as 
 of relief, health [or, help] ofmy countenance- indifferent, is frequent (Ps. 3. 7; 9. 19; 13. l, 
 (cf. 17. 0.), who cheers me, driving away clouds - ■ '- - • • 
 
 of sorrow from my face, my God— It is He of 
 whose existence and favour my foes would 
 have me doubt. 
 
 PSALM XLin. 
 
 Ver. 1-5. Excepting the recurrence of the 
 refrain, there is no good reason to suppose 
 this a part of the ureceding, though the scope 
 is the same. It has always been placed se- 
 parate. 
 
 1. Judge— or, vindicate (Ps. 10. 18.). plead, 
 &c.— (Ps. 35. 1.;. ungodly— neither in charac- 
 ter or condition objects of God's favour (cf. 
 Ps. 4. 3.1. 2. Godof my strength— by covenant 
 relation my stronghold ( Ps " 
 
 However low their condition, God ia 
 appealed to, on the ground, and for the ho- 
 nour, of His mercy. 
 
 PSALM XLV. 
 Ver. 1-17. Shoshannim—lit., Lilies, either 
 descriptive of an instrument so shaped, or 
 denoting some tune or air so called, after 
 which the Psalm was to be sung (cf. Ps. 8. 
 title.). A song o/ loves, or, of beloved ones 
 (plural and feminine,) — a conjugal song. 
 Maschil—icf. Ps. 32. and 42.) denotes the di- 
 dactic character of the Psalm ; that it gives 
 instruction, the song being of allegorical and 
 not literal import. The union and glories of 
 cast me Christ and his Church are described. He is 
 ... in such I addressed as a king possessed of all essential 
 circumstances of oppression. 3. light— as | graces, as a conqueror exalted on the throne 
 Ps. 27. 1. truth— or, faithfulness (Ps. 25. 5,), | of a righteous and eternal government, and 
 manifest it by fulfilling promises. Light and \ as a bridegroom arrayed in nuptial splen- 
 truth are personified as messengers who wiU I dour. The Church is pourtrayed in the 
 bring him to the privileged place of worship, j purity and loveliness of a royally adorned 
 tabernacles— plural, in allusion to the various and attended bride, invited to forsake her 
 C'lurts. 4. the aitar— as the chief place of ' home and share the honours of her affianced 
 worship. The mention of the harp suggests i lord. The picture of an oriental wedding 
 the prominence of praise in his offering. ! thus opened is filled up by representing the 
 PSALM XLIV. ( complimentary gifts of the wealthy with 
 
 Ver. 1-26. In a time ot great national dis- : which the occasion is honoured, the proces- 
 tress, probably in David's reiyn, the Psalmi.st sion of the bride, clothed in splendid rai- 
 recounts God's gracious dealings in former - ment, attended by her virgin companions, 
 391 
 
 off- in scorn, because- 
 
 18. 1. 
 -or, in, i.e., 
 
Majesty of ChrisVs Kingdom. 
 
 PSALM XLV. 
 
 His Glory in the Church. 
 
 and the entrance of the joyous throng into 
 the palace of tlie King. A prerliction of a nu- 
 merous and distinguished progeny, instead 
 of the complimentary wish for it usually ex- 
 pressedict. Gen. 24. 60; Ruth, 4. 11, 12. i. and an 
 assurance of a perpetual fame, closes the 
 Psalm. All ancient Jewish and Christian 
 interpreters regarded this Psahn as an alle- 
 gory of the purport above named. In the 
 Song of Songs the allegory is carried out more 
 fully. Hosea (ch. 1-3.) treats the relation of 
 God and His people under the same figure, 
 and its use to set forth the relation of Christ 
 and His Chiuch runs through both parts of 
 the Bible (cf. Isa. 54. 6; 62, 4, 5; Mat. 22. 2; 25. 1; 
 John, 3. 29; Eph. 5. 25-32, &c., &c.). Other 
 methods of exposition have been suggested. 
 Several Jewish monarchs, from Solomon to 
 the wicked Aliab, and various foreign princes, 
 have been named as the hero of the song. 
 But to none of them can the terms here used 
 be shewn to apply, and it is hardly probable 
 that any mere nuptial song, especially of a 
 heathen king, would be permitted a place in 
 the sacred songs of the Jews. The advocates 
 for any other than the IVIessianic interpreta- 
 tion have generally silenced each other in 
 siiccession, while the application of the most 
 rigorous rules of a fair system of interpreta- 
 tion has but strengthened the evidences in 
 its favour. The scope ol the Psalm above 
 given is easy and sustained by the explication 
 of its details. The quotation of v. 6, 7. by 
 Paul, (Heb. l. 8, 9.), as applicable to Christ, 
 ou(iht to be conclusive, and their special ex- 
 position shows the propriety of such an ap- 
 plication. 
 
 1. An animated preface indicative of strong 
 emotion. Lit., My heart overflows: a good 
 matter I speak; the things vjhich I have made, 
 <ke. inditing— K^., boiling up, as a fountain 
 overflows, my tongue is the pen— a mere in- 
 strument of God's use. ofaready writer— i.e., 
 it is fluent. Tlie theme is inspiring and lan- 
 guage flows fast. 3. To rich personal attrac- 
 tions is added grace of the lips, captivating 
 powers of speech. This is given and be- 
 comes a source of power and proves a 
 blessing. Christ is a prophet iLuke, 4. 22.). 
 3, 4. liie king is addressed as ready to 
 go forth to battle, sword— icf. Eev. i. 16; 
 19. 15.). Mighty— (cf. Isa. 9. 6.). glory and . . . 
 Diajesty— generally used as divine attributes 
 lYs. 96. 6; 104. 1; 111. 3,). or as specially con- 
 ferred on mortals, (Ps. 21. 5,), perhaps these 
 typically, ride prosperously— or, conduct a 
 successful war. because of— for the interests 
 of truth, &c. meekness . . . righteousness— 
 withoutanyconnective— i.e., a righteousness, 
 or'equity of government, distingxiished by 
 meekness or condescension Ps. 18. 35.). right 
 hand— or, power, as its organ, shall teach tnee 
 —point the way to terrible things— i.e., in 
 conquest of enemies. 5. The result, people- 
 whole nations are subdued. 6. No lawful 
 construction can be devised to change the 
 «ense here given, and sustained by the an- 
 ient versions, and above all, by Paul (Heb. 
 1. 8.). Of the perpetuity of this govern- 
 ment (cf. 2 Sam. 7. 13; Ps. 10. 16; 72. 5; 89. 4; 
 110. 4; Isa. 9. 7.). 7. As in v. 6. the divine na- 
 ture is made prominent, here the moral qua- 
 lities of the htmian are alleged as the reason 
 or ground of the mediatorial exaltation. 
 Some render " Oh, God, thy God," instead of 
 God, thy God— but the latter is sustained by 
 the same form (Ps. 50. 7, . and it was only of 
 394 UJ 
 
 His human nature tliat the anointing could 
 be predicated (cf. Isa. 61. 3.1. oil cf gladness 
 —or, token ,of gladness, as used in feasts aud 
 other times of solemn joy (cf. l Ki. l. 39, 40.). 
 fellows— other kings, 8. Tlie King thus inau- 
 gurated is now presented as a bridegroom, 
 who appears in garments richly perfumed, 
 brought out frouT ivory palaces. His royal re- 
 sidencp; by which, as indications of the 
 hapi.y :jridal occasion. He has been glad- 
 dened, y. In completion of this picture of a 
 marriage festival, temale attendants, or 
 bridesmaids of the highest rank, attend Him, 
 while the queen, in rich apparel [v. 13,}, stands 
 ready for the nuptial procession. 10. 11. She 
 
 is invited to the union, for forming which, she 
 must leave her father's people. She represent- 
 ing, by the form of the allegory, the Church; 
 this address is illustrated by all those scrip- 
 tures, from Gen. 12. 1, on, which speak of the 
 people of God as a chosen, separate, and pe- 
 culiar people. The relation of subjection 
 to her spouse at once accords with the law of 
 marriage, as given in Gen. 3. 16; 18. 12; Eph. 
 6. 22; 1 Pet. 3. 6, 6,), and the relation of the 
 Church to Christ (Eph. 5. 24.). The love of 
 the husband is intimately connected with the 
 entire devotion to which the bride is ex- 
 horted. 12. daughter ot Tyre— (Ps. 9. 14.), de- 
 notes the people. Tyre, celebrated for its 
 great wealth, is selected to represent the 
 richest nations, an idea confirmed by the 
 next clause. These gifts are brought as 
 means to conciliate the royal parties, repre- 
 senting the admitted subjection of the offer- 
 ers. This well sets forth the exalted position 
 of the Church and her head, whose moral 
 qualities receive the homage of the world. 
 The contribution of material wealth to sus- 
 tain the institutions of the Church maybe 
 included; (cf. "riches of the (^entiles," Ps. 
 72. 10; Isa. 60. 5-10.). 13. The King's daughter 
 —a term of dignity. It may also intimate, 
 with some allusion to the teaching of the 
 allegory, that the bride of Christ, the Church, 
 is the daughter of the great king, God. within 
 —not only is her outward raiment costly, 
 but all her apparel of the richest texture, 
 wrought gold— gold embroidery, or cloth in 
 which gold is woven. 14. 15. The progress 
 of the procession is described: according to 
 the usttal custom the bride and attendants 
 are conducted to the palace. Some, for the 
 words — in raiment of needlework — propo.se 
 another rendering, on variegated (or. em- 
 broidered) cloths— i.e., in the manner of the 
 East, richly wrought tapestry was spread on 
 the ground, on which the bride walked. As 
 the dress had been already mentioned, this 
 seems to be a probable translation, shall be 
 brought— in solemn form of. Job, 10. 10; 21, 
 22.). The entrance into the palace with great 
 joy closes the scene. So shall the Church be 
 finally brought to her Lord, and united amid 
 the festivities of the holy beings in heaven. 
 16. As earthly monarchs govern widely ex- 
 tended empires by viceroys, this glorious 
 King is represented as sniiplyingaUtheprin- 
 cipalities of earth with princes of His own 
 numerous progeny. 17. The glories of this em- 
 pire shall be as wide as the world and lasting 
 as eternity, therefore— because thus glorious, 
 the praise shall be universal and perpetual. 
 Some writers have taxed their ingenuity to 
 find in the history and fortunes of Christ and 
 His Church exact parallels for every part of 
 this splendid allegory, not excepting its gor- 
 
Confidence of the Church. 
 
 PSALMS XLVl-XLVm. 
 
 Privileges of the Church'. 
 
 geous oriental imagery. Thus, by the dresses mere word fPs. 75. 3; Hos. 2.22.). 7. withua 
 
 of the King and queen, ai e thought to be —on our side. His presence is terror to our 
 
 meant the eminent endowments and graces enemies, safety to us. retuge— high place (Ps. 
 
 of Christ and His people. The attendant 9. 9; of. also Ps. 24. 6, 10.1. 8. what desola- 
 
 woiren, supposed (though inconsistently it X\ons— lit., who Imth vut desolations, Aeaixoy- 
 
 might seem with the inspired character of ing our enemies. 9. The usual weapons oj 
 the work,) to be concubines, are thought to ' war, (Ps. 7. 12,), as well as those using them, 
 
 represent the Gentile Churches, and the bride, are brought to an end. 10. Be still, kc.—lit., 
 
 the Jewish, &c., (fee. But it is evident that Leave off to oppose me and vex my people. I 
 
 we cannot pursue such a mode of interpreta- am over all for their safety (of. Isa. 2. 11; Eph, 
 
 tion. For, following the allegory, we must 1. " " 
 suspend to the distant future the results of a 
 union, whose consummation as a marriage 
 
 PSALM XLVII. 
 
 „.. X, „ ^^ v>w.x.,«*..^wi.,u.vy^ vo iv„...x^^..r,^ Ver.l-Q. Praise is given to God for victory, 
 
 is still distant (ct. Kev. 21. 9.). In fact the : perhaps that recorded (2 Chr. 20.); and His 
 imagery here and elsev/here sets before us dominion over all people, Jews and Gentiles, 
 the Church in two aspects. As a body, it is . is asserted. 
 
 yet incomplete, the whole is yet ungathered. 1. clap . . .hands . . . people— Hf., peoples, or. 
 As a moral institution, it is yet imperfect, j waiions (cf. Deut. 32. 43; Ps. 18. 49; 98. 9.). 
 In the final catastrophe, it will be complete j 2, 3. His universal sovereignty now exists, 
 and perfect. Thus, as a bride adorned, (fee, ; and will be made known, under us~i.e., His 
 it will be united with its Lord. Thus the saints; Israel's temporal victories were types 
 union of Christ and the Church triumphant of the spiritual conquests of the true Church. 
 is set forth. On the other band, in regard to 4. He shall . . . inheritance— the heathen to be 
 its component parts, the relation of Christ as ■ possessed by His Church (Ps. 2. 8,). as Canaan 
 head, as husband, &c., already exists, and by the Jews, excellency of Jacob— ?i^.. pride, 
 as these parts form an institution in this ' or, that in which he glories (not necessarily, 
 world, it is by His union with it, and the though often, in a bad sense), the privileges 
 gifts and graces with which He endows it, | of the chosen people— whom he loved— His 
 that a spiritual seed arises and spreads in i love being the sole cause of granting them, 
 the world. Hence, we must fix our minds ! 5-7. God, victorious over His enemies, re- 
 only on the one simple but grand truth, that ascends to heaven, amid the triumphant 
 CTirisi ^o-yesiTieC/iurc/t, is JZeadowraW</ii}i(/s praises of His people, who celebrate His so- 
 
 ~or it, raises it, in His exaltation, to the , vereign dominion. This sovereignty is what 
 ighest moral dignity— a dignity of which : the Psalm teaches ; hence he adds— sing . . . 
 very, even the meanest, sincere disciple ici^J: praises with uuderstanriing—tti., sMigfawcTpto^ 
 
 every, . . . _ , _ . 
 
 partake. As to the time, then, in which this ; an i7istructive (Psalm). The whole typifies 
 allegorical prophecj^ is to be fulfilled, it may i Clirist's ascension (cf. Ps. 68. 18.). 8, 9. The 
 be said, that no periods of time are specially I instruction continued, throne of . . . holiuess 
 designated. The c/iaracierisiics of the rela- j —or, holy throne (cf. on Ps. 2. 6; 22. 3.). 
 tion of Christ and His Church are indicated, • piiuces— who represent peoples. For— even— 
 and we may suppose that the whole process ! supply as, or, to— i.e., they aU become united 
 of His exaltation from the declaration of His 1 under covenant with Abraham's God. shields 
 Sonship, by His resurrection, to the grand —as Hos, 4. 18. rulers, 
 catastrophe of fhe final judgment, with all PSALM XLVIII. 
 
 the collateral blessings to the Church and the Ver. 1-14. This is a spirited Psalm and 
 world, lay before the vision of the inspired Song (cf. Ps. 30.) having probably been sug- 
 prophet. gested by the same occasion as the foregoing. 
 
 PSALM XL VI. It sets forth the privileges and blessings of 
 
 Ver. 1-11. Uimi Alamoth— most probably i God's spiritual dominion as the terror of the 
 denotes the treble, or part siing by female ; wicked and joy of the righteous, 
 voices, the word meaning virgins; and which j 1. t > be praised— always: it is an epithet as 
 ■was sung with some appropriately keyed in- ] Ps. 18.3. mouutaiaof his holiness— His Church 
 strument icf. 1 Chr. 15. 19-21; Ps. 6. title.), j (cf. Isa. 2. 2, 3; 25. G, 7, 10,): the sanctuary was 
 The theme may be stated in Luther's M'ell- ' erected first on Mount Zion, then (as the 
 known words, "A strong fortress is our temple) on Moriah; hence the figure. 2,3. 
 God," The great deliverance, (2 Ki. 19. 3o; situdtion— lit, elevation,, joy of, (fee— source 
 Isa. 37. 36,), may have occasioned its composi- ^ of joy. sides of the north— poetically for emi- 
 
 tion. 
 1. refiige 
 
 strength— (Ps. 18. 2.) 
 
 nent, lofty, distinguished, as the ancients h,e- 
 
 lit., a place of trust (Ps. 2. 12.). ! lieved the 7iorth to be the highest part of the 
 
 present help — ^ti., a earth (cf. isa. 14. 13.). palaces— Ki., citadels. 
 
 help lie has been fouyid exceedingly, trouble refuge— iPs. 9. 10; 18. 3.). He was so known 
 — as Ps. 18. 7. 2, 3. Ihe most violent in them, because they enjoyed His presence, 
 civil commotionsare illustrated by the great- 4-6. For— the reason is given. Though the 
 est physical commotions, swelling— well re- ; kings (perhaps of Moab and Ammon, cf. Ps. 
 presents the i)ride and haughtiness of inso-i 83. 3-5,j combined, a conviction of God's pre- 
 lent foes. 4. God's favour is denoted by a i sence with His people, evinced by the un- 
 ri.vcr cf. Ps. 36. 8: Zech. 14. 8; Rev. 22. 1.). i usual courage with which the prophets, (cf. 
 city of God, the holy place— His earthly resi- : 2 Chr. 20. 12-20,). had inspired them, seized on 
 dence, Jerusalem and the temple icf. Ps. 2. 6;! their minds, and smitten with sudden and 
 3.4; 20. 2; 48. 2, (fee). God's favour, like a i intense alarm, they fled astonished. 7. ships 
 river whose waters are conducted in chan- 1 of Tarshish— as engaged in a distant and lu- 
 neis, is distributed to all parts of His Church. I crative trade, the most valuable. The phrase 
 Most High— denoting His supremacy (Ps. I may illustrate God's control over all material 
 17. 2.). 5. right e&rly— lit., at the turn of morn- • agencies, whether their literal destruction be 
 ing, or, change from night to day, a critical ' meant or not. 8. This present experience 
 time iPs. 30. 5; cf. Isa. 37. 36.). 6. iCf. v. 4.). [assures of that perpetual care which God 
 earth melted — all powers dissolved by His i extends, to His Chuich. 9. thought oi—lit„ 
 384 [2] 
 
The beauty of Zion. 
 
 PSALMS XLVII-L. 
 
 Majesty of God in tlie chureh. 
 
 cutteth the spear in sunder; he bumeth 
 the chariot in the fire. 
 
 10 Be still, and know that I am God:. I 
 will be exalted among the heathen, I will 
 be exalted in the earth. 
 
 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God 
 of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. 
 
 PSALM XLVIL 
 Q'lte nations are exhorted eheerfidly to entertain 
 
 the kinodom of Christ. 
 To the claief Musician, A Psalm 1 for the sons 
 
 of Korah, 
 f) CLAP your hands, all ye people ; shout 
 ^-^ unto God with the voice of triumph: 
 
 2 For the Lord most high is "teiTible;Ae 
 is * a gi'eat King over all the earth. 
 
 3 He * shall subdue the people under us, 
 and the nations under our feet. 
 
 4 He shall choose our <* inheritance for us, 
 the excellency of Jacob, whom he loved. 
 Selah. 
 
 5 God * is gone up with a shout, the Loed 
 vrith the sound of a trumpet. 
 
 6 Sing praises to God, smg praises; sing 
 praises unto our Kinj, sing praises. 
 
 7 For/ God is the King of all the earth: 
 eing " ye praises 2 with understanding. 
 
 8 God reigneth over the heathen: God 
 litteth upon the throne of his hohness. 
 
 9 3 The princes of the people are gathered 
 together, even the people of the God of 
 Abraham ; for the shields of the earth be- 
 long unto God: he is greatly exalted. 
 
 PSALM XLVin. 
 Ornaments and privileges o/ the ehureh, 
 A Song and Psalm 1 for the sons of Kprah. 
 (TJ.REAT is the Lokd, and greatly to be 
 ^-* praii?ed in the city of our G..d, in the 
 mountain "^f his holiness. 
 2 Beautifufo^for situ.ition, ' the joy of the 
 whole eju-th, is mount Zion, <* on the sides 
 of the north. ' the city of the great Iviug. 
 
 5 God is known in her palaces for a re- 
 fuge. 
 
 4 For, lo, /the kings were assembled, they 
 passed by together. 
 
 6 They saw tt, and so they marvelled; they 
 were troubled, and hasted away. 
 
 6 Fear took hold upon them there, and 
 pain, as of a woman m travail. 
 
 7 Thou ^ breakest the ships of Tarshish 
 with an east wind. 
 
 8 As we have heard, so have we seen in the 
 city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of om* 
 God: God '> will establish it for ever. Selah. 
 
 9 We have thought of thy loving-kind- 
 cess, O God, in the midst of thy temple. 
 
 10 According to • thy name, O God, so is 
 thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy 
 right hand is full of righteousness. 
 
 11 Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daugh- 
 ters of Judab be glad, because of thy judg- 
 ments. 
 
 12 Walk about Zion, and go round about 
 her: tell the towers thereof. 
 
 13 2 Mark ye well her bulwarks, 8 consider 
 her palaces ; that ye may tell it to the gen- 
 eration following. 
 
 14 For } this God is our God for ever and 
 ever: he will be our guide even unto death. 
 
 PSALM XLIX. 
 
 I The psalmist tails upon all the earth to join him 
 
 in his meilitations. B Vanity of trusting in 
 
 worldly wealth. 14 Misery of the wicked, etc. 
 
 To the chief Musician, A Psalm 1 for the sons 
 
 of Korah. 
 WEAR this, all ye people; give ear, all 
 ye inhabitants of the world; 
 395 
 
 PSALM 47. 
 
 1 Or, of. 
 
 o Den. 7. 21. 
 
 Nell. 1. 5. 
 b Mai. 1. 14. 
 c P8. 18. 47. 
 d 1 Pet. 1. 4. 
 « P». 58. 24. 
 / Zoch. 14. 9. 
 g 1 Cor. 14. 
 
 15. 
 
 2 Or, eTery 
 one that 
 hath un- 
 derstani- 
 
 XDg. 
 
 8 Or, The 
 
 people of 
 the God of 
 Abraham. 
 
 PSALM 48. 
 1 Or, of. 
 
 I Jer. 
 
 19. 
 
 Lam. 2. 15. 
 
 Dan. 8. 9. 
 e Eee. 20. 6. 
 d IB 14. 13. 
 e Mat. 6. 36. 
 / 2 8a. 10. 6. 
 ffEte.27.a6. 
 h Mat. 16.18. 
 i Mai. 1. 11. 
 
 2 Set your 
 heart to 
 her bul- 
 warks. 
 
 3 Or, raits 
 up. 
 
 } U. 25. 9. 
 
 Job; 
 
 is. 
 
 d Heb. 9. 27. 
 « Ps. 89. 48. 
 
 2 to genora- 
 
 generation. 
 
 3 delight in 
 thoir 
 mouth. 
 
 f Dan. 7. 23, 
 ilal. 4. 3. 
 Lu. 23. 30. 
 1 Cor. G. 2. 
 EOT. 2. 26. 
 
 4 Or, 
 fitrongth. 
 
 6 Or, the 
 grave 
 being an 
 habitation 
 to every 
 one of 
 
 g Hob. 13, 14. 
 Rev. 14 13. 
 
 6 from the 
 band of 
 the grave. 
 
 7 Or, hell. 
 
 8 in hii life. 
 
 9 The eoul 
 ahaU go. 
 
 PSALM 60. 
 1 Or, for. 
 OMio.6.1,2. 
 6 la. 13. 3. 
 C £x. 24. 7. 
 
 2 Both low and high, rich and poor, to- 
 gether. 
 
 3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom ; and 
 the meditation of my heart shall be of un- 
 del-standing. 
 
 4 I will incline mine ear to a parable; I 
 will open my dark sajing upon the harp, 
 
 5 Wherefore should I tear in the days of 
 evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall 
 coimiass me about? 
 
 6 They that " trust in their wealth, and 
 boast themselves in the multitude of their 
 riches ; 
 
 7 None of them can by any means redeem 
 his brother, nor * give to God a ransom for 
 him; 
 
 8 (For * the redemption of their soul is 
 precious, and it ceaseth for ever;) 
 
 9 That he should still <* live for ever, and 
 not * see corruption. 
 
 10 For he seeth that wise men die, likewise 
 the fool and the brutish person perish, and 
 leave their wealth to others. 
 
 11 Their inward thought is, that their 
 houses shall C07itimie for ever, amd their 
 dwelling places 2 to all generations: they 
 call their lands after their own names. 
 
 12 Nevertheless man being in honour abid- 
 eth not: he is like the be.asts that perish. _ 
 
 13 This their way is their folly: yet their 
 posterity 3 approve their savings. Selah. 
 
 14 Like sheep they are laid in the grave; 
 death shall feed on them ; and/ the upright 
 shall have dominion over them in the 
 morning; and their 4 beauty shall consume 
 6 in the grave from their dwelling. 
 
 15 But God fl' will redeem my soul 6 from 
 the power of 7 the grave; for he shall re- 
 ceive me. Selah. 
 
 10 Be not thou afraid when one is made 
 rich, wheu the glory of his house is in- 
 creased; 
 
 17 For when he dieth he shall carry no- 
 thing away; his glory shall not descend 
 after him: 
 
 18 Though 8 while he lived he blessed 
 his soul: and men will praise thee, when 
 thou doest well to thyseli. 
 
 19 9 He shall go to the generation of his 
 fathers ; they shall never see light. 
 
 20 Man that is in honour, and understand- 
 eth not, is hke the beasts that perish. 
 
 PSALM L. 
 
 1 Majesty of God in the church: 7 The jjleasureof 
 
 God is not in ceremonies, 14 Out in sincerity of 
 
 obedience. 16 The hypocrite rebuked- 
 
 A Psalm 1 of Asaph, 
 
 rVEE mighty God, even the Lord, hath 
 
 -*- spoken, and called the earth, from the 
 
 rising of the sun unto the gomg down 
 
 thereof. 
 
 2 Out of Zion, .the perfection of beauty, 
 God hath shined. 
 
 3 Our God shall come, and shall not keep 
 silence: a fire shall devour before hiin, ana 
 it shall be very tempestuous round about 
 him. 
 
 4 He <• shall call to the heavens from 
 above, and to the earth, that he may judge 
 his people. 
 
 5 Gather * my saints together imto me; 
 those ' that have made a covenant with me 
 by sacrifice. 
 
 6 And the heavens shall declare his righte- 
 ousness: for God is judge himself. Selah. 
 
 7 Hear, O ny people, and I \vill speak; O' 
 Israel, and I wilUesiii'j agiiuist thee: lam 
 God, even thy God. 
 
Vanity of Trusting in Riches. PSALIVIS XliTX:— LI. 
 
 Majesty of r^fcxT. 
 
 eom^arecJ, or, considered, in respect of former I livered from the— power— Zi(., the hmid, of 
 dealings, in the. . .temple— in acts of solemn death, are taken under God's care. 16-19. 
 
 worship ;cf. 2 Chr. 21). 28.). 10. According 
 
 applies this instruction. Be not anxious (Ps, 
 
 §raise— i.e., as thy perfections manifested, cf. ! 37. 1,, &c.,i since death cuts off the prosper- 
 's 8. 1; 20. 1-7,), demand praise, it shall be I ous wicked whom you dread. Thorgh . . . 
 given, everywhere, thy right hand, &c.— thy ' lived, &c.—lit., For in his life he blessed his 
 righteous Kovernment is displayed by thy soul, or, himself iLuke, 12. 19; 16. 26; ; yet [v. 
 power. 11. the daug.it^rs, kc. — ihe smaii 19,}, he has had his portion, nieuwillprai.se 
 loions, or the people, with the cMef city, or | . . . tliyself— Flatterers enhance the rich fool's 
 rulers of the Church, judgments— decisions j self-complacency; the form of address to him 
 and acts of right government. 12-14. The ' strengthens the jemphasis of the sentiment, 
 call to survey Zion, or the Church, as a forti- 
 fied city, is designed to suggest "how well 
 our God secures His fold." This security is 
 perfietual, and its pledge is his guidance 
 through tliis life. 
 
 PSALM XLTX. 
 Ver. 1-20. This Psalm instructs and con- 
 soles. It teaches that earthly advantages are 
 not reliable for permanent happiness, and 
 that, however prosperous worldly men may 
 be for a Lime, their miimate destiny is ruin, 
 while the pious are sate in God's care. 
 
 1-3. All are called to hear what interests 
 all. wtrid— Kf.. dnratiou of life, the present 
 time. 4. inc;iiue— to hear attentively (Ps. 17. 
 6; 31. 2.). parable— In Heb. and l^i: para- 
 ble and proverb are translations of the 
 same word. It denotes a cowparison, or 
 form of speech, which, under one image, in- ^ . 
 eludes many, and is expressive of a general \ Icf, 
 truth capable of various iUfustrations. Hence 
 it may be used fovihe illustration itself. For 
 the form-r sense, proverb (i.e., one word for 
 several; is the usual English term, and for 
 the latter, in which comparison is prominent, 
 parable [i. c., one thing laid by another). 
 The distinction is not always observed, since 
 here, and Ps. 78. 2, proverb would better ex- 
 press the style of the composition (cf. also 
 Pro. 26. 7, 9; Hab. 2.f>; John. 16. -sS, 29.). Such 
 forms ot .speech are often very figurative and 
 also ol)scure (cf. Mat. 13. 12-15.). Hence the 
 use of the parallel word— dark sayii.g- or, 
 riddle, (cf. Ez. 17. 2.). open— is to explain. 
 UDon vne harp— the accompaniment for a lyric. 
 5." iniquity— or, calamity (Ps. 40. 12.). of my 
 heels — iit, my supplanters (Gen. 27. 36, i, or 
 
 20. (Cf. V. 12.). The folly is more distinctly 
 expressed by understandeth not substituted 
 for abideth not. 
 
 PSALM L. 
 
 Ver. 1-23. In the grandeur and solemnity 
 of a divine .judgment, God is introduced as 
 instructing men in the nature of true wor- 
 ship, exposing hypocrisy, warning the wicked, 
 and encouraging the pious. 
 
 1-4. The aescripticn of this majestic ap- 
 pearance of God resembles that of His giv- 
 ing the law (cf. Ex. 19. 16; 20. 18; Deut. 32. 1.), 
 from above— Ki., above (Gen. 1. 7.). heavens 
 . . . earth— for all creatures are witnesses 
 (Deut. 4. 26; 30. 19; Isa. 1. 2.). 6. my saints— 
 (Ps. 4. 3)— made [lit., cut] a covenant, &c.— 
 alluding to the dividing of a victim of sacri- 
 fice, by wluch covenants were ratified, the 
 parties passing between the divided portions 
 (cf. (ien. 15. 10, 18.). 8. The inhabitants of 
 heaven, who well know God's character, 
 attest His righteousness as a judge. 7. I will 
 testify against— i.e., for failure to worship 
 aright, thy God— and so, by covenant as well 
 as creation, entitled to a pure worship. 8-15. 
 However scrupulous in external worship, it 
 was offered as if they conferred an obligation 
 in giving (iod His own, and with a degrading 
 view of Him as needing it. Eepit^vir..; them 
 for such foolish and blasphemous nutions. 
 He teaches them to offer, or lit., sacrifice, 
 thanksgiving, and pay, or perform, their vows 
 —i.e., to bring, with the external symbolical 
 service, the homage of the heart, and faith, 
 penitence, and love. To this is added an in- 
 vitation to seek, and a promise to afford, all 
 needed help in trouble. 16-20. the wicked— 
 oppressors: "I am surrounded by the evilsl i.e., the formalists, as now exposed, and who 
 
 they inflict." 6. They are vain-glorious, 7 
 yec unable to save themselves or others, it 
 Cfc<-.setn for ever— i.e., the ransom fails, the 
 price is too precious, costly, corruption— Ki., 
 pit, or, grave, thus shewing that soul is used 
 for life. lO. For he seeth— i.e., corruption, 
 then follows the illustration, wise . . . fool 
 — Fs. 14. 1- Pro. 1. 32; 10. D— likewise— alike 
 
 ; lead vicious lives (cf. Pom. 2, 21, 23.). They 
 are unworthy to use even the words of God's 
 law. Their hypocrisy and vice are exposed 
 by illustrations from sinsagamst the seventh, 
 eighth, and ninth commandments. 21, 22. 
 God no longer even in appearance) disre- 
 garding such, exposes their sins and threat- 
 ens a terrible punishment^_ forget God— This 
 
 together— (Ps. 4. 8 — die— All meet the same j denotes unmiridfulness of His true character 
 
 ' '-■-'• " ■ o±f.r\ Q.nrl fln.rt.pVpH with 9./> nffpvpf.Vi riraiap — ln^d.) sn 
 
 fate. 11. Still infatuated and flattered with 
 hopes oi perpetuity, they c:;ll their lands, or 
 " celebrate their names on account of (their) 
 Imds." 12. Contrasted with thisvanityistheir 
 frailty. However honoured, man abideth 
 not— lit., lodgeth not, remains not till morn- 
 ing, but suddenly perishes as (wild; beasts, 
 whose lives are taken without warning. 13. 
 Though their vvay is folly, others follow the 
 same course of life. 14. Like sheep— (cf. v. 12.), 
 unwittingly, they— are laid— or. put, &c. 
 deaih stiall feed on [or, better, shall ndc] them 
 —as a shepherd icf. feed P.s. 28. 9, Marg.K 
 h.^ve dominion over [or, subdue] them in the 
 niornii. g— suddenly, or, in their turn, their 
 
 23. offereth praise— (o. 14,), so that the external 
 worship is a true index of the heart, c rdereth 
 . . . aright— acts in a straight, right manner, 
 opposed to turning aside iPs. 26. 5.). In such, 
 pure worship and a pure life evince their 
 true pi ety, and they will enjoy God's presence 
 and favour. 
 
 PSALM LI. 
 
 Ver. 1-19. On the occasion cf. 2 Sam. 11. 
 12. The Psalm illustrates true repentance, 
 in which are comprised conviction, confes- 
 sion, sorrow prayer for mercy, and purposes 
 of amendment, and it is accompanied by a 
 lively faith. 
 
 1-4. A plea for mercy is a confession of 
 
 be<iuy-^tii.,/orm. or, shape, shall consume— i guilt, blot out— as from a register, transgres- 
 lit., isjor the consumption, i.e., of the grave. | sions— ?ii., rebellions (Ps. 19. 13; 32. 1.). Wash 
 fromtheirdwelling— Mr.,/romi(7j.eirfto)«.ei'they ime— Puriiy as well as pardon is desired by 
 Ko) to it, i.e., the grave. 15. The pious, de- true penitents. For . . . belore me— Convic- 
 
Ineff-caoy of legal saerifiees. 
 
 PSALMS LI-LIII. A prayer for remission of sins. 
 
 8 I will Eot reprove thee for thy sacrifices 
 or thy burnt ofieringa, to Aaue been continu- 
 ally before me. 
 
 9 I <* will take no bullock out of thy house, 
 nor he-goats out of thy folds : 
 
 10 For every beast of the forest is mine, 
 and the cattle upon a thousand hills. 
 
 11 1 know all the fowls of the moun- 
 tains ; and the wild beasts of the field are 
 2 mine. 
 
 12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee : 
 for the world is mine, and the fulness 
 thereof. 
 
 13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink 
 the blood of goats? 
 
 14 Otfer " unto God thanksgiving: and pay 
 thy vows unto the Most High: 
 
 15 And / call upon me in the day of trou- 
 ble; I will dehver thee, and tnou shalt 
 glorify " me. 
 
 16 But unto the wicked God saith, What 
 hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or 
 that thou shouldeat take my covenant in 
 thy mouth? 
 
 17 Seeing '» thou hatest instruction, and 
 cast€3t my words behind thee. 
 
 18 When thou sawest a thief, then thou 
 consentedst »with him, and 3 hast been 
 partaker with adulterers. 
 
 19 * Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and 
 thv tongue trameth deceit, 
 
 20 Thou sittest ayid speakest against thy 
 brother ; thou slanderest thine own mother's 
 eon. 
 
 21 These things hast thou done, ;■" and I 
 kept silence ; * thou thoughtest that I was 
 altogether such an one as thyself: but I 
 will reprove thee, and set them in order 
 before thine eyes. 
 
 22 Now consider this, ye that forget God, 
 lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none 
 to deliver. 
 
 23 Whoso ofFereth praise glorifieth me: 
 and to him 6 that ordereth Ms conversa- 
 tion aright wiU I show the salvation of 
 God. 
 
 PSALM LI. 
 1 David prays for remUiion of sins, whereof he 
 
 makes a deep eonfessiont 6 he prays for saneti- 
 
 fication, ete. 
 To " the cliief Musician, A Psalm of David, 
 
 when Nathan the prophet came unto him, 
 
 after he had gone in to Bathsheba. 
 TJAVE mercy upon me, God, according 
 -•"*■ to thylo\'ing-kindness; according unto 
 the multitude of thy tender mercies * blot 
 out my transgressions. 
 
 2 Wash * me throughly from mine iniquity, 
 and cleanse me from my sin. 
 
 3 For <* I acknowledge my transgressions: 
 and my sin is ever before me. 
 
 4 Against ' thee, thee only, have I sinned, 
 and done this evil / in tny sight; ''that 
 thou mightest be justified when tnou speak- 
 est, and be clear when thou judgest. 
 
 5 i^ehold, ^ I was shapen in iniquity; and 
 in sin did my mother i conceive me. 
 
 6 lichold, thou desirest truth in the in- 
 ward parts; and in the hidden part thou 
 shalt make me to know wisdom. 
 
 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be 
 clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than 
 enow. 
 
 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that 
 the bones which thou hast broken may re- 
 joice. 
 
 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot 
 out all mine iniquities. 
 
 3i»P 
 
 PSALU 60. 
 
 d Uic. 6. a. 
 
 AcU 17.26. 
 
 2 with me. 
 
 • Ho8. H. 2. 
 Heb. 13.15. 
 
 /Job Zi. 27. 
 Zech. 13.9. 
 g Ps. 22. 23. 
 ft Rom. 2. 21. 
 i Rom. 1. 32. 
 
 3 thy portion 
 was with 
 adulterer!. 
 
 4 tbon 
 sendeat. 
 
 ;• Eccl. 8. 11. 
 
 * Rom. 2. 4. 
 6 that dis- 
 
 poseth hii 
 w»y. 
 
 PSAUtt 61- 
 a 2 Sa. 12. 1. 
 6 Col. 2. 14. 
 e Heb. 9. 14. 
 
 1 John 1.7. 
 
 Rer. 1. 6. 
 d Ps. 32. 5. 
 
 Lev. 5. 19. 
 f Ln. 15. 21. 
 g Rom. 3. 4. 
 ft Job 14. 4. 
 
 John 3. 6. 
 
 Rom. 6.12. 
 
 Eph. 2. 3. 
 
 1 warm me. 
 i Acts 15. 9. 
 
 Eph. 2. 10. 
 
 2 Or, » 
 constant 
 
 } Gen. 4. 14. 
 * Em. 36. 27. 
 
 Rom. 8. 9. 
 
 Eph. 4. 30. 
 1 2 Cor. 3. 17. 
 
 3 bloods. 
 
 4 Or, that I 
 should 
 give it. 
 
 m Mai. 3. 3. 
 
 PSALM 52. 
 a 1 8a. ii2. 9. 
 6 1 Sa. 21. 7. 
 « Ps. 50. 19. 
 d Pi. 59. 7. 
 Ps. 64. 3. 
 » Jer. 9. 4. 
 
 1 Or, and 
 the de- 
 ceitful 
 tongue. 
 
 2 beat thee 
 down. 
 
 / Pro. 2. 22. 
 g Job 22. 19. 
 
 P». 37. 34. 
 
 aial. 1. 6. 
 ft Pe. 58. 10. 
 i Ps. 49. 0. 
 
 3 Or, sub- 
 stance. 
 
 ; Ps. 92. 13. 
 
 Jor. 11. 16. 
 
 Ilos. 14. 6. 
 fcP». &1.6 
 
 PSALM 53. 
 a Ps. 10. 4. 
 
 Pi. 14. 1. 
 6 Rom. 3. 10. 
 c Ps. 33. 13. 
 d 2 Chr.16,2. 
 
 2 Chr.19.3. 
 « £ed. 7. 28. 
 
 10 Create « in me a clean heart-, God; 
 and renew 2 a right spirit witliiu me. 
 
 11 Cast me not away J from thv pre- 
 sence; and take not thy * Holy Spuit from 
 me. 
 
 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salva- 
 tion; and uphold toe with thy ' free Spirit: 
 
 13 Then will I teach trausmessors thy 
 ways; and suiners shall be converted unto 
 thee. 
 
 14 Deliver me from 3 blood-guiltiness, 
 God, thou God of my salvation ; and my 
 tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteous- 
 ness. 
 
 15 O Lord, open thou my lipsr and my 
 Inouth shall show forth thy praise. 
 
 16 For thou desirest not sacrilice, * else 
 would I give it; thou deiightest not in 
 burnt offering. 
 
 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken 
 spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O 
 God, thou wilt not despise. 
 
 18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto 
 Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. 
 
 19 Then shalt thou be pleased with "» the 
 sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt of- 
 feruig, and whole bmut offering: then shall 
 they ofier bullocks upon thiile altar. 
 
 PSALM LIL 
 1 David, reprovino the spitefulness of Doeg, prch 
 phesies his deitfuction r 8 David, in confidenct 
 of Ood's mercy, gives him thanks. 
 
 To the chief Musician, Maschil, A Psalm ot 
 David, <* when Doeg the Edomite came and 
 told Saul, and said unto him, David is come 
 to the house of Ahimelech. 
 
 "WTHY boastest thou thyself in mischief, 
 ' ' O * mighty man? the goodness of God 
 
 endureth continually. 
 
 2 Thy * tongue de^^seth mischiefs ; <* like 
 a sharp razor, working deceitfully. 
 
 3 Thou lovest evil more than good ; and 
 lying * rather than to speak righteousness. 
 Selah. 
 
 4 Thou lovest all-devouring words, i 
 thou deceitful tongue. 
 
 5 God sh.ill likewise 2 destroy thee for 
 ever: he shall take thee away, and pluck 
 thee out of thy dwelling place, and /root 
 thee out of the land ol' the hving. Selah. 
 
 6 The '' righteous also shall see, and fear, 
 and z* shall laugh at him: 
 
 7 Lo, this is the man that made not God 
 his strength ; but » trusted in the abundance 
 of his riches, and strengthened himself in 
 his 3 wickedness. 
 
 8 But I am i like a green olive tree in the 
 house of God: I trust in the mercy of God 
 for ever and ever. 
 
 9 I will praise thee for ever, because thou 
 hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; 
 for ^Mis good before thy saints. 
 
 PSALM LIU. 
 1 The general dtf^ravit'i of mankind; 4 the inr 
 
 iqaity of the wicked, and their punishment. 
 To the chiet Musician upon Mahalath, Mascliil, 
 
 A Psalm of David. 
 'THE " fool hath said in his heart, Tliere 
 ■*■ is no God. Corrupt ai'e they, and have 
 done abominable iniquity: * there is none 
 that doeth good. 
 
 2 God " looked down from heaven uiion 
 the children of men, to see if there were 
 any that did understand, that did <i seek 
 God. 
 
 3 Every * one of them is gone back; they 
 are altogether become filthy: there is none 
 that doeth good, no, not one. 
 
Trailer for Forgiveness. P8ALMS LII— LV. Prayers for Bdivcrn.nce. 
 
 ticn iirecedes forgiveness, and, as a gift of God will do to you (Ps. 18. 27.). The follow- 
 Gcd, IS a plea for it (2 bam. 12. 13; Ps. 32. 5; ing terms describe the most entire luin. 6. 
 1 John, 1. 9.). Against thee— chiefly, and as shall . . . fear— regard with reJitiious awe, 
 sms against others are violations of God's lapgh at him— for his folly; 7. for trusting in 
 law, in one sense only, that . . . judgest riches and being strong in— wickedness— /ii., 
 —i.e., all palliation ot his crime is exchided; mischief, {v. 2,', instead of trusting in Gon. 
 it is the design in making this confession, to the man—lit., the mightv man, or hero, [v 1.). 
 recognise God's .justice, however severe the 8. The figure used is cbmu on Ps. l. 3; Jer. 
 sentence. 5, 6. His guilt was aggravated by 11. iCi). green— fresh, house, <fcc.— in com- 
 his essential, native sinfulness, which is as munion withGodlcf.Ps. 27. 4,5.). fcr ever and 
 cortrary to God's requisitions of inward pu- ever— qualifies mercy. 9. hast done— i.e., what 
 rity as are outward sins to those for right the context supplies, preserved n-e cf. Ps. 
 conduct, thoushaltmake.&c— may be taken 22. 31. . wait . . . name— hope in thy perfec- 
 to express God's gracious purpose in view of tions, manifested for my good Ps. 5. 11; 20. 
 His strict requisition; a purpose of which 1.). for it is good— i.e., thy name, aixl the 
 David might have availed himself as a check whole method or result of its manifestation 
 to his native love for sin, and, in not doing (Ps. 64, 6; 69. 16.). 
 so, aggravated his guilt, truth . . . and ... I PSALM LIII. 
 
 wisdom — are terms often used for piety (cf. I Ver. 1-6. On Mahalath—{cf. Ps. 88. title.). 
 Job. 28. 28; Ps. 119. 30.). 7-12. A series of Why this repetition of Ps. 14. is given we do 
 prayers for forgiveness and purifying. Purge not know. 
 
 . . . hyssop— The use of this plant in the ritual, 1-4., with few verbal changes, correspond 
 (Ex. 12. 22; Ni-m. 19. 6. 18,), suggests the idea with Ps. 14. 1-4. 6. Instead of assurances 
 of atonement as prominent hf.re;purge refers of God's presence with the pious, and a com- 
 to vicarious satisfaction (Isum. 19. 17-20.). plaint of the wicked, Ps. 14. 6, C, poiirtrays 
 Make . . . jcy— by forgiving me, which will the ruin of the latter, whose "bones" even 
 change distress to joy. Hide, <i'c.— turn from ' "are scattered" (cf. Ps. 141. 7,), and uho are 
 beholding. Create— a work of almighty power, put to shame as contemptuously rejected of 
 in rv.e—lit., to, or, Jor me: bestow as a gift, a : God. 
 
 heart free from taint of sin iPs. 24. 4; 73. 1.). I PSALM LIV. 
 
 renew— implies that he had possessed it: the] Ver. 1-7. Cf. title of Ps. 4. and 32.; for 
 essential principle of a new nature had not the history, 1 Sam. 23. 19, 29; 26. 1-2.5. After 
 been lost, but its influence interrupted, an earnest cry for help, the Psalmist pro- 
 (Luke, 22. 32, i; fori). 11 shows that he had not mises praise in the assurance of a hearing, 
 lost God's presence and Spirit. (1 Sam. 16. 13,), ; 1. by thy name— (Ps. .'>. U.), specially, power. 
 
 though henad lost the "joy of his salvation," judge me as Ps. 7. 8; 26. 1. 2. (Cf. Ps. 
 
 (v. 12,), for whose return he prays, right 4. l; 5, 1.). 3. strangers — perhaps Ziph- 
 E^ixit—lit, constant, firm, not yielding to ites. oppressors— /(i., fern We ones, (Isa. 13. 
 temptation. free spirit- f/iy ought not to, 11; 25. 3.;. Such were Saul and his army, 
 be supplied, for the word /rec is, lit., willing, not set . . . them— acted as atheists, without 
 and spirit is that of David. "Let a willing God's fear cf. Ps. 16. 8.'. 4. (Cf. Ps. 30. 10.). 
 spirit uphold me," i.e., with a soul willingly with tliem— on their side, and for me (cf. Ps. 
 confirmed to God's law, he would be pie-;4 . 11.). 5. He shall . . . evil— or. Evil s/(fi'? re- 
 served in a right course of conduct. 13. , turn on (Ps. 7. 16) my enemies, or watchers. 
 Then— such will be the effect of this gracious i.e., to do me evil (Ps. 6. 7.). in tliy truth- 
 work, ways— of providence and human duty thy verified promise. 6. I will freely, (tc— or, 
 (Ps. 18. 21, 30; 3J. 8; Luke, •z2. 32.). 14. De- present a free will offering (Lev. 7. 10; Kum. 
 liver— or. Free me (Ps. 39. 8,) from the guilt of 15. 3.). 7. mine eye . . . desire— cf. Ps. fi9. 10; 
 murder i2 Sam. 12. 9, 10; Ps. 5 6.;. :ight-ill2. 8,), expresses satisfaction in beholding 
 eousness— as Ps. 7. 17; 31. 1. 15. open, . . lii s— i the overthrow o! his enemies as those of God, 
 by removing my sense of guilt. 16. Prai.-^e without in.plying any selfish or unholy feel- 
 is better than sacrifice (Ps. .^0. 14,), and im- ing (cf. Ps. 52. 6, 7.). 
 plying faith, penitence, and love, glorifies PS^^LM LV. 
 
 God. In true penitents the joys of pardon Ver. 1-23. In great terror on account of 
 mingle with sorrow for sin. 18. Do good, &c. ' enemies, and grieved by the treachery of a 
 —Visit not my sin on thy Church, build ... friend, the Psalmist offers an earnest pra.yer 
 walls— is to show favour; cf. Ps. 89. 40, for for relief. He mingles confident assurances 
 opposite form and idea. 19. God reconciled, \ of divine favour to himself with invocations 
 material sacrifices will be acceptable iPs. 4. I and predictions of God's avenging judgments 
 5;cf. Isa. 1. 11-17.). on the wicked. The tone suits I'avid's ex- 
 
 PSALM LII. I perience. hoth in the times of Saul and Ab- 
 
 Ver. 1-9. Cf. 1 Sam. 21. I-IO; 22.1-10, for the salom, though, perhaps, neither was exclu- 
 bistory of the title. The first verse gives the sively before his mind, 
 themertheboastof the wicked over theright- 1. hide not thyself, &c.— 'cf. Ps. 13. 1: 27.9,), 
 eons is vain; for (Jod constantly cares for His withhold not help. 2. The terms of the last 
 people. This is expanded by desctibing the clause expre.'-s full indulgence cf grief. 3. 
 rralice and deceit, and then the ruin, or the omression— lit, persecution, they. . . iniquity 
 wicked, and the happy state of the pious. —lit., they make evil doings slide upon me. 
 
 1. nighty man— «(., hero. Doeg may Ije 4, 6. express great alarm, come upon- or Zif., 
 thus addressed, ironically, in respect of his into me. 6. beat res'—lit., dvrll. i.e., per- 
 might ill slander. 2. tongue— for self, mis- manently. 7, 8. Even a wilderness is a safer 
 chiefs— evil to others (Ps. 5. 9; 38. 12.). work- place than exposure to such evils, terrible as 
 ing decer fully— (Ps. 10. 7, . as a keen, smoothly storm and tenii est. 9. Destroy- //7 , Sv-al.loto 
 moving razor, cutting quietly, Imt deeply. (Ps. 21.9.. divide their tongues— or, coniound 
 3, 4. al-devouring— Kf., sv:aUov:ing, which their speech, and hence their counsels, (Gen. 
 utterly destroy (cf. Ps. 21. 9; .35. 25.). 5. like- 11. 7.). the city— perhaps Jeru.saleui, the 
 wise— or, so, also, as you have done to others , scene of anarchy, 10, 11., which is described 
 
Frayersfor 
 
 PSALMS LlV-LVn. 
 
 deliverance from enemies. 
 
 4 Have the workers of iniquity / no know- 
 ledge? who eat up my people as they eat 
 bread: they have not called upon God. 
 
 5 There i were they in great lear, where 
 no fear was: for God hath scattered the 
 bones of him that encanipetha(5raj(is?thee: 
 thou hast put them to shame, because God 
 hath despised them. 
 
 6 8 Oh that the salvation of Israel tcer« 
 come out of Zioii! When God bringeth 
 back the captivity of his people, Jacob 
 shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad. 
 
 PSALM LIV. 
 1 David, complaining of the Ziphims, prays for 
 deliverance: iin confidence of God't help, he 
 promises sacrifice, 
 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschll, 
 A Fsalm of David, " when the Ziphims came 
 and said to Saul, Doth not David hide him- 
 self with US! 
 
 SAVE me, God, by thy name, and 
 judge me by thy strength. 
 
 2 liciir my prayer, God; give ear to the 
 words of my mouth. 
 
 3 For aUangers are risen up against me, 
 and opi-ressors seek after my soul: they 
 have nut set God before them. Selah. 
 
 4 Behold, God is mine helper: * the LouD 
 is with them that uphold my souL 
 
 5 He shiill reward evil unto i mine ene- 
 mies: cut them ' oil' in thy trttth. 
 
 6 I will freely sacriiice unto thee: I will 
 praise tin name, O Lokd, for it is good. 
 
 7 For lie hath delivered me out of all 
 trouble ; and mine eye hath seen his desire 
 upon rame enemies. 
 
 PSALM LV. 
 I Vavid eomplains of his fearful ease: Sprays 
 against the wickedness 0] his enemies : loconi- 
 foris hiMself iti Uod. 
 
 To the Chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, 
 A I'sahti of David. 
 
 (^IVE ear to my prayer, God; and hide 
 ^ not tJiyself from my supjilioai iou. 
 
 2 Atteiiduuto me, and hear me: I mourn 
 In my complaint, and make a uime ; 
 
 3 Because of the voice of the enemy, be- 
 cause of the oppression of the wicktd : for 
 they cast iniqmty upon me, and in t^Tath 
 they hate me. 
 
 4 My " heart is sore pained within me; 
 and the terrors of death are faUeu upon me. 
 
 5 Fearfulness and trembling are come up- 
 on me, and horror hath i overwhelmed me, 
 
 6 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a 
 dove! for then would I fly away, and be at 
 rest. 
 
 7 Lo, the7i would I wander far ofiF, and 
 remain in the wilderness. Selah. 
 
 8 1 would hasten my escape from the 
 windy storm and tempest. 
 
 9 2 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their 
 t()i!i;ues: for I have seen violence and strife 
 in the city. 
 
 10 Day and ni^ht thejf go about it upon 
 the viidis thereof : mischief also and sorrow 
 are in the midst of it. 
 
 11 Wickc(bieBS is in the midst there'ii"; 
 deceit and liiiile depart not from her streets. 
 
 12 For it was not an enemy that reproat h- 
 ed me; then I could have borne it: n<iitier 
 was it he that hated me that did iii:.-iiify 
 himsdf against me ; then I would have liid 
 myself from him: 
 
 13 But it was thou, 8 a man mine equal, 
 my * guide, and mine acquaintance. 
 
 14 * We took sweet counsel together, and 
 talked unto ibe house of God in company. 
 
 PSALM 63. 
 / Jer. 4. 22. 
 1 theyfcRrod 
 
 a fear. 
 
 Lev. 26.17. 
 
 P.. 14. 6. 
 
 Pro. 28. 1. 
 a Who will 
 
 PSALM 51. 
 a 1 Sam. 23. 
 
 19. 
 
 1 S.-1. 20. 1. 
 6 Ps. 118. 7. 
 1 those tliat 
 
 obierre 
 
 PSALM 66. 
 a Ps. 116. 3. 
 1 cQTored 
 
 according 
 
 to my 
 
 rank. 
 6 2 Sa. 15. 12. 
 
 Mic. 7. 5. 
 4 Who 
 
 sweetened 
 
 counsel. 
 ' Nu. 16. 30. 
 6 Or, th« 
 
 grate. 
 d Dan. 6. 10. 
 
 Lu. 18. 1. 
 
 Acts 3. I. 
 
 Acts 10. 3. 
 
 1 ThOBS. 5. 
 
 17. 
 e 2 Chr. 32.7. 
 /Dou.33.27. 
 ti Or, With 
 
 whom also 
 
 BO changes, 
 yet they 
 
 God. 
 
 7 he hath 
 prol'aned. 
 
 8 Or, gilt. 
 Mat. B. a. 
 Lu. 12.22. 
 1 Pet. 5. 7. 
 
 g Ps. 37. 2t. 
 
 bloods and 
 
 10 shall not 
 half their 
 
 PSALM 68. 
 
 1 Or, A 
 golden 
 Psalm of 
 David. 
 
 6 Ps. 57. 1. 
 2 Mine 
 
 observers. 
 c Heb. 13. G. 
 d Mai. 3. 16 
 e Ko. 8. 31. 
 / Job Si. 30. 
 
 PSALM 67 
 1 Or, De- 
 stroy not, 
 
 15 Let death seize upon them, and let 
 them " go down quick into 5 hell: for wicked- 
 ness is in their dwellings, and among them. 
 
 16 As for ine, I will caU upon God; and 
 the Lord shall save me. 
 
 17 Evening, <* and morning, and at noon, 
 will I pray, and cry aloud; and he shall 
 hear my voice. 
 
 18 He hath delivered my soul in peace 
 from the battle that ivas against me ; for 
 there • were many \vith me. 
 
 19 God sliall hear, and afflict them, / even 
 he that abideth of old. Selah. ^ Because 
 they have no changes, therefore they fear 
 not God. 
 
 20 He hath put forth his hands against 
 such as be at peace with him; 7 be hath 
 broken his covenant. 
 
 21 The words of his mouth were smoother 
 than batter, but war was in his heart: his 
 words were softer than oil, yet were they 
 di-awn swords. 
 
 22 Cast thy 8 burden upon the Lobd, 
 and he shall sustain thee: ^ he shall never 
 suffer the righteous to be moved. 
 
 23 But thou, O God, shalt bring them 
 down into Iho pit of destruction: 9 bloody 
 and deceitful men i*^ shall not live out half 
 their days ; but 1 will trust in thee. 
 
 PSALM LVL 
 1 David, praying to God in confidence of his 
 
 word, compUiins of his enemies: 9 he professes 
 
 hif confidence in Qod's word. 
 To the chiuf Musician upon Jonath-elem-re- 
 
 choliim, 1 .Michtam of David, when " the 
 
 Philistines tooii him in Gath. 
 "DE ' merciful unto me, O God; for man 
 -^ would swaUow me up: he fighting daily 
 opjiresseth me. 
 
 2 2 Mine enemies would daUy swallow ma 
 up : for they be many that fight against me, 
 
 thou Most High. 
 
 3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in 
 thee. 
 
 4 In God I will praise his word: in God I 
 have put my trust; " I will not fear what 
 flesh can do unto me. 
 
 5 Every dav they wrest my words: all their 
 thoughts are against me for e%il. 
 
 6 They gather themselves together, they 
 hide themselves, they mark my steps, when 
 they wait for my soul. 
 
 7 Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine 
 anger cast down the people, O God. 
 
 S Tliou tellest my wanderings: put thou 
 my tears into thy bottle: <^ are they not in 
 thy book? 
 
 9 When I cry unto thee, then shall mine 
 enemies tm-n back: this 1 know; for ' God 
 is for me. 
 
 10 In God will I praise his word; in the 
 LoKD will I praise fds word. 
 
 11 In (rud have I put iny trust: I will not 
 be afraid what man can do mi to me. 
 
 12 Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will 
 render praises unto thee. 
 
 1:5 For thou hast delivered my soul from 
 death: loilt not t/tott ddiner my feettrora 
 falling, that 1 may walk before God in/the 
 lightof the living? 
 
 PSALM LVIL 
 
 1 David complains of his dangerous eases 7 h4 
 
 encourages himself to praise Ood. 
 Xothe cliief Musician, 1 Al-taschith, Michtam 
 
 of David, ■* when he fled from Saul in the 
 
 cave. 
 "D E merciful unto me, O God, be merciful 
 ■'-' unto me; for my soul trusteth in thee: 
 yea, in the shadow of thy wings will 1 make 
 
David Complains to God. 
 
 PSAUMS LYI-LVin. He ComfoHs Eiirtsel/in Goa. 
 
 In detail (cf. Ps. 7. 14-lG.). Wickedness— Zi^., 
 Mischief, evils resulting from others iPs. ;>. 
 9; 51. 2, 7.). streets— or 7 i(.,ift(Ze pl-ices, mar- 
 kets, courts of justice, and anj- public p!ace. 
 12-14. This description of treachery does not 
 deny, but agfrravates.theinjury from enemies, 
 guide— ?if., Jriend, (Pro. 16. 28; 17. 9.). ac- 
 quaintance— in Heb., a yet more intimate as- 
 sociate, in company— iii., with a crowd, in a 
 festal procession. 15. Let death, &c. — or, 
 *• Desolations are on them." let them go {lit. , 
 they will yo^ auick— or, living, in the midst 
 of life, death will come (cf. Num. 16. .33.). 
 among them— or, within them, in their hearts 
 (Ps. 5. 9; 49. 11.). 16-18. God answers his 
 constant and repeated prayers, manv with 
 me— i.e., by the context, fighting with me. 
 19. God hears the wicked in wrath, abideth 
 [or, sitteth] of old— enthroned as a sovereign. 
 Because ... no chaii ges— Prosperity hardens 
 them iPs. 73. 5.). 20, 21. The treachery is 
 aggravated by hypocrisy. The changes of 
 number, v. 15, 23, and here, enlivens the pic- 
 ture, and implies that the chief traitor and 
 his accomplices are in view together. 22. 
 thy burden— Zii., oift, what is assigned you. 
 he shall sustain— K(., snpplv food, and so all 
 need (Ps. 37. 25; Mat. 6. 11.). to be moved 
 — from the secure position of his favour 
 (Ps. 10. 6. . 23. blcody . . . days— cf. Ps. .5. 6; 
 51. 14,), deceit and murderous dispositions 
 often united. The threat is directed specially 
 (not as a general truth) against the wicked, 
 then in the writer's view. 
 
 PSALM LVI. 
 
 Ver. 1-13. Upon Jonath-elem-rechokim — 
 
 lit.,uvon the Dove of silence of distant places; 
 
 either denoting a melody (cf. on Ps. 9.) of 
 
 PSAL-IM LVII. 
 
 Ver. t-11. Al-taschiih—De.s,ixoy not. This 
 is perhaps an enigmaiical allusion to the cri- 
 tical circumstances connected with the his- 
 tory, for which cf. 1 Sam. 22. l: 26. 1-3. In 
 Moses' prayer (Deut. 9. 26,', it is a prominent 
 petition deprecating God's anger against the 
 people. This explanation suits the 5fth and 
 59th also. Asaph uses it for the 75th, in the 
 scope of which, there is allusion to sou.e 
 emergency. Michtam—{cf. Ps. 16.). To an 
 earnest cry for divine aid, the Psalmist adds, 
 as often, the language of praise, in the as- 
 sured hope of a favourable hearing. 
 
 1. my soul— or, self, or life, which is threat- 
 ened, shadow of thy wings— (Ps. 17. fe; 36. 7.). 
 calamities— Ki., miscliiefs, iPs. 52. 2; 55. 10.). 
 2. performeth— or, completes what he has be- 
 gun. 3. from . . . swallow me up — that pants 
 in rage after me (Ps. 66. 2.). mercy and. . . 
 truth— (Ps. 25. 10; 36. 5,). as messengers (Ps. 
 43. 3,) sent to deliver him. 4. The mingled 
 figures of wild beasts (Ps. 10. 9; 17. 12, and 
 weapons of war (Ps. 11. 2,), heightens the pic- 
 ture of danger, whose . . . tongue— or. slanders. 
 5. This doxology illustrates his view of the 
 connection of Iiis deliverance with God's 
 glory. 6. (Cf. Ps. 7. 15; 9. 15, 16.). 7. I will 
 . . . praise— both with voice and instrument. 
 8. Hence he addresses his glory, or tongue 
 (Ps. 16. 9; 30. 12,), and his psaltery, or lute 
 and harp. I myself. . . ea.rly— lit., I wiU 
 awaken dawn, poetically expressinu his zeal 
 and diligence. 9, 10. As His mercy and truth, 
 so shall His praise, fill the universe. 
 PSALM LVIII. 
 
 Ver. 1-11. David's critical condition in some 
 period of the Sauline i^ersecution probably 
 
 that name, to which this Psalm was to be ! occasioned this Psalm, in which the Psalmi-st 
 
 teaches that the innate and actual sintulness 
 of men deserves, and shall receive, (^od 
 
 performed; or it is an enigmatical form of 
 denoting the suiject, as given in the history 
 
 referred to (l Sam. 21. 11, &c.), David being 
 regarded as an uncomplaining, meek dove, 
 driven from his native home to wander in 
 exUe. Beset by domestic and foreign foes, 
 David appeals confidently to God, recites 
 his complaints, and closes with voyful and 
 assured anticipations of God's continued 
 help. 
 
 1, 2, would swallow— Zil, pattis as a raging 
 "beast, (Acts, 9. 1.). enemies— trafcTiers (Ps. 54". 
 5.). Most High— as it is not elsewhere used 
 absolutely for God, some render the word 
 here, arrogantly, or proudly, as qualifying 
 "those who fight," &e. 3. in [or lit,, untol 
 thee— to whom he turns in trouble. 4. In 
 God ... his word— By His grace or aid Ps. 60. 
 12; 108. 13.), or, "I will boast in God as to 
 His word;" in either case His word is the 
 special matter and cause of praise, flesh— for 
 mankind (Ps. 65. 2; Isa. 31. 3,). intimating 
 frailty. 5, 6. A vivid picture of the conduct 
 of malicious enemies. 7. Shall they escaped— 
 or better, " Their escape is by iniquity." cast 
 .. . people— humble those who so proudly 
 oppose thy servant. 8. God is mindful of 
 his exile and remembers his tears. The cus- 
 tom of bottling the tears of mourners as a 
 memorial, which has existed in some Eastern 
 nations, may explain the figure. 9. God is 
 fcT me— or, on my side (Ps. 118. 6; 124. 1. 2.', 
 hence he is sure ol the repulse of his foes. 
 12. I wUl . . . praises— will pay what I have 
 vowed. 13. The question implies an aftinua- 
 tive answer, drawn from past experience, 
 falling— as from a precipice, before God— in 
 Uis favour during life 
 
 righteous vengeance, while the pious may be 
 consoled by the evidence of his wise and 
 holy government of men. 
 
 1. congregation— ?i(., dumb— the word 
 used is never translated " congregation." "Are 
 ye dumli? ye should speak righteousness," 
 may be the translation. In any case, the 
 writer remonstrates with them, perhais a 
 council, who were assembled to try his cause, 
 and bound to give a right decision. 2. This 
 they did not design; but, weigh . . . violence— 
 or, give decisions of violence. Weigh is a 
 figure to express the acts of judges, m the 
 earth — publicly. 3-5. describe the wicked 
 generally, who sin naturally, easily, ma- 
 lignantly, and stubbornly, stoppeth iier[or 
 lit., his] ear— i.e., the wicked man, (the singu- 
 lar used collectively,! who thus becomes like 
 the deaf adder which has no ear. 6. He 
 prays for their destruction, under the figiire 
 of ravenous beasts (Ps. 3. 7; 7. 2.). 7. wiiich 
 run continually— ^if. , they sh all go to th emsdves, 
 utterly depart, as rapid mountain torrents, 
 he bendeth . . . his arrrows— prepares it. The 
 term for preparing a bow applied to arrows 
 (Ps. 64. 3.). let them . . . pieces~/ii.. as if they 
 cut themselres off— i.e., become blunted and 
 of no avail. 8, '9. Other figures of this utter 
 ruin; the last denoting raiiidity. In a shorter 
 time than pots feel the heat of thorns on fire 
 —he shall take them away as with a whirlwind 
 —lit., blow him {ihemi away, botli living, . . . 
 wrath — Zi?., as the living or frah, as the 
 heated or burning— i.e.. thorns— all easily 
 blown away, so easily and quickly the « ickeo. 
 The figure of the sruiij perhaps alludes to its 
 
Wieked judges reprovea. 
 
 PSALMS LVm-LX- 
 
 Prayer against enemies. ' 
 
 tny refuge, * until these calamities be over 
 past. 
 
 2 I will cry anto God most high; nnto 
 God " that perfonneth all things for me, 
 
 3 He <* shall send from heaven, and save 
 me ^/rom the reproach of him that wonld 
 swallow me ap. Solah. God shall 'send 
 forth his mercy and his truth. 
 
 4 My soul is among lions; a7id I lie even 
 among them that are set on fire, even the 
 Bons of men. / whose teeth are spears and 
 
 arrows, and ^ their tongue a shan^ sword, 
 
 5 Be " thou exalted, O God, above the 
 heavens; let thy glory be above aU the 
 eaith. 
 
 6 They • have prepared a net for my steps ; 
 my soul is bowed down: they have digged 
 a pit before me, into the midst whereof 
 tliey are fUIen themselves. Selah. 
 
 7 My > hei.it is 3 fixed, O God, ray heart 
 is fixed: 1 v.ill sing and give praise. 
 
 8 Awiike * up, my glory; awake, psaltery 
 and harp: I nif/seJ/will awake early. 
 
 9 I will praise thee, Lobd, among the 
 people ; I will sing unto thee among the 
 nations: 
 
 10 For 'thy mercy is great anto the 
 heavens, and thv truth unto the clouds. 
 
 11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the hea- 
 vens: let thy glory be above all the earth. 
 
 PSALM LVllI. 
 I David, reji'Toving ungodly jmiges, 3 describes 
 the nnture of the wicked, 6 and dtvotes them to 
 Oo'i's judgments. 
 
 To the chief Musician, 1 Al-taschith, Michtam 
 of Daviii. 
 
 r)0 ye indeed speak righteousness, con- 
 •"-^ gre^ation? do ye judge uprightly, ye 
 eons of men? 
 
 2 Yea, in heart ye work wickedness;* ye 
 weigh the violence of your hands in the 
 earth. 
 
 3 The wicked* are estranged from the 
 womb ; they go astray 2 as soon as they be 
 bom, speaking hes. 
 
 4 Their ■-■ poison is 3 like the poison of a 
 Berpeiit: tf^y are like the deaf * adder that 
 Btoppeth her ear; 
 
 5 Which will not hearken to the voice of 
 charmei-8, 6 charming never so wisely. 
 
 6 Break <* their teeth, O God, in their 
 mouth: break out the great teeth of the 
 young lions, Lord. 
 
 7 Let them melt away as waters which 
 run continually: ivhe^i he bendeth his bow 
 to shoot his arrows, let them be as cut in 
 pieces. 
 
 8 As a snail which melteth, let every one 
 of them pass away: like the untiniely"birth 
 of a woman, that they may not see the sun. 
 
 9 Before your pots can feel the thorns, he 
 shall take them away * as with a wtiui- 
 wind, 6 both living, and in his wrath. 
 
 10 The / righteous shall rejoice when he 
 Eceth the veiii^eance: he shall wash his feet 
 in the blood of the wicked 
 
 11 So thiit a man shall say, " Verily there 
 is 7 a reward lor the righteous: verily he is 
 a God that judge th in the earth. 
 
 PSALM LIX. 
 J David prays to he delivered from his enetnies; 
 
 6 cf>iMj3?««iis of their cruelty; 8 trusts in God; 
 
 M proyi ao-'inst them/ iii praises <Jod. 
 To the cliiof Musici.m, 1 Al-taschith, Michtam 
 
 of David. a wlien Saul sent, and they watched 
 
 tho house to kill him. 
 T)ELIVE11 me from mme enemies, Omy 
 ■*-^ God; a defend me Irom them that rise 
 op aguiusi lat!. 
 
 PSALM 67. 
 
 6 I«. 26. 20. 
 
 e P«. 133. 8. 
 
 d Ps. 144. 6. 
 
 8 Or, he 
 rerroach- 
 eth him 
 that would 
 •wallow 
 me up. 
 
 « P.. 61. 17. 
 
 / Pro. 30. 14. 
 
 g Pb. 64. 3. 
 
 h Ps. 108. 6. 
 
 i P«. 9. 15. 
 
 y Pb. 108. 1. 
 
 3 Or, 
 prepared. 
 
 * Judg. 5.12. 
 
 I Ps. 108. 4. 
 
 PSALM 68. 
 
 1 Or, De- 
 
 itroy not, 
 A golden 
 Psalm of 
 Darid. 
 
 a Pb. 94. 20. 
 Is. 10. I. 
 
 6 Pb. 51. 5. 
 U. 43. 8. 
 
 2 from the 
 hellj. 
 
 e Ps. 1*). 3. 
 Ecc.lO.ll. 
 
 3 according 
 to the 
 likeness. 
 
 4 Or, asp. 
 
 6 Or, be the 
 charmer 
 
 d Job 4. 10. 
 e Pro. 10. 25. 
 
 6 as living 
 aB wrath. 
 
 / Pb. 52. 0. 
 
 Pb. 64. 10. 
 flrRo. 2.&-10. 
 
 7 fruit of 
 
 2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, 
 and save me from bloody men. 
 
 3 For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the 
 mighty are gathered against me; not for 
 mv transgression, nor /or my sin, Lokd. 
 
 4l"hey run and prepare themselves without 
 mv fault: awake 3 to help me, and behold. 
 
 5'Thou therefore, O Lobd God of hosts, 
 the God of Israel, awake to \isit all the 
 heathen: be not mercLtul to any wicked 
 traiigressors. Selah. 
 
 6 They return at evening: they make a 
 noise like a dog, and go round about the 
 city. 
 
 7 Behold, they belch out with their mouth : 
 s^v'ol ds are in their lips': for who, say they, 
 doth hear? 
 
 8 But thou, O Loud, shalt laugh at them; 
 thou shalt have all the heathen m derision. 
 
 9 Because of his strength will I wait upon 
 thee: for God is * my defence. 
 
 10 The God of my mercy shall prevent 
 me: God shall let me see my desire upon 
 6 mine enemies. 
 
 11 Slay them not, Lst my people forget: 
 scatterthem by thy power; and bring them 
 down, Lord om- snield. 
 
 12 For the sin of then: mouth and tlw 
 words of their lips let them even be takea 
 in their pride ; and for cursing and lying 
 which they speak. 
 
 13 Consume them'm wrath, consume them, 
 that they may not be; and let them know 
 that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of 
 the earth. Selah. 
 
 14 And at evening let them retmn; and 
 let them make a noise like a dog, and go 
 round about the city. 
 
 15 Let them wander up and do^vn 6 for 
 meat, 1 and grudge if they be not satisfied. 
 
 16 But I will sing of thy power; yea, I 
 will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morn. 
 intj: for thou hast been my defence and 
 retuge in the day of my trouble. 
 
 17 Lnto thee, my strength, will I smg: 
 for God is my defence, and the God of mj 
 mercy. 
 
 PSALM LX. 
 
 1 David, complaining to Ood of former judg. 
 ments, 4 now, upon better hope, prays for 
 deliverance: 6 comforting himself in Qod's 
 promises, he craves that help whereon he trusts. 
 
 To the chief Musician upon Shushan-eduth, 
 1 Michtam of David, to teacli; <• when lia 
 strove with Aram-naharaim, andwith Aram- 
 zobah, when Joab returned, and smote of 
 Edora in the valley of Salt twelve thousand. 
 
 f) GOD, thou hast cast us off, thou hast 
 ^^2 scattered us, thou hast been displeased; 
 turn thyself to us again. 
 
 2 Thou hast made the earth to tremble; 
 thou hast broken it: heal the breache* 
 thereof; for it shaketh. 
 
 3 Thou hast showed thy people hara 
 things: thou hast made us to di'ink tha 
 wine of astonishment. 
 
 4 Thou i> hast given a banner to them that 
 fear thee, that it may be displayed because 
 of the tiTith. Selah. 
 
 5 That * thy beloved may be delivered, 
 save with thy right hand, and hear me. 
 
 6 God hath <* spoken in his holiness; I 
 will rejoice, I will divide ' Shechem. and 
 mete out the / valley of Succoth. 
 
 7 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; 
 Ephraira "also is the strength of mine 
 hea^i ; '' Judah is my lawgiver; 
 
 8 Moab is my washpoi; over Edom will I 
 
Nature of the Wicked. 
 
 PSALMS LIX-LXn. 
 
 Confidence in God, 
 
 loss of saliva when moving. Though obscnrt 
 in its clauses, the general sense of the pas 
 sage is clear. 10, 11. wash . . . wicktd— de 
 noting great sJauyhter. The joy of triumph 
 over the destruction of the wicked is because 
 they are God's enemies, and their overthrow 
 shows that he reigneth (cf. Ps. 52. 5-7; 64. 7.J. 
 In this assurance let heaven and earth re- 
 joice iPs. 96. 10; 97. 1, &C.I. 
 
 VSALM LIX. 
 
 Ver. 1-17. Cf; Ps. 67., and for history, l 
 Sam. 19. 11, &c. The scope is very similar to 
 that ot tlie 57th; prayer in view of malicious 
 and violent fees, and .joy in prospect of relief. 
 
 1. deieud— (cf. Marg.}. rise up . . . me— (cf. 
 Ps. 17. 7.). 2. (Of. Ps. 5. 6; 6. ><.'. 4, 5. pre- 
 pare, &ic.—lit., set themselves as in array. 
 awake— (cf. Ps. 3.7; 7. 6, .appeals to God in his 
 covenant relation to his people (Ps. 9. 18. . 
 6, 7. They are as ravening dogs seeking 
 prey, and, as such, belch out— i.e., slanders, 
 their inipudent barkings, for who, say they 
 —For the full expression M-ith the supplied 
 words cf. Ps. 64. 5. 8. Cf. Ps. 2. 4; 37. 13.). 
 9. By judicious expo.sitors, and on good 
 grounds, this is better rendered, "O my 
 strength, on thee wiU 1 wait" i'. 17.'. defence 
 — (cf. Ps. 18. 3.) 10. prevei.t me— (Ps. 21. 3.). 
 see my desire— in their overthrow .Ps. 54. 7.). 
 enemies— as Ps. 5. 8. 11. Slay them not— at 
 once Jud. 2. 21-23); but perpetuate their 
 punishment (Gen. 4. 12; :Num. ;i2. 13,), by 
 scattering or makingthem wander, and hum- 
 ble them. 12. let them be . . . taken in their 
 pride— while evincing it— i.e., to be punished 
 for their lies, &c. 13. Though delayed for 
 wise reasons, the utter destruction of the 
 wicked must come at last, and God's presence 
 and power in and for his Church wiU be 
 known abroad (1 Sam. 17. 46; Ps. 46. 10, 11. . 
 14, 15. Meanwhile let the rapacious dogs 
 prowl, they cannot hurt the pious; yea, they 
 shall wander famished and sleepless, grudge 
 if, &Lc.—Ut., they shall stay all night— i.e., ob- 
 tain nothing. 16, 17. contrast the lot of 
 God's servant, who employs his time in God's 
 praise, sing aloud ... in the morning— when 
 thty retire famishing and disappointed, or 
 it may denote delightful diligence in praise, 
 as Ps. 30. 5. 
 
 PSALM LX. 
 
 Ver. 1-12. Shushan-eduth—JAXy of testi- 
 mony. The lily is an emblem of beauty, (ct. 
 Ps. 45. title.). As a description of the Psalm, 
 those terms combined may denote a beauti- 
 ful poem, witnessing— i.e., forGod's faithful- 
 ness as evinced in the victories referred to 
 in the historycited. ^ram-Titt/iarawn.— Syria 
 of the two rivers, or Mesopotamia beyond 
 the river (Euphrates) (2 Sam. 10. 16.). Aram- 
 iSo6a/i— Syria of Zobah (2 Sam. 10. 6,', to whose 
 king the king of the former was tributary. 
 
 wnt—lit, of staggering— i.e., made us weak 
 cf. Ps. 75. 8; Isa. 51. 17, 22.). 4, 5. Yet to 
 God's banner they will rally, and pray that, 
 led and sustained by his power (right hand, 
 Ps. 17. 7; 20. 6,), they may be safe, hear me— 
 or, hear us. 6-10. God hath spoken in [or, by] 
 nis hohness— (Ps. 89. .35; Amos, 4. 2,), on the 
 pledge of his attributes (Ps. 22. 3 ; 30. 4.). 
 Taking courage trotn God's promise to give 
 them possession (Ex. 23. 31; Deut. 11. 24,), 
 ^and perhaps renewed to him by special re- 
 velation,), with triumphant joy he describes 
 the conquest as alreacly made. Shechem, and 
 . . . Succoth— as widely separated points, and 
 — Gilead, . . . and Manasseh— as large districts, 
 east and west of Jordan, represent the whole 
 land, divide . . . and mete out— means to have 
 entire control over. Ephraim— denotes the 
 military (Deut. 33. 17.); and — Judah — (the 
 lawgiver. Gen. 49. 10, \ the civil power. Fo- 
 reign nations are then presented as sub- 
 dued. Moab— is a washpot— the most ordi- 
 nary vessel, over [or, at] Edom— (as a slave,), 
 he casts his shoe. Philistia, triumph . . . [or, 
 rather, shout] for me— acknowledges subjec- 
 tion (cf. Ps. 108. 9, "over Philistia will I 
 triumph."). 9, 10. He feels assured that, 
 though f nee angry, God is now ready to fa- 
 vour his people, who will lead me— or, ivho 
 has led me, as if the work were now begun. 
 Wilt not thou— or. Is it not thou? 11, 12. 
 Hence he closes with a prayer for success, 
 and an assurance of a hearing. 
 PSALM LXL 
 Ver. 1-8. Neginah— or, Neginoth (cf. Ps. 4. 
 title.). Separated from his usual spiritual 
 privileges, perhaps by Absalom's rebellion, 
 the Psalmist prays for divine aid, and, in 
 view of past mercies, with great confidence of 
 being heard. 
 
 1-3. From the end, &,c.—i.e., places remote 
 from the sanctuary (Deut. 28. 64.). heart is 
 overwhelmed— ii<., covered over with darkness, 
 or, distress, to the Rock— (Ps. 18. 2; 40. 2.). 
 higher than I — which otherwise 1 cannot 
 ascend, shelter . . . and strong tower — re- 
 peat the same sentiment. 4. I will abide- 
 so I desire to do (cf. Ps. 23. 6.). trust in the 
 covert, &c.—make my refuge in the shadow 
 (cf. Ps. 17. 8; 36. 7.). 5. the heritage— or, part 
 in the spiritual blessings of Israel (Ps. 21. 
 2-4.;. vows— implies prayers. 6, 7. the king 
 —himself and his royal line ending in Christ, 
 Mercy and truth personified as (Ps. 40. 11; 
 57. 3. abide before God— Ki., sit as a king in 
 God's presence, under his protection. 8. Thus 
 for new blessings wiU new vows of praise 
 ever be paid. 
 
 PSALM LXIL 
 
 Ver. 1-12. To J eduthun— (cf. Ps. 39. title.). 
 
 The general tone of this Psalm is expressive 
 
 .....x^s -"- ""-n "* -"V, .V.X...V-. ..«.. V..... J. of confidence in God. Occasion is taken to 
 
 The war with Edom, by Joab and Abishai remind the wicked of their sin, their ruin, 
 (2 Chr. 18. 12, 25, , occurred about the same I and their meanness. 
 
 time. Probably, while doubts and fears | l.waiteth-^il, is s^?e«i, trusts submissively 
 alternately prevailed respecting the issue of , and confidently as a servant. 2. The titles 
 these wars, the writer composed this Psalm, ! applied to God often occur (Ps. 9. 0; ih. 2.). 
 in which he depicts, in the language ot God's i be greatly moved— (Ps. 10. 6,), no injury shall 
 people,theirsorrowsunder former disasters, be permanent, though devised by enemies, 
 ofters prayer in present straits, and rejoices ' 3. Their destruction will come; as a tottering 
 in confident hope of triumph by God's aid. j wall they already are feeble and failing. 
 1-3. allude to disasters, cast . . . off— in bowing wall shall ye be— better supply are. 
 scorn (Ps. 43. 2; 44. 9.). scattered — broken Some propose to apply these phrases to de- 
 our strength (cf. 2 Sam. 6. 20.). turn thy- scribe the condition of the man— i.e., the 
 self— or. restore to us (prosperity.). The pious sufierer: thus, "vVill ye slayhim."&c.; 
 tigures of physical, denote great civil, commo- but the other is a good sense. 4. his excel- 
 tions (Ps. 46. 2. 3.). drink . . . wine of astonish- lency — or, elevation, to which G od had raised 
 
OanMence in God. 
 
 VSMMS LSI-LSV. Earrnst esirefof God's sercice. 
 
 cast out my shoe: Philistia, 3 triumph thou 
 because of me. 
 
 9 Who will bring me into the * strong 
 city? who will lead me into Edom? 
 
 10 Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst 
 cast us off? and thou, God, vjhich didst 
 not go out with our armies? 
 
 11 Give us help from trouble: for vain is 
 the s help of man. 
 
 12 Through God we shall do valiantly: 
 for he it is that shall tread down our ene- 
 mies. 
 
 PSALM LXI. 
 
 I David flees to Ood upon his former experience! 
 i he voivs perpetwcU service unto him, because of 
 his pi-oniises. 
 
 To the chief Musician upon Neginah, A Psalm 
 
 of David. 
 TJEAR my cry, O God; attend unto my 
 ■*-^ prayer. 
 
 2 I rom the end of the earth will I cry 
 unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: 
 lead me to the Hock th-at is hif^her than I. 
 
 3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, 
 and " a strong tower from the enemy. 
 
 4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever; I 
 will 1 trust in the covert of thy wings. 
 Selali. 
 
 5 For thou, God, hast heard my vows: 
 thou hast given me the heritage of those 
 that fear thy name. 
 
 6 2 Thou wilt prolong the king's life; and 
 his years s as many generations. 
 
 7 He shall abide before God for ever: 
 prepare mercy and truth, which may pre- 
 serve him. 
 
 8 So will I sing praise unto thy name for 
 ever, that I may daily perform my vows. 
 
 PSALM LXIL 
 1 David, professing his confidence in God, dis- 
 courages his enemies, and encourages the godly. 
 U Fewer and mercy belong to God. 
 To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm 
 
 of David. 
 fPRULY 1 my soul 2 waiteth upon God: 
 •*■ from him cometh my salvation. 
 
 2 He only is my rock and my salvation ; he 
 PS my3 defence ; I shall not be greatlymoved. 
 
 3 How long will ye imagine mischief 
 agamst a man? ye shall be stain all of you: 
 as a bowing wall sMll ye be, and as a 
 tottering lence. 
 
 4 They only consult to cast him down from 
 his excellency: they delight in lies: » they 
 bless with theur mouth, but they curse * in- 
 wardly. Selah. 
 
 5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for 
 my expectation is from him. 
 
 6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he 
 is my defence ; I shall not be moved. 
 
 7 In God 15 my salvation and my glory: 
 the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is 
 in God. 
 
 8 Tmst in him at all times; ye peojile, 
 pour i out your heart before him: God is a 
 x-efuge for us. Selah. 
 
 9 Smely men of low degree are vanity, 
 and men of high degree are a lie: to be 
 laid in the balance, tney are 6 altogether 
 lighter than vanity. 
 
 10 Trust not in * oppression, and become 
 not vain in robbery: <» if riches increase, set 
 Qfit your heart upon them. 
 
 II God hath spoken once; twice have I 
 beard this, that^ power oelongeth unto 
 God. 
 
 12 Also nnto thee, Lord, belongeth 
 mercy: for " thon renderest to every man 
 according to his work. 
 
 PSALM 60. 
 
 3 Or, tri- 
 umph thou 
 over me 
 tironi- 
 eallTl. 
 
 4 city of 
 strength. 
 SSa.11.1, 
 
 6 salvation. 
 
 PSALM 61. 
 
 « Pro. 18. 10. 
 
 1 Or, make 
 my nefuge. 
 
 2 Thou Shalt 
 add daya 
 to the 
 day» of 
 the king. 
 
 8 B9 genera- 
 tion and 
 generation. 
 
 PSALM 62. 
 
 1 Or, only. 
 
 2 is silent. 
 8 high 
 
 place, 
 o P». 28. 3. 
 i in their 
 
 inward 
 
 parts. 
 6 1 Sam. 1. 
 
 16. 
 6 Or, alike, 
 e Is. 28. 4. 
 d Lu. 12. 16. 
 6 Or, 
 
 strength. 
 
 Jer. 17.11. 
 e 1 Pet. 1. 
 
 17. 
 
 PSALM 63 
 oiSa. 22.6 
 
 1 weary 
 land with- 
 
 2 Catneos 
 
 3 They 
 shall make 
 hiia run 
 out like 
 water by 
 the hands 
 of the 
 Bword, 
 
 6 Zeph. 1. 6, 
 
 PSALM 64. 
 
 3 Or, we are 
 
 consumed 
 by that 
 which they 
 have 
 
 throughly 
 searched, 
 t a search 
 searched. 
 
 wound 
 
 PSALM 66. 
 1 is silent. 
 a Is. 45. 11. 
 6 John 12. 
 
 82. 
 a Words, or. 
 
 Matters of 
 
 iniquities. 
 e Heb. 9. 14. 
 
 lJohnl.7. 
 4 Pi. 38. 11. 
 
 PSALM LXIIl. 
 1 David's thirst after God's service in hit san^ 
 
 iuorij. 
 A Psalm of David, " when he was in the wil- 
 derness of Judah. 
 A GOD, thon art my God; early will I 
 ^ seek thee: my soul thirstetli for thee, 
 my flesh lo^igeth for thee in a dry and 
 
 1 thirsty laud, where no water is; 
 
 2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I 
 have seen thee iu the sanctuary. 
 
 8 Because thy loving-kindness is better 
 than life, my lips shall praise thee. 
 
 4 Thus will I bless thee wliile I live: I 
 will lift up my hands in thy name. 
 
 5 My soul shall be satisfied as with 2 mar- 
 row and fatness ; and my mouth shall praise 
 thee with joyful lijis ; 
 
 6 When I remember thee upon my bed, 
 and meditate on thee in the nigli t watches. 
 
 7 Because thou hast been my help, there- 
 fore in the shadow of thy wings will I 
 rejoice. 
 
 8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy 
 right hand upholdethme. 
 
 9 But those that seek my soul, to destroy 
 it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. 
 
 10 3 They shall fall by the sword; they 
 shall be a portion for foxes. 
 
 11 But the king shall rejoice in God ; every 
 one * that sweaieth by him shall glory: but 
 the mouth of them that speak lies shall be 
 stopped. 
 
 PSALM LXIV. 
 1 David prays for deliverance from his enemies. 
 
 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. 
 fJEAU my voice, God, in my prayer: 
 ■'"'■ preserve my lire from fear of the enemy. 
 
 2 liide me from the secret counsel of 
 the wicked; from the insmTection of the 
 workers of iniquity: 
 
 3 Who whet their tongue like a sword, and 
 bend their bows to shoot theu- arrows, even 
 bitter words; 
 
 4 That they may shoot in secret at the 
 perfect : suddenly do they shoot at him, 
 and fear not. 
 
 5 They encourage themselves in an evil 
 
 1 matter: they commune 2 of laying snares 
 privUy; they say. Who shall see them? 
 
 6 They search out iniquities ; 3 they accom- 
 plish 4 a diligent search: both the inward 
 thought of every one of them, and the heart, 
 is deep. 
 
 7 But God shall shoot at them with an 
 arrow; suddenly 6 shall they be wounded. 
 
 8 So they shall make their own tongue 
 to fall upon themselves: all that see tHem 
 shall flee away. 
 
 9 And all men shall fear, and shall declare 
 the work of God; for they shall wisely con- 
 sider of his doing. 
 
 10 The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, 
 and shall trust in him; and all the upright 
 in heart shall glory. 
 
 PSALM LXV. 
 1 David praises God for his grace. 4 Jnftnitt 
 
 power and goodness of Ood. 
 To the chief Musician, A Psalm and Song of 
 _^ David. 
 
 pRAISE 1 waiteth for thee, God, in 
 Zion: and unto thee shall the vow be 
 performed. 
 
 2 O thou " that hearest prayer, 8 unto thee 
 shall all flesh come. 
 
 3 2 Iniquities prevail agairst me: as for 
 our transgressions, thou shalt 'purge them 
 away. 
 
 4 Blessed <* w (fte man wftom thou choosest. 
 
Desire for GotiUs Service. 
 
 PSALMS LXm-LXVI, 
 
 Infinite Goodness of God. 
 
 him (Ps 4. 2.1. Tliis they try to do by lies representing God as using weapons ]jk6 
 and duplicity tPs. 5. 9.1. 5,6. iCf. Ps. 1. 2.). theirs. 8. their., .tongue to tail, &c.— i.e., 
 1 otbe moved— not at all; his contidence has the consequences of their slanders, &c. (of, 
 increased. 7. rock of my strength— or, strong- Ps. 10. 2; 31. 16.). all that see . . . awav— their 
 est support (Ps. 7. 10; CI. 3.}. 8. pour out your partners in evil shall be terrified. 9. iO. Men, 
 heart— aive full expression to feeling (1 Sam. generally, v^ill acknowledge God's work, and 
 1. 15; Job, 30. 16; Ps. 42. 4.). ye people— Ciod's the righteous, rejoicing in it, shall be encou- 
 people. 9. No kind of men are reliable, com- 1 raged to trust him iPs. 68. 10.). 
 pared with God (Isa. 2. 22; Jer. 17. 5.) alto-l PSALM LXV. 
 
 pet her- alike, one as the other (Ps. 34. 3.). 10. ] Ver, 1-13. This is a song of praise for God's 
 Ni3t only are oppression and robbery, which ' spiritual blessings to his people and his kind 
 are wicked means of wealth, no grounds of providence over all the earth. 
 bo;i sting, but even wealth, increasing law- 1 1. Praisewaitethfor thee— Ki., To i/igeaifcnce 
 fully, ought not to engross the heart. 11. -praise, or, (cf. Ps. 62, 1.), To thee silence ig 
 once; twice— fas Job, 33. 14; 40. 5,', are used to praise— i.e., Praise is waiting as a servant- 
 give emphasis to the sentiment. God's power it is due to thee. So the last clause expresses 
 is tempered by His mercy, which it also sus- i the duty of paying vows. These two parts of 
 tains. 12. For thou reilderest, lit. That thou acceptable worship, mentioned Ps. 50. 14, are 
 rcnderest. &c., connected with " I heardthis," rendered in Zion, where God chieflydisidays 
 as the phrase—" that power," &c.— teaching His mercy and receives homage. 2. All are 
 that by His power he can show both mercy encouraged to pray by God's readiness to 
 and justice. hear. 3. God's mercy alone delivers us from 
 
 PSALM LXin. 1 the burden of iniquities, by purging or ex- 
 
 Ver. 1-11. The historical occasion referred : piating by an atonement the transgressions 
 to by the title was probably during Absa- withwhich we are charged, and which are de- 
 lora's rebellion (cf. 2 Sam, 15. 23, 28; 10. 2.). noted \>y—lmqamcs—ov lit. Words of iniqui' 
 David expresses an earnest desire for God's , ties. 4. dweil in thy courts; . . . [and] Eatisfied 
 favour, and a confident exijectation of realis- ! with the goodness . . . temule — denote com- 
 ins it in his deliverance, and the ruin of his \ munion with God (Ps. 15. i; 23. 6 ; cf. Ps. 5. 7.). 
 enemies. Tliis is a blessing for all God's people, as de- 
 
 1. eirly . . . seek thee— earnestly (Isa. 26. 9.). ! noted by the change of number. 5. terrible 
 The figurative terms -dry and thirsty— ^i^. ! things— i.e., by the manifestation of justice 
 iccary, denoting moral destitution, suited, and wrath to enemies, accompanying that of 
 his outward circumstances, soul — and — 1 mercy to his people (Ps. 63. 9-11; 64.7-9.). the 
 Sssh— the whole man iPs. 16. 9, 10.). 2. The | confidence- object of it. of all . . . earth— the 
 special object of desire was God's perfections whole world— i.e., deservedly such, whether 
 as displayed in his v/orship Ps. 27.4.). 3. ; men think so or not. 6-13. God's*' great 
 Experiencing God's mercy, which exceeds all ; power and goodness are the grounds of this 
 the bles>^in^s of life, his lips will be opened ■ confidence. These are illustrated in His 
 for his praise Ps. 51. 16. . 4. Thus— H(., Truly. \ control of the mightiest agencies of nature 
 ^■/lU I bless— praise thee (Ps. 34. 1.). lilt up , and nations, affecting men with awe and 
 "'T hands— in worship cf. Ps. 28. 2.). in thy dread (Ps. 26. 7; 98. 1., &c.,), and in His fer- 
 na.r e— in praise of thy perfections. 5-8. Full tilising showers, causing the earth to produce 
 spiritual blessings satisfy his desires, and ' abundantly for man and beast, outgoings 
 acts of praise till his thoughts and time, ' of . . . rejoice— a?? people from east to west, 
 nigut— as well as day. Past favours assure , visitest— in mercy (cf. Ps. 8. 4.). river of God 
 him of future, and hence he presses earnestly ; —His exhaustless resources, thy paths — 
 near to God, whose power sustains him (Ps. i ways of providence (Ps. 25. 4, 10.). wilderness 
 17. 8; 60. 5.). 9, 10. those .... to destroy it— I— places, though not inhabited by men, fit 
 or lit. to, or, for ruin— i.e., such, us seek to I for pa.sture (Lev. 16. 21, 22; Job, 24. 6.). 
 injui-e me (are) for ruin— appointed to it (cf. i pastures— (in v. 12,], is lit, folds, or, enclosures 
 Ps. 35. 8.). sliall go . . . earth— into the ^rave, for flocks; and in v. 13, it may be lambs— the 
 or, to death; as their bodies are represented i same word used and so translated (Ps. 37. 20,): 
 as a portion for— foxes— K(., jackals. 11. the ! so that " the flocks are clothed with lambs,'' 
 king— i.e., David himself, and a!l who rever- ! a figure for abundant increase, would be the 
 ence God, "shall share a glorious part," while ! form of expression 
 
 treacherous foes shall be for ever silenced 
 
 (Ps. 62. 4.). 
 
 PSALM LXIV. 
 
 Ver. 1-10. A prayer for deliverance from 
 cunning and malicious enemies, with a con- 
 fident view of their overthrow, which will 
 honour God and give joy to the righteous. 
 
 1. preserve . . . fear— as well as the danger pro- 
 ducing it. 2. insurrection— ii(., uirroar, noisy 
 
 PSALM LXYI. 
 
 Ver. 1-20. The writer invites all men to 
 unite in praise, cites some striking occasions 
 for it, promises special acts of thanksgiving, 
 and celebrates God's great mercy. 
 
 1. Make . . . noise— or. Shout. 2. his name- 
 as Ps. 29. 2. make his praise glorious— Ki., 
 viake or place honour. His praise, or, as to 
 His praise — i.e., let His praise be such as will 
 
 assaults, as well as their secret counsel. s. i glorify Him, or, be honourable to Him. 3,4. 
 3, 4. similar figures for slander (Ps. 57. 4; 59. i A specimen of the praise. How terrible— (cf, 
 7.) bend— Kf., iread, or, prepared. The allu-1 Ps. 65. 8.). submit— (cf.Mfflrfif.), show a forced 
 sion is to the mode of bending a bnw by , subjection (Ps. 18. 44,), produced by terror, 
 treading on it; here, and Ps. 68. 7, transferred 5,6. The terrible works illustrated in Israel's 
 to arrows, the perfect— one innocent of the : history (Ex. 14. 21.). By this example let 
 diarges made (Ps. 18. 23.). and fear not— Ps. ! rebels be admonished. 7. behold the nations 
 55. I'J, , not regarding God. 5. A sentiment ' —watch their conduct. 8,9. Here is, perhaps, 
 here more fully presented, by depicting their i cited a case of recent deliverance, holdeth 
 deliberate mahce. 6. This is farther evinced ] ... in hie—lit, putteth our soul m life— i.e., 
 by their diligent efforts and deeply laid! out of danger (Ps. 30. 3; 49. 15.). to be moved— 
 schemes. 7. The contrast is heightened by I (cf. Ps. 10. 6; 66. 22.). 10-12. Out of severe 
 
InfMite goodmss of God. 
 
 PSALMS LXVI-LXVITT. A prayer for God's kingdom. 
 
 and causest to approach unto thee, tlmt he 
 Diay dwell in thy courts: we shall be satis- 
 lied with the goodness of thy house, even 
 of thy holy temple. I 
 
 5 By tenible things in righteousness wilt ■ 
 thou answer us, O God of our salvation;! 
 who art the confidence of all the ends of i 
 the earth, and of them that are afar off 
 upon the sea: 
 
 (j NVhich liy his strength setteth fast the 
 mountains; being girded with power: 
 
 7 W hich * stilleth the noise of the seas, the 
 noise of their waves, and the tumult of the 
 peoide. 
 
 a l hey also that dwell in the uttermost 
 parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest 
 the outgoings of the morning and evening 
 3 lo rejoice. 
 
 9 Thou ^^sitest the earth, and * waterest 
 it: thou gi'eatly enrichcst it with the river 
 of God, icidcU is full of water: thou pri- 
 parest them corn, when thou hast so pro- 
 vided for it. 
 
 10 Tliou waterest the ridges thereof abun- 
 dantly ; 5 thou settlest the fmrows thereof; 
 6 thou makest it soft with showers; thou 
 blessest the springing thereof: 
 
 11 Thou crownest 7 the year with thy good- 
 ness* and thy /paths di'op fatness. 
 
 12 They drop upon the pastm-es of the 
 wilderness ; and tlie little hills 8 rejoice on 
 every side. 
 
 13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; 
 the valleys also are covered over with corn; 
 they shout for joy. they also sing. 
 
 rSALM LXVI. 
 
 1 Davi9texhort$ to praise God, 5 to observe his 
 
 oreat works, 8 to bUsi him for hia gracious 
 
 benefits. 
 
 To the chief Musician, A Song or Psalm. 
 
 XfAlvE a joyful noise unto God, i all ye 
 
 •"■*- lands; 
 
 2 Sing forth the honour of his name ; make 
 his praiae glorious. 
 
 3 Sav unto God, How terrible art thou in 
 thy works! " through the gi catness of thy 
 power shall thine enemies 2 submit them- 
 selves unto thee. 
 
 4 All * the earth shall worship thee, and 
 shall sing unto thee; they shall smg to thy 
 name. Selah. 
 
 6 Come " and see the works of God: he is 
 terrible in his doing toward the children of 
 men. 
 
 6 He <» turned the sea into dry land: 
 they * went through the flood on foot: 
 there did we rejoice in him. 
 
 7 He ruleth by his power for ever; /his 
 eyes behold the nations: let not the re- 
 bellious exalt themselves. Selah. 
 
 8 bless our God, ye people, and make 
 the voice of his praise to be Iieard: 
 
 9 NVhich 3 holcleth our soul in life, and 
 Butlcreth not om- feet to be moved. 
 
 10 For thou, God, hast proved us: » thou 
 bast tried us, as silver is tried. 
 
 11 Thou broughtest us into the net; thou 
 laidst atiliction upon our loins. 
 
 12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our 
 beads: we went tluough fire and through 
 water; but thou broughtest us out into a 
 • wealthy pioce. 
 
 13 I wUf go into thy house with burnt 
 ofleriugs; '' I will pay thee my vows, 
 
 14 ^Tiich my lips have 6 uttered, and 
 my mouth hath spoken, when I was in 
 trouble. 
 
 16 I Hill offer unto thee burnt sacriJices of 
 HA) 
 
 i Job 27. 9. 
 Pro. 15. 29. 
 Pro. 28. 9. 
 Is. 1. 15. 
 JohDS. 81. 
 Jam. 4. 3. 
 
 PSAL5I e:. 
 
 a Nu. 6. 25. 
 
 Tit. 2. 11. 
 d P». «i. 4. 
 « Pi. 96. 10. 
 
 Ps. 98. 9. 
 2 lead, 
 f Lot. 26. 4. 
 
 P.. 85. 12. 
 
 £:ek. 'ii. 
 
 27. 
 9 Pi. 22. 27. 
 
 PSALM 68. 
 
 1 from hii 
 face. 
 
 2 rejoice 
 with gUd- 
 
 3 Or, 
 
 through 
 thede- 
 ■erti; in 
 JABii 
 hii Dame. 
 Ex. 6. 3. 
 o 1 Sa. 2. 6. 
 
 4 in a bouse. 
 6 Judg. 4. 14. 
 
 Hab. 3. 13. 
 
 5 slial^o out. 
 
 6 eonfirm it. 
 e Dou. •.1i. 5. 
 
 r*. 71. 19. 
 
 6 fallings, with the incense of rams: I will 
 offer bullocks with goats, teelah. 
 10 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, 
 and I will declare what he hath done for 
 my soul. 
 
 17 1 cried unto him with my mouth, and 
 he was extolled with my tongue. 
 
 18 If « I regard iniquity in my heart, the 
 Lord v,il] not hear me: 
 
 V.I JJutxeniy Gud hatli heard we; he hath 
 attended to the voice of my prayer. 
 20 Jblessed be God, which hath not turned 
 away my prayer, nor his mercy from me. 
 
 rSALM LXVIL 
 
 1 A prayer for tke eiUargeiuent of Ood's kingdom, 
 
 Z to the joy of the people, Qandto tUe increase of 
 
 Ovd's bUssiiigs. 
 
 To tiie chief Musician on Neginoch, A Psalm 
 
 (»• Song. 
 CI OD be merciful unto us, and bless us; 
 ^^ and °- cause his face to shine i upon 
 us. Seliih. 
 
 2 Tliat i thy way inay be known upon 
 earth, " thy saving health among all na- 
 tions. 
 
 3 Let <* the people praise thee, God; let 
 all the people praise thee. 
 
 4 let the nations be glad, and sing for 
 joy: for * thou shalt judge the people rii;h. 
 teously, and 2 govern the nations upon 
 earth. S»lah. 
 
 5 Let the people praise thee, God; let 
 all the people praise tUee. 
 
 6 Then / shall the earth yield her in- 
 crease ; and God, even our own God, shall 
 bless us. 
 
 7 God shall bless us; and "all the ends of 
 the earth shall fear him. 
 
 PSALM LXVIIL 
 
 1 A prayer at the removing of the arh. 4 An eg- 
 
 hwtation topi-aise God for his mercies, 7 and 
 
 for his care of the church. 
 
 To the cliief Musician, A Psalm or Song of 
 
 Uavid. 
 T ET God arise, let his enemies be scat- 
 -^ tered: let them also that hate him flee 
 1 before him. 
 
 2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them 
 away: as wax melteth before the fire, so 
 let the wicked perish at the presence of 
 God. 
 
 3 But let the righteous be glad: let thera 
 rejoice before God; yea, let tnem 2 exceed- 
 ingly rejoice. 
 
 4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his 
 name : extol him that ndeth 3 upon the 
 lieavens by his name J AH, and rejoice 
 before him. 
 
 5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge 
 of the widows, is God in his holy habita- 
 tion. 
 
 6 God " setteth the solitary ♦ in families: 
 he bringeth out those which are bound 
 \vith chains: but the rebellious dwell in a 
 dry land. 
 
 7 God, & when thou wentest forth be- 
 fore thy people, when thou didst march 
 through the wilderness ; Selah : 
 
 8 The earth shook, the heavens also 
 dropped at the presence of God: even 
 Sinai itself was moved at the presence 
 of God, the God of Israel. 
 
 9 Thou, O God, didst 5 send a plentifiU 
 rain, whereby thou didst ^ confii-m tliine 
 inheritance, when it was weary. 
 
 10 Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: 
 thou, * O God, hast prepared of thy goo<i« 
 ness for the poor. 
 
Prayer for GocTs Kingdom . PSA LMS LXVn. LXVin. God's Great Mercies^ 
 
 trials, God had brought them to safety (cf. and settlement of the Israelites, rebellions 
 Isa. 48. 10; iPet. 1. 7.). 3iSi.iciion— lit., pressure, dwell in a dry land— removed from all tho 
 or, as Ps. 55. 3, oppression, which, laid on comforts of home. 7, 8. Cf. Ex. 19. 16-18.). 
 </ie— loins— the seat of strength (Deut. 33. 11,), thou wentesj— in the pillar of fire, thou didst 
 enfeebles the frame, men to ride over our march— ii*., m </ii/ fread, thy majestic move- 
 heads— made us 10 pass— through fire, <fcc.— ment. even Sinai itsed— lit., that Sinai, a.s 
 figures describing prostration and critical Jud. 5. 5. 9, 10. a plentiful rain— a rain of 
 dangers (cf. Isa. 43. 2; Ez. 36. 12.). wealthy— gifts, as manna and quails. Thy congregation 
 lit., over.timcing, or, irrigated, and hence fer- —lit., troop, as 2 Sam. 23. 11, 13,— the military 
 tile. 13- 15. These full and varied offerings aspectof the people being prominent, accord- 
 constitute the payment of vows (Lev. 22. 18- ing to the figures of the context, therein— 
 23.). I will offer— ??■<., make to ascend- allud- i.e., in the land of promise, the pcor— thy 
 ing to the smoke of burnt-offering, which humble people, [v. 9. cf. Ps. 10. 17; 12. 5.). 
 explains the use of — incense — elsewhere 11. gave the word— i.e., of triumph, company— 
 always denoting the fumes of aromatics. or, choir of females, celebrating victoiy 
 16-20. "VViih these he unites his public (Ex. 15. 20.). 12. Kings of armies— i.e., with 
 thanks, inviting those who fear God (Ps. 60. their armies, she that . . . at home— mostly 
 4; 61. 6., his true worshippers.), to hear. He females so remained, and the ease of victoi-y 
 vindicates his sincerity, inasmuch as God appears in that such, Avithout danger, quietly 
 would not hear hypocrites, but had heard enjoyed the spoils. 13. Some translate this, 
 him. he was extolled with my tongue— iii.. "When ye shall lie between the borders, ye 
 exaltation (was) under my tongue, as a place shall," <tc., comparing the peaceful rest in 
 ofdeposit, whence it proceeded— i.e., honour- the borders or limits of the promised land 
 ing God was habitual. If I regard iniquity— to the proverbial beauty of a gentle dove. 
 lit., see iniquity with pleasure. 'Others understand by the word rendered 
 
 PSALM LXVU. ! "pots," the smoked sides of caves, in which 
 
 Ver. 1-7. A prayer that, by God's blessing the Israelites took refuge from enemies in 
 nn His people. His salvation and praise may the times of the judges: or, taking the whole 
 be extended over the earth . figuratively, the rows of stones on which 
 
 1. cause his face to shine— show us favour cooking vessels were hung; and thus that a 
 (Num. 6. 24, 25; Ps. 31. 16.). 2. thy waj^— of contrast is drawn between their former low 
 gracious dealing (Isa. 55. 8,), as explained and afflicted state and their succeeding pros- 
 by— saving health — or lit., salvation. 3-5. perity. In either case, a stale of quiet and 
 Thanks will be rendered for the blessings of peace is described by a beautiful figure. 
 His wise and holy government (cf. Isa. 2. 3, 4; 14. Their enemies dispersed, the contrast of 
 11. 4.). 6, 7. The blessings ot a fruitful har- their prosperity with their former distress 
 vest are mentioned as types of greater and is represented by that of the snow with the 
 spiritual blessings, under which all nations dark and sombre shades of Salmon. 15, 16. 
 shall fear and love God. 1 Mountains are otten symbols of nations (Ps. 
 
 PSALM LXVin. 1 46. 2; 65. 6.). That of Bashan, N.E. of Pales- 
 
 Ver. 1-35. Tliis is a Psalm-song (cf. Ps. 30. tine, denotes a heathen nation, which is de- 
 title,), perhaps suggested by David's victo- scribed as a hill of God, or a great hill. Such 
 ries, which secured his throne and gave are represented as envious of the hill (Zion) 
 rest to the nation. In general terms, the on which God resides; 17. and, to the as^er- 
 judgment of God on the wicked, and the tion of God's purpose to make it his dwelling, 
 equity and goodness of His government to is added evidence of His protecting care, 
 the pious, are celebrated. The sentiment is He is described as in the midst of His hea- 
 illuslrated by examples of God's dealings, venly armies— thousands of angels— lit., thou- 
 cited from the Jewish history, and related sands of repetitions, or, thousands of thou- 
 in highly poetical terms. Hence the writer sands— i.e., of chariots. The word— angels- 
 intimates an expectation of equal and even was perhaps introduced in otir version, from 
 greater triumphs, and summons all nations Deut. 33. 2, and Gal. 3. 19. They are, of 
 to unite in praises of the God of Israel. The course, implied as conductors of the chariots. 
 Psalm is evidently typical of the relation as . . . Sinai, in the holy place— i.e.. He has ap- 
 which God, in the person of His Son, sus- peared in Zion as once in Sinai. 18. From 
 tains to the Church (cf. v. 18.). the scene of conquest He ascends to His 
 
 1-3. Cf. Num. 10. 35; Ps. 1. 4; 22. 14., on throne, leading— captivity [or, many captives 
 the figures here used, before him— as in v. 2., (Jud. 5. 12,)] captive, received gifts for mtn— 
 from His presence, as dreaded; but in v. 3., accepting their homage, even when forced, 
 in His presence, as under His protection as that of rebels, that tl:e Lord God might 
 (Ps. 61. 7.). the righteous— all truly pious, dwell— or lit., to dwell, oh Lord God (cL v. 16,) 
 whether of Israel or not. 4. extol him . . . —i.e., to make this hill. His people or church, 
 heavens— Zii., "cast up for him who ridethin His dwelling. This Psalm typifies the con- 
 the deserts, or wilderness" (ct. v. 7,), alluding quests of the Church uuderher divine leader, 
 to the poetical representation of His leading Christ. He, indeed, "who was with the 
 His people in the wilderness as a conqueror, church in the wiklernesV (Acts, 7. 38.). is 
 before whom a way is to be prepared, or the Lord, described in this ideal ascension. 
 cast up cf. Isa. 40. 3; 62. 10.) . bv his name J AH Hence Paul (Eph. 4. 8' applies this language 
 —or, Jehovah, of which it is a contraction to describe His real ascension, when, having 
 (Ex 15. 3; Isa. 12. 2,), [Heb.]. name— or. per- conquered sin, death, and hell, the Lord of 
 fections (Ps. 9. 10; 20. 1,), which 5, 6., are glory triumphantly entered heaven, attended 
 illustrated by the protection to the helpless, by throngs of adoring angels, to sit on the 
 vindicat on of the innocent, and punishment throne and wield the sceptre of an eternal 
 of rebels, ascribed to Him. setteth the soli- dominion. The phrase — rece.ved gilts lor 
 tary in xamilies— Kf.. sdtkth the lonely (as [or lit., among] men— \s by Paul 'gave gifts 
 wanderers at /iome. Though a general truth, to men." Both describe the acts ot a con- 
 there is perhaps allusion to the wandering queror, who receives and distributes spoils. 
 400 "(i 
 
Godl^s care of fTie church. 
 
 TSALM LXIX. 
 
 A prayer in distress. 
 
 11 The Lord gave the ivord; <rreat was 
 the " comiiariy of those that published it. 
 
 12 Kiiiffs of armies 8 did flee apjice; and 
 she that tanied at home divided the spoil. 
 
 13 Thoiu-h <i ye have lien among the pots, 
 yet ' shall ye be as the wings of a do\e 
 covered with silver, and her feathers with 
 yellow gold. 
 
 _ 14 When the Almighty scattered kings 9 in 
 it, it wai white as snow in Salmon. 
 
 15 T!ie hill of God is as the hill of Bashan; 
 an^hii^h hill, as the hill of Bashan. 
 
 10 Why leap ye, ye high hills? this is the 
 hill which God desiretn to dwell in; yea, 
 the Lord will dwell in it for ever. 
 
 17 The /chariots of God are twenty thou- 
 sand, 10 even thousands of angels: the 
 Lord is among them, aa in Sinai, in the 
 holy vlcKe. 
 
 18 Thou ^ hi^st ascended on high, " thou 
 hasfc led captivity captive: » thou hast 
 received gifts n lor men; yea, for i the 
 rebellious also, *that the Loed God might 
 dwell among them. 
 
 19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth 
 ns ^vith benefits, even the God of our salva- 
 tion. Selah. 
 
 20 He that is our God is the God of sal- 
 vation ; and J unto GoD the Lord belong 
 the issues from death. 
 
 21 But God shall wound the head of his 
 enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an 
 one as goeth on still in "his trespasses. 
 
 22 The Lord said, I will bring again from 
 Bashan ; I will bring my peoptk again from 
 the depths of the sea: 
 
 23 That thy foot may be 12 dipped in the 
 blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of 
 thy dogs in the same. 
 
 24 They have seen thy goings, God; 
 even the goings of my God, my King, in 
 the sanctuary, 
 
 25 The singers went before, the players on 
 Instruments followed after; among them 
 were the damsels playing with timbrels. 
 
 26 Bless ye God in the congregations, even 
 the Lord, is from the fountain of Israel. 
 
 27 There is little Benjamtn with their 
 ruler, the princes of Jndah i* and their 
 council, the princes of Zebulun, atwL the 
 princes of NaphtalL 
 
 28 Thy God hath commanded thy strength : 
 strengthen, God, that which thou hast 
 wrought for us. 
 
 29 Because of thy temple at Jerusalem 
 shall "* kings bring presents unto thee. 
 
 30 Rebuke 16 the company of spearmen, 
 the multitude of the bulls, with the calves 
 of the people, till everyone submit himself 
 with pieces of silver: 16 scatter thou the 
 people that delight in war. 
 
 31 i'rinces " shall come oi:t of Egj^pt; 
 Ethiopia " shall soon stretch out her hands 
 unto God. 
 
 32 Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the 
 earth; sing praises imto the Lord; 
 Se,lah: 
 
 33 To him that rideth upon the heavens of 
 heavens, which tvere of old: lo, he doth 
 17 send out his voice, ajid that a mighty 
 voice. 
 
 M Ascribe ye strength unto God: his ex- 
 cellency is over Israel, and his strength is 
 in the w clouds. 
 
 35 O God, thov. art terrible out of thy 
 holy places: the God of Israel w he ^ that 
 eiveth strength and power unto his people. 
 Blessed be God. 
 
 101 
 
 PSAL5I 68. 
 
 T army. 
 
 d Pa. SI. 5. 
 e Ps. li>6.37. 
 
 9 Or, for her, 
 she wa3. 
 
 / Deu. o3. 2. 
 2 Ki. 6. 17. 
 Don. 7. 10. 
 Heb. 12. 22. 
 
 10 Or, even 
 
 £ph. i. 8. 
 ft JuJg. 5. 
 
 k P». 78. eo. 
 ( Deu. 32 39. 
 2 Cor. 1.10. 
 
 Est 
 
 .18. 
 
 12 Or, red. 
 
 13 Or, ye 
 that are 
 of the 
 fountain. 
 Deu. 33. 
 23. 
 
 14 Or. with 
 
 company. 
 m Is. 00. IQ. 
 16 Or, the 
 
 the reeds, 
 Jer.6L32. 
 
 16 Or, he 
 «cattor- 
 eth. 
 
 n Is. 19. 19. 
 
 oZeph. 3.10. 
 
 Acts 8. 27. 
 
 17 give. 
 
 18 Or, 
 heavens. 
 
 PZech.10.12. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 6 Is. 53. 3. 
 
 John 1. 11. 
 
 John 7. 6. 
 John 2. 17. 
 d Rom. 15. 3. 
 Jer. 2-i. 9. 
 / Job ;iO. 9. 
 4 drinkers of 
 
 drink. 
 9 >a. 65. 6. 
 
 2 Cor. 6. 2. 
 6 make haste 
 
 to hear mo. 
 ft Ps. 22. 6. 
 
 Heb. 12. 2. 
 
 6 to lament 
 with me. 
 
 i Mat. 27.34, 
 
 48. 
 
 Mark 15.23. 
 ;• John 12.39. 
 
 2 Cor. 3.14. 
 
 7 their 
 palace. 
 
 8 let there 
 rot be a 
 dweller. 
 
 k U. 63. «. 
 
 PSALM LXIX, 
 
 1 David complains of his affiiction; 13 prayi for 
 deliverance I 3>i praises Chd with thanksgiving. 
 To the chief Mu.sician upon Shoshannim, A 
 
 Psalm of David. 
 QAVE me, O God; for the waters are 
 ^ come in unto mij soul. 
 
 2 I sink in i deep mire, where there is no 
 standing; I am come into 2 deep waters, 
 where the floods overflow me. 
 
 3 I am weary of my crying; my throat is 
 dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my 
 God. 
 
 4 They that " hate me without a cause are 
 more th.in the hairs of mine head: they 
 that would destroy me, being mine ene- 
 mies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored 
 that which I took not away. 
 
 5 O God, thou knowest my foolishness; 
 aud-my 3 sins are not hid from thee. 
 
 6 Let not them that wait on thee, Lord 
 Gk)D of hosts, be ashamed for my sake ; let 
 not those that seek thee be confounded for 
 my sake, O God of Israel. 
 
 7 Because for thy sake I have borne re« 
 proach ; shame hatn covered my face. 
 
 8 I <> am become a stranger unto my 
 brethren, and an alien unto my mother^ 
 children. 
 
 9 For * the zeal of thine house hath eaten 
 me up ; <* and the reproaches of them that 
 reproached thee are fallen upon me. 
 
 10 When I wept, aiid chastened my soul 
 with fasting, that was to my reproach. 
 
 11 I made sackcloth also my garment ; 
 and * I became a proverb to them. 
 
 12 They that sit m the gate speak against 
 me ; and / 1 ivas the song of the - drunkards. 
 
 lo But as for me, ray prayer is unto thee, 
 Lord, " in an acceptable time: God, in 
 the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the 
 truth of thy salvation. 
 
 14 Deliver me out of the mire, and let 
 me not sink : let me be delivered from 
 them that hate me, and out of the deep 
 waters. 
 
 15 Let not the watei-flood ovei-flow me, 
 neither let the deep swallow me up, and 
 let not the pit shut lier mouth upon me. 
 
 16 Hear me, Lord; for thy loviug-kind- 
 ness is good: tummitorae according to the 
 multitude of thy tender mercies. 
 
 17 And hide not thy face from thy sen'ant; 
 for I am in trouble: 6 hear me speedily. 
 
 18 Draw nigh unto my soul, atid redeem 
 it: deliver me, because of mine enemies. 
 
 19 Thou hast known '> my reproach, and 
 my shame, and my dishonour: mine adver- 
 saries are all before thee. 
 
 20 Reproach hath broken my heart, and I 
 am full of heaviness: and I looked /or soHia 
 6 to take pit/y, but there ivas none; and for 
 comforters, but I found none. 
 
 21 They gave me also gall for my meat; 
 and < m my thirst they gave me vinegar to 
 drink. 
 
 22 Let their table become a snare before 
 them: and that which shouM have been for 
 their welfare, let it become a trap. 
 
 23 Let 3 then- eyes be darkened, that they 
 see not; and make their loins continually 
 to shake. 
 
 24 Bout out thine indignation upon them, 
 and let thy \vrathful anger take hold of 
 them. 
 
 25 Let f their habitation be desolate; and 
 8 let none dwell in their tents. 
 
 26 For they persecute * him whom then 
 
 2 C* 
 
PSALM LXIX. 
 
 Prayer in BisWess. 
 
 God's Care of the Chiirch. 
 The Psalmist uses " receiviriff ?i^ evincing phetical of Christ and the gospel times. 
 
 AI- 
 
 Vhe sr.ccess, Tanl " gave" as the act, of the though the character, in which the Psalmist 
 conqi;eror, who, having subdued his enemies, appears to some in v. 5, is tliat of a sinner- 
 proceeds to reward his friends. Tlie siiecial yet liis condition as a swi^erer innocent of 
 application of the passage by Paul was in alleged crimes sustains tlie typical character 
 proof of Christ's exaltation. What the O T. of the composition, and it may be tlierefore 
 represents of His descendmg and ascending regarded throughout, as the 2zd, as lypically 
 corresponds with His history. He who de- \ expressive of the leelings of our Saviour iu 
 sceiided is the same who has ascended. As ' the flesh. 
 
 then, ascension was an elemeait of Hisj 1,2. iCf. Ps. 40. 2.). come in unto my soul- 
 triumph, so is it now; and He, who, in His lit., come even to iny soul, endanger my life 
 humiliation, must be recognised as our i by drowning (Jon. 2. 5.). 3. iCf. Ps. li. 6.). 
 vicarious sacrifice and the High Priest of iniue eyes frfii— in watching (Ps. 119.82.). 4. 
 our profession, must also be adored as i hate me, &c.— (of. John, 15. 26.). On the num- 
 Head of His Church and author of all lier ber and power of his enemies cf. Ps. 40, 12. 
 spiritual benefits. 19-21. God daily and fully ] then I restored ... away — i.e., he suflered 
 upplies us. The issues or escapes from wrongfully under the imputation of robljery. 
 
 This may be regarded as an appeal, vindi- 
 
 . jath are under His control, who is the 
 God that saves us, and destroys His and our 
 enemies, wound the iiead— or, violently de- 
 stroy (Num. 24. 8; Ps. 110. 0.1. g( eth on still in 
 .. . trespasses— perseveringly impenitent. 22. 
 Former examples of God's deliverance are 
 generalised : as He has done so He will do. 
 from Bashan— the farthest region; and— depths 
 
 eating his innocence, as if he had s;iiii, "If 
 sintul, thou knowest," &c. Ihough Dacida 
 condition as a svffirer may typi/y Christ's, 
 without requiring that a parallel be found 
 in character. 6. for my sake— tit., in me, in 
 my coniusion and shame. 7-12. This plea 
 contemplates his relation to God, as a suf- 
 
 of the sea— the severest afflictions. Out ofjferer in his cause. Reproach, domestic 
 
 all, God will bring them. The figures of 
 23 denote the completeness of the conquest, 
 not implying any savage cruelty (cf. 2 Kl. 9. 
 36; Isa. 63. 1-6; Jer. 15. 3.). 24 27. The tri- 
 umphal procession, after the deliverance, is 
 deuicted. They have seen — impersonally, 
 '■There have been seen." the goings of my 
 God— as leading the procession, the ark, the 
 symbol of His presence, being in front. The 
 various bands of music (v. 25) follow, and 
 all who are— from [or lit, of] tlie fountain 
 of Israel— i.e., lineal descendants of Jacob, 
 are invited to unite in the doxology. Then by 
 one 1 f the nearest tribes, one of the most 
 eminent, and two of the most remote, are 
 represented the whole nation of Israel, pass- 
 ing forward (Num. 7.). 28, 29. Thanks 
 for the past, and confident prayer for the 
 future, victories of Zion are mingled in a 
 song of praise, thy temple at [or lit., over] 
 Jerusalem— His palace or residence (Ps. 5. 7,', 
 symbolised His protecting presence among 
 Hisjieople, and hence is the object of homage 
 on the part of others. 30. The strongest 
 nations are represented by the strongest 
 beasts (cf. Marg.]. 31. Princes — or lit.. 
 Fat ones, the most eminent from the most 
 wealthy, and the most distant nation, repre- 
 sent the universal subjection, stretch out 
 [or, make to run] her hands— denoting haste. 
 32-36. To Him who is presented as riding in 
 triumph through His ancient heavens and 
 proclaiming His presence— to Him who, in 
 nature, and still more in the wonders of 
 His spiritual government, out of His holy 
 place (Ps. 43. 3,), is terrible, who rules His 
 Church, and, by His Church, rules the world 
 in righteousness— let all nations and king- 
 doms give honour and power and do mi n i on 
 evermore! 
 
 PSALM LXIX. 
 Ver. 1-36. Upon Shoshannim—{cf. Ps. 45. 
 title.). Mingling the language of prayer and 
 complaint, the sufferer, whose condition is 
 here set forth, pleads for God's help as one 
 suffering in His cause, implores the divine 
 retribu.tion on his malicious enemies, and, 
 viewing his deliverance as sure, promises 
 praise by himself, and others, to whom God 
 will extend like blessings. This Psalm is 
 referred to seven times in the N. T. as pro- 
 401 
 
 estrani:ement (Mark. 3. 21; John, 7. 6,;, ex- 
 liaustion in God's service (John, 2. 17,), re- 
 vilings and taimts of base men were the suf- 
 ferings, wept, (and chastened) my soul— ^i^., 
 wept au-ay my soid, a strongly figurative 
 description of deep grief, sit in ti e gate — 
 public place (Pro. 31. 31.). 13-15. With in- 
 creasing reliance on God, he prays for help, 
 describing his distress in the figures of v. 1, 2. 
 16-18. These earnest terms are often used, 
 and the address to God, as indilierent or 
 averse, is found in Ps. 3. 7; 22. 24; 27. 9, &c. 
 19, 20. Calling God to witness his distress, 
 he presents its aggravation produced by the 
 want of sympathising friends iCf. Isa. 63. 6; 
 Mark, 14. 50.). 21. Instead of such, his ene- 
 mies increase his pain by giving him most 
 distastelul food and drink. The Psalu.ist 
 may have thus described by figure what 
 Christ foimd in reality cf. John, 19. 29, 30.). 
 22, 23. With unimportant verbal changes, 
 this language is used by Paul to describe the 
 rejection of the Jews who refused to receive 
 the Saviour (Kom. 11. 9, 10.). The purport 
 of the figures used is, that blessings shall 
 become curses, the table of joy (as one of 
 food) a snare, their welfare, lik, peaceful 
 condition, or security, a trap. Darkened 
 eyes and failing strength complete the pic- 
 ture of the ruin falling on them under the 
 invoked retribution, continually to shake— 
 lit., to stverve, or, bend, in weakness. 24, 25. 
 An utter desolation awaits them. They will 
 not only be driven from their homes, but 
 their homes— or lit., palaces, indicative of 
 wealth— shall be desolate (cf. Mat. 23. 38.). 26. 
 Though -smitten of God (Isa. 53. 4,!, men were 
 liOt less guilty in persecuting the sufferer 
 (Acts. 2. 23.). talk to the grief— in respect 
 to, about it, implying derision and taunts, 
 wounded— or lit., mortally icounded. 27, 28. 
 iniquity— or, punishment (Ps. 40. 12.). come 
 ... ligliteousness — partake of its benefits, 
 book of the living— or, life, with the next 
 clause, a figurative mode of representing 
 those saved, as having their names in a 
 register (cf. Ex. 32. 32; Isa. 4. 3.;, 29. poor 
 and sorrowful— the afflicted pious, often de- 
 noted by such terms (ct. Ps. 10. 17; lii. 5.). 
 set me . . . high — out of danger. SO, 31. 
 Spiritual are better than mere material 
 
A prayer for ddiveranee 
 
 PSALMS LXX-LXXn. 
 
 and support in old agt. 
 
 hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of 
 e those whom thou hast wounded. 
 
 27 Add 10 iniquity unto their iniquity ; ' and 
 let them not come into thy righteousness. 
 
 28 Let them "» be blotted out of the book 
 of the living, " and not be written with the 
 righteous. 
 
 29 But I am poor and sorrowful: let thy 
 salvation. O God, set me up on liigh. 
 
 30 I will praise the name of God with a 
 aoDg, and will magnify him with thanks- 
 giving. 
 
 31 This also shall please the Lokd better 
 than an ox or bullock that hath horns and 
 hoofs. 
 
 32 The 11 humble shall see this, and be 
 glad: and your heart shall live that seek 
 God. 
 
 33 For the Lobd heareth the poor, and 
 despiseth not his prisoners. 
 
 34 Let the heaven and earth praise him, 
 the seas, and every thing that w moveth 
 therein. 
 
 35 For " God will save Zion, and will build 
 the cities of Judah; that they may dwell 
 there, and have it in possession. 
 
 36 The seed also of his servants shall in- 
 herit it; and they that love his name shall 
 dwell therein. 
 
 PSALM LXX. 
 David iolieits Ood to the tptedy dtstruetion of 
 
 the wicked, and preservation of the godly. 
 To the chief Musician, A F»alm of David, to 
 
 bring to remembrance. 
 JifAKE haste, God, to deliver me; 
 *^ make haste i to help me, Lord. 
 
 2 Let them be ashamed and confounded 
 that seek alter my soul: let them be turned 
 backward, and put to confusion, that desire 
 my hurt. 
 
 3 Let them be turned back fbr a reward 
 of their shame that say, Aha, aha! 
 
 4 Let " aU those that seek thee rejoice and 
 be glad in thee: and let such as love thy 
 salvation say continually. Let God be mag- 
 nified. 
 
 5 But I am poor and needy; make haste 
 mito me, God: thou art my help and my 
 deliverer; Lord, make no tarrymg. 
 
 PSALM LXXL 
 
 1 David, in eonfidenct of Ood'$ favour, prays 
 
 both for himself arui against the enemies of his 
 
 scul s 14 tie promises constancy; 17 prays for 
 
 support in old aye. 
 
 TN thee, Lobd, do I put my trust; let 
 •*- me never be put to confusion. 
 
 2 Deliver me in thy righteousness, and 
 cause me to escape: incline thine ear onto 
 me, and save me. 
 
 3 1 Be thou my strong habitation, where- 
 nnto I may continually resort: thou hast 
 given " commandment to save me ; for thou 
 art my rock and my fortress. 
 
 4 Deliver me, my God, out of the hand 
 of the wicked: out of the hand of the un- 
 righteous and cruel man. 
 
 5 For thou art * my hope, O Lord GrOD: 
 thoxi. art my trust from my youth. 
 
 6 By * thee have 1 been nolden up from 
 the womb: thou art he that took me out 
 of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be 
 continually of thee. 
 
 7 1 <* am as a wonder onto many: bat thou 
 art my strong refuge. 
 
 8 Let my mouth be filled with thy praise 
 and with thy honour all the day. 
 
 9 Cast me notort'in the time of old asre; 
 forsake me not when my strength iailetb. 
 
 4(ti 
 
 PSALM 69. 
 9 thy 
 
 10 Or, pun- 
 iabmoot 
 of ini- 
 quity. 
 
 I Rom. 9. 31. 
 
 m Ex. 32.32. 
 PhU. 4. 3. 
 Key. 3. 5. 
 ReT. 13.8. 
 
 n Em. 1.39. 
 Lu. lU. SO. 
 Heb. 12. 
 23. 
 
 U Or, maek, 
 or, afflic- 
 ted. 
 
 12 creepeth. 
 
 o U. 44. 26. 
 
 PSALU 70. 
 1 to my 
 
 help. 
 
 a Is. 61. 10. 
 
 Hab. 3. 17. 
 Rom. 5.2. 
 PhU. 3. 1. 
 lPe.l.»-9. 
 
 rock of 
 habiUtion. 
 Pro. 18.10. 
 
 P». 41. 4. 
 6 Jer. 17. 7. 
 e P«. 22. 9. 
 
 Is. 46. 3. 
 d Is, 8. 18. 
 Zech. 3. 8. 
 1 Cor. 4.9. 
 
 2 iTKtch, or, 
 
 • 2 S». n'. 1. 
 
 M»t. 27. 1. 
 fPs. 22. 11. 
 
 Pj. 35. 22. 
 
 Ps. 38. 21. 
 g Ps. 70. 1. 
 h Pi. 85. 4. 
 
 P«. 40. 14. 
 
 P». 70. 2. 
 i Pa. 35. 28. 
 ;• Pi. 40. 6. 
 k Zech. 10. 
 
 12. 
 
 3 unto old 
 fcgeand 
 grey hairi. 
 
 4 thine arm. 
 
 1 P.. 67. 10. 
 m p,. 36. lO, 
 
 Ps. 86. 8. 
 Pb.89.6,8. 
 
 n Ps. 60. 3. 
 
 Hos. 6. 1. 
 
 6 with the 
 instrument 
 of pbaltery, 
 
 P Is. 6U. 9. 
 
 5 Ps. 103. 4. 
 
 PSALM 72. 
 1 Or, of. 
 a U. 11. 2. 
 Is. 32. 1. 
 b 2 Sa. 23. 4. 
 
 Bos. 6. a 
 
 e Is. 2. 4. 
 Dan. 2. 44 
 
 (i£s. 23.31. 
 Ps. 2. 8. 
 Z«ch.8.10. 
 
 10 For mine enemies speak against me; 
 and they that 2 lay wait for my soul « take 
 counsel together, 
 
 11 Saying, God hath forsaken him: per- 
 secute and take him; for th^re is none to 
 deliver him. 
 
 12 O / God, be not far from me: my 
 God, I' make haste for my help. 
 
 13 Let '' them be confounded and con- 
 sumed that are adversaiies to my soul; let 
 them be covered ivith reproach and dis- 
 honour that seek my hurt. 
 
 14 But I will hope continually, and will 
 yet praise thee more and more. 
 
 15 My • mouth shall show forth thy righte- 
 ousness and thy salvation all the day; for 
 I J kncyy not the numbers thereof. 
 
 16 I will go in * the strength ot the Lord 
 God : I will make mention of thy righteous- 
 ness, e«en of thine only. 
 
 17 God, thou hast taught me from my 
 youth: and hitherto have I declared thy 
 wondi-ous works. 
 
 18 Now also 3 when 1 am old and grey- 
 headed, God, forsake me not, until I 
 have showed * thy strength unto this gen- 
 eration, and thy power to every one that is 
 to come. 
 
 19 Thy ' righteousness also, O God, i» 
 vei-y high, who hast done great things: " 
 God, who is like unto thee! 
 
 20 Thau, " which hast showed me great 
 and sore troubles, " shalt quicken me again, 
 and shalt bring me up again from the 
 depths of the earth. 
 
 21 'J'hou shalt mcrease my greatness, and 
 comfort me on every side. 
 
 22 I wUl also praise thee 6 with the psal- 
 tery, even thy truth, my God: unto thee 
 will I sing with the harp, thou P Holy 
 One of Israel. 
 
 23 My lips shall greatly rejoice when 1 
 sing imto thee ; and 9 my soul, which thou 
 hast redeemed. 
 
 24 My tongue also shall talk of thy righte- 
 ousness aU the day long: for they are con- 
 founded, for they are brought unto shame, 
 that seek my hurt. 
 
 PSALM LXXIL 
 1 David, praying for Solomon, shows the good' 
 ness and glory of his kingdom in type, and of 
 Christ's in truth: 18 he blesses Cfod. 
 A Psalm 1 for Solomon. 
 (?|.IVE the king thy judgments, God, 
 ^-" and thy righteousness unto the king's 
 son. 
 
 2 He shall " judge thy people with righte- 
 ousness, and thy poor with judgment. 
 
 3 The mountains shall bring peace to the 
 people, and the little hills.by righteousness. 
 
 4 lie shall judge the poor of the people, 
 he shall save the chijdren of the needy, and 
 shall break in pieces the oppressor. 
 
 5 They shall rear thee as long as the sun 
 and moon enduie, throughout all generar- 
 tions. 
 
 6 He ' bhall come down like rain upon the 
 mo^vn grass, as showers that water the 
 earth. 
 
 7 In his days shall the righteous flourish; 
 and ' abundance of peace ^ so long as the 
 moon endurcth. 
 
 8 He <* shall have dominion also from sea 
 to sea, and from the river unto the ends of 
 the eailh. 
 
 9 They that dwell in the wilderness shall 
 bow before him ; and his enemies shall lick 
 
 I the dust. 
 
Prayer in Old Age. 
 
 PSALMS LXX-LXXn. 
 
 Kingdom of the Messiah. 
 
 offerings (Ps. 40. 6; 50.8;; hence a promise cent, and perpetual." By the older Jewish, 
 
 of the former, and rather contemptuous and most modern Christian interpreters, it 
 
 terms are used of the latter. 32, 33. Others has been referred to Christ, whose reign, pre- 
 
 shall retoice. Humble and poor, as v. 29. sent and prospective, alone corresponds with 
 
 vourlieart,&c.— address to such (cf.Ps. 22.26.). its statements. As the imagery ol the 2d 
 
 prisoners— peculiarly liable to be despised. Psalm was drawn from the martial character 
 
 34.-06. The call on the universe for praise is of David's reign, that of this is hv.m the 
 
 well sustained by the prediction of the per- peaceful and prosperous state of Solomon's, 
 
 petual and extended blessings which shall 1. Give the king. <fec.— a prayer whit h is 
 
 c< me upon the co\ enant people of Cod. equivalent to a prediction, judgments— the 
 
 Though, as usual, the imagery is taken from ; act.s, and (figuratively) the principles, of a 
 
 terms used of Palestine, the whole tenor of 
 the context indicates that the spiritual pri- 
 vileges and blessings of the Church are 
 meant. 
 
 PSALM LXX. 
 Ver. 1:5. This corresponds with Ps. 40, 
 
 right governn.ent (John. 5. 22; 9. o9.!. right- 
 eousness—qualifications for conductii'g such 
 a government, king's son— same person as 
 king— a very proper title for Christ, as such 
 in btith natures. 2, &c. The effects of such 
 a government by one thus endowed are de- 
 
 13-17 with a very few variations, as "turn | tailed, tkv people . . . and thy poor— or, meek, 
 back" [V.3] for "desolate," and "make haste 1 the pious subjects of his government. 3. As 
 
 unto me" (v. 5) for "thinketh upon me." It 
 forms a suitable appendix to the preceding, 
 and is called "a Psalm to bring to remem- 
 brance," as the 38th, 
 
 PSALM LXXI. 
 Ver. 1-24. The Psalmist, probably in old age, 
 appeals to Cod for help from his enemies-, 
 pleading his past favours, and stating his 
 present need, and, in confidence of a hearing, 
 promises his grateful thanks and praise, 
 1-3. ,Cf. Ps. 30. 1-3.). rock . . . fortress— (Ps 
 
 mountains and Idlls are not u.^ually pro- 
 ductive, they are here selected to show the 
 abundance of peace, being represented as — 
 bringing— or lit., heariug it as a iiroduce. by 
 righieousness— i.e.. by means of his eminently 
 just and good methods of ruling. 4. That 
 peace, including prosperity, as an eminent 
 characteristic of Christ's reign (Isa. 2. 4; 
 9. 6; 11. 9,), will be illustrated in the security 
 provided for the helpless and needy, and the 
 punishment inflicted on oppressors, whose 
 
 18. 2.). given commandment— Zi^., ordained, as power to injure or mar the peace of others 
 
 Ps. 44. 4; 68. 28. 4, 5. cruel man— corrupt and 
 ill-natured— Ki., sour, trust— place of trust. 
 6-9. His history from early infancy illustrated 
 God's care, and his wonderful deliverances 
 were at once occasions of praise and ground 
 of confidence for the future, my praise . . . 
 of X.\\tQ—lit., in, or, ly thee (Ps. 22. 25.). 10, 11. 
 The craft and malicious taunts of his ene- 
 mies now led him to call for aid (cf. on the 
 terms used, 2 :?am. 17. 12; Ps. 3. 2; 7. 2.). 12. 
 (Cf. Ps. 22. 19; 40.4.1. 13. (Ci. Ps. 35. 4; 40. 14.). 
 14-16. The ruin of his enemies, as illustrating 
 God's faithfulness, is his deliverance, and a 
 reason for future confidence, for I know . . . 
 thereoi— innumerable, as he had not time to 
 count them, in the strength, &c.— or, relying 
 on it.' tliy righteousness— or, faithful perform- 
 ance of promises to the pious (Ps, 7. 17; 31. 1.). 
 17-21. Past experience again encourages, 
 taught me, (fee. —by providential dealings. 
 is very high— distinguished (Ps. ae. 5; Isa. 60. 
 9.). depths of the eartii— debased, low condi- 
 tion, increase. &c.— i.e., the great things done 
 for me {v. 19,), (cf. Ps. 40. 5.). 22-24. lo the 
 occasions of praise, he now adds the promise 
 to render it. will . . . praise— Zii., will thank. 
 even thy truth— as to thy truth or faithful- 
 ness. 
 
 PSALM LXXn. 
 Ver. 1-19. For, or lit., of Solomon. The 
 closing verse rather relates to the 2d book of 
 Psalms, of which this is the last, and was 
 perhaps added by some collector, to intimate 
 that the collection, to which, as chief author, 
 David's name was appended, was closed. In 
 this view, there may consistently be the pro- 
 ductions of others included, as of Asaph, 
 Sons of Korah. and Solomon; and a few of 
 David's may be placed in the latter series. 
 The fact, that here the usual mode of denot- 
 ing authorship is used, is strongly conclusive 
 that Soloiiion was the author, especially as 
 no stronger objection appears than what has 
 been now set aside. The Psalm, in highly 
 wrouglit figurative style, describes the reign 
 01 a king, as ''righteous, universal, benefi.- 
 402 
 
 will be destroyed icf. Isa. 65. 25; Zech. 9. 10.). 
 children 01 the needy— for the needy (cf. sons 
 of strangers, Ps. 18. 45.). 5. as long as . . . 
 eadure—lit, with the sun, coeval with its ex- 
 istence, and before, or, in presence of the 
 moon, while it lasts (cf. Gen. 11. 28, before 
 Terah, lit , in presence of, whUe he lived.). 
 6. A beautiful figure expresses the grateful 
 nature of His influence; 7., and, carrying 
 out the figure, the re.sults are described in 
 an abundant production, the righteous— ^if., 
 rigliteousness. flourisli— iii., sprout, or, spring 
 forth. 8. The foreign nations mentioned {v. 
 9. 10) could not be included in the limits, 
 if designed to indicate the boundaries of 
 Solomon's kingdom. The terms, though de- 
 rived from those used lEx. 23. 31; Deut. 11. 
 24) to denote the possessions of Israel, must 
 have a wider sense. Thus, "ends of the 
 earth" is never used of Palestine, but always 
 of the world (cf. Marg.). 9-11. The extent 
 of the conquests. Ti.ey that dwell in the 
 wilderness — the wild untutored tribes of 
 deserts, bow . . . dust— in profound submis- 
 sion. The remotest and wealtluest nations 
 shall acknowledge him (cf. Ps. 45. 12.\ 12-14. 
 These are not the conquests of arms, but the 
 influences of humane and peaceful principles 
 (cf.Isa. 9. 7; 11. 1-9; Zech. 9. 9, 10.). 15. In his 
 prokmged life, he will continue to receive 
 the honourable gifts of the rich, and the 
 
 grayers of his people shall be made for 
 im, and their praises given to liini. 16. 
 The spiritual blessings, as often in Scrip- 
 ture, are set forth by material, the abun- 
 dance of which is described by a figure, in 
 which a handful (or lit., a piece, or small 
 portion) of corn in the most unpropitious 
 locality, shall produce a crop, waving in the 
 wind in its luxuriant growth, Uke the forests 
 of Lebanon, thev of the city . . . earth— This 
 clause denotes the rapid and abundant in- 
 crease of population— of [or,/roTOj the city- 
 Jerusalem, the centre and seat of the typical 
 kingdom, flourish— or, glitter as new grass 
 — i.e., bloom. This increase corresponds 
 
TJi6 h>.ngaom, of Messiah. PSALMS LXXIII, LXXIV. Tht desolatum of the smetiiary. 
 
 10 Tbp * kings of Tarshish and of the isles 
 Bhall bnue presents: the kings of Sheba and 
 Seba shall offer gifts 
 
 11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before 
 him- all nations shall serve him. 
 
 12 For he shall deliver the needy when he 
 crieth; the poor also, and him that hath 
 no helper. 
 
 13 He shall spare the poor and needy, and 
 shall save the souls of the needy. 
 
 14 He shaU redeem their soul from de- 
 ceit and violence: and precious shall their 
 blood be in his sight, 
 
 15 And he shall five, and to him 3 shall be 
 given of the gold of Sheba:/ prayer also 
 shall be made for him continually; and 
 daily shall he be praised. 
 
 16 There shall be an handful of com in 
 the earth upon the top of the mountains; 
 the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: 
 and ^ they of the city shall flourish like 
 grass of tiie earth. 
 
 17 His name * shall endure for ever: 6 his 
 name shall be continued as Ions; as the sun: 
 and '» men shall be blessed in him: ♦ all na- 
 tions shall call him blessed. 
 
 18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of 
 Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. 
 
 19 And blessed be his glorious name for 
 ever: and let the whole earth be filled witA 
 his glory. Amen, and Amen. 
 
 20 The prayers of David the son of Jesse 
 are ended. 
 
 PSALM LXXIIL 
 I The prophet, prevailing in a temptation, 2 shows 
 the occasion thereof: 15 the victory over it, know- 
 ledge of God's purpose. 
 
 A Psalm 1 of Asaph. 
 'TRULY 2 God is good to Israel, even to 
 ■*• such as are 3 of a clean heart. 
 
 2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone ; 
 my steps had well nigh slipped. 
 
 3 For I was en\ious at the foolish, when I 
 saw the prosperity of the wicked. 
 
 4 For there are no bands in their death; 
 but their strength is * firm. 
 
 6 They are not & in trouble as other men; 
 neither are they plagued 6 like otJier men. 
 
 6 Therefore" pride conipasseth them about 
 as a chain; violence covereth them as a 
 garment. 
 
 7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: T they 
 have more than heart could wish. 
 
 8 They are conupt, and speak wickedly 
 concerning oppression: they 6 speak loftily. 
 
 9 They set their mouth * against the 
 heavens : and their tongue walketh through 
 the earth. 
 
 10 Therefore his people return hither; and 
 waters of a full cup are wrung out to 
 them. 
 
 11 And they say, ^ How doth God know? 
 and is there knowledge in the Most High? 
 
 12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who 
 prosper in the world; they increase in 
 riches. 
 
 13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, 
 and * washed my hands in innocency. 
 
 14 For all the day long have I been 
 plagued, and 8 chastened every morning. 
 
 15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I 
 should oflfend against the generation of thy 
 children. 
 
 16 When / 1 thought to know this, 9 it was 
 too painful for me, 
 
 17 Until " I went into the sanctuary of 
 God^ then understood I their end. 
 
 18 burely thou didst set them in slippery 
 
 4j3 
 
 PSALM 72. 
 • Is. 49. 7. 
 8 oneihaU 
 
 giTO. 
 
 / Mat. 6. 10. 
 
 fflKi. 4.20. 
 
 4 shall be. 
 Ps. 89. 36. 
 
 6 ihaU be a> 
 s eon to 
 coBtiDue 
 his fa- 
 ther's 
 name for 
 ever. 
 
 h Gen. 12. 3. 
 Jer. 4. 2. 
 
 < Ln. 1. 4B. 
 
 PSALM 73. 
 
 1 Or, for. 
 
 2 Or, Tet. 
 S clean of 
 
 heart. 
 
 4 fet. 
 
 5 in the 
 trouble of 
 other men. 
 
 6 with. 
 
 o Ecol. 8.11. 
 
 7 they pass 
 
 6 2 Pet. 2.18. 
 
 Jtide 16. 
 e Kev. 13. 6. 
 d Job 22. 13. 
 
 Ps. 94. 7. 
 e Ps. 26. 6. 
 8 my chas- 
 
 was. 
 /Eccl.8. 17. 
 
 9 it was 
 labour in 
 mine eyes. 
 
 g Pa. 77. 13. 
 
 10 I knew 
 
 11 with thee. 
 h Is. 58. 8. 
 
 i John 14. 3. 
 
 2 Cor. 5. 1. 
 
 2 Tim. 4. 8. 
 j PhU. 3. 8. 
 k Ps. 84. a. 
 
 12 rock. 
 iHeb.10.22. 
 
 PSALM 74. 
 
 1 Or, A 
 Psalm for 
 Asaph to 
 give in- 
 struction. 
 
 O Ps. 95. 7. 
 Ps. 100. 3. 
 
 2 Or, tribe. 
 Deu. 32.9. 
 Jer. 10. 16. 
 
 6 Dan. 6. 27. 
 
 3 They have 
 sent thy 
 sanctuary 
 into the 
 fire. 
 
 e Ps. 83. 4. 
 
 4 break. 
 
 d 1 Ss. 3. 1. 
 » Ps. 44. 4. 
 6 break. 
 / 1.. 61. 9. 
 
 6 Or, whales. 
 g Nu. 14. 9. 
 h P«. 72. 9. 
 i Josh. 3. 13. 
 
 7 rivers of 
 ttrength. 
 
 places: thou castedst them down into de- 
 struction. 
 
 19 How are they brought into desolation, 
 as in a moment! they are utterly consumed 
 with terrors. 
 
 20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O 
 Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt de- 
 spise their image. 
 
 21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was 
 pricked in my reins. 
 
 22 So foolish was I, and i" ignorant: I 
 was as a beast n before thee. 
 
 23 Nevertheless I am continually mth 
 thee: thou hast holdeu me by my right 
 hand. 
 
 24 Thou ^ shalt guide me with thy coun- 
 sel, and » afterward receive me to glory. 
 
 25 Whom J have I in heaven but thee? and 
 there is none upon eai'th that 1 desire be- 
 sides thee. 
 
 26 My* flesh and my heart faileth: but 
 God is the 12 strength of my heart, and my 
 portion for ever. 
 
 27 For, lo, they that are far from thee 
 shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them 
 that go awhoring from thee. 
 
 28 But it is good for me to * draw near to 
 God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, 
 that I may declare all thv works. 
 
 PSALM LXXIV. 
 1 The prophet complains of the desolation of fA« 
 sanctuary : 10 he moves Ood to help, in con- 
 sideration of his power, and of his covenant. 
 1 Mascliil of Asaph. 
 GOD, why hast thou cast us off for 
 ^^ ever? why doth thine anger smoke 
 against " the sheep of thy pastui-e? 
 
 2 Remember thy congregation, which thou 
 hast pmchased of old ; the 2 rod of thine 
 inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; 
 this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt. 
 
 3 Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual de- 
 solations, even all that the enemy hath 
 done wickedly in the sanctuary. _ 
 
 4 Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy 
 congregations;* they set up their ensigns 
 for signs. 
 
 5 A ma7i was famous according as he had 
 lifted up axes upon the thick trees. 
 
 6 But now they break down the carved 
 work thereof at once with axes and ham- 
 mers. 
 
 7 3 They have cast fire into thy sanctuary; 
 they have defiled by casting down the 
 dwelling place of thy name to the ground. 
 
 8 They ' said in their hearts. Let us * de- 
 stroy them together: they have burnt up 
 all the synagogues of God in the land. 
 
 9 We see not oui- signs: <* there is no more 
 any prophet: neither is tliere among us any 
 that knoweth how long. 
 
 10 God, how long shall the adversary 
 reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy 
 name for ever? 
 
 11 Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even 
 thy right hand? pluck it out of thy bosom. 
 
 12 For * God is my King of old, working 
 salvation in the midst of the earth. 
 
 13 Thou didst 6 divide the sea by thy 
 strength: /thou brakest the heads of the 
 6 dragons in the waters. 
 
 14 Then brakest the heads of leviathan in 
 pieces, and gavest him "to be meat /i to the 
 people inhabiting the wilderness. 
 
 15 Ihou didst cleave the fountain and the 
 flood: » thou driedst up l mighty rivers. 
 
 16 Tlie day is thine, the night also is thine; 
 thou hast prepared the light and the sun. 
 
Ruin of the Ungodly. PSAMIS LXXin, LXXIV^ Desolation of the Sanctuary, 
 
 ■with the increased productiveness. So, as take for {me) (ilory (cf. Ps. 08. 18; Eph 4 8 1 
 tne gospel blessings are dift'used, there shall 25, 26. Ood is his only satisfying !,ood 
 arise increasing recipients of them, out of strength— Zi^., rock (Ps. 18. g.). pori.on— (i^s. 
 the Church in which Christ resides as head, 1 16. 5; Lam. 3. 24.). 27. 28. The lot of apos- 
 17. His name — or, glorious perfections, as tates described by a figure of frequent use 
 
 long as the sun — (ci. v. 5.J. " -■ - ■■ •- . . 
 
 blessed— (Gen. 12. 8; 18. 18.'. 
 words close the Psalm in tirms consistent 
 with the style of the context, vvlule 20. is 
 evidently, from its prosaic style, an adfUtiou 
 for the purpose above explained. enaeA—lit., 
 finislud, or completed: the word never de- 
 notes fulfilment, except in a very late usage, 
 as Ezra, 1. l; Dan. 12. 7. 
 
 PSALM LXXIII. 
 Ver. 1-28. Of Ami>h—{c{. Intr.}. God is 
 
 men shall be ! (Jer. 3. 1-3; Ez. 2S. 35.1, is con'rasied v. i th h 
 18, 19. These who finds happiness innearness mCod Jam. 
 4. 8,). and his delightful v.ork the declaration 
 of His praise. 
 
 PSALM LXXIV. 
 Ver. 1-23. If the historical allusions of v. 
 6-8, (&c. be referred, as is probable, to tlie 
 period of the captivity, the author was pro- 
 bably a de.«cendant and namesake of Asai.h, 
 David's c temporary and. sinter (cf 2 Chr. 
 
 . . ^. , ., - 35. 1;.; Ezra, 2. 41.). He complains of God's 
 
 good to His peoj)le. lor although the pros- 1 desertion of his church, and appeals for aid, 
 pericy of the wicked, and the afflictions of ; encouraging himself by recounlinit son e of 
 the righteous, tempted the isalmist to mis- 1 God's mighty deeds, and ur^^es his iirayer on 
 
 and fearful ruin of the xw 
 
 inc, yei 
 ;:;odly. 
 
 liuht of G(.d's revelation, re-assiiies his heart, 
 and, chiding himself for his folly, he is led 
 
 seen in the i people, and the wickedness of his and their 
 
 common enemy. 
 
 1. cast . 
 
 to confide renevvedly in God, and celebrates i 2; 44. 9.). 
 
 His goodness and love 
 
 I implied. 
 
 . oil— with abhorence cf. Ps. 43. 
 There is no disavowal of guilt 
 The figure of fire to denote God's 
 
 1. The abrupt announcement of the them* I anger is often used: and here, and Deut. 29. 
 indicates that it is the conclusion of a per- j 20, by the word "smoke," suggests its con- 
 plexing mental conflict, which is then de- tinuance. sheep . . . pasture— icf. Ps.80. l; 95. 
 tailed (cf. Jer. 12. 1-4.). Truly— or. Surely it I 7.). 2. The terms to denote God's relation to 
 is so. cleau heart— iPs. 18. 26 describes the j His people increase in force: "congregation" 
 true Israel. 2. The figures express his I —" purchased"— "xedeemed" — " 2;ion." His 
 wavering faith, by terms denoting tottering i dwelling. 3. Lift . . . feet— (Gen. 2y. l)— i.e. 
 and weakness (cf. Ps. 22. 5; 62. 3.). 3-9. The i Come (to behold the desolations iPs. 73. 19.). 
 prosperous wicked are insolently proud (cf. 1 4. roar— with bestial fury, congiegaaoris— K^., 
 Ps. 6. 5. . They die, as well as live, free from worshipidng assemblies, ensigus— Wi., signs, 
 perplexities: pride adorns them, and vie- substituted their idolatrous objects, or 
 lence is tlieir clothing; indeed they are in- tokens of authority, for those articles of the 
 fl9,ted with unexpected success. With all temple which denoted God's presence. 5, 6. 
 this — they are corrupt— or lit., they deride. Though some terms and clauses here are 
 they speak maliciously and arrogantly, and j very obscure, the general sense is, that the 
 invade even heaven v.ith blasphemy iliev. | spoilers destroyed the beauties of the temple 
 13. 6,), and cover earth with slanders (Job, 21. with the violence of woodmen, was fc.mous 
 
 -14.). 10-13. Hence God's people are con- 
 founded, turned hither (or back and thither. 
 
 moils 
 
 lit., was known, carved work— (l Ki. 6. 29.). 
 
 thereof— i.e., of the temple, in the writei-'s 
 
 perplexed v.ith doubts of God's knowledi;e mind, though not expressed till i;. 7, in which 
 and care, ami filled with sorrow, prosper in its utter destruction by fire is mentioned 
 the world— Zii., secure for ever. 13, 14. The I (2 Ki. 25. 9; Isa. 64. 11.), defiled— or, profaned. 
 Psalmist, partaking of these troubles, is j as Ps. s9. 39. 8. together— ai once, all alike, 
 especially disturbed in view of his own case, I synagogues — lit, assemblies, for places of 
 thatwithallhisdiligentefiortsfor a holy life, I assembly, whether such as schools of the 
 he is still sorely tried. 15. Freed from idio- 1 prophets (2 Ki. 4. 23,), or .synagogues in the 
 
 matic phrases this verse expresses a sup- 
 position, as, "Had I thus spoken, I should," 
 intimating that he had kept his troubles 
 
 usual sense, there is much doubt, y. signs 
 
 —of God's presence, as altar, ark, (fee. (cf. v. 
 
 4; 2 Chr. 36. 18, 19; Dan. 5. 2.). no more any 
 
 to himself, generation of thy children- thy [prophet- 'Isa. 3. 2; Jer. 40. 1; 43. 6.). how 
 
 people [1 John, 3. 1.). offend— /ii., deceive 
 mislead. 16, 17. Still he — thougiit — lit., 
 studiecl.or, pondered this riddle; but in vain: 
 it remained a toil [ci.Marg.]. till he— went 
 into the sanctuary- to inquire icf. Ex. 25. 22; 
 Ps. 5. 7; 27. 4.'. 18-20. Their end, or, future 
 (Ps. 37. 37, 38,), which is dismal and terribly 
 sudden (Pro. 1. 27; 29. l,j, aggravated and 
 hastened by terror. As one despises an 
 unsubstantial dream, so God, waking up to 
 judgment (Ps. 7. 6; 44. 23,), despises their 
 vain shadow of happiness (Ps. 39. 6; Isa. 29. 
 
 long — this is to last. Jeremiah's propliecy 
 (25. 11,1, if published, may not have been 
 generally known or understood. To the bulk 
 of the people, during the captivity, the occa- 
 sional and local proi^hetical services of Jere- 
 ndah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, would not make 
 an exception to the clause, " there is no more 
 aity yropliet." 10. (Cf. Ps. 31. 1. . how loiig . , . 
 reproach— us as deserted of God. blaspheme 
 thy name— or, perfections, as power, goodness, 
 &c. (Ps. 29. 'Z... 11. Why cease to help us J 
 (Cf. Is. .i. 7; 7. 6; 60, 5.). 12. For— lit, A ud, in 
 
 They are thrown into ruins as a building j an adversative sense. ,,13-15. Examples of 
 
 falling to pieces (Ps. 74 
 fesses how— fo'ilisu- K^, 
 
 3.'. 21,22. He con 
 stupid, and— igno 
 
 the 
 
 ■ salvation wrought" are cited, d Vide the 
 ,Redsea. brakest., .waters— Pharaoh 
 
 ra.at—lit.. not discerning, had been his course ! and his host (cf. Isa. 51. 9, 10; Ez. 29. 3, 4.) 
 
 of thought, before fiiee— lit., luith thee, in 
 conduct respecting thee. 23. Still he was 
 'I'-ith God, as a dependent beneficiary, and so 
 kept from falling Iv. 2.). 24. All doubts are 
 silenced in confidence of divine guidance 
 and future glory, receive me to gfory— iif,, 
 403 
 
 heads of Itviatlian- the word is a collective, 
 and so used for many, the people . . . wilder- 
 ness — i.e., wild beasts, as conies (Pro. 30, 
 25, 2(i,), are called a people. Others take the 
 passages literally, that the sea monsters 
 thrown out on diy laud were food for tka 
 
fhvemment of God. 
 
 PSALMS LXXV-LXXYin. God's greatness and majesfy. 
 
 17 Tkou hast > set all the horrlers of the 
 earth: thou hast 8 made t-"-- lt aiidniriter. 
 
 18 Remember * tms, tluil lue enemy liath 
 reproached, Lord, and that the foolish 
 people have blasphemed thy name. 
 
 19 deliver not the soul of thy turtle- 
 dove unto the multitude of the wicked: 
 forget not the congregation of thy poor for 
 ever. 
 
 20 Have "* respect unto the covenant: for 
 ^he dark places of the earth are full of the 
 habitations of cruelty. 
 
 21 O let not the " oppressed return 
 ashamed: let the poor and needy praise 
 thy name. 
 
 22 Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: 
 remember how the foolish man " reproach- 
 eth thee daily. 
 
 23 Forget not the voice of thine enemies: 
 the tumult of those that rise up against 
 thee ^ increaseth contiimally. 
 
 PSALxM LXXV. 
 1 The prophet praises God, 4 and relnCkes the 
 proud by the cmisideration of Ood's superin- 
 tending providence. 
 To the chief Musician, 1 Al-taschith, A Psabn 
 
 or Song 2 of Asaph. 
 TTNTO thee, God, do we give thanks, 
 ^ unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy 
 name is near thy wondrous works dci-kre. 
 
 2 When I shall 3 receive the congregation 
 I will judge uprightly. 
 
 3 The earth and all the inhabitants thereof 
 are dissolved: I * bear up the pillars of it. 
 Selah. 
 
 4 I said unto the fools, Deal not foolishly; 
 and to the wicked. Lift not up the horn: 
 
 5 Lift not up your horn on liigh: speak 
 not with a stiff neck. 
 
 6 For promotion cometh neither from the 
 east.nor from the west, nor from the * south. 
 
 7 But God is the judge: * he putteth down 
 one, and setteth up another. 
 
 8 For m the hand of the Lokd there is a 
 cup, and the wine is red ; it is full of mix- 
 ture; and he poureth out of the same: but 
 the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the 
 earth shall wring them out, and drink them. 
 
 9 Bat 1 will declare for ever; I wi]l sing 
 praises to the God of Jacob. 
 
 10 All the horns of the wicked also will I 
 cut off: hut the horns of the righteous shall 
 be exalted. 
 
 PSALM LXXVI. 
 1 A declaration of Ood's majesty in tfieehureh: 
 
 11 an exhortation to terve him reverently. 
 
 Id the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Esahn 
 
 or Song 1 of Asaph. 
 
 TN Judah is God known ; his name is great 
 ■■■ in Israel. 
 
 2 In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his 
 dwelling place in Zion. 
 
 3 There " brake he the arrows of the bow, 
 the shield, and the sword, and the battle. 
 Selah. 
 
 4 Thou art more glorious and excellent 
 than i> the mountains of prey. 
 
 6 The " stout-hearted are spoiled, <* they 
 have slept their sleep ; and none of tne men 
 of might have found their hands. 
 
 6 At ' thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both 
 the chaiiot and horse are cast into a dead 
 Bleep. 
 
 7 Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and 
 who /may stand in thy sight when once 
 thou art angry? 
 
 8 Thou didst cause judgment to be heard 
 from heaven ; the earth leared,aad was still, 
 
 401 
 
 PSALM 74. 
 } Acts 17.26. 
 
 8 mado thorn, 
 Gen. 8. 22. 
 
 A Hev. 16. 19. 
 I Song 2. 14. 
 m Gon. 17.7. 
 
 LeT.26.44. 
 
 Jer 33.21. 
 n P». 9. 18 
 o Is. 37. 23. 
 
 9 Bsccndeth, 
 Jonah 1. 2. 
 
 PSALM 75. 
 1 Or, Do- 
 
 PSAL,M ; 
 1 Or, for. 
 
 Eze. 39'. 9 
 6EZ0.33. 12. 
 c U. 40. 12. 
 d Pi. 13. 3. 
 
 Jer. 51. 39 
 • Er. 15. 1. 
 
 Nah. 2. 13 
 
 Zech.12.4 
 /Jub41.10. 
 
 Nah. 1. 0. 
 y Ex. 9. 16. 
 
 Ex. 18. 11. 
 h Eccl. 6. 4. 
 i Pa. 08. 29. 
 
 Pb. S9. 7. 
 2 to the fear. 
 / Pb. 68. 35. 
 
 PSALM 77. 
 
 1 Or, for. 
 
 a Pa. 60. 16. 
 h Is 2C. 9. 
 
 2 mv hand. 
 <•■ De"u, 32. 7. 
 
 Ps. 143. 5. 
 
 Is. 51. 9. 
 d Jonah 2. 4. 
 e Rom. 9. 6. 
 
 3 to genera- 
 generation. 
 
 / Is. 49. 16. 
 g Ps. 31. 22. 
 
 Jer. 10. 19. 
 
 Dan. 9. 7. 
 
 Mark 9. 24. 
 h Ps. 143. 6. 
 t Pa. 73. 17. 
 } Ex. 14. 21. 
 sh. 3.16. 
 
 4 Thecloudg 
 
 U. 63. 11. 
 Hoa. 12. 
 13. 
 
 PSALM 78. 
 
 1 Or, A 
 Psalm for 
 Aaaph to 
 
 Ex. 19. 6. 
 Deu .32.29 
 U. 61. «. 
 
 9 When God arose to judgment, to save 
 all the meek of the earth. Selah. 
 
 10 Surely " the wrath of man shall praise 
 thee: the remainder of wrath shalt then 
 restrain. 
 
 11 Vow, h and pay unto the Lokd your 
 God : » let all that be round about liim 
 bring presents 2 unto him that ought to be 
 feared. 
 
 12 He shall cut off the spirit of princes: 
 he) is terrible to the kings of the earth. 
 
 PSALM LXXVII. 
 
 1 'JThe psalmist shows nhat fierce combat h<: had 
 
 with diffidence: 10 the victory which he had by 
 
 consideration of God's great and gracious v/orks. 
 
 To the chief Musician, to Jeduthuu, A Psalm 
 
 1 of Asaph. 
 T CRIED unto God with my voice, even 
 -*- unto God with my voice ; and he gave 
 ear mito me. 
 
 2 In " the day of my trouble 1 * sought the 
 Lord: 2 my sore ra.n in the night, and ceased 
 not: my soul refused to be comforteil. 
 
 3 I remembered God, and was trou'oled: I 
 complained, and my spirit was overwuelm- 
 ed. Selah. 
 
 4 Thou boldest mine eyes waking: I am 
 so troubled that I cannot speak. 
 
 51" have considered the days of old, the 
 years of ancient times. 
 
 6 I call to remembrance my song in the 
 night: I commune with mine own heart; 
 and my spirit made diligent search. 
 
 7 Will the Lord cast off forever? and will 
 he be favourable no more? 
 
 8la<i his mercy clean gone for ever? doth 
 his 'promise fail 3 for evermore? 
 
 9 liath God/ forgotten to be gracious', 
 hath he in anger shut up his tender mer- 
 cies? Selah. 
 
 10 And 1 said, This is" my infirmity: but 1 
 will revi ember the yeai's of the riglit hand 
 of the Most High. 
 
 11 1 '' will remember the works of the 
 Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders 
 of old. 
 
 12 1 will meditate also of all thy work, and 
 talk of thy doings. 
 
 13 Thy * way, God, is in the sanctuary: 
 who is so great a God as oar God? 
 
 14 Thou art the God that doest wonders: 
 thou hast declared thy strength among the 
 people. 
 
 15 Thou hast with thine arm redeemed 
 thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. 
 
 16 The J waters saw thee, God, the 
 waters saw thee; they were afraid: the 
 depths also were troubled. 
 
 17 * The clouds poured out water; the 
 skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also 
 went abroad. 
 
 18 The voice of thy thunder ivas in the 
 heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: 
 the tarth trembled and shook. 
 
 19 Thy * way is in the sea, and thy path in 
 the great waters, * and thy footsteps are 
 not known. 
 
 20 Thou "* leddest thy people like a flock 
 by the hand of Moses and Aaron. 
 
 PSALM LXXVIIL 
 1 An eghortation both to learn and to preach th« 
 law of God. 9 Stimi of Ood's wrath, against 
 the incredulous and disobedient. 
 I Maschil of Asaph. 
 niVE » ear, my people, to mv law: in. 
 ^ cline your ears to the words of suv 
 mouth. 
 
Government oj God. 
 
 wandering Arabs, cleave the fountain — i.e., 
 the rocks of i/09v/KiiMlivrtfZ(r7(— for fViintains. 
 diietisi up— Jordan, and, perb-aps, Arnun and 
 Jabbok (Num. -Zl. 14.). 16, 17. The fixed 
 order.s of nature and bounds of earth are of 
 God. 18. (Cf. V. 10; Deut. 32. 6.). The con- 
 trast is striking— that such a God should be 
 thus in.'iulTed! 19. multitude — /i*., heast, 
 tlieir flock, or company of men (Ps. 68. 10. . 
 turtle-dove— /.e., the meek and lonely church, 
 congr gat on— ^ii., company, as above— thus 
 the Church is represented as the spoiled and 
 defeated remnant of an army, exposed to 
 violence. 20. And the prevalence of injustice 
 in heathen lands is a reason for invoking 
 God's ret:ard to His promise (cf. Num. 14. 21; 
 Ps. 7. 16; iS. 48.). 21. oppressed— broken Ps. 
 9. 9.). return— from seeking God. asiiamed— 
 (Ps. ?6. 4.). 22, 23. iCf. Ps. 3. 7; 7. G.i, God 
 hears the wicked to their own ruin (Gen. 4. 
 10; 18. 20.). 
 
 PSALM LXXV. 
 
 Ver. 1-10. Al-taschith— [cLPs. 67. title.). In 
 impending danger, the Psalmist, anticipating 
 relief in view of God's righteous government, 
 takes courage and renders praise. 
 
 1. God's name or perfections are set forth 
 by His wondrous works. 2, 3. These verses 
 express the purpose of God to administer a 
 just government, and in a time of anarchy 
 that He sustains the nation. Some apply 
 the words to the Psalmist receive the ccn- 
 
 Sregation- Kf., take a set time (Ps. 102. la; 
 [os. 2. 3,), or an assembly at a .'^et time— 
 i.e., for judging. Pillar^i of earth— \ Sam. 2. 
 8.). 4-8. Here the writer speaks in view of 
 God's declaration, warnins tJie wicked. Lift 
 ... up the licrn— to exalt power, here, of the 
 ■wicked himself— i.e., to be arrogant or self- 
 elated, speak . . . neck — insolently, pro- 
 motion— Zit., a lifting up. God is the only right 
 judge of merit, iu the hau ; ... a cup , . . red 
 — God's wrath often thus represented cf. 
 Isa. 51. 17; Jer. 25. 15.). but the dregs— Zif., 
 surely the dregs, they shall drain it. 9, 10. 
 Contrasted is the lot of the pious who \^ iU 
 praise God, and, acting under His direction, 
 will destroy the power of the wicked, and 
 exalt that of the righteous. 
 
 PS.^LM LXXVI. 
 Ver. 1-12. On, Neginoth—[c{. Ps. 4. title.). 
 This Psalm commemorates what the preced- 
 ing anticipates : God's deliverance of His 
 people by a signal interposition of power 
 against tneir enemies. The occasion was 
 probably the events narrated 2 Ki. 19. 35; 
 Isa. 37. ,Cf. Ps. 46.1. 
 
 1, 2. These well-known terms denote God's 
 people and Church and His intimate and 
 glorious relations to them. Salem— (tien. 14. 
 18) is Jerusalem. 3. brake . . . the arrows— 
 lit... thunderbolts ;Ps. 78. 48,). from their 
 rapid flight or ignition cf. Ps. 18. 14; Eph. 6. 
 16.). tlie battle— for arms (Hos. 2. 18.). 4. 
 Thou— God. mountains cf prey — great victo- 
 rious nations, as Assyria (Isa. 41. 15; Ez. 38. 
 11, 12; Zech. 4. 7.). 5. slept their sleep- died 
 ^v (Ps. 13. 3.). none . . . found . . . hands— are power- 
 i less. 6. chariot and horse— for those fighting 
 on them of Ps. 6S 17.). 7. may . . . sigi.t— con- 
 tend with thee (Deut. 9. 4; Josh. 7. 12.;. 8, 9. 
 God's judgment on the wicked is His people's 
 deliverance Ps. 9. 12; IQ. 17.;. 10. Man's 
 wrath praises God by its futility before His 
 power, restrain — or. gird — i.e., thy.^elf, as 
 ■with as sword, with whicli to desti'oy, or as 
 an ornament to thy iiraise, 11, 12. invite 
 404 
 
 PSALMS LXXV-LXXVm. 
 
 homage to such 
 
 Great Worlds of Gori, 
 
 God (2 Chr. 32. 23, , who 
 can stop the breath of kings and princes 
 when he will fUan. 6. 23 ). 
 
 PSALM LXXVI r. 
 
 Ver. 1-20. To Jcduihun—lct. Ps. ."9. title.). 
 In a time of great affliction, uhen re dy to 
 despair, the Psalmist derives relief from 
 calling to n ind God's former and wonderful 
 works of delivering power and urace. 
 
 1. expresses the purport of the Psalm, 2, 
 his importunacy. my sore ran . . . niglit— 
 lit., my hand v:as spread, or, dretehed out 'cf. 
 Ps. 44. 20.). ceased not— W., grew not n umb 
 or, feeble (<^en. 45. 26; Ps. 38. 8.). my soxd 
 . . . comlorted— (cf. Gen. 37. 35; Jer. 31. 1.5.). 
 3-9. His sad state contrasted with forn:er 
 joys, was txo\x\)\edi — lit., violently agitated, 
 or, disquieted Ps. 39. 6; 42. 5.). my spirit 
 was overwhehiud— or, fainted (Ps. 107. 5; Jon. 
 2. 7.). boldest. . . waking — or, fast, that I 
 cannot sleep. Thus he is led to express his 
 anxious feelings in several earnest qne.stions 
 indicative of impatient sorrow. 10. Omit- 
 ting the supplied words, we may read, "This 
 is my affliction— the years or." (fee— years 
 being taken as parallel to affliction icf. Ps. 
 9U. 15,), as of God's ordering. 11, 12. He 
 finds relief in contrasting God's former deli- 
 verances. Shall we receive gooetat His hands, 
 and not evil? Both are orderings of unerr- 
 ing mercy and unfailing love. 13. Thy way 
 ... in the saictnary— God's ways of grace and 
 providence ,Ps. 22. 3; 67. 2,), ordered on holy 
 principles, as developed in His worship; or 
 implied in His perfections, if holiness be 
 used for sanctuary, as some prefer translat- 
 ing (cf. Ex. 15. 11.). 14-20. Illustrations of 
 God's power in His special interventions for 
 His people (Ex. 14.), and, in the more com- 
 mon, but sublime, control of nature (Ps. 22. 
 11-14; Hab. 3. 14) which may have attended 
 those miraculous events (Ex. 14. 24.). Jacob 
 and Joseph — representing all. foots eps . . . 
 w.iters— may refer to His actual leading the 
 people through the sea, though also express- 
 ing -the mysteries of pro-vidence. 
 PSALM LXXV J II. 
 
 Ver. 1-72. This Psabu appears to have 
 been occasioned by the removal of the sanc- 
 tuary from Sliiloh in the tribe of Ei hraira 
 to Zion in the tribe of Judah, and the co- 
 incident transfer of pre-eminence in Israel 
 from tlie former to the latter tribe, as clearly 
 evinced by David's settlement as the head of 
 the Church and nation. Though this was 
 the execution of Clod's purpose, the writer 
 here shows that it also proceeded from the 
 divine judgment on Ephraim, under whose 
 leadership the people bad manifested the 
 same sinful and rebellious character which 
 had distinguished their ancestors in Egypt. 
 
 1. my people . .my law— the ian.^uage of a 
 religious teacher {v. 2; Lam. 3. 14; liom. 2. 
 16, 27; cf. Ps. 49. 4.). The history which fol- 
 lows V. as a " dark saying," or riddle, it left 
 unexplained, and its right apprehension re- 
 quired wisdom and attention 3-8. This his- 
 tory had been handed down (Ex. 12. 14; Deut. 
 6. 20) for God's honour, and that the prin- 
 ciiiles of His law might be know n and ob- 
 served by posterity. This important senti- 
 ment is reiterated in ;t-. 7, 8' negative form, 
 testimony— [is. 19. 7.). stubborn i:d ebfl:ious 
 — (Deut. 21. 18. '. set not their Lea. t- on (rod's 
 service 2 Chr. 12. 14.'. 9-11. The privileges 
 of the first-born which belonged to Joseph 
 (1 Cki-. 5. 1, 2) were assigned to Epluaim hy 
 
story of God's dealings 
 
 PSALM LXXVm. 
 
 with Tsrael in the wilderness. 
 
 2 I * will open my mouth in a parable: I 
 will utter darksajiiii^s of old: 
 
 3 Which "we have heard and known, and 
 our fathers have told us. 
 
 4 We <* will not hide them from their chil- 
 dren, • showina; to the generation to come 
 the praises of the Lord, and his stren^'th, 
 and Ms wondeiful works that he hath 
 done. 
 
 5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, 
 and appointed a law in Israel, which he 
 commanded our fathere, that they should 
 make them known to their children; 
 
 6 That/ the generation to come might 
 know them, even the children which should 
 be born, ivho should arise and declare tliem 
 to their children • 
 
 7 That they might set their hope in God, 
 and not forget ilie works of God, but keep 
 his commandments: 
 
 8 And might not be as their fathers, a 
 Btubbom and rebellious generation ; a gen- 
 eration 2 that set not their heart aright, 
 and whose spirit was not stedt'ast with 
 God 
 
 9 The children of Ephraim, hehw armed, 
 
 ■^ack in 
 ;ay of battle 
 
 and 3 can .nng bows, tui'ued ba 
 
 the 
 
 10 They kept n*t the covenant of God, and 
 refused to walk in his law: 
 
 11 And ^ forgat his works, and his won- 
 ders that he had showed them. 
 
 i2 Marvellous things did he in the sight of 
 their fathers, in the land of Egypt, '' in the 
 field of Zoan. 
 
 13 He divided the sea, and caused them to 
 pass through; and he made the waters to 
 Btand as an heap. 
 
 14 In the day-time also he led them with 
 a cloud, and ail the night with a light of 
 fire. 
 
 15 He * clave the rocks in the wilderness, 
 and gave tliem drink as out of the great 
 depths. 
 
 16 He brought i streams also out of the 
 rock, and caused waters to run down like 
 rivers. 
 
 17 And they sinned yet more against him 
 by * provoking the Most High m the wil- 
 demess. 
 
 18 And they tempted God in their heart, 
 by asking meat for their lust. 
 
 19 Yea, i they spake against God; they 
 Baid, Can God * tumish a table in the wil- 
 derness? 
 
 20 Behold, "* he smote the rock, that the 
 waters gushed out, and the streams over- 
 flowed ; can he give bread also 1 can he pro- 
 vide flesh for his people? 
 
 21 Therefore the Lokd heard this, and was 
 wroth: so a fire was kindled against J acob, 
 and anger also came up against Israel; 
 
 22 because they " believeil not in God, 
 and trusted not in his salvation, 
 
 23 Though he had commanded the clouds 
 from above, * and opened the doors of hea- 
 ven, 
 
 24 And P had rained down manna upon 
 them to eat, and had given them of the 
 com of heaven. 
 
 25 6 M an did eat angels' food: he sent them 
 meat to the full. 
 
 26 He caused an east wind 6 to blow in 
 the heaven ; and by his power he brought 
 in the south wind. 
 
 27 He rained flesh also upon them as dust, 
 and 1 feathered fowls like as the sand or 
 tixe sea; 
 
 PSALM 78. 
 J P«. 49. 4. 
 
 Mat. 13.35. 
 e Ps. 44. 1. 
 d Deut. 4. 9. 
 
 DBut. 5. 7. 
 
 Jc«l 1. 3. 
 eEr. 12.28. 
 
 Ex. 13. 8. 
 
 Joih. 4.B,7. 
 / Ps. 102. 18. 
 2 that pre- 
 pared not 
 
 their heart. 
 
 2 Chr. 20. 
 
 33. 
 8 throwing 
 
 forth. 
 ? Is. 17.10. 
 
 Jer. 2. 82. 
 h Gen. 32. 3. 
 
 NU.13.K,'. 
 
 Is. 19. 11. 
 
 Eze.m.li. 
 i Ex. 17. 6. 
 
 Nu. 20. n. 
 
 Ps. 105.41. 
 
 1 Cor. 10.4. 
 } Deu. 9. 21. 
 k Heb. 3. 16. 
 I Nu. 11. 4. 
 
 m £i. 17. 6. 
 
 Nu. 20.11. 
 
 n Heb. 3. 10. 
 
 Gen. 7. 11. 
 
 Mai. 3. 10. 
 P John 6. 31. 
 
 1 Cor.10.3. 
 
 5 Or, Every 
 one did 
 eat the 
 bread o{ 
 the 
 mighty, 
 
 6 to go. 
 
 7 fowl of 
 wing. 
 
 8 maJa to 
 bow. 
 
 9 pr, young 
 
 g Hos. 5. 15. 
 r Eze. 33. 31. 
 8 Ex. 34. 0. 
 
 Neh. 9. 17. 
 
 Ps. 80. 15. 
 
 Jer. 32. 18. 
 tlKi. 21.29. 
 
 Is. 48. 9. 
 
 V Jim. 4. 14. 
 
 10 Or, rebel 
 against 
 
 Eph!4.30. 
 Heb. 3.16. 
 
 11 Or, from 
 affliction. 
 
 13 killed. 
 
 14 Or, great 
 
 15 He shut 
 up. 
 
 16 Or, light- 
 nings. 
 
 «• Bom. 2. 8. 
 
 17 He 
 weighed 
 
 18 Or, their 
 beasts 
 
 to the 
 
 1 Gen. 9. 22. 
 
 19 covered. 
 
 y £x. 16. 17. 
 
 28 And he let it fall in the midst of their 
 camp, round about their habitations. 
 
 29 So they did eat. and were well filledj 
 for he gave them their own desire ; 
 
 30 They were not estranged from their 
 lust: but wlule their meat was yet in their 
 mouths, 
 
 31 The wTath of God came upon them, and 
 slew the fattest of them, and^ smote down 
 the 9 chosen men of Israel. 
 
 i-2 For all this they sinned stUl, and be- 
 lieved not for his wondious works. 
 
 33 Therefore their days did he consume ia 
 vanity, and then- years in trouble. 
 
 :34 \\ hen « he slew them, then they sought 
 him; and they returned and enquired early 
 after God: 
 
 35 And they remembered that God was 
 their Rock, and the high God their Re- 
 deemer. 
 
 3(1 Nevertheless they did •■ flatter him with 
 their mouth, and they Ued unto him with 
 their tongues. 
 
 37 For their heart was not right with 
 him, neither were they stedfast in hia 
 covenant. 
 
 38 But he, being • full of compassion, for- 
 gave their miquity,and destroyed them not; 
 yea, many a time ' turned he his anges 
 away, and did not stk up all his wrath. 
 
 39 For he remembered " that lliey were 
 bid flesh; " a wind that passeth away, and 
 Cometh not a^ain. 
 
 40 How oft did they lo provoke him in the 
 wilderness, and giieve him in the desert! 
 
 41 Y'ea, they turned back, and t'-nipted 
 God, and limited the Holy One <>i' Isr.ud. 
 
 42 They remembered not his liLiml. nor the 
 day when he delivered them n fium the 
 enemy: 
 
 43 How he had 12 wrought his signs in 
 Egypt, and his wonders in the field of 
 Zoan: 
 
 44 .\nd had turned their rivers into 
 blood; and their floods, that they could 
 not drink. 
 
 451ie sent divers sorts of flies among them, 
 which devoured them; and frogs, which de- 
 stroyed them. 
 
 46 He gave also their increase unto the 
 caterpillar, and their labour unto the lo- 
 cust, 
 
 i7 He 13 destroyed their vines with hail, 
 and then- sycamore trees w ith 1^ fi ost. 
 
 48 15 He gave up their cattle al.'^o to the 
 hail, and their flocks to le hut thumleiimlts. 
 
 49 lie cast upon them the "' fierceness of 
 his anger, wrath, and in(l;>iiialion, and 
 trouble, by sending evU angels amouij them. 
 
 501' He made a way to his anger; he 
 spared not their soul trom death, but gave 
 their 18 life over to the pestilence; 
 
 51 And smote all the first-born in Eg\pt; 
 the chief of their strength in the taber- 
 nacles of Mam: 
 
 52 But made his own people to go forth 
 lilve sheep, and guided them in the wilder- 
 ness like a flock. 
 
 53 And he led them on safely, so that they 
 feared not: but the sea 19 overwhehued 
 their enemies. 
 
 54 And he brought them to the border 
 of his ^ s.-inctuary, ttvu to this mountain, 
 whidi his right-liund had pm'chased. 
 
 55 He cast out the heathen also before 
 them, and divided ihem an inheritance l)y 
 line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell 
 in their teats. 
 
PSALM LXXIX. 
 
 xvith Israel in the Wildeniesi.. 
 
 Story of Go<fs Dealings 
 
 Jacob (Gen. 48. 1.). The supremacy of the gave name {Mizraim, Heb.) to Em)t 52^54 
 tribe thus intimated was recognised by its made liis . . . forth— or, brouglit ihem by De- 
 position (m the marching of the nation to riodical journeys (cf. Ex. 15. l.J. border of 
 Canaan] next to the ark JSum. 2. 18-24,). by his sanctuary— or, holy border— i.e., rcion 
 the .selection of the first permanent locality of which— this mountain— (Zion) was, as the 
 for the ark within its borders at fehiloh, and seat of civil and religious goveniniwu, tlie 
 by the extensive and fertile province given representative, used lor the whole land, as 
 for Its possession. Traces of this prominence afterwards for the Church [Isa 2.5. i; 7) 
 remained after the schism under Kehoboam, purchased— or, procured by His right hand 
 in the use, by later writers, of £p/iraim for or power (Ps. GO. 5.j. 55. bv .ine— or, the 
 Israd (cf. Hos. 5. 3-14 ; 11. 3-12.). Though a portion thus measured, divide-t them— i.e., 
 strong, well armed tribe, and, from an early the heathen, put for their pos.sessions, so 
 period, emulous and haughty (cf. Josh. VJ.\ tents— i.e., of the heathen ci. JJeut (i 11) 
 14; Jud. 8. 1-3; 2 Sam. 19. 41,), it appears, in 66, 57. a deceitful bow-which turns back.' 
 this place, that it had rather led the rest in and so fails to project the arrow (2 bam. 1 -zi- 
 cowardice than courage; and had incurred Hos. 7. lo.). They relapsed. 68 Idolatry 
 God's displeasure, because, difhdent of His resulted from sparing the heathen cf v 
 promiise. though often heretofore fulfilled, 9-11.). 69, 60. heard— perceived (Gen. 11 7 ) 
 it had failed as a leader to carry out the abhorred— but not utterly, tent . . . placed— 
 terms of the covenant, by driving out the lit., caused to dwell, set un (Josh. is. i.). 61. 
 heathen (Ex. 23. 24; Deut. 31. 16; 2 Ki. 17. 15.). his strength— the ark, as symbolical o: it (Ps 
 12-14. A record of God's dealings and the 96. 6.). 62. gave— or, shut up. his people- 
 sins of the people is now made. The writer (v. 48; 1 Sam. 4. 10-17.). 63. fire— eitlier figure 
 gives the history from the exode to the re- of the slaughter (1 Sam. 4. lOj, or a literal 
 treat from Kadesh; then contrasts their sins burning by the heathen, given to inarri;.ge 
 
 with their reasons for confidence, shown l)y 
 
 a detail of God's dealings in Egypt, and pre- ,, _. . 
 
 sentsa summary of the subsequent history made no lamentation— either because stupified 
 
 to David's time. Zoan— for Egypt, as its by grief, or hindered by the eneii.y. 65. iCf. 
 
 lit., prait^edr—i.e., as brides. 64. Cf. J SaiTi. 
 17,); and there were, doubtless, otliers. 
 
 ancient capital (Num. 13. 22; Isa. 19. 11.) 
 15, 16. There were two similar miracles (Ex 
 
 Ps. 22. 16; Isa. 42. 13.). 66. And he smote , 
 part— or, struck His enemies' back. The 
 
 17. 6; Num. 20. 11.). great depths— and— rivers ! Philistines never regained their position after 
 denote abundance. 17-20. yet more — ^i<., [their defeats by David. 67,68. taberncle of 
 
 added to sin, instead of being led to repent- ! Joseph- or, home, or, tribe, to which— tri 
 
 ance (Rom. 2. 4.). in their heart— (Mat. 15. i of Ephraim— is parallel icf. Eev. 7. 
 
 Its 
 
 19. . for their lust— Ki., soul, or, desire, pro- [ pre-eminence was, likeSaul's, only permitted, 
 yoking— and— tempted — illustrated by their Judah had been the choice ((jlen. 40. 10.). 
 absurd doubts, 19, 20. in the iace of His j 69. Exalted as— high palaces— or, mountains, 
 admitted power. 21. fire- the eftect of the i and abiding as — the eartb. 70-72. God's 
 anger (Num. 11. 1.}. 22. (Ci'. Heb. 8. 8, 9.). {sovereignty was illustrated in this clioice. 
 
 23-29. (Cf. Ex. 16.; Num. 11.). angels' food- 
 
 Ut, bread of the mighty (cf, Ps. 105. 40) ; j 
 
 called, as it came from heaven, meat— lit. 
 
 victuals, as for a journey, their . . 
 
 what they longed for. 30, 31. not 
 
 . . . lust— or, desire— i.e., were indulging it. 
 
 slew . . , fattest— or, among the fattest; some 
 
 ^ The contrast is striking— humility and exal- 
 
 jtation— and the correspondence is beRinjfiU 
 
 ' following . . . ewes, &c.—lit., ewes giti. g s ik 
 
 desire— i (cf. Isa. 40. 11.). On the pastoral te:ins cf. 
 
 tranged ; Ps. 79. 13. 
 
 PSALM LXXIX. 
 Ver. 1-13. This Psalm, like the 74th, proba- 
 
 of them— chosen— the young and strong (Isa. \ bly depicts the desolations of the Chaldeans 
 40. 31,), and so none could resist. 33-39. }(Jer. 52. 12-24.). It comprises the usual 
 Though there were partial reformations after i complaint, prayer, and promised thanks for 
 chastisement, and God, in pity, withdrew ; relief. 
 
 1. (Cf. Ps. 74. 2-7.). 2, 3. (Cf. Jer. 15. 3 : 16. 
 
 4.). 4. [CS. Ps. 44. 13 ; Jer. 42. 18 ; Lam. 2. 1.5.), 
 
 be angry— iPs. 74. 
 
 Bis hand for a time, yet their general con- 
 duct was rebellious, and He was thus pro- 
 le 
 
 tongues— a feigned obedience (Ps. 18. 44.) 
 lieart ... not right— or. Arm icf. v. 8: Ps. 51. 10.) 
 a wind . . . again— Zii., a breath, tjiin air (cf, 
 
 voked to waste and destroy them, by long , 5. How long— (Ps. l: 
 
 and fruitless wandering in the desert, lied ,1-10.). jealousy burn— (Deut. 2;;." 20.). 6, 7. 
 ' ' '■ T^ -- .. ■ (Cf. Jer. 10. 25.). Though we deserve much, 
 
 do not the heathen deserve more for their 
 violence to us (Jer. 51. 3-5 ; Zech. 1. 14 ? The 
 Ps. 103. 16; Jam. 4. 14.). 40, 41. There were singular denotes the chief power, and the use 
 ton temptations (Num. 14. 22.). limited— as , oi the plural indicates the coml lined cinfe- 
 V. 19, 20. Though some prefer grieved or derates, called upon [or, by] thy name— pro- 
 provoked. The retreat from Kadesh (Deut. claimed thy attributes and professed alle- 
 1. 19-23; is meant, whether— turned— be for glance (Isa. 12. 4; Acts. 2. 21.). 8. former ini- 
 turning back, or to denote repetition of q,mtiei—lit.,iniq^iitiesoj former times, nrevent 
 Qtfence. 43. wrought— set or held forth. 45. [lit., meet] us— as Ps. 21. 3. 9. for. ..glory of thy 
 ihe dog-fly or the mosquito. 46. caterpillar name [and for] name's sake— both mean for il- 
 — the Heb. name, from its voracity, and that lustrating thy attributes, faithfulness, power, 
 tif— locust— from its multitude. 47,48. The &c. v'arge... sins— lit., inake, or provide.atone- 
 additional etiects of the storm here mentioned ment .for us. Deliverance from sin and suf- 
 (cf. Ex. 9. 2:>-34) are consistent with Moses' fering. for their good and God's glory, often 
 account, gave . . . cattle— iif., shut up (cf. Ps. distinguish the prayers of O.T. saints cf. Eph. 
 31. 8.;. 49. evil angels— or. angels of evil— l.!7.). 10. Ihis ground of pleading often used 
 many were perhaps employed, and other evils (Ex. 32. 12; Ntim. 14. 13-16.1. Wood. . . shed- 
 inflicted. 50, 51. made a way— removed ob- {v. 3.). 11. prisoner— the whole captive peo- 
 stacles, gave it full scope, chief of their pie. power— /i<.,ar77i Ps. 10. 15. . 12. into their 
 strength- iif., first-fruits, or, first-born (Gen. bosem- the lap or folds of the dress is used by 
 49. 3; Deut. 21. IT.). Ham— oae of whose sons \ Eastern people for receiving articles. The 
 4Ud 
 
./Jesolation of Jerusalem. 
 
 PSALMS LXXIX. LXXX. 3Iiserahle state of the eJiurcTi. 
 
 PSALM 78. 
 t Ere. 20.27. 
 a Hoa. 7. IB. 
 6 0eu. 12. 2. 
 e Heb. 1. 13. 
 d 1 Sd. 4. 11. 
 
 Jer. 7. 12. 
 
 Jer. 26. 8. 
 • Judg. 18. 
 
 30. 
 / 1 S«. 4. 11. 
 20 praised. 
 g Job 27. !6. 
 
 £ie 24.23. 
 ft Is. 42. 13. 
 Kin. 8. 
 
 56 Yet tliey tempted and provoked the 
 most high God, and kept not his testi- 
 monies;' . „ . , 
 
 57 But ' tamed back, and dealt unfaith- 
 fully like their fathers: they were turned 
 aside " like a deceitful bow. 
 
 5S For they provoked him to anger with 
 their ' high places, and moved him to jeal- 
 ousy with their graven images. 
 
 59 When God " heard this, he was wroth, 
 and greatly abhorred Israel: 
 
 60 So<* that he forsook the tabernacle of 
 Shiioh, the tent which he placed among 
 men; „. „ 
 
 61 And • delivered his / strength mto 21 f.unded. 
 captivity, and his glory into the enemy's i 22 From 
 h.'ind. "f""'- 
 
 &> lie gave his people over also unto the I ^^"- fl^- 
 Bword;and was v\Toth with his inheritance, j' j'„"*. °:^„ 
 
 63 The fire consumed their young men; !fciKi.'9.4r 
 and their maidens were not 2^* given to 
 niiuTiage. 
 
 6i Their priests fell by the sword; and 
 their " widows made no lamentation. 
 
 65 Then the Lord awaked as one out of 
 sleep, and '» like a mighty man thatshout- 
 eth by reason of wine. 
 
 G6 And he smote his enemies in the hinder 
 pr.rt; he put them toapen)etualreproach._ 
 
 67 Moreover he refused the tabernacle of 
 Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim ; 
 
 68 But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount 
 Zivin which he loved. 
 
 6y And he « built his sanctuary like high 
 riaUices. like the earth which he hath 
 ai established for ever. 
 
 70 He chose David also his servant, and 
 took him from the sheepfulds: 
 
 71 22 From following the ewes great with 
 young he brought him i to teed Jacob his 
 people, and Israel his inheritance. 
 
 72 So he fed them according to the * integ- 
 rity of his heart; and guided them by the 
 Bkufulness of his hands. 
 
 PSALM LXXIX. 
 1 7%« psalmist complains ctf the desolation of 
 
 Jerusalem: 8 prays for deliverance, 13 and 
 
 promises thankjtdness. 
 
 A Psalm 1 of Aaaph. 
 f\ GOD, the heathen are come into thine 
 ^-^ inheritance; thy holy temple have they 
 defiled ; " they have laid Jerusalem on 
 heaps. 
 
 2 The i> dead bodies of thy servants have 
 they given to be meat unto the fowls of the 
 heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the 
 beasts of the earth. 
 
 3 Theii- blood have they shed like water 
 romid about Jerusalem; "and there was 
 none to bm-y them. 
 
 4 We are become a reproach to our neigh- 
 bours, a scorn and derision to them that 
 are round about us, 
 
 5 How long, LoKD? wilt thou be angry 
 for ever? shall thy <* jealousy bum like 
 fire? 
 
 6 Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen 
 that have * not known thee, and upon the 
 kingdoms that have /not called upon thy 
 name: 
 
 7 For they have devoured Jacob, and laid 
 waste his aweUing place. 
 
 PSALM 79. 
 
 1 Or, for. 
 « 2 Ki. 25. 9. 
 
 Mic. 3. 12. 
 
 Jer. 7. 83. 
 
 Jer. 14. 16. 
 
 Re'. U. 9. 
 d Zeph. 3. 8. 
 e l3. 45. 4. 
 
 2 Theaa. 
 
 18. 
 / Pa. 53. 4. 
 a la. 43. 25. 
 
 Is. 44. 22. 
 
 Is. G4. 9. 
 
 2 Or, the 
 
 of tbem 
 
 that were 
 
 before ua. 
 
 ft Jer. 14. 7. 
 
 3 vengeance. 
 Nu. 14. 17. 
 
 4 thine arm. 
 6 reserve the 
 
 children of 
 death. 
 ; la. 43. 21. 
 " to genera- 
 tion and 
 {feneration 
 
 PSALM 60. 
 
 1 Or. for. 
 a Ex. £5. 20. 
 
 1 Sa. 4. 4. 
 
 Pa. 99. 1. 
 
 b Deu. 33. 2. 
 
 2 come for 
 salvatioD 
 
 " remember not against us 2 former 
 iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily 
 prevent us; for we are brought very low. 
 ft Help us, O God of our salvation, for the 
 glory jf thy name; and deliver us, and 
 purge awajf oar sins, '* for thy name's sake. 
 
 d 1 Kin. 18. 
 
 37. 
 
 Jer. 31. 18. 
 8 la. 5. 1, 7. 
 
 Jer. 2. 21. 
 
 Eio. 15. 6. 
 
 Eze. 17.6. 
 
 Eie. 19. 10. 
 4 the cedar* 
 
 of God. 
 /Ex. 23. 31. 
 
 P«. 72. 8. 
 g U. 6. 6. 
 
 Nah. 2. 2. 
 ft Zech. 1. 
 
 12, 16, 17. 
 i la. 63. 15. 
 j U. 49. 6. 
 k Pi. K). 2X. 
 
 { Ex. 4. aa. 
 
 m Hu. 8. '&. 
 
 10 Wherefore should the heathen say. 
 Where is their God? let him be known 
 among the heathen in our sight hy the ^re- 
 vengiiig of the blood of thy servants which 
 is shed, 
 
 11 Let the sighing of the prisoner come 
 before thee ; » according to the greatness of 
 * thy power 5 preserve thou those that are 
 appointed to die ; 
 
 Vl And render unto our neighbours seven- 
 fold mto their bosom their reproach, where- 
 with they have reproached thee, O Lord. 
 
 13 So we thy people, and sheep of thy 
 pasture, Tsill give thee thanks for ever: i we 
 will show forth thy praise 6 to all genera- 
 tioos. 
 
 PSALM LXXX. 
 
 1 The psalmist in his prayer f,omplains of the 
 
 miseries of the church, 11 He prays for de- 
 
 A Psalm 1 of Asaph. 
 n.IVE ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou 
 ^^ that leadest Joseph like a flock ; " thou 
 that dwellest between the chembim, » shine 
 forth. 
 
 2 Before Ephraim and Benjamin and 
 Manasseh stir up thy strength, and 2 come 
 aiul save us. 
 
 3 Turn * us again, God, and cause thy 
 face to shine ; and we shall be saved. 
 
 4 LoKD God of hosts, how long 3 wilt 
 thdu be angry against the prayer of thy 
 people? 
 
 5 Thou feedest them with the bread of 
 tears; and givest them tears to diink in 
 great measure. 
 
 6 Thou rnakest ua a strife unto our neigh- 
 bours ; and our enemies laugh among them* 
 selves. 
 
 7 Turn <* us again. O God of hosts, and 
 cause thy face to shine; and we shall be 
 saved. 
 
 8 Thou hast brought • a vine out of Egypt; 
 thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted 
 it. 
 
 9 Thou preparedst room before it, and 
 didst cause it to take deep root, and it filled 
 the lalid. 
 
 10 The hills were covered with the shadow 
 of it, and the boughs thereof were like * the 
 goodly cedars. 
 
 11 She sent out her boughs unto the sea, 
 and her branches / mito the river. 
 
 12 Why hast thou then " broken down her 
 hedges, so that all they which pass by the 
 way do pluck her? 
 
 13 The boar out of the wood doth waste 
 it, and the wild beast of the field doth de» 
 vour it. 
 
 14 Return, * we beseech thee, God of 
 hosts: » look down from heaven, and be- 
 hold, and ^^sit this vine ; 
 
 15 And the \-ineyard which thy right hand 
 hath planted, and the branch that thou 
 madest strong > for thyself. 
 
 16 It is buint with tire ; it is cut down: 
 they perish at the rebuke of thy counte. 
 nance. 
 
 17 Let * thy hand be upon the ' Man of thy 
 right hand, upon the Son of man whom, 
 thou madest strong for thyself. 
 
 IS So will not we go back from thee: 
 quicken us, and we will call upon thy 
 name. 
 
 19 Turn us again, Loed God of hostfc 
 cause "* thy face to shine ; and we shall be 
 saved. 
 
Miserable state of the Church. PSALMS LXXX— LXXXm. IsraeVsCon federated Emmfee. 
 
 figure denotes retaliation cf. Isa. 65. 6, 7.) 
 They reproached Uod as well as his people 
 13. sheep . . . pasture— icf. Vs. 74. 1 ; 78. 70.J. 
 JPSALM LXXX. 
 Ver. 1-19. Shoshannim—lLihes (Ps. 46. title.), 
 £fh(?/(— Testimony, referring to the topic as a 
 
 place— the cloud fi-om which He troub'ed the 
 Egyptians (Ex. 14. 24. . proved ihee— (Ps. 7. 
 10; 17. 3,), tested their faith by the iniracle. 
 8. (Cf. Ps. ."iO. 7.\ The reproof follows to v. 12. 
 if thou wilt hearken — Lie then pn^^ounds the 
 terms of H.s covenant: they shoiild worship 
 
 testimony of God to his people cf. Ps. 19. 7.). i Him alone, who [v. 10) had delivered them. 
 This Psalm probably relates to the captivity and would still conler all needed blessings. 
 
 of the ten tribes as the lormer to ihat of 
 Judah. Its complaint is a.L^gravated by the 
 contrast of former prosperity, and ihe prayer 
 for reliet occurs as a retrain through the 
 Psalm. 
 
 1, 2. JoFeph— for Ephraim (1 Chr. 7. 20-29; Ps, 
 78. 67; Eev. 7. 8, . for Israel. Si.epherd— (cf. 
 Gen. 49. 24.). leadest, &c.— (Ps. 77. '/O. . dwell- 
 ing . . . cutrrubim — (Ex. 26. 20.). The place 
 of ( od's visible gloiy, whence He com- 
 muned with the people Heb. 9. 5.'. shine 
 forih— appear iPs. 60. 2; 94. 1.). Eeiore Eph- 
 raiui, &c.— These tribes marched next the 
 ark Num. 2. 18-24.). The name of Eeiijaniin 
 may be introduced merely in allusion to that 
 
 / fact, and not because that tribe was identified 
 with Israel in the schLmi (1 Ki. 12. 16-21 ; cf. 
 also Num. 10. 24.). 3. luin us— i.e., from cap- 
 tivity, tny f 08 to shine— (Num. 6. 25.). 4. be 
 angiy— cf. Jliarf/.). 5. bread cf tears— still an 
 Eas.ern figure for affliction. 6. sirile— object 
 or cause of Isa. 9. il.;. On last clause cf. 
 Ps. 79. 4; Ez. 36. 4. 8-11. brought— or, plucked 
 up, as by roots, to be replanted, a vine— .Ps. 
 78. 47.J. The figure Isa. 16. 8 represents the 
 flourishing state of Israel, as predicted Gen. 
 28. 14, and verified 1 Ki. 4. 20-25. 12. hedges 
 —(Isa. 6. 6.). 13. The boar— may represent tlie 
 ravaging Assyrian, and the wild bead other 
 heathen. 14, 15. visit this vine- favourably 
 (Ps. 8. 4.). And the vineyard— or, ""And pro- 
 tect or guard what thy right band," &c. the 
 branch— Ki., "'over the Son. oj Man" preced- 
 ing this phrase, with " protect," or "watch." 
 for thyself— a tacit allusion to the plea for 
 help; for 16. it— (the vine) or they— (the peo- 
 plej are suflering from thy displeasure. 17. 
 thy hand . . . upon— i.e., strengthen (Ezra, 7'. 6 
 8. n.). Man of . . . hand— may allude to Benja- 
 min (Gen. 35. 18.). The terms in the latter 
 clause correspond with those of v. 15, from 
 " and the branch," &c., literally, and confirm 
 the exposition given above. 18. We need 
 quickening grace Ps. 71. 20; 119. 25) to per- 
 severe in thy right worship (Gen. 4. 26; Pom. 
 10. 11.). 19. Cf. V. 3. God; v. 7, O God of 
 hosts. 
 
 PSALM LXXXI. 
 Ver. 1-16. Gittith- icL Ps. 8. title.). A 
 festal Psalm, probably for the passover 
 (cf. Mat. 26. 30,), in which, after an exhorta- 
 tion to praise God, He is introduced, re- 
 minding Israel of their obligations, chiding 
 their neglect, and depicting the happy results 
 of obedience. 
 
 1. cur strength— (Ps. 38. 7.). 2. unites the 
 most joyful kinds of music, vocal and instru- 
 
 < mental. 3. the new moon— or, the month, the 
 linae appointed— (cf. Pro. 7. 20.). 5. a testi- 
 mony—the feasts, espei-ially the passover, 
 attested God's relation to His people. Joseph 
 ■—tor Israel Ps. 80. 1.). went out through—or, 
 over, i.e., Israel in the exode. I heard— 
 change of person. Tlie writer speaks for the 
 nation, language- iii., lip (Ps. 14. 1.). An 
 a;-gravation or element Of their distress that 
 their oppressors were foreigners (Deut. 28. 
 49.). 6. God's language alludes to the bur- 
 densome slavery of the Israelites. 7. secret 
 400 
 
 11, 12. They failed, and He gave them up to 
 their own desires and hardness of heart (Deut. 
 29. 18; Iro. 1. 30; Kom. 11. 26.). 13-16. Obe- 
 dience would have secured all promised bless- 
 ings and the subjection ot foes. In this pas- 
 sage, •* should have," "would have," <tc.,are 
 better " should " and " would," expressing 
 God'." intention at the time, i.e., when they 
 left Egypt. 
 
 PSALIM LXXXII. 
 
 Ver. 1-8. Bel ore the Great Judge, the judges 
 of the earth are rebuked, exhorted, and 
 threatened. 
 
 1. tona:regation— 'cf. Ex. 12. 3; 16. V. of the 
 mighty— i.e., of God, of His appointment, the 
 gpa's— or, judges (Ex. 21. 6; 22. 9,), God's re- 
 presentatives. 2. accept the persons— Zit., take, 
 ovjijtupthe faces, i.e., from dejection, or ad- 
 mit to favour and communion, regardless of 
 merit (Lev. 19. 16- Pro. IS. 5.). 3, 4. 8o must 
 good judges act (Ps. lO. 14; 29. 12.!. poor and 
 needy— cf. Ps. 34. 10; 41. 1.). 6. By the wilful 
 ignorance and negligence of judges, anarchy 
 ensues (Ps. 11. 3; 76. 3.). out of couise— (of. 
 Marg.; Ps. 9. 6; 62. 2.). 6. 7. Though God 
 admitted their official dignity (John, 10. 34,), 
 He reminds them of their mortality, fall like, 
 dire.- be cut ott suddenly Ps. 20. 8; 91, 7.). 8. 
 As rightful sovereign of earth, God is invoked 
 personally, to correct the evils of His repre- 
 sentatives. 
 
 PSALM LXXXIII. 
 
 Ver. 1-18. Of Asoph-ici. Ps. 74. title.). 
 The historical occasion is prob^ly that of 
 2 Chr. 20. 1-2 (cf. Ps. 47. and 48. i. After a ge- 
 neral petition, the craft and rage of the com- 
 bined enemies are described, God's former 
 dealings recited, and a hke summary and 
 speedy destruction on them is invoked. 
 
 1. God addressed as indifterent (cf. Ps. 36. 
 22; 39. 12.). be not still— Zii., 7iot quiet, as op- 
 posed to action. 2. thine enemies— as v, ell as 
 ours (Ps. 74. 23; Isa. 37. 23.'. 3. hidden ones — 
 whom God specially protects (Ps. 27. 5; 91. 1.). 
 4. from being a nation— utter destruction (Isa. 
 7. 8; 23. 1. . Israel— here used for Judah, hav- 
 ing been the common name. 5. they have con- 
 sulted— it;ii/i /learf, or cordially, together— aU 
 alike. 6-8. tabernacles— for people Ps.78.67.). 
 they— all these united with the children of 
 Lot, or Ammonites and Moabites (cf. 2 Chr. 
 20. 1.). 9-11. compare the similar fate of 
 these (2 Chr. 20.23) with that of the foes men- 
 tioned in Jud. 7. 22, here referred to. They 
 destroyed one another (Jud. 4. 6-24- 7. 26.). 
 Human remains form manure icf. 2 Ki. 9. 37; 
 Jer. 9. 22.). 12. The language of the invaders. 
 houses — lit, residences, inclosures, as for 
 flocks (Ps. 65. 12.). of God— as the proprietors 
 of the land (2 Chr. 20. 11; Isa. 14. 25. i. 13. like 
 a wheel— or, whirling of any light thing (Isa. 
 17. 13,), as stubble or chatf ,Ps. 1. 4.). 14, 15. 
 pursus them, to an utter destruction. 16. 
 that they may seek — or, as v. 18. supply 
 "men," since v. 17, 18 amplify the sentiment 
 of V. 16, expressing more fully the mtaiure of 
 destruction, and the lesson of God's being 
 and periections ^cf. 2 Chr. 20. 29j taught to aLl 
 men. 
 
Exhortation to praise God. TSALMS LXXXI-LXXXIV. Fsrael's confederated enemies. 
 
 G'^R. 
 
 FSALM 81. 
 
 1 Or, for. 
 "Lev. 23. 24. 
 
 2 Or, 
 
 3 parsed 
 away. 
 
 b John 16. 7. 
 Eph. 3. 20, 
 
 e Acts 7. 42. 
 Acts 14.16, 
 Rom. 1. 24, 
 
 6 Or, to the 
 h.irdnea3 
 
 tions. 
 i Is. 48. 18. 
 
 7 Ued, 
 or, yielded 
 
 obedience. 
 
 8 with the 
 fat of 
 wheat. 
 
 PSALM 82. 
 
 1 Or, for. 
 
 » Eccl. 6. 8. 
 6 Ei. 21. 6. 
 eOeu. 1. 17. 
 
 2 Jud?e. 
 
 d !•«. 11. 3. 
 
 3 moved. 
 
 e Ex. 22. 9. 
 
 John 10. 
 
 34. 
 /Em. 31.1*. 
 Ps. 2. 8. 
 
 Hot. 11.16. 
 
 PSALM LXXXI. 
 
 t An eehortation to a solemn praising of Ood. 
 
 4 Oo'i challenges that duty by nason of his 
 
 benefits. 
 
 To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psaltn 
 
 1 of Asaph. 
 QING aloud unto God our strength: make 
 ^ a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob. 
 
 2 Take a j'saliti, and bring hither the 5 Or, strife, 
 timbrel, the pleasant harp vath the psal- 
 
 3 Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, 
 In the time appointed, on our solemn feast 
 day. 
 
 4 For " this was a statute for Israel, and 
 a law of the God of Jacob. 
 
 5 This he ordained in Joseph /or a testi- 
 mony, when he went out 2 thi-ough the 
 Sand of Ksiypt; ivhere I heard a language 
 that I understood not. 
 
 6 I removed his shoulder from the bur- 
 den: his hands 3 were delivered from the 
 ♦ pots. 
 
 7 Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered 
 thee; I answered thee in the secret place 
 of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of 
 5Meribah. Selah. 
 
 8 Hear, my people, and I ■will testify 
 onto thee: Israel, if thou wilt hearken 
 an to me; 
 
 9 There shall no strange god be in thee; 
 neither shalt thou worship any strange 
 god. 
 
 10 1 am the Lord thy God, which brought 
 thee out of the land of Egj-pt: * open thy 
 mouth wide, and I will fill it. 
 
 11 But my peo])le would not hearken to 
 my voice; and Israel would none of me. 
 
 12 So * I gave them up 6 unto their own 
 hearts' lust: and they walked in their own 
 counsels. 
 
 13 Oh <i that my people had hearkened 
 unto me, and Israel had walked in my 
 ways! 
 
 14 I should soon have subdued their ene- 
 mies, and turned my hand against their 
 adversaries. 
 
 15 The haters of the Lokd should have 
 1 submitted tliemselves unto him: but their 
 time should have endured for ever. 
 
 16 He should have fed them also 8 with 
 the finest of the wheat: and with honey 
 out of the rock should I have satisfied 
 thee. 
 
 PSALM LXXXIL 
 I The psalmist, having exhorted the judges, 6 
 and reproved their negligence, 8 prays Qod to 
 judge. 
 
 A Psalm 1 of Asaph. 
 standeth in the congregation of 
 the mighty; he judgeth aii^ong * the 
 gods. 
 
 2 How long will ye judge unjustly, and 
 accept " the persons of the wicked? Selah. 
 
 3 2 Defend the poor and fatherless; do 
 justice to the afflicted and needy. 
 
 4 Heliver the poor and needy: nd them out 
 of the hand of the wicked. 
 
 5 They know not, neither will they un- 
 uerstaiid; they walk on in darkness: "^all 
 the foundations of the earth are 3 out of 
 course. 
 
 6 1" have said, Ye are gods* and all of 
 ^u are children of the Most High: 
 
 7 But /ye shall die like men, and fall like 
 one of the princes. 
 
 8 Arise, God, judge the earth; ' for 
 t^ou shaU inherit all nations, 
 
 407 
 
 PSALM 83. 
 1 Or, for. 
 
 Col. 3. 3. 
 
 e 2 Sa. 10. 6. 
 
 2 Chr.20.1. 
 
 2 heart. 
 
 3 they have 
 
 arm to the 
 
 children 
 
 of Lot. 
 
 Gen.19.37. 
 d Jud?. 7.22. 
 • Judg.4.16. 
 
 PSALM 84. 
 
 1 Or, of. 
 
 o P3. 27. 4. 
 
 2 Or, At the 
 
 sparrow 
 findeth ■ 
 
 and the 
 swallow A 
 nest for 
 herself, lo 
 findoth my 
 aoul thins 
 altars. 
 
 3 Or, of 
 mulberry 
 
 4 covereth. 
 
 6 Or, from 
 
 company 
 
 PSALM LXXXIIL 
 1 A complaint to God of a powerful confederaep 
 of the tneinies of Israel. 9 A prayer against 
 those who oppress the church. 
 
 A Song or Psalm 1 of Asaph. 
 TTEEP not thou silence, God: hold not 
 ■•■*- thy peace, and be not still, God. 
 
 2 For, lo, " thine enemies make a tumult; 
 and they that hate thee have lifted up the 
 head. 
 
 3 They have taken crafty counsel against 
 thy people, and consulted * against thy 
 hidden ones. 
 
 4 They have said. Come, and " let us cut 
 them otf from bein<j a nation; thst the 
 name of Israel may be no more in remem- 
 brance. 
 
 5 For they have consulted together with 
 one 2 consent: they are confederate against 
 thee: 
 
 6 The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ish- 
 maelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes; 
 
 7 Gebal, and Ammon, and Ani.ilok; the 
 Philistines with the inhabitants oi Tyre; 
 
 8 Assur also is joined with them: ^^ they 
 have hnlpen the chihh'en of Lot. Selah. 
 
 9 Do unto them as unto the <* Midianites: 
 as to « Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of 
 Kison- 
 
 10 Xvhich perished at En-dor: they became 
 as dung for the earth. 
 
 11 Make their nobles like Oreb and like 
 Zeeb • yea, all their princes as Zebah and 
 as Zalmunna; 
 
 12 Who said, Let us take to ourselves the 
 houses of God in possession. 
 
 13 O my God, make them like a wheel; as 
 the stubble before the wind. 
 
 14 As the fij e bumeth a wood, and as the 
 flame setteth the moimtains on fire; 
 
 15 So persecute them with thy tempest, 
 and make them afraid with thy storm. 
 
 16 Fill their faces with shame; that thej 
 may seek thy name, O Lord. 
 
 17 Let them be confounded and troubled 
 for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, 
 and perish: 
 
 18 That men may know that thou, whose 
 name alone is JEHOVAH, art the Most 
 High over all the earth. 
 
 PSALM LXXXIV. 
 
 1 The prophet, longing for the ec^nmunion of th* 
 
 sanctuary, 4 shows how blessed they ar4 that 
 
 dwell therein : 8 he prays to be restored unto it. 
 
 To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm 
 
 1 for the sons of Korah, 
 TTOW " amiable are thy tabernacles, 
 ■'•■'■ Lord of hosts! 
 
 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for 
 the courts of the Lord ; my heart and my 
 flesh crieth out for the liniig God. 
 
 3 2 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, 
 and the swallow a nest for herself, where 
 she may lay her yoimg, even thine altars, 
 O Lord of hosts, my king, and my God. 
 
 4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy 
 house: they will be still praising thee. 
 SeLih. 
 
 5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in 
 thee: in whose heart are the ways of them, 
 
 6 Who passhig through the valley 3 of 
 Baca make it a well; the rain also * filleth 
 the pools. 
 
 7 They go 6 from strength to strength; 
 every one of them in Zion ^ appeareth b& 
 fore God. 
 
 8 Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer, 
 give ear. God of Jacob. Selah. 
 
DesiraUeneas of Gods Worship . PSALMS LXXX IV— liXXXYHT. atory of the ^L%rcn. 
 
 guided, in God's holy ways. Dcmbtless, in 
 this description of God's returning favour, 
 the writer had in view that n^ore t;loriou3 
 period, when (Christ shall establish His gu- 
 vernnient on (^od's reconciled justice and 
 
 PSALM LXXXIV. 
 
 Ver. 1-12. Cf. on titles of Ps. 8 and 42. The 
 writer describes the desirableness of Gad's 
 worship, and prays for a restoration to its 
 privileges. 
 
 1. amiable— not lovely, bvt beloved, taber- 
 nacles— (Ps. 43. 3.). 2. loiigt-i-most intensely 
 (Gen. 31. 30; Ps. 17. 12.^. lainterh— exhausted 
 with desire, courts— as tabernacles [v. D— the 
 whole building, crieth out— K(., sings for joii; 
 but here, and Lam. 2. 19, expresses an act of 
 sorrow as the corresponding noun Ps. 17. 1; 
 fil. 2.). heart and . . . flesh— as Ps. 63. 1. 3. 
 rhine altars— i.e., of burnt-offering and in- 
 cense, used for the whole tabernacle. Its 
 structure aftbrded facilities for sparrows and 
 swallows to indulge their kn own predilections 
 for such places. Some understand the state- 
 ment as to the birds as a comparison: "as 
 they find homes so do I desire thine altars," 
 &c. 4. Thisview is favoured by the languatie 
 here, whidi, as Ps. 15. 1; 23. 6, recognises the 
 .blessing of membership in God's family, by 
 terms denoting a dwdling in His Itouse. 5. 
 (Cf. Ps. 68. 28.). in whose heart . . . ways— i.e., 
 who knows and loves the way to God's favour 
 (Pro. 16. 17; Lsa. 40. 3, 4.). 6. valley of Baca— 
 or, weeping. Through such, by reason of their 
 dry and barren condition, the worshippers 
 olten liad to pass to Jerusalem. As they 
 misiht become wells, or fountains, or pools, 
 supplied by refreshing rain, so the grace of 
 God, by the exercises of His worship,refre.-hes 
 and revives the hearts of His people, so that 
 for sorrows they have "rivers of delight"' 
 (Ps. 36. S; 46. 4.). 7. The figure of the pilgrim 
 IS carried out. As such daily refit their bodily 
 strength till they reach Jerusalem, so the 
 spiritual worshipper is daily supplied with 
 spiritual strength by God's grace, till he ap- 
 pears before God in heaven, appearetli . . . 
 Go;i— the terms of the requi.sition lor the at- 
 tendance on the feasts (cf. Deut. 16. 10.). 9. 
 God is addres.sed as a shield fcf. v. 11.). thine 
 anuiuted— David (l Sam. 16. 12.). 10. I 1 ad 
 . . . doorkeeper— ?(i., / choose to sit on the ihresh- 
 old. the meanest place. 11. 12. As a sun, God 
 evilightens (Ps. 27:1;); as a shield, protects 
 
 abounding mercy. 
 
 PS,^LM LXXXVL 
 
 Ver. 1-17. This is a prayer in which the 
 writer, with deep emotion, mingles petitions 
 and praises, now mgent lor helii, and now 
 elated with hope, in view of fori) er mercies. 
 The occurrence of many terms and phrases 
 peculiar to David's Psalms clearly iniimates 
 its authorship. 
 
 1, 2. poer ( nd needy— a suffering child of God 
 as Ps. 10. 12,17; 18. 27. 1 am hoy— or, godJy. 
 as Ps.4. 3; 86. 8. 4. lift un my sou'— with strong 
 desire (Ps. 25. 1. . 5-7.' unto all . . . that call 
 upon t; fe— or, worship thee Ps. :'0. 15; 91. 15) 
 however undeserA'iiig (tx. 34. 6; Lev. 11. 9-13.;. 
 8. neither^... works- ?it, notliAng lilte thy 
 vjorks, thegods have none at all. 9, 10. The 
 pious Jews believed that God's common re- 
 lation to all would be ultimately acknow- 
 ledged by aU men (Ps. 45. 12-16; 47. 9.). 11. 
 Teaci;— Show, point out. thy way— of provi- 
 dence, walk in thy truth— according to its 
 declarations, unite my heart— fix all my af- 
 fections Ps. 12. 2; Jam. 4. 8.). to tear thy name 
 — cf. V. 12,), to honour thy perfections. 13, 14. 
 The reason: God had delivered him from 
 death and the power of insolent, violent, 
 and godless persecutors (Ps. 54. 3; Ez. S. 12.). 
 
 15. contrasts God with his enemies (cf. v. 5.). 
 
 16. son . . . handmaid — home-born servant 
 (cf. Luke, 15. 17.^ 17. Show n.e— lit.. Make vnth 
 vie a token, by thy providential care. Thus 
 in and by his prosperity his enemies would 
 be confounded. 
 
 PSALM LXXXVII. 
 
 Ver. 1-7. This triumphal song was pro- 
 bably occasioned by the same event as the 
 46th. The writer celebrates the glory of the 
 Cliurch, as tiie means of spiritual blessing to 
 the nations. 
 
 1. His [i.e., God's] foundation— or, what He 
 has founded, i.e., Zion (lsa. 14. 32.). is in 
 
 e holy mountains— the location of Z'on, in 
 
 Grace, is God's favour, its irmt^-ijlory the j the wide sense, for the capital, or Jerusalem 
 
 being on several hills. 2. gates— for the en- 
 closures, or city to which they opened Ps. 9. 
 14;122.2;cf. Ps.l32. 13,14.). 3. spoken ot [or, in] 
 thee— i.e., the city of God (Ps. 46. 4; 48. 2.). 
 4. This is what is spoken by God. to them 
 . . . me— lit., for my knovxr.^; they are true 
 worshippers 'Ps. 36. 10; lsa. 19. 21.). These 
 
 honour He bestows, uprightly— (Ps. 15. 2; 18. 
 23.). that trusteth— constantly. 
 PSALM LXXXV. 
 
 Ver. 1-13. On the ground of former mercies, 
 the Psalmist prays for renewed bles.^ings, 
 and, confidently expecting them, rejoices. 
 
 1. captivity — not necessarily the Baby- 
 lonian, but any great evil (Ps. 14. 7.). 2, 3. 
 (Uf. Ps. 32. 1-5.). To turn from the Heme- 
 ncss, ikc, hnplies that He was reconcileable, 
 though 4-7. having still occasion for the ai 
 
 are ???en(ioned as specimens. This [i.e., nation] 
 . . . was born there. Of each it is said, " This 
 icas born, or is a native of Zion, spiritually," 
 
 , „ ^_. ,5. The writer resumes— This and that man — 
 
 which is deprecated, craw out— or, prolontr , lit., Man and man, or many (Gen. 14. 10; Ex. 
 iT.s. 36. 10.). 8. He is confident God wUllS. 10, 14,), or all (lsa. 44. 5; Gal. 3.28.). the 
 
 favour His penitent people Ps. 61. 17; 80. 18.). 
 saints-as Ps. 4. 3, the " godly." 9. 1'hey are 
 here termed, "them that tear him;" and grace 
 produces glory (Ps. 84. 11.). 10. God's jiro- 
 niises of mercy will be verified by His 
 truth Id. Ps. 25.10; 40. 10 ; and the "work 
 of righteousness" in His holy government 
 
 Highest . . . her— God is her protector. _. 
 The same idea is set forth under the figure 
 of a register made by God (cf. lsa. 4. 3.). 7. 
 As in a great procession of those thus vmtten 
 up. or registered, seeking Zion (lsa. 2. 3; Jer. 
 50. 5,), the singers and players, or pipers, 
 shall precede, all my springs— so each shall 
 
 shall be " peace" (lsa. 32. 17.). There is an | say, " All my sources of spiritual .joy are in 
 implied contrast with a dispensation, under j thee" (Ps. 46. 4; 84. 6.). 
 which (iod's truth sustains His threatened | PSALM LXXXVIIL 
 
 wrath, and His righteousness inflicts misery | Ver. 1-18. Upoib Malialath— either an in- 
 on the wicked. 11. Earth and heaven shall j stiitment, as a lute, to be used as an accom- 
 au(Mind with the bles.sings of this govern- ipaniment, itfnnt'jm, for singing, or, as others 
 meat; 12, 13., and, under this, the deserted think, an enigmatic title (cf. Ps. 5., 22, and 
 laud shall be productive, and men be set, or 1 45. titles) denoting the subject— i.e., "sickness 
 407 ' 
 
Tpr^continuance of mercies. PSALMS LXXXy-LSS XVTII. 
 
 9 Behold, ' (rod our shield, and look 
 upon the face of thine anointed, 
 
 The glory of Zion. 
 
 10 For a day in thy courts *;>• better than 
 a thousand. 6 1 had rather be a doorkeeper 
 in the house of my God, than to dwell in 
 the tents of wickedness. 
 
 H For the Lord God is a sun and shield: 
 the Lord will give grace and glory: no 
 good tiling will he withhold from them 
 that wall; upritchtly. 
 
 12 Lord of hosts, blessed is the man 
 that trusteth in thee. 
 
 PSALM LXXXV. 
 1 TAe psalmist, from the experience of former 
 
 mercies, prays for the continuance thereof; She 
 
 promises to wait thereon, in oonfidence of God's 
 
 goodness. 
 To the chief Mueician, A Psalm 1 for the sons 
 
 of Korah. 
 T ORD, thon hast been 2 favotirable nnto 
 ■^ thy land: thou hast " brought back the 
 captivity of Jacob. 
 
 2 Thou hast forgiven the miquity of thy 
 people, thou hast covered all theil: sin. 
 &elah. 
 
 3 Thou hast taken away all thy wrath : 
 
 8 thou hast turned thyself from the fierce- 
 Dess of thine anger. 
 
 4 Tum us, God of our salvation, and 
 cause thine anger toward us to cease. 
 
 5 Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? 
 wilt thou draw out thine anger to all gene- 
 rations? 
 
 6 Wilt thon not * revive ns again, that thy 
 people may rejoice in thee? 
 
 7 Show us thy mercy, O Lokd, and grant 
 as thy salvation. 
 
 8 1 " will hear what God the Lord will 
 Bpeak: for <* he will speak peace unto his 
 people, and to his saints: but let them not 
 turn » again to folly. 
 
 9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that 
 fear him ; that glory may dwell in our land. 
 
 10 ilercy / and truth are met together; 
 
 9 righteousness and peace have Idssed each 
 other. 
 
 11 Truth '» shall spring out of the earth; 
 and righteousness shall look down from 
 heaven. 
 
 12 Yea, * the Lord shall give that which 
 is good; and our land shall yield her in- 
 crease. 
 
 13 Righteousness shall go before him, and 
 shall set tts in the way of his steps. 
 
 PSALM LXXXVl. 
 1 David strengthens his prayer by his conscious- 
 ness of religion: 6 by God's power and good- 
 ness: 11 /w desires the continuance of his grace. 
 1 A Prayer of David. 
 ■ROW down thine ear, O Lord, hear me; 
 ■"-^ for I am poor and needy. 
 
 2 Prescne my soul, for I am 2 holy; 
 thou my God, save thy servant that trust- 
 eth in thee. 
 
 3 Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry 
 unto thee ^ daily. 
 
 4 Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto 
 thee. O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 
 
 5 For " thou. Lord, art good, and ready 
 to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all 
 them that call upon thee. 
 
 6 Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer; and 
 attend to the voice of my sujiplications. 
 
 7 In the dayof mv trouble I will call upon 
 thee: for thou wilt answer me. 
 
 8 Among 'the gods thtre is none like unto 
 thee, O Lord; neither an, there any works 
 like txuto ihy works. 
 
 PSALM 84. 
 
 c Gen. 15. 1. 
 
 6 I would 
 choose 
 rather to 
 Bit at the 
 threshold. 
 
 PSAI.M 86. 
 
 1 Or of. 
 
 2 Or, weU 
 
 pleased. 
 • Eira 1. 11. 
 Jer. 30 18. 
 £ze.89.:j5 
 Joel a. 1. 
 
 3 Or, thou 
 bast turn- 
 ed thine 
 anser from 
 waxing 
 hot. 
 
 b Hah. 8. 2. 
 C Hah. 2. 1. 
 d Zoch. 9 10. 
 e i; 1. ,1.2. 2 1. 
 /■Mio. 7.20. 
 g Is. 32. 17. 
 
 Lu. 2 14. 
 h Is. 45. 8. 
 
 2 Cor. 5. 
 
 14-21. 
 < Jam. 1. 17. 
 
 PSALM 86. 
 
 1 Or, A 
 Prayer, 
 
 Psalm of 
 David. 
 
 2 Or, one 
 whom thou 
 favourest. 
 
 3 Or, aU the 
 
 a .loel 2. 13. 
 b Ex. 15. 11. 
 c U. 43. 7. 
 
 Rev. 16. 4. 
 d Deu. 6. 4. 
 
 Deu. 32.39. 
 
 la. 37. 10. 
 
 Is. 44. 6. 
 
 Mftr.12.29. 
 
 1 Cor 8. 4. 
 
 £pb. 4. 6. 
 < Ps. 66. 13. 
 
 Ps. 116. 8. 
 
 4 Or, (p-ave. 
 6 terrible. 
 
 / Ei. 34. 6. 
 Nu. 14. 18. 
 Neh. !). 17. 
 Joel 2. 13. 
 
 9 All * nations whom thou hastmadt shall 
 come and worship before thee, U Lord; 
 and shall glorify thy name. 
 
 10 For thou ar< gi-eat, and doest wondrous 
 things: ■■' thou art God alone. 
 
 11 Teach me thy way, O Lord ; I will walk 
 in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy 
 name. 
 
 12 1 will praise thee, O Lord my God, 
 with all my heart; and I will glorify thy 
 name for evemiore. 
 
 13 For great is thy mercy toward rne ; and 
 thou hast * delivered my soul from the 
 lowest * hell. 
 
 14 God, the proud are risen against me, 
 and the assemblies of 5 violent men have 
 sought alter my soul, and have not set 
 thee be lore them. 
 
 15 But / thou, Lord, art a God full of 
 coiiiiuissiou, and gracious, long-suflVring, 
 and plenteous in mercy and truth. 
 
 16 O tum unto m.e, and have mercy upon 
 me; give tiiy strenuth unto thy servant, 
 and save the son of thine handmaid. 
 
 17 Show me a token for good; that they 
 "hich hate me may see it, and be ashamed : 
 because thou. Lord, hast holpen me, and 
 comlbrted me. 
 
 PSALM LXXXVII. 
 1 The seat and glory of the church: 4 the increase 
 and honourable dtstinction of the membert 
 thereof. 
 
 A Psalm or Song 1 for the eons of Korah. 
 TJIS foundation is in the holy moun- 
 ■'"'- tains. 
 
 2 The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more 
 than all the dwellings of Jacob. 
 
 3 Glorious " things are spoken of thee, O 
 city of God. Selan. 
 
 4 I will make mention of 2 Rahab and 
 Babylon to them that know me: behold 
 Philistia, and Tjtc, with Ethiopia; this 
 man was born there. 
 
 5 And of Zion it shall be said, This and 
 that man was born in her: and *the 
 Highest himself shall establish her. 
 
 6 The * Lord shall count, when <* he writ- 
 eth up the people, that this man was bora 
 there. Selah. 
 
 7 AS well the singers as the players on in- 
 struments shall be there: all my eprings 
 are in thee. 
 
 PSALM LXXXVIIL 
 
 A prayer containing a grievous complaint. 
 A Sone or Psalin 1 for the sons of Korah, to '.he 
 chief Musician upon Maluilath LeannoUi, 
 2 Maschil of Henian the Ezraliite. 
 
 salvation, I have 
 before thee. 
 
 2 Let my prayer come before thee: in- 
 cline thine ear unto my cry; 
 
 3 For my soul is lull of troubles, and my 
 life "drav-'eth nigh unto the grave. 
 
 4 I am counted with them that go down 
 into the pit: I am as a man t.Uat hath no 
 strength : 
 
 5 Flee among the dead, like the slain that 
 lie ill the grave, whom thon renieniberest 
 no more: and they are cut ofl' ''from thy 
 hand. 
 
 6 Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in 
 darkness, in the deeps. 
 
 7 Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and 
 thou hast atilicted me with all thy waves. 
 Selah. 
 
 8 Thuu hast put away n'ine acquaiat- 
 auce far Ijom me ; thou hast maut me an 
 
 O LORD God of my 
 ^-^ cried day and night 
 
David praises God 
 
 PSALM LXXXIX. for His Promises of Favour. 
 
 or disease, for humbhrg," the idea of spiri- Him, Tabor and Hermon for east and west 
 tual maladies being often represented by and "north and south," together represent- 
 disease icf. Ks. 6. 5, G; 22. 14, 15, &c.). On the ing the whole world, declares the same truth 
 other terms cf. Ps. 42. 32 Heman and as to His attributes, rejoice in thy name— 
 Jitlifin iFs. S9. title} were David's singers praise thy perfections by their very existence. 
 Vr\.\ '^•A^',^^' ^^- 15'.). of the family of , 15.Hisgovernmentof righteousnessisserved 
 Kohath. If the persons alluded to (1 Ki. 4. ; by merci/ and truth&s ministers (Pb. 85. 10-13 j. 
 ?^1 ^ k"*"-.^--^'^' *^.^^y ^\^\^ probably adopted know the joyful sound— understand and appre- 
 rnto the tnbe oi Judah Though called a , date the spiritual blessings sj'n.bolised by 
 song, which usually imphes joy (Ps. 83, l,i, ! the feasts to which the people were called by 
 both the style and matter of the Psalm are \ the trumpet (Lev. 25. O.&c ). walk . counte- 
 very despondent; yet the appeals to God ' nance— live in His favour iPs. 4. 6- 44 3 ) 16 
 evince faith, and we may suppose that the j 17. in [or.^j/l thy righteousness-thy faithful 
 word song might be extended to such com- just rule, glory [or, btaiiti,] of their strength 
 positions. —they shallbe adorned as'well as protected. 
 
 1, 2. Cf. on the terms used Ps. 22. 2; 31. 2. our horn-exalt our power (Ps. 75. 10; Luke. 1. 
 3. grave-?i«., hell (Ps. 16. 10.), death m wide i 69.). 18. (Cf. Mara.). Thus is introduced the 
 sense. 4. go . . pit— of destruction Ps. 28. l.), I promise to " our .shield," "our king," David, 
 as a man-M, a stout man, whose strength is i 19-37. Tlien— When the covenant was estalj- 
 utterly gone. 5. Free . . .dead— Cut off from i iished, of w^lfose execution the e.xalted views 
 God s care, as are the slam, who, falling un- of God now given furnish assurance, thou . . . 
 derH-.s wrath, are left, no longer sustained I to thy Holy One-or godlj-, saint, object of 
 t)y His hand. 6. feimilar figures for distress favour Ps. 4. 3. . Nathan is meant (■' Sam. 
 m Ps 6.5. 9; 69. 3 7. Cf. Ps. 38. 2, on fir.4. ' 7. 17; l Chr. 17. 3-15.). laid help-^/i.," given 
 and Ps. 42. 7, on last clause. 8. Both cut off hdih David was chosen and then exalted, 
 from sympathy and made hateful to friends 20. I have found — having sought and then 
 U^s. 31. 11.). 9. Mine eye mounieth — Tif. . selected him (1 Sam. 16.1-16,), 21. will pro- 
 dccays, or, fails, denoting exhaustion (Ps.6, tect and sustain (Isa. 41. 10,), 22 25. by re- 
 7; 31. 9.1. I... called— (Ps. 86. 5, 7.). stretched straining and conquering his enemies, and 
 put— for help ;Ps.44.20.). 10. shall the dead performing my gracious purpose of extending 
 [the remains of ghosts] arise— Kt., rtse -wp, ; his dominion— hand [and] right hand— power 
 I.e., as dead persons. 11, 12. amplify the (Ps. 17. 7; 60. 5.). sea. ana ... rivers— limits of 
 foregoing, the whole purport (as Ps. 6. 5) his empire (Ps. 72. 8.). 26, 27. first born— one 
 being to contrast death and life as seasons I who is chief, most beloved or distinguished 
 for praising God. 13. prevent — meet— i.e., j (Ex. 4. 22; Col. 1. 15.). In God's sit'lit and 
 he will diligently come before God for help purposes he was the first among all monardis. 
 (Ps. 18. 41.). 14. On the terms (Ps. 27. 9- 74. ' and specially so in his typical relation to 
 1; 77. 7.). 15. from . . . youth up— all my life. Christ, 28-37. This relation is perpetual with 
 With 16, 17. the extremes of anguish and : David's descendants, as a whole typical io 
 despair are depicted. 18. into darkness — ! official position of his last greatest descend- 
 better omit " into" — mine acquaintances ; ant. Hence, though in personal relations 
 (are darkness, the gloom of death, &c. (Job. , any of them might be faithless and so pun- 
 17. 13, 14.). ^^^^^ ished, their typical relation shall continue. 
 
 PSALM LXXXIX. His oath confirms his promise, and the most 
 
 Ver.1-52. O/.Ef/ian— (see Ps. 88. title.). The enduring objects of earth and heaven illus- 
 Psalm was comyiosed during some season of trate its perpetual force (Ps. 72. 5 7, 17 ) by 
 great national distress, perhaps Absalom's my holiness— as a holy God. once— one thing 
 rebellion. It contrasts the promised prospe- , (Ps. 27. 4.). that I will not lie— lit., if I lie— 
 ...... .^-r., ..._ ., ..... „ . _ 6; 2 
 
 rity and perpetuity of David's throne (with ; part of the form of swearing 1 Sam. 24. 
 reference to the great promise of 2 Sam. 7.), Sam. 3. 35.). It shall .. . moon, ... heaven- 
 vidth a time when God appeared to have Kt., "^s</iemoo«, and the witness in the sky 
 forgotten His covenant. The picture thus | is sure, i.e., the moon." 38-62. present a 
 drawn may typify the promises and the ad- striking contrast to these glowing promises, 
 versifies of Christ's kingdom, and the terms , in mournful evidences of a loss of God's fa- 
 of confiding appeal to God provide appro- : vour. 38. cast off— and rejected (cf. Ps. 15. 4; 
 pri ate prayers for the divine aid and promised 1 43. 2; 44. 9.). 39. An insult to the cromi, as 
 blessings. of divine origin, was a profanation. 40-45. 
 
 1. mercies— those promised (Isa. 56. 3- Acts, 1 The ruin is depicted under several figures— 
 
 13. 34,), and— faithfulness— i.e., in fulfilling a vineyard whose broken hedges, and a 
 them. 2. I have said— expressed, as well as stronghold whose ruins invite spoilers and 
 felt, my convictions (2 Cor. 4. 13.). 3,4. The invaders; a warrior, whose enemies are aided 
 object of this faith expressed in God's words by God, and whose sword's edge— lit, rock or 
 (2 Sam. 7. 11-16.). with [or lit., to'] my chosen— strength Josh. 5. 2) is useless; and a youth 
 as the covenant is in the form of a promise, prenaturely old. days of his youth— or, youth- 
 6, 7. This is worthy of our belief, for His ful vigour, i.e. of the royal line, or promised 
 faithfulness is praised) by the congregation perpetual kingdom, under the figure of a 
 of saints or holy ones, i.e., angels (cf. Deut. man. 46. How long? &c.-(cf. Ps. 13.1; 8S. 14; 
 33. 2; Dan. 8. 13.). sons of . . . mighty (cf. Ps. Jer.4. 4.) 47. These exi^o-stulations are ex- 
 29. \.t. So is He to be admired on earth. 8- cited in view of the identity of t! e prosperity 
 
 14. To illustrate His power and faithfulness of tliis kingdom with the welfare of all 
 examples are cited from history. His con- manl:ind (Gen. 22. 18; Ps. 72. 17; Isa. 9. 7; 11. 
 trol of the sea (the most mighty andunstable 1-10;); for if such is the fate of this chosen 
 object in nature), and of Egypt (Ps. 87. 4,), royal line, 48. What muxi— lit., strong man— 
 thi- first great foe of Israel (subjected to utter shall live? and, indeed, have not all men been 
 helplessness from pride and insolence), are made in vain, as to glorifying God? 49-61. 
 specimens. At the same time, the whole The terms of expostulation are used in view- 
 frame of nature foimded ami sustained by of the actual appearance that God had for- 
 
 40S 3 H 
 
David praises God 
 
 abominatiou unto them: / am shut up, 
 and 1 cannot come forth. 
 
 9 Mine eye mourneth by reason of afflic- 
 tion: LoKD, I have called daily u\>on thee, 
 I have stretched out my hands uMo thee. 
 
 10 Wilt thou show wonders to the dead^ 
 Bhall the dead arise and praise thee? 
 
 ll^ShaU thy loving-kindness be declared 
 in the grave? or thy faithtolness m de- 
 struction? , - , _„ •„ Xl,„ 
 
 12 Shall i> thy wonders be known m the 
 dark? « and thy righteousness in the land 
 of forgetfulness? • ^ ri r^^r.. 
 
 13 But unto thee have I cned, Lokd ; 
 and in the morning shaU my prayer prevent 
 
 14 Lord, why castest thou off my soul? 
 vihv hidest thou thy face from me? 
 
 15 I am afflicted and ready to die from 
 my youth up: while I <i suffer thy terrors I 
 am distracted. . ,, .u 
 
 16 Thy * fierce wrath goeth over me; thy 
 terrors have cut me off. 
 
 17 They came round about me & daily liKe 
 water; they compassed me about together. 
 
 18 Lover • and friend hast thou put lar 
 from me, and mine acquaintance into 
 
 ^^^""" PSALM LXXXIX 
 
 1 The psalmist praises God. 6 for his won<Urful 
 fxnuer, 16 for his core of the church, 19 and /a- 
 vour to David's kingdom. 
 
 1 Masc'hil of " Ethan the Ezrahite. 
 
 I WILL sing of the mercies of the Lord 
 for ever: with my mouth will I make 
 known thy faithfitlness 2 to all generations. 
 
 2 For I liave said, Mercy shall be bmlt up 
 for ever : thy faithfulness shalt thou es- 
 tablish in the very heavens. 
 
 3 I have made a covenant with my chosen, 
 I have 6 swom unto David my servant, 
 
 4 Thy seed will I establish for ever, and 
 build up thy throne 'to all generations. 
 Selah. „ . ^, 
 
 5 And the heavens shall praise thy 
 wonders, O Lokd; thy faithfulness also in 
 the congregation of the saints. 
 
 6 For who in the heaven can be compared 
 tmto the Lord? tvho among the sons of the 
 mighty can be likened unto the Lord? 
 
 7 God is greatly to be feared in the 
 assembly of the saints, and to be had ui 
 reverence of all them that are about him. 
 
 8 O Lord God of hosts, who is a strong 
 Lord like unto thee? or to thy faithfiilness 
 roiuid about thee? 
 
 9 Thou -irulest the raging of the sea: 
 when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest 
 them. „ . , . 
 
 10 Thon • haat broken s Rahab m pieces, 
 as one that is slain; thou hast scattered 
 thine enemies * with thy strong arm. 
 
 11 The heavens are thine, the earth also 
 in thine: as for the world and the fulness 
 thereof, thou hast founded them. 
 
 U The north and the south thou hast 
 created them: /Tabor and " Hermon shall 
 reioice in thy name. . 
 
 13 Thou hast 6 a mighty arm: strong is thy 
 hand, and high is thy nght hand. 
 
 11 Justice and judgment are the ^habi- 
 tation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall 
 go before thy face. 
 
 15 messed is the people that know the 
 jo) I'ul ''sound: they shaU walk, Lord, m 
 the liifht of thy countenance. 
 
 16 Li thy name shall they rejoice aU the 
 
 400 
 
 PSALM LXXXIX. 
 
 for Ms promises of favour. 
 
 PSALM S8. .day; an 
 . , .„> „, ,be exalted 
 
 d in thy righteousness shall they 
 
 I-, 11 12 , 17 For thou art the glory of their strength; 
 Eoci. 8 10. and in thy favour our horn shall be exa ted. 
 
 4 burrunjB. 
 
 5 Or, all the 
 day. 
 
 • Job 19. 13. 
 
 PSALM 89. 
 
 1 Or, A 
 
 Psalm for 
 Elhar. the 
 Eirahite, 
 to give in- 
 
 1 Ki. 4.31. 
 1 Chr.2.6. 
 
 2 to ^neia- 
 
 generation. 
 6 Ere 34.23. 
 
 Hos. 3. 6. 
 c 2 Sa. 7. 16. 
 
 Is. 44. 5. 
 
 Is. 59. 21. 
 
 Lu. 1. S2. 
 
 Hob. 2. 13. 
 d ^ah. 1. 4. 
 
 Mat. 8. 26. 
 « Is. 30. 7. 
 
 3 Or, Egypt. 
 
 4 -with the 
 arm of thy 
 strength. 
 
 / Jos. 19. 22. 
 9 Jos 12. 1. 
 
 with 
 might. 
 
 6 Or, estalH 
 Ushmcnt. 
 Deu. :a *. 
 Pb. 97. a. 
 Jer. 12. 1. 
 
 h Nu. 10. 10. 
 23.21. 
 
 7 Or, our 
 thield it 
 of the 
 
 lord, 
 
 ard our 
 king is of 
 the Holy 
 One of 
 
 Ps. 47. 9. 
 { Hob. 13. 10. 
 ;■ Pa. Bl. 7. 
 k 2Sa. 7.14. 
 
 John 5. 17. 
 JP8.2. 7. 
 
 Col. 1. IB. 
 m Ib. 55. 3. 
 n 1«. 9. 7. 
 
 Jer. a^. 17. 
 
 Dan. 7. 14. 
 
 Rei-. 22. 1. 
 Deu. 11 21. 
 p 2 Sa. 7. 14. 
 
 9Je 
 
 . Q 13. 
 
 8 profane my 
 
 9 1 will 
 
 Jn. 12. 34. 
 ( Jer. 81 .36. 
 u Lara. 6. 16. 
 12 bright- 
 ness. 
 V Job 7. 7. 
 
 IS For "the Lord is our defence; and the 
 Holv « One of Israel is oiu- King. 
 
 19 I'hen thou spakest in vision to thy 
 Holy One, and saidst, I have laid help upon 
 one' that is mighty; I have exalted ont 
 chosen out of the people. 
 
 '20 1 have foimd David my servant; with 
 my holv oil have I anointed him: 
 
 21 \Yith whom my hand shall be estab- 
 lished; mine arm also shall strengthen him. 
 
 22 The enemy shaU not exact upon him; 
 nor the son of wickedness afflict him. 
 
 23 And I wiU beat Gown his foes before 
 his face, and plague them that hate him. 
 
 24 But } my faithfulness and my nierCT 
 shall be with him; and in my name shall 
 his horn be exalted. , . ., , 
 
 25 I wiU set his hand also in the sea, and 
 his ritrht hand in the rivers. 
 
 26 He shaU cry unto me. Thou ar« *my 
 Father, my God, and the Rock ot my sal- 
 
 27 Also I wUl make him J«i?/ ftrst-bom, 
 higher than the kings of the earth. _ 
 
 28 My "' mercy wiU I keep for him for 
 evermore, and my covenant shaU stand 
 fast with him. .„ ^ , ^ , 
 
 29 His seed also wiU I make to endure 
 for ever, " and his throne " as the days o£ 
 
 30 \f P his children foi-sake « my law, and 
 waUi not in my judgments; , , „ 
 
 31 If they » litak my statutes, and keep 
 not my commandments; _ 
 
 32 Then will I visit their transgression 
 with the rod, and their miquity with 
 
 ^Sa'^Nevertheless my loving-kindness 9 will 
 
 I not utterly take from him, nor sufler my 
 faithfulness 1" tc fail. 
 
 34 My covenant wiU I not break, nor alter 
 the thing that is gone out of my hns. 
 ?,5 Once have I sworn '^by my tolmess 
 
 II that 1 will not he unto David. 
 26 His * seed shaU endure for ever, andniB 
 
 throne as the sun before me. 
 
 37 It « shaU be established for ever as the 
 moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. 
 Selah 
 
 38 But thou hast cast off and abhorred, 
 thou hast been wroth with thine anomted. 
 
 39 Thou hast made void the covenant of 
 thy servan' ; " thou hast profaned his crown 
 hy casling it to the ground. „ ^. , . 
 
 40 Thou ha.st broken down all his hedges; 
 thou hast brought his strong holds to rum. 
 
 41 AU that pass by the wayspoU him; ne 
 is a reproach to his neighbours. 
 
 42 Thou hast set up the ri«bt hand of his 
 adversaries; thou hast made aU his ene- 
 mies to rejoice. ,,,.•> * i,:. 
 
 43 Thon hast also turned the edge ot hia 
 sword, and hast not made him to stand m 
 the battle. . ,„ , ^ 
 
 44 Thou hast made his 12 glory to cease, 
 and cast his throne down to the ground. 
 
 45 The days of his youth hast thon 
 shortened : thou hast covered him witn 
 shame. Selah. , - , ^i, 
 
 46 How long, Lord? wilt thou hide thy- 
 self for ever? shaU thy wrath bum lixe 
 fire? 
 
 47 Remember " how shorts my time is : 
 wherefore ha«*t' thou made aU men m vamf 
 
Frailty of Man. 
 
 PSALMS xc-xcin. 
 
 Safety of the Righteous. 
 
 saken His people and forgotten His promise, 
 and the plea for aid is urged in view of the 
 reproaches of His and His people's enemies 
 (cf. Isa. o7. 17-35. . bear in my bosom— as feel- 
 ing the affliction of the people (Ps. 09. 9. . 
 foot stets — ways (Ps. 56. C). Blessed, Ac- 
 denotes returning confidence (Ps. 34. 1-3.). 
 Amen, and Amen— closes the third book of 
 Psalms. 
 
 PSALM XC. 
 
 "Ver. 1-17. Contrasting man's frailty with 
 God's eternity, the writer mourns over it 
 as the punishment of sin, and prays for a 
 return of the divine favour. A Prayer 
 [mainly such] of Moses the man of God— 
 (Dent. 33. 1; Josh. 14. 6,), as such he wrote this 
 (cf. titles of Ps. 18. and Ps. 3C.). 
 
 1. dwelling place ■=- home (cf. Ez. 11. 16,), 
 as a refuge (Dent. 33. 27.). 2. brought foith 
 [and] formed— both express the idea oi pro- 
 duction hy birth. 3. to destruction— Ki., even 
 -to dust (Gen. 3. 19,). which is partly quoted 
 in the last clause. 4. Even were our days 
 now 1000 years, as Adam's, our life would be 
 but a moment in God's si^ht i2 Pet. 3. 8.). a 
 watch— or, third part of a night.^cf. Ex. 14. 
 24. . 5. 6. Life is like grass, which, though 
 changing under the influence of tlie night's 
 dew, and flourishing in the morning, is soon 
 cut down and withereth Ps. 103. 15; 1 Pet. 1. 
 24.). 7, 8. For— A reason, this is the infliction 
 of God's wrath, troubled— <fl, confounded 
 bii terror (Ps. 2. 5.). Death is by sin (Rom. 
 5. 12.). Though secret the light of God's 
 countenance, as a candle, will bring sin to 
 view (Pro. 20. 27; 1 Cor. 4. 6.). 9. are passed 
 —lit., turn, as to depart (Jei". 6. 4.). spend— 
 lit., consume, as a tale— lil, a thought, or, a 
 sigh [Kz. 2. 10.). 10. Moses' life was an ex- 
 ception (Deut. 34. 7.). it is . . . cut off— or, 
 driven, as is said of the quails in using the 
 same word (Num. 11. 31.). In view of this 
 certain and speedy end, life is full of sorrow. 
 11. The whole verse may be read as a ques- 
 tion implying the negative, " No one knows 
 what thy anger can do, and w hat thv wTath 
 is, estimated by a true piety." 12. This he 
 praj'S we may know or understand, so as 
 properly to number or appreciate the short- 
 ness ot our days, that we may be wise. 13. 
 (Cf. Ps. 13. 2.). let it repent— a strong figure, 
 as Ex. 32. 12, imploring a change in His deal- 
 ings. 14. early — promptly. 15. As have 
 been our sorrows, so let our joys be great and 
 long. 16. ihy work — or, providential acts, 
 thy glory— (Ps. 8. 5; 45. 3,), the honour accruing 
 from thy work of mercy to us. 17. let tue 
 beauty— or, sitin of His gracious acts, in their 
 harmony, be illustrated in us, and favour 
 our enterprises. 
 
 PSALM XCI. 
 
 Ver. 1-16. David is the most probable 
 author; and the pestilence, mentioned 2 Sam. 
 24, the most probable of any special occa^ 
 sion, to which the Psalm may refer. The 
 changes of person allowable in poetry are 
 here frequently made. 
 
 1. To dwell in the secret place (Ps. 27. 5; 31. 
 20,), denotes nearness to God. Such as do so 
 abide or lodge secure from assaults, and 
 can weU use the terms of trust in v. 2. 3. 
 snare . . . [and] n isome pestilence— Zit., plagues 
 oj mischiejs .Ps. 5. 9; 52. 7,), are expressive 
 figures for various evils. 4. For the tirst 
 figure cf. Deut. 32. 11; Mark, 23. 37. buckler 
 —lit., surrounding —i.e., a kind of shield, 
 covering all over. 5. terror— or, what causes 
 40!) 
 
 it (Pro. 20. 2.). by night— then aggravated, 
 arrow— i.e.. of enemies. 7, 8, The security is 
 more valuable, as being special, ai.d, there- 
 fore, evidently of God; and while ten thou- 
 sands of the wicked fall, the righteous are in 
 such safety, that they only see the calamity. 
 9-12. This exempiion from evil is the result 
 of trust in God, who employs angels as mi- 
 nistering spirits (Heb. 1. 14.). 13. Even the 
 fiercest, strongest, and most insidious ani- 
 mals may be trampled on with impunity. 
 14-16. GodHiUiSelf speaks (cf. Ps. 46. 10; 75. 
 2,3.). All the terms to express salety and 
 peace indicate the most uudoubting coi^fi- 
 dence (ct. Ps. 18. 2; 20. 1; 22. 5.'. set his love 
 —that of the most ardent kind, show him 
 —lit., make him see (Ps. 60. 23; Luke, 2. 30.). 
 PSALM XCII. 
 
 Ver. 1-15. A Psalm-song— [cf. Ps. 30. title.). 
 The theme is, that God should be praised for 
 His righteous judgments on the wicked and 
 His care and defence of His people. !6uch a 
 topic, at all times proper, is specially so for 
 the reflections of the Sabbath-day. 
 
 1. siiig . . . name— celebrate thy perfections. 
 2. in iJie morning . . . every night— diligently 
 and constantly jPs. 42. 8.). loving-kiuaness— 
 lit., meny. faithfulness — in fujfilhng pro- 
 mises (Ps. 89. 14.). 3. In such a work all 
 proper aid must be used, with a . . . sound— 
 or, ou Higgaion cf. Ps. 9. 16,), perhaps an 
 instrument of that name, from its sound re- 
 sembling the muttered sound of meditation, 
 as expressed also by the word. This is joined 
 with the harp. 4. thy work— i.e., ot provi- 
 dence (Ps. 90. 16, 17.). 5. great . . . works — 
 correspond to deep or vast thoughts (Ps. 40. 5; 
 Rom. 11. 23.). 6. A brutish man knoweth not 
 —i.e., God's works, so the Psalmist describes 
 himself (Ps. 73. 22) when amazed by the pros- 
 perity of the wicked, now understood and 
 explained. 8. This he does in part, by con- 
 trasting their ruin with God's exaltation and 
 eternity, most high— as occupying the highest 
 place in heaven ( Ps. 7. 7; 18. 16.). 9. lO. A far- 
 ther contrast with the wicked, in the lot of the 
 righteous, safety and triumph, horn . . . exalt 
 —is to increase power (Ps. 75. 5.). sncinted 
 . . . fiesli [or, new] oil— (Ps. 23. 5) a figure for 
 refreshment ;cf. Luke, 7. 46.). Such use of oil 
 is still common in the East. 11. see . . . [and] 
 hear mv desire— or lit., look on my enemies 
 and hear of the wicked (cf. Ps. 27. 11; 64. 7)— 
 i.e., I shall be gratified by their faU. 12-14. 
 The vigorous growth, longevity, utility, fra- 
 grance, and beauty of these noble trees, set 
 forth the life, character, and destiny of the 
 pious; 15. and they thus declare God's 
 glory as their strong and righteous ruler. 
 
 PSALM xcm. 
 
 Ver. 1-5. This and the six following Psalms 
 were applied by the Jews to the times of the 
 Messiah. The theme is God's supremacy in 
 creation and providence. 
 
 1. L4od is described as a king entering on 
 his reiL'n, and, for robes of royalty, investing 
 HimstJlf with the glorious attributes of Hi.s 
 nature. The result of His thus reigning is 
 the durabihty of the world. 2-4. His unde- 
 rived power exceeds the most sublime exlii- 
 bitions of the most powerful objects in na- 
 ture Ps. 89. 9.1 5. While His power inspires 
 dread. His revealed will should secure our 
 confidence (cf. Ps. 19. 7; 25. 10, , and thus fear 
 and love combined, producing all holy emo- 
 ti'ns, should distinguish the worship we 
 ofier in His house, both earthly and heavenly. 
 
frailty of <i 
 
 PSALMS XC-XCIL 
 
 Safety of tTie righteouf. 
 
 48 What man is he tlmt liveth, and shaU 
 not see death* shall he deliver his soul 
 from the hand of the grave ? Selah. 
 
 49 Lord, where are thy former loving- 
 kindnesses, whichi\iou swarestunto David 
 in thy truth? . „^^ 
 
 50 Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy 
 eervants ; how I do bear in my bosom the, 
 reproach of all the mighty people ; 
 
 61 Wherewith thine enemies have re- 
 proached, O Lobd; wherewith they have 
 reproached the footsteps of thine anointed. 
 
 52 Blessed he the LoKD for evermore. 
 Amen, and Amen. 
 
 PSALM XC. 
 
 \Moitt, setting forth Ood's providenee, S eom- 
 vlains of human frailty t Vi he prays for the 
 knowledge and scnaible experience of <3oa't good 
 
 tdenee. 
 
 \ A Prayer of Moses the man of God. 
 T ORD, thou hast been car dwelling place 
 ■*-' 2 in aU generations. 
 ,2 Before the " mountains were brought 
 forth, or ever thou hadst fonned the earth 
 and the world, even from everlasting to 
 everlasting, thou aH God. 
 
 3 Thou tumest man to destruction; and 
 Bayest, * Return, ye children of men. 
 
 4 For " a thousand years in thy sight are 
 Imt as yesterday 3 when it is past, and as a 
 watch m the night. 
 
 5 Thou earnest them away as with a 
 flood: they are as a sleep: in the morning 
 they <» are like grass which igroweth up. 
 
 6 In • the morning it flourisheth, and 
 groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, 
 and withereth. 
 
 7 For we are consumed by thine anger, 
 and by thy wrath are we troubled. 
 
 8Thou/ hast set our ihiquities before thee, 
 our » secret sins in the light of thy counte- 
 nance. 
 
 9 For all our days are 6 passed away in 
 thy wrath; we spend our years ^ as a tale 
 that is told. 
 
 10 ^ The days of our years are threescore 
 years and ten ; and if by reason of strength 
 they be fourscore years, yet is their strength 
 labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, 
 and we fly away. 
 
 11 Who knoweth the power of thine 
 anger? even according to thy fear, so is 
 thy wrath. 
 
 12 So 'i teach u« to number our days, that 
 we may 8 apply our hearts unto wisdom. 
 
 13 Return, O Lord, how long? and let it 
 repent » thee concerning thy servants. 
 
 14 O satisfy us early with thy mercy ; that 
 we may rejoice and be glad all our days. 
 
 15 Make us glad according to the days 
 voherein thou hast afflicted us, and the 
 years wherein we have seen evil. 
 
 16 Let > thy work appear unto thy ser- 
 vants, and thy glory unto their children. 
 
 17 And let the beauty of the Lord out 
 God be upon us: and "establish thou the 
 work of our hands upon us; yea, the work 
 of our hands establish thou it. 
 
 PSALM XCL 
 jl Btate of the godly ; 3 their lafety, 9 ftaMtafton, 
 
 11 servantt, 14 andfriendt; with the effects of 
 
 Hum. alX. 
 TJE that dwelleth in the secret place of 
 ■■■•^ the Most High shall i abide under the 
 ghadow of the Almighty. 
 
 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge 
 and my fortress: my tiod; in him will I 
 trast. 
 
 ilO 
 
 PSAIiM 92. 
 
 1 in the 
 
 slghta. 
 
 2 Or, up«n 
 the solemn 
 •ound with 
 the h»rp. 
 
 8 Higgaion, 
 
 P.. 9. 16. 
 a I,. 28. 29. 
 
 Ro, 11. 33. 
 b P». 73. 22. 
 
 P>. 94. 8. 
 e Job 21. 7. 
 
 Jer. 12. 1. 
 
 M>1. 3. 15. 
 d Pb. 62. 8. 
 
 Bong 7. 7. 
 
 eb.eo.81. 
 
 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the 
 snare of the fowler, and from the noisome 
 pestilence. 
 
 4 He " shall cover thee with his feathers, 
 and under his wings shalt thou trust: his 
 truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 
 
 5 Thou * shalt not be afraid for the terror 
 by night; nor for the arrow that tiieth by 
 day; 
 
 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in 
 darkness; nor for the destmction that 
 wasteth at noon-day. 
 
 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and 
 ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall 
 not come nigh thee. 
 
 8 Only *with thine eyes shalt thou behold 
 and see the reward of the wicked. 
 
 9 Because thou hast made the Lord which 
 is my refuge, even the Most High, thy 
 habitation; 
 
 10 There <* shall no e\Tl befall thee, 
 neither shaU any plague come nigh thy 
 dwelling. 
 
 11 For 'he shall give his angels charge 
 over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 
 
 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, 
 lest /thou dash thy foot against a stone. 
 
 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and 
 2 adder; the young lion and the dragon 
 shalt thou trample under feet. 
 
 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, 
 therefore will I deliver him: 1 will set him 
 on high, because he hath knoivn my name. 
 
 15 lie " shall call upon me, and I will an« 
 swer him: f^ 1 ^vill be with him in trouble; 
 I -Bill deliver him, and « honour him. 
 
 16 With 3 long life will I satisfy him, and 
 show him my salvation. 
 
 PSALM xcn. 
 
 1 Th^ prophet exhorts to praise God, A for hit 
 tvoris, B his judgments on the wicked, 10 and 
 goodness to the godly. 
 
 A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day. 
 TT is a good thing to give thanks unto 
 the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy 
 name, O Most High: 
 
 2 To show forth thy loving-kindness in the 
 mornujg, and thy faithfulness i every night. 
 
 3 Upon an instrument of ten strings, and 
 upon the psaltery ; 2 upon the harp with 3 a 
 solemn sound. 
 
 4 For thou. Lord, hast made me glad 
 through thy work: I will triumph in the 
 works of thy hands. 
 
 5 Lord, how great are thy works! and 
 thy " thoughts are very deep. 
 
 6 A 6 brutish man knowetn not; neither 
 doth a fool understand this. 
 
 7 When " the wicked spring as the grass, 
 and when all the workers of iniquity do 
 flomjsh; it is that they shall be destroyed 
 for ever: 
 
 8 But thou, Lord, art most high for 
 evermore. 
 
 9 For, lo, thine enemies, Lord, for, lo, 
 thine enemies shall perish ; all the workers 
 of iniquity shall be scatteied. 
 
 10 But my horn shalt thou exalt like the 
 horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed 
 with fresh oil. 
 
 11 Mine eye also shaU see my desire on 
 mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear mi; 
 desire of the wicked that rise up against 
 me. 
 
 12 The <* righteous shall flourish like the 
 
 £alm tree; ne shall grow like a cedar in 
 lebanon. 
 
 13 Those th&t be * planted in the boose of 
 
Tlie Providence of God. 
 
 PSALMS XCIV— XCVni. Exhortation to Praise God. 
 
 PSALM XCIV. 
 
 Ver. 1-23. The writer, appealing to God in 
 view of the oppres.sion of enemies, rebukes 
 them for their wickedness and folly, and 
 encourages himself, in the confidence that 
 God will punish evil-doers, and favour His 
 people. 
 
 1, 2. God's revenge is His judicial infliction 
 of righteous punishment, show thyself— (cf. 
 Marg.). Lift up thyself— or. Arise, both figures 
 representing God as heretofore indiflerent 
 
 PSALM XCVI. 
 Ver. 1-13. The substance of this Psalm, 
 nd portions of the 97th, 98th, and lOOth. are 
 found in 1 Chr. 10, which was used by David's 
 directions in the dedication of the tabernacle 
 on mount Zion. The dispensation of the 
 Messiah was ty pified by that event. Involving, 
 as it did, a more permanent seat of worship, 
 and the introduction of additional and morp 
 spiritual services. Hence the language of 
 , , ^, ~ „ . -r : these Psalms may be regarded as having a 
 
 (ct. Ps. 3. 7; 22. 16, 20.!. 3,4. In an earnest ; higher import than that pertinent to the 
 expostulation he expresses his desire that j occasion on which it was thus publicly used 
 the insolent triumph of the wicked may be 1-3. AH nations are invited to unite in ihis 
 ended. 5, 6. people [and] heritage — are sy- most joyful praise, new song— Zi(.,/res/i, for 
 nonymous, the people being often called new mercies (Ps. 33. 3; 40. 3.). show forth— 
 God's heritage. As justice to the weak is a ; iii., declare joyful tidings. The salvation 
 sign of the best government, their oppression illustrates His glory in its wonders of love 
 is a sign of the worst (Deut. 10. 18; Isa. 10. 2.). j and mercy. 4, 5. For He is not a local God. 
 7. Their cruelty is only exceeded by their ; but of universal agency, while idols are 
 ■wicked and absurd presumption (Ps. 10. 11; nothing. 6. Honour and maiestv— are His 
 59. 7.). 8. ye brutish- (cf. Ps. 73. 22; 92. 6.). attendants, declared in His mi'jhty works, 
 9-11. The evidence of God's providential ! while power and grace are specially seen 
 government is found in His creative power in His spiritual relations to His people 
 and omniscience, which also assure us that 7-9. Give— or. Ascribe (Ps. 29. l) due honour 
 He can punish the wicked in regard to all to Him, by acts of appointed and solemn 
 their vain purposes. 12, 13. On the other worship in His house, offeruig— of thanks, 
 hand, He favours, though He chastens, the beauty of holiness- (Ps. 29. 2.). fear . . . him— 
 pious, and will teach and preserve them (Ps. 2. 11.). 10. Let all know that the govem- 
 till the prosperous wicked are overthrown. ; ment of the world is ordered in justice, and 
 14, 15. This results from His abiding love they shall enjoy firm and lasting peace (of. 
 (Deut. 32. 1.5,), which is farther evinced by Ps. 72. 3, 7; Isa. 9. 6, 7.). 11-13. For which 
 His restoring order in His government, wliose reason the universe is invoked to unite in 
 right administration will be approved by joy, and even inanimate nature (Eom. 8. 14- 
 the good. 16. These questions imply that,2:.^i is poetically represented as capable of 
 none other than God will help iPs. 60. 9,), Joining in the anthem of praise. 
 17-19., a fact fully confirmed by his past ex- PSALM XOVII. 
 
 perience. dwelt in silence— as in the grave I Ver. 1-12. The writer celebrates the Lord's 
 (Ps. 31. 17.). my thoughts— or, anxious cares. '• dominion over nations and nature, describes 
 20. throne — power, rulers, iniquity [and] its eftect on foes and friends, and exhorts 
 nuschiei— both denote evils done to others, , and encourages the latter, 
 as 21. explams. 22, 23. Yet he is sate in i 1, 2. This dominion is a cause of joy, be- 
 God's care, defence- (Ps. 59. 9.). rock cf . . . : cause, however our minds are oppressed with 
 refuge— (Ps. 9. 9; 18. 2.). bring . . . iniquity— ; terror before the throne of the JKing of kings 
 (cf. Ps. 5. 10; 7. 16.). in their . . , wickedness— j (Ex. 19. 16; Deut. 6. 22,), we know it is based 
 while they are engaged in evil doing. | on righteous principles and judgments which 
 
 PSALM XCV. I are according to truth. 3-5. The attending 
 
 Ver. 1-11. David iHeb. 4. 7) exhorts men illustrations of God's awful justice on ene- 
 to praise God for His greatness, and warns ] mies (Ps. 83. 14) are seen in the disclosures 
 them, in God's words, against neglecting His of His almighty power on the elements of 
 service. • mature (cf. Ps. 46. 2; 77. 17; Hab. 3. 6, &c.). 
 
 1. The terms used to express the highest 6. heavens— or, their inhabitants (Ps. 50. 6.), 
 kind of joy. Rock— A firm basis, giving cer- , as opposed to nations in the latter clause (cf. 
 tainty of salvation (Ps. 62. 7.). 2. come . . . |Isa. 40. 6; 66. 18.). 7. Idolaters are utterly 
 presence— Ki., approach, or, meet Him (Ps. 17. put to shame, for if angels must worship 
 13.). 3. above . . . gods — esteemed such by Him, how much more those who worshipped 
 men, though reallynothing (Jer. 5. 7;10. 10-15.). them. ^U ye gods— lit., all ye angels Ps. 8. 5; 
 4, 5. The terms used describe the world in 1. 8. 1; Heb. 1. 6; 2. 7.;. Paul quotes, not as 
 its whole extent, subject to God. 6. come— a prophecy, but as language used in re-ard 
 or. enter, with sokmn forms, as well as to the Lord Jehovah, who in the O. T. theo- 
 hearts. 7. This relation illustrates our en- phania, is the second person of the Godhead, 
 tire dependence (cf. Ps. 23. 3; 74. l.j. The 8, 9. The exaltation of Zion's king is joy to 
 last clause is imited by Paul (Heb. 3. 7) to the righteous and sorrow to the wicked, 
 the following (cf. Ps. 81. 8,), 8-11. warning daugliters ol Judah— (cf. Ps. 48. 11.). above all 
 against neglect; and this is sustained by gods — (Ps. 96. 3.). 10-13. Let gratitude for 
 citing the uielancholy fate of their rebellious the blessings of providence and grace incite 
 ancestors, whose provoking insolence is de- saints (Ps. 4. 3) to holy living. Spiritual 
 scribed by quoting the language of God's blessings are in store, represented by light 
 complaint i]Num. 14. ll) of their conduct at (Ps. 27. 1) and gladness, sown— to spring 
 Mm6a/i and Massa/i, names given Ex. 17.7) forth abundantly for such, who alone can 
 to commemorate their strife and contention and well may rejoice in the holy government 
 with Him (Ps. 78. 18, 41./. err in tbeir heart of their sovereign Lord icf. Ps. 30.4; 32. li.). 
 —their wanderings in the desert were but ; PSALM XCVIIi. 
 
 types of their innate ignorance and perverse- ' "Ver. 1-9. In view of the wonders of grace 
 ness. that they should not— lit., if they, &c., and righteousness displayed in God's salva- 
 part of the form of swearing (cf.Num. 14. 30; tion, the whole creation is invited to unite 
 Ps. 89. 36.J. ■ in praise. 
 
 410 
 
ttdjeiiy of God's Mngdom. 
 
 PSALMS xcni-xcvi. 
 
 Exhortation to praise God. 
 
 » greea. 
 
 EKk.47.12. 
 / Deu. 32. 4. 
 8 Bom. 9. 14. 
 
 PSALM 93. 
 « li. 62. 7. 
 
 Rev. 19. 6. 
 6 Pa. 104. 1. 
 ePro. 8. 22, 
 
 1 from then. 
 
 2 to length 
 of da;>. 
 
 Ihe Lord shall flourish in the courts of 
 
 our God. 
 
 14 They shall stiU bring forth fruit in old 
 age- they shall be fat and * flourishing; 
 
 15 To show that the Lobd is upright: fhe 
 i$ my rock, and o there is no unrighteous- 
 uess in him. 
 
 PSALM xcm. 
 
 Majesty, stability , pmver, andholinas of Christ's 
 
 kingdom. 
 T'HE » Lord reigneth;* he is clothed with 
 ■*- majesty: the Lord is clothed with 
 Btrength, wherewith he hath girded him- 
 self: the world also is established, that it 
 cannot be moved. 
 
 2 Thy « throne is established i of old: thou 
 art from everlasting. 
 
 3 The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the 
 floods have lifted up their voice; the floods 
 lift up their waves. 
 
 4 The Lord on high is mightier than the 
 noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty 
 waves of the sea. 
 
 5 Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness 
 becometh thine house, O Lord, 2 for ever. 
 
 PSALM XCIV. 
 1 The prophet, eaUing for hatiee, complains of the 
 tvrannt/ and impiety of the wicked. 16 Cfod is 
 vu defender and avenger of the afflicted. 
 
 r\ LORD 1 God, to whom vengeance be- 
 ^^ longeth: God, to whom vengeance 
 belongeth, 2 show thyself. 
 
 2 Lift up thyself, thou <• Judge of the 
 earth: render a reward to the proud. 
 
 3 Lord, » how long shall the wicked, how 
 long shall the wicked triumph? 
 
 4 How long shall they « utter and speak 
 hard things f and aU the workers of iniquity 
 toast themselves? 
 
 5 They break in pieces thy people, Lord, 
 and afflict thine heritage: 
 
 6 They slay the widow and the stranger, 
 and murder the fatherless. 
 
 7 Yet thev say, The Lord shall not see, 
 neither shall the God of Jacob regard it. 
 
 8 Understand, ye brutish among the peo- 
 ple: and we fools, when will ye be wise? 
 
 9 He <* that planted the ear, shall he not 
 hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not 
 Bee? 
 
 10 He that chastiseth the heathen, shall 
 not he correct? he that • teacheth man 
 knowledge, shall not he know? 
 
 11 The /Lord knoweth the thoughts of 
 man, that they are vanity. 
 
 12 Blessed ' is the man whom thou chas- 
 tenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of 
 thv law; 
 
 ' l3 That thou mayest give him rest from 
 the days of adversity, until the pit be digged 
 ft)r the wicked. 
 
 14 For '^ the Lord will not cast ofFhis peo- 
 pie, neither will he forsake his inheritance: 
 
 15 But judgment shall return unto righte- 
 ousness ; and all the upright in hearts shall 
 follow it. 
 
 16 Who will rise up for me against the 
 evil-doers? or who will stand up for me 
 against the workers of iniquity? 
 
 17 Unless the Lord had been my help, 
 my soul had * almost dwelt in silence. 
 
 18 When I said. My foot slippeth; thy 
 mercy, O Lord, held me up. 
 
 19 In the multitude of my thoughts within 
 toe thy comfoi w .telight my souL ..„..„._ 
 
 '20 Shall i the liiione of iniquity have fel- a Zim 
 lowship with thee, which ^ frameth mis- • John s. 22. 
 chief by a law? J[/aer.i8.u. 
 
 psAiM 94. 
 
 1 Oodof 
 
 reren^i. 
 Dou.32.85. 
 Nah. 1. 2. 
 
 2 Bhine 
 forth. 
 
 a Gen. 18.25. 
 6 Job 20. 5. 
 e Jude 15. 
 d Ex. 4 11. 
 Pro. 2012. 
 * Job 35. 11. 
 
 I>. 28. 2S. 
 /ICor. 1. 
 
 21. 
 
 1 Cor. 3. 
 
 20. 
 Job 5. 17. 
 
 Pro. 3, 11. 
 
 1 Cor. 11. 
 82. 
 Heb. 12. 6. 
 
 A Bom. 11.2. 
 
 3 shaUb* 
 after it. 
 
 4 Or, 
 quickly. 
 
 i AmoB 6. 
 
 2 Cor. 6.14. 
 >P«.68. 2. 
 
 la. 10. 1. 
 k Mat. 27. 1. 
 J Ex. 23. 7. 
 
 Pro. 17. 15. 
 m Pro. 2. 22. 
 
 PSALM 95, 
 
 1 prevent 
 hia face, 
 
 2 In whose. 
 8 Or, the 
 
 heights of 
 the hiUs 
 are hia. 
 
 4 Whose the 
 sea is. 
 
 o 1 Cor. 6. 
 20. 
 
 b John 1. S. 
 Is. 54. 6. 
 
 e Heb. 3. 7. 
 
 d Num. 14. 
 
 Heb. 3. 10. 
 /Heb. 4. 8. 
 6 if they 
 
 enter. 
 
 
 
 PSALM 96. 
 
 Jer. 10. 11. 
 b Ib. 42. e. 
 
 c Ps. 29. 1, 
 
 1 of his 
 name. 
 
 2 Or. in tht 
 glorious 
 
 21 They* gather themselves together 
 against the soul of the righteous, and * coi> 
 demn the innoceht blood. 
 
 22 But the Lord is my defence; and my 
 God is the rock of my refuge. 
 
 23 And "* he shall bring upon them their 
 own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their 
 own wickedness ;yea, the Lord our God 
 shall cut them off: 
 
 PSALM XCV. 
 \ Exhortation to praise Qod, 3 for his greatness, 
 6 and for his goodness: 8 and not to tempt him. 
 COME, let us sing unto the Lord; let 
 us make a joyful noise to the Rock ol 
 our salvation. 
 
 2 Let us 1 come before his presence with 
 thanks^giving, and make a joyful noise 
 unto him with psahns. 
 
 3 For the Lord is a great God, and a 
 great King above all gods. 
 
 4 2 In his hand are the deep places of the 
 earth -3 the strength of the hills is his also. 
 
 5 * The sea is his, and he made it; and 
 his hands formed the dry land. 
 
 6 come, let us worship and bow down; 
 let " us kneel before the Lord our * Maker. 
 
 7 For he is our God; and we are the peo- 
 
 Ele of his pasture, and the sheep of hia 
 and. ' To-day if ye will hear his voice, 
 
 8 Harden not your heart, <*as in the & pro- 
 vocation, and as in the day of temptation in 
 the wilderness : 
 
 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved 
 me, and saw my work. 
 
 10 Forty * years long was I grieved with 
 this generation, and said. It is a people 
 that do err in their heart, and they have 
 not known my ways: 
 
 11 Unto whom/ 1 sware in my wrath, 6 that 
 they should not enter into my rest, 
 
 PSALM XOVL 
 
 I Eehortation to praise Ood, 4 for his greatness, 
 10 for his kin^/dom, U CMd for his gentraljud^ 
 ments. 
 
 O SING unto the Lord a new song; sing 
 ^^ unto the Lord, all the earth. 
 
 2 Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; 
 show forth his salvation from day to day. 
 
 3 Declare his glory among the heathen, 
 his wonders among all people. 
 
 4 For the Lord is great, and greatly to 
 be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. 
 
 5 For " all the gods of the nations are 
 idols: * but the Lord made the heavens. 
 
 6 Honour and majesty are before him: 
 strength and beauty are in his sanctuary, 
 
 7 Give * imto the Lord, O ye kindreds of 
 the people, give unto the Lord glory and 
 strength. 
 
 8 Give unto the Lord the glory i due unto 
 his name: bring an olfeiing, and come into 
 his courts. 
 
 9 worship the Lord 2 in the beauty of 
 holiness: fear before him, all the earth. 
 
 10 Say among the heathen that d the 
 Lord reigneth: the world also shall be es- 
 tablished that it shall not be moved: he 
 shall • judge the people righteously. 
 
 II Let the heavens rejoice, and'let the 
 earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the 
 fulness thereof. 
 
 12 Let the field beioyful, and all that ia 
 therein; theu shall all the trees of the wood 
 rejoice 
 
 13 Before the Lord; for he cometh, for 
 he cometh to judge the earth: /he shall 
 judge the world with righteousness, and 
 the people with his truth. 
 
Exhortati on to Praise God. PSALMS XCIX— dl. Co mplaint in Ajfliciion. 
 
 1. gotten . . . victorj— lit., made salvation, clerers and haiifihty persons, so mischievous 
 enabled Him to save His people, right hand, in society, I will disown; but— Mine eyes . . . 
 and . . . arm— denote power, holy arm— or upon— or, I will select reliable and honest 
 arm of holiness, the power of His united men for my servants. 7. not dwell— Kt., noi 
 moral perfections (Ps. 22. 3; .'52. 11.). 2. The sit, or tarry, or be establi^hed. 8. will early 
 salvation is the result of His rifihteousness —or, diligently, city of the Lord— or, holy * 
 (Ps. 7. 17; 31. 1,), and both are publicly dis- place i,Ps. 48. 2,), where wiciied men shall not 
 played. 3. Tlie union of mercy and truth be tolerated. 
 (Ps. 57. 3; 85. 10) secure the blessings of the , PSALM CII. 
 
 promise (Gen. 12. 3; 18. 18) to all the world (Isa. ! Ver. 1-28. A praver of the afflicted, &c.— 
 62.10.). 4-6. make a loud iioise— or, burst forth Tlie general terms seem to denote the pro- 
 (Isa. 14. 7; 44. 23.), before ... King— hail Him priety of regarding the Psalm as suitably 
 as your sovereii;n; and while with every aid expressive of the anxieties of any one of 
 to demonstrate zeal and joy, intelligent Da\iirs descendants, piously concerned tor 
 creatures are invited to praise, as in Ps. 96. the welfare of the Church £t was probably 
 li-ij, inanimate nature is also smnmoned David's compoisition, and, though specially 
 to honour Him v/ho triumphs and rules in suggested by some peculiar trials, descriptive 
 righteousness and equity. i of future times. Overwhclmedr—[cf. Ps. 61. 2. '. 
 
 PSALM XCIX. i Complaint— [Ps. 55. 2.). Pouriim o\d the soiil 
 
 Ver. 1-9. God's government is specially — Ps. 62. 8.). The tone of complaint pre- 
 exercised in and for His church, which should ' dominates, though in view of God's promises 
 prai.se Him for His gracious dealings. and abiding faithfulness, it is sometimes 
 
 1. sittetk . . . cuerubim- (cf. 1 Sam. 4. 4; Ps. exchanged for that of confidence and hope. 
 80. 1.). tremble ... be moved— inspired with 1 1-3. The termsusedoccur in Ps.4.1; J7. 1,6: 
 fear by His judgments on the wicked. 2. ) is. 6; 31. 2, 10; 37. 20. 4. (CI. Ps. 12i. 6.). fo that I 
 great in Zion— where He dwells ,Ps. 9. 11.). forget— or, have forgotten, i.e., in my distress 
 3. thy... nr.me— perfections of justice, power, ; (Ps. 107. 18,), and nence stren;.;th fails. 5. 
 &c. great and terrible — producing dreaa voice . . . groaning— effect put tor cause, my 
 (Deut. 10. 17,), and to be praised by those agony emaciates me. 6, 7. The figures ex- 
 over whom He is exalted (Ps. 97. 9.). it is press extreme loneliness. 8. sworn against 
 holy— or. He is holy (v. 5, 9; Isa. 6. 3.). 4, 5. To me— or, lit., by me, wishing others as miser- 
 His wise and righteous government all na- 1 able as 1 am (Num. 5.21.). 9. ashes— a figure 
 tions should render honour, king's ... judg- ! of griet, my bread; weeping or tears, my 
 ment— His power is combined with justice. ' drink (Ps. 80. 5.). 10. lifted . . . cast me down 
 he )slioly~cf. Ps. 22. .3.). 6-8. The experience —or, cast me away as stubble by a whirl- 
 of these servants of God is cited for encou-iwind (Isa. 64. 6.). 11. shadow . . . declineth— 
 ragement. among . . . priests, among . . . upon soon to vanish in the darkness of night. 12. 
 tne Lord, [and] He spake . . . pillar— may be Contrast with man's frailty (cf. Ps. 90. 1-7.). 
 referred to all three (cf. Ex. 18. 19; Lev. 8. 15; thy remembrance— that 'oy which thou art 
 Deut. 5. 5; 1 Sam. 9. 13.). The cloudy pillar remembered, thy promise. 13, 14. Hence it 
 was the medium of divine intercourse" Ex. 33. is here adduced, tor [or, when] ... the set time 
 9; Num. 12.5.). Obedience was united with <fec.— th# time promised, the indication of 
 worship. God answered them as interces- , which is the interest felt for Zion by the 
 sors for the people, who, though forgiven, \ people of God. 15-17. God's favour to the 
 were yet chastened (Ex. 32. 10, 34.). ] Church wiU aff"ect her persecutors with fear. 
 
 PSALM C. 1 When the Lorci shall build— or better, Because 
 
 Ver. 1-5. As closing this series, (cf. on Ps. the Lord hath built, &c., as a reason for the 
 94.,). this Psalm is a general call on all the effect on others; for in thus acting and hear 
 earth to render exalted praise to God, the ing the humble. He is most glorious. 18. 
 creator, preserver, and benefactor of men. people . . . created— (cf. Ps. 22. 31 ), an organised 
 
 1, 2. With thankful praise, unite service body, as a CTiurch. 19-22. A sunimary of 
 as the subjects of a king (Ps. 2. 11, 12.). 3. what shaU be written. For— or. That, as in- 
 To the obligations of a creature and sub'ect troducing the statement of God's condescen- 
 is added that of a beneficiary (Ps. 95. 7.). 4. sion. to loose . . . appointed— or, deliver them 
 Join joyfully in His public worship. The (Ps. 79. 11.). To declare, &c.— or, That Gctl's 
 terms are, of course, figurative (cf. Ps. 84. name may be celebrated in the assemblies 
 2; 92. 13; Isa. 66. 23.). Enter— or. Come with of His Church, gathered from all nations 
 solemnity ;Ps. 95. 6.). 5. The reason: God's (Zech. 8. 20-23,), and devoted to His service, 
 eternal mercy and truth (Ps. 25. 8; 89. 7.). 23-28. The writer, speaking for the Church, 
 
 PSt'LLM CI. finds encouragement in the midst of all his 
 
 Ver. 1-8. In this Psalm the profession of distresses. God's eternal existence is a pledge 
 the principles of his domestic and political of faithfulness to His iiromises. in the way 
 government testifies, as well as actions in —of providence, weakened— Zi^., afflicted, 
 accordance with it, David's appreciation of andmadefearfulof ap)emature end.afigure 
 God's mercy to him, and His judgment on of the apprehensions of the Church, lest God 
 his enemies: and thus he sings or celebrates might not perform His promise, drawn from 
 God's dealings. those of a persori in view ot the dangers of 
 
 2. He avows his sincere purpose, by God's early death (cf. Ps. 89. 47.). Paul (Heb. 1. 10) 
 aid, to act uprightly (Gen. 17. 1; Ps. 18. 30.). quotes r. 26-28 as addressed to Christ in His 
 3. set . .. eves— as an example to be approved divine nature. The scope of the Psalm, as 
 and followed, no wicked thing— lit., word, already seen, so far from opposing, favours 
 plan or purpose of Belial (Ps. 41. 8.). work this view, e.speciaUy by the sentiments of o. 
 of . . . aside— apostates, not cleave to me— I 12-15 ;cf. Isa. 60. 1.). The association of the 
 win not be implicated in it (cf. Ps. 1. 1-3.) 4. Messiah with a day of future glory to the 
 A froward [or, perverse] heart— (Ps. 18. 26.). Church was very intimate in tlie mind« of 
 Such a temper I will not indulge, nor even O. T. writers, and with correct views of Hi.s 
 know evil or wickedness. 5. 6. The slan- nature it is very consistent that He should 
 
 4U 
 
EcrhortaUms to praise Odd 
 
 PSALMS XCVTI-Cn. fot fits greatness and majestp. 
 
 P8ALM 97. 
 
 1 many, or, 
 great isles. 
 
 It. eo. 9. 
 
 2 Or, eetab. 
 
 o Dan. 7. 10. 
 Hab. a 6. 
 6 Ex. 20. 4. 
 e Heb. 1. 6. 
 
 PSALM XCVII. 
 a Majesty of Ood's kingdom. 8 The church n- 
 
 pices at Qod't judgments upon idolaters. 
 fyilE Lord reigneth: let the earth re- 
 -*■ joice; let the i multitude of isles be glad 
 thereof. 
 
 2 Clouds and darkness are rotmd about 
 him: righteousness and judgment are the 
 « habitation of his thione. ,,^. , „ 
 
 8 A " fire goeth before him, and bumeth » a^o. 5. IV. 
 up his enemies round about. Rom. 12. 9. 
 
 4 His lightnings enlightened the world: / Pro. 2. 8. 
 the earth saw, and trembled. I " Dan- s. 28, 
 
 5 The hills melted like wax at the presence i , Dan 6^22. 
 of the LoBD.atthe presence of the Lord ^ ^'^^'^ 
 of the whole earth. 
 
 6 The heavens declare his righteousness, 
 and all the people see his glory. 
 
 7 Confounded *b6 aU they that serve 
 ^graven images, that boast themselves of 
 idols: * worship him, all ye gods. 
 
 8 Zinn heard, and was glad; and the 
 daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy 
 ju'l^ients, LoKD. 
 
 9 For thou, Lord, art * high above all 
 the earth: thou art exalted far above all 
 
 10 Ye that love the Lord, * hate evil: 
 he / preserveth the souls of his saints : ^ he 
 delivereth them out of the hand of the 
 wicked. 
 
 11 Light is sown for the righteous, and 
 gladness for the upright in heart. 
 
 12 Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and 
 give thanks 3 at the remembrance of his 
 Eoliness. 
 
 PSALM XCVIIL 
 
 1 Th« psalmist exhorts the Jews, i tht QmiiUa, 
 k 7 ana all the creatures, topraisi Uod. 
 
 A. Psalm. 
 f) SING imto the Lord a new songi for 
 ^ he hath done mar\'ellous things: ^his 
 
 Qgs: 
 
 right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten 
 him the victory. 
 
 2 The b Lord hath made known his salva^ 
 tion:''his righteousness hath he 1 opeuly 
 showed in the sight of the heathen. 
 
 3 lie hath d remembered his mercy and 
 his truth toward the house of Israel: *all 
 the ends of the earth have seen the salva- 
 tion of nur God. 
 
 4 Make a jojful noise unto the Lord, all 
 the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, 
 and sing praise. 
 
 5 Suig unto the Lord with the harp; with 
 the harp, and the voice of a psalm. 
 
 6 With trumpets and sound of cornet 
 make a joyful noise before the Lord, the 
 King. 
 
 7 Let the sea roar, and the ftilness there- 
 of; the world, and they that dwell therein. 
 
 8 Let the floods clap their hands: let the 
 hills be joyful together 
 
 9 Before the Lord: for he cometh to judge 
 the earth: with righteousness sbali he 
 judge the world.and the people with eqxuty. 
 
 PSALM XCIX. 
 1 The prophet, setting forth Ood's kingdom t» 
 Zion, 5 exhorts all, by the example of their 
 forefathers, to worship Qod at his holy hiU. 
 
 'THE Lord reigneth; let the people trem- 
 •*■ ble: he sitteth between the cherubim; 
 let thfc earth 1 be moved. 
 
 2 The Lord is great in Zion; and he is 
 high above all people. 
 
 3 Let them praise " thy great and terrible 
 name:/»ritwliolj. 
 
 PSALM 98. 
 a Is. 69. 18. 
 
 Is 83. 5. 
 6 1». 62. 10. 
 
 Lu. 2. 30. 
 la. C2. 2. 
 
 1 Or, re- 
 vealed. 
 
 d Ln. 1. 54. 
 Is. 49. 6. 
 Is. 5'-'. 10. 
 Lu. 3. G. 
 
 PSALM 99. 
 
 tugger. 
 ODcii.2S.58. 
 V. 15. i. 
 6 Job 30.6. 
 
 Gen. 18.26. 
 
 Deu. 32. 1. 
 d Pa. 132. 7. 
 2 Or, it ii 
 
 holy. 
 
 Lev. 19. 2. 
 
 Ei. 33. 9. 
 / Zeph. 3. 7. 
 (/ Deu. 9. 20. 
 
 PSALM 100, 
 
 1 Or, thanlu- 
 giving. 
 
 2 all tiie 
 earth. 
 
 a Eph. 2. 10, 
 " Or, and 
 
 PSALM 101. 
 a 1 Sam. 18. 
 14. 
 
 6 1 Kl. 9. 4. 
 1 Ki. 11. 4. 
 
 1 thing of 
 
 Belial. 
 C Josh. 23. 6. 
 
 1 Sam. 12. 
 
 • Pro. 6. 17. 
 f Uom. 13. 1 
 
 2 Or, per- 
 fect in 
 the way. 
 
 3 shall not 
 
 lisbed. 
 tfJer. 21.12, 
 
 4 The * king's strength also loveth judg- 
 ment: thou dost " establish equity, thou 
 executest judgment and righteousness in 
 Jacob. 
 
 5 Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship 
 at <* his footstool ; /or 2 he is holy. 
 
 6 Moses and Aaron among his priests, and 
 Samuel among them that call upon his 
 name ; they called upon the Lord, and he 
 answered them. 
 
 7 He ^ spake unto them in the cloudy 
 pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the 
 ordinance thatae gave them. 
 
 8 Thou answeredst them. O Lord our 
 God:/ thou wast a God that forgavest 
 them, though " thou tookest vengeance of 
 their inventions. 
 
 9 Exalt the Lord our God, and worship 
 at his holy hiU; for the Lord our God is 
 holy. 
 
 PSALM C. 
 
 1 Exhortation to praise God cheerfully, Z for kit 
 
 greatness, 4 and for his power. 
 
 A Psalm of 1 praise. 
 
 M^AKE a joyful noise unto the Lord, Sal] 
 
 2 Serve the Lord with gladness ; come be. 
 fore his presence with singing. 
 
 3 Know ye that the Lord he t^ God: it" it 
 he that hath made us. 3 and not we our- 
 selves: * ive are his people, and the sheep 
 of his pasture. 
 
 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, 
 and into his courts with praise: be thank- 
 ful unto him, and bless his name. 
 
 5 For the Lord is good ; his mercy is ever- 
 lasting; and his truth endurtth * to all 
 generations. 
 
 PSALM CL 
 
 David makes a vow and profession of godliness. 
 
 A Psalm of David. 
 
 I WILL sing of mercy and judgment: un. 
 to thee, O Lord, will I sing. 
 2 1 wiU " behave mysell' wisely in a perfect 
 way. O when wilt thou come imto me? I 
 will b walk within my house with a perfect 
 heart. 
 
 3 I wUl set no i wicked thing before mine 
 eyes: I hate the work of them " that turn 
 aside; it shall not cleave to me. 
 
 4 A froward heart shall depart from me: 
 I will not ** know a wicked person. 
 
 5 Whoso pri\ily slandereth his neighbour, 
 him will 1 cut otf: * him that hath an high 
 look and a proud heart mil not I sutler. 
 
 6 Mine /eyes shall be upon the laithtul o"f 
 the land, that they may dwell with me: he 
 that walketh 2 in a perfect way, he shall 
 serve me. 
 
 7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell 
 within my house: he that teUeth Ues 3 shall 
 not taiTv in my sight. 
 
 8 I wilt ^ early destroy all the wicked of 
 the land ; that I may cut off all h wicked 
 doers from the city of the Lord. 
 
 PSALM CIL 
 
 1 The prophet in his prayer makes a grievout 
 complaint: Vi he takes comfort in the eternity 
 and mercy of God. 18 The mercies of God to be 
 recorded. 
 
 A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is over- 
 whelnied, and pourelh out liis complaint bo- 
 fore the Lord.. 
 
 TIE All my prayer, O Lord, and let my 
 
 -•-'- crv come unto thee. 
 2 Hide not thy lace from me in the day 
 
 when I am in trouble; incline thine ear 
 
Mercy and Greatness of God. 
 
 be addresserl as the Lord and Head of His 
 Cliurch, who would bring about that glorious 
 future on which they ever dwelt with fond 
 and delightful anticiDations. 
 rSALM CHI. 
 
 Ver. 1-22. A I'salm of joyous praise, in 
 which the writer rises from a thankfid ac- 
 knowledgment of personal blessings to a 
 lively celebration of God's gracious attri- 
 butes, as not only intrinsically worthy of 
 praise, but as specially suited to man's 
 frailty, and concluiles by invoking all crea- 
 tures to unite in his song. 
 
 1. Bless, &c. — when God is the object, 
 praise, my soul — myself Ps. 3. 3; 2o. l,), 
 with allusion to the act, as one of intelligence. 
 all . . . witlin me— (Deut. 6. 5.). his lioly name 
 — 'Ps. .5. 11,), His complete moral perfections. 
 
 2. forget not, all— not any, none of His benefits. 
 
 3. diseases, as penal inflictions (Deut. 39. 2; 
 2 Chr. 21. 19.). 4. redeem eth— cost is implied, 
 destruction— ?ii., mi of corruidion (Ps. 16. 10.). 
 crownsth— or, adorneth (Ps. 65. 11.). tender 
 mercies— compassions (of. Ps. 25. 6; 40. ll.i. 
 6. By God's provision, the saint retains a 
 youthful vigour like the eaglet (Ps. 92. 14; of. 
 Isa. 40. 31.), 6. Lit., righteousnesses and judg- 
 we}(ts, denoting various acts of God's govern- 
 ment. 7. wavs— of providence, (fee, as usual 
 (Ps. 25. 4; 67. 2.). acU-lit, vmiders (Ps. 9. 11; 
 78. 17.). 8-10. God's benevolence implies no 
 merit. He .shows it to sinners, who also are 
 chastened for a time (Ex. 34. 6.). keep langer 
 —in Lev. 19. 18, bear a grudge (Jer. 3. 5, 12.). 
 11. ffi tat— efficient. 12. removed . . . from us 
 —so as no longer to affect our relations to 
 film. 13. pitieth— Ki., has comvassion on. 
 14. he [who formed, Ps. 94. 9,1 knowetb rur 
 frame— Zii^.. our jorm. we are dust— made of 
 and tending to it (Gen. 2. 7.). 15, 16. So short 
 andjrail is life that a breath may destroy it. 
 it is gone— iit, it is not. know it no more— no 
 more recognise him (Ps. 90. 6; Isa. 40. 6-8.). 
 17, 18. For similar contrast of. Ps. 90. 2-6; 
 102. 27, 28. such . . . covenant — limits the 
 general terms preceding, righteousness— as 
 usual 'Ps. 7. 17; ^.i^. l.i. 19. God's firm and 
 universal dominion is a pledge that He will 
 keep- His promise (Ps. 11. 4; 47.8.). 20-22. 
 do his commandments, . . . word— or lit., so as 
 to hearken, &c., i.e., their acts of obedience 
 are prompt, so that they are ever ready to 
 hear, and know, and follow implicitly liis 
 declared will cf. Deut. 26. 17: Luke, l. 19.). 
 ye his hosts— myriads, or armies, as corre- 
 sponding to angels of great poicer; denoting 
 niultitude also, all his works— creatures of 
 every sort, every where. 
 
 PSALM ('IV. 
 
 Ver. 1-35. The Psalmist celebrates God's 
 glory in His works of creation and providence, 
 teaching the dependence of all living crea- 
 tures; and contrasts the happiness of those 
 who praise him with the awful end of the 
 wicked. 
 
 1. God's essential glory, and also that dis- 
 played by His mighty v, orks, afford ground 
 for praise. 2. light— is a figurative repre- 
 sentation of the glory of the invisible God 
 (Mat. 17. 2; 1. Tim. 6. 16.). Its use in this 
 connection may refer to the first work of 
 creation ((ien. l. 3.). stretchest out the hea 
 vens— the visible heavens or sky which cover 
 the earth as a curtain ,isa. 40. 12.). 3. in the 
 waters— or, it may be with; using this fluid 
 for the beams, or frames, of His residence 
 accords with the figure of clouds for chariots, 
 412 
 
 PSALMS CIII-CV, GoeVs Power and Providmee. 
 
 and M inds as means of conveyance, walkpt-li 
 
 - or, moveth (cf. Ps. 18. 10, 11; Amos. 9. 6 ). 
 4. Th-s is quoted by Paul ;Heb. l. 7 to de- 
 note the subordinate position of angels, i.e., 
 they are only messengers as other and mate- 
 rial agencies, spirits— h'i., ivinds, fl'miug fire 
 
 — Ps. 105. 32,). being here so called. 5. The 
 earth is firmly fixed by His jower. 6-'. 
 These verses rather describe the w onders of 
 the flood than the creation ((Jen. 7. 19, 20; 
 2 Pet 3. 5, 6.\ God's method of arresting the 
 flood and making its waters subside is imeti- 
 cally called a rehuke (Ps. 76. 6: Isa. 50. 2,), 
 and the process of their subsiding by undu- 
 lations among the hills and valleys is vividly 
 described. 10 13. Once destructive, these 
 waters are sul jected to the service of God's 
 creatures. In rain and dew from His cham- 
 bers (ci. V. 3,1, and fountains and streams, 
 they give drink to thirsting animals, and fer- 
 talise the soil. Trees thus nourished supply 
 homes to singing birds, and the earth teems 
 with the productions of God's wise agencies, 
 14. 15. so that men and beasts are abun- 
 dantly provided with food, tor the service— 
 lit.,jor the cidture, &c., by which he secures 
 the results, oil . . . s\\va&— lit., makes his Jace 
 to shine more than oil, i.e., so cheers and 
 invigorates him, that outwardly he appears 
 better than if anointed, strengtheueth . . , 
 heart— gives vigour to man (cf. Jud. 19. 5.). 
 16-19. Goii's care of even wild animals and 
 uncultivnted parts of the earth. 20-23. He 
 provides and adapts to man's wants the ap- 
 pointed times and seasons. 24-26. Prom a 
 view of the earth thus full of God's blessings, 
 the writer passes to the sea, which, in its 
 immensity, and as a scene and means of 
 man's activity in commerce, and the home 
 of countless multitudes of creatures, also 
 displays divine power and beneficence. The 
 mention of leviathan- (Job, 40. 20) heightens 
 the estimate of the sea's greatness, and ol 
 His power who gives such a place for sport 
 to one of His creatures. 27-30. Tlie entire 
 dependence of this immense family on (»od 
 is set forth. With Him, to kill or make alive 
 is equally easy; To hide His jure is to with- 
 draw favour (Ps. 13. l.). By His spirit, or 
 breath, or mere Avord, He gives life. It is 
 His constant providence which repairs the 
 wastes of time and disease. 31-34. While 
 (Jod could equally glorify His power in de- 
 structitm, that He does it in preservation is 
 of His rich goodness and mercy, so that we 
 may well spend our lives in t;i'ateful praise, 
 honouring to Him, and delightiul to pious 
 hearts iPs. 147. 1.'. 35. Those who remse 
 such a protector and w ithhold sucii a service 
 mar the beauty of His works, and nmst 
 perish from His presence. The Psalm closes 
 with an invocation of praise, the translaiion 
 oi a Htb. phrase, which is used as an 
 English word, " Hallelujah.." and may have 
 served the purpose oi a chorus as often as 
 in our psalmody, or to give fuller exj ression 
 to the writer's emotions. It is pecidiar to 
 Psalms coin posed after the captivity, as 
 SelaJb is to those of an earlier date. 
 
 PSALM CV. 
 Ver. 1-45. After an exhortation to praise God, 
 addressed especially to the chosen people, the 
 j writer presents the special reasons for praise, 
 in a summary of their liistcry from the calling 
 I of Abraham to their settlement in Canaan, 
 I and reminds them that their obedience was 
 Ithe end of all God's gracious deaiiugs. 
 
Future glory of ZUm. 
 
 PSALMS cm, CIV. 
 
 Qnt" me: in the day when 1 call answer me i psalm 
 Bpet'ilily. 
 
 3 For " my day? are consumed i like 
 smoke, and 6 my bones are burned as an 
 hearth. 
 
 4 My heart is smiten, and withered like 
 grass; so that 1 forget to eat my bread. 
 
 5 By reason of the voice of my groaning 
 my bon es cleave to my 2 skin. 
 
 6 1 am like « a pelican of the wilderness; I !/ Jam 
 
 102. 
 a Jam. 4. 14. 
 
 1 Or. into 
 srjoke. 
 
 6 Lrnn. 1. 13. 
 
 2 Or, Hosh. 
 C Is. M. 11. 
 
 Zeph. 2.14. 
 
 d Acts 23.12. 
 
 i e Pa. 30. 7. 
 
 • T *.i., 
 
 ilTi. 
 
 m P.O. 15. 4. 
 
 1 Cor. 10. 
 
 11. 
 n Is. 43. 21. 
 Deu. 26.15 
 
 3 tl,e chil- 
 dren of 
 death. 
 
 P Hos. 1. 11, 
 Ho3. 3. 6. 
 
 4 afflicted. 
 4 Hab. 1. 12 
 r Heb. 1. 10. 
 » Is. <iQ. 22. 
 
 Kom. 8. 20 
 2 I'et. 3. 7. 
 
 ( Mai. 3. 0. 
 Hcb. 13. 8. 
 Jam. 1. 17. 
 
 am like an owl of the desert, ,. , a« o 
 
 7 I watch, and am as a sparrow alone ^?^^• *'• -;, 
 upon the house-top. I *- "^{ g ^ 
 
 8 Mine enemies reproach me all the day; jj. 13 e'o.i. 
 and they that are mad against me ^a,T& i Neh. 2. a 
 Bwom a^'ainst me. 
 
 9 For I have eaten ashes like bread, and 
 mingled my drink with weeping, 
 
 10 Because of thine indii^nation and thj 
 wrath: for "thou hast lifted me up, and 
 cast me down. 
 
 11 My days are like a shadow that decliu- 
 eth; and /I am withered like grass. 
 
 12 But thou, LoED, shalt <^ endure for 
 ever, and thy remembrance unto all gener- 
 ations. 
 
 13 Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon 
 Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the 
 Bet ^ time, is come, 
 
 14 For thy «senants take pleasure in her 
 stones, and favour the dust thereof. 
 
 15 So the heathen shall i fear the name of 
 the Lord, and all the kings of the earth 
 thy glory. 
 
 16 When the Lord shall build up Zion, 
 he * shall appear in his glory. 
 
 17 lie i wUl regard the jirayer of the desti- 
 tute, and not despise their prayer. 
 
 18 Tliis shall be *" written for the gener- 
 ation to come: and " the people which shall 
 be created shall praise the Lord. 
 
 19 For he hath " looked down from the 
 height of his sanctuary ; from heaven did 
 the Lord behold the earth; 
 
 20 To hear the groaning of the prisoner; 
 to loose a those that are appomted to 
 death ; 
 
 21 To declare the name of the Lord in 
 Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem; 
 
 22 When Pthe people are gathered to- 
 
 f ether, and the kingdoms, to serve the 
 ,0RD. 
 
 23 He * weakened ray strength in the way ; 
 he shortened my days. 
 
 24 1 said, O my God, take me not away 
 in the midst of my days: 'thy years are 
 throu'-'hout all generations. 
 
 25 Of •■ old hast thou laid the foundation 
 of the earth ; and the heavens are the work 
 of thj' hands. 
 
 26 They * shall perish, but thou shalt 6 en- 
 dure; yea, aU of them shall wax old lilce a 
 garment: as a vesture shalt thou change 
 them, and they shall be chan<,'ed: 
 
 27 But * thou art the same, and thy years 
 shall have no end. 
 
 28 The children of thy servants shall con- 
 tinue, and their seed shall be established 
 before thee. 
 
 PSALM cm. 
 
 Emhortation to bless God for his mercy. 
 A Fsalm of David. 
 
 TJLESS the Lord, O my soul; and all that 
 "'-' is within me, blxss his holy name. 
 
 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget 
 not all his benefits: 
 
 3 Who * forgiveth all thine iniquities; who 
 liealeth *aU thy diseases; 
 
 PSALM 103 
 a Is. 33. 24. 
 
 Mat. 9. 2. 
 
 Mark 2. 5. 
 
 Lu. 7. 47. 
 6 Ex. 16. 26. 
 
 Jer. 17.14, 
 e Ex. 34. 6. 
 
 Nu. 14. 18. 
 
 Deu. 6. 10. 
 
 Neh. 9. 17. 
 
 Jer. 32. 18. 
 
 1 great of 
 
 d Is. 67. 16. 
 
 Jer. 3. 5. 
 
 Mio. 7. 18 
 • EiraD. 13. 
 
 2 according 
 
 /Is. 43. 25. 
 
 Eph. 1. 7. 
 
 g Mai. 3. 17. 
 
 3 it is not. 
 ft Ex. 20. 6. 
 i Deu. 7. 9. 
 j Ps. 47. 2. 
 
 4 mi-l.ty in 
 strength. 
 
 * Mat. 5. 10. 
 I Gen. 32. 2. 
 TO Dan. 7. 9. 
 
 PSALM 101. 
 a Amos 9. 6. 
 
 and (jrmtnPM of God. 
 
 4 JVho redeemeth thy life fiom deslrac 
 tion; who erowucth thee with loving-kind- 
 ness and tender mercies ; 
 
 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good 
 things; so that thy youth is renewed like 
 the ( agle's. 
 
 6 The Lord executeth righteousness and 
 judgment for aU that are oppressed. 
 
 7 He made knowi his wavs unto Moses, 
 his acts unto the children of Israel. 
 
 8 The * Lord is merciful and gi-acioua, 
 slow to anser, and i plenteous in mercy. 
 
 9 He <* will not always chide; neither will 
 he keep his anger lor ever. 
 
 10 He * hath not dealt with us after our 
 sins, nor rewarded us according to our in- 
 iquities. 
 
 11 FfOr 2 as the heaven is high above th« 
 earth, so great is his mercy toward them 
 that fear him. 
 
 12 As far as the east is from the west, so 
 far hath he /removed om- transgiessiona 
 from us. 
 
 13 Like *' as a father pitieth his children, 
 so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. 
 
 14 For he knoweth our frame ; he remem- 
 bereth that we are dust. 
 
 15 As for man. his days are as grass; as a 
 flower of the field, so he flouriihtth: 
 
 16 For the wind passeth over it, and 3 it 
 is gone; and the place thereof shall know 
 it no more. 
 
 17 But the mercy of the Lord is from ever- 
 lasting to everlasting upon them that fear 
 him, )i!id his righteousness ^ unto chUdi-en'i 
 children; 
 
 18 To » such as keep his covenant, and to 
 those that remember his commandments 
 to do the^i. 
 
 19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in 
 the heavens ; and i his kingdom ruieth over 
 all. 
 
 L'O Bless the Lord, ye his angels, * that 
 excel in strength, that * do his command- 
 meuts, heaikening unto the voice of his 
 word. 
 
 21 Bless ye the Lord, aUj/e 'his hosts; 
 ye "* ministers of his, that do his pleasure. 
 
 22 Bless the Lord, all his works in all 
 places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O 
 my soul. 
 
 PSALM CIV. 
 1 A meditation upon the majesty, power, and 
 wonderful providence of God. 31 God's glorf 
 is eternal. 33 Fraiie ascribed to God. 
 
 "DLESS the Lord, my soul. Lob© 
 ■^ my God, thou art very gieat; thou art 
 clothed with honour and majesty: 
 
 2 Who coverest thyself vtith light as ivith 
 a garment; who stretchest out the heavens 
 like a curtain ; 
 
 3 Who " liiyeth the beams of his chambers 
 in the waters; *who maketh the clouds his 
 chariot; who walketh upon the wings of 
 the wind; 
 
 4 AVho 'maketh his angels spirits; his 
 muiisters a flaming fire ; 
 
 5 1 Who laid the foundations of the earti, 
 that it should not he removed for ever. 
 
 6 Thou coveredst it with the deep as with 
 a garment : the waters stood above the 
 mountains. 
 
 7 At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of 
 thy tluin'der they hasted away. 
 
 8 2 They go up by the momitains; they go 
 down by the valleys "^ imto the place which 
 thou hast foiuided for them. 
 
 9 Thou • hast set a bound that they may 
 
€k)d!s Providence over Abraham. 
 
 PS^OiM CV. 
 
 GocPs Providence over Joseph. 
 
 1. call . . . name— (Ps 79. 6; Eom. 10. 13.). i the centurion's words 
 
 to disease being 
 
 Call on Him, according to His historically i God's servant (Mat. 8. 8, 9.). staff ot breaa 
 
 manifested glory. After the example of what supports life (Lev. 26. 26; Ps. 104.15: 
 
 Abraham, who, as often as God acquired for 1 Jsa. 3. 1.). upon the land— viz., Canaan (Gen 
 
 Himself a name in guiding him, called in} 41. 54.) 
 solemn worship upon the name of the Lord 
 (Gen. 12. 8; 13. 4.), among the people— or, 
 peoples tPs. 18. 49.). deeds— or, wonders (Ps. 
 lo.i. 7.). 3, 4. Seeking God's favour is the 
 only true mode of getting true happiness, 
 and His strength is the only true source of 
 protection (cf. Ps. 32. 11; 40. 16.). Glory . . . 
 lift use— Eoast in His perfections. The world 
 glories in its horses and chariots against the 
 C h urch of God lying in th^ dust ; but our hope 
 
 17-21. Joseph was sent of God (Gen. 
 45. 5.). hurt wiih fetters— (Gen. 40. 3.). was 
 laid in iron— K^., his soul, or, he (Ps. 16. 10) 
 came into iron, or, he was bound to his grief 
 (cf. Ps. 3. 2; 11. 1.). Joseph is referred to, as 
 being an appropriate type of those " bound 
 in affliction and iron (Ps. 107. 10.). I'he 
 
 soul" is put for the whole person, because 
 the soul of the captive suffers stili more than 
 the body, his word came— His prophecy (Gen. 
 _ _ , - , '^^- 11-20J to the ofhcers came to pass, or was 
 
 is in the name, i.e., the power and love of fulfilled (Jud. 13. 12, 17; l Sam. 9. 6, explain 
 God to His people, manifested in past deli- the lorm of speech.), the word [or, saying, or, 
 verances. 5. 6. judgments . . . moutii — His decree] of the Lord tried [or, proved] niiu— 
 judicial decisions for the good and against I by the afflictions it appointed him to en- 
 the wicked, chosen— rather qualifies clvildren j dure before his elevation (cf. Gen. 41. 40-43.). 
 than Jacob, as a plural. 7. liather, "He, Hengst. transl., "cleared," or "purified" 
 
 him; in reference to (Ps. 18. 20,), "The word 
 of the Lord is tried," or "puritied," leading 
 to the peculiar expression: he explains the 
 " word of the Lord" (distinct from Joseph's 
 word, V. 19,), as "the promise of the posses- 
 sion of Canaan, the accomplishnjen; of which 
 demanded the preceding residence in Egypt" 
 [v. 11, 42.). Probably the "'word of tJie Lord" 
 includes botli the decree for Joseph's afflictions 
 which proved and tedcd him (he not failing 
 . . under tlie test as Hezekiah faUed, 2 Chr. 32. 
 tually. A verbal allusion to Deut. 7. 9 (cf. 31,), and the ultimate purpose of making all 
 Ex. 20. 6.). 9. Which covenant— or, "Word" this instrumental towards i/ie iinaiesia5fe/j,- 
 
 iv. 8.1. 10, 11. Alluding to God's promise to iment of Israel in Canaan. Hejsqst. remarks, 
 Facob :Gen. 28. 13.). Out of the whole store- The copiousness of detail as to Josepli, pro- 
 house of the promises of God, only one is i bably was with an eye to Daniel, the second 
 prominently brought forward, namely, that j Joseph. He too had been a captive, when his 
 concerning the possession of Canaan. Every | interpretation of a dream procured for him 
 thing revolves round this. The wonders and i a high position, which enabled him lo pro- 
 judgments have all for their ultimate design mote the welfare of his captive brethren. 22. 
 the fulfilment of this promise. 12-15. few To bind— Not literally Mna; but, ca;erci,se over 
 ... in number— alluding to Jacob's words " ' > • • ■ ■ ..... 
 
 (Gen. 34. 30, , " I being few in number." yea, 
 very few— lit., "as a few," i.e., like fewness 
 itself (cf. Isa. 1. 9.). strangers— sojom-ners in 
 the land of their future inheritance, as in a 
 
 Jehovah, is our God." His title, Jehovah, 
 implies that He, the unchangeable, self-exist- 
 ing Being, makes things to be, i.e., fulfils 
 His promises, and therefore will not forsake 
 His people. Though specially of His people. 
 He is God overall. 8-11. The covenant was 
 often ratified, commanded— or, ordained (Ps. 
 68. 28.). word— answering to "covenant" in 
 the parallel clause, viz., the word of promise, 
 which, according to v. 10, He set forth for an 
 inviolable law. to a . . . generations— perpe 
 
 them absolute control; as tte parallel in the 
 second clause shows; also Gen. 41. 40, 44, in 
 which not literal jetttring, but commanding 
 obedience is spoken of. It refers to v. 18. 
 The soul that was once bound itself now 
 strange country (Heb. 11. 9.). 13. from one thuis others, even princes. The same moral 
 
 nation to another— and so from danger to dan 
 ger: now in Egypt, now in the wilderness, 
 and lastly in Canaan. Though a few strangers, 
 wandering among various nations, God pro- 
 tected them, reproved kings — Pharaoh of 
 Egypt and Abimelech of Gerar (Gen. 12. 17; 
 20. 3.). Touch not— Referring to Gen. 26. 11, 
 where Abimelech says of Isaac, " He that 
 toucheth this man or his wife, shaU surely be 
 put to death." mine anointed— as specially 
 consecrated to me (Ps. 2. 2.). The patriarch 
 was the prophet, priest, and king of his 
 family, my prophets— in a similar sense (cf. 
 Gen. 20. 7.). The "anointed" are those vessels 
 of God, consecrated to His service, " in whom 
 
 binding is assigned to the saints (Ps. 149. 8.), 
 teach . . . senators wisdon:— the ground of his 
 exaltation by Pharaoh was his tvisdom (Gen. 
 41. 39,), viz., in state policy, and ordering 
 well a kingdom. 23-25. Israel . . . and Jacob— 
 i.e., Jacob himself is meant, as v. 24 speaks 
 of his people. Still he came with his whole 
 house (Gen. 46. 6, 7.). sojourned— (Gen. 47. 4.). 
 laud of Ham— or, Egypt (Ps. 78. 51.). turned 
 their heart — God controls men's free acts 
 (cf. 1 Sam. 10. 9.). " When Saul had turned 
 his back to go from (God's prophet) Samuel, 
 God turned (Marg.) him to another heart'* 
 (see Ex. 1. 8. &c.). Whatever evil the wicked 
 man plots against God's people, God holds 
 
 (as Pharaoh said of Joseph, Gen. 41. 38) the | bound even his heart, so as not to lay a single 
 Spirit of God is." The term is applied in a i plan except what God permits. Thus Isaiah 
 somewhat wider sense to Cyrus, as the in- 1 (43. 17) saith it was God who brought forth 
 stnimeat of God's will (Isa. 45. !;)■ in the] the army of Pharaoh to pursue Israel to 
 stricter sense (Zech. 4. 14.1. The Heb. for j their own destruction (Ex. 4.21; 7. 3.). Moses 
 " prophets" means God-spoken men (not as | . . . chosen — both what they were by di- 
 commonly explained, an orator, or mouth- vine choice (Ps. 78. 70.), 27. signs — lit., 
 piece of God's will;); even as Abraham, ia\ words of signs, or rather, as words in Heb. 
 Gen. 15., received divine communications ; mean </m!c/.s, "things of His signs," ic. His 
 both hy vision and dremn. So Isaac, at Beer- ; marvellous tokens of power (Ps. 145.o,il/r(?-gt.). 
 sheba; Jacob, at Bethel. Mahanaim, and Jab- Cf. the same Hebrai.sra (Ps. 65. 3, Man/.]' 
 bok. [Hengst.] 16. God ordered the famine. 128-36. The ninth plague is made prominent 
 God called for famine," as if it were a ser- j as peculia^rly wonderful, they reoelleci hol— 
 i;ar4f, ready to come at God's bidding. Of, j Moses and Aaron promptly obeyed God (HelL 
 sl3 
 
®«<f « power and providence. 
 
 PSALM CV. 
 
 God's care of Vie church. 
 
 Qot pass over; /that they turn not again 
 to cover the earth. 
 
 10 3 He sendeth the springs into the val- 
 leys, w^ic/i *run among the hills. 
 
 11 They give drink to every beast of the 
 field: the wild asses 6 quench their thii'st. 
 
 12 By them shall the fowls of the heaven 
 nave their habitation, which 6 sing among 
 the branches. 
 
 13 He watereth the hills from his cham- 
 bers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of 
 thy works. 
 
 14 He " causeth the grass to grow for the 
 cattle, and herb for the service of man: that 
 he may bring forth'' tbod out of the earth; 
 
 15 And « wine that maketh glad the heart 
 of man, a7id ? oil to make his face to shine, 
 and bread trhich streiigtheneth man'sheart. 
 
 16 The 8 trees of the Lokd are fiill of sap; 
 the cedars of Lebanon, J which he hath 
 planted; 
 
 17 Where the birds make their nests: as 
 TOr the stork, the fir trees are her house. 
 
 18 The high hUls are a refuge for the wild 
 goats, and the rocks for * the conies. 
 
 19 He 'appointed the moon for seasons: 
 the sun ♦" knoweth his going down. 
 
 20 Thou "makest darkness, and it is 
 night: wherein Sail the beasts of the forest 
 do creep forth. 
 
 21 The " young lions roar after their prey, 
 and seek theh meat from God. 
 
 22 The sun ariseth, they gather themselves 
 to.wther, and lay them down in their dens. 
 
 2b Mangoeth forth unto ^ his work and 
 to his labour imtil the evening. 
 _ 2t O « Loan, how manifold are thy works! 
 in wisdom hast thou made them all: the 
 earth is full of thy riches.; 
 
 25 So is this great and wide sea, wherein 
 are things creeping innumerable, both 
 small and great beasts. 
 
 26 There go the ships ; there is that ♦" levia- 
 than, whom thou hast lo made to play 
 therem. 
 
 27 These wait 'all upon thee, that thou 
 mayest give them their meat in due season. 
 
 28 That thou givest them they gather: 
 thou openest thine hand, they are filled 
 with good. 
 
 29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled 
 thou * takest awav their breath, they die, 
 and return to their dust. 
 
 oO Thou " sendest forth thy spirit, they 
 are created; and thou renewest the face of, 
 the earth. , ^ 
 
 31 The glory of the Lord " shall endure 
 for ever : the Loed shall rejoice in his 
 works. 
 
 32 He looketh on the earth, and it " trem- 
 bleth; he toucheth the hills, and they 
 smoke. 
 
 38 1 will sing unto the Lord as long as 1 
 live; I will sing praise to my God while I 
 have my being. 
 
 34 My meditation of him shall be sweet: I 
 will be glad in the Lord. 
 
 35 Let ^ the sinners be consumed out of 
 the earth, and let the wicked be no more. 
 Bless thcu the Lord, my soul. 12 Praise 
 ye the Lord. 
 
 PSALM CV. 
 1 Exhortation to praise Qod, to »eek him, and 
 remember his workn, 8 Ood's providence and 
 tare of his people described, 
 
 Q "GIVE thanks unto th& Lord; call 
 
 upon his name: make known his deeds 
 emojjg the {.leoplc. 
 
 PSALM 104. 
 / Gen. 9. 11. 
 
 3 Who 
 sendeth. 
 
 4 walk. 
 
 5 break. 
 
 6 give a 
 voice. 
 
 if Gen. 1. 29, 
 
 80. 
 
 Gen. 3. 18. 
 
 Gen. 9. 8. 
 
 P». 147 .-B. 
 A Pa. 136.25. 
 
 P». 147. 9. 
 
 Job 28. 6. 
 i Judg.9.13. 
 
 P«. 23. 5. 
 Pro. 31.6,7. 
 
 7 to make 
 his &oa 
 shine with 
 oil, or, 
 more than 
 oU. 
 
 8 That ia, 
 large 
 trees. 
 
 / Nu. 24. 6. 
 k Pro. SO.IM. 
 I Gen. 1. 14. 
 •"Job 38. 12. 
 n Is. 45. 7. 
 
 9 aU the 
 beasts 
 thereof do 
 trample on 
 the forest. 
 
 • Job 38. 39. 
 Joel 1. 20. 
 
 p Gen. 3. 19. 
 
 9 Pro. 3. 19. 
 r Job 41. 1. 
 
 10 formed. 
 
 • Rom. 11.36. 
 t Eccl. 12. 7. 
 " Is. 32. 15. 
 
 Ezek.37.9. 
 
 11 shall be. 
 » Hab. 3. 10. 
 «* Pro. 2. 22. 
 
 12 Hallelu- 
 jah. 
 
 PSALM 105. 
 
 la. 12. 4. 
 
 6 Ps. 27. 8. 
 « Ps. 77. 11. 
 d Is. 26. 9. 
 » Lu. 1. 72. 
 /Gen. 17.2. 
 Heb. 6. 17. 
 * Gen. 16.18. 
 
 1 the cord. 
 h Gen. 31. 
 
 30. 
 i Heb. 11. 9, 
 } Gen. 35. 6. 
 k Geo. 12.17. 
 J Gen. 41. 64. 
 m Lev. 26. 
 
 26. 
 •» Gen. 45. 6. 
 Gen. 37. 28. 
 P Gen. 40.16. 
 
 2 his soul 
 came into 
 
 3 possession. 
 9 Gen. 46. 6. 
 
 £i. 1. 7. 
 « Num. 16. 6. 
 
 4 words of 
 his signs. 
 Jer. 32. 20. 
 
 t Ps. 99. 7. 
 
 5 He gave 
 their rain 
 haU. 
 
 "Gen. 49. 3. 
 
 2 Sing nnto him, sing psalms unto him: 
 talk ye of all his wondrous works. 
 
 3 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart 
 of them rejoice that seek the Lord. 
 
 4 Seek the Lord, and his strength; » seek 
 his face evermore. 
 
 6 Remember "his marvellous works that 
 he hath done; his wonders, and the judg- 
 ments of his mouth : 
 
 6 O ye seed of Aoraham hia servant, ye 
 children of Jacob his chosen. 
 
 7 He is the Lord out God: <* his judgments 
 are in all the eaith. 
 
 8 He hath * remembered his covenant for 
 ever, the word which he commanded to a 
 thousand genera^juns: 
 
 9 Yfinchf covenant he made with Abitt- 
 ham, and his oath unto Isaac; 
 
 10 And confirmed the same unto Jacob 
 for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting 
 covenant; 
 
 11 Saj ing, " Unto thee will I give the land 
 of Canaan, l the lot of your inheritance: 
 
 12 When ^they were but a few men in 
 number; yea, very few, 'and strangers in 
 it. 
 
 13 When they went from one nation to 
 another, from one kingdom to anothei 
 people, 
 
 14 He /suflFered no man to do them 
 wrong; yea, *he reproved kings for their 
 sakes ; 
 
 15 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and 
 do my prophets n 3 harm. 
 
 16 Moreover ' he called for a famine upon 
 the land : he brake the whole •" staff of 
 bread. 
 
 17 He " sent a man before them, even 
 Joseph, wAo "was sold for a servant; 
 
 18 Whose P feet they hurt with fetterw 
 2 he was laid in iron: 
 
 19 Until the time that his word came: the 
 word of the Lord tried him. 
 
 20 The king sent and loosed him ; even the 
 ruler of the people, and let him go tree. 
 
 21 He made him lord of his house, and 
 ruler of all his 3 substance; 
 
 22 To bind his princes at his pleasure, 
 and teach his senators wisdom. 
 
 23 Israel 'also came into Egypt; and 
 Jacob sojourned in the land of liam. 
 
 24 And *■ he increased his people greatly, 
 and made them stronger than then: ene- 
 mies. 
 
 25 Hfi turned their heart to hate hia 
 people, to deal subtilly with his servants. 
 
 26 He sent Moses his servant, and Aaron 
 whom *he had chosen. 
 
 27 They showed * his signs among them, 
 and wonders in the land of Ham. 
 
 28 He sent darkness, and made it dark; 
 and « they rebelled not against his word. 
 
 29 He turned their waters into blood, and 
 slew their fish. 
 
 30 Then- land brought forth frogs in abun- 
 dance in the chambere of their kings. 
 
 31 He spake, and there came divers Borts 
 of flies, and lice in all their coasts. 
 
 32 6 He gave them hail for rain, and 
 flaming fire in their land. 
 
 33 He smote their vines also and their 
 fig trees, and brake the trees of their coasts. 
 
 34 He spake, and the locusts came, and 
 caterpillars, and thtit without number, 
 
 35 And did eat up all the herbs in their 
 laud, and devoured the frait of their ground. 
 
 36 He smote also all the first-born in their 
 land, " the chief of all their strength. 
 
God's Providence over Israel. 
 
 PSALM CVI. 
 
 History oflsraeFs Kchdliom. ' 
 
 11. 27.), (cf. Ex. 7-11. and Ps. 78. 44-51, with praise however we sin and suffer, l Chr. 16. 
 which this summary substantially agrees... 34-36, is tlie source from whicli the lieginuing 
 Or rather, the '•darkness" here is figurative and end of this Psalm are derived. 2. His 
 (Jer. la. 16,', the literal plague of darkness acts exceed our comprehension, as His praise 
 {Ex. 10. 22. 2:;) being only alhidcd to as tlie our powers of expression (Rom. 11. ;«.). 
 symbol of Uod's wrath which overhung Egypt Their unutterable greatness is not to keep 
 as a dark cloud during all the plagues, us back, but to urge us the more, to try to 
 Hence it is placed first, out of the historical praise Him as best we can (Ps. 40. 6: 71. 15.). 
 order. Thus, "They rebeUed not (i.e., no; 3. The blessing is limited to those whose 
 longer against His word," refers to the Egvp- \ principles and acts are right. How " blessed" 
 tians. "WheneverGodsentaplagueon them, Israel would be now, if he had "observed 
 tlieywirertady to let Israel go, th.ovLiih.xei-as,-'Go(M^ statutes" fps. 105. 45.). "" ' 
 
 ing when the plague ceased. 
 His command to let Israel go 
 
 This sense of 
 
 'Hiswoid" is having not fulfilled the condition suggests 
 [Hkngst.] the transition to the Church's cry for mercy. 
 
 Of the ten plagues, ODly eight are mentioned, . as being God's " chosen" people, accompanied 
 the filth, the murrain of beasts, aud the ; with ihe confession of sin so condemning asto 
 sixth, the boils, being omitted. 29, SO. He leave no hope but God's compassion. So in 
 deprivetl them of their favourite Jhli, and Dan. 9. 4, the confession of not having ful- 
 
 gave them instead out of the water, loath 
 some frous, and (y. 31) upon their land tor 
 
 filled the condition, follows the statement of 
 it, " God keeping the covenant, to them that 
 
 menting flies Xhe doij-fly, according to M auk.) i love Him." 4. 5. In view of tJie desert of sins 
 and lice cinats, Hemgst.). 32. hail for rain to be confessed, the writer invokes God's 
 —instead of fertilising showers, hail destruc- covenant mercy to himself and the Church, 
 tive to trees. This forms the transition to in whose welfare he rejoices. The speaker, 
 the vegetable kingdom. The locusts in v. \me, I, is not the Psalmist himself, but the 
 34, similarly are destructive to plants, gave [people, the present generation (cf. v. 6.). 
 them— referring to Lev. 26. 4, "I give you ^ visit— (cf. Ps. 8. 4. . see thegcod— participate in 
 rain in due season." His "gift" to Israel's j it Is. 37. 13.). thy chosen— m., Israel, God's 
 foes is one of a very different kind from that , elect (Isa. 43. 20; 45.4.). As God seems to 
 bestowed on His people. 33. tlieir coasts— | have forgotten them, they pray that He 
 
 all their land iPs. 78. 54.). 34. caterpillars— 
 lit., the tickers up, devouring insects; proba- 
 bly, the hairy winged loc^ist. 36. the cliief- 
 lit., the firstlings, <fcc. The ascending climax 
 passes from tlie food of man to man himself. 
 The language here is quoted from Ps. 78. 51. 
 37. wiih suver and gold — presented them by 
 the Egyptians, as an acknowledgii.ent due 
 for their labours in their bondage cf. Ex. 
 12. 36.J. one feeble person— or, stumbler, unfit 
 for tlie line of march. Cf. *' harnessed," i.e., 
 accoutred and marshalled as an army on 
 march Ex. 13. 18; Isa. 5. 27.). 38. "" " 
 33; Deut. 11.25.). 39. covering — in sense of 
 protection (cf. Ex. 13. 21; Kum. 10. 34.). In 
 the burning sands of the desert the cloud 
 protected the congregation from the heat of 
 the sun; an emblem of God's protecting fa- 
 vour over His people, as interpreted by 
 Isaiah (Isa. 4. 5, 6; cf. IS urn. 9. 16.). 42-45. The 
 reasons for these dealings: (1) God's faithful- 
 ness to His covenant. His holy promise" 
 of Canaan is the fountain whence flowed so 
 many acts of marvellous kindness to His 
 people cf. V. 8. ll.)._ Ex. 2. 24, is the funda 
 
 would "remember" them with the favour 
 which belongs to His own people, and which 
 once they had enjoyed, tiiine mlieiitance— 
 (Leut. 9. 29; 32. 9.). 6. Cf. 1 Ki. 8. 47; Dan. 
 9. 6, wliere the same three verbs occur in 
 the same order and connection, the original 
 of the two later passages being the first one, 
 the prayer of Solomon in dedicating the 
 temple, sinned . , . fathers —like them, and 
 so partaking of their guilt. The terms de- 
 note a rising gradation of sinning (cf . Ps. 1. 1.). 
 wiih our fathers- we and they together form- 
 Cf. Ex. 12. ing one mass of corruption. 7-12. Special 
 
 i- confession. Their rebellion at the sea [Ex. 
 
 14. ll) was because they had not remembered 
 nor understood God's miracles on their be- 
 half. That God saved them in their unbelief 
 was of His mere mercy, and for His own glory, 
 the sea . . . tiie Red sea — the very words in 
 which Moses' song celebrated the scene of 
 Israel's deliverance (Ex. 15. 4.). Israel began 
 to rebel against God at the very moment and 
 scene of his deli\erance by God ! 8. for his 
 name's sake— (Ez. 20. 14.). 9. rebuked— (Ps. 
 104. 7.). as through the wilderness- ilsa. 63. 
 
 mental passage. [Hengst.] (2; that they 11-14.). 12. believed. . .his words— this is said 
 might be obedient. The observance of God's | not to praise the Israelites, but God, who 
 
 commands by Abraham was the object of the 
 covenant with him (Gen. If. 19;); as it was 
 also the object of the covenant with Israel, 
 that they might observe God's statutes, 
 remeirbered . . . and Abraham — or, "remem- 
 bered His holy word {i.e., covenant confirmed) 
 it-i</i Abraham." inherited the labour —i.e., 
 the fruits of their labour; their corn and 
 
 t vineyards (Josh. 21. 43-45.) 
 
 * PSALM CVL 
 
 Ver. 1-48. Tliis Psalm gives a detailed con- 
 fession of the sins of Israel in all periods of 
 their history, with special reference to the 
 terms of the covenant as intimated (Fs. 105. 
 46.). It is introduced by praise to God for 
 the wonders of His mercy, and concluded by 
 a supplication for His favour to His afflicted 
 people, and a doxolosy. 
 
 1. P ;,ise, (Sic— (Ps. i04. 2ij, begins and ends 
 the Psalm, intimating the obligations of 
 
 constrained even so mibelieving a people 
 momentarily to "believe," whilst in imme 
 diate view of His wonders, a faith which they 
 immediately after lost .v. 13; Ex. 14. .SI; 15. l.f. 
 13-15. The faith induced by God's display of 
 power in their behalf was short-lived, and 
 their new rebellion and temptation was 
 visited by God with fresh punishment, in- 
 flicted by leaving them to the result of their 
 own gratified appetites, and sending on them 
 spiritual poverty (Num. 11. 18.). Tiiey soon for- 
 gsLt—lit., Thevhai<ted, theyforgat (cf.Ex. 32. 8.). 
 *^ They have turned aside quickhj (or hastily) 
 out of the way." The haste of our desires 
 is such that we can scarcely allow God one 
 day. Unless He immediately ansv er our 
 call, instantly then arise impaiience, and 
 at length despair, his works— (Deut. 11. 3, 4; 
 Dan. 9. 14.). his counsel— they waited not 
 for the development of Ood's counsel, or 
 
Bist6fp ^TsraeVs febdUdns, 
 
 FSALM CVL 
 
 and GocTs great merep. 
 
 37 He brought them forth also with silver 
 and gold; and there was not one feeble 
 person amoug their tribes. 
 
 38 EgTOt was glad when they departed; 
 for the fear of them fell upon them. 
 
 39 He " spread a cloud for a covering, and 
 fire to give lii;ht in the night. 
 
 40 The^ptoile asked, and he brought 
 quails, and satisfied them with the bread 
 of heaven. 
 
 41 He '^ opened the rock, and the waters 
 gushed cut; they ran in the dry places like 
 a river. 
 
 4:i For he remembered f Ms holy promise, 
 and Abraham his servant. 
 
 43 And he brought forth his people with 
 joy, and his chosen with 6 gladnt'ss; 
 
 44 And * gave them the lauds of the hea- 
 then: and they inherited the labour of the 
 people ; 
 
 45 That " they might observe his statutes, 
 and keep his laws, i Traise ye the Loed. 
 
 PSALM CVI. 
 
 1 The psalmist exhorts to praise Ood: 4 heprayt 
 to share in his people's joy: 6 history of the 
 people s rebellion, and God's mercy. 
 
 pRAlSE 1 ye the Lord. O give thanks 
 
 •*• unto the Lohd; for he is "good: for his 
 
 mercy tndureth for ever. 
 
 2 Wlio >' can utter the mighty acta of the 
 LoKD? ivho can show forth all his praise? 
 
 3 Blessed are they that ' keep judgment, 
 and he that <* doeth righteousness at * all 
 times. 
 
 4 Remember me, O Lord, with the favour 
 Oiat thim bear est unto thy people: visit 
 me with thy salvation ; 
 
 6 That 1 may see the good of thy chosen, 
 that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy 
 nation, that I may glory with thine inhen. 
 tance. 
 
 6 We / have sinned with our fathers, we 
 have committed iniquity, we have done 
 wickedly. 
 
 7 Our fathers understood not thy wonders 
 In Egypt; they remembered not the multi- 
 tude or thy mercies- but provoked him at 
 the sea, even at the Ked sea. 
 
 8 Nevertheless he saved them * for 
 name's sake, that he might make his 
 mighty power to be known. 
 
 9 He '' rebuked the Red sea also, and it 
 was dried up: so < he led them through the 
 depths, as through the wilderness. 
 
 10 And he saved them from the hand of 
 him that hated them, and redeemed them 
 from the hand of the enemy. 
 
 11 And the waters covered their enemies; 
 there was not one of them left. 
 
 12 Then believed they his words ; they sang 
 his praise. 
 
 13 2 They soon forgat hia works; they 
 waited not for his counsel : 
 
 14 But 3 lusted exceedingly in the wilder- 
 ness, and tempted God in the desert. 
 
 15 And he gave them their request; but 
 Bent > leanness into their soul. 
 
 16 They * envied Moses also in the camp, 
 and Aaron the saint of the Lord. 
 
 17 The earth opened and swallowed up 
 Dathan, and covered the company of Abi- 
 ram. 
 
 18 And a fire was kindled in their com- 
 pany ; the flame burnt up the wicked. 
 
 19 They ' made a calf in Horeb, and wor- 
 shipped the molten image. 
 
 20 Thus •" they changed their glory into 
 the similitude of an ox that eateth grass. 
 
 415 
 
 PSALM lOfr, 
 " Ex. Vi. SI. 
 
 Neh. 9. 12. 
 to Ex. 16. 12. 
 «Ei. 17.6. 
 
 Nu. 20. 11. 
 
 1 Cor. 10.4. 
 V Gen. 15.14. 
 
 6 singijig. 
 
 * Dcu. 6. 10. 
 
 Joah. 13. 7. 
 a Deu. 4. 1. 
 
 Deu. 5. 21. 
 
 7 Hallelu- 
 jah. 
 
 PSALM 1C6. 
 
 1 Hallelu- 
 
 a U. 63. 7. 
 
 Mat. 19.17. 
 b Ps. 10. 6. 
 e Mat. 22.37. 
 d Ps. 15. 2. 
 
 Acts 24. 16. 
 Gal. 0. 9. 
 
 f Lay. 28. 40. 
 
 1 Kl. 8. 47. 
 
 Dnn. 9. 6. 
 ff Eiek.30.14. 
 ft Nah. 1. 4. 
 i Is. 63. 11. 
 
 2 they made 
 haste, ihej 
 
 1 Cor.io.a. 
 
 3 lusted a 
 lust. 
 
 / Is. 10. 16. 
 * Nu. 16. 1. 
 
 1 Ex. 32. 4. 
 m Jot. 2. 11. 
 
 Rom .1.23. 
 n Ex. 32. 10. 
 
 Deu. 9. 19. 
 OEBelt.I3.6. 
 
 Eiek.22.30. 
 
 4 a lasd of 
 desire. 
 Deu. 8. 7. 
 Jer. 3. 19. 
 Eiok.20.6. 
 
 P Heb. 3. li 
 6 To make 
 
 them fall 
 
 Ley. 26.33. 
 q Bos. 9. 10. 
 
 Rev. 2. 14. 
 r Deu. 1. 37. 
 
 Deu. 3. 88. 
 I Jam. 3. 2. 
 «Judg. 1.21. 
 tt Deu. 7. 2. 
 
 Judg. 2. 2. 
 f Judg. 3. 5. 
 
 Is. 2. 6. 
 
 1 Cor. 6. 6. 
 V) Judg.2.ia. 
 K Is. 57. 6. 
 
 £K)k.l6.20. 
 y Num. 35. 
 
 33. 
 «Judg.2.14. 
 
 Neh. 9. 27. 
 6 Or, impo- 
 verished, 
 
 kened. 
 a Judg. 10. 
 10. 
 
 6 Lev. 28. 
 41. 
 
 e Lam. 3. 82. 
 d Etra 9. 9. 
 
 Jer. 43.12. 
 • Lu. 1. 74. 
 f 2 Cor. 6. 
 
 15. 
 
 7 Halleln- 
 
 21 They forgat God their Saviour, which 
 hiul done uTeat things in Ei^ypt; 
 
 22 Wondrous works in the land of Ham, 
 and terrible things by_ the Red sea. 
 
 23 Therefore " he said that he would de- 
 stroy them, had not Moses his chosen 
 stood " before him in the breach, to turn 
 away his wrath, lest he should destroy 
 them. 
 
 24 Yea, they despised * the pleasant land; 
 they P believed not his word; 
 
 25 But murmured in their tents, and 
 hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord. 
 
 26 Therefore he ILtted up his hand against 
 them, to overthrow them in the wilder- 
 ness: 
 
 27 5 To overthrow their seed also among 
 the nations, and to scatter them in the 
 lands. 
 
 28 They ' joined themselves also unto 
 Baal-peor, and ate the sacrifices of the 
 dead. 
 
 29 Thus they provoked him. to anger with 
 their inventions; and the plague brake in 
 upon them. 
 
 30 Then stood up Phinehas, and executed 
 judgment: and so the plague was stayed. 
 
 31 And that was counted nnto him for 
 righteoufluess unto all generations for ever- 
 more. 
 
 32 They angered him also ai the waters of 
 strife, *■ so that it went ill with Moses for 
 their sakes : 
 
 33 Because they provoked his spirit, so 
 that he * spake unad\4sedly with his lips. 
 
 34 They « did not destroy the nations; 
 concerning " whom the Lord commanded 
 them: 
 
 35 But ' were mingled among the heathen, 
 and learned their works. 
 
 36 And ^ they served their idols: which 
 were a snare unto them. 
 
 37 Yea, * they sacrificed their sons and 
 their daughters unto devils, 
 
 38 And shed innocent blood, even the 
 blood of their sons and of their daughters, 
 whom they sacrificed unto the idols of 
 Canaan: and " the land was polluted \>ith 
 blood. 
 
 39 Thus were they defiled with their own 
 works, and went awhoring with their own 
 inventions. 
 
 40 Therefore was the wrath of the Lord 
 kindled against his people, insomuch that 
 he abhorred his own inheritance. 
 
 41 And * he gave them into the hand of 
 the heathen; and they that hated them 
 ruled over them. 
 
 42 Their enemies also oppressed them, an4 
 they were brought into subjection undei 
 their hand. 
 
 43 Many times did he deliver them; bat 
 they provoked him with their counsel, and 
 were ^ brought low for their iniquity. 
 
 44 Nevertheless he regarded their afflic- 
 tion, when " he heard tneir cry: 
 
 45 And * he remembered for them hia 
 covenant, and repented * according to the 
 multitude of his mercies. 
 
 46 He <* made them also to be pitied of all 
 those that carried them captives. 
 
 47 Save us, O Lord our God, and gather 
 8 • from among the heathen, to give 
 
 thanks / unto thy holy name, and to tri- 
 umph in thy praise. 
 
 48 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from 
 everlasting to everlasting: and let all the 
 people say, Amen. 7 Praise ye the LOKO. 
 
History of PSALM CVII, I sracVsnebe!hmis^ 
 
 plan for their deliverance, at His own time, | then added, despised— (Num. 14. 31.). Sevefl 
 and in His own way. 14. Li^., h(.sf(;d a fo..c|triins'4ressions are enumerated, one in Egypt, 
 (quotedfromNum.il. 4. ATarfir.). Previously, I. six in the wilderness; to whicli are opposed 
 there had been impatience as to nece^sarks\i\\e seven miracles of God for His people 
 of life; here it is ^ttsiiJiff (Ps. 78. 18.). 15. but I cf. Num. 14. 22; Deut. S2. C). b li'Ved not 
 
 sent leanness— rather, "and sent," i.e., and 
 than, even in doing so, the punishment was 
 inflicted at the very time their request was 
 grantf d. So Fs. 78. 30, " While their meat was 
 yet in their mouths, the wrath of God came 
 upon them." soul—the animal soul, whicl 
 craves for food TNum. 11. 0- Ps. 107. 18.). Tins 
 soul got its wish, and with it and in it its 
 own punishment. The place was therefore 
 called Kihroth-Hattaavah, "the graves of 
 lust," because there they buried the people 
 who had lusted. Aniujal desires when grc 
 titled mostly give only a hungry craving for 
 li ore (Jer. 2. 13.). 16-18. All the congrega- 
 tion took part with Dathan, Korah, &c., and 
 their accomplices (Num. 16.41.). Aaron tj^e 
 8 .int— tti., the holy one, as consecrated priest, 
 not a moral attribute, but one designating 
 his oflice as holy to the Lord. The rebellion 
 was followed by a double punishment: 1) 
 Iv. 17) of the non-Levitical rebels, the Reuben- 
 ites, Dathan and Abix-am, &c. (Deut. 11. 6; 
 Num. 26. 10,;, these were swallowed up by 
 the earth, covered — " closed upon them" 
 (Num. 16. 33.). i2) Of the Levitical rebels, 
 with Korah at their head (y. 18: Num. 16. 35; 
 26. 10,), these had sinned by fire, and were 
 punished by fire, as Aaron's (bein,' high 
 priest) sons had been Lev, 10. 2; Num. 16. 
 1-35.). 19-23. from indirect setting God at 
 nought, they pass to direct, niade— though 
 proliibited in Ex. 20. 4, 6, to make, a likeness, 
 even of the true God. calf— called so in con- 
 tempt. They would have made an ox or bull, 
 but their idol turned out but a calf: an imi- 
 tation of the divine symbols, the cherubim ; or 
 of the sacred bull of Egyptian idolatry. This 
 idolatry was more sinful in view of their 
 recent experience of (iod's power in Egypt 
 and His wonders at Sinai (Ex. 32. 1-6.). On 
 V. 20 cf. Jer. 2. 10-13; Rom. 1. 23. " Their glory" 
 is Jehovah, who. bemg peculiarly their God, 
 was their distinguishing glory above other 
 nations (Deut. 4. 7; 10. 21.). " Thy praise," 
 i.e., (jlory. God signified His presence with 
 Israel by the Shechinah, cloud of glory (iKi. 
 8. 11; Rom. 9. 4.). Though intending tc wor- 
 ship Jehovah under the symbol of the calf, 
 
 his word — by which He proniiseii He would 
 i^ive them the land; but rather the word of 
 the faithless spies (cf. Ps, 7b. l'2.). lifted 
 up Ins hand — or, swore, the usual form of 
 swearing (cf. Num. 14. 30, Mar(h\. 27. To 
 overthrow— iif " To makethem fall;" aUuding 
 to the words (Num. 14. 29.). aii.ong. . .nations 
 lands — the "wilderness" was not more de- 
 structive to the fathers (v. 26.), than residence 
 among the heathen ("nations") shall be to 
 the children. Lev. 26. 33, 38, Is here before 
 the Psalmist's mind, the determination 
 against the "seed," when rebebious, being 
 not expressed in Num. 14. 31-:^3, but implim 
 in the determination against the fathers. 
 23-50. sacrifices of the dead — i.e., of litelesg 
 idols, contrasted with " the living God" (Jer. 
 10. 3-10; cf. Ps. 116. 4-7; 1 Cor. 12. 2.). On the 
 words, "joined themselves to Uaal Peor," 
 see Num. 25. 2, 3, 6. Baal-Peor, i.e., the pos' 
 sessor of Peor, the mountain on which Che- 
 mosh, the idol of Moab, was worshipped, and 
 at tlie foot of which Israel at the time lay 
 encamped (Num. 23, 28.). The name never 
 occurs except in connection with that locality 
 and that circumstance, provoked — excited 
 grief and indignation (Ps, 6. 7; 78. .n8.). stood— 
 as Aaron " stood between the living and the 
 dead, and the plague was stayed" (Num. 16. 
 48.). executed judgment — lit., judged, inr 
 eluding sentence and act. 31. counted . , . 
 riglueousneis — "a just and rewardable ac- 
 tion." for— or, unto, to the procuring of right- 
 eousness, as in Rom. 4. 2; 10. 4. Here it was 
 a particular act, not faith, nor its object 
 Christ; and vMat was procured was not justi- 
 fj'ing righteousness or what was to be re. 
 warded with eternal life; for no one act of 
 man's can be taken for complete obedience. 
 But it was that which God approved and 
 rewarded with a perpetual priesthood to 
 him and his descendants (Num. 25. 13; l Gbr. 
 6. 4, &c.). 32, 33. (Cf. Num. 20. 3-12; Deut. 1. 
 37; 3. 26.). went ill witii [lit., was had for] 
 Moses— his conduct, though under great pro- 
 vocation, was punislied by exclusion from 
 Canaan. 34-39. They not only fiiiled to ex- 
 pel the heathen, as God "commanded" (Ex. 
 
 yet as this was incompatible with His nature) 23. 32, 33,), lit., said, {they should.}, but con 
 (Deut. 4. 15-17,), they in reality gave up Him, i formed to their idolatries, and thus became 
 and so were «iven up by Him. Instead I spiritual adulterers (Ps. 73.27.). unto devils- 
 
 of the Lord of heaven, they had as their 
 glory the image of an ox that does nothing 
 bat eat grass. 23. he said.— viz., to Moses 
 ( Deut. 9. 13. ) . With God, saying is as certain 
 as doing; but His purpose, whilst full of 
 wrath against sin, takes into account the 
 mediation of Him of whom Moses was the 
 type (Ex. 32. 11-14; Deut. 9. 18, 19.). Moses his 
 c.iosen— i.e., to be His servant (cf. Ps. 105. 20. . 
 iu the breach— as a warrior covers with his 
 body the broken part of a wall or fortress 
 besieged, a perilous place lEz. 13. 5; 2'2. .JO.). 
 to turn away [or, prevent] his wratii— (Num. 
 25. 11; Ps. 78. 38.). 24-27. The sin of refusing 
 to invade Canaan "the pleasant land" (Jer. 3. 
 19; Ez. 20. 6; Dan. 8. 9) "the land of beauty," 
 was punished by the destruction of that 
 generation Num. 14. 28,1, and the threat of 
 
 Sept.. demons (cf. 1 Cor. 10. 20,), or evil spirits, 
 polluted witli hlooi— lit., blood, or murder iPs. 
 5. 6; 26. 9.). 40-43. Those nations first se- 
 duced and then oppressed them (cf. Jud. 1. 
 34; 2. 14; 3. 30.). Their apostasies ungratefully 
 repnid God's many mercies till He finally 
 abandoned them to punishment (Lev. 26. 39.). 
 44-46. If. as is probable, this Psalm was 
 written at the time of the captivity, the 
 writer now intimates the tokens of God's 
 returning favour, repented— (cf. Ps. 90. 13.). 
 made . . . pitied— (1 Ki. 8. 50; Dan. 1. 9,). 
 These tokens encourage the prayer and tlie 
 promise oi praise iPs. 30. 4,), which is well 
 closed by a doxology. 
 
 PSALM cvn. 
 
 Ver. 1-43. Although the general theme of 
 this Psalm may have been suggested by God'g 
 
 aisDersion>Deut.4. 25:28. 32) afterwards made I special favour to the Israelites in their res- 
 tu their posterity, and fulfilled in the great toration from captivity, it must be regarded 
 calamities now bewailed, may have also been las an instructive celebration of God's praisa 
 415 
 
FfGXildence of God 
 
 PSALMS cvii, cvm. 
 
 Cn many varieties of life. 
 
 FSALM CVII. 
 The psalmist exhorts (kid's redeemed to praise 
 his goodnesf. and to nbserve hi.t manifold pTovi- 
 denet, in many varieties of life. 
 
 Q GIVE thanks unto the Lord, for <» he 
 ^^ is good ; lor his mercy endureth for ever, 
 
 2 Let the redeemed of the Lose say so, 
 whom he hath redeemed from the hand of 
 the enemy; 
 
 3 And '' gathered them out of the lands, 
 from the east, and from the west, fi'om the 
 north, and i from the south. 
 
 4 They wandered in the wilderness in a 
 solitary way; they found no city to dwellin. 
 
 5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul lainted 
 in them. 
 
 6 Then "they cried unto the Lobd in their 
 touble, and he delivered them out of their 
 distresses, 
 
 7 And he led them forth by the <* right 
 way, that they might go to a city of habi 
 tation. 
 
 8 Oh that men would praise the Lobd /or 
 his goodness, and for his wonderful works 
 to the children of men! 
 
 9 For * he satisfieth the longing soul, and 
 filleth the hungry soul with goodness. 
 
 10 Such as eit in darkness, and in the 
 Bhadow of death, being fboimd. in affliction 
 andiron; 
 
 11 Because they f rebelled against thp 
 words of God, and contemned " the coiansel 
 ofthe Most High: 
 
 12 Therefore he brought down their heart 
 with labour: they fell down, and there was 
 none ♦ to help. 
 
 13 Then they cried tmto the Lobd in 
 their trouble, a/nd he saved them out of 
 theii' distresses. 
 
 14 He > brought them out of darkness and 
 the shadow of death, and brake their bands 
 in sunder. 
 
 15 Oh that men would praise the Lobd 
 for his goodness, and for his wonderl'ul 
 works to the children ot men! 
 
 16 For he hath * broken the gates of brass, 
 and cut the bars of iiun in sunder. 
 
 17 Fools, ' because of their transgression 
 and because of their iniquities, are athicted: 
 
 18 Their soul abhorreth all manner of 
 ieat; and they draw near unto the gates 
 f death. 
 
 -9 Then they cry unto the Lobd in their 
 trouble, and he saveth them out of their 
 
 20 He *" sent his word, and healed them, 
 and delivered them from their destructions. 
 
 21 Oh that men would praise the Lobd 
 for his goodness, and /or his wonderful 
 works to the children of men! 
 
 22 And "let them sacrifice the sacrifices of 
 thanksgiving, and declare his works with 
 8 rejoicmg. 
 
 23 They that go down to the sea in ships, 
 that do Dusiness in gi'eat waters; 
 
 24 These see the works of the LoBD, and 
 his wonders in the deep. 
 
 25 For he commandeth, and 3 raiseth the 
 stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves 
 thereof. 
 
 26 They mount up to the heaven, they go 
 down again to the depths: " their soul is 
 melted because of trouble. 
 
 27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a 
 drunken man, and * are at thefr wit's end. 
 
 28 Then they cry imto the LosD in their 
 trouble, and he bringeth them out of their 
 distresses. 
 
 116 
 
 PSALM 107. 
 ojl»t.l9.17. 
 6 P». li«. 47. 
 
 Is. 43. 5. 
 
 1». 49. 12. 
 
 Jer. 29. 14. 
 
 Jer. 31.8. 
 
 Ea!k.33.27, 
 1 from tiie 
 
 •es. 
 e Pb. 60. 15. 
 
 Hob. 5 15. 
 d £tr« 8 21. 
 
 1». 03. 12. 
 * P.. 34. 10. 
 
 Lu. 1. 63. 
 / Job 38. 8. 
 a Lam. 3. 42. 
 A Pa. 73 24. 
 
 Ps. 119.24. 
 
 Lu. 7. 3.;. 
 
 Act* 20.27. 
 i la. 63. 6. 
 } Pa. 08. 6. 
 
 Pa. 146. 7. 
 
 Acta 12.7. 
 
 Acta 10.26. 
 tc la. 45. 2 
 
 1 Lam. 3. 89. 
 mzKi.'JU.i. 
 
 Pa. 147. 
 
 15, 18. 
 
 Uat. 8. 8. 
 n Ler. 7. 12. 
 Pa..W. 14. 
 Pa. 116.17. 
 Heb. 13.16. 
 
 2 einging. 
 
 3 maketb to 
 ttui4 
 JoD 1.4. 
 
 o Pa. 22. 14. 
 la. 13. 7. 
 Ntth. 3. 10. 
 
 4 »U their 
 wiadom ia 
 BwsUowed 
 up 
 
 P P». 89. 9. 
 Ia. 50. -J. 
 Mat. 8. 26. 
 
 f Geo. 13.10 
 Gen. 14. 3 
 Gsn. 19.25 
 
 6 saltoees. 
 Em. 47.11. 
 
 » Is. 41. 18. 
 
 t Acta 17.28. 
 
 " Gen. 12. 8. 
 Gen.17.16. 
 
 ''2Ki.10.3a. 
 
 v> Job 12. 21. 
 
 6 Or, Toid 
 place. 
 
 <c 1 Sa. 2. 8. 
 2 Sa. 7. 8, 
 
 7 Or, aft«r. 
 V Job 22. 19. 
 
 * Job 5. 16. 
 Pro. 10. 11. 
 Bom. 3. 19. 
 
 * Jor. 9. 12. 
 Dan.12.10. 
 Boa. 14. 9. 
 
 PSALM 108. 
 
 MicahT. 
 
 18-20, 
 
 Nu. 14. 18. 
 
 Deu. 7. 9. 
 
 Pa. 38. 6. 
 
 Pa. 100. 6. 
 1 Or, aluBa. 
 6 Pa. 57. 6. 
 e Gon. 49.10. 
 d Pa. 60. 9. 
 e Is. 30. 3. 
 / U. 63, 1-i. 
 
 29 He P maketh the storm a calm, so that 
 tliC waves thereof are still. 
 
 30 Then are they glad because they be 
 quiet; so he bringeth them unto their de- 
 sired haven. 
 
 31 Oh that msn would praise the Lobd 
 for his goodness, and for his wonderful 
 works to the children of men! 
 
 32 Let them exalt him also in the congre- 
 gation of the reople, and praise him in the 
 assembly of the elders. 
 
 33 He * turneth rivers into a wilderness, 
 and the water-springs into dry ground ; 
 
 34 A *■ fruitful land into 6 barrenness, for 
 the wickedness of them that dwell Iherein. 
 
 35 He • turneth the wilderness into a 
 standing water, and diy ground into water- 
 springs. 
 
 36 And there he maketh the hungry « to 
 dwell, that they may prepare a city for 
 habitation; 
 
 37 And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, 
 which may yield fruits of increase. 
 
 38 He " blesseth them also, so that they 
 are multiplied greatly, and sufiereth not 
 their cattle to decrease. 
 
 39 Again, they are •" minished a^d brought 
 low through oppression, affliction, and sor- 
 row. 
 
 40 He "* poureth contempt upon princes, 
 and causeth them to wander m the 6 tv il- 
 derness, ivhere there is no way. 
 
 41 Yet * setteth he the poor on high ' from 
 affliction, and maketh him families like i 
 flock. 
 
 42 The "righteous shall see it, and re- 
 joice : and all * iniquity shall stop her 
 mouth. 
 
 43 Whoso " is wise, and will observe these 
 things, even they shall understand the 
 loving-kindness or the Lobd. 
 
 PSALM CVllI. 
 
 I David encourages himself to praise Ood; 6h6 
 prays for God's assistance according to his prtf 
 mise: li his confidence in Ood't help. 
 
 A Song or Psalm ot David. 
 ), my heart is fixed; I wiU 
 give praise, even with my glory, 
 . ' . . . . ; I «W 
 
 awake early. 
 
 3 1 wiU praise thee, LoBD, among the 
 people: and I will sing praises unto thee 
 among the nations. 
 
 4 For thy " mercy is great above the hea. 
 vens, and thy truth reacheth unto the 
 1 clo.uds. 
 
 5 Be * thou exalted, O God, above the 
 heavens; and thy glory above all the earth; 
 
 6 That thy beloved may be dehvered: save 
 with thy right hand, and answer me. 
 
 7 God hath spoken in his holiness; I will 
 rejoice, 1 wLU divide Shechem, and mete 
 out the valley of Succoth. 
 
 8 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Eph- 
 raim also is the strength of mine head; 
 Judah * is my lawgiver; 
 
 9 Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I 
 cast out my shoe ; over Philistia will I 
 triumph. 
 
 10 Who d will bring me into the strong 
 city? who will lead me into Edom? 
 
 II Wilt not tftou, God, who hast cast 
 IS off? and wilt not thou, God, go forth 
 
 with our hosts? 
 
 12 Give us help from trouble: for • vain i$ 
 the help of man. 
 
 13 Through God we shall do valiantly: for 
 he/ it is that shall tread down our enemieft 
 
 r) GOD, my heart is fixed; I wiU sing and 
 ^^ give praise, even with my glory. 
 2 A.wake, psaltery and hai-p ; I myself will 
 
Provr>1enC6 of God. 
 
 for U;3 inerciful providence to ail men in 
 theii" various emergencies. Of these several 
 are siven; captivity and bondage, wanderings 
 by land and sea. and famine; some as evi- 
 dences of God's displeasure, and all the de- 
 liverances as evidences of His goodness and 
 mercy to them who humbly seelc Him. 
 
 1,2. 'I Lis call for thankful praise is the 
 burden or chorus (cf. v. 8, 15, (fee), redeemed 
 of the Loid— (cf. Isa. .S5. 9, 10.). say— i.e., that 
 His niercy, &c. h md of— or, power of enemy. 
 3. ga^ hered — all', ding to the dispersion oi 
 caiJtives throughout the Babylonian empire. 
 from tlis south— //it., tlie sea, or. Red sea iPs. 
 114. 3,), which was on the south. 4-7. A 
 graphic picture is given of the sufferings ot 
 those who from distant lands returned to 
 Jeriisalem : or, as city ot habitation may 
 mean the land of Palestine, fainted— was 
 overwhelmed Ps. 61. 3; 77. 3.). 8, 9. To the 
 chorus is added, a'; a reason for praise, an 
 examjile of the extreme distress from which 
 they had been delivered— extreme hunger. 
 the severest privation of a journey in the 
 desert. 10-16. Their sutterinus v. ere for their 
 rebeilion against (Ps. 10.5. I'S) the words, or 
 purposes, or promises, or God for their benefit. 
 Wlien humbled they cry to (lod, who delivers 
 them Irom bondage, described as a dark 
 dunueon with doors and uars of metal, in 
 wiiich they are bound in iron — ■i.e., chains 
 and fettei's. siiaduw of death— darkness with 
 danger .Ps. 23. 4.). broken— Mi., ddvered (Isa. 
 45.2.). 17-22. Whether the same or not, this 
 exigency illustrates that dispensation of God, 
 according to which sin brings its own pun- 
 ishment, are pfflicted— K?., afflict thtwselves, 
 i.e., bring on disease, denoted by loatliing of 
 
 PSALMS CVlll, CIX. Imprecations on the Wickea. 
 
 )oice. and the cavils of tiie wicked will l>e 
 stopped (Job. 5. 16; Isa. 52. 15,), and all who 
 take right views will appreciate God's un- 
 iailing mercy and unbounded love. 
 PSALM GVIII. 
 
 Ver. 1-13. Tliis Psalm is composed, v. 1-5 
 of Ps. 67. 7-11, and v. 6-12 of Ps. 60. .5-12. Tlie 
 varieties are verbal and trivial, except that 
 in V. 9, "over Philistia will I triumph," dif- 
 fers from Ps. 60. 8, the interpretation of 
 which it confirms. Its altogether triumphant 
 tone may intimate that it was i)reparefl liy 
 David, omitting the plaintive portions of the 
 other Psalms, as commemoi'ative of God's 
 favour in the victories of His people. 
 PSALM CIX. 
 
 Ver. 1-31. The writer complains of his 
 virulent enemies, on whom he imprecates 
 God's righteous punishment, and to a prayer 
 for a divine interv>osition in his behalf ap- 
 pends the expression of his confidence and a 
 proniise of his praises. This Psalm is re- 
 markable for the nimiber and severity of its 
 imprecations. Its evident typical charac!er 
 (c(. V. 8) justifies the explanation of thtse 
 already given, that as the language of David 
 respecting his own enemies, or those of 
 Christ, it has respect not to the penitent, 
 but to the impenitent and implacable foes 
 of good men. and of God and His cause, 
 whose inevitable fate is thus indicated by 
 inspired authority. 
 
 1. Goa ot niy praise— its object, thus recog- 
 nising God as a certain helper. Be not sihat 
 (cf. Ps. 17. 13; 28. 1.). 2. lor the nriouth . . . 
 opened [or. They have opened a wicked mouth] 
 against jne—Lit., with we, i.e.. Their inter- 
 course is lying, or. They slander n;e tomytace 
 
 food, and drawing near unto [lit., even to] the' (Mat. ^6. 59.). 3. (Cf. Ps. 36. 7; 
 
 gates [or, domains, (Ps. 9. 16J ot death, sent 
 his word— i.e., put forth His power, tlieir de- 
 structions— i.e., tliat which threatened them. 
 To the chorus is added the mode of giving 
 thanks, by a sacrifice and joyful singing (Ps. 
 .50. 14.). 23-32. Here are set forth the perils 
 of sea-faring, futility of man's and efficiency 
 of God's help, go . . . sea— alluding to the 
 elevation of the land at the coast. These see 
 . . . deep— illustrated both by the storm He 
 raises and the calm He makes with a word 
 (Ps. 33. 9..). waves thereoi — tti.. His waxes 
 (God's) (Ps. 42, 7.). are . . . end— iif., all their 
 wisdom swalloios up itself, destroys itself by 
 vain and contradictory devices, such as de- 
 spair induces. He makeih . . . cflm— or, to 
 stand to stillness, or in quiet. Instead of 
 acts of temple worship, those of the syna- 
 gogue are here described, where the people 
 with the asscmblij, or session of elders, 
 convened for reading, singing, prayer, and 
 teaching, il'he coincidence as to persons 
 and routine of service with those of Presby- 
 terian Churches is not forced.). 33-41. God's 
 providence is illustriously displayed in His 
 influence on two great elements of human 
 prosperity, the earth's productiveness, and 
 tile powers of government. He punishes the 
 wicked by destroying the sources of fertility, 
 or, m mercy, gives fruitlulness to deserts, 
 wliicn become the homes of a busy and suc- 
 cessful a.t.ricultural population. By a per- 
 mitted misrule and tyranny, this scene of 
 prosperity is changed to one of adversity. 
 He rules rulers, setting up one and putting 
 down another, wander . . . wilderness —re- 
 duced to misery (Job, 12. 24.). 42. 43. In this 
 providential government, good men will re- 
 416 
 
 4,5. 
 
 They return evil for good {cf. Ps. 27. 12; Pro. 
 17. 13.). I give myself unto prayer— or, lit., I 
 {am) prayer, or, as for me, prayer, i.e., it is 
 my resource for comfort in distress. 6. over 
 him— one of his enemies prominent in malig- 
 nity (Ps. 56. 12.:. let Satan stand— as an ac- 
 cuser, whose place was the right hand of the 
 accused (Zech. 3. 1, 2.). 7. The condemnation 
 is aggravated, when prayer for relief is 
 treated as a sin. 8. The opposite blessing is 
 long life (Ps. 91. 16; Pro. 3. 2.). The last clause 
 is quoted as to Judas by Peter (Acts. 1. 20.). 
 cmcb—lit, charae, Sei^t., and Peter, oversight. 
 9, 10. Let his family share the punishmeiit, 
 his children be as wandering beggars to prowl 
 in their desolate homes, a greedy and relent- 
 less creditor grasp his substance, his labour, 
 or the fruit of it, enure to strangers and not 
 his heirs, and his unprot'ected. fatherless 
 children fall in want, so that his posterity 
 shall utterly fail. 13. posterity— W(., end, as 
 Ps. 37. 38, or what comes after, i.e., reward, 
 or success, or its expectation, of which pos- 
 terity was to a Jew a prominent part. 14, 15. 
 Added to the terrible overthrow following 
 his own sin, let there be the imputation of 
 his parents' guilt, that it may now come be- 
 fore God, lor His meting out its fuU conse- 
 quences, in cutting oft' the memory of them 
 {i.e., the parents) from the earth (Ps. 34. IC). 
 16. Let God remember guilt, because he (the 
 wicked) did not remember mercy, poor and 
 needy . . . broken in heart— i.e., pious sufferer 
 (Ps. 34. 18;35. 10;40. 17.1. 17-19. Let his loved 
 sin, cursing, come upon him in punishment 
 iPs. 35. 8,), thoroughly fill him as water and 
 oil, permeating to every part of his system 
 (of. Num. 6. 22-i:;,;, and become a garment 
 31 
 
Impreeations o n the itiche d. 
 
 PSALM CIX. 
 
 16 fif sfimcs 
 compUiining 0/ his own niisfry, he 
 praya for help. 
 
 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. 
 TIOLD « not thy peace. God of my 
 praise; 
 
 2 For the mouth of the wicked and the 
 1 mouth ofthe deceitful '- are ojieiied against 
 me: they have spoken against me with a 
 lyini; tonfrue. 
 
 3 They compassed me about also with 
 words of hatred; and fought agaiust nie 
 without 6 a cause. 
 
 4 For my love they are my adversaries: 
 but I give myself unto prayer. 
 
 '5 And "^ they have rewarded me evil for 
 good, and hatred for my love. 
 
 6 Set thou a wicked man over him; and 
 let 3 Satan stand at his right hand. 
 
 7 When he shall be judged, let him * ^e 
 condemned; and <* let his prayer become 
 sin. 
 
 8 Let his days be few; and* let another 
 take his 5 ofiice. 
 
 9 Let/ his children be fatherless, and his 
 wife a widow. 
 
 10 Let his children be continually «' vaga- 
 bonds, and beg: let them seek their bread 
 also out of their desolate places. 
 
 11 Let " the extortioner catch all that he 
 hath; and let the stranger spoU his labour. 
 
 12 Let there be none to extend mercy 
 mito him ; neither let there be any to fa- 
 vour his fatherless children. 
 
 13 Let • his posterity be cut off; and in 
 the generation following let their/ name be 
 blotted out. 
 
 14 Let * the iniquity of his fathers he re- 
 membereil with the Lord : and let not the 
 sin of his mother' be blottea out. 
 
 15 Let them be before the Lord continu- 
 ftlly, that he may "* cut off the memory of 
 them from the earth. 
 
 16 Because that he remembered not to 
 ehow mercy, but i)ersecutcd the poor and 
 needy man, that he might even slay the 
 broken in heart. 
 
 17 As he loved cursing, so let it come 
 mito him; as he delighted not in blessing, 
 80 let it be far horn him. 
 
 18 As he clothed himself mth cursing like 
 as with his garment, so let it cdine 6 into 
 his bowels like water, and like oil into his 
 bones. 
 
 19 Let it be unto him as the garment which 
 covereth him, and for a girdle wherewith 
 he is girded continually. 
 
 20 Let this be the reward of mine adver- 
 saries from the Lord, and of them that 
 apeak evil against my soul. 
 
 til Bat do thou for me, O God the Lord, 
 for thy name's sake: because thy mercy is 
 good, deliver thou me. 
 
 'II For I am poor and needy, and my 
 beart is wounded within me. 
 
 23 1 am gone like the shadow when it de- 
 clineth: 1 am tossed up and down as the 
 locust. 
 
 24 My " knees are weak through fasting; 
 and my flesh faileth of fatness. 
 
 25 1 became also a reproach unto them: 
 when they looked upon me " they shaked 
 their heads. 
 
 2C Help me, O Lord my God: O save me 
 accoidiug to thy mercy; 
 
 27 Tliat P they rnay know that this is th7 
 haudi Uiat thou. Lord, hast doue it. 
 417 
 
 PSALMS CTX-CXIL 
 
 The Mssiah's kingdom. 
 
 PSALM 109. 
 
 P9. 83. 1. 
 
 1 moiuh of 
 
 2 have 
 opened 
 
 6Jol.nl5.25 
 c Hs. 38. 20. 
 
 3 Or. an ad- 
 
 Zech 3. 1 
 
 4 gn Olft 
 
 gtfciUv, or. 
 
 5 Or, cliar-e 
 /Ex. -24. 
 f/ (ien. i. U. 
 h Job 18. 9. 
 i Pa. 37. 28. 
 / Pro. 10. 7. 
 k Ex. 20. 5. 
 I Neh. 4. 5. 
 Jer 1«. 23 
 
 "ljnbltl.17, 
 
 within 
 
 Nu.'fi. 22. 
 n Ht.b. 12.12 
 " .Mi.t. 27. 39. 
 P Job 37. 7. 
 
 1 h. Ch 14. 
 
 7 fr 
 
 PSALM 110. 
 a Ps. 45. 6. 
 
 Mat. 2'J.44. 
 
 Mar. 12.30. 
 
 Lu. -JJ 42. 
 
 Acta 2. 34. 
 
 1 Ocr. 15. 
 
 25. 
 
 Hob. 1. 13. 
 
 1 Pe. 3. 22. 
 6 Judg. 5. 2. 
 - ts 2. 41. 
 
 an tho 
 
 : have, 
 
 d Nu. 23. 19. 
 e Zech, 8. 13, 
 
 Heb. 5. 6. 
 
 Heb. 6. 20. 
 
 Heb. 7. 17. 
 / Ps. lU. 8. 
 g Pi. 2. 6. 
 
 Rov. 11.18. 
 ft Hab. 3. 13. 
 2 Or, !;reat. 
 
 Is. Bl. 
 Jol.r 
 
 .34. 
 
 PS.\LM 111. 
 
 1 Hallelu- 
 jah. 
 
 a Job 38. 1. 
 
 2 T'rey. 
 
 b Pa. 19.7. 
 
 3 are eitah- 
 lished. 
 
 c Rev. 15. 8. 
 
 d Ueut. 4 6 
 Job 28. 28 
 Ecc. 12.13. 
 
 4 Or, good 
 aucceai. 
 
 5 that do 
 
 28 Let them curse, but bless thou: when 
 they ariwe, .let t'hera be ashamed; but let 
 thy' servant reioice. 
 
 'ii) Let mine adversaries be clothed with 
 slianie, and let them cover themselves with 
 thtir own confusion, as i^ith a mantle. 
 
 30 I will greatly praise the Lord witli ray 
 niouth; yea, I will praise iiim amoiig the 
 multitude. 
 
 31 For he shall stand at the right hand of 
 the poor, to save him '! from those that 
 condemn his souL 
 
 PSALM ex. 
 
 1 The kingdom, 4 the priesthood, 6 the conquest, 7 
 
 and the passion of Christ. 
 
 A P.salm of David. 
 
 'THE « Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou 
 
 at my rii;ht hand, imt'U I make thme 
 
 enemies thy footstool. 
 
 2 The Ij3RD shall send the rod of thy 
 strength out of Zion: rule thou in the 
 midst of thine enemies. 
 
 3 Thy * people shall be willing in the day 
 of thy power, " in the beauties of holiness 
 
 1 from the womb ofthe monuiig: thou hast 
 the dew of thy youth. 
 
 4 The Lord hath sworn, and <* will not re- 
 pent. ' Thou art a priest for ever after the 
 onler of ilelchizedek. 
 
 5 The lord /at thy right hand shall 
 strike tluough kings ''in the day of his 
 wrath. 
 
 6 lie shall judge among the heathen, he 
 sliJill fill the places with the dead bodies; 
 he 'i shall wound the heads over 2 many 
 countries. 
 
 7 He ' shall drink of the brook in the way: 
 therefore } shall he lift up the head. 
 
 PSALM CXI. 
 
 1 The psalmist by his exuiuple incites others to 
 
 praise God for his ylorivus and grocious works, 
 
 10 The fear of Gud the source of true wisdom. 
 
 pRAISE 1 ye the Lord. 1 will praise the 
 -"■ Lord with int/ whtde heart, in the as- 
 sembly of the upright, and in the congrega- 
 ti.iu. 
 
 2 The " works of the Lord are great, 
 sought out of all them that have pleasure 
 therein. 
 
 3 His work is honourable and glorious; 
 and his righteousness endm-eth for ever. 
 
 4 He hath made his wonderful works to 
 be remembered; the Lord is gi'acious, and 
 full of compassion. 
 
 5 lie hath given 2 meat unto them that 
 fear him: he will ever be mindful of his 
 covenant. 
 
 6 He hath showed his people the power of 
 his works, that he may give them the heri- 
 tage of tlielKathei). 
 
 7 The works of his hands are verity and 
 jud£,Tnent:*all his commandments are sure. 
 
 8 Ihey ^ stand fast lor ever and ever, and 
 are ' done in truth and uprightness. 
 
 9 lie sent redemption unto his people: 
 he hath conunandL-d his covenant for ever: 
 holy and reverend is his name. 
 
 K/The <i fear of the Lord is the beginning 
 of wisdom : ♦ a good understanding have all 
 they 6 that do his commandmeuls: his 
 praise endureth for ever. 
 
 i'SALM CXIL 
 1 Godliness hath the promises of this life, 4 and 
 
 of the lite to emn'e. 
 PRAISE ye the Lord. Blessed is the 
 ^ man that I'eareth the Lord, that delight- 
 eth greatly hi his commandments. 
 
 2 Hib seed shall be mighty upon eaith: 
 
The Kinodom 
 
 PSALMS ex. CXI. 
 
 of the Messiah. 
 
 and a girdle for a perpetual dress. 20. Let 
 this . . . rtward— or, wajjes, pay for labour, 
 the fruit of the euemy's wickedness, from 
 the Lord— as His judicial act. 21, 22. do . . . 
 for me— i.e., kindness, wounded— (li., pierced 
 (Ps. 69. 16, -.^9.). 23. like the sliadow— (cf. Ps. 
 102. 11.). tossed up and down— or, driven (Ex. 
 10. 19.). 24, 25. Taunts and reproaches ag- 
 gravate his afflicted and feeble state (Ps. 22. 
 6. 7.). 26. 27. Let my deliverance glorify 
 thee (cf. Ps. 59. 13.). 28 31. In confidence 
 that God's blessing would come on him, and 
 contusion and shame on his enemies (Ps. 73. 
 13,), he ceases to regard their curses, and an- 
 ticipates a season oi joyfvdand public thanks- 
 giving; lor God is near to protect (Ps. 16. 8; 
 34. 6) tlie poor from all unrighteous judges 
 who may condemn him. 
 
 PSALM ex. 
 Ver. 1-7. Tlie explicit application of this 
 Psalm to our Saviour, by Him (Mat. 22. 42-45,), 
 and by the apostles (Acts, 2. 34; 1 Cor. 15. 25; 
 tieb. 1. i:;,\ and their frequent reference to 
 its language and purport (Eph. 1. 20-22; Phil. 
 2. 9-11; Heij. 10. 12, 13,), leave no doubt of its 
 purely prophetic character. Not only was 
 there nothing in the position or character, 
 personal or ofiicial. of David or any other 
 descendant, to justify a reference to either, 
 but the utter severance from the royal office 
 of all priestly functions (so clearly ass;igned 
 the subject of this Psalm) positively forbids 
 such a reference. The Psalm celebrates the 
 exaltation of Christ to the throne of an eter 
 
 such is the proper rendering of the word 
 "wUling," which is a plural noun, ai;id not an 
 adjective (cf. Ex. 25. 2; Ps. 54.6,), also a similar 
 form I Jvid. 5. 2-9.). in tne day of thy power— 
 thy people freely offer themselves (Kom. 12. 1) 
 in Thy service, enlisting under thy banner, 
 in tlie beauties of holiness— either as Ps. 29. 2, 
 the loveliness of a spiritual worship, of which 
 the temple service, in all its material splen- 
 dotirs, was but a type; or more probably, the 
 appearance of the worshippers, who, in this 
 spiritual kingdom, are a nation of kings and 
 priests [1 Pet. 2. 9; Eev. 1. 5) attending this 
 Priest and King, clothed in those eminent 
 graces which the beautiful vestments of the 
 Aaronic priests (Lev. 16. 4) typified. The 
 last very obscure clause— from tne womb . . . 
 youth— may, according to this view, be thus 
 explained: The word yoidh denotes a period 
 of life distinguished for strenuth and activity 
 (cf. Eccl. 1 1 . 9, ),— the rfe i« is a constant emblem 
 of whatever is refreshing and strengthening 
 (Pro. 19. 12- Hos. 14. 5.). The Messiah, then, 
 as leading His people, is represented as con- 
 tinually in the vigour of youth, refreshed 
 and strengthened by the early dew of God's 
 grace and Spirit. Thus the phrase corre- 
 sponds as a member of a parallelism with 
 ''the day of thy power" in the first clause. 
 "In the beauties of holiness'' belongs to this 
 latter clause, corresponding to " Thy people 
 in the first, and the colon after "mornmg" 
 is omitted. Others prefer: Thy youth, or 
 youthful vigour, or body, shall be constantly 
 
 nal and increasing kingdom, and a perpetual refreshed by successive accessions of people, 
 priesthood (Zech. 6. 13,), involving the sub- as dew from the early morning; and this ac- 
 jugation of His enemies and themultiplica-| cords with the N. T. idea that the Church is 
 tion of His subjects, and rendered infallibly ' Christ's body (cf. Mic. 5. 7.). 4. The perpe- 
 certain by the word and oath of Almighty: tuity of the priesthood, here asserted on God's 
 "^ ' oath, corresponds with that of the kingly 
 
 office just explained, after the order— (Heb. 
 7. 15,), after the similitude of Melchisedec, 
 is fully expounded by Paul, to denote not 
 only perpetuity, appointment of God, and a 
 royal priesthood, but also the absence of 
 priestly descent and succession, and supe- 
 riority to the Aaronic order. 5. at thy right 
 hand— as Ps. 109. 31, upholding and aiding, 
 which is not inconsistent witli v. 1, where 
 the figure denotes participation of power, 
 for here He is presented in another aspect, 
 as a warrior going against enemies, and sus- 
 tained by God, strike through — smite or 
 crush, kings— not common men, but their 
 rulers, and so all under them iPs. 2. 2, 10.). 
 
 6. The person is again changed. The Mes- 
 siah's conquests are described, though His 
 work and God's are the same. As after a 
 battle, whose field is strewn with corpses, 
 the conqueror ascends the seat of empire, 
 so shall He judge or rule among many na- 
 tions, and subdue the head [or (as used col- 
 lectively for many) the headsj over many 
 lands, wound— tt!!., smiite, or, crush (cf. v. 5.). 
 
 7. As a conqueror, " faint, yet pursuing," 
 He shall be refreshed by " the brook in the 
 way," and pursue to completion His divin« 
 and glorious triumphs. 
 
 PSALM CXI. 
 Ver. 1-10. The Psalmist celebrates God's 
 gracious dealings with His people, of which 
 a summary statement is given. 
 
 1. Praise ye the Lord— or, HalJelujah (Ps. 
 
 104. 35.1. This seems to serve as a title to 
 
 those of the later Psalms, which, like this, 
 
 set forth God's gracious government and its 
 
 Tt 
 
 1. The Lord saii— lit., A saying of the Lord 
 (cf. Ps. .36. 1,1, a formula, used in prophetic or 
 other solemn or express declarations, my 
 Lord— That the Jews understood this term 
 to denote the IMessiah their traditions show, 
 and Christ's mode of arguing on such an as- 
 sumption (Mat. 22. 44) also proves. To sit at 
 the right hand was not only a mark of honour 
 (1 Ki. 2. 19,), but also imphed participation 
 of power (Ps. 45. 9; Mark, 16. 19; Eph. 1. 20.). 
 Sit— as a king Ps. 29. 10,), though the position 
 rather than posture is intimated cf. Acts, 7. 
 65, 56.). until I make, <fec.— The dominion of 
 Christ over His enemies, as commissioned 
 by God, and intrusted with all power (Mat. 
 28. 18) for their subjugation, will assuredly 
 be established (I Cor. 15. 24-28.). 'Ihis is 
 neither His government as God, nor that 
 which, as the incarnate Saviour, He exercises 
 over His people, of whom he will ever be 
 Head, tliine enemies tliy footstool — an ex- 
 pression taken from the custom of Eastern 
 c<mquerors (cf. Josh. 10. 24; Jud. 1. 7,), to 
 signify a complete subjection. 2. the rod of 
 thy Strength— the rod of correction (Isa. 9. 4; 
 10. 15; Jer. 48. 12,), by which thy strength will 
 be known. This is His Word of truth (Isa. 2. 
 3; 11. 4,), converting some and confounding 
 others (cf. 2 Thes. 2. 8.). out of Zioii— or, the 
 church, in which God dwells by His Spirit, as 
 once by a visible symbol in the tabernacle on 
 Zion (cf. Ps. 2. 6.). rule thou, &c.— over ene- 
 mies now conquered, in their midst— once set 
 upon, as by ferocious beasts (Ps. 22. 16,), now 
 humbly, though reluctantly, confessed as 
 Lord (Phil. 2. lO. ll.). 3. Thy peoT)le...wimng 
 —lit., Ihy people (are) free-will-ox* erings; for 
 417 
 
 blessed fruits. This praise claim!» the whole 
 
Security of (he righteotu. 
 
 PSALMS cxnr-cxvi. 
 
 TiinUy of ktclt. 
 
 the generation of the upright shall be 
 
 3 Wealth " and riches shaU be in his house ; 
 and his righteousness endureth for ever, 
 
 4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in 
 the darkness: he is gracious, and full of 
 compassion, and righteous. 
 
 5 A * good man showeth favour, and lend- 
 eth: he will guide his afiaiis with i discre- 
 tion. 
 
 6 Surely he shall not be moved for ever: 
 the righteous shall be in everlasting re- 
 membrance. 
 
 7 He sliall not be afraid of evil tidings: his 
 heart is fixed, trusting in the Lobd. 
 
 8 His heart is established, he shall not be 
 afraid, until he see his desire upon his ene- 
 mies. 
 
 9 He * hath dispersed, he hath given to 
 the poor; his righteousness endureth for 
 ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour. 
 
 10 The "* wicked shall see it, and be 
 grieved ; he shall gnash with his teeth, and 
 melt away: the desire of the wicked shall 
 perish. 
 
 PSALM CXIIL 
 
 1 Exhortation to praise Ood for hit exeelUncy, 7 
 
 and for his mercy. 
 
 pRAISE 1 ye the Lord, Praise, O ye ser- 
 •*^ vants of the Lokd, praise the name of 
 theLoRD. 
 
 2 Blessed " be the name of the Lobd from 
 this time forth and for evermore. 
 
 3 From 6 the rising of the sun unto the 
 going down of the same the Lord's name 
 15 to be praised. 
 
 4 The Lord is high above all nations, and 
 his glory above the heavens. 
 
 5 Who is like unto the Lobd out God, 
 who 2 dwelleth on high, 
 
 6 Who ' hiunbleth himself to behold the 
 things that are in heaven, and in the earth! 
 
 7 He <* raiseth up the poor out of the dust, 
 and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill ; 
 
 8 That he may • set him with princes, even 
 tdth the princes of his people. 
 
 9 He / maketh the barren woman 3 to keep 
 house, a7id to be a, joyful mother of chil- 
 dren. Praise ye the Lord. 
 
 PSALM CXIV. 
 
 Exhortation,bythe example of inanimate creation, 
 to fear God in At* church. 
 
 "WHEN Israel went out of Egypt, the 
 '' house of Jacob from a people of 
 etrange language; 
 
 2 Judah was his sanctuary, and Israel his 
 dominion. 
 
 3 The sea saw it, and fled: Jordan was 
 driven back. 
 
 4 The " mountains skipped like rams, and 
 the little hills like lambs. 
 
 5 What ailed thee, thou sea, that thou 
 fleddest? thou Jordan, that thou wast 
 driven back? 
 
 6 Ye mountains, that ye skipped like 
 rams; and ye little hills, uke lambs? 
 
 7 Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of 
 the Lord, at the presence of the God of 
 Jacob; 
 
 8 Which 6 turned the rock into& standing 
 water, the flint into a fountain of waters. 
 
 PSALM CXV. 
 1 0«d entreated to assert his honour against the 
 reproaehes of the heathen. 4 Idols are vanity: 
 9 Exhortation to trust in Ood. 
 
 TJOT " unto ns, Lobd, not unto ns, but 
 ■*-^ unto thy name give glory, for thy 
 mercy, and for thy truth's sake. 
 418 
 
 PSALM 112. 
 « Mat. 6. 33. 
 ft Luke 6. 36. 
 1 judgment. 
 
 Eph. 6. 16. 
 
 Col. 4. 5. 
 e 'J Cor. 9. §. 
 d Lu. 13. 28. 
 
 PSALM 113. 
 1 HaUeln- 
 
 j»h. 
 a Dan. 2. 20. 
 6 Is. 59. 19. 
 
 Mai. l.U. 
 3 exall«th 
 
 himself to 
 
 dwell, 
 e Is. 67. 16. 
 d 1 8a. 2. 8. 
 « Job 36. 7. 
 /I Sa. 2. 5. 
 Gal. 4. 27. 
 3 to dweU 
 
 PSALM 114. 
 o Pb.29. 6. 
 
 Ps. 68. 16. 
 
 Hab. 3. a. 
 b Ex. 17. 6. 
 
 Nu. 20.11. 
 
 Pi. 107. 35. 
 
 PSALM 115. 
 a Is. 48. 11. 
 
 Eie. 36.32. 
 6 P». 42. 3, 
 
 10. 
 
 Pt. 79. 10. 
 
 Joel 2. 17. 
 e 1 Chr. 16. 
 
 26. 
 
 P«. 138. 6. 
 
 Dan. 4. 35. 
 d Deu. 4. 28. 
 
 Pt. 136.16, 
 
 16. 
 
 Jer. 10. 3. 
 • Pb. 135. 18. 
 
 I»a. 44. 9, 
 
 10. 
 
 Jonah 2. 8. 
 
 Hab. 2. 18. 
 / P». 33. 20. 
 
 Pro. 30. 6. 
 g Mai. 2. 7. 
 AEph. 1. 8. 
 i Lbt. 26. 3. 
 
 Deu. 11.27. 
 
 Deu. 23. 1. 
 
 P«. 24. 4. 
 
 Pro. 10. 6. 
 1 with. 
 } Gen. 14.19. 
 « Gen. 1.1. 
 
 Pi. 96. 5. 
 I P». 146. 2. 
 
 Dan. 2. !». 
 
 FSALM 116. 
 
 1 in mj 
 dayt. 
 
 2 found me. 
 Ezra 9. 16. 
 Neh. 9. 8. 
 Pi. 11. 7. 
 Pa. 14. 6. 
 Jer. 12.1. 
 Lam. 1. 18, 
 Rev. 16. 6. 
 
 b Jer. 6. 16. 
 
 Mat. 11. 29. 
 
 2 Cor. 4. 13. 
 d Rom. 3. 4. 
 • Pi. 22. 26. 
 uih2. 9. 
 /Pi. 72. 14. 
 
 2 Wherefore should the heathen say. 
 Where !> is now their God? 
 
 3 But * our God is in the heavens: he hath 
 done whatsoever he hath pleased. 
 
 4 Their <* idols are silver and gold, the 
 work of men's hands. 
 
 5 They have mouths, but they speak not; 
 eyes have, they, but they see not ■ 
 
 6 They have ears, but they hear not; 
 noses have they, but tbey smell not ; 
 
 7 They have hands, but they handle not; 
 feet have they, but they walk not; neither 
 speak they through their throat. 
 
 8 They * that make them are like unto 
 them; so is every one that trusteth in 
 them. 
 
 9 O Israel, trust thou in the Lobd:/ he ii 
 their help and their shield. 
 
 10 <' house of Aaron, trust m the Lobd: 
 he is their help and theh shield. 
 
 11 Ye that fear the Lord, trust in the 
 Lord: he is their help and their shield. 
 
 12 The Lord hath been mindful of us: he 
 will '' bless us: he will bless the liuuse of 
 Israel; he will bless the house ">{ Aaron: 
 
 13 He ' will bless them thai fear the Lord, 
 both small ^ and gi'eat. 
 
 14 The Lord shall increase you more and 
 more, yon and your children. 
 
 15 Ye are J blessed of the Lobd * which 
 made heaven and earth. 
 
 16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the 
 Lord's; but the earth hath he given to the 
 children of men. 
 
 17 The dead praise not the Lord, neither 
 any that go down into silence. 
 
 18 But ' we will bless the Lobd from thig 
 time forth and for evermore. Praise the 
 Lord. 
 
 PSALM CXVI. 
 
 1 The psalmist profcrses his love and duty to Ood 
 for hts deliverance; i2 he studies to be thankful, 
 
 J LOVE the Lord, because he hath heard 
 my voice and my supplications. 
 
 2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto 
 me, therefore wiU 1 call upon him i as long 
 as 1 live. 
 
 3 The sorrows of death compassed me, and 
 the pains of hell 2 gat hold upon me: I 
 found trouble and sorrow. 
 
 4 Then called I upon the name of the 
 Lord; O Lord, 1 beseech thee, deliver my 
 soul. 
 
 5 Gracious is the Lord, and » righteous; 
 yea, our God is merciful. 
 
 6 The Lord preserveth the simple: I waa 
 brought low, and he helped me. 
 
 7 Ketum imto thy * rest, my soul; for 
 the Lord hath dealt boimtifully with thee. 
 
 8 For thou hast dehvered my soul from 
 death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet 
 from falling. 
 
 9 I will walk before the Lord in the land 
 of the li^'ing. 
 
 10 I * believed, therefore have I spoken: I 
 was greatly athicted. 
 
 11 1 said in my haste, <* All men are liars. 
 
 12 What shaU I render unto the Lord /'or 
 all his benefits toward me? 
 
 13 1 will take the cup of salvation, and 
 call upon the name of the Lord. 
 
 141' will pay my vows unto the Lord now 
 in the presence of all his people. 
 
 15 Precious / in the sight of the Lobd ia 
 the death of his saints. 
 
 16 O Lord, tnily I am thy servant: I am 
 thy 8ervant,a«rf the son of thine handmaid ; 
 thou hast loosed my bonds. 
 
Securit^'tfthe Righteous^ 
 
 PSALMS CXn-CXVL 
 
 Vanity of Idols. 
 
 heart (Ps. 86 12.) and is rendered publicly. , (Ex. 14. 21; Josh. 3. 14-17.). JucJah is put as a 
 jpright-a title of the true Israel (Ps. 32. ll.), ! parallel to Israel, because of the destined al 
 2. Bis works, i.e., of providence^ and grace, well as real prominence of that tribe 5-8 
 are sought— or, carefully studied, by aU de- The questions place the implied answers in 
 siring to know them. 3,4. hor.ouiable and a more striking form, at the presence of— Zii! 
 
 glorious — (if .. honour and majesty, which from before, as if atlrighted by the wonderful 
 lustrate His glorious perfections, righteous- display of God's power. W ell may such a God 
 ness— (Ps. 7. 17; 31. ij, which He has made , be trusted, and great should be His praise, 
 memorable by wonders of love and mercy, PSALM CXV 
 
 in supplying the wants of His people accord- Ver. 1-18. The P.salmist prays that God 
 ing to covenant engagements. 6-8. His power | would vindicate His glory, which is con- 
 was shown especially in giving them the pro- 1 trasted with the vanity of idols, while the 
 mised land, and His faithlulness and justice folly of their worshippers is contrasted with 
 thus displayed are. hke His precepts, reli-, the trust of Gods people, who are encouraged 
 able and of permanent obligation. 9. The ! to its exercise and to unite in the praise 
 deliverance He provided accorded to His | which it will occasion 
 
 established covenant. Thus He manifested I 1-3. The vindication of God's mercy and 
 Himself in the sum of His perfections (Ps. ' faithfulness (Ps. 2.5. 10; 36 6) is the <ilorv of 
 "" 1. 7: 22. 3) worthy pf reverence. 10. And , His 7iame. which is desired to be illu.strated 
 
 hence, love and fear of such a God is the chief , 
 
 element of true wisdom (cf. Pro. 1. 7; 9. 10.). 
 
 PSALM CXII. 
 
 in the deliverance of His people, as the im- 
 plied mode of its manifestation. In view of 
 the taunts of the heathen, faith in Hisdo- 
 
 Ver. 1-10._ This Psalm may be regarded as minicn as enthroned in the heaven (Ps.''2. 4: 
 an exposition of Ps. ill. ro. presenting the ll. 4) is avowed. Where is now. &c.—now is 
 
 happiness of those who fear and obey God, 
 and contrasting the fate of the ungodly. 
 
 not a particle of time, but of entreaty." as 
 in our forms of speech. "Come now," "See 
 
 1. True fear produces obedience and this now." &c. 4-7. (Cf. Isa 40 IS-'^O- 44 9-2() ) 
 happiness. 2, 3. Temporal bles.sings follow speak . . . thioa,t-lit., mutter, not even utter 
 the service of God, exceptions occurring only articulate sounds. 8. every one that trustetii 
 as they are seen by God to be inconsistent —they who trust, whether makers or not 
 with those spiritual blessings which are 9-13. The repetitions imply earnestness 14. 
 '^^^^^\- r.^- Jiglit-'ifir.. for rehef (Ps. 27. 1; Opposed to the decrease pending and during 
 97. 11.). Ihe upnght are hke God (Lev. 6. 36; the captivity. 15-17. Qliey were not only 
 Ps. 111. 4.). 6-9. Generosity, sound judgment God's peculiar people, but as living inhabit- 
 in business, and confidence^ in God, form a ants of earth, assitined the work of His 
 
 power, wis- 
 
 character which preserves from fear of evil praise as monuments of divine 
 
 and insures success against enemies. "While dom. and goodness. 18. Hence .v,„ ^„ .„x^ 
 
 a man thus truly pious is liberal, he in- the purpose of our creation, and evermore 
 
 pov 
 
 let us fulfil 
 
 creases in substance, not be Bioved— (cf. Ps 
 13. 4; 16. 5.). heart is established— or, firm in 
 right principles, see his desire— (Ps. ."lO. 23; 
 
 show forth His praise. 
 
 PSALJNI CXVI. 
 Ver. 1-19. The writer celebrates the deli- 
 
 64.7.1. 10. Uisappointed in their malevolent j verance from extreme perils by which he 
 wishes by the prosperity of the pious, the i was favoured, and pledges grateful and pioua 
 wicked are punished by the working of their I public acknowledgments. 
 
 evil passions, and come to nought 
 PSALM CXIll 
 
 1, 2. A truly grateful love will be evinced 
 by acts of worship, which calling on God 
 
 Ver. 1-9. God's majesty contrasted with presses {v. 13. Ps. 65. 16; 86. 7; cf. Ps. 17. 6; 31. 
 
 3, 4. For similar figures for distress Ps. 
 4. 5.). gat hold upon me— another sense 
 
 His -condescension and gracious dealings to 
 
 wards the humble furnish matter and a call 
 
 for praise. The Jews, it is said, used this, ("found") of the same word follows, as we 
 
 and Ps. 114-118. on their great festivals, and speak of disease finding us, and of our find 
 
 c&lled theiw ihe Greater Hallel, or Hym^i. ' -- — ...... 
 
 1-3. Earnestness and zeal are denoted b; 
 the emphatic repetitions, servants— or. a. 
 
 1 ing or catching disease. 5-8. The relief which 
 he asked is the result not of his merit, but 
 
 , of God's known pity and tenderness, which 
 the people of G od. name of the Lord— perfec- i is acknowledged in p ssuring himself his soul, 
 tions (Ps. 6. 11; 111. 9.). From the rising, &:c. Ps. 11. 1; 16. 10) of rest and peace. All cala- 
 — All the world. 4-6. God's exaltation en- mities are represented by death, tears, and 
 hances His condescension; 7,8.. which is' falling of the feet IPs. ^6. \3.). 9. walk before 
 illustrated as often in raising the worthy the Lord— act, or live under His favour and 
 poor and needy to honour (cf. 1 Sam. 2. 8; Ps. guidance ((Jen. 17. 1; Ps. 61. 7. . land of the 
 44. 25.1. 9. On this special case, cf. 1 Sam. 2. 1 living — (Ps. 27. 13.). 10. 11. Confidence in 
 
 21. Barrenness was regarded as a disgrace, 
 and is a tyiie of a deserted Church (Isa. 64. 1.) 
 
 God opposed to distrust of men, as not re- 
 liable Ps. 68. 8, 9.). He speaks from an ex- 
 
 the barren woman . . . house— iit. the barren i perience of the result of liis faith, in my 
 of ihe house, so that the supplied words may ! haste— ?/i.. terror, or agitation, produced by 
 
 be omitted. 
 
 PSATiM cxrv. 
 
 his afflictifin (cf. Ps. 31. 22.) 12- 14. These are 
 modes of expressing acts oi wonship cf. v. 4; 
 
 Ver. 1-8. The writer briefly and beautifully Ps. 50. 14; Jon. 2. 9.). the cup of salvation 
 
 celebrates God's former care of His people, the drink-otiering which was part of the 
 
 to whose benefit nature was miraculously | thank-offering (Num. 16. 3-5.). now— cf. Ps, 
 
 made to contribute 
 
 1-4. cf s-trange language 
 skipped . . . rams- (Ps. 29. 
 
 116. 2) "oh! tliat il may do it" in the pre- 
 (cf. Ps. 81. 5.).ls-ence. &c. 15, 16. By the plea of being a 
 describes the home-born servant, he intimates his claim 
 
 waving of mountain forests, poetically repre- j on God's covenant love to His people. 17-19. 
 senting^/iewoiiorioftheniountains. Thepoe-I An ampler declaration of his purpose, desig- 
 tical descripvion of the effect ot God's presence nating the place the Lord's house, or earthijr 
 
 ou the sea and Jordan alludes to the history i residence in Jerusalem 
 418 
 
Benefit of trusting in God. 
 
 PSALMS CXVII-CXTX. 
 
 Prayers and praises. 
 
 17 I •■vill ott'er to thee tho sacrifice of | psalm lis. 
 thajikEj,'iviiig, and will call upon the name 
 of the LoKD. 
 
 18 I will pay my vows mito the Lokd now 
 ill the presence of all his peoj)le, 
 
 19 In the courts of the Lord's house, in 
 the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye 
 the Lord. 
 
 PSALM CXVIL 
 
 Exhortation to ail nations to praise God for his 
 
 mercy and truth. 
 
 f) PRAISE the Lord, all ye nations: 
 ^^ praise him, all ye neople. 
 
 2 F(jr his merciful kuidness is great 
 toward us: and the truth of the Lord 
 endureth for e>er. Praise ye the Lord. 
 
 PSALM CXVIIL 
 1 Exhortation to praise Ood for his mercy. 19 By 
 
 the psalmist in tvpe, thecomingof Christ's king- 
 
 cUnn is expressed. 
 
 Q " GIVE thanks nnto the Lord; for he 
 ^-' is good: because his mercy endureth for 
 ever. 
 
 2 Let * Israel now say, that his mercy 
 enclnreth for ever. 
 
 3 Let the house of Aaron now say, that 
 his mercy endureth for ever. 
 
 4 Let them now that fear the Lord say, 
 that his mercy endureth for ever. 
 
 5 1 called upon the Lord i in distress: the 
 Lord answered me, and ' set me in a large 
 Jilace. 
 
 6 The Lord is 2 on my side ; I will not fear: 
 what can man do unto mel 
 
 7 The <i Lord taketh my part with them 
 that help me: therefore sliall I see my de- 
 sire upon them that liate nie. 
 
 8 It" is better to trust in the Lord than 
 to put confidence in man: 
 
 ditf is better to trast in the Lord than 
 to put confidence in princes. 
 
 10 All nations compassed me about: but 
 in the name of the Lord wUl I ^ destroy 
 them. 
 
 11 They " compassed me about ; yea, they 
 compassed me about: but in the name of 
 the Lord I will destroy them. 
 
 12 They comnassed me about ''like bees: 
 they are quenched • as the lire of thorns: for 
 in the name of the Lord I will * destroy 
 them. 
 
 i:^ Thou hast thrust sore at me, that I 
 mi^ht fall: but the Lord helped me. 
 
 14 The } Lord is my strength and song, 
 and is become my salvation. 
 
 15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is 
 in the tabernacles of the righteous: the 
 right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. 
 
 16 The * right hand of the Loud is exalted ; 
 the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. 
 
 17 1 'shall not die, but live, mid *" declare 
 the works of the Lord. 
 
 18 The Lord hath "chastened me sore: 
 but he hath not given me over unto 
 death. 
 
 19 < Jpen " to me the gates of righteousness : 
 1 will go in to them, and 1 will praise the 
 Lord: 
 
 20 This P gate of the Lord, « into which 
 the righteous shall enter. 
 
 21 1 will praise thee : for thou hast heard 
 me, and art become my salvation. 
 
 22 The ''stone ivhich "the builders refused 
 is become the head stone of the corner. 
 
 2S » This is the Lord's douig; it 'is mar- 
 velli'iir* in our eyes. 
 
 '.'4 l his is * the day which the Lord hath 
 made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. 
 
 c Pb. 18. 19. 
 
 2 for me. 
 P». 27. 1. 
 Is. 61. 12. 
 Ro. 8. 31. 
 Heb. 13. 6. 
 
 d Pa. 54. 4. 
 e P». 62. 8. 
 
 I.. 2. 22. 
 
 18.30. 1. 
 
 Jer. 17.5,7. 
 / Pa. 146. 3. 
 
 3 cut them 
 off. 
 
 g Pb. 88. 17. 
 h Deu. 1. 44. 
 i Eccl. 7. 6. 
 N»h. 1. 10. 
 
 4 cut down. 
 ;■ Ex. IS. 2. 
 
 Is. 12. 2. 
 k £i. 16. 6. 
 I P«. 6. 5. 
 
 Hab. 1. 12. 
 m p.. 73. 28. 
 « 2 Cor. 6.9. 
 li. 26. 2. 
 p P.. 24. 7. 
 
 Rev. 22.14. 
 
 '•M^t.21.42. 
 
 Mar. 12.10. 
 
 Lu. 2ii. 17. 
 
 Act! 4. 11. 
 
 Eph. 2. 20. 
 
 1 Pe. 2. 4,7. 
 
 5 This IB 
 
 from the 
 
 LOUD. 
 
 e Job 5. 9. 
 
 t 2 Cor. 6. 2. 
 
 ■u Mat. 21. 9. 
 
 Mat. Z<.m. 
 
 Mar. 11.9. 
 
 PSALM 119. 
 
 1 Or, p«r- 
 
 c Ro?a. 7. 16, 
 
 17. 
 
 1 John 3.B. 
 
 1 John 6. 
 
 18. 
 d 2 Cor. 3.5. 
 « Job 22. 26. 
 
 1 John 2. 
 
 28. 
 2 judgments 
 
 of thy 
 
 rightoouft- 
 
 /Eccl. 11.9 
 g 2 Chr. 16. 
 
 15. 
 h Lu. 2. 19. 
 i Pb. 26. 4. 
 } Pa. 1. 2. 
 i Reveal. 
 
 Eph. 1. 17. 
 k Gen 47. 9. 
 
 Heb.11.13. 
 
 25 Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord; O 
 Lord, I beseech tliee, send now pros- 
 perity. 
 
 2(j lilessed ** he he that cometh in the name 
 of the Lord: we have blessed you out of 
 the house of the Lord. 
 
 27 God is the Lord, which hath showed 
 us *li,t;ht: bind the sacrifice with cords, 
 even tinto the horns of the altar. 
 
 28 Thou art my God, and I will praise 
 thee: "" thou art my God, I will exalt thee. 
 
 29 give thanks mito the Lord ; for he ia 
 good: for his mercy enduvtth for ever. 
 
 PSALM CXIX. 
 
 /Sundry prayers, praises, a»d professions of 
 
 obedience. 
 
 ALEPH. 
 
 T) LESSED are the i undetiled in the way, 
 -'-' who " walk in the law of the Lord. 
 
 2 Blessed are they tlutt keep his testi- 
 monies, and that * seek him with the whole 
 heart. 
 
 u They "also do no iniquity: they walk in 
 his ways. 
 
 4 TJiou hast commanded us to keep thy 
 precepts diligently. 
 
 5 0'' that my ways were du-ected to keep 
 thy statutes! 
 
 6 Then * shall I not be ashamed, when I 
 have respect imto all thy comniaiidments. 
 
 7 I will praise thee with uyaightness of 
 heart, when 1 shall have learned '■' thy righ- 
 teous judgments. 
 
 8 1 will keep thy statutes: O forsake me 
 not utterly. 
 
 BETH. 
 
 y Wherewithal shall/a young man cleanse 
 his way ? By taking heed thereto accorduig 
 to thy word. 
 
 10 With my whole heart have 1 "sought 
 thee: O let me not wander from thy com- 
 mandments. 
 
 11 Thy '» word have I hid in mine heart, 
 tliat I might not sin against thee. 
 
 12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: » teach me 
 thy statutes. 
 
 13 With my lips have I declared all the 
 judgments of thy mouth. 
 
 14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testi- 
 monies, as much as in all riches. 
 
 15 1 will > meditate in thy precepts, and 
 have respect unto thy ways. * 
 
 16 I will delight myself in thy statutes; I 
 will not forget thy word. 
 
 G13IEL. 
 
 17 Deal bountifully mth thy servant, tAai 
 : may live, and keep thy word. 
 
 18 ^ Open tliou mine eyes, that I may be- 
 hold wondrous things out of thy law. 
 
 19 1 ''am a stranger in the earth: hide not 
 thy commandiueiils from me. 
 
 20 i\ly soul breaketh for the longing that 
 it hath unto thy judgments at all tunes. 
 
 21 Thou hast rebuked the proud that are 
 cursed, which do err ti'om thy command- 
 ments. 
 
 22 Remove from me reproach and con- 
 tempt; for I have kept thy testimonies. 
 
 23 Princes also did sit and speak against 
 me: but thy servant did meditate in thy 
 statutes. 
 
 24 Thy testimonies also are my deligtit, 
 and * my coimsellors. 
 
 DALETH. 
 
 25 My soul cleatveth unto the dust: 'quicken 
 thdU iiie according to tiiy word. 
 
 2(> ] have dechired my ways, and thou 
 heardest me ; '" teach me thy statutes. 
 
Exhortation to Prahe God. 
 
 PSALMS CXVII-CXIX. 
 
 Prayers and Praises. 
 
 PSALM CXVIL PSALM CXIX. 
 
 Ver. 1, 2. This may be regarded as a Ver. 1-176. This celebrated Psalm has se- 
 doxology, suitable to be appended to any veral peculiarities. It is divided into t^^•enty- 
 Psalm of similar character, and prophetical two parts, or stanzas, denoted by the twenty- 
 of the prevalence of God's grace in the world, two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each 
 in which aspect Paul quotes it, (Eom. 15. 11) stanza contains eight verses, and the first 
 (cf. Ps. 47. 2; 66. 8.). letter of eacli verse is tha-t which gives name 
 
 2. is great toward ns—lit., prevaiZed over, to the stanza. Its contents are mainly praises 
 
 or, protected us. of God's word, exliortations to its perusal, 
 
 PSALM CXVin. and reverence for it. prayers for its proper 
 
 Ver. 1-29 After invoking others to unite in influence, and complaints of the wicked for 
 praise, the writer celebrates God's protectin'g despising it. There are but two verses 1 122, 
 and delivering care towards him, and then 132) which do not contain son;e term or de- 
 represents himself and the people of God scription of God's word. These terms are of 
 as entering the sanctuary and uniting in various derivations, but here used, for the 
 solemn praise, with prayer for a continued most part, synonymously, though the use of 
 blessing. Whether composed by David on a variety of terms seems designed, in order 
 his accession to power, or liy some later to express better the several aspects in 
 writer in memory of the restoration from which our relations to the revealed word of 
 Babylon, its tone is joyful and trusting, and, God are presented. The Psalm does not ap- 
 in describing the fortune and destiny of pear to have any relation to any special oc- 
 the Jewish Church and its visible head, casion or interest ot the Jewish Church or 
 it is typically prophetical of the Christian nation, but was evidently "intended as a 
 Church and ner greater and invisible manual of pious thoughts, especially for in- 
 llead. I structmg the young, and its peculiar artificial 
 
 1-4. The trine repetitions are emphatic (cf. structure was probably adopted to aid the 
 V. 10-12, 15 16; Ps. 115. 12, 1.;.). Let . . . sav— Oh ! memory in retaining the language." 
 that Israel may say. now— as Ps. il5. 2; so in 1. undefiled— <'t(., complete, perfect, or sin- 
 V. 3, 4. After "noxo say" supply " give thanks." '< cere (cf. Ps. 37. 37.). in for, of] the way— course 
 that his mercy— or, for his mercy. 6. distress of li-fe. walk [act] in the law— according to it 
 —lit., straits, to which "large place" corre- Kef. Luke, 1. 6.;. law, from a word meaning 
 spends, as Ps. 4. 1; 31. 8. 6, 7. Men are help- 1 to teach, is a term of rather general purijort, 
 less to hurt him, if God be with him iPs. .56. denoting the instruction of God's word. 2. 
 9,), and. if enemies, will be vanqalshed (Ps. ' testimonies- The word of God is so called, 
 64. 7. !. 8, 9. Even the most powerful men are I because in it He tesHJies for truth and against 
 less to be trusted than God. 10-12. Though j sin. seek liim— -i.e., a knowledge of Him, with 
 as numerous and irritating as bees, by Goa's desire for conformity to His will. 3. his ways 
 help his enemies would be destroyed, as the } —the course He reveals as right. 4-6. preceiits 
 fire cf thorns— suddenly, in llie name. Arc— I —are those directions which relate to special 
 by the power (Ps. 20. 6; 124. 8.). 13-16. Tl-.e conduct, from a word meaning to inspect, 
 enemy is triumphantly addressed as if pre- statutes- or, ordinances, positive laws of per- 
 sent. rpjjicmg and salvation— the latter as'manent nature. Both words originally de- 
 cause of the former, right hand ... is exalted note ra ther positive than moral laws, such 
 —His power greatly exerted. 17,18. He would ; as derive force from the divine appointment 
 live, because confident his life would be for i whether their nature or the reasons for them 
 God's glory. 19-21. Wliether an actual or | are apprehended by us or not. command- 
 figurative entrance into God's house be nients— or, institutions. Tlie term is com- 
 meant, the purpose of solemn praise is inti- prehensive, but rather denotes fundamental 
 mated, in which only the righteous would or I directions for conduct, both enjoining and 
 could engage. 22, 23. These words are ap- forbidding, have respect unto — or, regard 
 plied by Christ (Mat. 21. 42) to Himself, as carefully as to their whole purport. 7. judg- 
 the foundation of the Church ;cf. Acts. 4. 11; I nients — rules of conduct formed by God's 
 Eph. 2. 20; 1 Pet. 2. 4, 7.). It may here denote 'judicial decisions. Hence the wide sense of 
 God's wondrous exaltation to power and in- 1 the w^ord in the Psalms, so that it includes 
 fluenceof him whom the rulers of the nation decisions of approval as well as condemna- 
 despised, whether (see above) David or Zerub- tion. 8. recognises the need of divine grace. 
 babel icf. Hag. 2. 2; Zech. 4. 7-10 be primarily i 9. The whole verse may be read as a ques- 
 meant, there is here typically repre.sented tion; for, By taking heed— is better, i^or taking 
 God's more wonderful doings in exalting , heed, i.e.. so as to do it. Tlie answ er is im- 
 Christ, crucified as an impostor, to be the ' plied, and inferable from v. 6, 30, 18, &c., i.e., 
 PrinceandSaviour andHeadof HisChnrch. 'by God's grace. 10-16. We must carefully 
 24. This is the day—or, period distinguishecl by i treasure up the word of God, declare it to 
 God's favour of all others. 25. Save now— | others, meditate on it, and heartily delight 
 Heb., Hosannah (cf. Ps. 115. 2, &c. as to nov:) , in it, and then by His grace we shall act ac- 
 a form of prayer (Ps. 20. 9) since, in our use, I cording to it. 
 
 of praise. 26. he that cometh . . . Lord— As I 17-20. Life is desirable m order to serve 
 above intimated, this may be applied to the , God: that we may do so aright we should seek 
 visible head of the Jewish Church entering to have our eyes opened to behold His truth, 
 the sanctuary, as leading the procession; and earnestly desire fully to understand it. 
 typically it belongs to Him of whom the 21-24. God will rebuke those who despise 
 phrase became an epithet (Mai. 3. 1; Mat. 21. | His word, and deliver His servants from 
 9.). 27-29. showed us light- or, favour (Ps. their reproach, giving them boldness in and 
 27. 1; 97. 11.). With the sacrificial victim by His truth, even before the greatest men. 
 brousht bound to the altar is united the ; 25-27. Submitting ourselves in depression 
 more spiritual offering of praise ;Ps. 50. 14, to God, He wiU revive us by His promise;?, 
 23,). expressed in the terms with which the and lead us to declare His mercy to otliers. 
 Psalm opened. 1 28-32. In order to adhere to His word we 
 
 419 ' 
 
Prayers^ prafset. 
 
 PSALM CXIX. 
 
 and professions ofohedience. 
 
 27 Make me to understand the way of thy 
 precepts: so shall 1 talk of thy woLcb-ous 
 works. 
 
 28 My soul 6 melteth for heaviness: streng- 
 then thou me accordiug unto thy word. 
 
 29 Kemove "from me the way of lying; 
 and " sn-ant me thy law gi-aciously. 
 
 30 1 have chosen the way of truth; thy 
 judgments have I laid In fore tne. 
 
 31 I have stack unto thy testimonies: 
 Lord, put me not to sh.une. 
 
 32 I will ran the way of thy command- 
 ments, when thou sh.ilt i' enlarge my heart. 
 
 HE. 
 
 33 Teach me. O Lokd, the way of thy sta- 
 tutes, and I shall keep it 'm)1(o the end. 
 
 3i Give •■ me understanding;, a;id I shall 
 keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with 
 tn^ whole heart. 
 
 So Make me to go in the path of thy com- 
 mandments; for therein do I delight. 
 
 36 Incline my he.irt unto thy testimonies, 
 and not to * covetousness. 
 
 37 6 Turn away mine eyes from « beholding 
 vanity; mid qiucken thou me in thy way. 
 
 38 Stablish "thy word unto thy servant, 
 Who is deaoted to thy fear. 
 
 3& Turn away my reproach which I fear; 
 for thy judgments are good. 
 
 40 Behold, I have loiigod after thy pre- 
 cepts: quicken me in thy righteousness. 
 
 VAU. 
 
 41 Let thy mercies come also unto me, 
 LoED, even thy salvation, according to thy 
 word. 
 
 42 7 So shall I have wherewith to answer 
 him tliat reproacheth me: for 1 trust iuthy 
 word. 
 
 43 And take not the word of truth utterly 
 out of my mouth; for 1 have hoped in thy 
 judgments. 
 
 44 So shall I keep thy law contmually for 
 ever and ever. 
 
 45 And I will walk » at liberty: for I seek 
 thy precepts. 
 
 46 I * will speak of thy testimonies also 
 before kings, and will not be ashamed. 
 
 47 And I will delight myself in thy com- 
 mandments, which I have hived. 
 
 48 Aly hands also will I lift up unto thy 
 commandments, which 1 have loved; and 1 
 will meditate in thy statutes. 
 
 ZAIN. 
 
 49 Kemember the word unto thy servant, 
 upon whii h thou hast caused me to hope. 
 
 50 This is my "'comfort in niy affliction: 
 for thy word hath quickened me. 
 
 51 The proud have had me greatly * in 
 derision ; yet have 1 not " declined from thy 
 law. 
 
 52 I remembered thy judgments of old, 
 Lord; and have comforted myself. 
 
 53 Horror * hath taken hold upon me be- 
 cause of the wicked that forsake thy law. 
 
 64 Thy statutes have been my songs in 
 the house of my pilgrimage. 
 
 55 1 " have remembered thy name, O 
 Loud, in the night, and have kept thy law. 
 
 66 Tliis 1 had, because 1 kept thy pre- 
 cepts. 
 
 CHETH. 
 
 57 Thou f> art my portion, O Lord: I have 
 said that I worJd keep thy words. 
 
 58 1 entreated thy ^ favour with my whole 
 heart: be mercttul unto me according to 
 thy word. 
 
 5y L * thought on my waye, and tamed my 
 feel unto thy teBtimonics. 
 
 m 
 
 FSALM 119. 
 5 droppeth. 
 n Pro. 30. 8. 
 Heb. 8. 10. 
 l'lKi.4.29. 
 
 l9. 60. 6. 
 
 2 Cor .6.11. 
 9 Mat. 10. 22. 
 Rev. 2. 26. 
 r Pro. 2. 6. 
 
 SEio.W.sl. 
 
 aiarkT.Bl. 
 
 Luke 12.16. 
 
 1 Ti. 6. 10. 
 
 Heb. 13. 6. 
 e Maksto 
 r»»8. 
 
 Is. 33. 16. 
 t Job 31. 1. 
 
 Pro. -Zi. 5. 
 "2S«. 7.26. 
 
 7 Or, So 
 ■hall 1 
 answer 
 bini that 
 reproHch- 
 oth mo in 
 
 8 at large. 
 Johns. 32. 
 
 «' Rom. 15.4. 
 « Jor. 20. 7. 
 » Job 23. 11. 
 » Eira 9. 3. 
 a Pa. 63. 5. 
 4 Ps. 16. 5. 
 
 Jer. 10. 16. 
 
 iMca. 3.24. 
 9 two. 
 
 Job 11. 19. 
 eLani.3. 40. 
 
 Joel 2. 13. 
 
 Lu. 16.17. 
 lU Or, com- 
 panies. 
 d Acts 16.26. 
 • Ps. 33. 5. 
 /L»eu. 3'J.16. 
 
 Jer. 31. 18. 
 
 Heb 12. 11. 
 g £i. 31. 6. 
 
 Ps. 107. 1. 
 
 M«t. 19.17. 
 h Job 13. 4. 
 i Acts 2» 27. 
 ;■ Heb. 12.10. 
 i Pi. 19. 10. 
 
 Pro. 8. 10. 
 
 I Job 10. 8. 
 Ps. 100. 3. 
 Ps. 138. 8. 
 Pb. 139. 14. 
 
 •» Ps. 34. 2. 
 
 II righteous. 
 
 o Ps. 25. 3. 
 P John 1.47. 
 9 Ps. 73. 26. 
 Ps. 84. 2. 
 r Pa. 69. 3. 
 e Job a I. 30. 
 t Ps. o9. 4. 
 u Rot. 6. 10. 
 V p». 36. 7. 
 
 13 fuithful- 
 
 t*" Ps. 35. 19. 
 
 Ps. 38. 19. 
 
 It Mat. 24.34. 
 
 14 to gcliera- 
 
 60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep 
 thy commandments. 
 
 61 The 1" bands of the wicked have robbed 
 me: but I have not forLjotttii thy law. 
 
 62 At d midnight I will rise to give thanks 
 nnto thee because of thy righteous judg- 
 ments, 
 
 63 I am a companion of all them that fear 
 thee, and of them that keep thv precepts. 
 
 64 The 'earth, Lord, is full of thy 
 mercy: teach me thy statutes. 
 
 TETH. 
 
 65 Thou hast dealt well with thy Bervant, 
 
 Lord, according unto thy word. 
 
 66 Teach me good hidgment and know- 
 ledge: for I have believed thy command- 
 ments. 
 
 67 Before /I was afflicted I went astray; 
 but now have 1 kept thy word. 
 
 68 Thou art "good, and doest good: teach 
 me thy statutes. 
 
 69 The proud have '» forged a lie against 
 me: but I will keep thy precepts with my 
 whole heart. 
 
 70 Their * heart is as fat as grease; but I 
 delight in thy law. 
 
 71 /( } is good for me that I have been af- 
 flicted; that I might learn thy statutes. 
 
 72 The * law of thy mouth is better unto 
 me than thousands of gold and silver. 
 
 JOD. 
 
 78 Thy * hands have made me and fa- 
 shioned me: give me understanding, that I 
 may learn thy commandnienls. 
 
 74 They "* that tear thee will be glad when 
 they see me; because I have hoped in thy 
 word. 
 
 75 I know, O Lord, that thy judgments 
 are " right, and " that thou in faithfulness 
 hast afflicted me. 
 
 76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness 
 be 12 for my comfort, according to thy word 
 unto thy servant. 
 
 77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, 
 that I may live: for thy law is my delight. 
 
 78 Let the proud " be ashamed ; for ihey 
 dealt perversely with me without a cause: 
 but I will meditate in thy preceiits. 
 
 79 Let those that fear tnee turn unto me, 
 and those that have known thy testimonies. 
 
 80 Let my heart be p sound in thy statutes, 
 that I be not ashamed. 
 
 CAPH. 
 
 81 My ' soul fainteth for thy salvation ; but 
 
 1 hope in thy word. 
 
 82 Mine '"eyes fail for thy word, saying, 
 W hen wilt thou comfort me? 
 
 83 For * 1 am become like a bottle in the 
 smoke; yet do I not forget thy Ktatutes. 
 
 84 How <many are the days ot thy ser- 
 vant? "when wilt thou execute judgmenf 
 on them that persecute me? 
 
 85 The " proud have digged pits for me^ 
 which are not after thy law, 
 
 86 All thy commandments are l3 faithful: 
 they persecute me ** wrongfully ; help thou 
 me. 
 
 87 They had almost consumed m-e upon 
 earth: but 1 forsook not thy prtcej^its. 
 
 88 (Quicken me alter thy loviiig-kinducsa; 
 so shall I keep the testimony ot thy 
 mouth. 
 
 LAMED. 
 
 89 For ' ever, O Lord, thy word is settled 
 in heaven. 
 
 90 Thy faithfulness is i4unto all genera- 
 tions: thou hast established the eaith, and 
 it 16 abideth. 
 
Prayers, Praises, 
 
 PSALM CXIX. 
 
 and Professions of Obefdevee, 
 
 must seek deliverance Ironi temptations to 
 sin as weJl as from despondency, enlarge 
 [or, expand] my heart— with gracious affec- 
 tions. 
 
 33-c8. To encourage us in prayer for divine 
 aid in adhering to His truth, we are permitted 
 to believe that by His help we shall succeed, 
 the way of thy statutes— i.e., the way or man- 
 ner of life prescribed by them. The help we 
 hope to obtain by prayer is to he the basis 
 on which our resolutUms should rest. Turn 
 away ir.iiie eyes— Zif., Make my eyes to pass,not 
 noticing evil. \&mt^— lit., falsehood, all other 
 objects of trust than God; idols, human 
 power, &c. (Ps. 31. 6; 40. 4; 60. 11; 02. 9. . 
 qnicken ... in thy way— make me with Hviup 
 energy to pursue the way marked out by 
 thee. Eenve me from- the death of spiritual 
 helplessness {v. 17, 25, 40, 50; Ps. 116. 3. . who 
 is devoted to thy fear— or better, ivhich {i.e., 
 thy word is for thy Jear, for producing it. 
 "Which is to those who fear thee." God's 
 wordof promise belongs peculiarly to such (cf. 
 Gen.18. l9;lKi.2.4;8. 25.). [Hengst.] 39,40. 
 Our hope of freedom from the rn roach of in- 
 consistency is in God's power, quickening us 
 to live according to His word, w hich He leads 
 us to love, fcx thy judgments are good— the 
 time must therefore be at baud when thy 
 justice will turn the "reproach" from thy 
 Church upon the world (Isa. 25. 8; 66. 6; Zeph. 
 2. 8-10.). 
 
 41-44. The sentiment more fully carried 
 out. God's mercies and .'salvation, as revealed 
 in His AVord, provide hope of forgiveness for 
 the past and security in a righteous course 
 for the future. 42. The possession of God's 
 giftof "salvation" !v.4l) a\ ill be ihe Psalmist's 
 answer to the foe's " reproach," that his hope 
 was a fallacious one. 45-48. To freedom from 
 reproacli, when imbued with God's truth, 
 there is added "great boldness in the faith," 
 accompanied with increasing delight in the 
 holy law itself, whicli becomes an element of 
 happiness, 48. My hands... liit up uiiio... com- 
 mandments— i.e., I will praycrfuUv (Ps. 28. S) 
 direct my heart to keep thy conjmandments. 
 49-51.. Kesting on the promises consoles un- 
 der affliction anci the tauntings of the in-^olent. 
 49. upon which— rather, "Kemember thy word 
 unto thy servant, because," <fcc. So the Hih. 
 reuuire.s. [Hengst.] 50. for— rather, " This is 
 inycomfort...^7taC &c. [Maue.] hathqnick- 
 eiied— what the word has alnacly done is to 
 faith a idedge of what it shall yet do. 52-56. 
 The pious take comtort, when haras.-^ed and 
 distressed by wi ckedness of men who for.sake 
 God's law, in remembering that ihe great 
 principles of God's truth will still abide; and 
 also Gods "judgments of old" \v. 52,), i.e.. 
 His past interpositions in behalf of His peo- 
 ple are a pledge that He will again interpose 
 to deliver them; and they become the theme 
 of constant and delightful meditation. The 
 more we keep the more we love the law of 
 God. 53. Horror— rather, "Vehement wrath." 
 [Hengst.] 54. sci.gs— as the exile sings songs 
 of his h( me (I's. l.'i". 3,-, so the child of God, "a 
 stran'- er on earth," sings the songs of heaven, 
 his true home (Ps. 39. 12.). In ancient times. 
 la\\s were T>ut in verse, to imprint them the 
 more on the memory of the people. So God's 
 laws are the believer's songs, house of my 
 pilgrimage — present life (Gen. 17. 8; 47. 9: 
 H.eh. 11. 13.). 66. Eather, "This is peculiarly 
 mine [lit, to me,}, that I keep thy precepts." 
 [Hekgbt. aud Maub.] 
 420 
 
 57eO. Sincere desires for God's lav our, 
 penitence, and activity in a new ol edience, 
 truly evince the sincerity of those who pro- 
 less to hnd God a portion (JSuni. 18. 20; P.s. 
 10. 5; Lam. 3. 24.). 58. favour— Jie6. , "fiice" 
 (I's. 46. 12.). £9. So the prodigal son, when 
 reduced to straits of misery (Luke, 16. 17. 18.). 
 bl, 62. This the more, if opposition of ene- 
 mies, or love of ease, is overcome in thus 
 honouring God's law. have robbed n.e— 1 eiter, 
 surrounded me, either as forcible constraints 
 like fetters, or as the cords of their nets. 
 Hengst. transl. ," sn&res." 62. At ir.ic ii:ght 
 — HtNGsT. supposes a reference to tlit- iinie 
 when the Lord went forth to slay tht Egyp- 
 tian first-born (Ex. 11. 4; 12. 29; cf. Job. 34. 
 10.). But it rather refers to the Psalmist's 
 own piaises and prayers in the night time. 
 Cf. Paul and Silas (Acts, 16. 26; cf. Fs. 63. 6.). 
 
 63. The communion of the saints. Delight 
 in their comi any is an evidence of belonging 
 to them iPs. 16. 3; Amos, 3. 3; Mai. 3. 16.). 
 
 64. While opposed by the wicked, and opi os- 
 ing thein. the pious delight in these who fear 
 God, but, alter all, rely lor favour and guid- 
 ance not on merit but mercy. 
 
 65-67. The reliance on promises {v. 49) is 
 strengthened by experience of past dealings 
 according with promises, and a prayer for 
 guidance, encouraged by sanctified affliction. 
 
 66. Teach me good judgn eat and knowledge — 
 viz., in thyv:ord \&o as to fathom its deep 
 sjirituality; ; for the corresponding exjres- 
 sion !■!;. 1-.^ 64, 68,;, is " Teach me thy statutes." 
 
 67. Pveferred by Hengst. to the chastenuig 
 effect produced on the Jews' minds ly the 
 cajitivity (Jer. 31. i8, 19.). 'Ihe truth is a 
 general one (Job, 5. 6; John, 16. 2; IJeb. 12. 
 11.). 68. CI. as to the Lord Jesus Acts, 10.38.), 
 69, 70. The crafty n.ahce of the kicked, in 
 slardering him, so far from tuning him 
 away, but binds him closer to God's "ord, 
 which they are too stuiiid in sin to appreciate. 
 Hengst. refers the "lie" (v. 69) to such slan- 
 uers against the Jews during the capti- 
 vity, as that in Ezra, 4. of sedition, tat as 
 grease— spiritually insensible (Ps. 17. 10; 73. 
 7; Lsa. 6. 10.). 7;, 72. So also affliction of any 
 kind acts as a wholesome disci) line in lead- 
 irg the ):ious more highly to value the truth 
 and pron ises of God. 
 
 73. As God made, so He can best control, 
 us. Fo as to Israel, he owed to God his v hole 
 internal and external existence (Lent. 32. n.). 
 74. So when He has led us to rely on His 
 truth. He M'ill " make us to the praise oi His 
 grace" by others. " Those who tear thee will 
 be glad at n y prosperity, as they consider 
 nsy cause their cause" (Fs. ."4. 2; 142. 7.;. 
 75-78. in faithfulness — i.e., without in the 
 least violating thy faithfulness; because my 
 sins deserved and needed fatherly chastise- 
 ment. Enduring chastisement w ith a tilial 
 temper (Heb. 12, 6-ii,), God's promises of 
 mercy Rom. 8. 28) will be fulfilled, and He 
 will give comfort in sorrow (Lam. 3. 1.2; 2 Cor. 
 1. 3, 4.1. 77. Let thy tender n.ercies come unto 
 me- As I am not able to come unto them. 
 But the waked will be confounded. 78. but 
 I . . . mei:it;ite in thy precepts— and so shall not 
 be "ashamed," i.e., put to shane (r. to.). 
 79, 80. Those who may have thought his 
 fflictions an evidence of Gods rejection will 
 then be led to return to Him; as tl:e friends 
 of Job di(i on Ir.s restoration, having been 
 previously led through his afliictims to 
 doubt the reality of his religion. Let my , , , 
 
Prayers, praise». 
 
 PSALM CXIX. 
 
 and professions of obedience. 
 
 91 They contmue this day according to 
 thine y ordinances: for all are thy servants. 
 
 92 Uidess ' thy law had been my delights, 
 I should then have perished in mine afflic- 
 tion. 
 
 93 I will never forget thy precepts: for 
 with them thou hast quickened me. 
 
 94 1 am " thine, save me ; lor 1 have sought 
 thy precepts. 
 
 95 The wicked have waitecL^for me to 
 destroy me: but I will cousii* thy testi- 
 monies. ^ 
 
 9C I * have seen an end of all perfection: 
 but thy commandment is exceeding broad. 
 
 MEJI. 
 
 97 O how love I thy law! ' it is my medi- 
 tation all the day. 
 
 93 Thou through thy commandments hast 
 made me <* wiser than mine enemies; for 
 
 16 they are ever with me. 
 
 99 I nave more undei'standing than all vny 
 teachers: ' for thy testimonies are my medi- 
 tation. 
 
 lUO 1 / understand more than the ancients, 
 because I keep thy precepts. 
 
 101 I have " refrained my feet from every 
 e%il way, that I might keep thy word 
 
 102 I nave not departea from thy judg- 
 ments: for thou hast taught me. 
 
 10;i How '» sweet are thy words unto my 
 
 17 taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my 
 mouth! 
 
 1(>4 Through thy precepts I get under- 
 BtancUng: therefore I hate every false way. 
 
 NUN. 
 
 105 Thy word is a 18 lamp unto my feet, 
 and a light unto my path. 
 
 lOi; I « have sworn, and I will perfonn it, 
 that I will keep thy righteous juiign lei its. 
 
 107 I am afHicted very much: quicken me, 
 
 Lord, according unto thy word. 
 
 108 Accei't, i beseech thee, > the free-will 
 ofleriiigs of my mouth, O Lord, and teach 
 me thy judgments. 
 
 109 My * soul 15 continually in my hand: 
 yet do I not Ibrjrel thy law. 
 
 110 The v\ icked have laid a snare for me: 
 yet I ened not from thy precepts. 
 
 111 Thy ' testimonies have I taken as an 
 heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing 
 of my heait. 
 
 IV2 1 have inclined mine heart 19 to per- 
 fonn thy statutes alway, even unto the 
 end. 
 
 SAMECH. 
 
 113 I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do 
 
 1 love. 
 
 114 ThoQ "* art my hiding place and my 
 shield: I hope in thy word. 
 
 115 Dep:irt " trom me. ye evil-doers: for I 
 will keep th9 commandments of my God. 
 
 116 Upaold me according unto thy word, 
 that I inay live: and let me not " be ashamed 
 of my hojie. 
 
 117 Hold P thou me up, and I shall be 
 Bale: and I will have respect imto thy sta- 
 tutes continually. 
 
 118 Thou hast trodden down all them that 
 err from thy statutes: for their deceit is 
 falsehooil. 
 
 119 Thon 20 pattest away all the wicked 
 of the earth ^like dross: therefore I love 
 thv testimonies. 
 
 120 My '" llesh trembleth for fear of thfje; 
 and 1 am aliaid of thy judgments. 
 
 AIN. 
 
 121 I have done judgment and justice: 
 lea.ve me not to mine oppressurB. 
 
 i2i 
 
 PSALM 119. 
 » Jar. 33.25. 
 2 Rom. 15. 4. 
 a Ho.. 2. 7. 
 
 M 5 13. 
 M .-1.35. 
 
 «}-» 1.:;. 
 
 d Deut. 4. 
 
 6,8. 
 
 Is. 48. 17. 
 
 16 it 13 ever 
 
 with ine. 
 
 « 2 Tim. 3. 
 
 15. 
 /Job 32. 7. 
 
 Pro. 
 
 15. 
 
 h Ps. 19. 10. 
 Pro. 8. 11. 
 
 17 palatSL 
 
 18 Or, 
 
 Pro. 6." 23. 
 t Neh. 10J!9. 
 j Hos. H. 2. 
 
 Heb. 13.15. 
 ft Judsf.ia.S. 
 
 Job 13. 14. 
 I Deu. 33. 4. 
 
 19 to do. 
 
 m Ps. 32. 7. 
 Pa. 91. 1. 
 n Ps. C. 8. 
 
 Pb. 139. 19. 
 
 Mat. 7. 23. 
 Ps. 25. 2. 
 
 Rom. 5. 5. 
 
 Rom. 9. 33. 
 
 Ro. 10. 11. 
 P John 10.28. 
 
 20 caiiseet to 
 
 7 Em 22. 18. 
 »• Hab. 3. 10 
 « Heb. 7 22. 
 t fs. 19. 10. 
 Pro. 8. U. 
 w Ps. 19. 7. 
 
 Pro. 1. 4. 
 
 2 Pet. 1. 
 
 X I.u 1. 74. 
 y Ps. 4. 6. 
 z Jer. 9. 1. 
 
 Jar 14. 17. 
 
 Ei«k, 9. 4. 
 a Lira 9 15. 
 
 .Noh. 9. 33. 
 
 Jer. 12. 1. 
 
 Dan. 9 7. 
 22riE:hteoui- 
 
 23 laitl,ful- 
 
 24 cut me 
 oflf. 
 John 2.17. 
 
 25 tried, or, 
 refined. 
 Pro. 30. 5. 
 
 b Amo« 7. a. 
 c P«. 19. 9. 
 
 John 17 17. 
 
 Eph. 1. 13. 
 20 found B-e. 
 
 dPs 03 1.6. 
 e Ps. 14.S, 18 
 /Lu 11.33. 
 glmia.b.1. 
 
 122 Be • surety for thy sen-ant for good; 
 let not the proud oppress me. 
 
 123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and 
 for the word of thy righteousness. 
 
 124 Deal with thy Ber\aiit according unto 
 thy mercy, and t€ach me thv statutes. 
 
 125 I am thy servant; gi\ e rne understand- 
 ing, that I may know thy testimonies. 
 
 126 It is time for thee. Lord, to work; /or 
 they have made void thy law. 
 
 127 Therefore • I love thy commandments 
 above gold, yea, above line gold. 
 
 128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts 
 concerning all things to be right; and I 
 hate every false way. 
 
 PE. 
 
 129 Thy testimonies are wonderful: there- 
 fore dnla my soul keep them. 
 
 loO The entrance of thy words giveth 
 light: it"giveth understanding unto the 
 simple. 
 
 131 I opened my mouth, and panted: for 
 I longed for thy commandments. 
 
 132 Look "thou upon me, and be merciful 
 unto me, 21 as thou usest to do unto those 
 that love thy name. 
 
 133 Order my steps in thy word: and let 
 not " any iniquity have dominion over 
 me. 
 
 134 Deliver ' me from the oppression ol 
 man: so will I keep^thy precepts. 
 
 135 Make J' thy face to shine upon thy 
 sei-vant; and teach me thy statutes. 
 
 136 Rivers ' of waters nin down mine eyes, 
 because they keep not thy law. 
 
 TZADDI. 
 
 137 Righteous " art thou, O Lord, and 
 UTuight are thy judgments. 
 
 I08 Thy testimonies that thou hast com- 
 manded are '^ righteous and very '^^ faith- 
 ful. 
 
 139 My zeal hath 24 consumed me; he. 
 cause mine enemies have forgotten thy 
 words. 
 
 140 I'hy word is very 25 pure: therefore thy 
 ser\ant loveth it. 
 
 141 1 am * small and despised; yet do not 
 I forget thy precepts. 
 
 142 Thy rigliteousness is an everlasting 
 righteousness, and thy law is " the truth. 
 
 143 Trouble and anguish have -'' taken 
 hold on me; yet thy commandments are 
 my delights. 
 
 144 The righteousness of thy testiinoniea 
 is everlasting: give me understanding, and 
 1 shall live, 
 
 KOPH. 
 
 145 I cried with my whole heart; hear me, 
 Lord: 1 will keep thy statutes. 
 
 146 1 cried unto thee: save me, S7and I 
 sh.ill keep thy testimonies. 
 
 147 I prevented ttie dawning of the morn- 
 ing, and cri( d: I hoped in thy word. 
 
 148 Mine <^ eyes prevent the night watches, 
 that I might meditate in thy word. 
 
 149 Hear my voice, according unto thy 
 loving-kindness: Lord, quicken me ac- 
 cording to thy juilgment. 
 
 150 They diaw nigh that follow after mis- 
 chief: they are far ironi thy law. 
 
 Ii31 Thou art " near, O Lord; and all thy 
 commandments are truth. 
 
 152 Concerning thy testimonies, 1 have 
 known of old that thou hast fotmded them 
 for/ ever. 
 
 RESH. 
 
 153 Consider ^ mine afliiction, and deliver 
 me; for i do not Ibrget thy law. 
 
Prayers, Praises, 
 
 PSALM CXIX. 
 
 and Professions of Obedience.. 
 
 be sound— i.e., verfect, sincere, ashamed— dis- 
 appoinled in my hope of salvation. 
 
 8i-83. In sorrow the piou.s heart yearns for 
 the comforts of God's promises (Ps. 73. 2C; 84. 
 2.). 82. Mine eyes fail lor thy word— i.e., with 
 j-earning desire for thy word. When the eyes 
 fail, yet faith must not. 83. bottle in the smoke 
 —as a skin bottle dried and shrivelled up, 
 in smoke, so is he withered by sorrow. "Wine 
 bottles 01 skin used to be hung up in smoke 
 to dry them, before the wine was put in them. 
 [Maur.] 84-87. Ihe shortness ot my life in- 
 quires that the relief aflorded to me from mine 
 eneu.ies should be speedy. 85. pits— plots for 
 my destruction, which— rather, "who," i.e., 
 the provd: "pits" is not the antecedent. 87. 
 coiisumed me upon earth — Hengst. transL, 
 "in the land,-" understanding "me" of the 
 navU'it, Israel, of which but a small remnant 
 •was left. But E. V. is simpler; either ""I hey 
 have consumed me so as to leave almost no- 
 thing of me on earth;" or, " They have almost 
 destroyed and prostrated me on the earth." 
 [Maur.] 87.1 fcrsocknct—Whatever else lam 
 lorsaken of, 1 forsake not thy precepts, and 
 so am not forsaken of thee (Ps. 59. 5, 13; 2 Cor. 
 
 4. 8, t),), and the injuries and insults of the 
 wicked increase the need for it. But, how- 
 ever they act regardless of God's law, the 
 pious, adhering to its teaching, leceive qtiick- 
 enmg grace, and are sustained stediast. 
 
 61--91. In all changes God's word ren.ains 
 firm ,1 Pet. 1. 25.). Like the heavens, it con- 
 i tinuaJly attests God's unfailing power and 
 
 # unchanging care (Ps. S9. 2.). is settled in— 
 i.e., stands as tirmly as the heaven in which 
 it dweds, and whence it emanated, 90. il s. 
 33. 9.J. 91. The.v— The heaven (<•. 89) and the 
 earth v. 90.). Hengst. transl., " They stand 
 for thy j^idgments" i.e., ready, as obedient 
 servants, to execute them. The usage of 
 this Psalm favours this view. But seeJer. 
 S3. 25. 92-94. Hence the pious are encou- 
 raged and inclined to seek a knowledge of it. 
 and persevere amidst the efforts ot those 
 planning and waiting to destroy him. 92. 
 my deliglits— jD/«r., not merely aeligld, but 
 equal to all other delights. 93. The bounds 
 of created perfection may be defined, but 
 those of God's law in its nature, application 
 and influence, are infinite. There is no 
 human thing so perfect, but that something 
 is wanting to it; its limits are narrow, whereas 
 God's law is of infinite breadth, reaching to 
 all cases, perfectly meeting what each re- 
 quires, and to all times (I's. 19. 3, 6, 7-11; Eccl. 
 
 5. 11.). It cannot be cramped within any 
 dtlhiitions of man's dogmatical systems. 
 ]Man never outgrows the word. It does not 
 shock the ignorant man with declared anti- 
 cipations of discoveries which he had not yet 
 made; whilst in it the man of science finds 
 his newest discoveries by tacit anticipation 
 provided for. 
 
 97. This characteristic love for God's law 
 (cf. Ps. 1. 2) insures increase, 98-100., ot know- 
 ledge, both of the matter of all uselul, n.oral 
 truth, and an experience of its application. 
 98. wiser than mine enemies— with all their 
 carnal cvmning (Deut. 4. 6, S.). tliey are ever 
 Willi me— The Beb. is, rather, sing., "it is 
 ever with me;" the commandments iorming 
 ONE complete whole, thy law. 100. more than 
 tlie ancients— antiquity is no help against stu- 
 pidity, where it does not accord with God's 
 word [Luthek] (Job, 32. 7-9.). The Bible is 
 the key of all knowledge, the history of the 
 421 
 
 world, past, present, and to cou e (Ps. 111. lO.). 
 He who does the will of God sIihU know of 
 the doctrine (John, 7. 17.). undtrttanding— is 
 practical skill (Ps. 2. 10;:.2. 8.). 101-104. Avoid- 
 ance of sinful courses is both the ett'cct and 
 means of increasing in divme knowledge (cf. 
 Ps. 19. 10.). 
 
 105. Not only does the word of God in- 
 form us of JHis wdl, but, as a light on a path 
 in darkness, shows us how to follow the right 
 and avoid the wrong way. The lamp of the 
 word is not the sun. He Mouid blmd our 
 eyes in our present fallen state; but we may 
 bless God for the light shining as in a dark 
 place, to guide us until the bun of Eighi eous- 
 ness shall come, and we shall be made cap- 
 able of seeing Him [2. Pet. J. 19; Pev. 22. 4.). 
 The lamp is fed vith the oil of the Spirit. 
 The allusion is to the lamps and torches car- 
 ried at night before an Eastern caravan. 
 106-108. feuch was the national covenant 
 at ttinai and in the fields of Moab. 1C8. free- 
 will ofieriiigs — the spontaneous expressions 
 of his gratitude, as contrasted with the ap- 
 pointed "otterings" of the temple (Hos. 14. 2; 
 Heb. 13. 15. . He detern ines to pursue this 
 way, relying on God's quickening power (v. 50] 
 in affliction, and a gracious acceptance ox 
 his "spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise" 
 Ps. 50. 5, 14 23.). 109, 110. Jn the midst of 
 deadly perils (the phrase is drawn from the 
 fact that what we carry in cur hands may 
 easily slip from them, Jud. 12.3; 1 a in. 28. 21; 
 Job, lo. 14; cf. 1 fcam. 19. 6,), and exposed to 
 crafty enemies, his safety and guidance is in 
 the truth and promises of God. Ill, 112. 
 These he joyfiUly takes as his perpetual heri- 
 tage, to perform the duties and receive the 
 comforts they teach, evermore. 
 
 113. vain thoughts— better, unstable persons, 
 lit., divided men, those of a divided, doubting 
 mind (Jam. 1. 8, "a double minded man," 
 [Hekgst.J), sceptics, or, sceptical notions as 
 opposed to the certainty of God's word. 114. 
 hiding place— (cf. Ps. 27. 5.). shield- iPs. 3. 3; 
 7. 10.). hope in thy word— confidently rest on 
 its teachings and promises. 115-117. Hence 
 he fears not wicked men, nor dreads disap- 
 pointment, sustained by God in making His 
 law the rule of life. Depart from me— Ye can do 
 nothing with me;^07-, &c. (Ps. 6. 8.). 118-120. 
 But the disobedient and rebellious will be 
 visited by God's wrath, which impresses the 
 pious with wholesome fear and awe. their 
 oeceii is lalsehood-i.e., all their cunning deceit, 
 wherewith they seek to entrap the godly, is 
 in vain. 120. The '"judgments" are those on 
 the wicked iv. 119.). Joyful hope goes hand 
 in hand with fear Hab. 3. IC-I8.1. 
 
 121-126. On the grounds of his integrity, 
 desire for (iod's word, and covenant relation 
 to Him, the servant of God may plead for His 
 protecting care against the wicked, gracious 
 guidance to the knowledge of truth, and His 
 effective vindication of the righteous and 
 their cause, which is also His own. Be 
 surety— ytand for me against my oppiessors 
 (Gen. 43. 9; Isa. 38. 14.;. 127, 128. 'il.erefore 
 [i.e.. In view of these benefits, or, Becau.se of 
 the glory of thy law, so much i^raised in the 
 previous parts of tlie Psalm] 1 iove, &c. [and] 
 Tnerefore irepeated)— All its precepts, on au ^ 
 subjects, are estimable for their purity, and • 
 lead one imbued with their spirit to hate all 
 evil (Ps. 19. 10.). The word of God admits of 
 no eclecticism; its least tittle is perfect iPs 
 12. 6; Mat. 5. 17-19.). 
 
Praters a nd praises. 
 
 154 Plead " my cause, and deliver me 
 quicken me according to thy word. 
 
 155 Salvation * is far from the wicked: for 
 they seek not thy statutes. 
 
 156 23 Great are thy tender mercies, 
 Lord: quicken me according to thy judg- 
 ments. 
 
 157 Many are my persecutors and mine 
 enemies; yet do I not decline from thy tes- 
 timonies. 
 
 158 I beheld the transgressors, and was 
 grieved; because they kept not tny word. 
 
 159 Consider how 1 love thy precepts : 
 quicken me, O Loao, according to thy 
 lovui^kinduess. 
 
 160 29 Thy word is true from the begin- 
 ning: and every one of thy righteous judg- 
 ments enduretli for ever. 
 
 8CHIN. 
 
 161 Princes } have persecuted me without 
 a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of 
 thy word. 
 
 162 I rejoice at thy word, as one that find- 
 eth great spoil. 
 
 163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do 
 
 1 love. 
 
 164 Seven times a day do I praise thee 
 because of thy righteous judgments. 
 
 165 Great * peace have they waich love 
 thy law: and *) nothing shall offend 
 them. 
 
 ItW LoKD, I have hoped for thy salvation, 
 and done thy commandments. 
 
 167 iViysoul hath kept thy testimonies; 
 and I love them exceedi ugly. 
 
 168 I have kept thy precepts and thy tes- 
 timonies: 'for all my ways are before 
 thee. 
 
 TAD. 
 
 169 Let my cry come near before thee. 
 LoKD: give me understanding according to 
 thy word. 
 
 170 Let ray supplication come before thee: 
 deliver me according to thy word. 
 
 171 My Ups shall utter praise, when thou 
 hast taught me thy statutes. 
 
 172 My tongue suall speak of thy word: 
 for all thy commandments are rignteous- 
 ness. 
 
 173 Let thine hand help me: for "* I have 
 chosen thy precepts. 
 
 174 1 have longed for thy salvation, 
 Lord ; and thy law is my delight. 
 
 175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise 
 thee; and let thy judgments help me. 
 
 176 1 " have gone astray like a lost sheep: 
 seek thy servant; for 1 do not forget thy 
 eommandmeuts. 
 
 PSALM CXX. 
 
 David prays against Dotg, whose ealumnita had 
 
 drittn him among strangers. 
 
 A Song of degrees. 
 
 TN my distress 1 cried unto the Lord, and 
 
 •*■ he heard me. 
 
 2 Deliver my soul, O Lord, from bing 
 lips, a7ut from a deceitful tongue. 
 
 b 1 What shall be given unto thee ? or 
 what shall be '- done unto thee, thou ialse 
 tongue^ 
 
 4 a Sharp arrows of the mighty, with 
 coals otjuidper. 
 ' 6 Woe is nie, that I sojourn in " Mesech, 
 that b I dwell in the tents of Kedar ! 
 
 6 My soul hath long dwelt with him that 
 tuiteth peace. 
 
 7 I am i/or peace: but when I speak, tJiey 
 art: iot vias, I 
 
 m 
 
 PSALMS cxx-cxxrv. 
 
 Safety of Ood's people. 
 
 PSALM 119. 
 AlSa.24.15. 
 P8. 35. 1. 
 
 Mic. 7. 9. 
 i Job 5. 4. 
 23 Or, Many. 
 29Thebe- 
 
 bling. 
 
 block. 
 
 J Job 34. 21. 
 
 Pro. 6. 21. 
 
 "> Lu. 10.42. 
 
 nU. 63. 6. 
 
 Lu. 15. 4. 
 
 PSALM 120. 
 1 Or. What 
 
 deceitful 
 
 PSALM CXXI. 
 The great safett/ of the godly, who put their trtut 
 tn God's protection. 
 A Song of cie|;rees. 
 T 1 WILL lift up mine eyes unto the hilla. 
 ■^ from whence cometh my help 
 finning of ^ My help eometh from the Lord, which 
 thy word I made heaven and earth, 
 btrue. I 3 lie » will not suffer thy foot to be 
 /isa. 24.11. moved: he * that keepeth thee will not 
 * Pro. 3. 2. slumber. 
 
 ao'thfy .{ill *.,^ehold, he that keepeth Israel shaU 
 hsTo no neither slumber nor sleep, 
 .turn- I 5 The Lord is thy keeper; the Lord is 
 thy shaae upon thy riglit hand 
 
 6 The ' sun shall not smite thee by day, 
 nor the moon by night. 
 
 7 The Lord shall 'f preierve thee from all 
 evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 
 
 .. , 8 The Lord shall * preserve thy going out, 
 
 1 Pet. 2.25. and thy corning in, from this time ibrth, 
 
 j and even for evermore. 
 
 i PSALM CXXIL 
 
 1 David professes hU joy for the ehureh, and/or 
 placing thearkinZion: 6 he prays for the peao» 
 
 A Song of degrees of David. 
 J WAS glad when they said unto me, 
 ■*■ " Let us go into the house of the Loud. 
 
 2 Our feet shall stand within thy gates. 
 
 Jerusalem. 
 
 3 Jerusalem is builded as a city that la 
 compact b together: 
 
 4 Whither ' the tribes go up, the tribes 
 of the Lord, unto " the testimony of Israel, 
 to give thanks unto the name of the Lord. 
 
 5 For there i are set thrones of judgment, 
 the tlu-onos of the house of David. 
 
 6 I'ray • for the peace of Jerusalem: they 
 shall prosper that love thee. 
 
 7 Peace be within thv walls, and pros- 
 perity within thy (.!' : -.s. 
 
 8 Formy brethrii, ..ui companions' sakes, 
 
 1 will now say, i'eim; be witnin thee. 
 
 9 Because of the house of the Lord oui 
 God 1 will seek thy good. 
 
 _ PSALM CXXIIL 
 
 1 The godly profess their confideiiee in God, Zand 
 pray to 6e delivered from contempt. 
 
 A Song of degrees. 
 T JNTO thee lift I up mine eyes, thou 
 ^ that dwellest in the heavens. 
 
 2 Behold, as the eyes of servants lookxvaio 
 the hand of theh m.asters, and as the eves 
 of a maiden unto the hand of her niistniss- 
 so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God,' 
 UJitil that he have mercy upon us. 
 
 Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have 
 mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled 
 with contempt. 
 
 4 Our soul IS exceedingly filled with the 
 scorning of those that are at ease, and 
 with the contempt of the proud. 
 
 PSALM CXXIV. 
 The godly bless Ood for a miraculous deliverane*. 
 
 A Song of degree.s of David. 
 TF it had not been the Lord who was » on 
 ^ our side, now may Israel say • 
 
 2 II it luid not been the Lord who was on 
 our side, when men rose up against us: 
 
 3 Then they had ^ swallowed ua up quick, 
 when their wrath was kindled ugainst us: 
 
 4 Then the waters had overw iieimed U8, 
 the stream had gone over om ioul: 
 
 5 Then the proud waters had gone over 
 our soul. 
 
 6 LLsseJ he the Lord, who hath not giTCa 
 
 coals of 
 
 juniiwr. 
 » Oen. 10. 2. 
 
 Jiee. 27.13. 
 4Gon.25. 13, 
 
 1 Sa. 25. 1. 
 
 .Ter. 49.28. 
 4 Or, a man 
 
 of peace. 
 
 PSALM 121. 
 1 Or, ShaU I 
 
 • huuld my 
 
 helpcomef 
 
 a 1 Sa. ;;. 9. 
 
 Pro. 3. S3. 
 
 6 Is. 27. 3. 
 
 c Is. 49. 10. 
 
 Rev. 7 10. 
 (i Job 5. 19. 
 « Deu. 23. 6. 
 
 Pro. 2. 8. 
 
 Pro. 3. 6. 
 
 PSALM 123. 
 a U. 2. 3. 
 
 Zoch. 8.21. 
 b 2 Sara. 5.9. 
 
 Eph. 2. 21. 
 c Dou. II). li>. 
 d Ei. 16. 34. 
 
 2Chr.l9.8. 
 • Is. U2. G. 
 Jer. 61. 60. 
 
 PSALM 124. 
 o Heb. 13. 6. 
 Koin. 8.31. 
 b P». 57. U. 
 
 i'ro. I. ia. I U3 as a prey to theu- leetii. 
 
Prayers, Praises, 
 
 PSALM CXIX. 
 
 and Professions of Obedience, 
 
 129. wonder 'ul— /if., wonders, i.e., of moral Hencjst. transl., "Fight my fi'^lit? (See Ps, 
 
 excellence. 130. The entrance— /;f., op<}inui; 
 jod's words, tin an open door, let in li^lit, <>r 
 
 1; 43. 
 
 157 (Cf. 
 
 Mic. 7. 9. 
 
 80, 87, 95.). 
 
 156. Cf. V. 149. 
 158. Cf. V. v: 
 
 snowledse. Rather, as Henost. exi)lains it, transgressors— or, lit., traitors, who are faith- 
 "The opmiiu/ up," or '"explanafion of thy less to a righteous sovereign, and side with 
 word." To the natural man the doors of His enemies (cf. Ps. 25. .3. 8.). 159. Cf. f. 121- 
 Jod's word are shut. Luke, 24. 27. 31; Acts, i I2(i; l.'iS-lsr).). quicken, (fee.-, v. SSJ. This r)rayer 
 17.3; Eph. 1.18, confirms this view, •'Oit)e)iin6rjoccixrs here lor the ninth time, showing a 
 (i.e., explaining) and allegmg." &c. unto the deep sense of frailty. 160. God has been ever 
 -imple-tlioseneedingordesiringit(cf.Ps. 19. (faithful, and the principles of His govern- 
 
 /.). 131-135. An ardent desire (cf. Ps. 56. 1. 2) 
 for spiritual enlightening, establishment in 
 a right course, deliverance from the wicked, 
 and evidence of (iod's favour is expressed. 
 I opened my mouth, and panted— as a traveller 
 m a hot desert pants for the cooling breeze 
 
 (Ps. 0)3. 1; S4. 2.). Look . . . ui:on me— op 
 to hiding or averting the f;ice cf. I's. : 
 6; 102. 17.). as thou usest to do— or, 
 
 nient will ever continue worthy of confidence, 
 f'-om the bpffinuiug—j.e., "every word J'rom 
 Genesis (called l)y the Jews from its first 
 words, *In the beginning') to the end of the 
 Scriptures is true." Hengst. transl. more 
 lit., "The sum of thy words is truth." Tlie 
 
 'sed I sense is substantially the same. The whole 
 15; I body of revelation is truth. "Thy word is 
 
 is right in regard to those who love thy name." 
 Such have a riqht to the manifestations of 
 God's grace, resting on the nature of God as 
 faithful to his promises to such, not on their 
 
 as it nothing but truth." [Luther.] 
 
 own merits. Order 
 
 steps— Mafce firm, so 
 
 ny stf^ 
 that there be no halting (Ps. 40. 2.i. any 
 iniquity— v. 34 favours Hfjngst., "any iniqui- 
 tous man," any "oppressor." But the pa- 
 rallel first clause in this {v. 33,), favours E V. 
 (Ps. 19. 13.). His hope of deliverance from 
 external oppression of man Iv. 34) is founded 
 on his deliverance from the internal " domi- 
 nion of iniquity," in answer to his prayer 
 (v. 33.). 136. Zealous himself to keep God's 
 law, he is deeply afflicted when others violate 
 it (cf. V. 53.). Lit., Mine eyes come doxcn (dis- 
 solved) like ivater brooks (Lam. 3. 48; Jer. 9. 1.). 
 because, &c.— (cf. Ez. 9. 4; Jer. 13. 17. i. 
 
 137-139. God's justice and faithfulness in 
 His government aggravate the neglect of the 
 wicked, and more excite the lively zeal of His 
 people. 139. (Ps. 09. 9.) 140. veiyjmre—lit., 
 refined, sho'vn pure by trial. 141. The pious, 
 however despised of men, are distinguished in 
 God's sight by a regard for His law. 142-144. 
 The principles of God's government are per- 
 manent and reliable, and in the deepest dis 
 tress His people find them a theme of delight- 
 ful meditation and a source of reviving 
 power [v. 17, 116.). everlastuig— iPs. in. 3,), 
 though to outward appearance seeming dead, 
 law is truth— it therefore can not deceive as 
 to its promises. 
 
 145-149. An intelligent devotion is led by 
 divine proudses, and is directed to an in- 
 crease of gracious afi"ections. arising from a 
 contemplation of revealed truth, prevented 
 '—lit., came before, anticipated, not only the 
 daivn, but even the usual periods of the niiiht; 
 when the night watches, which might be ex- 
 pected to find me asleep, come, they find me 
 awake (Ps. 63. C; 77. 4; Lam. 2. 19.). Such is 
 the earnestness of the desire and love for 
 God's truth, quicken me— revive my heart 
 according to those principles of justice, 
 founded on thine own nature, and revealed 
 in thy law, which specially set forth thy 
 mercy to the humble as well as justice to 
 the wicked (cf. v. 30. . 150-152. Though the 
 wicked are near to injure, because far from 
 God's law. He is near to help, and faithful 
 to His word, which abides for ever. 
 
 153-155. Though the remembering of God's 
 law is not meritorious, yet it evinces a filial 
 temper, and provides the pious with promises 
 to plead, while the wicked, in neglecting His 
 law, reject God and despirje His promises (cf. 
 Ps. 9. 13; 43. 1; 69. 18.). 154. Plead. &c. — 
 422 
 
 161-165. (Cf. V. 46, 80.1. 161. awe— reveren- 
 tial, not slavish fear, which could not co-exist 
 with love {v. 163; 1 John, 4. 8.). Instead of 
 fearing his persecutors, he fears God's word 
 alone ;Luke, 12, 4, 5.). The Jews inscribe in 
 the first page of the great Bible ((ien. 28.), 
 "How dreadful is this place! This is none 
 other but the house of God, and this is the 
 gate of heaven!" 162. (Cf. Mat. 13. 44, 45.). 
 Though persecuted by the mighty, the pious 
 are not turned trom revering (jod's authority 
 to seek their favour, but rejoice in the posses- 
 sion of this " pearl of great price," as great 
 victors in spoils. Hating falsehood and lov- 
 ing truth, often, every day, praising God for 
 it, they find peace and freedom from tempta- 
 tion. 163. lying— i.e., as in v. 29, unfaithful- 
 ness to the covenant of God with His people; 
 apostasy, i.othug shall offend tiiem— or, miise 
 them to offend cf. Marg.). 166-168. As they 
 keep God's law from motives of love for it. 
 and are free from slavish fear, they are ready 
 to subject their lives to His inspection. 
 168. all my ways are before thee— I wish to 
 order my ways as before thee, rather than in 
 reference to man (Gen. 17. 1; Ps. 7.i. 23.). All 
 men's ways are under God's eye (I'ro. 5. 21;); 
 the godly ahne realise the fact and live ac- 
 cordingly. 
 
 169, 170. Tlie prayer for understanding of 
 the truth precedes that for delivirance. The 
 fulfilment of the first is the basis of the ful- 
 filment of the second (Ps. 90. 11-17.). On the 
 terms "cry" and " supplication" (cf. Ps. 6. 9;17. 
 1.). 171,172. shall utter— or, poitr out praise 
 (cf. Ps. 19. 2;) ; shall cause thy praises to stream 
 forth as from a bubbling, overflowing foun- 
 tain. My toi'gue shall sjieak thy word— ?i^., 
 ansxoer thy word, i.e., with praise, respond to 
 thy word. Every expression in which we 
 praise God and His word is a response, or 
 acknowledge!! ent, corresponding to the per- 
 fections of Him whom we praise. 173, 174. 
 (Cf. V. 77, 81, 92.1. I have chosen— in prefer- 
 ence to all other objects of delight. 175. 
 Save me that I may pra'se thee, thy judg- 
 ments— as V. 149, 156. 176. Though a wanderer 
 from (:lod. the truly pious ever desires to be 
 drawn ! ack to Him, and though for a time 
 negligent of duty, never forgets the com- 
 mandments by which it is taught, lost— there- 
 fore utterly helpless as to recovering itsel-f 
 (Jer. 50. 6; Lake, 15. 4.). Not only the .sinner 
 before conversion, but the believer after con- 
 version, is unable to recover himself; but 
 the latter, after temporary wandering, knows 
 to whom to look for restoration. These last 
 two verses seem to sum up the petitions. 
 

 ■icked- 
 
 ness. 
 
 Pro. 22. 8. 
 
 I*. 14. 5. 
 " Pro. 2. 15. 
 * «al. B. 16. 
 
 blessed^thlu^&ethYhetd^"'^ man be 
 
 all the davs if thTlff/ ^°<'^ °^ Jerusalem 
 
 HEY that trust in thel-oK^ ..a. ^ l'-^^^^"- 
 
 .io^Seile^i elX «^ *^« ^^^^ 
 
 «A« yorf/^, a„u! against thi Jic^T^'*^ /<^ 
 rpRPV ,u A^^"^°f degrees. 
 
 
 ' 2 Many a time C /^'^^'''if-™'^^ »ow sayl 
 
 u^ai cs -^--s"^ m ineir 4 Or. seed ^^^ "laae long- their furrows ^ ^'^'^ ' 
 
 ^'oZt'^^iZ'lZ.^\\^nto their U:!^a2d\'rfe;.jfM^^^ hath cut 
 
 forth with ti^e workP^-r.'t- ^^- ^^^^ them ^salm w. 5 Let them .'u be conf.^.r^^i'^- 
 peace * 5A«a 6e upon r^-ael ""'^'^*^' **"« 2 ?:' "' ^fi^f ^^'^^ h^Te Zion-^'^'^''^ ^°<i ^m-ned 
 1 ^^ .W..^i:£?^^^I- . ^-h^^^^^&tlitL^^L-^n the 
 
 iyiiu wjtn the workers of 
 
 peace * shall be upon [srael " " ' ' "' 1 2 th V ■ I « T u '"*^'= ^'"n: 
 
 1 Tke r.„../^AL^f ^^XXVI. ^."■'?"»'' house^to'pa' which^l=th*^^?^^^^ ^Pon ... 
 
 pood.»cc«. toVV^:*-"*^'^' ««<^P^A«,« t/iJi Gen. 3i,6 7 ^\ bprewith the mower fin»M> . u- 
 • SonVofdeeree«. L'?f- ??.• "^^ I Jci"!!". "^^^ he that Sllh thlU? £ 
 
 fT,//''"^^**^^'"^^^- I 3 hath 
 
 \yHEN 
 
 bosoin. 
 
 dream. 
 
 i«Wywrare%Vd?"'^^"^^**^^f«r««.- o\^-V« 
 3^ They that sow in fears shaU reap in hS'^^f 
 
 4 * prS^s^le^sniiT'^rff.^*'^' ^^-r^^ 
 
 asram with rejoicing h,H„ ^^"'i^less come M Or.Much 
 mtkhim. '^•'^^^^''S, btmgms his eheavesr^«k-2^£ 
 
 ■^ law i'n^aah^i'i^'^?.^?"^^' they 
 the Lord keep "he S t"). '^ ^*- ""^^^I'^ 
 waketh6««in?ain ^' *^^ watchman 
 
 uplat'.^r^aVirete^?^'^'-'^' to «it 
 
 bre;.si;,?of ?he LoL^'feS*;!^ ^« by say, 'The 
 you in the nameKS^''"^ ^^ '^^^^^ 
 
 niJT « «f *;* ^°,"^ of degrees. 
 V/L,T,ito'^P*^^^^« I cried onto 
 
 .3 If* th.:,? Lord ?hn,,M^?"PP"^-^"«n° 
 
 thou;i .t ;isi\iis^^"^ "^^^ *^^«- tj^-* 
 
 and in\^^,?JrS^K^«0"idoth wait. 
 
 PSALMi3oj«;e ^ouD eK^mVcJ^^nd'u^^^^K^"'^^ 
 Pkineous redemption! ^' "^*^ '^ «« 
 
 --.-. 65. 1 P^'"Teous redemption ■" — ' "'"" "™ ^ 
 fo.,2..|,S And.he shafi redeem Israel from all 
 
 •'on»h2.2. '^ -(na^he ( 
 c|°°^3.20. his iniquities. 
 
 *ph- 1. / 1 n^. v» PSALM CXXXT 
 
 
 •D T Ptl'5T;'T» • ^ of degrees. ^^ 
 
 PSALM 131. 
 
 Ko. 12. 16. 
 - walk. 
 2 wonderful. 
 
 Job 12. a. 
 
 " ■ IS. 3. 
 or. H. 
 
 * from now. I 
 
 * «„ "<>/'« «» God. 
 T Orn tT^°'^^eK'-ees of David. 
 
 -L'"e?e'?io"^t'y?l?eitlier?o"/l'*-^'"^'- '"'■''« 
 gfui^-eati^SlTrStife^^^^^ 
 
 se&tchilffiusTel""!*';?'?*^'^ ^™^^ 
 
 henceforlKdfei? *^' ■LoBD4fi.o„ 
 12)a.i<|.,p,£SA,^MCXXXn. 
 
 LSrem^mtTSlSani^.^,,, 
 
SaJ'dv of ihe Godly.' 
 
 PSALMS cxx-cxxvn. 
 
 Tltdr Confidence in God, 
 
 confessions, and i-rofessions of the Psalm. 
 The writer desires God's favour, that he may 
 praise Him for His truth, confesses that he 
 has erred, but, in the midst of all his wander- 
 inps and adversities, professes an abiding 
 attachment to the revealed word of God, 
 the theme of such repeated eulogies, and 
 the recognised source of such great and 
 unnumbered blessings. Thus the Psalm, 
 thougli more than usually didactic, is made 
 the medium of both parts of devotion— prayer 
 and praise. 
 
 PSALM CXX. 
 
 Ver. 1-7. This is the first of fifteen Psalms, 
 (120-134,1, entitled, "A Song of degrees" 1 121st 
 —lit., A Song ./or the degrees,;, or, ascents. It 
 seems most probable they were designed for 
 the use of the people, when cioina up cL 1 Ki. 
 12. 27, 28) to Jerusalem on the festival occa- 
 sions (Lent. 16. 16. , three times a-year. 
 David apjiears as the author of four, Solo- 
 mon of one (127.) and the other ten are anony- 
 mous, probably composed after the captivity. 
 In this Psalm the writer acknowledges God's 
 mercy, prays for relief froin a malicious foe, 
 whose punishment he anticipates, and then 
 repeats his complaint. 
 
 2, 3. Slander and deceit charged on his foes 
 implies his innocence, tongue— as Ps. 52. 2, 4. 
 
 4. coals of juniper— which retain heat long. 
 Sharp arrows of ihe iiiiglity— Destructive in- 
 flictions. Tills verse may be read as a descrii> 
 tion of the wicked, but better as their pun- 
 ishment, in reply to the question of v. 3. 5. 
 A residence in these remote lands pictures 
 his niserable condition. 6, 7. While those 
 who stirroimded him were maliciously hos- 
 tile, he was disposed to peace. This Psalm 
 Diay well begin such a series as this, as a con- 
 trast to the promised joys of God's worship. 
 
 PSALM CXXI. 
 
 Ver. 1-8. God's guardian care of His people 
 celebrated. 
 
 1. To list nv the eyes expresses desire of. 
 Ps. 2y. 1,), mingled with expectation. Ihe 
 last clause, read as a question, is answered, 
 2., by avowing God to be the helper, of whose 
 ability His creative power is a pledge (Ps. 
 115. 1.5,;, to which, 3,4., His sleepless vigilance 
 is added, to be moved— (cf. Is. ::;.*. i6; (.(i.O.). 
 
 5. upon thy right hand— a protector's place (Ps. 
 109. 31; 110. n.). 6 8. God keeps His peop'e 
 at all times and in all peiils. nor tbe moan 
 by night— poetically represents the dangers 
 of the niiiht, over which the moon presides 
 
 Gen. 1. 16.). thy going out, Azc— All thy ways 
 (Deut. 28. 19; Ps. 104.23.). evermore— includes 
 a future state. 
 
 PSALM CXXII. 
 
 Ver. 1-8. This Psalm might well express 
 
 the sacred joy of the pilgrims on entering the 
 
 holy ciiy, where praise, as the religious as 
 
 well as civil metropolis, is celebrated, and 
 
 its civil, and especially the religious relations, 
 was involved thatof Israel, now— as I's. 115 
 2. Let me say— hcnse of . . . God— In wider 
 sense, the Church, whose welfare would be 
 ptomoted by the good of Jerusalem. 
 PSALM CXXIIl. 
 
 Ver. 1-4. An earnest and expecting prayer 
 for divine aid in distress. 
 
 1. (Gf. Ps. 121.1.;. thou that dwellest— Ki., 
 sittestas enthroned 'of. Ps. 2. 4; 113. 4, 5.). 2. 
 Deference, submission, and trust, are all ex- 
 pressed by the figure. 3, The coitfempt was 
 that of the htathen, and, perhaps, Samaritans 
 (Neh. 1. 3; 2. 10.). 4. of these that are at ease— 
 self-complacently, disregarding God's law, 
 and despising His people. 
 
 PSALM CXXIV. 
 
 Ver. 1-8. The writer, for the Church praises 
 God for past, and expresses trust tor future, 
 deliverance irom foes. 
 
 1, 2. on our side- for us (Ps. 56, 9.). now— 
 or, oh! let Israel, &c. rose . . . against, (fee— 
 (Ps. 3. 1; 56. 11.;. Then— i.e.. The time of our 
 danger, quirk— lit., living (I^uhi. 16. 32, 33,), 
 description of ferocity. 4, 5. (Cf. Ps. 18. 4, 10.). 
 The eiiithet proud added to waters denotes 
 insolent enemies. 6, 7. The figure is changed 
 to that of a rapacious wild beast (Ps. 3. 7,), 
 and then of a fowler (Ps. 91. 3,), and complete 
 escavie is denoted by breaking the net. 8. 
 (Cf. Ps. 121. 2.]. name— in the usual sense .Ps. 
 6. 11; 20. 1.). 
 
 PSALM CXXV. 
 
 Ver. 1-5. God honours the confidence of 
 His people, by protection and deliverance, 
 and leaves hypocrites to the doom of the 
 wicked. 
 
 1,2. mount Zion— as an emblem of perma- 
 nence, and the locality of Jerusalem as one of 
 security, represent the firm and protected 
 condition of God's people fcf. Ps. 46. 6.). They 
 that trust— (i;. 1,), are "His people," iv. 2.), 
 3. TJicvfih (iod. may leave them for a time 
 under the rod, or, power (Ps. 2.9,), and oppres- 
 sion of the wicked as a chastisement. 
 He will iiot suffer them to be tempted 
 so as to fall into sin 1 Cor. 10. 13.). 4. Cf. 
 Ps. 7. 10; 84. 11.;. 5. Those who turn aside 
 (under temptation) permanently, .show that 
 they are hypocrites, and their lot or iiortion 
 shall be with the wicked (Ps. 28. 3,). crooked 
 wtys— (cf. Deut. 9. 16; Mai. 2. 8, 9.). The bye- 
 ways of sin from the way of life. 
 PSALM CXX VI. 
 
 Ver. 1-6. To praise for God's favour to His 
 people is added a prayer for its continued 
 manifestation. 
 
 1-3. The joy of those returned from Baby- 
 lon was ecstatic, and elicited the admiration 
 even of the heathen, as illustrating God's 
 great power and goodness, turned again the 
 capiivity— i.e., restored irom it (Job, ;.9. 12.; 
 Ps. 14. 7; Pro. 12. 14.). 4. AD did not return at 
 
 for whose prosperity, as representing the j once; hence the prayer for repeated favours. 
 
 
 the streams in the south— or, the torrents 
 
 Church, prayer is offered. 
 
 1, 2. Our teet shall stand— Mi., are standing. I reappearing after dry seasons. 6, 6. As in 
 gate?- (cf.Ps.9. 14;87. 2.1. 3-5. compact together (husbandry, the .sower may cast his seed m a 
 —All parts united, as in David's time, lesti- 1 dry and jsarched soil, with desponding fears, 
 r 01 y— If nnto is supplied, tl>is mav denote so tliose shall reap abundant fruit v* ho toil 
 the ark Ex. 25. 10-21;); otherwise the act of in tears with the prayer of faith. Cf. the 
 going is denoted, called a testimony in allu- , history (Ezra, 6. 16, 22.' 
 sion to the requisiti' n rDeut. 16. 16,), with tio a t T«/r , 
 
 which it was a compliance, there ave set 
 
 PSALM CXXVTL 
 Ver. 1-5. The theme of this Psalm, that 
 
 thrciifs— or, do sit, thrones used for the occii- humaji, entirprises only succeed ly the dirine 
 
 pants, David's sons 2 Sam. 8. iS,'. 6,7. Let blessing, was probably associated with the 
 
 peace, including prosi erity, every Aviiere building of the temple by J^olomon, its 
 
 prevail. 8, 9. As the we.lare of the city, la author. It may have been adopted iu this 
 4:^3 
 
F&f the rtm(yoat of m ark. PS ALMS CX:XXin-CXXX Vt 
 
 God^s care of Tsrad, 
 
 -3 Sm-ely 1 will not come into the taber- 
 nacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; 
 
 4 I will " not give sleep to mine eyes, or 
 alumber to mine eyelids, 
 
 5 Until 1 find out a place for the Lord 
 Ian habitation for the mighty God of 
 Jacob. 
 
 6 Lo, we heard of it » at Ephratah; ' we 
 found it <i in the fields of the wood. 
 
 7 ^Ve will tro into his tabernacles; we will 
 worship at his t'octstool. 
 
 8 Arise, " O Lord, into thy rest; thou, and 
 the ark of thy stren;;-th. 
 
 9 Let thy priests /be clothed with righte 
 ousness; and let thy saints shout for joy. 
 
 10 For thy servant David's sake turn not 
 away the lace of thine anointed. 
 
 11 The Lord hath sworn in truth unto 
 David; he will not turn from it; ^ Of the 
 fruit of 2 thy body will I set upon thy 
 throne. 
 
 12 If thy children will keep my covenant 
 and my testimony that I shall teach thtin, 
 their children shall also sit upon thy 
 throne for evermore. 
 
 13 For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he 
 hath desired it for his habitation. 
 
 14 This is my rest for ever: here will I 
 dwell ; for 1 have desired it. 
 
 15 1 will 3 abundantly bless her provision: 
 I will satisfy her poor with bread. 
 
 16 1 'i will also clothe her priests with sal- 
 vation; • and her saints shall shout aloud 
 for ^oy. 
 
 17 There / will I make the horn of Da^id 
 to bud: 1 have ordained a * lamp for mine 
 anointed. 
 
 18 His enemies will 1 clothe with shame: 
 but upon himself shall his crown flourish. 
 
 rSALM CXXXllL 
 
 Benefit of the coynmunion of aainU, 
 
 A Song of degrees of David. 
 
 "REHOLD. how good and how pleasant {« 
 
 ■^ is for " brethien to dwell l together in 
 
 nnity! 
 
 2 It is like * the precious ointment upon 
 the head, that ran down upon the beard, 
 even Aaron's beard ; that went down to the 
 skirts of his garments; 
 
 3 As the dew of* Hermon, and as the dew 
 that descended upon the mountains of 
 Zion: for <* there the Lord commanded the 
 blessing, even life for evennore. 
 
 PSALM CXXXIV. 
 
 An exhortation to bless Qod, 
 
 A Song of degrees. 
 
 REIIOLD, bless ye the Lord, all ye ser- 
 
 ■*^^ vants of the Lord, "which by night 
 
 stand in the house of the Lord. 
 
 2 Lift '' up your hands i in the sanctuary, 
 and bless tlie Lord. 
 
 3 The ' Lord that made heaven and earth 
 bless <* thee outot Zion. 
 
 PSALM CXXXV. 
 1 Erhortation to O^^d's servants to pratse htm for 
 his merey, 6 power, S and judgments. 15 Konity 
 of idols. 19 JCxhortation to bless God. 
 
 pRAlSE ye the Lord. Praise ye the 
 -*■ name of the Lord; praise Aim, ye 
 servants of the Lord. 
 
 2 Ye " that stand in the house of the Lord, 
 in the coiuts of the house of our God, 
 
 3 Piaise the Lord; for the Lord is good; 
 sing praises unto his name; for it is 
 pleasant, 
 
 4 For * the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto 
 himself.axU Israel for his peculiar treasure, j 
 
 e 1 Sa. 7. 1. 
 dlChr.lSS. 
 « Nu. lu. 36. 
 
 2 Ckr. 6. 
 
 41. 
 /Job 29. 14. 
 
 Is. 61. 10. 
 -2 S«. 7. 12. 
 
 Lu. 1. 69. 
 
 Acts 2. ;«. 
 
 2 thj belly. 
 
 3 Or,«urely. 
 A2Chr.C.41. 
 « Hos. 11.12. 
 ; EKk. 29. 
 
 21. 
 
 PSALM 133, 
 a Gen. 13. 8, 
 
 1 Cor. 1. 
 
 10. 
 
 Heb. 18. 1. 
 
 together. 
 b Ex. 30. 26. 
 « Deu. 4. 48. 
 dLeT.26 21. 
 
 Deu. 28. 8. 
 
 P». 42. 8. 
 
 FSALH 134. 
 a 1 Chr. 9. 
 
 PSALH136 
 
 Lu. 2. 37. 
 b Ex. 19. 6. 
 
 Deu. 7. 6,7. 
 
 Jer. 10. 13. 
 
 Jer. 61.16. 
 d Job 28. 26. 
 
 Zech. lU.l. 
 • Job 38. 22. 
 
 1 from mu> 
 untobcMt. 
 
 /Nu. 21 24. 
 
 g Josh. 12. 7. 
 
 A Gen. 17.8. 
 Ei. 3. 16. 
 to genera- 
 tioD and 
 
 j Deu. 82 30. 
 
 5 For I know that the Lord is great, and 
 that our Lord is above all gods. 
 
 6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did 
 he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and 
 all deep pl.-ues, 
 
 7 He "^ causeth the vapours to ascend from 
 the ends of the earth: '' he maketh light- 
 nings for the rain: he bringeth the wind 
 out oi' his "treasuries. 
 
 8 W ho smote the tii'str-bom of Egypt, ^ both 
 of mail and beast. 
 
 9 Who sent tokens and wonders into the 
 midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Phai-aoh, and 
 upon all his son'ants. 
 
 10 Who /smote great nations, and slew 
 mighty kii:gs; 
 
 11 .Sihon king of the Amorites, and Oe 
 king of Bashan, and " all the kingdoms of 
 Canaan: 
 
 12 And gave their land/or an heritage, an 
 heritage « unto Isniel his people. 
 
 13 Thy <■ name, O Lord, endvrtth for ever; 
 and thy menioiial, O Lord, !* throughout 
 all generations. 
 
 14 For > the Lord will judge his people, 
 and he will repent himself concemmg his 
 servants. 
 
 15 The idols of the heathen are silver and 
 gold, the work of men's hands. 
 
 16 They have mouths, hut they speaknot; 
 eyes have they, but they see not; 
 
 17 They have ears, but they hear not: nei- 
 ther is there any breath in their mouths. 
 
 18 They that make them are like unto 
 them : so is every one that trusteth in them. 
 
 19 liless the Lord, house of Israel: bless 
 the Lord, O house of Aaron: 
 
 20 liless the Lord, O bouse of Levi: yo 
 that tear the Lord, bless the Lord. 
 
 21 Blessed be the Lord out of Zion, which 
 dwelleth at J erusalem. Praise ye the Lord. 
 
 PSALM CXXXVI. 
 Exhortation to yiraise God for particular mercies, 
 Q GIVE thanks imto the Lord; tor lie is 
 ^^ good : for his mercy endureth for ever. 
 
 2 O give thanks unto " the God of gods: 
 for his mercy endureth for ever. 
 
 3 give thanks to the * Lord of lords: for 
 his mercy endureth for ever. 
 
 4 To him who alone doeth great wonders; 
 for his mercy endureth for ever. 
 
 5 To " him that by wisdom made the hea. 
 vens: for his mercy endnrtth for ever. 
 
 6 To <* him that stretched out the earth 
 above the waters: tor his mercy endurtth 
 for ever. 
 
 7 To ' him that made great lights: for his 
 mercy endureth for ever: 
 
 8 The sun i to rule by day: for bis mercy 
 endureth for ever: 
 
 9 The moon and stars to rule by night: for 
 his mercy endureth for ever. 
 
 10 To him that smote Egypt in their first- 
 bom: for his mercy endurtth tor ever: 
 
 11 And/ brought out Israel from among 
 them: for his mercy endureth forever: 
 
 12 With a strong hand, and with a 
 stretched-out arm: for his mercy endureth 
 for ever. 
 
 13 To " him which divided the Red sea 
 into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever: 
 
 14 And made Israel to pass tlirough the 
 midst of it: for his mercy endureth lor 
 evir: 
 
 15 Bats overthrew Pharaoh and his host 
 in the Red sea: for his nieicy endureth for 
 ever. 
 
 lo To '' him which led his people through 
 
Blessings of the Godly. 
 
 view, as suited to this series especially, as 
 appropriately expressing the rentimeiits of 
 God's worshippers in relation to the erection 
 of the second temple. 
 
 1, 2. suggest the view of the theme given, 
 so he givetn his beloved sleep— i.e., His provi- 
 dential care gives sleep which no ettbrts of 
 ours can otherwise procure, and this is a 
 reason for trust as to other thini^s (cf. Mat. 
 fi. 20-32.;. 3-5. Posterity is often represented 
 as a blessing from God (Gen. 30. 2, 18; l Sam. 
 1. !!), -0.1. Children are represented as tlie 
 (Icitiiders [arrowsi of their parents in war, 
 aad m litigation, advn-sarif.s in tlte gate, or 
 place of public business (cf. Job, 5. 4; Ps. 69. 
 
 PSALM CXXVIII. 
 Ver. 1-6. The temporal blessings of true 
 
 piety. 
 
 1. (Cf. Ps. 1. 1.). 2. For thou slialt eat— i.e.. 
 It is a blessing to live on the fruits of one's 
 own industry. 3. by u.e sides — or, within 
 (Ps. 48. 2.}. Olive plants are peculiarly luxu- 
 riant (Ps. .52. 8.!. 5. In temporal blessings 
 the pious do not forget the richer blessings 
 of Uod's grace, which they shall ever en.joy. 
 6. Long life crowns ail other temporaUavuurs. 
 As Ps. 125. 6, tins Psalm closes with a prayer 
 for peace, with prosperity lor Goa's people. 
 I'SALM CXXIX. 
 
 Ver. 1-8. Tlie people oi God, often delivered 
 from enemies, are confident of His favour, 
 by their overthrow in future. 
 
 1, 2. may Israel nov/ saj— or, oh! let Israel 
 say (Ps. 124. J.). Israel's youth was the so- 
 .iourn in Egypt (Jer. 2. 2; Hos. 2. 15.). pre- 
 vailed— a^., heeii' able, i.e., to accomplish their 
 purpose again.st me (Ps. 13. 4.). 3, 4. The 
 vloughing is a figure -of scourging, which most 
 severe physical infliction aptly represents 
 all kinds, the cords— i.e., which fasten the 
 plough to the ox; and cutting, this denotes 
 (^od's arresting the persecution. 5, 6. The 
 )ll-rooted roo; grass, which withers befoieit 
 grows up, and procures for those gathering 
 it no harvest blessing lEuth, 2. 4,), sets forth 
 the utter uselessness, and the rejection of 
 the wicked. 
 
 PSALM CXXX. 
 
 Ver. 1-8. Tlie penitent sinner's hope is in 
 God's mercy only. 
 
 1, 2. depths— for great distress (Ps. 40. 2; 
 69. 3. . 3. shoulaest mark— or, take notice, 
 implying a confession of the existence of sin. 
 who shall stand— (Ps. 1. 6.). The question 
 i^i, plies a negative, which is thus more 
 strongly stated. 4. Pardon jiroduces filial 
 fear. 5,6. waic for the Liid~in expectation 
 I's. 2r. 14.;. watch for, &c.— in earnestness 
 and anxiety. 7, 8. Let Israel, &c.— i.e.. All 
 are invited to seek and share divine forgive- 
 ne'^s. f:ovii all his i.iiquities— or, punishments 
 of them (Ps. 40. 12. <fcc.). 
 
 PSALM CXXXL 
 
 Ver. 1-3. This Psalm, while expressive of 
 David's pious feelings on a.-sumin;,' the royal 
 (th e, teaclies the humble submissive temper 
 ot i I rue child of God. 
 
 1. eyes i.fty— a sign of pride (Ps. 18. 2V. . 
 tx^ cise myself— Zi(., vmlh about, or meddle 
 Kith. 2. Surely, &c.— The form is that ot an 
 oath, or strongest assertion. Submission is 
 denoted by the figure of a weaned child. 
 Soul may be taken for desire, which gives a 
 more definite sense, though one included in 
 the idea conveyed by the usual meaning, 
 7nyselJ, 
 
 m 
 
 PSALMS CXXVm-CXXXrV. BavldsCarefortheArh. 
 
 PSALM CXXXIL 
 
 Ver. 1-18. The writer, perhaps Solomon 
 'cf. V. 8, 9,i, after relating David's pious zeal 
 for God's service, pleads for the lultilnientof 
 the promise (2 Sam. 7. 16,), which, providing 
 for a perpetuation of David's kingdom, in- 
 volved tliat of God's right worship and tlie 
 
 establishment or the greater and spiritiif 
 kingdom of David'.'' greater Son. Of Him and 
 His kingdom both the remple and its worship, 
 and the kings and kingdom of Judah, were 
 types. The congruity ot such a topic, with 
 the tenor of this series of Psalms, is obvious. 
 
 1-5. This vow is not elsewhere recorded. 
 It expresses, in strong language, David's in- 
 tense desire to see the establishn.ent of God's 
 worship as well as of His kingdom, remember 
 David— ?i<., remember for David, i.e., all his 
 troubles and anxieties on the matter, habi- 
 tation— Ki5., dwellings, generally used to de- 
 note the sanctuary. 6. These may be the 
 " words of .David" and his pious friends, 
 who, at Ei'hratah,or Bethlehem (Gen. 48. 7,), 
 where he once lived, may have heard of the 
 ark, which he found for the first time, in the 
 lie. as ot the woori— or, Jair, or Kirjathjeanrrh 
 ,City of woods) (l Sam. 7. l; 2 tarn. 6. 3, 4.), 
 whence it was brought to Zion. 7. 1 he pur- 
 pose of engaging in God's worship is avowed. 
 «, 9. The solemn entry of the aik, .symbolical 
 of (^od's presence and i ower. with the at- 
 tending priests, into the sanctuary, is pro- 
 claimed in the words used by Solomon (2 
 Chr. (i. 41.). 10-12. I'll ti y servant David's 
 sitke [i.e.. On account of the promise made 
 to hinij urn . . . ;iiioir.ted— Kepulse not him 
 who, as David's descendant, pleads the pro- 
 mise to perpetuate his loyal line. After re- 
 citing the I'romise, sn 1 is tant tally from 2 Sam. 
 7. 12-16, ,cf. Acts, 2. :m. A:c..), an additional 
 plea, 13., is made on the ground of God's 
 choice of Zion there used for JeiT.salem as 
 His dwelling, inasmuch as the prosperity of 
 the kingdom was connected with that of 
 the Church 'Ps. 122. 8, 9. . 14-18. That choice 
 is expressed in Cod's words, I will nit or 
 diviil, or sit enthroned. Ihe jry of the 
 people springs from the blessings of His 
 grace, conferred throut;h the medium of the 
 priesthood, nit-.ke the hern .. .\h buc— enlarge 
 his iiower. a lamp- the figure of prosperity 
 Ps. 18. 10, 28; s9. 17.;. With the confounding 
 of his enemies is united his prosperity and 
 the unceasing spendour of his crown. 
 PSALM CXXXJII. 
 
 Ver. 1-3. The bitssings of fraternal unity. 
 
 1, 2. As the flagrant oil is refreshing, so 
 this affords delight. As the copious dew, 
 svtch as fell on Hermou, falls in fertalising 
 power on the mountains of Zion, so this 
 unity is fruitful in good works. 3. tlwre— 
 i.e., in Zion, the Chvrch; the material Zion, 
 blessed with enriching dews, suggests this 
 allusion to the source of the influence enjoyed 
 by the spiritual Zion. conimaudea the blessing 
 -(cf. Ps.68. 2N.i. 
 
 PSALM CXXXIV. 
 
 Ver. 1-3. 1, 2. The people arriving at the 
 sanctuary call on tlie priests, who stahdin 
 the houae of rhe Lord, to unite in iiraising 
 God. using appropriate gestures, to which 
 the priests ivpiy. 3. Alter the manner di- 
 rected (Num. 6. 23.). by right— as oppo.sed 
 to morninci (Ps. 92. 2.). Lilt up your hancs— 
 — fcf. Ps. 28. 2.). out of Zion- tlie Church, as 
 His residence, and thus seat of blessings. 
 Thus closes the songs of degrees. 
 
Distress in (^arfvnty. 
 
 PSA T3»^S CX X X VTT-rXXXTX. God's aUseeinff providence. 
 
 the ivildfcmess: lor his mercy endureth for 
 ever. 
 
 17 To him whirh smote great kings: for 
 his mercy endureth for ever: 
 
 18 And « slew famous kings: for his mercy 
 endureth for ever: 
 
 19 Sihoiuking of the Amorites: for his 
 mercy endureth for ever: 
 
 20 And Oi; the king of Bashan: for his 
 mercy endureth for ever: 
 
 21 And * gave their land for an hentage: 
 for his mercy endureth for ever: 
 
 22 Even an heritage unto Israel his ser- 
 vant: for his mercy endureth for ever. 
 
 23 Who ' remembered us in our low 
 estate: for his morcy endureth for ever: 
 
 24 And hath redeemed us from oiu- ene- 
 niies: for his mercy endureth forever. 
 
 25 Who "• giveth food to all flesh: for his 
 mercy endureth for ever. 
 
 26 give thanks unto the God of heaven: 
 for lus mercy endureth for ever. 
 
 PSALM CXXXVIL 
 1 CoMtaney of the Jews in captivity. 7 TKe pro- 
 phet curses Edom and Jiabel. 
 
 13 Y " the rivers of Babylon, there we sat 
 *-' down ; yea, we wept, when we remem- 
 bered Zion. 
 
 2 We hanged om- 6 harps upon the willows 
 in the midst thereof. 
 
 3 For there they that carried us away 
 captive required of us la song; and they 
 that a wasted us required of ns mirth, say- 
 ing. Sing us <me ot the songs of Zion. 
 
 4 How shall we eing the Lobd'b song in 
 a 8 strange land? 
 
 5 If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my 
 right liand foi-get lier cunning. 
 
 6 If 1 do not remember thee, let 'my 
 tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth ; if 
 I prefer not Jerusalem above *my chief 
 joy. 
 
 7 Remember, Lokd, ^ the children of 
 Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, 
 SKase it, rase it, even to the foundation 
 thereof. 
 
 8 O daughter of Babylon, • who art to be 
 6 destroyed; happy shall he he 7 that re- 
 wardeth thee as thou hast served us. 
 
 9 Hanpy shaR he he that taketh and 
 dashetn thy little ones against 8 the stones. 
 
 PSALM CXXXVIII. 
 1 David praises Ood for the truth of hit word: 4 
 
 he TprOTphesies that the kings of the earth shall 
 
 prais* Ood. 
 
 A Psalm of David. 
 T WILL praise thee with my whole heart: 
 ^ before ** the gods will I sing praise unto 
 thee. 
 
 2 1 will worship f> toward thy holy temple, 
 and praise thy name for thv loving-kind- 
 ness and for thy truth: for thou hast 
 magnified ' thy word above all thy name. 
 
 3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst 
 me, and <* strengthenedst me with strength 
 in my soul. 
 
 4 All the kings of the earth shall praise 
 thee, O Lord, when they hear the words 
 of thy mouth. 
 
 5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the 
 Lokd: for great is the glory of the Lord. 
 
 6 Tliough tlie Lord be high, vet * hath he 
 respect unto the lowly: but tne proud he 
 knoweth atar off. 
 
 7 Though /I walk in the midst of trouble, 
 thou wilt revive me; thou shalt .stretch 
 forth thine hand against the wrath of mine 
 
 tlicc thy 
 decu wliicli 
 thou dldat 
 
 Jer.SiJ 15. 
 R«v. 18. 0. 
 tho rock. 
 
 PSALM ISO. 
 a Jer. i:; 3. 
 
 Rev. H. 2.3. 
 t a KL 19.27. 
 e M«t. 9. 4. 
 
 John 2.24. 
 
 1 Or, wm- 
 
 Job 31. 4. 
 
 d Heb. 4. 13. 
 6 Pro. 16. 11. 
 
 2 darkoDetb 
 
 Job 34. 22. 
 Dan. 2. 22. 
 
 3 as is the 
 darkneBft, 
 BO is the 
 light. 
 
 4 greatly. 
 6 Or, 
 
 •trength, 
 
 6 all' of 
 thera. 
 
 7 Or what 
 da.vB they 
 should b« 
 fashioned. 
 
 /Is. )1. 4. 
 9 Jude 16. 
 h Job 31. 6. 
 
 pain, or, 
 grief. 
 
 1 <;iir.4.10, 
 « Jobs 11. e. 
 
 enemies, and thy right hand shall save 
 me. 
 
 S The * Lord will perfect that which con- 
 I'enu'fb me: thy mercy. Lord, endureth 
 ■ or e\'er: forsake not the workB of thine 
 own bauds. 
 
 PSALM CXXXIX. 
 
 1 Davidpraises God for his ail-seeing providenoet 
 
 21 his hatred of the ivickMi. 
 
 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. 
 
 C) L01\l), "thou hast searched me, and 
 
 ^^ known me. 
 
 '2 Thou ''knowest my down-sitting and 
 mine up-rising, thou " understands, st my 
 thought afirotf. 
 
 3 Thou 1 compassest m,y path and my 
 lyinir down, and art acquainted with all my 
 ways. 
 
 4 For there is not a word in my tongue, 
 tnit. lo, O LoBD, "ithou knowest it alto- 
 gether. 
 
 5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, 
 and hiiJ thine hand upon me. 
 
 6 Such knowledge is too wondeifnl for 
 me: it is high, 1 cannot attain unto it. 
 
 Whither shall I go from thy .Spirit? or 
 whither shnll I flee fi-om thy prc.^enc(;? 
 
 8 If 1 ascend up into heaven, tiiou art 
 there: ^ if I make my bed in hell, beliold, 
 thon art. there. 
 
 d If 1 take the wings of the moniing, and 
 dv,i 11 in the uttermost parts of the sea; 
 
 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, 
 and tliy right hand shall hold rne. 
 
 11 If I say. Surely the darkness shall 
 cover me; even the night shall be light 
 about me. 
 
 12 Yea, tlie darkness 2 hideth not from 
 thee; but the night shineth as the day: 
 3 the darkness and the light are both alike 
 to thee. 
 
 13 For thon hast possessed my reins: thou 
 hast covered me in my mother's womb. 
 
 14 I will prai.se thee; for I am fearfully 
 a7ui wondeiAillymade: marvellous are thy 
 works; and ihat my soul knoweth * right 
 well. 
 
 15 My 6 substance was not hid from 
 thee, when I was made in secret, and 
 curiously wrought in the lowest parts of 
 the earth. 
 
 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet 
 being unperfect ; and in tliy book ''> all my 
 merid>ers were written, ^wltich in continu- 
 ance were fashioned, when as yet there was 
 none of them. 
 
 17 How precious also are thy thoughts 
 unto me, God! how great is the sum of 
 them! 
 
 18 If I should count them, they are more 
 in number than the sand: when I awake, 
 I am still with thee. 
 
 19 Surely thou wilt /slay the wicked, 
 God: depail from me therefore, ye bloody 
 men. 
 
 20 For they <' speak against thee wickedly, 
 and thine enemies take thy name in 
 vain. 
 
 21 Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate 
 thee ? and am not I grieved with those that 
 rise up against thee? 
 
 22 I hate them with perfect hatred; I 
 count them mine enemirs. 
 
 23 Search '' me, V God, and know my 
 heart; try me, and know my thonc:hts; 
 
 24 And see ii there he any » wicked way 
 in me, and • lead me in the way everlast- 
 ing. 
 
Goers Care of Israel. 
 
 PSALMS CXXXV-^XXXIX. GocVs cdUeeing Providence. 
 
 Ver. 
 
 PSALM CXXXV. 
 -21. A Psalm of praise, in which 
 
 punish. 
 (Lam. 4. 
 
 the day of Jerusalem— its downfall 
 21, 22; Obad. 11-13.). daughter of 
 
 God's relations to ELls Cluirch, His power in I Babylon— the people (Ps. 9. 13.). Their de- 
 
 the natural world, and in delivering His 
 people, are contrasted with the vamty of 
 idols and idol worshin. 
 
 1-3. In the general call for praise, the 
 priests, that stand in the house of the Lord, 
 are specially mentioned. 4-7. God's choice 
 of Israel is the first reason assigned for ren- 
 dering praise; the next His manifested great- 
 ness in creation and providence, heaven, and 
 . . . seas, and all . . . ends of the earth— denote 
 universality. 8. 9. The last plague is cited to 
 illustrate His " tokens and wonders." 10-12. 
 The conqest of Canaan was by God's power, 
 not that of the people, heritage— or, posses- 
 sion. 13. name [and] memnrial— Each denote 
 that by which God is made known. 14. will 
 jucge— do justice ,Ps. 72. 2.}. repent himself— 
 change his dealings (Ps. 90. 13.). 15-18. Of. 
 Ps. 115. 4-8.). are bke uuto them— or, shall be 
 like, &c. Idolaters become spiritually stupid, 
 and perish with tli'. r idols (Isa. 1. 31.). 19-21. 
 iCf. Ps. 115. 9-11.). 'ihere we have trtist for 
 bles>- here, out cf Zion— (cf. Ps, ] 10. 2; 134. 3.) . 
 From the Church, as a centre. His praise is 
 diffused througliout the earth. 
 PSALM CXXXVI. 
 
 Ver. 1-26. The theme is the same as that 
 of 135th. God should be praised for His 
 works of creation and providence. His deli- 
 verance and care of His people, and judg- 
 ments on their enemies, and His goodness 
 to all. The chorus to every verse is in the 
 terms of that of Ps. 106. l; 118. 1-4, and was 
 perhaps used at ihe Amen by the people, 
 in woi ship cf. 1 Chr. 16. 36; Ps. 105. 46..). 
 
 1-3. The divine titles denote supremacy. 
 4. ale ne— excluding all help. 6, 6. by [or, in] 
 wisdom— iPs. 104. 24.). made— K^., maker of. 
 above for. higher than] the waters— (Ps. 24. 2.). 
 12. Cf. similar expressions, lEx. 3. 20; Deut. 
 4. 34, &c.). 15. overthrew— lit., shook off, as 
 Ex. 14. 27, as a contemptuous rejection of a 
 reptile. 23. remembered us— or, for us (Ps. 
 132. 1.). our low estate— i.e., captivity. 24. 
 And hath redeemed [or lit, snatch<:d\ us— allud- 
 ing to the sudden deliverance effected by the 
 overthrow of Babylon. 25. To the special 
 favours to His people is added the record of 
 God's goodness to all His creatures cf. Mat. 
 6. 30. . 26. God of heaven— occurs but once 
 (Jon. 1. 9 before the captivity. It is used by 
 the later writers as specially distinguishing 
 God from idols. 
 
 PSALM cxxxvn. 
 
 "^''er. 1-9. This Psalm records the mourn- 
 ing of the captive Israelites, and a prayer 
 and prediction respecting the destruction of 
 their enemies. 
 
 1. rivers of Babylon— The name of the city 
 used tor the whole country, remembered Zion 
 —or, Jerusalem, as Ps. 132. 13. 2. upon the 
 willows— which may have grown there then, 
 if not now; as the palm, which was once com- 
 mon, is now rare in Palestine. 3, 4. Whether 
 the request was in curiosity or derision, the 
 answer intimates that a comi)liance was in- 
 coLgruous with their mournful feelings ;Pro. 
 2':. 20.). 5, 6. For joyful songs would imply 
 forgetfulness of their desolated homes and 
 fallen Church. The solemn imprecations on 
 the "hand" and '" tongue." i{ thus forgetful, 
 relate to the cunning or skill in playing, and 
 the power of singing. 7-9. Remember ... the 
 tiiiiareu of Edom— icf. Ps. 132. 1.). i.e., to 
 425 
 
 struction had been abundantly foretold (Lsa. 
 13. 14; Jer. 51. 23.). For the terribleness of 
 that destruction, God's righteous judgment, 
 and not the passions of the chafed Israelites, 
 was responsiVile. 
 
 PSALM CXXXVIII. 
 
 Ver. 1-8. David thanks God for His bene- 
 fits, and, anticipating a wider extension of 
 God's glory, by His means, assures hiuiself 
 of His continued presence and faithfulness. 
 
 1. (Cf. Ps. 9.1.). before the gcds— whether 
 
 igels (Ps. 8. 5;) -,01 princes (Ex. 21. 6; Ps. 82. 6;); 
 or idols Ps. 97. 7;) ; denotes a readiness to wor- 
 ship the true-* jod alone, and a contempt of all 
 other objects of worship. 2. (Cf. Ps. 6. 7.). t'ay 
 word abi-ve all thy ivme— i.e., God'<i promise 
 (2 Sam. 7.,), sustained by His mercy and truth, 
 exceeded all other manifestations of Himself 
 as subject of praise, 3-5. That promise, as 
 an answer to his prayers in distress, revived 
 and strengthened his faith, and, as the basis 
 of other revelations of the Messiah, wiU be 
 tlie occasion of praise by all who hear and 
 receive it (Ps. 68. 29, 31; Isa. 4. 3.). ior great 
 (is) the glory— or, when the glory shall be 
 great, in God's fulfilling His purposes of re- 
 demption. 6, 7. On this general principle of 
 God's government (Isa. 2. 11; 57. 15; 66. 2,), 
 he relies for God's favour in saving him, and 
 overthrowing his enemies, knoweth afar off 
 —their wjiys and deserts (Ps. 1. 6.). 8. God 
 will fulfil His promise. 
 
 PSALM CXXXIX. 
 
 Ver. 1-24. After presenting the sublime 
 doctrines of God's omnipresence and omnis- 
 cience, the Psalmist appeals to Him, avow- 
 ing his innocence, his abhorrence of the 
 wicked, and his ready submission to the 
 closest scrutiny. Admonition to the wicked 
 and comfort to the pious are alike implied 
 inferences from these doctrines. 
 
 1, 2. searched me— as one searches, or digs 
 for ore (Job, 28. 3.). knowest— all n.y condi- 
 tions and acts, understandest my thought [or, 
 in respect to my thought, its origin and 
 purport] afar off— not hindered by distance. 
 6. compassest [explorest] my path— track, or 
 course, lying Aown—lit., lair, the terms aU 
 suiting the figure of a hunter seeking game. 
 4, 5. The accuracy and fulness of this know- 
 ledge strikingly expressed. 6. We must be- 
 lieve, though we cannot comprehend, God's 
 omniscience. 7-10. The questions involve a 
 most positive denial. All parts of the uni- 
 verse are denoted by the examples. The 
 terms of v. 10 imply friendship Ps, 18. 16; 
 55. 6.). 11, 12. We are under His eye by day 
 and night. 13. For— .4s a reason, implies 
 that these attributes are evinced in God's 
 creative agency, now unfolded, since He must 
 know His own work, with whose hi' den 
 origin He is familiar. 14-16. The sentiment 
 ofi;. 13 more fnlly unfolded, as ground for 
 praising God. My substance- or. Frame work 
 iPs. 6. 2.1. lowest parts of the earth— the most 
 inscrutably secret place, open only to God's 
 eyes. In Job, 1. 21, the figure is inverted, 
 and the grave is used for the womb . curiously 
 wrought— ;i<., embroidered, as needle work, 
 intricate and wonderlully adjusted (cf. Ex. 
 26. 36.). ri-y fubstance . . . unperfect— Hi., un- 
 penned substoncfi. or embryo. The rest of : 
 this obscure verse may be translated: " and 
 in thy book are written aU of them: days are 
 
Prayers for aeliveranee 
 
 PSALMS CXL-CXLTV. 
 
 from enemies. 
 
 PSALM CXL. 
 
 1 X>avid prayt to be delivered from Saul and 
 Dotg: ^ he frays against them: 12 he comforts 
 himself by conjidenee in God. 
 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. 
 
 HELIVER me, O Lord, from the evil 
 
 ^-^ man: preserve me from the i violent 
 
 man; 
 *J Which imagine mischiefs in their heart: 
 
 continually are they gathered together /or 
 
 war. 
 
 3 They have sharpened their tongues like 
 a serpent; adders* poison is under their 
 lips. Selali. 
 
 4 Keep nie, O Lord, from the hands of 
 the wicked ; preser^'e me from the violent 
 man ; who have purposed to overthrow my 
 goings. 
 
 5 The " proud have hid a snare for me, 
 .and cords; they have spread a net by the 
 
 way-side ; they have set gins for me. iSelah. 
 , 6 I said imto the Lord, Thou art my God : 
 hear the voice of my supplications, O 
 Lord. 
 
 7 God the Lord, the strength of my 
 salvation, thou hast covered my head in 
 the day of battle. 
 
 8 Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the 
 wicked: farther not his wi'ked device, "lest 
 they exalt themselves. Selah. 
 
 9 As for the head of those that compass 
 me about, let the mischief of their own lips 
 cover them, 
 
 10 Let burning coals fall upon them: let 
 them be cast into the fire ; into deep pits, 
 that they rise not up again. 
 
 11 Let not '^ an evil speaker be established 
 in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent 
 man to overthrow him. 
 
 12 I know that the Lord will m.aintain the 
 cause of the atHicted, and the right of the 
 poor. 
 
 13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks 
 tmto thy name: the upright shall dwell in 
 thy presence. 
 
 PSALM CXLL 
 1 David prays that his suit may be aeeeptable, 3 
 his constienee sincere, 9 and his life safe from 
 snare$. 
 
 A Psalm of David. 
 T ORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto 
 -^ me; give ear unto my voice, when I 
 cry unto thee. 
 
 2 Let my prayer be i set forth before thee 
 as "incense, and 6 the lifting up of my 
 hands as the evening sacrifice. 
 
 3 Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; 
 keep the door of my lips. 
 
 4 Incline ' not my heart to anv evil thing, 
 to practise wicked works witn men that 
 worK iniquity: <* and let me not eat of their 
 dainties. 
 
 5 2 Let the righteous smite me; it shall be 
 a kindness; and let him reprove me; it 
 shall be an excellent oil, which shall not 
 break my head: for yet my prayer also 
 )haU be m their calamities. 
 
 6 When their judges are overthrown in 
 rtony places, they snail hear ray words; for 
 chej are sweet. 
 
 7 Our bones are scattered • at the grave's 
 mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth 
 wood upon the earth. 
 
 8 But /mine eyes are unto thee, O GoD 
 the Lord: in thee is my trust; » leave not 
 my soul destitute. 
 
 9 Keep me from the snares which tbey 
 have laid for me, and the gina of the 
 workers of iniquity. 
 
 426 
 
 PSALM 140. 
 
 1 luan of 
 Tioloncea. 
 
 » Jer. 18. 22. 
 
 2 Or, let 
 them not 
 bo exalted. 
 Deu.o227. 
 
 S « man of 
 torque, 
 or, an evil 
 
 wicked ' 
 
 Tiolence, 
 bfl estab- 
 lished in 
 the earth: 
 let him be 
 hunted to 
 bia over- 
 throw. 
 
 PSALM 1«. 
 
 1 directed. 
 a Rev. 8. 3. 
 6 1 Tim. 2. 8. 
 « Mat. 6. 13. 
 
 Jam. 1. 13, 
 d Pro. 23. 6. 
 
 2 Or, 
 Let the 
 
 precious 
 
 my hoad, 
 
 etc. 
 e 2 Cor. 1. 9 
 / Ps. 26. 16. 
 
 3 make not 
 my soul 
 bare. 
 
 9 P». 35. 8. 
 
 4 pass over. 
 
 PSALM 142 
 
 1 Or, A 
 Psalm of 
 David, 
 giving in- 
 struction, 
 
 a 1 Sa.22. 1. 
 
 2 Or, Look 
 on the 
 right hand, 
 and see. 
 
 3 perished 
 from me. 
 
 4 DO man 
 sought 
 after my 
 •oul. 
 
 6LIUI1.3.S4. 
 
 PSALM 143. 
 a Job 14. 8. 
 4 Ex. 34. 7. 
 1 Or, fori 
 
 with thee. 
 « Ps. 25. 4. 
 d John 14.28. 
 
 2 Tim. 1. 
 
 14. 
 
 FBALM 144. 
 
 1 my rock. 
 a 'i Sam. 22. 
 
 36. 
 
 2 to thewsr, 
 
 10 Let ^ the wicked fall into their own 
 nets, whilst that I withal •* escape. 
 
 PSALM CXLIL 
 David shows that in his trouble all his eomfort 
 
 was in prayer unto Ood. 
 1 Mascliil of David; A"Prayer "when he was 
 
 in the cave, 
 T CRIED unto the Lord with my voice; 
 -*■ with my voice unto the Lord did I make 
 my supplication. 
 
 2 I poured out tn_y complaint before him; 
 I showed before him my tronble. 
 
 3 When my si'iiit was overwhelmed 
 within nie, then thou knewest my path. 
 In the way wherein 1 walked have they 
 privily laid a snare for me. 
 
 4 '^ I looked on my right hand, and beheld, 
 but there was no man that would know 
 me: refuge 3 failed me; *no man cared for 
 my soul. 
 
 5 1 cried unto thee, O Lord: I said. Thou 
 art my refuge a^id >> my portion in the land 
 of the living. 
 
 6 Attend unto my cry; for I am brought 
 very low: deliver me from my persecutors; 
 for they are stronger than I. 
 
 7 Biintr my soul out ot prison, that I may 
 praise thy name: the righteous shall com- 
 pass me about; for thou shalt deal bounti- 
 fully with me. 
 
 PSALM CXLIII. 
 1 David prays for favour in judciment: T prays 
 for grace, ^ deliverance, 10 Uod's guidance and 
 support. 
 
 A Psalm of David. 
 UEAR my prayer. Lord, give ear to 
 '-^ my supplications: in thy faithfulnesa 
 answer me, and in tliy righteousness. 
 
 2 And " enter not into judgment with thy 
 servant: for *in thy sight shall no man 
 living be justified. 
 
 3 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; 
 he hath smitten my life down to the gi'ound; 
 he hath made nie to dwell hi darkness, as 
 those that have been long dead. 
 
 4 Therelore is my spirit ovenvhelmed 
 within me; my heart wiihin me is desolate. 
 
 5 1 remember the days of old; 1 meditate 
 on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy 
 hands. 
 
 6 I stretch forth my hands unto thee: mv 
 soul thirsteth after thee, as a thusty laud. 
 Selah. 
 
 7 Hear me speedily, O Lord; my spirit 
 faileth: hide not thy face from me, ^ lest I 
 be like mito them that go down into the 
 pit. 
 
 S Cause me to hear thy loving-kindness in 
 the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause 
 me to know the way wherein 1 should walk; 
 for 1 lilt up my soul unto thee. 
 
 9 Deliver me, O Lord, from mine ene- 
 mies: 1 2 flee unto thee to hide me. 
 
 10 Teach ' me to do thy will; fiir thou art 
 my God: <* thy spirit is good; lead me into 
 the land of uprightness. 
 
 11 (Quicken me, O Lord, for thy name's 
 sake: for thy rij;htcousne8s' sake biing my 
 soul out of trouble. 
 
 12 And of thy mercy cut oft' mine enemies, 
 and destroy all them that afflict my soul: 
 for 1 am thy senanti 
 
 PSALM CXLIV. 
 1 David blesses God for his mercy; 6 he prays 
 that God would deliver him from his enemies. 
 A I'salm of David, 
 "DLESSED be the Lord i my strength, 
 ■^ which "teitcheth my hands ^to war, 
 and my fingers to fight; 
 
Prayers for Deliverance 
 
 PSALMS CXL-CXLIV. 
 
 from Enemies. 
 
 formed and not one among them (yet was, ," of prayer, or assurance of innocence and in- 
 i.e., all our days Jon, U. .'•, . or our lives, tegrity, or both icf. 1 Sam. 24. 8-17; 2 Sam. l. 
 with their chanj^es and events, were written, 19-22.1. overthrown in stony places— a mode 
 or planned by God, not one yet ex-sting. 17. of punishment (2 Chr. 25. 12; here used to de- 
 How precious . . . sum of them— Ttiy thoughts note any grievous calamity. 7. The despe- 
 or purposes concerning me are many and rate condition of his party is stated. Some of 
 most valuable. It is a privilege to be go- tliem were left unburied and uncared for as 
 verned by such a God. 18. siiil witli tree— scattered chips. 8. But— or. For, implying an 
 to meditate on these wonders. 19. Utter avowal of his hope in this desperate state, 
 rejection of all society with the wicked is The expressions of confidence are such as 
 denoted by recognising them as deserving Ps. 2. 12; 25. 16; 31. 1. 9. !CT. Ps. 140. 5.). from the 
 destruction from God, and addressing them ; suares—lit.. from the hand, or power of the 
 
 in terms of rebuke, blcody men— cf. Ps 
 
 2(;. 9.'. They are hated as God's enemies, 
 
 • snare. 10. Of. Ps. 
 once, or same time. 
 
 7. 16.). withal— ^rf., oi 
 Their destruction, and 
 
 in vain— either as Ps, 24. 4, or the deliverance of the pious, come together. 
 
 we may translate, K/i tip to lanitiu i.e., ex- 
 alting themselves against God. 23, 24. Only 
 an innocent man, or une resting on God's 
 
 PSALM CXLIL 
 Ver. 1-7. Maschil— Icf. i's. 32. title.). When 
 he was in the cave, either of AduUam d Sam. 
 
 mercy, can properly use this appeal, witkf d 22. 1,), or En-gedi il Sam. 24. 3.). This does not 
 Wi^y— lit., vxiy of pain, i.e., which Jeads to it. i mean that the Psalm was composed in the 
 
 way everlasting- which wil'l not perish (Ps. 1. 
 6,), or leads to life everlasting. 
 PSALM CXL. 
 
 care, but that the precarious mode of life, of 
 I which his refuge in caves was a striking illus- 
 I tration, occasioned the complaint, which con- 
 
 Ver. 1-13. The style of this Psalm resembles \ stitutes the first part of the Psalm, and fur- 
 those of David in the former part of the book, ; nishes the reason for the prayer with which 
 
 presenting the usual complaint, prayer, and ; 
 
 confident hope of relief I 
 
 1. evil man— which of David's enemies is I 
 
 it concludes, and which, as the prominent 
 characteristic, gives its name. 
 1. with iny voice — audibly, because ear- 
 
 lliV Vi>] 
 
 meant is not important. 2-5. This character I nestly. 2. tCf. Ps. 62. 8.). comp.aint— or, a 
 ofthewicked.andthedevicesplannedagainst : sad musing. 3. thou knewest . . . path- the 
 the pious, correspond to Ps. 10. 7; ol. 13; 68. i appeal is indicative of conscious innocence; 
 4, &c. sharpened . . . like a serpent- not like | knowest it to be right, and that my affliction 
 a serpent does, but they are thus like a ser- : is owing to the .snares of enemies, and is not 
 
 pent in cunning and venom, sniire [and] :;et ; deserved (cf. Ps. 42. 4; 61 
 
 -for threatening dangers (cf. Ps. 38. 12; ,'.7. 6 
 6. (Cf. Ps. 6. 1-12; It;. 2.1. 7. day c f battle-^ii., of \ protector (Ps. 110, 
 armour, i.e., when using it. 8. (Cf. Ps. :i7.< after, to do good 
 
 4. Utter deso- 
 
 12; 66. 7.). lest tliey fx.ilt themselves— or, Lhey j 6. (Cf. Ps. 17 
 will be exalted if permitted to pro.sper. 9. , I may praise 
 
 lation is meant, right hand— the place of a 
 
 — i.„.i„.. I... ,,/^ -J cared fox— lit. tought 
 
 5. iCf. Ps. 31. 14; 62. 7. . 
 
 1.). 7. (Cf. Ps. 26. 17.J. that 
 
 __ ^_ . ... , . , -lit,, for praising, or that 
 
 contrasts his head covered by God, {v. 7), with 1 thy name may be praised, i.e., by the right- 
 theirs, or (as head may be used lor persons) I eons, who shall surround me with sympathis- 
 with them, covered with the results of their i ixig joy (Ps. 56. 27.) 
 
 wicked deeds iPs. 7. 16.). 10. (Cf. Ps. 11. 6 
 120. 4.). To cast into pre and deep pits, figures 
 for utter destruction. 11. an evil speaker— 
 or, slanderer, will not be tolerated (Ps. lOl. 7.) 
 
 PSALJVI CXLIIL 
 
 } Ver. 1-12. In .structure and style, like the 
 
 'preceding (Ps. 140-142.,), this Psalm is clearly 
 
 evinced to be David's. It is a prayer for par- 
 
 The last claus* may be translated: " on (vil don, and for relief from enemies ; afflictions. 
 
 (man) He God) shall htmt," &c. 12. (Cf. Ps. 
 9. 4.). 13. After all changes, the righteous J 
 shall have cause for praise. Sxxch shall dicell, ; 
 
 usual, producing confession and penitence. 
 1. iu thy taithiulness . . . and . . . rigineous- 
 r, God's regard to the claims wiich He 
 
 or sit securely, under God's protection (Ps. has permitted His people to make in His 
 21. 6; 41. 12.). covenant. 2. enter . . .judgment—deal not in 
 
 PSALM CXLI. I strict justice, shall no . . . justified— or, is no 
 
 man lustified, or innocent (Job, 14. 3; Eom. 
 by its structure and 1 3. 20.). 3, 4. The exciting reason for his 
 
 Ver. 1-10. Tills psalm evinces its author 
 ship as the preceding, . , . ., 
 
 the character of its contents. It is a in-ayer 1 prayer— his afflictions— led to confession 
 for deliverance from sins to which affliction i just made: he now makes the complaint. aE 
 
 tempted 
 caused it. 
 1. (Cf Ps. 17. 6; 64 
 
 rom the enemies who i these tliai iiave been long dead— deprived of 
 
 life's comforts iCf. Ps. 40. 16; 88. 3-6. . 5, 6. The 
 
 1.). 2. be set forth— or, distress is aggravated by the contrast of for- 
 
 established, constantly accepted, as incense, i mer comfort (Ps. 22. 3-5,), for whose return 
 lifting up of . . . hands — a gesture in prayer i he longs, a thirsty land— which needs rain, 
 (cf. Ps. 28. 2.). The sacrifice meant was the , as did his spirit God's gracious vis ts (Ps. 28. 
 , _«._._ .. . . ,_,,_..<•_ — ,., , 7. spirit taileih— is exhausted. " 
 
 meat-offering. 3, 4. A prayer to be kept from l ; 69. 17 
 the sins of speech, and the influence of evil j (Cf. Ps. 
 
 .6. 1-4; 59. 16.). the v/ay . . . walk— i.e.. 
 
 associations, especially by means of the I the way of safety and righteousness Ps. 142. 
 luxuriesof the rich Pro. 23. 1-3.). 5. Though 3-6.). 9. iCf. Ps. 3L 16-20.L 10. (Cf. Ps 
 
 in tletails obscure, the verse seems to teach 
 that he prefers the rebukes of the righteous 
 to the allurements of the wicked ; and, returu- 
 
 7. 11.). land of uprigiitness— Ki, an even land 
 Ps. 26. 12.'. 11. Cf. Ps. 23. 3; 119. 166.!. 12, 
 (^od's mercy to his people is often wrath to 
 
 ing to speak of the latter, illustrates the ' His and their enemies cf Ps. 31 17.). thy 
 benefits of the chastisements ailuded to, by servant— as cho.sen to be such, entitled to 
 
 avowing a continued prayerful temper as to divine regard. 
 
 the wicked, when in affliction, not break my 
 xd— or lit., my head shall not refuse. 
 
 Ver. 1-15. 
 
 PSALM CXLTV. 
 
 David's praise of God as h's 
 
 their judges — or, leading men, i.e.', of the '■ all-sufficient help is enhanced by a recogni- 
 wicked in distress, shall appreciate my words ition oi the intrinsic worthlessuess of inaij. 
 
God to be praised 
 
 PSALMS CXLT-CXLYli. for his greatness ana merep. 
 
 2 3 My gooduess, and my fortress ; my hi?h 
 tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he 
 in whom I trust; who subdueth my people 
 under me. 
 
 3 Lord, 6what is man, that thou takest 
 knowledcre of him! or the son of man, that 
 thou niakest account of him! 
 
 4 Alan is like to vanity: his days are as a 
 shadow that passeth away. 
 
 5 Bow "thy heavens, () Lord, and come 
 down : touch the raountains, and they shall 
 smoke. 
 
 6 Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: 
 shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them. 
 
 7 Send thine * hand from above; ''rid me, 
 and deliver me out of great waters, from 
 the hand of * strange children; 
 
 8 Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and 
 their right hand is a right hand or false- 
 hood. 
 
 9 1 will /sing a new song unto thee, 
 God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of 
 ten strings will I sin_g jiraises unto thee. 
 
 10 It is he tliat giveth 6 salvation unto 
 Itings: who delivoreth Da\'id his servant 
 from the hurtful sword. 
 
 11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand 
 of strange children, whose mouth speaketh 
 vanity, and their right hand is & right hand 
 of falsehood. 
 
 12 That our sons may be as plants grown 
 np in their youth; that our daugliters viay 
 be as comer-stones, 6 polished a/t^r the 
 Biinilitude of a palace; 
 
 13 Tluit our garners may be full, affording 
 'all manner of store; tliat our sheep may 
 bring Ibrth thousands and ten thousands 
 ill our streets ; 
 
 14 That our oxen may be 8 strong to la 
 hour; that there be "no breaking in, noi 
 going out; that there be no complaining in 
 our streets. 
 
 15 Happy " is that people that is in such 
 a case; yea, happy is that people whose 
 God is the Lord. 
 
 PSALM CXLV. 
 1 David praists God for his fume, 7 goodness, 11 
 the glory of his kinn'lom, 18 and for his special 
 favour for the righteous. 
 
 David's fsalm Of praise. 
 
 T WILL extol thee, my God, O King; and 
 
 I will bless thy name for ever and ever. 
 
 2 Every day will I bless thee ; and I will 
 praise tfiy name for ever and ever. 
 
 3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be 
 praised; land his greatness »s unseai-ch- 
 able. 
 
 4 One generation shall praise thy works to 
 another, and shall declare thy mighty 
 acts. 
 
 5 I will speak of the glorious honour of 
 thy majesty, and of thy wondrous 2 works. 
 
 6 And men shall speak of the might of 
 thy ten-ible acts: and I wills declare ti^y 
 gi-eatness. 
 
 7 They shall abundantly * utter the 
 memory of thy gi-eat goodness, and shall 
 sing of thy righteousness. 
 
 8 The " Lord is gracious, and full of com- 
 passion ; slow to anger, and 6 of great 
 mercy. 
 
 9 The Lord * is good to all ; and his tender 
 mercies are over all his works. 
 
 le All * thy works shall praise thee, 
 Lord; and thy saints shall bless thee. 
 
 11 They shall speak of the glory of thy 
 kingdom, and talk of thy power; 
 
 12 To make known to the sous of men his 
 
 40,1 
 
 PSAWa 144. 
 
 3 Or, My 
 
 mercy. 
 b Heb. 2. 6. 
 e I» 04. 1. 
 
 4 hands. 
 
 d Ps. eg. 1. 
 e JUL an. 
 
 / Ps. 33. 2. 
 6 Or, vic- 
 tory. 
 
 bear bur- 
 
 deng, or, 
 
 lo.iion 
 
 v.- ill, fleah. 
 g Lev. 20.17. 
 h Deu.33.29. 
 
 PSALM 145. 
 
 1 and of his 
 
 there is no 
 seardi. 
 Ro. U. .13. 
 
 2 things, or, 
 
 3 deoUte it. 
 
 4 hail u|>. 
 Pa, 45 1. 
 
 a Ex 34. 6. 
 Nu. 14 18. 
 
 5 great in 
 mercy. . 
 
 6 P». 100. 6. 
 Nah. 1. 7. 
 JUt. 5. 45. 
 Act* 14 17. 
 
 e Pa. 19. 1. 
 
 6 a kingdom 
 of rU nkjei. 
 U. 9 7. 
 Dan. 7. 14. 
 
 7 Or, look 
 
 8 Or, merci- 
 ful, or, 
 bountiful. 
 
 d Joliiil4.23. 
 Jam. 4. 3. 
 e John 4. 24. 
 f 1 John 5. 
 
 14. 
 a 1 Pet. 1. 5. 
 
 PSALM 146. 
 
 1 Hallelujah. 
 a U. 2 22. 
 
 2 Or, salva- 
 tion. 
 
 6 Eccl. 12. 7. 
 e 1 Cor 2. 6. 
 d Jer. 17. 7. 
 e Kev. 14. 7. 
 / Alic. 7. 20. 
 
 PSALM 147. 
 "Deu. 30.3. 
 6 18.81.1. 
 Luke 4. 18. 
 
 e Gen. 15. 5. 
 
 Is. 40. 26. 
 d 1 Cor. 18. 
 
 26. 
 e Nah. 1. 3. 
 2 of his un- 
 
 derstand- 
 
 / Ps. 146. 8. 
 9 Eph. 5. 20. 
 
 mighty acts, and the glorious majesty oi 
 his kingdom. 
 
 13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting king- 
 dom, and thy dominion endureth through- 
 out all gentT.itions. 
 
 14 The Lord uphoideth all that tall, and 
 raiseth up all those that be bowed dcnvn. 
 
 15 The eyes of all i wait upon thee; and 
 thou givest them their moat in due seasori. 
 
 16 Thou openest thine h.-md, and satistiest 
 the desire of every living thing. 
 
 17 Tiie Lord is righteous in all his ways, 
 and 8 holy in all his works. 
 
 18 The '^ Lord is nigh unto aU them that 
 call upon him, to all that call upon him *in 
 truth. 
 
 19 He will /fulfil the desire of them that 
 tear him: he also will hear their cry, and 
 will save them. 
 
 20 The Lord " preserveth all them that 
 love him: bat all the wicked will he destroy. 
 
 21 My mouth shall speak the pi;useofthe 
 Lord: and let all flesh bless his holy name 
 for ever and ever. 
 
 PSALM CXLVI. 
 
 1 The psalmist vows pc■r^leltull praises to Ood: S 
 he exhorts not to trust tn man. 6 God is only 
 worthy to be trusted. 
 
 pUAISE 1 ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, 
 
 (> my soul. 
 
 2 While 1 live will I praise the Lord ; I 
 will sing praises unto my God while 1 have 
 any being. 
 
 3 Put "not your trust in princes, nor in 
 the son of man, in whom tliere is no 
 
 2 help. 
 
 4 his* breath goeth forth, he returneth 
 to his earth; in that very day'' his thouglita 
 jieiish. 
 
 o I lappy -^ is he that hxxth the God of Jacob 
 for his help, whose hope is m the LordIus 
 God- 
 
 G VVhich * made heaven and earth, the 
 sea, and aO that therein is; which/keepeth 
 truth for ever; 
 
 7 Whicli executeth judgment for the op- 
 pressed; which dveth foocUo the hungry. 
 The Lord looseth the prisoners: 
 
 8 The LoRD<ipenelh tne eyes of the blind: 
 the Lord raiseth them ihat 'ire bowed 
 down: the Loud loveth the righteous: 
 
 9 The Lord presei-veth the strangers; he 
 relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the 
 way of the wicked he turneth upside 
 down. 
 
 10 The Lord shall reign for ever, even 
 tiiy God, O Zion, unto all generations. 
 Praise ye the Lord. 
 
 PSALM CXLVIL 
 1 The prophet exhm-ts to praise Gvd for his tare 
 
 of the church, 15 his power o^er the eletnents, 19 
 
 and his ordinances given to Israel. 
 pRAISE ye the Lord: for iHs good to 
 -•- sing praises unto our God; for it is 
 pleasant; and praise is comelv. 
 
 2 The Lord doth build up .Jerusalem: " he 
 gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. 
 
 3 He * healeth the broken in heart, and 
 bindeth up their i wounds. 
 
 4 He "telleth the number of the stars; he 
 calleth them all by their names. 
 
 5 Great •* is our Lord, and of great • power: 
 
 3 his understanding is infinite. 
 
 G The/ Lord lifteth up the meek: he 
 casteth the wicked down to the ground. 
 
 7 Sing unto the Lord with " thanksgiving; 
 3 siiii' in-aise upon the harp unto 'lar <;'.il: 
 
 8 Who '' coveretb the heaven with ciouiia, 
 
God's Goodness Extolled. 
 
 PSALMS CXLV-CXLVm. Exlwrfations to Praise God. 
 
 Confidently iniploring God's interposition His power in jroodness to tlie needy, is alone 
 against liis enemies he bre;iks forth into wortl)y of implicit trust. 
 
 praise and joyful anticipations of the pros- 1 1. iCf. Ps. 104. 
 
 3. in whom 
 
 perity of his kingdom, when freed from vain themselves or others iPs. 118 
 
 helv- 
 
 and M icked men 
 1, 2. Cf. Ps. 18. 2, 34, 43, &c., in which most i 
 
 -for 
 Hia 
 
 brf ath— or,spm<, theelementof life, tliovgiits 
 lit., schemes, or plans of life (Ps. l c.;. 5. 
 
 of these terms descriptive of God occvir. .for his lie-p— Kt.. frt /i(s helj). engaged in it 
 My gocduesf— or, mercy, i.e., who shows it to , wlicse bope— or, reliance (Ps. 51. 4.). 6. (iod's 
 me i'Ps. 59. 17.). my people—snbjects. All his l combined power in creation, and faithfulness 
 success, and that of his descendants, includ- 1 to His promise, are good .!^rounds for such 
 ing Christ, over Jews and Gentiles, in the ; confidence. 7. executtih judgnv nt— or. sives 
 
 right decision in the cause of tlie afR.cted, 
 " ' re given 'cf. Ps. 08. 5, 6.). 
 
 the verb is used alii est 
 Blindness, hoth bodily 
 18. 9; 104. 32.). 6. C;ist f.)ith [lit., Lighte7i]\ a,nd mental, may be meant 9. Ihe tliree 
 lightnings,. . .arrows, &e.— d. Ps. 18. 14.). thei>! i classes of sufie^ers here named are specially 
 —the enen.ies, 7., who are now mentioned! provided for in the law cf. Ex. 22. 22; Lev. 
 (cf. Ps. 18. 16, 44, 45.1. wfl-i CVS— calamities, as 1 19. ;.;!.). turneth . . . down- or, makes crooked, 
 Ps. 18. 1 ;1'24. 3, 4. 8.- 
 luding to its use in sm 
 False subjects iPs. 18. 4 i may le meant, 
 (Cf. Ps. 33. 2,3.1. 10. saivaii. n uii;o kings- 
 much more then to people. David i is seivaut 
 — cf. Ps. 143. 2, 12.). 12. Ti at our sons. &c. 
 The result of answered prayer, grown i; 
 
 typical and real kingdom, is solely of God 
 (cf. Mat. 28. 18.). 3, 4. (Cf. 2 Sam. 7. 18; Ps. 8. ! of w honi examples are given 'cf. Ps. 08. 
 4.). Of him.self, man presents no reason for 18. opentth . . . blind- 
 being an object of God's favour. 5. (Cf. Ps. ' solely of the eyes. 
 
 g) t . . . faisehood-al- 1 denoting the infliction of calati.ity, as " mak- 
 aring or bargaining, i ing the way straight," denotes g ving pros- 
 9. j perity. 10. This God is our < ■<([, the God of 
 — his Church, Zion. Let our deJight be in cele- 
 nt I i)ratiii<r 
 
 brating His eternal kuiKloni. Hallelujah. 
 PSALM CLXLVII. 
 Ver. 1-20. Tiiis and the remaining Psalms 
 
 ycuth— or, large, early developing a vigorous ! have been represented as specially designed 
 covistitution. ctrner-stones . . . i&K-vb — or, I to celebrate the rebuilding of Jerusalem (cf. 
 temi'le (cf. Heb.i Ps. .^. 7; 11. 4,), %Uddi were Neh. 0. 16; 12. 27.). 'Jhey all op-n and close 
 specially polished. 13. r.ll ir.;inntr — divers I with the stirring call for praise. This spe- 
 kmds (2 Chr. 16. 14) in succession (cf. Ps. 84. iciall.v declares God's providential care to- 
 7J. streets— -lit., out places, roads, and even Wards all creatures, and particularly His 
 
 fields ;Job,5. lO. . 14. ■ ur oxen ... to labim 
 lit., oiir oxcit burdened, i.e., with leads of 
 produce, bre-'king in, &c.- no invasion, exile, 
 or ovipression. 15. As much as to say. those 
 are in such a state of prosperity whose God 
 is the Lord. 
 
 PSALM CXLV. 
 
 Ver. 1-21. A Psalm of praise to God for 
 His mighty, righteous, and gracious govern- 
 ment of all men, and of His humble and suf- 
 fering people in particular 
 
 1, 2. (Cf. Ps. 30. 1.). bless thy name— cele- 
 brate thy perfections (Ps. 5. 11.1. God is ad- 
 dressed as king, alluding to His government 
 of men. 3. Cf. Ps. 18. 3;48. 1.). greatness— as 
 disi layed in his works. 4. shall declare— ?rt., 
 thiv ihaU declare, i.e.. all generations. 5. I 
 wid spesk— or. muse iPs. 77. 12; 119. 15.). thy 
 w uuroiis works— or, words of thy wonders.-i.e., 
 which describe litem (Ps. 105. 27,), {Marg.''. 
 
 6. terrible acts— which produce dread or tear. 
 
 7. memory— Ps. fi. 5,,, ren:embrance, or what 
 causes to be remembered. liKhtecusness— as 
 Ps. 143. 1. goodness according to covenant 
 engagement. S, 9. (Cf. fs. 103. 8; 111. 4. . over 
 f 11, &c.— rests on all Plis works. 10. bless- 
 as V. 1, t;) praise with reverence, more than 
 merely to praise. 11, 1", The declaration of 
 God's glory is for the extension of his know- 
 ledge and perfections in the world. 13. [VA. 
 Dan. 4. 3, 34.). 14. tCf. Ps. 37. 17; 54. 4.i. 
 15, 16. eyes of . . . thee— or, look with expect- 
 ing faith (Ps. 104. 27, 28.). 17. holy . . . works 
 —lit., merciful or kind, goodness (Ps. 144. 2 
 is the corresponding noun, righteous— in a 
 similar relation of meaning to ri(Jhteo^^sness 
 IV. 7.}. 18,19. ,Cf. Ps. 34. 7,10.). 20. Tiiose 
 who fear i im [v. 19) are those who are here 
 said to love him. 21. Cf. Ps. 33. 21.). all flesh 
 — iPs. Go. 2). Tlie Psalm ends, as it began, 
 with ascriptions of praise, in which the pious 
 vill ever delight to join. 
 
 PSALM CXLVT. 
 
 Ver. 1-10. An exhortation to praise God. _ 
 who, by the gracious and faithfiu exercise of i ascribing creation to God alone, 
 427 ' 
 
 people. 
 
 1. iCf. Ps. 92. 1; 1.35 3.). 2. Cf. Ps. 107. 3; Isa, 
 11. 12.). 3. Though applicaVjJe to the captive 
 Israel tes, this is a general and precious truth. 
 woiDics— (cf. Marii.). 4, 6. God's jx)wer in 
 nature (Isa. 40. 2{)-2>-, and oltenl is presented 
 as a pledge of His pover to help His peoiile. 
 tel'eth...stars— whatnomancando Gon.io.T.;. 
 6. That power is put forth lor the good of the 
 meek and suffering pious, and confusion of 
 the wicked (Ps. 146. 8, 9.). 7-9. His providence 
 supplies bountifully the wild anin;als in 
 their mountain homes. Sing . . . Lord— lit.. 
 A7i.:iver the Lord, i.e., in grateful T>faise to 
 His goodness, thus declared in His acts. 
 10, 11. The advantages afforded, as in war, by 
 the strength of the horse or the agility of 
 man, do riot incline God to favour any; but 
 those who fear and. of course, trust Him, 
 will obtain His approbation and aid. 1 '-14. 
 strengthened . . . gates— or, means of defence 
 against iiivaders. maketh . . . borders — or, 
 territories Gen. 23. 17; Isa. 54. 12.). filleth 
 th'^^e, (tc— (cf. Marg.). 15-18. God's w n-d. as 
 a swiit messenger, executes His pin i t.-e. for 
 with Him to command is to perform ((jen. 1 . 3; 
 Ps. 33. 9,), and He brings about tlie wonders 
 of providence as easily as men cast crumi s. 
 m.orsels--used as lo food (Gen. 18. 6,), perhaps 
 here denotes hail. 19, 20. Tliis mighty ruler 
 and benefactor of heaven and earth is such 
 especially to His chosen people, to whom 
 alone (Deut. 4. 32-34) He has made known 
 His will, while others have been left in dark- 
 ness. Therefore unite in the great hallelujah. 
 PSALM CXLV III 
 
 Ver. 1-14. The scope of this Psalm is the 
 same as of the preceding. 
 
 1. heavens [and] heights— are synonymous. 
 2. hosts— (cf Ps. 103. n. . 4. heavens cf hea- 
 ve s— the very highest, waters— clouds, rest- 
 ing above the visible heavens (cf. Gen. 1.7.). 
 5. praise the name— as representing His per- 
 fections, he commanded— i?t' is emphatic, 
 ~ " " 6. The 
 
Ood fe> he prahed 
 
 rsAi 
 
 JILVUI-CL. for hia greatness mid. ;r^ry. 
 
 who prepareth rain for the earth, who 
 oaaketh j(iass to grow upon the mountains. 
 
 9 lie »giveth to the beast his food, and 
 to J the young ravens wliich cry. 
 
 10He*delighteth notin the stren^h of 
 the horse; he taketh not pleasure m the 
 legs of a man. 
 
 11 The J.onD taketh pleasure in them that 
 fear him, iii those that hope in his mercy. 
 
 12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise 
 thy God, O Zion: 
 
 13 For he hath strengthened the bars of 
 thy gates; he hath blessed thy childi-en 
 within thee. 
 
 14 * He rnaketh peace t)i thy borders, and 
 lilleth thee with » Hit; finest of the wheat. 
 
 15 lie ' seiKleth forth his comniandnient 
 m>on earth: his word runneth very swiitly. 
 
 16 He giveth snow like wool: he scatter- 
 eth the hoar-frost like ashes. 
 
 17 He casteth fortli his ice like morsels: 
 who can stand before Ids cold? 
 
 18 He sendetl) out liis word, and melteth 
 them: he causeth his wind to blow, and 
 the waters flow. 
 
 19 He showeth 6 his word unto Jacob, 
 his "* statutes and hia judgments unto 
 Isi'ael. 
 
 20 He " hath not dealt so wth any nation: 
 and as /or Ais judyTiients, they have not 
 known them. Praise ye the Lord. 
 
 PSALM CXLVIII. 
 i The psalmist calls ufton the celestial, 7 terres- 
 trial. 11 and raticmal creatures, to praise God. 
 pUAlSEiye the Lokd. Praise ye the 
 '■ Lord from the heavens: praise him in 
 the heights, 
 
 2 Praise ye him, all his" angels: praise ye 
 him, all his hosts. 
 
 3 Praise ye him. sun and moon: praise 
 him. all ye stars of light. 
 
 4 Praise him, * ye heavens of heavens, 
 and ye waters that be above the heavens. 
 
 5 Let them praise the name ol the Loud: 
 for " he commanded, and the> were created. 
 
 6 He <* hath also stnlilisiied them for 
 ever and ever: he hath made a decree 
 which shall not pass. 
 
 7 Praise the Lord from the earth, ' ye 
 dragons, and all deeps: 
 
 8 Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; 
 Btorniy wind fultilling his word: 
 
 9 Mountains, / and ail hills ; liuitful trees, 
 and all cedars: 
 
 IG Beasts, and ail cattle; creeping things, 
 and i^tlying fowl: 
 
 PSALM 147. 
 i Job 38. 41. 
 ;• AUt. B. 38. 
 
 A Ho 
 
 .7. 
 
 4 Who rnak- 
 eth thy 
 border 
 
 Is. tiO. 17. 
 
 5 fat of 
 wheat. 
 Deu.a2.14. 
 
 I Job o7. 12. 
 
 6 his words. 
 I>.^u. 3J.2. 
 
 m Mai. 4. 4. 
 n Den. 4.32. 
 
 Acts 14.16. 
 
 Ro. 3. 1 2. 
 
 £ph. 2. 12. 
 
 PSALM 148. 
 
 1 Hallelu- 
 jah. 
 
 a Dan. 7. 10. 
 Heb. 1. 7. 
 
 6 1 KI. 8. 27. 
 
 c Heb. 11.3. 
 
 JJer ;«.25. 
 
 e U. 4.) 20. 
 
 /!•. 49. la. 
 
 ff Acts 17.28. 
 h, U. 12. 4. 
 
 Phil. 2. B. 
 3 eialted. 
 
 PSALM 149. 
 
 1 Hallelu- 
 
 Is. 42. 10. 
 6 Job 65. 10. 
 c Zech. 9. 9. 
 
 2 Or, with 
 the [<i{)e. 
 
 d Pro. 11.20. 
 Zoi.h.3.17. 
 
 3 thr-,.t. 
 
 Den. 7.1,2. 
 
 / Ko Hi 20. 
 
 1 John 6.4. 
 
 PSALM 160. 
 
 2 Or, cornet, 
 o Ex. 16. 20. 
 
 3 Or, pipe. 
 
 11 Kings of the earth, and " all people; 
 princes, and all judges of the earth: 
 
 12 Both young men and maidens; old 
 men, and children: 
 
 13 Let them praise the name of the Lord: 
 for '' his name alone is ^ exeelknt; hia 
 glory is above the earth and heaven. 
 
 14 He alsoexalteth thehoru of his people, 
 the praise of all his saints: even of the 
 children of Israel, » a peojde near unto 
 him. Praise ye the Lord. 
 
 PSALM CXLIX. 
 
 1 The prophet exhorts to praise iJod for his lev* 
 to the church, 6 and the power he has given fei 
 his saints. 
 
 pivAlSE 1 ye the Lord. " Sing unto the 
 -*• Lord a new song, and his praise in the 
 congregation of saints. 
 
 2 Let Israel rejoice in * him that made 
 him: let the childien of Zion be joyful in 
 their* King. 
 
 3 Let them praise his name - in the dance: 
 let them sing praises unto hiin with the 
 timbrel and harp. 
 
 4 For the Lord taketh <* pleasure in his 
 people: he will beautify tne meek with 
 salvation. 
 
 5 Let the saints be joyful in glory: let 
 them sing aloud upon tneir beds. 
 
 6 Ltt the high praises of God be in their 
 8 mouih, and a two-edged swoid in their 
 hand; 
 
 7 To execute vengetince upon the heathen, 
 ajidpunishments upon the people; 
 
 8 To bind their kings witli ch.iins, and 
 their nobles with fetters of iron; 
 
 9 To • execute upon them the judgment 
 written: this/ honour have all his saints. 
 Praise ye the Lord. 
 
 PSALM CL. 
 An exhortation to praise God. 
 
 pilAISE 1 ye the Lord. Praise God in 
 ■*• his sanctuary: praise him in the ftrma- 
 ment of his power. 
 
 2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise 
 him according to his excellent greatness. 
 
 3 Praise lain witii the sound of the 
 
 2 trnnipet: praise him with the psaltery 
 and harp. 
 
 4 Praise him " with the timbrel and 3 dance: 
 praise Imn with * stringed instruments and 
 organs. 
 
 5 i'raise him upon the loud cymbals: 
 praise him upon the high-sounding cymbals. 
 
 6 Let * every thiiit: that hath breath 
 praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lo&d. 
 
 BOOK OF PKOVEEBS. 
 
 CHAPTER L 
 
 1 rse of ihe 2'roverhs. 7 Exhcrttation to fear 
 
 God, and regard parents: 10 to avoid the ettti- 
 
 itign of sinners. 'A> Wisdom eompluins of i'" 
 
 eiHiiempt of seorners. 
 
 fTHE " Proverbs of Solomon the son of 
 -'• I >avid, king of Israel ; 
 
 2 To know wisdom and instniction; to 
 perceive the words of understanding ; 
 
 3 To 6 receive the instniction of wisdom, 
 justice, and judginent, and i equity; 
 
 4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the 
 young man knowledge and 2 discretion. 
 
 * 428 
 
 CRAP. 1. 
 
 a 1 Ki.4.32, 
 ich. 2. 1. 
 
 1 r^uities. 
 
 2 (Jr. ad- 
 viaemeot. 
 
 3 Or, an 
 eloquent 
 speech. 
 
 4 Or, the 
 principal 
 part. 
 
 b ao adding. 
 
 5 A wise mar^ will hear, and will increa"!* 
 learning; and a man of understanding shall 
 attain unto wise counsels: 
 
 6 To understand a proverb, and 3 the in- 
 teniretation ; the words of the wise, and 
 their dark sayiut.'S. 
 
 7 \ 1 lie le.u of t.he Lord is * the besin- 
 uing ot kiios\ lL-i!ge:t>tttfoui8 despise wisdoui 
 and iiistractioD. 
 
 8 My son, hear the instniction of tliy 
 father, and forsake not the law of thy 
 mo'-lur: 
 
 9 i or they shaiJL 6e & an ornament of grace 
 
PSALMS CXLIX. CL. 
 
 Praise GoU. 
 
 Exhortations to . 
 
 perpetuity of the frame of nature is, of course, or. sing and play, 4. taketh pleasure— M^^ 
 subject to Hitu who formed it. a decree . . . accepts, alludin;^ to accei>tance of propitia- 
 pass— His ordinances respecting them shall tory ott'erin{:s icf. Ps. 7. IS.;, beautify, (fee- 
 not change Jer. 30. ;sl,), or perish (Job, 34. adorn the humble with taith, hope, joy, and 
 20; Pa. ;i7. 3G.). 7-10. The call on the earth, as peace. 5. in g.ory— the honourable condition 
 opposed to heaven, includes seas or depUis, to wliich they are raised, upon their beds— 
 whose inhabitants, the dragon, as one of the once a place of mourning (Ps. 6. 0.!. 6. ligh 
 largest (cf. on leviathan. Ps, 104. 26.), is se- (pruscs)— or, deeds. They shall go forth as 
 lected to reia-esent. The most destructive religious warriors, as once religious laiiour- 
 andungovernableagents of inanimate nature ers iNeh. 4. 17.). 7. The destruction of the 
 are introduced, tulfilliiig his v/ord— or, law, 1 incorrigibly wicked attends the propagation 
 may be understood of each. ^Jext the most of God's truth, so that the military successes 
 
 discinguished productions of the vegetable "" ' " ' 
 
 world, irui'.ful trees— or. trees of fruit, as 
 opposed to forest trees. Wild and domestic, 
 large and small, animals are comprehended. 
 11, 12. Next all rational beings, from the 
 highest in rank to little children, princes— 
 or, ndlitary leaders. 13. Let them— all men- 
 tioned, excellent- or, exalted (Isa, 12. 4.), 
 his g oiY— majesty [Fs. 45. 3.). above ... heaven 
 —their united splendours fail to match His. 
 14, exalteth the horu— established power (Ps. 
 lb. 5. C). praise of [or lit., for\ nis saints— i.e., 
 occasions for them to praise Him. Tliey are 
 further described as His people, and near 
 Him, sustaining by covenanted care a pecu- 
 liarly intimate relation. 
 
 PSALM CXLIX, 
 
 Ver. 1-9. This P.-alm sustains a close con- 
 nection with the foregoing. The chosen 
 people are exhorted to praise God. in view- 
 of past favours, and also future victories 
 over enemies, of wMch they are impliedly 
 assured, 
 
 1. (Cf. Ps. 96. 1.). 2, God had signalised His 
 relation as a sovereign, in restormg them to 
 their land. 3. in the dance— (Ps. 30. 11.), The 
 dance is connected with other terms, expres- 
 sive of the great joy of the occasion. Tlie 
 •word may be rendered lute, to which the 
 other ins truments are joined, sing praises— 
 
 of the Jews, after the captivity, typified the 
 triumphs of the gospel, 9. the ju.^gn ent 
 wii; ten— either in God's decrees, or perhaps 
 as Dent. 32. 41-43. this honour- i.e., to be 
 thus employed, wiU be an honourable ser- 
 vice, to be assigned his saints— or, godly 
 ones (Ps, 16, 3,j, 
 
 PSALM CL. 
 
 Ver, 1-6. This is a suitable doxologyfor 
 the whole book, reciting the "place, theme, 
 mode, and extent" of God's high praise. 
 
 1. inhissaictuary— onearth. fixinameut, &c. 
 —wliich illustrates His power. 2. mighty 
 acts— (Ps, 145. 4.). excell'int greatness— or, 
 abundance of greatness, 3, 4. The trumpet 
 was used to caU religious assemblies; the 
 oroan, or pipe, a wind instrument, and the 
 orhers were used in worship. 5. cymbals 
 —suited to loud praise (Neh. 12. 27.). 6. 
 Living voices shall take up the f.^il- 
 ing ,s0uni>s of dead instruments, and 
 as they cease on earth. those op in- 
 telligent ransomed spirits and holy 
 angels. as with the soi?nd of mighty 
 thunders, "will prolong, eternally, 
 THE PRAISE, saying: "Alleluia! Salva- 
 tion, AND GLORY, AND HONOUR, AND 
 POWER, UNTO THE LORD OUR GoD;" "AL- 
 LELUI.V! FOR THE LoRD GOD OMNIPOTENT 
 REIGNETH," AMEN! 
 
 THE BOOK OF PROVERBS. 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 T.-THE NATURE AND USE OF PROVERBS.-A proverb is a pithy sentence, concisely ex- 
 pressing some well-e.-iiablished truth, su ceptible of various illustrations and appli -ations. The word 
 is of Latin derivJition. literally meining/'r a word, speech, or discourse, i.e., one expression for many. 
 The Heb. word lor proverb, (mashal) means a comparit^on. Jlany suppose it was used, because 
 the form or matter of tlie proverb, or botli, involved ihe idea of comparison. Most of the proverbs 
 are in couplets or triplfts, or some modifications of them, the members of which correspond in 
 structure and length, a. if arranged to be compared one with another. They illustrate the varieties 
 of paralicli.vm, a distins^uishing feature of Seb. poetry, cf. Intr. to Poetical Books. Many also 
 clearly involve the idea of comparison in the sentiments expressi'd, (cf. ch. 12. 1-10 ; "25. 10-15 ; 26. 
 1-9.). Sometimes, however, the designed omis,<ion of one member of the comparison, exercising the 
 reader's pa^acity or study for its supply, presents the proverb as a "riddle" or "dark saying," (c*. 
 ch, 30. 15-3S ; 1. 6; Ps. 49. 4.), The j-ententious form of expression, which thus became a marked 
 feature of the proverbial style, was also adopted forcontiniious discourse, even when not always pre- 
 serving traces of comparison, either in form or matter, (cf chs 1-9.). InEz, 17, 1 ; 24. 8, we find the 
 same word pr-perly translated parable, to designate an illu.-;trative discourse. Then the Or. 
 translators have used a word, parabola, (parable), whieVi the gi'-spel writers (except John) emplov for 
 our Lord's discourses of the same character, and which also seems to involve the idea of comparison, 
 though that may not be its primary meannie. It micht. seem, therefore, that the proverbial and 
 parabolic styles of writing were originallv and essentially the same. T\\eproverb is a " concentrated 
 parable, and the p.Trable an e.xleusion of the proverb by a full illustration." The proverb is tiius the 
 moral, or heme of a paiaMe. w hioh sometimes prece les it as I\[at, 19. ;?() ; (cf. ch. 20. 1 ) : or succeeds 
 it, as Mat. 22. 1-16 ; l.uk". 15. llu. This style I'emg poeticnl, ami ad-ipted to theexprcs-ion of a high 
 order of poetical sent meut, such as piopliecy, we find the same term used to designate such eoja- 
 positiohs, (cf. Num. 23. 7 ; Mic. 2. 4 j Hab. 8, 6.), 
 
fnslrucfAovs, promises. 
 
 onto thy head, and chains about thy 
 tiecK. 
 
 10 1! My son, if sinners entice thee, "con- 
 sent thou not. 
 
 11 If they Bay, Come with us. let us <* lay 
 wait foi- blooil, let us hn-k privily for the 
 innocent without cause: 
 
 12 Let us swallow them up alive as the 
 grave ; and whole. * as those that go down 
 into the pit: 
 
 13 Vv'e shall find all preiious substance, 
 we shall till our houses with spoil: 
 
 14 Cast in thy lot among us ; let us all 
 have one purse: 
 
 15 My son, /walk, not thou in the way 
 with them ; retrain thy loot from their 
 path: 
 
 16 For " their feet run to evil, and make 
 haste to shed blood: 
 
 17 (Surely in vain the net is spread 6 in 
 the sight of any bird:) 
 
 18 And they lay wait for their ou'n blood; 
 they luik privily for their own lives. 
 
 19 So " <ire the ways of eiery one that is 
 preedy or' t^ain ; ivhich taketh away the 
 life of the owners thereof. 
 
 20 H 7 ^Visdom crieth without; she utter- 
 eth her voice in the streets: 
 
 21 She crieth in the cnief place of con- 
 coiu-se, iij the oiienings ot the pxtes: in the 
 city she utte;-eth licr words, saijing, 
 
 22 How loiiK. ye sunple ones, will ye love 
 eimplicity ? and the sconicrs delight hi 
 their scuriiing, and fools hate knowledge? 
 
 23 Tum you at jjiy reproof: behold.' « I 
 will pour out my Spirit unto you, I will 
 Difike kiio^Ti my words unto you. 
 
 24 H Jiecuuse } I have called, and ye re- 
 fused : I have stretched out my hand, and 
 no mail regarded; 
 
 25 But ye * have set at nought all my 
 counsel and would none of my reproof: 
 
 26 1 also will laugh at your calamity; I 
 will mock when your fearcometh; 
 
 27 When your tear cometh as desolation, 
 and your destruction cometh as a whirl- 
 wind; when distress and anguish cometh 
 opou you. 
 
 28 Then ' shall they call upon me, but I 
 U'ill not answer; they sliall seek me early, 
 but they stiall not find me: 
 
 29 For that they "' hated knowledge, and 
 did not choose the fear of the Lord: 
 
 30 They wnuld none of my counsel ; they 
 desT'ised all my reproof: 
 
 31 Therelore " shall they eat of the fruit 
 of their nwn way, and be filled with their 
 own devices. 
 
 32 For the 8 taming away of the simple 
 shall slay them, and the prosperity of 
 fools shall destroy them. 
 
 33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall 
 dwell sal'ely, and shall be quiet from fear 
 of evil. 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 1 Wis<1om ■promises godliness to her children, 10 
 protection from evil company, 'JO and direction 
 in good woys. 
 
 TVTY son, if thou wilt receive my words, 
 •*■ -^ and hide my commandments with 
 thee; 
 
 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto 
 wisdom, arui apply thine heart to under- 
 Btandiiig- 
 
 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and 
 1 liftcsl up thy voice for understanding; 
 
 4 If " tliou seekest her as silver, and 
 aesf chest for her as /or hid treasures: 
 
 129 
 
 FRO VERBS. XT 
 
 B. C. lUOi), 
 
 m. 
 
 and hevfififr of wisdom. 
 
 CHAP. I 
 
 ' Gen. 33. 7. 
 
 Eph. !j. n 
 
 21. 
 
 Col. 2.2,3. 
 i Joel 2. 28. 
 
 John 7. a?. 
 
 j Is. be. 4. 
 
 Jer. 7. 13. 
 
 Zcch. 7.11. 
 *Lu. 7. 30. 
 I Job i.'7. 9. 
 
 1». 1. 16. 
 
 Jer. 14. 12. 
 
 Ezek.S.lS. 
 
 Mic. 3. 4. 
 
 Jam. 4. 3. 
 »" Job 21.14. 
 n Is. 3. 11. 
 8 Or. ease of 
 
 CHAP. 2. 
 1 giveet thy 
 
 voice. 
 " Met. 13.44. 
 6 1 Kir. 3.9. 
 
 c I's. 84.'ir 
 d 1 Sa. 2. 9. 
 e ch. (i 22. 
 /.r..l,u3. 19. 
 
 tl.h. 4. 18. 
 y .Mai 2 14. 
 h (ien. 2. 24. 
 t Ecel. 7 26. 
 
 ili.b. 13 4. 
 ; H. b. B. 12. 
 2Ur, plucked 
 
 up. 
 
 CHAP. 3 
 
 a Dou. KO.ie 
 1 years of 
 
 Lu. 2 52. 
 Acts 2. 47. 
 Ko. 14. 18. 
 2 Or, good 
 
 e Jor. 
 /ICh 
 
 ft Ho 12. 16. 
 
 3 medicine. 
 
 4 watering, 
 or, moig- 
 
 i Ex. 23] 19. 
 
 Mai. 3. 10. 
 ,;• Dou. 28. 8. 
 Ic Job 5. 17. 
 
 I!*b. 12. 5. 
 
 B«v. 3. 19. 
 
 5 Thru shalt thow undersi.itiU fij^- :l;ir <if 
 the Luun, and find th.- ki/nwledtrc ut God. 
 
 6 For '' tlie Lord gi\eth wisduiu: out of 
 his mouth cometh knowledge and under- 
 standing. 
 
 7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the 
 righteou.i: ' ht is a buckler to them that 
 w;ilk uprightly. 
 
 8 He keepith The paths of judtTTient, and 
 pvesrrvtth ^ tlie w:iy of his 'saints. 
 
 9 Then sh.iit thou uiiuerstand ri:;l;teous- 
 ness. and judgment, and equity ; i/ta. every 
 good path. 
 
 10 ^ When wisdom entereth uito thine 
 heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy 
 soul; 
 
 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, ' under- 
 standing shall keep thee: 
 
 12 To deUver tliee from the way of the 
 e-vil man, trom the man that speaketh fro- 
 ward things; 
 
 13 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to 
 walk / in the ways of darkness ; 
 
 14 Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in 
 the frowavduessof the wicked; 
 
 15 Whose v.ays are crooked, and they 
 frowiird in their paths: 
 
 16 To deliver thee from the strange 
 woman, even from the stranger wliich flat- 
 tereth with her words ; 
 
 17 Wliich s forsaketh the guide of her 
 youth, and forgetteth the '' covenant of her 
 God. 
 
 18 For her house inclineth mito death, 
 and her paths unto the dead. 
 
 19 None < that go unto her return again, 
 neither take they hold of the paths of 
 life. 
 
 20 That thou mayest> walk in the way of 
 good men, and keep the paths of the 
 righteous. 
 
 21 For the upright shall dwell in the 
 land, and the pertect shall remain in it. 
 
 22 But theui'kcd shall be cut otf from 
 
 the earth, an., ihe tian rcssois shall be 
 
 2 rooted out ol' it. 
 
 CHARTER III. 
 1 Exhortation to obediiiice, b faith. 1 mortifca- 
 
 tiim, 9 devotion, i 1 patience. 13 Happy gain of 
 
 wisdom. 
 TVTY son, forget not my law; " but let 
 ■*■ thine heait keep my coniniandnients: 
 
 2 For len^h of days, and i long life, and 
 peace, shall they add to thee. 
 
 3 Let not mercy and truth forsHke thee: 
 bind *them about thy neck; * write them 
 upon the table of thine heait: 
 
 4 So <^ Shalt thou find favour and 2 good 
 understanding in the sight of God and 
 man. 
 
 5 11 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; 
 and * lean not unto thine own understand- 
 ing. 
 
 6 In /all thy ways acknowledge him, and 
 he shall » direct thy paths. 
 
 7 Be '' not wise in thine own eyes: fear the 
 Lord, and depart from evil. 
 
 8 It shall be ^ health to thy navel, aei^ 
 4 maiTow to thy bones. 
 
 9 Ilonoiu- » the Lord with thy substam .» 
 and with the first-truits of all thine iki. 
 crease: 
 
 10 So } shall thy bams be filled with 
 plenty, and thy presses shall Ijinst out 
 with new wine. 
 
 11 H iMy son, * despise not the ciiastening 
 of the Lord; neither be weary of his cor- 
 rection: 
 
TNTRODtrCTIOTT— PE0VEEB3. 
 
 Though the Beb. used the same term for proverb and parable, the Or. employs two, though 
 the sacred writers have not always appeared to recognise a distinction. The term for proverb ia, 
 paroimia, which the Or. translators employ for the title of this book, evi'lently with special refer- 
 ence to the later detinition of a proverb, as a trite se tentious form of speech, which appears to bo 
 the best meaning of the term. John uses the same term to designate our Saviour's instructions, in 
 view of their characteristic obscurity, (cf. ch. 16. '25-'29, Gr.), and even for his illustrative discourses, (ch. 
 30. 6,), whose sense was not at once obvious to all his hearers. This form of instruction was weU 
 adapted to aid the learner. The parallel structure of sentences, the repetition, contrast, or compari- 
 son of thought, were all calculated to facilitate the efforts of memory ; and precepts of practical wisdom, 
 ■which extended into logical discourses, might have faikd to make abiding impressions, by reason oi 
 their length or complicated character, were thus compressed into pithy, and, for the most pare, very 
 plain statements. Such a mode of instruction hasdistinguished the written or traditional literature 
 of all nations, and was, and still is, peculiarly current in the East. 
 
 In this book, however, we are supplied with a proverbial wisdom commended by the seal of di- 
 vine inspiration. God has condescended to become our teacher on the practical affairs belonging to 
 all the relations of life. He has adapted His instruciion to the plain and unlettered, and presented, 
 in this striking and impressive method, the great principles of duty to Him and to our fellow-men. 
 To the prime motive of all right conduct, the fear of God, are added all lawful and subordinate in- 
 centives, such as honour, interest, love, fear, and natural affection. Besides the terror excited by au 
 apprehension of God's justly provoked judgments, we are warned against evil-doing by the exhihitiou 
 Of the inevitable temporal results of impiety, injustice, profligacy, idleness, laziness, iuiiolence, drunk- 
 enness, and debauchery. To the rewards of true piety which follow in eternity, are promised thp 
 peace, security, love, and approbation of the good, and the comforts of a clear conscience, which 
 render this lite truly happy. 
 
 II.-lIVSPlRATiUN AND AUTHORSHIP.-With no important exception, Jewish and 
 Christian writers have received this book as the inspired production of Solomon. It is the first 
 book of ihe Bible prefaced by the name of the author. The N. T. abounds with citations from the 
 Proverbs. Its intrinsic excellence commends it to us as the production of a hiu'her authority than 
 the apocryphal writings, such as Wisdom or Ecclesiasticus. Solomon lived 500 years before the 
 " seven wise men" of Greece, and 700 before the age of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. It is thus 
 very evident, whatever theory of his sources of knowledge be adopted, that he did no- draw upon 
 any heathen repositories with vhich we are acquainted. It is far more probable, that by the vari- 
 ous migrations, captivities, and dispersions of the Jews, heathen pliilotopliers drew from this in- 
 spired fountain many of those streams, which continue to refresh mankind amidst the otherwise 
 barren and parched deserts of profane literature. 
 
 As, however, the Psalms are ascribed to David, because he was the leading author, so the a8« 
 cription of this book to Solomon, is entirely consistent with the titles of chs. :;Oand ai, which as- 
 sign those chapters to Agur and Lemuel respectively. Of these persons we know nothing. This ia 
 not the place for discussing the various speculations respeeting them. By ■• slightcliange of reading 
 some propose to translate cli. 30. 1 : "The words of Agur, the son of her, who was obeyed, (i.e. the 
 Queen of) Massa ; and ch. 31. 1 : " The words of Lemuel, king of Massa ;" but to this the earlies! ver* 
 Sions are contradictory, and nothing other than the strongest exegetical necessity ought to be allowed 
 to justify a departure from a well established reading and version, when' nothing useful to our 
 knowledge is gained. It is better to confess iguorauce than indulge in useless conjectures. 
 
 It is probable t.'.at out of the "three thousand proverbs" (1 Ki. 4. 32,), which Solomon spoke, he 
 selected aud edited chs. 1-24., during his life. Chs. 25-29. were also of his production, and copied out 
 in the days of llezekiah, by his "men," perhaps, the prophets Isaiah, Hosea, and Micah. Such a 
 work was evidently in the spint of this pious monarch, who set his iieart so fully on a reformatioa 
 of God's worship. Learned men have endeavoured to establish the theory that Solomon himself was 
 only a collector ; or that the other parts of the book, as these chapters, were also selections by later 
 hands ; but the reasons adduced to maintain these views have never appeared so satisfactory as to 
 change the usual opinions on the subject, which have the sanction of the most ancient and reliable 
 authorities. 
 
 III.— DIVISIONS OP THE BOOK.— Such a work is, of course, not susceptible of any lo- 
 gical aualysis. There are, however, some well-defined marks of division, so that very generally, the 
 book is divided into five or six parts. 
 
 1. The first contains.nine chapters, in which are discussed and enforced by illustration, admoni- 
 tion, and encouragement, the principles and blessines of wisdom, and the pernicious schemes and 
 practices oi sinful persons. These chapters are introductory. With few specimens of the proper 
 proverb, they are distinguished by its concisenefis aud terseness. The sentences follow very strictly 
 the form of parallehsm ; and generally of the synonymous species, only forty of the synthetic, and 
 four (ch . 3. 32-35) of the antithetic appearing. The style is ornate, the figures bolder and fuller, and 
 the illustrations more striking and extended. _ _,. i- ■ , , 
 
 2. The antithetic and synthetic parallelism, to the exclusion of the synonymous, distinguish chs. 
 10-22. 16, aud the verses are entirely unconnected, each con aiiiing a comi>lefe sense in itself. _ 
 
 3. Chs. 22. 16,-24. , present a series of admonitions as if addressed to a pupil, and generally each topie 
 occupies two or more verses. ^ . ... 
 
 4. Chs. 25-29. are entitled to be regarded as a distinct portion, for the reason above given, as to its 
 Origin. The style is very much mixed ; of the peculiarities, of. parts 2 and 3. 
 
 5. Ch. 30. is peculiar, not only for its authorship, but as a specimen of the Kind of proverb, whicn 
 has been descriljed as "dark sayings" or "riddles." . i. • • ■ . , 
 
 6 To a le-.v pregnant, but concise admonitions, suitable for a king, is added a most inim.itabl6 
 portraiture of female character. In both parrs, 5 and 6, the distinctive peculiarity of the original 
 proverbial style gives place to the modifications already mentioned, as markiiiKa later composition, 
 thouch both retain the concise and nervaus method of Btatiug WUtli, equally valuable for its deep 
 impression, aud permanent retention by the memory, 
 429 
 
TJie excellency and benefits 
 
 PROVERBS, IV. 
 
 of true wifrJom. 
 
 12 For whom the Lord loveth he correct- 
 eth, ' even as a lather the son in whom he 
 delighteth 
 
 la If Happy is the man tfi/jt tindeth wis- 
 dom, an ' " 
 Standing 
 
 6 the man tJtat getteth under- 
 
 14 For "» the merchandise of it is better 
 than the merchandise of silver, and the 
 gain thereof than fine gold. 
 
 15 She is more precious than rubies: and 
 ail " the tilings thou canst desire are not 
 to be comnare<i unto her. 
 
 16 Lengtn " of days is in her right hand; 
 avd in her left hand riches and honom\ 
 
 17 Her P ways are ways of pleasantness, 
 and all her paths are peace. 
 
 18 She is « a tree of life to them that lay 
 told upon her; and happy is every oiie that 
 retaineth her. 
 
 ly The '■ Lord by wisdom hath founded 
 the earth; by understanding liath he 6 es- 
 talilished the heavens. 
 
 20 By his knowledge the depths are broken 
 cp, and ' the clouds drop down the dew. 
 
 21 % My son, let not thtin depart from 
 thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discre- 
 tion: 
 
 22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and 
 grace to thy neck. 
 
 2o Then shalt tliou walk in thy way safely, 
 and thy foot shall not stumble. 
 
 i!4 AVhen * thou liest down, thou shalt not 
 be afraid; yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy 
 Bleep shall be sweet. 
 
 25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of 
 the desolation of the wicked, when it 
 Cometh. 
 
 26 For the Lord shall be thy confi- 
 dence, and shaU keep thy foot from being 
 taken. 
 
 27 H Withhold " not good from v them to 
 whom it is due, when it is in the power of 
 thine hand to do it, 
 
 28 Say " not unto thy neighbour. Go, and 
 come again, and to-morrow I will give; 
 when thou hast it by thee. 
 
 29 8 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, 
 seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. 
 
 30 Strive *" not with a man without cause, 
 if he have done thee no harm. 
 
 31 H Envy thou not 9 the oppressor, and 
 choose none of his ways. 
 
 32 i'or the froward is abomination to the 
 Lord: but his secret is with the righte- 
 ous. 
 
 33 The * curse of the Lord is in the house 
 of the wicked: but ^ he blesseth the habi- 
 tation of til e just. 
 
 34 Surely * he scorneth the scorners: but 
 lie giveth gi-ace unto the lowly. 
 
 35 The ° wise shall inherit glory: but 
 shame ^^ shall be the promotion of fools. 
 
 CHAPTEii IV. 
 
 1 Solomon, to %>eisuatle obedience, 3 shotus what 
 
 instruction he had of his parents. 
 
 TTEAK, " ye children, the instruction of a 
 •*--'- lather, and attend to know understand- 
 
 , C. 1(XKJ. 
 
 Ing. 
 2F( 
 
 '"or I give you good doctrine, forsake ye 
 Dot my law. 
 
 3 For 1 was my father's son, * tender and 
 onlv beloved in the sight of my mother. 
 
 4 lie * taught me also, and said unto me. 
 Let thine heart retain my words: keep my 
 commandments, and live. 
 
 R Get wisdom, get imderstanding : forget 
 it not; neither decline Irom tlie wortis of 
 my muuilh 
 
 CHAP. 8. 
 
 I Deu. 8. 6. 
 
 5 the mim 
 that draw- 
 ethoutun- 
 der«tanii- 
 
 ♦»jSi.28.13. 
 
 Mat. 13.44. 
 
 1 Tim. 4. 8. 
 ^ Mat. 11.29. 
 9 Gen. 2. 9. 
 r John 1. 3. 
 
 Heb. 1, 2. 
 
 « Deu. 33.28. 
 
 t Lev. 20. 6. 
 
 « Horn. 13. 7. 
 
 Gal. 6. 10. 
 
 7 theowneri 
 thereof. 
 
 « Lev. 19.13, 
 
 8 Or, Prac- 
 tise no 
 evil. 
 
 I* Ro. 12. 18, 
 
 9 a man of 
 
 aZech. 5.4. 
 
 Mai. 2. 2. 
 P Ps. 1. 3. 
 » Jam. 4. 6. 
 
 1 Vet. 5. 6. 
 « Dan. 12. 2. 
 
 10 exalteth 
 the fook. 
 
 CHAP. 4. 
 « Ps. 34. 11. 
 b 1 Chr. 29.1 
 
 « Mat. 13. 44, 
 Lu. 10. 42. 
 / 1 Sa. 2. 30. 
 1 Or, she 
 
 with a 
 
 glory. 
 9 Ps. 1«. 36. 
 h Pa. 91.11. 
 t iMat. 6. 14. 
 
 Phil. 2. 15. 
 J 2 Sa. 23. 4. 
 ■ 1 Sa. 2. 9. 
 
 John 12 35. 
 
 2 medicine. 
 
 3 above oU 
 keeping. 
 Mar. 13.33. 
 
 4 froward- 
 
 , of 
 
 1 Cor. 15. 
 S3. 
 
 Eph. 4. 29. 
 
 6 Or, all thy 
 
 ways shall 
 
 be ordered , 
 
 I iT.'i. II 
 
 CHAP. 6. 
 a Aial a 7. 
 
 1 palate, 
 Ps. 55. 21. 
 
 b £«!. 7. ». 
 e Heb. 4. 12. 
 d Reb. 13. 4. 
 
 2 try 
 
 6 Forsake her not, and she .shall pre- 
 serve thee: <* love her, and she shall keep 
 thee. 
 
 7 Wisdom ' is the principal thing; there- 
 fore get wisdom: and with all thy getting 
 get understanding. 
 
 ^ Exalt/ her, and she shall promote thee; 
 she shall biing thee to honour, when thoa 
 dost embrace tier. 
 
 9 She shall give to thine head an orna- 
 ment of grace: i a crown of glory shall she 
 deliver to thee. 
 
 10 Hear, O my son, and receive my say- 
 ings; and the years of thy life shall be 
 many. 
 
 11 1 have taught thee in the way of wisdom ; 
 
 1 have led thee in right paths. 
 
 12 When thou goest, ^ thy steps shall not 
 be sti aitened ; '<■ and when thou runnest, 
 thou shalt not stumble. 
 
 13 Take fast hold of histruction; let Aer 
 not go: keep her; for she is thy life. 
 
 14 11 Enter not into the path of the wicted. 
 and go not in the way ot evil ^nen. 
 
 15 Avoid it, pass not by it, tvun from it, 
 and pass away. 
 
 16 For thej sleep not, except they have 
 done mischief; and their sleep is taken 
 awav, unless they cause some to fall. 
 
 17 i'or they eat the bread of wickedness, 
 and drink the wine of violence. 
 
 18 But « the path of the just.' is as the 
 shining light, that shineth more and more 
 unto the perfect day. 
 
 19 The * way of the wicked is as darkness ; 
 they know not at what they stumble. 
 
 20 ^ My son, attend to my words; incline 
 thine ear unto my sayings: 
 
 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; 
 keep them in the rnidst of thine heart: 
 
 22 For they are lile unto those that find 
 them, and 2 health to all their flesh. 
 
 23 ^ Keep thy heart 3 with all diligence; 
 for out of It are the issues of life. 
 
 24 Put away from thee * a froward mouth, 
 and peneise lips put far from thee, 
 
 25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let 
 thine eyelids loolc straight before thee. 
 
 26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and 5 let 
 all thy ways be established. 
 
 27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the 
 left: ' remove thy foot from evil. 
 
 CHAPTER V, 
 1 Bolomoti exhorts to study wisdom: 3 mischief 
 
 of whoredom and riot.- 15 he exhorts to conten- 
 
 tedness, liberality, and chastity. 
 "M Y son, attend unto my wisdom, and 
 •^ -^ bow thine ear to my understanding; 
 
 2 That thou mayest regard discretion, and 
 that thy lips may " keep knowledge. 
 
 3 IT For the lips of a strange woman drop 
 as an honey-comb, and her 1 mouth is 
 smoother than oil: 
 
 4 But her end is * bitter as wormwood, 
 sharp " as a two-edged sword. 
 
 5 Her feet go down <* to death; her steps 
 take hold on hell. 
 
 6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of 
 life, her ways are moveable, that thou 
 canst not know them. 
 
 7 Hear me no^v therefore, ye children, 
 and depart not irom the words of my 
 mouth. 
 
 8 Remove thy way far from her, and come 
 not nigh the door of her house ; 
 
 9 ] ,est thou give thine honour unto others, 
 and tii.k years unto the cruel; 
 
 10 Lest strauijers be liiled with * ih$ 
 
Design of the Booh TROYE R BS. I. II. Complaint of Wisdom. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 11. 49.). Others think that wisdom, as the 
 ver. 1-33. After the title the writer de- divine attribute specially employeii in acts of 
 fines the design and nature of the instruc- counsel and admonition, is here personified, 
 tions of the book. He paternally invites and represents God. In either case, the ad- 
 attention to those instructions, and warns dress is a most solemn and divine adnioni- 
 his readers against the enticements of the tion, whose matter and spirit is eminently 
 wicked. In a beautiful personification. Wis- evangelical and impressive cf. note on 
 dom is then introduced, in a niost solemn ch. 8.). 20. Wisdom— K(., irisdoms, the plural 
 and impressive manner, publicly inviting used either because of the unusual sense, 
 men to receive its teachings, warning those or as indicative of the great excellency 
 who reject, and encouraging those whoac- of wisdom (cf. ch. 9. 1.). streets— or, most 
 
 cept, the proftered instructions. 
 
 public places, not secretly. 21. The publicity 
 
 1-4. (Cf. Irdr. I.), To know . . . instruction further indicated by terms designating places 
 lit.. For knowing, i.e., such is the design of of most common resort. 22. simple ones— 
 these wiiiings. wisdom— or. the use of the,(cf. v. 4.). simplicitv— implying ignorance, 
 best means tor the best ends, is generally | scorners—(Ps. h IJ, who despise, as well as 
 employed in this book for true piety, in- reject, truth, fools— though a different word 
 Btriiction — discipline, by which men are is used from that of v. 7, vet it is of the same 
 trained, to verceive [lit., for perceiving, the meaning. 23. reproof— implying conviction, 
 design as above)! ... understanding — i.e.. ! deserving it (cf. John, 16. 8, Marg.). pour 
 words which enable oneto discern good and out— abundantly impart, my Spirit— whether 
 evil. To receive ... of wisdom— For receiving i of Wisdom personitied. or of Clirist, a divine 
 that discipline which discretion imparts, agent. 24. stretched . . . hand — earnestness. 
 The Heh. lor wisdom differs from that ot v. 2, especially in beseeching, is denoted by the 
 and denotes rather discreet counsel. Cf. the [figure (cf. Job. 11. 13; Ps. 68. 31; 88. 9.) 25. 
 
 opposite traits of the fool (ch. 16. 22.). jus- 
 tice . . . equity— all the attributes of one, up- 
 right in aU his relations to God and man. 
 simple— one easily led to good or evil; so 
 the parallel young man— one inexperienced. 
 subtilty — or, prudence, (ch. 3. 21; 5. 2.i. 
 discretion— iif., device, botn qualities, either 
 good or bad, according to their use. Here 
 good, as they imply wariness by which to 
 escape evil and find good. 5, 6. Such writ- 
 ings, the wise, who pursue right ends by 
 right means, will value, learning— not the 
 act. but matter of it. wise counsels— or, the 
 art and principles of governing. To under- 
 stand—so as to . . . such will be the result. 
 Intel pretation—(cf. Marg.). words of the wise— 
 (cf. V. 2.). dark sayings— (cf. Ps. 49. 4- John. 16. 
 25; and Intr. I.). 7. The fear of the Lord— The 
 principle of true piety (cf. ch. 2. 6; 14. 26, 
 27; Job. 28 28; Ps. 34. 11; 111. 10; Acts, 9. 31.). 
 beginning- first part, foundation, fools— the 
 stupid and indifferent to God's character 
 and government; hence the wicked. 8. My 
 son— This paternal form denotes a tender re- 
 gard for the reader. Filial sentiments rank 
 next to piety towards God, and insure most 
 distinguished rewards (cf. ch. 6. 20; Eph. 6. 
 2, 3.). On the figures of v. 9. cf. Gen. 41. 42; 
 Sol. ijong, 1. 10; 4. 9. 10-19. A solemn warn- 
 ing against temptation. 10. entice— Jit., open 
 the ivay. consent . . . not— sin is in consent- 
 ing or yielding to temptation, not in being 
 tempted. 11-14. Murder and robbery are 
 given as specific illustrations, lay wait . . . 
 lurk privily— express an effort and hope for 
 successful concealment, swallow . . . grave- 
 utterly destroy the victim and traces of the 
 crime (Num. 16. 33; Ps. 55, 15.). Abundant 
 rewards of villany are promised as the fruits 
 of this easy and safe course. 15, 16. The 
 society of the wicked (way, or path) is dan- 
 gerous. Avoid the beginnings of sin (ch. 
 4. H; Ps. 1. l; 119. 101.). 17-19. Men warned 
 oxight to escape danger, as birds instinctively 
 avoid visibly spread nets. But stupid sin- 
 ners rush to their own ruin (Ps. 9. 16.), and, 
 greedy of gain, succeed in toe very schemes 
 which destroy them (1 Tim. 6. 10,), not only 
 failing to catch others, but procuring their 
 own destruction. 20-33. Some interpreters 
 regard this .address as the language oftne Son 
 oi God under the name of Wisdom (cf.Luke. 
 
 set at nought— rejected as of no value, would 
 none ol—Ut., were not. willing or inclined to it. 
 26, 27. In their extreme distress. He will 
 not only refuse help, but aggravate it by de- 
 rision, fear— the object of it. desolation— 
 lit., a tumultuous noise, denoting their utter 
 confusion, destruction— or, calamity [v. 26,), 
 compared to a whirlwind, as to fatal rapidity, 
 distress— (Ps. 4. 1; 44. il.) anguish— a state of 
 inextricable oppression, the deepest despair. 
 28. ISow, no prayers or most diligent seeking 
 will avail (ch. 8. 17.). 29, 30. The sinner's 
 infatuated rejection brings his ruin. 31. 
 fruit . . . way— result of conduct (Isa. 3. 10; 
 Ez. 11. 21; Rom. 6. 21; Gal. 6. 7, 8.). be filled- 
 even to repletion (Ps. 123. 4.). 33. turning 
 away— i.e.. from the caU of v. 23. simple- as 
 V. 22. prosperity— quiet, implying indiffer- 
 ence. 33. dwell safely — lit., in confidence. 
 (Deut. 12. 10.). be quiet— or, at ease, in re^ 
 prosperity, from fear— without fear. 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Ver. 1-22. Men are invited to seek wisdom, 
 because it teaches those principles by which 
 they may obtain Gcd's guidance, and avoid 
 the society and influence of the wicked, whose 
 pernicious courses are described. 
 
 1-5. Diligence in hearing and praying for 
 instruction must be used to secure the great 
 principle of godliness, the lear of God. 1. 
 hide . . . with thee— toy up in store let. ch. 7. 1.). 
 2. Listen attentively and reflect seriously 
 (ch. 1. 24; Ps. 130. 2.). understanding— right 
 perception of truth. 3. Yea, if— lit. When if. 
 I.e., in such a case, knowledge— or, discri- 
 mination, understanding- as v. 2. 4. There 
 must be earnest prayer and effort. 5. under- 
 stand— or, perceive intelligently, find — ob- 
 tain. 6. For— God is ready (Jam. 1. 5: 4. 8.). 
 out of his mouth— by revelation from Him, 
 
 7. sound wisdom— Mt., substance, opposed to 
 what is fictitious. According to the context, 
 tills may be assistance, as here correspond- 
 ing with buckler, or safety, or wisdom, which 
 procures it !cf. ch. 3. 21; 8. 14; 18. 1; Job, 6. 
 13; 12. 13.). layeth up— provides, ever ready. 
 
 8. keepeth . . . way— God defends the right 
 way, and those m it. saints— objects of 
 favour cf. Ps. 4, 3; &c.). He guides and 
 guards them. 9, Then— emphatic, in such a 
 case, rigiiteousness. ... pa.h— all parts of 
 duty to God and man. 10, 11. idea of v. 9, 
 
^hortation to cfiarti t};, 
 
 ?feftlth, and thy labours be in the house of 
 S8trant;er; 
 
 11 And thou mourn at the last, when thy 
 flesh and thy body are consumed, 
 
 12 And say. How have I hated instruction, 
 and my heart despised reiuoof; 
 
 13 And have not obeyed the voice of my 
 teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them 
 chat instmcted ine.' 
 
 li I WHS ahiiost in all evil in the midst of 
 the coDtrregation and assembly. 
 
 15 H Drink waters out ol thine" own cistern, 
 and riumins waters out of thine own wrll 
 
 16 Let thy fountains be dispeised abroad, 
 and livers of waters in the streets. 
 
 17 Let them be only thine own, and not 
 strangere' with thee. 
 
 18 Let tliy fountain bp blessed: and re- 
 joice with ^ the wife of thy youth. 
 
 19 Let f her be as the loving hind and 
 plea^sant roe; let her breasts a satisfv thee 
 at ah times; and * be thou ravished alway 
 With her love. 
 
 20 A nd why wilt thou, my son, be ravish- 
 ed with a strange woman, and embrace 
 the nosoin ol a stranger? 
 
 21 For " the ways of man are before the 
 eyes of the Lokd, and be pondereth all Id? 
 
 g<illlgS. 
 
 22 ilia ^ own iniquities shall take the 
 wicked himself, and he shall be holdeu 
 with the colds of his & sins. 
 
 23 lie * shall die without instruction; and 
 m the greatness of his folly he shall go 
 astray. ^ 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 I Against luretuhip. 6 and idleness. 16 Seven 
 trnngs haUful to God. 'JO Blesiings of obedience. 
 M Mischiefs of whoredom. 
 
 MX son, " if thou be surety for thy friend 
 if thou hast * stricken thv hand with 
 a stranger, 
 
 2 I'liou ait snared with the words of thy 
 mouth, tliou art taken with the words of 
 thy mouth. 
 
 3 Do this now, my son, and deliver thy. 
 self, when thou art come into the band of 
 thy Inend; go, humble thyseli. i and make 
 Bure thy friend. 
 
 4 Give ' not sleep to thine eyes, nor slum- 
 ber to thine eyelids. 
 
 6 Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand 
 of the hmittr, and as a bird from the hand 
 oi the ibwler. 
 
 6 ^ Go <^ to the ant, thou sluggard; con- 
 sider her ways, and be wise: 
 
 7 \Vhich having no guide, overseer, or 
 ruler, 
 
 8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and 
 gathereth her food in the hanest. 
 
 9 Howlongvrilt thou sletp, (» sluggard? 
 «rhen wilt thou arise out of thy sleeti? 
 
 10 Yet a little sleep, a little shimber, a 
 attle folding of the hands to sleep: 
 
 II So sh.ill thy poverty come as one that 
 travelleta, and thy want as an armed 
 man. 
 
 12 H A naughty person, a wicked man, 
 iralketh with a fro ward mouth. 
 
 13 He " winketh with his eyes, be speak- 
 eth with his feet, he teacheth with his 
 angers ; 
 
 14 Frov.ardness is in his heart,/ he de- 
 Fiseth mischief contmually ; he 2 soweth 
 aiscord. 
 
 15 'rhcrofore shall his calamity come sud- 
 oenly : siuldenly shall he " be broken with- 
 out reuied^jr, 
 
 iSk 
 
 PUtlVERBS, n, TIL 
 
 Things Jiateful to Ocd. 
 
 B. C. VMj. 
 
 I ! G IT These six things doth the Lord hate; 
 I yea, slncu art an abomination 3 unto him: 
 1< * A proud lo(,k, '-a bing tongue, and 
 hands » that shed innocent blood, 
 I 18 Aiw heart that deviseth wicked ima- 
 I giiiations, * feet that be swift in ninuing to 
 I mischief, 
 
 I 19 A < false witness that speaketh lies, and 
 1 he that soweth discord am.ong brethren. 
 ! 20 1[ My »" son, keep thy lather's com- 
 love. : niandment, and forsake not the law of thy 
 
 <^2Chr. 16.9. motbpr? "' 
 
 CHAP. 6. 
 
 «Mal 2.14 
 /S„„^.2.9. 
 
 Song 4. 5. 
 
 Song 7. 3. 
 
 fclwaya in 
 
 Job 31. .. 
 Job 84. 21. 
 Jar. Hi. 17. 
 Jer.32. 19. 
 Hos. 7. 2. I 
 Keb. 4. 13. 
 h Ps. 9. 15. 
 
 ch. 
 
 10. 
 
 /Mic. 2. 1. 
 
 2 castetb 
 forth. 
 
 9 Jer. 19. 11. 
 2 Chr. 36. 
 18. 
 
 3 of his soul, 
 
 4 Haughty 
 tye«. 
 
 h Pa. 120. 2. 
 
 Hos. 4. 1. 
 i la. 1. 10. 
 3 U^u. 0. 6. 
 k U 59 7. 
 
 lluDi 3.15. 
 I Ps. 27. 12. 
 m E],li. 6. 1. 
 " Pa. 19. 8. 
 
 5 Or. 
 candle. 
 
 6 Or. of the 
 
 CHAP. 7. 
 
 o Ler. 18. 5. 
 
 la. 55. 3. 
 
 Deu. 32.10. 
 e Deu. 6. 8. 
 
 Deu. 11.18. 
 
 mother: 
 
 21 Bind them continually upon thine 
 heart, and tie them about thv neck. 
 
 -'2 When thou goest. it sliall lead thee: 
 wlien thou sleepe.st. it shall keeptiiee; and 
 when thou awakesi. it shall talk with thee. 
 
 23 For "the coiiiTiiaiidnient is a 6 lamp; 
 and the law is light; and reproofs of in- 
 Ktraction are the way of life: 
 
 24 To keep thee from the e^^l woman, 
 from the flattery 6 of the tongue of a strange ' 
 woman. 
 
 2a Lust "not after her beauty in thine 
 heart; neither let her take thee mth her 
 evelids: 
 
 2tj For P by means of a whorish woman a 
 man isbrovght to a pipce of bread; and 
 " the adulteress will « hunt for the precious 
 lite. 
 
 27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and 
 hi.s clothes not be burnt? 
 
 28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet 
 not be burnt? 
 
 29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour's 
 wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be 
 iniiocent. 
 
 30 Men do not desrise a thief, if he steal 
 to s.stisfy his soul whfn he is hun'?ry: 
 
 31 But if he be found, •■ he shall restore 
 sevenfold ; he shall give all the substance 
 of his house. 
 
 32 But whoso eommitteth adultery with a 
 woman lacketh 8 understanding : "be thai 
 doeth it * destroyeth his own soul. 
 
 33 A wound ai.d dishonour shall he get; 
 and his reproach shall not be wiped away. 
 
 34 For jealousy is the rage of a man; 
 therefore ne will not spare in the day or 
 vengeance.^ 
 
 35 9 He will not regard any ransom ; nei- 
 ther will he rest content, though thoq 
 givest many gifts. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 Solomon persna<lei to obedience, and to a sin- 
 cere and kind fMuiliarity with wisdom. 6 
 (running of a Itwd woinan, ete, 
 
 MY son. keep my words, and lay up my 
 commandments with thee. 
 
 2 Keep "my commandments, and liye; 
 and * my law as the apple of thine eve. 
 
 3 Bind them ujion thy fingers, write them 
 upon the table of thine heart. 
 
 4 Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; 
 and call understanding thy kinswoman: 
 
 5 That they may keep thee from the 
 strange woman, from the stranger which 
 flattereth with her words. 
 
 6 IT For at the window of my house I 
 looked through my casement, 
 
 7 And beheld among the simple ones, I 
 discerned among i the youths, a young man 
 void ''of understanding, , 
 
 8 Passing through the street near her 
 coiner; and he went thte way to her house, 
 
 9 In ' the twilight, 2 in the evening, m the 
 black and daik nii;ht; 
 
 10 And, behold, there met him a woman 
 
OftheExc-eUency 
 
 PROVERBS, m, IV 
 
 and Benefits of Wisdcmt 
 
 amplified; on terms, cf. v. 4. and v. 2. 12-15. 
 To aeiiver— as from great danger (ch. 6. 6.). 
 way ... man— (Ps. 1. 1. . froward things— rer- 
 versity (ch. 6. 14; 23. 23,), what is opposed to 
 truth, paths of uprightness— or, plainness. 
 walJi — habitually act; 14. and that with 
 pleasure, in ignorance of ^.ood and imrsuit 
 of evil, frcw .rdness— not only tlieir own per- 
 versity, but that of others is their deli;;ht. 
 They love most the w orsl things. 15. crooked 
 —tortuous, unprincipled, fr. ward— iti., (they) 
 are goin^' back, not only aside from riRlit. 
 but opposite to it. 16-19. Deliverance fr< ra 
 another danger, the s'lsnge woman — this 
 term is often used for harlot, or loose woman 
 (Jud. 11. 1, 2,), married (ch. 7. 6, 19, or not, 
 1 Ki. 11. 1,), so called, because such were, per- 
 haps at first, foreigners, though strange may 
 also denote whatever- is opposed to right or 
 proper, as strange fire (ISum. 3. 4; ; sxravce 
 incense lEx. SO. 9.). flaitereiji— Hi., Bmvuihs. 
 her words— (Ps. 6, 9.). 17. guide . . . youth- 
 lawful husband (Jer. 3.4.). covtuf.nt , . , God 
 — of marriage made in God's name. 18. 
 iuciiiieth— sinks down (cf. Num. i:s. 31.). the 
 dead— or, shades of the departed (Ps. 68. 10.). 
 19. i.e.., such as remain impenitent (cf. Eccl. 
 7. 26.;. pati;s of lire— (Ps. 16. 11,), opposed io 
 paths unto the dead. 20. Tliat . . . w;.y oi g rd 
 —i.e.. Such is the object of these warnings. 
 21. 22. (Cf. Ps, 37. 3, 9, 22, 27.}. transgiessors 
 —or, impious rebels icf. Jer. 9. 2.,. rooted 
 out— utterly destroyed, as trees plucked up 
 by the roots. 
 
 CHAPTER in. 
 
 Ver. 1-3.5. The study of truth commended. 
 God must be feared, honoured, and trusted, 
 and filial submission, under cliastisemei.t, 
 exhibited. The excellence of wisdom ur^ed 
 and illustrated by its place in the duine 
 counsels. Piety enforced by a contrast of 
 the destiny of the righteous and the wicked. 
 
 1. law and comniaiidmeuts— ail divine in- 
 structions (cf. Ps. 119.'. lee thine heart keep 
 —or, sincerely observe (ch. 4. 13; 5. 2.!. 2. 
 length . . , life— often promised as blessings 
 (Ps. 21. 4; 91. 16.). ptace— includes prosperity 
 (Ps. 125. 6.). add— abound to thee. 3. mtrcy 
 aud truth— God's faithliUness to His promises 
 is often expressed by these terms (Ps. 25. 10; 
 67. 3.). As attributes of men. they express 
 integrity in a wide sense (ch. 16. 6; 20. 28.). 
 bina . . . write . . . heart — outwardly adorn 
 and inwardly govern motives. 4. lavour— 
 grace, amiability (ch. 22. 11; Ps. 45. 2; ; united 
 with this, a good ur.rerstanding — (cf. Alarg.,), 
 a discrimination, which secures success, in 
 the sight . . . man— such as God and man 
 approve. 6. Trust . . . heart — 'Ihis is the 
 centre and marrow of true wisdom (ch. -12 
 19; 28. 26.). The positive duty has its corres 
 ponding negation in the admonition against 
 s-eli-confidence. 6. ways— (Ps. 1. 1.). acknow 
 ledge -by seeking His wise aid (ch. 16. 3; Ps. 
 37. 5; Jer. 9. 23, 24.). Aixbcl—lit., make plaiv 
 (cf. Heb. 12. 13.). 7. (Cf. ch. 27. 2; Pom. 12 
 16. . fear . . . evil — reverentially regarding 
 Bis law. 8. It— Tliis conduct, healtu— cf. 
 Marg.). to thy navel— for all the organs of 
 nourishment, marrow — (cf. Marg.}. bones 
 —frame of body. True piety promotes bodily 
 health. 9, 10. (Cf. ch. 11. 26; Ex. 23. 19; Deut. 
 18. 4; Isa. 32. 8; 2 Cor. 9. 13.). pre.sses — 
 or, wine fats (.Joel, 2. 24; 3. 13.). 11, 12. The 
 true intent of afflictions considered; they do 
 not conti-adict the assertion of the blessed 
 state of the pious (Job, 6. 17; Heb. 12. 6. 6.]. 
 43. 
 
 or, receiveth as denoting 
 icn 
 
 he d^lighteth- 
 
 reconciliation regarding the offence whicf 
 produced chastisement. 13. findeth — lit,., 
 reaches, or, obtains by seeking. gttUth— lit., 
 draws out, as metals by digging. 14, 15. 1'he 
 figure of V. 13 carried out. it— i.e., wisdom. 
 merchandise — acquisition by trading, fine 
 gold— dug gold, solid as a migfjet. rubies- 
 gems, or pearls. 16, 17. ■VVisd(jm personified 
 as bringing the best blessings cf. JMat. 6. 33; 
 1 Tim. 4. 8.1. Her ways— Such as she directs 
 us to take. 18. Wisdom allegorised as a free 
 cf life-(Gen. 2. 9; 3. 22J. whose fruit pre- 
 serves life, gives all that makes living a 
 blessing. 19, 20. The place of wisdom in the 
 economy of creation and providence com- 
 mends it to men, who, in proportion to their 
 finite powers, may i)ossess this invaluable 
 attribute, and are thus encouraged by the 
 divine example of its use, to seek its posses- 
 sion. 21. sound wisdom— (ci. ch. 2. 7.). let 
 . . . eyes— i.fi., these words of instruction. 
 22-24. assign reasons in their value for hap- 
 piness and ornament, guidance and support 
 m dangers, both when waking and sleeping. 
 25. Be not— or. You shall not be. svdcen leax 
 — wliat causes it (ch. 1. 27.1, any tinlooked 
 for evil (Ps. 46. 3; 91. 12-1 Pet. 3. 14.). descla- 
 tion— (ch. 1. 27.), 26. The reason; such are 
 objects of God's favour, be thy confidence— 
 lit., in thy confidence, in the source of thy 
 strength (cf. Mah.3.9. for same construction, 
 hCo.]. 27. 28. Promptly fu,fil all obligations 
 both of justice and charity (cf. Jam. 2. 15, 16.). 
 29, 30. Do not abuse confidence, and avoid 
 litigation. 31. oppressor— or, man of mischief. 
 The destiny of successftil evil-doers warns 
 against desiring their lot (Ps. 37. 1, 2, 36, 36.), 
 £2-35. Reasons for the warning, froward— 
 (ch. 2. 16.) secret , .. righteous — in their 
 communion (Amos, 3. 7.). 33. curse . . . wicked 
 —it abides with them, and will bemanifested. 
 
 34. The retribution of sinners, as Ps 18. 26. 
 
 35. inherii— as a portion, shame— or, di.sgrace, 
 as opposed to honour. proiroticn—(cf. il/arflf.,), 
 as h( nour for well doiug makes men conspi- 
 cuous, so fools are signalised by disgrace. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Ver. 1-27. To an earnest caU for attention 
 to his teachings, the writer adds a commen- 
 dation of wisdom, preceded and enforced by 
 the counsels of his father and teacher, lb this 
 he adds a caution against the devices of the 
 wicked, and a series of exhortations to do- 
 cility, integrity, and uprighti.eis, 
 
 1, 2. iCf. ch. 1. 8.). to know— in order to 
 know, doctrine— the matter of learning (ch. 
 1.6,), such as he had received, (Lam. 3. 1.). 
 3. father's sen— emphatic, a sou specially re- 
 garded, and so called tender, as an object 
 of special care (cf. 1 Chr. 22. 7; 29. l;); an 
 idea further expressed by only belovtd (or, as 
 an only son, (Gen. 22. 2,), though he had 
 brothers (l Chr. 3. 6.). 4. He taugut— or, di- 
 rected me. retain— as well as receive, keep 
 , .. and live— observe, that you may live (ch.7. 
 2.). 5. Get— As a possession, not to be given 
 up. neither decline— i.e., from obeying my 
 word. 6. JSJot only accept but love wisiiom, 
 who will keep thee from evil, and evil from 
 thee. 7. (Cf. Job. 28. 28.). getting- or, pos- 
 session, a desire for wisdom is wi.se. 8. As 
 you highly esteem her, she will raise you to 
 honour, embrace her— with fond atiection. 
 9. oriiair.ent— such as the chaplet or wreath 
 of conquerors, deliver — ,cf. Gen. 14. 20.). 
 The aliusioa to a shield, contained iu the 
 
?%e hurlot and lier viclim. 
 
 PROTEPBS, TTII. IX. 
 
 rnvitation of Wisdom. 
 
 with the /attire of au harlot, aud subtil of 
 heart. 
 
 11 {She is loud and stubborn ; " her feet 
 abide not in her house: 
 
 12 Now is she vithout, now in the streets, 
 and lieth in wait at every comer.) 
 
 13 So she cau^'Jit him, and kissed him, 
 atul '■* with an inipudent face saul unto him, 
 
 14 * y liane peace offerings with me; this 
 day ha\e I paid my vows: 
 
 15 There tore came I forth to meet thee, 
 diligently to seek thy face, and I have 
 touiid thee. 
 
 16 1 have decked my bed with coverings of 
 tapestry, with carved works, with '' fine 
 liiieii ot Et^ypt. 
 
 17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, 
 aloes, and cinnamon. 
 
 IS Come, let us take our fill of love until 
 the morning; let us solace ourselves with 
 loves: 
 
 19 For the ^oodman is not at home, he is 
 gone a long journey: 
 
 20 lie hatli taken a bag of money 6 with 
 hull, aud will come home at 6 the day ap- 
 pointed. 
 
 21 VN'ith her much fair speech she caused 
 him to yield, with the flattering of her 
 lips she forced him. 
 
 '.'2 He goeth alter lier 1 straightway, as an 
 ox goeth to the slauutiter, or as a fool to 
 the correction ol'llie stocks; 
 
 23 Till a (liirt strike through his liver; as 
 a bird hastetli to the snare, and knoweth 
 not that it u< tor his life. 
 
 24 II Ileiuken unto me now therefore, 
 ye chiliiieu, and attend to the words of 
 my mouth. 
 
 25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, 
 go not astra.v in her paths: 
 
 20 Fot she liisili cast down many wounded; 
 yea, » many strong men have been slain by 
 her. 
 
 27 Iler house is the way to hell, going 
 down to the chambers of death. 
 CHAl'TER VIII. 
 
 1 Fame, e attd etideuee c/ wisd<tn: lOits excel- 
 lencti, V2tittture, \o power, i8 riches, '22 eternity, 
 H'J atid desirableness. 
 
 T)0TI1 not " wisdom cry ? and under- 
 ^^ staiidin^ put loi th her voice? 
 
 2 She standeth in the top of high places, 
 by the way in the places of the paths; 
 
 3 She crieth at tlie gates, at the entry of 
 the city, at the coming in at the doors: 
 
 4 Unto you, men,! caU; and my voice 
 is to the sons of man. 
 
 5 O ye simple, understand wisdom; and, 
 ye tools, be ye of an understanding heart. 
 
 6 Hear; for 1 will speak of * excellent 
 things; and the opening of my lips shall be 
 right things. 
 
 7 For my mouth shall speak * truth; and 
 wickedness is i an abomination to my lips. 
 
 8 All the words of my niouth are in righ- 
 teousness; there is nothing 2troward or 
 pen'ei-se in them. 
 
 9 They are all plain to him that nnder- 
 standetli, and right to them that find 
 knowledge. 
 
 10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; 
 and knowledge rather than choice gold. 
 
 11 For <* wisdom is better than rubies; and 
 all the things that may be desired are not 
 to be coiii|i:ired to it. 
 
 12 1 wisooin dwell with 3 prudence, and 
 find out knowledge of witty inventions. 
 
 }S The ' feai oi iht- i.oai> u; lo Late evil: 
 
 CHAP. 7. 
 
 / 1 Tim. 2.9. 
 
 B 1 'l"im. 5. 
 13. 
 Tit. 2. 6. 
 
 8 She 
 strengthen- 
 ed her faea 
 and >Bid. 
 
 4 Peace offer- 
 
 upon me. 
 h la 19. 9. 
 
 CHAP. 8. 
 a ch. 9. 3. 
 1 Cor. 1. 
 24. 
 
 Col. 2. 3. 
 
 6 ch. 22. 20. 
 
 c JohA 8. 14. 
 
 Rom. 15. 8. 
 
 of my lipa, 
 
 2 wreathed. 
 d Job :i8. 16. 
 
 P.. 19. 10. 
 
 3 Or, 
 subtilty. 
 
 e eh. 16 e. 
 /ch. 6. 17. 
 9 ch. 4. 24. 
 h £ccl. 7. 19. 
 i Dan. 2. 21. 
 
 Dan. 7. 14. 
 
 iLit. 28. 18. 
 
 Rom. 13. 1. 
 J 1 S« 2. 30. 
 
 John 14.21. 
 
 * Jam. 1.6. 
 
 I AUt. (j. 33. 
 
 m Job •:s.ib. 
 
 ch. 3. 14. 
 
 4 Or, walk. 
 Is. f*. 24. 
 
 Rev. 7. i; 
 n ch. 3. 19. 
 
 John 1. 1 
 H«. 2. 6. 
 P Job 15. 7. 
 6 Or, opon 
 
 6 Or, the 
 cliief part 
 
 7 Or, a 
 circle. 
 
 g Job 38. It 
 
 Col. 1. 13. 
 tt la. 4. 2. 
 
 Is. 62. 4. 
 «- P«. 10. 3. 
 
 Joi.i. 13. 1, 
 w Lu. 11. 28, 
 « Phil 3.8,9, 
 8 brii.g 
 
 forth. 
 V Ueb. 3. 8. 
 
 CHAP. 9. 
 
 Mat. 16.18. 
 E|.h. 2. 20. 
 
 1 her killing. 
 Mat. T.. i. 
 
 b Ro. lU, 15. 
 c ch. 6. 32. 
 
 iUi 11.26, 
 U 1>. bb. I. 
 
 priiie, /and arrogancy, and the e^dl way, 
 an<i * the froward mouth, do I hate. 
 
 M Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I 
 am understanding; ''1 have strength. 
 
 15 liy • me kings reign, and princes decree 
 justice. 
 
 It) Uy me princes rule, and nobles, even 
 all the .judges of the earth. 
 
 17 1 >love them that love me; and * those 
 that .seek me eaily shail find me. 
 
 18 Kiches 'and honour are with me; yea, 
 dui-ahle riches and ritjhteousness. 
 
 19 My "* fruit is better than gold, yea, than 
 fine gold; and my revenue than choicx 
 silver. 
 
 20 1 ♦lead in the way of righteousness, i« 
 the midst of the paths of judgment; 
 
 21 Tliat 1 may cause those that love me 
 to inherit substance; and 1 will till their 
 treasures. 
 
 2_'The " Lord possessed me in the begin- 
 niiig of his way, before his works of old. 
 
 23 I " was set up liom everlasting, from 
 the beginning, or ever the earth was. 
 
 24 When (here tcere no depths, I was 
 brought foith; when there were no foun- 
 tains abounding with water. 
 
 25 Before ^ the mountains were settled, 
 before the hiUs was 1 brought foith: 
 
 26 While as yet he had not made the 
 earth, nor the 5 fields, nor 6 the highest 
 part of the dust of the world. 
 
 27 When he prepared the heavens, I wa» 
 there: when he set 'a compass upon the 
 face of the depth: 
 
 28 When he established the clouds above: 
 when he strengthened the fountains of the 
 deep: 
 
 29 When ' he gave to the sea his decree, 
 that the waters should not pass his com- 
 mandment: A^hen ''he appointed the foun- 
 dations of the earth: 
 
 30 1 hen ' I was by him, as one brought 
 up with him: * ar.d 1 was daily his delight, 
 rejoicing always before him; 
 
 31 Rejoicing " in the habitable part of his 
 earth; and ^'my delights were with the 
 sons of men. 
 
 32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye 
 children: ^or "^ blessed are they that keep 
 my ways. 
 
 33 Hear iustruction, and be wise, and re- 
 fuse it not. 
 
 34 lilessed is the man that heareth me, 
 watching di.ily at my gates, waiting at the 
 posts oi my doors. 
 
 35 For ^ V hoso findeth me findeth life, and 
 shall 8(,htain favour of the Lord. 
 
 30 15ut he that sinneth against me " wrong- 
 eth his own soul: all they that hate me 
 love death. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 1 Discipline and doctrine of v isdom. 13 Custom, 
 
 16 ano error oj Jolty. 
 WISDOM hath " builded her house, she 
 ' hath hewn out her seven pillars: 
 
 2 She liath killed i her beasts; .she hath 
 mingled her wine; she hath also fmuished 
 her table: 
 
 3 She hath * sent forth her maidens: she 
 crieth upon the highest places of the city, 
 
 4 Whoso "is simple, let him turn in 
 hither: as for him that wauteth under- 
 standing, she Kaith to him, 
 
 5 Come, ■'eat ol my bread, and driiik of 
 the wine !'•?(!'•/' 1 ifa\e iMiiul.d. 
 
 6 Foisake tlie loolish. aud live; and $;o in 
 the way of und*ii standin ^ 
 
Mischiefs of Whoredom, 
 
 Heb., suggests protection as well as hon- 
 our (cf. V. 6.;. 10. (Cf. cl). 2. l; .!. 2.). 11, 12. 
 way of wiEdom— which it pi escribes, led thef 
 —lit, caused Uiee to inaa, as ;i rath (Ps. 107. 
 7.). rot be straitened— have ample room (Ps. 
 is. ."(! ;. 13. (Cf. ch. 3. IS.), 'ihe figure of 
 laj-ii. , hold with the hand suggests earnest 
 efturt. 14. (Cf. Is. 1. 1.). Avoid all tempta- 
 tioiis to the beginning of evil. 16, 17. The 
 reason is found in the character of sinners, 
 whose zeal to do evil is forcibly depicted 
 (ch. 6. 4; Ps. 36. 6.). They live by flagrant 
 vices (ch. 1. 13.). Some ] refer to render, 
 " Tl'.eir bread is wicketiness, iheir drink vio- 
 lence" fcf. Job, 15. 10; S4. r.). 18, 19. As 
 shining light incrt-ases from twilight to noon- 
 day S]i;en(lour, so tlie course of the just in- 
 creases in purity, but that of the wicked is 
 as thickest darkness, in which one knows 
 not on what he stumbles. 20-22. iCf. v. 10, 
 13; ch. 3. 8, &c.). 22. health ... flesn— by 
 preserving from vices destructive of health. 
 23. with all diligence — or, above, or more 
 than all custody cf. Marg.,), all that is kept 
 (of. Ez. 38. 7,), because the heart is the de- 
 pository of all wisdom and the source of 
 whatever affects life and cliaracter (Mat. 12. 
 35; 15. 19.). 24. a frowaid mouth — i.e.. a 
 mouth, or words of ill nature. The Heb. 
 word difi'ers from that used (ch. 2. 15; 3. 32.;. 
 perverse— or, quarrelling, lips— or, words. 25. 
 Let . . . betore thee— i.e.. Pursue a sincere and 
 direct purpose, avoiding temptations. 26 
 Ponder— "Well consider; a wise course results 
 from wise forethought. 27. fCf. v. 25.). 
 Avoid all byepaths of evil (Deut. 2. 27; 17. 
 11.). A life of integrity requires attention 
 to heart, speech, eyes, and conduct* 
 CIIAPTEE "V. 
 
 Ver. 1-23. A warning against the seductive 
 arts of wicked women, entorced by consider- 
 ing the advantages of chastity, and the mi- 
 serable end of the wicked. 
 
 1. This connection of wisdom and under- 
 Standing is frequent (ch. 2. 2; 3. 7); the 
 first denotes the use of wise means for wise 
 ends; the other, the exercise of a proper 
 discrimination in their discovery. 2. regard 
 —or, observe, keep— preserve constantly. 
 3. (Cf. ch. 2. 16.). Her enticing promises are 
 deceitful. 4. net enA—lit, herfuture,\n sense 
 of reward, what follows (cf. Ps. 37. 37; 73. 17.). 
 Its nature is evinced by the use of figures, 
 opposite those of v. 3. llie physical and 
 
 ■phOVEKBS. V, VL 
 
 A gainst SuretisMp, <6c. 
 
 grace, evil— for afiliction, as Gen. 19. 20; 49 
 15. 15-20. By figures, in which well, cistern, 
 and fountain represent the wi/e, and rivers 
 of waters, the children, men are exhorted 
 to constancy and satisfaction in lawful con- 
 jugal enjoyments. In v. 16, fountains dn the 
 plural) rather denote the produce or waters 
 of a spring, lit, what is from- a spring, and 
 corresponds with rivers of vmte.rs. only 
 thine own— harlots' children have no knowa 
 father, wife . . . youth — married in youth. 
 1-ving . . . roe— other figures for a wife Jiom 
 the well known beauty of these animals, 
 breasts — cf. Sol. Song, 1. 13; Ez. 23. 3. 8.). 
 ravished— Ki., intoxicated, i.e., fully satisfied. 
 21. The reaf^on, God's eye is on you; 22, 23., 
 and Be will cause sin to bring its pun- 
 ishment, without instruction— ttt., in watit 
 of instruction, having refused it (cf. Job, 13. 
 18; Heb. 11. 24.). go astray— K<., be drunken. 
 The word is ravished [v. 19) here denotes ful- 
 ness of punishment. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 Ver. 1-35. After admonitions against 
 suretiship and sloth (cf. v. 0-8,i, the character 
 and la e of the wicked generally are set forth, 
 and the writer iv. 20-36) resumes the warnings 
 against incontinence, pointing out its certain 
 and terrible results. This train of thought 
 seems to intimate the kindred of these vices 
 1, 2. if— the condition extends through both 
 verses, be sureiy— art pledged, stricken... 
 hand— bargained (cf. Job,l7. 3.). with a stranger 
 -i.e., for a friend (cf. ch. 11. 15; 17. 18.). 3. 
 come . . . friend — in his power, humble . . . 
 sure thy friend— urge as a suppliant, i.e., in- 
 duce the iriend to provide otherwise for his 
 debt, or socure the surety. 4, 6. The danger 
 requires piomptness. 6-8. The improvident 
 sluggards usually want sureties. Hence such 
 are advised to industry by the ant's example. 
 9. 10. Their conduct graphically described; 
 11., and the fruits of their self-indulgence 
 and indolence presented, as . . . travelkth— 
 lit, one who walks backwards and forwards, 
 i.e., a highwayman, armed man— i.e., one 
 prepared to destroy. 12. A naughty person— 
 lit., A man of Bdial, or of woithlessness, 
 i.e., for good, and so depraved, or wicked (cf. 
 1 Sam. 25. 25-30. 22, &c.). Idleness and vice 
 are allied. Though indolent in acts, he ac- 
 tively and habitually [u-alketh] is illnatured 
 in speech (ch. 4. 24.). 13, 14. If. for fear of 
 detection, he does not speak, he uses signs 
 
 moral suffering of the deluded profligate are I to carry on his intrit;ues. TTiese signs are 
 notoriously terrible. 5. feet, . . . steps— i.e., still so used in the East, deviseth— tt(., cow- 
 course of life ends in death. 6. iier ways s^n(c<s,asanariistiw. mischief— evil to others. 
 ...know— Some prefer. " that she may not Frowardness — As ch. 2. 14, discord— espe- 
 ponder the path of life," &c. ; but perhaps a I daily litigation. Cunning is the talent of 
 better sense is, "her ways are varied, so as I the weak and lazy, 15. Suddenness aggra- 
 to prevent your knowledge of her true cha- 1 vates evil '-' - " " 
 
 racter, and so ot true haiipiness." 8, 9 ' '"■* ~ 
 
 Avoid the sliijhtest temptation, thine hon^ 
 our — in whatever con.sisting, stren;4th (ch 
 3. 
 
 (cf. V. 11; ch. 29. 1.). calanmy— 
 lit., a crushing weight, brokijn — shivered 
 as a potter's vessel; utterly destroyed (Ps. 2. 
 _ ._ . ,. _ 9.). 16-19. SIX ... seven— a mode of speaking 
 
 3. 13,), or wealth, thy years— by cutthig them ! to arrest attention (ch. 30. 15, 18; Job. 6. 19.). 
 off in dissipation, to the cruel- for .'uch the 'proud hok—lit, eyes of loftiness (Ps. 131. l.j. 
 sensual are apt to become. 10. weakii— <it.. |Eyes, tongue, <fcc., for persons, spesketh— 
 sirenaih, or the result of it. ]a.\:o\iTs— the [lit, breathes out, habitually speaks (Ps. 27. 
 
 fruit "of thy painful exertions (Ps. 127. 2.) 
 There may be a reference to slavery, a com 
 
 .-icts, 9. 1.). 20-2b. (Cf. ch. 1. 8; 3. 3, &c.). 
 cf. V. 23,), denotes the instruction of pa- 
 
 muted punishment for death due the adul- rents [v. 20,), to which all the qualities of a 
 terer ,Deut. 22. 22.). 11. at the last— the end, safe guide and guard and ready teacher are 
 or reward (cf. v. 4.). mourn— roar in pain. | ascribed. It prevents the ingress of evil by 
 flesh and . . . body— the whole person under ; supplying good thoughts, even in dreams 
 incurable disease. 12-14. The ruined sinner ' (ch. 3. 21-23; Ps. 19. 9; 2 Pet. 1. 19.). reproofs 
 vainly laments his neglect of warning andl— (ch. 1. 23,), the convictions of error pro- 
 his sad fat« in being brought to pubh« dis- Iduced by instruction. 21. A specimen of 
 432 ■ 3 L 
 
Moral virtues 
 
 ?rvO VERBS. X, XT. 
 
 a)id contrary vices. 
 
 7 He that reproveth a, scornei- setteth to 
 himself shame; and he ih;it r<,-bukfth a 
 wicked man getteth hiniscifa blot. 
 
 8 Keprove *not a scomer. ksi he hate 
 thee .-/rebuke a wise niau, and he will love 
 thee. 
 
 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he 
 will be vet wiser: teach a just man, " and 
 he will mcrease in learning. 
 
 10 The '» fear of the Lord is the bes^n- 
 niiig of wisdom; and the knowledge of the 
 Holy is understanding: 
 
 11 For » by me thy days shall be multi- 
 plied, and the years of thy life shall be 
 increased. 
 
 12 If > thou be wise, then shalt be wise 
 for thyself: but j/thou scoriu'st, thou alone 
 Bhalt bear it. 
 
 13 H A foolish woman is clamorous; she is 
 Bimple, and knoweth nothing. 
 
 14 For she sitteth at the door of her 
 house, on a seat in the high places of the 
 city, 
 
 15 To call passengers who go right on 
 their ways: 
 
 16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: 
 and as for him that wanteth imderstand- 
 
 ing, she saith to him, 
 1< Stolen *w 
 
 Stolen * waters are sweet, and bread 
 ^ eaten in secret is pleasant. 
 18 But he knoweth not that the dead are 
 there ; and that her guests are in the depths 
 of hell 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 from this chapter to the five and twentieth nre 
 tundru observations of moral virtties, and their 
 contrary vices. 
 
 'THE Proverbs of Solomon. A wise son 
 
 ■*■ maketh a glad father: but a foolish son 
 
 is the hea\'ines3 of his mother. 
 
 2 Treasures " of wickethicss profit no- 
 thing: * but righteousness delivereth from 
 dpatn. 
 
 3 The * LoKD will not suffer the soul of 
 the righteous to famish: but he casteth 
 away i the substance of the wicked. 
 
 4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a 
 slack hand: but <* the hand of the diligent 
 mateth rich. 
 
 5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise 
 Bon: but he that sleepeth in han'est is a 
 Bon that causeth shame. 
 
 6 Blessings are upon the headof the iust: 
 but * violence covereth the mouth of the 
 wicked. 
 
 7 The /memory of the just t» blessed: but 
 the name of the wicked shall rot. 
 
 8 The wise in heart will receive command- 
 ments: but 2 a prating fool 3 shall lall. 
 
 9 He ' that walketh uprightly walketh 
 surely: but he that perverteih his ways 
 Bhall be known. 
 
 10 He that winketh with the eye causeth 
 sorrow: but a prating I'ool ^slinll fall. 
 
 11 The '•mouth of a right cons man is a 
 well of life: but 'violence covereth the 
 mouth of the wicked. 
 
 12 Hatred stiireth up strifes: but J' love 
 covereth all sins. 
 
 13 In the * lips of him that hath under- 
 BtHiiding wisdom is found: but a rod is for 
 the back of him that is void of & understand- 
 ing. 
 
 14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the 
 month of the foolisti is near destniction. 
 
 15 The 'rich man's wealth is his strong 
 city: the destruction of the poor is their 
 povertjr. 
 
 Gen. S6. 12. 
 
 1 Tim. 4 y. 
 
 P Job 15. -21. 
 
 r Pa. 15. 5. 
 Nat. 7. 24. 
 ilat. 10 18. 
 
 8 addeth. 
 
 « £ccl. 7. 17. 
 t 1 John 3. 2. 
 « Job S. 13. 
 V Zech. 10.12. 
 
 Pliil. 4. 13. 
 
 Is. 411. 31. 
 w Ps. 1.6. 
 
 9 froward- 
 
 I CHAP. U. 
 I 1 Balances 
 
 of deceit. 
 
 Ui. 19.35. 
 
 Deut. 25. 
 
 13. 
 
 a perfect 
 
 I a Dan. 4. 30. 
 
 6 Etek. 7. 19. ' 
 I Zeph. 1.18. 
 
 e Gen. 7.1. 
 
 3 rectify. I 
 ' rflTim.4.8. i 
 .eEccl. lU.B. I 
 I /Job 8. 13. ! 
 1 g Es.h. 8. 15. 1 
 1 4 dettittit« 
 ofbwt. 
 
 lij The labour of the righteous tendeth to 
 life: the fiiiit ©f the wicked to sin. 
 
 17 lie is in the way of life that keepeth 
 instruction: but he that refuseth reproof 
 Cfrreth. 
 
 18 lit that hideth hatred with lyinsj lips, 
 and he that nttereth a slander, is a lool. 
 
 19 In "* the multitude of words there 
 wanteth not sin: but "he that refraineth 
 his iijis 15 \rise. 
 
 20 The tongue of the just is ae choice 
 silver: the heart of the wicked is little 
 worth. 
 
 •21 The hps of the righteous feed many: 
 but fools die for want "! of wisdom. 
 
 22 'I'he "blessing of the Lord, it m.aketh 
 rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. 
 
 26 It is as sport to a fool to do niiscbief: 
 but a man of understanding hath wisdom. 
 
 24 Tlie ^fear of the wicked, it shall come 
 upon him: but «the desu-e of the righteous 
 shall be granted. 
 
 2J As the « hirlwind pas^eth, so is the 
 wicked no more: but ^ tne righteous is an 
 everlasting foundation. 
 
 '2C, As vinegar to tlie teeth, and as smoke 
 to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that 
 send him. 
 
 27 The fear of the Lord Sprolont'eth 
 days: but * the years of the wicked shall be 
 shortened. 
 
 28 The « hope of the righteous shall be 
 gladness: but the " expectation of the 
 «i> kcd shall perish. 
 
 2'J The way of the Lord is •'strength to 
 the uptight: "'but destruction shall be to 
 the \vorker'! ofiiiiqiiitv. 
 
 30 The rigliteons shall never be removed: 
 but the wicked shall not inhabit the 
 earth. 
 
 iii The mouth of the just bringeth forth 
 wisdom: but the frowaid tongue shall be 
 cut out. 
 
 32 The lips of the righteous know what is 
 acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked 
 speaketh 'Jfiowardness. 
 
 CllAPTEK XL 
 
 A 1 FALSE balance is abomination to 
 •"- the Lord: but 2a just weight w his 
 delight. 
 
 2 When " pride cometh, then cometh 
 shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. 
 
 3 The integi-ity of the upright shall guide 
 them: but the pen'erseness of transgressors 
 shall destroy them. 
 
 4 Riches * profit not in the day of wTath: 
 but " righteousness delivereth from death. 
 
 5 The righteousness of the perfect shall 
 3 direct his way: but the wicked shall fall 
 
 by his own wickedness. 
 6 The "i right( 
 
 _ hteousness of the upright shall 
 deliver them : but * transgressors shall be 
 taken in their own naughiiiiess. 
 
 7 When a wicked man dieth, his expecta. 
 tion shall perish; and the hope of unjust 
 men perisheth. 
 
 8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, 
 and the wicked cometh in his stead. 
 
 9 An /hypocrite with Aw mouth destroy- 
 eth his neighbour: but thiough knowledge 
 shall the just be delivered. 
 
 10 When "it goeth well with the righte 
 ous, the city rejoiceth; and when the 
 wicked perish, there is shouti.ig. 
 
 11 By the blessing of the upright the city 
 is exalted: but it is overthrown by the 
 mouth of the wicked. 
 
 i2 ile that i& ^ roid of wisdom despiseth 
 2E* 
 
Arts of Stranqe fV&mm^ 
 
 ptiovERBS. vn, vm. 
 
 Advantap6S of Wisdom. 
 
 Its benefit. By appreciating truth, men sels. Her relations to the divine plans and 
 are not atfected by lying flattery. 25. One acts is introduced, as in oh. 3. 19, 20, though 
 of the cautions of this instruction, avoid more fnLy, to commend her desirableness 
 alluring beauty, take for, ensnarej . . . i for men, and the whole is closed by an assure 
 eyeiids— by painting the lashes, females en- 1 ance that those finding her find God's favour, 
 hanced beauty. 26. The supplied words ' and those neglecting ruin themselves. Many 
 give a better sense than the did version: ] regard the passage as a description of the 
 "The price of a whore is a piece of bread " j Son of God by the title. Wisdom, which the 
 adulteress— (cf.Jif arfl'.,),which the paralleland I older Jews used land by which He is called. 
 courext CiO-ao) sustains. Of similar results j Liiiie. 11. 49,). as John, 1. 1, &c.. describes 
 pf this sin. of. ch. 5. 9-12. will hunt— allud-' Him by that of Lofios, the Word. But the 
 mg to the snares spread by harlots (ct. ch. [ passage may be taken as a personification of 
 7. ti-8.). preciouslife— more valuable than all wisdom: for, 1. Though described as with 
 else. 27-29. The guilt and danger most ob- 1 God, wisdom is not asserted to be God. 2. 
 vious. 30,31. Such a thief is pitied, though I The use of personal attributes is equally 
 liea\ iJy punished, seveniold— (cf. Ex. 22. 1-4,), I consistent with a personijicutivn, as with the 
 for many, ample (cf. Gen. 4. 24; Mat. 18. 21,), j description of a real person. 3. The personal 
 even if all his wealth is taken. 32. lacketn ! pronouns used accord with the gender (fern.) 
 fiiiderstauding— or, heart; destitute of moral! of wisi om constantly, and are never changed 
 principle and prudence. 33. dishonour— or, i to that of the person meant, as sometimes 
 shame, as well as hurt of body (ch. 3. .%.). j occurs in a corresponding use of sj'irit, 
 reproach .. , away— no leititutionwill suffice; ; which is neuter in Greek, but to which mas- 
 
 34, 35., nor any terms of reconcihation be 
 admitted, regard [or, accept] any ransom. 
 CHAP'IEKVII. 
 
 Ver. 1-27. The subject continued, by a de- 
 lineation of the arts of strange women, as a 
 caution to the unwary. 
 
 1-4. Similar calls ich. 3. 1-3; 4. 10, &c.). 
 apple . . . eye— pupil of eye, a custody ich 
 
 cuiine pronouns are often applied (John, 16, 
 14,), when the acts of the Holy Spirit are de- 
 scribed. 4. Such apersouification is agreeable 
 to the style of this bcok (cf. chs. 1. 20; 3. 16, 17: 
 4. 8; 6. 20 22; 9. 1-4,), whereas no prophetical 
 or other allusions to the Saviour or the new 
 dispensation are found among the quota- 
 tions of this book in the N. T-. and unless 
 
 4. 23) of special value. Bind . . . fingers- as this be such, none exist. 5. Nothing is lost 
 inscriptions on rings. 5. The design of the as to the importance of the passage, which 
 teaching icf. ch. 3. 16; 6. 24.). 6. For — or, , still remainr. a most ornate and also solemn 
 Since, introducing an example to illustrate ! and impressive teaching of inspiration on 
 
 the warning, which, whether a narrative or 
 a parable, is equally pertinent, window for, 
 opening of the] casement— or, lattice, looked 
 '-lit., watched earnestly (Jud. 6. 28.). 7. 
 simple — as ch. l. 4. void of, &c. — (cf. ch. 
 6. 32.). 8. her corner— where she was usually 
 found, went . . . hcuse — implying, perhaps, 
 confidence in himself by his manner, as de- 
 noted in the word "went"— tif., tread pomp- 
 ously. 9. The time, twilight, ending in dark- 
 ness, black . . . mght— lit., pujnl, or, eye, i.e., 
 middle of night. 10. attire— that of harlots 
 was sometimes peculiar, subtil— or, wary, 
 cunning. 11. 12. loud— or, noisy, bustling 
 
 the value of wisdom. 
 
 1-4. The publicity and universality of the 
 call contrast with the secresy and intrigues 
 of the wicked (ch. 7. 8, &c.). 5. wisdom— it«., 
 subtilty in a good sense, or, prudence, fools 
 —as ch. 1. 22. 6. excellent things— or, plain, 
 manifest, opening , . . things— upright words. 
 7. For . . . truth— 7ii., My palate shall medi' 
 tote, or (as orientals iidlimdter, my thoughts 
 expressed only to myself are truth, wicked- 
 ness — specially falsehood, as opposed to 
 truth. 8. iu righteousness- or, righteous (Ps. 
 9. 8; 11. 7.). froward—ttf., fwisfed, or contra- 
 dictory, i.e., to truth. 9. plain . . . uuder- 
 
 stubborii— not submissive, witr.out,. .. streets, [standeth— easily seen by those who apply 
 . . . corner— (cf. l Tim. 6. 13; Tit. 2. 6.). 13-15. i their minds, that find— implying search. 10. 
 Kie preparations for a feast do not neces- not silver— preferable to it, so last clause im- 
 sarily imply peculiar religious professions, plies comparison. 11. (Cf. ch. 3. 14, 16.). 12. 
 llie ofterer retained part of the victim for a prudence— as v. 6. The connection of icisdom 
 feast (Lev. 3. 9, &c.). This feast she professes j and prudence is that of the dictates of sound 
 was prepared for him whom she boldly ad- 1 wisdom and its application, find... inventions 
 dresses as one sought specially to partake of j —or, devices, discreet ways ch. 1. 4.). 13. 
 it. 16, 17. my bed— or, couch, adorned in the | For such is the ettect of the fear of (I'od, by 
 costliest manner, bed— in v. 17, a place fur j which hatred to evil preserves from it. fro- 
 sleeping. 18-20. There is no fear of disco- ward mouth— or, speech (ch. 2. 12; 6. 14.). 14. 
 very, the day appointed— perhaps lit, aj%dl It also gives the elements of good character 
 moon, i.e., a fortnight's time (cf. v. 19.). 21. in counsel, sound wisdom— (ch. 2. 7.). I . . . 
 caused . . . yield— or, inclines, flattering— (cf. strength— or, "As for me, understanding is 
 ch. 0. 3.). forced him— by persuasion over- strength to me," the source of power (EccL 
 coming his scruples. 22. stiaightway — 9. 16;;; good judgment gives more efliciency 
 quick ly, either as ignorant of danger, or in- to actions ; 15, 16. of which a wisely conducted 
 capable of resistance. 23. Till— He is now governmtnt is an example. 17. early— or, 
 caught (ch. 6. 26.). 24. The inferential ad- ; diligently, which may include the usual sensa 
 monition is followed, 26, 27., by a more ! of early in life. 18. duiable . . . righteousnesa 
 
 general allegation of the evils of this vice, 
 Even the mightiest fail to resist her deathly 
 allurements. 
 
 CHAPTER vm. 
 Ver. 1-36. Contrasted with sensual allure- 
 ments are the advantages of divine wisdom. 
 
 such are the riches, enduring sources of 
 happiness in moral possessions (cf. ch. 3. 16.). 
 19. iCf. V. 11; 3. 16.). 20, 21. The courses iu 
 which whsdom leads conduct to a true pre- 
 sent prosperity (ch. 23. 5.!, 22-31. Strictly, 
 God's attributes are part of Himself. Yet, to 
 
 which publicly invites men, ofters the best the poetical structure of the whole passage, 
 principles of life, and the most valuable this commendation ofwisdom is entirely con- 
 teue&ts resultiug from receiving her coun- ' sonanW Iu order of time all His attiributeti 
 i33 
 
Moral virtues 
 
 PROVERBS, XII, Xm. 
 
 Qis neighbour: but a man of understanding 
 holdetn his peace. 
 
 13 6 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but 
 he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth 
 the matter. 
 
 14 Where * no counsel is, the people fall: 
 but in the multitude of counsellors there is 
 safety, 
 
 15 He that is surety for a stranger « shall 
 smart for it; and he that hatetn ^sureti- 
 ship is sure. 
 
 16 A gracious woman retaineth honour; 
 and strong men retain riches. 
 
 17 The » merciful man doeth good to his 
 own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth 
 his own flesh. 
 
 18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: 
 but> to him that soweth righteousness shall 
 be a sure reward. 
 
 19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he 
 that pursueth e\]l purstieth it to his own 
 death. 
 
 20 They that are of a froward heart are 
 abonimation to the Lord: but such as are 
 upright in their way are his delight. 
 
 -l Though hand join in hand, the wicked 
 shallnot be unpunished: but the seed of 
 the righteous shall be delivered. 
 
 22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, 
 so IS a fair woman which Sis without dis- 
 cretion. 
 
 23 The desire of the righteous is only 
 pood: but the expectation of the wicked 
 u * wrath. 
 
 i'4 There is that scattereth, and yet in- 
 creaseth; and there is that withholdeth 
 more than is meet.but it tendeth to poverty. 
 
 25 9 The liberal soul shaU be made fat; 
 and « he that watereth shall be watered 
 also hunsclf. 
 
 20 He "» that withholdeth com, the peo- 
 ple ShaU curse him: but "blessing shall 
 be upon the head of him that selleth it. 
 
 -' He that diligently seeketh good pro- 
 cureth favour: " but he that seeketh mis- 
 chief, It shall come unto him. 
 ^28 He *that trust^th in his riches shall 
 tall: but 9 the righteous shall flourish as a 
 branch. 
 
 2t> He that troubleth his own house •■ shall 
 inhent the wind; and the fool sliaU he ser- 
 vant to the wise of heart. 
 
 30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of 
 We: and he that i« winiieth souls is wise. 
 
 31 Isehold, • the righteous shaU be recom- 
 pensed in the earth: much more the wicked 
 and the sinner. 
 
 ,^^^^^ CHAPTER XII. 
 WHOSO loveth instruction loveth know- 
 " ledge: but he that hateth reproof i« 
 brutish. 
 
 2 A good man obtaineth favour of the 
 Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he 
 condemn. 
 
 3 A man shall not be established by 
 wickedness: but the root of the righteous 
 shall not be moved. 
 
 4 A ° virtuous woman is a crown to her 
 husband : but she that maketh ashamed is 
 as '' rottenness in his bones. 
 
 5 The thoughts of the righteous are rieht: 
 but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. 
 
 6 The words of the wicked are to lie in 
 wait for blood: but the mouth of the up- 
 right shall deliver them. 
 
 7 The " w icked ai-e overthrown, and are 
 not: J)ut the house of the righteous shall 
 
 A1A 1 
 
 CHAP. 11. 
 6 He that 
 
 walketh, 
 
 being a 
 
 taletiearer. 
 
 Lev. 19.16. 
 h 1 Ki. 12. 1. 
 
 6 shall bo 
 sore 
 
 7 those that 
 Btrike 
 bands. 
 
 t Mat. 26. 34. 
 i Hob. 10.12. 
 
 Gal. C. 8, 9. 
 
 Jam. 3. 18. 
 
 8 departeth 
 
 k Rom. 2. 8. 
 
 9 The soul 
 of bleBB- 
 ing. 
 2 Cor. 9. 6 
 
 I Mat. 6. 7. 
 
 ^^ Amos 8.6 
 
 "Job 29. 13. 
 
 oEsth. 7.10. 
 
 P Job 31. 2' 
 Mar. 10 .2' 
 Lu. 12.21 
 
 ill. 
 
 q Jer. 17. 8. 
 r £ccl. 6. 16 
 10 taketh. 
 
 Dan. 12.3 
 
 1 Cor. 9. 
 
 19. 
 
 Jam. 5.20, 
 » Jer. 25. 29. 
 1 Pet. 4. 17 
 
 CHAP. 12. 
 
 1 Cor.11.7. 
 6 ch. 14. 30. 
 e ftUt. 7. 24. 
 d 1 S». 26.17. 
 
 1 perverse of 
 heart. 
 
 « Deu. 26. 4. 
 
 2 Or, bowels. 
 /Gen. 3. 19. 
 
 3 Or, the 
 fortress. 
 
 9 Jer. 17. 8. 
 
 4 The snar« 
 of the 
 wicked IB 
 in the 
 transgrcB- 
 eion of 
 
 h 2 Pet. 2. 9. 
 i Is. 3. 10. 
 J Lu. 18.11. 
 8 in that 
 
 day. 
 k Ze«h. 1.6,6. 
 r.:Theas.l.6. 
 m KeT.22.15. 
 nilii.lJ.28. 
 
 ch. 10. 4. 
 
 6 Or, de- 
 
 ^itful. 
 .50.4. 
 
 7 Or. 
 abundant. 
 
 P Rom. 6. 21. 
 2 Cor. 4. 
 17. 
 
 CHAP. 13. 
 
 1 1 Sa. 2. 25. 
 
 6 Ps. 39. 1. 
 
 Jam. 3. 3. 
 
 Col. 3. 0. 
 
 &«D. 12. a. 
 
 and contrary viees. 
 
 8 A man shall be commended according 
 to his wisdom: "^but he that is l of a per- 
 verse heart shall be despised. 
 
 9 Be that is despised, and Lath a servant, 
 is better than he that honometh himself, 
 and lacketh bread. 
 
 10 A 'righteous man regardeth the life 
 of his beast: but the 8 tender mercies of 
 the wicked are cruel. 
 
 11 He /that tilleth his land shall be satis- 
 fled with bread: but he that t'olloweth vain 
 persons is void of undeistundiiig. 
 
 12 The wicked desireth « the net of evil 
 men: but the ".root of the righteous yieid- 
 eth fi-uit. 
 
 13 4 The wicked is snared by the trans- 
 gression of tiis lips: /(but the just shall 
 come out of trouble. 
 
 14 A man shall be satisfied with good by 
 the fruit of his mouth: <and the lecom- 
 pence of a man's hands shall be rendered 
 unto him. 
 
 15 The J way of a fool is right in his own 
 eyes: but he that hearkenetn unto counsel 
 is wise. 
 
 16 A fool's wrath is 6 presently known: 
 but a prudent man covereth shame. 
 
 17 Be that speaketh truth showeth forth 
 righteousness: but a false witness deceit. 
 
 18 There is that speaketh like the pierc 
 ings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise 
 is nealth. 
 
 19 The * lip of truth shall be established 
 for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a 
 moment. 
 
 20 Deceit is in the heart of them that 
 imagine evil : but to the counselloi-a of 
 peace is joy, 
 
 21 There <■ shall no evil happen to the 
 just : but the >vicked shall be filled witb 
 mischief. 
 
 22 Lying ♦" lips are abomination to the 
 Lord: but they that deal truly are his de- 
 liLtht. 
 
 23 A prudent man co!icealeth knowledge: 
 but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolish, 
 ness. 
 
 24 The »* hand of the diligent shall bear 
 rule: but the 6 slothful shall be under tri- 
 bute. 
 
 25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh 
 it stoop: but " a good word maketh it 
 glad. 
 
 26 The righteous is more i excellent than 
 his neighbour: but the way of the wicked 
 seduceth them. 
 
 27 The slothful man roasteth not that 
 which he took m hunting: but the sub- 
 stance of a diligent man is precious. 
 
 28 In the way of riyhteousuess * is life; 
 nd in the pathway thereof there is no 
 
 death. 
 
 CHAPTER XIIL 
 A WISE son heartth his lather's instruc- 
 tion: " but a scorner heareth not 
 rebuke. 
 
 2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of Ziij 
 mouth: but the soul of tne transgressors 
 shall eat violence. 
 
 He * that keepeth his mouth keepeth 
 bis life: but he that openeth wide his lips 
 shall have destruction. 
 4 1 he soul of the sluggard desireth, and 
 hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent 
 shall be made fat. 
 
 6 A righteous man hateth " lying: but a 
 wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to 
 I shame. 
 
Covimencfation of Wisdom. 
 
 PROVERBS, IX, X. 
 
 Moral Virtues. 
 
 are coincident and eternal as Himself. Bntl of a proverb, meaninf; that forbidden deli;;l)t3 
 to set forth the importance of wisdom as ' are sv/eet and pleasant, as fruits of risk and 
 
 devising the products of benevolence and 
 power, it is here assigned a precedence. As 
 It has such in divine, so should it be desired 
 in human affairs (cf. ch. 3. 19.). 22. possessed 
 —or, created, in either sense, the idea of pre 
 cedence. in the beginning— or simply, be- 
 ginning, in apposition with me. before ... of 
 old— preceding the most ancient deeds. 23. 
 I was sft up— ordained, or inaugurated 'Ps, 
 2. 6.:. The other terms carry oiit the idea of 
 the earliest antiqiuty, and 24-29. illustrate 
 it by tiie details of creation, brought forth— 
 (cf. Ps. 90. 2.). abounding— or, laden with 
 water, settled — i.e., sunk in foundations. 
 fi)ids— or, out places, deserts, as opposed to 
 (habitable) world, highest part— or, sum, all 
 panicles together, when he set . . . cepih— 
 marked out the circle, according to the po- 
 pular idea of the earth, as circular, sur- 
 rounded by depths on which the visible con- 
 cave heavens rested, establislied . . . deep— 
 i.e., so as to sustain the waters above and 
 repress those below the firmament (Gen. 1. 
 7-11; Job, 26. 8.). commandment— better, the 
 shore, i.e., of the sea. foundations— figura- 
 tively denotes the solid structure (Job, 38. 4 ; 
 Ps. 24. 2.). 30, 31. oue brought up— an object of 
 special and pleasing regard. Tlie bestowal 
 of vv-isdom on men is represented by its find- 
 ing a delightful residence and pleasing God. 
 32-36. Such an attribiite men are urged to 
 seek, watching . . . v/aiting — lit., so us to 
 ivatch; wait, denoting a most sedulous at- 
 tention, sinneth . . . me— or better, missing 
 me, as opposed to finding. 35. (Cf. Luke, 
 13. 23. 24.). love death— act as if they did (cf. 
 ch. ir. 9.). 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Ver. 1-18. The commendation of wisdom 
 continued, under the figure of a liberal host, 
 and its provisions under that of a feast (cf. 
 Luke, 14. 16-24.). The character of those who 
 are invited is followed by a contrasted de- 
 scription of the rejectors of good counsel; 
 and with the invitations of wisdom are con- 
 trasted the allurement of the wicked woman. 
 
 1, liouse— (cf. ch. 8. 34.). her— or, its (the 
 house'.), seven pillars— the number seven for 
 many, or a sufficiency (ch. 6. 31.). 2. mingled 
 —to enhance the flavour ch. 23. 30; Isa. 5. 22.J. 
 furnished— ?rt., set out, arranged. 3. maifleus 
 —servants to invite (cf. Ps. 6s. 11; Isa. 40. 9.). 
 highest places— ridges o. heights, conspicuous 
 places. 4-6. (Cf. ch. 1. 4; 6. .32.!. "Wisdom 
 n(»t only supplies right but forbids wrong 
 principles. 7, 8. shauie— (cf. ch. 3. 35.). a 
 htoi— or, stain on character. Both terms 
 denote the evil done by others to one whose 
 faithfulness secures a wise man's love. 9. ^ 
 The more a wise man learns, the more hejlch. 3 
 loves wisdom. 10. (Cf. ch. 1.7.). of the Hoiy 
 —lit., Itolies, persons or things, or both. This 
 knowledge gives ri;,ht perception. 11. (Cf. 
 ch. 3. 16-18; 4 10.). 12. You are mainly con- 
 cerned in your own conduct. 13. f.olisli 
 woman — or lit., vjoman of folly, specially 
 manitested by such as are described, clamor- 
 ou=;— or, noisy (ch. 7. 11. . kiioweln nothing 
 — lit., Tcnonxth not ivhat. i.e., is right and 
 proper. 14. on a seat — lit, throne, takes 
 a prominent place, impudently and haugh- 
 tily, 15. 16., to allure those who are right 
 miuded, and who are addressed as in v. 4, as 
 siiuijle— i.e., easily led (ch. l. 4; and unsettled, 
 though willing to do right. 17, The language 
 434 
 
 danger. 18. (Cf. ch. 2. 18. 19; 7. 27.). 
 CHAPTEE X. 
 
 Ver. 1-32. Here begins the second part of 
 the book, ch, 10-22. 16, which, -with the third, 
 ch. 22. 16,-ch. 2,5., contains series of proverbs 
 whose sense is complete in one or two verses, 
 and which, having no logical connection, ad- 
 mit of no analysis. The parallelism of clis. 
 10-15. are mostly antithetic; and those of chs. 
 16-22. 16, synthetic. The evidences of art in 
 the structure are very clear, and indicate, 
 probably, a purpose of facilitating the labour 
 of memorising. 
 
 1. wise [and] foolish— as they follow or re- 
 ject the precepts of v/isdom. maketh . . . 
 father— or, gladdens a father, heaviness— or, 
 grief. 2. Treasures . . . nothing- i.e.. Ill-gotten 
 .fains give no true happiness (cf. ch. 4. 17: 
 Mat. 6. 19.). righteousness— especially hejie- 
 nccnceiVs.m.i).). death— the greatest of all 
 evils. 3. [Cf. Ps. 37. 16-20.1. The last clause 
 is better: "He will repel the greedy desires 
 of the wicked." 4. maketh rich— cf. v. 22.). 
 slack— Zit, deceitful, failing of its purpose (cf. 
 Hos. 7. 16.). 6. son— as ch. 1. 8, 10, and often, 
 sleepeth — in indolence, and not for rest, 
 causeth sh&me— lit., is base (cf. ch. 14. 35; 17. 2.). 
 6. Blessings— Mi., Praises. The last clause is 
 better: " The mouth of the wicked covereth, 
 or concealeth, violence, or mischievous de- 
 vices," to be executed in due time IPs. 5. 9; 
 10. 7; Eom. 3. 14,), and hence has no praises 
 (cf. V. 11.). 7. blessed— Ki., for a blessing, or 
 praise, shall lot—lit, be worm-eaten, useless 
 and disgusting. 8. wise, &c.— (cf. ch. 9. 8. 9, 
 IG,), opposed to prating fool— or, fool of lips 
 of wicked language, fall — headlong, sud- 
 denly. 9. perverteth his way— acts deceitfully, 
 known— discovered and punished. 10. Two 
 vices contrasted; hypocrisy, or insinuating 
 evil against one (ch. 6. 13; Ps. 35. 19,;, and 
 rashness of speech. In each case, the results 
 are on the evil doers. 11. a well— or, source 
 of good to himself and others (John, 7. 37,38.). 
 On last clause cf. v. 6. 12. strifes— or, liti- 
 gations, coveieth— by forgiveness and for- 
 bearance. 13. In the lips . . . found— hence, 
 not beaten, as the wicked-speaking fool. 
 void of understanding- (ch. 6. 32; 7. 7.). 14. 
 lay up knowledge— i.e., as treasures for good 
 use. mouth . . . destruction— or, as to the 
 uiouth, &c., destruction is near; they expose 
 themselves to evil by prating. 15. Both by 
 trusting in " uncertain riches (1 Tim. 6. 17,), 
 or by the evils of poverty ch. 30. 9,), men, 
 not fearing God, fall into dangers. 16. The 
 industry of the righteous is alone truly suc- 
 cessful, while the earnings of the wicked 
 tempt and lead to sin. 17. keepeth— observes 
 (ch. 3. 18; 4. 22.). refuseth— or, turns Irom 
 reproof, which might direct him aright. 18. 
 Both vices must one day be known and pun- 
 ished, and hence their folly. 19. Much si leech 
 involves risk of sin; hence the wisdom of 
 restraining the tongue Ps. 39. l; Jam. 1. 26.). 
 
 20. Pdj:ht speech is the fruit of a good heart, 
 but the wicked show theirs to be useless. 
 
 21. The fool not only fails to benefit others, 
 as do the righteous, but procure their own 
 ruin (cf. v. 11. 17; Hos. 4. 6.). 22. it makeih, 
 (Sic— ii is emphatic. Riches from God are 
 without the sorrow of ill-gotten wealth icf. 
 Eccl. 2. 21-23; 1 1'ini. 6. 9, 10, 17.). 23. Sin is 
 the pleasure of the wicked; wisdom tliat ol 
 the good. 24. it— the very thing. The wicked 
 
Woral virtues 
 
 PROVEllBS, XIV, XV. 
 
 and contrary vices. 
 
 6 Righteousness '^keepeth him that i$ 
 opright, in the way: but wickedness over- 
 throweth i the sinner. 
 
 7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet 
 ftath nothing: there is that maketh himself 
 poor, yet hath gi-eat riches. 
 
 8 Ihe ransom of a man's life are his 
 riches: but the poor hoaieth not rebuke. 
 
 9 The li^ht of the ri;^'liteous rejoiceth: but 
 the 2 lamp of the wicked shall be put! 
 out. 
 
 10 Only by pride cometh contention: but 
 with the well-advised is wisdom. 
 
 11 Wealth * gotte7i by vanity shall be di- 
 minished: but he that gathereth '^ by labour 
 shall increase. 
 
 12 1 lope deferred maketh the heart sick: 
 but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of 
 Ufe. 
 
 13 Whoso /despiseth the word shall be 
 destroyed: but he that feareth the com- 
 mandment * shall be rewarded. 
 
 14 The " law of the wise is a fountain of 
 life, to depart from '' the snares of death. 
 
 15 Good vmderstanding giveth favour: but 
 the way of transgressors is hai-d. 
 
 16 Every * prudent man dealeth with 
 knowledge: but a tool & layeth open his 
 foUy. 
 
 17 A wicked messenger falleth into mis- 
 chief : but 6 a faithful ambassador is health. 
 
 18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that 
 refuseth instruction: but y he that regard- 
 eth reproof shall be honoured. 
 
 19 The desire accomplished is sweet to 
 the soul: but it is abomination to fools to 
 depart from evil. 
 
 20 He that walketh with wise men shall 
 be wise: but a companion of fools ? shall 
 be destroyed. 
 
 21 EvU * pursueth sinners : but to the 
 righteous good shall be repaid. 
 
 22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to 
 his children's children; and ' the wealth of 
 the sinner is laid up for the just. 
 
 23 Much '» food is in the tillage of the 
 poor: but there is that is destroyed for want 
 of judgment. 
 
 24 He " that spareth his rod hateth his 
 Bon: but he that loveth him chasteneth 
 him betimes. 
 
 25 The righteous eateth to the satisfj-ing 
 of his soul: but the belly of the wicked 
 Bball want. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 ■p VERY "wise woman buildeth her house: 
 ■^ but the foolish plucketh it down with 
 her hands. 
 
 2 He that walketh in his uprightness fear- 
 eth the Lord: * but he that is perverse in 
 his ways despiseth him. 
 
 3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of 
 pride: " but the lips of the -wise shall pre- 
 serve them. 
 
 4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: 
 but muchmcrease is by the strength of the 
 ox. 
 
 5 A "* faithful witness will not lie: but a 
 false witness will utter lies. 
 
 6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and Jindeth 
 it not: but ' knowledge is easy unto him 
 that imderstandeth. 
 
 7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, 
 when thou perceivest not in him the lips 
 of knowledge. 
 
 8 The wisdom of the pn;dent is to under- 
 stand his way; but the /tuUy of fools is 
 Qeceit. 
 
 4afi 
 
 /2Chr. 36. 
 
 16. 
 i Or, shall 
 
 be in 
 
 peace. 
 
 Is. 66. 2. 
 
 M«l. 3. 16. 
 g ch. 16. 22. 
 h 2 Sa. 22. 6, 
 { ch. 12. 23. 
 
 5 spreadoth. 
 
 6 an nmbas. 
 Bador of 
 faithful- 
 neas. 
 
 S ch. 16. 5. 
 
 7 ihaU be 
 
 k Ps. 82. 10. 
 I Job 27. 16. 
 Eccl. 2. 26. 
 "> ch. 12. 11 
 n ch. 23. 13. 
 
 B. c. 1000. I 9 Fools " make a mock at sin: but among 
 the righteous there is favour. 
 
 10 The heai t knoweth i his own bitterness; 
 and a stranger doth not intermeddle with 
 hisjov. 
 
 11 The '» house of the wicked shall be 
 overthrown : but the tabernacle of the up- 
 right shall flourish. 
 
 12 There » is a way which seemeth right 
 uuto a man : but J tne end thereof are the 
 ways of death. 
 
 13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrow- 
 ful ; and * the end of that mirth is heavi- 
 ness. 
 
 14 The backslider in heart shall be 'filled 
 with his own ways ; and "* a good man shall 
 be satisfied from himself. 
 
 15 The simple believeth every word : but 
 the i)rudent man looketh well to his goin^. 
 
 16 A " wise man feareth, and depaitetn 
 from evil: but the fool rageth, and is con- 
 fident. 
 
 17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly; 
 and a man of wicked devices is hated. 
 
 18 The simple inherit folly: but the pru- 
 dent are crowned with knowledge. 
 
 19 The evil bow before the good; and the 
 wicked at the gates of the righteous. 
 
 20 The " poor is hated even of his own 
 neighbour: out 2 the rich hath many friends. 
 
 21 He that despiseth his neighbour sin- 
 neth: p but he that hath mercy on the 
 pt)or, happy is he. 
 
 22 1)0 tney not err that devise evil? but 
 mercy and truth shall be to them that de- 
 vise good. 
 
 23 In all labour there is profit: but the 
 talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. 
 
 24 The crown of the wise is their riches; 
 but the foolishness of fools is lolly. 
 
 25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a 
 deceitful witness speaketh lies. 
 
 26 In the fear of the Lord is strong con- 
 fidence: and his children shall have a 
 place of refuge. 
 
 27 The 9 fear of the Lord is a fountain of 
 life, to depart from the.snares of death. 
 
 28 In the multitude of people is the kmg's 
 honour: but in the want of people is the 
 destruction of the prince. 
 
 29 Ue »■ that is slow to wrath is of great 
 understanding: but he that is s hasty of 
 spirit exalteth folly. 
 
 oO A sovmd heart is the life of the flesh: 
 but ' envy the rottenness of the bones. 
 
 31 He * that oppresseth the poor reproach- 
 eth " his Maker: but he that hououreth 
 him hath mercy on the poor. 
 
 o2 The wicked is driven awav in his wick- 
 edness: but "the righteous nath hope in 
 his deiith. 
 
 33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him 
 that hath understanding: but that which 
 is in the midst of fools is made known. 
 
 34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but 
 sin is a reproach * to any people. 
 
 35 The king's favour is toward a wise 
 servant: but his wrath is against him that 
 causeth shame. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 A SOFT answer tunieth away wrath: but 
 ■^^ grievous words stir up anger. 
 
 2 I'he tongue of the wise useth knowledge 
 aright: but the mouth of fools i pom-eth 
 out foolishness. 
 
 3 The " eyes of the Lord are in every 
 place, behiililing tin; e\il and the good. 
 
 4 2 A wholesome tongue is a tiee of liie: 
 
 CHAP. 14. 
 a Ruth 4. 11. 
 6 Job 12. 4. 
 e ch. 12. 6. 
 d Ex. 20. 16. 
 Ei. 23. 1. 
 e ch. 17. 24. 
 f Lu. 12. 20. 
 1 Cor. 3.19. 
 
 ch. 10. 23. 
 
 1 the bitter- 
 ness of faia 
 
 h Job 8. 15. 
 i ch. 16. 25. 
 y Rom. 6.21. 
 k Eccl. 2. 2. 
 
 1 ch. 12. 14. 
 to 2 Cor. I. 
 
 12. 
 
 Phil. 4. 7. 
 ♦» ch. 22. 3. 
 ch. 19. 7. 
 
 2 many are 
 the lovera 
 rfthe 
 rich. 
 
 P P.. 41. 1. 
 9 ch. 13. 14. 
 r Jam. 1. 19. 
 
 3 short of 
 spirit 
 
 • Ps. 112.10. 
 t Mat. 25. 40. 
 
 1 John 3.17. 
 u Job 31. 16. 
 " Job I3. 15. 
 
 Job 19. 26. 
 Pa. 23. 4. 
 P8.87. 37. 
 
 2 Cor. 1. 9. 
 2 Cor. 5.8. 
 2 Ti. 4. 18. 
 
 4 to nations. 
 
 CHAP. 15. 
 
 1 belcbeth, 
 Of. 
 bubbleth. 
 
 o Job 34. 21. 
 Jer. 10.17. 
 Jer. 3J. 19. 
 11 eb. 4.13. 
 
 2 The heal- 
 
 tcu(^e. 
 
Moral Virtves, and 
 
 PROVERP.?!. XT. XTT. 
 
 their Contrani Vices. ' 
 
 get dreaded evil; the righteous, desired good. 
 26. ;Cf. Ps. 1. 4; 37. 9, 10. 30. . righteous . . . 
 foundation— well laid and firm (Mat. 7. 24, 25.). 
 26. i.e., causes vexation. 27. (Cf. ch. 9. 11; 
 Ps. 55. 23.). 28. gladness— in confidence of 
 •^alismg it. expectation . . . perisii— in di'^- 
 appointment. 29. The way, (fee— i.e., Cod's 
 providence sustains the righteous, and ovtr- 
 thrnws the wicked (Hos. 14. 9.). GO. (Jt'.ch. 12. 
 3;Ps. 37.9-11: 102. 28.). eartli— or, land of pro- 
 mise. 3i. bringeth forth— ZiL, germinates as 
 a plant, froward— (cf. ch. 2. 12. 14. . cut •. ff— 
 as an unproductive plant. 32. known— re- 
 gard and provide for J's. 1. C). frowsrdr.ess 
 —all kinds of deceit and iUnature. The word 
 is plural. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 Ver. 1-31. 1. (Cf. Marg:>. The Helirews 
 used stones for weights, just— complete in 
 measure. 2. Self-conceit is unteachable; 
 the liumble grow wise icf. ch. IG. 18; 18. 12.). 
 3. guide- to lead, as a shev>lierd ch. 6. 37; Ps. 
 78. 52.). perverseness — iUnature. destroy— 
 with violence. 4. (Cf. ch. lo. 2. . wrath— i.e.. 
 of God 5. direct— or, make plain; wicked 
 ways are not plain (ch. 13. 17.). 6. deliver 
 them— i.e., from evil, which the nicked sufi'er 
 by their own doings ich. 5. 22. Fs. 9. 16.). 7. 
 exceclanon . . . perisli»-for death cuts short 
 all his plans (Luke, 10. 25.). 'hope cf ui jup — 
 betfer, "hope of wealth," or power cf. Isa. 
 40. 29, Heh.). This gives an advance on the 
 sentiment of the first clause. Even lini:es of 
 gain die with him. 8. Perhaps the xrouhle 
 prepared by the wicked, and which he in- 
 herits cf. V. 0.). 9. iCf. Ps. 35. 10; Dan. 11. 
 32.). The just is saved by superior discern- 
 ment. 10. 11. The last may be a reason for 
 the first. Together, they set forth the rela- 
 tive moral worth of good and bad men. By 
 the bit ssisig— implying active benevolence. 
 desjis^ih- or, reviles, a course contrasted 
 with the prudent silence of the wise, i oldetli 
 his peace— as if neither hearing nor telling. 
 13. talebearer— (cf. Marg.,), one trading as a 
 pedlar in scandal, whose propensity to talk 
 leads him to betray confidence. 14. couiisei 
 
 —the art of governing (ch. 1. 5.). counsellors ' 11. 12.). lerverse heart— or, wicked principles, 
 —lit., one giving counsel; the participle used as opposed to one of wisdom. 9. flespised— 
 as a collective. 15. iCf. ch. 0. 1.). sureiisiiipl held in little repute, obscure (l Sam. 18. 
 
 blessing, secures increase, while r)enurious- 
 iiesK, instead of e.xiiecteii gain, procures po- 
 verty. 25. liberal soul— (cf. A/ rt7-.(;.). made fat— 
 in-ospers (ch. 28. 25; Dent. 32. 15; Lnke.6. 38.1. 
 wa pe^li . . . watered— a comm' n figure for 
 blessing. 26. Another example of the truth 
 of V. '>a\ the m'ser loses reputation, though 
 he saves corn, seileth it— i.e., at a fair price. 
 27. good [and] miscliief— i.e., of others. p;o- 
 cnreth .. . seeketh— implying success. 28. iCf. 
 cli. 10. 15: Ps. 49. 6; 1 Tim. 6. 17.). righteous 
 ...branch- 'Ps. 1. .'i; Jer. 17. 8.). 29. ircubleth— 
 as ch. 15. 27, explains, by greediness for gain 
 cf. V. 17.). inherit . . . wind— even .successful, 
 his gains are of no real value. Ko the fool, 
 thus acting, either comes to poverty, or heaps 
 up tor others 30. a ;ree o' +ife— blessings to 
 others tiroceed from the works ot the right- 
 eous (ch. 3. 18.). winneth souls— (cf. Mara.], 
 to do them good as opposed to ch. 6. 25: Ez. 
 13. 18 C-. Luke, 5. 10.). 31. Behold— Thus 
 calling attention to the illustrations (cf. '-. 
 23,), the sentiment of wi4ch is confirmed 
 even in time, not excluding future rewards 
 and punislmients. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 Ver. 1-2S. 1. loveth know edge— as the fnilt 
 of insti-uction or training ch. 1. 2.). hateth 
 reprcci— (ch. 10. 17.). bruus>i— stur)i'l, regard- 
 less of his own welfare (Ps. 49. lO; 73. 22.). 
 
 3. Wickedness cannot give permanent pros- 
 perity, root . . . not be moved — firm as a 
 flourishing tree— (Ps. 1. 3; 16. 5; Jer. 17. 8.;. 
 
 4. a virtuous wom.au— in the wide sense of 
 well disposed to all moral duties (ch. 31. 10.). 
 maketh asnan ed— i.e., b.v misconduct, roiten- 
 iiess — an incurable evil. 5. thoughts- or, 
 purposes, are right— /('#., are judgment, i.e., 
 true decisions. couuspIs — (cr. ch. 11. 14.). 
 deceit— contrary to truth and honesty. 6. The 
 words — or, expressed de.-^igns of the wicked 
 are for evil purposes, the mouth— or, words 
 of the righteous delivering instead of en- 
 snaring men. 7. Such conduct brings a pro- 
 per return, by the destruction of the wicked 
 and wellbeing of the righteous and his fiimily. 
 8. despised— as oyiposed to commended (ch. 
 
 cf; Mart/.,), the actors put for the action, i I 
 which may be lawfully hated. 16. re;ain- 
 
 3. 5.). hatii a servant— implying some 
 means of honest living, bonouierh himselt- 
 
 or lit., lay liold of as a supiwrt. Honour is ! is self-conceited. 10. regardcth— ^ii., knoiveth 
 to a feeble woman thus as valuable as riches i (Ps. l. 0.). mercies . . . cruel— as acts of com- 
 to men. 17. mtrciful— kind to others; op- i passion ungraciously rendered to the needy, 
 posed to cruel. Such benefit themselves by : The ri;2,hteous more regards a beast tlian the 
 doing good to others (cf. ch. 24. 5. , while the ' wicked a man. 11. The idlei-'s fate is the 
 cruel injure themselves as well as others, result of indolence and want of principle 
 flesh — i.e., his body, by penuriousness (Col. : (ch. 6. 82; 7.7. . 12. The wicked . . . evil— They 
 2. 23.). 18. a deceitful work— or, wages, which love the crafty arts of deception, the root . .. 
 fail to satisfy, or flee away (ch. 10. 2; 23. 5.). ; (fruitj- their own resources supply them; or. 
 sure rew rd- or, gain, as from trading (Hos. it mny be rendered: "He (God) giveth, or 
 10. 12; Gal. 6. 8, 9.). 19. Inference from v. 18, sets (Kz. 17. 22,', the root of the righteous," 
 (cf. v. 5, 6; ch. 10. 16.). 20. (Cf. v. 5.). froward and hence it is firm: or, the verb is imper- 
 — as ch. 2. 15, opposed to the simplicity sonal: "As to the root, &c., it is firm" 
 and purity of the upri<M. in their way— or. (ch. 17. 19.). 13, 14. The sentiment ex- 
 conciuct. 21. The combined power of the panded. While the wicked, such as liars, 
 wicked cannot free them from just punish- flatterers, &c., fall by their own words, the 
 n ent, while the unaided children o<' the righteous are unhurt. Their good conduct 
 righteous find deliverance by reason of their makes friends, and God rewards them. 15. 
 pious relationship Ps. 37. 25,26.). 22. Jewels Tht w.iy . . . eyes— The fool is self-ccnceited 
 were often suspended from the nose (ien. (cf. v. 1; ch. 1. 32; 10. 17; Jam. 3, 17. i. 16. 
 24. 47; Isa. 3. 21.). Thus adorned, a hog dis- prudent . . . shame— he is slow to denounce 
 gusts less than a fair and indiscreet woman, his insulters (Jam. 1. 10.). 18. spe.tketh 
 •^3. (Cf. ch. 10. 28. \ The wrath is that of God. —lit, speaketh hastily, or iiidi.scieetly (Ps. 
 24-31. The siope of the whole is a comment 106. 33,), as an angry man retorts harsh 
 on V. 23. Thus liberality (v. 24,), by God's and provoking invectives, toiigue . . . healiJi 
 436 
 
Woral virlties 
 
 PROVERBS, XVI. 
 
 end contrary vices. 
 
 but pei'verseness therein is a Lreach in the 
 Bpirit. 
 
 5 A fool deapiseth his father's instniction: 
 but he that regardeth reindof is {irudeiit. 
 
 6 In the house of the risrhteous is much 
 treasure: but in the revenuts of the wicked 
 is tiouble. 
 
 7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: 
 but the heartof the foolisli dveih not so. 
 
 8 The * sacrifice of the wicked is an abomi- 
 nation to the Lord: * but the prayer of the 
 DpriL'ht is his deliKht. 
 
 9 The way of the wicked is an abomina- 
 tion unto the Lord: but he loveth him 
 that <* followeth after righteousness. 
 
 lOSCoiTection is grievous uniu him that 
 forsaketh the way: and he that hateth re- 
 prool shall die. 
 
 11 Hell and destruction are before the 
 Lord: how much more then * the hearts of 
 the children of men? 
 
 Li A scorner lovetli not one that reproveth 
 bim; neither will«he tjounto the wise. 
 
 13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful coun- 
 tenance: but by sorrow of the heart the 
 Bphit is broken. 
 
 14 The heart of him that hath understand- 
 ing seek eth knowleiltre: Ijut the mouth of 
 fools feedeth on foolishness. 
 
 15 All the days of the atilicted are e\i\: 
 l).ut he that is of a meny heart hoth a con- 
 tinual feast. 
 
 16 Ketter/ is little with the fear of the 
 Lord, than great treasure, and trouble 
 therewith. 
 
 17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love 
 Is. than a stalled ox and hatred there- 
 with. 
 
 18 A wrathful man stireth up strife: but 
 he that is slow to anper rtppcuseth strife. 
 
 19 The way of the slnthiul man is ns an 
 hedge of tliorns: but the way otthe righte- 
 ous ♦ J5 made plain. 
 
 VO A wise sou maketh a glad father: but a 
 foolish man despiseth his mm i.^r. 
 
 21 Folly iajoy to himUud i*- 6 destitute of 
 wisdom: Shut a man of understanding 
 walketli uprightly. 
 
 SW Without counsel purposes are disap- 
 
 Jiointed: but in the multitude of counsel- 
 ors they are established. 
 
 ii3 A man hath joy by the answer of his 
 mouth ; and a word spoken c in due sea- 
 son, how good is if.' 
 
 '2i The ^ way of life is above to the wiee, 
 that he may depart from hell beneath. 
 
 26 The Lord will destroy the Imuse of the 
 proud: but he will establish the border of 
 the widow. 
 
 26 The thoughts of the wicked are an 
 abomhiation to the Lord: but the tvords 
 of the pure are 'pleasant words. 
 
 27 He « that is greedy of gain troubleth 
 his own house: out he that hateth t;irt8 
 shall live. 
 
 28 The heart of the righteous J studieth to 
 answer: but the mouth of the wicked 
 pciireth out evil things. 
 
 2!) The Lord is * lar Irom the wicked: but 
 he ' heareth the prayer of the righteous. 
 
 bo The light of tne eyes reiniceth the 
 heart; and agood report "maketn the bones 
 fet. 
 
 31 The ear that he.treth the reproof of 
 life ni)ideth among thi- wise. 
 
 o'2 J le that refuseth 8 Distinction despiseth 
 his own soul: but he that " heaieth re- 
 prouf io gettetli uuderstaudiiig. 
 
 4a& 
 
 CHAP. 16. 
 
 b Is. 61. 8. 
 
 Jer. 6. no. 
 
 Jer. 7. 22. 
 
 Amoe 5. 22 
 « Lu. 18. 11. 
 d 1 Ti. 6. U 
 'i Ur, In- 
 
 (truction. 
 « John 2 24. 
 
 Acts 1. 24. 
 fEccl.i.6. 
 
 1 Tim. 6.6 
 4 is raised 
 
 U. .^ 8. 
 void of 
 
 i I.. 5. 8. 
 > 1 let. 3.1 
 * Hrh 'J. 1 
 I Ko.n. 8. 2 
 
 9 Or, 
 oLeyelh. 
 
 ' ['Obseas- 
 
 M»t. 1IM9. 
 b 1 6a. IC. 7. 
 
 Dan. 5. 27. 
 2 Kcll. 
 
 Phil. 4. 6. 
 
 1 f et. 5. 7. 
 e la. 4a. 7. 
 
 Rom. 11.36. 
 d J.^blil. »). 
 
 Kom. 9.22. 
 6 held 
 
 innocent. 
 
 Dan. 4. 27. 
 Lu. 11. 41. 
 f Col. 1. 10. 
 g Jer. 10. 23. 
 ■lDi«in»tion. 
 Ii Lev. 19.30, 
 6 >U tba 
 
 •tones. 
 i Is. 36. 8. 
 
 Acta 2-1. 16. 
 G Or, Ho 
 
 l6 J I. 18. 
 Jer. 17. 7. 
 Ps. S7. 3(1. 
 SiHt. 12.34. 
 n,<,keth 
 
 J'lie »oul of 
 hiu th&t 
 laboiirclb. 
 
 9 boweth 
 unto bim. 
 
 10 A ffiUJi of 
 Belial. 
 
 11 lendeth 
 fortli. 
 
 33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction 
 of wisdom; and before honour- is humQity. 
 
 CHAPTER XVL 
 T'HE 1 preparations of the heart in man, 
 
 -*■ and ^ the answer of the tongue, is hum 
 the Lord. 
 
 2 All the ways of a man are cletm in his 
 own eyes: but the * Lord weigheth the 
 gpuits. 
 
 3 - Commit thy works onto the Lord, and 
 thy thoughts shall be estaldished. 
 
 4 The " Lord hath made all tldnas for 
 himself; <* yea, even the wicked for the day 
 of evO. 
 
 5 Every one that is proud in heart is nn 
 abomination to the Lord: thovah bai.d 
 join in hand, he shall not be =* unjauiishta. 
 
 6 By • mercy and truth iniquity is purged; 
 and by the fear of the Lord men depart 
 from enl. 
 
 7 When a man's ways/ please the Lord, 
 he njaketh even his enemies to be at peace 
 with him. 
 
 8 iifctter is a little with righteousness, 
 than great revenues without right, 
 
 9 A man's heart deviseth his way: «' but 
 the Lord directeth his steps. 
 
 10* A divine sentence is ui the lips of the 
 king: his mouth transgresselh not m judg- 
 ment. 
 
 11 A '» just weight and balance are the 
 Lord's ;o all the w eights of the.bag are his 
 work. 
 
 12 It is an abomination to kings to com- 
 mit wickedness: for the throne is estab- 
 hshed by ri^'hteousness. 
 
 13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; 
 and they love him thatspeakelh right, 
 
 14 The wrath of a king i.s as messengers 
 of death: but a wise man will jiaciiy it, 
 
 15 In the light of the king's countenance 
 is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the 
 latter rain, 
 
 16 How much better is it to get wis- 
 dom than gold? and to get understanding 
 rather to he chosen than silver? 
 
 17 The » highway ol' the upright is to de- 
 part Irom evil: he that keepeth his way 
 presen'eth his soul, 
 
 18 rride goeth before destruction, and an 
 haughi ^ spirit before a fall. 
 
 Id Better it is to be of an humble spuit 
 with the lowly, than to divide the spoil 
 with the proud. 
 
 2(1 *< He that handleth a matter wisely 
 shall tind good; and whoso > trusteth in 
 the Lord, happy is he. 
 
 21 The wise m heart shall be called pru- 
 dent; and the sweetness of the hps mcreas- 
 eth learning. 
 
 22 Uiidcistarding is a well-spring of life 
 unto him that hath it: but the instruction 
 of fools is folly. 
 
 23 The * heart of the wise 1 teacheth hia 
 mouth, and addeth learnuig to his lips. 
 
 24 Pleasant words are as an honeyconih, 
 sweet to the soul, and health to the 
 bones. 
 
 25 There is a way that seemeth right unto 
 a man; but the end thereof are the wa>a 
 of death. 
 
 26 8 He that laboureth, lahoureth for him- 
 self; for his mouth " craveth it of him. 
 
 _ 27 1*' An ungodly man diggeth up evil; and 
 in his lips there is as a burning tire. 
 
 28 A ii-oward man ^ soweth striie; and a 
 whisperer separateth chief friends. 
 
 29 A violent man enticeth his ueighboor. 
 
Moral Virlues, and 
 
 PROVERBS, xni, xrv. 
 
 their Contrary Vices. 
 
 ^Ly sootliiriK and gentle language. 19. 
 Words of trutii are consistent -ind stand all 
 tests, while lies are soon discovered and ex- 1 
 posed. 20. tiiac im; giue— or, plan (ch. y. 2'J.). 
 They de.-ign a deceitful course, to which, 
 ■witli all its evils and dangers to others and | 
 themselves, the happiness of peace-makers i 
 is (n^posed (cf. Mat. 5. y; Rom. 12. 18.1. 21. j 
 no evil— (as Ps. 91. 10,), under God's wise limi- 1 
 tations iRom. 8. 28.). miscnief— as penal evil. 
 22. deal truly— or, faithfully, i.e., according 
 to promises icf. tlohn. 3. 21.). 23. couceaieth 
 —by his modesty .:ch. 10. 14; 11. 13.). heart 
 . . . proc aimetu— as his lips speak his thoughts 
 (cf. EccL 10. 3.). 24. slotliiul— icf. Marg.,), so 
 called because he fails to meet his prouiises. 
 uuder uibuic— not denoting legal taxes, but 
 the obligation of dependence. 25. a good 
 Wi:rd— one of comfort. . 26. more exce lent— 
 (cf. Marg.,), or, more successful, while the 
 wicked rail; or. we may read it: "The riMht- 
 eous guides his friend, but," &c., i.e.. The 
 ability of the righteous to aid others is con- 
 trasted with the ruin to which the way of 
 the wicked leads themselves. 27. (Cf. v. 24.). 
 took in liuniiug— or, his venison. He does 
 not improve his advantages, tiie substance 
 . . . precious — or, the wealth of a man of 
 honour is being diligent, or diligence, pre 
 cijxia— lit., honour (Eccl. 10. l.j. 2i. iCf. ch. 
 8. 8, 20, <tc.;. A sentiment often stated; here 
 first afhrmatively, then negatively. 
 CHAtTEK Xiil. 
 Ver. 1-25. 1. (Uf. ch. 6. 1-5; 10. 1, 17.). 2. 
 shall e >t— i.e., obtam ch. 12. 14.). transgres-^ors 
 —as cli. 2. 22. Violeuce— or, mischief to them- 
 selves. 3. He . . . mouth . . . liie — Because 
 evil speeches may provoke violence from 
 others. On last clause cf. ch. 10. 14. 4. iCf. 
 ch. 12. 11, 27.;. 5. loaUisome . . . sU:-,mt;— better, 
 causeth shame and reproach (cf. ch. V.k 20, , 
 by slander, &c., which the righteous hales. 
 6. A sentiment of frequent recurrence, that 
 piety benetiis, and sin injures. 7. In opposite 
 ways men act hypocritically for gain o. hon- 
 our, or wealth. 8. Riches save some from 
 punishment, while others suffer because they 
 will not heed the rebuke of sloth, which 
 makes and keeps them poor. 9. li^nt [an :] 
 lamp— prosperity; the first, the greater, and it 
 rejoi'jttli — or, burns brightly, or continues, 
 while the other, at best, small, soon tails. 
 10. ihe obstinacy which aitends self-conceit, 
 produces contention, which, the well advised, 
 thus evincing modesty, avoid. 11. by va.nty 
 —or, nothingness, i.e., which is vain or use- 
 less to the public as card playing and similar 
 vices.), gatherelk . . . labjur— (cf. Manj.,], 
 little by little, laboriously. 12. desire coinem 
 —is realised, a tree of lite— or, cause of hap- 
 piness. 13. tlie word— i.e., of advice, or in- 
 struction cf. ch. 10. 27; 11. 31.). 14, (Cf. ch. 
 10.11.,. fountain— or, source ot life, to depart 
 —(of. ch. 1. 2-4,), or, for departing, &c., and so 
 gives live. 15. Right perception and action 
 secures good-will, while evil ways are diffi- 
 cult as a stony road. The wicked left of God 
 find punishment of sin in sinning, hard— 
 or. harsh (cf. [Hib.', Deut. 2l. 4; Jer. 5. 15.). 
 16. (ie^iSih— acts with foresight, a fool... 
 loUy— f' r want of caution. 17. A wicked— 
 [or, untaithful] messenger fal'.eih into— or, by 
 mischief, or evil, and so his errand fails. 
 Contrasted is the character of the faithful, 
 whose laithfulness benefits others. 18. Cf. 
 ch. 10. 17; 12. 1.). 19. Sell-denial, which fools 
 will not eudure, is essential to success. 20, 
 438 
 
 The benefits of good and evils of bad society 
 are contrasted 21. ,Cf. ch. 11.31./. good... 
 repaid— or. He (God) will repay good. 22. 
 wealth . . . just — while good men's e-tates 
 remain in their families, God so oniers that 
 the gains of sinners enure to the just (cf. ch. 
 28. 8; Fs. ^7. 18, 22, 26, &c.i. 23. 'ihe labour- 
 ing poor prosper more than those who inju- 
 diciously or wickedly strive, by fraud and 
 violence, to supersede the necessity of lawful 
 labour. 24. bp.uetii — or, withholds, rod— 
 of correction, hateih— or, acts as if he hated 
 him icf. ch. 3. 12; 8. 36.). chasieneth . . . betimes 
 —or, diligently seeks for him all use! ul dis- 
 cipline. 25. The comparative tempoi al la-os- 
 perity of the righteous and wicked, rather 
 than contentment and discontent, is noted. 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 Ver. 1-35. 1. Every wise, &c. — ht.. The 
 vnsdoms (cf. ch. 9. 1) ofxoomen, plural, a dis- 
 tributive form of speech, buildei h . . . h .use- 
 increases wealth, which the foolish, by mis- 
 management, lessens. 2. uprigi.tnjss- is the 
 fruit of fearing God, as falsehood and ill- 
 nature (ch. 2. 15; 3. 32) of despising Him and 
 His law. 3. rLd of pride— i.e., the i.uiu>linient 
 01 pride, which they evince by tlieir words. 
 The words of the wise procure good to them. 
 4. crib is clean— or, empty; so "cleanness of 
 teeth" denotes want of food (cf. Amos, 4. G.). 
 Men get the proper iruit of the.r doings 
 (Gal. u. 7.). 5. A faithful witness, <iic.— One 
 testad to be such, utter [or, breathe out] lies 
 —i.e., habitually lies (ch. 0. 19; cf. Acts, 9. 1.). 
 Or the sense is. that habitual trutlilulness, 
 or lying, will be evinced in witness-bearing. 
 I 6. An humble, teachable spirit succeeds iii 
 seeking (ch. 8. 9; John, 7. 17; Jam. l. 5, 6.). 
 7. Avoid the .society of those who cannot 
 ' teach you. 8. Appearances deceive the 
 ' thou'Jitless, but the prudent discriminate. 
 ; 9. ioo.s . . . sin— or. Sin deludes fools, rig-hi- 
 ; eous . . . iavour— i.e., of God, instead of the 
 punishment of sin. 10. Each one best knows 
 his own sorrows or joys. 11. (Cf. ch. 12. 7.). 
 ; Ihe contrast of the «hole is enhanced by 
 : that of house and tabernacle, a permanent 
 ; and a temporary dwelling. 12. tud liierer.f— or, 
 reward, what results (cf. ch. 6. 4.). ways of 
 ; cieaiii— leading to it. 13. The preceding sen- 
 1 timent illustrated by the disappointments 
 j of a wicked or untimely joy. 14. filltd . . . v/ays 
 i —receive retribution (ch. 1. 31.). a gcod man 
 I . . . uiiLSsii—lU., is away from such, will not 
 i associate with him. 15. Tne simple . . . wtrd 
 I —He IS credulous, not from love, but heed- 
 I lessness (ch. 13. 16. . 16. Cf. ch. 3. 7; 28. 14.). 
 ' ragetu— acts proudly and conceitedly. 17. 
 ' Ktf . . . angry — lit., short of anger icf. v. 29. 
 ■ opposite idea.), man . . . hated— i.e., the deli- 
 j berate evil-doer is more hated than tlie rash. 
 18. inherit — as a portion (ch. 3. 3,).). are 
 ! crowned- ?ii., are surrounded with it, aiiound 
 Jin it. 19. describes the humbling of the 
 wicked by the punishment their sins incur. 
 20. This sad but ti'ue picture of Imiu^ui na- 
 ture is not given approvingly, bui only as 
 a fact. 21. For such contempt of the poor 
 is contrasted as sinful with the virtuous 
 compassion of the j40od. 2i. As usuil. the 
 interrogative negative strengthens the utfix- 
 mative. meicy and truth— i.e., God's (I'f. 57. 
 3; (1. 7.). 23. labour— or, painful d ligence. 
 ta k . . . penury— idle and vain pro:iii>,es and 
 plans. 24. iCf. ch. 3. 16.). I'lolishnesj . . . fuiiy 
 —folly remains, or produces folly, has uo 
 benefit. 35. Life often depends on truth 
 
JHoral Vivtvei 
 
 PROVERBS, XVII-XIX. 
 
 and emtrary rices. 
 
 SkTiA h'adeth him into the way that is not 
 g-<'<>i(. 
 :Vt He shutteth his eyes tode%ise frowiird 
 tliiiiKs: moving his lips he briuseth evil to 
 p:iss. 
 
 31 'i'he hoary head is a cro^vn of glory, if 
 it be found in the way of riKhtennsness. 
 
 32 He that is slow to anirer is better than 
 the mii,'hty; and he that nileth his spirit 
 than he that taketh a city. 
 
 33 The lot is cast into the lap- but the 
 whole disposiiit' thereof is of the Loed. 
 
 CirAl'TEIl XVII. 
 ■PETTER is a dry morsel, and quietness 
 ■*-* therewith, than an house full of i sacri- 
 fices tviih strife. 
 
 2 A wise servant shall have rule over a 
 Bon that causeth shame, and shall have part 
 of the inheritance among the brethren. 
 
 3 The " fining pot is for silver, and the 
 fimiace for gold: but the Lobd trieth the 
 hearts. 
 
 4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lijis; 
 and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tonsrue. 
 
 5 Whoso niocketh the poor reproaclieth 
 his Maker ; and ^ he that is glad at calami- 
 ties shall not be 2 unpunished. 
 
 6 Children's children are the crown of old 
 men; and the glory of children are their 
 fathers. 
 
 7 y Excellent speech beconieth not a fool; 
 much less do * lying lips a prince. 
 
 8 A gift is as 5 a precious stone in the 
 eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it 
 tunieth, it '^ prospereth. 
 
 9 He that covereth a transgression ^ seek- 
 ■eth love: but he that repeateth a matter 
 separateth verv friends. 
 
 10 ' A reproof entereth more into a wise 
 man than a hundred stripes into a fool. 
 
 11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion; 
 therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent 
 
 ?ainst hi in. 
 
 elps 
 
 ratlier than a fool in his lolly. 
 
 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a 
 
 13 Whoso '^ rewardeth evil for good, evil 
 shall not depart troin his house. 
 
 14 The beiimning of stri'.e is as when one 
 letteth out water; therefore * leave off con- 
 tention, before it be nie<ldlcd with. 
 
 15 lie that /justifieth the wicked, and he 
 that condeinneth the jiist, even they both 
 are abomination to the Lord. 
 
 16 Wheretore is there a price in the hand 
 of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no 
 heart (o it? 
 
 17 A friend loveth at all times, and a 
 brother is born for ailversity. 
 
 18 A man void of 8nn(i<rstiin(HngEtriketh 
 hands, -/)( 7 becometh surety in the presence 
 of his tViuiid. 
 
 19 He loveth transgression that loveth 
 strife: ami he that exalteth his gate seek- 
 eth destruction. 
 
 20 8 He that hath a fro ward heart findeth 
 no good; atid he that hath a pen-erse 
 tongue falleth into mischief. 
 
 21 lie that begetteth a fool doeth it to his 
 Borrow; and the father of a fool hath no joy. 
 
 22 A merry heart doeth good t" Uk-e a med- 
 icine: but ii broken snirit drieth the bones. 
 
 23 A wicked man taketb a u'ili out of the 
 bosom " to pervert the ways of judgment. 
 
 ^ Wisdom " is before hini that bath un- 
 derstanding: but the eyes of a fool are in 
 the ends ot the earth. 
 
 25 A 1'ooli.sh son is a giief to bis father, 
 aiid bitttniess to her that bare him. 
 
 CHAP. 17. 
 
 1 Or, good 
 
 a Jer. 17. 10. 
 
 M:.l. 3. 3. 
 
 6 Job 81. 29. 
 
 Obau. 12. 
 
 2 held 
 innocent. 
 
 3 a lip of 
 exeellcncy. 
 
 4 a lip of 
 lying. 
 
 5 a alone of 
 
 CGon.aa.21. 
 Gen. 41. as. 
 Dao. 6. 3. 
 
 6 Or, 
 prccureth. 
 
 7 Or. a 
 reproof 
 
 •trike a 
 
 fool an 
 
 hundred 
 
 times. 
 d Jer. 18. 20. 
 
 Ho. 12. 17. 
 e 1 Theai. 4. 
 
 froward of 
 
 10 Or, to a 
 medicine. 
 
 g Ex. 23. 8. 
 h Eccl.2. 14. 
 i Jam. 1. ly.« 
 
 11 Or, a cool 
 
 o Ps. 78, 2. 
 6 Lev. 19. 16. 
 Deu.16. 19. 
 2 Or, 
 
 wounded. 
 
 4 chaniberg. 
 c Ps. 18. 2. 
 
 5 ia set 
 aloft. 
 
 ti returneth 
 
 d Eph. 1.1 7. 
 
 , Kr.m. 10.2. 
 
 211.8*8.1.8. 
 
 : Po. ^7. 7. 
 
 26 Also to punish the just is not good, 
 nar to strike princes for eipiity. 
 
 27 He i ihnt hath kno\vlt'(i-:e sjmrcth his 
 words: and a man of understan>liug is of 
 11 HU exrellent spirit. 
 
 28 E\en a fool, when heholdeth his peace, 
 is counted wise; arid he that shutteth his 
 lips is est£.em€d a inati of understanding. 
 
 ^ CHAl'TEU XV IH. 
 'piIHOlIGH 1 desire a man, having separ- 
 ■^ ated himself.seeketh and intemieddleth 
 witli all wisdom. 
 
 2 A fool hath no delight in imderstaiiding, 
 but that his heart may discover itself. 
 
 3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh 
 also contempt, andwith ignominy reproach. 
 
 4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep 
 waters, " and the well-spring of wisdom as 
 a flowing brook. 
 
 5 /f * is not good to accept the person ot 
 the ^^icked, to overthrow the righteous in 
 judgment. 
 
 6 A fool's lips enter mto contention, ana 
 his mouth calleth for strokes. 
 
 7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and 
 his liiis are the snare of his soul. 
 
 8 The words of a " talebearer are 3 aa 
 wounds, and they go down into the * in- 
 nermost parts of tlie belly. 
 
 9 He also that is slothful in his work ia 
 brother to him that is a great waster. 
 
 10 Tlie " name of the Lord is a stron" 
 tower: the righteous runueth iuto it, and 
 6 is safe. 
 
 11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, 
 and as an liigh wall in his owu conceit. 
 
 12 Htfore destruction the heart of man ia 
 haughty, and before honoiu- is humiiity. 
 
 13 lie that ^ answereth a matter before he 
 heaieth if, it is folly and shame unto him. 
 
 14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infir- 
 mity: but a wounded spirit who can bear: 
 
 15 The "^ heart of the prudent getteth 
 knowledge; and the ear of the wise seek- 
 eth knowledge. 
 
 16 A ' man s gift maketh room for him, 
 and britigeth him before great men. 
 
 17 Hk that is first in Ids own cause seemeth 
 just; but his neighbour cometh and search- 
 eth him. 
 
 18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, 
 and parteth between the mighty. 
 
 19 A brother otlendcd is harder to be won 
 than a strong city; and «/<eir contentions 
 are like the bars of a castle, 
 
 20 A man's belly shaU be satisfied with 
 the fruit of his mouth; and with the iu- 
 creasH of his lips shall he be filled. 
 
 •Jl lii'uth /and life are in the power of 
 the totiL'ue: and they that love it shall eat ' 
 the fruit thereof. 
 
 ■-'2 \S'hij.<o findeth a wife findeth a good 
 (/(iiiy, and obtaineth favour of the Lord. 
 
 23 the i)oor iiseth entreaties; but the rich 
 answereth " loughly. 
 
 24 A man that hath friends must sho^y 
 himself triendly: and there is a friend thai 
 sticketh closei- than a brother. 
 
 CIIAl'TEU XIX. 
 "DETTER " «.■; tb.e poor that walketh in 
 ^ his integiitv, tiian he that is pei-verse 
 in his lips, and is a fcol. 
 
 2 Also, that the * soul be without .know- 
 ledge, it if not 2ood ; and he that liasteth 
 with his feet sinncth. 
 
 3 The foolishness of man peiTerteth his 
 way: "^ and his heart irettetn agaii^st the 
 
 LOHD. 
 
Moral Virtues, arid 
 
 PiiOVERBS, XV, XVI. 
 
 their Contrary Vices. 
 
 telling, a aeceitful . . . lies- 
 out lies is deceit, not to be trusted [v. o.',. 
 26. The blessings of piety descend to cliildren 
 (ell. 13. 22; 20. 7; Ex. 20. 0.). 27. ^U'. ch. Vo. 14.). 
 lear ol tue Lord— or, law oftJiewise, is wisdom 
 (Ps. 111. 10.). 28. The teaching of a true 
 poutical economy. 29. slow . . . uuderstanoiug 
 — vCf. V. 17.). hasty— (cf. -r. 17.j. exaltetli foliy 
 —makes it conspicuous, as if delighting to 
 honour it. bO. A souuq heart— Both literally 
 and liguratively, a source of health; in the 
 latter sense, opposed to the known eflect oi 
 evil passions on health. 31. reproiichetu Ins 
 Maker— who is the Ood of such, as well as of 
 the rich (ch. 22. 2; Job, 31. 15; and specially 
 lteani.2. 8;Ps. 113. (.). 32. driven— or, thrust 
 out violently icf. Ps. 36. 5, 6.). hatu hopt— 
 or, trusteth (ch. 10. 2; 11. 4; Ps. 2. 12,), imply- 
 ing assurance of help. 33. restetn- preserved 
 in quietness for use, while fools blazon their 
 folly (ch. 12. 23; 13. 16.). 34. EiglUeousness— 
 J ust principles and actions, exaltetli— raises 
 to honour, is a repioacU— or, brings on ihem 
 the iii-will of others (cf. ch. 13. G.;. 35. wise 
 —discreet, or prudent, causeih shame— (ch. 
 
 10. 6; 12. 4) acts basely. 
 
 UHAPTEE XV. 
 Ver. 1-33. 1. soit — tender, or gentle, 
 turuetli . . . wratn— from any one. siir up- 
 as a smouldering lire is excited. 2. usetu . . . 
 ariglit— coiumends knowledge by its proper 
 use. poureiii out— utters abundantly ;ch. 12. 
 23,), and so disgusts others. 3. beiiLlduig— 
 watching ,cf. ch. 6. 21; Ps. ou. 7.J. 4. A whole- 
 some tongue — (cf. Marg.,), pacilying and 
 soothing language, tree of life— >ch. 3. 18; 11. 
 30.). pavcrseneos therein— cross ill-natured 
 language, breach . . . spirit— cf. Isa. 65. 14, 
 Het>.,], grieves, instead of appeasing. 5. (Cf. 
 ch. 4. 1; 10. 17; 13. 1-18. j. is prudeiu— acts dis- 
 creetly. 6. treasure— imply ing utility, trouble 
 —vexation and affliction. 7. .Cf.ch. 10.20, 21.). 
 heart ... not so— not right, or vain, b, 9. 
 The sacrifice Land] prayer— are acts of worship, 
 way [andj loiioweta . . . righteousness- denote 
 conduct. God's regard for the worship and 
 deeds of the righteous and wicked respec- 
 tively, so stated Ps. 60. 17; isa. 1. 11. 10. (Of. 
 ch. 10. 17.). the way— that in which God 
 would have him to go (ch. 2. 13; Ps. 119. 1.). 
 
 11. Hell— (fs. 16. 10.1. dtsirucuon — or, abad- 
 don, tiie place of the destroyer. Ail the 
 unseen worid is open to Goa, much more 
 men's hearts. 12. iCf. ch. 9. 8.;. go uuto the 
 wise— to be instructed. 13. m. ketii . . . coun- 
 tenauce— or, benefits the countenance, spirit 
 is broken — and so the countenance is sad. 
 14. (Uf. ch. 10. 21. 22. . The wise grow wiser, 
 the fools moreioolish ich. 9. 9.;. 15. The state 
 of the heart governs the outward condition, 
 evil— sacJ, contrasted with the cheerfulness 
 of a least. 16. trouble— agitation, implying 
 the anxieties and perplexities attending 
 wealth held by worldlings vch. 16. 18; 1 llui. 
 6. 6.]. 17. dinner [or, allowance (2 Ki. 25. 30,J 
 (ol heibsj— and that the plainest, and natred 
 
 he that breathes (Cf. Col. 3. 2.). Holy purposes prevent sai- 
 ning, and so its c viis. 25. The most desolate 
 who have God's aid have jnore permanent 
 good than the sell-reiiant sinner ch. 2. -j^; 
 12. 7.). border— or, boundary for possessions . 
 (Ps. 78. 54.). 26. are pleasant, worus — /.c, 
 plea.sing to God (ch. S. 8, o.i. 27. (Cf. ch. il. 
 17.;. Avarice brings trouble to him and Ins. 
 hateth gifiS— or, bribes iPx. 23. 8; Ps. 16. 5,], 
 and is not avaricious. 25. Cf. r. 14; cli. 
 10. 11.). Caution is the fruit of wisdom; 
 rashness of lolly. 29. tar . . . wicked— in 11 is 
 love and favour (Ps. 2 . 11; 119. 155.;. 30. 
 Ligiitof the lyes— (ch.l3. 9.). Wnat giveslignt 
 rejoiceth the heart, by relieving from anxit-ty 
 as to our course, so gcoa rtpoit— or, doctrine 
 (Isa. 28. 9, 63. 1./. niakeih . . . lat— t.r, gives 
 prosperity (ch. 3. 13-17 ; 9. 11). The last clause 
 is illustrated by the tirst. 3i, 3^. Cf. ch. 
 10. 17.). reproof of life— which leads to life, 
 abideth . . . wise— is numbered among them, 
 reluseth — or, neglects, passes by (ch. 1. 25; 
 4. 15.). despiseth . . . soul— so acts as il esteem- 
 ing its interests of no value. 33. The .ear . . . 
 v/isdom — Wisdom instructs in true piety. 
 before . . . humility— ,cf. Luke, 24. 26; 1 Pet. 
 1. 11;); opposite (cf. cli. lu. i.s.j. 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 Ver. 1-33. 1. prepaiaiions — or, schemes, 
 in man— or lit., to man, Oeionging, or pertain- 
 ing to him. the answer . . . Lcra— the efficient 
 ordering i3 from God: "Man proposes; God 
 disposes." 2. clean— or, faultless, wdgheta 
 —or, tries, judges, implymg that they are 
 faulty (Ch. 21. 2; 24. 12.]. 3. iCf. Marg.). 
 Eeiy on God lor success to your la\\ful pur- 
 poses. 4. for hiniseif— or, ' for its answer, 
 or purpose," i.e., according to God's plan; 
 the wicked are for the day of evil (Ps. 49. 5; 
 Jer. 17. is;); sinning and sulfering answer to 
 each other, are indissolubly rmited. 5. ^Cf. 
 ch. 3. 32.). 6. By mercy and truth — i.e., 
 God's (Ps. 85. 10,), He effects the atonement, 
 or covering of sin; and the principles of true 
 piety incline men to depart Irom evil; or, 
 mercy and truth may be man's, indicative of 
 the gracious tempers which work instrumen- 
 tally in procuring pardon, purged— expiated, 
 as Lev. 16. 33; Isa. 27. 9, Uth. . 7. Persecu- 
 tions, of course, excepted. 8. (Cf. ch. 1.). 6, 16, 
 17.,. 9. (Cf.'y.3.). diiLCieth— establisheth. 10. 
 The last clause depends on the first, express- 
 ing the importance of equity in decisions, 
 so authoritative. 11. are the Lord's . . . his 
 worn— i.e., what He has ordered, and hencei^ 
 sliould be observed by men. 12. Pulers are 
 rightly expected, by their position, to Jiate 
 evil; for their power is sustained by right- 
 eousness. 13. A specification of the general 
 sentiment of v. 12. 14, 15. This wrath, so 
 terrible and certain, like iLessengers of de itii 
 (1 Ki. 2. 25,), can be appeased by the wise. 
 Ught of . . . comiteuance— favour (Ps. 4. 6.). life 
 — preserves it, or gives blessings v\liich make 
 it valuable, tiie latter raiu—feLl ja.st before 
 harvest, and matured the crop; hence spe- 
 
 — (cf. ch. 10. 12,18.). 18. ,Cf. ch. 14. 29; 16. cially valuable (Deut. 11. 14.). lb. (Cf. ch 
 32.). 19. The difficulties of the slothful re- 3. 16; 4. 6.). 17. ihe highway— A common, 
 suit Irom want of energy; the righteous find plain road, represents the habitual course of 
 a plain [and open] v,a,y—lit., a htghvay, by the righteous in departing from evil, kiepetu 
 diligence (1 Sam. 10. 7; Ps. 1. 3.. 20. (Cf. — or. observes. 18, lb. (Cf. ch. 15. .,3.). 
 ch. 10. 1. . 21. walketh uprightly — and so Haughtiness and pride imply self-confidence, 
 finds his joy (ch. 3. 6; 10. 23.). 22. Witnciit ! which produces carelessness, and hence the 
 (ouiisel — or, deliberation, implying a wise i fall— iit., sliding, div.de ti.e spiil— (.e., con- 
 defeieuce to the opinions of tne wise andquer. Avoid the society of the proud (Jam. 
 good, contrasted with rashness. 23. Good! 4.'.). 20. handieth a matter— or, wisely con- 
 advice blesses the giver and receiver. 24. 1 aiders t/ie uorci, i.e., of God (cf. ch. io. i3.J. 
 437- 
 
Jifbrffll virtues 
 
 PROVERBS. XX. 
 
 and contrary vices.' 
 
 4 Wealth niaketh many fiieiids: but the 
 poor is separated from his neighbour. 
 6 A <* false witness shall not be i unpun- 
 L<!htd, and he that speaketh lies shall not 
 • escape. 
 
 6 Many will entreat the favour of the 
 piince: and every man is a friend to 2 him 
 that dveth eifts. 
 
 7 All the brethren of the poor do hate 
 him ; how much more do his friends go far 
 from himi he pursueth them with words, 
 yH they are wanting to him. 
 
 8 i le that getteth 3 wisdom loveth his o-\\ti 
 Boul: he that keepeth understanding shall 
 find good. 
 
 9 A * false witness shall not be unpunish- 
 ed, and he that speaketh lies shall perish. 
 
 V) Delight is not seemly for a fool ; much 
 less / for a servant to have rule over 
 piinces. 
 
 11 The * discretion of a man deferreth his 
 an.rer; ^ and it is iaa glory to pass over a 
 transgression. 
 
 12 The king's wrath is as the roaring of a 
 lion; but his favour is as dew upon the 
 grass. 
 
 Ki A foolish son is the calamity of his 
 father: and the contentions of a wife are a 
 C'liiiinual dropping. 
 
 11 House '' and riches are the inheritance 
 ol' fathers: and » a prudent wife is from the 
 
 LoKD. 
 
 lu Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; 
 and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. 
 
 16 lie } that keepeth the commandment 
 kcept'th his own soul ; but he that despiseth 
 his ways shall die. 
 
 : 17 He * that hath pity upon the poor 
 lendeth unto the Lord; and &that wnich 
 he hath given will he pay him again. 
 
 18 Ch;xsten thy son while there is hope, 
 and let not thy soul spare ^ for his crying. 
 
 19 A man of great wrath shall suffer pun- 
 ishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou 
 niust 7 do it again. 
 
 •JO Hear counsel, and receive instruction, 
 tliat thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. 
 
 •Jl Tliere ' are many devices in a man's 
 heart ; nevertheless the counsel of the 
 Loud, that shall stand. 
 
 2"2 The dtsu'e of a man is his kindness: 
 and a poor man is better than a liar. 
 
 ■3 The "* i'ear of the Lord tendtth to life; 
 and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he 
 l^ehall not be \isited with evil. 
 
 24 A slothful mati hideth his hand in his 
 bosom, and will not so much as bring it to 
 his mouth again. 
 
 25 Smite a scorner, and the simple » will 
 beware; and reprove one that hath under- 
 Btandiug, and he will imderstaud know- 
 ledge. 
 
 2G He that wasteth his father, and chaseth 
 away his mother, is a son that causeth 
 shame, and bi-ingeth reproach. 
 
 27 Ociwe, my son, to "hear the uistruetion 
 that causeth to err from the words of know- 
 ledge. 
 
 26 9 An ungodly mtness scoraeth judg- 
 ment; and the mouth of the wicked de- 
 voureth ini(iuity. 
 
 'JU Judgments are prepared forsconiers, 
 and stiipes for the back of fools. 
 
 CHAPTElt XX. 
 "VyiNE " is a mocker, strong drink is 
 raging; and whosoever is deceived 
 theiT'hy is not wise. 
 
 H lilt fear cf a king is as the roaiing of a 
 13S . 
 
 CHAP. 19. 
 d Ex. 23. 1. 
 
 1 held 
 uinooent. 
 
 2 B man of 
 gifts. 
 
 3 an be&rt. 
 « Dan. 6. 24. 
 / Eccl. 10. 8. 
 i Or, 
 
 pruJenee 
 
 Jam. 1. 19. 
 g Mat. 5. a. 
 
 Eo. 12. 19. 
 ft 2 Cor. 12. 
 
 14. 
 i ch. 18. 22. 
 : Lu. W. 28. 
 
 Lu. 11.28. 
 
 Rom. 2. 7. 
 * Eccl. 11. 1. 
 
 2 Cor. 9. 6. 
 
 Heb. 6. 10. 
 6 Or, hii 
 
 deed. 
 
 6 Or, to his 
 des true- 
 to cauae 
 him to die* 
 
 7 add. 
 
 I Job 23. 13. 
 
 18.14. 2C. 
 
 Hob. 6. 17. 
 mi Tim. 4.8. 
 
 8 win be 
 
 Deu.13.11. 
 I Eph. 4. 14. 
 2 John 10. 
 A witness 
 of Belial. 
 
 CHAP. 20. 
 
 Gen. 9. 21. 
 
 Is. 28. 7. 
 
 Hos. 4. 11. 
 
 b Gen. 13. 7. 
 
 1 Or, winter, 
 e IMat. 6. 2. 
 
 2 Or, bounty. 
 J Lu. IS. B. 
 e 1 Ki. 8. 40. 
 
 1 Johji 1. 8. 
 
 3 A stons 
 
 4 an epltah 
 
 ephah 
 / Mai. 7. IG. 
 y £i. 4. 11. 
 
 Ko. 11. St>. 
 ft Ro. 12. 11. 
 6 Eread of 
 
 6 Or, 
 enticeth. 
 Ro. 16. 18. 
 
 i Lev. 20. 9. 
 
 7 Or, 
 
 j Hab 2. 6. 
 
 ft Dau. 32.35. 
 
 Rom. 12.17. 
 
 1 I'et. 3. 9. 
 
 8 balances o( 
 deceit. 
 
 I Jer. 10. 23. 
 Ron,. «. 2U. 
 
 2 Cor. 3. 6. 
 
 9 Or, lamp. 
 
 lion : ivhoso provoketh him to anger sinneth 
 auainst his own soul. 
 i It is an * honour for a man to cease 
 from' strife: but every fool will be meddling, 
 
 4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of 
 the 1 cold- f/iere/ore shall he beg in har- 
 vest, and have nothing. 
 
 5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep 
 water: but a man of understanding will 
 draw it out. 
 
 6 Most " men will proclaim every one his 
 own 2 goodness: but <* a faithful man who 
 can find? 
 
 7 The iust man walketh in his integrity: 
 his chUdren are blessed after him. 
 
 8 A king that sitteth in the throne of 
 judgment scattereth away all evil with his 
 eyes. 
 
 9 Who » can say, I have made my heart 
 clean, I am pure from my sin? 
 
 10 ^ Divers weights, and * divei-s measures, 
 both of them are alike abomination to the 
 Lord. 
 
 11 Even a child is / known by his doings, 
 whether his work be pure, and whether it 
 be right. 
 
 12 The B hearing ear, and the seeing eye, 
 the Lord hath made even both of them. 
 
 13 Love '» not sleep, lest thou come to 
 
 Eoverty: open thine eyes, and thou shalt 
 e satisfied with bread. 
 
 14 It is naught, it is naught, saith the 
 buyer: but when he is gone his way, then 
 he boasteth. 
 
 15 There is gold, and a multitude of 
 rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a 
 precious jewel. 
 
 16 Take his garment that is surety /or a 
 stranger; and take a pledge of him for a 
 strange wom.in. 
 
 17 6 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but 
 afterwards his mouth shall be filled with 
 gravel. 
 
 18 Every purpose is established by coun- 
 sel ; and with good ad\ice make war. 
 
 li> He that goeth about as a talebearer 
 revealeth secrets ; therefore meddle not 
 with him that ^ flattereth with his lips. 
 
 20 Whoso * curseth his father or his 
 mother, his 7 lamp shall be put out in ob- 
 scure darkness. 
 
 21 An iiihentAnce may he gotten hastily 
 at the begiiiuiiig; > but the end thereo'f 
 shall not be blessed. 
 
 22 Say * not thou, I will recompense evil; 
 hut wait on the Lord, and he shall save 
 thee. 
 
 23 Divers weights are an abomination 
 unto the Lord ; and 8 a false balance is not 
 good. 
 
 24 Man's ' goings are of the Lord ; how 
 can a man then understand his own way? 
 
 25 It is a snare to the man who devoureth 
 tliat which is holy, and after vows to make 
 enquiry. 
 
 2<j A wise kino; scattereth the wicked, and 
 biingeth the wheel over them. 
 
 27 The spirit of man is the 9 candle of 
 the Loud, searching all the inward parts 
 of the belly. 
 
 28 Mercy and truth preserAe the king; 
 and his throne is uiiholden by mercy. 
 
 29 The glory ot yomig men is their 
 strength ; and the beauty of old men is the 
 gi'ey head. 
 
 30 The blueness of a wound lo cleanseth 
 away evil: so do stripes the inward ports of 
 the beiiy. 
 
Moral Virhies, and 
 
 pR0VEi?Bs, xvn, xvm. 
 
 their Contrary Vices. 
 
 •rnsteth— (cf. Ps. 2. 12; 118. s, 9.). 21. wise 
 n heart— who rightly consider duty, s-eei- 
 aessct the lips— eloquent discourse, persuades 
 ind instructs otliers. 22. Underbtiuaiug— 
 ox, discretion, is a constant source oi bless- 
 ing ich. 13. 14,), benetitins others; but tools' 
 best cftorts are folly. 23. The heart is the 
 source of wisdom flowing from the mouth. 
 2 1. (,,'1. ch. 15. 26.). Gentle, kind words, by 
 soothing the mind, give the body health. 
 25. (CV. ch. 14. 2. . 26. Diligence is a duty 
 due to one's self, for his wants require labour. 
 27. ungodly n.aii— (cf. ch. 6. 12.). diggetii up 
 evil— labours for it. in his lips . . . fire— his 
 words are calumniating (Jam. 3. 6.). 28. Cf. 
 ch. 6. 14; 10. 31.). whisperer— prater, tale- 
 bearer iCh. 18. 8; 26. 20.). 29. vioieut- man- 
 or, man of mischief (ch. 3. 31.). enticeth— 
 (ch. 1. 10.). 30. lie shutteth bis eyes— denot- 
 ing deep thought (Ps. 64. 6.). moving [or, 
 biting] his lips— a determined purpose (ch. 6. 
 13.). 31. (Cf. ch. 20. 29.). if— or, \ddch may 
 be supplied properly, or without it; the 
 sense is as ch. 3. 16; 4. 10, that piety is blessed 
 with long life. 32. (Cf. ch. 14. 29. . takech a 
 city— i.e., by fighting. 33. Seemingly the 
 most fortuitous events are ordered by God. 
 CHAPIER XVII. 
 Ver. 1-28. 1. sacrifices— or, feasts made 
 with part of them (ch. 7. 14; Lev. 2. 3; 7. 31.,, 
 Willi— or. Id., of. strite— its product, or at- 
 tendant. 2. (Cf. ch. 14. 35.). causeth siiame 
 — (ch. 10. 5.). shall . . . inheritance— i.e., share 
 a brother's part (cf. Num. 27. 4, 7.). 3. God 
 only Icnows, as He tries (Ps. 12. 6; 66. 10,), the 
 heart. 4. "Wicked doers and speakers alike 
 delight in calumny. 5. (Cf. ch. 14. 31. . glaa 
 at calamiues— rejoicing in others' evil. Such 
 are rii.htly punished by (iod who knows their 
 hearts. 6. Prolonged posterity is a blessing, 
 its cutting off, a curse ch. 13. 22; Ps. 100. 1,3- 
 15,), hence children may glory m a virtuous 
 ancestry. 7. Excellent speech — (Cf. Marg.). 
 Such language as ill suits a fool, as lying 
 (ought to suiti a prince (ch. 16. 12, 13.). 8. 
 One so corrupt as to take a bribe evinces his 
 high estimate of it by subjection to its in- 
 fluence (ch. 18. 16; 19. 6.). 9. steketh love— 
 (cf. Maw.). The contrast is between the 
 peace-maker and tale-bearer. 10. Peproof 
 more affects the wise, than severe scourging 
 fools. 11. Such meet just retribution i Ki. 
 2.26.). a cruel messeuger— one to inflict it. 
 12. They are less rational in anger than wikl 
 beasts. 13. (Cf. Ps. 7. 4; 35. 12.). evii— injury 
 to another ich. 13. 21.). 14. letteth . . .water- 
 as a breach in a dam. before . . . meddled with 
 —before strife has become sharp, or by an 
 explanation better suiting the figure, before 
 it ro'ls on, or increases. 15. abomination . . . 
 Lord— as reversing His method of acting ch. 
 3. 32; 12. 2.). 16. Though wealth cannot i.iiy 
 wisdom for those who do not love it, yet 
 wisdom procures wealth (ch. 3. 10; 14. 24.). 
 
 17. To the second of these parallel clause.;, 
 there is an accession of meaning, i.e., that a 
 bvothei-'s love is specially seen in adversity. 
 
 18. (Cf. ch. 6. 1-5; 11. 15.. . ill the presence, &c. 
 —i.e., he either fails to consult his friend, or 
 to follow his advice. 19. strile— or, conten- 
 tion is, and leads to, sin. he that exali eth 1 is 
 gate— gratities a vain love of costly buildmg. 
 seoketh — or, findeth, as if he sou-ht (cf. 
 ** loveth dpath," ch. 8. 36.). 20. Ihe seoond 
 clause adva):ces on the first. The ill-natured 
 t lil of good, and the cavilling and fanlt-lind- 
 i..^ inciu- evil. 21. (Cf. ch. 23. 24.) Different 
 
 438 
 
 words are rendered by fool, both denoting 
 stupidity and imijiety. 22. (Ct. ch. 14. ;;0; 15< 
 li. . The effect oi the mind on the Louy ia 
 well known, ddeth— as if the marrow were 
 exhausted, n.f ciicine— or, fvod;/, «luch better 
 corresponds with bone. 23. a K'lft . . . b sum 
 — nuiuey and other valuables were borne in 
 a fold 01 the garment, called the bo.som. to 
 pervert- i.e., by bribery. 24. Wisclom . . . him 
 —ever an object of regard, while a fool's affec- 
 tions are unsettled, 25. a gnef— or, cross, 
 vexition iCt. v. 21; ch. 10. 1.). 26. Also— i.e.. 
 Equally to be avoided are other sins, punish- 
 ing good subjects, or resisting good rulers. 
 27, 28. Prudence of speech is commended, 
 an excellent, or calm spirit, not excited to 
 
 1 vain conversation. 
 
 I CHAPTEE XVIII. 
 
 I _ Ver. 1-24. 1. Thrnigli desire . .. seeketh— 
 
 ! i.e., seek.? selfish gratification, intermeddleth 
 ... wisiom— or, rushes on (i-h, 17. 14) against 
 all wisdom, or what is valuable (ch. 2. 7.). 
 2. tliat ids heart . . . itself— i.e., takes pleasure 
 in revealing his lolly cf. ch. 12. 23; 15. 2. . 3, 
 So surely are sin a; d punishment connected 
 (ch. 16. 4.). Wickrd, for icickcdncss, answers 
 
 I to ioitominv, or the state of such; and con- 
 
 I tem%it, the feeling of others to them; and to 
 
 \reiiroach, a n anifestation of contempt. 4. 
 \V ise speech is like an exhaustless stream of 
 
 ; benefit. 5. accept, the person— (cf. Ps. 82. 2.). 
 
 ; "It is not good" is to be supplied before to 
 overthrovK 6, 7, The quarrelsome bring 
 trouble on themselves. Their rash language 
 ensnares them (ch. 6. 2.). 8. (Cf. ch. 16. 28.). 
 as wounds— not sustained bytheHe6.; better, 
 as "swce<morsck,"whichniengladly swallow, 
 
 ' innermost . . . belly— or, the mind, or heart (cf. 
 ch. 20. 27-30; Ps. 22. 14.). 9. One by failing 
 
 \ to get, the other by wasting wealth, grows 
 poor, waster— iit,, master of wusting, a pro- 
 digal. 10. name of the Lord— manifested per- 
 fections (Ps. 8. 1; 20. 2,), as faithfulness, 
 power, mercy, &c., on which men reJy. is safe 
 
 I —lit., set 011 liifih, out of danger (Ps. 18. 2; 91. 
 
 1 4.;. 11. contrasts with v. lo (cf. ch. 10. 15.). 
 
 : Such is a vain trust (cf. Ps. 73. 6.;. 12. Cf. 
 ch. 15. 33; 16. 18.1. 13. Hasty speech evinces 
 self-conceit, and insures shame !ch. 26. 12.). 
 14. infirmity— bodily sickness, or outward 
 evil. The spirit, which sustains, being 
 wounded, no support is left, except, as im- 
 plied, in <;od. 15. (Cf. ch. 1. 5, 15, 31.). 16. 
 (Cf. ch. 17. 8, 23.). Disapproval of the fact 
 stated is implied. 17. One-sided statements 
 are not reliable. searc'ietli — thoroughly 
 (ch. 17. 9, 19./. 18. The lot — whose disposal 
 is of God (ch. 16. 33,), may, properly used, be 
 a right mode of settling disputes. 19. No 
 
 j feuds so difficult of adjustment as those of 
 
 I relatives; hence great care should be used 
 to avoid them. 20. (Cf. ch. 12. 14; 13. 2.). 
 Men's words are the fruit, or increase oj 
 lips, and when .good, benefit them, satisfied 
 with— ,Cf. ch. 1. 31; 14. 14.). 21. Death and 
 life— or. The* greatest evil and good, that 
 love it— i.e., the tongue, or its use for good 
 or evil, eat . . . friut— (cf. v. 19; Jam. 1. 19.). 
 22. The old versions supply " good" before 
 the "wife," as the last clause, and ch. 19. 14, 
 imply (cf. ch. 31. lo. i. 23. the rich . . . r.jughly 
 —he is tolerated because rich, implying that 
 the estimate of men by wealth is wrong. 24. 
 A man . . . iriendiy— better, " Aman ... ds) r,o, 
 or may triumph (Ps. 10^. 9,), or shout lor joy 
 
 iiPs.5. 11., i.e., may congratulate himself," 
 
 ! Indeed, there is a friend who is belter than 
 
Moral virtuet 
 
 PROVERBS, XXI, XSII. 
 
 CHAP. 21. 
 a John 2. 24. 
 Kev. 2. 23. 
 fr Ho3. 6. 6. 
 1 Haughti- 
 
 of conten- 
 tions. 
 6 an house 
 of aockty. 
 
 e Eom. 2. 8. 
 / Mat. 7. 2. 
 7 Or, sport. 
 flr Is. 43. 3, 4 
 
 ft Mat. 25. 3 
 i 1 Cor. 15. 
 
 68. 
 g in the 
 wrath of 
 
 10 in Tficked. 
 
 ^ CHAPTER XXI. I B. c. luw). 
 
 ■THE king's heart is in the hand of the 
 Lord, as the rivers of water: he turn- 
 eth it whithersoever he will. 
 
 2 Every way of a man is ri^ht in his own 
 eyes: " but tne Lord pondoreth the hearts. 
 
 3 To * do justice and judf,nnent is more 
 acceptahle to the Lord than saciilice, 
 
 4 1 An hiirh look, and a proud heart, and 
 * the pi(i\viii? of the wicked, is sin. 
 
 5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only 
 to pleiiteousuess; but of every one that is 
 hasty, only to want. 
 
 6 The getting of treasures by a hing tongue 
 is a vanity tossed to and fro of them tliat 
 seek death. 
 
 7 The robbery of the wicked shall 3 de- 
 stroy them; because they refiiae to do 
 judL'ment. 
 
 8 The way of man is froward and strange: 
 but as for the pure, his work is right. 
 
 9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the 
 house-top. than with * a brawling woman 
 in * a wide house. 
 
 10 The " soul of the wicked desheth evil: 
 his neighbour <* fiudeih no favour in his 
 eyes. 
 
 11 When the scomer is punished, the sim- 
 ple is mnde wise: and when the wise is 
 instructed, he receiveth knowledge. 
 
 12 The"* righteous man wisely considereth 
 the liouse of the wicked: but God over- 
 throweth 'the wicked for their wicked- 
 ness. 
 
 1:3 Whoso /stoppeth his ears at the cry of 
 the poor, he also shall cry himself, but 
 shall not be heard. 
 
 1-t A gift in secret pacifieth anger, and a 
 reward in the bosom strong wrath. 
 
 15 R is joy to the just Ui do judgment: 
 but destmction shatl be to the workers of 
 iniquity. 
 
 16 The man that wandereth ont of the 
 way of understanding shall remain in the 
 congregation of the dead. 
 
 17 He that loveth 7 pleasure shall be a 
 poor man; he that loveth wine and oil 
 ehall not be rich. 
 
 18 The " wicked shall be a ransom for the 
 righteous, and the transgressor for the up- 
 right. 
 
 19 It is better to dwell 8 in the wilderness, 
 than with a contentious and an angry 
 woman. 
 
 20 There '^ is treasure to be desired and 
 oil in the dwelling of the wise: but a foolish 
 man sptndeth it up. 
 
 21 He * that followeth after righteousness 
 and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and 
 honour. 
 
 22 A wise man scaleth the city of the 
 mighty, and casteth down the strength of 
 the confidence thereof. 
 
 23 Whoso keejieth his mouth and his 
 tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. 
 
 24 Proud and haughty scomer is las name 
 who dealeth 9 in proud wrath. 
 
 25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; 
 for his hands refuse to labour. 
 
 26 He coveteth greedily all the dav long: 
 but the righteous giveth and spaieth not. 
 
 27 The saeriiice of the wicked is abomi- 
 nation; how much more when he bringeth 
 it w with a wicked mind? 
 
 28 '1 A false witness shall perish: but the 
 man that heareth speaketh constantly. 
 
 29 A wicked man liardeneth hi.s face: but 
 asjor the apiight, he 12 dixecteih hia way. 
 
 i39 
 
 and contrary vices. 
 
 30 Hitre is no wisdom nor understanding 
 nor cdUiisel H-iin-^t the Loud. 
 
 31 The horse is piepared aLtainst the day 
 of battle: but 13 safety is of the Lord. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 A GOOD name is rather to be chosen 
 ■^ ^ than great riches, and 1 loving favour 
 rather tlian silver and gold. 
 
 2 The rich and poor meet together: the 
 Lord is the maker of them aU. 
 
 3 A prudent ma7i foreseeth the e^al, and 
 hideth himself: but the 8imi)le pass on, 
 and are punished. 
 
 4 By 2 humility, and the fear of the Lord, 
 are riches, honour, and life. 
 
 5 Thorns and snares are in the wav of the 
 froward: « he that doth keep his soul shall 
 be far from them. 
 
 6 3 Train up a child * in the way he should 
 go ; and when he is old, he will not depart; 
 fn>ni it. 
 
 7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the 
 borrower is servant 5 to the lender. 
 
 8 He that soweth iniqnitv shall reap 
 vanity: 6 and the rod of his auger shall fail. 
 
 i) 7 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be 
 blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the 
 poor. 
 
 10 Cast out the scomer, and contention 
 sh.ill go out; yea, strife and reproach shall 
 cense. 
 
 11 He that loveth pureness of heart, ^for 
 the grace of his lips the king shall be hia 
 friuiid 
 
 1'-' The eyes of the Lord preserve know- 
 ledge ; and he overthroweth 9 the words ol 
 the transgressor. 
 
 13 The slothful man saith. There is a lion 
 without, I shall be slain in the streets. 
 
 14 The mouth of strange women is a deep 
 pit: he that is abhorred of the Lord shall 
 fall therein. 
 
 15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a 
 child ; but the rod of correction shall drive 
 it far from him. 
 
 16 He * that oppresseth the poor to in- 
 crease his riches, and he that giveth to 
 the rich, shall surely come to want. 
 
 17 IT Bow down thine ear, and hear the 
 words of the wise, and apply thine heart 
 unto my knowledge: 
 
 18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep 
 them 10 within thee; they shall withal be 
 fitted in thv lips. 
 
 19 That thy trust may be in the Lord, I 
 have made known to thee this day, n even 
 to thee. 
 
 20 Have not I written to thee excellent 
 things in coiuisels and knowledge; 
 
 21 That I might make thee know the cer- 
 tainty of the words of truth; " that thou 
 mightest answer the words of truth 12 to 
 them that send unto thee? 
 
 2 Rob not the poor, because he is poor; 
 neither <i oppress the afflicted in the gate: 
 
 23 For the Lord will plead their cause, and 
 spoil the soul of those that spoiled them. 
 
 24 Make no friendship with an angiy man; 
 and with a furious man thou shall not go; 
 
 25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a 
 snare to thy soul. 
 
 26 Be not thou one of them that strike 
 hands, or of them that are sureties for 
 debts. 
 
 d Mai 3 5 -^^ ^' ^^°'"- hast nothing to pay, why should 
 13 Or,' ' ' he takeaway thy bed from under thee? 
 
 bound. 28 Kemove not the ancient 1^ landmark, 
 
 D*. 19. li. which thy fathera have aeU 
 
 of lies. 
 12 Or, con- 
 sidereth. 
 Or, 
 Tictory. 
 
 CHAP. 22. 
 
 1 Or, favour 
 is better 
 than, etc. 
 
 2 Or, The 
 reward of 
 humility, 
 
 01 John 5.18. 
 8 Or, 
 
 Catechise. 
 
 4 in his way. 
 
 5 to tlie mEUi 
 that 
 lendeth. 
 
 6 Or, and 
 with the 
 rod of his 
 anger tie 
 shall be 
 consumed. 
 
 7 Good of 
 
 liath gracg 
 in his lips. 
 
 9 Or, the 
 matters. 
 
 6 James 2.13. 
 
 10 in thy 
 beUy. 
 
 11 Or, trust 
 thou also. 
 
 e 1 Pet. 3. 
 
Moral Vlriues,^nd 
 
 PROVERBS, XIX-XXI, 
 
 their Contrary Vices, 
 
 a brother; such is the "Friend of sinners," spicins wine (cf. Isa, 5. 11, 22;); and ii 
 V ho may have been before the writer's may include wine, deceived— ?(7., a-rimi, or 
 mind. heeling. 2. ((Jf. ch. 19. 12.). JNitn wlio resist 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. I authority injure themselves (itom, l:;. 2.;. 3, 
 
 Ver. 1-29. 1. ;Cf. ch. 28. 6. "Eich" for to csase ... stiile— or better, " to dwell trom 
 "fool" liere.). Integrity is better than riches | or without striic," denotmt; the Jiabit of life, 
 (ch. 15. lU, 17; 16. 8.). k!. The last illustrates lool , . . n eddliiig— (ch. 17, 14,]. 4. snail . . . Ueg 
 the tirst clause. Rashness, the result of |—ii<.,a*fc (in this sense, Ps. 1^9. 10.). 6. Counsel 
 ignorance, bnnfejs trouble. 3. pe.verietn . . . . . , water— ^.e., deeply hidden [ch. 18. 4; 
 w.y— ttirns him back from right ch. 13. 6; IPs. 13. 2.,). The wise can discern well. 6, 
 Jam. 1. I3;i; and he blames God for his | Boasters are unreliahle. gcouness— or, kind 
 laiiuies, 4. (Cf, ch. 14. 20.). feuch facts i disposition. 7. Ihe conduct ot sood men 
 are often adduced with implied disap- { proclaims their sound principles. God's 
 probation. 5. Cf. u. 9, where "ptriilo' ex- [Covenant and their gooa examitJe secure 
 plains '-7iot escape" here (cf. Ps. 88. 9, 10.). blessing to tlifeir children (ch. 4. 26; I's. 112. 1, 
 8. iCf. Marii.; ch. 15. S2.). loveth . . . soul— 2.). 8. As ch. 14. b5; 16. 10, 15, this ;s the 
 or, himself, which be evinces by regarding | character of a good king, not of ;ill kings, 
 his best interests, keepetb—or, regards. 10. j 9. ihe interrogation in the affirmative 
 (Cf. ch. 17. 7.). The fool is as incapable of strengihens the implied negation icf. Job, 
 properly using pleasure as knowledge, yet 1 15. 14; Eccl. 7. 20.;. 10, Various measures, 
 for him to have it is less incinigruous than iii plying that some are wrong icf. ch. 11. 1; 
 the undue elevation of servants. Let each 1 16. 11.;. 11. The conduct of children even 
 abide in his calling (1 Cor. 7. 20.). 11. lis the best test of principle cf, Mat. 7. 16.). 
 (Cf. ch. 14. 29; 16. 32.). This inculcation ol a 1 12. Hence, of course, God will know all you 
 
 forgiving spirit shows that true religion is 
 always the same (Mat. 5. 22-24.) li. (Cf, en. 16. 
 14, 15; 20. 2.). A motive to submission to 
 lawful authority. 13. calamity— /it., calami- 
 ties, varied and many, continual dropping — a 
 perpetual annoyance, wearing out patience. 
 14. A contrast of men's giits and God's, who, 
 though author of both blessings, confers the 
 latter by His more si ecial providence, and 
 —or, but, implying that the evils of v. 13 
 are only avoided by His care, 15. a ceep 
 sleep- a state of utter indiflerence. idle soul— 
 or person (cf. ch. 10. 4; 12. 24.). 16. (Cf. ch. 
 
 10. 17; 13. 13.). acspiseili . . . wuy— opposed to 
 keeping or observing, neglects ich. 16. 17) las 
 unworthy of regard) his moral conduct. 17. 
 (Cf. ch. 14. 21; Ps. 37. 26. . hath pity— shown 
 by acts icf. Marg.). 18. (Cf. ch. 13. 24; 
 23. 13.). let not . . . spare— H<., do 7tot lift uv 
 thy soul (Ps. 24. 4; 25. 1,), i.e., do not de- 
 sire to his death; a caution to passionate 
 parents against angry chastisement. 19. 
 Repeated ettorts of kindness are lost on 
 ill-natured persons. 20. iCf. ch.l3. 18-20.). lat- 
 ter end— vch. 5. 11.). In youth prepare for age. 
 21. (Cf. ch. 10. 1, 9; Ps. 33. 10, 11.). The lailure 
 of man's devices is implied. 22. desire— i.e., 
 to do good, indicates a kind disposition ch. 
 
 11. 23 ;r, and the poor thus affected are better 
 than liars, m-Iio say and do not. 23. The fear 
 . . . life— icf. ch. 3. 2.1. abide— or, remain con- 
 tented 1 Tim. 4. 8.). notvisiied , . .evil— ch. 
 10. 3; Ps. 37. 25,), as a judgment, in which 
 
 do (Ps. 94. 9.,'. 13. Activity and diligence 
 contrasted with sloth (ch. 6. 9; 10.; 11.). lest 
 . . . poveuy — lit., be deprived of inlieritance, 
 14. when ... his way— implying that he goes 
 about boasting of his bargains. 15. The 
 contrast denotes the greater value of know- 
 ledge (cf. ch. 3. 14-10.). 16. To take the gar- 
 ment implies severe exaction, justified by 
 the surety's rashness, a strange woman- by 
 some readings, strangers, but the former 
 here, and ch. 27. 13, is allowable, and 
 strengthens the sense. The debauchee is 
 less rehable than the merely careless. 17. 
 Bread . . . swett— either as unlawfully ch. 9. 
 17,), or easily obtained, mcuth . . , gravel- 
 well expresses the pain and grief given at 
 last. 18. iCf. ch. 15. 22.). Be careiul and con- 
 siderate in important plans. 19. Those who 
 love to tell news will hardly keep secrets, 
 flattereth . . . lips— (cf. Mam.; ch. l. lo.). med- 
 dle .. . him—lit., joi7i, or associate irith. 20. 
 his lamp— (cf. ch. 13. 9; 24. 20.). 21. gotten 
 hastily— contrary to God's providence (ch, 
 28. 20,), implying its unjust or easy attain- 
 ment; hence the man is punished, or spends 
 freely what he got easily icf. v. 17. . 22. (Cf, 
 Ps. 27. 14; Bom. 12. 17-19.). 23. (Cf. v. 10; 
 ch. 11. 1.1. 24. Man's goiv.gs— lit.. Stately 
 steppinys of a strong man. a man— any com- 
 mon man. nndersiaud— [or, perceive] his . . . 
 way. 25. devcureth . . . noly— or, better, who 
 rashly speaks promises, or devotes what is 
 holy, consecrating any thing. This suits 
 
 sense r.isit is often used (i's. 89. 32; Jer. 6. ( better the last clause, which expresses a 
 15.;. 24. bosom— Jzi., a wide dish in trWc/t simdar view of the results of rashly vowing, 
 the hand was plunged in eating iMsii. 26.126. (Cf. v. 8.). bringetii ... over them— the 
 23.). Ct. ch. 26. 15, the sentiment expressed i wlieel was used for threshing grain. The 
 with ec]ual irony and less exaggeration. 26. j figure denotes severity (cf. Amos, l, 3.), 
 Such is the benetit of reproof, even the ; 27. The spirit . , . Lord— men's minds are 
 sill pie profit, much more the wise. 26. ! God's gifts, and thus able to search one 
 Untilial conduct often condemned (ch. ! another icf. w. 6; ch. 18. 8, 17; 1 Cor. 2. 11,). 
 17. 2125; 20. 20; Deut. 21. 18. 21.). '''' ' ''« '^ '^^ "^ q- ift k i9 oq i<"Qf.ii Q,rt> Uo^ifo 
 
 Avoid whatever leads from truth. 28, 
 ungodly witness— (cf. Marg.,}, one false by bad 
 principles cf. ch. 6. 12.). fcCorntthJLidgn.ent— 
 sets at nought the dictates of justice, de- 
 vo\ueih—lit., swalloweth, as something de- 
 lightful. 29. Their punishment is sure, 
 fixed, and ready cf. ch. 3. 34; lo. 13.). 
 CHAPTEB XX. 
 Ver. 1-30. 1. mcckei— or, scorner. Stich 
 men are made by wine, raging— or, boister- 
 ous, as a drunkard, strong drink— made by 
 438 
 
 28. iCf. ch. 3. 3; 1*6. 6,*12.'. 29. Each age lias its 
 
 eculiar excellence ch. 16. 31.). 30. blue- 
 nest— /ii.,joi?mig, the process of uniting the 
 edges of a wound throws off purulent mat- 
 ter, stripes . . . belly— so punishment pro- 
 vides healing of soul (ch. 18. 8,), by deterring 
 from evil courses. 
 
 CHAPTEE XXI. 
 
 Ver. 1-31. 1. rivers— irrigating channels (Ps. 
 1. 3,), whcse course was easily turned (cf. 
 Deut. 11. 10.). God disposes even kings as 
 He pleases ich. 16. 9; Jfs. 33. 16.J. 2. (Cf. cli. 
 
Moral f)h-tit^ 
 
 PROVERBS, sxm. xxrv. 
 
 29 Seest thon a man * diligent in hiss busi- 
 ness? lie shall stand before kings; he shall 
 Dot stand before i* mean vien. 
 ClIAlTKll XXIII. 
 'W'llEN thou sittest to eat with a mler, 
 coiisidei- diligeTitly what is before thee ; 
 
 2 And put a knife to thy thioat, if thou he 
 a nan eiven to ajipetjte. 
 
 3 He nt)t desirous of his dainties; for they 
 tre fifi-eiti'ul meat. 
 
 4 Labour" not to be rich; 6 cease from 
 thine own wisdom. 
 
 6 1 Wilt thou set thine eyes npon that 
 which is not? for rickes certainly make 
 themselves wings ; they fly away aS an eagle 
 toward heaven. 
 
 6 f:at " thou not the bread of Idm that 
 hathd a.n ev\l eye, neither desire thou his 
 dainty meata; 
 
 7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: 
 Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his 
 heart is not with thee. 
 
 8 The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt 
 thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words. 
 
 9 Speak ' not in the ears of a fool: for he 
 will despise the wisdom of thy words. 
 
 10 Remove not the old 2 landmark; and 
 enter not into the fields of the fatherless: 
 
 11 For/ their Redeemer is mighty; he 
 Shall plead their cause with thee. 
 
 12 A pply thine heart unto instruction, and 
 thine ears to the words of knowledge. 
 
 13 Withhold not correction from the 
 child ; for if thou beatest him with the rod, 
 he shall not die. 
 
 14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and 
 Bhalt <' deliver his soul from hell. 
 
 15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart 
 shall rejoice, 3 even mine ; 
 
 16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice when thy 
 lips speak nght things. 
 
 17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but 
 be thm in the fear of the Lokd aD the day 
 long. 
 
 18 For ''» surely there is an ♦ end • and 
 thine expectation shall not be cut oft. 
 
 19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and 
 guide thine heart m the way. 
 
 20 [ie » not among wine-bibbers; among 
 riototis eaters of 5 flesh: 
 
 21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall 
 come to poverty; and drowsiness shall 
 clothe a man with rags. 
 
 22 Hearken > unto thy father that begat 
 thee, and despise not thy mother when she 
 is old. 
 
 23 Ruy * the truth, and sell it not; also 
 wisdom, and iustruction, and understand- 
 ing. 
 
 24 The father of the righteous shall 
 gi-eatly rejoice; and he that begetteth a 
 wise child shaU have joy of hira. 
 
 25 Thy father and thy mother shall be 
 glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice. 
 
 26 My son, give me thine heart, and let 
 thine eyes observe my ways. 
 
 27 For a whore is a deep ditch; and a 
 strange woniati is a narrow pit. 
 
 28 She also lieth in wait 6 as for a prey, 
 and increaseth the transgressors among 
 men. 
 
 29 Who ' hath woe? who hath sorrow? 
 who hath contentions? who hath babbling? 
 who hath wounds without cause? who hath 
 redness ol ejes? 
 
 30 I'hej that taiTy long at the wine; they 
 that go to seek mixed w me. 
 
 81 Loyk not thou uiiuu liie wine when it 
 
 and contrary vices. 
 
 CflAP. 22. 
 e 1 Kin. 11. 
 
 23. 
 
 cli. 12. 24. 
 
 Rom. 12.11 
 14 obscure 
 
 CHAP. 23. 
 a 1 Tim. 0.9. 
 6 Ro. 12. 16. 
 
 1 Wilt thou 
 cause thine 
 cyea to fiy 
 ti,ion. 
 
 cps. 141.4. 
 d Dow. 15. 9. 
 e Mat. 7. 6. 
 
 2 Or, 
 bound. 
 
 /Job 31. 21. 
 
 Jer. 6(1. 34. 
 
 gi Ccr. 5.5. 
 
 3 Or, even 1 
 will 
 rejoice. 
 
 ft Lu. 10.26. 
 
 4 Or, 
 reward. 
 
 i Ii. 6. 22. 
 Mat. 24. 49. 
 Lu. 21. 34. 
 Rom. 13.13. 
 Eph. 5. 18. 
 
 ) Eph. 0. 1 
 
 A Mat. 13.44. 
 
 6 Or, a» « 
 
 robber. 
 
 heart of 
 the Boa. 
 
 »» Jor. 6. 3. 
 
 9 1 knew it 
 
 Eph. 4. 19 
 
 « Dcu. 29.19 
 
 I«. 60. 12. 
 
 2 Pe. 2. 22. 
 
 CHAP. 24. 
 1 iain 
 
 strcnfrth. 
 2«trer.gthen- 
 
 ■ miijht. 
 
 o Mat. 15.19. 
 
 Acts 8 22. 
 
 Is. 68. 6, T. 
 
 1 John 3.16. 
 
 e Rom. 2. 6. 
 
 Rov. 2. 23. 
 
 4 upon thy 
 
 palate. 
 d Ps. 34. 19. 
 
 Mic. 7. 8. 
 
 it be evil 
 
 in hi> 
 
 eyea. 
 
 6 Or, Keep 
 not 
 
 company 
 with the 
 wicked. 
 
 « Pa. 11. 6. 
 It. 3. 11. 
 
 7 Or, lamp. 
 /Rom. 13.7. 
 
 1 Pet. 2 17. 
 
 changers. 
 Deu. 1. 17. 
 
 John ;. 24. 
 A U. 6. 28. 
 
 is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, 
 whni it moveth itself aright: 
 
 3:; At the last it biteth like a serpent, and 
 stiii'vth like 'i an adder. 
 
 3y '! l.iiiee.\cs shall behold strange wompn, 
 and I bine heart shall utter perverse things 
 
 34 Yea, thon shalt be as he that licth 
 down 8 in the midst of the sea, or as he 
 tliai licth upon the top of a mast. 
 
 35 They "* have stiirken me, shalt thou 
 say. and I was not sick ; they have beaten 
 me, and^l felt it not: "when shall I 
 awake? I will seek it yet again. 
 
 CHAi'TER XXIV. 
 T^E not thon envious against evil men, 
 ■^ neither desire to be with them; 
 
 2 For their heart studieth destruction, 
 and their lips talk of mischief. 
 
 3 Through wisdom is an house builded, 
 and by understanding it is established. 
 
 4 And by kiiowk<lge shall the chambers be 
 filled with all prei ious and pleasant riches. 
 
 5 A wise man i is strong; yea, a ni.nn of 
 knowledge 2 incrensctli strength. 
 
 6 For by wise cdnnsel thou shalt make 
 thy war: and in multitude of counsellors 
 there is safety. 
 
 7 Wisdom is too high for a fool: he open- 
 eth not his mouth in the gate. 
 
 8 He that deviseth to do evil shall be 
 called a mischievous person. 
 
 9 The " thought of loolishness is sin: and 
 the sconier is an abomination to men. 
 
 10 //thon faint in the day of adversity, 
 thy strength is 3 small. 
 
 11 If 6 thou forl)ear to deliver them that 
 are drawn unto death, and those that are 
 ready to be slain; 
 
 12 If thou sayest. Behold, we knew it not; 
 doth not he that pondereth the heart con- 
 sider t(.?and he that keepeth thy soul, doth 
 not he know it? and shall not he render to 
 every man ' according to his works? 
 
 13 My son, eat thou honey, because it is 
 
 food: and the honey-comb, which is eweet 
 to thy taste: 
 
 14 So shaU the knowledge of wisdom be 
 unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, 
 then thtire shall be a reward, and thy ex- 
 pectation shall not be cut otf. 
 
 15 Lay not wait, O wicked man, ag^ainst 
 the dwelling of the righteous; spod not 
 his resting place: 
 
 16 For " a just man falleth seven times, 
 and riseth up again: but the wicked sh;ill 
 fall into mischief. 
 
 17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, 
 and let not thine heart be glad when he 
 stumbleth; 
 
 18 Lest the Lord see it, and 6 it displease 
 him, and he turn away his wrath from liiio. 
 
 19 6 Fret not thyseU because of evil nitn, 
 neither be thou envious at the wicked; 
 
 20 For * there shall be no reward to the 
 enl m.an; the T candle of the wicked shall 
 be put out, 
 
 21 My son, / fear thou the Lord and the 
 king^ and meddle not with 6 them that 
 are given to change: 
 
 22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; 
 and who knoweth the ruin of them both? 
 
 23 These things also belang to the wise. 
 Jt" is not gooa to have respect of persona 
 in judgment. 
 
 24 lie f> that saith unto the wicked, Thoa 
 art righteous; him sbiill the people curse, 
 nations shall abhor huii: 
 
 25 i$ut to them that rebuke him shall be 
 
Moral Virtues, and 
 
 PROVERBS, xxn, xxm. 
 
 their Contrary Vices. 
 
 14, 2; 16. 2 25.). 3. (Cf. Ps. 50. 7-15; Isa. 1. 
 11, 17.). 4. high look — (cf. Marg.; Ps. 
 131. 1.). proud heart— or, heart of breadth, 
 one tliat is swollen (cf. Ps. lOl. 5.1. plowing 
 —better lamp, a frequent figure for pros- 
 pei-ity (ch. 20. 20,), hence joy or delisht. 5. 
 The contrast is between steady industry and 
 rashness (cf. cli. 19. 2.). 6. Tiie getting 
 —or, what is obtained (cf. Job. 7. 2 ; Jer. 
 22. 13, Heb.). vanity ... to and fro— as fleet- 
 ing as chaff or stubble in the wind (cf. ch. 
 20. 17-21; Ps. 62. 10.}. Suchgeti' i-s are un- 
 satisfactory, them . . . deatli— act as if they 
 did(ch. 8. 36; 17. 19.). 7. robbery— or. destruc- 
 tion, especially oppression, of which they 
 ire authors, shall destroy — lit., cut vnth a 
 saw (1 Ki. 7. 9,), i.e., utterly ruin them. Their 
 sins shall be visited on them in kind, to do 
 judgment— what is just and riKht. 8. cf 
 man— any one, his way is opposed to truth 
 and also estranged from it. Tlie pure proves 
 himself such by his right conduct. 9. corner 
 —a turret, or arbour on the roof, brawl- 
 i)),g— or, contentious, wide bouse— Ki.. house 
 of fellowship, or larae enouqh for several 
 fa/mUies. 10. So strongly does he desire to 
 do evil (Ps. 10. 3; Eccl. 8. 11,), that he will not 
 even spare his friend if in his way. 11. 
 (Cf. ch. 19. 25.). That which the simple learn 
 by the terrors of punishment, the wise learn 
 by teacMng. 12. (Cf. Ps. 37. 35-38; 73. 17, 
 20.). house — family, or interests, over- 
 throweth — either supply God (cf. ch. 10. 24,), 
 or the word is used impersonally. 13. The ' 
 principles of retribution, often taught (cf. 
 Ps. 18. 26; Mat. 7. 1-12.>. 14. The effect of 
 bribery (ch. 17. 23) is enhanced by secrecy, as 
 the bribed person does not wish his motives 
 made known. 15. But the just love right, and 
 need no bribes. The wicked, at last, meet ! 
 destruction, though for a time happy in con- 
 cealing corruption. 16. the way of under- 
 stand ing—(cf. ch. 12. 26; 14. 22.). remain— i.e., 
 rest as at a journey's end ; death will be his 
 unchanging home. 17. Costly luxuries im- 
 poverish. 18. (Cf. ch. 11. 8.). By suffering 
 what they had devised for the righteous, or 
 brought on them, the wicked became their 
 ransom, in the usual sense of substitutes (cf. 
 Josh. 7. 26; Esth. 7. 9.). 19. (Cf. v. 9.). wilder- 
 ness—pasture, though uninhabitable ground 
 (Ps. 65. 12.). 20. The wise, by diligence and 
 care, lay up and increase wealth, while fools 
 speiid, lit., swallow it up, greedily. 21. He 
 who tries to act justly and kindly (Ps. 34. 14) 
 will prosper and obtain justice and honour. 
 22. "Wisdom is better than strength" (Eccl. 
 7. 19; 9. 15.). strength . . .thereof— that in which 
 they contide. 23. (Cf. ch. 13. 2, 3; Jam. 3. 
 6-10.). 24. The reproachful name is deserved 
 by those who treat others with anger aud 
 contempt. 25. desire— i.e., of ease and idle- 
 ness, brings him to starvation. 26. The sin 
 of covetousness marks the sluggard, as the 
 virtue of benevolence the righteous. 27. 
 God regards the heart, and hypocrisy is more 
 odious than open inconsi-t ncy. wicked 
 iiiincc— or, design (ch. 1. 4.). 28. (Cf. ch. 19. 
 6.). that heareth — or, heeds instruction, 
 and so gi-ows wise, speaketh constantly— 
 or. sincerely (cf. Hab. 1. 5,), and hence is 
 believed (ch. 12. 19; Jam. 1. 19.}. 29. hardeu- 
 etii his face— is obstinate, directeth . . . way- 
 considers it. and acts advisedly. 30, 31. 
 Men's best de\aces and reliances are vain, 
 compared with God's, or without His aid (ch. 
 19. 21;Ps. 20. 7;33. 17.). 
 440 
 
 CHAPITIR XXII. 
 
 Ver. 1-29. 1. A good name — (Job, 30. 8, 
 Heh.). Good is supplied here from Eccl. 7. 1. 
 luving favour— kind regard, i.e., of th-' wise 
 and good. 2. Before God all are on the same 
 footing (ch. 14. 31; 17. 5.). 3. are pniiished— 
 i.e., for their temerity; for the evil is not 
 necessa^ly punitive, as the prudent might 
 otherwise be its objects. 4. humility and the 
 fear of tiie Lord— are in apposition; one pro- 
 duces the otlier. On the results cf. ch. 3. 16; 
 8. 18. 5. he that . . . them— those who pro- 
 perly watch over their own souls are thus 
 preserved from the dangers wliich attend 
 the way of perverse men (ch. 16. 17.). 6. 
 Train— Initiate, or early instruct, the way— 
 lit., his way, that selected for him, in which 
 he should go; for early training secures habi- 
 tual walking in it. 7. The influence of wealth 
 sets aside moral distinctions is implied, 
 and. of course, disapproved (cf. ch. 19. 6; 21. 
 14, &c.). 8. (Cf. ch. 11. 18; Ps. 109. 16-::0; Gal. 
 f». 7, 8.). the rod . . . fail— his power to do evil 
 will be destroyed. 9. a bountiful eye— i.e., 
 a beneficent disposition, for he giveth. . .poor 
 —his acts prove it. 10. Cast out— or, Diive 
 away. Scorners foster strife by taunts and 
 revilings. 11. (Cf. Margr.). jureness oi heart 
 —and gentle, kind words wm favour, even 
 from kings. 12. preserve— or, guard, know- 
 ledge—its principles and possessors, over- 
 throw eth— utterly confounds and destroys the 
 wicked. 13. Erivolous excuses satisfy the 
 indolent man's conscience. 14. The mouth- 
 er, flattering speeches (ch. 6. 3; 7. 5) ensnare 
 man, as pits, beasts. God makes their own 
 sin their punishment. 15. is bound— or, firmly 
 fixed. Chastisement deters from crime, and 
 so leads to reformation of principle. 16. 
 These two vices pertain to the same selfish 
 feeling, and are both deservedly odious to 
 God, and incur punishment. 17. Here be- 
 gins another division of the book, marked 
 by those encouragements to the pursuit of 
 wisdom, which are found in the earlier chap- 
 ters. It will be observed, that from v. 22, to 
 ch. 24. 12, the proverbs are generally ex- 
 pressed in two verses instead of one (cf. Intr.). 
 
 18. These lessons must be laid up in the 
 mind, and Jitted, or better, fixed in the lips, 
 so as to be ever ready. 19. That . . . Lord— 
 This is the design of the instruction. 20. 
 excellent things-orprobably.of former times, 
 counsels and knowledge— both advice and in- 
 struction. 21. Specially, he desires to secure 
 accuracy, so that his pupil may teach others. 
 22, 23. Here follow ten precepts of two verses 
 each. Though men fail to defend the poor, 
 God will (ch. 17. 5; Ps. 12. 5.). in the gaie— 
 place of public gathering (Job, 5. 4; Ps. 09. 12.). 
 24, 25. (Cf. ch. 2. 12-15; 4. 14.!. a snare. . . soul 
 —the unsuspecting are often misled by bad 
 company. 26. 27. (Cf.ch.6. 1; 17. 18.). should 
 he take, &c.—i.e., the creditor. 28. (Cf. ch. 
 23. 10.). Do not entrench on others (Deut. 
 
 19. 14; 27. 17.). 29. Success rewards diligence 
 (Ch. 10. 4; 21. 5.). 
 
 CHAPTER XXin. 
 Ver. 1-35. 1-3. Avoid the dangers of glut- 
 tony, put a knife— an Eastern figure for put- 
 ting restraint on the appetite, are deceitfid 
 meat— though well tasted, injurious. 4, 5. 
 (Cf. 1 Tim. 6. 9, 10.). thine own wisdom— 
 which regards riches intrinsically a blessing. 
 Wilt . . . eycs— As the eyes fly after, or seek, 
 riches, they are not, i.e., either become tran- 
 sitory, or, imsatisfying; fully expressed by 
 3M 
 
Maxims and observations 
 
 PROVERBS, XXV, XXVI. 
 
 of Solomon. 
 
 delight, and 9 a good blessing shall come 
 upon them. 
 
 26 Every man shall kiss his lips lo that 
 giveth a neht answer. 
 
 27 Prepare thy work without, and make 
 it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards 
 build thine" house. 
 
 28 Be 'not a witness against thy neigh- 
 bour without cause; and deceive ttot with 
 thy lijis. 
 
 29 Say > not, I will do so to him as he hath 
 done to me; I mil render to the man ac- 
 cording to his work. 
 
 80 1 went by the field of the slothful, and 
 by the vineyard of the man void of under- 
 Btanding; 
 
 31 And, lo, * it was all grown over with 
 thorns, and nettles had covered the face 
 thereof, and the stone wall thereof was 
 broken down. 
 
 82 Then I saw, and " considered it well ; 
 I looked upon it, and received instruction. 
 
 33 Yet a little sleep, a httle slumber, a 
 little folding of the hands to sleep: 
 
 3i So shall thy poverty come as one that 
 travelleth; and thy want as 12 an axmed 
 man. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 1 Ofkingif 8 of avoiding q%uirreU, and sundry 
 
 eaiues thereof. 
 
 rPHESE are also proverbs of Solomon, 
 ■•- which the men of Hezekiah king of Ju- 
 dah copied out. 
 
 2 If is the glory of God to conceal a 
 thing: but the honour of kings is^ to search 
 out a matter. 
 
 3 The heaven for height, and the earth for 
 depth, and the heart of kings 1 is unsearch- 
 able. 
 
 4 Take away the dross from the silver, and 
 there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. 
 
 5 Take away the wicked from before the 
 tog, and his throne shall he established in 
 righteousness. 
 
 6 2 Put not forth thyself in the presence of 
 the king, and stand not in the place of 
 great men: 
 
 7 For better it is that it be said unto thee. 
 Come up hither, than that thou shouldest 
 be put lower in the presence of the prince 
 whom thine eves have seen. 
 
 8 Go " not forth hastily to strive, lest thou 
 know not what to do in the end thereof, 
 when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame. 
 
 9 Debate <* thy cause with thy neighbour 
 himself, and ^ discover not a secret to an- 
 other; 
 
 10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to 
 shame, and thine infamy turn not away. 
 
 11 A word * fitly spoken is like apples of 
 gold in pictures of silver. 
 
 12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament 
 of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an 
 obedient ear. 
 
 13 As the cold of snow in the time of har- 
 vest, soisA faithful messenger to them that 
 Bend him; for he refresheth the soul of 
 his masters. 
 
 14 Whoso boasteth himself & of a false gift 
 is like * clouds and wind without rain. 
 
 15 By long forbearing is a prince persua- 
 ded and a soft tongue breaketh the bone. 
 
 16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much 
 as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled 
 therewith, and vomit it. 
 
 17 '^ Withdraw thy foot from thy neigh- 
 bom's house; lest he be I weary of thee, 
 •ud so hate thee. 
 
 B. c. 1000. 
 
 CHAP. 24. 
 
 1 a blessing 
 
 of good. 
 10 that 
 answereth 
 fight 
 words. 
 Eph. 4.25. 
 ;■ Mat. 5. 39. 
 k Gen. 3. 18. 
 
 my 
 
 CHAP. 25. 
 a Ko 11. 33. 
 b Job 29. 16. 
 
 1 there is no 
 
 2 Set not oat 
 thT glory. 
 
 c Slat. 5. 25. 
 d Mot. D. 26. 
 
 3 Or, dis- 
 cover not 
 tho secret 
 
 6 Or, Ut 
 
 H:j- foot be 
 soMom in 
 thy neigh- 
 bour's 
 
 7 fuU of 
 thee. 
 
 / Mat. 5. 44. 
 9:iSa.l6.12. 
 
 8 Or. The 
 north wind 
 brinjeth 
 forth rain; 
 so doth a 
 backbiting 
 
 CHAP. 28. 
 
 1 his own 
 eyes. 
 
 2 Or, 
 Tiolence. 
 
 3 Bze Ufted 
 up. 
 
 4 Or, As h« 
 that 
 
 putteth a 
 precious 
 stone in 
 an heap of 
 stones. 
 
 6 Or, A 
 great man 
 grieveth 
 all, and he 
 hijeth the 
 fool, he 
 hireth also 
 trans- 
 gressors. 
 
 6 iterateth 
 his folly. 
 
 7 Or, he is 
 
 18 A man that beareth false witness 
 against his neighbour is a maul, and a 
 sword, and a sharp arrow. 
 
 lit Contidence in an unfaithful man in 
 time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and 
 a loot out of joint. 
 
 20 As he that taketh away a garment in 
 cold weather, and as Ainegar upon nitre, so 
 is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart. 
 
 21 If/ thine enemy be hungry, give him 
 bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him 
 witter to drink: 
 
 2.' For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his 
 head, ^ and the Lord shall reward thee. 
 
 23 8 The north wind driveth away rain; 
 so doth an angry comitenauce a backbiting 
 tongue. 
 
 -4 It is better to dwell in a comer of the 
 house-top. than with a brawling woman 
 and in a wide house. 
 
 2.5 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is 
 good news from a far country. 
 
 26 A righteous ''man falling down before 
 the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and 
 a corrupt spring. 
 
 27 It is not good to eat much honey ; bo for 
 men to searcn their own glory is not glory. 
 
 28 He that hath no rule over his own 
 spirit is like a city that is broken down, 
 and without walls. 
 
 CHAPTER XX VL 
 
 1 Of fools, 13 sluygarda, 17 and busybodies. 
 
 A S snow in summer, and as rain in har- 
 
 ■'^ vest; so honour is not seemly for a fooL 
 
 2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow 
 by flying, so the curse causeless shall not 
 come. 
 
 3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the 
 ass, and a rod for the fool's back. 
 
 4 Answer not a fool according to his 
 folly, lest thou also be like unto him, 
 
 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, 
 lest he be wise in i his own conceit. 
 
 6 He that sendeth a message by the hand 
 of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drmketh 
 2 damage. 
 
 7 The legs of the lame 8 are not equal; so 
 is a parable in the mouth of fools. 
 
 8 * As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, 
 so is he that giveth honour to a fooL 
 
 9 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a 
 drunkai'd, so is a parable in the mouth of 
 fools. 
 
 10 6 The great God, that formed all things, 
 both rewardeth the fool, and rewardetn 
 transgressors. 
 
 11 As a dog retumeth to hia vomit, so a 
 fool 6 retumeth to his folly. 
 
 12 Seest thou a man wise in his own con- 
 ceit? there is more hope of a fool than of 
 him. 
 
 13 The slothful man saith. There is a Hon 
 in the way ; a lion is in the streets. 
 
 14 As the door tumeth upon his hinges, 
 so doth the slotWul upon his bed. 
 
 15 The slothful hideth his hand in his bo- 
 som ; ^ it grieveth him to bring it again to 
 his mouth. 
 
 16 The pluggard is wiser in his own con- 
 ceit than seven men that can render a 
 reason. 
 
 17 He that passeth by, and Smeddleth 
 with strife belonging not to him, is like 
 one that taketh a dog by the ears. 
 
 18 As a madman, who casteth Bfire- 
 brands, arrows, and death, 
 
 19 So is the man that deceiveth his neigh- 
 bour, and saith, Am not I in sport! 
 
Moral Virtues, and 
 
 PEOVERBS, XXIV. XXV. 
 
 their Contrary Vices. 
 
 their fly.ng away. 6-8. Beware of deceitful retributive justice cannot be avoided by pro- 
 men, whose courtesies even you will repent fessed ignorance. 13, 14. As delicious Jood 
 of having accepted, evil eye— or. purpose whets the appetite, so should the rewards of 
 (eh. 22. 9;Deut. 15. 9;Mat. C. 23.). Theiucisel wisdom excite US to .seek it. r^^ward— iit., 
 ... words— i.e., disgusted with his true cha,- ajter part, the proper result (cf. ch. 23. 18; 
 racter, all pleasant intercourse will be de- Ps. 37. 37, 38.). 15,16. The plots of the 
 stroyed. 9. (Cf. ch. 9.8.). "Cast not your, wicked against the good, though partially, 
 pearls," &c. (Mat. 7. 6.). 10, 11. (Cf. ch. 22. sliall not be fully successful (Ps. 37. 24;) ; while 
 23.). Redeemer— or. Avenger (Lev. 25. 25, the wicked, falling under penal evil, find no 
 
 26; Isum. 35. 12,), hence Advocate (J ob, 19. 
 
 help, seven times — often, or niany (ch. 6. 16, 31; 
 
 plead ... thee— (cf. Job, 31. 21; Ps. 35. 1;68. 6.). :9.1.). 17,18. Yet let none rejoice over the late 
 12. Here begins another series of precepts, of evil doers, lest God punish their wrong 
 13, 14. While there is little danger that the spirit by relieving the sufierer (cf. ch. 17. 6; 
 u^e of the "divine ordinance of the rod" will. Job, 31. 29.). 19, 20. (Ps. 37.1, 38; 18. 28.). 
 produce bodily harm, there is great hope of caudle— or, prosperity, it shall come to an 
 spiritual good. 15, 16. The pleasure afforded end (ch. 13. 9; 20. 2(i.). 21, 22. A warning 
 the teacher by the pupil's progress is a mo- ai^ainst impiety and resistance to lawful rule 
 tive to diligence, my reins— (cf. Ps. 7. 9.). (Rom. 13. 1-7; 1 Pet. 2. 17.). mecdle ... chaBge 
 17,18. (Ci.Marg.i. The prosperity of the\—{cL Marg.,),lit.,mtn(ile yourself, avoid the 
 wcked is short, an end — or. hereafter, : society of restless persons, their calamity, 
 another time, when apparent inequalities &c. — either what God and the king inflict, 
 shall be adjusted (cf. Ps. 37. 28-38. . 19-21. or what changers and their company suffer: 
 
 guide . . . way— or, direct thy thoughts to a better the first. 23. These 
 
 right course of conduct (cf. ch. 4. 4; 9. 6.) 
 
 of the wise. 
 
 lit.. 
 
 riotous . . . flesh — prodigal, or eating more | of David," Heb.) 
 than necessary. Instead of their flesh, (cf. ! lowing, to ch. 25 
 Mary.,), better, "flesh to them" 
 
 autliors (cf. " Psalms 
 
 These are the verses fol- 
 
 to have respect— /vi., to 
 
 i.e.. used discern faces, show partiality, 24, 25., of 
 
 for pleasure, drowsiness— the dreamy sleep: which ah example is justifying the wicked, 
 of the slothful. 22. Hearken— i.e.. Obey (ch. to which is opposed, rebuking him, which 
 1. 8;Eph. 6. 1.). despise... old— adults revere i has a bles.stng. 26. kiss his lips— love and 
 the parents whom, as children, they once obey, do homage (Ps. 2. 12: Sol. Song 8. 1.). 
 obeyed. 23. Buy— ^^<., Get (ch. 4. 5.). truth 'rigiit answer— hi., plaiii. (en. 8. 9) words, op- 
 — generally and specially as oppcsed to errors posed to deceptive, or obscure. 27. Prepare 
 of all kinds. 24, 25. iCf. ch. 10. 1; 17. 21, 25.]. lin the field— i.e.. Secure, by diligence, a pro- 
 26-35. A solenm warning against whoredom per supiiort, and then build; piovide neces- 
 and drunkenness (Hos. 4. 11.). 26. give. . . saries, then comforts, to which a house rather 
 heart— This is the address of that divine lertained, in a mild climate, permitting the 
 Wisdom so often presented (ch. 8. 1; 9. 3, (fee), use of tents. 28. L)o not speak even truth 
 -confidence, observe- 
 
 . keep, my needlessly against any, and never falsehood, 
 such as I teach you (ch. 3. 17; 9. 6.). 29. Especially avoid retaliation (Mat. 6. 43- 
 
 heart 
 
 ways . . . . _ 
 
 27. 28. deep ditch— a narrow pit, out of which 45; Rom. 12. 17.). 30, 31. A striking picture 
 it is hard to climb, lieth in wait- to ensnare of the effects of sloth. 32-34. From the folly 
 men into the pit, as hunters entrap game (cf. of the sluggard learn wisdom (ch. 6. 10, 11.). 
 ch. 1.2. 14.). iiicreaseth . . . transgressors— (ch. CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 6. 8-10.). The vice alluded to is peculiarly Ver. 1-28. 1. The character of these pro- 
 hardening to the heart. :.9, 30. This picture verbs sustains the title (cf. Intr.]. also— refers 
 is often sadly realised now. mixed wine— to the former part of the book, copied cut— 
 (cf. ch. 9. 2; Isa. 5. 11.). 31. when . . . red— the lit., transferred, i.e., from some other book to 
 colour denoting greater strength 'cf. Gen. i this; not given from memory. 2. God's un- 
 49. ll;Deut. 32. 14.). giveth... cup— Ki.,gfii'yes | sear chableness impresses us with awe (cf. 
 
 its eye, i.e., sparkles, moveth . 
 
 But kings, being 
 
 . aright— per- Isa. 45. 16; Rom. 11.33. 
 haps its foaming is meant. 32. The acute | finite, should confer with wise counsellors"; 
 miseries resulting from drunkenness con- 3. Yet wisely keeping state secrets, which to 
 trasted with the temptations. 33,34. The ! common men are as inaccessible heights and 
 moral effects: it inflames passion (Gen. 19. j depths. 4,6. As separating impurities from 
 
 31, 35, , lays open the heart, produces insen 
 sibility to the greatest dangers, and debars 
 from reformation, under the severest sufter- 
 ings. 35. awake — i.e., from drunkenness 
 (Gen. 9. 24.). This is the language rather of 
 acts than of the tongue. 
 
 CHAPTER XXTV. 
 Ver. 1-34. 1, 2. (Cf. ch. 23. 3, 17; Ps. 37. 1.). 
 studieth- meditateth. talk . . .mischief— their 
 expressed purposes are to do evil. 3, 4. (Cf. 
 ch. 14. 1; Isa. 54. 14.). house— including the 
 family, by knowledge . . . riches— (ch. 8. 18; 
 21. 20.). 5, 6. The general statement (Eccl. 
 9. 16, 18' is specially illustrated (cf. ch. 21. 22; 
 Ps. 144. 1.). 7. (Cf. ch. 14. 16.). in the gate— 
 (Cf. ch. 22. 22.). 8. So called even if he fails 
 to do evil. 9. Same thought varied. 10. 
 Ltt., If thou fail in the day of straits [aclver- 
 sity,], strait lor small) is thy strength," which 
 is then truly tested. 11, 12. Neglect of 
 known duty is sin (Jam. 4. 17.). ready [lit. 
 
 ore leaves pure silver, so taking from a king 
 wicked counsellors leaves a wise and bene- 
 ficent government, before— or, in presence 
 of, as courtiers stood about a king. 6. 7. Do 
 not intrude into the presence of the king, for 
 the elevation of the humble is honourable, 
 but the humbling of the proud, disgraceful 
 (Luke. 14. 8-10.). 8. (Cf. ch. 3. 30.). lest . . . 
 shame— lest you do what you ought not, when 
 shamed by defeat, or " lest thou art shut out 
 from doing any thing." 9, 10. (Cf. Mat. 5. 
 25; Marg.). secret— i.e., of your opponent, 
 for his disadvantage, and so you be disgraced, 
 not having discussed your difficulties ■« ith 
 him. 11. a word fitly— tti., giucfci?/, as wheels 
 roll, just in time. The comparison " as apples 
 . . . s'ilver" gives a like sense, apples, ic— 
 either real apples of golden colour, in asiher 
 net-work basket, or imitations on silver em- 
 broidery. 12. Those who desire to know, 
 and do rightly, most highly esteem good 
 
 bowwi»c<otw] to be slain— i.e.. unjustly. God's 1 counsel (ch. 9. 9; 15. 31.). The listening ear 
 441 
 
JfaieimB and ohtervationt PROVERBS. XXVn, XXVm. 
 
 cf Solomon, 
 
 20 1" Where no wood is, there the fire 
 goeth out; so where there is no n tale- 
 bearer, the strife 12 ceaseth. 
 
 21 -4s coals are to burning coals, and wood 
 to fire ; so i» a contentious man to kindle 
 strife. 
 
 22 The words of a talebearer are as 
 wounds, and they go down mto the 13 inner- 
 most parts of the helly. 
 
 23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are 
 like a potsherd covered with silver dross. 
 
 24 He that hateth i*dissombleth with his 
 lips, and la\eth up deceit within him; 
 
 25 When he i^speaketh fair, believe him 
 not : for there are seven abominations in his 
 heart. 
 
 26 16 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, 
 his wickedness shall be showed before the 
 whole congregation. 
 
 27 WTioso disceth a pit shall fall therein ; 
 and he that rolleth a stone, it will return 
 upon him. 
 
 28 A lying tongue " hateth those that are 
 afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth 
 worketh nun. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 1 Self-love, 6 true love. 1 1 eare to avoid offences, 
 
 23 and the household care. 
 ■POAST " not thyself of 1 to-morrow; for 
 •^ thou knowest not what a day may 
 bring forth. 
 
 2 Let another man praise thee, and not 
 thine own mouth ; a stranger, and not thine 
 own lips. 
 
 3 A stone is 2 heavy, and the sand weighty ; 
 but a fool's wrath is heavier than them 
 both. 
 
 '4 3 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrage- 
 ous; but *who is able to stand before 
 *envy? 
 
 5 Open * rebuke is better than secret love. 
 
 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend: but 
 the kisses of an enemy are 6 deceitful. 
 
 7 The full soul 6 loatheth an honey-comb: 
 but to the hungry soul every bitter thing 
 is sweet. 
 
 8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, 
 BO i? a man that wandereth from his place. 
 
 9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart; 
 80 doth the sweetness of a man's friend 7 by 
 heartj' counsel. 
 
 10 Thine own friend, and thy father's 
 friend, forsake not; neither go into thy 
 brother's house in the day of thy calamity : 
 for better is a neighbour that is near, than 
 a brother far off. 
 
 11 My son, be wise, and make my heart 
 glad, <* that I may answer him that re- 
 proacheth me. 
 
 12 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and 
 hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and 
 are punished. 
 
 13 Take his garment that is surety for a 
 stranger, and take a pledge of him for a 
 strange woman. 
 
 14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud 
 voice, rising early in the morning, it shall 
 be counted a curse to him. 
 
 15 A continual dropping in a very rainy 
 day and a contentious woman are alike. 
 
 16 Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, 
 and the ointment of his right hand, which 
 bewrayeth itself. 
 
 17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man shar- 
 peneth the countenance of his friend. 
 
 18 Whoso • keepeth the fig tree shall eat 
 the fruit thereof; so be that waiteth ou bis 
 master shall be honoured. 
 
 412 
 
 CHAP. 26. 
 
 10 Without 
 
 wood. 
 U Or. whia- 
 
 perer. 
 18 i> silent. 
 
 13 chamber!. 
 
 14 Or, is 
 
 gr&cioui. 
 16 Or, 
 
 Hatred U 
 covered in 
 
 CHAP. 27. 
 
 Lu. 12. 19. 
 2 Cor. 6. 2. 
 Jam. 4. 13. 
 
 1 to-morrow 
 day. 
 
 2 iieavincts, 
 
 3 Wrath is 
 crueltj, 
 and anger 
 an over- 
 flowing. 
 
 6 1 John 3. 
 12. 
 
 4 Or, 
 jealouiy. 
 
 c Gal. 2. 14. 
 
 5 Or, ear- 
 
 d Pi. 127. 5. 
 
 « Gen. 39.4. 
 
 1 Cor. 9. 7. 
 
 / Hab. 2. 6. 
 
 8 not. 
 
 9 «et thy 
 heart. 
 
 10 strength. 
 
 U to genera- 
 tion and 
 genera- 
 tion. 
 
 12 life. 
 
 CHAP. 28. 
 1 Or, bv 
 
 ■tanding 
 
 dom shall 
 they 
 
 likewise be 
 
 prolonged. 
 
 1 Ki.11.12, 
 
 a Mat. 1S.28. 
 
 2 without 
 food. 
 
 6 1 Ki. 18.18. 
 e Johti 7. 17. 
 
 3 Or, 
 ieedeth 
 gluttons. 
 £ccl. 2. 26. 
 
 4 by in- 
 crease. 
 
 d 2 Tim. 4. 8. 
 « Ps. 66. 18. 
 / Mat. 6. 33. 
 
 eyes. 
 6 Or, sought 
 
 for. 
 fflbt.S.16. 
 
 19 As in water face answeretJi to fece, 80 
 the heart of man to man. 
 
 20 Hell /and destruction are » never full; 
 so the eyes of man are never satisfied. 
 
 21 As the fining pot for silver, and the 
 fmiiace for gold; so is a man to his praise. 
 
 22 Though thou shouldest bray a fool in 
 a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet 
 will not his foolishness depart from him. 
 
 23 Be thou diligent to know the state of 
 thy flocks, and » look well to thy herds: 
 
 24 For 10 riches are not for ever: and doth 
 the crown endure n to every generation ? 
 
 25 The hay appeareth.and the tender grass 
 showeth itself, and herbs of the moun- 
 tains are gathered. 
 
 26 The lambs are for thy clothing, and 
 the goats are the price of the field. 
 
 27 And thou shalt have goats' mUk enough 
 for thy food, for the food of thy household, 
 and/or the 12 maintenance for thy maidens, 
 
 CHAPTER XXVm. 
 Of impitty and religicms integriii/. 
 
 T'HE wicked nee when no man pursueth: 
 ■*■ but the righteous are bold as a lion. 
 
 2 For the transgression of a land many 
 are the princes thereof: but 1 by a man of 
 understanding and knowledge the state 
 t/iereq/' shall be prolonged. 
 
 3 A " poor man that oppresseth the poor 
 is like a sweeping rain 2 which leaveth no 
 food. 
 
 4 They that forsake the law praise the 
 wicked: * but such as keep the law contend 
 with them. 
 
 5 E^il men understand not judgment: but 
 they ' that seek the Lobd understand all 
 thinps. 
 
 6 iJetter is the poor that walketh in his 
 uprightness, than he that is perverse iji his 
 wavs, though he be rich. 
 
 7 v\ hoso keepeth the law is a wise son: 
 but he that Sis a companion of riotous wen 
 shameth his father. 
 
 8 He that by usury and * unjust gain in- 
 creaseth his substance, he shall gather it 
 for him that will pity the poor. 
 
 9 He <* that tmneth away his ear from 
 hearing the law, * even his prayer shaU be 
 abomination. 
 
 10 Whoso canseth the righteous to go 
 astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself 
 into his own pit: /but the upright shall 
 have good things in possession. 
 
 11 The rich man is wise 6 in his own con- 
 ceit; but the poor that hath understanding 
 searcheth him out. 
 
 12 When righteous men do rejoice, there 
 is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a 
 man is 6 hidden. 
 
 13 He that covereth his sins shall not 
 prosper: but whoso confesseth and for- 
 saketh them shall have mercy. 
 
 14 Happy is the man that teareth alway: 
 but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall 
 into mischief 
 
 15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; 
 so ^ is a wicked ruler over the poor people. 
 
 16 The prince that wanteth understand- 
 ing is also a great oppressor: but he that 
 hateth covetousness shall prolong /lis days. 
 
 17 A man that doeth violence to the blood 
 of any person shall flee to the pit; let no 
 man stay him. 
 
 18 Whoso walketh nprightl;r shall be 
 saved: but he tliut is perverse tn his waye 
 shall fall at once. 
 
 19 Ue that tilleth his land shall hayt 
 
Maxims and Observations PROVERBS. XX^^:, XXVn. 
 
 of Solomon. 
 
 IS better than one hung with gold. 13. Snow thoughtless being ignorant of their ignorance 
 from mountains was used to cool drinks; so are conceited. 17. meddleth— as cli. 20. 19; 
 refreshing is a faithful messenger (ch. 13. 17.). 24. 21, as either holding a dog by tlie ears or 
 14. clouds— tt(., vapours (Jer. 10. 13,), clouds letting him ko involves danger, so success in 
 only in appearance, a false gift— promised, another man's strife or failure involves a 
 but not given. 15. Gentleness and kindness useless risk of reputation, does no good, and 
 overcome the most powerful and obstinate, may do us harm. 18, 19. Such are reckless 
 
 ' " 20, 21. The tale-bearers foster 
 ), and the contentious excite, 
 22. (Cf. ch.l8. 8.). 23. Warm profes- 
 sions can no more ^ive value to insincerity 
 may, if excessive, lead your friend to hate than silver coating to rude earthenware. 24. 
 you. 18. A false vntness is as destructive to dissembleth— though an unusual sense of the 
 reputation, as such weapons to the body (ch. ' word cf. Marg.,], is allowable, and better 
 24. 28.). beareth . . . vfitness—lit, ans^vereth suits the context, which sets forth hypocrisy. 
 m<e6tio7ts, as before a judge, against his neigh- 25. Sentiment of t;. 24 carried out. seven. . . 
 Dour. 19. Treachery annoys as well as heart— i.e., very many cf. ch. 24. 16.). 26.27. 
 deceives. 20. IS'ot only is the incongruity of Deceit will at last be exposed, and the 
 songs (i.e., joyful) and sadness meant, but an wicked by their own arts often bring on re- 
 accession of sadness, by want of sympathy, is tribution (cf. ch. 12. 13 ; Ps. 7. 16 ; 9. 17, &c.\ 
 
 long for Dear ing— or, slowness to anger (ch. 14. of results. 
 
 29; 15. 18.). 16, 17. A comparison, as a surfeit (ch. 
 
 of honey produces physical disgust, so your strife 
 company, however agreeable in modei-ation 
 
 impUed. 21, 22. (Cf. Mat. 5. 44; Rom. 12.20.) . . _ _ 
 
 As metals are melted by heaping coals upon i —lips for the persons (cf. ch. 4. 24 ; Ps. 12. 3.) 
 
 them, so is the heart softened by kindness 
 
 23. Better, "As the north wind bringeth 
 
 forth (Ps. 90. 2) or produces rain, so does a your plans (ch. 16, 
 
 concealed, or slandering, tongue produce 2. Avoid self-praise. 
 
 28. Men hate those they injure, lying tongue 
 
 persons (cf. ch. 4. 24 ^ - 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI J. 
 
 Ver. 1-27, 1. Do not confide implicitly in 
 
 19. 21; Jam. 4. l:M5.). 
 
 3. The literal sense of 
 
 anger. 24. (Cf. ch. 21. 9, 19.). 25. iCf. v. 13.). hmvy, applied to material subjects, illus- 
 
 good news— i.e.. of some loved interest or trates its figurative, grievous, applied to 
 
 absent friend, the more grateful as coming moral, a fool's wrath— is unreasonable and ex- 
 
 fromafar. 26. Fi'om troubled fountains and oessive. 4. envy — or, jealousy, (cf. Marg.; 
 
 corrupt springs, no healthy water is to be ch. 6. 34,), is more unappeasable than the 
 
 had, so when the righteous are oppressed by simpler bad passions. 5, 6. love— not mani- 
 
 the wicked, their power for good is lessened, fested in acts is useless ; and even, if its ex- 
 
 or destroyed. 27. Satiety surfeits {v. 16, 
 men who are self-glorious find shame. 
 
 hibition by rebukes wounds us, such love is 
 is i preferable to the frequent (cf. Marg..), ' ' 
 
 not glory— not is supplied from the first clause, hence deceitful, kisses ot an enemy. 7. The 
 or is grievous, in which sense a similar word luxury of wealth confers less happmess, than 
 is used (ch. 27. 2.;. 28. Such are exposed to [ the healthy appetite of laboiir.^ 8. Such are 
 the incursions of evil thoughts and success- 
 ful temptations. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 V»r. 1-28. 1. The incongruities of nature ! 
 
 not only out of place, but out of duty and in 
 daneer. 9. rejoice the heart—the organ of per- 
 ceiving what pleases the senses, sweetness 
 counsel— or, wise counsel is alsoplea.sing. 
 
 illustrate also those of the moral world. 10. Adhere to tried friends. The ties of blood 
 The fool's unworthiness is also implied (ch. may be less reliable than those of genuine 
 17. 7 ; 19. 10.). 2. Though not obvious to us. friendship. 11. TTie wisdom of children both 
 the hiri—lit. s2)arrow—a,nd swallow— have an reflects credit on parents and contributes to 
 object in their motions, so penal evil falls on their aid in diflficulties. 12, 13. (Cf. ch. 20. 16; 
 none without a reason. 3. The rod is as 22.3.'. 14. Excessive zeal in praising raises 
 much needed by fools and as well suited to suspicions of selfishness. 15. (Cf. en. 19. 13.). 
 them, as whips and bridles are for beasts, very . . . day— ^i^. a day oj shoivers. IS.hid- 
 4, 5. Answer not— i.e, approvingly by like : eth— or, restrains (i.e., tries to do it , is as 
 folly. Answer- by reproof. 6. A fool fails fruitless an effort, as that of holding the wind. 
 by folly as surely as if he were maimed. , the ointment . . . right hand— the organ of 
 drinketti damage— i.e., gets it abundantly i power (Ps. 17. 7 ; 18. 36.). His right hand en- 
 (Job, 15.16; 34. 7.1. 7. legs ... equal— or, | deavours to repress perfume, but vainly. 
 *' take away the lei^s," or the legs . . . are weak. | Some prefer : " His right hand comes on oil. 
 In any case the idea is that they are the oc- 1 i.e., cannot take hold." Sucha woman cannot 
 casion of an awkwardness, such as the fool i be tamed. 17. a man sharpeneth .friend, 
 shows in using a parable or proverb cf. ;i.e.. conversation promotes intelligence. 
 Intr. ; ch. 17. 7.). 8. A stone, bound iir a which the face exhibits. 18. Diligence se- 
 sling, is useless, so honour, conferred on a cures a reward, even for the humble servant, 
 fool, is thrown away. 9. As vexatious and , 19. We may see our characters in Jie de- 
 unmanageable as a thorn in a drunkard's ; veloped tempers of others. 20. Men s cupi- 
 haud is a parable to a fool. He will be as apt < dity is as insatiable as the grave. 21. Praise 
 to misuse it as to use it rightly. 10. Various | tests character, a man to r^is praise— accord- 
 versions of this are proposed (cf. Margr.). I ing to his praise, as he bea,rs it Thus vain 
 Better perhaps—" Much He injures (or ML, I men seek it, wpk men are inflated by it, wise 
 wotmds all who reward," &c., i.e.. Society is I men disregard it, &c. 22. f he obstinate 
 injured by encouraging evil men. transgres- wickedness of such is incurable by the 
 Fors— may be rendered vagrants. The word heaviest inflictions. 23 24 flocks-consti- 
 God is improperly supplied. 11. retnmeth tuted the staple of wealth. It is only by care 
 . . . fdly-Though disgusting to others, the < and diligence that the most solid possessions 
 fool delights in his folly. 12. The self-con- can be perpetuated (ch. 23. 5.1. 25-27. Ihe 
 ceited are taught with more difliculty than fact that providential arrangements furnish 
 the stupid. 13. iCf. ch. 22. 13.'. 14. (Cf. ch. the means of competence to those who pro- 
 6. 10 ; 24. 33.). He moves but does not leave perly use them is another motive to dihgenctj 
 his place. 16. (Cf. ch. 19. 24.). 16. The . icf. Ps. 65. 9-13.). household-iit.. twu^e, tfta 
 442 
 
MxxiniB of Solomon, 
 
 PROVERBS, XXIX. XXX. Agur't cMfessUm and prayer:^ 
 
 plenty of bread: but he that folio weth after 
 vain persons shall have poverty enough. 
 
 20 A firithful man shall abound with 
 blessings: but he that maketh haste to be 
 rich shall not be 7 innocent. 
 
 21 To have respect of persons t* not good; 
 for, for 'k a piece of bread that man will 
 fcranssrress. 
 
 22 8 He that hasteth to be rich fiath an 
 evil eye, and considereth not that poverty 
 phall come upon him, 
 
 23 He that rebuketh a man, afterwards 
 ehaU find more favour than he that flatter- 
 eth with the tongue. 
 
 24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mo- 
 ther, and saith, /( is no transgression; the 
 Bame is the companion of 9 a aestro3'er. 
 
 25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up 
 Btrife : » but he that putteth his trast in the 
 LoBD shall be made fat. 
 
 26 He that trusteth in his own Ljait is a 
 fool: but whoso walketh i^isely, he shall be 
 delivered. 
 
 27 He } that giveth onto the poor shall 
 not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall 
 have many a curse. 
 
 28 When the wicked rise, men hide thera- 
 ielves: but when they perish, the righteous 
 increase. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 1 0/ public QOvemment.iS and of privaU. 22 Of 
 anger, pride, theft, eowardiee, and corruption. 
 JJE 1 that, being often reproved, harden- 
 ■*■ eth his neck, shall suddenly be de- 
 gtroyed, and that without remedy. 
 
 2 When the righteous are 2 in authority, 
 the people rejoice: but when the wicked 
 beareth rule, the people mourn. 
 
 3 Whoso "loveth wisdom rejoiceth his 
 father: but he that keepeth company with 
 Jiarlots spendeth his substance. 
 
 4 The king by judgment establisheth the 
 land: but 3 he that receive th gifta over- 
 throweth it. 
 
 5 A man that flattereth his neighbour 
 Bpreadeth a net for his feet. 
 
 6 In the transgression of an e\'il man there 
 is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and 
 rejoice. 
 
 7 The 6 righteous considereth the cause of 
 the poor: oiU the wicked regardeth not to 
 know it. 
 
 8 Scornful men * bring a city into a snare: 
 but wise men turn away wrath. 
 
 9 1/& wise man conteudeth with a foolish 
 man, whether he rage or laugh, there is 
 no rest. 
 
 10 5 The blood-thirsty hate the upright: 
 but the just seek his soul. 
 
 11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise 
 man keepeth it in tiU afterwards. 
 
 12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his ser- 
 vants are wicked. 
 
 13 The poor and 8 the deceitful man meet 
 together; * the Lobd lighteneth both their 
 eyes. 
 
 14 The king that "» faithfully judgeth the 
 poor, his throne shall be established for 
 ever. 
 
 15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but 
 a child left to himself bringeth his mother 
 to shame. 
 
 16 When the wicked are multiplied, trans- 
 gression increaseth; 'but the righteous 
 shall see their fall. 
 
 17 Correct /thy son, and he shall give 
 thee rest; yea, he shall give delight iinto 
 thy soul. 
 
 m 
 
 B. C. TOO. 
 
 CHAP. 28. 
 7 Or, an. 
 
 punished. 
 h EMk. 13. 
 
 Ml eiil eye 
 hutetb to 
 be rich. 
 
 stroying. 
 i 1 Tim. 6. 6. 
 i Deu. 15. 7. 
 
 tHAP. 29. 
 1 A man of 
 reproofii. 
 a Or, in- 
 
 o eh. 15. 20. 
 3 s man of 
 
 oblation*. 
 b Job 29. IB. 
 i Or, «et a 
 
 city on 
 
 fire. 
 5 Men of 
 
 blood. 
 8 Or, the 
 
 usurer, 
 e Mat. 5. 46. 
 d P». 73. 8. 
 • Pi. 37. 36. 
 /ch. 13. 24. 
 
 Amoa 8.11. 
 
 7 Or, in 
 mado 
 naked. 
 
 h John 13. 
 17. 
 Jam. 1. 23. 
 
 8 Or, in hit 
 matter!. 
 
 i Mat. 23.12. 
 Act»12.23. 
 } Lev. 6. 1. 
 k Gen. 12.12. 
 
 9 ehaU be 
 
 10 the feco of 
 Pa. 20.9. 
 
 CHAP. 80. 
 
 a Pi. 73. 22. 
 
 1 know. 
 
 6 John 3. 13. 
 c Job 38. 4. 
 d Pa. 12. 8. 
 
 2 purified. 
 
 « P». 18. 30. 
 
 Pi. 84. 11. 
 f Deu. 4. 2. 
 
 Deu. 12. 32. 
 
 Eev. 22. 18. 
 
 me. 
 Mat. 8. U. 
 
 4 of my 
 allowance. 
 
 h Deu. 8. 13. 
 Neh. 9. 25. 
 Ho«. 1.3. 6. 
 
 5 belie thee. 
 
 6 Hurt not 
 with thy 
 tongue. 
 
 { Luke 18. 
 
 11. 
 } Job 29. 17. 
 k Pa. 14. 4. 
 
 Amos 8. 4. 
 
 7 WMlCh. 
 
 18 Where " there is no vision, the people 
 7 perish: but >* he that keepeth the law, 
 happy is he. 
 
 19 A servant will not be corrected by 
 words; for though he understand he will 
 not answer. 
 
 20 Seest thou a man that is hasty 8 in hia 
 words? there is more hope of a fool thaa 
 of him. 
 
 21 He that delicately bringeth up his ser- 
 vant from a child shall have him become 
 his son at the length. 
 
 22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a 
 furious man aboundeth in transgression. 
 
 23 A ♦ man's pride shall bring him low: 
 but honour shall uphold the humble in 
 spirit. 
 
 24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth 
 his own soul: > he heareth cursing, and be- 
 wrayeth it not. 
 
 25 The * fear of man bringeth a snare: but 
 whoso putteth his trust in the Loao ^ shall 
 be safe. 
 
 26 Many seek lo the ruler's favour: but 
 every man's judgment cometh from the 
 
 LOKD. 
 
 27 An unjust man is an abomination to 
 the just; and he that is upright in the way 
 is abommation to the wicked. 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 7Vk« eonfession and tTUtructions of Agur. 
 'PHE words of Agur the son of Jakeh, 
 •*• even the prophecy: the man spake un- 
 to Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal, 
 
 2 Surely <• I om more brutish than an^^ 
 man, and have not the understanding of a 
 man. 
 
 3 I neither learned wisdom, nor i have the 
 knowledge of the holy. 
 
 4 Who 5 hath ascended up into heaven, or 
 descended? "Vho hath gathered the wind in 
 his fists? who hath bound the waters in a 
 garment? who hath established all the 
 ends of the earth? what is his name, and 
 what is his son's name, if thou canst tell? 
 
 5 Every <* word of God is 2 pure: he ' is a 
 shield unto them that put their trust in 
 him. 
 
 6 Add / thou not unto his words, lest he 
 reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. 
 
 7 Two things have I required of thee; 
 3 deny me them not before I die: 
 
 8 Remove far from me vanity and lies; 
 give me neither poverty nor riches; * feed 
 me with food * convenient for me: 
 
 9 Lest 'i I be full, and 6 deny thee, and 
 say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, 
 and steal, and take the name of my God in 
 vain. 
 
 10 6 Accuse not a servant unto his master- 
 lest he curse thee, and thou be found 
 guilty. 
 
 11 There is a generation that cnrseth 
 their father, and doth not bless their 
 mother. 
 
 12 There is a generation * that are pure 
 in their ovra eyes, and yet is not washed 
 from their filthiness. 
 
 13 There is a generation, how lofty hre 
 their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up. 
 
 14 There i is a generation vihose teeth 
 are as swords, and their jaw-teeth as 
 knives, * to devour the poor from otf the 
 eartk, and the needy from among men. 
 
 15 The horse-leach hath two a:aughters, 
 crying. Give, give. There are three things 
 that are never satisfied, yea, four tiiing$ 
 say not, "! Itis enough: 
 
Mcujdms and Observations PEOA^'ERBS, XXVITI-XXX. 
 
 of Solomon. 
 
 family (Acts, 16. 15; 1 Cor. 1. 16.). The hay 
 appeareth-Mi., Grass appeareth (Job, 40. 15; 
 Ps. 104. 14.J, 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 Ver. 1-28. 1. Abadconscience makes men 
 timid; the righteous are alone truly bold -ch. 
 14. L'O; Ps. L'7. 1.). 2. Anarchy producing con- 
 tendmg rulers shortens the reign ot each, 
 but by a n.an . . . prolonged— or, 'by a man of 
 understanding— I.e., a good ruler,— he who 
 knows or regards the right, i.e., a good citi- 
 zen, shall iirolong (his days) ." Good rulers 
 are a blessing to the people. Bad government 
 as a punishment for evil is contrasted with 
 good as blessing to the good. 3. A poor man 
 .... &c.— Such, in power, exact more severely, 
 and so leave subjects bare. 4. They that for- 
 Siike . . . wicked— Wrong doers encourage one 
 another. 5. (Cf. John, 7. 17.). Ignorance of 
 nioral trtttli is due to. unwillingness to know 
 it. 6. (C't. ch. 10. 6.). Eiches cannot compen- 
 sate for sin, nor the want of them afi'ect in- 
 tegrity. 7. (Cf. ch. 17. 25.). riotous men— or. 
 gluttons (ch. 23. 20, 21.). 8. usury . . . unjust 
 g;un— (cf. Marg.,), tlie two terms, meaning 
 nearly the same, may denote excessive inte- 
 rest. God's providence directs the proper 
 use of wealth. 9. (Cf. ch. 15. 8; 21. 27.). 
 hearing— i.e., dbcyinq. God reauires sincere 
 worshippers (Ps. C6. 18; John, 4. 24.). 10. iCf. 
 ch. 26. 27.). 11. A poor but wise man can 
 discover (and expose) the rich and self-con- 
 ceited. 12. great glory— or, cause for it to a 
 people, for tlie righteous rejoice in good, and 
 righteousness exalts a nation ich. 14. 34.) 
 man . . . hidden— i.e., the good retire, or all 
 kinds try to escape a wicked rule. 13. (Cf. 
 Ps. 32. 3-5.). Concealment of sin delivers 
 none from God's wrath, but He shows mercy 
 to the humble penitent (I's. 51. 4.). 14. fear- 
 eth— i.e., God, and so repents, haideneth his 
 heart— makes himself insensible to sin, and 
 so will not repent ch. 14. 16; 29. 1.). 15. The 
 rapacity and cruelty of such beasts well re- 
 presents some wicked men (cf. Ps. 7. 2; 17. 12.). 
 16. The prince . . . understanding, i.e.. He 
 does not perceive that oppression jeopards 
 his success. Covetousness often produces 
 oppression, hence the contrast. 17. doeih 
 violence . . . blood, &c.— or, " that is oppressed 
 by the blood or life ( Gen. 9. 6,), which he has 
 taken— pit— to or even to the jAt, the grave or 
 destruction fch. 1. 12; Job, 33. 18-24; Ps. 143. 7.). 
 stay him— sustain or deliver him. 18. (Cf. ch. 
 10. 9; 17. 20.). Double dealing is eventually 
 fatal. 19. (Cf. ch. 10. 4; 20. 4.). vain per- 
 sons—idle, useless drones, implying that 
 they are also wicked (ch. 12. 11; Ps. 2(5. I4.j. 
 20. maketh haste . . . rich— implying deceit or 
 fraud (ch. 20. 21,), and so opposed to faithful 
 or reliable. 21. respect of ptrsons— (ch. 24. 23.;. 
 Such are led to evil by the slightest motive. 
 22. -,Cf. V. 20.). evil eye— in the general sense 
 of ch. 23. 6, here more specific for covetous- 
 ness (cf. ch. 22. 9; Mat. 20. 15.). poverty . . . him 
 —by God's providence. 23. (Cf. 9. 8, 9; 27. 5.;. 
 I'hose benefited by reproof will love their 
 monitors. 24. (Cf. Mat. 15. 4-6.'. Stith, 
 though heirs, are virtually thieves, to be 
 ranked with highwaymen. 25. of a proud 
 he r— //if., or juffed up of soul— i.e., self-con- 
 fident, and hence overbearing and litigious. 
 3n:de iai— or, prosperous (ch. 11. 25; 16. 20.'. 
 26. iCr. ch. 3. 6-8.). walkethwiseiy— i.e., trust- 
 ing in God ch. 22. 17-19. . 27. ,Cf. ch. 11. 24- 
 26. . hideth his i yes— as the face Ps. 27. 9; C9. 
 17,). denotes inattention. 28. The elevation 
 443 
 
 of the wicked to power drives men to seek 
 refuge from tyranny (cf. v. 12; ch, ll. lO; Ps. 
 
 12. 8.). 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 Ver. 1-27. 1. hardeneth . . . neck— obsti- 
 nately refuses counsel (2 Ki. 17. 14; Neh. 9. 
 16.). destroyed — lit, .shivered or utterly broken 
 to pieces. Without remedy— Wif., without heal- 
 iiiU or revairing. 2. (Cf. ch. 11. 10; 28. •z8.). 
 in autliority—(cf.ikfarsr,,), increased in power. 
 3. (Cf. ch. 4. 6, 7; 10. 1, &c.). 4. byjtidgment— 
 ie., righteous decisions, opposed to those pro- 
 cured by gifts (cf. ch. 28. tl,), by which t:ood 
 government is perverted, land— for nation. 
 5. iCf. ch. 26. 28.). spreadeth . . . feet— by mis- 
 leading him as to his real character, the 
 flatterer brings him to evil, prepared by him- 
 self or others. 6. In :or. By) the transgres- 
 sion—he is brought into difiiculty (ch. 12. 13,), 
 but the righteous go on prospering, and so 
 sing or rejoice. 7. consider eth—M/..,ifcr(OWS, as 
 Ps. 1. 6. the cause— i.e., in courts of justice 
 (cf. V. 14.). The voluntary neglect of it by the 
 wicked (ch. 2%. 27) occasions oppression. 8. 
 Sccrntul men— Those who contemptuously 
 disregard God's law. bring— (cf. Marg,,), 
 kindle strife, turn away [i.e., abate] wrath. 
 9. contendeth— i.e., in law. whether ... laugh 
 —The fool, whether angry or good humoured, 
 is unsettled, or referring the \Aords to the 
 wise man, the sense is, that, all his efforts, 
 severe or gentle, are unavailing to pacify the 
 fool. lO.biood-thirsty— (cf. Ahin/.,], munierers 
 (Ps. 5. C;26. 9.). hate, &c.— oh. 1. 11; Gen. 3. 
 4.). seek . . . soul— i.e., to preserve it. 11. 
 (Ci'. ch. 12. 16; 16. 32.). mind— or, spirit, for 
 anger or any ill )vission which the righteous 
 restrain. 12. His servabts imitate him. 
 
 13. (Cf. ch. 22. 2.). deceitful luD.u — lit., 
 man of vexations, ar exactor, the Lcrd... 
 thfcir eyes — sustains their lives (l Sam. 
 
 14. 27- Ps. 13. 3J, i.e., Both depend on Him. 
 and He will do justice. 14. (Cf. ch. 20. 28; 25. 
 5.). Such is the character of the King of 
 kingSiPs. 72. 4, 12.). 16. iCi.cb.l3. 24; 23.13.). 
 
 16. (Cf. V. 2, 12; Ps. 12. 1-8.). shall see . . . fall 
 —and triun;ph in it (Ps. 37. 34-38; 58. 10, 11.). 
 
 17. (Cf. V. 3, 15; ch. 19. 18.;. give thee rest- 
 peace, and quiet icf. v. 9.;. 18. no visicn— 
 instruction in God's truth, which was by pro- 
 phets, throui;h visions (1 Sam. 3. 1.). people 
 perish— (cf. Marg. ], are deprived of moral 
 restraints, keepeth the law— has. and ob- 
 serves, instruction (ch. 14. 11,34; Ps. 19. 11.). 
 19. A servant— who lacks good principle, 
 corrected— or, discovered, will not answer- 
 obey. 20. (Cf. ch. 21. 5.!. hasty in . . . 
 
 Words— implying self-conceit (ch. 26. 12.). 21. 
 btcome his son— assume the place and privi- 
 leges of one. 22. iC;f. ch. 15. 18.). Such are 
 delighted by discord and violence. 23. (Cf. 
 ch. 16. 18; 18. 12.). honour . . . spirit— or. such 
 shall lay hold on honotir (ch. 11. 10. . 24. 
 hateth . . . soul- (cf. ch. 8. 36.). heareth ctirs- 
 irig — (Lev. 5. 1,), ri.sks the punishment, 
 rather than reveal truth. 25. The tear . . . 
 snare— involves men in difficulty (cf v. 6.). 
 shall be safe— (cf. Marg.; ch. 18. 10.'. 26. (Cf. 
 Marg.; I's. 27. 8.). Godaione wiiland can do 
 exact justice. 27. (Cf. ch. 3. 32.). On last 
 clause cf. v. 16; Ps. 37. 12. 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 Ver. 1-33. 1. This is the title of this chapter 
 (cf. Intr.). lhe prophecy— /ii., burden (ct. Jsa. 
 13. 1; Zech. 9. 1,), used for any divine in.-tiuc- 
 tion; not necessarily a prediction, which was 
 only a kind of prophecy (1 Chr. 16. 27, a S07ig.). 
 
The sayings of Agur. 
 
 16 The ' grave; and the baiTcn womb: the 
 earth that is not filled with water; and the 
 tu-e that saithnot, It is enough. 
 
 17 The "♦eye that mocketh at his father, 
 and despiseth to obey his mother, the ra- 
 vens of 8 the vaUey shall pick it out, and 
 the young eagles shall eat it. 
 
 18 There be three things which are too 
 wonderM for me, yea, four which I know 
 not: 
 
 19 The way of an eagle in the air, the way 
 01 a serpent upon a rock, the way of a ship 
 in the » midst of the sea, and the way of a 
 man with a maid. 
 
 20 Such is tiie way of an adulterous wo- 
 man; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, 
 and saith, I have done no wickedness. 
 
 21 For three things the earth is disquieted, 
 and for four which it cannot bear: 
 
 Z2 For •* a servant when he reigneth; and 
 a fool when he is filled with meat; 
 
 • J '" ^^ odious woman when she is mar- 
 ned; and an handmaid that is heir to her 
 mistress. 
 
 T,?i Jff ^ ^tl^^ *Ml^' ^^^<'^ «'*e little 
 npon the earth, but they are lo exceeding 
 
 25 The » ants are a people not strong, yet 
 *oFrJe'"^S^re their meat m tiie summer; 
 
 26 The J* conies arc but a feeble folk, yet 
 ^Ke they then houses in the rocks; 
 * iu ?, °^"i^ts have no king, yet go they 
 fOTthaUofthemiibybands; ^ 
 
 28 The spider taketh hold with her hands 
 and is m kings' palaces. 
 
 29 There be three things which go weU 
 ^1^' A°V? ,^^ '^'^^.''^y '^ going: 
 . dO A 12 lion, which is strongest among 
 PeastB, and tumeth not away tor any ; 
 
 dl A "greyhound; &n he-goat also; and 
 *oi^#!^*Samst whom there is no rising up 
 ♦^1 If °'^-^^* *^°?® loolishly in lifting up 
 thyself, or if thou hast thought evH, Uau 
 thine hand upon thy mouth. 
 f^h^^ll *^^ chimiing of mUk biingeth 
 lorth butter, and the wringing of the nose 
 
 w;^tfl^-f^'t^.'^^°e'i' «« the forcLS of 
 wrath brmgeth forth strife. 
 
 , ^ „ CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 * ■kV''^i?l^'J^ of chastity and temrfranee. 6 
 I he afflicted to be comforted and defended. 10 
 ■T^'^^^e and properties of a good wife. 
 
 Q^HE words of king Lemuel, the i pro- 
 o ^^^^ that his mother taught him. 
 2 What, my son? and what, the son of 
 
 my womb? and what, the son of my voavs? 
 6 Orive not thy strength unto women, nor 
 
 thy ways » to that which destroyeth kings. 
 
 4 It * IS not forkmgs, Lemuel, it is not 
 Btron 'If^-ijf- ^^^ ^™^®' ^^^ ^^^ Pi-inces 
 
 5 Lest " they drink and forget the law, 
 afliictld"^^ the judgment 3 of any of the 
 
 PROVERBS. XXXI. A virhmts woma n deseriUd. 
 
 B. C. 700. 
 
 CHAP. 30. 
 
 I H«b. 2. 6. 
 
 "» Gen. 9.22. 
 
 L«». 20. 9. 
 
 8 Or, tha 
 brook. 
 
 9 heart. 
 
 »» ch. 19. 10. 
 Eccl. 10. 7. 
 
 10 wise, 
 niade wise. 
 
 » ch. 6. 6. 
 PPs.104.18. 
 
 11 fathered 
 together. 
 
 12 mighty 
 old lion. 
 
 13 girt in the 
 loins, or, 
 horse. 
 
 J Eccl. 8. 3. 
 Mio. 7. 16. 
 
 CHAP. 31. 
 1 burden, 
 ch. 30. 1. 
 I«. 13. 1. 
 
 ODeu. 17.17 
 
 Neh. 13.26, 
 
 ch. 7. 26. 
 
 Hog. 4. 11, 
 
 6 Eccl. 10.17, 
 
 "Hob. 4.11. 
 
 3 of au'tho 
 Bons of 
 affliction. 
 
 d Pb. 104. 16. 
 
 4 bitter of 
 «oul. 
 1 Sa. 1. 10. 
 
 6 the sons of 
 destruc- 
 tion. 
 e J-ev. 19. 16. 
 
 Deu. 1. 16. 
 /Job 29. 12. 
 
 I«. 1. 17. 
 
 Jer. 22. 16. 
 a Roia.12.11. 
 ft Lu. 12. 42. 
 6 talieth. 
 
 She 
 
 tasteth. 
 
 She 
 
 sprcadetb. 
 
 P«. 41. 1. 
 
 ch. 19. 17. 
 
 Eph. 4. 28. 
 
 Heb.13.16. 
 9 Or, double 
 
 rfo£'^® ^ ^ •''^°^ ^^ '^'to "him that is 
 Kft WeaJte' ^' '"'^ *^*^«^ *^^^ 
 7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, 
 and remember his misery no more ^' 
 
 ^^„2P^f nn^fi^^'l*^ ^°'" the dumb in the 
 stractioi ^ '^^ appointed to de- 
 
 ftnH^?^ni'3/ !S°°*^' * J'^4se, righteously, 
 and/ plead the cause of the poor and 
 
 Wh9 can find a virtuous woman? for 
 
 10' 
 
 Deu. 16.18, 
 
 ch. 12. 4. 
 
 1 Tim. 6. 
 
 14. 
 .. 1 Ki. 2. 19. 
 10 Or, have 
 gotten 
 
 I P«.\l2! 1. 
 
 ter price is far above rubies. 
 
 tW.J-^^^^ ?t ^^l liusband doth safely 
 
 ofs o£ ' ^^ ^^^ ^^^'^ ^'^ "^'"'^ 
 
 til f ?® ^^u ^<*,.^ eood and not e^'il all 
 tne days of her life. 
 
 13 She seeketh wool and flax, and worketh 
 WiUingly with her hands, 
 vit^fe IS like the merchants' ships; she 
 brJDgeth her tood from afar. 
 
 15 She » riseth also while it is yet night. 
 and " giveth meat to her household, and a 
 portion to her maidens. 
 
 it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth 
 a vineyard- ^ 
 
 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, 
 and strengtheneth her arms. * 
 
 .18 ' She perceiyeth that her merchandise 
 w good: her candle goeth not out by night, 
 A ?^^ J^^^^h her hands to the spindle, 
 and her hands hold the distaff. 
 
 20 8 She stretcheth out her hand to the 
 poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to 
 the needy. "« uo w 
 
 21 She IS not afraid of the snow for her 
 household : for aU her household are clothed 
 with 9 scarlet. 
 
 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapes- 
 try : her clothmg is silk and purple. 
 
 2o lier husband is known * in the gates, 
 when he sitteth among the elders of the 
 land. 
 
 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it, 
 and dehvereth gii-dles unto the merchant. 
 
 25 Strength and honour are her clothing: 
 ^i?^"ou ^hall rejoice in time to come. 
 
 26 She openeth her mouth ivith Tvisdom: 
 ^o4^o? her tongue is the law of kindness. 
 
 27 She ^ looketh well to the ways of her 
 household, and eateth not the bread of 
 idleness. 
 
 28 Her* children arise up, and caU her 
 blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth 
 
 29 Many daughters lo have done virtuously, 
 but thou excellest them all. 
 
 30 F-avour is deceitful, and beautyis vain- 
 &M<a woman that 'feareth the Lord, she 
 shall be praised. 
 
 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and 
 let her own works praise her in the gates. 
 
 ECCLESIASTESj 
 
 OR, THE PREACHER. 
 
 B. C. 977. 
 
 . ^ „ CHAPTER L 
 
 1 The Preacher shows that all things here 
 
 are vain. . 
 
 THl*' ^i''',^? ^^^^« Preacher, the son of "w 8. lb 
 David, king ol J erusalem, I c oh. 3. ». 
 
 2 Vanity "of vanities, saith the Preacher, 
 CHAP. 1. vanity of vanities ; 6 all is vanity. 
 Pb. 39. 6. 3 \\ hat \ profit hath a man of all his la- 
 3- 1 bom^vhich he taketh under the sun? 
 4 (Jn6 generation passeth away, and 
 
Savings of Agur. 
 
 Prophets were inspired men, who spoke for 
 God to man, or man to (Jod 'vien. liO. 7; E\. 
 7.; 14. 1.'), 10.). Such, also, were the N. J. 
 prophets. In a general sense. Gad, Nathan, 
 and otliers were such, who were divine 
 teachers, though we do not learn they ever 
 predicted, the man spake— Kf., the saying of 
 the man; an expression used to denote any 
 solemn and important announcement (of. 2 
 Sam. 23. 1; Ps. 36. 1; 110. 1; Isa. 1. 24, &c.). 
 Ithiel and Ucal were perhaps pupils. 2-4. 
 brutish— stupid, a strong term to denote his 
 lowly self-estimation; or lie may speak of 
 such as his natural condition, as contrasted 
 with God's all-seeing comprehensive know- 
 ledge and almighty power. The questions of 
 the last clause emphatically deny the attri- 
 butes mentioned to be those of any creature, 
 thus impressively strengthening the implied 
 reference of the former to God (cf. Dent. .so. 
 12-14; Isa. 40. 12; Eph. 4. 8.). 5. (Of. Ps. 12. (i; 
 119. 140.). 6. Add . . . words— Implying that 
 his sole reliance was on God's all-sufficient 
 teaching, reprove [convictj thee— and so the 
 falsehood win appear. 7-9. A prayer for ex- 
 emption from wickedness, and the extremes 
 of poverty and riches, the tivo things men- 
 tioned. Contentment is implied as desired, 
 vanity— all sorts of sinful acts (Job, 11. il; 
 Isa. 6. 18.). be full . . , deny— i.e., puffed up 
 by the pride of prosperity, take the name . . . 
 vain— this is not [Beh.) the form (cf. Ex. 20. 7.;. 
 but take rather denotes laying violent hold 
 on any thing, i.e., lest I assail God's name, 
 or attributes, as .justice, mercy, &c., which 
 the poor are tempted to do. 10. Accuse not 
 —Slander not (Ps. 10. 7.). curse . . . guilty— 
 lest, however lowly, he be exasperated to 
 turn on thee, and your guilt be made to ap- 
 jear. 11-14. Pour kinds of hateful persons 
 
 PROVERBS. XXXI. The Virtuous Woman. 
 
 insignificant animals, being due to 
 
 'iieir lusimcLive sagacityaiid activity, ratha. 
 than strength, conies- mountain mice, i.r 
 rabbits, sprier— tolerated, even in palaces, 
 to destroy flies, taketh . . . hands— or, uses 
 with activity the limbs provided for taking 
 l)rey. The other class provides si.nilcs for 
 whatever is majestic or comely, uniting effi- 
 ciency with gracefulness. 32. As none can 
 hope, successfully, to resist such a king, 
 suppress even the thought of the attempt. 
 lay . . . hand upon tliy nxouth— lay is well sup- 
 plied (Jud. 18. 19; Job, 29. 9; 40. 4.). 33. i.e., 
 strife — or, other ills, as surely arise from 
 devising evil, as natural effects from natural 
 causes. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 Ver. 1-31. 1. Of the title of this, the Cth 
 part of the book, cf. Intr. prophecy— as ch. 
 30. 1. 2. What, my son?-ie., What shaU I 
 say '{ repetitions denote earnestness, son . . . 
 womb— as our phrase, " my own son." a term 
 of special affection, son . . . vows — as one 
 dedicated to God; so the word Lemuel may 
 mean. 3-9. Succinct but solemn warnings 
 against vices to which kings are iieculiarly 
 tempted, as carnal pleasures and oppressive 
 and unrighteous government are used to 
 sustain sensual indulgence. 3. strength — 
 mental and bodily resources for health and 
 comfort, thy ways— or, course of life, to that 
 . .. kings— K^., to the destroying of kings, avoid 
 destructive pleasures (cf. ch. 5. 9; 7. 22, 27; 
 Hos. 4. 11.). 4, 5. Stimulants enfeeble reason, 
 and pervert the heart, and do not suit rulers, 
 who need clear and steady minds, and well- 
 governed affections (cf. ch. 20. 1; 22. 29.). 
 pervtrt . . . Bflicted — they give unrighteous 
 decisions against the poor. 6, 7. The proper 
 use of such drinks is to restore tone to feeble 
 
 ) graceless children, (2) hypocrites, (3) the ' bodies and depressed minds (cf. Ps. 1U4. 15.). 
 
 proud, (4) cruel oppressors (cf. on v. 14, i 
 14. 4; 52. 2,),— are now illustrated, (1) v. 16, 16, 
 the insatiability of prodigal children and 
 their fate; v. 17, (2; hypocrisy, or the conceal- 
 ment of real character; v. 18-20, (3 and 4) 
 various examples of pride and oppression. 
 15, 16. horse-leech— supposed by some to be 
 the vampire (a fabulous creature,), as being 
 literally insatiable; but the other subjects 
 mentioned must be taken as this, compara- 
 tively insatiable. The use of a fabulous 
 creature agreeably to popular notions is not 
 inconsistent with inspiration ,cf. Isa. 14.; 
 31.). There are three . . . yea, four— (cf. ch. 6. 
 16.). 17. The eye— for the person, with re- 
 ference to the use of the organ to express 
 mockery and contempt, and also as that by 
 which punishment is received, the ravens. . . 
 eagles . . . eai— either as dying unnaturally, 
 or being left unburied, or both. 18-20. 
 Hypocrisy is illustrated by four examples of 
 the concealment of all methods or traces of 
 action, and a pertinent example of double 
 dealing in actual vice, is added, i.e., the 
 adulterous woman, she eatetli . . . mouth— 
 i.e., she hides the evidences of her shame, 
 and professes innocence. 21-23. Pride and 
 cruelty, the undue exaltation of those untit 
 to hold power, produce those vices which 
 disquiet society (cf. ch. 19. 10; 28. 3.). heir 
 . . . unstress— i.e., takes her place as a wife 
 (Gen. 16. 4.). 24-31. These verses provide 
 two classes of apt illustrations of various 
 aspects oi the moral world, which the reader 
 is lelt to apply. By the first, diligence and 
 provideuce are commended; the success of 
 441 
 
 I 8, 9. Open . . . cause — Plead for those who 
 cannot plead for themselves, as the orphan, 
 stranger, &c. (cf. Ps. 72, 12; Isa. 1. 17.). 
 appointed to destruction— who are otherwise 
 ruined by their oppressors (cf. ch. 29. 14, 10.), 
 10-31. This exquisite picture of a truly lovely 
 wife is conceived and drawn in accordance 
 with the customs of Eastern nations, but its 
 moral teachings suit all cUmes. In Heb. the 
 verses begin with tlie letters of the Hcb. al- 
 phabet in order [ci.Intr. to Poetical liooks.). 
 iO. Who . . . woman?— The question impUes 
 that such are rare, though not entirely w ant- 
 ing (cf. ch. 18. 22; 19. 14.). virtuous— ^tl, of 
 strength, i.e., moral courage (cf. ch. 12. 4; 
 Paitli, 3. 11.). her price, &c.— (cf. ch. 3. 15.). 
 11. heart . . . trust in her— he relies on her pru- 
 dence and skill, no need of spoil— does not 
 lack profit or gain, especially that obtabied 
 by the risk of war. 12. do . . . good — contri- 
 bute good to him. 13. 14. Ancient women 
 of rank thus wrought with their hands, and 
 .such, indeed, were the customs of Western 
 women a few centuries since. In the East 
 also, the fabrics were articles of merchandise. 
 15. She diligently attends to expending as 
 weU as gathering wealth; 16., and hence has 
 means to purchase property. 17, 18. To 
 energy she adds a watchfulness in l)aii;ains, 
 and a protracted and painful industry. J ho 
 last clause may figuratively denote that her 
 prosperity (cf. ch. 24. 20) is not short- lived. 
 19. JS'o work, however mean, if honest, is 
 disdained. 20. Industry enables her io b« 
 charitable. 21. sc;irin— or, puru'r, bv reason 
 of the (iyes used, the best litbrics. as a 
 
Vanitif of human 
 
 ECCLESIASTES, H. 
 
 pleaMire and labour. 
 
 znother generation cometh; <* bat the earth 
 Ahideth for ever. 
 
 5 The * sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth 
 down, and i hasteth to his place where he 
 arose. 
 
 6 The / wind goeth toward the south, and 
 turneth about unto the north; it whh-leth 
 about continually; and the wind retumeth 
 again according to his circuits. 
 
 7 All' the rivers run into the sea; yet the 
 Bea is not fall: unto the place from whence 
 the rivers come, thither they 2 return 
 again. 
 
 8 All '» things are full of labour; man can- 
 not utter it: » the eye is not satisfied with 
 eeeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. 
 
 9 The 3 thing that hath been, it is that 
 which shall be • and th;^i. which is done is 
 that which shall be done: and ttiere is no 
 new thivg under the sun. 
 
 10 Is there any thing whereof it may be 
 said. See, this is new? it hath been already 
 of old tune, which was before us. 
 
 11 There is no remembrance of former 
 things; injither shall there be arty remem- 
 brance of things that are to come with 
 those that shall come after. 
 
 12 H I the Preacher was king over Israel 
 in Jerasalem; 
 
 13 And I gave my heart to seek and search 
 out by wisdom concerning all things that 
 are done under heaven: *thi3 sore travail 
 hath God given to the sons of man, 3 to be 
 exercised therewith. 
 
 14 1 have seen all the works that are done 
 ander the sun; and, behold, all is vanity 
 and vexation of spiiit. 
 
 15 That <■ which is crooked cannot be 
 made straight; and * that which is wanting 
 cannot be numbered. 
 
 16 I communed with mine own heart. 
 Baying, Lo. I am come to great estate, and 
 have gotten *" more wisdom than all thev 
 that have been before nie in Jerusalenr; 
 yea, my heart 5 had great experience of 
 wisdom and knowledge. 
 
 17 And " 1 gave my heart to know Mdsdom. 
 and to know madness and folly: I perceived 
 that this also is vexation of spirit. 
 
 18 For " in much wisdom is much grief; 
 and he that iucreaseth knowledge increas- 
 eth sorrow. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 I Vanity of human courses in the works of pleas- 
 ure. 18 Vanity of hunian labour, the fruit of 
 which must soon be left to others. 24 Of the 
 cheerful use of what a man hath. 
 
 T SAID " in mine heart. Go to now, I will 
 -*■ prove thee with mirth; therefore en- 
 joy pleasure: and, behold, 6 this also is 
 vanity. 
 
 2 I said " of laughter. It is mad; and of 
 mirth, What doeth it? 
 
 SI<i sought in mine heart i to give myself 
 unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart 
 with wisdom, and to lay hold on folly, till 
 I might see what u-as that good for the 
 sons of men which they should do under 
 the heaven 2 all the days of their life. 
 
 4 I made me great works; I buildedme 
 houses ; I planted me vineyards ; 
 
 6 1 made me gardens and orchards, and 
 I planted trees in them of all kind of 
 fruits; 
 
 6 1 made me pools of water, to water 
 there wiih the wood that bringeth forth 
 trees ; 
 
 7 1 got ni6 Bervants and maidens, and had 
 4i5 
 
 CHAP. I. 
 
 d Ps. 104. 6. 
 
 P«. 119.90. 
 
 2 Pet. 3.10. 
 e Ps. 19. 6. 
 
 1 panteth. 
 / John 3. 8. 
 ■V Job 38. 10. 
 
 Pa. 104. 8. 
 
 2 return to 
 go- 
 
 h eh. 3. 1. 
 i Pro. 27. 20. 
 } Gen. 8. 22. 
 
 ch. 3. 15. 
 k Gen. 3. 19. 
 
 ch. 3. 10. 
 
 3 Or, to 
 afflict 
 thera. 
 
 I ch. 7. 13. 
 
 4 defect. 
 "ilKi.3.12. 
 
 lKi.4 30. 
 1 Ki. 10.7. 
 ch. 2. 9. 
 
 5 bad leoD 
 much. 
 
 n ch. 2. 3. 
 ch. 7. 23. 
 1 ThetB. 5. 
 21. 
 
 CHAP. 2. 
 a Lu. 12. 19. 
 6 Is. 60. 11 
 
 Pro. 14. 13. 
 ch. 7. 6. 
 
 d ch. 1. 17. 
 
 1 to draw 
 mv flesh 
 with wine 
 
 2 thenumbe 
 of the days 
 
 life. 
 
 3 sonj of my 
 
 e 1 Ki. 9, 
 
 /ch. 1.16. 
 ff ch. 9. 9. 
 h ch. 1. 17. 
 6 Or, in 
 
 6 that there 
 
 in folly. 
 i ch. 8. 1. 
 } ch. 9. 2. 
 
 7 happeneth 
 
 8 laboured. 
 k Pa. 49. 10. 
 I 1 Ki. 12.13. 
 "' 1 Ti. 6.10. 
 
 9 give, 
 "ch. 1.3. 
 Job 5. 7. 
 
 10 Or .delight 
 bis si-nses. 
 
 11 before 
 
 'servants bom in my house; also I had 
 great possessions of great and small cattle 
 above all that were in Jerusalem before 
 me- 
 
 81* gathered me also silver and gold, and 
 the peculiar treasure of kings and of the 
 provinces ; I gat me men singers and women 
 singers, and the delights of the sons of 
 men, as * musical instiniments, and that of 
 all sorts. 
 
 9 So / 1 was great, and increased more 
 than all that were before me in Jerusalem: 
 also my wisdom remained with me. 
 
 10 And whatsoever mine eyes desired I 
 kept not from them, 1 withheld not my 
 heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced 
 in all my labour: and 'this was my portion 
 of all my labour. 
 
 11 Then I looked on all the works that my 
 hands had wrought, and on the labour that 
 
 I had laboured to do ; and, behold, all was 
 vanity and vexation of spirit, and there 
 was no profit under the sun. 
 
 12 H And I tm-ned myself to behold wis- 
 dom, '^ and madness, and folly : for what can 
 the man do that cometh after the king? 
 5 even that which hath been aheady done. 
 
 13 Then I saw 6 that wisdom excelleth 
 folly, as far as light excelleth darkness. 
 
 M The ' wise man's eyes are in his head: 
 but the fool walketh in darkness: and t 
 myselt'perceived also that> one event hap- 
 peneth to them aU. 
 
 15 Then said I in my heart. As it happen- 
 eth to the fool, so it 7 happeneth even to me ; 
 and why was 1 then more wise? Then 
 I said in my heart, that this also is vanity. 
 
 16 For tliere is no remembrance of the 
 wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing 
 that which now is, in the days to come 
 shall aU be forgotten. And how dieth the 
 wise man? as the fool. 
 
 17 Therefore I hated life; because the 
 work that is wrought under the sun is 
 giievous unto me: for all is vanity and 
 vexation of sj)iiit. 
 
 18 H Yea, 1 hated all my labour which I 
 had 8 taken under the sun; because* I 
 should leave it unto the man that shall 
 be after me. 
 
 19 And who knoweth whether he shall be 
 a wise manor * a fool? yet shall he have 
 rule over all my labour wherein I have la- 
 b(^)ured, and wherein I have showed myself 
 wise under the sun. This is also "' vanity. 
 
 •20 Therefore I went about to cause my 
 heart to desj airof all the labour which I 
 took under the smi. 
 
 21 For there is a man whose labour is in 
 wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; 
 yet to a man that hath not laboured there- 
 in shall he 9 leave it for his portion. This 
 also is vanity and a gi-eat evil. 
 
 22 For " wliat hath man of all his labour, 
 and of the vexation of his heart, wherein 
 he hath laboured under the sun? 
 
 23 For all his days are " sorrows, and his 
 travail giief; yoa, his heart taketh not rest 
 in the night. This is also vanity. 
 
 24 M There w nothing better for a man, 
 than that he should eat and drink, and 
 tliat he 10 should inake his soul enjoy good 
 ill his labour. This also I saw, that it was 
 from the hand of God. 
 
 25 For who can eat, or who else can hasten 
 Uireunto, more than I? 
 
 26 F<a- God .tfiveth to a man that is good 
 
 II in his Bight wisdom, and knowledge. 
 
Introduction. ECCLESIASTE5. InfroducMoTh- 
 
 matter of taste also, the colour suits cold. { adds to her example a wise mana^'enient of 
 22. coverings of tapestry— or, cowr?ete,i.f.,fortliose under her control. 28. She is honoured 
 beds, silk [or.linen (cf. Ex.26, l; 27. 91] .-'nd by those who best know her. 29. Thewords 
 purple— i.e., the most costly L'oods. 23. in tlielare those of her husband, praising her. 
 gates— (cf. ch. 22. 22.). His domestic comfort j virtuously— (cf. v. 10.). 30. Favour- or, Grace 
 rromotes his advancement in public dignity. ; of iiersonal manner. ber<uty— of face, or form 
 24:. fine linen— or, linen shirts, or the material i (cf. ch. 11. 22.). True piety alone commands 
 for them, girdle s —were often costly and jierm.uient respect and affection (1 Pet. 3.3.). 
 highly valued (2 Sam. 18. 11.). delivereth— or, ;31. Tlie result of her labours is her best 
 giveth as a present, or to sell. 25. Strength 'euloe;.v. 
 
 and honour— cr, Strovg and beautiful, is her [ Kothhin' can add to the simple beauty of 
 clothing: or, figuratively, for moral cha-this arimii; iOe prirtrait. On the measnre of 
 racter,vigorous and honourable, shall rejoice its realisat-' n in tlie I'au^liters of our o^.n 
 . . . con:p— in confidence of certain mainten- day rest imu.ld lesnis, in the domestic, 
 artce. 26. Her conversation is wise and and, therefore, the civil and religious, welfare 
 geutie. 27. (Cf. 1 Tim. 6. 14; Tit. 2. 6.). She , of the people. 
 
 ECCLESIASTES, 
 
 OR, THE PREACHER,) THE GREEK TITLE IN THE LXX. 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 rHE Hehrew tUTe is Koheleth, which the speaker in it applies to himself 'ch. 1. 19,), " I, Koheletb, 
 was king over Israel." It means an Assembler or Convene?- of a meeting, and a Prencherto such a 
 meeting. The feminine form cf the Hebrew noun, and Its construction once (ch. 7. iJ7) v.ith a 
 feminine verb, show that it not only signifies Solomon, the Preaclier to afttmblies (m which case itis 
 construed with the verb or noun masculine,), but also Divine Wisdom (femiuine in Hebrew) speaking 
 by the mouth of the inspired king. In six cases out of geven It is construed with the masculine. 
 Solomon was endowed with inspired wisdom (1 Ki. 3. 5-14; 6. 11, 12;9. l,&c.; 11. 9-11,), specially titling 
 him for the task. The Orientals delight in such meetings for grave discourse. Thus the Arabs for- 
 merly had an assembly yearly, at Ocadh, for hearing and reciting poems. Cf. " Masters of assem- 
 blies" (note, ch. 12. ll, also 12. 9.). " The Preacher taught the people knowledge," probably viva voce: 
 1 Ki. 4. 34; 10. 2, 8, 24; 2 Chr. 9. 1, 7, 23, plainly refer to a somewhat public divan met for literary 
 discussion. So "spake," thrice repeated (1 Ki. 4. 32. 33,), refers, uat to written compositions, iut to 
 addresses spoken in assemblies convened for the purpose. The Holy Ghost, no doubt, signifies also 
 by the term, that Solomon's doctrine is intended for the " great congregation," the Church of all 
 places and ages (Ps. 22. 25; 49. 2-4.). 
 
 Solomon was plainly the author (ch. 1. 12, 16; 2. 15; 12.9.). That the Rabbins attribute it to 
 Isaiah or Hezekiah.is explicable, by supposing that one or the other inserted it in the canon. The 
 difference of its style, as compared with Proverbs and Song of Solomon, is due to the difference of 
 subjects, and the different period of his life in which each was written; the Song, in the fervour of 
 his first love to God; Proverbs, about the same time, or somewhat later; but Ecclesiastesin late old 
 age, as the seal and testimony of repentance of his apostasy in the intervenine; period: (Ps. 89. 30, 33,), 
 proves his penitence. The substitution of the title Koheleth for Solomon (that is, peace,), may im- 
 
 Ely that, having troubled Israel, meantime he forfeited his name of peace (1 Ki. 11. 14, 23;); but now, 
 aving repented, he wishes to be henceforth a Preacher of righteousness. The alleged foreign expres- 
 fiions in the Hebrew may have been easily imported, through the great intercourse there was with 
 other nations during his long reign. Moreover, supposed Chaldaisms may be fragments preserved 
 from the common tongue, of which Hebrew, Syriac, Chaldee, and Arabic, were offshoots. 
 
 THE SCOPE of Ecclesiastes \^ to contrast the vanity of all mere human pursuits, when madetho 
 chief end, as contrasted with the real blessedness of true loisdojn, i.e., religion. The immortality of the 
 soul is dwelt on incidentally, as subsidiary to the main scope. Moses' law took this truth for granted, 
 butdrewits sanctionsof rewards and punishments in accordance with the theocracy, which was under 
 a special providence of God as the temporal King of Israel, from the present life, rather than the 
 future. But after that Israel chose an earthly king, God withdrew, in part, his extraordinary pro- 
 vidence, so that under Solomon, temporal rewards did not invariably follow virtue, and punishments 
 vice (cf ch. 2. 16; 3. 19; 4. 1; 5. 8; 7. 15; 8. 14; 9. 2, 11.). Hence the need arises to show that these 
 anomalies will be rectified hereafter, and this is the grand •'conclusion," therefore, of the " whole" 
 book, that, seeing there is a coming judgment, and seeing that present goods do not satisfy the soul, 
 "man's whole duty is to fear God and keep his commandments" (ch. 12. 13, 14,), and meanwhile, to 
 use, in joyful and serene sobriety, and not abuse the present life (ch. 3. 12, 13.). 
 
 It is objected that sensual epicurism seems to be inculcated (ch. 3. 12. 13, 22, 4o.;); but it isa con- 
 tented thankful enjoyment of God's present gifts that is taught, as opposed tea murmuring, anxious, 
 avaricious spirit, as is proTed by ch. 5. IS. cf with 11-15, not making them the chief end of life; not the 
 joy of levity and folly; a misunderstanding which he guards ai^ainst in ch. 7. 2-6; 11. 9; 12. 1. Again, 
 ch. 7. 16; 9. 2-10, might seem to tea -h fatalism and scepticism. But these are words put m the 
 moutli of an objector; or rather, wore the language of Solomon himself during his apostasy, find iig 
 au echo in the heart of every sensualist, who wishes to be an unbeliever, and who, therefore, seca 
 difficulties enough in the world around, wherewith to prop up his wilful unbelief. The answer is 
 given (ch. 7. 17, 18; 9. 11, &o.; 11. 1,6; 12. 13.). Even if these passages be taken as w rds of Solomon, 
 thty are to be understood as fortndding a self-made " righteousness" which tries to constrain (Jod to 
 grant salvation to ima.cinary good works and external strictness with which it wearies itself; also, 
 that speculation which tries to fathom all God's inscrutable cotmsels (ch. 8. 17,), and that careluluess 
 about the future, forbidden in Mat. 8. 25. 
 446 
 
Van ihfofaU ECCTTjISIASTES. T. Human Courses. 
 
 THE CHIEF GOOD is that, the posRession of which makes us happy, to be sousht as the end, 
 for its own sake; whereas, all other things are but means towards it. Philosophers, who made it 
 the great sulject of inquiry, restricted it to the present life, treating the eternal as unreal, and only 
 useful to awe the multitude with. But Solomon shows the vanity of all iiuman things (so-called 
 philosophy included) to satisfy the soul, and that heavenly wisdom alone is the chief pood. He had 
 taught so when young (Pro. 1, 20; 8. 1, &c.;); so also, in Song of Solomon, he had spiritualised the 
 Buliiect in an allegory; and now, after having lon^ personally tried the ma'.ii.old ways in which the 
 worldly seek to reach happine.-s, he gives the fruit of his experience in old ase. 
 
 It is divided into two parts, chs. 1-6. 10, showing the vanity of earthly thuigs,ch.6.i0,to oh. 12, 
 the excellence of heavenly wisdom. Deviations from strict logical method occur in these divisions, 
 but in the main they are observed. The deviations make it the less stiff and artificial, and the 
 more suited to all capacities. It is in poetry; the hemistichal division is mo-Jtly obseived. hut occa- 
 Bionallv not so. The choice of epithets, ima^rery, inverted order of words, ellipses, parallelism, or in 
 its abseuce, similarity of dictiou, mark versificatiuo. 
 
 CHAPTER I. inadequate, as also, "man cannot express" 
 
 Ver. 1-18.— Introduction. 1. the Preacher all the thinss in the -w-orld which uik t it;o 
 ■^and Convener of assemblies tor the ]?urvose, this ceaseless, changeless cycle of vi isst- 
 See my Preface. " Koheleth" in i/e6., a sym- tndes: "The eye is not satisfied with seemg 
 bolical name for Solomon, and of Heavenly them," &,c. But it is plainly a return to ihe 
 U^^isdomspeakingthroughandidentifiedwith idea (•». s.), as toman's "labour," which is 
 him. Verse 12. shows that "king of Jeru- only wearisome and profitless; "no new" 
 salem" is in apposition, not with "David," good can accrue from it -v. 9: ; for as the sun. 
 but "Preacher." of Jerusalem— rather, in <toc., so man's laborious works move in a 
 Jerusalem, for it was merely his metropolis, changeless cycle. The "eye" and "ear" are 
 not his whole kingdom. 2. The theme pro- two of the taskmasters for which man toils, 
 posed of the tirst part of his discourse. But these are never "satisfied" :ch. 6. 7; i'ro. 
 vanity of vanities— Hebraism for the most 27. 20.). Ivor can they be so hereafter, lor 
 utter vanity. So " holy of holies" (Ex. 26. ; tiiere will be nothiny "new." Isot so the 
 "servant of servants" (Gen. 9. 25.). The re- ciiief good, Jesus Christ (John, 4. 13, 14; Eev. 
 petition increases the force. all—Hcb. "the 21. 5.). 9. Eather, " no new thing at all;" as 
 all;" all without exception, viz., earthly ]Num. 11. 6. This is not meant in a general 
 things, vanity— not in themselves, for God si nse; but there is no new source of happiiiess 
 maketh nothing in vain (l Tim. 4. 4, 6.), but (the subject in question) which can be de- 
 vain when put in the place of God and maile vised; the same round of petty pleasures, 
 the end, instead of the meaijs Ps. 29. 5,6; 62. cares, business, study, wars, <toc., being re- 
 9; Mat. 6, 33;); vain, also, because of the " va- peated over and over again [HoL.] 10. old 
 nity" to which they are "subjected" by the time [Heb. ages,] vruich. was— The Heb.plur. 
 fall(Eom.8.20.). 3. what profit... labour— i.e., cannot be joined to the verb sing. Therefore 
 "What profit" as to the chief good (Mat. 16. transl.. "it hath been in the ages before; 
 26.). Labour is profitable in its proper place certainly it hath been before us." [iloL.j Or, 
 (Gen. 2. 15; 3. 19; Pro. 14. 23.). uiiaer the sun— as Maue., "That which has been (done) be- 
 i.e., in </i.isii/e, as opposed to the future world, fore us (in our presence, 1 Chr. 16. 33,), has 
 The phrase often recurs, but only in tccl. been (doue) already in the old times." 11. 
 4. earth ... for ever— (Ps. 104. 5.). While the The reason why some things are thought 
 earth remains the same, the generations of "new," Mhich are not really so, is the imper- 
 men are ever changing; what lasting profit, feet record that exists of preceding ages 
 then, can there be from the toils of one whose among their successors, ihose that . . . came 
 sojourn on earth, as an individual, is so brief? alter— i.e., those that Uve still later than the 
 The " for ever" is comparative, not absolute "things {rather the persons or ' genenvtioas,' 
 (Ps. 102. 26.). 5. (Ps. 19. 6,6.). Panting is the v. 4, with which this verse is connected. The 
 /feb. for" hasteth;" metaphor, from a runner six intermediate verses being me ely ilius- 
 (Ps. 19. 5. " a strong man") in a " race." Itap- trations of t). 4, [W^eiss]) that are to come* 
 plies rather to the rising sim which seems ch. 2. 16:9. 5.^ 12. Besumption of v. l, the 
 toboriottsJiy to mount up to the meridian, than intermediate verses being the introductory 
 to the setting sun; the accents too, favour statement of his thesis. Tlierefore, " the 
 Maur., "And (that too, returning) to his Preaciier" iKohelcth) is repe;)i:d. was king 
 place, where panting he riseth." 6. according —instead of ' am," because he is about to give 
 to his circuits— i.e., it returns afresh to its the results of his past experience durii!g his 
 former circuits, however many be its pievi- long reign, in Jerusalem— specified, as op 
 ous veerings about. The N. and S. winds are posed to David, who reis^ned both in Hebroa 
 the two prevailing winds in Palestine and and Jerusalem; whereas Solomon reigned 
 Egypt. 7. By subterraneous cavities, and by only in Jerusalem. " King of Israel in Jera- 
 evaporation forming rain-clouds, the foun- : salem," in plies that he reigned over Israel 
 tains and rivers are supplied from the sea, and J«cJa/icomf>i?ied; whereas David, at Heb- 
 into which they then flow back. The connec- ron, reigned only over Jnda/i, and not, until 
 tion is: Individual men are contmuaily he was settled in Jerusalem, over both Israel 
 changing, whilst the succession of the race andJudah. 13. this sore travail— ^•^z., that of 
 continues; just as the sun, wind, and rivers "searching out all things done under heaven." 
 are ever shifting about, whilst the cycle in Not hniuan wisdom in general, which comes 
 which they move is invariable; they return afterwards (ch. 2. 12, &c., , but laborious in- 
 to the point whence they set out. Hence quiries into, and speculations about, the 
 inman, as in these objects of nature which are works of men, ex. or., political science. As 
 his analogue, with all the seeming changes man is doomed to get his bread, so his know- 
 "there is no new thing" [v. 9.). 8, Maur. ledge, by the sweat of his brow (Gen. 3. 19.). 
 iransl.t "All words are wearied out." t.e., are LGxll.] fcxeicisett— i,e.,cii6a2)ttn6d; Wf.,**thai 
 
ECCLESIASTES, IL 
 
 Pleasure and Lolourl 
 
 Vanity of Human 
 
 they may thereby chastise or humble them- 
 selves." 14. The reason is here given why in- 
 vestigation into man's "works" is only "sore 
 travail" [v. 13,), viz., because all man s ways 
 are vain (u. 18.). and cannot be mended (v. 16.). 
 vexation of la preying upon the] spirit— 
 Maur. transl., " the pursuit of wind." as ch. 
 6. 16; Hos. 12. 1, Ephraim feedeth on 
 wind." But old versions support the E. V. 
 16. Investigation (v. 13) into human ways is 
 vain labour, for they are hopelessly "crooked" 
 and "cannot be made straight" oy it ich. 7.1 
 13.). God, the chief good, alone can do this 
 (Isa. 40. 4; 45. 2.). wanting— (Dan. 6. 27.). 
 numbered— so as to make a complete number: 
 so eq\i\\a.]entto, supplied. [Maur.] Or rather, 
 mans sta,xeisutterty icaiiting; -dndthsitwhich 
 is wholly defective cannot be nuni liered or cal- 
 culated. Ihe investit;ator thinks he can 
 draw up, in accurate numbers, statistics of 
 man's wants; but these, including the defects 
 in the investigator's labour, are not partial, 
 but total. 16. communed with . . . heart— 
 (Gen. 24. 45.1. come to great estate— Rather. " I 
 have niapnified and gotten," [lit., added, in- 
 creased), «fec. all . . . before me in Jerusalem- 
 Dig., the priests, judges, and two kings that 
 preceded Solomon. His wisdom exceeded 
 that of all before Jesus Christ, theanti ypical 
 Koheleth, or " Gatherer of men" (Luke, 13. 
 34. , and " Wisdom" incarnate Mat. 11. 19; 12. 
 42.). had . . , experience— Zit., had seeit (Jer. 2. 
 31.). Contrast with this glorying in worldly 
 wisdom Jer. 9. 23, 24. 17. wisciom . . . mad- 
 ness— i.e., their effects, the works of human 
 wisdom and folly respectively. "Madness," 
 lit., vaunting extravagance: ch. 2. 12; 7. 25. &c., 
 support E. V. rather than Dathe. " splendid 
 matters." "Folly" is read by E. V. with 
 some MGS., instead of the present Heb. text. 
 " prudence." If Heb. be retained, understand 
 "pvudence," falsely so called (1 lim. 6. 20,). 
 "craft" (Dan. 8. 26.). 18. wisciom . . . know- ■ 
 ledge— not in general; for wisdom. &c., are I He had tried (worldly) wisdom (ch. 1. 12-18.), 
 
 tnost excellent in their place; hut speculatire---" '"-"-- "---'^-^ -' — ' ' ■'• ^ 
 
 knowkdrie of man's v:ays [v. 13. 17,). which, 
 the farther it goes, gives one the more pain 
 to find how "crooked" and "wanting" they 
 
 are [v. 15; ch. 12. 12.!. 
 
 CHAPTEEH. 
 Ver. 1-26. He next tries pleasure and 
 luxury, retaining, however, his worldly 
 "wisdom" (ch. 3. 9,). but all proves "vanity" 
 in respect to the chief good. 1. I said . . . heart 
 —(Luke, 12. 19.). tliee— my heart. 1 will test 
 wheiher thou canst find that solid good in 
 pleasure which was not in "worldly wisdom." 
 But this also proves to be "vanity" (Isa. 50. 
 11.). 2. laughter- including ■prosperity and 
 
 7. 1-8; 9. 1, 19; 10. 18. &c.). vineyards— (Sol. 
 Song 8. 11.). 5. gardens— Hfife., paradises, ft 
 foreign word; Sanscrit, "a place enclosed 
 with a wall :" A nnen. and Arab. , " a pleasure- 
 ground with flowers and shrubs near tho 
 king's house, or castle." An earthly paradise 
 can never make up for the want of the hea- 
 venly Eev. 2. 7.). 6. pools— artificial, for 
 irrigating the soil (Gen. 2. 10; Neh. 2. 14; Isa. 
 1. 30.). Three such reservoirs are still found, 
 called Solomon's cisterns, a mile and a-hali 
 from Jerusalem, wood that brirgeth forth— 
 rather, ' ' the grove ih&t flourisheth ivith trees." 
 [LowTH.l born in my house — these were 
 esteemed more trustworthy sers'ants than 
 those bought (Gen. 14. 14; 15. 2, 3; 17. 12, 13. 
 27; Jer. 2. 14,), called sons o/ one's handmaid, 
 (Ex. 23. 12; cf. Gen. 12. 16; Job. 1. 3.). 8. (1 Ki. 
 10. 27; 2Chr. 1. 15; 9. 20.), peculiar treasure 
 of kings and . , . provinces — contributed by 
 them, as tributary to him (1 Ki. 4. 21. 24;); a 
 poor sulistitute for the wisdom whose "gain 
 IS better than fine gold" (Pro. 3. 14. 15.). 
 singers — so David (2 Sam. 19. 35.). musical 
 instruments ... of all sorts- introduced at ban- 
 quets (Isa. 6. 12; Am.03. 6. 6. 6;); rather, a 
 princess and princesses, from an Arabic root. 
 One regular wife, or queen (Esth. 1. 9;); Pha- 
 raoh's daughter 1 Ki. 3. 1;); other secondary 
 wives, "princesses." distinct from the "con- 
 cubines" (1 Ki. 11. 3; Ps. 45. 10; Sol. Song 6. 8.). 
 [Weiss; Ges.] Had these been omitted, 
 the enumeration would be incomplete. 9. 
 great-opulent (Gen. 24. 35; Job, 1. 3; see 1 Ki. 
 10. 23.). remained— (v. 3.). 10. my labour— in 
 procuring pleasures, this— evanescent "joy" 
 was my only " portion out of aU my labour" 
 (ch. 3. 22; 6. 18; 9. 9; 1 Ki. 10. 5.). 11. But all 
 these I felt were only "vanity," and of no 
 "profit" as to the chief good. "Wisdom" 
 (worldly common-sense, sagacity.), which still 
 "remained with me" {v. 9.). showed me that 
 these could not give solid happiness. 13. 
 
 and folly (foolish pleasure) {v. l-ll;); he now 
 compares them {v. 12.). and finds that whilst 
 (worldly) wisdom excelleth folly (i;. 13, 
 14,), yet the one event, death, befalls both 
 («. 14-16,), and that thus the wealth acquired 
 by the wise man's " labour" may descend to 
 a " fool." that hath not laboured (v. 18, 19, 
 21;1; therefore aU his labour is vanity iv. 22, 
 23.1. what can the man do... already done— (ch. 
 1. 9.). Parenthetical. A future investigator 
 can strike nothing out "new," so as to draw 
 a different conclusion from what I draw by 
 comparing "wisdom and madness." Hol., 
 with less ellipsis, transl., "What, O man, 
 shall come after the king?' &c. Better, 
 
 joy in general (Job, 8. 21.). mad— i.e., w/i en Grot., "What man can come after icom' 
 
 made the chief good; it is harmless in its pro- 
 per place. What doeth it?- Of what avail is 
 It in giving solid good? (ch. 7. fi; Pro. 14. 13^. 
 3-11. Illustration more at large of v. 1, 2. 3. 
 Bought- 1 resolved, after search into many 
 
 {plans, give myself unto- Jii.. to draw my flesh 
 iDody) to wine (including all ban que tings.), 
 mage from a captive drawn after a chariot 
 in triumph (Rom. 6. 16. 19; 1 Cor. 12. 2;); or, 
 one " allured" (2 Pet. 2. 18. 19.]. yet acquaint 
 
 pete vpith) the king in the things which are 
 done V None ever can have the same means 
 of testing what all earthly things can do to- 
 wards satisfying the soul; namely, worldly 
 wisdom, science, riches, power, longevity, all 
 combined. 13, 14. (Pro. 17. 24.). The worldly 
 " wise" man has pood sense in managing hia 
 affairs, skill and ta.^te in building and plant- 
 ing, and keeps within safe and respeddbU 
 bounds in pleasure, whilst the " *"'^"'" " '^«'"*- 
 
 ' fool" is want- 
 
 ^6 . . . wisdom-iit.. "and mv hearVfstiirtl'as iiiViiThele respects: (^ darkness," equivalent 
 behaving, or guiding itself, with wisdom.'' to fatal error ^^"'« ,w'/a<^*/^<'^''! /.f* ope 
 [Ges] Maur. transl., "was weary o/ event, death, happen eth to both (Job. 21. 26.), 
 
 [Ges.] 
 
 (worldly) wisdom. 
 
 firms £.F. "" 
 
 But the end of v. 9 con- 
 folly— «iz., pleasures of the flesh. 
 
 1.5. wliy was I— so anxious to become, &c. (5 
 Chr. 1. 10.). Then— Since such is the case. 
 
 termed "mad," ». 2. aU the days. &c.-(see this-riz.. pursuit of (worldly) wisdom. It 
 Morrana ch: 6. 12; Job. 16. 20.). 4. (iia can never M the place of the true wisdom 
 445 i2l 
 
d. season for every thine;. 
 
 ECCLESIASTES. HI-V. 
 
 VarMy through oppression. 
 
 and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, 
 to gather and to heap up. that he may 
 give to him that is good before God, This 
 alao is vanity and vexation of spirit. 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 equally subject to mortaUty: 21 their spirits 
 wMeh go different ways are unknown. 
 
 fro every thing there is a season, and a 
 *■ time " to every purpose under the 
 heaven: 
 
 2 A time i to be bom, and & a time to die ; 
 a time to plant, and a time to pluck up 
 ■that which is planted; 
 
 3 A * time to Icill, and a time to heal ; a 
 time to break down, and a time to build 
 up; 
 
 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a 
 time to mourn, and a time <* to dauce ; 
 
 6 A time to cast away stones, and a time 
 to gather stones together; a time to em- 
 brace, and a time " to refram from embrac- 
 ing; 
 
 6 A time to 8 get, and a time to lose; a 
 time to keep, and a time to cast away ; 
 
 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; * a 
 time to keep silence, and a time to speak ; 
 
 8 A time to love, and a time /to hate; a 
 time of war, and a time of peace. 
 
 9 What^prolit hath he that worketh in 
 that wherem helaboureth? 
 
 10 I 'i have seen the travail which God 
 Hath given to the sons of men to be exer- 
 cised iu it. 
 
 11 He » hath made every thing beautiful 
 in his time: also he hath set the world in 
 their heart; so that> no man can find out 
 the work that God maketh from the begin- 
 ning to the end. 
 
 12 1 know that there is no good in them, 
 but for a rtian to rejoice, and to do good in 
 his life. 
 
 13 And also * that every man should eat 
 and drink, and enjoy the good of all his 
 labour, it is the gilt of God. 
 
 M 1 know that whatsoever God doeth, it 
 shall be for ever: ' nothing can be put to it, 
 nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth 
 it, tliat 7iit7) should fear before him. 
 
 15 Ttiat'" which hath betn is now; and 
 that which is to be hath ahcady been; and 
 God requireth * that wliich is past. 
 
 l(i And moreover " 1 saw under the sun 
 the place of judgment, that wickedness was 
 there ; auu the place of righteousness, that 
 iniquity was there. 
 
 17 1 said in mine heart, " God shall judge 
 the righteous and the wicked: for the7-e is 
 a time there for every purpose and for every 
 work. 
 
 18 I said in mine heart concerning the 
 estate of the sons of men, 5 that God might 
 manifest them, and that they might see 
 that they themselves are beasts. 
 
 li* For ^Hhat which befalleth the sons of 
 n.en befalleth beasts; even one tluug be- 
 tV.lleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the 
 other; yea, they have all one breath: so 
 that a man hath no pre-eminence above 
 a lieast: for all is vanity, 
 
 i'O All go unto one place; « all are of the 
 dust, and all turn to dust again. 
 
 21 Who knoweth the spuit 6 of man that 
 ^ s;oeth uiiward, and the spirit of the beast 
 that eoetn downward to the earth? 
 
 •22 Wherefore I perceive that there is no- 
 thing better, than that a man shoald 
 446 
 
 C. 977. 
 
 CHAP. 8. 
 
 a ch. 8. 6. 
 
 1 to bear. 
 
 b Heb. 9. 27. 
 « Gen. 9. 6. 
 d Ps. 149. 3. 
 
 2 to be far 
 
 Joel 2. 16. 
 1 Cor. 7.6. 
 
 3 Or, seek. 
 
 e Amos 5.13, 
 /Lu. 14.28. 
 
 ch. 1. 3. 
 h ch. 1. 13. 
 
 i Deu. 32. 4. 
 > ch. 6. 17. 
 
 £o. 11. 33. 
 k ch. 2. 24. 
 
 1 Jam. 1. 17. 
 "»ch. 1. 9. 
 
 4 that which 
 
 n ch. 6. 8. 
 " Job 34. 11. 
 
 P«. 62. 12. 
 
 Jer.l7. 10. 
 
 Mat. 16.27. 
 
 Rom. 2. 6. 
 
 2 Cor. 5.10. 
 
 2The8.1.6. 
 6 Or, that 
 
 they might 
 
 clear God, 
 
 P Ps. 49. 18. 
 8 Gen. 3. 19. 
 
 6 Of the eons 
 of man. 
 
 7 ia ascend, 
 ing. 
 
 ch. 12. 7. 
 
 CHAP. 1. 
 
 <» Job 3. 17. 
 
 6 Job 3. 11. 
 
 ch. 6, 3. 
 
 2 all the 
 
 Tightness 
 of work. 
 
 3 this is th« 
 envy of a 
 man from 
 his neigh~ 
 
 « Pro. 6. 10. 
 
 Pro. 24. 33 
 d Pro. 27.20. 
 
 1 John 2. 
 
 16. 
 " Pa. 3S. 6. 
 
 be admoD- 
 Pr'o. 28.12. 
 
 CHAP. 6. 
 « Ex. 3. 5. 
 
 Jos. 5. 15. 
 
 P». 89. 7. 
 
 Ps. 93. 6. 
 
 U. 1. 12. 
 » 1 Sam. IS. 
 
 22. 
 
 Ps. 50. 8. 
 
 Pro. 15. 8. 
 
 Pro. 21. 27. 
 
 Bet. 6 6. 
 1 Or, word. 
 c Pro. 10. 19. 
 
 Kat. 6. 1. 
 
 rejoice in his own works; for »■ that is his 
 portion: for who shall bring him to see 
 what shall be alter him? 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 1 Vanity increased unto men by oppression, 4 bf 
 envy, 6 by idleness, 7 by ccmetausness , 9 by s^u 
 tariness, 13 and by wilfulness. 
 
 00 I returned, and considered all the op- 
 ^ pressions that are done under the sun: 
 and behold the tears of such as were op- 
 pressed, and they had no comforter; and 
 on the 1 side of their oppressors there was 
 power; but they had no comforter. 
 
 2 Wherefore " I praised the dead which 
 are aheady dead, more than the living 
 which are yet alive. 
 
 3 Yea, * better is he than both they which 
 hath not yet been, who hath not seen the 
 evil work that is done under tlie sun. 
 
 4 IT Again, I considered all tiavail, and 
 
 2 every right work, that 3 for thi.s a man is 
 envied of his neighbour. This is also \'anity 
 and vexation of spirit. 
 
 5 fl The " fool foldeth his hands togethei, 
 and eateth his own flesh. 
 
 6 Better is an handful with quietness, than 
 both the hands full with travail and vexa- 
 tion of spirit, 
 
 T % Then I returned, and I saw vanity 
 under the sun. 
 
 8 There is one alone, and there is not a 
 second; yea, he hath neither child nor 
 brother: yet is there no end of all his la- 
 bour; neither is liis<ieye satisfied with 
 riches ; * neither saith he, For whom do I 
 labom-, and bereave my soul of good? This 
 is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail, 
 
 9 % Two are better than one; because 
 they have a good reward for their labour. 
 
 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his 
 ffeUow: but woe to him that is alone when 
 he falleth; for he hath not another to help 
 him up. 
 
 11 Again, if two lie together, then they 
 have heat: but how can one be warm alone? 
 
 12-And if one prevail against him, two shall 
 with.stand him; and a threefold cord is not 
 quickly broken, 
 
 13 % ±5etter is a poor and a wise child than 
 an old and foolish king, * who will no 
 more be admonished, 
 
 14 For out of prison he cometh to reign; 
 whereas also he that is bom in his kingdom 
 becometh poor, 
 
 15 1 considered all the living which walk 
 under the sun, with the second child that 
 shall stand up in his stead, 
 
 16 There is no end of all the people, even 
 of all that have been before them: they 
 also that come after shall not rejoice in 
 him. Surely this also is vanity and vex- 
 ation of spirit. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 1 Vanities in divine service, 8 in murmurktf 
 against oppression, 9 and in riches. 18 To U¥€ 
 contentedly is the gift of Qod. 
 
 "K'EEP " thy foot when thou goest to the 
 -"- house of God, and be more ready to 
 hear * than to give the sacrifice of fools: for 
 \h(ty consider not that they do e\Tl. 
 
 2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not 
 thine heart be hasty to utter any i thing 
 before God: for God is in heaven, and thou 
 upon earth; therefore let thy "words be 
 few. 
 
 3 For a dream cometh through the mul- 
 titude of business; and a fool's voice u 
 known by multitude of words. 
 
Vanity of Human Labour. 
 
 ECCLESIASTES. HI. 
 
 {Job, 28. 28; Jer. 8. 9.). 16. remembrance— a 
 great aim of the worldly (Gen. 11. 4.). The 
 rigliteous alone attain it (Ps. 112. 6; Pro. 10. 
 7.). for ever— no perpetual memorial, tiiai 
 which now is— Maur., " In the days tocome 
 aU things shall be noio long ago lorgotten." 
 17. l»isap)>ointed in one experiment after 
 another he is weary of life. The backslider 
 ought to have ratJier reasoned as the prodigal 
 (Hos. 2. 6, 7; Luke, 15. 17, 18.). grievous unto me 
 —(Job, 10. 1.). 18, 19. One hope alone was 
 left to the disappointed worldling, the per- 
 petuation of his name and riches, iaiioriously 
 gathered, through his successor. For selfish- 
 ness is mostly at the root of worldly parents' 
 alleged providence for their children. Eut 
 now the remembrance of how he himself, the 
 piously reared child of David, had disre- 
 garded his father's dying charge (1 Chr. 28. 9,', 
 suggested the sad misgiving as to whatEeho- 
 boam, his son by an idolatrous Ammoniiess, 
 
 JNaamah, should prove to be; a foreboding 
 too fully realised (1 Ki. 12.; 14. 21-31.). 20. I 
 gave up as desperate all hope of solid fruit 
 from my labour, 21. Suppose "there is a 
 man," &c. equity— rather. " with success," as 
 the Hebrew is rendered (eh. 11. 6,), " prosper," 
 though Marg. gives "right." [HoL. and 
 Maur.] evil— not in itself, for this is the 
 ordinary course of things, but "evil," as re- 
 gards the chief good, tiiat one should have 
 toiled so fruitlessly. 22. Same sentiment as 
 V. 21, interrogatively. 23. The only Iruit he 
 has is, not only sorrows in his days, but all 
 his days are sorrows, and his travail (not 
 only lias griefs connected with it, but is it- 
 self] grief. 24. E. V. sives a seemingly Epi- 
 curean sense, contrary to the general scope. 
 The Heb., lit., is, " It is not good for man that 
 he should eat," &c., "and should make his 
 soul see good" (or "show his soul, i.e., Mmseir, 
 happy,"], &c. [Weiss] According to Hol. and 
 W Eiss, ch. 3. 12, 22, ditier from this verse in the 
 text and meaning: here he means, " It is not 
 good that a man should feast himself, and 
 falsely make as though his soul were happy;" 
 he Vbus refers to a false pretending of hap- 
 piness acquired by and for one's self; in ch. 
 3. 12, 22, and 5. 18, 19, to real seeing, or Jlnding 
 pleasure whe7i, God gives it. There it is said 
 to Be good for a man to enjoy with satisiac- 
 tion and thankfulness the blessings which 
 God gives ; here it is said not to be good to 
 take an unreal pleasure to one's self by least 
 ing, &c. Tnis also I saw— I perceived by ex- 
 perience that good (real pleasure) is not to be 
 taken at wiU, but comes only from the hand 
 of God [Weiss] (Ps. 4. 6; Isa.67. 19-21.). Or 
 as HoL., "It is the appointment from the 
 hand of God, that the sensualist has no solid 
 satisfaction" (good.). 25. hasten— after indul- 
 gences (Pro. 7. 23; 19, 2,), eagerly pursue such 
 enjoyments. None can compete with me in 
 this. If I, then, with all my opportunities of 
 enjoynjent, failed utterly to obtain solid 
 pleasure of my own making;, apart from God, 
 who else can? God mercifully spares His 
 children the sad experiment which Solomon 
 made, by denying them the goods which they 
 often desire. He gives them the fruits of 
 fcolomon's experience, without their paying 
 the dear price at which Solomon bought it. 
 26. True, literally, in the Jewish theocracy; 
 and in some measure in all ages Job, 27. 
 16, 17; Pro. 13. 22; 28. 8.). Though the retri- 
 bution be not so visible ana immediaie 
 now as then, it is no less real. Happiness 
 
 A Seasdnfor Every Thing. 
 
 even here is more truly the portion of th« 
 godly (Ps. 84. U; Mat. 6. 6; Mark, lo. -9, 30; 
 iiom. 8. 28; 1 Tim. 4. 8.). thai iie Ithe sin- 
 ner] may give — i.e., unconsciously and in 
 spite of himself. The godly SoUunon had 
 satisfaction in his riches ana wisdnm, when 
 God gave them (2 Chr. 1. . The bj.ckslidiiii; 
 Solomon had no happiness, when he soughi, 
 it in them apart from God; and tiie richets 
 which he heaped up became the prey of 
 Shishak (2 Chi-. 12.), 
 
 CHAPTEE m. 
 Ver. 1-22. Earthly pursuits are no doubt 
 lawful in their proper time and order {v. 1-8,;, 
 but unprofitable when out of time and place, 
 as for instance, when pursued as the solid 
 and chief good [v. 9, lO;,i; whereas God makes 
 every thing beautiful in its season, which 
 man obscurely comprehends Iv. n.i. God 
 allows man to enjoy moderately and virtu- 
 ously His earthly gifts (». 12, 13.). What con- 
 soles us amidst the instabi lity of eart i .iy bless- 
 ings is, Ged's counsels are immutable v. 14.), 
 1. Man has his apiointed cycle of sea&ons and 
 vicissitudes, as the sun, wind, and water (ch. 
 1. 6-7.). purpose— as there is a fixed " .season" 
 in God's "purposes" [ex.gr.. He has fixed the 
 "time" when man is "to be born," and "to 
 die," V. 2,', so there is a lawful "time" £or 
 man to carry out his "purpose.s" and inclina- 
 tions. God does not condemn, but approves 
 of, the "use" of earthly blessings \v. 12;); it 
 is the "abuse" that He condemns, the mak- 
 ing them the chief end (1 Cor. 7. 31.). The 
 earth, without human desires, love, taste, joy, 
 sorrow, would be a dreary waste, v. ithout 
 water; bat, on the other hand, the misplacing 
 and excess of them, as of a flood, need con- 
 trol, Keason and revelation are given to 
 control them. 2. time to die— (Ps. 31. 1.5 ; Heb, 
 9. 27.}. plant— A man can no more reverse 
 the times and order of " planting," and of 
 " digging up," and transplanting, than he can 
 alter the times fixed lor his "birth" and 
 death." To try to "plant" out of season is 
 vanity, however good tn season; so to make 
 earthly things the chief end is vanity, how- 
 ever good they be in order and season^ 
 Gill takes it, not so well. Jig., (Jer. 18. 7, 9* 
 Amos, 9. 15; Mat. 15, 13.,, 3. time to kill— 
 viz., judicially, criminals; or, in wars of self- 
 defence; not in maUce. Out of this time and 
 order, killing is murder, to heal— God has 
 His times lor "healing," Hit, Isa. 38. 6, 2i; 
 fig., Deut, 32. 39; Hos. 6. 1 ; spiritually, Ps. 14?. 
 3; Isa. 57. 19.), To heal spiritually, before 
 the sinner feels his wound, would be out of 
 time, and so injurious, time to break dcwn— 
 cities, as Jerusalem, by Nebuchadnezzar, 
 buim up— as Jerusalem, in the time of Zerub- 
 babel; spiritually (Amos, 9, 11,), "the set 
 time" (Ps, 102, 13-16.). 4. mourn— r?,'2., for the 
 dead (Gen. 23. 2,), dance— as David before the 
 ark (2 bam. 6. 12-14; Ps. 30. 11;); spii-ituaJiy 
 (Mat. 9. 15; Luke, 6. 21; 15. 25.). The Pharisees, 
 by requiring sadness out of time, erred seri- 
 ously. 5. cast away stones- as out of a garden 
 or vineyard (Isa. 5. 2.). gather— for building, 
 fig., the (ientiles.once cast-away stones, were 
 in due time made parts of the spiritual build- 
 ing (Eph. 2. 19, 20,1, and children of Abraham 
 (Mat. 3. 9;); so the restored Jews hereattei 
 (Ps. 102, 13, 14; Zech. 9. 16.). refrain . , . embrac- 
 ing— (Joel, 2. 16; 1 Cor. 7. 5, 6.). 6. time to get 
 ex. gr., to gain honestly a livelihood lEph. 
 28./. lose— when Cod wills-losses to us, 
 then ifi our tim« to be content, keep- not to 
 
SatelUncy of God's WoTk$. 
 
 ECCLESIASTES. HI. Man Compared to the Beasts. 
 
 Rive to the idle beggar (2 Tbes. 3. 10.). cast 
 away— in charity (Ir^o. 11. 24;): or to part 
 •with the dearest object, rather than the soul 
 {Mark, 9. 43.). To be caretiil is right in its 
 
 3lace, but notjwhen it comes between us and 
 ----,. ' -gar- 
 
 ments, in rriourning (Joel, 2. 13.). Fig., 
 
 Sla( 
 es 
 
 us Christ iLuke, 10. 40-42.). 7. rend— gar- 
 
 iiat.oDS, as Israel from Judah, already fore 
 told, in Solomon's tinae (l Ki. 11. 30, 31,), to 
 be "sewed" together hereafter 'Ez. 37. 16, 22.). 
 silence— (Amos. 6. 1;^.), in a national calamLiy, 
 or that of a friend (Job. 2. 13;;; also not to 
 murmur under God's visitation (Lev. 10. 3; 
 Ps. 39. 1, 2, 9.). 8. hate— t;a;. gr.. sin, lusts 
 (Luke, 14. 26;); i.e., to love God so much 
 move, as to seem in comparison to hate 
 "father or mother," when conung lietwetn 
 us and God. time of war . . . peace— (Luke, 14. 
 31.). 9. Lut these earthly pursuits, wliilst 
 lawful in their season, are "unprofitable" 
 when made by man, what God never intended 
 them to be, the chief good. Solomon had 
 tried to create an artificial forcAl joy, at 
 times when he ought rather to have been 
 serious; the resiilt, therefore, of his labour 
 to be happy, out of God's order, was disap- 
 pointn,ent. "A time to plant" v. 2,;, reters 
 to his pUxitting (ch. 2. 6;) ; "laugh" (v. 4,), to ch. 
 2. 1, 2, "his mirth," "laughter;" "buildup," 
 "gather stones" {v.3, 5,), to his "building" 
 (ch. 2. 4;); "embrace." "love," to his 'prin- 
 cess" (note, ch. 2. 8;); "get" (perhaps also 
 "gather," v. 6, 6,), to his "gathering" (ch. 
 2. 8. 1. All these were of no " profit," because 
 not in God's time and order of bestowing 
 happiness. 10. [Ch. 1. 13.). 11. his time— 
 i.e., tn 'its proper season (Ps. 1. 3.), opposed to 
 worldlings putting earthly pursuits out oj 
 their proper time and place (note, v. 9.). set 
 the woriQ lu their heart— given them capacities 
 to untierstand the world of nature as reflect- 
 ing Gofi's wLsdom in its beautiful order and 
 times (Eom. 1. 19, 20.). " Every thing" answers 
 to " world," in the paralieli.-.m. no that— i.e., 
 but in such a manner that man only sees a por- 
 tion, not the whole " from beginning to end" 
 /ch. 8. 17; Job, 26. 14; Eom. 11. 33; Kev. 16.4.). 
 rARKH., ior "world," transl. "Yet He hath 
 put ohscurity in the midst oj them" lit., a 
 secret; so n an's mental dnnness of sight as to 
 the lull mystery of God's works, bo EIol. 
 and "Weiss. This incapacity for "finding 
 out" (comprehending) God's work is chittly 
 the fruit of the iaU. Tlie worldling ever since, 
 not knowing God's time and order, labours 
 in vain, because out of time and place. 12. 
 in them— in God's works (v. 11,). as far as re- 
 lates to man's duty. Man cannot fully com- 
 prehend them, but he ought joyfully to re- 
 ceive ("rejoice in") God's gifts, and do 
 good" with them to himself and to others. 
 'Ihis is never out of season (Gal. 6. 9, 10.). 
 Not sensual joy and self-indulgence (Phil. 4. 
 4; Jam. 4. 10, 17.). 13. Lit, "And also as to 
 every man who eats." &c., " this is the gift of 
 God" V. 22; ch. 6. 18.). When received as 
 God's gifts, and to God's glory, the good 
 things of lile are enjoyed in their due time 
 and order (Acts, 2. 46; l Cor. lo. 31; 1 'lim. 4. 
 3 4 14. (1 Sam. 3. 12; 2 Sam. 23. 6; Es. 89. 
 34; Mat. 24. 36; Jam. 1. 17.'. for ever— as op- 
 posed to man's perishing labours (ch. 2. 16- 
 18 ). any thing taken from it — opposed to 
 n an's "crooked and wanting" works (ch. 1. 
 15- 7. 13.). The event of man's labours tie- 
 pends wholly on God's immutable purpose. 
 Man's part, therefore, is to do and enjoy 
 44CU] 
 
 every earthly thing in its proper season v. li, 
 13,), not setting aside God's order, but ob- 
 serving deep reverence towards God; for the 
 mysteriousness and unchangeableness of 
 God's purposes are designed to lead "man to 
 fear before Him." Man knows not the event 
 of each act, otherwise he would think liim- 
 self independent of God. 15. Eesumption of 
 ch. 1. 9. Whatever changes there be. tha 
 succession of events is ordered by Goo's 
 "everlasting" laws iv. 14,), and returns in a 
 fixed cycle, requireth that . . . past— after many 
 changes, God's law requires the return oi the 
 same cycle of events, as in the past, lit., that 
 which is driven on. LXX. and Syr. transl., 
 " God requireth (i.e., avengeth) the persecuted 
 man ;" a transition to v. 16. 17. The parallel 
 clauses of the verse support E. V. 16. liere 
 a difficulty is suggested. If God " requires" 
 evenis to move in their perpetual cycle, why 
 are the wicked allowed to deal unrighteously 
 in the place where injustice ought least of all 
 to be. viz., "the place of judgment" (Jer. 12, 
 1 1.). 17. Solution of it. There is a coming 
 judgment in which God will vindicate His 
 righteous ways. The sinner's "time" of his 
 unrighteous "work" is short. God also has 
 His "time" and "work" of judgment; and, 
 meanwhile, is overrulmg, for good at last, 
 what seems now dark. Man cannot now 
 " find out" the plan of God's ways iv. ii; Ps. 
 97. 2.). If judgment instantly followed every 
 sin, there would be no scope for free wiU, 
 faith, and perseverance of saints in spite 
 of diiliculties. The previous darkness will 
 make the light at last the more glorious, 
 there- (Job. 3. 17-19,), in eternity, in the pre- 
 sence of the divine Judge, opposed, to the 
 " there." in the human place of judgment {v, 
 16;); so "from thence" (Gen. 49. 24.). 18. estate 
 —the estate of fallen man is so ordered 
 (these wrongs are permitted), thatGod might 
 "manifest," i.e., thereby prove them, and 
 that they might themselves see their mortal 
 frailty, like that of the beasts, sons of men— 
 rather, sons of Adam, a phrase used for Jaltm 
 men. The toleration of injustice until the 
 ijudgment is designed to "manifest" men's 
 1 characters in their fallen state, to see whether 
 'the oppressed will bear themselves aright 
 ajjiidsi their wrongs, knowing that the tiftie 
 I is short, and there is a coming judgment. 
 j The oppressed share in death, but the com- 
 parison to "beasts" applies especially to ihe 
 \ungodLy oppressors (Ps. 49. 12. 20;); they too 
 I need to be "manifested" (proved,;, whether, 
 j considering that they must soon die as the 
 " beasts," and fearing the judgment to couic, 
 I they will repent (Dan. 4. 27.). 19. Lit, " l(_r 
 j the sons of men (Adam) are a mere chance, 
 as also the beast is a mere chance." The.e 
 words can only be the sentiments of the 
 [sceptical oppressors. God's delay in jucg- 
 iment gives scope for the "manifestation" of 
 their infidelity (ch. 8. 11; Fs. 56. 19; 2 Pet. ;;, 
 3. 4.). They are " brute beasts," morally v, 
 18; Jude, 10;); and they end by maintr.inins; 
 that man, physically, has no pre-eminence 
 over the beast, both alike being " fortuities." 
 Probably this was the language of Solonxn 
 himself in his apostasy. He answers it m v. 
 21. If V. 19, 20, be Ms words, they express 
 only that as regards liability to dca^/), exclud- 
 ing' the future judgment, as the sceptic op- 
 £rtShorsdo, man is on a level with the beast, 
 ile is "vanity," if regarded independently 
 of religion. But v. 21 points out the vast 
 
Vanity throuqh Oppression. 
 
 ECCLESIASTES. IV. V. 
 
 Vanity of Kingly Power. 
 
 account of his infatuation. 9. Two— opT)oce(i 
 to "one" (v. 8.1. Ties of union, niarririfre 
 triendship. religious communion, are hotter 
 tlian the selfi.sh solitariness of the miser i(ien. 
 2. 18.). reward— advantage accrues from their 
 efl'orts being conjoined. Talm .says. "A 
 man without a companion is hke a left, hand 
 without the right." 10. if they fali-if thr ove 
 or othrr fall, as may happen to both, viz., into 
 any distress of body, mind, or soul. 11. 
 1 Ki. 1. 1.). The image is taken from mnn 
 and wife, but applies universally to the 
 warm sympathy derived from social ties. 
 So Cliristian ties (Luke. 21. 32; Acts. 28. l.-s. . 
 
 12. one— enemy, thveelold cord — proverbial 
 for a. combination of many, ex. gr., husViand, 
 wife, and children (Pro. 11. 14;) ; so Christians, 
 (Luke, 10. 1; Col. 2. 2, 19.). Untwist the cord, 
 and the separate threads are easily " Viroken." 
 
 13. The " threefold cord" of social ties sug- 
 gests the subject of civil governavent. In this 
 case too, he concludes that kingly power 
 confers no lasting happiness. The '"wise" 
 child, though a supposed case of Solomon, 
 answers, in the event foreseen by the Holy 
 (4host, to Jeroboam, then a poor but valiant 
 youth, once a " servant" of Solon on. and (1 
 Ki. 11. 20-40' apitointed by God through the 
 l>rophet Ahijah to be heir of the kingdom of 
 the ten tribes about to be rent from Eeho- 
 boam. The '"old and foolish kin;;" an.swers 
 to Solomon himself, who had lost his wis- 
 dom, when, in defiance of two warnings of 
 God (1 Ki. 3. 14; 9. 2-9,), he forsook God. 
 will no more be admonished— knows not yet 
 how to take warning (see Mara.). God had 
 by Ahijah already intimated the judgment 
 coming on Solomon (1 Ki. 11. 11-13.'. 14. out 
 
 pdson— Solomon uses tliis phrase of a sup- 
 posed case, ex. gr., Joseph raised from a 
 dunaeon to be lord of Egypt. His words are 
 at the same time so framed by the Holy 
 Ghost that they answer virtually to Jero- 
 boam who fled to escape a " prison" and death 
 from Solomon, to Shishak of Egypt (I Ki. 
 11. 40.1. This unconscious presaging of his 
 own doom, and that of Eehoboam, consti- 
 tutes the irony. David's elevation from 
 poverty and exile, under Saul iwhich may 
 have been before Solomon's mind,), had so 
 tar their counterpart in tbat of Jeroboam, 
 whereas . . . becometh poor— rather, *' though he 
 (the youth) was born poor in his kingdom" 
 (in the land where afterwards he was to 
 reiun.). 15. "I considered all the living," 
 the present generation, in relation to ("with") 
 the ''second youth" (the legitimate siiccessor 
 which men so much covet, is the very source ( of " the old king," as opposed to the " poor 
 of provoking oppression {v. 1) and "envy," youth," the one first spoken of, about to be 
 so far is it from constituting the chief good. I raised from poverty to a throne,), i.e., Eeho- 
 6. Still the "fool" (the wicked oppressor) isiboam. in his stead— the old king's. 16. Not- 
 not to be envied even in this life, who "folds j withstanding their now worshipping the ris- 
 his hands together" in idleness (Pro. 6. 10; 24. |ing sun, the heir-apparent, I reflected that 
 3.i.). living on the means he wrongfully wrests ; " there were no bounds no stability (2 Sam. 
 from others: for such a one "eateth his own 1 15. 0; 20. 1,), no check on the love of innova- 
 flesh," i.e., is a self-tormcntor,ne\eT satisfied, lion; of all that have been before them," i.e., 
 his 'spirit preying on itself Isa. 9. 20; 49. 20.,'. ; the past generation: so "also they that come 
 6. Heh.. " Une open hand [palm) full of quiet- after," i.e.. the next eeneration,^^" shall riot 
 
 ness. than both cio-sed /lands /it/i o/ travail." -- . . .-^ 
 
 "Quietness." (mental tranquillity flowing 
 
 from honest labour,), opposed to " eating bounds," no per^nanent adherence, though 
 
 one's own flesh" {v. 6,), also opposed to now men rejoice in him. 
 
 difference between them ui respect to the 
 future destiny; also [v. 17,), beasts have no 
 "judgment" to come, breath— vitaliiy. 21. 
 Who kuoweth— Not doubt of the destination 
 of man's spirit (ch. 12. 7;r, but ''hmv f>v\ 
 by reason of the outward mortality to which 
 man is as liable as the beast, and which is the 
 ground of the sceptic's argument, compre- 
 hend the wide difference between man and 
 the beast" ilsa. 63. 1.). The Hebrew exi)resse3 
 the difference strongly. " The spirit of man 
 that ascends, it belongeth to on high; but the 
 sp rit o! the beast that descends, it belongeth 
 to below, even to the earth." Their destina- 
 tions and proper element differ utterly. 
 [Weiss.] 22. (Cf. v.12; ch. 6. 18.). Inculcating 
 a thankful enjoyment of God's gifts, and a 
 cheerful discharge of mnn's duties, founded 
 on fear of God; not as tJie sensualist (ch. 11. 
 9;); -uot as the anxious money-seeker (ch. 2. 
 23; .5. 10-17.). his portion— in the present life. 
 If it were made his main portion, it would 
 be " vanity" (ch. 2. ,1; Luke, 16. 25. . for who, 
 &c.— nur ignorance as to the future, which is 
 God's "time" [v. 11,), should lead us to use 
 the present time in the best sense, and leave 
 the future to His infinite wisdom (Mat. 6. 
 20, 25, 31-34.). 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 Ver. 1-16. 1. returned— i;iz., to the thought 
 set forth (ch. 3. 16; Job. 35. 9.1. power — 
 Maur., not so well, "violence." no comtbrter 
 — twice said to express continued suffering 
 without any to give comfort (Isa. 53. 7). 2. 
 A profane sentiment if severed from its con- 
 nection; but just in its bearing on Solomon's 
 scope. If relit;ion were not taken into account 
 (ch. 3. 17, 19,), to die as soon as possible would 
 be desirable, so as not to suffer or witness 
 "oppressions;" and stiU more so, not to be 
 born at all (ch. 7. 1.). Job (3. 13: 21. 7, , David 
 (Ps. 73.3. &c.,), Jeremiah (12. 1,), Habakkuk (1. 
 13,), all passed through the same perplexity, 
 until they went into the sanctuary, and look- 
 ed bevond the present to the "judgment" (Fs. 
 73. 17; Hab. 2. 20; 3. 17, 18.). Then they saw the 
 need ot delay, before completely punishing the 
 wicked, to give space for repentance, or else 
 for accumulation of wrath iRom. 2. 15;); and 
 before completely rewarding the godly, to give 
 room for faith and perseverance in tribula- 
 tion Ps. 92. 7-12.). Earnests, however, are 
 often even now given, by partial judgments, of 
 the future complete one, to assure us, in spite 
 of difficulties, that God governs the earth. 3. 
 seen — nor experienced. 4. right— rather (as 
 ch. 2. 21, note,), prosperous. Prosperity 
 
 rejoice in him," viz., Eehoboam. Tlie parallel, 
 shall not rejoice," fixes the sense of "no 
 
 anxious labour to gain (?;. 8; Pro. 15. 10, 17; 
 16. 8. . 1. A vanity, descj-ibed in v.%. 8. nor, 
 L second— no partner, child— "son or brother," 
 
 CHAPTER V, 
 
 Ver. 1-20. 1. From vanity connected with 
 
 kings, he passes to va,nities [v. 7\ which may 
 
 put for any heir Deut. 25. 5-10.). eye— (ch. 1. be fallen into in sen-ing the King of kings, 
 
 8.). The miser would not be able to give an even by those who, convinced of the vanity 
 
 446 [2] i .V 
 
TJie vanitfj of riches. 
 
 ECCLESTASTES, VI, VTL 
 
 Remedies against vanitp. 
 
 4 When ^ thou vowest a vow unto God, 
 defer not to pay it; for he hath no iileasuie 
 in fools: ■ pay ttiat which taou hast vowed. 
 
 5 Belter /is it that thou shouldest not 
 vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not 
 pay. 
 
 6 Suffer not thy month to cause thy flesh 
 to sin;'' noi.her say thou before the iirigel, 
 tliat it was an error: wherefore should 
 Gnil be an^rry at thy voice, and destroy the 
 work of thine hands? 
 
 7 for in the multitude of dreams and 
 many words there are also divers vanities: 
 but » fear thou God. 
 
 8ir If thou»seest the oppression of the 
 poor, and violent perverting of judgment 
 and justice in a province, marvfl not 2 at 
 the matter: for ■' }ie that is higher than the 
 highest regardeth ; and there be higher than 
 thej. 
 
 9 1i Moreover the profit of the earth is for 
 all: the idug /ti)nsrt;"i3 served by the field. 
 
 10 He that loveth silver shall not be 
 satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth 
 abundance with increase. This is also 
 vanity. 
 
 11 When goods increase, they are increased 
 that eat tnem: and what good is there to 
 the owners thereof, saving the beholding 
 of them with their eyes? 
 
 '12 The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, 
 whether he eat little or much: but the 
 abundance of the rich will not suffer him 
 to sleep. 
 
 13 There * is a sore evil ichicKl have seen 
 under the sun, namelr/, riches kept for the 
 owners thereof to their hurt. 
 
 14 But those riches perish by evil travail; 
 and he begetteth a son, and there is no- 
 thing in his hand. 
 
 15 As ' he came forth of his mother's 
 womb, naked shall he return to go as he 
 came, and shall take nothing of his labour, 
 which he may carry away in his hand. 
 
 16 And this also is a sore evil, that in all 
 points as he came, so shall he go: and'^'hat 
 profit hath he that " hath laboured for the 
 wind? 
 
 17 All his days also he • eateth in dark- 
 ness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath 
 with his sickness. 
 
 18 11 Behold that which I have seen: 8 it ie 
 rood and comely for one to eat and to 
 drink, and to enjoy the good of all his la- 
 bour that he taketh under the sian * aU the 
 days of his life, which God giveth him; for 
 it is his portion. 
 
 19 Every man also to whom God hath 
 
 f'lven riches and wealth, and hath given 
 im power to eat thereof, and to take his 
 portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this 
 t.f the gift of God. 
 
 •JO 5 For he shall not much remember the 
 d lys of his life; because* God answereth 
 him in the joy of his heart. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 1 Vanity of riches without use; 3 of many chil- 
 dren, 'ind lon<i life, withoMt good; 7 of insati- 
 ahle d'^sires, etc. 
 
 'piiEUE is an evil which I have seen 
 under the sun, and it is common among 
 men: 
 
 2 A man to whom God hath given riches, 
 wealth, and honour, " so that he wanteth 
 noiiiing for his soul of all that he desireth, 
 J et * (;od giveth him not power to eat 
 thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is 
 TfUiitjr, and it is an e\al disease. 
 M7 
 
 B. C. 977. 
 
 a Num.31). 2. 
 e P«. 66. 13. 
 / Acts 5. 4. 
 g 1 Cor. 11. 
 
 10. 
 
 lTim.5.21. 
 A Pro. 23.17. 
 
 Hch 1228. 
 i ch. 3. IB. 
 
 2 at I he will, 
 or, pur- 
 pose. 
 
 ;• fs. 53. 11. 
 
 Pa. 82. 1. 
 *:<;h. 6. 1. 
 I Job 1. 21. 
 
 1 Tim. 6.7. 
 »»ch. 1. 3. 
 " Pro. 11,29. 
 o 1'.. \2- 2. 
 
 3 thrro is a 
 goiidwliich 
 
 1 Tim. 6. 
 
 CHAP. 0. 
 
 Job. 21.10. 
 Pi. 17. H. 
 Pi. 73. 7. 
 
 b Luke 12.20. 
 cSKinU.SS. 
 
 Is. 14. 19. 
 
 Jflr. 22. 19. 
 d Jub 3. 16. 
 
 Pi. 68. 8. 
 e Pro. 16.26. 
 
 1 Tim. 6. 
 
 6-8. 
 
 1 soul. 
 
 2 than the 
 walking of 
 the toul. 
 
 f Job 9. 32. 
 is. 45. 9. 
 Jer. 49. 19. 
 
 3 the num- 
 ber of the 
 days of the 
 life of his 
 Tanitj. 
 
 e Jam. 4. 14. 
 h Ps. 39. 6. 
 
 CHAP. 7. 
 
 a PhU. 1. 23. 
 
 Kev. 14.13. 
 
 6 Mat. 6. 4. 
 
 1 Or.Anger. 
 e 2 Cor. 7.10. 
 
 2 iouod. 
 d Ex. 23. 8. 
 
 Deu. 16 19. 
 e Pro. 14. 29. 
 /Pro. 16.32. 
 
 Jam. 1. 19. 
 
 4 Or, as 
 good as an 
 
 ance, yea, 
 better too, 
 
 6 shadow. 
 Pro. 2. 11. 
 
 g U. 14. 27. 
 
 I sulfa man beget an hundred chiUretK 
 i and live many years, so that ttie days or 
 ihis years be many, and his soul be not 
 . j tilled with good, and " also that he have 
 no biii-ial; 1 saj', ''t/iatan untimely birth is 
 better than he: 
 
 4 For he cometh in with vanity, and de- 
 parteth in darkness, and his name shall be 
 covered with darkness. 
 
 5 Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor 
 known a)iy thing: this haih more rest than 
 the other. 
 
 6 Yea, though he live a thousand yeara 
 twice told, yet hath he seen no good: do 
 not all L'o to one place? 
 
 7 All ' the labour of man ia for his mouth, 
 and yet the i appetite is not fiUed. 
 
 8 For what hath the wise more than the 
 fool? what hath the poor, thatknoweth to 
 walk before the living? 
 
 9 Better is the sight of the eyes - than the 
 wandering of the desire: this is also vanity 
 and vexation of spirit. * 
 
 10 If That which hath oeen is named al- 
 ready, and it is known that it is man: 
 neither /may he contend with him that 
 is mightier than he. 
 
 11 Seeing there be many things that in- 
 ert ;'se vanity, what is man the better? 
 
 1'2 For who knoweth what is good for man 
 in this life, ^ all the days of his vain life 
 which he spendethas^ashadow? for ''who 
 can tell a man what shall be after him 
 under the sun? 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 I Remtdie) against vanity are a good name, 2 
 
 mcrti_fication, 7 patience, 11 wisdom. 2S Dijffi- 
 
 culty cf getting wisdom. 
 
 A GOOD name is better than precious 
 "'^ ointment; and <• the day of death than 
 the day of one's birth. 
 
 2 ^ /( is better to go to the ^ house of 
 mom-ning than to go to the house offcast- 
 iiig: for that is the end of all men; and the 
 livmg will lay it to his heart. 
 
 3 1 Sorrow is better than laughter: * for 
 by the sadness of the countenance the heart 
 is made better. 
 
 4 The heart of the wise is in the house of 
 mouniing: but the heart of fools is in the 
 house of mirth. 
 
 5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the 
 wise, than for a man to hear the song of 
 fools. 
 
 6 For as the 2 crackling of thorns under a 
 pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This 
 also is vanity. 
 
 7 ^ Surely oppression maketh a wise man 
 mad ; «* and a ^t destroy eth the heart. 
 
 8 Better is the end of a thing than the be- 
 ginning thereof- and ' the patient in spirit 
 is better than the proud in spirit. 
 
 9 Be/ not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: 
 for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. 
 
 10 Say not thou, What is the cause that 
 the former days were better than these? 
 for thou dost not enquire 3 wisely concern- 
 ing this. 
 
 11 TT Wisdom * is good with an inherit- 
 ance; and by it there is profit to them that 
 see the sun. 
 
 12 For wisdom is a B defence, and money 
 is a defence: but the excellency of know- 
 ledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them 
 that have it. 
 
 13 Consider the work of God: "for who 
 can make that straight which be bath 
 made crooked! 
 
VaniticR in T)hiyie Service. 
 
 of the creature, wish to worship the Creator. 
 Keep ;ly foi.i— In going to worship, go with 
 conaderate circumsi ect. reverent feeling. 
 The alhision is to the taking off of the shoe.s, 
 or sandals, in entering a temple lEx. 3. 5; 
 Josh. 6. 16, which passages perhaps gave 
 ri.«e to the custom.). Weiss needlessly reads. 
 •' Keep thy feast days" (Ex. 23, 14 J7; the three 
 great (easts. . hear — rather, "To be ready 
 (to draw nigh with the desire) to hear (obey) 
 is a better sacrifice than the offering of fools." 
 (HoL.J [Vuhj.; Sijr.) (Ps. 61. 16, 17; Pro. 21. 3; 
 Jer. 6. 20; 7. 21-2:i; 14. 12; Amos, 6. 21-24.). Tlie 
 warning is against mere ceremonial self- 
 rit-'hteonsness, as in ch. 7. 12. Obedience is 
 the si)irit of the law's reqniren ents (Dent. 
 
 10. 12.'. Solomon sorrowfully looks back on 
 his own neglect of this (cf. l Ki. 8. 63, with 
 
 11. 4, 6. . Positive precepts of God uiust be 
 kept, but will not stand instead of obedience 
 to His moral precepts. The last provided no 
 sacrifice for icilful sin (Num. 16. .'iO, 31; Heb. 10. 
 ie-29.). 2. rash— opposed to the considerate 
 reverence ("keep thy foot," v. i.). This verse 
 illustrates v. i, as to prayer in the house of 
 God ("before God," Isa. 1. 12;); so v. 4-6. as to 
 vous. 1 he remedy to such vanities is stated 
 ft?. 6,), "Fear thou God." Gcd is in heaven— 
 Therefore He ought to be approached with 
 careiully-weighed words, by thee a frail crea- 
 ture f'f earth. :. As nwich "business." en- 
 grossii g the mind, gives birth to incoherent 
 "dreauis," so many words, uttered inconsi- 
 derately in prayer, give birth to and betrav 
 "a fool's speech" (ch. 10. 14.). [Hol. and 
 
 • WEiiss.] But V. 7 implies that the "dream" 
 is not a comjiarison, but the ram thoughts of 
 
 ECCLESIASTES. V. VanUies^in Richct. 
 
 in Solomon's reign (1 Ki. 12. 4). the matter— 
 lit., the pleasure, or purpose (Isa. !'3. 10.). 
 ]\Iarvel not at this dispensation offiod'.-i vi'l, 
 as if He had abandoned the world. Nay, 
 there is coming a capital judgment a* last, 
 and an earnest of it in partial punish- 
 ments of sinners meanwhile, higher than the 
 highest— (Dan. 7. 18.). regardeth— (2 Chr. 16. 
 9.). there be higher — jjittr., i.e., the three 
 persons of the Godhead, or else, "regardeth 
 juot only the 'highest' kings, than whom He 
 
 is higher,' but even the petty tyrants of the 
 provinces, viz.) the high ones who are above 
 them" (the poor.). IWeiss.J 9. '"the prr.fit 
 (produce) of the earth is (ordained) for (the 
 common good of) all: even the king himself 
 is .'^erved by (ihe fruits of) the field" (2 Chr. 
 26. K).). Therefore the common Lord of all, 
 high and low, will punish at last those who 
 rob the "poor" of their share in it (I'ro. 22. 
 22, 23; Amos, 8. 4-7.). 10. Not only will (Vod 
 punish at last, but meanwhile the oppres- 
 sive gainers of " silver" find no solid "satis- 
 faction" in it. shall not be satisfied— so the 
 oppressor " eateth his own flesh" (ch. 4. 1, .6. 
 note.), with increase— is not satisfied with 
 the gain that he makes. 11. they . . . that e.it 
 them— the rich man's dependents (Ps. 23. 5.}. 
 12. Another argument against anxiety to 
 gain riches. " Sleep ... sweet." answers to 
 *■ quietness" (ch. 4. 6:); " not suffer . . . sleep," 
 to " vexation of spirit." Fears for his wealth, 
 and an over-loaded stomach without "la- 
 bouring" (cf. ch. 4. 6,), will not suffer the rich 
 oppressor to sleep. 13, 14. Proofs of God's 
 jiidgments even in this world (Pro. 11. 31.), 
 
 he rich oppressor's wealth provokes ene- 
 
 the fool (sinner) (Ps. 73. 20,), arising' frohi j mies, robbers, &c. Then, after having kept 
 multiplicity of (worldly) "business." His lit for an expected son, he loses it before 
 
 " dreaiii" is, that God hears him for his much l hand, by misfortune 
 speaking (Mat. 6. 7,), independently of the j the son is born to be 
 
 by evil travail,") and 
 eir of poverty. Ch. 2. 
 
 frame of mind. [E. V. and iMaur.] " Fool's ! 19, 23, gives another aspect of the same sub 
 
 voice" answers to "dream" in the parallel, 
 it comes by the n any "words" flowing from 
 the fool's " dream." 4. Hasty words in 
 prayer {v. 2, 3) suggest the subject of hasty 
 vows. A vow should not be nastily made 
 (Jud. 11. 35; 1 Sam. 14. 24.). When made, it 
 must be kept (Ps. 76. 11,), even as God keeps 
 His word to us (Ex. 12. 41. 61; Josh. 21. 46.). 
 6. (Deut. 23. 21, 23.). 6. thy flesh— vow not 
 with "thy mouth" a vow (ex. gr., fasting,), 
 which the lusts of ihy flesh (body, Marg., ch. 
 2. 3) may tempt thee to break (Pro. 20. 25.). 
 augel— the "messenger" of God (Job, 33. 23;): 
 minister (Eev. 1. 20;); i.e., the priest (Mai. 2, 
 7,), "before" whom a breach of a vow was to 
 be confessed (Lev. 5. 4, 6.}. We, Christians 
 in our vows (ex. gr., at baptism, the Lord's 
 supper, &c.) vow in the presence of Jesus 
 Christ, " the angel of the covenant" (Mai. 3. 
 1.), and of ministering angels as witnesses 
 (1 Cor. 11. 10; 1 Tim. 5. 21.1. Extenuate not 
 any breach of them as a slight error. 7. (Note, 
 V. 3.). God's service, which ought to be our 
 chief good, becomes by "dreams" (foolish 
 fancies as to God's requirements oi us in 
 worship,), and random "words," positive 
 "vanity. The remedy is, whatever fools 
 may do, " Fear thou God" (ch. 12. 13.). 8. As 
 in ch. 3. 16, so here the difficulty suggests 
 itself. If God is so exact in even punishing 
 ha.'>ty words [v. 1-6,), why does He allow gross 
 injustice V In the remote "provinces," the 
 "l.oor" often had to put themselves for pro- 
 tection from the inroads of Philistines, <fcc., 
 under chieftains, wlio oppressed them even 
 447 
 
 ject. 16. Even supposing that he h ses not 
 his wealth before death, tlien at least he must 
 go stripped of it all (Ps. 49. 17.). laboured for 
 . . . wind — (Hos. 12. 1; 1 Cor. 9. 2G.). 17. 
 eateth — appropriately put for "liveth" in 
 general, as connected with v. 11, 12, 18. dark- 
 ness—opposed to "light (joy) of countenance" 
 (ch. 8. 1; Pro. 16. 16.). wrath— fretfulness, lit., 
 "His sorrow is much, and his infirmity (of 
 body) and wrath." 18. returns to the senti- 
 ment (ch. 3. 12, 13. 22,), transl., "Behold the 
 good which I have seen, and which is becom- 
 ing" (in a man.), which God giveth— viz., both 
 the good of his labour, andliis life, his por- 
 tion — legitimately. It is God's gift that 
 makes it so, when regarded as sucli. Such 
 a one will use, not abuse, earthly things (I 
 Cor. 7. 31.). Opposed to the anxiou.? life of 
 the covetous iv. lo, 17.). 19. As v. 18 refers to 
 the "labouring" man (v. 12.), so v. 19. to the 
 " rich" man. who gets wealth, not by " op- 
 pression" iV. 8,), but by "God's gift." He is 
 (iistinguished also from the "rich" man (ch. 
 6. 2,), in having received by God's gift, not only 
 "wealth," but also "power to eat thereof," 
 which that one has not. "To take his por- 
 tion," limits him to the lawful use of wealth, 
 not keeping back from God His portion, 
 while enjoying his own. 20. He will not re- 
 member much (looking back with disappoint- 
 ment, as the ungodly do (ch. 2. llj on) the 
 days of his life, answereih ... in the jcy— God 
 answers his prayers in giving him "power" 
 to eji joy his blessings. Ges. and Vulg., transL, 
 " For God (soj occupies him with joy," &c. 
 
The Vanity of Riches. 
 
 ECCLISIASTES. VT. VII. 
 
 Of a Good Name. 
 
 that he thinks sot much of the shortness and i (man's various circumstances) is named al 
 
 sorrows of hie. Hol,. "Though (God) gives '--' — '-• "- '"' '"' " "■ " '- 
 
 not much (as to real enjoyment,), yet he re- 
 members (with thanktulness) the days; tor 
 (he knows) God ecccrcisCA him by the joy," «fcc. 
 (tnes him by prosperity,), so Marg.,hvLt JE. V. 
 is simplest. _^^ ,^^ 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 Ver. 1-12. 1. common— or. else more hi,. 
 frreai Mj)07nna?i., falls heavily upon man. 2. , - ^ „ ^ /^ . 
 
 for his soul— i.e., his enjoyment. God giveth : thmgs, and cannot call in qutstion Goa s wis 
 to eai— this distinguishes him dom in these dispensations (equivalent to 
 
 ready (not only has existed (ch. 1. 9; 3. 16,), 
 but has received its just name 'vanity,' long 
 ago,), and it is known that it [vanity] is man" 
 (ii€0., Adam, equivalent to man " of red 
 dust," as his Creator appropriately naiiied 
 him from his frailty.), neitacr nav becriHeiid, 
 (S:c.-(Eom. 9. 20.). 11. "Seemg" that man 
 cannot escape from the "vanity," which by 
 God's "mi^'hty" will is inherent in earthly 
 
 mm not power , .. ^ ^ , , 
 
 from the "rich" man m ch. 5. 19. God hath 
 given," distinguishes him also from the man 
 who got his wealth by " oppression" (ch. 5. 8. 
 10.). stranger — those not akin, nay, even 
 hostile to him (Jer. 51. 61; Lam. 6. 2; Hos. 7 
 
 contend," <fec.,), "what is man the uetter" 
 of these vain things, as regards the cliief 
 good? Nonewhatever. 12. For whoknoweai, 
 die— The ungodly know not what is really 
 "good" during life, nor "what shall be after 
 
 „ ). He seen.s to have it in his " power*' to jthem," i.e., what will be the event ot their 
 do as he will with his wealth, but an unseen undertakings (ch. 3. 22; 8. 7.). Ihe godJ:y 
 power gives him up to his own avarice: God I might be tempted to "contend with Goa 
 wills that he should toil for "a stran.uer" (ch. j [V. 10,), as to Wis dispensations; but they can- 
 
 2 26,). who has found favour in God's sight, not fully know the wise purposes seized by 
 
 3 Evenif a man (of this character) have very them now and hereafter. Their sufferings 
 many (equivalent to "a hmidn (1," 2 Ki. 10. l) ! from the oppressors are more really good lor 
 children, and not have a "stianger" as his I them than cloudless prosperity: sinners are 
 !.„;.. ... .2 1 and live long i" days of years" ex- 1 being allowed to till up their measure of 
 
 „^.i4,. ^fiii-^ ^t A^..h^,4 izi.,-, AT a Icniiit Retribution in part vindicates God 3 
 
 press the bnvity of life at its heat. Gen. 47. 9, 
 yet enjoy no real " good" in lile, and lie un 
 
 guilt. 
 
 ways even now. 
 
 The judgment shall make 
 
 honoured, without "burial," at death 2 Ki. I all clear. In ch. 7. he states what is good. 
 
 9. 26, 3'.,), the embrj'o is better than he. In 
 the East, to be without burial is the greatest 
 degradation. "Better the fruit that drops 
 from the tree before it is ripe, than that left 
 to hang on till rotten." [Henry.] 4. he— 
 rather, it, "the untimely bii-th." So "its' 
 
 in answer to this verse. 
 
 CHAPIEE Vn. 
 Ver. 1-29. 1. (i^ee note. ch. 6. 12.). name- 
 character; a godJy mind and life; not mere 
 reputation with man, but what a man is in 
 the eyes of God, with whom the name and 
 
 not " /^tis name." _ wiihvanity-to no purpose; reality &re one thin^ (Isa. p. 6.). This alone 
 
 a type of the driftless existence of him who 
 makes riches the chief j;ood. darkness— ot 
 
 _- good," whilst all else is "vanity," wht 
 made the chiei end. omiment— used lavishly 
 
 the abortive: a type of the unhonoured death ! at costly banquets, and peculiarly relreshins 
 and dark future beyond the grave, of the in the sultry East. The iieb. for nam^ and 
 avaricious. 5. tins— vet "it has more rest, i for ointment, have a happy paronomasia, 
 than" the toiling gloomy miser. 6. If the Shee.m,Slnmen. " Ointment" is fragrant only 
 miser's length of " life" be thought to raise in the place where the person is whose head 
 him above the abortive, Solomon answers, and garment are scented, and only for a time, 
 long life witliout enjoying real good, is but The " name" given by God to His child (Rev. 
 lengthened misery, and riches cannot exempt 3. 12) is for ever, and in all lands. So in the 
 him from going whether "all go." He is fit case of the woman who received an everlast- 
 neilher for life, nor death, nor eternity. 7. ing name from Jesus Christ, in reward lor 
 man— rather, *' the man," viz., the miser {v. her precious ointment ilsa. 66. 5; Mark, 14. 
 3-6.}. For not a7i men labour for the mouth 
 i.e., for selfish gratification, ajppetitc— J/ei> 
 
 3-9.). Jesus Christ Himself hath such a name, 
 as the Messiah, equivalent to Anointed ,Sol. 
 the soul. The insatiability of the desire pre- Song 1. 3. . and the day of Lhisldeatu, &c.— not 
 vents that which is the only end proposed in a general censure upon God for creating man; 
 toils i?(2., self-gratification; "the man" thus but, connected with the previous clause. 
 
 fets no "'good out of his wealth (t>. 3. . o. 
 'or— However. [Maur. I The " for" means 
 (in contrast to the insatiability of the miser: 
 
 death is to him, who hath a godly name, 
 
 better" than the day ot his birth: "far 
 
 better," as Phil. 1. 23. hath it. 2. Proving 
 
 For what else is the advantage which the wise , that it is not a sensual enjoyment of earthly 
 
 man hath above the fool? Wltat (advantage, goods, which is meant in ch. 3. 13; 6. 18. A 
 
 i e superiority, above him who knows not thankful use of these is right, but Irequent 
 
 how to walk upright) hath tlie poor who feasting Solomon had found dangerous to 
 
 knoweth to walk before the living? i.e., to use piety in his own case. So Job's fear ich. 1. 4, 
 
 and enjoy life aright (ch. 5. 18, 19,), a cheerful, 5.). The house of feasting often shuts nut 
 
 thanktul, godly " walk" (Ps. lie. 9.). 9. thoughts of God and eternity. The sii;ht of 
 
 Answer to the question in v. 8. This is the the dead in the " house of mourning" caitsos 
 
 advantage: "Better is the sight of the t^es "the living" to think of their own "end." 3. 
 
 (the wise man's godly enjoyment of present Sorrow— Such as arises from serious thoughts 
 
 seen blessings,), than the (fool's) wandering of eternity, laughter— reckless mirth (ch. 2. 
 
 int., walking, Ps. 73. 9) of the desire," i.e., 2.). by the sadness . . . better— (Ps. 120. 5. 6: 2 
 
 vague, insatiable desires for what he has not Cor. 4. 17; Heb. 12. 10, 11.). Maur. tr.iml.. 
 
 IV 7- Heb. 13. 6.). this— restless wandering "In sadness of countenance there is miay be) 
 
 of desire, and not enjoying contentedly the a good {cheerful heart." So Heb.,ioi- good," 
 
 present 1 1 Tim 6.6.8.). equivalent to cheerful (ch. 11. 9;); but the 
 
 10. Part II. here begins. Since man's parallel clause supports J5. F. 5. (Ps. 141.4, 
 
 toils are vain, what is the chief good? 5.). Godly reproof otteuds the flesh, but 
 
 Iv 12 ) The answer is contained in the benefits the spirit. Fools' songs in the liouse 
 
 rest of the book. "That which hath been of mirth please the flesh, but injure the soul. 
 447 11] 
 
The Advantages 
 
 ECCLESIASTES, VH. 
 
 of Wisdom. 
 
 6. The " crackling" answers to the loud mer- ich. 8. 14; Job, 21. 7.). just . . . perisheth— (l 
 rinient of fools. It is the very fire consuming Ki. 21. 13.). Temporal not ete.nial death 
 them, whichproducestheseemingmerrynoise (John, 10.28.). But see note, v. itj; '-jiuif 
 (Joel, 2. 5.). Iheir light soon r"es out in the is prot'ably a self -justiciary, wicked . . . pro- 
 black darkness. ThereisaparLi.uniasiainthe longeih— see the antidote to the abuse of this 
 i/tb., Smm ;thorns,). Sir pot.;. The wicked statement, inch. 8. 12. 16. Hol. makes y.Ki the 
 are often compared to "thorns" (2 Sam. 23. (); scoffing inference of the objector, and v 17 the 
 2Sah. 1. lO.j. Dried cow dung was the com- answer of Solomon now repentant. So (l Cor 
 nion fuel in Palestine; its slowness in burn- j 16. 32} the sceptic's objection; [v. 33) the answer, 
 ing makes the quickness of a fire of thorns j However, "Be not righteous over much," 
 the more graphic, as an image of the sudden may be taken as Solonion's words, forbidding 
 
 end of fools iPs. 118. 12.). 7. oppression— re- — " ' -" ' " ' ' 
 
 curring to the idea (ch. 3. 16; 5. 8.). Its con- 
 nection with v. 4-t)is, the sight of "oppression" 
 perpetrated by " fools" mig'it tempt the 
 "wise" to call in question God's dispensa- 
 tions, and imitate the folly (equivalent to 
 ".madness") described [v. 5. 6.). Weiss, for 
 " oppression," transL, " distraction," pro- 
 duced by merriment. But ch. 5. 8, favours 
 E. V. a gift— i.e., the sight of bribery in 
 "places of judgment" ich. 3. 16,), might cause 
 the wise to lose their wisdom (equivalent to 
 " heait,") (Job, 12. 6; 21. 6, 7; 24. 1, &c.). This 
 suits the parallelism better than " a heart of 
 gifts," a benevolent heart, as Wkiss. 8. con- 
 nected with V. 7. Let the " wise" wait for 
 "the end," and the "oppressions," which 
 now (in "the beginning") perplex their faith, 
 will be found by God's working to be over- 
 ruled to their good. " TMbulation worketh 
 patience" iKom. 6. 3,), which is infinitely 
 better than " the proud spirit," that pros- 
 perity nii^ht have generated in them, as it 
 has in fools (Ps. 73. 2, 3, 12-14, 17-26; Jam. 5. 
 11.). 9. angry— impatient at adversity befall- 
 ing thee, as Job was (ch. 5. 2; Pro. 12. 16.). 
 10. Do not call in question God's ways in 
 making thy former days better than thy pre- 
 sent, as Job did ich. 29. 2-5.). The very put- 
 ting of the question argues that heavenly 
 "wisdom" iMarg.) is not as much as it ought 
 made the chief good with thee. 11. Rather, 
 " Wisdom, as compared with an inheritance, 
 is good," i.e., is as good as an inheritance: 
 "yea, better {lit., and a profit) to them that' 
 see the sun" (i.e., the living, ch. 11. 7; Job, 3. 
 16; Ps. 49. 19.). 12. Lit., (To be) in (i.e., under) 
 the ahadow (Isa. 30. 2) of wisdom (is the same 
 as to be) in (under) the shadow of money: 
 wisdom no less shields one from the ills of 
 life, than money does, is, that— rather, "the 
 excellency of the knowledge o/wisdom giveth 
 life," i.e., life in the highest sense, here and 
 hereafter (Pro. 3. 18; John 17. 3; 2 Pet. 1. 3.). 
 "Wisdom (religion) cannot be lost, as money 
 can. It shields one in adversity, as well as 
 prosperity; money, only in prosperity. The 
 question in v. lO impUes a ^\ant of it. 13 
 Coimider as to God's work, that it is impos 
 sible to alter His dispensations: for who can 
 
 raight . . . crooked— man cannot ai 
 what God wills to be "wanting" and "ad 
 verse" (ch. 1. 16; Jobjl2. 14.). 14. coiisider- 
 
 a self-made righteousness of outward peiform- 
 ances, which would wrest salvation from 
 God, instead of receiving it as the gift of His 
 grace. It is a fanatical, Pharisaical righteous- 
 ness separated from God; for the " fear of 
 God" is in antithesis to it [v. 18; ch. 5. 3, 7; 
 Mat. 6. 1-7; 9. 14; 23. 23. 24; Bom. 10. 3; 1 Tim. 
 4. 3.1. over wise— (Job, 11. 12; Bom. 12. 3, 16,), 
 presumptuously self-sufficient, as if acquaint- 
 ed with the whole of divine truth, dtstroy 
 thyseli— exnose thyself to needless persecu- 
 tion, austerities, and the wrath of God: hence 
 to an untimely death. "Destroy thyself" 
 answers to "perisheth" (r. 16, ." righteous 
 over much," to "a just man." Theretore, in 
 V. 15, it is a self -justiciary, not a truly righteous 
 man, that is meant. 17. over mucli wicked—- 
 so worded, to answer to " righteous over 
 much." J'or if not taken thus, it w ould seem 
 to imply, that we may be wicked a little. 
 "Wicked" refers to "wicked man" (v. 15;:; 
 "die before thy time," to " prolongeth his 
 life," antithetically. There may be a wicked 
 man spared to live long," owing to his 
 avoiding gross excesses (v. 15.). Solomon says, 
 therefore. Be not so foolish (answering anti- 
 thetically to " over wise" (w. 16,), as to run to 
 such excess of riot, that God will be provoked 
 to cut ofl' prematurely thy day of grace (Rom. 
 2. 6.). The precept is addressed to a sinner. 
 Beware of aggravating ihy sin, so as to make 
 thy case de.>-perate. It refers to the days of 
 Solomon's ' vanity" (apostasy, v. 15 ), when 
 only such a precept would be applicable. By 
 Litotes it includes, "Be not wicked at all." 
 
 18. this, . . . tins- the two opposite excesses 
 [V. 16, 17,', fanatical, self-wise righteousness, 
 and presumptuous foolhardy wickedness, 
 he that teareiii God shall come fuith ot ihem all 
 —shall escape all such extremes (Pro. 3. 7.). 
 
 19. Heb.," The wisdom," i.e., the true wis- 
 dom, rehgion (2 Tim. 3. 15.). than ten mighty 
 —i.e., able and valiant generals v. 12; ch. 9. 
 13-18; Pro. 21. 22, 24. 5.). These "watchmen 
 wake in vain, except the Lord keep the city" 
 (Ps. 127. 1.). 20. Referring to v. 16. Be not 
 self-righteous, seek not to make thyself "just" 
 before God, by a superabundance of self 
 imposed performances; "for (true 'wisdom, 
 or ' righteousness ' shows that there is not 
 a, just man," &c. 21. As therefore thou being 
 far from perfectly "just" thyself, hast much 
 to be forgiven by God, do not take too .«trict 
 
 resumed from v. 13. " Consider," i.e., regard account, as the self-righteous do {v. 16; Luke, 
 it as " the work of God:" for " God has made i8. 9, 11.), and thereby shorten their lives, {v. 
 (Heb., for 'set') this (adversity) also as well ' 15, Ki,), of words spoken against thee by 
 as the other" (prosperity.). "Adversity" is others, ex. gr., thy servant: Thou art theii 
 one of the things which "God has made | "fellow-servant" before God (Mat. 18. .32-35.). 
 crooked," and which man cannot "make 22. (1 Ki. 2. 4+.). 23. All this— Resuming the 
 straight." He ought therefore to be "patient" j "all" in v. 15; v. 15-22, is, theretore. the fruit 
 
 {v. 8.). fcfter J. im— equivalent to^ 
 may not find anything (to blame after God' 
 (i.e., ujter " considering God's work," v. 13.) 
 Vuhi. and Syr.,'" against Him" (cf. v. 10; Rom 
 
 that man of his dearly bought experience in the days 
 of his " vanity." I will be wise— I tried to " be 
 wise," indei endently of God. But true wis- 
 dom was then " far from him," in spite of his 
 
 3 4. 15. An objection entertained by Solo- , /mwia?;. wisdom, which he retained by God's 
 mon " in the days of his vanity" (apostasy) I gift. So " ever wise" (v. 16.j. 24. That . . . jar 
 447 12] 
 
Advantages ofwltdom. 
 
 ECCLESIASTES, Vm, IX. 
 
 Ny stories of Frovidaue, ' 
 
 14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but 
 in the day of adversity consider: God also 
 hath 6 aet the one over against the other, 
 to the end that man should find nothing 
 after him. 
 
 15 All things have I seen in the days of 
 my vanity: « there is a just man that per- 
 isheth in his righteousness, and there is a 
 wicked man that prolongeth Aw li/e in his 
 wickedness. 
 
 16 Be » not righteous over much ; } neither 
 make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou 
 1 destroy thyself? 
 
 17 Be not over much wicked, neither be 
 thou foolish:* why shouldest thou die 
 8 before thy time? 
 
 18 /< is good that thou shouldest take 
 hold of this ; yea, also from this withdraw 
 not thine hand: for he that feai'eth God 
 shall come forth of them all. 
 
 19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more 
 than ten mighty men which are in the 
 city. 
 
 20 For » tTiere is not a just man upon earth, 
 that doeth good, and siimeth not. 
 
 21 Also 9 take no heed unto all words that 
 are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant 
 curse thee: 
 
 22 For oftentimes also thine own heart 
 knoweth that thou thyself likewise ha£t 
 cursed others. 
 
 23 All this have I proved by wisdom: I 
 eaid, I vnU. be wise ; but it was far from me. 
 
 24 That which is far otf, and "* exceeding 
 deep, who can find it out? 
 
 25 10 1 applied mine heart to know, and to 
 search, and to seek out wisdom, and the 
 reason of things, and to know the wicked- 
 ness of folly, even of foolishness and mad- 
 ness: 
 
 26 And I find more bitter than death the 
 woman whose heart is snares and nets, 
 and her hands as bands: n whoso pleaseth 
 God shall escape from her; but the sinner 
 shall be taken by her. 
 
 27 Behold, this have I found, saith the 
 Preacher, 12 counting one by one, to find 
 out the account; 
 
 28 Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find 
 not: one man among a thousand have I 
 found- but a woman among all those have 
 
 1 not found. 
 
 29 Lo, this only have I found, "that God 
 hath made man upright; but they have 
 Bought out many inventions. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 2 Kings greatly to be respected. 6 Divine provi- 
 dence to be observed. 12 It is better with the 
 godly in adverHty than with the wicked in pros- 
 perity. 16 Work of God unsearchable. 
 
 "WHO is as the wise manf and who 
 ' ' knoweth the interj)retation of a thuig? 
 a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, 
 and ithe boldness of his face shall be 
 changed. 
 
 2 I counsel thee to keep the king's com- 
 mandment, " and that in regard of the oath 
 of God, 
 
 3 Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand 
 not in an evil thing; for he doetn whatso- 
 everpleaseth him. 
 
 4 where the word of a king w, there is 
 power ; and * who may say unto him. What 
 ooest thou? 
 
 5 Whoso keepeth the conunandment 2 shall 
 feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart 
 discemeth both time and judgment. 
 
 6 Because " to every pjupose there ia time 
 
 an 
 
 B.C.B77. 
 
 CHAP. 7. 
 
 h eh. 8. 14. 
 
 i Pro. 25. 18. 
 
 PhU. 3. 6. 
 
 ;■ Kom. 12. 3. 
 
 7 bede. 
 
 k Job IS. 32. 
 Pi. 65. 23. 
 
 Pro. 10.27. 
 
 8 not in thy 
 time. 
 
 { 1 Kin.8.48. 
 ProT. 20.9. 
 Bom. 3.23. 
 1 Jonn 1.8. 
 
 9 grive Dot 
 thin* 
 heart. 
 
 1 Cor .18 6. 
 m Kom. 11. 
 
 33. 
 10 1 mi my 
 
 11 he that ii 
 
 good be- 
 fore God. 
 Gen. 39. 7. 
 
 12 Or.weigh- 
 . ing on* 
 
 thingBfter 
 another, 
 to find 
 out the 
 reason. 
 
 D. 1.27. 
 
 CHAP. 8. 
 
 1 tha 
 
 strength, 
 a Rom. 13. 6. 
 
 Titus S. 1. 
 6 Job 34. 18. 
 
 2 shaU 
 know. 
 
 e ch. 3. 1. 
 d Pro. 24.22. 
 
 ch. 6. 12. 
 
 eh. 9. 12. 
 
 ch. 10. 14. 
 
 3 Or, how it 
 ehaUbe. 
 
 « Pi. 49. 6. 
 / Job 14. 6. 
 
 4 Or.cMting 
 off 
 
 0l8>. 18.12. 
 h Pi. 10. 6. 
 
 Pi. 60. 21. 
 
 li. 26. lU. 
 i U. 6S. 20. 
 
 Rom. 2. 6. 
 ) Pi. 37. 11. 
 
 Pro. 1. 32. 
 
 li. 8. 10. 
 
 Mat. 25.34. 
 * Pi. 73. 14. 
 
 ch. 2. 14. 
 
 ch. 7. 16. 
 
 eh. g. 1. 
 { ch. 3. 12. 
 ♦»LeT. 28.6. 
 n Job 6. 9. 
 
 Rom. 11.33. 
 Pi. 73. 16. 
 
 CHAP. 9. 
 1 I gave, or, 
 
 set to my 
 
 heart. 
 O ch. 8. 1*. 
 
 li. 26. 12. 
 
 2 Cor. 3. 6. 
 6 Job 21. 7. 
 
 KU1.S.16. 
 
 and judgment, therefore the misery of man 
 is great upon him. 
 
 7 For <* he knoweth not that which shall 
 be: for who can tell him 3 when it shall bet 
 
 8 There * is no man that hath power/ over 
 the spirit, to retain the spirit; neither AatA 
 he power in the day of death: and there it 
 no 1 discharge in that war; neither shall 
 wickedness deliver those that are given to 
 it. 
 
 9 All this have I seen, and applied my 
 heart unto every work that is done under 
 the sun: there is a time wherein o one man 
 ruleth over another to his o^vn hurt. 
 
 10 And so I saw the wicked buried, who 
 had come and gone from the place of tha 
 holy, and they were forgotten in the city 
 where they had so done. This is also 
 vanity. 
 
 _ 11 Because f^ sentence against an evil work 
 is not executed speedily, therefore the 
 heart of the sons of men is fully set in them 
 to do evil. 
 
 12 Though < a sinner do evil an hundred 
 times, and his days be prolonged, yet 
 surely I know that / it shall be well with 
 them that fear God, which fear before him: 
 
 13 But it shall not be well with the 
 wicked, neither shall he prolong his days. 
 which are as a shadow; because he feareth 
 not before God. 
 
 14 There is a vanity which is done upon 
 the earth: that there be just men, unto 
 whom it * nappeneth according to the woi^ 
 of the wicked; again, there be wicked msn, 
 to whom it happeneth according to the 
 work of the righteous. I said, that this 
 also is vanity. 
 
 15 Then * I commended mirth, because a 
 man hath no better thing under the sun, 
 than to eat, and to diink, and to be meiTy; 
 for that shall abide with him of his labour 
 the days of his life, which •" God givetb 
 hira under the smi. 
 
 16 f When I applied mine heart to know 
 wisdom, and to see the business that is 
 done upon the earth: (for also there is that 
 neither day nor night seeth sleep with his 
 eyes:) 
 
 17 Then I beheld all the work of God, that 
 a " man cannot find out the work that is 
 done under the sun: because though a maa 
 labour to setk it out, yet he shall not find 
 it; yea farther, though a wise man thinlc 
 to know i^, "yet shall he not be able to 
 find it. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 1 Like things happen to good and bad. 1 Htm 
 
 to enjoy the good of this life. U Human prO' 
 
 babilities ut^ertain. 13 Wisdom is better tham 
 
 strength. 
 
 If OR all this 1 1 considered in my heart, 
 ■*■ even to declare all this, " that the 
 righteous, and the wise, and their works, 
 are in the hand of God: no man knoweth 
 either love or hatred by all that is before 
 them. 
 
 2 All * tAingrs come alike to all: there it 
 one event to the righteous, and to the 
 wicked; to the good and to the cleaJi, and 
 to the unclean; to hira that sacrificeth, 
 and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the 
 good, so is the sinner; and he that swear, 
 eth, as he that feareth an oath. 
 
 3 This is an evil among all things that 
 are done under the sun. that there is one 
 event unto all: yea, also the heart of the 
 sons of men is lull of evil, and madness is 
 
77(6 Depravihj oj Man. ECCLESIASTES. VIII. Kinqs to he ncspededt. 
 
 oif . . . deep— True wisdom is so when sought earthly king who is meant, the oath of God- 
 independently of " iear of God'' (v. 18; Dent, the covenant which God made with Abraham 
 30. 1-.', 13 ; Job, 11. 7, 8: 28. 12-20, '2.x ;Ps. 04. 6: Rom. and renewed with David; Solomcm remem- 
 10. 6, 7.). 25. Lit., Itiirved mijsi If and mhtc bered Ps. &!). 3.'), "I have sv:or>i " ^c. 'V. :,c,), 
 heart to. A phrase peculiar to Ecclesiastes, and the penalties if David's cliildren sliouid 
 and appropriate to the penitent <ti?mnf; back forsake it (v. M-.S2;): intiicted on Solon, on 
 to commune with his heart on his past life. , himself; yet God not utterly" forsaknic him 
 wickedness of folly— he is now a step further {v. 33, ;i4.). 3. hasty— rather, "Be not Urror- 
 on the path of penitence, than ch. 1. 17; 2. s<rwc/c so as tngooutof His siKht." Slavishly 
 12, where "folly" is put without " wicked- i " terror-struck" is characteristic of tlie sin- 
 ness" prefixed, reason— rather, f/ie right esti- ner's feeling toward God: he vainly tries to 
 ination of things. Hol. traiisl., also "fool- flee out of tlis sight (Ps. 139. 7;): opposed to 
 i<hness i.e., sinful folly, answerm^ to 'wick- the " shining face" of filial confidence v. l; 
 edn-'-s' in the parallel) of madness," i.e., of John, 8.33-.SG; Rom. 8. 2; 1 John, 4. 18.). Fta^ \ 
 nan's mad pursuits.!. 26. "I find" that, of all not— persist not. for l^e dncth— God inflicts 
 my sini'ul lollies, none has been so ruinous : what punishment He pleases on persisting 
 ^a snare in seducing me from God, as idola- sinners (Job, 23. 13; Ps. ll.'>. 3.). True oi none 
 trons women il Ki. 11.3,4; Pro. 5. 3,4; 2l'. save God. 4. (iods very " word" is " power." 
 14.). As "God's favour is better than life," So the gospel word (Rom. 1. 16; Heb. 4. 12. '. 
 she who seduces from God is "more bitter who may say, &c.— (Job, !i. 12; 33. 13; Isa. 45.9; 
 t)ian death." wnoso p'.easeth God— as Joseph Dan. 4. 3.5. . Scripture does not ascribe such 
 /Gen. 39. 2, 3. 9.). It is God's grrace alone that arbitrary power to earthly kings. 5. fee — 
 keeps any from falling. 27. this— tiz., what experience, time— the neglect of the right 
 follows in V. 28. counting one by one— ly com- " times" causes much of the sinful follyof the 
 paring one thing with another. [Hol. and spiritually unwise ch. 3. 1-11. 1. jurgrrent— 
 Maue..] account— a right estimate. But v. the right manner. fHoL.l But as God's fu- 
 28 more favours Gks., "Considering vomen ture "judgment" is connected with the "time 
 one bit one." 28. Rather, referring to his ;jas^ for every purpose" in cjj. 3. 17, so it is here, 
 experience, "Which my soul sought further. The punishment of persisting sinners (?;. .3) 
 but I found not." one man— i.e., worthy of suggests it. The wi.se man reali.-es the fact, 
 the name, " man," " upright:" not more than that as there is a fit " time" for every pur- 
 one in a thousand of my courtiers :Job, 33. I pose, so for the ".judgment." This thought 
 23; Ps. 12. 1.'. Jesus Christ alone of men i cheers him in adversity ich. 7. 14; s. 1.. 
 fully realises the perfect ideal of " man." therefore the miseiy. <fcc.— because the foolish 
 "Chiefest among ten thousand" (Sol. Song 5. I sinner does not think of the right "'times" 
 10.'. No perfect "woman" has ever existed, and the "jiulgn.ent." 7. jp — the sinner, by 
 not even the Virgin Mary. Solomon, in the neglecting times (X. fi'r.,-"the accepted time, 
 word "thousand," alludes to his 300 wives and the day of .salvation," 2 Coi. 6. 2,), is 
 and 700 concubines. Among these it was not taken by surprise by the judgment fch. 3. 22: 
 likely that he should find the fidelity which 6. 12; 9. 12 ). The godly wise observe the due 
 owe true wife pays to o^je husband. Connected : times of things ich. 3. 1,1, and so, lookii^g for 
 with ^•. 20, not an vmqualified condemnation : the judgment, are not taken by siu prise, 
 of the sex, as Pro. 12. 4; 31. 10, (fcc, prove, though not knowing the precise "when" il 
 29. The "only" way of accounting for the , Thes. 6 2-4;); they "know the time" to all 
 scarcity of even comparatively upright men saving purposes (Rom. 13. 11.). 8. spirit- 
 and women is that, whereas God made man breath of life (ch. .■;. 19,), as the words follow- 
 upright, they (men) nave, &c. The only account ling require. ISot "\^ind," as Weis.s thinks 
 to be "found" of the origin of evil, the great 1 (Pro. 30. 4.). This verse naturally follows the 
 mystery of theology, is that given in Holy subject of "times" and "judgment" <v. 6,7.;. 
 "\V rit (Gen. 2. ; 3.). Among man's " inventions" discharge— alluding to the liabiliiy to military 
 was the one especially referred to in v. 20, the service of all above twenty years old iJSiim. 
 bitter fruits of which Solomon experienced, 1. 3,), yet many were exempted 'Dent. 2U..5-S.). 
 the breaking of God's primeval marriage law. But in that war (death) there is no exemption, 
 joining one man to one woman (Mat. 19. 4, 5, tho-e . . . given to it— lit., the master of it. 
 6.). "Man" is sing., viz., Adam: " they, 1 Wickedness can get money for the sinner, 
 plur., Adam, Eve, and their posterity. but cannot deliver him from the death tem- 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. Iporal and eternal, which is its penalty (Isa. 
 
 Ver. 1-17. 1. Praise of true wdsdom conti- 28. 15. 18.). 9. his own hurt- the tyrannica] 
 nued ch.7. 11, &c.). "Who" is to be accounted "ruler hurts" not merely his subjects, but 
 " equal to the wise manf " Who (like him) himself: so Rehoboam (l Ki. 12;); but the 
 knoweththe interpretation" of God's provi- ; " time" of "hurt" chiefly refers to eternal 
 dences (ex. gr., ch. 7. 8, 13, 14,), and God's ruin, incurred by "wickedness," at "the cZr/i/ 
 word 'ex. gr., ch. 7. 29, note; Pro. 1. 6.). face of death" iv. 8,1, and the "timf" of "jndg- 
 to shine— (ch. 7. 14; Acts, 6. 15.). A sunny ment" (v. 6; Pro. 8. 36.). 10. the wicked— m., 
 countenance, the reflection of a tranquil con- rulers (v. 9.). buried— with funereal pomp by 
 science and serene mind. Commumon with man, though little meriting it (Jer. 22. 19:); 
 God gives it (Ex. 34. 29. 30.). boldness— aus- . but this only formed the more awful contrast 
 terity. changed— into a benign expression by to their death temporal and eternal iiiriicted 
 true wisdom ireligion) (Jam. 3. 17.1. Mauk. by God fLuke, 16. 22, 23.;. come :nd goiie from 
 transl., "The shining (brightness' of his face the place of :he holy— went to and came from 
 is doubled," arguing that the Heb. noun the place oJ judicature, where they sa,ta.i^ God's 
 for "boldness" is never used in a bad sense rejire.sentaiiws (Ps. 82. 1-6,), with pomp. (Hoju. 
 Pro. 4. 18.). Or SLS Marg., strength (ch. 7. 19; Weiss transl, " Buried and gone (utterly ,), 
 Isa. 4C. .31; 2 Cor. 3. 18.). But the adjective is even from the holy place they departed." As 
 used in a bad sense (Deut. 2s. 50.). 2. the Joab.by Solomon's command, was sent to the 
 l;i;!g's— Jehovah, peculiarly the king of Israel grave from the "holy place" m the t<mjde, 
 jn the theocracy; v. 3, 4 prove it is not the which was not a sanctuary to murderers (Ex. 
 448 
 
Tlie Mysteries of Providtiice. 
 
 ECCJ.EslASl'ES. IX. 
 
 Like Thinas Happen to AiZ. 
 
 21. 1); 1 Ki. 2.28, 31.). The useoftlie very word CHAPTER IX. 
 
 "bury" there makes this view Lively; still, 1. declare— rather, <£c/j?ore, the result of my 
 "who had come and gone" may be retained, exploring is this, that "the righteous, <fcc., 
 Joab came to the altar, but had to go from it: are in the hand of God. No man knoweth 
 so the " wicked rulers" [v. 9, , \including High either the love or hatred (of God to them) by 
 Pritsts) came it , md went from, the tnvilc, on all that is before them," i.e., by what is o«i- 
 occasions of solemn worship.butdidnotthere-iward^j/ seen in His present dealings (ch. 8. 
 by escape their doom, for^ii iten— Pro. lo. 7J. j 14, 17. However, from the sense of the same 
 11. The reason why the wicked persevere in I words, in v. 6. "love and hatred" seem to he 
 sin: God's delay in judgment (Mat. 24. 48-51; 
 2 Pet. 3. 8, !!.). "They see not the smoke of 
 the pit, therefore they dread not the fire." fort or sorrow 
 
 the feelings of the wicked tovxtrds ihe rirjd 
 1 eous, whereby they caused to the latter com- 
 ^ TransL, " Even the love ai d 
 
 I South.] (Ps. 66. 19.). Joab's escape from ; hatred" (exhibited towards the righfeou.s,a]e 
 ti'C punishment of his murder of Abner, so in God's hand) (i's. 76. 10; Pro. Ki. 7). ' ]" •> 
 far from "leading hin: to repentance," as it man knoweth aU that is before them." 2. l.u 
 ouj;ht lEom. 2. 4,), led him to the auditic nal things . . . alike— not universally; but as to 
 murder of .Amasa. 12. He says this, lest the deatti. V. 2-10 are made by Hol. the oi ji c- 
 siuncr should abuse the statement (ch. 7. 15,), tion of a sceptical sensualist. However, ti'i y 
 "A wicked man jjroZo?* fife^/t his life." before may be explained as Solomon's laiit;u; ; o. 
 li\n—iit.. at His pre.'-enct; reverently serve He repeats the sentiment akeady implied in 
 Him, reaiising His continual presence. 13. ch. 2. 14; 3. 20; 8. 14. oue event— not elt^r- 
 jieiiher shall be prolong — not a contradiction ; nally; but death is common to all. gooc— 
 tor. 12. The "prolonging" of his days there I morally, clean— ceremonially, sacrifictt. — 
 is only seeming, not real. Taking into ac- 1 alike to Josiah who sacrificed to Go;, and 
 count his eternal existence, his present days, to Ahab who made sacrifice to Him cease, 
 however seemingly loLg, are really short, sweareth — rashly and falsely. 3. Traud., 
 God's delay (». 11' exists only in man's ."^Lort- ! "There is an evil above aU (evils) that are 
 sighted view. It gives scope to the smner I dene," (fee, riz., that not only "there is one 
 to repent, or else to fill up his full measure event to all." but "also the heart of ihe Sf^ns 
 of guilt; and so, in either case, tends to the of men" makes this fact a reason for " madly" 
 final vindication of God's ways. It gives ; persisting in " evil while they live, and alier 
 
 that," &c., sin is "madness." the dead— (Pro. 
 
 2 18; 9. 18.). 4. For— rather, Neverlhtless. E. 
 
 exercise to the faith, patience, and persevei 
 
 ance of saints, shadow— ch. C. 12; Job, 8. 9.). . 
 
 14. An objection is here started (entertained ! V. rightly reads as the Marg., Heb., "that 
 by Solomon in his apostasy., as in ch. 3. 16; is joined," instead of the text, " who is to be 
 7. 16, to the truth of retributive justice, from : chosen?" hope— not of mere temporal good 
 the fact of the just and the wicked not now ; (Job, 14. 7;); but of yet repenting and being 
 receiving always accordnig ti) their respective , saved, dog— metaphor for the vilest per.«oiis 
 deserts; a cavil, which wouid seem the more ; 1 bam. 24. 14.). lion— the i.oblest of anima-s 
 ■weitihty to men living under the iVosaic i (Pro. 30. 30.). better— as to hope of salvation; 
 covenant of temporal sanctions. The objec- the noblest who die unconverted have no 
 tor adds, as Solomon had said, that the hope; the vilest, so long as they have life, 
 .vorldhng's pursuits are "vanity" [V. lo,). " I have hope. 5. know that they shall die— and 
 say (not 'said' fMs also is vanity. Then I may thereby be led "so to number their 
 commend mirth," &c. [Hon.] F. 14,1.5, may, days, that they may apply their hearts to 
 however, be explained as teaching a cheerlul, wisdom" (ch. 7. 1-4; Ps. 90.12.. detia know 
 thankful use of God's gifts "under the sun," not anything— i.?., so far as their bodily senaes 
 i.e., not n^aking them the chiej^^ good, as sen- , and u-orkUy aff'airs are concerned (Job, 14. 2:1; 
 sualists do, which ch. 2. 2; 7. 2, forbid; but Isa. 6.J. 16;); also, they know no door of re- 
 in ■' the fear of God," as ch. 3. 12; 5. 18; 7. 18; pentance open to tl;em, such as is to all on 
 9. 7, opi osed to the abstinence of the self- earth, teitii r . . .rewara — no advantage irom 
 righteous ascetic ich. 7. 10,), and of the miser their world)> Jabours (ch. 2. 18-22; 4. 9.). 
 (ch. 6. 17. . 15. no better thing, <fcc.— ivz., for memcry— not oi the righteous (Ps. 112. 6; Mai, 
 the "just" man, whose clufj gi od is religion, 3. 16,), but tlie wicked, who with all the pains 
 not for the worldly. a.hide— Heb., adhtrt; not , to perijetuate their names Ps. 49. 11 are soon 
 /or fire7', but it is the only sure good to be i "forgotten" (ch. 8. 10.). 6. love, and... hatrtd,&c. 
 enjoyed from earthly labours equivalent to — ,iei erring to i;. 1, where see the note.). Not 
 " o: his labour the days of his life.",. stUI, that these cease in a future world absolutely 
 the language resembles the sceptical precept {Ez. 32. 1.7; Rev. 22. 11;;; but as the end of this 
 '1 Cor. 15. 32,), introduced only to be reluted: verse shows, relatively to persons and things 
 and " abide" is too strong language, perhaps, in this world. Abm's love and hatred can no 
 for a religious man to apply to "eating" and longer be exercised for good or evil in the same 
 "mirth." 16. Reply to v. 14, 15. When 1 way as here; but the fruits of them rema.n. 
 applied myself to observe man's toils alter What he is found at death, he remains for 
 happiness (.some of them so incessant as not ever. "Envy," too, marks the wicked as le- 
 to al.ow sulhcient time for "slee,.,"), then ferred to, sime it was therewith that they 
 {V. 17, the apodosis) I saw that "man canix.t assailed the righteous (v. i, note.), portion- 
 find "out itne reason of) God's inscruiai'.e their "portion" was "in this life" iPs. 17. l-l,), 
 dealings with the "just" and with ti.e that thty now " cannot have any more." 7. 
 " wicked" here (v. 14; ch. 3. 11; Job, 5. 9; Konj. Addressed to the "righteous wise," spoken 
 11. :i:,\j\ his duty is to acquie.sce in them a. of in '.'.I. Being "in the hand of God," who 
 good, because they are GocCs, though he sees nowaccepteth " thy works" in His service, as 
 n"i all the reasons lor them iPs. 73. 16.). It is He has previously accepted thy person (Gen. 
 fci 11; h to know "the righteous are in God's 4. 4,), thou mayest "eat. Arc, with a cheerlul 
 hanti" ch. 9. 1.). "Over wise" (ch. 7. 16,), (not sensually 'merry') heart" ch. 3. l.i; i>. 
 i.L . .-peculations abo-\e what is written are l**; Acts, 2. 40.). 8. white— in token of joy 
 Vrtin. (Isa. 61. 3.). Solomon was clad in white 
 
 448 UJ 
 
Human PrdbabiliUes Uncertain. ECCLE^IASTES, X. Ohservations on Wisdom, dtc. 
 
 (Joseph. Antiq. viii. 7, 3;); henct^ his attire 
 is compared to the " lilies" JNlat. 6. 'Jn,), 
 typical of the spotless riahteousness of Jesus 
 Christ, which the redeemed shall wear (Kev. 
 3. 18; r. 14.). ointment— (Ps. 23. 5,), opposed 
 to a gloomy exterior (2 Sam. 14. 2; Ps. 45. 7; 
 Mat. 6. 17;) ; typical, also (oh. 7. 1; Sol. Song. 1. 
 3.;. 9. wif ' . . . :oves!:— godly and true love, op- 
 posed to the "snares" of the " thousand" con- 
 cubines (ch. 7. 26, 28,). "among" whom Solo- 
 moo could not find the true love which joins 
 one man to 07ie woman (Pro. 6. 15, 18, it); 18. 
 22; 19. 14.1. 10. " ^Vhatsoever," viz., in the 
 service of God. This and last verse plainly 
 is the language of Solomon, not of a sceptic, 
 as HoL. would explain it. hand, &.c.—{Marg. 
 Lev. 12. 8; Marg. 1 Sam. 10. 7.). thy mieht— 
 diligence (Deut. 6. 6; Marg. Jer. 48." 30.). 
 no work ... in the grare— (John. 9. 4; Rev. 14. 
 13.). "The soul's play-day is Satan's work- 
 day; the idler the man the busier the 
 tempter." [-outh.] 11. This verse qualifies 
 the sentin.ient, v. 7-9. Earthly " en joy mem.';," 
 however lawful in their place (ch. 3. 1.), are 
 to give way, when any work, to be done for 
 God. requires it. Reverting to the senti- 
 ment ,ch. 8. 17,), we ought, therefore, not 
 only to work God's work " with might" (v. 10,), 
 but also with the feeling that the event is 
 wholly "in God's hand" {v. 1.). race . . . not 
 to the swift— (2 Sam. 18.23;); spiritually iZeph. 
 3. 19; Rom. 9. 10.). nor . . . battle to . . . strong 
 —(1 Sam. 17. 47; 2 Chr. 14. 9, 11, 15; Ps. 33. IG.i. 
 bread — livelihood, favour — of the great, 
 chance— seemingly, really Providence. But 
 as man cannot "find it out" (ch. ;'. 11,), 
 he needs "with all might" to use oppor- 
 tunities. Duties are ours; events, God's. 
 12. his time— viz., of death (ch. 7. 15; Isa. 13. 
 22.). Hence the danger of delay in doing the 
 work of God, as one knows not when his op- 
 portunity will end (o. lO.). evil net— fatal to 
 them. The unexpected suddenness of the 
 capture is the point of comparison. So the 
 second coming of Jesus Christ, "as a snare" 
 (Luke, 21. 35.). evil time— as an "evil net," 
 fatal to them. 13. Rather, "I have seen 
 wisdom ot this kind also," i.e., exhibited in 
 the way which is described in what follows. 
 TMauk.J 14, 15. (2 Sam. 20. 16-22.i. bulwarks 
 —military woi'ks of besiegers. 15. poor— as 
 to the temporal advantages of true wisdom, 
 though it often saves others, it receives little 
 reward from the world, which admires none 
 save the richand great, no man remembered 
 
 man, Jesus Christ (Isa. 5.^ 2, 3; Mark. « 3: 
 2 Cor. 8. 9; Eph. 1. 7, 8: Col. 2. 3.). 
 CHAPTER X. 
 Ver. 1-20. 1. Following up ch. 9. 18. him 
 that is in reputation— ecc. gr., David (2 Sam. 
 12. 14;); Solomon (1 Ki. 11.;); Jehoshaphat (2 
 Chr. IS.; 19. 2;j: Josiah (2 Chr. 35. 22.;. The 
 more delicate the perfume, the more easily 
 spoiled is the ointment. Common oil is not 
 so liable to injury. So the higher a man's 
 religii us character is, the more hurt is caused 
 by a sinful folly in him. Bad savour is en- 
 durable in oil, but not in what professes to 
 be, and is co'-ipounded by the perfumer 
 ("apothecary") for, fragrance. "Flies" answer 
 to ' a little folly" (sin,), appropriately, being 
 small (1 Cor. 5. 6:); also, "Beelzebub means 
 prince of flies. " Ointment" answers to " re- 
 putation" (ch. r. 1 ; Gen. 34. 30. . The verbs 
 are sing., the noun plur., implying that each 
 of the flies causes the stinking savour. 2, 
 (Ch. 2. 14.). right— the right hand is more 
 expert than the left. The godly wise is more 
 on his guard than the foolish sinner, though 
 at times he slip. Better a diamond with a 
 flaw, than a pebble without one. 3. by the 
 way— in his ordinary coune; in his simplest 
 acts (Pro. 6. 12-14.). That he "saifh," virtu- 
 nllij, "that he" himself, &c. (LXX.). But 
 Vulg., " He thinks that every one [else whom 
 he meets) is a fool." 4. spirit— anger, yield- 
 uig piicifieth- (Pro. 15. 1.). This explains 
 "leave not thy place;" do not in a resi.sVingf 
 spirit Withdraw from thy post of duty (ch. 8. 
 :;. . 5. a.s— rather, "by reason of an error." 
 [iMaur. and HoL.l 6. rich— not in mere 
 wealth, but in wisdom, as the antithesis to 
 "folly" (for "foolish men") shows. So Heb. 
 rwh, equivalent to " Uberal," in a good 
 sense (isa. 32. 5.). Mordecai and Haman 
 (Esth. 3. 1, 2; 6. 6-11.). 7. servants upon 
 Horses — the worthless exalted to dignity 
 (Jer. 17. 25;); and vice versd (2 Sam. 15. 30.). 
 
 8. The fatal results to kings of such an un- 
 wise policy; the wrong done to others recoils 
 on themselves (ch. 8. 9;;; they fall into the 
 pit which they dug for others (Esth. 7. 10; Ps. 
 7. 15; Pro. 26. 27.). Breaking through the 
 wise fences of their throne, they sufler unex- 
 pectedly themselves; as when one is stung 
 by a serpent lurking in the stones of his 
 neighbour's garden wall (Ps. 80. 12,), which 
 he maliciously pulls down (Amos, 5. 19.). 
 
 9. renioveth stones— viz., of an ancient build- 
 ing. [Weiss.] His neighboui-'s landmarks. 
 
 (Gen. 40. 23.). 16. Resuming the sentiment [Hol. J Cuts otit from the quhrry. [Maub,.] 
 (ch. 7. 19; Pro. 21. 22; 24. 6.). poor man's wisdom ! end mgred— by the splinters, or by the head 
 is despised— not the poor man mentioned in [ of the hatchet, flying back on himself. Pithy 
 V. 16; for his wisdom could not have saved aphorisms are common in the East. The 
 the city, had "his words not been heard;" ■ sense is: Violations of true wisdom recoil 
 
 but poor men in general. So Paul (Acts, 27 
 11.). 17. Though generally the poor wise ; 
 
 on the perpetrators. 10. iron . . . blunt— in 
 cleaving wood" [v. 9,), answering to the 
 
 man is not heard i.v. 16,), yet "the words of j "fool set in dignity" (v. 6.1, who wants sharp- 
 wise men, when heard in quiet (when calmly iness. More force has then to be used in 
 given heed to, as in ■}?. 15,), are more service-! both cases; but force without jiuknient 
 able than," &c. ruleth— as the "great king" i " endangers" one's self. TnnisL, "If one 
 (v. 14.). Solomon reverts to "the rulers to hath blunted his iron." [Maur.J The pre- 
 their own hurt" iCh. 8.9.). 18. one sinner, &c. ference of rash to judicious coun.sellors, 
 — (.losh. 7.1, 11. 12.). Though wisdom excels which entailed the pushing of matters by 
 folly {v. 16; ch. 7. 19,), yet a "little folly /orce, iiroved to be the "hurt" of Kehol)oara 
 (equivalent to sin] can destroy much good," (1 Ki. 12.). wisdom is profitable tc direct— to a 
 both in himself (ch. 10. 1; Jam. 2. 10) and in prosperous issue. Insteadof forcing matters 
 others. "Wisdom" must, from the antithesis by main " strength" to one's own hurt (ch. 9. 
 to " sinner," mean religion. Thus typically, 16, 18.). 11. A "serpent will bite" if "en- 
 the " little city" may be applied to f/ie c/mrc/t chantment" is not used; "and a babbling 
 (Luke, 12. 32; Heb. 12. 22;); the great kiug to calumniator is no better." Therefore, as one 
 Satan (John, 12. 31;) ; the despised poor wise . may escape a serpent by charms d's. 58. 4, 6J, 
 448 U 
 
Ofxoisdom and folly. 
 
 in their heart while they live, and after 
 that they go to the dead. 
 
 4 For to him that is joined to all the 
 li\'ing there is hone: lor a living dog ia 
 better than a dead lion. 
 
 5 For the li\in>; kr.ow that they shall die: 
 but • the dead know not any thing, neither 
 have they any more a reward; for ''the 
 memory of them is forgotten. 
 
 6 Also their love, aud their hatred, and 
 their en\-y, is now perished; neither have 
 they any more a portion for ever in any 
 thing that is done mider the sun. 
 
 7 11 Go thy way, • eat thy bread with joy, 
 and drink thy wme with a merry heart; for 
 God now accept eth thy works. 
 
 8 Let thy garments be always white ; and 
 let thy head lack no ointment. 
 
 9 2 Live jovfuJly with the wife whom thou 
 lovest all the days of the lile of thy vanity, 
 which he hath given thee under the sun, 
 all the days of thv vanity: /for that w tliv 
 portion in this lite, and in thy labour which 
 thou tiiki'st under the sun. 
 
 10 Whatsoever thy liand findeth to do, do 
 it with thy might; for there is no work, nor 
 device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the 
 grave, whither thou goest. 
 
 11 IF I returned, * and saw under the sun, 
 that the race is not to the swifc, nor the 
 battle to the strong, neither yet bread to 
 the wise, nor yet riches to men of under- 
 standing, nor "yet favour to men of skill ; 
 but time and chance happeneth to them 
 all. 
 
 12 For '^man also knoweth not his time: 
 as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, 
 and as the birds that are caught in tho 
 snare; so are the sods of men »snared in 
 an e\'il time, when it falleth suddenly upon 
 them. 
 
 13 IT This wisdom have 1 seen also under 
 the sun, .iiid it seemtd great unto me: 
 
 14 There} was a httle city, aud few men 
 within it; and there came a gieat king 
 against it, and besieged it, and built great 
 buh\ arks against it. 
 
 1? >iow there was found in it a poor wise 
 man, and he by his wisdom delivered the 
 city ; yet no man remembered ;hat same 
 poor man. 
 
 16 Then * said I, Wisdom is better than 
 strengih: nevertheless ' the poor man's wis- 
 dom is despised, and his words are not 
 heard. 
 
 17 The •" words of wise men are heard in 
 quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth 
 among fools. 
 
 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of 
 war: but "one sinner destroyeth much 
 eood. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 1 Of wiidmn and foVy. 16 of riot, 18 tlvthfulness , 
 19 and money. 20 Mtn'a thoughts of kings ought 
 to be. reverent. 
 
 TjEAD 1 flies cause the ointment of the 
 ^ apothecary to send forth a stinking 
 savour: so doth a little folly him that is in 
 reputation for wisdom and honour. 
 
 2 A wise " man's heart is at his right 
 hand; but a fool's heart at his left. 
 
 3 Yea also, when he that is afuol walketh 
 by the way,2his wisdom faileth hira, ^and 
 be saitli to every one that he is a fool. 
 
 4 If the spirit of the mler rise up against 
 thee, "leave not thy place; for <» yielding 
 pacifieth great oU'ences. 
 
 6 Tliere is aa evil which 1 have seen under 
 
 B. C. 977. 
 
 CHAP. B. 
 <: Job 11. 21. 
 
 Is. U3. 16. 
 d Job 7- 8. 
 
 Is. LB. 14. 
 • ch. 8. 15. 
 
 ECCL ESIASTE3. X , XL Exhorta tion to eharita hleness. 
 
 the sun, as an error which proceedeth 
 3 from the ruler; 
 
 6 ; I y is set * in great dignity, and tho 
 rich siL in low place. 
 
 7 I have seen servants ' upon horses, and 
 prinoos w.ilkinti as servants upon the earth. 
 
 8 He that di^i<eth a pit shall ftdl into it; 
 and whoso breiiketh an hedge, a serpent 
 sh .11 bite him. 
 
 9 Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt 
 therewith ; and he that cleaveth wood shall 
 be eniangered thereby. 
 
 10 If the iron be blunt, and he do not 
 whet the edge, then must he put to more 
 strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct. 
 
 11 .Surely the serpent will bite /without 
 enchantment; and 6 a babbler is no better. 
 
 IJ The words of a wise man's mouth ara 
 8 gracious ; but the lips of a fool will swal- 
 low up himself. 
 
 13 The beginnmg of the words of hia 
 mouth is foolishness; and the end of ' hia 
 talk is mischievous madness. 
 
 14 A fool also 8 is full of words: a man 
 cannot tell what shall be: and what shall 
 be ^ after him, who can tell him? 
 
 15 The labour of the foolish wearieth 
 eveiy one of them, because he knoweth 
 not now to go to the city. 
 
 16 H Woe " to thee, land, when thy king 
 is a child, and thy princes eat in the morn- 
 ing! 
 
 17 Blessed art thou O land, when thy 
 king is the son of nobles, and » thy prhices 
 eat in due season, for strength, and not for 
 drui.kenness! 
 
 18 *ii By much slothfulness the building 
 decayeth; and through idleness of the 
 
 V Jam. 4. 14. 
 
 h Is. a. i. 
 
 U. 5. 11. 
 ( Pro. 31.4. 
 9 makoth 
 
 P.. U4.15. 
 
 Act8 \:j. 5. 
 
 lOUr. roa- 
 
 hands the' house ui oppcth thiough. 
 19 H A feast is made for laughter, and 
 wine 9 maketh merry: but money answereth 
 
 all thing 
 ^OUCTu 
 
 face of tho 
 
 U. S2. 3). 
 a Du. 15.10. 
 Pro. 19. 17. 
 Mat. 10.42. 
 Gal. 6. 9. 
 Heb. 8. 10. 
 
 b p». na. 0. 
 
 1 Ti. 6. 18. 
 e Mic. 5. 6. 
 d Ei.l.. 6. 16. 
 e John 3. 8. 
 2 th/ii; b« 
 right. 
 
 Cm-se ) not the king, no not in thy 
 l*J thought; and curse not the rich m thy 
 bed-cliamber: for n a bird of the air shaQ 
 carry the voice, and that which hath wings 
 shall tell the matter. 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 1 Directions for charity. 7 Death ought to be re- 
 membered tnlife, 9 and the day of judgment in 
 the days of youth. 
 rjAST thy bread i upon the waters: " for 
 ^ thou shall hnd it after many days. 
 
 2 Give * a portion " to sevcn, and also to 
 ei-ht: d for thou knowest not what evil 
 shall be upon the earth. 
 
 3 li the clouds be full of rain, they empty 
 thi-rji.<elves upon the earth: and if the tree 
 fall :ov\ ard the south, or toward the north, 
 in tile place where the tiee lalleth, there 
 it shall be. 
 
 4 He that observeth the wind shall not 
 sow ; and he that regardeth the clouds 
 shall not reap. 
 
 5 As " thou knowest not what is the way 
 of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow 
 In the womb of her that is with child; even 
 so thou kriowest not the works of God 
 who maketh all. 
 
 C In the iiiuriiiiig sow thy seed, and in the 
 evening withhold not thine hand; for thou 
 knowest not whether 2 shall prosper, either 
 this or that, or whether they boin shall be 
 alike 1,'ood. 
 
 7 11 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant 
 thing it is for the eyes to behold the smi: 
 
 8 lint it a man live many years, and re- 
 joice in them aU, yet let mm remember 
 
Of Riot and Slothfulness. 
 
 so one may escape the sting of a calumniator 
 by discretion {v. 12.). [Hol.] Thus. " without 
 enchantment" answers to "not whet the 
 edge" d'. 10. ), both expressing, figuratively, 
 V)ant of judgment. Maur. transl., "Tliere is 
 no gain to ihe enchanter" {Marg., master oj 
 the tongtie") from his enchantments, because 
 the serpent bites before he can use them; 
 hence the need of continual caution. Ver. 8-10, 
 caution in acting; v. 11, and following verses, 
 caution in speaking. 12. gracious— thereby he 
 takes precaution ajainst sudden injury {v. 11.). 
 swallow up himself— i Fro. 10.8,14,21,32; VJ. 
 13; 15. 2; 22. 11.). 13. Illustrating the folly and 
 injuriousness o{ the fool's -words; last clause 
 ofv. 12. 14. full of words— (ch. 5.2.). amaii can- 
 not tell what shall be— (ch. 3. 22; 6. 12; 8. 7; 11. 
 2; Pro. 27. 1.). If man, universally (including 
 the wise man,), cannot foresee the future, 
 much less can the fool; his " many words" are 
 therefore futile. 15. labour . . . wearieth— (Isa. 
 55. 2; Hab. 2. 13.). knoweth not how to go to 
 the city— proverb for ignorance of the most 
 ordinary matters [v. 3;); spiritually, the hea- 
 venly city iPs. 107. 7; Mat. 7. 13. 14.). Maur. 
 connects v. 15 with the following verses. The 
 labour (vexation) caused by the foolish (in- 
 jurious princes, v. 4-7,), harasses him who 
 *' knows not how to go to the city," to ingra- 
 tiate himself with them there. E. V. is 
 simpler. 16. a child — given to pleasures; 
 behaves with childish levity. Not in years; 
 for a nation may be happy under a young 
 prince, as Josiah. eat in the morning — the 
 usual time for dispensing justice in the East 
 (Jer. 21. 12;); here, given to feasting (Isa. 6. il; 
 Acts. 2. 15.). 17. son of nobles— not merely in 
 blood, but in virtue, the true nobility (Sol. 
 Song 7. 1; Isa. 32. 5, 8.). in due season— (ch. 3. 
 1.), not until duty has first been attended 
 to. for strengtii— to refresh the body, not for 
 revelry (included in "drunkenness."). 18. 
 building— Kt., the joining of the rafters, viz., 
 the kingdom v. 16; Isa. 3. 6; Amos, 9. 11.). 
 hands— (ch. 4. 6; Pro. 6. 10.). droppeth— by 
 neglect to repair the roof in time, the rain 
 gets through. 19. Referring to v. 18. Instead 
 of repairing the breaches in the common- 
 wealtb (equivalent to " building,"), the 
 princes "make a feast for laughter {v. 16,), 
 and wine maketh their life glad (Ps. 104. 15,), 
 and (but) money supplieth (answereth their 
 wishes by supplying) all things," i.e., they 
 take bribes to support their extravagance; 
 and hence arise the wrongs that are perpe- 
 trated V. 5, 6; ch. 3. 16; Isa. 1. 23; 5. 23.). 
 'all things" of the wrongs to 
 
 ECCLE SIASTES. XI. Exhortation to ChantaUeness. 
 the Lord's prayer, all things mcdful for the 
 li(id]i and soul. Solomon reverts to the seti- 
 liinent ch. 9.10.). waters— imaue from the 
 
 custom of sowing seed by casting it from 
 floats into the overflowing waters of the N ile, 
 or in a7iy marshy ground. When the waters 
 receded, the grain in the alluvial soil sjirang 
 up (Isa. 32. 20.). "Waters" express nmlfi- 
 tudes. so V. 2; Eev. 17. 15; also the seemin:jly 
 hopeless ^hnviM-ter of the recipients of the 
 charity; but it sliall prove at last to have 
 been not thrown away (Isa. 49.4.). 2. portu n 
 —of thy bread, seveii— the perfect number, 
 eight— even to more than seven, i.e., to many 
 (so "waters." v. 1.), nay. even to venj many 
 in need (Job. 5. 1!): Mi'c. 5. 5.). evil— the day 
 may be near, when you will need the help 
 of those whom you have bound to you by 
 kindnesses (Luke, 16. 9.). The very argument 
 which covetous men use against liberality, 
 viz., that bad times may come, the wise man 
 uses for it. 3. clouds— answering to " evil" (v. 
 2.1, meaning. When the times of evil are fully 
 ripe, evil must come; and speculations about 
 it before hand, so as to prevent one sowing 
 seed of liberality, are vain [v. 4.). tree— once 
 tliat the storm uproots it, it lies either north- 
 ward, or southward, according as it fell. So 
 man's character is unchangeable, vhether 
 for hell or heaven, once that death overtakes 
 him (Eev. '22. 11, 14, 15.). Now is his time for 
 liberality, liefore the evil days come (ch. 12. 
 1.). 4. Therefore sow thy charity in faith, 
 without hesitancy or speculation as to re- 
 sults, because they may not seem promis- 
 ing (ch. 9. 10.). So in v. 1, man is told to 
 "cast his bread-corn" on the seemingly un- 
 promising "waters" (Ps. 126. 6. 6.). The 
 farmer would get on badly, who, instead of 
 sowing and reaping, sjient his time in watch- 
 ing the wind and clouds. 5. spin',— how the 
 sold animates the body. Thus the transition 
 to the formation of the body "in the womb" 
 is more natural, than if with Matjk. we 
 transl. it " wind" (ch. 1. 6; John, 3. 8.). bones 
 . . . grow — (Job. 10. 8, 9; Ps. 139. 15. 16.). 
 knowest not the works of God— (ch. 3. 11 ; 8. 17; 
 9.12.). 6. morning...evening— early and late: 
 when young and when old; in sunshine and 
 under clouds, seed — of godly works ^Hos. 
 10. 12; 2 Cor. 9. 10; Gal. 6. 7.). prosper- (Isa. 
 55. 10, 11.). both . . . alike— both the unpromis- 
 ing and the promising sowing may bear good 
 fruit in others: certainly they shall to the 
 faithful souier. 1. light— of life (ch. 7. 11; Ps, 
 49. 19.). Life is enjoyable, especially to the 
 godly. 8. But whilst man thankfully enjoys 
 life, "let him remember" it will not last lor 
 ever. The "many days of darkness," i.e., 
 
 " " ■ S. 12,), 
 
 2) are 
 rich— the great. The language, as applied I coming'^ therefore sow the good seed whilst 
 to earthly princes knowing the "thought" is life and good days last, winch are not too 
 figurative. But it literally holds good of the ! long tor accom plishmg life s duties AU that 
 King of kings (Ps. 139.,), whose consciousness I cometh— i.e.. All that foUoweth m the <??■;/ and 
 of every evil thought we should ever realise. | dark days is vain, as far as work for God is 
 - . . , - ,.T^. „ J /-u ,^ ,,. > n T).: — ^"t advice., 
 
 thou 
 mode- 
 rately,' as ch. 5. I8,y. (fcc. then "knoy that 
 God will bring thee into judgment" ch. 
 
 Maur. takes 
 
 •which princes are instigated by "money 
 
 ex. gr., the heavy taxes, which were the oc 
 
 casion of Rehoboam losing ten tribes (1 Ki. | the unseen world 'Job, 10. 21, 22; 1 
 
 12. 4, (fee). 20. thought— lit., consciousness, i also days of "evil" in this world 
 
 bed-chamber— the most secret place (2 Ki. 6. concerned (ch. 9. 10.). 9. Rejoice— Not rt( 
 12 I bird of the air, &c.— proverbial (cf. Hab. but learning. So 1 Ki. 22. 15. is irony; if 
 2 11; Luke, 19. 40;) ; in a way as marvellous \ dost rejoice {carnally, ch. :'. 2; 7. 2, not i 
 and rapid, as if birds or some winged mes- rately, as ch. 5. 18,). (fcc. then knoy 
 senger carried to the king information of the ... God will bring thee into .ludgment 
 curse so uttered. In the East superhuman ' 3. 17; 12. 14.). youth . . . youth— distinct Heb. 
 sagacity was attributed to birds (see my note, ; words, adolescence or boyhood (before v. 13.), 
 iob 28 21; hence the proverb.). ; and full-grown youth. It marks the gradual 
 
 ■■''■""'"•""" '^■^ [progress in .self-indulgence, to which the 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Ver. 1-10. 1. Ver. 2 shows that charity is young especially are prone; they see the 
 here inculcated, bread— bread-corn. As in roses, but do not discover the thorns, until 
 
The mutual love 
 
 SOLOMON'S SONG. I. IL 
 
 of Christ and his chtirch. 
 
 the days of darkness ; for they shall be 
 many. All that cometh is vanity. 
 
 9 IT Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, 
 and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of 
 fchy youth, / and walk in the ways of thine 
 heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but 
 know thou, that for all these things " Grod 
 will bring thee into judgment. 
 
 10 Therefore remove <* sorrow from thy 
 fleart, and " put away evil from thy flesh: 
 for cnildhood and youth are vanity. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 I The Creator to be remembered in the days of 
 geuth, and must not it deferred. 8 The Preach- 
 er's eare to edify. 13 The fear of Qod the chief 
 concern of man. 
 
 DEMEMBER now thy Creator in the 
 *■'' days of thy youth, while the evil days 
 come not, nor the years draw nigh, when 
 thou Shalt say, I have no pleasure in 
 them: 
 
 2 While the sun, or the light, or the 
 moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor 
 the clouds return after the rain: 
 
 3 In the day when the keepers of " the 
 house shall tremble, and the strong men 
 shall bow themselves, and i the grmders 
 cease, because they are few, and * those 
 that look out of the windows be darkened, 
 
 4 And the ' doors shall be shut in the 
 streets, when the sound of the grinding is 
 low, and he shall rise up at the voice of 
 the bird, and all <* the daughters of music 
 shall be brought low: 
 
 6 Also when they snail be afraid of that 
 uiiioh is hj£h, ana tears shaU. be in ib» 
 
 CHAP. 11. 
 
 / Nu. 15. 39. 
 a Rom. 2. 6. 
 3 Or, knger. 
 ft 2 Cor. 7. 1. 
 2TiiB.2.22. 
 
 CHAP. 12. 
 « 2 Cor. 6.1. 
 
 1 Or, the 
 grinder! 
 &U, becauie 
 they grind 
 little. 
 
 6 Gen. 27. 1. 
 e Micah 7. 1. 
 d 2 S«. 19.35. 
 8 Lev. 19.32. 
 / Gen. 3. 19. 
 0ch. 3. 21. 
 ANu.27.16. 
 Zee. 12. 1. 
 
 2 Or, the 
 more wi»9 
 the pre«ch- 
 
 4 Or, reading. 
 
 5 Or.Tlie end 
 of themat- 
 
 i Mat. 12,36. 
 Acts 17.31. 
 Bom. 2.16. 
 lCor.i.6. 
 
 wav, and the ' almond tree shall fiourisb, 
 and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and 
 desire shall fail; because man goeth to hi« 
 long home; and the mourners go about the 
 streets: 
 
 6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the 
 golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be 
 broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken 
 at the cistern: 
 
 7 Then/ shall the dust return to the earth 
 as it was; » and the spirit shall retm-u unto 
 God ft who gave it. 
 
 8 H Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; 
 all is vanity. 
 
 9 And 2 moreover, because the Preacher 
 was wise, he still taught the people know- 
 ledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought 
 out, and set in order many proverbs. 
 
 10 The Preacher sought to tind out 3 ac- 
 ceptable words ; and that which was written 
 was upright, even words of truth. 
 
 11 The words of the wise are as goads, 
 and as nails fastened by the masters of 
 assemblies, which are given from one 
 shepherd. 
 
 12 And further, by these, my son, be ad- 
 monished: of making many books there is 
 no end : and much * study is a weariness of 
 the flesh. 
 
 la ^ 6 Let us hear the conclusion of the 
 whole matter: Fear God, and keep his 
 commandments: for this is the whole duty 
 of man. 
 
 14 For * God shall bring every work into 
 judgment, with every secret thing, whetbet 
 it be good, or whether it be evlL 
 
 THE 
 
 SONG OF SOLOMON. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 1 Th* ehureh'e love to Christ: 6 sh* confesses her 
 deformity. 7 and prays to be directed to his 
 flock. 8 Christ directs her to the shejiherds' 
 tents; Sand shewing his love to her, 11 9%ve3 her 
 gracious Tormnises. 12 The church and Christ 
 congratulate each other. 
 
 rrRE » Song of songs, which is Solomon's. 
 ■'- 2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of 
 bis mouth: for i thy love is better than 
 wine. ^ . 4 
 
 3 Because of the savour of thy good omt- 
 ments thy name is as ointment poured 
 forth, therefore do the * virgins love thee. 
 
 4 Draw * me, we <* will run after thee. 
 The King * hath brought me into his 
 chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in 
 thee; we will remember thy love more than 
 wine: 2 the upright love thee. 
 
 5 If 1 am black, but comely, ye daugh- 
 ters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, 
 as the cmtains of Solomon. 
 
 6 Look not upon me, because I am black, 
 because the sun hath looked upon me: my 
 mother's children were angry with me; 
 they made me the keeper of the vineyards; 
 bict mine own vineyard have 1 not kept. 
 
 7 Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, 
 where thou feedest, where / thou makest 
 Hiyiiock to rest at noon: for why should I 
 be 3 as one that tiuneth aside by the flocks 
 of thy companions? 
 
 8 1 11' thou know not. thou fairest 
 
 m 
 
 B. C. lOM. 
 
 CHAP. 1. 
 
 1 Ki. 4. 32. 
 
 1 thy loTei, 
 ch, 4, 10. 
 
 i 2 Cor. 11.2, 
 
 Mat. 25. 1. 
 «Jer. 31.3. 
 
 Hos. 11. 4. 
 
 John 6. 44. 
 
 John 12.32. 
 d Phil. 3.12. 
 e Fa. 45. 14. 
 
 John 11. 2. 
 
 £ph. 2. 6. 
 
 2 Or, they 
 love thee 
 uprightly. 
 Bo. 8. 39. 
 1 John 4. 
 16. 
 
 /John 10. 2T. 
 
 3 Or, M one 
 tbtt ia 
 veUed. 
 
 g ch. 2. 2. 
 John!5.14. 
 
 A2Chrl.le. 
 I t £ae. 16, 11, 
 I 4 0r,eypre>i, 
 I cb. 4. 13. 
 ' j ch. 4. 1. 
 
 ch. 6. 12. 
 I 6 Or, my 
 1 companion. 
 I 6 Or, 
 
 among women, go thy way forth by the 
 footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kida 
 beside the shepherds' tents. 
 
 9 1 have compared thee, «' my love, a to 
 a company ot horses in Pharaoh's cha- 
 riots. 
 
 10 Thy » cheeks are comely with rows oj 
 jewels, thy neck with chains of gold. 
 
 11 We will make thee borders of gold, 
 with studs of silver. 
 
 12 H WhUe the King sitteth at his table, 
 my spikenard sendeth forth the smell 
 thereof. 
 
 13 A bundle of myrrh is my well-beloved 
 unto me ; he shaU lie all night betwixt my 
 breasts. 
 
 14 My beloved is unto me as a cluster of 
 * camphire in the vineyaids of En-gedi. 
 
 16 Behold. J thou art fair, 6 n^y love; be- 
 hold, thou art lah; thou hast doves' eyes. 
 
 16 Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, 
 pleasant: also our bed is green. 
 
 17 The beams of our house are cedar, and 
 our 6 rafters of fir. 
 
 CHAPTER IL 
 1 Mutual love of Christ and his church. 8 Her 
 hope, 10 and calling. 14 Christ's eare of her. 
 16 Her profession, faith, and hope. 
 
 T AM the rose of Sharon, and the lily of 
 •*■ the valleys. 
 
 2 As the lily among thomB, so is my love 
 among the daughters. 
 
 3 As the apple tree among the trees of the 
 
TJie Creator to be Remembered ECCLESIASTES, XII. 
 
 in the Days of Youth. 
 
 pierced by them. Relitcion will cost self- (answering to o?c? (7f7e, in which all the powera 
 denial, but the want of it infinitely morejare dormant,), wliilst the other tnes are 
 (Luke, 14. 28.). 10. sorrow— i.e., </(c /u.s^s that iflowerless. Ges. takes the if e?^ ior Jhrnrishe^ 
 end in "sorrow." opposed to "rejoice," and !ro n a different root, cast ojf': when Hie old 
 'iieart cheer thee" v. 9;); Maru., "anuer,"lman /os«s his gray hairs, as the almond tree 
 i.e., aU " \\ ays of thine heart:' " remove," &c.\C(ists its white flowers, grassliopper— the dry, 
 is thus ojiposed to "walk in." &c. (v. 9.). (shrivelled, old man, his backbone sticking 
 fl'-sh — the bodily organ by which the sensual I out, his knees projecting forwards, his am s 
 thoitfjhts of the "heart" are embodied in acts. \ backwards, his n^ad down, and the apophyses 
 cm dill. o'l — rather. bo!//(Ood,- the same ift6. .enlarged, is like that insect. Hence arose 
 ■word as the first, "youth" in o. 9. A motive the fable, that Tithonus in very oitl age was 
 for self-restraint; the time is coming when ' changed into a gras.shopper. [Farkh.I "The 
 
 the vigour of youth, on which thou reliest, 
 will seem vain, except in so far as it has 
 been given to God ,ch. 12. 1.). youth— tt<., the 
 dawn of thy days. 
 
 OH AFTER XII. 
 Ver. 1-14. 1. As ch. 11. 9, 10, showed what 
 youths are to shun, so this verse shows what 
 they are to follow. Creator— 'itemember" 
 that thou art not thine own, but (ioit's pro- 
 perty; for He has created thee (Ps. 100. 3.). 
 Therefore serve him with thy "all" ;Mark, 
 12. 30, ■, and with thy best days, not with the 
 dres^s of them (Pro. 8. 17; 22. 6; Jer. 3. 4; Lam. 
 3. 27.). The Heb. is Creators, plur., implying 
 the plurality of persons, as in Gen. 1. 2(5; .so 
 Heb., Makers ;Isa. 54. 5.). while . . . no:;— i.e., 
 before that iFro. 8. 26) the evil days come, 
 viz., calamity and old age, when one can no 
 longer serve God, as in youth (ch. 11. 2, 8.). 
 no pleasure — of a sensual kind 2 Sam. 19. 35; 
 Ps. 90. 10.). Pleasure in God continues to 
 the godly old ilsa. 46. 4.). 2. Illustrating 
 " the evil days" (Jer. 13. 16.). " Light," " sun," 
 &c., express prosperity; "darkness," pain 
 and calamity ilsa. 13. 10; 30. 2ti.). clouds . . . 
 after . . . ram— after rain sunshine (comfnrt 
 might be looked for, but only a brief glimpse 
 of it is given, and the gloomy clouds (pains 
 return. 3. keeD.rs of tne house— ot'z., tlie hait,ds 
 and arms which protected the body, as guards 
 do a palace iCxen. 49. 24; Job, 4. 19; 2 Cor. 5. 
 1,), are now palsied, strong men... bow— (J ud. 
 16. 25, 30.). Like supporting pillars, the feet 
 and knees (Sol. Song 5. I5;i; the strongest 
 members (Ps. 147. 10.), grinders— the molar 
 teeth, cease— are idle, those that louk out of 
 tne windows— the eyes; the powers of vision, 
 looking out from beneath the eyelids, 
 which open and shut like the casement 
 of a window. 4. doors — the lips, which 
 are closely shut together as doors, by old 
 men in eating; for, if they did not do so, the 
 food would drop out (Job, 41. 14; Ps. 141. 3; 
 Mic. 7. 5.). in the streets— i.e.. toward the 
 street, " the outer doors." [Maur. and 
 Weiss.] sound of . . . grinding — the teeth 
 being almost gone, and the lips " shut" in 
 eating, the sound of mastication is scarcely 
 heard, tiie birit— the cock. In the East all 
 mostly rise with the dawn. But the old are 
 glad to rise from their sleepless couch, or 
 painful slumbers still earlier, viz., when the 
 cock crows, betore dawn (Job, 7. 4.). [Hol.J 
 The least noise awakens them. [Weiss.] 
 daughters of music— the organs that produce 
 and that enjoy music; the voice and ear. 5. 
 thar wiiich is tugh— the old a.e afraid of as- 
 cending a hill, fears ... in the way— even on 
 the level highviay they are fuU of fears of 
 falling, &c. aimond . . . flourish— in the East 
 the hair is mostly dark. The white head of 
 the old amon'.i the dark haired is like ait 
 aXm.ond tree, with its white blossoms, among 
 the dark trees around. [Hol.]- The almond 
 tree Jtowers on a leafless stock in winter 
 
 locust raises it>clf to fly:" the old man about 
 to leave the body is like a locust when it ia 
 assuming its winged form, and is about to 
 fly. LWaur.J a burden— t;iz., to himself, 
 de.sire shall 1 ail— satisfaction shall be abo- 
 lished. For desire, Vulg. has " the caper 
 tree," provocative of lust; not so well, long 
 nome— (Job, 16. 22; 17. 13.). mourners— ; Jer. 9. 
 17-20,) hired for the occasion (Mat. 9. 23.;. 
 6. A double image to represent <iea/./i., as w. 
 1-5, old, age. (1.) A lavrp of frail material, 
 but gilded over, often in the East hung from 
 roofs by a cord of silk and silver interwoven; 
 as the lam)) is dashed down and broken, 
 when the cord breaks, so man at death: " the 
 golden bowl" of the lamp answers to the skull, 
 which, from ihe vital preciousness of its con- 
 tents, rrtay be called "golden;" "the silver 
 cord" is the spinal marrow, which is white 
 and precious as silver, and is attached to the 
 brain. 2.) .4 /owntom, from which water is 
 dra .vn by a pitcher let down by a rope wound 
 round a %meel; as, when the pitcher and 
 wheel are broken, water can no more be 
 drawn, so life ceases when the vital energies 
 are gone. The "fountain" may mean the 
 light ventricle of the heart; the " cistern," 
 the left; the pitcher, the veins; the wheel, 
 the aorta, or gre.it artery, [smith.] The 
 circulation of the blood, whether known or 
 not to Solomon, seems to lie implied in the 
 language put by the Holy Ghost into his 
 mouth. This gloomy picture of old age ap- 
 plies to those who have not "remembered 
 their Creator in youth." They have none of 
 the consolations of God, which they might 
 have obtained in youth: it is now too late to 
 seek them. A good old age is a blessing to 
 the godly ((Jen. 15. 15; Job, 5. 26; Pro. 16, 31; 
 20. 29. i. 7. dust — the dust-formed body, 
 spirit— surviving the body; implying its im- 
 mortality (ch. 3. 11,). 8-12. A sunii ary of the 
 first part. 13, 14. A summary of the second. 
 Vanity, &c. — Resumption of the sentiment 
 with which the book began (ch. 1. 2; l John, 
 2. 17.). 9. gaVe good iieed- ?i<., he weighed. 
 The "teaching the people" seems to nave 
 been oral; the " proverbs." in writing. There 
 must then have been auditories assembled to 
 hear the inspired ivisdom of the Preactier. 
 See the explanation of "Koheleth" in the 
 Intr. and ch. l. [1 Ki. 4. 34.). that which was 
 -A-ritten, &c.— rather, (he sought) " to u-rite 
 down uprightly (or ' aright') words of truth." 
 [Hol. and Weiss.] "Acceptable" means an 
 agreeable style; " uprightly. . . truth," correct 
 sentiment. 11. goads— piercing deeply into 
 the mind (Acts, 2. 37; 9. 5- Heb. 4. i:^;); evi- 
 dently inspired words, as the end of the verse 
 proves, fastened— rather, on account of the 
 Heb. genders, (The words] " are fastened 
 (in the memory, like nails." [Hol.] masters 
 •f assemblies— rather, "the masters of collec- 
 tions (i.e., collectors of inspired sayings. 
 Fro. 25. 1] are givea (' have published them 
 
IntroducUo n, SOLOI\!OFS SONG. Introduction. 
 
 as proceeding' [Hot..]! from one Shepherd." lantidoe to follon-tn^ creatnre-idols. and 
 viz., the .Spirit of Jesus Christ \\\ EihsJ Kz. f vanities,' wheilier :.-.;:f-r tiiteoasiioi- ich. 7. 
 37. 24.). However, the meutiou of '•Moaus'iie, 18,), or wicked oppres.-^iou and otlier evils 
 favours the E. V., "masters of assemblies," I (eh. 8. 12, 13,), or mad mirth (ch. 2. 2; 7. 2-6,), 
 viz., under-shepherds, inspired by the Ckie/^ or self-mortifying avarice (ch. 8. 13, 17,), or 
 Shepherd (1 Pet. 6. 2-4.J. Schmidt transl.,' yonih spent without God ich. 11. 9; 12. 1.). 
 "The masters of assemblies are lastened i-. is is Lj.e whole dnty o{ ma.n—lit., this is the 
 (made sure) as nails," so Isa. 22. Zi. 12. ir/ioZe wrm, the full ideal of man, as ori^cinally 
 (Note, ch. 1.18.,'. many books— of mere /mma?i conteiiipJated, realised wholly by Jesus 
 composition, opposed to "by these;"' these Christ alone; and, through Him, by saiuts 
 inspired writings are the only sure source of now in part, hereafter perfectly 'I John. 3. 
 "admonition." ^ver niucii) study— in mere 22-24; Eev. 22. 14.). 14. Tlif luture jvul-nient 
 huinau books, wearies the body, without is the test of what is " vanity,' what .solid, as 
 solidly profiting the soul. 13. 'JUe grand 'regards the chief good, the grand subject uf 
 inference of the whole book. Fear tuod— The !the book. 
 
 THE SONl^ OF SOLOMON- 
 
 INTKODUCTION. 
 
 THE Songof Solomon, called in the Vulgate and LXX., " The Song of songs," from the opening 
 words. This title denotes its superior excellence, according to the Hebrew idiom: so holy of holies, 
 equivalent to most holy (Ex. 29. a?;); theheaven of heavens, equivalent to the highest heaven iDeut. 
 io. 14.). It is one of the live volumes \,vugilluth,)^\aiCed. immediately after the Pentateuch in MSS. of the 
 J ewish scriptures. Itis also fourth of the Hagiographa ('• Cetubiui" writings,), or the third division of 
 the <>. T., the other two being the Law and the Prophets. The Jewish enumeration of the Cetulnm is 
 P.«alms, Proverbs. Job, Canticles, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, l>amel, Ezra (including 
 Kehemiah,), and Chronicles. Its canonicity is certain; it is found in all Hebrew MSJs. of sc;ip.ure; 
 also m the Greek LXX.: in the catalogues of Melito, bishop of Sardis, A.D. 170 [Euseb., H.E. iv. ::6,), 
 and of others of the ancient Church. 
 
 Origen and Jerome tell us, that the Jews forbade it to be read by any until he was thirty years 
 old. It certainly needs a degree of spiritual maturity to enter aright into the holy mystery ot love 
 which it allegorically sets forth. To such as have attained this maturity, of whatever age they be, 
 the Song of songs is one of the most edifying of the sacred writings. Rosenmuller .justly says, The 
 fiutlden transitions of the bride from the court to the grove are iuexplicable, on the supposition that 
 It describes merely human love. Had it been the latter, it would have been positively objectionable, 
 and never would have been inserted in the holy canon. The allusion to "Pharaoh's chariots" (cli. 
 I. 9,). has been made a ground for conjecturing, that the love of Solomon and Pharaoh's daughter is 
 the subject ot the Song. But this pussage alludes to a remarkable event in the history of the O. T. 
 Church, the deliverance from the hosis and chariots of Pharaoh at the Red Sea. (See however note 
 there.) The other allusions are quite opposed to the notion; the bride is represented at times as a 
 shepherdess (ch. 1. 7,), '■ an abomination to the Egyptians" (Uen. 46. a4; so also ch. 1. 6; 3. 4; 4. 8; 5. 7,), 
 are at variance with it. The Christian fathers, Urigen and Theodoret, compared the teaching of 
 ^olonlon to a ladder with three steps; Ecclesiastes, natural (the nature of sensible things, vain;): 
 Proverbs, moral; Canticles, mystical (figuring the union of Christ and the Church.). The Jews com- 
 parea Proverbs to the outer court of Sob.imou's temple, Ecclesiastes to the holy place, and Canticles 
 to the holy of holies. Understood allegorically, the Song is cleared of all difficulty. " Shulamith" 
 ^ch. 6. 13,), the bride is thus an appropriate name, Daughter of Peace,\m'ag the leniinine of Solomon, 
 equivalent to the Prince of Peace. She by turns isa viuedresser, shepherdess, midnight inquirer, and 
 prince's consort and daughter, and He a suppliant drenched with night-dews, and a kim; in His palace, 
 in harmony w ith the various relations of the Cliuich and Christ. As Ecclesiastes set forth the vanity of 
 love ot the creature. Canticles sets fcrtu the fulnessof the love which joins believers and the Saviour. 
 Tlie entire economy of salvation, says Harris, aims at restoring to the world the lo.st spirit of love. 
 Crod is love, and Christ is the embodiment of the love of Cod. As the other books of Scripture present 
 severally their own aspects of divine truth, so Canticles furnishes the believer with language of holy 
 love, wherewith his heart can commune with his Lord; and portrays the intensity of Christ's love to 
 him; the affection of love w;is created in man to be a transcript of the divine love, and ihe Song 
 clothes the latter in words; were it notfor this, we should beat a loss for language, having the divine 
 warrant, wherewith to express, without presumption, the fervour of the love between Christ and us. 
 The image of a bride, a bridegroom, and a marriage, to represent this spiritual union, has the sanction 
 of Scripture throughout: nay, the spiritual union was the original fact in the mind of God, of w hich 
 maiiiage is the transcript (Isa. 54. 5; 62. 5; Jer.3. 1, &c.; Ez. 16. and 23.; Mat. 9. J5; 22. 2; -15. 1, ic; 
 Jo)n, 3, 29; 3 Cor. 11. 2; Eph. 5. 23 32, where Paul does not go from the marriage relation to tht 
 union of Christ and the Church, as if the former were the first; but comes down from the latter as 
 the first and Itest recognised fact, on which the relation of marriage is based; Rev. 19. 7; 21. 2; 22. 17.). 
 Above all, the Song seems to correspond to, and form a trilogy with, the 45lh and 72d Psalms.wbich 
 Cuntain the same imagery: just as Ps. 37., iiuswers to Proverbs; and Ps. 39. and 73. to Job. Love to 
 Cbrist is the strongest, as it is the purest, of human passions, and therefore needs the strongest lan- 
 guage to express it: to the pure in heart the phraseology, drawn from the rich imagery of Orienta: 
 poetry, will not only appear not indeUcate or exaggerated, but even below the reality. A single em- 
 blem IS a tijpe: the actual rites, incidents, and persons of the O. T. were appointed types of truths 
 a terwards to be revealed. But the allegory is a continued metaphor in which the cireuins'Miices 
 are palpably often purely imagery, whilst the thing signified is altogether real. Tiie cle" to he 
 nieairng of the Sons is not to be looked .or iu the allego y itselts but in other parts of JMiip .re. 
 *• It lies in the casket of revelation an eiquisite gem, engraved with emblematical chaiacieio, with 
 450 UJ 
 
Introduction. SOLOMON'S SONGJ. Introduction.^ 
 
 nothing literal thereon to break the consistency of their beauty." [JBur.l This accounts for tlie nam* 
 of God not occurring in it. Whereas in the /jaraWe tlie writer narrates, in the aileyory |,c never 
 does so. The iSonp throughout consists of immediate addresses cither of Christ to the soui, or of the 
 Boul to Christ. " The experimenial knowledge or Chrisi's loveliness, and the believer's love, is t lie best 
 commentary on the whole of this allegorical Song." iLeighton.~\ Like the curiously wrought < irieiital 
 lamps, which do not reveal the beauty of tlieir transparent emblems until lighted up within, so the 
 types aud allegories of Scripture, " the lantern to our patli," need the inner light of the iloiy Spirit 
 of Jesus to reveal their siguiticauce. The details of the allegory are not to be too minuiily pressed. 
 In the Song, wiih an Oriental profusion of imagery, numbers of lovely sensible objects are at:gregated, 
 not strictly congruous, but portraying jointly by their very diversity the thouBaud various aud beem" 
 ingly opposite beauties -which meet together in Christ. 
 
 The unity of subject throughout, and the recurrence of the same expressions (ch. 2. 6, 7; 3. 5; 
 b. 3,4; 2. 16, and 6. 3; 7. 10; 'A. 6; 6. 10; 8. 5) prove the unity of the poem, in opposition to those who 
 make it consist of a number of separate erotic songs. The sudden transitions, ex. gr., from the mJd» 
 night knocking at a huinMe cottage to a glorious description of the King, accord with the alterna- 
 tions in the believer's expeiieuce. However various the divisions assigned be, most commematora 
 have observed four breaks whatever more they have imagined,), followed by four abrupt beginnings 
 (ch. 2. 7;X 5; 6. 1:8. 4.). Thus there result live parts, all alike ending in full repose and refreshment. 
 AVe read (1 Ki. 4. 32) that Solomon's songs were " a thousand nnAfive:' The odd number /iwe added 
 over the complete thousamd, makes.it not unlikely that the "five" refers to the Song of songs, con- 
 sisting of five parts. 
 
 It answers to the idyllic poetry of other nations. The Jews explain it of the union of Jehovah 
 and ancient Israel; the allusions to the temple aud the wildernees accord with this; some Christians,, 
 of Christ and the Church; others, of Christ and the individual believer. All these are true; for the 
 Church is one in all ages, the ancient typifying the modern Church, and its history answering to that 
 of each individual soul in it. Jesus "sees all, as if that all were one, loves one, as if that one were 
 al . ' "The time suited the manner of this revelation; because types and allegories belonged to the 
 old dispensation, which reached its ripeness under Solomon, when the temple was built." [M. Stuart.'] 
 " The daughter of Zion at that time was openly married to Jehovah;" for it is thenceforth that the 
 prophets, in reproving Israel's subsequent sin, speak of it as a breach of her marriage covenant. The 
 songs heretofore sung by her were the preparatory hymns of her childhood: " the last and crowning 
 ' Soiig of songs' was prepared for the now mature maiden against the day of her marriage to the 
 King of kings." iOrigen.] Solomon was peculiarly fitted to clothe this holy mystery with the lovely 
 natural imagery with which the Song aliounds; for " he spake of trees, from ilie cedar in Lebanon, 
 even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall" (1 Ki. 4. 33). A higher qual'.ticati< n was his 
 knowledge of the eternal Wisdom or AVord of dod (Pro. 8,), the heavenly bridegroom, David, his father, 
 hadprep.'iredthe way. in Ps. 45. and 72.; the sou perfected the allegory. It seems to have been written 
 in early lite, long before his declension; for after it a song of holy gladness would hardly be appro- 
 priate. It was the song of his first love, in the kindness of his youthful espousals to Jehovah. Like 
 other inspired books, its sense is not to be restricted to that local and temporary one in which the 
 writer may have understoodit: it extends to all ages, and shadows forth everlasting truth (1 Pet. 1* 
 11, 12; 2. Pet. 1. iO, 21 ). 
 
 " O that 1 kuew how all thy lights combine, and the configurations of their glorie, 
 Seeing not only how each verse doth shine, but all the coustellationsof the storie." — Berbert. 
 
 Threenutesof time occur, i^f. Stuart.'\ (1.) The Jewish Church speaks of the Gentile Church 
 (ch. 8. 8,), towards the end; (2.) Christ speaks to the apostles (ch. 5. 1,), in the middle; (3.) The Church 
 speaks of the coming of Christ (ch. 1. 2,). at the beginning. Thus we have, in direct order, Christ 
 about to come, and the cry for the advent; Chri>t tinislm'g his work on earth, and the last supper; 
 Christ ascended, and the call of the Gentiles. In auothtr aspect, we have: (1.) In the individual soul, 
 the longing for the manifestation of Christ to it. and tlie various alternations in its experence (ch. 
 1. 2, 4; 2. 8; 3. 1, 4, 6, 7) of His manifestation; (2.) The alundailt enjoyment of His sensible consola- 
 tions, which is soon witl.dra\\n throng, the bride's carelessness (ch. 5. 1-H, Ac, ), and her longings 
 atter Him, and reconciliation (ch. 5. 8-16; 6. 3, &c.; 7. 1, &c.;); (3.) Effects of Christ's manifestation on 
 the believer, viz., assurance, labours of love, anxiety for the salvation of the impenitent, eagerness for 
 the Lord's second coming (ch. 7. 10, 12; 8, 8-10, 14). 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Ver. 1-17. Canticle I. — The Bribe 
 
 Seakching for and Finding the Ki>g. 
 
 — Ch. i. '.i — ii. 7. 1. Seng of songs — 'J lie 
 
 IV) ost excellent of all songs, heh. idiom (Lx. 
 
 as a suflFering king; Solomon, as thetnumpli- 
 ant prince of peace. The camp in the wilder- 
 ness represents the Church in the world; the 
 jieaceiul reign of I'-olonion, after all enemies 
 ad been subdued, represents the Church in 
 
 Deut. 10. 14.1. A foretaste on earth jheaven, of which joy the Song gives a fore- 
 of the "new song" to be sung in glory (Eev. laste. 2. liiu —abruptly. She names him 
 6. 9; 14. 3; 15. 2-4.. Soloim n's — " King of not, as is natural to one whose heart is full 
 Israel." or "Jerusalem " is not added, as in (f some natch desired friend: so -Mary IMag- 
 the opening of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, dalene at the sepulchre (John. 2(). li,), as if 
 not because Solomon had not yet ascended. every one must know whom she means, the 
 the thr< ne [M. StuartJ, but because 't)ne chief object of her desire (Ps. 73. l'.o; Mat. 
 his personality is hid under that of Christ, 13. 44-46; Phil. 3. 7. 8.1. kiss— the token of 
 the true Solomon (equivalent to Prince of peace from the Prince of Peace iLuke, l,i. 20;); 
 Peace.K The earthly Solomon is iiot intro- 'our Peace" (Ps. 8.5. 10; Col. 1. 21; Eph 2. 14.). 
 duced. which would break the consistency oi;of his nouth— marking the tenderestatl'ecti on. 
 the allegory. Though the bride bears the! For a king to permit his hands, or even 
 chief part, the Song throughout is not hefs,; garment, to be kissed, was counted a great 
 butthatof her "Solomon." He animates her. 'honour; but that he should himself kLss 
 He and she, the Head and the members, form 'another icithh ismouth is the greatest honour. 
 but one Christ. [A. Mevitton.] Aaron preft-ur-: God had in times past snoken by tlte mouth 
 ed Him as priest; Moses, as prophet; David, 'Of His prophets, who hath declared the 
 450 m 
 
The mufKoZ low 
 
 SOLOMON'S SONG, in, FV. 
 
 ef Christ and htt ehureh. 
 
 wood, 80 ia my beloved among the sons. 
 1 1 sat down ander his shadow with great 
 delight, » and his fruit was sweet to my 
 s taste. 
 
 4 He brought me to the » banqueting 
 house, and his banner over me was love. 
 
 5 Stay me with flagons, * coml'ort me with 
 apples : for I am sick of love. 
 
 6 1 lis * left hand is under my head, and ; 
 his right hand doth embrace me. j 
 
 7 B I charge you, ye daughters of Jeru- i 
 •alem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the I 
 field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my 
 love, till he please, 
 
 8 T The " voice of my beloved! behold, he 
 •ometh leaping upoa the mountains, skip- 
 ping upon the nills. 
 
 9 My beloved is like a roe or a young 
 hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, 
 he looketh forth at the windows, 6 showing 
 himself through the lattice. 
 
 10 My beloved spake, and said unto me, 
 Kise up, my love, my fair one, and come 
 away. 
 
 11 For, lo, the winter is pait, the rain is 
 •ver and gone; 
 
 12 The flowers appear on the earth; the 
 time of the singing of birds is come, and 
 the voice of the turtle is heard in our 
 land; 
 
 13 The fig tree putteth forth her green 
 figs, and the ^ines with the tender grape 
 give a good smell. Arise, my love, my lair 
 one, and come away. 
 
 14 ray dove, tiMt art in the clefts of the 
 rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let 
 me see thy countenance. <* let me hear thy 
 voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy coun- 
 tenance is comely. 
 
 15 Take us ' the foxes, the little foxes, 
 that spoil the vines: for our vines have ten- 
 der grapes. 
 
 16 IT My/ beloved is mine, and I am his: 
 he feecleth among the lilies. 
 
 17 Until " the day break, and the shadows 
 flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou 
 like * a roe or a young hart upon the 
 mountains 7 of Bether. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 1 TlUchnroh'iJlght and victory in Utnptation. 6 
 
 She gloriisa in Christ, 
 
 T) Y * night on my bed I sought him whom 
 ■*-' my soul loveth: I sought him, but I 
 found him not. 
 
 2 1 will rise now, and go about the city in 
 the streets, and m the broad ways I will 
 seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought 
 him, but I found him not. 
 
 3 The * watchmen that go about the city 
 found me: to whom I taid. Saw ye him 
 whom my soul loveth? 
 
 4 It was but ' a little that I passed from 
 them, but I found him whom my soul 
 loveth: 1 <* held him, and would not let him 
 go, until I had brought him into my 
 mother's house, and into the chamber of 
 her that conceived me. 
 
 5 1* charge you, O ye daughters of Jeru- 
 salem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the 
 field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my 
 love, till he please. 
 
 6 U Who / w this that cometh out of the 
 wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed 
 with myrrh and frankincense, with all 
 powders of the merchant? 
 
 7 Behold his bed, which is Solomon's; 
 threescore valiant men are about it, of the 
 valiant of laraeL 
 
 451 
 
 » Rey. a. 1. 
 
 2 pklktt. 
 
 3 houie of 
 wine. 
 
 4 straw ma 
 with ap- 
 ples. 
 
 b ch. 8 3. 
 laHJura 
 
 Ik 3. 6. 
 
 d ch. 8. 13. 
 • Pa. 80. 13. 
 E«ek. 13. 4. 
 
 Luke 1.78. 
 
 2 Pet. 1.19. 
 hch-S. 14. 
 1 Ot.ol 
 
 di»islon. 
 
 2 Sa. 8. 29. 
 
 CHAP. 8. 
 
 a U. 26. 9. 
 b ch. 6. 7. 
 c ProT. 8. 17. 
 ./ ProT. 4. 13. 
 a ch. 2. 7. 
 
 ch. 8. 4. 
 / ch. 8. 6. 
 1 Or, * bed, 
 
 or, throne. 
 
 ReT. 3. 21. 
 9 BeT. 11.16. 
 
 P». 110. 3. 
 
 Is. 63. 6. 
 
 a eh. 1. 16. 
 ch. S. 12. 
 b ah. 6. 6. 
 
 1 Or, that 
 eat of, etc. 
 
 e ch. 6. 6. 
 d ch. 7. 4. 
 « Neh. 3. 19. 
 /Prov.5.19. 
 ch. 7. 3. 
 
 2 breathe, 
 ch. 2. 17. 
 Lu. 1. 78. 
 
 Acta, 3. 21. 
 
 2 Pe.1.19 
 g Eph. 6. 27. 
 h Deut. 3. 9. 
 
 3 Or, taken 
 
 heart. 
 i 2 Cor.11.2. 
 
 Is. 54. 5. 
 
 Rot. 21. 9. 
 ;• Pro. 24. 
 
 13, 14. 
 ft Qen 27.27. 
 
 Boa. 14. 
 
 6,7. 
 { li. 58. 11. 
 
 Uosea 3. 8. 
 
 4 barred. 
 6 Or, 
 
 eypresi. 
 
 ch. 
 
 14. 
 
 «» John 4. 10. 
 John 7. 38. 
 n Gal. 5 22. 
 Ob. 6. 1. 
 
 8 They all hold swords, being expert iD 
 war: every man hath his sword upon his 
 thigh, because of fear in the night. 
 
 9 King Solomon made himseljf i a chariot 
 of the wood of Lebanon. 
 
 10 He made the pillars thereof 0/ silver, 
 the bottom thereot of gold, the covering ol 
 it 0/ pm-ple, the midst thereof being paved 
 
 \with love, for the daughters of Jerusa- 
 i lem. 
 
 11 60 forth, ye daughters of Zion, and 
 behold king Solomon with the crown where- 
 with his mother crowned him in the " day ot 
 his espousals, and in the day of the glad- 
 ness 01 his heart. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 1 Christ sets forth the graces of the church : 8 h^ 
 
 shows his wve to her, 16 She prays to be made 
 
 fit for his presence. 
 "DEHOLD, "thou art fair, my love; be- 
 •" hold, thou art fail-; thou hast doves' 
 eyes within thy locks: thy hair is as >> a 
 Hock of goats, 1 that appear from mount 
 Gilead. 
 
 2 Thy 'teeth are like a flock of sheep that 
 are even shorn, which came up from the 
 washing; whereof every one bear twins, 
 and none is barren among tl. jm. 
 
 3 Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet, and 
 thy speech is comely: thy temples are like 
 a piece of a pomegranate within thy 
 locks. 
 
 4 Thv <* neck is like the tower of David 
 builded * for an armoury, whereon there 
 hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of 
 mighty men. 
 
 5 Thy /two breasts are like two young 
 roes that are twins, which feed among the 
 lilies. 
 
 6 Until the day 2 break, and the shadows 
 flee away, I will get me to the mountain 
 of myrrn, and to the hill of irankin- 
 cense. 
 
 7 Thou ' art all fair, my love ; there m no 
 spot in thee. 
 
 8 ^ Come with me from Lebanon, my 
 spouse, with me from Lebanon: look frmn 
 tne top of Amana, from the top of Shemr 
 and " Hermon, from the lions' dens, from 
 the mountains of the leopards. 
 
 9 Thou hast 3 ravished my heart, my 
 sister, tn^ » spouse ; thou hast ravished my 
 heart with one of thine eyes, with one 
 chain of thy neck. 
 
 10 How fair is thy love, my sister, my 
 sin;usel how much better is thy love than 
 wine; and the smell of thine ointments 
 than all spices! 
 
 11 Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the 
 honey-comb; i honey and milk are under 
 thy tongue ; and the smell of thy garments 
 is * like the smell of Lebanon. 
 
 12 A * garden * inclosed is my sister, my 
 spouse; a spring shut up, a fountaia 
 sealed. 
 
 13 Thy plants are an orchard of pome- 
 granates, with pleasant fruits; ^camphiie, 
 with spikenard, 
 
 14 Spikenard and saflron: calamus and 
 cinnamon, with all trees ot frankincense; 
 myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices: 
 
 15 A fountain of gardens, a well of •"living 
 waters, and streams from Lebanon. 
 
 16 U Awake, O north wind; and come, 
 thou south; blow upon my garden, that 
 the " spices thereof may flow out. " Let 
 my beloved come into his garden, and eat 
 his pleasant fruits. 
 
The Bride Searching for 
 
 SOLOMOg;S SONG . I 
 
 and Finding the^Kin^ 
 
 Church's betrothal; the bride now longs for 
 cSci with the mmdh vj !^^ i^^^'(f[T^' 
 Himself 'Job 2.i. 12; Luke, 4. •It; Heb. 1. l. -.;. 
 K of the U Lnx-h before t^I.e first advent 
 iniunnc for the hope ot Israel, ine aesire 
 felnattons;"a!sot\;eawakenedsou^^^^^^^^ 
 for the kissot reconciliation; and turtner.ine 
 InUth-it is the token of the marnagecon- 
 ^roctlHos 2. 19 20?! and oifriend.Uv d gam. 
 4) 41- John 14. 21 15. 15J. ti,y \ov6-Heh, 
 
 6 : rS tokens of love lovmg Wand^^^^^ 
 nients. wine— which nuikes slad the lieayy 
 hea t" of one ready to perish, „so tha,t he 
 " venieii bers his uiisery no more' (Pro. .il. 0, 
 
 7 so in a '-better'^ sense, Christ's love 
 m<,b^; n 08 ) He Rives the same praise 
 
 S'Se bride^ -Le, with the emphatic addi- 
 tion, -How much" ,ch. 4. 10.). VVine was 
 rrpated bv His first miracle (John, 2., and 
 ^vas the pfedge given of his. love at the last 
 '\ipper ^Ihe spiritual wine is His blood and 
 THIS snirit the " new" and better wine of the 
 
 ^rirrSes the praise of the bride in the same 
 ciprocates ine prcusc . character and 
 
 on earth was the next John, 2. -Jl,!. ^^. >t[eby 
 believers are brought within the vaii 1-ph. 
 2 c Hel) 10. ly, 20.i. Entrance into the 
 closet lor prayer is the first step. 'Ihe ear- 
 nest of the Vuture bringing into heaven John. 
 14 3? JHi^chaM.bers are the bride's also 
 (Isa 26 20 ). There are various chamlers, 
 S. Johnl-U. 2.) be e^fl^'^l^Z.-'ii"^ 
 
 rames ;Ps\'hJ:677./. .remember-rather, com- 
 numorate with prames ilsa. CJ. (. . ine 
 nreTem.um6raJe.of spiritual Joys is beUer 
 tlmn the tiresfnt enjovnient ol carnal ont.'> lr^s. 
 than the 3^' ^«-\\«_f^ij,er. npriuhtly, sinc^rdv 
 (Ps 58 l;Kori.. 12.y;,; so Nathanael (John, 
 1 47) -Peter (John, 21. 17;); or defivedly 
 IMAuk] 5. black-i;iz., "as the tents of 
 kedar'-^eonivalent to blackness (Is. p. o.). 
 ^he draws he image from the black goat- 
 skins with which the Scenite Ambs 
 r Kedaf ^ was in Arabia Petra^a) cover their 
 tents (contrasted with the splendid state 
 tPnt in which the King was awaiting His 
 a accorchng to Easte% custo^^^^^^^^ 
 in,, thp darkness ot man s natural state. 
 Tofeel th s. and yet also feel one's sdi m 
 JesusChrist " comely as the curtams o. bo lo- 
 
 lirisi coiueiy jia >•" ^ v; . vv.™- - ■ - 
 marks the ..believer .(Kom. 7 1^- ^.c. 
 
 S%s «^ " Anointed" ilsa. 9. 6; 61. 1.K as ^^^^^^^^ V^s,"\^^ am," .ti^n?iackin 
 
 1 15 Iftwcnici; ou aiic •'"j" 
 
 aTgs S '^aii\n\hl: teSe of SSn^on 
 ^Ez.'S;trthen. also, the .tine men which 
 is the righteousness of saints iKev. ij. «,;. 
 tViP white wedding garment provided by 
 
 SeffitSts^o&S^iprekr^^h^emi^ 
 
 r S5sf fs Sa^Jefr^ek fr^'^hel'er ^ho 
 had not kept their own. to the Gentiles, so 
 he (ientiles are introduced at the commenc^ 
 
 •• tne savour oi umw.-wxv.. -.;- ---- ^ 
 surround His person (Pf.- f • J. 8 ) ^^tl. 7^i, 
 in its fullest sense apphesto Him ihe hoJ; 
 
 God's character m <-bristl John, 4.9, ij.. 
 So the penitent woman (Luke, 7. o7. ^8 47.J. 
 
 ^\f,.i^t fls loined in a communion of saints 
 Sin 1 41 I&. Individuality and com- 
 i'i?& meet in the bride, ruu-herearnest- 
 
 if1ofl\ter"th?ei-?i"rbSe?Jo& 
 ,^it chamberJ-hetprayer ismsweredeven 
 
 ^V'A^'f & brlae' • tloved- 'becon'e's 
 
 i?lie'rfaa1kSVa\|g^^^ 
 iX'\ fl^rtT'^eVow- People 1ml h^^ 
 r *1 !•= v,nnsH " i *> the worldly connec- 
 ts of her unreg^erate state ^Ps. 46. 10;); 
 
 wherebv the sun looked upon, i.e..„burniher: 
 Ai- 1 1R »fi T uke 1) '^5 ) The believer has to 
 
 »ri'p»s'on4aer.'s 
 
The Bride Searching for 
 
 SOLOMON'S SONG, I. 
 
 and Finding the King. 
 
 tures, under the Shepherd King iPs. 23.). (Ez. 16. 11.). The comparison to the horses 
 
 The bride, having first enjoyed communion (". 9) implies the vital energy of tlie bride; 
 
 with him in the pavilion, is willing to follow , this verse, her superadded graces (Pro. i. 9; 
 
 Him into labours and dangers; arising from 4. 9; 1 Tim. 2. 9; 2 I'et. 1. 5.) 11. We— The 
 
 all absorbing love Luke, 14. •■fC;); this dis- Trinity implied by the Holy Ghost, whether 
 
 tin;^islies her from the formal st (-lohn. 10. it was so by the writer of the Song, or 
 
 27; Rev. 14.4.). feedest— tendest thy tlock (Isa. not (Gen. 1. 26; Pro. 8. 30; 30. 4.). "The 
 
 40. 11; Heb. 13. 20; 1 Pet. 2. 25; 5. 4; Rev. 7. 17.). Jews a-cknowledged God as king, and IMes- 
 
 No single type expresses all the otiice of Jesus siah as king, in interpreting the iSong, but did 
 
 Christ, hence arises the variety of diverse not 
 
 know liiat these two 1 
 
 are one. [Lkigh- 
 
 images used to portray the manifold aspects ton.] make— not merely give Eph. 2. lo.). 
 of Him: the.se would be quite incongruous, borders of gold, with stuas [i.e., spots] of si ver 
 if tne song referred to the earthly f^olomon. —Jesus Christ delights to aive more " to him 
 Her intercourse mth Him is peculiar. She that hath" (Mat. 25. 29.;. He crowns His nvjn 
 hears His voice, and addre.sses none but Him- work inns (Isa. 26. 12.). The "borders" here 
 self. Yet it is through a veil; she sees Him are equivalent to " rows" v. lO;) ; but here, the 
 not (Job, 23. 8, 9.). If we would be fed, we I King seems to give the finish to her attire, 
 must follow the Sheiiherd through the w'/io/e by adding a croion [borders, or circles or 
 breadth of His word, and not stay on one gold studded with silver spots, as in Esth. 2. 
 spot alone, makest ... to rest— distinct from 17. Both the royal and jMptial crown, or 
 feedest:" periods of rest are vouchsafed ! chaplet. Theii/eb. for "spouse" (ch.4. 8j is a 
 after labour (Isa. 4. 6; 49. 10; Ez. 34. 13-15.). \crowneel one (Ez. 16. 12; Rev. 2. 10.). The 
 Communion in private must go along with I crown is given at once, upon conversion, in 
 
 public lollowing of 
 rather, one veiled. 
 
 Him. turneth aside — i 
 ., as a harlot, not His 
 
 title, but in sensible possession afcerwards 
 2 Tim. 4. 8.). 12. Wiule— It is the presence 
 
 true bride (Gen. 38. 15) [Ges.]; or as a mour- of the Sun of Righteousness ihat draws out 
 
 ner 2 Sam. 15. 30) [WeissJ- or as one un- the believer's odours of grace. It v.as the 
 
 knoicn. [Maur.] All imply estrangement sight of Him at table that caused the two 
 
 from the Bridegroom. She feels estranged women to bring forth their ointments for 
 
 even among Christ's true servants, answer- Him (Luke, 7. 37, 38; John, ]2. 3; 2 Cor. 2. 15). 
 
 iui; to "thy companions" (Luke. 22. 28,), so ' Historically fulfilled (Mat. 2. 11;;; spiritually 
 
 long as she has not Himself present. The (Kev. 3, 20;;; and in church worship (Mat. 18. 
 
 opposite spirit to 1 Cor. 3. 4. 8. If— She ought 20:) ; and at the Lord's supper especially, for 
 to have knoicn (John, 14. 8, 9.). The confes- here public communion with Him at table 
 sion of her ignorance and blackness (v. 5,), amid.st His friends is spoken of, as y. 4 refers 
 leads Him to call her " fairest" (Mat. 12, 2U. . to private communion (l Cor. 10. 16, 21 ;) ; typi- 
 Her jealousy of letting even "His compa- cally (Kx. 24.9-11;,; the future perfect fulfll- 
 nions" take the place of Himself (v. 7) led her I ment Luke, 22. 30; Rev. 19. 9. i. The allegory 
 too far. He directs her to follow them, as j supposes the King to have stopped in His 
 
 movements and to be seated with His friends 
 on the divan. What grace that a table should 
 be prepared for us, whilst stiJl militant (Ps. 
 23. 5.) my spikenard— not boasting, but own- 
 ing the Lord's grace to and in her. The 
 spikenard is a loM-ly herb, the emblem of 
 humility. She rejoices that He is well- 
 pleased with her graces, His own work (Phil. 
 4. 18.1. 13. bundle of myrrh— abundant pre- 
 ciousness [Gr.] (1 Pet. 2. 7.). Even a little 
 myrrh was costly; much more a bundle (Col. 
 2. 9.). Bur. takes it of a scent-bux filled with 
 
 they follow Him (l Cor. 11. 1; Heb. 6. 10, 
 12:): to use ordinances and the ministry: 
 where they are He is Jer. 6. 16; Mat. l^. 19, 
 20; Heb. 10. 25.). Indulging in isolation is 
 not the way to find Him. It was thus, lite- 
 rally, that Zipporah found her bridegroom 
 (Ex. 2. 16.). The bride imhesitatingly asks 
 the watchmen afterwards (ch. 3. 3.). kids— 
 (John, 21. 15.). Christ is to be found in active 
 ministrations, as well as in prayer (Pro. 11. 
 25.). shepherds' tents— ministers in the sanc- 
 tuary (Ps. 84. 1.^ 9. horses iu Pharaoh's cha- 
 riots—celebrated for beauty, swiftness, and 
 ardour, at the Red sea (Ex. 14.; 15.;. These 
 Qualities, which seem to belong to the un- 
 godly, really belong to the saints. [M. Stu- 
 art.] The allusion may be to the horses 
 brought at a high price by Solomon out of 
 Egypt (2 Chr. 1. 16, 17.). So the bride is re- 
 deemed out of spiritual Egypt by the true 
 Solomon, at an infinite price Isa. 51. 1; 1 Pet. 
 1. 18, 19.). But the deliverance from Pharaoh 
 at the Red sea accords with the allusion to 
 the tabernacle (ch. 1. 5; 3. 6, 7;); it rightly is 
 put at the beginning of the Church's call. 
 The ardour and beauty of the bride are the 
 point of comparison ; iv. 4) " run;" (o. 5) 
 ' comely." Also, like Pharaoh's horses, she 
 forms a great company (Rev. 19. 7, 14.). As 
 Jesus Christ is both Shepherd and Conqueror, 
 so believers are not only His sheep, but also, 
 as a Church militant now. His chariots and 
 horses (ch. 6. 4.). 10. rows of jewels— (Ez. 16. 
 11, 12, 13.). Olearius says, Persian ladies 
 wear two or three rows of pearls round the 
 head, beginning on the forehead and descend- 
 ing dosvn to the cheeks and under the chin, 
 SO that their faces seem to be set in pearls 
 451 (IJ 
 
 liquid myrrh; the liquid obtained by inci- 
 sion gave" the tree its chief value, he— rather, 
 it; it IS the myrrh that lies in the bosom, as 
 the cluster of camphire is in the vineyards 
 
 {V. 14.). all night— an undivided heart (Eph. 
 3. 17; contrast Jer. 4. 14; Ez. 16. 15. oO. . Yet 
 on account of the everlasting covenant, God 
 restores the adulteress Ez. 16. 60, 62; Hos. 2. 
 2, (fee). The night is the whole present dis- 
 pensation till the everlasting day dawns 
 
 Rom. 13. 12.). Also, lit, night (Ps. 119. 147. 
 14S,), the night of affliction (Ps. 42. 8.). 14. 
 cluster — Jesus Christ is one, yet manifold 
 in His graces, camphire— or, cypress. The 
 hennah is meant, whose odorous flowers 
 grow in clusters, of a colour white and yel- 
 low softly blended; its bark is dark, the 
 foliage light green. Women deck their per- 
 sons with them. The loveliness of Jesus 
 Christ, vineyards— appropriate in respect to 
 Him who is " the vine." The spikenard was 
 for the banquet [v. 12;) ; the myrrh was in her 
 bosom continually [v. 13; ; the camphire is in 
 the midst of natural beauties, which, though 
 lovely, are eclipsed by the one cluster Jesus 
 Christ pre-eminent above them all. Eu-gedi 
 
T}\e Bride Searching for 
 
 SOLOMON'S SONG, H. 
 
 and Finding the King, 
 
 -In S Palestine, near the Dead sea (Josh, citron, pomegranate, and orange apple fl'ro' 
 15. 62; iLz. 47. 10,), famed for aromatic shrubs. 25. 11.). He combines the sltadmi) and l'ra«r- 
 
 15. fair— He discerns beauty in her, who had ance of the citron with the sv;cethess of the 
 said. ' I am black" 'v. 5.), because of the orange and iiome^jranate fruit. The foliage 
 everlastmg covenant iPs. 45. 11; Isa. 62. 5; isperpetual;tliroughouttheyearasuccession 
 
 Eph. 1.4,5.). ^ ' ' '- '■' -"•" '--^- - ' '• '■ - -• 
 
 ful in the 
 features 
 
 tmg covenant iPs. 45. 11; Isa. 62. 5; isperpetual;tliroughouttheyearasuccessioi 
 4,5.). doves eyes— large and beauti- of blossoms, fruit, and perfume; (.Jan,, l. i7.), 
 he doves of Syria. The prominent among the sons — parallel to "among th( 
 s of her beauty (Mat. 10. 16:): gentle- daughters" (i;. 2.). He alone is ever IruitfuJ 
 
 ness, innocence, and constant love, emblem among tJie fruitless wild trees (Ps. 89. 6; Heb. 
 of the Holy Ghost, who changes us to iiw|l_. 0.). I sat . . . with delight— /i«., / aKiarly 
 
 otvn likeness (Gen. 8. 10, 11; Mat. 3. 16... 
 The opposite kind of eyes (Ps. 101. 5; Mat. 
 
 desired and sat (Ps. 94. 19; Mark, 6. 31; Kph. 
 2. C; 1 Pet. 1. 8.). shadow— (Ps. 12l. 5; Jsa. 4. 
 
 15; 2 Pet. 2. 14.). 16. Repkj of the Bride. \6; 25. 4; 32. 2.). Jesus Christ interposes the 
 She presumes to call Him beloved, because i shadow of His cross between the blaz ng rays 
 He called her so first. Thou callest me i of justice and us sinners, fruit— faith pnicks 
 fair;' If I am so it is not in myself, it is ail lit (Pro. 3. 18.). Man lost the tree oi life (Gen. 
 from thee (Ps. 00. 17;;; but Thou art fair in 1 3.). Jesus Christ has regained it for hii.,; he 
 thyself iPs. 45. 2.). pleasant— (Pro. 3. I7j to- eats it partly now (Ps. 119. lo:;; John, 6. 55,57; 
 wards thy friends (2Sam.l. 26.j. bed... green 1 Pet. 2. 3,), fully hereafter (Rev. 2. 7; 22. 2, 
 
 —the couch of green grass on which the King 14;) : not earned by the sweat of his brow, of 
 and His bride sit to '" rest at noon.' Thus her , by his rigliteousness (Rom. 10.). Ci ntrast 
 
 %y 
 
 prayer m 
 
 is here granted: a green oasis the worldling's fruit (Deut. 32. 32; Luke, 15. 
 
 the desert, always found near waters in 16.). 4. Historically fulfilled in tlie joy of 
 the E. Ps. 23. 2; Isa. 41. 17-19.). The scene Simeon and Anna in the temple, over the 
 IS a kiosk, or summer-house. Historicaihj , ' infant Saviour (Luke, 2.,). and that of .Mair 
 the literal resting of the Babe of Bethleiiem !too (cf. Luke. 1. 5;;;); typified (Ex. 24. 9-11.), 
 and His parents on the green gi-ass provided i Spiritually, the bride or beloved is led (v. 4) 
 for cattle (Luke, 2.). In this verse there is \^r&iintot}ie King's chamhers,ihenc&\&drawn 
 an incidental allusion, in v. 15, to the otiering j after Him in answer to her prayer: is next 
 
 received on a grassy couch under a cedar 
 kiosk; and at last in a " banqueting hail," 
 such as, Josephus says, Solomon had in his 
 palace, "wherein all the vessels we.e o) gold" 
 {Antiq., 8. 5, 2.). The transition is from holy 
 retirement to public ordinances, church wor- 
 ship, and tlie Lord's supper (Ps. 36. 8.). The 
 bride, as the queen oi Sheba, is given " all 
 her desire" (1 Ki. 10. 13; Ps. 63. 5; Eph. 3. 8, 
 16-21; Phil 4. 19; ; type of the heavenly feast 
 iiereafter (Isa. 25. 6, 9.). his banner . . . love — 
 After having rescued us from the enemy, our 
 victorious captain (Heb. 2. 10,), seats us at the 
 banquet under a banner inscribed with His 
 name, "love" (1 John, 4. 8.). His love con- 
 quered us to Himself: this banner rallies 
 round us the forces of Omnipotence, as our 
 protection: it marks to what country we be- 
 long, heaven, the abode of love, and in what 
 we most glory, the cross of Jesus Christ, 
 through which we triumph (Rom. 8. >,7; l Cor. 
 15. 57; Rev. 3. 21.). Cf. with " over me" (Deut. 
 33. 27,), '"'underneath are the everlasting 
 arms." 5. flagons— Maur. prefers IrunsL, 
 " dried raisin cakes:" from the Btb. root 
 fire, viz., dried by heat. But the "house of 
 wine" (Marg., v. 4) favours "flagons:" the 
 "new wine' of the kingdom, the Spirit of 
 Jesus Christ, apples— from the tree [v. 3,), so 
 sweet to her, the promises of God. sick of 
 love — the highest degree of sensible enjoy- 
 ment that can be attained here. It n.ay be 
 at an early or late stage of experience. 
 Paul (2 Cor. 12. 7.). In the last sickness of J. 
 Welch, he was overheard saying, " Lord, 
 hold thine iand, it is enough; tliy servant is , 
 a clay vessel, and can hold no more." [Flkm-' 
 iKG, Fulf. Script.] In most cases this inten- 
 sity of joy is reserved for the heavenly ban- 
 quet. Historically, Israel had it, when the 
 Lord's glory filled the tabernacle, and after- 
 wards the temple, so that the priests could 
 not stand to minister: so in the Christian 
 Church, on Pentecost. The bride all(lre^^ses 
 Chriat mainly, though in her rapture she uses 
 the plur., "Stay {ye} me," speaking generally. 
 ISo far from asking the withdrawal of the 
 manii'estationa which had overpowered her. 
 
 (Luke, 2. 24./. So the " cedar and fir" ceiling 
 refers to the temple (l Ki. 5. e-lO; 6. 15-18;;; 
 type of the heavenly temple (Rev. 21. 22.). 
 17. our house— see note, v. 16; but ijriniarily, 
 the kiosk (isa, 11. 10,), "His rest." Cedar is 
 pleasing to the eye and smell, hard, and 
 never eaten by worms, fir— rather, cypress, 
 which is hard, durable, and fragrant, oi a 
 reddish hue. [Ges., Weiss, and xMaur.] 
 Contrasted with the shifting " tents" {v. 5,), 
 His house is " our house" iPs. 92. 13; E{>h. 
 2. 19; Pleb. 3. 6.). Perfect oneness of Him 
 and the bride (John, 14. 20; 17. 21.). There is 
 the slielter of a princely roof from the sun 
 (Ps. 121. 6,), without the confinement of walls, 
 and amidst rural beauties. The carved ceil- 
 ing represents the wondrous excellencies of 
 Bis divine nature. 
 
 CHAPTER n. 
 Ver. 1-17. 1. rose — if applied to Jesus 
 Christ, it, with the white lily (lowly, 2 Cor. 
 8. 9,), answers to "white and ruddy" (ch. 5. 
 10.). But it is rather the meadov-saffroro; the 
 Heb. means radically a plant with a pungent 
 bulb, inapplicable to the rose. So Syr. It is 
 of a white and violet colour. [Maur., Ges., 
 and Weiss.] The bride thus speaks of her- 
 self as lowly though lovely, in contrast with 
 the lordly " apple" or citron tree, the Bride- 
 groom \v. 3;); so the "lily" is applied to her 
 {v. 2.]. Sharon— (Isa. 35. 1,2.). InN. 1 alestine, 
 between Mount Tabor and Lake Tiberias (1 
 Chr. 6. 16.). LXX. and Vulg. transl. it "a 
 plain:" though they err in this, the Heb. Bible 
 not elsewhere favouring it, yet the parallel- 
 ism to valleys shows that, in the proper name 
 Sharon, there is here a tacit reference to its 
 meaning of lowliness. Beauty, delicacy, and 
 ii lowliness, are to be in her, as they were in 
 iHim (Mat, 11. 29.). 2. Jesus Christ to the 
 Bride. (Mat. 10. 16; John, 15. 19; i John, h. 19.). 
 Thorns, equivalent to the wicked (2 Sam. 23. 
 6; Ps. 67. 4.). daughters— of men, not Oj God; 
 not "the virgins." "If thou art the hly of 
 Jesus Christ, take heed lest by impatience, 
 rash judgments, and pride, thou thyself be- 
 come a thorn." |Luther.] 3. Her rejjly. 
 apple — generic term; including the golden 
 461 t2j 
 
The Ministry of 
 
 SOLOMON'S SONG, H. 
 
 Joh7i, the Bavtist. 
 
 she asks for more: so "fainteth for" (Ps. 84. soin a secondary sense. "The voice" of Jesus 
 2:): also Peter, on the mount of transfigura- j Christ is indirect. through "the friend uf liie 
 tion (Luke, 9. 33,), "Let us make &c., woi I Bridegroom" (Jomi, a. :j9,), John the Baptist. 
 knowing what he said." 6. The " stay" she i l-ersonally. He is silent during John's minis- 
 prayed for (v. 5) is granted (Deut. 3.3. 12, 27; tration, who awoke the long slumbering 
 Ps. 37 24; Isa. 41. 10.). None can pluck from j Church with the cry, "Every hill shall be 
 that embrace (John. 10. 28-30.). His hand , made low." in the spirit of Elias, on the " rent 
 keeps us from falling (Mat. 14. 30, 31,), to it ' mountains" il Ki. 19. 11; cf. Isa. 52. 7.). Jesus 
 we may commit ourselves (Ps. 31. 6.). The Christ is implied as coniing with intense de- 
 " left" is the inferior hand, by wMch the Lord: sire (Luke. r2. 15; Heb. 10. 7,), disregarding 
 less signally manifests His love, than by the the mountain hindrances raised by man's 
 rightrthesecrethandof ordinary providence, sin. 9. he standeth— after having bounded 
 as distinguished from that of manifested i over the intervening space like a roe. He 
 the "right."). They really go together, ' often stands near, M'hen our unbelief hides 
 
 ■ ■- '"■ ' "^ -"-.Rev. 3. 14-20.). His 
 
 _ .. _ „. i and expected; sud- 
 
 den at last: so, in visiting the second temple 
 (Mai. 3. 1;); so at Pentecost (Acts, 2. 1, 2;i ; so in 
 visiting an individual soul, Zaccheus (Luke, 
 19. 5, 6; John. 3. 8;); and so, at the second 
 coming (Mat. 24. 48, 60; 2 Pet. 3. 4, 10.). So it 
 shall be at His second coming (1 Thes. 5. 2. 3.). 
 wall— over the cope of which He is first seen: 
 next. He looks through (not Jorth; for He is 
 outside) at the windows, glancing suddenly 
 and stealthily Inot as ^B.F. "showing Him- 
 self) through the lattice. The prophecies, 
 types, &c., were lattice glimpses of Hun to 
 the O. T. Church, in spite of the ivall of sepa- 
 ration which sin had raised (John, 8. 56:): 
 clearer gliniv)ses were given by John Baptist, 
 but not unclouded John, 1. 26.). The legal 
 wall of partition was not to be removed until 
 His death (Eph. 2. 14, 15; Heb. lO. I'O. . Even 
 now. He is only seen by faith, ihrouL'h the 
 windows of His Word, and the laii _e of 
 ordmances and sacraments (Luke, 24. 35; 
 John, 14. 21;); not full vision ;1 Cor. 13. 12:): 
 an incentive to our looking for His second 
 coming (Isa. 33. 17; Tit. 2. 13.). 10, 11. Loving 
 reassurance given by Jesus Christ to the 
 bride, lest she .should think that He had 
 cea.sed to love her, on account of her txnfaith- 
 fulness, which had occasioned His temporary 
 withdrawal, He allures her to bri;-hler than 
 worldly joys (Mic. 2. 10.). ISot oi:ly does the 
 saint wish to depart, to be with Him. but He 
 still more desires to have the saint with Him 
 above (John. 17. 24.). Historically, the vine- 
 yard or garden of the King, here first intro- 
 duced, is ' ' hf kingdom of heaven preached" 
 '■ the Law and 
 win- 
 
 _ _ >gi 
 
 though sometimes they 'seem divided: here ! Him from us (Cen. 28 
 both are felt at once. Theodoret takes the | usual way; long promi 
 left ha,nd, equivalent to judgment and ivrath; 
 the right, equivalent to honour and love. 
 The hand of justice no longer is lifted to 
 smite, but is under the head of the believer 
 to support (Isa. 42. 21,), the hand of Jesus 
 Christ pierced by justice for our sin supports 
 us. The charge not to disturb the beloved 
 occurs thrice: but the sentiment here, " His 
 left hand," &c., nowhere else fully; which ac- 
 cords with the intensity of joy {v. 5) found 
 nowhere else: inch, 8. 3, it is only conditional, 
 " should embr-Ace," not "doth." 7. Not an 
 oath " by the roes:" but a solemn charge, to 
 act as cautiously as the himter wotild with the 
 wild roes, which are proverbially timorous: 
 he must advance with breathless circumspec- 
 tion, if he is to take them: so he who would 
 not lose Jesus Christ and His Spirit, which 
 is easily grieved and withdrawn, must be 
 tender of conscience and watchful (Ez. in. 43; 
 Eph. 4. 30; 6. 15; 1 Thes. 5. 19.;. In Marg. 
 title of Ps. 22.. Jesus Christ is called the 
 " Hind of the morning," hunted to death by 
 the dogs (cf. V. 8, 9. where He is represented 
 as bounding on the hills. Ps. 18. 33.). Here 
 He is resting, hut with a repose easily broken 
 jZeph. 3. 17.). It is thought a gross rudeness 
 xa the E. to awaken one sleeping, especially 
 a person of rank, my love— in Heb., Fern, for 
 Masc, the abstract for concrete, Jesus Christ 
 being the embodiment of love itself (ch. 3. 6; 
 8. 7,). where, as here, the context requires it 
 to be applied to Him, not her. She too is 
 " love" (ch. 7. 6,), for His love calls forth her 
 love. Presumption in the convert is 
 
 grieving to the Spirit as despair. The loving- \ by John l^aptist, before whom " the Law 
 ness and pleasantness of the hind and roe the Prophets were" Luke, 16. 16.). 11. '.he 
 (Pro. 5. 19) is included in this image of Jesus ter— the law of the covenant of works (Mat. 4, 
 
 Christ. 
 
 Canticle II.— Ch. ii. 8— iii. .5.— John the 
 Baptist's Ministry. 8. voice— an exclama- 
 
 16.). ram IS over— (Heb. 12. 18-24; 1 John, 2. 
 8.). Then first the Gentile Church i.- illed 
 ' beloved, which was not beloved" ilvum. 
 
 tion of joyful surprise, evidently after a long \ 25.). So " the winter" of estrangement and sin 
 
 silence. The restlessness of sin and fickle 
 ness in her had disturbed His rest with her, 
 
 past" to the believer (Isa. 44. 22; Jer. 50. 
 Cor. 5. 17; Eph. 2. 1.). The rising " Sun 
 
 in sov 
 return 
 
 ■which she had professed not to wish disturb-! of righteousness" dispels the "rain" (2 Sam. 
 ed " tlU He should please." He left her, but 23. 4; Ps. 126. 5; Mai. 4. 2.). The winter in 
 ereign grace miexpectedly heralds His Palestine is past by April, but all the showers 
 
 1. She awakes, and at once recognises were not over till May. Tiie time described 
 
 His voice (1 Sam. 3. 9, 10: John, 10. 4: : her here is that which comes directly after these 
 sleep is not so sinfully deep as in ch.6. 2. last showers of winter. In the hiKliest sense, 
 leapiag— bounding, as the roe does, over the ! the coming resurrection and deliverance of 
 roughest obstacles (2 Sam. 2. 18; l Chr. 12. 8;); the earth from the past curse is here iuiplied 
 as the Father of the prodigal " had compas- 1 (Rom. 8. 19; Rev. 21. 4; 22. 3.). No more 
 sion and ran" (Luke. 15. 20.). upon the hills "clouds" shall then "return after the rain" 
 —as the sunbeams glancing from hill to hill. (Eccl. 12. 2; Rev. 4. 3; cf. Gen. 9. 13-17:): " the 
 So Marg. title of Jesus Christ (Ps. 22.; "Hind rainbow round the throne" is the "token" of 
 of the momiyig" (type of His resurrection.). | this. 12. flowers— tokens of anger past, and 
 Historically, the coming of the kingdom of of grace come. " The summoned bride is 
 heaven (the gospel dispensation,), announced welcome," say some Fathers, " to weave from 
 
 by John Baptist, is meant: it primarily is them garlands of beauty, wherewith she 
 the garden or vineyard; the bride is called ; may adorn herself to meet the liing," "=- 
 451 [3J ' 
 
 His- 
 
The Ministry of 
 
 SOLOMON'S SONG, U. 
 
 John the Baptist. 
 
 torically, the flowers, (fee. only give promise; an afflicted condition for tlieir"siibjectr~A3 
 
 the fruit is not ripe yet: suitable to the 
 preaching of John Baptist, " The kingdom 
 of heaven is at hand-" not yet fully come, 
 the time of. . .singing— the re.joicin« at the ad- 
 vent of Jesus Christ. Gregory Mys.sknus 
 refers the voice of the turtle dove to John 
 Baptist. It with the olive branch announced 
 to Noah that " the rain was over and gone" 
 (Gen. 8. 11.). So John Baptist, spiritually. Its 
 plaintive "voice" answers to his preaching 
 of repentance (Jer. 8. 6, 7.). Vulg. and LXX. 
 transl. " The tijne of prtming," viz., spring 
 (John. 15. 2.). The mention oi the " turtle's 
 cooing better accords with our text. The 
 turtle is migratory (Jer. 8. 7,), and "comes" 
 early in May; emblem of love, and so of .the 
 Holy Ghost. Love, too, shall be the keynote 
 of the "new so^ig" hereafter (Isa. 36. 10; Kev. 
 1. 6; 14. 3; 19. 6.). In the individual believer 
 now, joy and love are here set forth in their 
 earlier manifestations (Mark. 4. 28.). 13. 
 putteth forth— rather, ripens, lit., makes red. 
 [MauPw] The unripe fi}:s, which grow in 
 winter, begin to ripen in early spring, and in 
 June are luUy matured. [Weiss.] vines with 
 the tender grape — rather, " the vines in flower" 
 lit., a flov>tr, in apposition with "vines." 
 [Maur.] The vine flowers were sc sweet, 
 that they were often put, when dried, into 
 new wine to give it flavour. Applicable to 
 the first manifestations of Jesus Christ, " the 
 true Vine," both to the Church, and to indi- 
 viduals: as to Nathanael under the fig-tree 
 (John, 1. 48.). Arise, &c.— His call, described 
 by the bride, ends as it began [v. 10:): it is a 
 con.sistent whole; "love" from first to last 
 (Isa. 62. 1. 2; 2 Cor. 6. 17, 18.). " Come," in the 
 close of Eev. 22. 17, as at His earlier manifes- 
 tation (Mat. 11. 28.). 14. dove— here express- 
 ing endearment (Ps. 74. 19.). Doves are noted 
 for constant attachment; emblems, also, in 
 their soft, plaintive note, of softened inni- 
 tents (Isa. 69. 11; Ez. 7. 16:): other points of 
 lilceness are their beauty; "their wings co- 
 vered with silver and t;old" (Ps. ti8. 13,), typi- 
 fying the change in the converted: the dore 
 like spirit, breathed into the saint by the 
 Holy Ghost, whose emblem is the dove: the 
 messages of peace from God to sinful men, as 
 Noah s dove, with the olive branch (Gen. 8.,), 
 intimated that the flood of wrath was past: 
 timidity, fleeing with fear from sin and self 
 to the cleft Rock of ages [Marg., Isa. 26. 4; 
 Hos. 11. 11:): gregarious, flockijig together to 
 the kingdom of Jesus Christ (Isa. 60. 8:): 
 harmless simplicity (Mat. 10. 16.). clefts— the 
 refuge of doves from storm and beat Jer. 48 
 28; see Jer. 49. 16.). Ges. transl. the Eeh. 
 from adifterent root, "the refuges." But see, 
 for " clefts," Ex. 33. 18-23. It is only when 
 we are in Christ Jesus, that our " voice is 
 sweet (in prayer, ch. 4. 3, 11; Mat. 10. 20; Gal 
 4. 6, because it is His voice in us; also 
 in speaking of Him, Mai. 3. 16;) ; and our coun 
 tenance comely" (Ex. 34. 29; Ps. 27. 5; 71. 3; 
 Isa. 33. 16; 2 Cor. 3. 18.). stairs— ;Ez. 38. 20.). 
 Marg., a steep rock, broken into stairs, or 
 terraces. Jt is in " secret places" and rugged 
 scenes, that Jesus Christ woos the soul irom 
 the world to Himself (Mic. 2. 10; 7. 14.). So 
 Jacob amidst the stones of Bethel (Gen. 28. 
 11-19;); Moses at Horeb (Ex. 3.;); so Elijah 
 (1 Ki. 19. 9-13;); Jesus Christ with the three 
 disciples on a "high mountain apart," at tlie 
 transfiguration (Mat. 17. 1; ; John in Patmos 
 (Eev. 1.). "Oi the eight beatitudes, five have 
 451 L4J 
 
 long as the waters are on the earth, we d weU 
 in the ark; but when the land is dry, the dove 
 itself will be tempted to wander." [Jer. 
 Taylor.] Jesus Christ does not invite her 
 to leave the rock, but in it (Himself, , yet in 
 holv freedom to lay aside the timorous s)/irit, 
 look up boldly as accepted in Him, jiray, 
 praise, and confess Him (in contrast to her 
 shrinking from being Looked at, ch. 1.6; iEpli. 
 6. 19; Heb. 13. 16; 1 John, 4. 18;); .stiU thon-h 
 trembling, the voice and countenance of the 
 soul in Jesus Christ are pleasant to Him. 
 The Church found no cleft in the Simutic 
 legal rock, though good in itself, wherein to 
 hide; but in Jesus Christ stricken by God for 
 us, as the rock smitten by Moses (Num. 20. 
 11,), there is a hiding place (Isa. 32. 2.i. She 
 praised His " voice" (v. 8, 10:): it is thus that 
 her voice also, though tremulous, is "sweet" 
 to Him here. 15. Transition to the vineyard, 
 often formed in " stairs" (v. 14,), or terraces, 
 in which, amidst the vine leaves, foxes hid. 
 foxes— generic term, including j«c7.-o/s. ITiey 
 eat only grapes, not the vine flowers ; but they 
 need to be driven out in time before the grape 
 is ripe. !She had failed in watchfulness be- 
 fore (ch. 1. 6,), now when converted, she is 
 the more jealous of subtle sins (Ps. 139. 23.). 
 In spiritual winter certain evils are frozen 
 up, as well as good: in the spring of revivals 
 these start up imperceived, crafty, false 
 teachersv spiritual pride, unchantableness, 
 &c. (Ps. 19. 12; Mat. 13. 26; Luke, 8. 14; 2Tin-i. 
 2. 17; Heb. 12. 15 J. " Little" sins are parents 
 of the greatest (Eccl. 10. l; 1 Cor. 5. 6.). His- 
 torically, John iiaptist spared not the fox- 
 like Herod (Luke, 13. 32,), who gave vine-like 
 promise of fruit at first (Mark, C. 20,), at the 
 cost of his life; nor the viper-Sadducees, <fcc.; 
 nor the varied subtle forms of sin (Luke, 3. 
 7-14.). 16. mine,... his — rather, "is./o;- me, 
 . . .for Him!' (Hos. 3. 3,), where, as here, there 
 is the assurance of indissoluble union, in 
 spite of temporary absence. Next verse, en- 
 treating Him to return, shows that He has 
 gone, perhaps through her want of guarding 
 against the " little sins (v. 15.). The order of 
 the clauses is reversed in ch. 6. 3, when she 
 is riper in faith: there she rests more on her 
 being His; here, on His being hefs; and no 
 doubt her sense of love to Him is a pledge 
 that she is His (John. 14. 21, 23; 1 Cor, 8. 3:;: 
 this is her consolati on in His withdrawal now. 
 I ;;m Lis— by creation (Ps. 100. 3,), by redemp- 
 tion (John, 17. 10; Bom. 14. 8; 1 Cor. 6. 19.). 
 feedeth— as a "roe," or gazelle (i'. 17;); instinct 
 is sure to lead him back to His feeding 
 ground, where the lilies abound. So Je.>u3 
 Christ, though now withdrawn, the bride 
 feels sure will return to His favourite re.-ting- 
 place (ch. 7, 10; Ps. 132. 14.). So hereafter. 
 (Kev. 21. ;^.). Ps. 4.i., title, terms His lovely 
 bride's "lihes" [Hengst.] pure and white. 
 thou;:;h among thorns [v. 2.). 17. Night is 
 the image of the present world (Eom. 13. 12.) 
 " Behold men as if dwelling in a suhterranear 
 cavern." [Plato, Rep. vii. 1.1 Until— i.e.. 
 Before that. <fcc. break— rather, breathe; re 
 ferring to the refreshing breeze of dawn ic 
 the E. ; or to the air of /V 'e, which distinguishei 
 morning from the death-like stillness ol 
 night. Maur. takes thi.s verse of the ap- 
 proach of night, when the breeze arises after 
 the heat of day (cf. Marg. Gen. 3. 8, will (ien. 
 IS. 1,), and the "shadows" are lost in ni-ht 
 (Ps. 102. 11:): thus our life will be the day; 
 
The mutual love 
 
 SOLOMONS SONG, V-VH. 
 
 of Christ and his ehureh. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 I Christ awakes the ehureh with his eaUing. 2 
 Bhe, havina a taste of his love, is siek of it. 9 
 Be, the Beloved of the church, described by his 
 graces. 
 r AM " come into my garden, my sister, 
 ■*■ my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh 
 with my spice; I have eaten my honey- 
 comb with my honey; I have drunk my 
 wine with my milk: eat, O '' Mends : drmk, 
 1 yea, drink abundantly, O beloved. 
 
 2 H I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is 
 the voice of my beloved * that kiiocketh, 
 saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, 
 my dove, my undetled: for my head is 
 filled with dew, and my locks with the 
 drops of the night. 
 
 3 I have put off ray coat; how shall I put 
 it on? I have washed my feet; how shall 
 I defile them? 
 
 4 My beloved put in his hand by the hole 
 of the door, and my bowels were moved 
 s^for him. 
 
 5 I rose up to open to my beloved; and 
 my hands dropped with myrrh, and my 
 fingei-s with 3 sweet-smelling myi'rh, upon 
 the handles of the lock. 
 
 6 I opened to my beloved; but my beloved 
 had "withdrawn himself, and was gone: 
 my soul failed when he si)ake: I sought 
 him, but I could not find him; 1 * called 
 him, but he gave me no answer. 
 
 7 The /■ watchmen that went about the 
 city found me, they smote me,they wounded 
 me; the keepers of the walls took away 
 my veil from me. 
 
 8 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, 
 if ye find my beloved, * that ye tell him, 
 that 1 am sick of love. 
 
 9 H What ii thy beloved more than an- 
 other beloved, thou fairest among wo- 
 men? what is thy beloved more thau an- 
 other beloved, that thou dost so charge us? 
 
 10 H My beloved is white and ruddy, 6 the 
 chiefest among ten thousand. 
 
 11 His head is as the most fine gold; his 
 locks are « bushy, and black as a raven: 
 
 12 His eyes are as the eyes of doves by 
 the rivers of waters, washed with milk, 
 and 7 fitly set: 
 
 13 His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as 
 • sweet flowers ; his lips like lilies, dropping 
 sweet-smelling myrrh: 
 
 14 His hands are as gold rings set with 
 the beryl ; his belly is as bright ivory 
 overlaid with sapphires: 
 
 15 His legs are as pillars of marble set 
 upon sockets of fine gold; his counteuauce 
 is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars: 
 
 16 9 His mouth is most sweet: yea, " he is 
 altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and 
 this IS my friend, daughters of J erusalem. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. .^ 
 
 1 The church pro/esses htr faith in Christ. 4 He 
 shows her graces, 10 and his iot'« toward her. 
 
 WHITHER is thy beloved gone, " thou 
 ' * fairest among women? whither is thy 
 beloved turned aside? that we may seek 
 him with thee. 
 
 2 ^ My beloved is gone down into his 
 garden, to the beds of spices, to * feed in 
 the gardens, and to * gather lilies. 
 
 3 I <* am my beloved's, and my beloved is 
 mine: he feedeth among the lilies. 
 
 4 M Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tir- 
 zah, comely as Jerusalem, • terrible as an 
 army with banners. 
 
 6 Turn away thine eyes from me, for i they 
 
 CHAP. 5. 
 Och 4.18. 
 b Luke 15 7. 
 
 John 3. 29. 
 
 John 15.11. 
 
 1 Or, and be 
 drunken 
 with loves. 
 
 e ProT. 8. 4. 
 Bey. 3.20. 
 
 2 Or, (as 
 Bome read) 
 
 3 passing, 
 
 d Hos. 5. 15. 
 e Lam. 3. S. 
 fob 3.3. 
 4 what. 
 6 a standard- 
 
 6 Or, curled. 
 9 ch. i. 16. 
 
 ch. 4. 1. 
 
 7 Bittins in 
 fulness, 
 that is, 
 fitly 
 
 placed, and 
 set as a 
 precious 
 stone in 
 the foil of 
 a ring. 
 
 8 Or, towers 
 of per- 
 
 9 His piilate. 
 Luke 4. 22. 
 
 h Phil. 3. S. 
 
 CHAP. e. 
 a ch. 1. 8. 
 b Zeph. 3.17. 
 « Is. 50. 8. 
 
 John 10.16. 
 
 d ch. 2. 16. 
 
 ch. 7. 10. 
 
 e 2 Cor. 10.4. 
 
 1 Or, tbey 
 have pulfed 
 
 / ch. 4. 1. 
 ff ch. 7. 12. 
 
 2 1 knewnot. 
 
 3 Or, 8<t me 
 
 willing 
 
 people. 
 
 4 Or, of 
 
 a Pa. 45. 13. 
 
 1 mixture. 
 6 ch. 4. 6. 
 
 2 Ur, crim- 
 
 3 bound. 
 
 4 Btraightly. 
 
 5 Or, of the 
 ancient. 
 
 c ch. 2. 16. 
 
 ch. 6. 3. 
 
 Gal. 2. 20. 
 d Pa. 45. 11. 
 • eh. 6. 11. 
 
 2 Car.l3.&. 
 
 6 open. 
 
 / Eiek. 20. 
 
 40,41. 
 g Uen. 30. 14, 
 /)Mat.l3.t2. 
 
 have overcome me: thy hair is /as a flock 
 of goats that appear from Gilead: 
 
 6 Thy teeth are as a flock of sheep which 
 
 fo up from the washing, whereof every one 
 eareth twins, and there is not one biirren 
 among them. 
 
 7 As a piece of a pomegranate are thy tem- 
 pies witnin thy locks. 
 
 ~ There are threescore queens, and four- 
 score concubines, and virgins without 
 number. 
 
 i) My dove, my undefiled is but one ; she is 
 the only one of her mother, she is the 
 choice one of her that bare her. Tiie 
 daughters saw her, and blessed her; yta, 
 the queens and the concubines, and they 
 praised her. 
 
 10 11 Who is she that looketh forth as the 
 morning, fair as the moon, clear as the 
 sun, and tenible as an army with ban- 
 ners? 
 
 11 1 went down into the garden of nuts to 
 see the fruits of the valley, and ^ to see 
 whether the vine flourished, and the pome- 
 granates budded. 
 
 12 a Or ever 1 was aware, my soul 3 made 
 me like the chariots of Amnii-iiadib. 
 
 13 lietuni, return, O Shidianite ; return, 
 return, that we may look upon thee. What 
 wUl ye see in the Shulamite? As it were 
 the company * of two armies. 
 
 CHAPTER Vll. 
 1 A further descriptiotiof the graces of the ehureht 
 10 she professes her faith and assurance oj 
 Christ's love. 
 
 XlOW bcautilld are thy feet with shoes, 
 ^^ O " pruice's daughter! thejointsof thy 
 thighs are like jewels, the work of the 
 hands of a cunning workman: 
 
 2 Thy navel is Like a round goblet, which 
 waiiteth not ^ liquor: thy belly is like aa 
 heap of wheat set about with lilies: 
 
 3 Thy b two breasts are like two young 
 roes that are twins: 
 
 4 Thy neck is as a tower of ivory; thine 
 eyes like the fish-pools in Heshbon, by the 
 gate of iiath-rabbim: thy nose is as the 
 tower of Lebanon which looketh toward 
 Damascus: 
 
 5 'I'hine head upon thee is like 2 Carmel, 
 and the hair of thme head like purple: the 
 king is ^ held in the galleries. 
 
 6 How fah and how pleasant art thou, O 
 love, lor delights! 
 
 7 Tills thy statiue is like to a palm tree, 
 and thy breasts to clusters of grapes. 
 
 8 1 said, 1 will go up to the palm tree, I will 
 take hold of the boughs thereof: now also 
 thy breasts shall be as clusteis of the 
 vine, and the smeU of thy nose like ap- 
 pies; 
 
 9 And the roof of thy mouth like the best 
 wine for my beloved, that goeth down 
 * sweetly, causing the lips •"> of those that 
 are asleep to speak. 
 
 10 11 1 * am my beloved's, and <* his desire 
 t5 toward me. 
 
 11 (Jouie, uiy beloved, let us go forth into 
 the field; let us lodge in the villages. 
 
 12 Let us get up early to the vineyards; 
 let us * see if the vine flourish, whethtr the 
 tender grape •* appear, and the pomegran- 
 ates bud forth: there wiU/ 1 give thee my 
 loves. 
 
 13 The «' mandrakes give a smell, and at 
 our gates '' are all manner of pleasant 
 fruits, new and old, which I have laid up 
 for thee, my beloved. 
 
Hie Mini^ry of 
 
 death, the night (John, 9. 4.), 
 
 better accords with (ch. 3. 1) "By nh/ht' 
 
 (Rom. 13. 12.). turn— tome. Bether— Mdun 
 
 SOLOMON'S SONG, HI. 
 Th 
 
 John the Baptist. 
 
 E. V them, seekmg Jesus Christ alone; but she 
 
 was desired to seek the footsteps of the 
 
 ilock (ch. 1. 8,), so now in lier .second trial 
 
 tains of Bithron, separated from the rest of she goes forth to them of herself "The more 
 Israel by Jordan (2 bam. 2. 2D,), not far from the soul grows in Krace, and the less it leans 
 Jiethabara. where John baptised and Jesus on ordiuMnces. the more it prizes and i>rofit3 
 was first manifested. Eather, as Marf/., o/ by them" [M. Stuart] (Ps. 73 16 17) 
 aiytstons, and LXX., mountains intersected iom\d.\dm not— nothint; short of Jesus Christ 
 with deep gaps, hard to pass over, separating I can satisfy her (.lob, 23. «-io- Ps f.3 ' 2) 
 the bride and Jesus Christ. In ch. 8. 14, the i 3. wytchmen— ministers (Isa {\> 6- ,]er 17- 
 mountains are of svices on which the roe | Ez. 3. 17; Heb. 13. 17„i, fit persons 'to consult 
 feeds not at separatton; for at His first com- ilsa. 21. li; Mai. 2. 7.). f nnd me- the t;eneral 
 ing. He had to overpass the gulf made by sin ministry of the word "finds" individually 
 between Hini and us {Zech. 4. 6, 7;); in His [souls in quest of Jesus Christ ((Jen. 24 
 " ' ' I 27, end of v.; Acts, 10. 14;); whereas for- 
 
 , , ., „. - . ,,-.-- -7,- ,-..-- malists remain unaffected. 4. Jesus Christ 
 
 pared bride. Historically, in the ministry j is generally "found" near the watchmen and 
 ot .John Baptist, Christ s call to the bride jmeans of grace; but they arenotHin, self, the 
 was not. as later :ch. 4. 8,), ' Come with me," star that points to Bethlehem is not tlie Sun 
 but come away " riz., to meet me (v. 2, 10, that has risen there: she hastens p.-ist the 
 13.). _ feittins m darkness (Mat. 4. 16.). She guide posts to the goal. [M. Stuabt J Not 
 waited, and 'looked" eagerly for Him. i even angels could satisfy Mary, instead of 
 the "great light" (Luke, 1. 79; 2. 25, 38:): at - • . .^ . - . ."- 
 
 His rising, the "shadows" of the law (Col. 2. 
 16. 17; Heb. 10. 1) were to " flee away." So we 
 wait for the second coming, when means of 
 grace, so precious now, shall be superseded 
 
 secoiid. He will only have to come down from 
 the fflljjrant hill above to take home his i 
 
 Tesus Christ (John, 20. ii-ie.). f una him 
 (Isa. 46. I'J; Hos. 6. 1-3; Mat. 13. 44-46.1. held 
 him, &c.— willing to be held; not willing, if 
 not held (Cen. 32. 26; Mat. 2S. 0; Luke, 24. 
 
 =-.,,-,- . . ,. • ,^ ^ 28, 29; Bev. 3. 11.). "As a little weeping 
 
 by the bun of righteousness (1 Cor. 13. 10, 12; | child will hold its mother fast, not because 
 Kev. 21. 22. 23.). The Word is our light until it is stron-er than .she, but because her bowels 
 
 constrain her not to leave it; so Jesus Christ 
 yearning over the believer cmivot qo, be- 
 cause He vnil not." [Dim.] In ch. l.'4, it is 
 He who leads the bride into His chambers; 
 here it is she who leads Him into her mother's. 
 There are times when the grace of Jesus 
 Christ seems to draw us to Him; and others, 
 nights and dews are better for flowers, than when we with strong cries draw Him to us 
 a continual sun, so Christ's absence (at times) i and ours. In the K. one large apartment often 
 giveth sap to humility, and putteth an edge serves for the whole fan:ily; .so the bride 
 on hunger, and furnisheth a fairfleld to faith here speaks of her mother'sapartmentand her 
 
 light 
 then (2 Pet. 1. 19.'. 
 
 CHAPTER m. 
 Ver. 1-11. 1. By night — lit., " By nights." 
 Continuation of the longing for the dawn 
 of Messiah ch. 2. 17; Ps. 130. 6; Mai. 4. 2.). 
 The spiritual desertion here (ch. 2. 17—3. 6) is 
 not due to indifference, as in ch. 5. 2-8. "As 
 
 to put forth itself. " [Ruthekfoiid.] Con 
 trast ch. 1. 13; Ps. :>0. 6. 7. ou . . . bed — the 
 secret of her failure (Isa. 64. 7; Jer. 29. 13; 
 Amos. 6. 1, 4; Hos. 7. 14.). lovetn— no want of 
 sincerity, but of diligence, which she now 
 makes up for by leaving her bed to seek Him 
 (Ps. 22. 2; 03. 8; Isa. 26. 9- John, 20. 17.). Four 
 times (y. 1-4) she calls Jesus Christ " Him 
 whom my soul loveth," designating Him as 
 absent: language of desire: "He loved me," 
 would be language of present fruition (Rev. 
 1. 5 ). In questioning the watchmen («. 3,), 
 she does not even name Him. so full is her 
 
 own together. The mention of the " mother" 
 excludes impro|iriety, and imparts the 
 idea of heavenly love, pure as a sister's, v^ hilst 
 ardent as a bride's; hence the frequent tit'e, 
 " my sister— spouse." Our mother after i I.e 
 Spirit, is ihe Church, the new Jerusalem 
 (John, 3. 5-8; Gal. 4. 19, 26;); for her we ought 
 to pray continually (Eph. 3. 14-19,), also for 
 the national Jerusalem (Isa. 6-?. 6, 7: Rom. 
 10. 1,), also for the human famihi, which is 
 our mother and kndred after the flesh: these 
 our mother's children have evil treated us 
 (ch. 1. 6,), but, like our Father, >\e are to return 
 
 heart of Him. Having found Him at dawn I good for evil (Mat. 5. 44, 45,). .and so bring 
 (for throughout He is the mo^niimj,), she j Jesus Christ home to them (\ Pet. 2. 12.). 
 charges the daughters not to abridge, by 1 5. So ch. 2. 7; but tliere it was for the non- 
 intrusion, the period of His stay. Cf. as to I interruption of her own fellowship with 
 the thoughtful seeking for Jesus Christ in Jesus Christ that she was anxious; litre it is 
 the time of John Baptist, in vain at first, but I for the not grieving of the Holy Ghost, on 
 presently after successful (Luke. 3. 15-22; the part of the daughters of Jerusalem. 
 John, 1. l9-:-!4.). found him not — O for such j Jealously avoid levity, heedlessness, and 
 honest dealings with ourselves (Pro. 25. 14; offences, which would inar the gracious work 
 Jude, 12.). 2. Wholly awake for God (Luke, begun in others (Mat. 18. 7; Acts, 2. 42, 43; 
 15. 18-20; Eph. 5. 14.). " An honest resolution ' Eph. 4. 30.). 
 
 is often to (the doing of) duty, like a needle I Canticlk IH. — Ch. iii. 6— v. 1. — Thk 
 that draws the thread after it." [Dub.] Not Bridegroom with the Bride. Histmi- 
 a mere wish, that counts not the cost— to : cally, the ministry of Jesus Chri.st on earth, 
 leave her easy bed. and wander in the dark j 6. New scene (f . 6-11.). The friends of the 
 night seeking Him (Pro. 13. 4; Mat. 21. 30; i Bridegroom see a cortege approach. His 
 Luke, 14. 27-33.). the city — Jeriisalem, Ki. ' palanquin and iiuard. cometh out— rather, 
 (Mat. 3.6; John, 1. 19,). and spiritually, the ztp/rom; the wilderness was lower than Jeru- 
 Church here (Heb. 12. 22,), in glory (Rev. 21. ' salem. [Maur.1 pillars of smoke— from the 
 2.). broad ways— open spaces at the gates of jierfumes burned round Him and His bride. 
 E. cities, where the public assembled for image from Israel and the tabernacle 
 business. So, the a.ssemblies of worshippers (answering to "bed," «. 7) marching through 
 (ch- 8.2,3; Pro. 1. 20-23; Heb. 10. 25.). She the desert with the pillar of smoke by day. 
 had in her first awakening shrunk from | and tire by night (Ex. 14. 20,), and the piilara 
 
The Bridegroom 
 
 SOLOMON'S SONG, IV. 
 
 with the Bride. 
 
 of smoke ascending from the altars of incense 
 and of atonement; so Jesus Christ's right- 
 eousness, atonement, and ever-livinu inter- 
 cession. Balaam, the last representative of 
 patriarchism, was required to curse the Jew 
 fsh Church, just as it afterwards woidd not 
 succumb to Christianity without a struggle 
 (Num. 22, 41,), but he had to bless in lan- 
 guage like that here (Num. 24. 5, 6,|. Angels 
 too joyfully ask the same question, when 
 Jesus Christ with the tabernacle of His 
 body -answering to His bed, v. 7: John, 1. 
 14. "dwelt," (Gr.) tabernacled, John, 2. 21) 
 ascends into heaven (Ps. 24. 8-10,', also when 
 they .see His glorious bride with Him Ps. 
 68. IS; Kev. 7. 13-17.). Encouragement to her; 
 amidst the darke.st trials (w. 1,), she is still on 
 the road to glory [v. 11) in a palanquin " paved 
 •with love" (v. 10;); she is now in soul spiritu- 
 ally "coming," exhaling the sweet graces, 
 faith, love, joy, peace, prayer, and praise: (the 
 fire is lighted unthin,the "smoke"is seen vith- 
 out. Acts, 4. 13:): it is in the desert of trial 
 (w. 1-3) she gets them; (she is the " merchant" 
 buying from Jesu« Clirist without money or 
 price. Isa. 66. 1; Eev. 3. 18;) ;jnst as myrrh and 
 trankincense are got, not in Egypt, but in +be 
 Arabian sands, and the mountains of Prle- 
 tine. Hereafter she shall "come" 'v. 6, li, in 
 agloritied Viody too (Phil. 3. 21.). Historically, 
 Jesus Clirist returning from the wilderness, 
 full of the Holy Ghost (Luke, 4. 1, 14.). The 
 same, "Who is this." &c. (Isa. 63. 1, 5.). 7. 
 In w . 6, the ii-ildsm ess character of the Church 
 is portrayed; in v. 7, 8, its militant aspect. In 
 «. 9. 10, Jesus Christ is seen dwelling in 
 believers, who are His " chariot" and " body." 
 In V. 11, the consummation in glory, bed— pa- 
 lanquin. His body. Mi., guarded by a definite 
 number of angels, " three score," or sixty (Mat. 
 26. 63,). from the wilderness (Mat. 4. 1, 11,). and 
 continually (Luke, 2. 13; 22. 43; Acts, 1, 10, 
 11;); just as UOO.OOO of Israel guarded the 
 Lord's tabernacle (Xum.2.17-32.).one for every 
 10,000. In contrast to the " bed of sloth" {v. 
 1.). valiant— i Josh. 5. 13, 14.). Angels guard- 
 ing His tomb used like words (Mark, 16. 6.). 
 of Israel— true subjects, not mercenaries. 8. 
 hold— not actually grasping them, but having 
 them girt on the thigh ready for use. like 
 their Lord (Ps. 45. :-:.). So believers too are 
 guarded by angels (Ps. 91. 11; Heb. 1. 14,\ and 
 they themselves need "every man" (>.eh. 4. 
 18: to be armed (Ps. 144. 1, 2; 2 Cor. 10. 4; 
 Eph. 6. 12, 17; 1 Tim. 6. 12,), and " expert" 
 (2 Cor. 2. 11.). because of fear in the night- 
 Arab marauders often turn a wedding into 
 mourning by a night attack. So the bridal 
 procession of saints in the night of this 
 wilderness, is the chief object of Satan's 
 assault. 9. chariot— more elaborately made 
 than the "bed" or travelling litter (v. 7,), 
 from a Heb. root, to elaborate. [Ewald.] 
 So the temple of "cedar of Lebanon," as 
 comi>ared with the temporary tabernacle of 
 shittimwood (2 Sam. 7. 2, 6, 7; 1 Ki. 5. 14; 6. 
 16-18), Jesus Cliri.st's body is the antitype, 
 ••made" by the Father for Him (l Cor. 1 30; 
 Heb. 10. 5,). the wood answering to His 
 huiiian nature, the gold. His divine; the two 
 being but one Christ. 10. piliars— supporting 
 the canopy at the four corners; curtains at 
 the side laotect the person witliin from the 
 Fun. Pillars with silver sockets supported 
 the veil that enclosed the holy of holies; em- 
 > lem of Jesus Christ's strev(i1h (1 Ki. 7. 21,), 
 ' Murg., " silver," emblem of His jmrity (Ps. 
 462 tlJ 
 
 12. 6;); SO the saints hereafter (Rev. 3. 12.). 
 bottom— rather, tJte back for resting or reclin- 
 ing on {Vulg. and LXX.) [Maur.J f-'o the 
 floor and mercy-seat, theres/w^ffplaceof Cod 
 (Ps. 132. 14) in the temple was gold (1 Ki. 6. 
 30.). covering— rather, seat, as in Lev. 15. 9.). 
 Hereafter the saints shall share His seat 
 (Eev. 3. 21.). purph— the veil of the holiest 
 partly purple, and the pvrple robe put on 
 Jesus Christ, accord with E. V., "covering." 
 " Purple" (including scarlet and crimson) is 
 the emblem of royalty, and of His blood; 
 typified by the passover-lamb's blood, and 
 the vine when the twelve sat or reclined at 
 the Lord's table, paved — tesselaied. like 
 mosaic pavement, with the various acts and 
 promises of love of Father. Son, and Holy 
 Ghost (Zeph. 3. 17; 1 John, 4. 8, 16.), in contrast 
 with the tallies of stone in the "midst" of the 
 ark, covered with writings of stern command 
 (cf. John, 19. 13;); this is all grace and love 
 to believers, who answer to "the daughters 
 of Jerusalem" (John, 1. 17.). The exterior 
 silver and gold, cedar, purple, and guards, 
 may deter, but when the bride enters ■vriihin, 
 she rests on a pavement of Jove. 11. go f rtti 
 —(Mat. 25. 6.). daughters of Zion— spirits of 
 saints, and angels (Isa. 61, 10; Zech. 9. 9.). 
 crown— nuptial (Ez. 16. 8-12,). (the Hebrews 
 wore costly crowns, or chaplets at weddings,), 
 and kinaly (Ps. 2. 6; Eev. 19. V2.). "^I'he crown 
 of thorns was once His nuptial chaplet. His 
 blood the wedding wine-cup (.John, 19. 5.). 
 " His mother." tl^at so crowned Him. is the 
 human race, for He is "the Son oiman," not 
 merely the Son of Mary. The same mother 
 recorciled to Him (Mat. 12. 60,), as the 
 Church, travails in birth for souls, whi( h she 
 presents to Him as a crown (I hil. 4. l ; Pev. 4. 
 10.). Not being ashamed to call the children 
 brethren (Heb. 2. 11-14,), He calls theirmoihex 
 His mother (Ps. 22. 9; Eom. 8. 29; Eev. 12. 
 1, 2.). behold — (2 Thes. 1. 10.). day of his 
 espousals— chiefly the final marriage, when 
 the number of the elect is complete (Eev. 6. 
 11.). gbdneFS-(Ps. 45. 15; Isa. 62. 5; Eev. 19. 
 7.). ]\t. Stuaet observes as to this Canticle 
 (ch. 3. 6—6. 1,), the centre of the Book, these 
 peculiarities; (DThe Bridegroom takes the 
 chief part, whereas elsewhere the bride is the 
 chief speaker; (2.) Elsewhere He is either 
 "King or "Solomon;" here He is twice 
 called "king Solomon." The bride is six 
 times here called the "spouse;" never so be- 
 fore or after: also " sister" four times, and, 
 except in the first verse of the next Canticle, 
 nowhere else; (3.) He and she are never sepa- 
 rate, no absence, no complaint, which abound 
 elsewhere, are in this Cinticle. 
 CHAPTEE IV. 
 Ver. 1-16. 1. Contrast with the bride's 
 state by nature (Isa. 1. 6) her state by grace 
 (('. 1-7) "perfect through His comeliness jiut 
 upon her' (Fz. Ki. 14: John. 16. 3.). The praise 
 of Jesus Christ, unlike that of tlie world, 
 hurts not, but edifies; as His, not ours, is the 
 glory (John, 6. 44; Eev. 4. 10, 11.). ^^even fea- 
 tures of beauty are specified {<\ 1-5,), ("lips" 
 and "speech" are but one featiu'e, i". 3) the 
 number lor jKr/ectiooi. To each of these is 
 attached a comparison from nature: the re- 
 .semhlances consi.st not so much in cut ward 
 likeness, as in the combined sensatiiiis of 
 deliiht produced f-y contcmi)lating these na- 
 tural ohjects. doves'— the large melting eye 
 of the Syrian dove apiiears especiaffy beauti- 
 ful amidst the foliage of its native groves: 
 
' The Bridegroom 
 
 so the bride's "eyes witMn her locks" (Luke 
 7. 4-t.). Maur. for "locks," has "veil;" Irut 
 locks suit the connect. on better: so the 
 Heb. is transl. (Isa. 47. •.'.). The dove wa- tlie 
 only bird counted " clean" for sacrifice. Once 
 the heart was '" tlie cage of every unclean and 
 hateful bird." Grace makes the chaujio. 
 eyes— (Mat. 6. 22; Eph. l. IS; contrast Mat. 6. 
 28; Eph. 4. 18; iJohn, 2. 16.). Chaste and 
 guileless (Mat. 10. IC, Marp.; John, 1. 4".). 
 John J3aptist, historically, was the "turtle 
 dove" (ch. 2. 12,), with eye directed to the 
 coming Bridegroom : his Nazarite unshorn 
 hair answers to "locks" (John, 1. 29. ;;(j.). 
 hair . . . goats— the hair of goats in the E. is 
 fine like silk. As long hair is her glory, and 
 marks her subjection to man (iCor. 11. (i-lnj, 
 so the Nazarite's huir marked his subjection 
 and separation unto God. (Cf. Jud. 10. 17, 
 with 2 Cor. 6. 17; Tit. 2. 14; l Pet. 2. 9.). Je*us 
 Christ cares for the minutest concerns of His 
 saints (Mat. 10. 30.). appear fiom— lit.. " Vuit 
 lie down from," lying along the hillside, they 
 seeiii to hang from it: a picture of thebride's 
 hanging tresses. Gilead — beyond Jordan: 
 there stood "the heap of witness" (Gen. 31. 
 48.). 2., even shorn— the Hch. is tmnd. d Ki. 
 6. ao,), '• of one size:" so the point of compari- 
 son to teeth is their symmetry of form; as in 
 "come up from the washing," the spotless 
 whiiniess: and in " twins." the exact corres- 
 po7icl:vce of the upper and under teeth: and 
 m "none barren, ')ioiie wanting, none with- 
 out its fellow. Faith is the tooth with which 
 we eat the living bread (John, C. 35, 54.). 
 Contrast the teeth of sinners (Ps. 67. 4; Pro. 
 30. 14;- also their end (Ps. 3. 7; Mat. 25. ,^0.). 
 Faith leads the flock to the washing (Zech 
 
 SOLOI\IOJn'S song. IV. 
 
 vrith the Bride, 
 
 "0; 1 Ki. 10. 16.). 5. bi easts— the l(\i.st is left 
 open in Eastern dress. The brca.st-plate of 
 the High I'rie.st was niadt' of "two" piecos, 
 fnhkd one on the other, in vvliidi weVc the 
 Urim and Thumniiin Jiulits and /» nntuiu.], 
 " Faith and love" are the douiiJt broastpi.ite 
 (1 Tlies. 5. 8,', answering to "hearing the 
 word" and "keeping it," in a similar connec- 
 tion with breasts (Luke, 12. 27. 2s.;. roes- lie 
 recipiocates her praise ch. 2.9.1. i:ii,l..cm 
 ol love and mXififactkin (Vro. .0. i:(.i. feu— 
 (I's. 23. 2.). among the lilies— slirink.ng Ironi 
 thorns of strife, worldliness, and uul;()i Hi nesa 
 i2.-^am. 2.i. ti;Mat. 13. 7.). lioes feed (twout/, 
 not on the lilies: where tliese^ grow, there is 
 iMoi.-ture, producing green pasturage. The 
 lilies represent her white dress Is. 4.'.. 14; 
 Kev. 19. ».). 6. Historically, thr 1,111 vijntnk- 
 incense is Calvary, where, " throu-h the eti.-r- 
 nal Spirit He ottered Himselt;" the uiountaiu 
 of myrrh is His emliainient (John, 19. :.9 till 
 the resurrection "day-break." The 3il Can- 
 ticle occupies the one cloudless day o) Hi.s 
 presence on earth, beginning from the night 
 (ch. 2. 17) and ending with the night of His 
 departure ich. 4. (i.). His promise is almost 
 exactly in the words of her j.rayer (ch. 2. 17) 
 (the same Holy Ghost breathing in Jesus 
 Christ and His praying people,, with the 
 ditierence that she then looked fur His visible 
 coming. He now tells her. tliai when He 
 shall have gone from sight. He still is to be 
 met with spiritually in prayer (Ps. ti8. lo; Mat. 
 28. 20,1, until the everlasting day break, when 
 we shall see face to fsice (l Cor. i:;. Hi, 12.). 
 7. Assurance that He is going from her in 
 lo^e, not in displeasure (John, 16. G, 7.). all 
 fair — still stronger than ch. l. 15; v. i. no 
 13. 1; 1 Cor. 6. 11: Tit. 3. 5.). nor.e . . . barren— ■ spot— our privilege Ei)h. 5. 27; Col. 2. 10;); our 
 
 (2 Pet. 1. 8.). .He who is begotten of God 
 begets instrumentally other sons of God. 3. 
 thread— like a delicate fillet. IS'ot thick and 
 white as the leper's lips aype of sin,), which 
 were therefore to be " covered." as "unclean" 
 (Lev. 13. 45.). scarlet— the blood of Jesus 
 Christ (isa. 6. 6-9! cleanses the leprosy, and 
 unseals the lips (Isa. 67. 19; Hos. 14. 2; Heb. 
 13. 15.). ilahab's scarlet thread was a type 
 of it (Josh. 2. 18.). sppfich- not a separate 
 feature from the lips iZeph. 3. 9; Col. 4. 6.). 
 Contrast "uucircuiucised lips" (Ex. C. 12.). 
 Maur. and Bur. transl. " thy mouth." 
 temples— rather, the upper part of the cheek 
 nextthe temples: the seatof shamefacedness; 
 so, " within thy locks," no display (1 Cor. 11. 
 5, C, 16. . Mark of true penitence (Ezra, 9. 6; 
 Ez. 16. 03.). Contrast Jer. 3. 3; Ez. 3. 7. 
 pomegranate— when cut, it displays in rows 
 seeds pellucid, like crystal, tinged with red. 
 Her modesty is not on the surface, but within, 
 whi<h Jesus Christ can see into. 4. neck- 
 stately: in beautiful contrast to the blusliing 
 temples {v. 3;); not "stiff" (Isa. 48. 4; Acts, 
 7. 51, . as that of unbroken nature; nor 
 "stretched forth' wantonly Isa. 3. 16;); nor 
 burdened with the legal yoke (Lam. 1. 14; 
 Acts, 16. 10;i; but erect in gospel freedom Isa. 
 62. 2.). tower of Davio— probably on Zion. 
 He was a man of war, preparatory to the 
 reign of Solomon, the king of peace. 8o war- 
 fare in the case of Jesus Christ and His saints 
 precedes the coming rest. Each soul won 
 from Satan by Him is a trophy gracing the 
 bride Luke, 11. 22) (each hangs on Him, Isa. 
 22. 2 : 24: ; also each victory of her faith. As 
 shields adorn a temple's wads [Ez. 27. il,i, so 
 necklaces hang on the bride's neck iJud. 5. 
 
 45^ m 
 
 duty (2 Cor. 6. 17; Jude, 23; Jam. 1. 27.J. 
 Invitation to her to leave the border moun- 
 tains (the highest worldly elevation) between 
 the hostile lands iS'. of Palestine, and the 
 Promised Land (Ps. 45. 10; I'hil. 3. 13.). Amana 
 — S. of Anti-Libanus; the river Abana, or 
 Amana, was near Damascus \2 Ki. 5. 12.). 
 Slie.'iir— The whole mountain was called 
 Hcrmon; the part held by the Sidonians was 
 called tiinon: the part held by the Amorites, 
 Shenir (Dent. 3. 9.). Infested by the devour- 
 ing lion, and the stealthy and swift leojiard 
 (Ps. 7G. 4; Eph. G. 11; 1 Pet. 5. 8.). Contrasted 
 with tlie mountain of myrrh, &c. {v. u; i.^-a. 2. 
 2;) ; the good land (Isa. 35. 0.). with ine— twice 
 repeated emphatically. The presence of Jesus 
 Christ makes up for the absence of all be.-^ide 
 (Luke, IS. 29.30; 2 Cor. 6. 10.,. M.ses was 
 V)ermitted to see Canaan from Pisgali: Peter, 
 James, and John, iiad a foretaste of glory on 
 the mount of transfiguration. 9. sister . . . 
 spouse— this title is here first used: a,s lie is 
 soon aboutto institute the Supper, the pleike 
 of the nuptial union. Jiy the term "sister," 
 carnal ideas are excluded; the .ardour of a 
 spouse's love is combined with the ourity of 
 a sister's Isa. 54. 5; cf. i\iark, 3. :u'i'. . one- 
 even one look is enough to secure His love 
 (Zech. 12. 10; Luke. 2.3. 40-43.). ISot meieiy 
 the Churcii collectively, but each om' ne i;- 
 berof it Mat. 18. 10, 14; Luke, 15. 7. ifl. :.•>.). 
 ciiain— necklace (Isa. 62. 3; Mai. 3. 17 an.-.wer" 
 ing to the "shields" hanging in the towt-r of ' 
 Oavid l^•. 4.). Cf. the "ornament" ! Per 3 
 4;); "chains" (Pro. 1.9; .3. 22.). 10. love— //t6. 
 loves; manifold tokens of thv lovt;. much 
 better— answering to her "better" ch. 1.2.), 
 but with incvGcised force. An AiutcLviiui 
 
The Bridegroom _ 
 
 pastoral character pervades the Song, like the 
 classic Amoebean idylls aud eclogues, wine 
 — the love of His saiuts is a more reviving 
 cordial to Him than wine; ex. gr., at the least 
 in Simon's house (Luke, 7. 30, 4i ; J ohn, 4. 32 ■ 
 Cf. Zech. 10. 7. . smell of . . . ointments than all 
 spices— answ ering to her praise (cli. 1. 3,), with 
 increased force. Fragrant, as being Iruits of 
 Hi^ Spii-it in us 'Gal. 5. 22.) . 11. drop— always 
 
 SOLOMON'S SONG. V. 
 
 with, the Bride. 
 
 14,), fertilising the gardens of Damascus 
 
 Jt 
 
 springs upon earth; its source is heaven. It 
 is now not "sealed," but open "streams" 
 iRev. 22. 17.). 16. Awake— /ii.. Arise. All 
 beside is ready: one tlunu alone is v anted; 
 the breath of God. This follows rigtitiy after 
 His death (i h. 6. 12; Acts, 2. •. It is Hi.s call to 
 the Spirit to come (John, 14. 16; ; in John, 3. 8, 
 compared to " the wind:" quickening John, 
 
 ready to fall, being full of honey, though not I C. 6.J; Ez. 27. 9.). Saints ofifer the same prayer 
 always (Pro. 10. lit) actually dropping ;ch. 5. ! (Ps. 8o. 6; Hab. 3. 2.;. The N. wind "awake " 
 
 13; Ceut. 32. 2; Mat. 12. bi.]. honey-comb— j or arises strongly, riz., the Holy Ghost as a 
 (Pro. 6. 3; 16. 24.1. under thy tongue— not al- 
 
 ways on, but utider, the tongue, ready to fall 
 fPs. 65. 21. . Contrast her former state >Ps. 
 140. S; Rum. 3. 13.). " Honey and milk" were 
 the glory of the good land. The change is 
 illustrated in the penitent thief. Contrast 
 Mat. 27. 44, with Luke, 23. 39, &c. It was 
 lit., with " one" eye, a sidelong glance of love 
 "better than wine" that he refreshed Jesus 
 Christ Iv. 9. 10.). *' To-day shaft thou be with 
 me (cf. V. 8} in Paradise" [v. 12,), is the only 
 joyous sentence of His seven utterances 
 on the cross, smell of ... garments— which 
 are oiten perfumed in the E. (Ps. 45. 8. . 
 The neriume comes from Him on us (Ps. 133. 
 2.). We draw nigh to God m the perfumed 
 garment of our elder brother (Gen. 27. 27; see 
 Jude, 23.). Lebanon- abounding in odorifer- 
 ous trees iHos. 14. 5-7.). 12. The Heb. has 
 no "is." Here she is distinct from the garden 
 (ch. 5. 1,), yet identified with it {v. ic,), as 
 being one with Him in His sufferings. His- 
 torically, the Paradise, into which the soul of 
 Jesus Christ entered at death; and the tomb 
 
 reprover (John, 16. s-ll;); the S. wind "corned' 
 gtntly. viz., the HolyGhos-t as the Coaaoner 
 (John, 14. 16. . The W. wind brings rain Iroin 
 the sea (1 lu. 18. 44, 45; Luke, 12. 64.). The 
 E. wind is tempestuous (Job, 27. 2l;Isa. 27.8,', 
 and withering (Gen. ^l. 23.). These, therelore, 
 are not wanted; but first the N. wind, clear- 
 ing the ail- (Job, 37. 22; Pro. 25. 23,', and then 
 the warm S. wind {v. i7;J; so the Holy Ghost 
 first clearing away mists of gloom, error, un- 
 belief, sin, which intercept the li>.;ht of Jesus 
 Christ, then inl using spiritual warmth (2 Cor. 
 4. 6,), causing the graces to exhale their 
 odour. Let my beloved, &c.—The bridas reply. 
 Tlie fruit was now at length ripe; the last 
 pas.sover, which He had so desired, is come 
 (Luke, 22. 7, 15, 16, 18,), the only case in which 
 He took charge oi the preparations. Ins— 
 an-swerin^; to J e.sus Christ's " n y." She owns 
 that the garden is His, and the fruits in her, 
 which she does not in lalse humility deny 
 (Ps. 66. 16; Acts, 21. 19; 1 Cor. 15. 10,). are His 
 (John, 15. 8; Phil. l.li.). 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 of J oseph in which His body was laid amidst Ver. 1-16. 1. An^ luer to her prayer (Isa. 65. 
 " myrrh," <fec. {v. 6,), situated in a nicdij kept 24; Rev. 3. 20.). am come— already (ch. 4. 10;); 
 
 myrrL, __. , . , „ 
 
 garden cf."gardener," John, 20.1.".;);' sealed' 
 with a stone (Mat. 27. GO;!; in which it resem- 
 bles " wells" in the E. i.Gen. 29. 3, 8.!. It was 
 in a garden of light Adam fell; in a garden 
 of darkness, Gethsemane, and cliiefiy that of 
 the tomb, the second Ad.im retrieved us. 
 Spiritually, the garden is the gospel kingdom 
 of heaven. Here all is ripe: pieviously cli. 
 2. 13,), it was "the tender grape." 'J lie gar- 
 den i.s His, though he calls the plants ner s 
 (0.13,1, by his gift (Isa. Gl. 3, end.!, spring 
 . . . fountam— Jesus Christ (John. 4. lo) sealed, 
 whUst He was in the sealed toinb: it poured 
 forth its full tide on Pentecost ;J ohn, 7. 37-39. . 
 Still He is a sealed fountain, until the Holy 
 Ghost open it to one (I Cor. 12. 3.;. The 
 Church also is "a garden cncio.^ed (Ps. 4. 3; 
 Isa. 5. 1, &c.). Contrast Ps. 80. 9-12. So 'a 
 spring"' (Isa. 27. 3; 68. 11; ; "sealed" Eph. 4. 
 30; 2 Tim. 2. 19.). As wives in the E. are .se- 
 cluded from public gaze, so believers (P.s. ^3. 
 3; Col. 3. 3.). Contrast the open stic.-ims 
 which " pass away" (Job, o. 15-18: 2 1'ei. 2. 17.;. 
 13. oro\\zxA—Hch.,aparadi.^e, ».(?., a pleasure- 
 ground and orchard. Not only flowers, but 
 fruit-trees (John. 15. 8; i'hil. 1. 11. . cui\piiiie 
 —not camphor (ch. 1. 14.!, Iicnnah, or cyr-ress 
 blooms. 14. calamus— '"sweet i-ane" ;h.x 
 
 "'come" (Gen. 28. 16.;. sister ... Si.ouse— as 
 Adam's was created of his flesh, out of his 
 opened side, there being none on earth on 
 a level with him; so the bride, out of the 
 pierced Saviour (Eph. 5. 30-32.). have gathered 
 . . . niyrrn— His course was already complete: 
 the myrrh. &c. (Mat. 2. U; 26. 7-12; John, 19. 
 ;J9,), emblems of the indwelling of the anoint- 
 ing 11 oly (.ihost, were already gathered, spice 
 —lit., balsam, have eaten— answering to her 
 " eat" ch. 4. 16.). honey-comb— distinguished 
 here from liquid "honey" dropping from 
 trees. TJie last supper, here set forth, is one 
 ort'.s;io?(sa7, apledge of the iutnve marriage 
 ch. 8. 14; Rev. 19. 9. . Feasts often took place 
 in ::ar(lens. In the absence of sugar, then 
 unknown, honey was more widely used than 
 with us. His eating honey with milk indi- 
 cate His true, yet spotless, human nature, 
 from infancN (Isa. 7. 15;); and after His resur- 
 rection (Luke. 24. 42.). my wme— (John, 18. 
 II,;, a cup of wrath to Him, of mercy to us, 
 whereby God's word and promises become 
 to us '-milk" (Ps. 19. 10; 1 Pet. 2. 2.). " My" 
 answers to "His" (ch. 4. 16.. Ihe "myrrh 
 (emblem by its bitterness, of repentance,), 
 lioney. milk {incipient faith,,, wine" {drong 
 tadh,., in reference to believers, imply that 
 
 23; Jer.'o. 20.1. myrrh and aloes-ointnicnts!. Me accepts all their graces, however various 
 
 are associated with His death, as well as 
 with feasts John. 12. 7.). The bride's minis- 
 try of " myrrh and aloe.s" i»s recorded (John, 
 19. 39.). 15. of— this pleasure-ground is not 
 dependent on mere reservoirs, it has a foun- 
 tain sufficient to water many " gardens" 
 iplur.). living— (Jer. 17. 8; John, 4. 13. 14; 7. 
 38. 39.;. from Lebanon— though the fountain is 
 lowly, the source is lofty; fed by the perpetual 
 BDOWS of Lebanon, refreshingly cool iJ er. 18. 
 452 [3] 
 
 .n decree, eat— He desires to make us par- 
 takers in His joy (Isa. 55. 1, :^; John, 6. 53-57; 
 1 John, 1. 3.). drink abundantly— so as to be 
 filled (Eph. 5. 18; as Hag. 1. 6.). Mends- 
 John. 15. 15.). 
 
 Canticle IV.— Ch. v. 2— viii. 5.— From 
 THE Agony of Gethsemane, to the Con- 
 VEKSJON OF Samaria. 2. Sudden change 
 of scene from evening' to midnight, Irom a 
 betrothal feast to cold repulse. He has gone 
 
From GeiTisemane to ffie 
 
 SOLOr^TO'X'S SOTs^C?, T. 
 
 Conversf/m ofSamana. 
 
 from the feast alone: night is come; He shonld speak, no answer— (Job. 23. 3-9; 30. 20; 
 knocks at the door of His espoused; she hears, i 34. 2i); Lam. 3. 44.). Weak faith receives im- 
 but m sloth does not shake off half-conscious I inediate comfort (Luke, 8. 44, 47, 4s;); strong 
 drowsiness: viz., the disciples' torpor (Mat. | faith is tried with delay (Mat. 1.5. :'2, •i3.). 7. 
 26. 40-43,), "the spirit williuu, the flesh weak" I watchmen — historically, the Jewish )iriests, 
 (cf. Kom. 7.; Gal. .5.). Not total sleep. The I Arc. (see note on v. 2;); spiritually, ministers 
 lamp was burning beside the s^wmbemtgr wise : (Isa. 02. 6; Heb. 13. 17,), faithful in "smiting" 
 virgin, but wanted trimming (Mat. lio. 5-7. i. j (I's. 141. 5.), but (as she leaves them, v. 8,), 
 It is His voice that rouses her (Jon. 1. 6; | too harsh; or, perhaps, unfaithful; di-;liking 
 Eph. 5. 14; Eev. 3. 20.). Instead of bitter re- j her zeal wherewitli she KOU'.;ht Jesus Christ, 
 proaches. He addresses her by the most en- first, with sinrilual prayer, "open;n/' her 
 dearing titles, " my sister, my love," *c. Cf. heart to Him, and then in charitable works 
 His thought of Peicr after the denial (Mark, "about the city;" miscalling it fanaticism 
 le. 7.'. d-^w— which falls heavily in summer i (IsH.m^ 5,), and taking away her veil (the great- 
 ni.;hts in the E. (see Luke, 9. 68.). drops of tie I est indignity to an Jiastern lady.), as though 
 iii^iit— (I's. 22. 2; Luke, 22. 44.). His death is she were positively immodest, hhe had be- 
 not expressed, as unsuitable to tlie allegory, fore sought Him by ni^ht in the streets, 
 a song of loveand joy; V. 4. refers to the scone under strong ati'ection (cli. 3. 2-4,), and so 
 in the jud.'meut hall of Caiaphas, when | without rebuff from " the wathmen," found 
 Jesus Christ employed the cock-crowmg and I Him immediately; but now after sinful 
 
 look of love to awaken Petei-'s sleeping con 
 science, so that his "bowels were moved" 
 (Luke, 22. 01,62;); v. .5,6, the disciples with 
 " myrrh," &c. (Luke, 24. 1, .5,), seeking Jesus 
 Christ in the tomb, but tindmg Him not, for 
 He has " withdrawn Himself (John, 7. 34; 
 13. 33;); V. 7, t!ie trials by watchmen extend 
 througii the whole night of His withdrawal 
 from Gethsemane to the resurrection; they 
 took off the "veil" of Peter's disguise; also 
 lit., the linen cloth from the young man 
 (Mark, 14. 51;); d. 8, the sympathy of friends 
 (Luke, 23. -SI.), undefiled — not polluted by 
 spiritual adultery (Rev. 14. 4; Jam. 4. 4.). 3. 
 Trivial excuses (Luke, 14. 18.). coat— rather, 
 the inmost vest, next the skin, taken olf be- 
 fore going to bed. wasl'.ed . . . feet— before 
 foing to rest for they had been soiled, from the 
 lastern custom ofwearing sandals, not shoes. 
 Sloth (Luke, 11. 7,), and despondency (Deut. 7. 
 17-19.). 4. A key in the E. is usually a piece 
 of wood with pegs in it, corresponding to 
 small holes in a wooden bolt within, and is 
 put through a hole in the door, and thus 
 draws the holt. So J esus Christ " puts forth 
 His hand (viz., His Spirit, Ez. 3. 14,), by [Heh. 
 /ro?r?,, so in ch. 2. 9) the hole;" in "chasten- 
 ing," (Ps. .38. 2; Rev. 3. 14-22, singularly simi- 
 lar to this passage,), and other unexpected 
 ■ways letting Himself in (Luke, 22. 61, 62.). 
 bowels . . . moved for him-j-it is His, which 
 are first troubled for us, and which cause 
 ours to be troubled for Him (Jer. 31. 20; Hos. 
 11. 8.). 5. dropped with myrrh— the, best proof 
 a bride could give her lover of welcome was 
 to anoint herself (the back of the hands 
 especially, as being the coolest part of t" 
 
 neglect, she encounters pain and delay. God 
 forgives believers, but it is a serious thing 
 to draw on His forgiveness; so tlie groving 
 reserve of God towards Israel observable in 
 Judges, as His people repeat their demands 
 on His grace. 8. She turns from the un- 
 sympathising watchmi )i to humbler persons, 
 not yet themselves knowing Him, but in the 
 way towards it. Historii;ally, His secret 
 friends in the night of His witlulrawal (Luke, 
 23. 27, 28.). Enquirers may find :" ?/ye find') 
 Jesus Christ before she who has grieved His 
 Spirit finds Him again, tell — m prayer 
 (Jam. 5. 16.). sick of iove— from an oi)posite 
 cause (ch. 2. 5) than through excess of delight 
 at His 'presence; now excess of pain at His 
 absence. 9. Her own beauty (Ez. 16. 14,), 
 and love sickness for Hmi, elicit now their 
 enquiry 'Mat. 5. 16:): heretofore "other lords 
 beside Etim had dominion over them;" thus 
 they had seen "no beauty in Him" (isa. 26. 
 13; 53. 2.). 10, (1 Pet. 3. 16.). white and ruddy 
 —health and beauty. So i )avid (equivalent 
 to beloved,). His forefather after the flesh, 
 and type (I Sam. 17. 42.). " The Lamb" is at 
 once His nuptial and sacrificial name 1 Pet. 
 1. 19; Kev. 19. 7,), characterised by white and 
 red; white. His spotless manhood Rev. 1. 14.). 
 The Heh. lor vchite, is properly iihimhtatcd 
 btjthesun, "white as the hght" (cf. Mat. 17. 
 2;]; red, in His blood-dyed garment, as slain 
 (Isa. 63. 1-3; Rev. 5. 6; 19. 13.). Angels are 
 white, not red; the blood of martyrs does not 
 enter heaven, His alone is seen there. 
 cliiefest— //{.(., a standard bearer; i.e., as con- 
 spicuous above all others, as a standard 
 bearer is among hosts (Cs. 45. 7; f-9. 6; Isa. 11, 
 
 body,), profusely with the best perfumes 1 10; 55. 4; Heb. 2. 10; cf. 2 Sam. 18. 3; Job. 33. 23; 
 (Ex. 30. 23; Esth. 2. 12; Pro. 7. 17;); " sweet- i Phil. 2. 9-11; Rev. 1. 6.). nie chief of sinners 
 smelling" is in the Heb. rather, "spontan- needs the "chiefest" of Saviours. 11. head 
 eously exuding" from the tree, and therefore ... gold— i/ie Godhead of Jesus Chnst, as 
 the best. She designed also to anoint Him, I distinguished from His heel, i.e.. His n.an- 
 whose"head was filled with the drops of I hood, which was "bruised" by S;Uan; both 
 night" ;Luke, 24. l.). The myrrh typifies together being one Christ (l Cor. U. 3.'. 
 bitter repencance, the fruit of the Spirit's i Also His sovereignty, as ^ebuchadiiezzar the 
 unction (2 Coi-. 1. 21, 22.). handles of tie lock supreme king was "the head of gold (Dan. a. 
 —sins which closed the heart against Him. 32-38; Col. 1. I8,i, the highestcreature.compar- 
 6. withdrawn— He fcnoc^TfL when she was ed with Him, is brass, iron, and cay. " Fre- 
 sleeping; for to have left her the7i, would ciousness." (Gr., 1 Pet. 2.7.). bnshy-mri,d, 
 have endeil in the death sleep; Hewithdraws token of Headship. In contrast with her rfotc- 
 
 __ she is roused, as she needs correc- 1 ing locks (ch. 4. 1.), the token of her sul jec- 
 
 tion (Jer. 2. 17, 19.), and can appreciate and I tion to Him (Ps. 8. 4-8; l Cor. 11. 3, 6-16.1. Tjig 
 
 now that ; 
 
 safely bear it now, which she could not then. I Heb. is (pendulous as) the hranchis oj a j.nhn, 
 "The strong He'll strongly try" (iCor.lO. 13.). whicii, when in leaf, resemble wavinji plumes 
 when he spaks- rather, because of His speak- of feathers, black-implyinu' youth ; no -. rey 
 irw; at the remembrance of His tender words hairs" (Ps. 102. 27; 110. 3, 4; Hos. 7. 9.). Jesus 
 (Job, 29. 2, 3; Ps. 27. 13- 112. 7.). or. till jfe I Christ was crucihed in the prime of vigour 
 452 [4] 
 
Coviplaint ofJrAnli's corruption. 
 
 ISAIAH. I. 
 
 Exhortation to reprntanee. 
 
 ClfAPTEU viri. 
 
 I Law of the ctiv-rch to Christ. 6 Vehemrnet of 
 love tf Calling of the Gentiles. 14 Christ s 
 eomiiig pnxijed f<<r. 
 
 f\\l that thou wert as tny brother, that 
 ^ su'.kod the l)ieAsts ofmyniothfr: ivlien 
 I should tiiid thee without, I would kiss 
 tiiee; yea, i 1 should uot be ilcspised. 
 
 2 1 would lead thee, and bring thee into 
 tny mother's house, who would instruct 
 me: I would cause thee to drink of "spiced 
 wiiieol'the juiceof my poiiiei.'t;iiiate. 
 
 3 liisftleft hand should Im under my 
 head, and his ri^ht hand should embrace 
 me. 
 
 4 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, 
 s that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, 
 until he please. 
 
 5 1i VVho is tliis that cometh up from " the 
 wilderness, leaning upon her helfived? I 
 raised tliee up under the apple tree: there 
 thy mother brought thee forth ; there she 
 brought thee forth that bare thee. 
 
 6 Set <* me as a seal upon thine heart, as 
 a seal upon thine arm: for * love is strong 
 as death; jealousy is <* cruel as the grave: 
 the coals thereof are coals of fire, which 
 hutti a most vehement flame. 
 
 CHAP 8. 
 
 1 tliey fllmnlJ 
 
 a HroT. 9. 2. 
 6 2 (^or.l'^.S. 
 
 2 nliyslioulJ 
 ye stir up, 
 
 e John 17.14. 
 <i U •W. 16. 
 
 Jer. 2a. M. 
 
 H»«. 2. 2, 
 « r„il. 3. 8. 
 S Iiitrd. 
 /Pn 
 9 Ps 
 
 Enh. 2.12. 
 A hor. i. 20. 
 » Cul. 2. 7. 
 } Ezek. 16. 7. 
 
 I k .M«t 2) .33. 
 I ch. 2. 14. 
 5 Kloeaway. 
 
 Lu. 19 12. 
 
 Rc» 22.17, 
 
 7 Many waters cannot quench love, nei- 
 ther can the floods drown it:/ if a inaa 
 would give all the substance of his house 
 for love, it v,'ouid utterl.v be conteiiuied. 
 
 8 H We " have a little sister, and she hath 
 no breasts: what shall we do for our sis- 
 ter in the day when she shall be spoken 
 for? 
 
 9 If she be a wall, we wll build upon her 
 a palace of silver; and if she be " a door, 
 w^e will inclose her with boards of cedar. 
 
 10 1 < am a wall, and > my breasts like 
 towers: then was I in his eyes as one that 
 
 .^ found ♦ favour. 
 
 * j llSolomon had a vineyard at Haal-hamon; 
 I he* let out the vineyard unto keepers; 
 B.38. every one for the fruit thereof was to bring 
 a thousand pieces of silver. 
 
 12 My vineyard, whicn is mine, is before 
 nie: thou. O Solomon, must haoe a thou- 
 sand, and those that keep the fruit thereof 
 two hundred. 
 
 13 'I'hou that dwellest in the gardens, the 
 companions hearken to thy voice: ' cause 
 me to hear it. 
 
 14 li 5 Make haste, my beloved, and "be 
 thou like to a roe or to a young hart upoa 
 the mountains of spices. 
 
 TUB BOOK OF THE PROPHET 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 CHAPTER I. j 
 
 1 Isaiah's complaint of Judtih: 5 their universnl 
 eorrufitioH: !6 he exhorts to repentance, with 
 promi>es and threateninga i 21 the prophet i>e- 
 viails their wickedness. 
 
 npilE ■* vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, 
 ■*■ which lie saw concerinn2 Ju iah -nvA 
 Jerusalem, in the * days ofUzziah, Jothara, 
 Ahaz. and Hezekiali. kings of Judah. 
 
 2 ^ Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O 
 earth: for the Loro hath spoken, I have 
 nourished and brought up children, and 
 they have rebelled ai:ainst me. 
 
 3 The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass 
 his master's crib:5itf Israel " doth uot know, 
 my people doth not consider. 
 
 4 Ah sinful nation, a people ^ laden with 
 iniquity, a <* seed of evil-doers, children 
 thar are corrupters! They have fors.iken 
 the Loud, they have provoked the Holy 
 One of Israel unto anger, they aie 2 gone 
 awav backward. 
 
 5 \<'^hy • should ye he stricken any more? 
 ye will 3 revolt more and more. The whole 
 head is sick, and the whole heart faint. 
 
 6 From the sole of the foot even unto the 
 head there is no soundness in it; hut 
 wounds, and bruises, and pntrifying sores: 
 they/ have not been closed, neither bound 
 Up, neither mollified with * ointment. 
 
 7 Your" country is desolate, your cities 
 are burnt with fire: your land, strangers 
 de\ ooi- it in your presence, and it is deso- 
 LiOe, 5 as overthrown by strangers. 
 
 6 And the daughter of Zion is lefl as a 
 cottage in a vineyard, as a lod>'e in a gar- 
 don of encumbers, as a besieged city. 
 
 S Except " the I.obd of hosts had left unto 
 us H verv sm.ill remnant, we should have 
 been as Sodom, and we slioulU have been 
 like Uiito Gomorrah. 
 
 h Kr,m.9 
 i ErWi.lu 
 
 5 greut h 
 gn«t». 
 
 H Or. grief 
 
 ; 1 Ti 2. 8. 
 
 nmUiiily 
 
 iravor. 
 
 10 bloods. 
 «».Ier 4 14. 
 » Kom. 12.9. 
 
 1 Pet. 3.U. 
 « Mi*. C. 8. 
 
 11 Or, 
 rightao. 
 
 P Mic. li. 2. 
 4 Rnr. 7 11. 
 r Deut 2S.1. 
 < I'itiu i. 8. 
 
 10 H Hear the word of the Lord, ye rnlen 
 of 'Sodom; give ear unto the law of our 
 God, ye neojile of Gomorrah: 
 
 11 To what piivp(»se is the multitude of 
 yourJ s.-u-.iifices unto me? saith the Lord: 
 I am fidl of the burnt oUerines of rams, 
 and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not 
 hi the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of 
 '' he-go.it.s. 
 
 r.' When ye come 1 to appear before me, 
 who hath required this at your hand, to 
 tread my c-ourts? 
 
 lo Mringno more vain oblations; incense 
 is an abomination unto me; the new moons 
 and sabbaths, the callin« of assemblies, I 
 cannot away with; it is 8 miquity, even the 
 solemn meeting. 
 
 14 Your new moons and your appointed 
 feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble 
 unto me- I am weary to liear them. 
 
 15 And * when ye spread forth your hands, 
 I will hide mine eyes from you •' yea, whea 
 ye » make many iiia\ ers. I will not hear: 
 your liands are full of i*J blood. 
 
 16 Wash ""you, make vou clean; nut 
 away the evil of yiuu doings from betore 
 mine eyes; "cease to do evil; 
 
 17 Learn to do well; " seek judgment," re- 
 heve the <Mn>ie8Sed, judge the fatherless, 
 plea(l for the widow. 
 
 18 li Come now, and'' let us reason Xfu 
 gether, saith the Lord; Though youi siiis 
 be as scarlet, ' they shall be as white as 
 snow ; though they be red like cjimson,they 
 shall be as wool. 
 
 W If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall 
 eat the good of the land: 
 
 20 But if ye reiuse and rebel, ye shall be 
 devoured with the sword: * for the niouih 
 of the Lord hath spoken it. 
 
 21 ^ How ia tiui faithful city become an 
 
From Gethsemane to the 
 
 SOLOMON'S SONG. VL 
 
 Conversion of Samaria, 
 
 and manliness. In heaven, on the other hiide and bridek'room are in jmhiic, the 
 hand, His hair is "white,' He beinK the | usual robes on the person, richly ornaiufnted. 
 
 Ancient of days (] )an. 7. 9.). Ihese contrasts 
 often concur in Hiia (v. 10,), "white and 
 ruddy;" here the " raven" {n. 12.), the " dove," 
 as both with Noah in the ark (Gen, 8.;); 
 emblems of judgment and mercy. 12. as tlie 
 eyes oi doves— rather, as doves (Ps. 68. 13;); 
 
 are iire.<ui)posed J.sa. 11. o.j. Nipiilaies in- 
 dicate HiM JirdUi'nb.i nat'.ire so Julin., .',. 13, 
 "(s in heaven,"/, even in Mis li'inniiation, 
 ovvrlav'umax cast "over"liis ivory liuman 
 body (Ex. 24. lo.). Sky-blue in colour, the 
 
 ,. ,. --- -. -^ --. — „, /t','/j/W and dc2)//«. of the love of Jesus Christ 
 
 bathing in "the rivers;" so combining in (Eiih. n, l.-,). 15. pillars— strength and sted- 
 tlieir " silver feathers the whiteness of milk | fastness. Contrast man's "less" Eccl. vi. 3.). 
 th itie sparkling brightness oMhe water | Allusion to the temple (l Ki. 5. 8. 0; 7. 21.), 
 
 j.j^g "cedars" of "Lebanon" Ps. 147. 10.). 
 
 trickiinu over them (Mat. 3. 16.). Tlie"miik" 
 ni;iy allude to the white around the pupil of 
 the eye. The " waters" refer to the eye as the 
 fountain of tears of sympathy (Ez. 16. 6, 6; 
 Luke, 19. 41.). Vivacity, purity, and love, 
 are the three features tynitied. fitly set- 
 a cem in a ring; as the precious stones in the 
 High Priest's breastplate. Rather, transl. as 
 Vulg., the doves) sitting at the fulness of the 
 stream; by the full stream; or as Maur. (the 
 eveS' set in fulness, not sunk in their sockets 
 (Rev. 5. 6,i, ("seven," expressing full per 
 lection) Zech. 3. 9; 4. 10.). 13. cheeks — the 
 seat of beauty, according to the Heb. mean 
 ing. [(tKs.J Yet men smote and spat on 
 them (Isa. 60. 6.J. bed— full, like the raised 
 surface of the garden bed; fragrant with 
 ointments, as beds with aromatic plants 
 int., baUam.]. sweet flowers— rather, "terraces 
 of aromatic herbs,"— "/(;>//* raised parterres 
 of sweet plants," in parallelism to " bed,' 
 which comes from a Hcb. root, meaning 
 elevation, lips— (Ps. 45. 2; John, 7. 46.). hliei 
 —red lilies. Soft and gentle (l Pet. 2. 22, 23.) 
 How different lips were nan's IPs. 2J. 7!) 
 droppi'. g . . . iiiyrrh— V)2.. His lips, justas the 
 sweet (lew-drops which hang in the calix of 
 the liiy. 14. rings set with . . . hevyl— Heb. 
 Tarshish, so called from the city. Theancient 
 chrysolite, gold in colour (LXX.), our topaz, 
 one of the stones on the High Priest's breast- 
 plate, also in the foundation of New Jeru- 
 salem liJev. 21.; also Dan. 10. 6.J. "Are as," 
 is pi inly to be supplied, see in v. 13 a simi- 
 lar ellipsis; not as M. Stuart: "have gold 
 rings." The hands bent in are compared to 
 beautiful rings, in which beryl is set, as the 
 nails are in the fingers. Bur. explains the 
 rings as cylinders used as signets, such as 
 are found in Nineveh, and which resemble 
 fingers. A ring is the token of sonship 
 (Luke, 15. 22.). A slave w.as not allowed to 
 wear a aold ring. He imparts His sonship 
 and freedom to us (Gal. 4. 7;); also of author- 
 ity (Gen. 41. 42; cf. John, 6. 27.). He seals us 
 in the name of God with His signet (Rev. 7. 
 2-4,). cf. below, ch. 8. 6, where she desires to 
 be herself a signet-ring on His arm; so 
 "graven on the palms,' &c., i.e., on the 
 signet-ring in His hand (Tsa. 49. 16; contrast 
 Hag. 2. 23, with Jer. 22. 24.). belly— Bub. and 
 M. Htv ART transl. "body." Newton, as it 
 is elsewhere, "bowels;" viz.. His compassion 
 (Ps. 22. 14; Isa. 63. 15; Jer. 31. 20; Hos. 11. 8.i. 
 bright — lit., elaborately wrought, so as to 
 shine, so His " prepared" body (Heb. 10. 5;j; 
 the "ivory palace" of the king (Ps. 4.5. 8;) ; spot- 
 less, pure, so the bride's "neck is as a tower 
 Oi ivory" c\\. 7. 4.i. sapphires — spangling in 
 the girwe round Him Dan. 10. 5.;. " 'J'o the 
 pure aii things are pure." As in statuary to 
 the artist the partly undraped figure is sug- 
 gestive only of beauty, free from indelicacy, 
 so to the saint, the personal excellencies of 
 Jesus Christ, typified under the ideal of the 
 noblest human form. As, however, the 
 163 
 
 Jesus Christ's "legs" were not broken on the 
 cross, though the thieves' were;on iheni rests 
 the weight of our salvation (Ps. 75. :',.). 
 sockets ot gold— His sandals, answering to the 
 bases of the pilhirs;".se^ up Irom everlast- 
 ing" (Pro. 8. 22. 23. . From the head a". U) 
 to the feet, " of fine gold." He was u ieil in 
 the fire and found without alloy, couiii' ijjiice 
 —rather, Hi^ r(A7/ec^ including both miemmd 
 statxire (cf. Marg. 2. Sam. 23. 21; with 1 Chr. 
 11. 2.i.). From the several parfs, she proceeds 
 to the general ettect of the v:}«ile person of 
 Jesus (;hrist. Lebtnon — so called fmiu its 
 white limestone rocks, excellent— /''., rlmire 
 i.e., fair and tall as the cedars on Libanon 
 (Ez. 31. 3, i'c). Majesty is the prominent 
 tliought (Ps. 21. 5.). Also the cedar sii tt/a^ion. 
 (Heb. 1. 11;); greenness (Luke, 2.;. 31, , and 
 refuge afforded by it (Ez. 17. 22. 23.). 16. 
 ii(., "His palate is s^veetness, yea,, a,\l over 
 loveliness," i.e.. He is the issence of these 
 Qualicies. "Mouth;'' so oh. 1. 2. nut the 
 same as "lips" (". 13,), His breath (l>a. 
 11. 4; John, 20. 22.). "All over," all the 
 beauties scattered among creatures are trans- 
 cendentiy concentrated in Him (Col. 1. 19; 
 
 2. 9.;. my beloved — for I love Him. n.y 
 friend— for He loves n.e (Pro. 18. 24.). Holy 
 boasting (Ps. 34. 2; l Cor. 1. 31. i. 
 
 ( HAl TER VL 
 Ver. 1-13. 1. Historically, at Jesus Christ's 
 crucifixion and burial, Jo.seph of Arimnthea 
 and Nicodemus, and others, joined witli His 
 professed disciples. By speaking of Je>u3 
 Christ, the bride does good not only U> her 
 own soul, but to others note, ch. l. 4; Mai. 
 
 3. 16; Mat. 5. 14-16.). Cf. the hypocritical u^e 
 of similar words Mat. 2. 8.). 2. gone down 
 — Jerusalem was on a hill /answering to 
 its moral elevation,), and the gardens were 
 at a little distance in the valleys below, 
 beds of spices— (balsam) which He Himself 
 calls the "' mountain of myrrh," etc. ch. 4. 6.), 
 and again (ch. 8. 14,), the resting-place of His 
 body amidst spices, and of His soul in para- 
 dise, and now in heaven, where He stamis an 
 High Priest for ever. Nowhere else in the 
 Song is there mention of mountains of slices, 
 feed in... gardens — i.e., in the churches, 
 though He may have withdrawn for a tin e 
 from the individual believer: she inn>lies an 
 invitation to the daughters of Jerusalem to 
 enter His spiritual Church, and become lilies, 
 made ^^ hite by His blood. He is gathering 
 .some lilies now to plant on earth, others to 
 transplant into heaven (ch. 5. 1; Gen. .'.. 24: 
 Mark, 4. 28, -9; Acts, 7. 60.'. 3. In speaking of 
 Jesus Christ to others, she regains her ow n 
 assurance. Lit., "1 am for my beloved ... 
 for me." Reverse order from <:h. 2. I6. She 
 now, after the season of darkness, groumis her 
 conviction on His love towards her, more 
 than on her's towards Him (Deut. :.:■>. .i.;. 
 There, it was the young believer conclnding 
 that she was His. from the sensible assurance 
 
From Geihssmans to the 
 
 SOLOMON'S SONG, VII. 
 
 Contersion oj Samaria. 
 
 that He was her's. Tivzah— meaning 2>l^a- 
 sant (Heb. 13. 21;); "well-pleasing" (Mat. 6. ; 
 14;; ; the royal city of one of i he old Canaanite 
 kings (Josh. 12. 24;); and after the revolt of 
 Israel, the royal city of its kings, before Omri 
 founded Samaria (l Ki. Ifi. 8, 15.). No gromid 
 for assigning a later date than the time of 
 Solomon to the Song, as Tirzah was even in i 
 his time the capital of the N. (Israel,:, 
 as Jerusalem was of the S. (Judah.j. Jem-! 
 salem— residence of the kings of Juclah, as \ 
 TirzalK of I>rad (Ps. 48. 1. (fee; 122. 1-3; 125. | 
 1. 2. . Loveliness, security, unity, and loyalty; , 
 also the union of Israel and Judah in the; 
 Caurch (Isa. 11. 13; Jer. 3. 18; Ez. 37. 16, 17. 22; 
 cf. Heb. 12. 21; Hev. 21. 2, 12.). terrible— awe- 
 ini^piring. JSot only armed as a city on the 
 defensive, but as an army on the offensive, 
 banners — note, ch. 5. 10; Ps. CO. 4;); Jehovah- 
 Mssi (2 Cor. 10. 4.). 5. (L'h. 4. 9; Gk;n. 32. 28; Ex. 
 32. 9-14; Kos. 12. 4.). This is tiie way "the 
 army" (t\ 4) " overcomes" not only enemies, 
 but Je-sus Christ Himself, with eyes fixed on 
 Him (Ps. 25. 15; Mat. 11. 12.). Historically, 
 v. 3, 4, 5. represent the restoration of Jesus 
 Christ to llis Church at the resurrection; 
 His sending her forth as an army, with new 
 powers (Mark. lu. 1.5-18, 20;); His rehearsing 
 the same instructions (ci.v. 6, note,), as when 
 with them (Luke, 24. 44.). overcome— Ki., have 
 taken me by storm. 6. Not vain repetition 
 of ch. 4. 1, 2. The use of the same words 
 shows his love unchanged, after her tempor- 
 ary unfaithfulness (Mai. 3. 6.). 8. threescore 
 —indefinite number, as ch. 3. 7. Not queens, 
 &c. of Solomoiu but witnesses of the espou- 
 sals, rulers of the earth contrasted with the 
 saints, who, though many, are but " one" 
 bride (Isa. 52. 16; Luke, 22. 25, 26; John, 17. 
 21; 1 Cor. 10. 17.). The one bride is contrasted 
 with the many wives whom Eastern kings 
 had in violation of the marriage law l Ki. 
 11. 1-3.). 9. Hollow professors, like half- 
 wives, have no part in the one bride, 
 only one of her motlier — m., "Jerusalem 
 above" (Gal. 4. 26.). The "little sister" (ch. 
 8. 8) is not inconsistent with her being "the 
 only one;" for that sister is one with herself 
 (John, 10. 16.). choice— (Eph. 1. 4; 2 Thes. 2. 
 13.). As she exalted Him above all others 
 (ch. 5. 10.;, so He now her. daughters . . . 
 blessed her— (Isa. 8. 18; 61. 9; Ez. 16. 14; 2 Thes. 
 1. 10.). So at her appearance after Pentecost 
 (Acts, 4. 13; 6. 15; 24. 25; 26. 28.). 10. The words 
 expressing the admiration of the daughters. 
 Historically (Acts, 5. 24-39.}. as the morning 
 —as yet she is not come to the fulness of her 
 light (Pro. 4, 18.1. moon— shining in the night, 
 by light borrowed from the sun: so the bride, 
 in the darki.ess of this world, reflects the 
 li^it of the Sun of righteousness (2 Cor. 3. 18. ■. 
 sr.ii— her light of jusiiftcation is perfect, for 
 it is His (2 Cor. 6. 21; 1 John, 4. 17.>. The 
 moon has less light, and has only one half 
 illuminated; so the bride's sanctitication is 
 as yet imperfect. Her future glory (Mat. 
 l:i 43.). army— (». 4. . The climax requires 
 this to be applied to the starry and angelic 
 hosts, from which God is called Lord of Sa- 
 baoth. Her final glory (Gen. 15. 5; Dan. 12. 3; 
 E,ev. 12. 1.). The Church Patriarchal, "the 
 morning;" Levitical, "the moon;" Evangeli- 
 cal, ••the sun;" Triumphant, "the bannered 
 army' (Kev. 19. 14.!. 11. The bride's words; 
 for she everywhere is the narrator, and often 
 soliloquises, which He never does. The first 
 garden ich. 2. 11-13] was that of spring, full of 
 463 UJ 
 
 flowers and grapes not yet ripe: the second, 
 autuivin, with spices (which are always con- 
 nected with the person of Jesus Christ,], 
 and nothing unripe {ch. 4. 13. &c.). The 
 third here, of "nuts," from the previous 
 autumn; the end of winter, and verge of 
 spring: the Chiuxh in the uiper room (Acts, 
 1. 13, (fee.,), when one dispensation was just 
 closed, the other not yet begun; the hard 
 shell of the old needing to be broken, and its 
 inner sweet kernel extracted [Origen J iLuke, 
 24.27, 32;); waiting for the Holy Ghost to 
 usher in spiritual spring. The walnut is 
 meant with a bitter outer husk, a hard 
 shell, and sweet kernel. So the Word is dis- 
 tasteful to the careless; when awakened, the 
 sinner finds the letter hard, until the Holy 
 Ghost reveals the sweet inner stdrit. fruits 
 of the v.alley— Maur. transL, " the blooming 
 products of the river" i.e., the plants growing 
 on the margin of the river flowing through 
 the garden. She goes to watch the Jirst 
 sproutings of the various plants. 12. Sudden 
 outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost Acts, 
 2.,), whilst the Church was using the means 
 (answering to "the garden," v. 11; John, 3. 
 8.). Ammi-nadib— supposed to be one pro- 
 verbial for swift-driving. Similarly (ch. 1. 9.). 
 Eather, my willing people (Ps. 110. 3.). A 
 willing chariot bore a "willing people;" or 
 Nadib is the Prince, Jesus Chri>t (Ps. 68. 17.). 
 She is borne in a moment into His presence 
 'Eph. 2. 6.). 13. Entreaty of the daughters 
 of Jerusalem to her, in her chariot-like flight 
 from them cf. 2 Ki. 2. 12; 2 Sam. 19. 14.). 
 Shularoite— new name applied to her now 
 first. Fern, of Solomon, Prince of Peace: His 
 bride, daughter of peace, accepting and pro- 
 claiming it (Isa. 52. 7; John. 14. 27; Rom. 5. 1; 
 Eph. 2. 17.). Historically, this name answers 
 to the time when, not without a divine design 
 in it, the young Church met iu Solomon's 
 porch (Acts, ;". 11; 5. 12.). The entreaty, 
 "Return, O Shulamite," answers to the peo- 
 ple's desire to keep Peter and John, after the 
 lame man was healed, when they were about 
 to enter the temple. Their reply attributing 
 the glory not to themselves, but to Jesus 
 Christ, answers to the bride's reply here, 
 "What will ye see" in me? "As it were, 
 (fee She accepts the name Shulamite, as 
 truly describing her. But adds, that though 
 "one" [V. 9,1, she is nevertheless " two." Her 
 glories are her Lord's, beaming through her 
 (Eph. 5. 31, 32.1. The two armies are the 
 family of Jesus Christ in heaven, and that 
 on earth, .joined and one with Him; the one 
 militant, the other triumphant. Or Jesus 
 Christ and His ministering angels are one 
 army, the Church the other, both being one 
 (John, 17. 21, 22.). Allusion is made to Ma- 
 hanaim 'meaning, two hosts,), the scene of 
 Jacob's victorious conflict by prayer (Gen. 
 32. 2, 9, 22-30.). Though she is peace, yet 
 she has warfare here, between flesh and 
 spirit within and foes without: her strength, 
 as Jacob's at Mahanaim, is Jesus Christ 
 and His host enlisted on her side by prayer: 
 whence she obtains those graces, which 
 raise the admiration of the daughters of 
 J erusalem, 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 Ver. 1-13. thy feet— rather, thy goings (Ps. 
 17. 5.;. Evident allusion to Isa. 52. 7: " Hoiv 
 beautiful . . . are the feet of him . . . that pub- 
 lisheth veace' (Shulamite, ch. 6. 13.). shoes 
 —sandals are richly-jewelled in the E. (Luke, 
 
^tVomGethsemanetoihe SOLOMOK'S S ONG. VIT. Converdono/Smmria, 
 
 16. 22; Eph 6. 15.) She is evidently "on the headdress or crown (2 Tim 4 J^- 1 Pet -i 4 ) 
 mountains ' whither she vva_^5 wafted (ch. 6. Also the souls won hy her 1 Thes 2 i o %o ) 
 12.). above the daughters of Jerusalem, who a token ot her fruHJvhlfss pur, ie- rm-^tv 
 therefore portray her Jert first, daughter- Kev. l, 6.). As applied to hairteJ,rlssea 
 of God the Father, with whom Jesus Christ the j-'lo«sy splendour of h ack luiir f/« »rn^ 
 IS one (Mat. 6 !).). ••children of (the) CJod" of duhvxhair so much adn ired n the ji'^ch 
 peace, equivalent to Shulamite) Ps. 46. 10-1,0; 4. l. . WliiM the Kiii<' rr n i •m.< Lri «?; 
 ?.^«r- «-,i^;,;. as well as bride of Jesus Christ.' to tlic flowi.'u la' -> K-^at 1 e [ok J, of h« 
 !:n°«=.^l' J^l.«FA9fe Prm herself, freely , ««/,^V,;?,„7,, . the dau;;hters ..f Jeru^akm com- 
 
 givins the word of life to others, not sparing 
 er "leet," as in ch. 6. 3; Ex. 12. ii. 'Jo act 
 on the oHensive is defensive to ourselves, 
 joints— rather, the roundino; the full graceful 
 curve of tlie hips in the female figure; hke 
 the roundhia of a necklace (an the Heb. for 
 "jewels" means.). Cf. with the £. F.,£ph. 
 4. i:i-i6; Col. 2. 19. Or, applying it to the 
 girdle hindiug together the robes round the 
 hips (Eph. 6. 14.). cunning workman— (Ps. 
 139. 14-16; Eph. 2. 10,22; 6. 2'J.i!0.;^2.). 2. navel 
 —rather, girdle-clasp, called irom the part 
 of the person underneath. The "shoes" {v. l) 
 prove that dress is throughout presupposed 
 on all parts where it is usually worn, l?he 
 is "a bride adorned for her husViand;" the 
 "uncomely parts" being most adorned l Cor. 
 12. 23.). The girdle-clasp was adorned with 
 red rubies resembling the " round goblet" 
 (crater or mixer) of spice-mixed wine (not 
 "liquor") (ch. 8. 2; Jsa. 5. 22.). The Avine of 
 the " 2n . T, in His blood" (Luke, 22. 20.). The 
 spiritual exhilaration by it was mistaken for 
 that cau.sed by new wine (Acts, 2. l."-!?; Eph. 
 5. 18.). belly— i.e.. the vesture f>n it. As in 
 Ps. 45. 13, 14, gold and needlework compose 
 the bride s attire, so golden-coloured "wheat'' 
 and white " lilies" here. The ripe grain, in 
 token of harvest joy, used to be decorated 
 with lilies; so the accumulated spiritual lood 
 (John, 6. 35; 12. 24,), free from cliatf, not fenc- 
 ed with thorns, but made attractive by lilies 
 (believers, ch. 2. 2; Acts. 2. 46, 47; 5. 13, 14, in 
 common partaking of it.). A ssociated with the 
 exhilarating wine-cup iZech. 9. 17,), as here. 
 3. The daughters of Jerusalem describe hei- 
 in the same terms as Jesus Christ in ch. 4. 6. 
 The testimonies of heaven and earth coin- 
 cide, twins— faith and love. 4. lower of ivori 
 -in ch. 4. 4, Jesus Christ saith, "a tower of 
 David builded for an armoury." Strength 
 and conquest are the main thought in His 
 description: here, beauty and pohshed white 
 ness: contrast ch. l. 6. fish-pools — seen by 
 BuKCKHAEDT, clcar (Eev. 22. 1.;, deep, quiet, 
 and full .1 Cor. 2. lO, 15.). Heshbon- E. ol 
 Jordan, residence of the Amorite king, teihou 
 (Num. 21. 25, &c.,), afterwards held by Gad. 
 Bath-rabbim— Da-wg/ffer of a multitude; a 
 crowded thoroughfare. Her eyes (ch. 4. i; 
 are called by Jesus Christ, " doves' eyes," 
 waiting on Him. But here, looked on by the 
 daughters of Jerusalem, they are compared 
 to a placid lake. She is calm even amidst 
 the crowd Pro. 8. 2; John. 10. 33.). nose— or. 
 face, tower of Lebanon— a border fortress, 
 watching the hostile Damascus. Towards 
 Jesus Christ, her face was full of holy shame 
 (ch. 4. 1, 3, notes;); towards spiritual foes. 
 like a v.atchtower (Hab. 2. 1; jViark. 13. :,7; 
 Acts, 4. 13,), elevated, so that she looks not 
 up from earth to heaven, but down from 
 heaven to earih. If we retain "nose," dis- 
 cernment of spiritual fragrance is meant. 6 
 upon ihee— the head-dress " upon" her. Carmel 
 —signifying a ivelt-cultivat-cd nelcl (Isa. 35. 2.). 
 In ch.o. 1."., He is compared to rtuijesticLi: 
 banon; she here, to Jruiijul Carmel. Mei 
 4i>3 L21 
 
 pare it to royai purple, galleries— (so ch. 1, 
 17, Mtm/.; Pev. 21. 3. . But Mavk. travd. 
 here, tlov mg ringletn:" with these, as with 
 thonos (so Lkk, from the Arabic, trun.d it) 
 the King is liiM" bound ch. 6. 5; Pro. 0. 25. . 
 Her purple cn.wn of martyrdom especially 
 captivated the King, appearing from ni.g 
 gaiJenes (Acts, 7. 55, 5(i.J. As Sau^sou'.? 
 strength was in his locks (Jud. 10. 17.). Here 
 farst the daughiers see the King themselves. 
 6 Nearer advance of the daugliters to the 
 Church Acts, 2. 47; 5. 13, end.). Love to her 
 is the first token of love to Him .1 John. 5. 1, 
 end.), dfbgnis— fascinating charms to thera 
 and to the King {v. 5; Isa. 62.4,Hephzi-Kah.;, 
 Hereafter, too (Zeph. 3. 17; Mai. 3. 12- Pcv 
 21.9. . 7. palm-tree— >Ps. 92. 12.). The sure sign 
 ot iccdernea r {Ex. U. 27; John. 7. 3K). ciusi^a 
 --not of dates, as M. Stiiakt thinks. The par- 
 allelism i;. 8, , •' clusters of the vire," shows 
 it IS here clusters of graj'es. Vines were 
 often trained (termed "wedded") on other 
 trees. 8. The daugliters are no longer con- 
 tent to admire, but resolve to lay hold of her 
 tiuits. high though these be. The palm stem 
 IS bare lor a great height, and has its crown 
 vf Iruit-laden boughs at the summit. It is 
 the symbol of triumphant joy (John, 12. 13;); 
 so hereafter Eev. 7. 9.). breasts- (Isa. 66 li ). 
 le vine— Jesus Christ iHos. 14. 7. end; John, 
 15. 1.!. nose-?.c., breath: the Holy Ghost 
 breathed into her nostrils by Him, whose 
 " mouth is most sweet" (ch. 5. 16.). spp!es— 
 citrons, off the tree to which He is likened 
 ch. 2. 3.1. 9. roof of thy mouth— thy vo ce 
 Pro. 15. 23.). best wine— the neiv wii.e of the 
 gospel kingdom Mark, 14. 25,), poured out 
 at Pentecost lActs, 2. 4, 13, 17.). lor niv beloved 
 — (ch. 4. 10. . Here first the daughters call 
 Him theirs, and become one with the bride. 
 The steps successively are ,ch. l. 5) where 
 they misjudge her ch. 3. ii;); ch. .5. 8, where 
 ihepossibiJityof their finding Him, beforeshe 
 regained Him, is expressed; ch. 5. 9 jch. 6. l; 7. 
 6, 9;); (John. 4. 42.). causing . . . asleep to 
 ^peak— (Isa. :s5. 6; JNlark, 5. 19, 20; Acts, 2. 47; 
 Eph. 5. 14.) Jesus Christ's first miracle turned 
 water into " good wine kept until new" (John, 
 •2. ;); just as the gospel revives those asleep 
 and dying under the law (Pro. 31. O: Eom. 7. 
 9. 10. 24, 25; 8. 1.). 10. Words of the daughters 
 of Jerusalem and the bride, now united into 
 one (Acts, 4. 32 i. They are mentioned again 
 (iistinctly ch. 8. 4, , as fresh converts were 
 !)eing added from among inquirers, an<l these 
 i.eeded to be charged not to grieve thoSpirit. 
 ni? aesire is towara me— strong assurance. He 
 so desires us, as to give us sense or li is desire 
 towards us (Ps. 139. 17, 18; Luke, 22. l.'>; Cal 2. 
 20; 1 John, 4. 16.). 11. field-the country, "'ihe 
 tender giape iMaitr. fransL, flowt-rs and 
 vines" occurred before (ch. 2. 13. . But here 
 she prepares for Plim all kinds of fruit oid 
 and new; ahso, she anticipates, in going forth 
 to seek them, communion with ll.m in 
 "loves." "P.'arly" imphes immtdiate ear- 
 nestness. *'Jhe vjlia;.es." imi'Jy (iistaiice 
 Uom Jerusalem. At biepheu's death the 
 
From the Call of the. GentiUs SOLOMON'S SONG, Till. to the Close oy ReveMioyj. 
 
 disciples were scattered from it through Arabia (" the wilderness." , whither he had 
 Judea and Samaria, preaching the word gone after conversion (Gal. 1.15'24.). I raided 
 (Acts. 8.). Jesus Christ was with them, con- , thee . . . she . . . bare tliee — (Acts, 26. 14-16.'. 
 firming the word with miracles. They . The first words of Jesus Christ to the bride, 
 gathered the old fruits, of which Jesus Christ since her going to the garden of nuts ich. 6. 
 had sowed the seed (John,4.,>, as well as new 9, 10;); so His appearance to Paul is the only 
 fruits, lodge — forsaking home for Jesus one since His ascension; i;. 13 is not an ad- 
 Christ's sake (Mat. 19. 20.). 12. (Mark, 1. ; dress of Him as iu.si'Wf,- her renly implies He 
 3-5; John, 9. 4; Gal. 6. 10.). Assurance fosters : is not visible (I Cor. 15. 8.). Spiritually, she 
 diligence, not indolence. 13. mandrakes — j was found in the moral wilderness (£z. 16. 5: 
 Hcb. dudaim, from a root, meaning to love; Hos. 13.5;); but now she is "coming up from"* 
 love-apples, supposed to exhilarate the spirits it (Jer. 2. 2; Hos. 2. 14,), especially in the last 
 and excite love. Only here and Gen. 30. 14- : stage of her journey, her conscious weakness 
 16.). Atropa mandragora of Linnaius: its casting itself the more wholly on Jesus ChrisT; 
 leaves like lettuce, bat dark green, flowers '(2 Cor. 12.9.). '"Eaised" (Kph. 2. 1-7.). Found 
 purple, root forked, fruit of the size of an ruined under the forbidden tree (Gen. 3.;; 
 apple, ruddy and sweet-smelling, gatliered i restored under the shadow of Jesus ChrisC 
 in wheat-harvest, i.e., in May. (JVfaW^i, ii. I crucified, "the green tree" jLuke, 23. .'^1,' 
 195, 
 
 summer _^ . . 
 
 everv thing for the person beloved .1 Cor, 
 _ _ _ _ 3. 8; 1 Pet. A. 11,'. thereby really 
 though unconsciously, laying up for itself potence to s^imort Iter, are brought out Bewt. 
 
 ' CHAPTEK VTll 
 
 gates— the entrance to the kiosk or i fruit-" bearing" by the cross (Lsa. 53. il:, 7 olin, 
 er-house. Lovo " lays up" the best of j 12.24.). Born again by the Holy Ghost "there 
 
 thing for the person beloved ,1 Cor. ; Ez. 16.3-6.). In this veriie,herdt'vende)ice, 
 
 10. 31; Phil. 3. 8; 1 Pet. A. 11,'. thereby really, i in the similar verse, ch. :<. 6, &c., His omni- 
 
 Ver. 1-14. 1. He had been a brother already 
 Why, then, this prayer here '* It refers to the 
 
 33. 26.). 6. Implying approaching absence of 
 the Bridegroom, seal— having her name or 
 likeness engraven on it. His Holy Priesthood 
 also in heaven [Ex. 28. 6-i2. l.s-30; Heb. 4. 14:): 
 
 time after His resurrection, when the previ- " his heart" there answering to " thine heart" 
 ous oidward intimacy with Him was no here, and "two shoulder.-" to "arm." (Cf. 
 longer allowed, but it was implied, it should Jer. 22. 24. with Hag. 2. 23.). By the Holy 
 be renewed at the second coming (John, 20. i Ghost (Kph. 1. 13, 14. . As in v. 5. she was 
 17;); for this the Church here prays: mean- j "leaning on Him, i.e.. her arm on His arm^ 
 while she enjoys iitv:ard spiritual commu- her head on His bosom; so she prays now 
 nion with Him. The last who ever "kissed" that before they part, her impression may be 
 Jesus Christ on ear .h was the traitor Judas. , engraven both on His heart, and His arm, an- 
 The bride's return with the King to her swering to His /ove and Hispoirer (P.s. 77. 15; 
 mother's house answers to Acts. 8. 25. after see Gen. 38. 18; Isa. 62. 3.). love is strong as 
 the mission to Samaria. The rest spoken of death— (Acts. 21. 13; Rom. 8. 35-39; Rev. 12. Jl.). 
 {V. 4) answers to Acts. 9. 31. that sucked ... This their love unto death fiows from His 
 inotlier— a brother born of the same mother; ' (John, 10. 15; 15. 13.). jealousy ... the grave— 
 the closest tie. 2. Her desire to bring Him Zealous love, jealous of all that would come 
 into her home circle (John. ].4i. . who would between the soul and Jesus Christ (1 Ki. 19. 
 instruct uie— rather, "thou wouldest instruct 10; Ps. 106. 30, 31; Luke. 9. 60; 14. 26; 1 Cor. 16. 
 me." viz., how I might best please thee (Isa. 22.). cruel— rather, uhyielding, hard: as the 
 11. 2,3; 50. 4; Luke. 12. 12; John. 14. 20; 16. 13.). grave will not let go those whom it once holds 
 spiced wine — seasoned with aromatic per- (John, 10. 28.). a most vehement flame— ^i^., 
 fumes. Jesus Clirist ought to have o\ir the Jin:-Jtame of Jehovah (i's. SO. W;lsn.. G. ti.}, 
 choicest gifts. Sfices are never introduced Nowhere else is GodJs name found in the 
 in tlie Sung in His absence: therefore the Song. The zeal that burnt in Jesus Christ 
 time of His return from " the mountain of P.s. 69. 9; Luke, 12. 4t<, 60) kindled in His 
 spices" (V. 14) is contemplated. The cup followers (Acts, 2. 3; Rom. 16. 30; Phil. 2. 17.). 
 of betrothal was given by Him at the last , 7. waters— in contrast with the "coals of fire" 
 supper: the cup of marriage shall be present- i (0. 6; 1 Eli. 18. 33-.38.'. Persecutions (Acts, 
 ed by her at His return (Mat. 26. 29.). Till ; S. 1) cannot quench love iHeb. 10. 34; Rev. 
 
 ' -^.---li -T- 12.15,16.). Our many provocations have not 
 
 quenched His love Rom. 8. 33-39.). if. . . give 
 
 then the I'eliever often cannot feel towards, 
 
 or spe;ik of. Him, as he would wish. 3, 4, . _ 
 
 The " left and right hand." <fcc.. occurred only a.11 tne su'ostance . . . ccntemued— nothing short 
 once actually (ch. 2. 6,), and here optatively. ! of Jesus Christ Himself, not even heaven 
 
 Only at His first manifestation did the without Him, can s.atisfyf'je saint (Piiil. 3. 8.). 
 
 CnurchpalpablyemhraceHim; at His second Satan offers the world, as to Jesus Christ 
 
 comuig there shall be again sensible com -- 
 
 munion with Him. The rest in ». 4. which 
 
 is a .^idrifnal realisation of the wish in v. 3 can satisfy Him (1 Cor. 13. 1-3. 1. 8. The 
 
 (1 Pet. 1. 8,), and llie charge not to disturb it, tile Church (Ez. 16. 4?^.'. " WeJ 
 
 (Mat. 4. 8,), so to the saint, in vain (l John, 
 2. 15-17; 5. iX Nothing but our love in turn 
 
 en- 
 tha 
 
 close the 1st, 2d, and 4th canticles; not the 3d, Hebrew Church, which heretofore admitted 
 
 as the Bridegroom there takes charge Him- Gentiles to communion, only by becomii g 
 
 seK; nor the 5th, as, if repose formed its close, Judaic proselytes. Now first idolatrous Gen- 
 
 wemii:ht mistake the present state for our tiles are admitted cfi reef /y (Acts, 11. 17-26. . 
 
 rest The broken, longing close, like that of Generally, the saint's anxiety for other souls 
 
 the whole Bible (Rev. 22. 20, , reminds us we iMaik, 5. 19; John. 4. 28, 29.). no breasts-~ 
 
 are to i)e waiting for a .Saviour to come. On neither faith or love as yet (note, ch. 4. 5,), 
 
 " daughters of Jerusalem," see note, ch. 7. 10. which "come by hearing" of Him who first 
 
 Gamticle v.— Ch. vili. 5-14.— Fkom the loved us. Not yet fit to be His biide, and 
 
 Call i'F the Gextiles to the Clo.sk of mother of a spiritual offspring, wnat sjiail 
 
 Revel.vtion. 5. Who is this— Words of the we do— the chief question in the early Cliurch 
 
 daughters of Jeru.salem, i.e., the churches of at the first council Acts, lo.i. How shall 
 
 Judea; referring to Paul, on his return from " the elder brother" treat the " younger, 
 453 L3j 
 
From the CaU of fhe Gentiks SOLOMOITS SONG. Vm. to the Close of Revrfation.^ 
 
 already received by the Father? (Luke, 15.1 under constraint of "keeping;" the law as a 
 25-32.!. Generally 2 Sam. 16. 16; John, 9. 4; mere letter and covenant nf work.s. love to 
 Acts. 9. 6; dal. 6. 10.). in the day ... spoken' J esu.s Clirist will constrain her the more 
 iov— i.e., when she hhallhe souoht innxarrUiae freely to render all to .Solomon Kom. s. '2-4: 
 <Jud. 14. 7,). viz., by Jesus Christ, the hea- 1 Cor. 6. 20; Gal. 6. 13; I Pel. 2. 16, . after 
 venly bridegroom. 9. wall ... door— the very having paid what .ju.stice and His will re- 
 terms employed as to the Gentile question quire should be itaid to others (l Cor. 7. '.^9 31; 
 (Acts, 14. 27: Eph. 2. 14.). If she be a wall in 9. 14.). " Before me" may also mean •' I will 
 Zlon, founded on Jesus Christ 'l Cor. 3. 11,). never lose sight of it" fcontr.ist ch. 1. «.). 
 we will not '■ withstand God" Acts, 11. 17; 16. [M. Stuakt.1 She will not keep it for her^plf, 
 8-11.). But if so, we must not "build" (Acts, though so freely civen to her, but for His 
 
 15. 14-17 on her "wood, hay, stubble,"(l Cor. use and glory (Luke, 19. 13; Eom. 0. l.'i; 14. 
 3. 12,), i.e., Jewish rites, (fee, hut "a palace 7-9; l Cor. 12. 7.i. Or the "two huniired" 
 of silver," i.e., all the highest privileges of may mean a dorihle tithe (two-tenths of the 
 church communion (Gal. 2. ll-lS; Eph. 2. whole paid back by Jesus Christ, as the le- 
 11-22.). IniMKe from the splendid turrets ward of grace for our surrender of nil (the 
 "built" on t lie "walls" of Jerusalem, and thou.sand) to Him Gal. 6. 7; Heb. 6. 10:): then 
 flanking the "door," or gateway. The Gen- she and "those that kee]/' are the same. [A. 
 tileCi.iirchis the "door," the type of catholic Newton.] But Jesus Christ pays back not 
 accessibleness (1 Cor. 16. 9;); Viut it must be merely two tithes, but His all for our all (1 
 not a mere thoroughfare, but furnished Cor. 3. 21-23.). 13. Jesus Christ's address to 
 with a wooden frame work, so as not merely her; now no longer visibly present. Once she 
 to admit, but also to safely enclo.se: cedar is "had not kept" her vineyard (ch. l. 6; ; now 
 (fragrant, beautiful, .and enduring. 10. The she "dwells" in it, not as its owner.- but 
 Gentile Cinircli's joy at its free admission to its superintendent under Jesus Christ, with 
 gospel i)rivileges lActs, 15. 30, 31.). She is vinedressers ("companions") ex. yr., Paul, 
 one wall In the spiritual temple of the Holy &c., (Acts, 15.25,20) under her [v. ii, 12:): these 
 (i host, the He I rew Church is the other: Jesus ought to obey her, when she obeys Jesiia 
 Christ, the common foundation, joins them Christ. Her voice m prayer and praise is to 
 (Eph. 2. 11-22.). breasts ... towers— alluding be heard continually by Jesus Christ, if her 
 io the silver palace, which the bridal virgins voice before men is to be etTective (ch. 2. 14, 
 proposed to build on her (i\ 9.). " Breasts" end; Acts, 6. 4; I3. 2. 3.i. 14. (See notp, ch. 2. 
 of consolation (Isa. 66. 11;); faith and love J 17.'. As she began witk longing for His first 
 Thes. 6. 8:): opposed to her previous state, coming ich. 1. 2.-. so she ends witli praying 
 "no breasts" {v. &; 2 Thes. 1. 3. . Thus Ez. for His second coming (Ps. 130. 6: Phil. 3. -.iO, 
 
 16. 4fi, 61, was fulfilled, both Samaria and the 21; Kev. 22, 20.). M. Stuaet makes the roe- 
 Gentiles being joined to the Jewish gospel upon-spices to be the musk-deer. As there 
 Church, favour— rather, peace. The Gentile are four gardens, so four mountains, which 
 Church too is become the Shulamite (ch, 6. form not mere images, as Gilead. Carniel, 
 
 13 ), or peace-enjoying bride of Solomon, i.e., &c., but part of the structure of tlie Song. 
 Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace Kom. 5. 1; (l.) Bether, or division ch. 2. 17.), (iod's 
 Epli. 2. 14.). Reject not those whom God justice rfaidmg us from God; 2.) Those "of 
 
 accepts (Num. 11. 28; Luke, 9. 49; Acts, 16. 8. leopards" (ch. 4. 8. , sin, the world, and Satan; 
 
 8.1. Piather. superadd to such every aid (3.) That "of myrrh ar.d aloes" (ch. 4. 6, 14,), 
 
 and privilege {v. 9.). 11. Tlie joint-Church the sepulchre of Calvary: 4.) 1'hose "of 
 
 speaks of Jesus Christ's vineyard. Trans- spices," here answering to ' thehillof Irank- 
 
 ference of it from the Jews, who rendered incense" (ch. 4. 6.!, wliere His soul was for 
 
 not the fruits, as is implied by the silence re- the three days of His death, and heaven, 
 
 specting any, to the Gentiles (Mat, 21. 3o-43.). where He is a High Priest now, ofTering in- 
 
 Baal-hamon— equivalent to the oivner of a cense for us on the fragrant mountain of His 
 multitude: so Israel in Solomon's days (1 Ki. , own finished work (Heb. 4. 14; 7. 25; Kev. 8. 
 
 4 20:): so Isa. 6. 1, "a very fruttjul hill:" 3,4;); thus He .surmounts the other three 
 
 abounding in privileges, as in numbers, mountains, (iod's justice, our sin, death, 
 
 thousand pieces- I'iz,, silverlings. or shekels. The mountain of slices is as much greater 
 
 The vineyard had lOOO vines probably: a vine than our sins, as heaven is higher than earth 
 
 at a silverling (Isa. 7. 23.). referring to this (Ps. 103. 11.;. The abrupt unsatisfied close 
 
 passage. 12. "Mine," by grant of the true with the yearning prayer for His r?.<(/''<;com- 
 
 Solomon. IS ot merely "let out to keepers," ing shews that the marnajfe is future, ana 
 
 as in the Jewish dispensation of works, hut that to wait eagerly tor It is our true atti- 
 
 -n.ine" by urace. This is " before me " i.e., tude (lCor.l.?j I Thes. 1. 10; Tit. 2. 13; 2 Pet, 
 inmyvowt'r. [Maur.] But though no longer; 3. 12.). 
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