The ¹Psalms of David:

Psalm: 1 Whether it was Esdras, or any other that gathered the Psalms into a book, it seemeth he did set this Psalm first in manner of a preface, to exhort all godly men to study and meditate the heavenly wisdom.  For the effect hereof is,  1 That they be blessed which give themselves wholly all their life to the holy Scriptures; 4 and that the wicked contemners of God, though they seem for a while happy, yet at length shall come to miserable destruction.

1 ^1,2Blessed is the man that doth not walk in the ²counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his ¹delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his ²law doth he meditate day and night.

3 For he shall be like a ¹tree planted by the rivers of water, that will bring forth his fruit in due season; whose leaf shall not wither; so ¹whatsoever he shall do, shall prosper.

4 ¹The wicked are not so: but are like the ²chaff which the wind driveth away.

5 Therefore the wicked shall not ¹stand in the ²judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 ¹For the Lord ²knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the wicked shall perish.

Psalm 1 Footnotes:
¹“Psalm” Or, praises, according to the Hebrews: and were chiefly instituted to praise and give thanks to God for his benefits. They are called the Psalms or Songs of David, because the most part were made by him.
¹Psalm 1:1 Calvin: The meaning of the Psalmist, as I have stated above, is, that it shall be always well with God’s devout servants, whose constant endeavor it is to make progress in the study of his law. The greater part of mankind being accustomed to deride the conduct of the saints as mere simplicity, and to regard their labor as entirely thrown away, it was of importance that the righteous should be confirmed in the way of holiness, by the consideration of the miserable condition of all men without the blessing of God, and the conviction that God is favorable to none but those who zealously devote themselves to the study of divine truth. Moreover, as corruption has always prevailed in the world, to such a degree, that the general character of men’s lives is nothing else but a continual departure from the law of God, the Psalmist, before asserting the blessedness of the students of the divine law, admonishes them to beware of being carried away by the ungodliness of the multitude around them. Commencing with a declaration of his abhorrence of the wicked, he teaches us how impossible it is for any one to apply his mind to meditation upon God’s laws who has not first withdrawn and separated himself from the society of the ungodly. A needful admonition surely; for we see how thoughtlessly men will throw themselves into the snares of Satan; at least, how few comparatively there are who guard against the enticements of sin. That we may be fully apprised of our danger, it is necessary to remember that the world is fraught with deadly corruption, and that the first step to living well is to renounce the company of the ungodly, otherwise it is sure to infect us with its own pollution.
As the prophet, in the first place, enjoins the godly to beware of temptations to evil, we shall follow the same order. His affirmation, that they are blessed who have no fellowship with the ungodly, is what the common feeling and opinion of mankind will scarcely admit; for while all men naturally desire and seek after happiness, we see how securely they can indulge themselves in their sins, yea, that those of them who have departed farthest from righteousness, in the gratification of their lusts, are accounted happy, because they obtain the desires of their heart. The prophet, on the contrary, here teaches that no man can be duly animated to the fear and service of God, and to the study of his law, until he is firmly persuaded that all the ungodly are miserable, and that they who do not withdraw from their company shall be involved in the same destruction with them. But as it is no easy matter to shun the ungodly with whom we are mingled in the world, so as to be wholly estranged from them, the Psalmist, in order to give the greater emphasis to his exhortation, employs a multiplicity of expressions.
²Psalm 1:1 This Psalm is first descriptive and explanatory, before it is exhortative or hortatory. The proper understanding that the wicked are accursed from God, and that He delighteth in precise and zealous worship flows naturally into the application hereof that we ought to depart from their society and give ourselves to the study of His law.
The intent of the author is to describe the condition of the righteous in contrast with the end of the wicked. Mark the antithesis. There is nothing the wicked can do to become righteous, but those who are blessed of God by divine grace are happy indeed. The word blessed here denotes the happy condition which believers are in through the favor of God.
²Psalm 1:1 When a man hath given once place to evil counsel, or to his own concupiscence, he beginneth to forget himself in his sin, and so falleth into contempt of God, which contempt is called the seat of the scorners.
¹Psalm 1:2 Calvin: From his characterizing the godly as delighting in the law of the Lord, we may learn that forced or servile obedience is not at all acceptable to God, and that those only are worthy students of the law who come to it with a cheerful mind, and are so delighted with its instructions, as to account nothing more desirable or delicious than to make progress therein. From this love of the law proceeds constant meditation upon it, which the prophet mentions on the last clause of the verse; for all who are truly actuated by love to the law must feel pleasure in the diligent study of it.
²Psalm 1:2 In the holy Scriptures. Calvin: When David here speaks of the law, it ought not to be understood as if the other parts of Scripture should be excluded, but rather, since the whole of Scripture is nothing else than an exposition of the law, under it as the head is comprehended the whole body.
¹Psalm 1:3 Calvin: It is the blessing of God alone which preserves any in a prosperous condition. Therefore, the children of God constantly flourish, and are always watered with the secret influences of divine grace, so that whatever may befall them is conducive to their salvation; while, on the other hand, the ungodly are carried away by the sudden tempest, or consumed by the scorching heat.
²Psalm 1:3 God’s children are so moistened ever with his grace, that whatsoever cometh unto them, tendeth unto their salvation.
¹Psalm 1:4 Though the wicked seem to bear the swing in this world, yet the Lord driveth them down that they shall not rise nor stand in the company of the righteous.
²Psalm 1:4 Calvin: The Psalmist might, with propriety, have compared the ungodly to a tree that speedily withers, as Jeremiah likens them to the heath which grows in the wilderness, (Jeremiah 17:6) But not reckoning this figure sufficiently strong, he debases them by employing another, which represents them in a light still more contemptible: and the reason is, that he does not keep his eye on the prosperous condition of which they boast for a short time, but his mind is seriously pondering on the destruction which awaits them, and will at length overtake them. The meaning, therefore, is, although the ungodly now live prosperously, yet by and by they shall be like chaff; for when the Lord has brought them low, he shall drive them hither and thither with the blast of his wrath. Besides, by this form of speech, the Holy Spirit teaches us to contemplate with the eye of faith, what might otherwise seem incredible; for although the ungodly man rise high, and appear to great advantage, like a stately tree, we may rest assured that he will be even as chaff or refuse, whenever God chooses to cast him down from his high estate, with the breath of his mouth.
¹Psalm 1:5 see 1 Sam. 6:20, Judg. 13:20-22
²Psalm 1:5 But tremble when they feel God’s wrath.
¹Psalm 1:6 Calvin: According to all outward appearance, the servants of God may derive no advantage from their uprightness; but as it is the peculiar office of God to defend them and take care of their safety, they must be happy under his protection. And from this we may also conclude that, as he is the certain avenger of wickedness, although, for a time, he may seem to take no notice of the ungodly, yet at length he will visit them with destruction. Instead, therefore, of allowing ourselves to be deceived with their imaginary felicity, let us, in circumstances of distress, have ever before our eyes the providence of God, to whom it belongs to settle the affairs of the world, and to bring order out of confusion.
²Psalm 1:6 Doth approve and prosper, looking upon it with acute approbation, like as not to know, is to reprove and reject, viewing it with disapproval and antipathy.

¹Psalm 2: The Prophet David rejoiceth, that notwithstanding his enemies’ rage, yet God will continue his kingdom forever, and advance it even to the end of the world, 10 and therefore exhorteth kings and rulers, that they would humbly submit themselves under God’s yoke, because it is in vain to resist God. Herein is figured Christ’s kingdom.

1 Why do the ¹heathen rage, and the people murmur in vain?

2 The kings of the earth ¹set themselves, and the princes take counsel together, ²against the Lord, and against his ³anointed, saying,

3 ¹Let us break their bands, and cast their cords from us.

4 ¹He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall ²hold them in derision.

5 ¹Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure, saying,

6 ¹Even I have set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

7 I will declare the ¹decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this ²day have I begotten thee.

8 ¹Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the ²ends of the earth for thy possession.

9 ¹Thou shalt break them with a ²scepter of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a ³potter’s vessel.

10 ¹Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

11 Serve the Lord in fear, and rejoice with trembling.

12 ¹Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye ²perish from the ³way, for His wrath is ⁴quickly kindled. ⁵Blessed are all that trust in him.

Psalm 2 Footnotes:
Psalm 2: Henry: As the foregoing psalm was moral, and showed us our duty, so this is evangelical, and shows us our Saviour. Under the type of David’s kingdom (which was of divine appointment, met with much opposition, but prevailed at last) the kingdom of the Messiah, the Son of David, is prophesied of, which is the primary intention and scope of the psalm.
¹Psalm 2:1 The conspiracy of the Gentiles, the murmuring of the Jews, and power of kings cannot prevail against Christ. Calvin: We know how many conspired against David, and endeavored to prevent his coming to the throne, and from their hostile attempts, had he judged according to the eye of sense and reason, he might have been so full of apprehension, as forthwith to have given up all hope of ever becoming king. And, doubtless, he had often to struggle sorrowfully with very grievous temptations. But, as he had the testimony of an approving conscience, that he had attempted nothing rashly nor acted as ambition and depraved desire impel many to seek changes in the government of kingdoms; as he was, on the contrary, thoroughly persuaded that he had been made king by divine appointment, when he coveted no such thing, nor even thought of it; he encouraged himself by strong confidence in God against the whole world, just as in these words, he nobly pours contempt both on kings and their armies. He confesses, indeed, that he had a sore battle to fight, inasmuch as it was no small party, but whole nations with their kings, who had conspired against him; but he courageously boasts that their attempts were vain, because they waged war, not against mortal man, but against God himself. It is not certain from the words, whether he speaks only of enemies in his own kingdom, or extends his complaints to foreign invaders. But, since the fact was, that enemies rose up against him in all quarters, and that as soon as he had settled the disturbances among his own people, the neighboring states, in their turn, became hostile to him, I am disposed to think that both classes of enemies are meant, Gentiles as well as Jews. It would be a strange mode of expression to speak of many nations and people when only one nation was meant, and to speak of many kings when he had in eye Saul only. Besides, it agrees better with the completeness of the type to suppose that different kinds of enemies were joined together; for we know that Christ had not only to do with enemies in his own country, but likewise with enemies in other nations; the whole world having entered into a common conspiracy to accomplish his destruction. The Jews, indeed, first began to rage against Christ as they had formerly done against David; but afterwards the same species of madness seized upon other nations. The sum is, that although those who endeavored to overthrow him might be strengthened by powerful armies, yet their tumults and counsels would prove vain and ineffectual.
¹Psalm 2:2 Ainsworth: Set themselves] or present themselves, will stand up, noting a settled purpose in the heart, with a standing up in person to act the same, 1 Chr. 1. 14.
Princes] rulers, or privie counsellors, subtile, prudent, and imployed in making decrees, Prov. 8. 15. next therefore in place to Kings, and joyned with them, as here, so in Iudg. 5. Hab. 1. 10. Prov. 31. 4.
Plot] conspire, or, are founded, that is, have their foundation, plot, or ground-worke laid, as, Exod. 9. 1. Is. 44. 28. and this by assembling and consulting, and is therefore interpreted, gathered together, Act. 4. 26. So the Chaldee translateth it, consociate (or joyned together) to rebell before the Lord, & to fight against his anointed.
Christ] or Anointed, in Hebrew, Mashiach or Messias, which word, though it be generall for the ancient Kings, and Priests, and Prophets that were anointed with oile, (Psal. 89. 31. and 105. 15. Isa. 45. 1. Num. 3. 3. 1 King. 19. 16.) yet is it principally the name of the Sonne of God, our Saviour, Dan. 9. 25, 26. who was knowne in Israel by the name Messias, Ioh. 1. 41. and 4. 25. and among Greekes, by the name Christ; of whom wee that beleeve in his name, are also called Christians, Act. 11. 26. because wee have an Anointing from him that is holy, 1 Ioh. 2. 20. 27. himselfe being first anointed with the Spirit, and with the oile of gladnesse above his fellowes, Luke 4. 18. Psal. 45. 8. Of him is this Psalme interpreted by his Apostles, saying; Of a truth, Lord, against thy holy Child Iesus, whom thou anointedst, gathered were both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the nations and peoples of Israel, to doe whatsoever thy hand and thy counsell had fore-determined to be done, Act. 4. 27, 28.
²Psalm 2:2 Calvin: David’s enemies did not, indeed, think they were making a violent attack against God, yea, they would resolutely deny their having any such intention; yet it is not without reason that David places God in opposition to them, and speaks as if they directly levelled their attacks against him, for by seeking to undermine the kingdom which he had erected, they blindly and ferociously waged war against Him.
³Psalm 2:2 Or, Christ. Calvin: That David prophesied concerning Christ, is clearly manifest from this, that he knew his own kingdom to be merely a shadow. And in order to learn to apply to Christ whatever David, in times past, sang concerning himself, we must hold this principle, which we meet with everywhere in all the prophets, that he, with his posterity, was made king, not so much for his own sake as to be a type of the Redeemer. We shall often have occasion to return to this afterwards, but at present I would briefly inform my readers that as David’s temporal kingdom was a kind of earnest to God’s ancient people of the eternal kingdom, which at length was truly established in the person of Christ, those things which David declares concerning himself are not violently, or even allegorically, applied to Christ, but were truly predicted concerning him.
¹Psalm 2:3 Thus the wicked say, that they will cast off the yoke of God, and of his Christ. i.e the justice of His law and righteousness. They would not be accountable for their want of conformity or transgression thereof. Trapp: Here these rebels are brought in proclaiming their treasonable decrees against Christ, and his adherents, who seek to promote his kingdom. Resolved they were to run riot, as lawless and aweless, and therefore they slander the sweet laws of Christ’s kingdom, as bonds and thick cords (those signs of slavery, Jeremiah 27:2 ; Jer 27:6-7 ), as burdens and grievances. But what saith our Saviour? “My yoke is easy, and my burden light.” No more burden it is to a regenerate person than the wings are to the bird. He delighteth in the law of God after the inward man, Rom 7:22 It is not to him now, as once, bands and cords, but as girdles and garters, which gird up his loins, and expedite his course the better. It confineth him to live in that element where he would live; as if one should be confined to paradise, where he would be, though there were no such law.
¹Psalm 2:4 Dickson: The first reason of the stability of Christs Kingdome is, because God scorneth mens opposing thereof, and will vex his enemies, and settle Christs Kingdome in his visible Church, in the sight of his enemies: Hence learn, 1. Though the Church visible, and the Ordinances of Christ be among the feet of Potentates, and Christs subjects want wisdome and power on earth, to defend themselves, yet their maintainer is omnipotent God, judge over all, even he that sitteth in Heaven. 2. All the devices and conspiracies of men against Christs Kingdome, (how terrible soever to Gods people) are but ridiculous and foolish attempts in Gods sight; The King that sitteth in heaven, shall laugh at them all, and expose them to mockery before men: Hee shall have them in derision. 3. After the Lord hath made manifest the intent of his enemies, and brought their foolish and mad purposes to light, he wil not fail to manifest his mind, and just indignation against them; for, then shal he speak to them in his wrath. 4. The Lord hath his appointed time wherein he wil arise, and vex the enemies of his Church, partly by disappointing them of their hopes, and partly by inflicting sore plagues upon them; Then shall hee vex them in his sore displeasure. 5. When the Lord ariseth to judge the enemies of his Church, then doth he give a further manifestation of his purpose to establish his Church, and the visible Kingdome of Christ in the World, maugre all opposition: Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion. 6. Though all Kings and Kingdomes belong unto the Lord, yet he owneth the Church (represented by the hill of Zion) and he owneth his Son Christ the King thereof, in a special manner, as his peculiar property, wherein he glorieth more then in all his works; therfore saith he, I have set my King upon my holy Hill; this is the Speech of God the Father, speaking by his Spirit in the Prophet concerning Christ his Son.
²Psalm 2:4 Lit. The Lord shall mock them. Calvin: David ascribes laughter to God on two accounts; first, to teach us that he does not stand in need of great armies to repress the rebellion of wicked men, as if this were an arduous and difficult matter, but, on the contrary, could do this as often as he pleases with the most perfect ease. In the second place, he would have us to understand that when God permits the reign of his Son to be troubled, he does not cease from interfering because he is employed elsewhere, or unable to afford assistance, or because he is neglectful of the honor of his Son; but he purposely delays the inflictions of his wrath to the proper time, namely, until he has exposed their infatuated rage to general derision. Let us, therefore, assure ourselves that if God does not immediately stretch forth his hand against the ungodly, it is now his time of laughter; and although, in the meantime, we ought to weep, yet let us assuage the bitterness of our grief, yea, and wipe away our tears, with this reflection, that God does not connive at the wickedness of his enemies, as if from indolence or feebleness, but because for the time he would confront their insolence with quiet contempt. Ainsworth: The Lord] in Hebrew, Adonai; which in this forme is the peculiar title of God; having the forme plurall, and vowels of Iehovah, mystically signifying my staies, or my sustainers, my pillars. And where in one place Adonai is used, another speaking of the same thing hath sometime Iehovah: See Psal. 57. 10. with Psal. 108. 4. It commeth of Aeden, a house or pillar which sustaineth any thing. The Chaldee translateth it, the Word of the Lord, that is, the title of Christ, Ioh. 1. 1. Rev. 19. 13. Our English word Lord hath much like force, being contracted of the old Saxon Laford, or Hlafford, which commeth of Laef, to sustaine, refresh, cherish.
Mocketh] will mock, deride. This implieth both their folly, their punishment for it, and how God will leave them helplesse in their miserie, Psal. 59. 9. Prov. 1. 26. 28. It is spoken of God, after the manner of men, that hee laugheth, mocketh, is angry, and the like, not that he hath such passions as men, but because he doth such things as men use to doe when they are moved with such passions: and as the Hebrew Doctors say, The law speaketh (of God) according to the language of the sonnes of Adam.
¹Psalm 2:5 God’s plagues will declare that in resisting his Christ, they fought against him.
¹Psalm 2:6 Poole: Yet; notwithstanding all their artifices and powerful combinations.
Have I set, Heb. I have anointed, i.e. designed, appointed, or constituted, as this word is commonly used in Scripture, as of priests, 1 Chronicles 29:22, and of prophets, 1 Kings 19:16,1 Kings 19:19,1 Kings 19:20; so also of kings, Judges 9:8,Judges 9:15; 2 Samuel 2:4,2 Samuel 2:7; 2 Samuel 3:39; Ezekiel 28:14.
My king, in a singular manner, who hath not his kingdom by succession from former kings, nor by election of the people, as other kings have, but by my special and extraordinary destination; and who ruleth in my stead, and according to my will, and for my service and glory.
Upon my holy hill of Zion, i.e. over my church and people. Zion properly and strictly taken was a hill on the north Part, of Jerusalem, Psalms 48:2, where there was a strong fort which when David had taken he called it the city of David, 2 Samuel 5:7,2 Samuel 5:9, and made it the head of his kingdom. But in a more large and improper sense it is frequently put for the city Jerusalem, Psalms 48:12; Psalms 87:2; Psalms 110:2; and for the temple of Jerusalem, Psalms 137:3; Isaiah 18:7; Jeremiah 51:10, which was built upon the hill of Moriah, which was either a part of Mount Zion, or another hill adjoining to it; and for the church of the Jews, Psalms 65:1; Psalms 69:35; Psalms 97:8; and for the Christian church, Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 14:1. And by these things it is plain why Zion is here called God’s holy hill.
¹Psalm 2:7 To show that my vocation to the kingdom, is of God.
²Psalm 2:7 That is to say, as touching man’s knowledge, because it was the first time that David appeared to be elected of God. So is it applied to Christ in his first coming and manifestation to the world.
¹Psalm 2:8 The Father saith to the Son, “Ask of me and I shall give.” And the Son saith, “Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.” J. 17:11b certifying that He came to save those and those only whom the Father gave to Him in the covenant of grace established from eternity. Trapp: Ask of me, and I will give thee] All things are conveyed to Christ by asking; shall we think to have anything without asking? Or, are we not worthily miserable that will not make ourselves happy by asking? Now, through Christ’s passion and intercession, it is but ask and have; open thy mouth, and I will fill it. If at any time we ask and miss, it is for the most part because we ask amiss, James 4:2-3.
²Psalm 2:8 Not only the Jews, but the Gentiles also. Here the calling of the Gentiles is foretold and the sure election of God is established who will bring His gospel of salvation to the ends of the earth.
¹Psalm 2:9 Trapp: Those that will not bend thou shalt thus break. Thou shalt roughly rule them (Ainsworth). Thou shalt dash them in pieces (or, scatter them abroad, being already broken) as a potter’s vessel] i.e. Without any hope of repair and recovery. It is a fearful thing to fall into the punishing hands of the living God, Heb 10:31 He that will not be warned in hearing shall be crushed to pieces in feeling, said that martyr, Aut faciendum aut patiendum. God will be obeyed either actively or passively. Look to it.
²Psalm 2:9 God rules by His law. He breaks the pride of men thereby. see Matt. 21:44
Calvin: This is expressly stated to teach us that Christ is furnished with power by which to reign even over those who are averse to his authority, and refuse to obey him. The language of David implies that all will not voluntarily receive his yoke, but that many will be stiff-necked and rebellious, whom notwithstanding he shall subdue by force, and compel to submit to him. It is true, the beauty and glory of the kingdom of which David speaks are more illustriously displayed when a willing people run to Christ in the day of his power, to show themselves his obedient subjects; but as the greater part of men rise up against him with a violence which spurns all restraint, it was necessary to add the truth, that this king would prove himself superior to all such opposition. Of this unconquerable power in war God exhibited a specimen, primarily in the person of David, who, as we know, vanquished and overthrew many enemies by force of arms. But the prediction is more fully verified in Christ, who, neither by sword nor spear, but by the breath of his mouth, smites the ungodly even to their utter destruction.
³Psalm 2:9 Ainsworth: this signifieth their utter destruction; for a potters vessell broken cannot be made whole againe, Ier. 9. 11. Esay 30. 14. So in Dan. 2. 44. it is prophefied, that Christs kingdome should breake in peeces and consume all those kingdomes, and it shall stand for ever.
¹Psalm 2:10 He exhorteth all rulers to repent in time. Applicable to those who would be judges in the church. see 1 Cor. 10:15, John 7:24 for this appertains to Christ’s kingdom which often is confined to secret places. Ainsworth: be prudent] be skilfull, or, behave your selves skilfully, prudently, wisely. be nurtured] or, restrained, chastised, disciplined: and so the Chaldee translateth, receive chastisement ye governours (the Greeke saith, all ye Iudges) of the earth.
¹Psalm 2:12 In sign of homage. LXX: Receive correction. Ainsworth: Kisse the sonne] Kissing was used in signe of love and of obedience, Gen. 41. 40. 1 Sam. 10. 1. it was used also in religion and divine worship, 1 Kings 19. 18. Hos. 13. 2. Iob 31. 27. All these are due to Christ: but Iudas betrayed the Sonne of man with a kisse, Luke 22. 48. The Greeke translateth, Receive nurture (or instruction) and the Chaldee, receive doctrine; both are implied in kissing of the Sonne, Prov. 24. 26.
Perish in the way] or, from the way. To perish or be lost in the way, importeth sudden destruction, whiles they are doing their actions: to perish from the way, is to wander or lose the right way, and not know whither to goe. So Deut. 32. 28. perishing in (or from) counsels, is to be void of counsell, not knowing what to deliberate. The Chaldee translateth it, and yee lose the way: the Greeke, and yee perish from the just way.
When his anger shall] or for his anger will burne; or, his angry countenance.
Suddenly] or very soone, or a very little: this manner of speech sometime meaneth a short time, speedily, Psal. 81. 15. Isa. 26. 20. 2 Chron. 12. 7. sometime, a little deale, as Isa. 1. 9. The Greeke here turneth it, soone or suddenly. See also Psal. 8. 6.
That hope for safety] or, that shrowd, that relie confidently, that betake themselves for refuge and safety unto him. For, hee is made the author of eternall salvation to all that obey him, Hebr. 5. 9.
²Psalm 2:12 Calvin: We know how the despisers of God are accustomed to flatter themselves in prosperity, and run to great excess in riot. The prophet, therefore, with great propriety, threatens that when they shall say, Peace and safety, reckoning themselves at a great distance from their end, they shall be cut off by a sudden destruction, (1 Thessalonians 5:3)
³Psalm 2:12 LXX: Righteous way, see 2 Pet. 3:17
⁴Psalm 2:12 God will not abide His Spirit to be slighted nor the means of grace to be neglected. Pertaining to David’s kingdom on earth, the kings of the earth were required by God to pay homage to him as a king established by Him, or perish as a nation. Pertaining to Christ’s eternal kingdom of heaven, those who hear our doctrine and message are obligated to submit themselves to it and worship God in spirit, or they will perish forever in hell.
⁵Psalm 2:12 A common expression in scripture, i.e All believers elected from the foundation of the world shall be saved, Christ shall lose none of His, and none that trust in Him through the work of His Spirit shall be ashamed, see Joel 2:32, “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.” see also John 3:16 Poole: “They that put their trust in him”; who put themselves under his power and protection, believing in him, and expecting safety and happiness from him; which cannot with any colour be applied to David, who always dissuades all men from putting their trust in princes, or in any men or thing besides or below God, Psalms 20:7; Psalms 44:6; Psalms 62:6-8; Psalms 118:8; Psalms 146:3, and every where; and therefore it would very ill have become him to invite others to put their trust in him. And he is pronounced cursed that trusteth in man, Jeremiah 17:5. But Christ is every where propounded as an object of trust, not only in the New Testament, but also in the Old, as Isaiah 28:16; and therefore they are most truly and fitly said to be “Blessed that put their trust in him.” Under which sentence the contrary is implied, that they are most cursed and miserable creatures that provoke and oppose him; and so cursed and miserable that David dreaded the very thoughts and mention of it, and therefore expresseth it by the contrary and blessed condition of his friends and subjects. And such-like significations of the miseries of sinners by the blessedness of others opposed to them we have Matthew 23:39; Revelation 14:13.

¹Psalm 3: David driven forth of his kingdom, was greatly tormented in mind for his sins against God:  4 And therefore calleth upon God, and waxeth bold through his promises, against the great railings and terrors of his enemies, yea against death itself, which he saw present before his eyes. 7 Finally, he rejoiceth for the good success that God gave him and all the Church.

A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son.

1 ¹Lord, how are mine adversaries increased! many are they that rise up against me.

2 ¹Many there be which say to my soul, There is no help for him in ³God. Selah.

3 ¹But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

4 ¹I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he ²heard me out of his holy mountain. Selah.

5 ¹I laid me down and slept; I rose up again; for the Lord sustained me.

6 I will not be afraid of ¹ten thousands of people, that have set themselves 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 wicked.

8 ¹Salvation ²belongeth unto the Lord: ³thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

Psalm 3 Footnotes:
¹Psalm 3 Henry: As the foregoing psalm, in the type of David in preferment, showed us the royal dignity of the Redeemer, so this, by the example of David in distress, shows us the peace and holy security of the redeemed, how safe they really are, and think themselves to be, under the divine protection.
¹Psalm 3:1 Calvin: It was a mark of uncommon faith, when smitten with so great consternation, to venture freely to make his complaint to God, and, as it were, to pour out his soul into his bosom. And certainly the only remedy for allaying our fears is this, to cast upon him all the cares which trouble us; as, on the other hand, those who have the conviction that they are not the objects of his regard, must be prostrated and overwhelmed by the calamities which befall them.
¹Psalm 3:2 Calvin: David thus teaches us by his own example, that although the whole world, with one voice, should attempt to drive us to despair, instead of listening to it, we ought rather to give ear to God alone, and always cherish within us the hope of the salvation which he hath promised; and as the ungodly use their endeavors to destroy our souls, we ought to defend them by our prayers. With respect to the word Selah, interpreters are not agreed. Some maintain it is a mark of affirmations and has the same signification as truly or amen. Others understand it as meaning for ever. But as סלל Selal, from which it is derived, signifies to lift up, we incline to the opinion of those who think it denotes the lifting up of the voice in harmony in the exercise of singing. At the same time, it must be observed, that the music was adapted to the sentiment, and so the harmony was in unison with the character or subject-matter of the song; just as David here, after having complained of his enemies for shamefully laughing to scorn his hope, as if the protection of God would be of no avail to him, fixes the attention on this blasphemy, which severely wounded his heart, by the use of the word Selah; and as a little after, when he has added a new ground of confidence with regard to the safety of his person, he repeats the same word.
²Psalm 3:2 Ainsworth: in Hebrew Aelohim, which is the first name whereby the Creator of all is called in Scripture, Gen. 1. 1. See the Annotations there. And it is in the plurall number, to signifie the mystery of the Trinitie in the Vnitie of the God head; and therefore is joyned commonly with other words of the singular number, and sometime of the plural, indifferently; as Aelohim, he went, 1 Chr. 17 21. and Aelohim, they went. 2 Sa. 7. 23. See Psal. 58. 12. It is sometime used (though more seldome) in the forme singular, Aeloah, Psal. 18. 32. &c. And it may be derived either from Ael, which signifieth mightie; and so by increase of the word, the signification is increased, most mightie, or the Almightie: or from Alah, to adjure; because of the covenant, oath, and execration, wherewith we are bound unto God; according to that in Deut. 29. 12. 14. 19. Nehem. 10. 29 Eccle. 8. 2. This honourable name is also given to Angels, Psal. 8. 6. and to Magistrates Psal. 82. 1. 6. because God hath communicated with them his word, Iohn 10. 34. 25.
¹Psalm 3:3 Calvin: It besides appears that he had previously entertained an assured hope of deliverance, from the circumstance of his here making no mention of his present calamity as a chastisement inflicted upon him by the hand of God; but rather depending upon the divine aid, he courageously encounters his enemies, who were carrying on an ungodly and wicked war against him, seeing they intended to depose a true and lawful king from his throne. In short, having acknowledged his sin before, he now takes into consideration only the merits of the present cause. And thus it becomes the servants of God to act when molested by the wicked. Having mourned over their own sins, and humbly betaken themselves to the mercy of God, they ought to keep their eyes fixed on the obvious and immediate cause of their afflictions, that they may entertain no doubt of the help of God when undeservedly subjected to evil treatment. Especially when, by their being evil entreated, the truth of God is opposed, they ought to be greatly encouraged, and glory in the assurance that God without doubt will maintain the truth of his own promises against such perfidious and abandoned characters.
¹Psalm 3:4 Calvin: David’s meaning appears to me to be principally this, that amidst the blasphemies of his enemies by which they endeavored to overwhelm his faith, he was not put to silence, but rather lifted up his voice to God, whom the ungodly imagined to have become his enemy. He adds that he cried not in vain, to encourage all the godly to the like constancy.
²Psalm 3:4 Ainsworth: it importeth more than bare hearing, Isa. 30. 19. and 58. 9.
¹Psalm 3:5 Calvin: David expresses a wonderful and almost incredible steadfastness of mind in that he slept so soundly in the midst of many deaths, as if he had been beyond the reach of all danger. He had doubtless been tossed amidst the merciless waves of anxiety, but it is certain their violence had been allayed by means of faith, so that however much he was disquieted, he reposed in God. Thus the godly never fail in ultimately proving victorious over all their fears, whereas the ungodly, who do not rely upon God, are overwhelmed with despair, even when they meet with the smallest perils.
Trapp: My faith was above my fear; I knew whom I had trusted. No marvel I slept so soundly, seeing Antipater was by, and watched, said Philip of Macedon (Plutarch). We may better say so of Antipater, our gracious Father. Oh the safety of a saint! He ever goes guarded with the peace of God within him and the power of God without him, Philippians 4:7 1 Peter 1:5 , and hence his spiritual security. David will never break his sleep for any danger or doubt of success. Peter was found fast asleep the night before he should have been executed, Acts 12:6 . So was our proto martyr, in Queen Mary’s days, Mr Rogers; insomuch as that, scarce with much shugging, could he be awakened, when he was called for to be burned. Some few years since Mr White, of Dorchester, being a member of the assembly of divines at Westminster, was appointed minister of Lambeth; but for the present could get no convenient house to dwell in, but one that was possessed by the devil. This he took; and not long after, his maid, sitting up late, the devil appeared to her; whereupon in a great fright she ran up to tell her master; he bade her get to bed, saying, she was well served for sitting up so late. Presently after, the devil appeared to Mr White himself, standing at his bed’s feet. To whom Master White said, If thou hast nothing else to do thou mayest stand there still and I will betake myself to my rest. And accordingly composing himself to sleep, the devil vanished (Mirror for Saints, by Mr Clark, 460). Ainsworth: This speech denoteth safetie and securitie from danger and dread of evill, Lev. 26. 6. Iob 11. 19. Ps. 4. 9. Ezek. 34. 25. Pro. 3. 24.
¹Psalm 3:6 When he considered the truth of God’s promise, and tried the same, his faith increased marvelously.
¹Psalm 3:8 Be the dangers never so great or many, yet God hath ever means to deliver his.
²Psalm 3:8 If any man attribute the least of salvation to any other besides the LORD alone, he is not His, but a stranger to the covenant of grace. see Rom. 8:9, Rev. 22:15
Calvin: By these words, David not only claims the office and praise of saving for God alone, tacitly opposing his power to all human succor; but also declares, that although a thousand deaths hang over his people, yet this cannot render God unable to save them, or prevent him from speedily sending forth without any effort, the deliverance which he is always able to impart. In the end of the psalm, David affirms that this was vouchsafed, not so much to him as an individual, as to the whole people, that the universal Church, whose welfare depended on the safety and prosperity of his kingdom, might be preserved from destruction. David, therefore, acknowledges the dispersion of this wicked conspiracy to have been owing to the care which God had about the safety of his Church. From this passage we learn, that the Church shall always be delivered from the calamities which befall her, because God who is able to save her, will never withdraw his grace and blessing from her. Trapp: Here is much in few. Fulgentius saith, that the most golden sentence is ever measured by brevity and suavity. Brevis et suavis, planeque aurea est haec sententia. Salvation in the full extent of it (and it is very comprehensive) is of the Lord. It properly denoteth the privative part of man’s happiness, freedom from evils and enemies of all sorts. But it importeth the positive part also, fruition of all good; and all is from the Lord, he alone is the chief efficient, and author of all, the true sospitator, the ο Sωτηρ , which, saith Cicero (Acts iv. in Verr.), is a word so emphatic, that other tongues can hardly find another word fit to express it.
³Psalm 3:8 So in antithesis, thy blessing is not upon the wicked, but God hath reserved heavy judgment and wrath for them. The blessing and mercy of God is not common, but purchased for the elect by Christ their Redeemer.

Psalm 4: When Saul persecuted him, he called upon God, trusting most assuredly in his promise, and therefore boldly reproveth his enemies, who willfully resisted his dominion, 7 and finally preferreth the favor of God before all worldly treasures.

¹To him that excelleth on Neginoth. A Psalm of David.

1 ¹Hear me when I call, ²O God of my ³righteousness: ⁴thou hast enlarged me when I was in ⁵distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

2 O ye ¹sons of men, ²how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye ³love vanity, and seek after lies? Selah.

3 ¹But know that the Lord hath set apart for himself ²him that is ³godly: the Lord will hear when I call unto him.

4 ¹Tremble, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be ²still. Selah.

5 ¹Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and ²trust in the Lord.

6 There be many that say, Who will shew us any ¹good? Lord, 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 sleep: for thou alone, O ¹Lord, makest me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4 Footnotes:
¹Among them that were appointed to sing the Psalms, and to play on the instruments, one was appointed chief to set the tune, and to begin: who had the charge, because he was most excellent, and he began this Psalm on the instrument calleth Neginoth, or in a tune so called. Ainsworth: To the master of the musicke] or, To the overseer, to him that excelleth: the Chaldee translateth it, to sing. The originall word Menatseach signifieth one that urgeth the continuance of any thing unto the end, or the going forward with a worke till it be overcome, 2 Chron. 2. 2. 18. and 34. 12, 13. Ezra. 3. 8, 9. and such as in 2 Chron. 2. 18. are called Menatschim, masters, are in 1 Kings 5. 16. called Rodim, rulers. And in musick, there were Levites appointed for severall duties, and some lenatseach, to plie, or to set forward, and be over the rest, 1 Chro. 15. 21. and these were such as excelled in the art of singing & playing on instruments, to whom sundry Psalmes are intituled, that by their care and direction they might be sung excellently unto the end. There were in Israel some Levites singers that attended therunto, & had no other charge, 1 Chr. 9. 33. on Neginoth] that is, stringed instruments of musicke, played on with the hand.
¹Psalm 4:1 Calvin: In these words there is shown the faith of David, who, although brought to the uttermost distress, and indeed almost consumed by a long series of calamities, did not sink under his sorrow; nor was he so broken in heart as to be prevented from betaking himself to God his deliverer. By his praying, he testified, that when utterly deprived of all earthly succor, there yet remained for him hope in God.
²Psalm 4:1 Thou that art the defender of my just cause.
³Psalm 4:1 Calvin: Righteousness, therefore, is here to be understood of a good cause, of which David makes God the witness, while he complains of the malicious and wrongful conduct of men towards him; and, by his example, he teaches us, that if at any time our uprightness is not seen and acknowledged by the world, we ought not on that account to despond, inasmuch as we have one in heaven to vindicate our cause. Poole: Or, O my righteous God. Or, O God of my mercy; which title is given to God elsewhere, as Psalms 59:10,Psalms 59:17; whereas this title, O God of my righteousness, is not given to God in any other place of Scripture. O God, to whose mercy I owe all that I have or hope for: which was a very fit and powerful argument in prayer, and very agreeable to the following words, in which there is an acknowledgment of God’s former mercies, and a petition for mercy. And so this and other words in Hebrew and Greek, which properly signify righteousness, are oft used for mercy or kindness, as Isaiah 58:8; Psalms 31:1; Psalms 36:10; 2 Corinthians 9:9, and in many other places. Dickson: Faith is a good Orator, and a noble Disputer in a strait; it can reason from Gods readinesse to hear, Heare mee when I call O God. And from the everlasting righteousnesse given to the man, in the justification of his person, O God of my righteousnesse: and from Gods constant justice in defending the righteousnesse of his servants cause, O God of my righteousnesse: and from both present distresses, and those that are by-past, wherein hee hath been: and from by-gone mercies received, Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distresse: and from Gods grace, which is able to answer all objections from the mans unworthinesse, or ill-deserving: Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
⁴Psalm 4:1 Calvin: Some think that David here promises himself what he had not yet experienced; and in the exercise of hope anticipates the manifestations of God’s grace with which he should afterwards be favored. But, in my opinion, he rather mentions the benefits which he formerly received from God, and by these strengthens himself against the time to come. Thus the faithful are accustomed to call to their remembrance those things which tend to strengthen their faith. Henry: The experience we have had of God’s goodness to us in enlarging us when we have been in distress is not only a great encouragement to our faith and hope for the future, but a good plea with God in prayer. “Thou hast; wilt thou not? For thou art God, and changest not; thy work is perfect.” Trapp: This was prophetically spoken. Thou hast, that is, thou wilt enlarge me who am now in distress. God will surely be nearest unto his in their greatest straits; and because they have made him the God of their mountains, he will be the God of their valleys also.
⁵Psalm 4:1 Both of mind and body.
¹Psalm 4:2 Ye that think yourselves noble in this world. Calvin: The happy result of the prayer of David was, that resuming courage, he was able not only to repel the fury of his enemies, but also to challenge them on his part, and fearlessly to despise all their machinations. That our confidence, therefore, may remain unshaken, we ought not, when assailed by the wicked, to enter into conflict without being furnished like David with the same armor. The sum is, that since God was determined to defend David by his own power, it was in vain for all the men in the world to endeavor to destroy him; however great the power which they otherwise might have of doing him injury… And it is to be observed that although loaded with every kind of reproach, both among the high and the low he yet courageously keeps fast hold of the glory or the honor of royalty which God had graciously promised him, or had conferred upon him, and is fully persuaded that God will at length vindicate his right to it, however much his enemies might wickedly endeavor to blot and obscure it by treating his pretensions with derision and scorn.
¹Psalm 4:2 Trapp: i.e. Attempt to put me beside the kingdom, whereunto God hath designed and destined me? You think, belike, to jeer me out of my right, and, by casting upon me cart loads of calunmies and contumelies, to make me desist, and hang up my hopes. But it is otherwise, believe it. Psalms 14:6-7 , “Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the Lord is his refuge.” But will he therefore stop praying? No; for in the next words he falls on, and says, “Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion!” &c.
³Psalm 4:2 Though your enterprises please your never so much, yet God will bring them to nought. Trapp: i.e. Trouble yourselves to no purpose, while ye plot and plough mischief to him who is blessed, and shall be blessed, ingratiis vestris? You love, you seek; that is, you both inwardly affect wickedness and outwardly act it; but all in vain.
¹Psalm 4:3 Calvin: David does not here boast of his own strength, or riches, or armies by which he obtained the kingdom. But as he was chosen by God, he intimates that the many attempts of his enemies against him would be without success, because they would find from experience, that God, whose power they could not successfully resist, was against them. In the first place, he says that he was set apart by God, by which he means that he was advanced to the throne, not by the will of man, or by his own ambition, but by the appointment of God. Henry: As a reason why they should not oppose or persecute him that is godly, nor think to run him down. It is at their peril if they offend one of these little ones, whom God has set apart for himself, Matthew 18:6. God reckons that those who touch them touch the apple of his eye; and he will make their persecutors to know it, sooner or later. They have an interest in heaven, God will hear them, and therefore let none dare to do them any injury, for God will hear their cry and plead their cause, Exodus 22:23.
²Psalm 4:3 A king that walketh in his vocation or a saint in his proper calling. Henry: God has, in like manner, set apart the Lord Jesus for himself, that merciful One; and those that attempt to hinder his advancement will certainly be baffled, for the Father hears him always.
³Psalm 4:3 Heb. lit. Pious toward God and merciful towards neighbor, truly a necessary quality for a king. see Matt. 5:7 Ainsworth: marvellously separated] or selected in wondrous sort, exempted as with some signe of excellencie, culled out. So God marvellously severed the Israelites from the Aegyptians, Exod. 8. 22. and 9. 4. and 11. 7. See also Psal. 17. 7, Exod. 33. 16. a gracious Saint] or, pious, holy, mercifull one, meaning himselfe. The Hebrew Chasid, (which the New Testament in Greeke calleth hosios, that is, pious or holy, Act. 13. 35.) signifieth one that hath obtained mercie, goodnesse, pietie, grace and benignitie from the Lord, and is againe (after Gods example) pious, kind, gracious and mercifull to others, Neh. 13. 14. See Psal. 13. 6. 1. to him] that is, his gracious Saint, as the Greeke explaineth it; or referring it to the former, he hath separated to himselfe a gracious man.
¹Psalm 4:4 For fear of God’s judgment, which is the beginning of wisdom. Calvin: Now he exhorts his enemies to repentance, if peradventure, their madness was not wholly incorrigible. In the first place, he bids them tremble, or be troubled; a word by which he rebukes their stupidity in running headlong in their wicked course, without any fear of God, or any sense of danger. And certainly the great presumption of all the ungodly in not hesitating to engage in war against God, proceeds from their being hardened through an infatuated security; and by their thoughtlessness, they render themselves stupid, and become more obdurate by forgetting both God and themselves, and following whithersoever lust leads them. He tells them that the best remedy to cure their rage, and prevent them from sinning any longer, would be to awaken from their lethargy and begin to be afraid and tremble; as if he had said, As soon as you shall have shaken off your drowsiness and insensibility, your desire of sinning will abate; for the reason why the ungodly are troublesome to the good and the simple, and cause so much confusion, is because they are too much at peace with themselves.
²Psalm 4:4 Cease your rage.
¹Psalm 4:5 Serve God purely, and not with outward ceremonies.
²Psalm 4:5 Which exhortation would not be applicable without the previous sentence, “Tremble” for those and those only who are driven to self-despair by the law have any cause to rest on God for security. So the Psalmist requires that his adversaries first see that their cause against him was vain seeing that he was a godly man set apart by God Himself for His service. Then he proceeds to stop them in their madness by exhorting them to think upon their false accusations and hurry not into destruction. For all those who set their mouths against the saints shall not prosper, but God Himself will hear and defend them, and it is rash folly to suppose that opposition to the saints is in any wise agreeable to a confident reliance upon God’s name, as those who are called into the church are called by it. see Isa. 43:7
¹Psalm 4:6 The multitude seek worldly wealth, but David setteth his felicity in God’s favor.
¹Psalm 4:8 This word in Hebrew may be referred to God, as it is here translated, or to David, signifying that he should dwell as joyful alone, as if he had many about him, because the Lord is with him.

¹Psalm 5: David oppressed with the cruelty of his enemies, and fearing greater dangers, calleth to God for succor, showing how requisite it is that God should punish the malice of his adversaries. 7 After, being assured of prosperous success, he conceiveth comfort, 12 concluding, that when God shall deliver him, others also shall be partakers of the same mercies.

To him that excelleth upon ²Nehiloth. A Psalm of David.

1 ¹Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my ²meditation.

2 ¹Hearken unto the voice of my cry, ²my King, and my God: for ³unto thee will I pray.

3 Hear my voice in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer ¹unto thee, and I will ²wait.

4 ¹For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in ²wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.

5 ¹The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all ²workers of iniquity.

6 ¹Thou shalt destroy them that speak lies: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.

7 But I ¹will come ²into thine house in the multitude of thy mercy: and ³in thy fear will I worship toward thine holy temple.

8 Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness ¹because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.

9 For there is no constancy in their mouth; their inward part is ¹utter wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.

10 Destroy them, O God; ¹let them ²fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the ³multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.

11 But ¹let all those that trust in thee ²rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

12 For thou, Lord, wilt ¹bless the righteous; with favour ²wilt thou compass him as with a ³shield.

Psalm 5 Footnotes:
¹Psalm 5 Henry: In this psalm, I. David settles a correspondence between his soul and God, promising to pray, and assuring himself that God would certainly hear him, Psalms 5:1-3. II. He gives to God the glory, and takes to himself the comfort, of God’s holiness, Psalms 5:4-6. III. He declares his resolution to keep close to the public worship of God, Psalms 5:7. IV. He prayed, 1. For himself, that God would guide him,, Psalms 5:8. 2. Against his enemies, that God would destroy them, Psalms 5:9; Psalms 5:10. 3. For all the people of God, that God would give them joy, and keep them safe, Psalms 5:11; Psalms 5:12. And this is all of great use to direct us in prayer.
²Psalm 5 Or, a musical instrument or tune. Henry: The title of this psalm has nothing in it peculiar but that it is said to be upon Nehiloth, a word nowhere else used. It is conjectured (and it is but a conjecture) that is signifies wind–instruments, with which this psalm was sung, as Neginoth was supposed to signify the stringed–instruments.
¹Psalm 5:1 Calvin: First, he expresses one thing in three different ways; and this repetition denotes the strength of his affection, and his long perseverance in prayer. For he was not so fond of many words as to employ different forms of expression, which had no meaning; but being deeply engaged in prayer, he represented, by these various expressions, the variety of his complaints.
²Psalm 5:1 That is, my vehement prayer, and secret complaint and sighings. Henry: David’s prayers were not his words only, but his meditations; as meditation is the best preparative for prayer, so prayer is the best issue of meditation. Poole: to note that it was not a lip prayer only, but that it proceeded from and was accompanied with the deepest thoughts and most fervent affections of his soul.
¹Psalm 5:2 Henry: Four things David here promises, and so must we:– (1.) That he will pray, that he will make conscience of praying, and make a business of it: Unto thee will I pray. “Others live without prayer, but I will pray.” Kings on their own thrones (so David was) must be beggars at God’s throne. (2.) That he will pray in the morning. His praying voice shall be heard then, and then shall his prayer be directed; that shall be the date of his letters to heaven, not that only (“Morning, and evening, and at noon, will I pray, nay, seven times a day, will I praise thee”), but that certainly. Morning prayer is our duty; we are the fittest for prayer when we are in the most fresh, and lively, and composed frame, got clear of the slumbers of the night, revived by them, and not yet filled with the business of the day. (3.) That he will have his eye single and his heart intent in the duty: I will direct my prayer, as a marksman directs his arrow to the white; with such a fixedness and steadiness of mind should we address ourselves to God. (4.) That he will patiently wait for an answer of peace: “I will look up, will look after my prayers, and hear what God the Lord will speak (Psalms 85:8; Habakkuk 2:1), that, if he grant what I asked, I may be thankful–if he deny, I may be patient–if he defer, I may continue to pray and wait and may not faint.”
²Psalm 5:2 Henry: The most commanding encouraging principle of prayer, and the most powerful or prevailing plea in prayer, is to look upon him as our King and our God, to whom we lie under peculiar obligations and from whom we have peculiar expectations.
³Psalm 5:2 Trapp: Thou art the proper object of prayer, as being omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent; and a God in covenant with thy people.
¹Psalm 5:3 Calvin: There is, in the words, an implied contrast between the rambling and uncertain movements of those who look around them for worldly helps, or depend on their own counsels and the direct leading of faith, by which all the godly are withdrawn from the vain allurements of the world, and have recourse to God alone.
²Psalm 5:3 Heb. lit. Watch with expectation to be heard or with patience and trust till I be heard. Poole: The word implies a confident, and withal a patient, expectation of relief, as Psalms 130:6; Micah 7:7; Habakkuk 2:1. See also Psalms 145:15; Acts 3:4.
¹Psalm 5:4 Calvin: Since righteousness and upright dealing are pleasing to him, David, from this, concludes that he will take vengeance on all the unjust and wicked. And how is it possible for them to escape from his hand unpunished, seeing he is the judge of the world? The passage is worthy of our most special attention. For we know how greatly we are discouraged by the unbounded insolence of the wicked. If God does not immediately restrain it, we are either stupified and dismayed, or cast down into despair. But David, from this, rather finds matter of encouragement and confi-dence. The greater the lawlessness with which his enemies proceeded against him, the more earnestly did he supplicate preservation from God, whose office it is to destroy all the wicked, because he hates all wickedness. Let all the godly, therefore, learn, as often as they have to contend against violence, deceit, and injustice, to raise their thoughts to God in order to encourage themselves in the certain hope of deliverance, according as Paul also exhorts them in 2 Thessalonians 1:5, “Which is,” says he, “a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; and to you who are troubled, rest with us.” And assuredly he would not be the judge of the world if there were not laid up in store with him a recompense for all the ungodly. One use, then, which may be made of this doctrine is this, — when we see the wicked indulging themselves in their lusts, and when, in consequence, doubts steal into our minds as to whether God takes any care of us, we should learn to satisfy ourselves with the consideration that God, who hates and abhors all iniquity, will not permit them to pass unpunished, and although he bear with them for a time, he will at length ascend into the judgment-seat, and show himself an avenger, as he is the protector and defender of his people. Again, we may infer from this passage the common doctrine, that God, although he works by Satan and by the ungodly, and makes use of their malice for executing his judgments, is not, on this account, the author of sin, nor is pleased with it because the end which he purposes is always righteous; and he justly condemns and punishes those who, by his mysterious providence, are driven whithersoever he pleases. Henry: When he says, Thou art not a God that has pleasure in wickedness, he means, “Thou art a God that hates it, as directly contrary to thy infinite purity and rectitude, and holy will.”
²Psalm 5:4 Seeing that God of nature hateth wickedness, he must needs punish the wicked, and save the godly. And yet not the godly for their own sake, or for that which He worketh in them, but for His own good pleasure and will from eternity through the covenant of grace, and for the sake of His word made to the fathers whose word must be fulfilled. see Heb. 6:17-20 Trapp: There were more remarkable expressions of God’s anger upon man’s sin, in the dead body of a man, than of a beast, Numbers 11:31-34 . The one made unclean but till the evening, the other seven days. God hateth sin worse than he doth the devil, for he hateth the devil for sin’s sake, and not sin for the devil’s sake. He hateth sin naturally in whomsoever, like as we hate poison, whether it be in a toad or in a prince’s cabinet. Poole: or, in wicked men. Thou dost not approve of nor delight in them, or in their prayers, but dost hate and wilt destroy them, as it here follows: compare Proverbs 17:15. And this he saith partly for the conviction and discouragement of his enemies, who were such; and partly for his own vindication, to show that he was not such a wicked man as they falsely and maliciously represented him.
¹Psalm 5:5 Which run most ragingly after their carnal affections either into heresy and the contempt of God’s pure doctrine or to diverse acts of flagrant disobedience against His holy law. Poole: or, the madmen, as the word properly signifies, as Ecclesiastes 2:2,Ecclesiastes 2:12; Ecclesiastes 7:7; Ecclesiastes 10:13; Isaiah 44:25, i.e. wicked men, as the next words explain it; who are indeed morally and really madmen, in fighting with the Lord God Almighty, and in exposing themselves to such dreadful hazards and mischiefs for such mean and momentary advantages. In thy sight; either in battle against thee, as this phrase is used, Deuteronomy 7:24; Joshua 1:5; Joshua 7:12; or in judgement at thy tribunal, of which see on Psalms 1:5; compare 1 Samuel 6:20; Job 41:10.
²Psalm 5:5 Poole: i.e. such as make sin their choice, design, and business, giving up themselves to the constant or customary practice of it. Compare Matthew 7:23. Otherwise, in a general sense, there is no man that doth not sin or work iniquity, Ecclesiastes 7:20.
¹Psalm 5:6 Ainsworth: Thou wilt bring to perdition] or wilt doe quite away, wilt fordoe, or make perish. man of bloods] that is, bloody man, or murderer, as the Chaldee expoundeth it, the man that sheddeth innocent blood. When blood is used in the plurall number, it usually noteth murder or manslaughter, and the guilt following it: as Gen. 4. 11. the voyce of thy brothers bloods crieth, 1 Chr. 22. 8. thou hast shed many bloods: so after in Ps. 9. 13. and 106. 38. and 51. 16. Somtime it signifieth naturall uncleannes, as, we are borne in sin, or sin deserving death, Ezek. 16. 6. 9. I saw thee polluted in thine owne bloods, &c. Hereto we may compare the Apostles speech, Iohn 1. 13. which are borne not of bloods, &c. A man of bloods, is one that is defiled therewith, or given thereto, 2 Sam. 16. 7. Psal. 16. 9. and 55. 24. and 59. 3. and 139. 19. See the like phrase opened, Psal. 140. 12.
¹Psalm 5:7 In the deepest of his temptations he putteth his full confidence in God. Calvin: I will come into thy temples says he, in the multitude of thy mercy; as if he had said, I may now seem to be in a condition almost desperate, but by the favor of God, I shall be kept in perfect safety. This passage, therefore, teaches us, that when we are afflicted by the most distressing temptations, we ought to set the grace of God before our eyes, in order thereby to be supported with the hope of the divine interposition amidst the greatest dangers.
²Psalm 5:7 Henry: He is steadfastly resolved to keep closely to God and to his worship. Sinners go away from God, and so make themselves odious to his holiness and obnoxious to his justice: “But, as for me, that shall not keep me from thee.” God’s holiness and justice are so far from being a terror to the upright in heart, to drive them from God, that they are rather by them invited to cleave to him. David resolves, (1.) To worship God, to pay his homage to him, and give unto God the glory due unto his name. (2.) To worship him publicly: “I will come into thy house, the courts of thy house, to worship there with other faithful worshippers.” David was much in secret worship, prayed often alone (Psalms 5:2; Psalms 5:3), and yet was very constant and devout in his attendance on the sanctuary. The duties of the closet are designed to prepare us for, not to excuse us from, public ordinances. (3.) To worship him reverently and with a due sense of the infinite distance there is between God and man: “In thy fear will I worship, with a holy awe of God upon my spirit,” Hebrews 12:28. God is greatly to be feared by all his worshippers. Trapp: He knew that the ark and mercy seat were never separated.
³Psalm 5:7 Poole: with a holy dread and reverence of thy majesty, and of thy house, and a due care to please thee in my religious worship, and in the whole course of my life; which he opposeth to the carelessness of his enemies, who came thither so rudely and presumptuously, and with the conscience of such wicked hearts and lives.
¹Psalm 5:8 Because thou art just, therefore lead me out of the dangers of mine enemies. Henry: He earnestly prays that God, by his grace, would guide and preserve him always in the way of his duty (Psalms 5:8): Lead me in thy righteousness, because of my enemies–Heb. “Because of those who observe me, who watch for my halting and seek occasion against me.” See here, (1.) The good use which David made of the malice of his enemies against him. The more curious they were in spying faults in him, that they might have whereof to accuse him, the more cautious he was to avoid sin and all appearances of it, and the more solicitous to be always found in the good way of God and duty. Thus, by wisdom and grace, good may come out of evil. Poole: Because of mine enemies; either,
(1) That I may give them no occasion of slandering me, or religion for my sake. Or rather, (2) Because they are most malicious and mischievous, and withal cunning and treacherous, as he describes them in the next verse, (which he useth as an argument to enforce this petition,) and they lay snares for me, and if thou dost not assist me, will be too hard for me, and will triumph over me; which will reflect dishonour upon thee also.
Thy way, i.e. the way wherein thou wouldst have me to walk, or the course which thou wouldst have me to take; for God’s precepts or counsels are most commonly called his way.
Straight, or plain, or smooth, that I may clearly discern it, and readily walk in it, without mistake, or let, or stumbling, or offence. This was a needful request, because many good men are oft at a loss what their duty is in several circumstances. And God granted this request to David, as in many other things, so in this, that he should not cut off Saul when he had opportunity and instigation to do it, 1 Samuel 24:0; 1 Samuel 26:0, but that he should wait till God took him away.
Before my face; to my view and for my walk; for men walk forward, not backward.
Dickson: Lead me, saith hee; As one that seeth not, or as one who is not able to hold a right course, without a guide. 7. If the godly man take a sinful course, to be relieved from his trouble, the enemie is hardned in his wicked course, by this means to blaspheme the profession of Piety, as meere hypocrisie, and so God is provoked to let the enemie prevaile, because the miscarriage of the godly hath made way to him; for avoiding of which inconvenience, he prayeth: Lead mee, in thy righteousness because of my enemies. 8. The deceitfulnesse of sin, the ignorance of what is expedient and lawful in a particular case, the mist of private affections, and the example of ill counsel of the World, are ready to make a man mistake the right way, except the Lord make clear what is his duty: Therefore saith he, Make thy way straight before my face.
¹Psalm 5:9 WCF Chapter 6.4. From this original corruption, whereby we are utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good, and wholly inclined to all evil, do proceed all actual transgressions. Calvin: When Paul, (Romans 3:13,) in quoting this passage, extends it to all mankind, both Jews and Gentiles, he does not give to it a meaning of greater latitude than the Holy Spirit intended to give. Since he takes it as an undeniable point, that under the person of David, there is here described to us the church, both in the person of Christ, who is the head, and in his members, it follows that all those ought to be reckoned among the number of his enemies, who have not been regenerated by the Spirit of God, whether they are without the pale of the visible church, or within it. For David, in this passage, does not summons either the Assyrians or the Egyptians to the judgment-seat of God, but the degenerate Jews, who, being circumcised in the flesh, gloried in their descent from the holy lineage of Abraham. Paul, therefore, does not wrest these words from their genuine meaning when he applies them to all mankind, but asserts, with truth, that David showed in them what is the character of the whole human family by nature.
¹Psalm 5:10 Or, cause them to err. Calvin: Cause them to err. As the Hebrew word אשם asam, signifies to cut up or to destroy, as well as to sin, and is taken metaphorically for to err, or be deceived, either of these senses is suitable in this passage; but, as David immediately after subjoins, Let them fall from their counsels, I have no doubt but this first prayer is allied and similar to the second. I therefore join these two clauses together, as the cause and the effect. In the first, he prays that God would deprive them of their understanding, and drive them into error; and in the second, he prays that, as the effect of this, their counsels might come to nought, in other words, that their undertakings might prove unsuccessful. Ainsworth: Condemne them as guilty] Asham, is a guilt, sin or trespasse, Lev. 5. 19. whereof the word here used, is to make guiltie, or damne of trespasse: and so the Greeke here hath it, Iudge or damne, and the Chaldee, make guiltie (or condemne.) And because destruction and desolation abideth such as are damned for crime, therefore is this word used al∣so for desolating, abolishing, destroying, Ezek. 6. 6. Ioel 1. 18. And so may it be here meant, punish, or make them desolate, O God. So Psal. 34. 22, 23. and 69. 6.
²Psalm 5:10 Let their devices come to naught.
³Psalm 5:10 Ainsworth: trespasses] or seditious iniquities, defections, done purposely and disloyally, and are therefore hainous and criminall. The Greeke often translateth it unlawfulnesse, or transgression of law, which the Apostle following, Rom. 4. 7. from Psal. 32. 1. It is more than sin, as may be gathered by Gen. 31. 36. Exod. 34. 7. and Iob 34. 37. hee addeth trespasse to his sin.
¹Psalm 5:11 Thy favor toward me shall confirm the faith of all others. Calvin: This passage teaches us, that we are ungrateful to God if we do not take encouragement and comfort from whatever blessings he confers upon our neighbours, since by these he testifies that he will always be ready to bestow his goodness upon all the godly in common. Accordingly the reason of this joy is added, because the Lord will cover or protect them. As often as God bestows any blessings upon any of the faithful, the rest, as I have said before, ought to conclude that he will show himself beneficent towards them.
¹Psalm 5:11 Trapp: Joy is the just man’s portion, et contra, Hosea 9:1 Isaiah 65:13-14 ; and, according to the measure of his faith, so is his joy, 1 Peter 1:8.
¹Psalm 5:12 Or, give good success. Calvin: The Psalmist here confirms the concluding sentence of the preceding verse, namely, that all the servants of God in common will take support to their faith from what he had experienced, for he would have us from one example to form our judgment of the immutability and perpetuity of God’s grace towards all the godly. Again, by this he teaches us that there is no true and right joy but that which is derived from the sense of God’s fatherly love.
²Psalm 5:12 So that he shall be safe from all dangers.
¹Psalm 5:12 Trapp: A piked shield, such as doth circuire tres partes hominis, compass about three parts of a man, saith R. Solomon on this text. Shields and bucklers, besides other bosses for ornament, had one great boss in the middle with a sharp pike in it for use, to pierce and wound the adversary. See Job 15:26 . God will be all in all to his people, crown, shield, &c.: they may therefore well enough rejoice, shout, leap, as in the former verse.

¹Psalm 6: When David by his sins had provoked God’s wrath, and now felt not only his hand against him, but also conceived the horrors of death everlasting, he desireth forgiveness. 6 Bewailing that if God took him away in his indignation, he should lack occasion to praise him as he was wont to do while he was among men. 9 Then suddenly feeling God’s mercy, he sharply rebuketh his enemies which rejoiced in his affliction.

To him that excelleth on Neginoth, upon the eighth tune. A Psalm of David.

1 O Lord, ¹rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy ²,³hot displeasure. 

2 Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my ¹bones are vexed. 

3 ¹My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O Lord, how long? 

4 Return, O Lord, deliver my soul: oh ¹save me for thy mercies’ sake. 

5 For ¹in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall praise thee? 

6 I am weary with my groaning; ¹all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. 

7 ¹Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies. 

8 ¹Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; ²for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping. 

9 ¹The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer. 

10 Let all mine enemies be confounded and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed ¹suddenly. 

Psalm 6 Footnotes:
¹Psalm 6 Henry: David was a weeping prophet as well as Jeremiah, and this psalm is one of his lamentations: either it was penned in a time, or at least calculated for a time, of great trouble, both outward and inward. Is any afflicted? Is any sick? Let him sing this psalm. The method of this psalm is very observable, and what we shall often meet with. He begins with doleful complaints, but ends with joyful praises; like Hannah, who went to prayer with a sorrowful spirit, but, when she had prayed, went her way, and her countenance was no more sad. Three things the psalmist is here complaining of:– 1. Sickness of body. 2. Trouble of mind, arising from the sense of sin, the meritorious cause of pain and sickness. 3. The insults of his enemies upon occasion of both. Now here, I. He pours out his complaints before God, deprecates his wrath, and begs earnestly for the return of his favour, Psalms 6:1-7. II. He assures himself of an answer of peace, shortly, to his full satisfaction, Psalms 6:8-10. This psalm is like the book of Job.
¹Psalm 6:1 Though I deserve destruction, yet let thy mercy pity my frailty. Wherein there is an admittance of guilt and prayer for pardon. Calvin: Those persons are very unsuitably exercised under their afflictions who do not immediately take a near and a steady view of their sins, in order thereby to produce the conviction that they have deserved the wrath of God…It is to be particularly noticed that David does not simply ascribe to God the afflictions under which he is now suffering, but acknowledges them to be the just recompense of his sins. He does not take God to task as if he had been an enemy, treating him with cruelty without any just cause; but yielding to him the right of rebuking and chastening, he desires and prays only that bounds may be set to the punishment inflicted on him. By this he declares God to be a just Judge in taking vengeance on the sins of men. But as soon as he has confessed that he is justly chastised, he earnestly beseeches God not to deal with him in strict justice, or according to the utmost rigour of the law. He does not altogether refuse punishment, for that would be unreasonable; and to be without it, he judged would be more hurtful than beneficial to him: but what he is afraid of is the wrath of God, which threatens sinners with ruin and perdition. To anger and indignation David tacitly opposes fatherly and gentle chastisement, and this last he was willing to bear. We have a similar contrast in the words of Jeremiah, (Jeremiah 10:24,) “O Lord,” says he, “correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger.” God is, indeed, said to be angry with sinners whenever he inflicts punishment upon them, but not in the proper and strict sense, inasmuch as he not only mingles with it some of the sweetness of his grace to mitigate their sorrow, but also shows himself favorable to them, in moderating their punishment, and in mercifully drawing back his hand.
²Psalm 6:1 The Christian knows assuredly that the favor of the LORD is life, but his anger brings men to the very pit of hell. If the LORD do but look upon us we shall rejoice and go forth in confidence and gladness. Therefore the prayer of Israel was, “The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” Num. 6:26
³Psalm 6:1 or burning indignation, see Psalm 143:2, Jer. 10:24
¹Psalm 6:2 For my whole strength is abated.
¹Psalm 6:3 His conscience is also touched with the fear of God’s judgment.
¹Psalm 6:4 Trapp: David pleaded not merit, but humbly craveth mercy. The heart (that piece of proud flesh) must be brought to such a temper and tameness, as to crouch to God for the crumbs that fall from his table.
¹Psalm 6:5 He lamenteth that occasion should be taken from him to praise God in the congregation. So Calvin, “After God has bestowed all things freely upon us, he requires nothing in return but a grateful remembrance of his benefits. To this gratitude reference is made when David says, that there will be no remembrance of God in death, nor any celebration of his praise in the grave His meaning is, that if, by the grace of God, he shall be delivered from death, he will be grateful for it, and keep it in remembrance. And he laments, that if he should be removed out of the world, he would be deprived of the power and opportunity of manifesting his gratitude, since in that case he would no longer mingle in the society of men, there to commend or celebrate the name of God.“
¹Psalm 6:6 Trapp: By couch some understand that whereon David lay in the day time for ease and refreshing, the same perhaps which David arose off when he beheld Bathsheba washing herself; where began his misery, 2 Samuel 11:2 . Others take it for his pallet, his under bed, which he also watered by the abundance of his penitent tears. Ainsworth rendered it, I water or melt my bedstead. These are all excessive figurative speeches, to set forth the greatness of his grief and the multitude of his tears. Weeping becomes not a king, saith Euripides. But King David was of another mind, and so was he who said, Faciles motus mens generosa capit (Ovid). Tears, instead of gems, were the ornaments of David’s bed, saith Chrysostom.
¹Psalm 6:7 Or, mine eye is eaten as it were with worms.
¹Psalm 6:8 God sendeth comfort and boldness, in affliction, that we may triumph over our enemies. So Trapp, “What a strange change is here all of a sudden! Well might Luther say, Oratio est hirudo animae, Prayer is the leech of the soul, that sucks out the venom and swelling thereof. Prayer, saith another, is an exorcist with God, and an exorcist against sin and misery. The prophet Isaiah calleth it a charm, Isaiah 26:16 , because it lays our soul distempers, and, like David’s harp, drives away the evil spirit that is upon us. Pray, therefore, when out of order, though not so fit to pray; fall upon the duty, by David’s example here, and that will further fit thee for the duty. Thy leaden lumpish heart, cast into this holy fire, will heat and melt. Quoties me oratio, quem pene desperantem susceperat, reddidit exultantem et praesumentem de venia? saith Bernard: How oft hath prayer found me despairing almost, but left me triumphing and well assured of pardon! The same in effect saith David here, “Depart from me,” &c. What a word is that to his insulting enemies, Avoid, come out, vanish! These be words used to devils and dogs, but good enough for a Doeg or a Shimei. And the Son of David shall say the same to his enemies when he comes to judgment.”
²Psalm 6:8 Calvin: “This passage teaches us, that the grace of God is the only light of life to the godly; and that, as soon as He has manifested some token of his anger, they are not only greatly afraid, but also, as it were, plunged into the darkness of death; while, on the other hand, as soon as they discover anew that God is merciful to them, they are immediately restored to life.“
¹Psalm 6:9 Trapp: And thereby sealed up sweetest love to my soul; as Ahasuerus afterwards did to his Esther, by granting her request. But how knew David, and how doth many another man in like sort know that God hath heard his prayer, though as yet no visible return appeareth? I answer, This he may know, 1. By a cast of God’s pleased countenance. 2. By the testimony of his own conscience, Philippians 4:6-7 , and by the assurance of faith, which saith to a man, as the angel once did to Cornelius, Thy prayers are heard and answered. Of Luther we read, that having been once wrestling hard with God by prayer for the prosperous proceeding of the Reformation in Germany, about which there was a general meeting of the states at that time, he came leaping out of his closet with Vicimus, Vicimus, in his mouth, that is, We have prevailed, we have got the day. God sometimes answereth his people before they pray, sometimes while they are praying, as here, and sometimes after they have prayed, but sooner or later they shall be sure of it.
¹Psalm 6:10 When the wicked think that the godly shall perish, God delivereth them suddenly, and destroyeth their enemies.

Psalm 7: Being falsely accused by Cush one of Saul’s kinsmen, he calleth to God to be his defender, 3 to whom he commendeth his innocence, 9 first showing that his conscience did not accuse him of any evil toward Saul. 10 Next that it touched God’s glory to award sentence against the wicked. 12 And so entering into the consideration of God’s mercies and promise, he waxeth bold, and derideth the vain enterprises of his enemies, though they prepare their weapons with malice 15 threatening that that shall fall on their own neck which they have purposed for others. 

¹Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the Lord, concerning the ²words of Cush the son of Benjamin.

1 ¹O Lord my God, in thee do I trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: 

2 Lest ¹he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver. 

3 O Lord my God, If I have done ¹this; if there be iniquity in my hands; 

4 ¹If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:) 

5 Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine ¹honour in the dust. Selah. 

6 Arise, O Lord, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me according to the ¹judgment that thou hast appointed. 

7 So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore ¹return thou on high. 

8 The Lord shall judge the people: judge me, O Lord, according to my ¹righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me. 

9 Oh let the malice of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the ¹hearts and reins. 

10 My defence is of God, which preserveth the upright in heart. 

11 God judgeth the righteous, and him that contemneth God ¹every day. 

12 If ¹he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. 

13 ¹He hath also prepared for him deadly weapons; he maketh his arrows into ²fiery darts. 

14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth ¹a lie. 

15 ¹He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. 

16 His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his cruelty shall come down upon his own pate. 

17 ¹I will praise the Lord according to his ¹righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high.

Psalm 7 Footnotes:
¹Or, kind of tune.
²Or, accusation.
¹Psalm 7:1 Calvin: O Jehovah my God, in thee do I trust. The verb, it is true, is in the past tense in the Hebrew; and, therefore, if literally translated, the reading would be, In thee have I trusted; but as the Hebrews often take one tense for another, I prefer to translate it in the present, In thee I do trust, especially since it is abundantly evident that a continued act, as it is termed, is denoted. David does not boast of a confidence in God, from which he had now fallen, but of a confidence which he constantly entertained in his afflictions. And this is a genuine and an undoubted proof of our faith, when, being visited with adversity, we, notwithstanding, persevere in cherishing and exercising hope in God.
¹Psalm 7:2 He desireth God to deliver him from the rage and cruelty of Saul.
¹Psalm 7:3 Wherewith Cush chargeth me. Calvin: O Jehovah my God Here David, to induce God to show him favour, protests that he is molested unjustly, and without being guilty of any crime. To give his protestation the greater weight, he uses an imprecation. If he has done any wrong, he declares his readiness to bear the blame; yea, he offers to endure the severest punishment, if he is not altogether innocent of the crime of which all men thought him almost convicted. And by entreating God to succour him upon no other condition than this, that his integrity should upon trial be found to be untarnished, he teaches us, by his example, that as often as we have recourse to God, we must make it our first care to be well assured in our own consciences with respect to the righteousness of our cause; for we do him great wrong if we wish to engage him as the advocate and defender of a bad cause.
¹Psalm 7:4 If I reverenced not Saul for affinities sake and preserved his life, 1 Sam. 26:8,9.
²Psalm 7:4 Calvin: When a man not only keeps himself from revenging the injuries which he has received, but endeavours to overcome evil by doing good, he manifests one of the graces of a renewed and sanctified nature, and in this way proves himself to be one of the children of God; for such meekness proceeds only from the Spirit of adoption.
¹Psalm 7:5 Let me not only die, but be dishonored forever.
¹Psalm 7:6 In promising me the kingdom.
¹Psalm 7:7 Not only for mine, but for thy Church’s sake, declare thy power. Henry: Return on high, that is, visibly and in the sight of all, that it may be universally acknowledged that heaven itself owns and pleads David’s cause.
¹Psalm 7:8 As touching my behavior toward Saul and mine enemies.
¹Psalm 7:9 Though they pretend a just cause against me: yet God shall judge their hypocrisy.
¹Psalm 7:11 Calvin: “As Saul and his accomplices had, by their calumnious reports, so far succeeded in their wicked design as to have produced a general prejudice against David, so that he was condemned by almost the whole people, the holy man supports himself from this one consideration, that whatever may be the confusion of things in the world, God, notwithstanding, can easily discern between the righteous and the wicked.” see v9
¹Psalm 7:12 Except Saul turn his mind, I die: for he hath both men and weapons to destroy me. Thus considering his great danger, he magnifieth God’s grace.
¹Psalm 7:13 Showing the malignant cruelty of the wicked, that they will arduously endeavor in spending time, energy and resources to overthrow the righteous.
²Psalm 7:13 see Eph. 6:16, “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” So David beset by the accusations of the wicked which are like fiery arrows piercing the heart and conscience, comforts himself in the salvation of the LORD declaring His righteousness and faithfulness to deliver His people from all their troubles according to His promise.
¹Psalm 7:14 By faith David declares that though danger was present and appeared to overwhelm him, yet all the enterprises of the wicked against him would be turned to nothing, seeing that God has defeated even death itself on behalf of those who love Him.
¹Psalm 7:15 Calvin: There is a twofold use of this doctrine: the first place, however skilled in craft our enemies may be, and whatever means of doing mischief they may have, we must nevertheless look for the issue which God here promises, that they shall fall by their own sword. And this is not a thing which happens by chance; but God, by the secret direction of his own hand, causes the evil which they intend to bring upon the innocent to return upon their own heads. In the second place, If at any time we are instigated by passion to inflict any injury upon our neighbours, or to commit any wickedness, let us remember this principle of retributive justice, which is often acted upon by the divine government, that those who prepare a pit for others are cast into it themselves; and the effect will be, that every one, in proportion as he would consult his own happiness and welfare, will be careful to restrain himself from doing any injury, even the smallest, to another.
¹Psalm 7:17 Calvin: The design of God in the deliverances which he vouchsafes to his servants is, that they may render to him in return the sacrifices of praise.
²Psalm 7:17 In keeping faithfully his promise with me.

¹Psalm 8: 1 The Prophet considering the excellent liberality and Fatherly providence of God toward man, whom he made as it were a god over all his works, doth not only give great thanks, but is astonished with the admiration of the same, as one nothing able to compass such great mercies.

To him that excelleth on ¹Gittith. A Psalm of David.

1 ^1,2O Lord, our Lord, how ²excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

2 Out of the mouth ¹of babes and sucklings hast thou ²ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest ³still the enemy and the avenger.

3 ¹When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

4 What is ¹man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

5 For thou hast made him a little lower than ¹the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

6 Thou hast made him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:

7 All ¹sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;

8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.

9 O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

Psalm 8 Footnotes:
¹Henry: When we are observing the glory of God in the kingdom of nature and providence we should be led by that, and through that, to the contemplation of his glory in the kingdom of grace.
¹Or, kind of instrument, or tune.
¹Psalm 8:1 Calvin: David, it is true, sets before his eyes the wonderful power and glory of God in the creation and government of the material universe; but he only slightly glances at this subject, as it were, in passing, and insists principally on the theme of God’s infinite goodness towards us. There is presented to us in the whole order of nature, the most abundant matter for showing forth the glory of God, but, as we are unquestionably more powerfully affected with what we ourselves experience, David here, with great propriety, expressly celebrates the special favor which God manifests towards mankind; for this, of all the subjects which come under our contemplation, is the brightest mirror in which we can behold his glory.
²Psalm 8:1 Ainsworth: Vers. 2. our Lord] or, our sustainers: See the note on Psal. 2. 4 wondrous excellent] or wondrous ample, illustrious and magnificent. The originall word signifieth ample or large, and excellent withall, cleare and splendent in glory: The Greek turneth it wonderfull: the Chaldee, high and laudable. So in v. 10. name] this word is often used for renowne or glory, Gen. 6 4 Eccle. 7. 3. Phil. 2. 9. as on the contrary, vile persons are called men without name, Iob 30 8. Gods name is also used for his kingdome and Gospell, Mat. 19. 29. compared with Luk. 18. 29. Mar. 10. 29. And this Psalme treateth of the spreading of Christs Kingdome and Gospell, as after is manifested.
³Psalm 8:1 Or, noble, or marvelous.
¹Psalm 8:2 Though the wicked would hide God’s praises, yet the very babes are sufficient witnesses of the same.
²Psalm 8:2 Or, established.
³Psalm 8:2 Or, confound.
¹Psalm 8:3 Calvin: My readers, however, must be careful to mark the design of the Psalmist, which is to enhance, by this comparison, the infinite goodness of God; for it is, indeed, a wonderful thing that the Creator of heaven, whose glory is so surpassingly great as to ravish us with the highest admiration, condescends so far as graciously to take upon him the care of the human race.
¹Psalm 8:4 It had been sufficient, for him to have set forth his glory by the heavens, though he had not come so low as to man, which is but dust.
¹Psalm 8:5 Touching his first creation.
¹Psalm 8:7 By the temporal gifts of man’s creation, he is led to consider the benefits which he hath by his regeneration through Christ.

Psalm 9: 1 After he had given thanks to God for the sundry victories that he had sent him against his enemies, and also proved by manifold experience, how ready God was at hand in all his troubles. 14 He being now likewise in danger of new enemies, desireth God to help him according to his wont, 17 and to destroy the malicious arrogance of his adversaries.

To him that excelleth upon Muth Labben. A Psalm of David.

1 I will praise thee, O Lord, with my ¹whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.

2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.

3 For mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish ¹at thy presence.

4 For ¹thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right.

5 Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.

6 ¹O enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them.

7 But the Lord ¹shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.

8 And he shall judge the world in righteousness, ¹he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.

9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the ¹oppressed, a refuge in due time, ²even in affliction.

10 And they that know ¹thy name will trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

11 Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion: ¹declare among the people his works.

12 ¹When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the ²,³humble.

13 Have mercy upon me, O Lord; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:

14 That I may shew forth all thy praise in the ¹gates of the daughter of Zion: and rejoice in thy salvation.

15 The heathen are ¹sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their foot taken.

16 ¹The Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. ²Higgaion. Selah.

17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

18 For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the hope ¹of the poor shall not perish for ever.

19 Arise, O Lord; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight.

20 Put them in fear, O Lord: ¹that the nations may know that they are but ²men. Selah.

Psalm 9 Footnotes:
¹Or, kind of instrument, or tune, or for the death of Labben or Goliath.
¹Psalm 9:1 God is not praised, except the whole glory be given to him alone. Calvin: The whole heart is taken for an upright or sincere heart, which is opposed to a double heart. Thus he distinguishes himself not only from gross hypocrites, who praise God only with their lips outwardly, without having their hearts in any way affected, but also acknowledges that whatever he had hitherto done which was commendable, proceeded entirely from the pure grace of God. Even irreligious men, I admit, when they have obtained some memorable victory, are ashamed to defraud God of the praise which is due to him; but we see that as soon as they have uttered a single expression in acknowledgement of the assistance God has afforded them, they immediately begin to boast loudly, and to sing triumphs in honor of their own valor, as if they were under no obligations whatever to God. In short, it is a piece of pure mockery when they profess that their exploits have been done by the help of God; for, after having made oblation to Him, they sacrifice to their own counsels, skill, courage, and resources…David, therefore, with good reason, affirms that he is unlike the children of this world, whose hypocrisy or fraud is discovered by the wicked and dishonest distribution which they make between God and themselves, arrogating to themselves the greater part of the praise which they pretended to ascribe to God. He praised God with his whole heart, which they did not; for certainly it is not praising God with the whole heart when a mortal man dares to appropriate the smallest portion of the glory which God claims for himself. God cannot bear with seeing his glory appropriated by the creature in even the smallest degree, so intolerable to him is the sacrilegious arrogance of those who by praising themselves, obscure his glory as far as they can.
¹Psalm 9:3 Trapp: The victory is of God, and to him alone to be ascribed.
¹Psalm 9:4 Howsoever the enemy seems for a time to prevail, yet God preserveth the just.
¹Psalm 9:6 A derision of the enemy, that mindeth nothing but destruction: but the Lord will deliver his, and bring him into judgment.
¹Psalm 9:7 Or, reign as Judge.
¹Psalm 9:8 Calvin: The true doctrine on this subject, is not, like Epicurus, to imagine that God is a being wholly devoted to ease and pleasures, and who, satisfied with himself alone, has no care whatever about mankind, but to place him on the throne of power and equity, so that we may be fully persuaded, that although he does not immediately succor those who are unrighteously oppressed, yet there is not a moment in which he ceases to take a deep interest in them.
¹Psalm 9:9 Our miseries are means to cause us to feel God’s present care over us.
¹Psalm 9:9 Poole: God will not only judge the world at the last day, and then give sentence for his people against their enemies, but even at present he will give them his protection.
¹Psalm 9:10 The name of the LORD is salvation. So the method in which God saves His people in election, redemption, and regeneration may rightly be called the name of God. Poole: The name of God is most frequently put for God, as he hath manifested himself in his word and works, as Deuteronomy 28:58; Psalms 7:17; Psalms 20:1; Proverbs 18:10
¹Psalm 9:11 Calvin: David, not contented with giving thanks individually, and on his own account, exhorts the faithful to unite with him, praising God, and to do this not only because it is their duty to stir up one another to this religious exercise, but because the deliverances of which he treats were worthy of being publicly and solemnly celebrated; and this is expressed more clearly in the second clause, where he commands them to be published among the nations. The meaning is, that they are not published or celebrated as they deserve, unless the whole world is filled with the renown of them. To proclaim God’s doings among the nations was indeed, as it were, to sing to the deaf; but by this manner of speaking, David intended to show that the territory of Judea was too narrow to contain the infinite greatness of Jehovah’s praises. He gives God this title, He who dwelleth in Sion, to distinguish him from all the false gods of the Gentiles. There is in the phrase a tacit comparison between the God who made his covenant with Abraham and Israel, and all the gods who, in every other part of the world except Judea, were worshipped according to the blinded and depraved fancies of men. It is not enough for persons to honor and reverence some deity indiscriminately or at random; they must distinctly yield to the only living and true God the worship which belongs to him, and which he commands.
¹Psalm 9:12 Though God revengeth not suddenly the wrong done to his, yet he suffereth not the wicked unpunished.
²Psalm 9:12 Poole: The humble, or meek, as this word, which is used also Zechariah 9:9, is translated Matthew 21:5, who do not, and cannot, and will not avenge themselves, but commit their cause to me, as the God to whom vengeance belongeth.
³Psalm 9:12 Poole: Or, afflicted or oppressed ones.
¹Psalm 9:14 In the open assembly of the Church.
¹Psalm 9:15 For God overthroweth the wicked in their enterprises.
¹Psalm 9:16 The mercy of God toward his Saints must be declared, and the fall of the wicked must always be considered. For God cannot be known except by the gospel, the way of salvation through the grace of the Mediator Jesus Christ, which doctrine establishes the destruction of the wicked, who being reprobated before time will be destroyed forever according to God’s wonderful providence towards His elect. see Ex. 14-15, Ps. 13:5, Ps. 136:10-15
²Psalm 9:16 Or, this is worthy to be noted.
¹Psalm 9:18 God promiseth not to help us before we have felt the cross.
¹Psalm 9:20 Calvin: There follows next the point to which the nations must be brought, namely, to acknowledge themselves to be mortal men. This, at first sight, seems to be a matter of small importance; but the doctrine which it contains is far from being trifling. What is man, that he dares of himself to move a finger? And yet all the ungodly run to excess as boldly and presumptuously as if there were nothing to hinder them from doing whatever they please. It is certainly through a distempered imagination that they claim to themselves what is peculiar to God; and, in short, they would never run to so great excess if they were not ignorant of their own condition. David, when he beseeches God to strike the nations with terror, that they may know that they are men, (187) does not mean that the ungodly will profit so much under the rods and chastisements of God as to humble themselves truly and from the heart; but the knowledge of which he speaks just means an experience of their own weakness. His language is as if he had said, Lord, since it is their ignorance of themselves which hurries them into their rage against me, make them actually to experience that their strength is not equal to their infatuated presumption, and after they are disappointed of their vain hopes, let them lie confounded and abased with shame. It may often happen that those who are convinced of their own weakness do not yet reform; but much is gained when their ungodly presumption is exposed to mockery and scorn before the world, that it may appear how ridiculous was the confidence which they presumed to place in their own strength. With respect to the chosen of God, they ought to profit under his chastisements after another manner. It becomes them to be humbled under a sense of their own weakness, and willingly to divest themselves of all vain confidence and presumption. And this will be the case if they remember that they are but men. Augustine has well and wisely said, that the whole humility of man consists in the knowledge of himself. Moreover, since pride is natural to all, God requires to strike terror into all men indiscriminately, that, on the one hand, his own people may learn to be humble, and that, on the other hand, the wicked, although they cease not to elevate themselves above the condition of man, may be put back with shame and confusion.
²Psalm 9:20 Which they cannot learn without the fear of thy judgment.

Psalm 10:
1 He complaineth of the fraud, rapine, tyranny, and all kinds of wrong, which worldly men use, assigning the cause thereof, that wicked men, being as it were drunken with worldly prosperity, and therefore setting apart all fear and reverence towards God, think they may do all things without controlling. 15 Therefore he calleth upon God to send some remedy against these desperate evils, 16 and at length comforteth himself with hope of deliverance.

1 ¹Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? why hidest thou thyself in ²times of trouble?

2 The wicked ¹in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.

3 For the wicked ¹boasteth of his heart’s desire, ²and the covetous blesseth himself, he contemneth the Lord.

4 The wicked, through ¹impudent pride, doth not seek after God: ²all his thoughts are, there is no God.

5 ¹His ways always prosper; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: therefore he ²defieth all his enemies.

6 He hath said in his heart, I shall ¹not be moved: for I shall ¹never be in adversity.

7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.

8 ¹He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are bent against the poor.

9 He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net.

10 He croucheth, and lieth low, that the ¹poor may fall by his might.

11 He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.

12 ¹Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble.

13 Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? ¹he saith in his heart, Thou wilt not ²require it.

14 Yet thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to ¹requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; for thou art the helper of the fatherless.

15 Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find ¹none.

16 The Lord is King for ever and ever: the ^1,2heathen are purged from his land.

17 Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou preparest their heart, thou bendest thine ear to them:

18 ¹To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth ¹may oppress no more.

Psalm 10 Footnotes:
¹Psalm 10:1 Calvin: “We should seek comfort and solace in the providence of God; for amidst our agitations, vexations, and cares, we ought to be fully persuaded that it is his peculiar office to give relief to the wretched and afflicted. It is in an improper sense, and by anthropathy, that the Psalmist speaks of God as standing afar off. Nothing can be hid from his eyes; but as God permits us to speak to him as we do to one another, these forms of expression do not contain any thing absurd, provided we understand them as applied to God, not in a strict sense, but only figuratively, according to the judgment which mere sense forms from the present appearance of things.”
²Psalm 10:1 So soon as we enter into affliction, we think God should help us, but that is not always his due time.
¹Psalm 10:2 Calvin: David here intended to state that the only cause why the ungodly, whom he accuses, exercise their cruelty against the wretched and the needy, from whom they receive no provocation, is the pride and arrogance of their own spirits.
¹Psalm 10:3 The wicked man rejoiceth in his own lust, he boasteth when he hath that he would: he braggeth of his wit and wealth, and blesseth himself, and thus blasphemeth the Lord.
²Psalm 10:3 Calvin: Desire of soul here denotes rather lust, and the intemperate gratification of passion and appetite; and thus the meaning is, that they indulge themselves with delight in their depraved desires, and, despising the judgment of God, fearlessly absolve themselves from all guilt, maintain their innocence, and justify their impiety. Moses uses a similar form of expression in Deuteronomy 29:19.
¹Psalm 10:4 The pride of his countenance. Ainsworth: such is the loftinesse of his nose] or, according to the height of his countenance, or, of his anger. The nose and casting up of it, signifieth a proud, scornful, and sometime an angry countenance; For as the highness of the heart, Psa. 131.1. and of the spirit, Prov. 16.18. noteth inward pride: so the loftiness of the eyes, Psa. 101.5. and here of the nose, noteth outward pride and disdainful behaviour. The Hebrew hath one word, for the nose, and for anger, (as is observed, Psa. 2.5.)
²Psalm 10:4 Calvin: In the second clause, the prophet more severely, or, at least, more openly, accuses them, declaring that all their wicked imaginations show that they have no God. All his devices say, There is no God. By these words I understand, that through their heaven-daring presumption, they subvert all piety and justice, as if there were no God sitting in heaven. Did they truly believe that there is a God, the fear of the judgment to come would restrain them. Not that they plainly and distinctly deny the existence of a God, but then they strip him of his power. Now, God would be merely like an idol, if, contented with an inactive existence, he should divest himself of his office as judge. Whoever, therefore, refuse to admit that the world is subject to the providence of God, or do not believe that his hand is stretched forth from on high to govern it, do as much as in them lies to put an end to the existence of God. It is not, however, enough to have some cold and unimpressive knowledge of him in the head; it is only the true and heartfelt conviction of his providence which makes us reverence him, and which keeps us in subjection to him.
¹Psalm 10:5 Poole: “Or, His ways, i.e. his designs and enterprises, at all times are prosperous, or successful, or do bring forth; for this verb signifies, as the pains and trouble, so also the success and comfort, of child-bearing, or the bringing forth children, as Psalms 29:9; Isaiah 54:1; Jeremiah 4:31. And the accomplishment or disappointment of designs is frequently expressed by this metaphor; of which see 2 Kings 19:23; Psalms 7:14; Isaiah 59:4, &c. And this sense seems best to suit with the context.” So the wicked with grievous labor bring forth their wicked plans to subvert the sovereignty of God and establish their own kingdom in the world and appear to prosper as far as the eye can see.
²Psalm 10:5 Or, snuffeth at.
¹Psalm 10:6 Or, not be moved, because he was never in evil.
²Psalm 10:6 The evil shall not touch me, Isa. 28:15, or else he speaketh thus because he never felt evil.
¹Psalm 10:8 He showeth that the wicked have many means to hide their cruelty, and therefore ought more to be feared.
¹Psalm 10:10 By the hypocrisy of them that have authority, the poor are devoured.
¹Psalm 10:12 He calleth to God for help, because wickedness is so far overgrown, that God must now help or never.
¹Psalm 10:13 For their actions are a true demonstration of their belief, even of their denial of God’s providence and judgment.
²Psalm 10:13 Therefore thou must needs punish this their blasphemy.
¹Psalm 10:14 To judge between the right and the wrong.
¹Psalm 10:15 For thou hast utterly destroyed him.
¹Psalm 10:16 The hypocrites or such as live not after God’s Law, shall be destroyed.
²Psalm 10:16 Calvin: The meaning is, that the holy land was at length purged from the abominations and impurities with which it had been polluted. It was a dreadful profanation, when the land which had been given for an inheritance to the people of God, and allotted to those who purely worshipped him, nourished ungodly and wicked inhabitants. By the heathen he does not mean foreigners, and such as did not belong to the race of Abraham according to the flesh, but hypocrites, who falsely boasted that they belonged to the people of God, just as at this day many, who are Christians only in name, occupy a place in the bosom of the Church. It is no new thing for the prophets to call apostates, who have degenerated from the virtues and holy lives of their fathers, by the reproachful name of heathen, and to compare them not only to the uncircumcised, but also to the Canaanites, who were the most detestable among all the heathen. “Thy father was an Amorite, and thy mother an Hittite,” (Ezekiel 16:3)
Many other similar passages are to be met with in Scripture. David, therefore, in applying the dishonorable name of heathen to the false and bastard children of Abraham, gives God thanks for having expelled such a corrupt class out of his Church. By this example we are taught, that it is no new thing if we see in our own day the Church of God polluted by profane and irreligious men. We ought, however, to beseech God quickly to purge his house, and not leave his holy temple exposed to the desecration of swine and dogs, as if it were a dunghill.
¹Psalm 10:18 God helpeth when man’s help ceaseth.
²Psalm 10:18 Or, destroy no more man upon the earth.

Psalm 11: 1 This Psalm containeth two parts.  In the first David showeth how hard assaults of temptations he sustained, and in how great anguish of mind he was, when Saul did persecute him. 4 Then next he rejoiceth that God sent him succor in his necessity, declaring his justice as well in governing the good, and the wicked men, as the whole world.

To him that excelleth. A Psalm of David.

1 ¹In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye then to my soul, ²Flee as a bird to your mountain?

2 For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may secretly shoot at the upright in heart.

3 ¹For the ²foundations are cast down, what hath the ³righteous done?

4 ¹The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven: his eyes ²behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

5 ¹The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, ¹fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this is the ¹portion of their cup.

7 ¹For the righteous Lord ²loveth righteousness; ³his countenance doth behold the upright.

Psalm 11 Footnotes:
¹Psalm 11:1 Calvin: When all men were striving, as it were, with each other, to drive him to despair, he (David) must, according to the weakness of the flesh, have been afflicted with great and almost overwhelming distress of mind; but fortified by faith, he confidently and steadfastly leaned on the promises of God, and was thus preserved from yielding to the temptations to which he was exposed. These spiritual conflicts, with which God exercised him in the midst of his extreme perils, he here recounts. Accordingly, as I have just now observed, the psalm should be divided into two parts. Before celebrating the righteousness of God, which he displays in the preservation of the godly, the Psalmist shows how he had encountered even death itself, and yet, through faith and an upright conscience, had obtained the victory. As all men advised him to leave his country, and retire into some place of exile, where he might be concealed, inasmuch as there remained for him no hope of life, unless he should relinquish the kingdom, which had been promised to him; in the beginning of the psalm, he opposes to this perverse advice the shield of his trust in God.
²Psalm 11:1 This is the wicked counsel of his enemies to him and his companions to drive him from the hope of God’s promise.
¹Psalm 11:3 Calvin: I have no doubt of its being a metaphor taken from buildings, which must fall down and become a heap of ruins when their foundations are undermined; and thus David complains, that, in the eyes of the world, he was utterly overthrown, inasmuch as all that he possessed was completely destroyed. In the last clause, he again repeats, that to be persecuted so cruelly was what he did not deserve: What hath the righteous one done? And he asserts his own innocence, partly to comfort himself in his calamities from the testimony of a good conscience, and partly to encourage himself in the hope of obtaining deliverance. That which encouraged him to trust in God was the belief which he entertained, that on account of the justice of his cause God was on his side, and would be favorable to him.
Poole: If; or, for; or, when.
The foundations, i.e. piety, and justice, and fidelity, and mercy, which are the pillars or foundations of a state or kingdom, as they are called, Psalms 75:2,Psalms 75:3; Psalms 82:5; by which they are established, Proverbs 29:14, and which Saul and his courtiers had manifestly violated and overthrown in persecuting David and his friends. The sense is, There is nothing in public administrations but disorder and oppression, and right can take no place.
Heb. what hath the righteous done? As for me and my friends, upon whom all the blame is laid, what have we poor, but righteous, persons (for such thou thou knowest us to be) done? namely, to cause all these calumnies and persecutions, or to occasion all these commotions and disturbances of public peace and justice. It is easy to slander us, but let them prove their accusations by any one of our actions.
²Psalm 11:3 All hope of succor is taken away.
³Psalm 11:3 Yet am I innocent and my cause good.
¹Psalm 11:4 Calvin: In what follows, the Psalmist glories in the assurance of the favor of God, of which I have spoken. Being destitute of human aid, he betakes himself to the providence of God. It is a signal proof of faith, as I have observed elsewhere, to take and to borrow, so to speak, light from heaven to guide us to the hope of salvation, when we are surrounded in this world with darkness on every side…
He does not simply say that God dwells in heaven; but that he reigns there, as it were, in a royal palace, and has his throne of judgment there. Nor do we indeed render to him the honor which is his due, unless we are fully persuaded that his judgment-seat is a sacred sanctuary for all who are in affliction and unrighteously oppressed. When, therefore, deceit, craft, treachery, cruelty, violence, and extortion, reign in the world; in short, when all things are thrown into disorder and darkness by injustice and wickedness, let faith serve as a lamp to enable us to behold God’s heavenly throne, and let that sight suffice to make us wait in patience for the restoration of things to a better state. The temple of his holiness, or his holy temple, which is commonly taken for Sion, doubtless here signifies heaven; and that it does so is clearly shown by the repetition in the next clause, Jehovah has his throne in Heaven; for it is certain David expresses the same thing twice.
²Psalm 11:4 Though all things in earth be out of order, yet God will execute judgment from heaven.
¹Psalm 11:5 Calvin: This truth is still more clearly explained in what is immediately added in the fifth verse, that God distinguishes between the righteous and the unrighteous, and in such a way as shows that he is not an idle spectator; for he is said to approve the righteous, and to hate the wicked. The Hebrew word בחן, bachan, which we have rendered to approve, often signifies to examine or try. But in this passage I explain it as simply meaning, that God so inquires into the cause of every man as to distinguish the righteous from the wicked. It is farther declared, that God hates those who are set upon the infliction of injuries, and upon doing mischief. As he has ordained mutual intercourse between men, so he would have us to maintain it inviolable. In order, therefore, to preserve this his own sacred and appointed order, he must be the enemy of the wicked, who wrong and are troublesome to others. There is also here contrasted God’s hatred of the wicked, and wicked men’s love of iniquity, to teach us that those who please and flatter themselves in their mischievous practices gain nothing by such flatteries, and only deceive themselves.
¹Psalm 11:6 Poole: He shall rain; which notes their original to be extraordinary, and from God’s hand; and withal, that they should come plentifully, swiftly, and suddenly, violently and unavoidably, as rain commonly doth fall from heaven.
Snares, i.e. grievous plagues or judgments, which are called snares here, as also Job 18:9, Job 18:10; Job 22:10; Isaiah 8:14; Isaiah 24:17,Isaiah 24:18; partly because wicked men are ofttimes surprised with them when they least expect them, Luke 21:35; and partly because they cannot escape them, nor get out of them, but are held fast and destroyed by them.
Fire and brimstone, and a horrible tempest, i.e. dreadful judgments, so called metaphorically, and by allusion to the destruction of Sodom and other places by these means. But this he seems to speak not so much of present and temporal calamities, as of their future and eternal punishments, because he manifestly speaks of those miseries which are peculiar to wicked men; whereas David knew very well, both by his own experience, and by the history of Job, and of Israel’s bondage in Egypt, that all things here came alike to all men, good or bad, Ecclesiastes 9:2, and that wicked men had many times a greater share of worldly prosperity than God’s own people; as David acknowledgeth and complaineth of it, Psalms 73:0.
This is the portion of their cup, and as it were the meat and drink appointed to them by God. This shall certainly and unavoidably be their state or condition; which is oft called a man’s part or portion, as Psalms 16:5; Psalms 63:10; Psalms 75:8; Matthew 24:51. He alludes to the ancient custom of masters of families, or of feasts, who used to distribute the several portions of meat to their domestics or guests.
²Psalm 11:6 Which they shall drink even to the dregs, Ezek. 23:34.
¹Psalm 11:7 Calvin: This conclusion of the psalm sufficiently shows, that the scope of the whole of it was to make it manifest that all those who, depending upon the grace of God, sincerely follow after righteousness, shall be safe under his protection.
²Psalm 11:7 Trapp: As a reflection of himself, as a piece of his own image. This is better than eyes opened, limbs restored, Psalms 146:8.
³Psalm 11:7 Poole: His countenance doth behold the upright; to wit, with an eye of approbation, and true and tender affection, and watchful and gracious providence; which is oft signified by God’s beholding or looking upon men, as Exodus 2:25; Ezra 5:5; Psalms 25:18; Psalms 33:18; Psalms 34:15, &c.: as, on the contrary, God is oft said to hide or turn away his face or eyes from wicked men.

Psalm 12: 1 The Prophet lamenting the miserable estate of the people, and the decay of all good order, desireth God speedily to send succor to his children. 7 Then comforting himself, and others with the assurance of God’s help, he commendeth the constant verity that God observeth in keeping his promises.

To him that excelleth upon the eight tune. A Psalm of David.

1 Help, Lord; for there is not ^1,2a godly man left; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. 

2 ¹They speak deceitfully every one with his neighbor: ²flattering with their lips and ³speaking with a double heart. 

3 ¹The Lord cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue ²that speaketh proud things: 

4 Who have said, ^1,2,3With our tongue will we prevail; ⁴our lips are our own: who is lord over us? 

5 ¹For the oppression of the needy, and for the sighs of the poor, ²Now will I arise, saith the Lord, and will ³set at liberty him, whom the wicked hath snared. 

6 ¹The words of the Lord are ²pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, refined seven-fold. 

7 Thou shalt keep ¹them, O Lord, ²thou shalt preserve him from this generation for ever. 

8 ¹The wicked walk on every side: when they are exalted, ²it is a shame for the sons of men.

Psalm 12 Footnotes:
¹Psalm 12:1 Which dare defend the truth and show mercy to the oppressed.
²Psalm 12:1 Calvin: “In the commencement David complains that the land was so overspread with wicked men, and persons who had broken forth into the commission of every kind of wickedness, that the practice of righteousness and justice had ceased, and none was found to defend the cause of the good; in short, that there remained no longer either humanity or faithfulness...It is a thing very distressing to relate, and yet it was perfectly true, that righteousness was so utterly overthrown among the chosen people of God, that all of them, with one consent, from their hostility to a good and just cause, had broken forth into acts of outrage and cruelty. David does not here accuse strangers or foreigners, but informs us that this deluge of iniquity prevailed in the Church of God. Let the faithful, therefore in our day, not be unduly discouraged at the melancholy sight of a very corrupt and confused state of the world; but let them consider that they ought to bear it patiently, seeing their condition is just like that of David in time past.“
Psalm 12:2 Calvin: “David in this verse sets forth that part of unrighteousness which is contrary to truth. He says that there is no sincerity or uprightness in their speech, because the great object upon which they are bent is to deceive.“
²Psalm 12:2 He meaneth the flatterers of the court which hurt him more with their tongues, than with their weapons.
³Psalm 12:2 Calvin, “As those who are resolved to act truthfully in their intercourse with their neighbors, freely and ingenuously lay open their whole heart; so treacherous and deceitful persons keep a part of their feeling hidden within their own breasts, and cover it with the varnish of hypocrisy and a fair outside; so that from their speech we cannot gather any thing certain with respect to their intentions. Our speech, therefore, must be sincere in order that it may be as it were a mirror, in which the uprightness of our heart may be beheld.“
¹Psalm 12:3 Calvin: “To his complaint in the preceding verse he now subjoins an imprecation, that God would cut off deceitful tongues. It is uncertain whether he wishes that deceitful men may be utterly destroyed, or only that the means of doing mischief may be taken from them; but the scope of the passage leads us rather to adopt the first sense, and to view David as desiring that God, by some means or other, would remove that plague out of the way. As he makes no mention of malice, while he inveighs so vehemently against their envenomed tongues, we hence conclude, that he had suffered much more injury from the latter than from the former; and certainly falsehood and calumnies are more deadly than swords and all other kind of weapons.“
²Psalm 12:3 So to all Papists, Arminians, and apostate Calvinists who with their false doctrine speak proudly against the sovereignty of God. If such is the imprecation against those who spake proudly against David and his godly person, much more against those who do all they can to snuff out the glory of God by the pestilent doctrine of free will, common grace and the free offer of the gospel. With their tongues, they flatter, and say, “we are Christian and we are Reformed” while in their heart they work iniquity and invent new ways to blaspheme God and limit His power.
¹Psalm 12:4 Calvin: “It is the utmost height of wickedness for persons to break out into such presumption, that they scruple not to overthrow all law and equity by their arrogant and boasting language; for, in doing this, it is just as if they openly declared war against God himself.“
²Psalm 12:4 Trapp: “Dictitant enim, this was a common word with them. And surely the tongue is a desperate weapon, made in the form of a flaming sword, and elsewhere by David compared to a tuck or rapier, Psalms 64:3 , to a razor also, doing deceit, Psa 52:2 The Chaldee paraphrast hath this text thus, Because we can swear and lie, therefore we shall prevail.”
³Psalm 12:4 It is to be noted that wicked men (being vacuous vessels) because they have no substance of argument and are utterly void of truth to support their claims (whatever they may be) rather convey their opinion so vociferously and prosecute their verbiage with such virulence and vehemence that they greatly avail to convince themselves and others of their veracity simply because they violently vocalize their vacant view. So they say, “with our tongue will we prevail.”
⁴Psalm 12:4 Trapp: “Heb. are with us, that is, we have the command of our tongues, and have words at will; we can speak persuasively, and, therefore, we doubt not to persuade Saul to anything against David. Socrates, in his apology, My lords, said he to the judges, I know not how you have been affected with mine adversaries’ eloquence while you heard them speak; for mine own part, I assure you that I, whom it toucheth most, was almost drawn to believe that all they said, though against myself, was true, when they scarcely uttered one word of truth. Gaius Curio, the Roman, was ingeniose nequam, wittily wicked (Paterculus); and the Duke of Buckingham, in his speech to the Londoners, for Richard III, gained this (though slender) commendation, that no man could deliver so much bad matter in so good words and quaint phrases.”
¹Psalm 12:5 The Lord is moved with the complaints of his, and delivereth in the end from all dangers.
²Psalm 12:5 Calvin: “David now sets before himself as matter of consolation, the truth that God will not suffer the wicked thus to make havoc without end and measure. The more effectually to establish himself and others in the belief of this truth, he introduces God himself as speaking. The expression is more emphatic when God is represented as coming forward and declaring with his own mouth that he is come to deliver the poor and distressed. There is also great emphasis in the adverb now, by which God intimates that, although our safety is in his hand, and, therefore, in secure keeping, yet he does not immediately grant deliverance from affliction; for his words imply that he had hitherto been, as it were, lying still and asleep, until he was awakened by the calamities and the cries of his people. When, therefore, the injuries, the extortions, and the devastations of our enemies leave us nothing but tears and groans, let us remember that now the time is at hand when God intends to rise up to execute judgment. This doctrine should also serve to produce in us patience, and prevent us from taking it ill, that we are reckoned among the number of the poor and afflicted, whose cause God promises to take into his own hand.”
³Psalm 12:5 Because the Lord’s word and promise is true and unchangeable, he will perform it and preserve the poor from this wicked generation.
¹Psalm 12:6 Trapp: “God hath hitherto kept promise with nights and days, that they shall one succeed another, Jeremiah 33:20 ; Jeremiah 33:25 , therefore much more will he keep promise with his people.”
²Psalm 12:6 Poole: “or, sincere; without the least mixture of vanity or falsehood; and therefore shall infallibly be fulfilled. This he seems to add to answer an objection which might arise in some men’s minds concerning what was last said. You tell us, The, Lord saith, I will set him in safety, &c.; but saying and doing are two things. They are so indeed in men, who oft speak rashly what they cannot perform, and deceitfully what they never intend: but all God’s words are pure from all manner of dross; from all folly, or fraud, or uncertainty; he is holy and true in all his doctrines, threatenings, predictions, and promises.”
¹Psalm 12:7 That is, thine own people though he were but one man. This is singular consolation to the godly who being so few in number are often surrounded by many myriads of enemies.
²Psalm 12:7 M. Henry: “This intimates that, as long as the world stands, there will be a generation of proud and wicked men in it, more or less, who will threaten by their wretched arts to ruin religion, by wearing out the saints of the Most High, Daniel 7:25. But let God alone to maintain his own interest and to preserve his own people. He will keep them from this generation, (1.) From being debauched by them and drawn away from God, from mingling with them and learning their works. In times of general apostasy the Lord knows those that are his, and they shall be enabled to keep their integrity. (2.) From being destroyed and rooted out by them. The church is built upon a rock, and so well fortified that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. In the worst of times God has his remnant, and in every age will reserve to himself a holy seed and preserve that to his heavenly kingdom.”
¹Psalm 12:8 Poole: “which phrase may note, 1. Their great numbers; they fill all places. 2. Their freedom and safety; they are not restrained nor punished, but go about boldly and securely whither they please. 3. Their proficiency and success, which is sometimes signified by this verb, as Genesis 26:13; 1 Samuel 2:21; Isaiah 40:31. They grow worse and worse, and prosper in and by their wickedness. 4. Their incessant and unwearied industry in doing mischief to good men. Compare 1 Peter 5:8. And this is very fitly here added, as another argument to prevail with God to arise to help his poor people who are oppressed by wicked men.”
²Psalm 12:8 For they suppress the godly and maintain the wicked.

Psalm 13: 1 David as it were overcome with sundry and new afflictions, fleeth to God as his only refuge, 3 and so at the length being encouraged through God’s promises, he conceiveth most sure confidence against the extreme horrors of death.

To him that excelleth. A Psalm of David.

1 ¹How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? ²for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?

2 How long shall I take ¹counsel within myself, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?

3 Consider and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, ¹that I sleep not in death;

4 Lest mine enemy say, ¹I have ²prevailed against him; and those that afflict me ³rejoice when I am moved.

5 ¹But I have trusted in thy ²mercy; ³my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.

6 I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath ¹dealt ²bountifully with me.

Psalm 13 Footnotes:
¹Psalm 13:1 Calvin: “To acknowledge in the midst of our afflictions that God has really a care about us, is not the usual way with men, or what the feelings of nature would prompt; but by faith we apprehend his invisible providence. Thus, it seemed to David, so far as could be judged from beholding the actual state of his affairs, that he was forsaken of God. At the same time, however, the eyes of his mind, guided by the light of faith, penetrated even to the grace of God, although it was hidden in darkness. When he saw not a single ray of good hope to whatever quarter he turned, so far as human reason could judge, constrained by grief, he cries out that God did not regard him; and yet by this very complaint he gives evidence that faith enabled him to rise higher, and to conclude, contrary to the judgment of the flesh, that his welfare was secure in the hand of God.”
²Psalm 13:1 He declareth that his afflictions lasted a long time, and that his faith fainted not.
¹Psalm 13:2 Changing my purposes as the sick man doth his place. Calvin: As in severe sickness the diseased would desire to change their place every moment, and the more acute the pains which afflict them are, the more fitful and eager are they in shifting and changing; so, when sorrow seizes upon the hearts of men, its miserable victims are violently agitated within, and they find it more tolerable to torment themselves without obtaining relief, than to endure their afflictions with composed and tranquil minds. The Lord, indeed, promises to give to the faithful “the spirit of counsels” (Isaiah 11:2) but he does not always give it to them at the very beginning of any matter in which they are interested, but suffers them for a time to be embarrassed by long deliberation without coming to a determinate decision, or to be perplexed, as if they were entangled among thorns, not knowing whither to turn, or what course to take.”
¹Psalm 13:3 Calvin: “The word sleep, as it is used in this passage, is a metaphor of a similar kind, being put for death. In short, David confesses, that unless God cause the light of life to shine upon him, he will be immediately overwhelmed with the darkness of death, and that he is already as a man without life, unless God breathe into him new vigor. And certainly our confidence of life depends on this, that although the world may threaten us with a thousand deaths, yet God is possessed of numberless means of restoring us to life.”
¹Psalm 13:4 Trapp: “This David frequently deprecateth as a great evil, because God’s honour was concerned in it, and would suffer by it. As unskilful hunters, shooting at wild beasts, do sometimes kill a man; so persecutors, shooting at saints, hit Christ, reproach him; and this the saints are very aware of.”
²Psalm 13:4 Which might turn to God’s dishonor: if he did not defend his own.
³Psalm 13:4 Trapp: “Compose comedies out of my tragedies, et iram Dei ad calumniam rapiant. The wicked are vindictive and implacable, sick of the devil’s disease, επιχαιρεκακια , rejoicing at other men’s harms, revelling in other men’s ruins; but this is to enrage God, and hasten wrath, Proverbs 24:17-18 .”
¹Psalm 13:5 Calvin: “The Psalmist does not as yet feel how much he has profited by praying; but depending upon the hope of deliverance, which the faithful promise of God enabled him to entertain, he makes use of this hope as a shield to repel those temptations with the terror of which he might be greatly distressed. Although, therefore, he is severely afflicted, and a multiplicity of cares urge him to despair, he, notwithstanding, declares it to be his resolution to continue firm in his reliance upon the grace of God, and in the hope of salvation. With the very same confidence ought all the godly to be furnished and sustained, that they may duly persevere in prayer. Whence, also, we gather what I have formerly adverted to, that it is by faith we apprehend the grace of God, which is hidden from and unknown to the understanding of the flesh.”
²Psalm 13:5 The mercy of God is the cause of our salvation. Trapp: Notwithstanding all the endeavours of earth and of hell to cast down this castle of my confidence, I will not quit it; but be still as a green olive tree in the house of God: I will trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever, Psalms 52:8 .
³Psalm 13:5 Calvin: “David, it is true, had not yet obtained what he earnestly desired, but being fully convinced that God was already at hand to grant him deliverance, he pledges himself to give thanks to him for it. And surely it becomes us to engage in prayer in such a frame of mind as at the same time to be ready to sing the praises of God; a thing which is impossible, unless we are fully persuaded that our prayers will not be ineffectual.”
¹Psalm 13:6 Both by the benefits past, and by others to come.
²Psalm 13:6 Calvin: The word גמל, gamal, which others render to reward, signifies nothing else here than to bestow a benefit from pure grace, and this is its meaning in many other passages of Scripture. What kind of thanksgiving, I pray you to consider, would that be, to say that God rewarded and rendered to his servant due recompense? This is sufficient to refute the absurd and trifling sophism of those who wrest this passage to prove the merit of works.

¹Psalm 14: 1 He describeth the perverse nature of men, which were so grown to licentiousness, that God was brought to utter contempt. 7 For the which thing, although he was greatly grieved, yet being persuaded that God would send some present remedy, he comforteth himself and others.

1 The ¹fool hath said ²in his heart, ³There is no God. They are ⁴corrupt, they have done abominable works, ⁵there is none that doeth good.

2 ¹The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.

3 ¹All are gone out of the way, ²they are all together ³corrupt: ⁴there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

4 ¹Do not all the workers of iniquity know that they eat up my people, as they eat bread? they call not upon the Lord.

5 ¹There did they tremble in great fear: ²for God is in the generation of the righteous.

6 Ye have ¹shamed the counsel of the poor, ²because the Lord is his refuge.

7 Oh that the salvation of ¹Israel were come out of Zion! when the Lord bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

Psalm 14 Footnotes:

¹Psalm 14 Calvin: Many of the Jews are of opinion that in this psalm there is given forth a prediction concerning the future oppression of their nation: as if David, by the revelation of the Holy Spirit, bewailed the afflicted condition of the Church of God under the tyranny of the Gentiles. They therefore refer what is here spoken to the dispersed condition in which we see them at the present day, as if they were that precious heritage of God which the wild beasts devour. But it is very apparent, that in wishing to cover the disgrace of their nation, they wrest and apply to the Gentiles, without any just ground, what is said concerning the perverse children of Abraham. We cannot certainly find a better qualified interpreter than the Apostle Paul, and he applies this psalm expressly to the people who lived under the law, (Romans 3:19.) Besides, although we had not the testimony of this Apostle, the structure of the psalm very clearly shows that David means rather the domestic tyrants and enemies of the faithful than foreign ones; a point which it is very necessary for us to understand. We know that it is a temptation which pains us exceedingly, to see wickedness breaking forth and prevailing in the midst of the Church, the good and the simple unrighteously afflicted, while the wicked cruelly domineer according to their pleasure. This sad spectacle almost completely disheartens us; and, therefore, we have much need to be fortified from the example which David here sets before us: so that, in the midst of the greatest desolations which we behold in the Church, we may comfort ourselves with this assurance, that God will finally deliver her from them.
¹Psalm 14:1 Calvin: The Hebrew word נבל , nabal, signifies not only a fool, but also a perverse, vile, and contemptible person. So all profane persons, who have cast off all fear of God and abandoned themselves to iniquity, are convicted of madness. David does not bring against his enemies the charge of common foolishness, but rather inveighs against the folly and insane hardihood of those whom the world accounts eminent for their wisdom. We commonly see that those who, in the estimation both of themselves and of others, highly excel in sagacity and wisdom, employ their cunning in laying snares, and exercise the ingenuity of their minds in despising and mocking God. It is therefore important for us, in the first place, to know, that however much the world applaud these crafty and scoffing characters, who allow themselves to indulge to any extent in wickedness, yet the Holy Spirit condemns them as being fools; for there is no stupidity more brutish than forgetfulness of God.
²Psalm 14:1 Though they don’t express it openly, their practical atheism and living as if there was no God makes full proof they neither fear nor worship Him as He requires. Calvin: The Psalmist says that they speak in their heart They may not utter this detestable blasphemy, There is no God, with their mouths; but the unbridled licentiousness of their life loudly and distinctly declares that in their hearts, which are destitute of all godliness, they soothingly sing to themselves this song. Not that they maintain, by drawn out arguments or formal syllogisms, as they term them, that there is no God, (for to render them so much the more inexcusable, God from time to time causes even the most wicked of men to feel secret pangs of conscience, that they may be compelled to acknowledge his majesty and sovereign power;) but whatever right knowledge God instils into them they partly stifle it by their malice against him, and partly corrupt it, until religion in them becomes torpid, and at last dead. They may not plainly deny the existence of a God, but they imagine him to be shut up in heaven, and divested of his righteousness and power; and this is just to fashion an idol in the room of God. As if the time would never come when they will have to appear before him in judgment, they endeavor, in all the transactions and concerns of their life, to remove him to the greatest distance, and to efface from their minds all apprehension of his majesty. And when God is dragged from his throne, and divested of his character as judge, impiety has come to its utmost height; and, therefore, we must conclude that David has most certainly spoken according to truth, in declaring that those who give themselves liberty to commit all manner of wickedness, in the flattering hope of escaping with impunity, deny in their heart that there is a God.
³Psalm 14:1 He showeth that the cause of all wickedness is forgetfulness of God.
⁴Psalm 14:1 There is nothing but disorder and wickedness among them.
⁵Psalm 14:1 WCF 6.4: From this original corruption, whereby we are utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good, and wholly inclined to all evil, do proceed all actual transgressions.
¹Psalm 14:2 See Gen. 6:5
¹Psalm 14:3 David here maketh comparison between the faithful and the reprobate, but S. Paul speaketh the same of all men naturally, Rom. 3:10.
²Psalm 14:3 Calvin: The interpretation is more appropriate, which supposes that men are here condemned as guilty of a detestable revolt, inasmuch as they are estranged from God, or have departed far from him; and that afterwards there is pointed out the disgusting corruption or putrescence of their whole life, as if nothing could proceed from apostates but what smells rank of rottenness and infection.
³Psalm 14:3 Trapp: The Hebrews have the same word for sin and a dead carcase; and again the same word for sin and stench. פנר מחר God’s vineyard brought forth stinking grapes, באשׁים Isaiah 5:5 , and the wicked utter rotten language, Dογος σαπρος , Eph 5:4 Hence Longinquus est Iehovah ab impiis, The Lord stands aloof off from the wicked, Pro 15:29 Psalms 5:5 , that is, from all for whom Christ hath not given himself “an offering, and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour,” Ephesians 5:2 . The apostle rendereth it, they are useless, ηχρειωθησον , or, as he elsewhere phraseth it, “to every good work reprobate,” Titus 1:16.
⁴Psalm 14:3 Calvin: But it might be asked, how David makes no exception, how he declares that not a righteous person remains, not even one, when, nevertheless, he informs us, a little after, that the poor and afflicted put their trust in God? Again, it might be asked, if all were wicked, who was that Israel whose future redemption he celebrates in the end of the psalm? Nay, as he himself was one of the body of that people, why does he not at least except himself? I answer: It is against the carnal and degenerate body of the Israelitish nation that he here inveighs, and the small number constituting the seed which God had set apart for himself is not included among them. This is the reason why Paul, in his Epistle to the Romans 3:10, extends this sentence to all mankind. David, it is true, deplores the disordered and desolate state of matters under the reign of Saul. At the same time, however, he doubtless makes a comparison between the children of God and all who have not been regenerated by the Spirit, but are carried away according to the inclinations of their flesh. Some give a different explanation, maintaining that Paul, by quoting the testimony of David, did not understand him as meaning that men are naturally depraved and corrupt; and that the truth which David intended to teach is, that the rulers and the more distinguished of the people were wicked, and that, therefore, it was not surprising to behold unrighteousness and wickedness prevailing so generally in the world. This answer is far from being satisfactory. The subject which Paul there reasons upon is not, what is the character of the greater part of men, but what is the character of all who are led and governed by their own corrupt nature. It is, therefore, to be observed, that when David places himself and the small remnant of the godly on one side, and puts on the other the body of the people, in general, this implies that there is a manifest difference between the children of God who are created anew by his Spirit, and all the posterity of Adam, in whom corruption and depravity exercise dominion. Whence it follows, that all of us, when we are born, bring with us from our mother’s womb this folly and filthiness manifested in the whole life, which David here describes, and that we continue such until God make us new creatures by his mysterious grace.
¹Psalm 14:4 Calvin: Moreover, this verse confirms what I have said in the commencement, that David does not speak in this psalm of foreign tyrants, or the avowed enemies of the church, but of the rulers and princes of his people, who were furnished with power and honor. This description would not apply to men who were altogether strangers to the revealed will of God; for it would be nothing wonderful to see those who do not possess the moral law, the rule of life, devoting themselves to the work of violence and oppression. But the heinousness of the proceedings condemned is not a little aggravated from this circumstance, that it is the shepherds themselves, whose office it is to feed and to take care of the flock, who cruelly devour it, and who spare not even the people and heritage of God. There is a similar complaint in Micah 3:1,
“And I said, Hear I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel: Is it not for you to know judgment? Who hate the good and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them; and their flesh from off their bones; who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them,”
etc. If those who profess to know and to serve God were to exercise such cruelty towards the Babylonians or Egyptians, it would be a piece of injustice which could admit of no excuse; but when they glut themselves with the blood and flesh of the saints, as they devour bread, this is such monstrous iniquity, that it may well strike both angels and men with astonishment. Had such persons a particle of sound understanding remaining in them, it would restrain them from conduct so fearfully infatuated. They must, therefore, be completely blinded by the devil, and utterly bereft of reason and understanding, seeing they knowingly and willingly flay and devour the people of God with such inhumanity. This passage teaches us how displeasing to God, and how abominable is the cruelty which is exercised against the godly, by those who pretend to be their shepherds.
¹Psalm 14:5 Where they think themselves most sure. Calvin: I think the meaning of the prophet is… namely, that when their affairs are in a state of the greatest tranquillity and prosperity, God will suddenly launch against them the bolts of his vengeance.
²Psalm 14:5 Calvin: “For God is in the generation of the righteous” Now, in order to preserve them safe, he must necessarily thunder in his wrath from heaven against their enemies, who unjustly oppress and waste them by violence and extortion.
¹Psalm 14:6 You mock them that put their trust in God.
²Psalm 14:6 Calvin: Whenever, therefore, unbelievers see the children of God overwhelmed with calamities, they reproach them for their groundless confidence, as it appears to them to be, and with sarcastic jeers laugh at the assured hope with which they rely upon God, from whom, notwithstanding, they receive no sensible aid. David, therefore, defies and derides this insolence of the wicked, and threatens that their mockery of the poor and the wretched, and their charging them with folly in depending upon the protection of God, and not sinking under their calamities, will be the cause of their destruction. At the same time, he teaches them that there is no resolution to which we can come which is better advised than the resolution to depend upon God, and that to repose on his salvation, and on the assistance which he hath promised us, even although we may be surrounded with calamities, is the highest wisdom.
¹Psalm 14:7 He prayeth for the whole Church whom he is assured God will deliver: for none but he only can do it.

¹Psalm 15: 1 This Psalm teacheth on what condition God did choose the Jews for his peculiar people; and wherefore he placed his Temple among them, which was to the intent that they by living uprightly and godly, might witness that they were his special and holy people.

A Psalm of David.

1 ¹Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy ²holy hill?

2 ^1,2He that ³walketh uprightly, and ⁴worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

3 ¹He that slandereth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor ¹taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

4 ¹In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but ²he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

5 He that ¹putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. ²He that doeth these things ³shall never be moved. 

Psalm 15 Footnotes:
Psalm 15 Poole: The occasion and time of composing this Psalm is uncertain; but the scope of it is plain, which is to give the character of a holy and happy man, and to describe the way to true blessedness; wherein this is observable, that he is wholly silent as to the ceremonial or ritual observations of the law; not that he doth disown them, or allow the neglect of them, as is manifest from David’s constant practice, an from many other passages; but that he might undeceive the hypocritical Israelites, who laid too great a stress upon those things, as the diligent performance thereof would excuse their wicked lives, which error almost all the prophets do observe and condemn in them; and that he might inform the church of that and all succeeding ages, that the substance of religion did consist in the practice of true holiness and righteousness.
¹Psalm 15:1 Calvin: As nothing is more common in the world than falsely to assume the name of God, or to pretend to be his people, and as a great part of men allow themselves to do this without any apprehension of the danger it involves, David, without stopping to speak to men, addresses himself to God, which he considers the better course; and he intimates, that if men assume the title of the people of God, without being so in deed and in truth, they gain nothing by their self-delusion, for God continues always like himself, and as he is faithful himself, so will he have us to keep faith with him in return. No doubt, he adopted Abraham freely, but, at the same time, he stipulated with him that he should live a holy and an upright life, and this is the general rule of the covenant which God has, from the beginning, made with his Church. The sum is, that hypocrites, who occupy a place in the temple of God, in vain pretend to be his people, for he acknowledges none as such but those who follow after justice and uprightness during the whole course of their life. David saw the temple crowded with a great multitude of men who all made a profession of the same religion, and presented themselves before God as to the outward ceremony; and, therefore, assuming the person of one wondering at the spectacle, he directs his discourse to God, who, in such a confusion and medley of characters, could easily distinguish his own people from strangers.
²Psalm 15:1 Trapp: Heaven is aptly compared to a hill, hell to a hole. Now who shall ascend into this holy mount? None but those whom this mount comes down unto, that have sweet communion with God in this life present, whose conversation is in heaven, though their commoration be for a while upon earth, who do here eat, and drink, and sleep eternal life.
¹Psalm 15:2 Trapp: This is God’s answer, for men are unsound, and unfit to judge, saith Calvin. They judge according to opinion and appearance many times, and send those to heaven that can never come there; as the pope doth his canonized saints.
²Psalm 15:2 Calvin: the Psalmist, for the purpose of discovering and drawing forth into the light all who are of such a character, takes the marks and evidences of true and sincere faith from the second table of the law. According to the care which every man takes to practice righteousness and equity towards his neighbors, so does he actually show that he fears God. David, then, is not here to be understood as resting satisfied with political or social justice, as if it were enough to render to our fellow-men what is their own, while we may lawfully defraud God of his right; but he describes the approved servants of God, as distinguished and known by the fruits of righteousness which they produce. In the first place, he requires sincerity; in other words, that men should conduct themselves in all their affairs with singleness of heart, and without sinful craft or cunning. Secondly, he requires justice; that is to say, that they should study to do good to their neighbors, hurt nobody, and abstain from all wrong. Thirdly, he requires truth in their speech, so that they may speak nothing falsely or deceitfully. To speak in the heart is a strong figurative expression, but it expresses more forcibly David’s meaning than if he had said from the heart. It denotes such agreement and harmony between the heart and tongue, as that the speech is, as it were, a vivid representation of the hidden affection or feeling within.
³Psalm 15:2 This denotes purity of faith. Ainsworth: that is, leadeth his life perfect, entire, simple, sincere, and unblemished. It noteth the integritie that is before God, in heart and spirit; according to the covenant, walke before me, and be perfect, Gen. 17. 1. and, thou shalt be perfect with Jehovah thy God, Deut. 18. 13. Mat. 5. 48. Therefore this perfectnesse must first be in the heart, Psal. 119. 80. then in the waies, Psal. 18. 33. and 119. 1. worketh, or effecteth justice; this is wrought by faith, Hebr. 11. 33. and such a man is acceptable to God, Act. 10. 35.
⁴Psalm 15:2 Trapp: This is wrought by faith, Hebrews 11:33 , and such a man is acceptable to God, Acts 10:35 . But the whole life of unbelievers is sin, saith Austin, neither is there anything good without the chiefest good. It was well said of Luther, Walk in the heaven of the promise, but in the earth of the law; that in respect of believing, this of obeying.
¹Psalm 15:3 He proceeds from our duty to perform the commands in the law, to our obligation to abstain from the breach thereof. So sins of omission are distinguished from commission. For the law is not fulfilled unless every part of it is kept inviolate.
²Psalm 15:3 or receive a false report against. Calvin: I think there is also here rebuked the vice of undue credulity, which, when any evil reports are spread against our neighbors, leads us either eagerly to listen to them, or at least to receive them without sufficient reason; whereas we ought rather to use all means to suppress and trample them under foot.
¹Psalm 15:4 He that flattereth not the ungodly in their wickedness. Calvin: He compares together two opposite things, namely, to despise perverse and worthless characters, and to honor the righteous and those who fear God. In order that these two clauses may correspond with each other, the only sense in which I can understand what is here said about being despised is this, that the children of God despise the ungodly, and form that low and contemptuous estimate of them which their character deserves.
²Psalm 15:4 Calvin: What follows immediately after, namely, to honor the righteous and those who fear God, is no mean virtue. As they are often, as it were, the filth and the offscouring of all things in the estimation of the world, so it frequently happens that those who show them favor and sympathy, excite against themselves every where the hatred of the world. The greater part of mankind, therefore, refuse the friendship of good men, and leave them to be despised, which cannot be done without grievous and heinous injury to God. Let us learn then not to value men by their estate or their money, or their transitory honors, but to hold in estimation godliness, or the fear of God. And certainly no man will ever truly apply his mind to the study of godliness who does not, at the same time, reverence the servants of God; as, on the other hand, the love we bear to them incites us to imitate them in sanctity of life.
¹Psalm 15:5 To the hindrance of his neighbor.
²Psalm 15:5 Trapp: For not the hearers of the law, but the doers shall be justified, Romans 2:13 . And to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory, and honour, and immortality, shall be eternal life, Romans 15:7.
³Psalm 15:5 That is, shall not be cast forth of the Church as hypocrites. David Dickson: Having numbred out the evidences of a sound convert and true believer, who shal never be thrust out of Gods fellowship, he concludeth, That whosoever doth these things, or studieth to do them, shall never be moved. That is, hee that shal evidence his faith in God, by a sincere indeavour to doe the duties of the first and second table of Gods Law, shall not be removed from Gods house, but shall abide in his Tabernacle, and dwell in Sion, in the fellowship of God and his Saints for ever.

¹Psalm 16: 1 David prayeth to God for succor not for his works, but for his faith’s sake. 4 Protesting that he hateth all idolatry, taking God only for his comfort and felicity. 8 Who suffereth his to lack nothing.

¹Michtam of David.

1 ¹Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I ²trust.

2 O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord: my ¹goodness extendeth not to thee;

3 ¹But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the ^1,2excellent, in whom is all my delight.

4 ^1,2Their ³sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: ⁴their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, ⁵nor take up their names into my lips.

5 ¹The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

6 The ¹lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.

7 I will bless the Lord, who hath given me ¹counsel: my ²reins also instruct me in the night seasons.

8 ¹I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, ²I shall not be moved.

9 Therefore ¹my heart is ²glad, and my tongue rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

10 ¹For thou ²wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy ¹presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Psalm 16 Footnotes:
¹Psalm 16 M.Henry: I. David speaks of himself as a member of Christ, and so he speaks the language of all Christians, professing his confidence in God ( Psalms 16:1), his consent to him ( Psalms 16:2), his affection to the people of God ( Psalms 16:3), his adherence to the true worship of God ( Psalms 16:4), and his entire complacency and satisfaction in God and the interest he had in him, Psalms 16:5-7.
¹Psalm 16 Or, a certain tune. M. Henry: This psalm is entitled Michtam, which some translate a golden psalm, a very precious one, more to be valued by us than gold, yea, than much fine gold, because it speaks so plainly of Christ and his resurrection, who is the true treasure hidden in the field of the Old Testament.
¹Psalm 16:1 D.Dickson: The first solid evidence of the sincerity of saving Faith, is the testimony of the conscience, bearing witnesse to a man, that he hath layd hold on the covenant of grace, and hath chosen God for his protectour, and master, and that he is resolved to depend upon God, and to serve him, as David did, saying, O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, thou art my Lord. 2. Another evidence of the sincerity of faith, is renunciation of all confidence in a mans owne works, and the rejecting of all conceit of any possibility of merit at Gods hand, who cannot be profited by our goodnesse; for we have what we have of him, and can never put an obligation on him by any thing which we can doe. My goodnesse doth not extend to thee. 3. A third fruit and evidence of faith, is love and kindnesse to the godly, and bestowing of our own goods for supplying their need, joyned with a high estimation of their preciousnesse, above the godlesse world, and with pleasure ta∣king in their fellowship.
²Psalm 16:1 He showeth that we cannot call upon God except we trust in him apart from all free will and merit.
¹Psalm 16:2 M. Henry: Whatever good there is in us, or is done by us, we must humbly acknowledge that it extends not to God; so that we cannot pretend to merit any thing by it. God has no need of our services; he is not benefited by them, nor can they add any thing to his infinite perfection and blessedness. The wisest, and best, and most useful, men in the world cannot be profitable to God, Job 22:2; Job 35:7. God is infinitely above us, and happy without us, and whatever good we do it is all from him; so that we are indebted to him, not he to us: David owns it (1 Chronicles 29:14), Of thy own have we given thee.
¹Psalm 16:3 Though we can not enrich God, yet we must bestow God’s gifts to the use of his children.
²Psalm 16:3 M. Henry: The saints in the earth are excellent ones, great, mighty, magnificent ones, and yet some of them so poor in the world that they need to have David’s goodness extended to them. God makes them excellent by the grace he gives them. The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour, and then he accounts them excellent. They are precious in his sight and honourable; they are his jewels, his peculiar treasure. Their God is their glory, and a diadem of beauty to them. All that have taken the Lord for their God delight in his saints as excellent ones, because they bear his image, and because he loves them. David, though a king, was a companion of all that feared God (Psalms 119:63), even the meanest, which was a sign that his delight was in them.
³Psalm 16:3 Calvin: The Psalmist calls them excellent, or honorable, because there is nothing which ought to be more precious to us than righteousness and holiness, in which the brightness of God’s Spirit shines forth; just as we are commanded in the preceding psalm to prize and honor those who fear God. We ought, therefore, highly to value and esteem the true and devoted servants of God, and to regard nothing as of greater importance than to connect ourselves with their society; and this we will actually do if we wisely reflect in what true excellence and dignity consist, and do not allow the vain splendor of the world and its deceitful pomps to dazzle our eyes.
¹Psalm 16:4 D. Dickson: A fourth fruit and evidence of faith, is, the hating of false religion, and counting all followers of idolatry, or worship of another god, then the true God, to be accursed; such a hating of false religion as is accompanied with the discountenancing, open discrediting, and abhorring of all idol service, as David expresseth here in the whole verse. Whence learne, 1. Men as they are naturally averse from following the true God, and the true religion; so are they naturally bent to all idolatry, and zealous in following idols, and any false religion.
²Psalm 16:4 As grief of conscience and miserable destruction; the curse of the law. We see here the relationship between idolatry and the curse. God will not suffer His glory to be given to another in the conscience. All who serve other gods contrary to the doctrine revealed in scripture and expressed in the Reformed confessions are under the curse of the law. WLC: The punishments of sin in this world are either inward, as blindness of mind, a reprobate sense, strong delusions, hardness of heart, horror of conscience, and vile affections; or outward, as the curse of God upon the creatures for our sakes, and all other evils that befall us in our bodies, names, estates, relations, and employments; together with death itself.
³Psalm 16:4 Calvin: This points out that they not only put themselves to trouble without any profit or advantage, but also miserably harass and busy themselves to accomplish their own destruction.
⁴Psalm 16:4 He would neither by outward profession nor in heart, nor in mouth consent to their idolatries. see Ps. 101. Calvin: We cannot be united into the one body of the Church under God, if we do not break off all the bonds of impiety, separate ourselves from idolaters, and keep ourselves pure and at a distance from all the pollutions which corrupt and vitiate the holy service of God.
⁵Psalm 16:4 Calvin: The scope of his discourse is this: The earth is filled with an immense accumulation of superstitions in every possible variety, and idolaters are lavish beyond all bounds in ornamenting their idols; but the good and the holy will ever regard all their superstitious inventions with abhorrence.
¹Psalm 16:5 Calvin: This passage teaches us, that none are taught aright in true godliness but those who reckon God alone sufficient for their happiness.
¹Psalm 16:6 Wherewith my portion is measured.
¹Psalm 16:7 God teacheth us continually by secret inspiration the true and right way to heaven. David notes in this Psalm that though his works were wrought by God, they were not worthy of merit due to his own sin, the great distance between them and what is required in the law, and his duty as a servant. Moreover, the wicked hasten after another god of their own making and choosing, one that will justify and accept them on the basis of their works. Yet all the godly are counseled by God another way, that is that God is profited nothing by our works, but that we are obligated to the law for the sake of our neighbor, and are assisted in this by the Spirit.
²Psalm 16:7 Lit. Inmost affection and emotion. David means to make note of the work of the Spirit in the soul and the sure effect thereof which is delight in and meditation on the word. Comp. Ps. 1:2, [Ps. 106:8, 1 Chr. 16:15] Trapp: God hath not only illuminated me, whereby I shall be the better able to endure a great fight of affliction, Hebrews 10:32 , but he hath also sanctified me, and honoured me with holy inspirations, and feeling of the Spirit of adoption, whereby mine internal thoughts and secret motions do dictate and suggest unto me what I ought to do and undertake. Methinks I hear a sweet still voice within me, saying, This is the way, walk in it; and this in the night season, when I am wrapped in rest and silence; or, night after night, the Spirit is a continual spring of counsel and comfort within me, prompting me to make God my portion, and to choose this good part that shall never be taken away from me.
¹Psalm 16:8 Calvin: The Psalmist again shows the firmness and stability of his faith. To set God before us is nothing else than to keep all our senses bound and captive, that they may not run out and go astray after any other object. We must look to him with other eyes than those of the flesh, for we shall seldom be able to perceive him unless we elevate our minds above the world; and faith prevents us from turning our back upon him.
²Psalm 16:8 The faithful are persuaded by God that they are sure to persevere to the end.
¹Psalm 16:9 That is, I rejoice both in body and in soul.
²Psalm 16:9 Calvin: In this verse the Psalmist commends the inestimable fruit of faith, of which Scripture every where makes mention, in that, by placing us under the protection of God, it makes us not only to live in the enjoyment of mental tranquillity, but, what is more, to live joyful and cheerful. The principal, the essential part of a happy life, as we know, is to possess tranquillity of conscience and of mind; as, on the contrary, there is no greater infelicity than to be tossed amidst a multiplicity of cares and fears. But the ungodly, however much intoxicated with the spirit of thoughtlessness or stupidity, never experience true joy or serene mental peace; they rather feel terrible agitations within, which often come upon them and trouble them, so much as to constrain them to awake from their lethargy. In short, calmly to rejoice is the lot of no man but of him who has learned to place his confidence in God alone, and to commit his life and safety to his protection. When, therefore, encompassed with innumerable troubles on all sides, let us be persuaded, that the only remedy is to direct our eyes towards God; and if we do this, faith will not only tranquillise our minds, but also replenish them with fullness of joy. David, however, not only affirms that he is glad inwardly; he also makes his tongue, yea, even his flesh, sharers of this joy. And not without cause, for true believers not only have this spiritual joy in the secret affection of their heart, but also manifest it by the tongue, inasmuch as they glory in God as He who protects them and secures their salvation.
¹Psalm 16:10 Calvin: The Psalmist goes on to explain still more fully the preceding doctrine, by declaring that as he is not afraid of death, there is nothing wanting which is requisite to the completion of his joy. Whence it follows, that no one truly trusts in God but he who takes such hold of the salvation which God has promised him as to despise death.
²Psalm 16:10 This is chiefly meant of Christ, by whose resurrection all his members have immortality.
¹Psalm 16:11 Where God favoreth, there is perfect felicity. Calvin: David next adds, that when God is reconciled to us, we have all things which are necessary to perfect happiness. The phrase, the countenance of God, may be understood either of our being beheld by him, or of our beholding him; but I consider both these ideas as included, for his fatherly favor, which he displays in looking upon us with a serene countenance, precedes this joy, and is the first cause of it, and yet this does not cheer us until, on our part, we behold it shining upon us. By this clause David also intended distinctly to express to whom those pleasures belong, of which God has in his hand a full and an overflowing abundance. As there are with God pleasures sufficient to replenish and satisfy the whole world, whence comes it to pass that a dismal and deadly darkness envelopes the greater part of mankind, but because God does not look upon all men equally with his friendly and fatherly countenance, nor opens the eyes of all men to seek the matter of their joy in him, and no where else? Fulness of joy is contrasted with the evanescent allurements and pleasures of this transitory world, which, after having diverted their miserable votaries for a time, leave them at length unsatisfied, famished, and disappointed. They may intoxicate and glut themselves with pleasures to the greatest excess, but, instead of being satisfied, they rather become wearied of them through loathing; and, besides, the pleasures of this world vanish away like dreams. David, therefore, testifies that true and solid joy in which the minds of men may rest will never be found any where else but in God; and that, therefore, none but the faithful, who are contented with his grace alone, can be truly and perfectly happy.

Psalm 17: 1 Here he complaineth to God of the cruel pride and arrogance of Saul, and the rest of his enemies, who thus raged without any cause given on his part. 6 Therefore he desireth God to revenge his innocence and deliver him.

The prayer of David.

1 Hear the ¹right, O Lord, consider my cry, hearken unto my prayer of ²unfeigned lips.

2 Let my ¹sentence come forth from thy presence; ²let thine eyes behold equity.

3 Thou hast ¹proved mine heart; thou hast visited me ²by night; thou hast tried me as with fire, and ³shalt find nothing evil; I am purposed that my ^4,5mouth shall not transgress.

4 Concerning the works of men, by the ¹word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the violent.

5 ^1,2Hold up my steps in thy paths, that my feet slip not.

6 I have called upon thee, ¹surely thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear to me, and hear my speech.

7 ¹Shew thy marvellous mercies, thou that art the Savior of them that trust in thee, from such as ²resist thy right hand.

8 ¹Keep me as the apple of the eye, ²hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

9 From the face of the wicked that oppress me, from mine enemies, which compass me round about for ¹my soul.

10 They are inclosed in their own ¹fat: they have spoken proudly with their mouth.

11 They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes to bring down to the ground;

12 Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.

13 Arise, O Lord, ¹disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked ¹with thy sword:

14 From men by thy ¹hand, O Lord, from men ²of the world, which have their ³portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy ⁴hid treasure: ^5,6their children are full, and leave the rest of their substance to their children.

15 But I will behold thy face ¹in righteousness: and when I ²awake, ³I shall be satisfied with thine image. 

Psalm 17 Footnotes:
¹Psalm 17:1 My righteous cause. Calvin: The Psalmist begins the psalm by setting forth the goodness of his cause. He does this because God has promised that he will not suffer the innocent to be oppressed, but will always, at length, succor them.
²Psalm 17:2 Calvin: By the words cry and prayer he means the same thing; but the word cry, and the repetition of what it denotes, by a different expression, serve to show his vehement, his intense earnestness of soul. Farther, as hypocrites talk loftily in commendation of themselves, and to show to others a token of the great confidence which they have in God, give utterance to loud cries, David protests concerning himself that he does not speak deceitfully; in other words, that he does not make use of his crying and prayer as a pretext for covering his sins, but comes into the presence of God with sincerity of heart. By this form of prayer the Holy Spirit teaches us, that we ought diligently to endeavor to live an upright and innocent life, so that, if there are any who give us trouble, we may be able to boast that we are blamed and persecuted wrongfully.
¹Psalm 17:2 The vengeance that thou shalt show against mine enemies.
²Psalm 17:2 Trapp: i.e. Make it appear that thou both seest and likest mine integrity; and that thou winkest not at men’s wickednesses.
¹Psalm 17:3 When thy Spirit examined my conscience.
²Psalm 17:3 Trapp: In which God is wont to stir up and inmind men of his will, Job 4:13-14 , as being all gathered within themselves; and when the darkness doth unmask them of worldly dissimulation.
³Psalm 17:3 Trapp: Heb. hast not found, טום deficit, saith Aben Ezra; no blot or blemish, that is, not the spot of God’s children, Deuteronomy 32:5 , no dross or deceit that may not well consist with godliness.
⁴Psalm 17:3 I was innocent toward mine enemy both in deed and thought.
⁵Psalm 17:3 Henry: Note, Constant resolution and watchfulness against sins of the tongue will be a good evidence of our integrity. If any offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, James 3:2.
Psalm 17:4 Though the wicked provoked me to do evil for evil, yet thy word kept me back.
¹Psalm 17:5 Calvin: The more any one excels in grace, the more ought he to be afraid of falling; for it is the usual policy of Satan to endeavor, even from the virtue and strength which God has given us, to produce in us carnal confidence which may induce carelessness.
²Psalm 17:5 Poole: As by thy word and grace thou hast hitherto kept me from the paths of evil men, and led me into thy paths; so, I pray thee, enable me by the same means to persevere in thy ways, and in mine abhorrency of wicked courses, that I may not fall into that sin of revenging myself upon Saul, to which I may be more and more tempted; nor into any other sin, whereby thou mayst be provoked, or men may be offended, and religion disgraced.
¹Psalm 17:6 He was assured that God would not refuse his request.
¹Psalm 17:7 Calvin: The Psalmist attributes to God the office of defending and preserving his own people from all the ungodly who rise up to assault them, and who, if it were in their power, would destroy them. And the ungodly are here said to exalt themselves against the hand of God, because, in molesting the faithful whom God has taken under his protection, they openly wage war against him. The doctrine contained in these words, namely, that when we are molested, an outrage is committed upon God in our person, is a very profitable one; for having once declared himself to be the guardian and protector of our welfare, whenever we are unjustly assailed, he puts forth his hand before us as a shield of defense.
²Psalm 17:7 For all rebel against thee, which trouble thy Church.
¹Psalm 17:8 Trapp: Heb. As the black of the apple of the eye, two words to the same sense, for more vehemence, q.d. Serva me studiosissime. The apple of the eye, that little man in the eye (as the Hebrew word importeth, the girl, κορη , as the Greeks for like cause call it), is the tenderest piece of the tenderest part, the eye; which is kept most diligently, and strongly guarded by nature with tunicles. David therefore fitly prayeth to be so kept. ( Huc pertinet locus Cicer. De Nat. Deor.).
²Psalm 17:8 Trapp: Another excellent similitude taken from fowls, which either cover their young with their wings from the scorching heat of the sunbeams, as doth the eagle; or keep them thereby from the cold, or from the kite, as hens do. God’s love to and care of his poor people is hereby shadowed out; as it was likewise by the outspread wings of the cherubims in the sanctuary. See Ruth 2:12, Deut 32:10, Zech 2:8, Psalms 36:8 ; Psalms 57:2 Matthew 23:37 .
¹Psalm 17:9 For their cruelty cannot be satisfied but with my death.
¹Psalm 17:10 They are puffed up with pride, as the stomach that is choked with fat.
¹Psalm 17:13 Stop his rage.
²Psalm 17:13 Or, which is thy sword.
¹Psalm 17:13 Calvin: I prefer adopting the exposition which represents David’s words as a prayer that God would deliver him by his sword, and smite with his hand those men who, for too long a time, had been in possession of power and prosperity. He contrasts God’s sword with human aids and human means of relief; and the import of his words is, If God himself does not come forth to take vengeance, and draw his sword, there remains for me no hope of deliverance.
¹Psalm 17:14 By thine heavenly power.
²Psalm 17:14 Or, whose tyranny hath too long endured.
³Psalm 17:14 And feel not the rod that God’s children oft times do.
⁴Psalm 17:14 Poole: i.e. not only with common mercies, as food and raiment; but with thy choicest and most precious good things, such as men use to hide or keep in their treasures, with extraordinary wealth and glory, and all the delights and of the present life.
⁵Psalm 17:14 Calvin: The last point in this description is, that, by continual succession, these persons transmit their riches to their children and their children’s children. As they are not among the number of the children of God, to whom this blessing is promised, it follows, that when they are thus fattened, it is for the day of slaughter which he hath appointed. The object which David therefore has in view in making this complaint is, that God would make haste to execute vengeance, seeing they have so long abused his liberality and gentle treatment.
⁶Psalm 17:14 Poole: when many of the faithful servants are barren, these are blessed with a numerous posterity.
¹Psalm 17:15 This is the full felicity, comforting against all assaults, to have the face of God and favorable countenance opened unto us.
²Psalm 17:15 And am delivered out of my great troubles.
¹Psalm 17:15 Calvin: When we see the ungodly enjoying prosperity, crowned with honors, and loaded with riches, they seem to be in great favor with God. But David triumphs over their proud and presumptuous boasting; and although, to the eye of sense and reason, God has cast him off, and removed him far from him, yet he assures himself that one day he will enjoy the privilege of familiarly beholding him…
I readily admit that this satisfaction of which he speaks will not in all respects be perfect before the last coming of Christ; but as the saints, when God causes some rays of the knowledge of his love to enter into their hearts, find great enjoyment in the light thus communicated, David justly calls this peace or joy of the Holy Spirit satisfaction…But when the favor of God shall again have arisen and shone brightly upon him, he declares that then he will recover spiritual strength and enjoy tranquility of mind. It is true, indeed, as Paul declares, that so long as we continue in this state of earthly pilgrimage, “we walk by faith, not by sight;” but as we nevertheless behold the image of God not only in the glass of the gospel, but also in the numerous evidences of his grace which he daily exhibits to us, let each of us awaken himself from his lethargy, that we may now be satisfied with spiritual felicity, until God, in due time, bring us to his own immediate presence, and cause us to enjoy him face to face.

Psalm 18: 1 This Psalm is the first beginning of his gratulation, and thanksgiving in the entering into his kingdom, wherein he extolleth and praiseth most highly the marvelous mercies and grace of God, who hath thus preserved and defended him. 32 Also he setteth forth the image of Christ’s kingdom, that the faithful may be assured that Christ shall always conquer and overcome by the unspeakable power of his Father, though all the whole world should strive there against.

To him that excelleth. A Psalm of David the servant of the Lord, which spake unto the Lord the words of this song (in the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul) and said,

1 ¹I will love thee dearly, O Lord, my strength.

2 ¹The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, and my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

3 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be ¹praised: ²so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

4 ^1,2The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of wicked men made me afraid.

5 The ¹cords of the grave compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.

6 ¹In 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.

7 ¹Then the earth trembled, and quaked; the foundations also of the mountains moved and shook, because he was wroth.

8 Smoke went out at his nostrils, and a ¹consuming fire out of his mouth: coals were kindled by it.

9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and ¹darkness was under his feet.

10 And he rode upon a ¹cherub, and did fly: yea, and he came flying upon the wings of the wind.

11 He made darkness his ¹secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.

12 At the brightness that was before him his clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.

13 The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave ¹his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.

14 Then he sent out ¹his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.

15 Then the channels of waters were seen, and the ¹foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.

16 ¹He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many ²waters.

17 ¹He delivered me from my ²strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were ³too strong for me.

18 They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay.

19 He brought me forth also into a large place; ^1,2he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

20 The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

21 For I 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 upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.

24 ¹Therefore the Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.

25 With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;

26 With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and ¹with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.

27 ¹For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt ²cast down proud looks.

28 ¹Surely thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.

29 For by thee I have ¹broken through an host; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.

30 The way of God is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried in the fire: he is a shield to all that trust in him.

31 For who is God, except the Lord? or who is a rock, except our God?

32 God girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way upright.

33 He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.

34 He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of brass 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 caused me to increase.

36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.

37 I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: and I did not turn again till they were consumed.

38 I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet.

39 For thou hast girded me with strength to battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.

40 Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.

41 They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the Lord, but he answered them not.

42 Then did I 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 strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me.

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

45 The strangers shall shrink away, and be affrighted from their private chambers.

46 Let the Lord live; and blessed be my strength; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.

47 It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.

48  Oh my deliverer from mine enemies: even thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.

49 Therefore will I praise thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and will sing unto thy name.

50 Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, even to David, and to his seed for evermore.

Psalm 18 Footnotes:
¹Psalm 18:1 Calvin: It is to be observed, that love to God is here laid down as constituting the principal part of true godliness; for there is no better way of serving God than to love him. No doubt, the service which we owe him is better expressed by the word reverence, that thus his majesty may prominently stand forth to our view in its infinite greatness. But as he requires nothing so expressly as to possess all the affections of our heart, and to have them going out towards him, so there is no sacrifice which he values more than when we are bound fast to him by the chain of a free and spontaneous love; and, on the other hand, there is nothing in which his glory shines forth more conspicuously than in his free and sovereign goodness.
¹Psalm 18:2 He useth this diversity of names, to show that as the wicked have many means to hurt, so God hath many ways to help.
¹Psalm 18:3 For none can obtain their requests of God, that join not his glory with their petition.
²Psalm 18:3 Trapp: He hath often proved the power of prayer, especially when he came ready prepared to praise God for the return of prayer; and thence he is bold to promise himself all good.
¹Psalm 18:4 He speaketh of the dangers and malice of his enemies from the which God had delivered him.
²Psalm 18:4 Trapp: The worst of an evil escaped is to be thankfully acknowledged, and highest strains of eloquence therein to be used so that pride be avoided, and the praise of God only aimed at.
¹Psalm 18:5 Or sorrows.
¹Psalm 18:6 Calvin: It was a very evident proof of uncommon faith in David, when, being almost plunged into the gulf of death, he lifted up his heart to heaven by prayer. Let us therefore learn, that such an example is set before our eyes, that no calamities, however great and oppressive, may hinder us from praying, or create an aversion to it. It was prayer which brought to David the fruits or wonderful effects of which he speaks a little after, and from this it appears still more clearly that his deliverance was effected by the power of God. In saying that he cried, he means, as we have observed elsewhere, the ardor and earnestness of affection which he had in prayer. Again, by calling God his God, he separates himself from the gross despisers of God, or hypocrites, who, when constrained by necessity, call upon the Divine Majesty in a confused and tumultuous manner, but do not come to God familiarly and with a pure heart, as they know nothing of his fatherly favor and goodness.
¹Psalm 18:7 A description of the wrath of God against his enemies, after he had heard his prayers.
¹Psalm 18:8 He showeth how horrible God’s judgments shall be to the wicked.
¹Psalm 18:9 Darkness signifieth the wrath of God as the clear light signifieth God’s favor.
¹Psalm 18:10 This is described at large, see Ps. 104.
¹Psalm 18:11 As a king angry with the people, will not show himself unto them.
¹Psalm 18:13 Thunders, lightning and hail.
¹Psalm 18:14 His lightnings.
¹Psalm 18:15 That is, the deep bottoms were seen when the red sea was divided.
¹Psalm 18:16 Calvin: Here there is briefly shown the drift of the sublime and magnificent narrative which has now passed under our review, namely, to teach us that David at length emerged from the profound abyss of his troubles, neither by his own skill, nor by the aid of men, but that he was drawn out of them by the hand of God.
²Psalm 18:16 Out of sundry and great dangers.
¹Psalm 18:17 Henry: The greater the difficulties are that lie in the way of deliverance the more glorious the deliverance is. For the rescuing of David, the waters were to be divided till the very channels were seen; the earth was to be cloven till the very foundations of it were discovered, Psalms 18:15. There were waters deep and many, waters out of which he was to be drawn (Psalms 18:16), as Moses, who had his name from being drawn out of the water literally, as David was figuratively. His enemies were strong, and they hated him; had he been left to himself, they would have been too strong for him, Psalms 18:17. And they were too quick for him; for they prevented him in the day of his calamity, Psalms 18:18. But, in the midst of his troubles, the Lord was his stay, so that he did not sink. Note, God will not only deliver his people out of their troubles in due time, but he will sustain them and bear them up under their troubles in the mean time.
²Psalm 18:17 To wit, Saul.
³Psalm 18:17 Therefore God sent me succor.
¹Psalm 18:19 Henry: That which especially magnified the deliverance was that his comfort was the fruit of it and God’s favour was the root and fountain of it. (1.) It was an introduction to his preferment, Psalms 18:19. “He brought me forth also out of my straits into a large place, where I had room, not only to turn, but to thrive in.” (2.) It was a token of God’s favour to him, and that made it doubly sweet: “He delivered me because he delighted in me, not for my merit, but for his own grace and good-will.” Compare this with 2 Samuel 15:26, If he thus say, I have no delight in thee, here I am. We owe our salvation, that great deliverance, to the delight God had in the Son of David, in whom he has declared himself to be well pleased.
²Psalm 18:19 The cause of God’s deliverance is his only favor and love to us.
¹Psalm 18:20 Calvin: David might seem at first sight to contradict himself; for, while a little before he declared that all the blessings which he possessed were to be traced to the good pleasure of God, he now boasts that God rendered to him a just recompense. But if we remember for what purpose he connects these commendations of his own integrity with the good pleasure of God, it will be easy to reconcile these apparently conflicting statements. He has before declared that God was the sole author and originator of the hope of coming to the kingdom which he entertained, and that he had not been elevated to it by the suffrages of men, nor had he rushed forward to it through the mere impulse of his own mind, but accepted it because such was the will of God. Now he adds, in the second place, that he had yielded faithful obedience to God, and had never turned aside from his will. Both these things were necessary; first, that God should previously show his favor freely towards David, in choosing him to be king; and next, that David, on the other hand, should, with an obedient spirit, and a pure conscience, receive the kingdom which God thus freely gave him; and farther, that whatever the wicked might attempt, with the view of overthrowing or shaking his faith, he should nevertheless continue to adhere to the direct course of his calling. Thus, then, we see that these two statements, so far from disagreeing with each other, admirably harmonise. David here represents God as if the president of a combat, under whose authority and conduct he had been brought forth to engage in the combats. Now that depended upon election, in other words, upon this, that God having embraced him with his favor, had created him king. He adds in the verses which immediately follow, that he had faithfully performed the duties of the charge and office committed to him even to the uttermost. It is not, therefore, wonderful if God maintained and protected David, and even showed, by manifest miracles, that he was the defender of his own champion, whom he had, of his own free choice, admitted to the combat, and who he saw had performed his duty with all fidelity. We ought not, however, to think that David, for the sake of obtaining praise among men, has here purposely indulged in the language of vain boasting; we ought rather to view the Holy Spirit as intending by the mouth of David to teach us the profitable doctrine, that the aid of God will never fail us, provided we follow our calling, keep ourselves within the limits which it prescribes, and undertake nothing without the command or warrant of God. At the same time, let this truth be deeply fixed in our minds, that we can only begin an upright course of life when God of his good pleasure adopts us into his family, and in effectually calling, anticipates us by his grace, without which neither we nor any creature would give him an opportunity of bestowing this blessing upon us. Trapp: The righteousness of my cause; and my freedom from such crimes of disloyalty and ambition, wherewith mine enemies charged me, as if pricked on by my pride I sought the kingdom. As also, according to mine honest desire and endeavour in all things else to keep a good conscience, void of offence toward God and men. This, though God’s own work, and a debt most due to him, yet he is pleased graciously to reward.
²Psalm 18:20 David was sure of his righteous cause, and good behavior toward Saul and his enemies, and therefore was assured of God’s favor and deliverance.
¹Psalm 18:22 For all his dangers he exercised himself in the Law of God.
¹Psalm 18:23 I neither gave place to their wicked tentations, nor to mine own affections.
¹Psalm 18:24 Dickson: The third part of the Psalme, wherein he goeth on to amplifie mercy sundry waies, and first from the cause of it, which is the meer good will and love of God. Whence learn, 1. That the cause of any mercy shewn to us, is not to be found in us, but in Gods free love, He delivered me, because he delighted in me. 2. The beliefe of Gods love sweetneth and commendeth the mercy exceedingly: The delivery here is great, but this word, because he delighted in me, is far more sweet, verse 20. There is another point of amplifying the mercy of his preservation and delivery, in the clearing of his innocency and freeing of ‘him from the slanders of ungratitude, rebellion, treachery against his Father in law, and his Prince, which was the fruit of another grace of God, given unto him, to wit, righteousnesse and innocency, in relation to his enemies, ver. 20. and a study to keep Gods commands, ver. 21. and the feare of God fastening him to Gods Statutes, ver. 22. and sincere and tender walking with God, and watching over the sin which did most beset him, ver. 23. where his delivery from his ene∣mies, and clearing his innocency from calumnies, was a gracious reward, ver. 24. Whence learn, 1. In a good cause, it is necessary we have a good carriage, lest we marre our cause, and our comfort also: For David studied righteousnesse and cleannesse of hands, in relation to his enemies, when he was most unjustly persecuted. 2. A godly behaviour in a good cause shall not want the fruit: For the free love of God rewarded David according to his righteousnesse. 3. The conscience of a godly behaviour in time of persecution, is twice profitable: once under the trial and trouble, it doth support: againe, after the delivery, the looking back upon it, doth comfort, as here is shewne. 4. As we should at all times take heede to our conversation, so in special, when by persecution we are troubled for a good cause: For now we are upon the trial of our faith, patience, wisdome, and other graces, as David was: and should do as he doth here. 5. We have special rules of good behaviour set down in Davids example; first, we must be sure to follow such wayes, as Gods word doth allow, that wee may say, I have kept the wayes of the Lord. Secondly, if in our infirmity we be miscarried at any time, we must not persist in a wrong course, but return to the way of Gods obedience, That we may say I have not wickedly departed from my God, neither in the point of belief, nor practical obedience. Thirdly, we must set all the commands of God, and his written judgments before us, to be observed, one as well as another, and must have respect to Gods threatned, and executed judgments also, that we may say with David, All his judgments were before mee. and I did not put away his statutes from mee. Fourthly, We must study sincerity in our carriage, doing good actions well from right principles, and for the right end, that we may say, I was also upright before him. Fifthly, We must keepe strict watch o∣ver our wicked nature, and most raging passions and affecti∣ons, lest they break out; that our conscience may not contra∣dict us, when we say, I have kept my selfe from mine iniquity. 6. It is wisdome to joyne one mercy with onother, in our rec∣koning, that we may say that we have gotten grace for grace, as David doth acknowledge, That as God had given to him grace to study righteousnesse and innocency, so had he recompensed him according to his righteousnesse. 7. When the world would bury our innocency with slanders, it is lawful and expedient to defend our own good name, and to speak and write in defence of it, as David doth here.
¹Psalm 18:25 Here he speaketh of God according to our capacity, who showeth mercy to his and punisheth the wicked, as is said also, Lev. 26:21, 24.
¹Psalm 18:26 Trapp: Against such stubborn persons God threateneth not eight degrees (which are the highest notes in music and degrees in qualities, as the philosopher distinguisheth them), but twenty and eight degrees of wrath, Leviticus 26:18 ; Leviticus 26:21 ; Leviticus 26:24 ; Leviticus 26:28 . Exiget ab iis rationem minutissimorum, saith R. Obad. Gaon upon this text; he will reckon with them for their least offences, and not bate them an ace of their due punishment. He will pay them home in their own coin, over shoot them in their own bow, fill them with their own ways, be as cross as they are, for the hearts of them; yet still in a way of justice, though he break the necks of them in wrestling, and send them packing to their place in hell. Poole: or perverse, i.e. thou wilt cross him, and walk contrary to him, as thou hast threatened, Leviticus 26:23,Leviticus 26:24. See also Proverbs 3:34. Man’s perverseness here is moral and sinful, but God’s perverseness is judicial and penal.
¹Psalm 18:27 Calvin: This verse contains the correction of a mistake into which we are very ready to fall. As experience shows that the merciful are often severely afflicted, and the sincere involved in troubles of a very distressing description, to prevent any from regarding the statement as false that God deals mercifully with the merciful, David admonishes us that we must wait for the end; for although God does not immediately run to succor the good, yet, after having exercised their patience for a time, he lifts them up from the dust on which they lay prostrate, and brings effectual relief to them, even when they were in despair.
²Psalm 18:27 When their sin is come to the full measure. Calvin: Whenever, therefore, they cruelly break forth against us with mockery and contempt, let us know that there is nothing which prevents God from repelling their headstrong pertinacity, but that their pride is not yet come to its height.
¹Psalm 18:28 Dickson: As the godly man may expect crosses, so may he be sure also of as many consolations, and sweet seasonings of his troubles and deliverances out of them; so that he may say, both before trouble come, and in the midst of it, The Lord will light my Candle, and my God will enlighten my darknesse.
¹Psalm 18:29 He attributeth it to God that he both got the victory in the field, and also destroyed the cities of his enemies.
Psalm 18:30 Be the dangers never so many or great, yet God’s promise must take effect.
Psalm 18:32 He giveth good success to all mine enterprises.
Psalm 18:33 As towers and forts, which he took out of the hands of God’s enemies.
Psalm 18:34 Or, steel.
Psalm 18:35 To defend me from dangers.
Psalm 18:35 He attributed the beginning, continuance and increase in well doing only to God’s favor.
Psalm 18:37 David declareth that he did nothing besides his vocation, but was stirred up by God’s Spirit to execute his judgments.
Psalm 18:40 Thou hast given them into mine hands to be slain.
Psalm 18:41 They that reject the cry of the afflicted, God will also reject them, when they cry for help: for either pain or fear cause those hypocrites to cry.
Psalm 18:43 Which dwell round about me.
Psalm 18:43 The kingdom of Christ is in David’s kingdom prefigured, who by the preaching of his word bringeth all to his subjection.
Psalm 18:44 Or, lie: signifying a subjection constrained and not voluntary.
Psalm 18:45 Fear shall cause them to be afraid and come forth of their secret holes and holds to seek pardon.
Psalm 18:48 That is, Saul, who of malice persecuted him.
Psalm 18:49 This prophecy appertaineth to the kingdom of Christ and vocation of the Gentiles, as Rom. 15:9.
Psalm 18:50 This did not properly appertain to Solomon, but to Jesus Christ.

Psalm 19: 1 To the intent he might move the faithful to deeper consideration of God’s glory, he setteth before their eyes the most exquisite workmanship of the heavens, with their proportion, and ornaments. 8 And afterward calleth them to the Law, wherein God hath revealed himself more familiarly to his chosen people. The which peculiar grace by commending the Law, he setteth forth more at large.

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth the work of his hands.

2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

3 There is no speech nor language, where 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 cometh forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber, and rejoiceth like a mighty man to run his race.

6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is no one hidden from his heat.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.

13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: so shall I be upright, and made clean from much wickedness.

14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

Psalm 19 Footnotes:
Psalm 19:1 He reproaches man for his ingratitude, seeing the heavens, which are dumb creatures, set forth God’s glory. Luther: We condemn man’s free-will, his strength, wisdom, and righteousness, and all religion of man’s own devising: and to be short, we say that there is nothing in us that is able to deserve grace and the forgiveness of sins; but we preach that we obtain this grace by the free mercy of God only, for Christ’s sake: for so the heavens shew forth the glory of God and his works, condemning all men generally with their works.
Psalm 19:2 The continual success of the day and the night is sufficient to declare God’s power and goodness.
Psalm 19:2 Teacheth. In declaring to us the glory of God, the heavens are an instrument of instruction and are set there to lead us to piety.
Psalm 19:3 The heavens are a Schoolmaster to all nations, be they never so barbarous.
Psalm 19:4 The heavens are as a line of great capital letters to show unto us God’s glory.
Psalm 19:5 Or veil. The manner was that the bride and bridegroom should stand under a veil together, and after come forth with great solemnity, and rejoicing of the assembly.
Psalm 19:7 Though the creatures cannot serve, yet this ought to be sufficient to lead us unto him. i.e. the law and the gospel.
Psalm 19:9 So that all man’s inventions and intentions are lies.
Psalm 19:9 Every one without exception.
Psalm 19:10 Except God’s word be esteemed above all worldly things, it is contemned.
Psalm 19:11 For God accepteth our endeavor, though it be far imperfect.
Psalm 19:12 Then there is no reward of duty, but of grace: for where sin is, there death is the reward.
Psalm 19:13 Which are done purposely and of malice.
Psalm 19:13 If thou suppress my wicked affections by thine holy spirit.
Psalm 19:14 LXX: So shall. As before the Psalmist accounted that without God’s grace he would surely fall into heinous sin, here it is exclaimed that in so keeping from transgression our thoughts and words would certainly be pleasing to God. So it is read both as a prayer of expectation, and a certain knowledge of the same, that God is well pleased when His law is obeyed.
Psalm 19:14 That I may obey thee in thought, word and deed.

Psalm 20: A prayer of the people unto God, that it would please him to hear their king and receive his sacrifice, which he offered before he went to battle against the Ammonites.

To him that excelleth. A Psalm of David.

1 The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;

2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;

3 Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.

4 Grant thee according to thine heart, and fulfil all thy counsel:

5 That we may rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners: when the Lord shall fulfil all thy petitions.

6 Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.

7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.

8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

9 Save, Lord: let the king hear us when we call. 

Psalm 20 Footnotes:
Psalm 20:1 Hereby kings are also admonished to call to God in their affairs.
Psalm 20:1 The virtue, power and grace of God.
Psalm 20:3 In token that they are acceptable unto him.
Psalm 20:5 Granted to the King in whose wealth our felicity standeth.
Psalm 20:6 The Church feeleth that God had heard their petition.
Psalm 20:6 As by the visible Sanctuary God’s familiarity appeared toward his people, so by the heavenly is meant his power and majesty.
Psalm 20:8 The worldlings that put not their trust in God alone.
Psalm 20:9 Let the king be able to deliver us by thy strength, when we seek unto him for help.

Psalm 21: 1 David in the person of the people praiseth God for the victory, attributing it to God, and not to the strength of man. Wherein the holy Ghost directeth the faithful to Christ, who is the perfection of this kingdom.

To him that excelleth. A Psalm of David.

1 The king shall joy in thy strength, O Lord; yea how greatly shall he rejoice in thy salvation!

2 Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, and hast not denied him the request of his lips. Selah.

3 For thou preventest him with blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head.

4 He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever.

5 His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him.

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

7 For the king trusteth in the Lord, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved.

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

9 Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the Lord shall destroy them in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.

10 Their fruit shalt thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men.

11 For they intended evil against thee: they imagined mischief, but they shall not prevail.

12 Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, and the strings of thy bow shalt thou make ready against their faces.

13 Be thou exalted, Lord, in thy strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.

Psalm 21 Footnotes:
Psalm 21:1 When he shall overcome his enemies, and so be assured of his vocation.
Psalm 21:3 Thou declarest thy liberal favor toward him before he prayed.
Psalm 21:4 David did not only obtain life, but also assurance that his posterity should reign forever.
Psalm 21:6 Thou hast made him thy blessings to others, and a perpetual example of thy favor forever.
Psalm 21:8 Here he describeth the power of Christ’s kingdom against the enemies thereof.
Psalm 21:9 This teacheth us patiently to endure the cross till God destroy the adversary.
Psalm 21:11 They laid as it were their nets to make God’s power to give place to their wicked enterprises.
Psalm 21:12 As a mark to shoot at.
Psalm 21:13 Maintain thy Church against thine adversaries, that we may have ample occasion to praise thy Name.

Psalm 22: 1 David complained because he was brought into such extremities that he was past all hope, but after he had rehearsed the sorrows and griefs, wherewith he was vexed. 10 He recovereth himself from the bottomless pit of tentations, and groweth in hope.  And here under his own person he setteth forth the figure of Christ, whom he did foresee by the spirit of prophecy, that he should marvelously, and strangely be rejected, and abased, before his Father should raise and exalt him again.

To him that excelleth upon Aijeleth Hashahar. A Psalm of David.

1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

2 O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.

3 But thou art holy, and dost inhabit the praises of Israel.

4 Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.

5 They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.

6 But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.

7 All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,

8 He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.

9 But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I 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 none to help me.

12 Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.

13 They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.

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

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

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

17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.

18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

19 But be not thou far from me, O Lord: O my strength, haste thee to help me.

20 Deliver my soul from the sword; my desolate soul from the power of the dog.

21 Save me from the lion’s mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

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 ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.

24 For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the poor; 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 for ever.

27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

28 For the kingdom is the Lord’s: and he ruleth among the nations.

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

30 A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.

31 They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.

Psalm 22 Footnotes:
Psalm 22:1 Or, the hind of the morning: and this was the name of some common song.
Psalm 22:1 Here appeareth that horrible conflict, which he sustained between faith and desperation.
Psalm 22:1 Being tormented with extreme anguish.
Psalm 22:2 Or, I cease not.
Psalm 22:3 He meaneth the place of praising, even the Tabernacle: or else it is so called, because he gave the people continually occasion to praise him.
Psalm 22:6 And seeming most miserable of all creatures, which was meant of Christ. And herein appeareth the unspeakable love of God toward man, that he would thus abase his Son for our sakes.
Psalm 22:8 Hebrew, rolled upon God.
Psalm 22:9 Even from my birth thou hast given me occasion to trust in thee.
Psalm 22:10 For except God’s providence preserve the infants, they should perish a thousand times in the mother’s womb.
Psalm 22:12 He meaneth, that his enemies were so fat, proud, and cruel, that they were rather beasts than men.
Psalm 22:14 Before he spake of the cruelty of his enemies, and now he declareth the inward griefs of the mind, so that Christ was tormented both in soul and body.
Psalm 22:15 Thou had suffered me to be without all hope of life.
Psalm 22:16 Thus David complaineth as though he were nailed by his enemies both hands and feet: but this was accomplished in Christ.
Psalm 22:20 My life that is solitary, left alone and forsaken of all, Ps. 35:17 and 25:16.
Psalm 22:21 Christ is delivered with a more mighty deliverance by overcoming death, than if he had not tasted death at all.
Psalm 22:23 He promiseth to exhort the Church that they by his example might praise the Lord.
Psalm 22:24 The poor afflicted are comforted by this example of David, or Christ.
Psalm 22:25 Which were sacrifices of thanksgiving, which they offered by God’s commandment, when they were delivered out of any great danger.
Psalm 22:26 He doth allude still to the sacrifice.
Psalm 22:29 Though the poor be first named, as verse 26, yet the wealthy are not separated from the grace of Christ’s kingdom.
Psalm 22:29 In whom there is no hope that he shall recover life: so neither poor nor rich, quick nor dead shall be rejected from his kingdom.
Psalm 22:30 Meaning, the prosperity, which the Lord keepeth as a seed to the Church to continue his praise among men.
Psalm 22:31 That is, God hath fulfilled his promise.

Psalm 23: 1 Because the Prophet had proved the great mercies of God at divers times, and in sundry manners, he gathereth a certain assurance, fully persuading himself that God will continue the very same goodness towards him forever.

A Psalm of David.

23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

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

5 Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou dost anoint my head with oil; and my cup runneth over.

6 Surely 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 23 Footnotes:

Psalm 23:1 He hath care over me and ministereth unto me all things.
Psalm 23:3 He comforteth or refresheth me.
Psalm 23:3 Plain, or straight ways.
Psalm 23:4 Though he were in danger of death, as the sheep that wandereth in the dark valley without his shepherd.
Psalm 23:5 Albeit his enemies sought to destroy him, yet God delivereth him, and dealeth most liberally with him in despite of them.
Psalm 23:5 As was the manner of great feasts.
Psalm 23:6 He setteth not his felicity in the pleasures of this world, but in the fear and service of God.

Psalm 24: 1 Albeit the Lord God hath made, and governeth all the world, yet toward his chosen people, his gracious goodness doth most abundantly appear, in that among them he will have his dwelling place.  Which thought it was appointed among the children of Abraham, yet only they do enter aright into this Sanctuary, which are the true worshippers of God, purged from the sinful filth of this world. 7 Finally he magnifieth God’s grace for the building of the Temple, to the end he might stir up all the faithful to the true service of God.

A Psalm of David.

1 The earth is the Lord’s, and all that therein is; the world, and they that dwell therein.

2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.

3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? and who shall stand in his holy place?

4 Even he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul* unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

5 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 face, O Jacob.* Selah.

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

8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.

9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them 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 King of glory. Selah.

Psalm 24 Footnotes:
Psalm 24:2 He noteth two things: the one, that the earth to man’s judgment seemeth above the waters: and next, that God miraculously preserveth the earth, that it is not drowned with the waters, which naturally are above it.
Psalm 24:6 Though circumcision separate the carnal seed of Jacob, from the Gentiles, yet he that seeketh God, is the true Jacob and the very Israelite.
Psalm 24:7 David desireth the building up of the Temple, wherein the glory of God should appear, and under the figure of this Temple, he also prayeth for the spiritual Temple, which is eternal, because of the promise which was made to the Temple, as it is written, Ps. 132:14.

Psalm 25: 1 The Prophet touched with the consideration of his sins, and also grieved with the cruel malice of his enemies,  6 Prayeth to God most fervently to have his sins forgiven. 7 Especially such as he had committed in his youth.  He beginneth every verse according to the Hebrew letters, two or three except.

A Psalm of David.

1 Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

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

3 Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.

4 Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.

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

6 Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.

7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord.

8 Gracious and righteous is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.

9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

11 For thy name’s sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.

12 What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.

13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.

14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew 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: O 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 cruel hatred.

20 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I trust in thee.

21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.

22 Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.

Psalm 25 Footnotes:
Psalm 25:1 I put not my trust in any worldly thing.
Psalm 25:2 That thou wilt take away mine enemies, which are thy rods.
Psalm 25:4 Retain me in the faith of thy promise, that I swerve not on any side.
Psalm 25:5 Constantly, and against all tentations.
Psalm 25:7 He confesseth that his manifold sins were the cause that his enemies did thus persecute him, desiring that the cause of the evil may be taken away, to the intent that the effect may cease.
Psalm 25:8 That is, call them to repentance.
Psalm 25:9 He will govern and comfort them that are truly humbled for their sins.
Psalm 25:11 And for none other respect.
Psalm 25:12 Meaning, the number is very small.
Psalm 25:12 He will direct such with his spirit to follow the right way.
Psalm 25:13 He shall prosper both in spiritual and corporal things.
Psalm 25:14 His counsel contained in his word, whereby he declareth that he is the protector of the faithful.
Psalm 25:17 My grief is increased because of mine enemies’ cruelty.
Psalm 25:19 The greater that his afflictions were and the more that his enemies increased, the more near felt he God’s help.
Psalm 25:21 Forasmuch as I have behaved myself uprightly toward mine enemies, let them know that thou art the defender of my just cause.

Psalm 26: 1 David oppressed with many injuries, finding no help in the world, calleth for aid from God: and assured of his integrity towards Saul, desireth God to be his judge, and to defend his innocence. 6 Finally he maketh mention of his sacrifice, which he will offer for his deliverance, and desireth to be in the company of the faithful in the Congregation of God, whence he was banished by Saul, promising integrity of life, and open praises and thanksgiving.

A Psalm of David.

1 Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide.

2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.

4 I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

5 I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

6 I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord:

7 That I may declare with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

8 O Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

9 Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:

10 In whose hands is wickedness, and their right hand is full of bribes.

11 But I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.

12 My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the Lord.

Psalm 26 Footnotes.
Psalm 26:1 He fleeth to God to be the Judge of his just cause; seeing there is no equity among men.
Psalm 26:2 My very affections and inward motions of the heart.
Psalm 26:3 He showeth what stayed him, that he did not recompense evil for evil.
Psalm 26:4 He declareth that they cannot walk in simplicity before God, that delight in the company of the ungodly.
Psalm 26:6 I will serve thee with a pure affection, and with the godly that sacrifice unto thee.
Psalm 26:9 Destroy me not in the overthrow of the wicked.
Psalm 26:10 Whose cruel hands do execute the malicious devices of their hearts.
Psalm 26:12 I am preserved from mine enemies by the power of God, and therefore will praise him openly.

Psalm 27: 1 David maketh this Psalm being delivered from great perils, as appeareth by the praises and thanksgiving annexed:  6 Wherein we may see the constant faith of David against the assaults of all his enemies. 7 And also the end wherefore he desireth to live and to be delivered, only to worship God in his Congregation.

A Psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, 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 should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I request; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.

5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his Tabernacle shall 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: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.

7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart answered unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.

9 Hide not therefore thy face from me; nor cast thy servant away in displeasure: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

10 Though my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.

11 Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a right path, because of mine enemies.

12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as speak cruelly.

13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see 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 heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

Psalm 27 Footnotes:
Psalm 27:1 Because he was assured of good success in all his dangers, and that his salvation was surely laid up in God, he feared not the tyranny of his enemies.
Psalm 27:3 That God will deliver me and give my faith the victory.
Psalm 27:4 The loss of country, wife, and all worldly commodities grieve me not in respect of this one thing, that I may not praise thy Name in the midst of the congregation.
Psalm 27:6 David assured himself by the Spirit of prophecy that he should overcome his enemies, and serve God in his Tabernacle.
Psalm 27:8 He groundeth upon God’s promise, and showeth that he is most willing to obey his commandment.
Psalm 27:10 He magnifieth God’s love toward his own, which far passeth the most tender love of parents towards their children.
Psalm 27:12 But either pacify their wrath, or bridle their rage.
Psalm 27:13 In this present life before I die, as Isa. 38:11.
Psalm 27:14 He exhorteth himself to depend on the Lord, seeing he never failed in his promises.

Psalm 28: 1 Being in great fear and heaviness of heart to see God dishonored by the wicked, he desireth to be rid of them. 4 And crieth for vengeance against them: and at length assureth himself, that God hath heard his prayer, 9 Unto whose tuition he commendeth all the faithful.

A Psalm of David.

1 Unto thee will I cry, O Lord my rock; be not silent 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 cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands 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 malice is in their hearts.

4 Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their inventions: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.

5 For they regard not the works of the Lord, nor the operation of his hands, therefore destroy them, and build them not up.

6 Blessed be the Lord, because he hath heard the voice of my petitions.

7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

8 The Lord is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.

9 Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and exalt them for ever.

Psalm 28 Footnotes:
Psalm 28:1 He counteth himself as a dead man, till God show his favor toward him, and grant him his petition.
Psalm 28:2 He used this outward means to help the weakness of his faith: for in that place was the Ark, and there God promised to show the tokens of his favor.
Psalm 28:3 Destroy not the good with the bad.
Psalm 28:4 He thus prayeth in respect to God’s glory and not for his own cause, being assured that God would punish the persecutors of his Church.
Psalm 28:5 Let them be utterly destroyed, as Mal. 1:4.
Psalm 28:6 Because he felt the assurance of God’s help in his heart, his mouth was opened to sing his praises.
Psalm 28:8 Meaning, his soldiers, who were as means, by whom God declared his power.

Psalm 29: 1 The Prophet exhorteth the princes and rulers of the world (which for the most part think there is no God.) 3 At the least to fear him for the thunders and tempests, for fear whereof all creatures tremble. 11 And though thereby God threateneth sinners, yet he is always merciful to his, and moveth them thereby to praise his Name.

A Psalm of David.

1 Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength.

2 Give unto the Lord glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the glorious Sanctuary.

3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory maketh it to thunder: the Lord is upon the great waters.

4 The voice of the Lord is mighty; the voice of the Lord is glorious.

5 The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars; yea, the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.

6 He maketh them also to leap like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.

7 The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire.

8 The voice of the Lord maketh the wilderness to tremble; the Lord shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.

9 The voice of the Lord maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.

10 The Lord sitteth upon the floods; yea, the Lord sitteth King for ever.

11 The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.

Psalm 29 Footnotes:

Psalm 29:1 He exhorteth the proud tyrants to humble themselves under God’s hand, and not to be inferior to brute beasts and dumb creatures.
Psalm 29:3 The thunder claps that are heard out of the clouds, ought to make the wicked to tremble for fear of God’s anger.
Psalm 29:5 That is, the thunderbolt breaketh the most strong trees, and shall men think their power to be able to resist God?
Psalm 29:6 Called also Hermon.
Psalm 29:7 It causeth the lightnings to shoot and glide.
Psalm 29:8 In places most desolate, whereas seemeth there is no presence of God.
Psalm 29:9 For fear maketh them to cast their calves.
Psalm 29:9 Maketh the trees bare, or pierceth the most secret places.
Psalm 29:9 Though the wicked are nothing moved with these lights, yet the faithful praise God.
Psalm 29:10 To moderate the rage of the tempest and waters, that they destroy not all.

Psalm 30: 1 When David was delivered, from great danger, he rendered thanks to God, exhorting others to do the like, and to learn by his example, that God is rather merciful than severe and rigorous towards his children. 7 And also that the fall from prosperity to adversity is sudden. 8 This done, he returneth to prayer, promising to praise God forever.

A Psalm of David.

1 I will magnify thee, O Lord; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.

2 O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast restored me.

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

4 Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

6 And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.

7 Lord, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.

8 I cried to thee, O Lord; and unto the Lord I made supplication.

9 What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?

10 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord, be thou my helper.

11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

12 Therefore shall my tongue praise thee and not cease. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Psalm 30 Footnotes:

Psalm 30:1 After that Absalom had polluted it with most filthy fornication.
Psalm 30:1 He condemneth them of great ingratitude, which do not praise God for his benefits.
Psalm 30:2 Restored from the rebellion of Absalom.
Psalm 30:3 Meaning, that he escaped death most narrowly.
Psalm 30:4 The word signifieth them that have received mercy, and show mercy liberally unto others.
Psalm 30:4 Before his Tabernacle.
Psalm 30:6 I put too much confidence in my quiet state, as Jer. 31:18; 2 Chron. 32:24, 25.
Psalm 30:7 I thought thou hadst established me in Zion most surely.
Psalm 30:7 After that thou hast withdrawn thine help, I felt my misery.
Psalm 30:9 David meaneth that the dead are not profitable to the Congregation of the Lord here in the earth: therefore he would live to praise his Name, which is the end of man’s creation.
Psalm 30:12 Because thou hast preserved me that my tongue should praise thee, I will not be unmindful of my duty.

Psalm 31: 1 David delivered from some great danger, first rehearseth what meditation he had by the power of faith, when death was before his eyes, his enemy being ready to take him. 15 Then he affirmeth that the favor of God is always ready to those that fear him. 20 Finally he exhorteth all the faithful to trust in God and to love him, because he preserveth and strengtheneth them, as they may see by his example.

To him that excelleth. A Psalm of David.

1 In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.

2 Bow down thine ear to me; make haste to deliver me: be thou my strong rock, and an house of defence to save me.

3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake direct me, and 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: for thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.

6 I have hated them that regard lying vanities: for I trust in the Lord.

7 I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;

8 And hast not shut me up in the hand of the enemy: but hast set my feet at large.

9 Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble: mine eye, my soul and my belly are consumed with grief.

10 For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth through pain, and my bones are consumed.

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

12 I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.

13 For I have heard the slander of great men: fear was on every side: while they conspired together against me, they devised to take away my life.

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 persecute me.

16 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies’ sake.

17 Let me not be ashamed, O Lord; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be put to confusion, and to silence in the grave.

18 Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.

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 shalt keep them secretly in thy Tabernacle from the strife of tongues.

21 Blessed be the Lord: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.

22 Though I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: yet thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.

23 O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.

24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that trust in the Lord.

Psalm 31 Footnotes:
Psalm 31:1 For then God declareth himself just, when he preserveth his according as he hath promised.
Psalm 31:4 Preserve me from the crafty counsels and subtle practice of mine enemies.
Psalm 31:5 He desireth God not only to take care for him in this life, but that his soul may be saved after this life.
Psalm 31:6 This affection ought to be in all God’s children, to hate whatsoever thing is not grounded upon a sure trust in God, as deceitful and vain.
Psalm 31:8 Largeness signifieth comfort, as straightness, sorrow and peril.
Psalm 31:9 Meaning, that his sorrow and torment had continued a great while.
Psalm 31:11 Mine enemies had drawn all men to their part against me, even my chief friends.
Psalm 31:11 They were afraid to show me any token of friendship.
Psalm 31:13 They that were in authority, condemned me as a wicked doer.
Psalm 31:14 I had this testimony of conscience, that thou wouldest defend mine innocence.
Psalm 31:15 Whatsoever changes come, thou governest them by thy providence.
Psalm 31:17 Let death destroy them to the intent that they may hurt no more.
Psalm 31:19 The treasures of God’s mercy are always laid up in store for his children, albeit at all times they do not enjoy them.
Psalm 31:20 Hebrew, in the secret of thy face.
Psalm 31:20 That is, in a place where they shall have thy comfort, and be hid safely from the enemies’ pride.
Psalm 31:21 Meaning, there was no city so strong to preserve him, as the defense of God’s favor.
Psalm 31:22 And so by my rashness and infidelity deserved to have been forsaken.
Psalm 31:23 Or, ye that feel his mercies.
Psalm 31:24 Be constant in your vocation, and God will confirm you with heavenly strength.

Psalm 32: 1 David punished with grievous sickness for his sins, counteth them blessed to whom God doth not impute their transgressions. 5 And after that he had confessed his sins, and obtained pardon, 6 he exhorteth the wicked men to live godly, 11 and the good to rejoice.

A Psalm of David to give instruction.

1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

2 Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

3 When I kept silence, my bones consumed, or when I roared all the day.

4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.

5 Then I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess against myself my wickedness unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

6 Therefore shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come near him.

7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.

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

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

10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about.

11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.

Psalm 32 Footnotes:

Psalm 32:1 Concerning the free remission of sins, which is the chiefest point of our faith.
Psalm 32:1 To be justified by faith, is to have our sins freely remitted, and to be reputed just, Rom. 4:6.
Psalm 32:3 Between hope and despair.
Psalm 32:3 Neither by silence nor crying found I ease, signifying that before the sinner be reconciled to God, he feeleth a perpetual torment.
Psalm 32:5 He showeth that as God’s mercy is the only cause of forgiveness of sins, so the means thereof are repentance and confession which proceed of faith.
Psalm 32:6 When necessity causeth him to seek to thee for help, Isa. 55:6.
Psalm 32:6 To wit, the waters and great dangers.
Psalm 32:8 David promiseth to make the rest of God’s children partakers of the benefits which he felt, and that he will diligently look and take care to direct them in the way of salvation.
Psalm 32:9 If men can rule brute beasts, think they that God will not bridle and tame their rage?
Psalm 32:11 He showeth that peace and joy of conscience in the holy Ghost, is the fruit of faith.

Psalm 33: 1 He exhorteth good men to praise God, for that he hath not only created all things, and by his providence governeth the same, but also is faithful in his promises, 10 he understandeth man’s heart, and scattereth the counsel of the wicked, 16 so that no man can be preserved by any creature or man’s strength: by they, that put their confidence in his mercy, shall be preserved from all adversities.

33:1 Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

2 Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.

3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

4 For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth.

5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the 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 mouth.

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

8 Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.

9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.

10 The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

11 The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

13 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 fashioneth their hearts alike; and understandeth all their works.

16 The king is not saved by the multitude of an host: neither is the mighty man delivered by great strength.

17 An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.

18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that trust in his mercy;

19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.

20 Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield.

21 Surely our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.

22 Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we trust in thee.

Psalm 33 Footnotes:
Psalm 33:1 It is the duty of the godly to set forth the praises of God for his mercy and power showed toward them.
Psalm 33:2 To sing on instruments, was a part of the ceremonial service of the Temple, which doth no more appertain unto us, than the sacrifices, censings, and lights.
Psalm 33:4 That is, counsel or commandment in governing the world.
Psalm 33:4 That is, the effect and execution.
Psalm 33:5 Howsoever the world judgeth of God’s works, yet he doeth all things according to justice and mercy.
Psalm 33:7 By the creation of the heavens and beautiful ornament with the gathering also of the waters, he setteth forth the power of God, that all creatures might fear him.
Psalm 33:9 Or, was created.
Psalm 33:10 No counsel can prevail against God, but he defeateth it, and it shall have evil success.
Psalm 33:12 He showeth that all our felicity standeth in this, that the Lord is our God.
Psalm 33:13 He proveth, that all things are governed by God’s providence and not by fortune.
Psalm 33:15 Therefore he knoweth their wicked enterprises.
Psalm 33:16 If kings and the mighty of the world cannot be saved by worldly means, but only by God’s providence, what have others to trust in, that have not like means?
Psalm 33:18 God showeth that toward his of his mercy, which man by no means is able to compass.
Psalm 33:20 Thus he speaketh in the name of the whole Church, which only depend on God’s providence.

Psalm 34: 1 After David had escaped Achish, according as it is written in 1 Sam. 2:11, whom in this title he calleth Abimelech (which was a general name to all the Kings of the Philistines) he praiseth God for his deliverance, 3 provoking all others by his example to trust in God, to fear and serve him, 7 who defendeth the godly with his Angels, 16 and utterly destroyeth the wicked in their sins.

A Psalm of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, who drave him away, and he departed.

1 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2 My soul shall glory in the Lord: the humble shall hear it, and be glad.

3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and he heard me, yea, he delivered me from all my fears.

5 They shall look unto him, and run to him: and their faces shall not be ashamed, saying,

6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

9 O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.

10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall want nothing that is good.

11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?

13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and follow after it.

15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

16 But the face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off their remembrance from the earth.

17 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.

21 But evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be condemned.

22 The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be condemned.

Psalm 34 Footnotes:
Psalm 34:1 He promised never to become unmindful of God’s great benefit for his deliverance.
Psalm 34:2 They that are beaten down with the experience of their own evils.
Psalm 34:4 Which I conceived for the danger wherein I was.
Psalm 34:5 They shall be bold to flee to thee for succor, when they shall see thy mercies toward me.
Psalm 34:7 Though God’s power be sufficient to govern us, yet for man’s infirmity he appointeth his Angels to watch over us.
Psalm 34:10 The godly by their patient obedience profit more than they which ravine and spoil.
Psalm 34:10 If they abide the last trial.
Psalm 34:11 That is, the true religion and worship of God.
Psalm 34:12 Seeing all men naturally desire felicity, he wondereth why they cast themselves willingly into misery.
Psalm 34:16 The anger of God doth not only destroy the wicked, but also abolisheth their name forever.
Psalm 34:18 When they seem to be swallowed up with afflictions, then God is at hand to deliver them.
Psalm 34:20 And as Christ saith, all the hairs of his head.
Psalm 34:21 Their wicked enterprises shall turn to their own destruction.
Psalm 34:22 For when they seem to be overcome with great dangers and death itself, then God showeth himself their redeemer.

Psalm 35: 1 So long as Saul was enemy to David, all that had any authority under him, to flatter their king (as is the course of the world) did also most cruelly persecute David: against whom he prayeth God to plead and to avenge his cause, 8 that they may be taken in their nets and snares, which they laid for him, that his innocency may be declared, 27 and that the innocent, which taketh part with him, may rejoice and praise the Name of the Lord, that thus delivereth his servant. 28 And so he promiseth to speak forth the justice of the Lord, and to magnify his Name all the days of his life.

A Psalm of David.

1 Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: fight thou against them that fight against me.

2 Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help.

3 Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my 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 them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the Lord scatter them.

6 Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the Lord persecute them.

7 For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul.

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

9 Then my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation.

10 All my bones shall say, Lord, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?

11 False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.

12 They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.

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

14 I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.

15 But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not,

16 With hypocritical mockers in feasts, gnashing their teeth against me.

17 Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their tumult, even my desolate soul from the lions.

18 So will I give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.

19 Let not them that are mine enemies unjustly rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.

20 For they speak not peace: but they imagine deceitful words against them that are quiet in the land.

21 Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.

22 Thou hast seen it, O Lord: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me.

23 Arise and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.

24 Judge me, O Lord my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.

25 Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We 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 But let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

28 And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.

Psalm 35 Footnotes:
Psalm 35:1 He desireth God to undertake his cause against them that did persecute him and slander him.
Psalm 35:2 Albeit God can with his breath destroy all his enemies, yet the holy Ghost attributeth unto him these outward weapons to assure us of his present power.
Psalm 35:3 Assure me against these tentations, that thou art the author of my salvation.
Psalm 35:5 Smite them with the spirit of giddiness that their enterprises may be foolish, and they received just reward.
Psalm 35:7 Showing that we may not call God to be a revenger, but only for his glory, and when our cause is just.
Psalm 35:8 When he promiseth to himself peace.
Psalm 35:8 Which he prepared against the children of God.
Psalm 35:10 He attributeth his deliverance only to God, praising him therefore both in soul and body.
Psalm 35:11 That would not suffer me to purge myself.
Psalm 35:12 To have taken from me all comfort and brought me into despair.
Psalm 35:13 I prayed for them with inward affection, as I would have done for myself: or, I declared mine affection with bowing down mine head.
Psalm 35:15 When they saw me ready to slip, and as one that halted for infirmity.
Psalm 35:15 With their railing words.
Psalm 35:16 The word signifieth cakes: meaning that the proud courtiers at their dainty feasts scoff, rail, and conspire his death.
Psalm 35:19 In token of contempt and mocking.
Psalm 35:20 Or, clefts of the earth: meaning, himself and others in their misery.
Psalm 35:21 They rejoiced as though they had now seen David overthrown.
Psalm 35:24 It is the justice of God to give to the oppressors affliction and torment, and to the oppressed aid and relief, 2 Thess. 1:6.
Psalm 35:25 Because we have that which we sought for, seeing he is destroyed.
Psalm 35:26 That is, at once, were they never so many or mighty.
Psalm 35:26 This prayer shall always be verified against them that persecute the faithful.
Psalm 35:27 That at least favor my right, though they be not able to help me.
Psalm 35:27 He exhorteth the Church to praise God for the deliverance of his servants, and for the destruction of his adversaries.

Psalm 36: 1 The Prophet grievously vexed by the wicked, doth complain of their malicious wickedness. 6 Then he turneth to consider the unspeakable goodness of God toward all creatures. 9 But specially towards his children, that by the faith thereof he may be comforted and assured of his deliverance by this ordinary course of God’s work. 12 Who in the end destroyeth the wicked, and saveth the just.

To him that excelleth. A Psalm of David, the servant of the Lord.

1 Wickedness saith of the wicked, even in mine heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.

2 For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, while his iniquity is found to be hateful.

3 The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to understand, and to do good.

4 He imagineth 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 reacheth unto the clouds.

6 Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O Lord, thou preservest man and beast.

7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

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

9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

10 O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.

11 Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked move me.

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

Psalm 36 Footnotes:
Psalm 36:1 I see evidently by his deeds, that sin pusheth forward the reprobate from wickedness to wickedness, albeit he go about to cover his impiety.
Psalm 36:2 Though all others detest his vile sin, yet he himself seeth it not.
Psalm 36:3 The reprobate mock at wholesome doctrine, and put not difference between good and evil.
Psalm 36:4 By describing at large the nature of the reprobate, he admonisheth the godly to beware of these vices.
Psalm 36:5 Though wickedness seemeth to overflow all the world, yet by thine heavenly providence thou governest heaven and earth.
Psalm 36:6 Hebrew, the mountains of God: for whatsoever is excellent, is thus called.
Psalm 36:6 The depth of thy providence governeth all things, and disposeth them, albeit the wicked seem to overwhelm the world.
Psalm 36:8 Only God’s children have enough of all things both concerning this life and the life to come.
Psalm 36:10 He showeth who are God’s children, to wit, they that know him, and lead their lives uprightly.
Psalm 36:11 Let not the proud advance himself against me, neither the power of the wicked drive me away.
Psalm 36:12 That is, in their pride wherein they flatter themselves.

Psalm 37: 1 This Psalm containeth exhortation and consolation for the weak, that are grieved at the prosperity of the wicked, and the affliction of the godly. 7 For how prosperously soever the wicked do live for the time, he doth affirm their felicity to be vain and transitory, because they are not in the favor of God, but in the end they are destroyed as his enemies. 11 And how miserably that the righteous seemeth to live in the world, yet his end is peace, and he is in the favor of God, he is delivered from the wicked, and preserved.

A Psalm of David.

1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down like grass, and wither as the green herb.

3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; and trust in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

7 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 devices to pass.

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

9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.

10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

13 But the Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.

15 But their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

16 A small thing unto the just man is better than great riches to the wicked and mighty.

17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: 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 perilous time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be consumed as the fat of lambs: even with the smoke shall they consume away.

21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous is merciful, and giveth.

22 For such as be blessed of God shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth 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 ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

28 For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved 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 judgment.

31 For the law of his God is in his heart; and his steps shall not slide.

32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

33 But the Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.

34 Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

35 I have seen the wicked strong, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.

36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

37 Mark the upright man, and behold the just: for the end of that man is peace.

38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together, and the end of the wicked shall be cut off.

39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble.

40 For the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

Psalm 37 Footnotes:
Psalm 37:1 He admonisheth us neither to vex ourselves for the prosperous estate of the wicked, neither to desire to be like them to make our state the better.
Psalm 37:2 For God’s judgment cutteth down their state in a moment.
Psalm 37:3 To trust in God, and do according to his will, are sure tokens that his providence will never fail us.
Psalm 37:5 Be not led by thine own wisdom, but obey God, and he will finish his work in thee.
Psalm 37:6 As the hope of the daylight causeth us not to be offended with the darkness of the night: so ought we patiently to trust that God will clear our cause and restore us to our right.
Psalm 37:7 When God suffereth the wicked to prosper, it seemeth to the flesh that he favoreth their doings, Job 21:7 etc.
Psalm 37:8 Meaning, except he moderate his affections, he shall be led to do as they do.
Psalm 37:10 He correcteth the impatience of our nature, which cannot abide till the fullness of God’s time be come.
Psalm 37:12 The godly are assured that the power and craft of the wicked shall not prevail against them, but fall on their own necks, and therefore ought patiently to abide God’s time, and in the meanwhile bewail their sins, and offer up their tears, is a sacrifice of their obedience.
Psalm 37:16 For they are daily fed as with Manna from heaven, and have sufficient, when the wicked have never enough, but ever hunger.
Psalm 37:18 God knoweth what dangers hang over his, and by what means to deliver them.
Psalm 37:19 For God will give them contented minds: and that which shall be necessary.
Psalm 37:20 They shall vanish away suddenly, for they are fed for the day of slaughter.
Psalm 37:21 God so furnisheth him with his blessings, that he is able to help others.
Psalm 37:23 God prospereth the faithful, because they walk in his ways with an upright conscience.
Psalm 37:24 When God doth exercise his faith with divers tentations.
Psalm 37:25 Though the just man die, yet God’s blessings are extended to his posterity, and though God suffer some just man to lack temporal benefits, yet he recompenseth him with spiritual treasures.
Psalm 37:29 They shall continually be preserved under God’s wings, and have at least inward rest.
Psalm 37:30 These three points are required of the faithful, that their talk be godly, that God’s law be in their heart, and that their life be upright.
Psalm 37:33 For though it be sometime so expedient both for God’s glory and their salvation, yet he will approve their cause, and revenge their wrong.
Psalm 37:36 So that the prosperity of the wicked is but as a cloud, which vanisheth away in a moment.
Psalm 37:37 He exhorteth the faithful to mark diligently the examples both of God’s mercies, and also of his judgments.
Psalm 37:39 He showeth that the patient hope of the godly is never in vain, but in the end hath good success, though for a time God prove them by sundry tentations.

Psalm 38: 1 David lying sick of some grievous disease, acknowledgeth himself to be chastised of the Lord for his sins, and therefore prayeth God to turn away his wrath. 5 He uttereth the greatness of his grief by many words and circumstances, as wounded with the arrows of God’s ire, forsaken of his friends, evil intreated of his enemies. 22 But in the end with firm confidence he commendeth his cause to God, and hopeth for speedy help at his hand.

A Psalm of David for remembrance.

1 O Lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chastise me in thy wrath.

2 For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore.

3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.

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

5 My wounds are putrefied and corrupt because of my foolishness.

6 I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.

7 For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh.

8 I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared for the very grief 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 is gone from me.

11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.

12 They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.

13 But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I 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 in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.

16 For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.

17 For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.

18 For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.

19 But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.

20 They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow goodness.

21 Forsake me not, O Lord: O my God, be not far from me.

22 Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

Psalm 38 Footnotes:
Psalm 38:1 To put himself and others in mind of God’s chastisement for sin.
Psalm 38:1 He desireth not to be exempted from God’s rod, but that he would so moderate his hand, that he might be able to bear it.
Psalm 38:2 Thy sickness, wherewith thou hast visited me.
Psalm 38:3 David acknowledgeth God to be just in his punishments, because his sins had deserved much more.
Psalm 38:4 He confesseth his sins, God’s justice, and maketh prayer his refuge.
Psalm 38:5 That rather gave place to mine own lusts, than to the will of God.
Psalm 38:6 Or, black as one that is disfigured and consumed with sickness.
Psalm 38:8 This example warneth us never to despair, be the torment never so great: but always to cry unto God with sure trust for deliverance.
Psalm 38:10 Hebrew, runneth about, or, is tossed to and fro, meaning, that he was destitute of all help and counsel.
Psalm 38:10 My sight faileth me for very sorrow.
Psalm 38:11 Partly for fear and partly for pride, they denied all duty and friendship.
Psalm 38:13 For I can have no audience before men, and therefore patiently wait for the help of God.
Psalm 38:16 That is, if they see that thou succor me not in time, they will mock and triumph, as though thou hadst forsaken me.
Psalm 38:17 I am without hope to recover my strength.
Psalm 38:19 In my greatest misery they most rejoice.
Psalm 38:20 He had rather have the hatred of all the world, than to fail in any part of his duty to Godward.
Psalm 38:22 Which are the author of my salvation: and this declareth that he prayed with sure hope of deliverance.

Psalm 39: 1 David uttereth with what great grief and bitterness of mind he was driven to these outrageous complaints of his infirmities. 2 For he confesseth that when he had determined silence, that he brast forth yet into words, that he would not, through the greatness of his grief. 4 Then he rehearseth certain requests which taste of the infirmity of man. 8 And mixeth with them many prayers: but all do show a mind wonderfully trembled, that it may plainly appear how he did strive mightily against death and desperation.

To the excellent Musician Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

1 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth bridled, while the wicked is before me.

2 I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was more stirred.

3 My heart was hot within me, and while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,

4 Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: let me know how long I have to live.

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

6 Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and cannot tell 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 I should have been dumb, and not have opened my mouth; because thou didst it.

10 Remove thy stroke away from me: for I am consumed by the blow of thine hand.

11 When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah.

12 Hear my prayer, O Lord, and hearken 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 I go hence, and be no more.

Psalm 39 Footnotes:
Psalm 39:1 This was one of the chief singers, 1 Chron. 16:41.
Psalm 39:1 Albeit he had appointed with himself patiently to have tarried God’s leisure, yet the vehemency of his pain caused him to break his purpose.
Psalm 39:2 Though when the wicked ruled, he thought to have kept silence, yet his zeal caused him to change his mind.
Psalm 39:3 He confesseth that he grudged against God, considering the greatness of his sorrows, and the shortness of his life.
Psalm 39:5 Yet David offended in that that he reasoned with God as though that he were too severe toward his weak creature.
Psalm 39:8 Make me not a mocking stock to the wicked, or wrap me not up with the wicked, when they are put to shame.
Psalm 39:9 Seeing my troubles came of thy providence, I ought to have endured them patiently.
Psalm 39:11 Though thine open plagues light not evermore upon them, yet thy secret curse continually fretteth them.
Psalm 39:11 The word signifieth all that he desireth, as health, force, strength, beauty, and in whatsoever he hath delight, so that the rod of God taketh away all that is desired in this world.
Psalm 39:13 For his sorrow caused him to think that God would destroy him utterly: whereby we see how hard it is for the very Saints to keep a measure in their words, when death and despair assail them.

Psalm 40: 1 David delivered from great danger doth magnify and praise the grace of God for his deliverance, and commendeth his providence toward all mankind. 5 Then doth he promise to give himself wholly to God’s service, and so declareth how God is truly worshipped. 14 Afterwards he giveth thanks and praiseth God, and having complained of his enemies, with good courage he calleth for aid and succor.

To him that excelleth. A Psalm of David.

1 I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

3 And he hath put in my mouth a new song of praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.

4 Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust, and regardeth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

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

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

7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,

8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

9 I have declared thy righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest.

10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; but I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy mercy and thy truth from the great congregation.

11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy mercy and thy truth continually preserve me.

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

13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me: O Lord, make haste 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 destroyed 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 salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified.

17 Though I am poor and needy; the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

Psalm 40 Footnotes:
Psalm 40:1 Though God deferred his help, yet he patiently abode till he was heard.
Psalm 40:2 He hath delivered me from most great dangers.
Psalm 40:3 That is, a special occasion to praise him: for God’s benefits are so many occasions for us to praise his Name.
Psalm 40:4 To follow their example, which he must needs do that trusteth not only in the Lord.
Psalm 40:5 David goeth from one kind of God’s favor to the contemplation of his providence over all, and confesseth that his counsels towards us are far above our capacities: we cannot so much as tell them in order.
Psalm 40:6 Thou hast opened mine ears to understand the spiritual meaning of the sacrifices: and here David esteemeth the ceremonies of the law nothing in respect of the spiritual service.
Psalm 40:7 When thou hadst opened mine ears and heart, I was ready to obey thee, being assured that I was written in the book of thine elect for this end.
Psalm 40:9 In the Church assembled in the Sanctuary.
Psalm 40:10 David here numbereth 3 degrees of our salvation: God’s mercy, whereby he pitieth us: his righteousness, which signifieth his continual protection: and his truth, whereby appeareth his constant favor, so that hereof proceedeth our salvation.
Psalm 40:12 As touching the judgment of the flesh, I was utterly destitute of all counsel, yet faith inwardly moved mine heart to pray.
Psalm 40:14 He desireth that God’s mercy may contend for him against the rage of his enemies.
Psalm 40:15 Let the same shame and confusion light upon them, which they intended to have brought upon me.
Psalm 40:16 As the faithful always praise God for his benefits, so the wicked mocked God’s children in their afflictions.

Psalm 41: 1 David being grievously afflicted, blesseth them that pity his case, 9 and complaineth of the treason of his own friends and familiars, as came to pass in Judas, John 13:18.  After he feeling the great mercies of God gently chastising him, and not suffering his enemies to triumph against him, 13 giveth most hearty thanks to God.

To him that excelleth. A Psalm of David.

1 Blessed is he that judgeth wisely of the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.

2 The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.

3 The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of sorrow: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.

4 I said, Lord, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.

5 Mine enemies speak evil of me, saying, When shall he die, and his name perish?

6 And if he come to see me, he speaketh lies: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it.

7 All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt.

8 An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more.

9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

10 But Thou, O Lord, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them.

11 By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.

12 And as for me, thou upholdest me in 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 41 Footnotes:
Psalm 41:1 Not condemning him as accursed whom God doth visit, knowing that there are divers causes why God layeth his hand upon us, yea and afterward he restoreth us.
Psalm 41:3 When for sorrow and grief of mind he calleth himself upon his bed.
Psalm 41:3 Thou hast restored him in his sick bed and sent him comfort.
Psalm 41:5 That is, curse me and cannot have their cruel hate quenched, but with my shameful death.
Psalm 41:6 For pretending to comfort me, he conspireth my death in his heart, and braggeth thereof.
Psalm 41:8 The enemies thought by his sharp punishments that God was become his mortal enemy.
Psalm 41:9 Hebrew, the man of my peace.
Psalm 41:9 As David felt this falsehood, and as it was chiefly accomplished in Christ, John 13:18, so shall his members continually prove the same.
Psalm 41:12 Meaning, either in prosperity of life, or in the true fear of God against all tentations.
Psalm 41:12 Showing me evident signs of thy fatherly providence.
Psalm 41:13 By this repetition he stirreth up the faithful to praise God.

Psalm 42: 1 The Prophet grievously complaineth, that being letted by his persecutors, he could not be present in the congregation of God’s people, protesting that although he was separated in body from them, yet his heart was thitherward affectioned. 7 And least of all he showed that he was not so far overcome with these sorrows and thoughts, 8 but that he continually put his confidence in the Lord.

To him that excelleth. A Psalm to give instruction, committed to the sons of Korah.

1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?

4 When I 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, as a multitude that keepeth a feast.

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

6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and Hermon, even from the hill Mizar.

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

8 Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.

9 I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

10 As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?

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

Psalm 42 Footnotes:
Psalm 42:1 As a treasure to be kept of them, which were of the number of the Levites.
Psalm 42:1 By these similitudes of thirst and panting, he showeth his fervent desire to serve God in his Temple.
Psalm 42:3 As others take pleasure in eating and drinking, so he was altogether given to weeping.
Psalm 42:4 That is, how I led the people to serve thee in thy Tabernacle, and now seeing my contrary estate, I die for sorrow.
Psalm 42:5 Though he sustained grievous assaults of the flesh to cast him into despair, yet his faith grounded on God’s accustomed mercies getteth the victory.
Psalm 42:6 That is, when I remember thee in this land of my banishment among the mountains.
Psalm 42:7 Afflictions came so thick upon me, that I felt my self as overwhelmed: whereby he showeth there is no end of our misery till God be pacified and send remedy.
Psalm 42:8 He assureth himself of God’s help in time to come.
Psalm 42:10 That is, I am most grievously tormented.
Psalm 42:11 This repetition doth declare that David did not overcome at once, to teach us to be constant, forasmuch as God will certainly deliver his.

Psalm 43: 1 He prayeth to be delivered from them that conspire against him, that he might joyfully praise God in his holy congregation.

1 Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me 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 holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.

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

5 Why art thou cast down, O 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 43 Footnotes:
Psalm 43:1 He desireth God to undertake his cause against the enemies but chiefly that he would restore him to the Tabernacle.
Psalm 43:1 That is, the cruel company of mine enemies.
Psalm 43:3 To wit, thy favor, which appeareth by the performance of thy promises.
Psalm 43:4 He promiseth to offer a solemn sacrifice of thanksgiving in token of his great deliverance.
Psalm 43:5 Whereby he admonisheth the faithful not to relent, but constantly to wait on the Lord, though their troubles be long and great.

Psalm 44: 1 The faithful remember the great mercy of God toward his people. 9 After they complain, because they feel it no more. 17 Also they allege the covenant made with Abraham, for the keeping whereof they show what grievous things they suffered. 23 Finally, they pray unto God not to contemn their affliction, seeing the same redoundeth to the contempt of his honor.

To him that excelleth. A Psalm to give instruction, committed to the sons of Korah.

1 We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us the works that thou hast done in their days, in the times of old.

2 How thou hast driven out the heathen with thy hand, and planted them; how thou hast destroyed the people, and caused them to grow.

3 For they inherited not the land by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou didst favor them.

4 Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob.

5 Through thee have we thrust back our adversaries: through thy Name have we trodden down them that rose up against us.

6 For I do not trust in my bow, neither can my sword save me.

7 But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to confusion that hate us.

8 Therefore will we praise God continually, and will confess thy Name for ever. Selah.

9 But now thou art far off, and puttest 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 like sheep appointed for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen.

12 Thou sellest thy people for nought, and dost not increase their price.

13 Thou makest us 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 him that reproacheth and blasphemeth; for the enemy and avenger.

17 All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant.

18 Our heart is not turned back, neither have our 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 slaughter.

23 Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast us not off for ever.

24 Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our misery and our affliction?

25 For our soul is beaten down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth.

26 Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies’ sake.

Psalm 44 Footnotes:
Psalm 44:1 This psalm seemeth to have been made by some excellent Prophet for the use of the people, when the Church was in extreme misery, either at their return from Babylon, or under Antiochus, or in such like affliction.
Psalm 44:2 That is, the Canaanites.
Psalm 44:2 To wit, our fathers.
Psalm 44:2 Of Canaan.
Psalm 44:2 That is, our fathers.
Psalm 44:3 God’s free mercy and love is the only fountain and beginning of the Church, Deut. 4:37.
Psalm 44:4 Because thou art our king, therefore deliver thy people from their misery.
Psalm 44:5 Because they and their forefathers made both one Church, they apply that to themselves which before they did attribute to their fathers.
Psalm 44:9 As they confessed before that their strength came of God, so now they acknowledge that this affliction came by his just judgment.
Psalm 44:10 Or, at their pleasure.
Psalm 44:11 Knowing God to be author of this calamity, they murmur not, but seek remedy at his hands, who wounded them.
Psalm 44:12 As slaves which are sold for a low price, neither lookest thou for him that offereth most, but takest the first chapman.
Psalm 44:15 I dare not lift up my head for shame.
Psalm 44:16 Meaning, the proud and cruel tyrant.
Psalm 44:17 They boast not of their virtues, but declare that they rest upon God in the midst of their afflictions: who punished not now their sins, but by hard afflictions called them to the consideration of the heavenly joys.
Psalm 44:19 Or, whales: meaning, the bottomless seas of tentations: here we see the power of faith, which can be overcome by no perils.
Psalm 44:20 They show that they honored God aright, because they trusted in him alone.
Psalm 44:21 They take God to witness that they were upright to himward.
Psalm 44:22 The faithful make this their comfort, that the wicked punish them not for their sins, but for God’s cause, Matt. 5:10; 1 Pet. 4:14.
Psalm 44:25 There is no hope of recovery, except thou put to thine hand and raise us up.
Psalm 44:26 Which is the only sufficient ransom to deliver both body and soul from all kinds of slavery and misery.

Psalm 45: 1 The majesty of Solomon, his honor, strength, beauty, riches, and power are praised, and also his marriage with the Egyptian being an heathen woman, is blessed. 10 If that she can renounce her people and the love of her country, and gave herself wholly to her husband.  Under the which figure, the wonderful majesty and increase of the kingdom of Christ and his Church his spouse, now taken of the Gentiles, is described.

To him that excelleth on Shoshannim, a song of love to give instruction, committed to the sons of Korah.

1 Mine heart is overflowing with a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

2 Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.

3 Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.

4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

5 Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; therefore the people shall fall under thee.

6 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a sceptre of righteousness.

7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

8 All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, when thou comest out of the ivory palaces, where they have made thee glad.

9 Kings’ daughters were among thy precious wives: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.

10 Hearken, 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 reverence thou him.

12 And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat 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 needlework: the virgins her companions 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 children, whom thou shalt make princes in all the earth.

17 I will make thy name to be remembered through all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.

Psalm 45 Footnotes:
Psalm 45:1 This was a certain tune or an instrument.
Psalm 45:1 Of that perfect love that ought to be between the husband and the wife.
Psalm 45:2 Solomon’s beauty and eloquence to win favor with his people, and his power to overcome his enemies, is here described.
Psalm 45:4 He alludeth to them that ride in chariots in their triumphs, showing that the quiet state of a kingdom standeth in truth, meekness and justice, not in worldly pomp and vanity.
Psalm 45:6 Under this figure of this kingdom of justice is set forth the everlasting kingdom of Christ.
Psalm 45:7 Hath established thy kingdom as the figure of Christ, which is the peace and joy of the Church.
Psalm 45:8 In the which palace the people made thee joyful to see them give thanks and rejoice for thee.
Psalm 45:9 Though he had many Kings’ daughters among his wives, yet he loved Pharaoh’s daughter best.
Psalm 45:10 Under the figure of Pharaoh’s daughter, he showeth that the Church must cast off all carnal affections to obey Christ only.
Psalm 45:12 He signifieth that divers of them that be rich shall be benefactors to the Church, albeit they give not perfect obedience to the Gospel.
Psalm 45:12 Or, Zor.
Psalm 45:13 There is nothing feigned, nor hypocritical, but she is glorious both within and without: and howbeit the Church hath not at all times this outward glory, the fault is to be imputed only to their own ingratitude.
Psalm 45:16 They shall have greater graces than their fathers.
Psalm 45:16 He signifieth the great compass of Christ’s kingdom, which shall be sufficient to enrich all his members.
Psalm 45:17 This only must be referred to Christ and not to Solomon.

Psalm 46: 1 A song of triumph or thanksgiving for the deliverance of Jerusalem, after Sennacherib with his army was driven away, or some other like sudden and marvelous deliverance by the mighty hand of God. 8 Whereby the Prophet commending this great benefit, doth exhort the faithful to give themselves wholly into the hand of God, doubting nothing but that under his protection they shall be safe against all the assaults of their enemies, because this is his delight to assuage the rage of the wicked, when they are most busy against the just.

To him that excelleth upon Alamoth, a song committed to the sons of Korah.

1 God is our refuge and strength, a help in troubles, ready to be found.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah.

4 There is a river, whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, at the rising of the sun.

6 When the heathen raged, and the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, and the earth melted.

7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear; and burneth the chariots with 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 46 Footnotes:
Psalm 46:1 Which was either a musical instrument or a solemn tune, unto the which this Psalm was sung.
Psalm 46:1 Or, protection.
Psalm 46:1 In all manner of troubles God showeth his speedy mercy and power in defending his.
Psalm 46:2 That is, we will not be overcome with fear.
Psalm 46:3 Though the afflictions rage never so much, yet the rivers of God’s mercies bring sufficient comfort to his.
Psalm 46:4 The river of Shiloah, which passed through Jerusalem: meaning, though the defense seem never so small, yet if God have appointed it, it is sufficient.
Psalm 46:5 Always when need requireth.
Psalm 46:6 Hebrew, gave his voice.
Psalm 46:7 They are assured that God can and will defend his Church from all dangers and enemies.
Psalm 46:8 To wit, how oft he hath destroyed his enemies, and delivered his people.
Psalm 46:10 He warneth them that persecute the Church, to cease their cruelty: for else they shall feel that God is too strong for them against whom they fight.

Psalm 47: 1 The Prophet exhorteth all people to the worship of the true and everlasting God, commending the mercy of God toward the posterity of Jacob. 9 And after prophesieth of the kingdom of Christ in the time of the Gospel.

To him that excelleth. A Psalm committed to the sons of Korah.

1 O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

2 For the Lord most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.

3 He hath subdued the people under us, and the nations under our feet.

4 He hath chosen our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.

5 God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.

6 Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.

7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.

8 God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.

9 The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.

Psalm 47 Footnotes:
Psalm 47:1 Here is figured Christ, unto whom all his should give willing obedience, and who would show himself terrible to the wicked.
Psalm 47:3 He hath made the Jews, who were the keepers of the Law and Prophets, schoolmasters to the Gentiles, that they should with gladness obey them.
Psalm 47:4 God hath chosen us above all other nations, to enjoy a most glorious inheritance.
Psalm 47:5 He doth allude unto the trumpets, that were blown at solemn feasts: but he doth further signify the triumph of Christ and his glorious ascension into the heavens.
Psalm 47:7 He requireth that understanding be joined with singing, lest the Name of God be profaned with vain crying.
Psalm 47:9 He praiseth God’s highness, for that he joineth the great princes of the world (whom he calleth shields) to the fellowship of his Church.

Psalm 48: 1 A notable deliverance of Jerusalem from the hands of many kings is mentioned, for the which thanks are given to God, and the state of that city is praised, that hath God so presently at all times ready to defend them.  This Psalm seemeth to be made in the time of Ahaz, Jehoshaphat, Asa, or Hezekiah: for in their times chiefly was the city by foreign princes assaulted.

A song or Psalm committed to the sons of Korah.

1 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, even upon His holy mountain.

2 Mount Zion, lying Northward, is fair in situation: it is the joy of the whole earth, and the City of the great king.

3 God is known in her palaces for a refuge.

4 For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.

5 When they saw it, they marvelled; they were astonished, and suddenly driven back.

6 Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in 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 our God: God will establish it for ever. Selah.

9 We wait for thy lovingkindness, 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, and let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.

12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.

13 Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.

14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.

Psalm 48 Footnotes:
Psalm 48:1 Some put this difference between a song and Psalm, saying that it is called a song, when there is no instrument, but the voice: and the Psalm, the contrary. The song of the Psalm is when the instruments begin, and the voice followeth. The Psalm of the song the contrary.
Psalm 48:1 Albeit God shows his wonders through all the world, yet he will be chiefly praised in his Church.
Psalm 48:2 Because the word of salvation came thence to all them that should believe.
Psalm 48:3 Except God were the defense thereof, neither situation nor munition could prevail.
Psalm 48:4 They conspired and went against God’s people.
Psalm 48:5 The enemies were afraid at the sight of the City.
Psalm 48:7 That is, of Cilicia, or of the sea called Mediterranean.
Psalm 48:8 To wit, of our fathers: so have we proved: or God hath performed his promise.
Psalm 48:10 In all places where thy Name shall be heard of, men shall praise thee, when they hear of thy marvelous works.
Psalm 48:11 Let Jerusalem and the cities of Judea rejoice, for thy just judgments against thine enemies.
Psalm 48:12 For in this outward defense and strength God’s blessings did also appear: but the chief is to be referred to God’s favor and secret defense, who never leaveth his.

Psalm 49: 1 The holy Ghost calleth all men to the consideration of man’s life, 7 showing them not to be most blessed that are most wealthy, and therefore not to be feared: but contrariwise he lifteth up our minds to consider how all things are ruled by God’s providence: 14 Who as he judgeth these worldly misers to everlasting torments, 15 so doth he preserve his, and will reward them in the day of the resurrection, 1 Thess. 1:6.

To him that excelleth. A Psalm committed to the sons of Korah.

1 Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world:

2 Both low and high, rich and poor, together.

3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.

4 I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.

5 Wherefore should I fear in the evil days, when iniquity shall compass me about, as at my heels?

6 They trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;

7 Yet a man can by no means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:

(So precious is the redemption of their souls, and the continuance for ever:)

9 That he should still live for ever, and not see the grave.

10 For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the ignorant and foolish perish, and leave their wealth to others.

11 Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.

12 But man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.

13 This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. 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 beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.

15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.

16 Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;

17 For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.

18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.

19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.

20 Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.

Psalm 49 Footnotes:
Psalm 49:1 He will entreat how God governeth the world by his providence, which cannot be perceived by the judgment of the flesh.
Psalm 49:5 Though wickedness reign, and enemies rage, seeing God will execute his judgments against the wicked in time convenient.
Psalm 49:6 To trust in riches is mere madness, seeing they can neither restore life, nor prolong it.
Psalm 49:8 That is, so rare or not to be found, as prophecy was precious in the days of Eli, 1 Sam. 3:1.
Psalm 49:8 Meaning, it is impossible to live forever: also that life and death are only in God’s hands.
Psalm 49:10 In that that death maketh no difference between the persons.
Psalm 49:10 That is, not to their children, but to strangers. Yet the wicked profit not by these examples, but still dream an immortality in earth.
Psalm 49:11 Or, labor that their name may be famous in earth.
Psalm 49:12 As touching the death of the body.
Psalm 49:13 They speak and do the same thing that their fathers did.
Psalm 49:14 As sheep are gathered into the fold, so shall they be brought to the grave.
Psalm 49:14 Because they have no part of life everlasting.
Psalm 49:14 Christ’s coming is as the morning, when the elect shall reign with Christ their head over the wicked.
Psalm 49:15 Or, because he hath received me.
Psalm 49:18 Hebrew, he blessed his soul.
Psalm 49:18 The flatterers praise them that live in delight and pleasures.
Psalm 49:19 Or, his soul.
Psalm 49:19 And not pass the term appointed for life.
Psalm 49:19 Both they and their fathers shall live here but a while, and at length die forever.
Psalm 49:20 He condemneth man’s ingratitude, who having received excellent gifts of God, abuseth them like a beast to his own condemnation.

Psalm 50: 1 Because the Church is always full of hypocrites, 8 which do imagine that God will be worshipped with outward ceremonies only without the heart: and especially the Jews were of this opinion, because of their figures and ceremonies of the Law, thinking that their sacrifices were sufficient. 21 Therefore the Prophet doth reprove this gross error, and pronounceth the Name of God to be blasphemed where holiness is set in ceremonies. 23 For he declareth the worship of God to be spiritual, whereof are two principal parts, invocation and thanksgiving.

A Psalm of Asaph.

1 The God of gods, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going 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 him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.

4 He shall call to the heavens from above, and the earth to judge his people.

5 Gather my saints together unto me; those that make a covenant with me by sacrifice.

6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is Judge himself. Selah.

7 Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God.

8 I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually 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 I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are 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 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

16 But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?

17 Seeing thou hatest instruction, and casteth my words behind thee.

18 When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.

19 Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.

20 Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother’s son.

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 that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.

Psalm 50 Footnotes:
Psalm 50:1 Who was either the author, or a chief singer, to whom it was committed.
Psalm 50:1 To plead against his dissembling people before heaven and earth.
Psalm 50:2 Because God had chosen it to have his Name there called upon, and also his image shined there, in the doctrine of the Law.
Psalm 50:3 As when God gave his Law in mount Sinai, he appeared terrible with thunder and tempest, so will he appear terrible to take account for the keeping thereof.
Psalm 50:4 As witnesses against the hypocrites.
Psalm 50:5 God in respect of his elect calleth the whole body holy, Saints, and his people.
Psalm 50:5 Which should know that Sacrifices are sealed of the covenant between God and his people, and not set religion therein.
Psalm 50:8 For I pass not for sacrifices, except the true use be there, which is to confirm your faith in my promises.
Psalm 50:10 Though he did delight in sacrifice, yet had he no need of man’s help thereunto.
Psalm 50:13 Though man’s life for the infirmity thereof hath need of food, yet God whose life quickeneth all the world, hath no need of such means.
Psalm 50:14 Show thyself mindful of God’s benefits by thanksgiving.
Psalm 50:16 Why dost thou feign to be of my people, and talkest of my covenant, seeing thou art but an hypocrite?
Psalm 50:17 And to live according to my word.
Psalm 50:18 He showeth what are the fruits of them that contemn God’s word.
Psalm 50:20 He noteth the cruelty of hypocrites, which spare not in their talk or judgment their own mother’s sons.
Psalm 50:21 I will write all thy wicked deeds in a roll, and make thee to read and acknowledge them, whither thou wilt or no.
Psalm 50:23 Under the which is contained faith and invocation.
Psalm 50:23 As God hath appointed.
Psalm 50:23 That is, declare myself to be his Savior.

Psalm 51: When David was rebuked by the Prophet Nathan for his great offenses, he did not only acknowledge the same to God, with protestation of his natural corruption and iniquity, but also left a memorial thereof to his posterity. 7 Therefore first he desireth God to forgive his sins, 10 And to renew in him his holy Spirit. 13 With promise that he will not be unmindful of those great graces. 18 Finally, fearing lest God would punish the whole Church for his fault, he requireth that he would rather increase his graces toward the same.

To him that excelleth. A Psalm of David, when the Prophet Nathan came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.

1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: 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 thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and pure when thou judgest.

5 Behold, I was born in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: thou hast manifested to me the secret and hidden things of thy wisdom.

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and establish me with thy free spirit.

13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest 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 Be favorable unto Zion for thy good pleasure: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

Psalm 51 Footnotes:
Psalm 51:1 To reprove him because he had committed so horrible sins, and lain in the same without repentance more than a whole year.
Psalm 51:1 As his sins were manifold and great, so he requireth that God would give him the feeling of his excellent and abundant mercies.
Psalm 51:2 My sins strike so fast in me, that I have need of some singular kind of washing.
Psalm 51:3 My conscience accuseth me so, that I can have no rest till I be reconciled.
Psalm 51:4 When thou givest sentence against sinners, they must needs confess thee to be just, and themselves sinners.
Psalm 51:6 He confesseth that God who loveth pureness of heart, may justly destroy man, who of nature is a sinner much more him, whom he had instructed in his heavenly wisdom.
Psalm 51:8 He meaneth God’s comfortable mercies toward repentant sinners.
Psalm 51:8 By the bones he understandeth all strength of soul and body, which by cares and mourning are consumed.
Psalm 51:10 He confesseth that when God’s Spirit is cold in us, to have it again revived, is as a new creation.
Psalm 51:12 Which may assure me that I am drawn out of the slavery of sin.
Psalm 51:13 He promiseth to endeavor that others by his example may turn to God.
Psalm 51:14 From the murder of Uriah, and the others that were slain with him, 2 Sam. 11:17.
Psalm 51:15 By giving me occasion to praise thee, when thou shalt forgive my sins.
Psalm 51:17 Which is a wounding of the heart, proceeding of faith, which seeketh unto God for mercy.
Psalm 51:18 He prayeth for the whole Church, because through his sin it was in danger of God’s judgment.
Psalm 51:19 That is, just and lawful, applied to the right end, which is the exercise of faith and repentance.

Psalm 52: 1 David describeth the arrogant tyranny of his adversary Doeg: who by false surmises cause Ahimelech with the rest of the Priests to be slain. 5 David prophesieth his destruction,  6 and encourageth the faithful to put their confidence in God, whose judgments are most sharp against his adversaries. 9 And finally, he rendereth thanks to God for his deliverance.  In this Psalm is timely set forth the kingdom of Antichrist.

To him that excelleth. A Psalm of David to give instruction. When Doeg the Edomite came and showed Saul, and said to him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech.

1 Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.

2 Thy tongue deviseth 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, O thou deceitful tongue.

5 So shall God destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.

6 The righteous also shall see it, and fear, and shall laugh at him, saying:

7 Behold the man that took not God for his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.

8 But I am 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 this: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.

Psalm 52 Footnotes:
Psalm 52:1 O Doeg, which hast credit with the tyrant Saul, and hast power to murder the Saints of God.
Psalm 52:2 Thy malice moveth thee by crafty flatteries and lies to accuse and destroy the innocents.
Psalm 52:3 Hebrew, righteousness.
Psalm 52:5 Though God forbear for a time, yet at length he will recompense thy falsehood.
Psalm 52:5 Albeit thou seem to be never so sure settled.
Psalm 52:6 For the eyes of the reprobate are shut up at God’s judgments.
Psalm 52:6 With joyful reverence, seeing that he taketh their part against the wicked.
Psalm 52:7 Or, in his substance.
Psalm 52:8 He rejoiceth to have a place among the servants of God, that he may grow in the knowledge of godliness.
Psalm 52:9 Executed his vengeance.
Psalm 52:9 Or, wait upon thy grace and promise.

Psalm 53: 1 He describeth the crooked nature. 4 The cruelty, 5 And punishment of the wicked, when they look not for it, 6 And desireth the deliverance of the godly, that they may rejoice together.

To him that excelleth on Mahalath. A Psalm of David to give instruction.

1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, and have done abominable wickedness: there is none that doeth good.

2 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.

3 Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether corrupt; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

4 Do not the workers of iniquity know that they eat up my people as they eat bread? they call not upon God.

5 There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them.

6 Oh give salvation unto Israel out of Zion: when God turneth the captivity of his people, then Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

Psalm 53:
Psalm 53:1 Which was an instrument or kind of note.
Psalm 53:1 Whereas no regard is had of honesty or dishonesty, of virtue nor of vice, there the Prophet pronounceth that the people have no God.
Psalm 53:2 Whereby he condemneth all knowledge and understanding, that tendeth not to seek God.
Psalm 53:4 David pronounceth God’s vengeance against cruel governors, who having charge to defend and preserve God’s people, do most cruelly devour them.
Psalm 53:5 When they thought there was none occasion to fear, the sudden vengeance of God lighted upon them.
Psalm 53:5 Be the enemy’s power never so great, nor the danger so fearful, yet God delivereth his in due time.

Psalm 54: 1 David brought into great danger by reason of the Ziphites, 5 Calleth upon the Name of God to destroy his enemies, 6 Promising sacrifices and free offerings for so great deliverance.

To him that excelleth on Neginoth. A Psalm of David, to give instruction. When the Ziphims came and said unto Saul, Is not David hid among us?

1 Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.

2 Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.

3 For strangers are risen up against me, and tyrants seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.

4 Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.

5 He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth!

6 I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O Lord; for it is good.

7 For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies.

Psalm 54 Footnotes:
Psalm 54:1 He declareth that when all means do fail, God will deliver even as it were by miracle, them that call unto him with an upright conscience.
Psalm 54:3 To wit, the Ziphims.
Psalm 54:3 Saul and his army, which were like cruel beasts, and could not be satisfied but by his death.
Psalm 54:4 Be they never so few, as he was with Jonathan.
Psalm 54:5 According to thy faithful promise for my defense.
Psalm 54:6 For hypocrites serve God for fear or upon conditions.
Psalm 54:7 We may lawfully rejoice for God’s judgments against the wicked, if our affections be pure.

Psalm 55: 1 David being in great heaviness and distress, complaineth of the cruelty of Saul, 13 and of the falsehood of his familiar acquaintance, 17 Uttering the most ardent affections to move the Lord to pity him. 22 After, being assured of deliverance, he setteth forth the grace of God, as though he had already obtained his request.

To him that excelleth on Neginoth. A Psalm of David to give instruction.

1 Hear my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

2 Hearken unto me, and answer me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;

3 For the voice of the enemy, and for the vexation of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me.

4 My heart is pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.

5 Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath 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, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah.

8 I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.

9 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.

10 Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: both iniquity and mischief are in the midst of it.

11 Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets.

12 For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him:

13 But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.

14 We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

15 Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, even in the midst of them.

16 But I will call 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 was against me: for there were many with me.

19 God shall 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: he hath broken his covenant.

21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.

22 Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

23 But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

Psalm 55 Footnotes:

Psalm 55:1 The earnestness of his prayer declareth the vehemency of his grief insomuch as he is compelled to burst out into cries.
Psalm 55:3 For the threatnings of Saul and his adherents.
Psalm 55:3 They have defamed me as a wicked person, or they have imagined my destruction.
Psalm 55:5 There was no part of him, that was not astonished with extreme fear.
Psalm 55:6 Fear had driven him to so great distress, that he wished to be hid in some wilderness, and to be banished from that kingdom which God had promised that he should enjoy.
Psalm 55:8 From the cruel rage and tyranny of Saul.
Psalm 55:9 As in the confusion of Babylon when the wicked conspired against God.
Psalm 55:10 All laws and good orders are broken, and only vice and dissolation reigneth under Saul.
Psalm 55:12 If mine open enemy had sought mine hurt, I could the better have avoided him.
Psalm 55:13 Which was not only joined to me in friendship and counsel in worldly matters, but also in religion.
Psalm 55:15 As Korah, Dathan and Abiram.
Psalm 55:17 Which signifieth a fervent mind and sure trust to obtain his portion, which thing made him earnest at all times in prayer.
Psalm 55:18 Even the Angels of God fought on my side against mine enemies, 2 Kings 6:16.
Psalm 55:19 But their prosperous estate still continueth.
Psalm 55:20 I did not provoke him, but was as at peace with him, yet he made war against me.
Psalm 55:22 Or, gift, to wit, which thou wouldest that God should give thee.
Psalm 55:22 Though for their bettering and trial, he suffer them to slip for a time.
Psalm 55:23 Though they sometimes live longer, yet their life is cursed of God, unquiet, and worse than any death.

Psalm 56: 1 David being brought to Achish the king of Gath, 1 Sam. 21:12, complaineth of his enemies, demandeth succor, 3 Putteth his trust in God and in his promises, 12 And promiseth to perform his vows which he had taken upon him, whereof this was the effect, to praise God in his Church.

To him that excelleth. A Psalm of David on Michtam, concerning the [a]dumb dove in a far country, when the Philistines took him in Gath.

1 Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.

2 Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for many fight against

me, O thou most High.

3 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

4 I will rejoice in God, because of his word, I trust in God ; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.

6 They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, because they wait for my soul.

7 They think they shall escape by iniquity: in thine anger cast down the people, O God.

8 Thou hast counted 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 turn back: this I know; for God is for me.

10  I will rejoice in God because of his word; in the Lord will I rejoice because of his word.

11 In God do I trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.

12 Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.

13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death: and also my feet from

falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?

Psalm 56 Footnotes:
Psalm 56:1 Being chased by the fury of his enemies into a strange country, he was a dumb dove not seeking revengeance.
Psalm 56:1 He showeth that it is either now time or never, that God help him, for all the world is against him and ready to devour him.
Psalm 56:4 He stayeth his conscience upon God’s promise, though he see not present help.
Psalm 56:5 All my counsels have evil success, and turn to mine own sorrow.
Psalm 56:6 As all the world against one man, and cannot be satiate, except they have my life.
Psalm 56:7 They think not only to escape punishment, but the more wicked they are, the more impudent they wax.
Psalm 56:8 If God keep the tears of his Saints in store, much more will he remember their blood, to avenge it: and though tyrants burn the bones, yet can they not blot the tears and blood out of God’s register.
Psalm 56:12 Having received that which I required, I am bound to pay my vows of thanksgiving, as I promised.
Psalm 56:13 As mindful of his great mercies, and giving him thanks for the same.
Psalm 56:13 That is, in this life and light of the sun.

Psalm 57: 1 David being in the desert of Ziph, where the inhabitants did betray him, and at length in the same cave with Saul, 2 Calleth most earnestly unto God, with full confidence that he will perform his promise, and take his cause in hand. 5 Also that he will show his glory in the heavens and the earth against his cruel enemies. 9 Therefore doth he render laud and praise.

To him that excelleth. Destroy not. A Psalm of David on Michtam. When he fled from Saul in the cave.

1 Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me; for my soul trusteth in thee, and in the shadow of thy wings will I trust, till these afflictions overpass.

2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.

3 He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.

4 My soul is among lions; I lie among the children of men, that are set on fire; whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

5 Exalt thyself, O God, above the heaven, and let thy glory be upon all the earth.

6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is pressed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they themselves have fallen. Selah.

7 My heart is prepared, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.

8 Awake my tongue, awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake

early.

9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.

10 For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.

11 Exalt thyself, O God, above the heavens, and let thy glory be upon all the earth.

Psalm 57 Footnotes:
Psalm 57:1 This was either the beginning of a certain song, or the words which David uttered when he stayed his affection.
Psalm 57:1 Or, dwell most safely.
Psalm 57:1 He compareth the afflictions which God layeth upon his children, to a storm that cometh and goeth.
Psalm 57:2 Who leaveth not his works begun imperfect.
Psalm 57:3 He would rather deliver me by a miracle, than that I should be overcome.
Psalm 57:4 He meaneth their calumnies and false reports.
Psalm 57:5 Suffer me not to be destroyed to the contempt of thy Name.
Psalm 57:6 For very fear seeing the great dangers on all sides.
Psalm 57:7 That is, wholly bent to give thee praise for my deliverance.
Psalm 57:8 He showeth that both his heart shall praise God, and his tongue shall confess him, and also he will use other means to provoke himself forward to the same.
Psalm 57:10 Thy mercies do not only appertain to the Jews, but also to the Gentiles.

Psalm 58: 1 He describeth the malice of his enemies, the flatterers of Saul, who both secretly and openly sought his destruction, from whom he appealeth to God’s judgment, 10 Showing that the just shall rejoice, when they see the punishment of the wicked to the glory of God.

To him that excelleth. Destroy not. A Psalm of David on Michtam.

1 Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?

2 Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; your hands execute cruelty upon the earth.

3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: from the belly have they erred, speaking lies.

4 Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear;

5 Which heareth not the voice of the charmer, though he be most expert in charming.

6 Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O Lord.

7 Let them melt away as waters which run continually: when 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 untimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the sun.

9 As raw flesh before your pots feel the fire of thorns: so let them carry them away as with a whirlwind in his wrath.

10 The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

11 And men shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth.

Psalm 58 Footnotes:
Psalm 58:1 Ye counselors of Saul, who under pretence of consulting for the common wealth, conspire my death being an innocent.
Psalm 58:2 Ye are not ashamed to execute that cruelty publicly, which ye have imagined in your hearts.
Psalm 58:3 That is, enemies to the people of God even from their birth.
Psalm 58:4 They pass in malice and subtlety the crafty serpent which could preserve himself by stopping his ear from the enchanter.
Psalm 58:6 Take away all occasions and means whereby they hurt.
Psalm 58:7 Considering God’s divine power, he showeth that God in a moment can destroy their force whereof they brag.
Psalm 58:9 As flesh is taken raw out of the pot before the water seethe: so he desireth God to destroy their enterprises before they bring them to pass.
Psalm 58:10 With a pure affection.
Psalm 58:10 Their punishment and slaughter shall be so great.
Psalm 58:11 Seeing God governeth all by his providence, he must needs put difference between the godly and the wicked.

Psalm 59: 1 David being in great danger of Saul, who sent to slay him in his bed, prayeth unto God, 3 Declaring his innocency, and their fury, 5 Desiring God to destroy all those that sin of malicious wickedness. 11 Whom though he keep alive for a time to exercise his people, yet in the end he will consume them in his wrath, 13 That he may be known to be the God of Jacob to the end of the world. 16 For this he singeth praises to God assured of his mercies.

To him that excelleth. Destroy not. A Psalm of David, on Michtam. When Saul sent and they did watch the house to kill him.

59:1 Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.

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 my transgression, nor for my sin, O Lord.

4 They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help

me, and behold.

5 Thou therefore, O Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any malicious transgressors. 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: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?

8 But thou, O Lord, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in 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 mine enemies.

11 Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.

12 For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.

13 Consume them in 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 return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.

15 Let them wander up and down for meat, 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 morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.

17 Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.

Psalm 59 Footnotes:
Psalm 59:1 See Ps. 16.
Psalm 59:1 Though his enemies were even at hand to destroy him, yet he assureth himself that God had ways now in hand to deliver him.
Psalm 59:3 For I am innocent to themwards, and have not offended them.
Psalm 59:5 Seeing it appertaineth to God’s judgments to punish the wicked, he desiresth God to execute his vengeance on the reprobate, who maliciously persecute his Church.
Psalm 59:6 He compareth their cruelty to hungry dogs, showing that they are never weary in doing evil.
Psalm 59:7 They boast openly in their wicked devices, and every word is as a sword: for they neither fear God nor are ashamed of men.
Psalm 59:9 Though Saul have never so great power, yet I know that thou dost bridle him: therefore will I patiently hope on thee.
Psalm 59:10 He will not fail to succor me when need requireth.
Psalm 59:11 Altogether, but by little and little, that the people seeing oftentimes thy judgments, may be mindful of thee.
Psalm 59:12 That in their misery and shame they may be as glasses and examples of God’s vengeance.
Psalm 59:13 When thy time shall come, and when they have sufficiently served for an example of thy vengeance unto others.
Psalm 59:14 He mocketh at their vain enterprises, being assured that they shall not bring their purpose to pass.
Psalm 59:16 Which didst use the policy of a weak woman to confound the enemy’s strength, as 1 Sam. 19:12.
Psalm 59:17 Confessing himself to be void of all virtue and strength, he attributeth the whole to God.

Psalm 60: 1 David being now king over Judah, and having had many victories, showeth by evident signs that God elected him King, assuring the people that God will prosper them, if they approve the same. 14 After, he prayeth unto God to finish that that he hath begun.

To him that excelleth upon Shushan Eduth, or Michtam. A Psalm of David to teach. When he fought against Aram Naharaim, and against Aram Zobah, when Joab returned and slew twelve thousand Edomites in the salt valley.

1 O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.

2 Thou hast made the land to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.

3 Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.

4 Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. 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 measure the valley of Succoth.

7 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;

8 Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, 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, O God, which didst not go out with our armies?

11 Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.

12 Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

Psalm 60 Footnotes:
Psalm 60:1 These were certain songs after the note whereof this Psalm was sung.
Psalm 60:1 Or, Syria, called Mesopotamia.
Psalm 60:1 Called also Sophene, which standeth by Euphrates.
Psalm 60:1 For when Saul was not able to resist the enemy, the people fled hither and thither: for they could not be safe in their own houses.
Psalm 60:2 As cleft with an earthquake.
Psalm 60:3 Thou hast handled thy people sharply, in taking from them sense and judgment, in that they aided Saul the wicked King, and pursued him to whom God had given the just title of the realm.
Psalm 60:4 In making me king, thou hast performed thy promise, which seemed to have lost the force.
Psalm 60:6 It is so certain as if it were spoken by an oracle, that I shall possess those places which Saul hath left to his children.
Psalm 60:7 For it was strong and well peopled.
Psalm 60:7 David meaneth, that in this tribe his kingdom shall be established, Gen. 49:10.
Psalm 60:8 In most vile subjection.
Psalm 60:8 For thou wilt dissemble, and feign as though thou werest glad.
Psalm 60:9 He was assured that God would give him the strong cities of his enemies, wherein they thought themselves sure.

Psalm 61: 1 Whether that he were in danger of the Ammonites, or being pursued of Absalom, here he crieth to be heard and delivered, 7 And confirmed in his kingdom. 8 He promiseth perpetual praises.

To him that excelleth on Neginoth. A Psalm of David.

1 Hear my cry, O God; give ear unto my prayer.

2 From the ends of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3 For thou hast been my hope, and a strong tower against the enemy.

4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will hope for safety under the covering of thy wings. Selah.

5 For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given an heritage unto those that fear thy name.

6 Thou wilt prolong the king’s life: and his years as many generations.

7 He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.

8 So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.

Psalm 61 Footnotes:
Psalm 61:2 From the place where I was banished, being driven out of the city and Temple by my son Absalom.
Psalm 61:2 Unto the which without thy help I cannot attain.
Psalm 61:5 There is nothing that doth more strengthen our faith, than the remembrance of God’s succor in times past.
Psalm 61:6 This chiefly is referred to Christ, who liveth eternally not only in himself, but also in his members.
Psalm 61:7 For the stability of my kingdom standeth in thy mercy and truth.

Psalm 62: This Psalm partly containeth meditation, whereby David encourageth himself to trust in God against the assaults of temptations.  And because our minds are easily drawn from God by the allurements of the world, he sharply reproveth this vanity, to the intent he might cleave fast to the Lord.

To the excellent Musician Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

1 Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.

2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

3 How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.

4 Yet they consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but curse inwardly. 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 is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

9 Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.

10 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.

11 God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.

12 Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

Psalm 62 Footnotes:
Psalm 62:1 Though Satan tempted him to murmur against God, yet he bridled his affections, and resting upon God’s promise.
Psalm 62:2 It appeareth by the oft repetition of this word, that the Prophet abode manifold tentations, but by resting on God, and by patience he overcame them all.
Psalm 62:3 He meaneth himself, being the man whom God had appointed to the kingdom.
Psalm 62:3 Though, ye seem to be in honor, yet God will suddenly destroy you.
Psalm 62:5 David was greatly moved with these troubles, therefore he stirreth up himself to trust in God.
Psalm 62:7 These vehement and often repetitions were necessary to strengthen his faith against the horrible assault of Satan.
Psalm 62:8 He admonisheth us of our wicked nature, which rather hide our sorrow and bite on the bridle, than utter our grief to God to obtain remedy.
Psalm 62:10 Give yourselves wholly to God by putting away all things that are contrary to his Law.
Psalm 62:11 He hath plainly borne witness of his power, so that none needeth to doubt thereof.
Psalm 62:12 So that the wicked shall feel thy power, and the godly thy mercy.

Psalm 63: 1 David after he had been in great danger by Saul in the desert of Ziph, made this Psalm. 3 Wherein he giveth thanks to God for his wonderful deliverance, in whose mercies he trusted, even in the midst of his miseries. 9 Prophesying the destruction of God’s enemies: 11 And contrariwise happiness to all them that trust in the Lord.

A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.

1 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the

sanctuary.

3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:

6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.

7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

8 My soul followeth hard after thee: for thy right hand upholdeth me.

9 But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lowest parts of the earth.

10 They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes.

11 But the king shall rejoice in God; and all that swear by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.

Psalm 63 Footnotes:
Psalm 63:1 To wit, of Ziph, 1 Sam. 23:14.
Psalm 63:1 Though he was both hungry and in great distress, yet he made God his sufficiency and above all meat and drink.
Psalm 63:2 In this misery I exercise myself in the contemplation of thy power and glory, as if I were in the Sanctuary.
Psalm 63:5 The remembrance of thy favor is more sweet unto me than all the pleasures and dainties of the world.
Psalm 63:8 He assureth himself by the Spirit of God to have the gift of constancy.
Psalm 63:10 He prophecieth of the destruction of Saul and them that take his part, whose bodies shall not be buried, but be devoured with wild beasts.
Psalm 63:11 All that swear by God aright or profess him, shall rejoice in this worthy king.

Psalm 64: 1 David prayeth against the fury and false reports of his enemies. 7 He declareth their punishment and destruction. 10 To the comfort of the just and the glory of God.

To him that excelleth. A Psalm of David.

1 Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of

the enemy.

2 Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked; from the rage of the workers of iniquity:

3 Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:

4 To shoot at the upright in secret: they shoot at him suddenly and fear not.

5 They encourage themselves in a wicked purpose: they commune together of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?

6 They search out iniquities, and have accomplished that which they sought out: even everyone his secret thoughts, and the depth of his heart.

7 But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly 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 see it, and declare the work of God, and they shall understand, what he hath wrought.

10 But the righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.

Psalm 64 Footnotes:
Psalm 64:1 In that he calleth to God with his voice, it is a sign that his prayer was vehement, and that his life was in a danger.
Psalm 64:2 That is, from their secret malice.
Psalm 64:2 To wit, their outward violence.
Psalm 64:3 False reports and slanders.
Psalm 64:4 To be without fear of God, and reverence of man, is a sign of reprobation.
Psalm 64:5 The more that the wicked see God’s children in misery, the more bold and impudent are they in oppressing them.
Psalm 64:6 There is no way so secret and subtle to do hurt, which they invented not for his destruction.
Psalm 64:8 To see God’s heavy judgments against them, and how he hath caught them in their own snares.
Psalm 64:10 When they shall consider that he will be favorable to them as he was to his servant David.

Psalm 65: 1 A praise and thanksgiving unto God by the faithful, who are signified by Zion, 4 For the choosing, preservation, and governance of them, 9 And for the plentiful blessings poured forth upon all the earth, but especially toward his Church.

To him that excelleth. A Psalm or song of David.

1 Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.

2 O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.

3 Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.

4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.

5 By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:

6 Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; being girded with power:

7 Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.

8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts of the earth, shall be afraid of thy signs: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.

9 Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest the corn, when thou hast so provided for it.

10 Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof.

11 Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.

12 They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side.

13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; therefore they shout for joy, and sing.

Psalm 65 Footnotes:
Psalm 65:1 Thou givest daily new occasion to thy Church to praise thee.
Psalm 65:2 Not only the Jews but also the Gentiles in the kingdom of Christ.
Psalm 65:3 He imputeth it to his sins and to the sins of the people, that God who was accustomed to assist them withdraweth his succor from them.
Psalm 65:5 Thou wilt declare thyself to be the preserver of thy Church in destroying thine enemies, as thou didst in the red Sea.
Psalm 65:5 As of all barbarous nations and far off.
Psalm 65:7 He showeth that there is no part nor creature in the world which is not governed by God’s power and providence.
Psalm 65:8 Hebrew, the going forth of the morning and of the evening.
Psalm 65:9 To wit, with rain.
Psalm 65:9 That is, Shiloh or the rain.
Psalm 65:9 Thou hast appointed the earth to bring forth food to man’s use.
Psalm 65:10 By this description he showeth that all the order of nature is a testimony of God’s love toward us, who causeth all creatures to serve our necessity.
Psalm 65:13 That is, the dumb creatures shall not only rejoice for a time for God’s benefits, but shall continually sing.

Psalm 66: 1 He provoketh all men to praise the Lord and to consider his works. 6 He setteth forth the power of God to affray the rebels. 10 And showeth how God hath delivered Israel from great bondage and afflictions. 13 He promiseth to give sacrifice, 16 And provoketh all men to hear what God hath done for him, and to praise his Name.

To him that excelleth. A song or Psalm.

1 Rejoice in God, all ye inhabitants of the earth:

2 Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.

3 Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies be in subjection unto thee.

4 All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing of thy name. Selah.

5 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 passed through the river on foot: there did we rejoice in him.

7 He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: the rebellious shall not exalt themselves. Selah.

8 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:

9 Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.

10 For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.

11 Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.

12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

13 I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,

14 Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.

15 I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense

of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.

16 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

17 I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.

18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

19 But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.

20 Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.

Psalm 66 Footnotes:
Psalm 66:1 He prophecieth that all nations shall come to the knowledge of God, who then was only known in Judea.
Psalm 66:3 As the faithful shall obey God willingly, so the infidels for fear shall dissemble themselves to be subject.
Psalm 66:5 He toucheth the slothful dullness of man, who is cold in the consideration of God’s works.
Psalm 66:5 His providence is wonderful in maintaining their estate.
Psalm 66:7 He proveth that God will extend his grace also to the Gentiles, because he punisheth among them such as will not obey his calling.
Psalm 66:9 He signifieth some special benefit, that God had showed to his Church of the Jews, in delivering them from some great danger: whereof or of the like he promiseth that the Gentiles shall be partakers.
Psalm 66:11 The condition of the Church is here described, which is to be led by God’s providence into troubles to be subject under tyrants, and to enter into manifold dangers.
Psalm 66:13 The duty of the faithful is here described, which are never unmindful to render God praise for his benefits.
Psalm 66:16 It is not enough to have received God’s benefits and to be mindful thereof, but also we are bound to make others to profit thereby and praise God.
Psalm 66:18 If I delight in wickedness, God will not hear me, but if I confess it, he will receive me.

Psalm 67: 1 A prayer of the Church to obtain the favor of God and to be lightened with his countenance. 2 To the end that his way and judgment may be known throughout the earth. 7 And finally is declared the kingdom of God, which should be universally erected at the coming of Christ.

To him that excelleth on Neginoth. A Psalm or song.

1 God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.

2 That they may know thy way upon earth, and thy saving health among all nations.

3 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

4 O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon the earth. Selah.

5 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

6 Then shall the earth bring forth her increase; 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 67 Footnotes:
Psalm 67:1 That is, move our hearts with his holy Spirit, that we may feel his favor towards us.
Psalm 67:2 That both Jews and Gentiles may know God’s covenant made with them.
Psalm 67:4 By these oft repetitions he showeth that the people can never rejoice sufficiently and give thanks for the great benefits that they shall receive under the kingdom of Christ.
Psalm 67:6 He showeth that where God favoreth, there shall be abundance of all other things.
Psalm 67:7 When they feel his great benefits both spiritual and corporal toward them.

Psalm 68: 1 In this Psalm David setteth forth as in a glass the wonderful mercies of God toward his people: 5 Who by all means and most strange sorts declared himself to them. 15 And therefore God’s Church by reason of his promises, graces, and victories, doth excel without comparison all worldly things. 34 He exhorteth therefore all men to praise God forever.

To him that excelleth. A Psalm or song of David.

1 God will arise, and his enemies shall be scattered: they also that hate him shall flee before him.

2 As the smoke vanisheth, so shalt thou drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so shall the wicked perish at the presence of God.

3 But the righteous shall be glad; and rejoice before God: yea, they shall exceedingly rejoice.

4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Jah, and rejoice before him.

5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.

6 God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious shall dwell in a dry land.

7 O God, when thou wentest forth before 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 send a plentiful rain upon thine inheritance, and thou didst refresh it when it was weary.

10 Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: for thou, O God, hast of thy goodness prepared it for the poor.

11 The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.

12 Kings of armies did flee: they did flee, and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.

13 Though ye have lain among pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.

14 When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon.

15 The mountain of God is as the mountain of Bashan; it is an high mountain as mount Bashan.

16 Why leap ye, ye high hills? this is the mountain which God desireth to dwell in; yea, the Lord will dwell in it for ever.

17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.

18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, even the rebellious hast thou led, that the Lord God might dwell among them.

19 Blessed be the Lord, even the God of our salvation, who daily loadeth us with benefits. Selah.

20 This is our God, even the God that saveth us; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death.

21 But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy pate of him that walketh in his sins.

22 The Lord said, I will bring my people again from Bashan, I will bring them again from the depths of the sea:

23 That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same.

24 They have seen thy goings, O 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, from the fountain of Israel.

27 There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali.

28 Thy God hath appointed thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.

29 Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee.

30 Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, that tread under feet pieces of silver: scatter thou the people that delight in war.

31 Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.

32 Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:

33 To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were from the beginning; behold, he will send out by his voice a mighty sound.

34 Ascribe the power to God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds.

35 O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.|

Psalm 68 Footnotes:
Psalm 68:1 The Prophet showeth that albeit God suffereth the wicked tyrants to oppress his Church for a time, yet at length he will be revenged of them.
Psalm 68:3 He showeth that when God declareth his power against the wicked, that it is for the commodity and salvation of his Church, which praise him therefore.
Psalm 68:4 Yah and Jehovah are the names of God, which do signify his essence and majesty incomprehensible, so that hereby is declared that all idols are but vanity, and that the God of Israel is the only true God.
Psalm 68:6 He giveth children to them that be childless, and increaseth their families.
Psalm 68:6 Which is barren of God’s blessings, which before they had abused.
Psalm 68:7 He teacheth that God’s favor peculiarly belongeth to his Church, as appeareth by their wonderful deliverance out of Egypt.
Psalm 68:10 God blessed the land of Canaan, because he had chosen that place for his Church.
Psalm 68:11 The fashion then was that women sang songs after the victory, as Miriam, Deborah, Judith, and others.
Psalm 68:12 The prey was so great, that not only the soldiers, but women also had part thereof.
Psalm 68:13 Though God suffer his Church for a time to lie in black darkness, yet he will restore it, and make it most shining and white.
Psalm 68:14 In the land of Canaan, where his Church was.
Psalm 68:15 Zion the Church of God, doth excel all worldly things, not in pomp and outward show, but by the inward grace of God, which there remaineth, because of his dwelling there.
Psalm 68:16 Why boast ye of your strength and beauty against this Mountain of God?
Psalm 68:18 As God overcame the enemies of his Church, took them prisoners, and made them tributaries: so Christ, which is God manifested in the flesh, subdued Satan and sin under us, and gave unto his Church most liberal gifts of his Spirit, Eph. 4:8.
Psalm 68:20 In most extreme dangers God hath infinite ways to deliver his.
Psalm 68:22 As he delivered his Church once from Og of Bashan, and other tyrants, and from the danger of the red Sea, so will he still do as oft as necessity requireth.
Psalm 68:23 That is, in the blood of that great slaughter, where dogs shall lap blood.
Psalm 68:24 That is, how thou which art chief King goest out with thy people to war, and givest them the victory.
Psalm 68:25 He describeth the order of the people, when they went to the Temple to give thanks for the victory.
Psalm 68:26 Which come of the Patriarch Jacob.
Psalm 68:27 Benjamin is called little, because he was the youngest son of Jacob.
Psalm 68:27 Who was some chief ruler of the tribe.
Psalm 68:29 Declare out of thine holy palace thy power for the defense of thy Church Jerusalem.
Psalm 68:30 He desireth that the pride of the mighty may be destroyed, which accustomed to garnish their shoes with silver, and therefore for their glittering pomp thought themselves above all men.
Psalm 68:31 He prophecieth that the Gentiles shall come to the true knowledge and worship of God.
Psalm 68:33 By his terrible thunders he will make himself to be known the God of all the world.
Psalm 68:35 In showing fearful judgments against thine enemies for the salvation of thy people.
Psalm 68:35 He alludeth to the Tabernacle which was divided in three parts.

Psalm 69: 1 The complaints, prayers, fervent zeal and great anguish of David is set forth as a figure of Christ and all his members. 21 The malicious cruelty of the enemies. 22 And their punishment also. 26 Where Judas and such traitors are accursed. 30 He gathereth courage in his affliction, and offereth praises unto God, 32 Which are more acceptable than all sacrifices: whereof all the afflicted may take comfort. 35 Finally, he doth provoke all creatures to praises, prophesying of the kingdom of Christ, and the preservation of the Church, where all the faithful, 27 And their seed shall dwell forever.

To him that excelleth upon Shoshannim. A Psalm of David.

1 Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.

2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into 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 than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: so that I restored that which I took not away.

5 O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my faults are not hid from thee.

6 Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord God 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 reproach; shame hath covered my face.

8 I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother’s sons.

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, and 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 in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards.

13 But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord, in an acceptable time: O 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 waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.

16 Hear me, O Lord; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.

17 And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: make haste and hear me.

18 Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies.

19 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.

20 Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.

21 They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

22 Let their table be a snare before them: and their prosperity their ruin.

23 Let their eyes be blinded, that they see not; and make their loins always to tremble.

24 Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take them.

25 Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents.

26 For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; and they add unto the sorrow of those whom thou hast wounded.

27 Add iniquity unto their iniquity: and let them not come into thy righteousness.

28 Let them be blotted out of the book of life, neither let them be written with the righteous.

29 But I am poor and sorrowful: let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high.

30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.

31 This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.

32 The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God.

33 For the Lord heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners.

34 Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and all that 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 inherit it: and they that love his name shall dwell therein.

Psalm 69 Footnotes:
Psalm 69:1 Of Shoshannim, read Ps. 45.
Psalm 69:1 David signifieth by the waters, in what great dangers he was, out of the which God did deliver him.
Psalm 69:2 No firmity of stableness to settle my feet.
Psalm 69:3 Though his senses failed him, yet his faith was constant and encouraged him still to pray.
Psalm 69:4 Condemning me guiltless.
Psalm 69:4 They judged me poor innocent as a thief, and gave my goods to others, as though I had stolen them.
Psalm 69:5 Though I be guilty to theeward, yet am I innocent toward them.
Psalm 69:6 Let not mine evil entreaty of the enemies be an occasion, that the faithful fall from thee.
Psalm 69:9 When I saw thine enemies pretend thy Name only in mouth, and in their life deny the same, thine holy Spirit, thrust me forward, to reprove them and defend thy glory.
Psalm 69:10 My zeal moved me to lament and pray for my salvation.
Psalm 69:12 The more he sought to win them to God, the more they were against him both poor and rich.
Psalm 69:13 Knowing that albeit I suffer now trouble, yet thou hast a time wherein thou hast appointed my deliverance.
Psalm 69:14 He showeth a lively faith, in that that he assureth himself, that God is favorable to him, when he seemeth to be angry: and at hand when he seemeth to be far off.
Psalm 69:17 Not that he feared that God would not hear him, but that care made him to think that God deferred long.
Psalm 69:19 Thou seest that I am beset as a sheep among many wolves.
Psalm 69:20 He showeth that it is in vain to put our trust in men in our great necessities, but that our comfort only dependeth of God: for man rather increaseth our sorrows, than diminisheth them, John 19:29.
Psalm 69:22 He desireth God to execute his judgments against the reprobate, which cannot by any means be turned, Rom. 11:9.
Psalm 69:23 Take both judgment and power from them, Acts 1:20.
Psalm 69:25 Punish not only them, but their posterity, which shall be like unto them.
Psalm 69:27 By their continuance and increasing in their sins, let it be known that they be of the reprobate.
Psalm 69:28 They which seemed by their profession to have been written in thy book, yet by their fruits prove the contrary, let them be known as reprobate.
Psalm 69:31 There is no sacrifice, which God more esteemeth, than thanksgiving for his benefits.
Psalm 69:33 For as he delivered his servant David, so will he do all that are in distress, and call upon him.
Psalm 69:36 Under the temporal promise of the land of Canaan, he comprehendeth the promise of life everlasting to the faithful and their posterity.

Psalm 70: 1 He prayeth to be right speedily delivered. 2 He desireth the shame of his enemies, 4 And the joyful comfort of all those that seek the Lord.

To him that excelleth. A Psalm of David, to put in remembrance.

1 Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O Lord.

2 Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt.

3 Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha.

4 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.

5 But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O Lord, make no tarrying.

Psalm 70 Footnotes:
Psalm 70:1 Which might put him in remembrance of his deliverance.
Psalm 70:1 He teacheth us to be earnest in prayer, though God seem to stay: for at his time he will hear us.
Psalm 70:2 He was assured that the more they raged, the nearer they were to destruction, and he the nearer to his deliverance.
Psalm 70:3 Hereby we are taught not to mock at others in their misery, lest the same fall on our own necks.
Psalm 70:5 Because he had felt God’s help before, he groundeth on experience, and boldly seeketh unto him for succor.

Psalm 71: He prayeth in faith, established by the word of promise, 5 And confirmed by the work of God from his youth. 10 He complaineth of the cruelty of his enemies, 17 And desireth God to continue his graces toward him, 22 Promising to be mindful and thankful for the same.

1 In thee, O Lord, I trust: let me never be ashamed.

2 Rescue me, and deliver me in thy righteousness: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.

3 Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.

4 Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.

5 For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth.

6 By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: my praise shall be always of thee.

7 I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.

8 Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour every day.

9 Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.

10 For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,

11 Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.

12 O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.

13 Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.

14 But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.

15 My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation daily; for I know not the numbers thereof.

16 I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.

17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.

18 Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.

19 And thy righteousness, O God, I will exalt on high: for thou hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!

20 Thou hast showed me great troubles and adversities, but thou wilt return and revive me, and wilt come again, and take me up from the depth of the earth.

21 Thou shalt increase my honor, and comfort me on every side.

22 Therefore will I praise thee for thy faithfulness, O God, upon instrument and viol: unto thee will I sing upon the harp, O Holy one of Israel.

23 My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.

24 My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness daily: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.

Psalm 71 Footnotes:
Psalm 71:1 He prayeth to God with full assurance of faith, that he will deliver him from his adversaries.
Psalm 71:2 By declaring thyself true of promise.
Psalm 71:3 Thou hast infinite means, and all creatures are at thy commandment: therefore show some sign, whereby I shall be delivered.
Psalm 71:4 That is, from Absalom, Ahithophel and that conspiracy.
Psalm 71:5 He strengtheneth his faith by the experience of God’s benefits, who did not only preserve him in his mother’s belly, but took him thence, and ever since hath preserved him.
Psalm 71:7 All the world wondereth at me because of my miseries: as well they in authority as the common people, yet being assured of thy favor, I remained steadfast.
Psalm 71:9 Thou that didst help me in my youth, when I had more strength, help me now so much the more in mine old age and weakness.
Psalm 71:11 Thus the wicked both blaspheme God, and triumph against his Saints, as though he had forsaken them, if he suffer them to fall into their hands.
Psalm 71:12 In calling him his God, he putteth back the false reports of the adversaries, that said, God had forsaken him.
Psalm 71:15 Because thy benefits toward me are innumerable, I cannot but continually meditate and rehearse them.
Psalm 71:16 I will remain steadfast, being upholden with the power of God.
Psalm 71:18 He desireth that as he hath begun, he would so continue his benefits, that his liberality may have perfect praise.
Psalm 71:19 Thy just performance of thy promise.
Psalm 71:19 His faith breaketh through all tentations, and by this exclamation he praiseth the power of God.
Psalm 71:20 As he confesseth that God is the only author of his deliverance: so he acknowledgeth that these evils were sent unto him by God’s providence.
Psalm 71:22 He confesseth that his long tarriance was well recompensed, when God performed his promise.
Psalm 71:23 For there is no true praising of God, except it come from the heart: and therefore he promiseth to delight in nothing, but wherein God be glorified.

Psalm 72: 1 He prayeth for the prosperous estate of the kingdom of Solomon, who was the figure of Christ, 4 under whom shall be righteousness, peace, and felicity. 10 Unto whom all Kings and nations shall do homage, 17 Whose name and power shall endure forever, and in whom all nations shall be blessed.

A Psalm of Solomon.

1 Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son.

2 He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with equity.

3 The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.

4 He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.

5 They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.

6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.

7 In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.

8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.

9 They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.

10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring 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 shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.

15 And he shall live, and to him 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 corn 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 the earth.

17 His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations 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 with his glory; Amen, and Amen.

20 The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.

Psalm 72 Footnotes:
Psalm 72:1 Composed by David as touching the reign of his son Solomon.
Psalm 72:1 Endue the king with the Spirit of wisdom and justice, that he reign not as do the worldly tyrants.
Psalm 72:1 To wit, to his posterity.
Psalm 72:3 When justice reigneth, even the places most barren shall be enriched with thy blessings.
Psalm 72:4 He showeth wherefore the sword is committed to Kings: to wit, to defend the innocent, and suppress the wicked.
Psalm 72:5 The people shall embrace thy true religion, when thou givest a King that ruleth according to thy word.
Psalm 72:6 As this is true in all godly kings, so it is chiefly verified in Christ, who with his heavenly dew, maketh his Church ever to flourish.
Psalm 72:8 That is, from the red sea to the sea called Syriacum, and from Euphrates forward, meaning, that Christ’s Kingdom should be large and universal.
Psalm 72:10 Of Cilicia, and of all other countries, beyond the sea, which he meaneth by the isles.
Psalm 72:10 That is, of Arabia that rich country, whereof Sheba was a part bordering upon Ethiopia.
Psalm 72:14 Though tyrants pass not to shed blood, yet this godly king shall preserve his subjects from all kind of wrong.
Psalm 72:15 God will both prosper his life, and also make the people most willing to obey him.
Psalm 72:16 Under such a king shall be most great plenty, both of fruit and also of the increase of mankind.
Psalm 72:17 They shall pray to God for his continuance, and know that God doth prosper them for his sake.
Psalm 72:18 He confesseth that except God miraculously preserve his people, that neither the king nor the kingdom can continue.
Psalm 72:20 Concerning his son Solomon.