8. Thou answeredst them, &c.] The construction of the verse seems to be this: "O Lord our God, Thou didst hear, or answer them;" that is, the aforementioned typical mediators, Moses, Aaron, and Samuel; "Thou becamest a forbearing God for them," or, at their intercession; and that, "even when punishing," or, when Thou hadst begun to punish, "the wicked deeds of them;" that is, not of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, but of the people, who had transgressed, and for whom they interceded. This was the case when Moses interceded for the idolaters, Exod. xxvii. 32; Aaron for the schismatics, Numb. xvi. 47; and Samuel for the whole nation, 1 Sam. vii. 9. Bp. Horne. In this Psalm we learn, that it is the duty of those who have the happiness to know God, and to be the subjects of his kingdom, to fear him, to reverence his majesty, to worship Him with the profoundest humility, and without ceasing to celebrate his name, which is great, terrible, and holy. We also see in this Psalm, that God did formerly deliver the Israelites, when Moses, Aaron, and Samuel called upon Him; and that He also took vengeance on them for their sins, when they offended Him. This shews, that as God is always good, He is also just, and has sometimes made men feel the marks of his mercy, and sometimes of his wrath, to engage them to love and fear Him. Ostervald. Psalm C. This is a solemn invitation to all the world to acknowledge, serve, and praise God, the Creator of all men, the guardian of his people, and the merciful performer of all his promises, through all generations. It is used in the daily service of the Church, as a general acknowledgment of gratitude for the Divine blessings, and as an excitement to the congregation to join in the praise of God. Travell. Ver. 4.—into his gates] That is, into the gates of his sanctuary. Bp. Patrick. is everlasting; and his truth endureth † to all generations. Ver. 2. I will behave &c.] That is, wisdom shall guide my footsteps, and not suffer my feet to slide from thy all-perfect way. Merrick. —O when wilt thou come unto me?] When wilt Thou come to protect and assist me? Rosenmuller. Ver. 5. — thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.] That is, as the eagle's vigour is wont to be, after it has renewed its feathers. Dr. Wells. The youth of an eagle is no otherwise renewed than by the succession of new feathers to old ones. In like manner the serpent was said by the Romans "to put off old age" when it cast its skin. Rosenmuller. 3.—of them that turn aside:] Of them who in their counsels and their actions deviate from the Divine law, to serve their own interest. Bp. Horne. —it shall not cleave to me.] No such corrupt principle shall adhere to my soul, or find a place in my affections. Bp. Horne. 4. A froward heart] That is, a perverse and stubborn heart. Edwards. —I will not know] I will not favour. Dr. Wells. The prophet in his prayer maketh a grievous complaint. 5. By reason &c.] Extremity of sorrow causeth the flesh to waste, and the bones to press upon the skin, through which they are ready to force their way. Bp. Horne. 6. I am like &c.] The sorrowful man is naturally desirous of retiring from the world, to vent his complaints in solitude, and to pass the nights in watchfulness and prayer. Bp. Horne. 7. I watch.] That is, cares and sorrows so disturb me that I cannot sleep. Rosenmuller. —as a sparrow alone] The bird here mentioned seems to be the solitary sparrow, which is thus described in Brooke's Natural History: "It usually sits alone on the tops of old buildings, and roofs of churches, singing very sweetly, especially in the morning, and is an Oriental bird." Parkhurst. 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.