6. Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor.] Laughed at his dependence upon God. Bp. Wilson. 7. Oh that the salvation &c.] This pious wish is uttered by David, that it would please God, who dwelleth in Zion, "between the cherubims," Ps. lxxx. 1, to send from thence, as from his throne, deliverance to his people; redeeming them from the oppression and captivity under which they laboured. Fenton. The works of God are so visible to all the world, and afford such manifest indications of the being and attributes of the infinite Creator, that they plainly argue the vileness and perverseness of the Atheist, and leave him inexcusable. For it is a sign a man is a wilful perverse Atheist, that will impute so glorious a work, as the creation is, to any thing, yea, a mere nothing, (as chance is,) rather than to God. It is a sign the man is wilfully blind, that he is under the power of the devil, under the government of prejudice, lust, and passion, not right reason, that will not discern what "every one can see, what every man may behold affar off," Job xxxvi. 25, even the existence and attributes of the Creator from his works. Dr. Derham. Psalm XV. In this Psalm the author describes a citizen of Zion; or what is necessary and requisite in the conduct and behaviour of a member of the Jewish church. Edwards. This seems to be a contrast to the preceding Psalm: it is appointed to be used on the Ascension-day, as it contains the character of one, who should be qualified to ascend into the hill, and dwell in the presence of God, whether our Saviour Christ is gone before. Travell. Ver. 1. Lord, who shall abide &c.] O Lord, who is the man that shall be admitted to the tabernacle on thy Ver. 2. — my goodness extendeth not to thee.] Or, my good things are not needful for Thee: they would be a sacrifice of no value; else I would give them Thee. The best sacrifice I can offer to Thee is beneficence to thy saints and servants. Green. 4. — He that sweareth &c.] He that promises by an oath to do a thing, and does accordingly, though it be to his own hurt, and breaks not his oath. Dr. Wells. 4. — drink offerings of blood] This alludes to sacrifices in which the blood of men was offered. Bp. Patrick. A principal ceremony is here put for the whole of idolatry. Gerard. — nor take up their names into my lips.] David here declares that he will have no conversation with idolaters, nor swear by the name of their gods. Bp. Wilson. 5. He that putteth not out his money to usury.] That is, to any poor brother Israelite, God having forbidden usury in this case: see Deut. xxiii. 19, 20. Dr. Wells. — shall never be moved.] Shall never fail of God's favour. Dr. Wells. The following prayer is a just improvement of the above Psalm: Gracious God, who hast vouchsafed to let us know upon what conditions we may be received into thy protection and eternal favour; give us grace to practise those virtues Thou hast enjoined us: make us to love justice in all our actions, and uprightness in all our words; make us as tender in the wrongs and injuries done to our neighbours, as if they were done to ourselves; infuse into our hearts an abomination of all vice, by how great persons soever countenanced; and a love and reverence for virtue, and of virtuous men, in how little esteem soever they are in this world: and let us do all this out of our true love of Thee, and of thy Son Jesus Christ. Amen. Lord Clarendon. Psalm XVI. In this Psalm David declares his full trust and confidence in God for protection and assistance; and renders Him thanks for his security in this life, and for the hopes of a happy immortality in the next. The latter part contains a clear prophecy of the resurrection of our Lord Christ, to which St. Peter and St. Paul directly apply it, Acts ii. 25, and xiii. 35. Travell. Michtam] If one may guess from the signification of this word, joined to the Greek translation, it may be, A Psalm to be written in golden letters, and set up, the LORD, Thou art my Lord: a my goodness extendeth not to thee; a Ps. 50. 9. Job 23. 2. &35. 7. 6. The lines are fallen &c.] That is, my lot and portion, or kingdom, is appointed unto me in a pleasant country. Bp. Wilson, Dr. Wells. They used with cords to measure their grounds in surveys, Amos vii. 17: and hence, by a figure, a measuring cord comes frequently to signify any space or portion of land that belongs to a person. Dr. Hammond. 7. — my reins] That is, my inward thoughts and affections. S. Clarke. 8. I have set the Lord always before me:] As my God, and my support. Green. 9. — my glory] By this word he meant his tongue. The Psalmist, as applying his own tongue to the best purpose, the praise of God, had reason to call it his glory. Merrick. — my flesh also shall rest in hope.] David here declares that he would lay down his body in the grave, in a certain hope of his resurrection to immortality. Bp. Hall. 10. For thou wilt not leave &c.] I know, that Thou, O God, wilt not forsake me in distress; nor even when I die, wilt Thou suffer me to remain for ever in the grave.—So also, when that Holy Person, who shall — thine Holy One] Meaning David in the literal sense, and in the spiritual the Messiah, in whom the prophecy was fulfilled. See it applied to Him by St. Peter, Acts ii. 25, &c. Green. We are here to observe the sentiments of the children of God, and their happiness. As to their sentiments, David teaches us, by his example, that they always trust in God; that they love and esteem the pious and virtuous above all; that they avoid the company and erreurs of the wicked, and adhere inviolably to the pure service of God. As to their happiness, this Psalm teaches us that it is very great; that God Himself is their portion and inheritance; that He is on their right hand that they may never be moved; that the sense of their happiness makes them rejoice and praise God continually; and that they are even convinced that God will not abandon them to the power of death. Lastly, this Psalm foretells that Christ should not see corruption, but be exalted to heaven, where He reigneth over all things, and has prepared for all true believers joys that never shall expire. Ostrevald. Psalm XVII. In this prayer David humbly represents to God his innocence in those things whereof he was accused, probably of seeking Saul's life and the kingdom; and therefore beseeches Him to grant him deliverance from his persecutors and calumniators. Bp. Patrick. Ver. 1. — out of feigned lips.] Deceitful dissembling lips. S. Clarke. 2. Let my sentence come forth from thy presence;] Let me be tried and judged by Thee, to whom I make my appeal from the unjust accusations of men. S. Clarke. 3. — in the night;] That is, when the heart is freest from disguise. Green. — shalt find nothing;] Canst find in me no wicked design. Such were the appeals of David to God, for his innocence under the persecution of Saul. And what stronger appeals can be made? Green. See the old translation. 4. Concerning the works of men, &c.] Though as to what others are wont to do in like circumstances, I know it is usual not to scruple at means for self-preservation; yet from the respect I have to thy commands, I have kept me from following others in using violent and murderous practices for my safety. Dr. Wells. 8. — as the apple of the eye.] By the apple of an eye is meant its pupil. Dr. Wells. See note at Deut. xxxii. 10. 9. — who compass me about.] The allusion here is to huntsmen, who, spying game, go round to see how they may most advantageously pitch their nets to take it. Dr. Kennicott. 10. — inclosed in their own fat:] That is, bloated, and puffed up with pride. Bp. Wilson. The meaning is, that pride is the child of plenty, begotten by selfindulgence; which hardens the hearts of men against the fear of God, and love of their neighbours: rendering them insensible to the judgments of the former, and the miseries of the latter. Bp. Horne. 10, 11. They are inclosed &c.] By changing the situation of a single letter in the original, which has probably been misplaced by the copyists, these verses may be explained thus: "They draw close their cords; with their mouth they speak exultingly. We have succeeded now. They come about me, they set their eyes, stooping down upon the earth." The image here is Ver. 2. — horn of my salvation.] See note on 1 Sam. ii. 1. Ver. 2. Day unto day uttereth speech.] The return of the sun from one day unto another day tells us that there is a God; and the like return of the moon or stars, or darkness from one night unto another night, teaches us the same. Dr. Wells. 3. There is no speech &c.] They are not endowed, like man, with the faculty of speech; but they address themselves to the mind of the intelligent beholder in another, and that, when understood, a no less forcible way; the way of picture, or representation. Bp. Horne. 4. Their line is gone out &c.] Rather, Their sound is gone out into all the earth, and their report, &c. Dr. Waterland and Old Translation. The meaning is, they proclaim the Divine glory in plain and intelligible characters, to the remotest parts of the earth; as the Gospel shall be proclaimed hereafter by the preaching of the Apostles, Rom. x. 18. Travell. — a tabernacle for the sun.] The nuptials of the Jews, and other Eastern nations, were celebrated with great magnificence and splendour. They were held under a tent, or canopy, erected for that purpose, to which custom David here alludes; as he does in the 5. The sorrows of hell &c.] David here means, that such sorrows as had almost brought him to the grave, compassed him about: and his enemies came on so suddenly that he had not time to escape them by flight. Dr. Wells. — the snares of death] These "snares" or toils "of death," or the grave, allude to the ancient manner of hunting, which is still practised in some countries, and was performed by surrounding a considerable tract of ground by a circle of nets, (compare Ps. cxl. 5.) and afterwards contracting the circle by degrees, till they had forced all the beasts of that quarter together into a narrow compass; and then it was that the slaughter began. Parkhurst. David's psalm of thanksgiving. 7. Then the earth &c.] The Psalmist seems here to allude to a dreadful tempest, which fell upon his enemies, and made the very earth tremble under them. Bp. Patrick. This and the following verses are highly poetical; and must be understood to signify, that the deliverance of David was the effect of the Divine power miraculously exerted. Travell. 8. There went up a smoke out of his nostrils.] The ancients placed the seat of anger in the nose, or nostrils, because when the passion grows warm or violent, it discovers itself by the heated vehement breath which proceeds from them. This description of a smoke arising into, and a fire breaking forth from, the nostrils of God, denotes, by a poetical figure, the greatness of his anger and indignation. Dr. Chandler. 8. — pure.] The original word should be translated as it is in the Greek, "clear" or "bright." Bp. Lowth, Dr. Kennicott. 9. — clean.] That is, pure, or free from all alloy of superstition. Green. 10. — he rode upon a cherub, &c.] He was attended, and, as it were, carried by angels as in a chariot, and did move very swiftly; yea, He did move as swift as the wind, and a rapid wind did accompany his descent. Dr. Wells. 10. More to be desired &c.] The Divine law is far more precious than the richest treasures upon earth; and more delightful to him who practises it, than the most luxurious sensual pleasures. Travell. — and the honeycomb.] Or, as in the margin, the dropping of the honeycomb, which is the choicest part of the honey. Green. Pliny says, "In all kinds of honey, that which flows of itself as wine and oil, and is called aceton, that is, without sediment, is most commended." And Homer mentions "honey spontaneously distilling," as peculiarly sweet. Parkhurst. 12. — his errors? That is, sins of ignorance and infirmity; or, as it follows, those secret faults which escape our notice. Green. 11. He made darkness &c.] The meaning is, that He and all his heavenly attendants were surrounded with thick dark clouds. Dr. Wells. 12. — coals of fire.] The word, rendered “coals of of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay. 13. Arise, O Lord, disappoint him, &c.] The Psalmist, having characterized those who pursued after him to take away his life, now intreats God to "arise," or appear in his cause; to "disappoint," or "prevent" the enemy in his designs; and to "cast him down," to overthrow and subdue him. The next words may be thus rendered; "Deliver my soul from the wicked by thy sword, from men by thy hand, O Lord, from the men of the world:" the expressions, "sword, and hand of Jehovah," being frequently used to denote his power and vengeance. Bp. Horne. — which is thy sword.] Which is the instrument Thou employest for the execution of thy judgments. S. Clarke. 13. — presumptuous sins.] Wilful and deliberate sins. Dr. Wells. — the great transgression.] The meaning of this expression may be, rebellion and final apostasy from God. Bp. Horne. Or, idolatry. Dr. Kennicott. Or, it may be taken generally, any great transgression. Dr. Wells. King David here mentions two principal means by which God has made Himself known to us; which are, the works of nature, and his word. Let us therefore make a good use of both these means; meditating upon the marvellous works of God, which afford us such proofs of his power and wisdom; but particularly let us apply ourselves to the reading and meditating on his word. David's high encomiums on God's word inform us, that it is a sure, evident, and unerring rule of faith and practice; that it is of infinitely more value 14. — whose belly thou fillest &c.] Whose bellies thou fillest with thy stores, or abundance of temporal blessings; whose children are fed to the full, and who leave the rest of their substance to their little ones. Green, Bp. Horne. 15. As for me, I will behold &c.] He either prays that he may keep on, or is confident that he shall keep on, in a way of righteousness, and enjoy the presence of God, and be satisfied every morning with the image or idea of God. Mudge. — when I awake.] He appears to say this with reference to the resurrection of the just. Dr. Hammond. The confidence with which David calls upon the Lord in this Psalm, and the hope he possessed that God would have regard to his innocence, shews the great happiness of the good; since they can in all conditions apply themselves to God with assurance, knowing that He will always be their protector. The last words of this Psalm should raise our thoughts to the desire and words of a this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I WILL love thee, O LORD, my strength. 15. Then the channels &c.] This alludes to the manner of God’s destroying the Egyptians by drying up the channels of the sea, that deep on which the earth is said to be founded; and so engaging them to enter into it, and then bringing the waters upon them. This poetical description is preparatory to David’s deliverances which follow. Fenton. 16. — many waters.] Sudden and great calamities are frequently expressed in Scripture under the figure of a deluge of waters. Bp. Lowth. 18. They prevented me] That is, came on me suddenly, unawares, when I was unprovided and helpless. Bp. Patrick. 19. — a large place;] Meaning a state of liberty. Bp. Patrick. 26. — with the froward &c.] That is, to the perverse Thou wilt shew thyself an adversary. Green. 28. — light my candle;] Give me light and joy. Bp. Wilson. 29. For by thee &c.] Through Thee I break the troops of the enemy; through my God I leap over walls, The creatures shew God's glory. David prayeth for grace. ¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. a Gen. 1. 6. THE a heavens declare the glory of God: and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Ver. 2. Send thee help &c.] Send thee help from the holy heavens, and from his sanctuary, which is a type and figure thereof; and strengthen thee out of Zion, where He hath by his command appointed the holy ark of his covenant to be placed, and from whence He gives answers and directions to all thy actions. By. Hall. See note at Exod. xxvi. 33. 3. — accept. The Hebrew expression is, "turn to ashes," (see the margin;) and if we look to the period under the law, we shall find this the usual method of signifying the Divine acceptance of the sacrifice. Dr. Magee. See the note on Gen iv. 4. 5. — in the name of our God] To the honour of God, as the conqueror. — we will set up our banners:] In token of triumph; which among other ways was celebrated by the setting up of banners or trophies. Poole. 4. He asked life of thee, &c.] David had in the days of Saul only asked for "life;" and God had given to him and his posterity, "length of days for ever and ever." Mudge. C 2 9. Save, Lord: &c.] We ought to read this according to the Greek translation; O Lord, save the king; and hear us when we call. Mudge, Calmet. It appears from this Psalm, that a nation should pray for the prince whom God hath set over them, and interest themselves in the advantages or deliverances which God grants to their governours: also that it is the favour and protection of God which makes the glory and safety of the people, and of kings; that it is to that favour, and not to their own strength and power, they are to attribute their good success; and therefore, that kings and their subjects should strive above all things to obtain the favour of God. Ostervald. Psalm XXI. This is a Psalm of triumph and thanksgiving for victory. It is generally considered as describing, under the figure of David, the exaltation, glory, and majesty of Christ, who completely triumphed over death. The fourth, fifth, and sixth verses, are indeed particularly applicable to our blessed Redeemer. It is appointed by the Church to be used on the Ascension-day. Travell. Ver. 3. For thou preventest him &c.] Didst crown him with manifold blessings both more and sooner than he either desired or expected. Poole. — Aijeleth Shahar.] Or, kind of the morning. The morning-hind was probably a well-known song, which gave name to a particular tune, if not instrument; not unlikely of the melancholy kind, as possibly it might describe a poor hind pursued by hunters. Mudge. Ver. 1. My God, my God, &c.] Christ, the beloved Son of the Father, when hanging on the cross, complained in these words, that He was deprived, for a time, of the Divine presence and comforting influence while He suffered for our sins. If the Master thus underwent the trial of a spiritual desertion, why doth the disciple think it strange, unless the light of Heaven shine continually upon his tabernacle? Bp. Horne. — the words of my roaring? He means the words of his complaint. Bp. Patrick. — unicorns.] The animal here meant is probably the rhinoceros. It has one horn upon its nose, which is very strong, and grows to a considerable length. Green. See the note on Numb. xxiii. 22. 3. — inhabitest the praises of Israel.] That is, dwellest in the tabernacle, where the praises and thanksgivings of Israel are offered to Thee for mercies granted them. Edwards, Bp. Horne. 7. All they &c.] From this verse to the twentieth, the words are prophecies of Christ, and literally fulfilled in Him. See Matt. xxvii. 39. Dimock. 9. Thou shalt make them &c.] The meaning is, they shall as certainly perish, as if they were cast into a fiery oven; the Lord, who is justly incensed against them, shall utterly consume them with a sharp and unavoidable destruction. Bp. Patrick. 10. Their fruit] That is, their offspring. Green. 12. — shalt thou make them turn their back.] Or, as in the margin, Thou shalt make them a mark to shoot at. Green. — thine arrows] The judgments of God are called his "arrows," being sharp, swift, sure, and deadly. Bp. Horne. From this, as from the preceding Psalm, we learn that God defends just and pious kings who call upon Him and trust in Him; whereas He throws down and destroys unrighteous princes, and especially such as oppose the establishment of his kingdom, and the designs of his providence. Osterwald. Psalm XXII. This Psalm contains a most full and clear prophecy of our blessed Saviour's passion, and the propagation of his Gospel. It is entitled a Psalm of David; and I doubt not but that the greatest part of it related primarily to David himself. It contains a most pathetick and poetical description of his own sufferings and calamities; but expressed in such figures as were most literally fulfilled in the sufferings of Christ. Archdeacon Randolph. It is very properly appointed to be used on Good Friday, as it contains a wonderful prophecy of our Saviour's 12. Many bulls &c.] Mine enemies, who are as furious and formidable as the bulls fed in the rich pastures of Bashan, beset me on every side. Green. See note at Numb. xxxii. 1. 14. I am poured out like water.] He means that his flesh has no consistency, or is loose as water. Green. He prayeth in great distress. He praiseth God. d Matt. 37. 35. Mark 15. 24. Luke 23. 33. John 19. 23, 37. e Luke 23. 34. John 19. 23, 24. only one. the hand. [Heb. 2. 12. 15. My strength is dried up &c.] In other words, I am quite exhausted and dried up, like a piece of a broken pot: so extreme is my thirst, that I am scarce able to utter my complaints; but am just upon the point of expiring and returning to the dust of the earth. How exactly was this prophecy verified in the person of our blessed Lord, when He sweat as it were great drops of blood, and endured all the agonies of the cross: Travel. — my tongue cleaveth to my jaws;] Parching thirst, here expressed by the Psalmist, is one of the usual concomitants of extreme grief of mind, or torture of body. Dr. Hales. 16. For dogs have compassed me: &c.] A multitude of malicious people have beset me fiercely as dogs, and got me into their power in order to wound and destroy me. Dr. Hammond. Thus these words may be figuratively applied to David; but they were literally fulfilled in the Saviour of the world, whose feet and hands his enemies pierced through with nails on the cross. Green. 17. I may tell all my bones: &c.] The skin and flesh were distended by the posture of the body on the cross, that the bones, as through a thin veil, became visible, and might be counted; and the holy Jesus, forsaken and stript, naked and bleeding, was a spectacle to heaven and earth. Bp. Horne. 18. They part my garments &c.] This was so far true of David, that his enemies spoiled his goods, and rifled his substance. But it is particularly remarkable, that at our Saviour's crucifixion the soldiers divided his garments among them, and his coat being without seam, they would not rend it, but casts lots for it; and thus, as the Evangelists themselves tell us, this Scripture was fulfilled. Such exact agreement in these minute circumstances could not occur casually; and it carries with it a striking proof of the interposition of God, and a strong confirmation of the truth of the Gospel. Archdeacon Randolph. 21. Save me from the lion's mouth: &c.] The faith him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel. 25. — I will pay my vows] That is, offer the sacrifice which I vowed. Mudge. 26. The meek shall eat &c.] Of this sacrifice the humble or afflicted, he says, should eat, and praise God for the mercy He had shewn to his servant. The latter part of the verse is addressed to them; "your heart shall live for ever:" take courage and fear not, God will never desert them that fear Him. Mudge. 29. All they that be fat &c.] It is here foretold that the "fat ones of the earth," the great, the opulent, the flourishing, the nobles and princes of the world, should be called in to partake of the feast, and join in the Christian worship and service. Rich, as well as poor, are invited; and the hour is coming when all the race of Adam, as many as sleep in the "dust" of the earth, unable to raise themselves from thence, quickened and called forth by the voice of the Son of Man, must bow the knee to the King Messiah. Bp. Horne, Archdeacon Randolph. 29—31. — and none can keep alive &c.] The Greek version and some other ancient versions probably give the true reading of these clauses: "My soul shall live, and my posterity shall serve God. My seed shall be reckoned to the Lord in the generation which shall come. And they shall declare his righteousness to a people which shall be born; for He, the Lord, hath done it." The words thus read and translated are a plain prophecy of the propagation of the Gospel, and calling of the Gentiles. Abp. Secker, Archdeacon Randolph. 4. — the valley of the shadow of death.] A valley overspread with the horrors of darkness and of death. Green. — thy rod &c.] Thy protection will dispel all my fears. Green. 5. — thou anointest my head &c.] The overflowing of a cup, and the being anointed with sweet-smelling oils, are the usual emblems of a feast, and are made use of in Scripture as the images of plenty and prosperity. Travell.