8. I will early destroy &c.] The meaning may be, "Every morning I will be destroying, &c." The Hebrew courts of justice were held in the morning; see 2 Sam. xv. 2; Jer. xxi. 12. Green. Or, the word here rendered "early," may mean "soon." Merrick. Or, "assiduously." Rosenmuller. How noble a declaration was this in a great king and how worthy the imitation of all the princes of the earth! How noble a manner too was this of publishing declarations to the people, in solemn and sublime hymns to Almighty God; set to musick, and sung with joy and transport through the land; at once vindicating innocence, and propagating piety! Let this be numbered among the felicities peculiar to David. Dr. Delaney. Psalm CH. This Psalm seems, by the thirteenth verse, to have been composed about the time that God had promised a restoration to his people from their captivity in Babylon; namely, after a term of seventy years: it strongly describes the miseries they suffered during their captivity, and begs God at length to take pity on Jerusalem, and restore it, with the temple, to its former glory; for this would be such an illustrious proof of his divinity, that it would draw all nations to do Him homage; and particularly his attention to this prayer of the poor prisoner should be recorded for his honour to future generations. Mudge. Penitential sorrow being a principal subject of this Psalm, it is suitable to the service of Ash-Wednesday. Travell. Ver. 3.—as an hearth.] Literally, as a firebrand. Dr. Wall, Old Translation. ness: I am like an owl of the desert. 9. For I have eaten ashes &c.] I am so humbled by my affliction, that, like a mournful penitent, I lie down among the dust and ashes, which mingle themselves with my food, as tears do with my drink. Travell, Bp. Patrick. 9. 10. He will not always chide: &c.] God's chastisements are some of the most eminent proofs of his mercy. They are sent to reclaim us from eternal punishment. They continue not always, but are removed when they have done their work; and while they last, are as nothing in comparison of those heavy stripes which our sins have deserved. Bp. Horne. 12. As far as the east &c.] That is, He hath entirely remitted the punishment due to our manifold offences. Bp. Patrick. 13.—the set time, is come.] The time fixed for the continuance of the Babylonish captivity; which was seventy years, Jer. xxix. 10. Green. 13. Like as a father &c.] See Isa. xlix. 15. This is one of the most excellent songs of thanksgiving in the whole Book of Psalms. David here seems affected with the highest strains of devotion, and 14.—take pleasure in her stones.] That is, bear an affection to her ruins. Green. —and favour the dust thereof.] Rather, "and compassionate her dust." 16. When the Lord &c.] From ver. 16 to 22 inclusive, the Psalmist seems to speak prophetically of the Messiah. The mercies of God are to be recorded. PSALMS. An exhortation to bless God for his mercy, generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD. 25. Of old hast thou &c.] The application of this and the following verses to Jesus Christ, in the Epistle to the Hebrews, is at once a proof of his Divinity, and of the inspiration of the Psalms. See Heb. i. 10. Travell.