Geneva Bible Notes on Psalms

Ps 1:1
1:1 Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the {a} counsel of
    the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth
    in the seat of the scornful.

 The Argument - This book of psalms is given to us by the Holy
    Spirit, to be esteemed as a precious treasure in which all
    things are contained that bring to true happiness in this
    present life as well as in the life to come. For the riches
    of true knowledge and heavenly wisdom, are here set open for
    us, to take of it most abundantly. If we would know the
    great and high majesty of God, here we may see the
    brightness of it shine clearly. If we would seek his
    incomprehensible wisdom, here is the school of the same
    profession. If we would comprehend his inestimable bounty,
    and approach near to it, and fill our hands with that
    treasure, here we may have a most lively and comfortable
    taste of it.  If we would know where our salvation lies and
    how to attain to everlasting life, here is Christ our
    Redeemer, and Mediator most evidently described. The rich
    man may learn the true use of his riches. The poor man may
    find full contentment. He who will rejoice will know true
    joy, and how to keep measure in it. They who are afflicted
    and oppressed will see what their comfort exists in, and how
    they should praise God when he sends them deliverance. The
    wicked and the persecutors of the children of God will see
    how the hand of God is always against them: and though he
    permits them to prosper for a while, yet he bridles them, so
    much so that they cannot touch a hair of ones head unless he
    permits them, and how in the end their destruction is most
    miserable. Briefly here we have most present remedies
    against all temptations and troubles of mind and conscience,
    so that being well practised in this, we may be assured
    against all dangers in this life, live in the true fear and
    love of God, and at length attain the incorruptible crown of
    glory, which is laid up for all who love the coming of our
    Lord Jesus Christ.

    (a) When a man has once given place to evil counsel, or to
        his own sin nature, he begins to forget himself in his
        sin, and so falls into contempt of God, which is called
        the seat of the scorners.

Ps 1:2
1:2 But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his {b}
    law doth he meditate day and night.

    (b) In the holy scriptures.

Ps 1:3
1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
    that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also
    shall not wither; and {c} whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

    (c) God's children are so moistened with his grace, that
        whatever comes to them, tends to their salvation.

Ps 1:4
1:4 {d} The ungodly [are] not so: but [are] like the chaff which
    the wind driveth away.

    (d) Though the wicked seem to prosper in this world, yet the
        Lord drives them down that they shall not rise nor stand
        in the company of the righteous.

Ps 1:5
1:5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the {e} judgment,
    nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

    (e) But tremble when they see God's wrath.

Ps 1:6
1:6 For the LORD {f} knoweth the way of the righteous: but the
    way of the ungodly shall perish.

    (f) Approves and prospers, in the same way that to not know
        is to reprove and reject.

Ps 2:1
2:1 Why do the {a} heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain
    thing?

    (a) The conspiracy of the Gentiles, the murmuring of the
        Jews and power of kings cannot prevail against Christ.

Ps 2:3
2:3 {b} Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their
    cords from us.

    (b) Thus the wicked say that they will cast off the yoke of
        God and of his Christ.

Ps 2:5
2:5 {c} Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them
    in his sore displeasure.

    (c) God's plagues will declare that in resisting his Christ,
        they fought against him.

Ps 2:7
2:7 I will declare the {d} decree: the LORD hath said unto me,
    Thou [art] my Son; this {e} day have I begotten thee.

    (d) To show that my calling to the kingdom is from God.
    (e) That is to say, concerning man's knowledge, because it
        was the first time that David appeared to be elected by
        God. So it is applied to Christ in his first coming and
        manifestation to the world.

Ps 2:8
2:8 Ask of me, and I shall give [thee] the heathen [for] thine
    inheritance, and the {f} uttermost parts of the earth [for]
    thy possession.

    (f) Not only the Jews but the Gentiles also.

Ps 2:10
2:10 {g} Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye
     judges of the earth.

     (g) He exhorts all rulers to repent in time.

Ps 2:12
2:12 {h} Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye {i} perish
     [from] the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little.
     Blessed [are] all they that put their trust in him.

     (h) In a sign of homage.
     (i) When the wicked will say, Peace and rest, then will
         destruction suddenly come, #1Th 5:3|.

Ps 3:1
3:1 <<A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.>>
    LORD, how are they {a} increased that trouble me! many [are]
    they that rise up against me.

    (a) This was a token of his stable faith, that for all his
        troubles he turned to God.

Ps 3:2
3:2 Many [there be] which say of my soul, [There is] no help for
    him in God. {b} Selah.

    (b) Selah here signifies a lifting up of the voice, to cause
        us to consider the sentence as a thing of great
        importance.

Ps 3:6
3:6 I will not be afraid of (c) ten thousands of people, that
    have set [themselves] against me round about.

    (c) When he considered the truth of God's promise, and tried
        the same, his faith increased marvellously.

Ps 3:8
3:8 {d} Salvation [belongeth] unto the LORD: thy blessing [is]
    upon thy people. Selah.

    (d) No matter how great or many the dangers may be, yet
        God always has ways to deliver his.

Ps 4:1
4:1 <<{a} To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David.>>
    Hear me when I call, {b} O God of my righteousness: thou
    hast enlarged me [when I was] in {c} distress; have mercy
    upon me, and hear my prayer.

    (a) Among those who were appointed to sing the psalms and to
        play on 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
        called Neginoth or in a tune so called.
    (b) You who are the defender of my just cause.
    (c) Both of mind and body.

Ps 4:2
4:2 O ye {d} sons of men, how long [will ye turn] my glory into
    shame?  [how long] will ye {e} love vanity, [and] seek after
    leasing? Selah.

    (d) You who think yourselves noble in this world.
    (e) Though your enterprises please you, yet God will bring
        them to nothing.

Ps 4:3
4:3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is {f} godly
    for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

    (f) A king who walks in his vocation.

Ps 4:4
4:4 {g} Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart
    upon your bed, and be {h} still. Selah.

    (g) For fear of God's judgment.
    (h) Cease your rage.

Ps 4:5
4:5 {i} Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your
    trust in the LORD.

    (i) Serve God purely, and not with outward ceremonies.

Ps 4:6
4:6 [There be] many that say, Who will shew us [any] {k} good?
    LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

    (k) The multitude seeks worldly wealth, but David sets his
        happiness in God's favour.

Ps 4:8
4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD,
    {l} only makest me dwell in safety.

    (l) This word in Hebrew may be referred to God, as it is
        here translated, or to David, signifying that he should
        dwell as joyfully alone, as if he had many about him,
        because the Lord is with him.

Ps 5:1
5:1 <<To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David.>>
    Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my {a} meditation.

    (a) That is, my vehement prayer and secret complaint and
        sighings.

Ps 5:3
5:3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the
    morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will {b}
    look up.

    (b) Or wait, with patience and trust till I am heard.

Ps 5:4
5:4 For thou [art] not a God that hath pleasure in {c}
    wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.

    (c) Seeing that God of nature hates wickedness, he must
        punish the wicked and save the godly.

Ps 5:5
5:5 {d} The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest
    all workers of iniquity.

    (d) Who run blindly after their carnal desires.

Ps 5:7
5:7 But as for me, I {e} will come [into] thy house in the
    multitude of thy mercy: [and] in thy fear will I worship
    toward thy holy temple.

    (e) In the deepest of his temptations he puts his full
        confidence in God.

Ps 5:8
5:8 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness {f} because of mine
    enemies; make thy way straight before my face.

    (f) Because you are just, therefore lead me out of the
        dangers of my enemies.

Ps 5:10
5:10 Destroy thou them, O God; let them {g} fall by their own
     counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their
     transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.

     (g) Let their devices come to nothing.

Ps 5:11
5:11 But {h} let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice:
     let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them:
     let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

     (h) Your favour toward me will confirm the faith of all
         others.

Ps 5:12
5:12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour {i}
     wilt thou compass him as [with] a shield.

     (i) So that he will be safe from all dangers.

Ps 6:1
6:1 <<To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm
    of David.>> O LORD, {a} rebuke me not in thine anger,
    neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

    (a) Though I deserve destruction, yet let your mercy pity my
        frailty.

Ps 6:2
6:2 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I [am] weak: O LORD, heal
    me; for my {b} bones are vexed.

    (b) For my whole strength is abated.

Ps 6:3
6:3 {c} My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?

    (c) His conscience is also touched with the fear of God's
        judgment.

Ps 6:5
6:5 For in {d} death [there is] no remembrance of thee: in the
    grave who shall give thee thanks?

    (d) He laments that opportunity should be taken from him to
        praise God in the congregation.

Ps 6:8
6:8 {e} Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD
    hath heard the voice of my weeping.

    (e) God sends comfort and boldness in affliction, that we
        may triumph over our enemies.

Ps 6:10
6:10 Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them
     return [and] be ashamed {f} suddenly.

     (f) When the wicked think the godly will perish, God
         delivers them suddenly, and destroys their enemies.

Ps 7:2
7:2 Lest {a} he tear my soul like a lion, rending [it] in
    pieces, while [there is] none to deliver.

    (a) He desires God to deliver him from the rage of cruel
        Saul.

Ps 7:3
7:3 O LORD my God, if I have done {b} this; if there be iniquity
    in my hands;

    (b) With which Cush charges me.

Ps 7:4
7:4 {c} If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with
    me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine
    enemy:)

    (c) If I did not reverence Saul for affinities sake, and
        preserved his life, #1Sa 26:8,9|.

Ps 7:5
7:5 Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take [it]; yea, let him
    tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine {d} honour
    in the dust. Selah.

    (d) Let me not only die, but be dishonoured forever.

Ps 7:6
7:6 Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of
    the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me [to] the {e}
    judgment [that] thou hast commanded.

    (e) In promising me the kingdom.

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

    (f) Not only for mine, but for your Church's sake declare
        your power.

Ps 7:8
7:8 The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according
    to my {g} righteousness, and according to mine integrity
    [that is] in me.

    (g) As concerning my behaviour towards Saul and my enemies.

Ps 7:9
7:9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but
    establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the {h}
    hearts and reins.

    (h) Though they pretend a just cause against me, yet God
        will judge their hypocrisy.

Ps 7:11
7:11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry [with the
     wicked] {i} every day.

     (i) He continually calls the wicked to repentance by some
         sign of his judgments.

Ps 7:12
7:12 If {k} he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent
     his bow, and made it ready.

     (k) Unless Saul changes his mind, I will die, for he has
         both the men and weapons to destroy me. Thus
         considering his great danger, he magnifies God's grace.

Ps 7:17
7:17 I will praise the LORD according to his {l} righteousness:
     and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.

     (l) In faithfully keeping his promise to me.

Ps 8:2
8:2 Out of the mouth {a} of babes and sucklings hast thou
    ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou
    mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

    (a) Though the wicked would hide God's praises, yet the very
        babes are sufficient witnesses of the same.

Ps 8:4
8:4 What is {b} man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son
    of man, that thou visitest him?

    (b) It was sufficient for him to have set forth his glory by
        the heavens, though he had not come so low as to man who
        is but dust.

Ps 8:5
8:5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the {c} angels,
    and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

    (c) Concerning his first creation.

Ps 8:7
8:7 All {d} sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;

    (d) By the temporal gifts of man's creation, he is led to
        consider the benefits which he has by his regeneration
        through Christ.

Ps 9:1
9:1 <<To the chief Musician upon Muthlabben, A Psalm of David.>>
    I will praise [thee], O LORD, with my {a} whole heart; I
    will shew forth all thy marvellous works.

    (a) God is not praised unless the whole glory is given to
        him alone.

Ps 9:4
9:4 For {b} thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou
    satest in the throne judging right.

    (b) However the enemy seems for a time to prevail yet God
        preserves the just.

Ps 9:6
9:6 {c} O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end:
    and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished
    with them.

    (c) A derision of the enemy that minds nothing but
        destruction: but the Lord will deliver his, and bring
        him into judgment.

Ps 9:9
9:9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the {d} oppressed, a
    refuge in times of trouble.

    (d) Our miseries are meant to cause us to feel God's present
        care over us.

Ps 9:12
9:12 {e} When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth
     them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.

     (e) Though God does not suddenly avenge the wrong done to
         his, yet he does not permit the wicked to go
         unpunished.

Ps 9:14
9:14 That I may shew forth all thy praise in the {f} gates of
     the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.

     (f) In the open assembly of the Church.

Ps 9:15
9:15 The heathen are {g} sunk down in the pit [that] they made:
     in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.

     (g) For God overthrows the wicked in their enterprises.

Ps 9:16
9:16 {h} The LORD is known [by] the judgment [which] he
     executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own
     hands. Higgaion. Selah.

     (h) The mercy of God toward his saints must be declared and
         the fall of the wicked must always be considered.

Ps 9:18
9:18 For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation
     {i} of the poor shall [not] perish for ever.

     (i) God does not promise to help us before we have felt the
         cross.

Ps 9:20
9:20 Put them in fear, O LORD: [that] the nations may know
     themselves [to be but] {k} men. Selah.

     (k) Which they cannot learn without the fear of your
         judgment.

Ps 10:1
10:1 Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? [why] hidest thou
     [thyself] in {a} times of trouble?

     (a) As soon as we enter into affliction, we think God
         should help us, but that is not always his due time.

Ps 10:3
10:3 For the wicked {b} boasteth of his heart's desire, and
     blesseth the covetous, [whom] the LORD abhorreth.

     (b) The wicked man rejoices in his own lust he boasts when
         he has that he would; he brags of his wit and wealth
         and blesses himself and thus blasphemes the Lord.

Ps 10:6
10:6 He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for [I
     shall] {c} never [be] in adversity.

     (c) The evil will not touch me, #Isa 28:15| or else he
         speaks thus because he never felt evil.

Ps 10:8
10:8 {d} He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in
     the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are
     privily set against the poor.

     (d) He shows that the wicked have many ways to hide their
         cruelty and therefore should be even more feared.

Ps 10:10
10:10 He croucheth, [and] humbleth himself, that the {e} poor
      may fall by his strong ones.

      (e) By the hypocrisy of them who have authority the poor
          are devoured.

Ps 10:12
10:12 {f} Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not
      the humble.

      (f) He calls to God for help, because wickedness is so far
          overgrown that God must help now or never.

Ps 10:13
10:13 Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his
      heart, Thou wilt not {g} require [it].

      (g) Therefore you must punish their blasphemy.

Ps 10:14
10:14 Thou hast seen [it]; for thou beholdest mischief and
      spite, to {h} requite [it] with thy hand: the poor
      committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the
      fatherless.

      (h) To judge between the right and the wrong.

Ps 10:15
10:15 Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil [man]: seek
      out his wickedness [till] thou find {i} none.

      (i) For you have utterly destroyed him.

Ps 10:16
10:16 The LORD [is] King for ever and ever: the {k} heathen are
      perished out of his land.

      (k) The hypocrites or such as live not after God's law,
          will be destroyed.

Ps 10:18
10:18 {l} To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the
      man of the earth may no more oppress.

      (l) God helps when man's help ceases.

Ps 11:1
11:1 <<To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David.>> In the LORD
     put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, {a} Flee [as] a bird
     to your mountain?

     (a) This is the wicked counsel of his enemies to him and
         his companions to drive him from the hope of God's
         promise.

Ps 11:3
11:3 If the {b} foundations be destroyed, what can the {c}
     righteous do?

     (b) All hope of help is taken away.
     (c) Yet am I innocent and my cause good.

Ps 11:4
11:4 The LORD [is] in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne [is] in
     heaven: his eyes {d} behold, his eyelids try, the children
     of men.

     (d) Though all things in earth are out of order, yet God
         will execute judgment from heaven.

Ps 11:6
11:6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, {e} fire and
     brimstone, and an horrible tempest: [this shall be] the
     {f} portion of their cup.

     (e) As in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
     (f) Which they will drink even to the dregs,
         #Eze 23:34|.

Ps 12:1
12:1 <<To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David.>>
     Help, LORD; for the {a} godly man ceaseth; for the faithful
     fail from among the children of men.

     (a) Who dare defend the truth and show mercy to the
         oppressed.

Ps 12:2
12:2 They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: [with] {b}
     flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak.

     (b) He means the flatters of the court which hurt him more
         with their tongues than with their weapons.

Ps 12:4
12:4 Who have said, {c} With our tongue will we prevail; our
     lips [are] our own: who [is] lord over us?

     (c) They think themselves able to persuade whatever they
         take in hand.

Ps 12:5
12:5 {d} For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the
     needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will {e} set
     [him] in safety [from him that] puffeth at him.

     (d) The Lord is moved with the complaints of his, and
         delivers in the end from all danger.
     (e) Because the Lord's word and promise is true and
         unchangeable he will perform it and preserve the poor
         from this wicked generation.

Ps 12:7
12:7 Thou shalt keep {f} them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them
     from this generation for ever.

     (f) That is, yours though was only one man.

Ps 12:8
12:8 The wicked walk on every side, {g} when the vilest men are
     exalted.

     (g) For they suppress the godly and maintain the wicked.

Ps 13:1
13:1 <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.>> How long wilt
     thou forget me, O LORD? {a} for ever? how long wilt thou
     hide thy face from me?

     (a) He declares that his afflictions lasted a long time,
         and that his faith did not waver.

Ps 13:2
13:2 How long shall I take {b} counsel in my soul, [having]
     sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be
     exalted over me?

     (b) Changing my purposes as the sick man does his place.

Ps 13:4
13:4 Lest mine enemy say, I have {c} prevailed against him;
     [and] those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

     (c) Which might turn to God's dishonour: if he did not
         defend his.

Ps 13:5
13:5 But I have trusted in thy {d} mercy; my heart shall rejoice
     in thy salvation.

     (d) The mercy of God is the cause of our salvation.

Ps 13:6
13:6 I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath {e} dealt
     bountifully with me.

     (e) Both by the benefits past and by others to come.

Ps 14:1
14:1 <<To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David.>> The fool
     hath said in his heart, {a} [There is] no God. They are {b}
     corrupt, they have done abominable works, [there is] none
     that doeth good.

     (a) He shows that the cause of all wickedness if forgetting
         God.
     (b) There is nothing but disorder and wickedness among
         them.

Ps 14:3
14:3 They are {c} all gone aside, they are [all] together become
     filthy: [there is] none that doeth good, no, not one.

     (c) David here makes comparisons between the faithful and
         the reprobate, but Paul speaks the same of all men
         naturally, #Ro 3:10|.

Ps 14:5
14:5 {d} There were they in great fear: for God [is] in the
     generation of the righteous.

     (d) Where they think themselves most sure.

Ps 14:6
14:6 Ye have {e} shamed the counsel of the poor, because the
     LORD [is] his refuge.

     (e) You mock them who put their trust in God.

Ps 14:7
14:7 Oh that the salvation of {f} Israel [were come] out of
     Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his
     people, Jacob shall rejoice, [and] Israel shall be glad.

     (f) He prays for the whole Church whom he is assured God
         will deliver: for no one else but he can do it.

Ps 15:2
15:2 He that {a} walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness,
     and speaketh the truth in his heart.

     (a) He shows that we cannot call on God unless we trust in
         him.

Ps 15:4
15:4 {b} In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he
     honoureth them that fear the LORD. [He that] sweareth to
     [his own] hurt, and changeth not.

     (b) He who flatters not the ungodly in their wickedness.

Ps 15:5
15:5 [He that] {c} putteth not out his money to usury, nor
     taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these
     [things] {d} shall never be moved.

     (c) To the hinderance of his neighbour.
     (d) That is, will not be cast from the Church as a
         hypocrite.

Ps 16:1
16:1 <<Michtam of David.>> Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I
     put my {a} trust.

     (a) He shows that we cannot call on God unless we trust in
         him.

Ps 16:2
16:2 [O my soul], thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou [art] my
     Lord: my {b} goodness [extendeth] not to thee;

     (b) Though we cannot enrich God, yet we must bestow God's
         gifts for the use of his children.

Ps 16:4
16:4 Their {c} sorrows shall be multiplied [that] hasten [after]
     another [god]: {d} their drink offerings of blood will I
     not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.

     (c) As grief of conscience and miserable destruction.
     (d) He would neither by outward profession nor in heart,
         nor in mouth consent to their idolatries.

Ps 16:6
16:6 The {e} lines are fallen unto me in pleasant [places]; yea,
     I have a goodly heritage.

     (e) With which my portion is measured.

Ps 16:8
16:8 I have set the LORD always before me: because [he is] at my
     right hand, I {g} shall not be moved.

     (g) The faithful are sure to persevere to the end.

Ps 16:9
16:9 Therefore {h} my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my
     flesh also shall rest in hope.

     (h) That is, I rejoice both in body and in soul.

Ps 16:10
16:10 For thou {i} wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt
      thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

      (i) This is chiefly meant by Christ, by whose resurrection
          all his members have immortality.

Ps 16:11
16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy {k} presence
      [is] fulness of joy; at thy right hand [there are]
      pleasures for evermore.

      (k) Where God favours there is perfect happiness.

Ps 17:1
17:1 <<A Prayer of David.>> Hear {a} the right, O LORD, attend
     unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, [that goeth] not out
     of feigned lips.

     (a) My righteous cause.

Ps 17:2
17:2 Let my {b} sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine
     eyes behold the things that are equal.

     (b) The vengeance that you will show against my enemies.

Ps 17:3
17:3 Thou hast {c} proved mine heart; thou hast visited [me] in
     the night; thou hast tried me, [and] shalt find nothing; I
     am purposed [that] my {d} mouth shall not transgress.

     (c) When your Spirit examined my conscience.
     (d) I was innocent toward my enemy both in deed and
         thought.

Ps 17:4
17:4 Concerning the works of men, by the {e} word of thy lips I
     have kept [me from] the paths of the destroyer.

     (e) Though the wicked provoked me to do evil for evil, yet
         your word kept me back.

Ps 17:6
17:6 I have called upon thee, {f} for thou wilt hear me, O God:
     incline thine ear unto me, [and hear] my speech.

     (f) He was assured that God would not refuse his request.

Ps 17:7
17:7 Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by
     thy right hand them which put their trust [in thee] from
     those that {g} rise up [against them].

     (g) For all rebel against you, who trouble your Church.

Ps 17:9
17:9 From the wicked that oppress me, [from] my deadly enemies,
     [who] compass {h} me about.

     (h) For their cruelty cannot be satisfied but with my
         death.

Ps 17:10
17:10 They are inclosed in their own {i} fat: with their mouth
      they speak proudly.

      (i) They are puffed up with pride, as the stomach that is
          choked with fat.

Ps 17:13
17:13 Arise, O LORD, {k} disappoint him, cast him down: deliver
      my soul from the wicked, [which is] thy sword:

      (k) Stop his rage.

Ps 17:14
17:14 From men [which are] thy {l} hand, O LORD, from men of the
      world, [which have] their {m} portion in [this] life, and
      whose belly thou fillest with thy hid [treasure]: they are
      full of children, and leave the rest of their [substance]
      to their babes.

      (l) By your heavenly power.
      (m) And not feel the pain that God's children often do.

Ps 17:15
17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face {n} in righteousness: I
      shall be satisfied, when I {o} awake, with thy likeness.

      (n) This is the full happiness, comforting against all
          assaults to have the face of God and favourable
          countenance opened to us.
      (o) And am delivered out of my great troubles.

Ps 18:2
18:2 {a} The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my
     deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my
     buckler, and the horn of my salvation, [and] my high tower.

     (a) He uses this diversity of names to show that as the
         wicked have many means to hurt, so God has many ways to
         help.

Ps 18:3
18:3 I will call upon the LORD, [who is worthy] to be {b}
     praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

     (b) For no one can obtain their request from God if they do
         not join his glory with their petition.

Ps 18:4
18:4 {c} The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of
     ungodly men made me afraid.

     (c) He speaks of the dangers and malice of his enemies from
         which God had delivered him.

Ps 18:7
18:7 {d} Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also
     of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.

     (d) A description of the wrath of God against his enemies,
         after he had heard his prayer.

Ps 18:8
18:8 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and {e} fire out
     of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.

     (e) He shows how horrible God's judgments will be to the
         wicked.

Ps 18:9
18:9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and {f} darkness
     [was] under his feet.

     (f) Darkness signifies the wrath of God as the clear light
         signifies God's favour.

Ps 18:10
18:10 And he rode upon a {g} cherub, and did fly: yea, he did
      fly upon the wings of the wind.

      (g) This is described at large in #Ps 104:1-35|.

Ps 18:11
18:11 He made darkness his {h} secret place; his pavilion round
      about him [were] dark waters [and] thick clouds of the
      skies.

      (h) As a king angry with the people, will not show himself
          to them.

Ps 18:13
18:13 The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest
      gave {i} his voice; hail [stones] and coals of fire.

      (i) Thunders, lightnings and hail.

Ps 18:14
18:14 Yea, he sent out {k} his arrows, and scattered them; and
      he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.

      (k) His lightening.

Ps 18:15
18:15 Then the channels of waters were seen, and the {l}
      foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O
      LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.

      (l) That is, the deep bottoms were seen when the Red sea
          was divided.

Ps 18:16
18:16 He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many {m}
      waters.

      (m) Out of many great dangers.

Ps 18:17
18:17 He delivered me from my {n} strong enemy, and from them
      which hated me: for they were {o} too strong for me.

      (n) That is, Saul.
      (o) Therefore God sent me help.

Ps 18:19
18:19 He brought me forth also into a large place; {p} he
      delivered me, because he delighted in me.

      (p) The cause of God's deliverance is his favour and love
          for us.

Ps 18:20
18:20 The LORD rewarded me according to my {q} righteousness;
      according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed
      me.

      (q) David was sure of his righteous cause and good
          behaviour toward Saul and his enemies and therefore
          was assured of God's favour and deliverance.

Ps 18:22
18:22 For all his judgments [were] before me, and I did not put
      away his {r} statutes from me.

      (r) For all his dangers he exercised himself in the law of
          God.

Ps 18:23
18:23 I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine
      {f} iniquity.

      (f) I neither gave place to their wicked temptations nor
          to my own desires.

Ps 18:25
18:25 With the {t} merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful;
      with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;

      (t) Here he speaks of God according to our capacity, who
          shows mercy to his and punishes the wicked, as is also
          said in #Le 26:21,24|.

Ps 18:27
18:27 For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt {u}
      bring down high looks.

      (u) When their sin is come to the full measure.

Ps 18:29
18:29 For by thee I have {x} run through a troop; and by my God
      have I leaped over a wall.

      (x) He attributes it to God that he both got the victory
          in the field and also destroyed the cities of his
          enemies.

Ps 18:30
18:30 [As for] God, his way [is] perfect: the {y} word of the
      LORD is tried: he [is] a buckler to all those that trust
      in him.

      (y) No matter how great or many the dangers may be, yet
          God's promise must take effect.

Ps 18:32
18:32 [It is] God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my
      {z} way perfect.

      (z) He gives good success to all my enterprises.

Ps 18:33
18:33 He maketh my feet like hinds' [feet], and setteth me upon
      my {a} high places.

      (a) As towers and forts, which he took out of the hands of
          God's enemies.

Ps 18:35
18:35 Thou hast also given me the {b} shield of thy salvation:
      and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy {c}
      gentleness hath made me great.

      (b) To defend me from dangers.
      (c) He attributed the beginning, continuance and increase
          in well doing only to God's favour.

Ps 18:37
18:37 {d} I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them:
      neither did I turn again till they were consumed.

      (d) David declares that he did nothing besides his
          calling, but was stirred up by God's Spirit to execute
          his judgments.

Ps 18:40
18:40 Thou hast also {e} given me the necks of mine enemies;
      that I might destroy them that hate me.

      (e) You have given them to my hands to be slain.

Ps 18:41
18:41 They {f} cried, but [there was] none to save [them: even]
      unto the LORD, but he answered them not.

      (f) They who reject the cry of the afflicted, God will
          also reject them when they cry for help, for either
          pain or fear causes those hypocrites to cry.

Ps 18:43
18:43 Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people;
      [and] thou hast made me the head of the {g} heathen: a
      people [whom] I have not {h} known shall serve me.

      (g) Who dwell round about me.
      (h) The kingdom of Christ is prefigured in David's
          kingdom, who by the preaching of his word brings all
          to his subjection.

Ps 18:44
18:44 As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the
      strangers shall {i} submit themselves unto me.

      (i) Or lie: signifying a subjection constrained and not
          voluntary.

Ps 18:45
18:45 The strangers shall {k} fade away, and be afraid out of
      their close places.

      (k) Fear will cause them to be afraid and come forth from
          their secret holes and holds to seek pardon.

Ps 18:48
18:48 He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me
      up above those that rise up against me: thou hast
      delivered me from the {l} violent man.

      (l) That is, Saul who out of malice persecuted him.

Ps 18:49
18:49 Therefore will {m} I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among
      the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.

      (m) This prophecy belongs to the kingdom of Christ and
          calling of the Gentiles, as in #Ro 15:9|.

Ps 18:50
18:50 Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy
      to his anointed, to David, and to his {n} seed for
      evermore.

      (n) This did not properly belong to Solomon, but to Jesus
          Christ.

Ps 19:1
19:1 <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.>> The {a}
     heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth
     his handywork.

     (a) He reproaches man for his ingratitude, seeing the
         heavens, which are dumb creatures, set forth God's
         glory.

Ps 19:2
19:2 {b} Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night
     sheweth knowledge.

     (b) The continual success of the day and night is
         sufficient to declare God's power and goodness.

Ps 19:3
19:3 [There is] no speech nor {c} language, [where] their voice
     is not heard.

     (c) The heavens are a schoolmaster to all nations, no
         matter how barbarous.

Ps 19:4
19:4 Their {d} 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,

     (d) The heavens are as a line of great capital letters to
         show God's glory to us.

Ps 19:5
19:5 Which [is] as a bridegroom coming out of his {e} chamber,
     [and] rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

     (e) Or vail. The custom was that the bride and bridegroom
         would stand under a vail together, and after come
         forward with great solemnity and rejoicing of the
         assembly.

Ps 19:7
19:7 The {f} law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul:
     the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the
     simple.

     (f) Though the creatures cannot serve, yet this should be
         sufficient to lead us to him.

Ps 19:9
19:9 The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring for ever: the
     judgments of the LORD [are] {g} true [and] righteous {h}
     altogether.

     (g) So that all man's inventions and intentions are lies.
     (h) Everyone without exception.

Ps 19:10
19:10 More to be {i} desired [are they] than gold, yea, than
      much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

      (i) Unless God's word is esteemed above all worldly
          things, it is contemned.

Ps 19:11
19:11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: [and] in keeping
      of them [there is] great {k} reward.

      (k) For God accepts our endeavour though it is far from
          perfect.

Ps 19:12
19:12 Who can understand [his] {l} errors?  cleanse thou me from
      secret [faults].

      (l) Then there is no reward of duty, but of grace: for
          where sin is, there death is the reward.

Ps 19:13
19:13 Keep back thy servant also from {m} presumptuous [sins];
      let them not have dominion over me: {n} then shall I be
      upright, and I shall be innocent from the great
      transgression.

      (m) Which are done purposely and from malice.
      (n) If you suppress my wicked affections by your Holy
          Spirit.

Ps 19:14
19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the {o} meditation of my
      heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength,
      and my redeemer.

      (o) That I may obey you in thought, word and deed.

Ps 20:1
20:1 <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.>> The {a} LORD
     hear thee in the day of trouble; the {b} name of the God of
     Jacob defend thee;

     (a) By this kings are also admonished to call to God in
         their affairs.
     (b) The virtue, power and grace of God.

Ps 20:3
20:3 Remember all thy offerings, and {c} accept thy burnt
     sacrifice; Selah.

     (c) In token that they are acceptable to him.

Ps 20:5
20:5 We will rejoice in thy {d} salvation, and in the name of
     our God we will set up [our] banners: the LORD fulfil all
     thy petitions.

     (d) Granted to the king in whose wealth our happiness
         stands.

Ps 20:6
20:6 Now {e} know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will
     hear him from his {f} holy heaven with the saving strength
     of his right hand.

     (e) The Church feels that God had heard their petition.
     (f) As by the visible sanctuary God's familiarity appeared
         toward his people, so by the heavenly is meant his
         power and majesty.

Ps 20:8
20:8 {g} They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and
     stand upright.

     (g) The worldlings who do not put their trust in God alone.

Ps 20:9
20:9 Save, LORD: {h} let the king hear us when we call.

     (h) Let the king be able to deliver us by your strength,
         when we seek him for help.

Ps 21:1
21:1 <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.>> The king shall
     {a} joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how
     greatly shall he rejoice!

     (a) When he will overcome his enemies, and so be assured of
         his calling.

Ps 21:3
21:3 For thou {b} preventest him with the blessings of goodness:
     thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head.

     (b) You declared your liberal favour toward him before he
         prayed.

Ps 21:4
21:4 {c} He asked life of thee, [and] thou gavest [it] him,
     [even] length of days for ever and ever.

     (c) David not only obtained life, but also assurance that
         his posterity would reign forever.

Ps 21:6
21:6 For thou hast made him most {d} blessed for ever: thou hast
     made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.

     (d) You have made him your blessings to others, and a
         perpetual example of your favour forever.

Ps 21:8
21:8 {e} Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right
     hand shall find out those that hate thee.

     (e) Here he describes the power of Christ's kingdom against
         the enemies of it.

Ps 21:9
21:9 Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine
     anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his {f} wrath, and
     the fire shall devour them.

     (f) This teaches us patiently to endure the cross till God
         destroys the adversary.

Ps 21:11
21:11 For they {g} intended evil against thee: they imagined a
      mischievous device, [which] they are not able [to
      perform].

      (g) They laid as it were their nets to make God's power
          bend to their wicked enterprises.

Ps 21:12
21:12 Therefore shalt thou make them {h} turn their back, [when]
      thou shalt make ready [thine arrows] upon thy strings
      against the face of them.

      (h) As a mark to shoot at.

Ps 21:13
21:13 {i} Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: [so]
      will we sing and praise thy power.

      (i) Maintain your Church against your adversaries that we
          may have ample opportunity to praise your Name.

Ps 22:1
22:1 <<To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of
     David.>> My {a} God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
     [why art thou so] far from helping me, [and from] the words
     of my {b} roaring?

     (a) Here appears that horrible conflict, which he sustained
         between faith and desperation.
     (b) Being tormented with extreme anguish.

Ps 22:3
22:3 But thou [art] holy, [O thou] that inhabitest the {c}
     praises of Israel.

     (c) He means the place of praising, even the tabernacle or
         else it is so called, because he gave the people
         continuous opportunity to praise him.

Ps 22:6
22:6 But I [am] a {d} worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and
     despised of the people.

     (d) And seeming most miserable of all creatures, which
         referred to Christ, and in this appears the unspeakable
         love of God for man, that he would thus abase his son
         for our sakes.

Ps 22:9
22:9 But thou [art] he that took me out of the {e} womb: thou
     didst make me hope [when I was] upon my mother's breasts.

     (e) Even from my birth you have given me opportunity to
         trust in you.

Ps 22:10
22:10 I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou [art] my God from
      my mother's {f} belly.

      (f) For unless God's providence preserves the infants,
          they would perish a thousand times in the mother's
          womb.

Ps 22:12
22:12 Many bulls have compassed me: strong {g} [bulls] of Bashan
      have beset me round.

      (g) He means that his enemies were so fat, proud and cruel
          that they were more like beasts than men.

Ps 22:14
22:14 I am poured out like {h} water, and all my bones are out
      of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst
      of my bowels.

      (h) Before he spoke of the cruelty of his enemies, and now
          he declares the inward grief of the mind, so that
          Christ was tormented both in soul and body.

Ps 22:15
22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue
      cleaveth to my jaws; and thou {i} hast brought me into the
      dust of death.

      (i) You permitted me to be without all hope of life.

Ps 22:16
22:16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked
      have inclosed me: they {k} pierced my hands and my feet.

      (k) Thus David complained as though he were nailed by his
          enemies in both hands and feet, but this was
          accomplished in Christ.

Ps 22:20
22:20 Deliver my soul from the sword; my {l} darling from the
      power of the dog.

      (l) My life that is solitary, left alone and forsaken by
          all, #Ps 35:17,25:16|

Ps 22:21
22:21 {m} Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me
      from the horns of the unicorns.

      (m) Christ is delivered with a more mighty deliverance by
          overcoming death, than if he had not tasted death at
          all.

Ps 22:23
22:23 Ye that fear the LORD, {n} praise him; all ye the seed of
      Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of
      Israel.

      (n) He promises to exhort the Church that they by his
          example might praise the Lord.

Ps 22:24
22:24 For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of
      the {o} afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him;
      but when he cried unto him, he heard.

      (o) The poor afflicted are comforted by this example of
          David, or Christ.

Ps 22:25
22:25 My praise [shall be] of thee in the great congregation: I
      will pay my {p} vows before them that fear him.

      (p) Which were sacrifices of thanksgiving which they
          offered by God's commandment, when they were delivered
          out of any great danger.

Ps 22:26
22:26 {q} The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise
      the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.

      (q) He alludes still to the sacrifice.

Ps 22:29
22:29 All [they that be] fat {r} upon earth shall eat and
      worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow
      before him: {s} and none can keep alive his own soul.

      (r) Though the poor are first named as in #Ps 22:26|
          yet the wealthy are not separated from the grace of
          Christ's kingdom.
      (s) In whom there is no hope that he will recover life: so
          neither poor nor rich, quick nor dead will be rejected
          from his kingdom.

Ps 22:30
22:30 {t} A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the
      Lord for a generation.

      (t) Meaning, the prosperity which the Lord keeps as a seed
          to the Church to continue his praise among men.

Ps 22:31
22:31 They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto
      a people that shall be born, that he hath {u} done [this].

      (u) That is, God has fulfilled his promise.

Ps 23:1
23:1 <<A Psalm of David.>> The LORD [is] my shepherd; {a} I
     shall not want.

     (a) He has care over me and ministers all things to me.

Ps 23:3
23:3 He {b} restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the {c} paths of
     righteousness for his name's sake.

     (b) He comforts or refreshes me.
     (c) Plain or straight ways.

Ps 23:4
23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the {d} shadow of
     death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod
     and thy staff they comfort me.

     (d) Though he was in danger of death, as the sheep that
         wanders in the dark valley without his shepherd.

Ps 23:5
23:5 Thou preparest a {e} table before me in the presence of
     mine enemies: thou {f} anointest my head with oil; my cup
     runneth over.

     (e) Even though his enemies sought to destroy him, yet God
         delivers him, and deals most liberally with him in spite
         of them.
     (f) As was the manner of great feasts.

Ps 23:6
23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of
     my life: and I will dwell in the {g} house of the LORD for
     ever.

     (g) He does not set his happiness in the pleasures of this
         world, but in the fear and service of God.

Ps 24:2
24:2 For he hath founded it upon the {a} seas, and established
     it upon the floods.

     (a) He notes two things: the one, that the earth to man's
         judgment seems above the waters: and next, that God
         miraculously preserves the earth, that it is not
         drowned with the waters, which naturally are above it.

Ps 24:6
24:6 This [is] the {b} generation of them that seek him, that
     seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.

     (b) Though circumcision separates the carnal seed of Jacob,
         from the Gentiles, yet he who seeks God, is the true
         Jacob and an Israelite.

Ps 24:7
24:7 {c} Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye
     everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

     (c) David desires the building up of the temple, in which
         the glory of God should appear and under the figure of
         this temple, he also prays for the spiritual temple,
         which is eternal because of the promise which was made
         to the temple, as it is written, #Ps 132:14|.

Ps 25:1
25:1 <<[A Psalm] of David.>> Unto thee, {a} O LORD, do I lift up
     my soul.

     (a) I did not put my trust in any worldly thing.

Ps 25:2
25:2 O my God, I {b} trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let
     not mine enemies triumph over me.

     (b) That you will take away my enemies, which are your
         rods.

Ps 25:4
25:4 {c} Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.

     (c) Retain me in the faith of your promise that I swore not
         on any side.

Ps 25:5
25:5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou [art] the God
     of my salvation; on thee do I wait {d} all the day.

     (d) Constantly and against all temptations.

Ps 25:7
25:7 Remember not the {e} sins of my youth, nor my
     transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for
     thy goodness' sake, O LORD.

     (e) He confesses that his many sins were the reason that
         his enemies persecuted him, desiring that the cause of
         the evil may be taken away, so that the effect may
         cease.

Ps 25:8
25:8 Good and upright [is] the LORD: therefore will he {f} teach
     sinners in the way.

     (f) That is, call them to repentance.

Ps 25:9
25:9 The meek will he {g} guide in judgment: and the meek will
     he teach his way.

     (g) He will govern and comfort them that are truly humbled
         for their sins.

Ps 25:11
25:11 For thy {h} name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for
      it [is] great.

      (h) For no other respect.

Ps 25:12
25:12 What {i} man [is] he that feareth the LORD? him shall he
      teach in the way [that] he shall {k} choose.

      (i) Meaning, the number is very small.
      (k) He will direct such with his spirit to follow the
          right way.

Ps 25:13
25:13 His soul shall dwell at {l} ease; and his seed shall
      inherit the earth.

      (l) He will prosper both in spiritual and corporal things.

Ps 25:14
25:14 The {m} secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him;
      and he will shew them his covenant.

      (m) His counsel contained in his word, by which he
          declares that he is the protector of the faithful.

Ps 25:17
25:17 The troubles of my heart {n} are enlarged: [O] bring thou
      me out of my distresses.

      (n) My grief is increased because of my enemies cruelty.

Ps 25:19
25:19 Consider mine {o} enemies; for they are many; and they
      hate me with cruel hatred.

      (o) The greater that his afflictions were and the more
          that his enemies increased, the more near he felt
          God's help.

Ps 25:21
25:21 Let {p} integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait
      on thee.

      (p) As I have behaved myself uprightly toward my enemies,
          let them know that you are the defender of my just
          cause.

Ps 26:1
26:1 <<[A Psalm] of David.>> Judge me, {a} O LORD; for I have
     walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD;
     [therefore] I shall not slide.

     (a) He flees to God to be the judge of his just cause,
         seeing there is no equity among men.

Ps 26:2
26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my {b} reins and my
     heart.

     (b) My very affections and inward motions of the heart.

Ps 26:3
26:3 For thy {c} lovingkindness [is] before mine eyes: and I
     have walked in thy truth.

     (c) He shows what stayed him, that he did not recompense
         evil for evil.

Ps 26:4
26:4 I have not {d} sat with vain persons, neither will I go in
     with dissemblers.

     (d) He declares that they cannot walk in simplicity before
         God, that delight in the company of the ungodly.

Ps 26:6
26:6 I will {e} wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass
     thine altar, O LORD:

     (e) I will serve you with a pure affection, and with the
         godly that sacrifice to you.

Ps 26:9
26:9 {f} Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with
     bloody men:

     (f) Destroy me not in the overthrow of the wicked.

Ps 26:10
26:10 In whose hands [is] {g} mischief, and their right hand is
      full of bribes.

      (g) Whose cruel hands execute the malicious devises of
          their hearts.

Ps 26:12
26:12 My foot standeth in {h} an even place: in the
      congregations will I bless the LORD.

      (h) I am preserved from my enemies by the power of God,
          and therefore will praise him openly.

Ps 27:1
27:1 <<[A Psalm] of David.>> The LORD [is] my {a} light and my
     salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of
     my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

     (a) Because he was assured of good success in all his
         dangers and that his salvation was surely laid up in
         God, he did not fear the tyranny of his enemies.

Ps 27:3
27:3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not
     fear: though war should rise against me, in {b} this [will]
     I [be] confident.

     (b) That God will deliver me and give my faith the victory.

Ps 27:4
27:4 {c} One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, that will I
     seek after; 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.

     (c) The loss of country, wife and all worldly conveniences
         would not grieve me as much as this one thing, that I
         may not praise your name in the midst of the
         congregation.

Ps 27:6
27:6 {d} 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.

     (d) David assured himself by the Spirit of prophecy that he
         should overcome his enemies and serve God in his
         tabernacle.

Ps 27:8
27:8 [When thou saidst], {e} Seek ye my face; my heart said unto
     thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

     (e) He grounds on God's promise and shows that he is most
         willing to obey his commandment.

Ps 27:10
27:10 {f} When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD
      will take me up.

      (f) He magnifies God's love toward his, which far passes
          the most tender love of parents towards their
          children.

Ps 27:12
27:12 Deliver me not over unto the {g} will of mine enemies: for
      false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as
      breathe out cruelty.

      (g) But either pacify their wrath, or bridle their rage.

Ps 27:13
27:13 [I had fainted], unless I had believed to see the goodness
      of the LORD {h} in the land of the living.

      (h) In this present life before I die, as in
          #Isa 38:11|.

Ps 27:14
27:14 {i} Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall
      strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

      (i) He exhorts himself to depend on the Lord seeing he
          never failed in his promises.

Ps 28:2
28:2 Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee,
     when I lift up my hands toward thy {b} holy oracle.

     (b) He counts himself as a dead man, till God shows his
         favour toward him, and grants him his petition.

Ps 28:3
28:3 {c} Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers
     of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but
     mischief [is] in their hearts.

     (c) Destroy not the good with the bad.

Ps 28:4
28:4 {d} Give them according to their deeds, and according to
     the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the
     work of their hands; render to them their desert.

     (d) He thus prayed in respect to God's glory and not for
         his own cause, being assured that God would punish the
         persecutors of his Church.

Ps 28:5
28:5 Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the
     operation of his hands, he shall {e} destroy them, and not
     build them up.

     (e) Let them be utterly destroyed as in #Mal 1:4|.

Ps 28:6
28:6 {f} Blessed [be] the LORD, because he hath heard the voice
     of my supplications.

     (f) Because he felt the assurance of God's help in his
         heart, his mouth was opened to sing his praises.

Ps 28:8
28:8 The LORD [is] {g} their strength, and he [is] the saving
     strength of his anointed.

     (g) Meaning his soldiers who were means by which God
         declared his power.

Ps 29:1
29:1 <<A Psalm of David.>> Give unto the LORD, O ye {a} mighty,
     give unto the LORD glory and strength.

     (a) He exhorts the proud tyrants to humble themselves under
         God's hand, and not to be inferior to brute beasts and
         dumb creatures.

Ps 29:3
29:3 The {b} voice of the LORD [is] upon the waters: the God of
     glory thundereth: the LORD [is] upon many waters.

     (b) The thunder claps that are heard out of the clouds
         should make the wicked tremble for fear of God's anger.

Ps 29:5
29:5 The {c} voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the
     LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.

     (c) That is, the thunderbolt breaks the most strong trees,
         and will men think their power able to resist God?

Ps 29:6
29:6 He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and {d}
     Sirion like a young unicorn.

     (d) Called also Hermon.

Ps 29:7
29:7 The voice of the LORD divideth the {e} flames of fire.

     (e) It causes the lightnings to shoot and glide.

Ps 29:8
29:8 The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD
     shaketh the wilderness of {f} Kadesh.

     (f) In places most desolate, where it seems there is no
         presence of God.

Ps 29:9
29:9 The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to {g} calve, and
     {h} discovereth the forests: and in his {i} temple doth
     every one speak of [his] glory.

     (g) For fear makes them deliver their calves.
     (h) Makes the trees bare, or pierces the most secret
         places.
     (i) Though the wicked are not moved by these lights, yet
         the faithful praise God.

Ps 29:10
29:10 The LORD sitteth upon the {k} flood; yea, the LORD sitteth
      King for ever.

      (k) To moderate the rage of the tempests and waters that
          they not destroy all.

Ps 30:1
30:1 <<A Psalm [and] Song [at] the dedication of the {a} house
     of David.>> I will extol thee, O LORD; {b} for thou hast
     lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.

     (a) After Absalom had polluted it with most filthy
         fornication.
     (b) He condemns them for great ingratitude who do not
         praise God for his benefits.

Ps 30:2
30:2 O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast {c} healed
     me.

     (c) Restored from the rebellion of Absalom.

Ps 30:3
30:3 O LORD, thou hast brought up my {d} soul from the grave:
     thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the
     pit.

     (d) Meaning, that he escaped death most narrowly.

Ps 30:4
30:4 Sing unto the LORD, O ye {e} saints of his, and give thanks
     at the remembrance of his holiness.

     (e) The word signifies them who have received mercy, and
         show mercy liberally to others.

Ps 30:6
30:6 And in my {g} prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.

     (g) I put too much confidence in my quiet state as in
         #Jer 31:18, 2Ch 32:24,25|.

Ps 30:7
30:7 LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my {h} mountain to stand
     strong: thou didst hide thy face, [and] I {i} was troubled.

     (h) I thought you had established me in Zion most surely.
     (i) After you had withdrawn your help, I felt my misery.

Ps 30:9
30:9 What profit [is there] in my blood, when I go down to the
     pit?  Shall the {k} dust praise thee? shall it declare thy
     truth?

     (k) David means 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.

Ps 30:12
30:12 To the end that [my] {l} glory may sing praise to thee,
      and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto
      thee for ever.

      (l) Because you have preserved me that my tongue should
          praise you, I will not be unmindful of my duty.

Ps 31:1
31:1 <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.>> In thee, O
     LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver
     me in thy {a} righteousness.

     (a) For then God declares himself just, when he preserves
         his as he has promised.

Ps 31:4
31:4 Pull me out of the {b} net that they have laid privily for
     me: for thou [art] my strength.

     (b) Preserve me from the crafty counsels and subtle practise
         of my enemies.

Ps 31:5
31:5 Into thine {c} hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed
     me, O LORD God of truth.

     (c) He desires God not only to take care of him in this
         life, but that his soul may be saved after this life.

Ps 31:6
31:6 I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I {d}
     trust in the LORD.

     (d) This affection should be in all God's children to hate
         whatever is not grounded on a sure trust in God, as
         deceitful and vain.

Ps 31:8
31:8 And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou
     hast set my feet in a {e} large room.

     (e) Largeness signifies comfort, as straitness, sorrow and
         peril.

Ps 31:9
31:9 Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine {f}
     eye is consumed with grief, [yea], my soul and my belly.

     (f) Meaning, that his sorrow and torment had continued a
         great while.

Ps 31:11
31:11 I was a {g} 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.

      (g) My enemies had drawn all men to their part against me,
          even my chief friends.

Ps 31:13
31:13 For I have heard the slander of {i} many: fear [was] on
      every side: while they took counsel together against me,
      they devised to take away my life.

      (i) They who were in authority condemned me as a wicked
          doer.

Ps 31:14
31:14 But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, {k} Thou [art] my
      God.

      (k) I had this testimony of conscience, that you would
          defend my innocence.

Ps 31:15
31:15 My {l} times [are] in thy hand: deliver me from the hand
      of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.

      (l) Whatever changes come, you govern them by your
          providence.

Ps 31:17
31:17 Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon
      thee: let the wicked be ashamed, [and] let them be {m}
      silent in the grave.

      (m) Let death destroy them to the intent that they may
          hurt no more.

Ps 31:19
31:19 [Oh] how great [is] thy goodness, which thou {n} hast laid
      up for them that fear thee; [which] thou hast wrought for
      them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

      (n) The treasures of God's mercy are always laid up
          in store for his children, even at all times they do
          not enjoy them.

Ps 31:20
31:20 Thou shalt hide them in the {o} secret of thy presence
      from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a
      pavilion from the strife of tongues.

      (o) That is, in a place where they will have your comfort,
          and be hid safely from the enemies pride.

Ps 31:21
31:21 Blessed [be] the LORD: for he hath shewed me his
      marvellous kindness in a {p} strong city.

      (p) Meaning, there was no city strong enough to preserve
          him, as the defence of God's favour.

Ps 31:22
31:22 For I said in my {q} haste, I am cut off from before thine
      eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my
      supplications when I cried unto thee.

      (q) And so by my rashness and infidelity deserved to have
          been forsaken.

Ps 31:24
31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall {r} strengthen your
      heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

      (r) Be constant in your calling, and God will confirm you
          with heavenly strength.

Ps 32:1
32:1 <<[A Psalm] of David, {a} Maschil.>> Blessed [is he whose]
     transgression [is] {b} forgiven, [whose] sin [is] covered.

     (a) Concerning the free remission of sins, which is the
         chief point of our faith.
     (b) To be justified by faith, is to have our sins freely
         remitted, and to be declared just, #Ro 4:6|.

Ps 32:3
32:3 When I kept {c} silence, my bones waxed old through my {d}
     roaring all the day long.

     (c) Between hope and despair.
     (d) Was not eased by silence nor crying, signifying that
         before the sinner is reconciled to God, he feels a
         perpetual torment.

Ps 32:5
32:5 I {e} acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have
     I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto
     the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

     (e) He shows that as God's mercy is the only cause of
         forgiveness of sins, so the means of it are repentance
         and confession which proceed from faith.

Ps 32:6
32:6 For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a
     {f} time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of
     great waters {g} they shall not come nigh unto him.

     (f) When necessity causes him to seek you for help,
         #Isa 55:6|.
     (g) That is, the waters and great dangers.

Ps 32:8
32:8 I will {h} instruct thee and teach thee in the way which
     thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

     (h) David promises 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.

Ps 32:9
32:9 Be ye not as the horse, [or] as the mule, [which] have no
     understanding: whose {i} mouth must be held in with bit and
     bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

     (i) If men can rule brute beasts, do they think that God
         will not bridle and tame their rage?

Ps 32:11
32:11 Be glad in the LORD, and {k} rejoice, ye righteous: and
      shout for joy, all [ye that are] upright in heart.

      (k) He shows that peace and joy of conscience in the Holy
          Spirit is the fruit of faith.

Ps 33:1
33:1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: [for] praise is {a}
     comely for the upright.

     (a) It is the duty of the godly to set forth the praises of
         God for his mercy and power showed to them.

Ps 33:2
33:2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery
     [and] an {b} instrument of ten strings.

     (b) To sing on instruments, was a part of the ceremonial
         service of the temple, which does not belong to us any
         more than the sacrifices, censors and light.

Ps 33:4
33:4 For the {c} word of the LORD [is] right; and all his {d}
     works [are done] in truth.

     (c) That is, counsel or command in governing the world.
     (d) That is, the effect and execution.

Ps 33:5
33:5 He {e} loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full
     of the goodness of the LORD.

     (e) However the world judges God's works, yet he does all
         things according to justice and mercy.

Ps 33:7
33:7 He {f} gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap:
     he layeth up the depth in storehouses.

     (f) By the creation of the heavens and beautiful ornament
         with the gathering also of the waters, he sets forth
         the power of God, that all creatures might fear him.

Ps 33:10
33:10 The LORD bringeth the {g} counsel of the heathen to
      nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none
      effect.

      (g) No counsel can prevail against God, but he deserves
          it, and it will have evil success.

Ps 33:12
33:12 Blessed [is] the nation whose {h} God [is] the LORD; [and]
      the people [whom] he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

      (h) He shows that all our happiness stands in this, that
          the Lord is our God.

Ps 33:13
33:13 The LORD {i} looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the
      sons of men.

      (i) He proves that all things are governed by God's
          providence and not by fortune.

Ps 33:15
33:15 He {k} fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all
      their works.

      (k) Therefore he knows their wicked enterprises.

Ps 33:16
33:16 There is no {l} king saved by the multitude of an host: a
      mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

      (l) If kings and the mighty of the world cannot be saved
          by worldly means, but only by God's providence, what
          do others have to trust in, who have not similar
          means?

Ps 33:18
33:18 Behold, {m} the eye of the LORD [is] upon them that fear
      him, upon them that hope in his mercy;

      (m) God shows his mercy toward his, which man by no means
          is able to compass.

Ps 33:20
33:20 {n} Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he [is] our help and
      our shield.

      (n) Thus he speaks in the name of the whole Church which
          only depends on God's providence.

Ps 34:1
34:1 <<[A Psalm] of David, when he changed his behaviour before
     Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed.>> I will
     bless the LORD {a} at all times: his praise [shall]
     continually [be] in my mouth.

     (a) He promised never to become unmindful of God's great
         benefit for his deliverance.

Ps 34:2
34:2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the {b} humble
     shall hear [thereof], and be glad.

     (b) They who are beaten down with the experience of their
         own evils.

Ps 34:4
34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from
     all my {c} fears.

     (c) Which I conceived for the danger I was in.

Ps 34:5
34:5 They {d} looked unto him, and were lightened: and their
     faces were not ashamed.

     (d) They will be bold to flee to you for help, when they
         see your mercies toward me.

Ps 34:7
34:7 The {e} angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that
     fear him, and delivereth them.

     (e) Though God's power is sufficient to govern us, yet for
         man's infirmity he appoints his angels to watch over
         us.

Ps 34:10
34:10 The young {f} lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they
      that seek the LORD shall not {g} want any good [thing].

      (f) The godly by their patient obedience profit more than
          they who ravage and spoil.
      (g) If they abide the last trial.

Ps 34:11
34:11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the
      {h} fear of the LORD.

      (h) That is, the true religion and worship of God.

Ps 34:12
34:12 What man [is he that] desireth life, [and] loveth [many]
      days, that he may {i} see good?

      (i) Seeing all men naturally desire happiness, he wonders
          why they cast themselves willingly into misery.

Ps 34:16
34:16 The {k} face of the LORD [is] against them that do evil,
      to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

      (k) The anger of God not only destroys the wicked, but
          also abolishes their name forever.

Ps 34:18
34:18 The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a {l} broken
      heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

      (l) When they seem to be swallowed up with afflictions,
          then God is at hand to deliver them.

Ps 34:20
34:20 {m} He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.

      (m) And as Christ says, all the hairs of his head.

Ps 34:21
34:21 Evil shall slay the {n} wicked: and they that hate the
      righteous shall be desolate.

      (n) Their wicked enterprises will turn to their own
          destruction.

Ps 34:22
34:22 The LORD {o} redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none
      of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

      (o) For when they seem to be overcome with great dangers
          and death itself, then God shows himself as their
          redeemer.

Ps 35:1
35:1 <<[A Psalm] of David.>> Plead [my {a} cause], O LORD, with
     them that strive with me: fight against them that fight
     against me.

     (a) He desires God to undertake his cause against them who
         persecute him and slander him.

Ps 35:2
35:2 {b} Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine
     help.

     (b) Even though God can with his breath destroy all his
         enemies, yet the Holy Spirit attributes to him these
         outward weapons to assure us of his patient power.

Ps 35:3
35:3 Draw out also the spear, and stop [the way] against them
     that persecute me: say unto my {c} soul, I [am] thy
     salvation.

     (c) Assure me against these temptations, that you are the
         author of my salvation.

Ps 35:5
35:5 Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of
     the LORD {d} chase [them].

     (d) Smite them with the spirit of giddiness that their
         enterprises may be foolish, and they received just
         reward.

Ps 35:7
35:7 For {e} without cause have they hid for me their net [in] a
     pit, [which] without cause they have digged for my soul.

     (e) Showing that we may not call God to be a revenger but
         only for his glory, and when our cause is just.

Ps 35:8
35:8 Let destruction come upon {f} him at unawares; and let his
     net that he hath hid catch himself: into {g} that very
     destruction let him fall.

     (f) When he promises peace to himself.
     (g) Which he prepared against the children of God.

Ps 35:10
35:10 All my {h} 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?

      (h) He attributes his deliverance only to God, praising
          him therefore both in soul and body.

Ps 35:11
35:11 {i} False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge
      [things] that I knew not.

      (i) That would not permit me to purge myself.

Ps 35:12
35:12 They rewarded me evil for good [to] the {k} spoiling of my
      soul.

      (k) To have taken from me all comfort and brought me into
          despair.

Ps 35:13
35:13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing [was]
      sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and {l} my
      prayer returned into mine own bosom.

      (l) I prayed for them with inward affection, as I would
          have done for myself: or, I declared my affection with
          bowing down my head.

Ps 35:15
35:15 But in mine {m} adversity they rejoiced, and gathered
      themselves together: [yea], the abjects gathered
      themselves together against me, and I knew [it] not; they
      did tear {n} [me], and ceased not:

      (m) When they thought me ready to slip and as one that
          limped for infirmity.
      (n) With their railing words.

Ps 35:16
35:16 With hypocritical mockers in {o} feasts, they gnashed upon
      me with their teeth.

      (o) The word signifies cakes: meaning that the proud
          courtiers at their dainty feasts scoff, rail, and
          conspire his death.

Ps 35:19
35:19 Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over
      me: [neither] let them {p} wink with the eye that hate me
      without a cause.

      (p) In token of contempt and mocking.

Ps 35:21
35:21 Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, [and] said,
      Aha, aha, {q} our eye hath seen [it].

      (q) They rejoiced as though they had now seen David
          overthrown.

Ps 35:24
35:24 Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy {r}
      righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.

      (r) It is the justice of God to give to the oppressors
          affliction and torment, and to the oppressed aid and
          relief, #2Th 1:6|.

Ps 35:25
35:25 Let them not say in their hearts, {s} Ah, so would we have
      it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.

      (s) Because we have that which we sought for, seeing he is
          destroyed.

Ps 35:26
35:26 Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion {t} together
      that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed {u} with
      shame and dishonour that magnify [themselves] against me.

      (t) That is, at once, were they never so many or mighty.
      (u) This prayer will always be verified against them who
          persecute the faithful.

Ps 35:27
35:27 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, {x} that favour my
      righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the
      LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the {y}
      prosperity of his servant.

      (x) That at least favour my right, though they are not
          able to help me.
      (y) He exhorts the Church to praise God for the
          deliverance of his servants, and for the destruction
          of his adversaries.

Ps 36:1
36:1 <<To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David the servant of
     the LORD.>> The transgression of the wicked saith {a}
     within my heart, [that there is] no fear of God before his
     eyes.

     (a) I see evidently by his deeds, that sin pushes forward
         the reprobate from wickedness to wickedness, even
         though he goes about to cover his impiety.

Ps 36:2
36:2 For he {b} flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his
     iniquity be found to be hateful.

     (b) Though all others detest his vile sin, yet he himself
         sees it not.

Ps 36:3
36:3 The words of his mouth [are] iniquity and {c} deceit: he
     hath left off to be wise, [and] to do good.

     (c) The reprobates mock wholesome doctrine, and put no
         difference between good and evil.

Ps 36:4
36:4 He {d} deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself
     in a way [that is] not good; he abhorreth not evil.

     (d) By describing at large the nature of the reprobate, he
         admonishes the godly to beware of these vices.

Ps 36:5
36:5 Thy {e} mercy, O LORD, [is] in the heavens; [and] thy
     faithfulness [reacheth] unto the clouds.

     (e) Though wickedness seems to overflow all the world, yet
         by your heavenly providence you govern heaven and
         earth.

Ps 36:6
36:6 Thy righteousness [is] like the great mountains; thy
     judgments [are] a great {f} deep: O LORD, thou preservest
     man and beast.

     (f) The depth of your providence governs all things, and
         disposes them, even though the wicked seem to overwhelm
         the world.

Ps 36:8
36:8 They shall be abundantly {g} satisfied with the fatness of
     thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of
     thy pleasures.

     (g) Only God's children have enough of all things both
         concerning this life and the life to come.

Ps 36:10
36:10 O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that {h} know
      thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.

      (h) He shows who God's children are, that is, they who
          know him, and live their lives uprightly.

Ps 36:11
36:11 Let not the {i} foot of pride come against me, and let not
      the hand of the wicked remove me.

      (i) Let not the proud advance himself against me, or the
          power of the wicked drive me away.

Ps 36:12
36:12 {k} There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are
      cast down, and shall not be able to rise.

      (k) That is, in their pride in which they flatter
          themselves.

Ps 37:1
37:1 <<[A Psalm] of David.>> Fret not {a} thyself because of
     evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of
     iniquity.

     (a) He admonishes us neither to vex ourselves for the
         prosperous estate of the wicked, or to desire to be
         like them to make our estate better.

Ps 37:2
37:2 For they shall soon be {b} cut down like the grass, and
     wither as the green herb.

     (b) For God's judgment cuts down their state in a moment.

Ps 37:3
37:3 {c} Trust in the LORD, and do good; [so] shalt thou dwell
     in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

     (c) To trust in God and do according to his will are sure
         signs that his providence will never fail us.

Ps 37:5
37:5 {d} Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he
     shall bring [it] to pass.

     (d) Do not be led by your own wisdom, but obey God and he
         will finish his work in you.

Ps 37:6
37:6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light,
     and thy {e} judgment as the noonday.

     (e) As the hope of daylight causes 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.

Ps 37:7
37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not
     thyself because of him {f} who prospereth in his way,
     because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

     (f) When God allows the wicked to prosper, it seems to the
         flesh that he favours their doings, #Job 21:7|.

Ps 37:8
37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: {g} fret not thyself
     in any wise to do evil.

     (g) Meaning, unless he moderates his affection, he will be
         led to do as they do.

Ps 37:10
37:10 {h} For yet a little while, and the wicked [shall] not
      [be]: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and
      it [shall] not [be].

      (y) He corrects the impatience of our nature, which cannot
          abide till the fulness of God's time is come.

Ps 37:12
37:12 {i} The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth
      upon him with his teeth.

      (i) The godly are assured that the power and craft of the
          wicked will not prevail against them, but fall on
          their own necks and therefore should patiently abide
          God's time, and in the meanwhile bewail their sins,
          and offer up their tears as a sacrifice of their
          obedience.

Ps 37:16
37:16 {k} A little that a righteous man hath [is] better than
      the riches of many wicked.

      (k) For they are daily fed as with manna from heaven and
          have sufficient, while the wicked never have enough,
          but always hunger.

Ps 37:18
37:18 The LORD {l} knoweth the days of the upright: and their
      inheritance shall be for ever.

      (l) God knows what dangers hang over his, and by what
          means to deliver them.

Ps 37:19
37:19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the
      days of famine they shall {m} be satisfied.

      (m) For God will give them contented minds, and that which
          will be necessary.

Ps 37:20
37:20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD
      [shall be] as the {n} fat of lambs: they shall consume;
      into smoke shall they consume away.

      (n) They will vanish away suddenly for they are fed for
          the day of slaughter.

Ps 37:21
37:21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the
      righteous sheweth mercy, and {o} giveth.

      (o) God so furnishes him with high blessings, that he is
          able to help others.

Ps 37:23
37:23 {p} The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and
      he delighteth in his way.

      (p) God prospers the faithful because they walk in his
          ways with an upright conscience.

Ps 37:24
37:24 Though he {q} fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for
      the LORD upholdeth [him with] his hand.

      (q) When God exercises his faith with various temptations.

Ps 37:25
37:25 I have been young, and [now] am old; yet have I not seen
      the righteous forsaken, nor his {r} seed begging bread.

      (r) 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 recompenses
          him with spiritual treasures.

Ps 37:29
37:29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein
      {s} for ever.

      (s) They will continually be preserved under God's wings,
          and have at least inward rest.

Ps 37:30
37:30 The {t} mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his
      tongue talketh of judgment.

      (t) These three points are required from the faithful,
          that their talk is godly, that God's law is in their
          heart, and that their life is upright.

Ps 37:33
37:33 The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him
      when he is {u} judged.

      (u) For though it is sometimes so expedient both for God's
          glory and their salvation, yet he will approve their
          cause and avenge their wrong.

Ps 37:36
37:36 Yet he {x} passed away, and, lo, he [was] not: yea, I
      sought him, but he could not be found.

      (x) So that the prosperity of the wicked is but as a
          cloud, which vanishes away in a moment.

Ps 37:37
37:37 {y} Mark the perfect [man], and behold the upright: for
      the end of [that] man [is] peace.

      (y) He exhorts the faithful to mark diligently the
          examples both of God's mercies, and also of his
          judgments.

Ps 37:39
37:39 But the {z} salvation of the righteous [is] of the LORD:
      [he is] their strength in the time of trouble.

      (z) He shows that the patient hope of the godly is never
          in vain, but in the end has good success, though for a
          time God proves them by various temptations.

Ps 38:1
38:1 <<A Psalm of David, to bring to {a} remembrance.>> O LORD,
     rebuke me not in thy {b} wrath: neither chasten me in thy
     hot displeasure.

     (a) To put himself and others in mind of God's chastisement
         for sin.
     (b) He desires not to be exempted from God's rod, but that
         he would so moderate his hand, that he might be able to
         bear it.

Ps 38:2
38:2 For thine {c} arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand
     presseth me sore.

     (c) Your sickness, with which you have visited me.

Ps 38:3
38:3 [There is] no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger;
     neither [is there any] rest in my bones because of my {d}
     sin.

     (d) David acknowledges God to be just in his punishments,
         because his sins had deserved much more.

Ps 38:4
38:4 For mine {e} iniquities are gone over mine head: as an
     heavy burden they are too heavy for me.

     (e) He confesses his sins, God's justice, and makes prayer
         his refuge.

Ps 38:5
38:5 My wounds stink [and] are corrupt because of {f} my
     foolishness.

     (f) That rather gave place to my own lusts, than to the
         will of God.

Ps 38:8
38:8 I am feeble and sore broken: I {g} have roared by reason of
     the disquietness of my heart.

     (g) This example warns us never to despair, no matter how
         great the torment: but always to cry to God with sure
         trust for deliverance.

Ps 38:10
38:10 My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light
      of mine eyes, {h} it also is gone from me.

      (h) My sight fails me for sorrow.

Ps 38:11
38:11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my
      {i} kinsmen stand afar off.

      (i) Partly for fear and partly for pride, they denied all
          duty and friendship.

Ps 38:13
38:13 But I, as a {k} deaf [man], heard not; and [I was] as a
      dumb man [that] openeth not his mouth.

      (k) For I can have no audience before men, and therefore
          patiently wait for the help of God.

Ps 38:16
38:16 For I said, [Hear me], lest [otherwise] they should
      rejoice over me: {l} when my foot slippeth, they magnify
      [themselves] against me.

      (l) That is, if they see that you do not help me in time,
          they will mock and triumph as though you had forsaken
          me.

Ps 38:17
38:17 For I [am] ready to {m} halt, and my sorrow [is]
      continually before me.

      (m) I am without hope to recover my strength.

Ps 38:19
38:19 But mine {n} enemies [are] lively, [and] they are strong:
      and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.

      (n) In my greatest misery they most rejoice.

Ps 38:20
38:20 They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries;
      because I follow [the thing that] {o} good [is].

      (o) He would rather have the hatred of all the world, than
          fail in any part of his duty to God.

Ps 38:22
38:22 Make haste to help me, O Lord my {p} salvation.

      (p) Who is the author of my salvation: and this declares
          that he prayed with sure hope of deliverance.

Ps 39:1
39:1 <<To the chief Musician, [even] to {a} Jeduthun, A Psalm of
     David.>> I said, {b} I will take heed to my ways, that I
     sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle,
     while the wicked is before me.

     (a) This was one of the chief singers, #1Ch 16:41|.
     (b) Although he had appointed with himself patiently to
         have wait for God's timing, yet the vehemency of his
         pain caused him to break his purpose.

Ps 39:2
39:2 I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, [even] from good;
     {c} and my sorrow was stirred.

     (c) Though when the wicked ruled he thought to have kept
         silence, yet his zeal caused him to change his mind.

Ps 39:3
39:3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire
     burned: [then] {d} spake I with my tongue,

     (d) He confesses that he grudged against God, considering
         the greatness of his sorrows, and the shortness of his
         life.

Ps 39:5
39:5 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 {e} vanity. Selah.

     (e) Yet David offended in that he reasoned with God as
         though he were too severe toward his weak creature.

Ps 39:8
39:8 Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the
     reproach of the {f} foolish.

     (f) Do not make me a laughing stock to the wicked, wrap me
         up with the wicked when they are put to shame.

Ps 39:9
39:9 I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because {g} thou didst
     [it].

     (g) Seeing my troubles came from your providence, I ought
         to have endured them patiently.

Ps 39:11
39:11 When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou
      {h} makest his {i} beauty to consume away like a moth:
      surely every man [is] vanity. Selah.

      (h) Though your open plagues do not light on them forever,
          yet your secret curse continually frets them.
      (i) The word signifies all that he desires, as health,
          force, strength, beauty, and in whatever he has
          delight, so that the rod of God takes away all that is
          desired in this world.

Ps 39:13
39:13 O spare me, that I may recover strength, {k} before I go
      hence, and be no more.

      (k) For his sorrow caused him to think that God would
          destroy him completely, by which we see how hard it is
          for the saints to keep a measure in their words, when
          death and despair assails them.

Ps 40:1
40:1 <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.>> I waited {a}
     patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard
     my cry.

     (a) Though God deferred his help, yet he patiently abode
         till he was heard.

Ps 40:2
40:2 He brought me up also out of an {b} horrible pit, out of
     the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, [and]
     established my goings.

     (b) He has delivered me from great dangers.

Ps 40:3
40:3 And he hath put {c} a new song in my mouth, [even] praise
     unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall
     trust in the LORD.

     (c) That is, a special opportunity to praise him, for God's
         benefits are so many opportunities for us to praise his
         Name.

Ps 40:4
40:4 Blessed [is] that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and
     respecteth {d} not the proud, nor such as turn aside to
     lies.

     (d) To follow their example, which he must do who trusts
         not only in the Lord.

Ps 40:5
40:5 Many, {e} 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: [if] I would
     declare and speak [of them], they are more than can be
     numbered.

     (e) David goes from one king of God's favour to the
         contemplation of his providence over all, and confesses
         that his counsels toward us are far above our
         capacities, we cannot so much as tell them in order.

Ps 40:6
40:6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; {f} mine ears
     hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou
     not required.

     (f) You have opened my ears to understand the spiritual
         meaning of the sacrifices: and here David esteems the
         ceremonies of the law as nothing in respect to the
         spiritual service.

Ps 40:7
40:7 {g} Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book [it
     is] written of me,

     (g) When you had opened my ears and heart, I was ready to
         obey you, being assured that I was written in the book
         of your elect for this end.

Ps 40:9
40:9 I have preached righteousness in the {h} great
     congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD,
     thou knowest.

     (h) In the Church assembled in the sanctuary.

Ps 40:10
40:10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have
      declared thy {i} faithfulness and thy salvation: I have
      not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the
      great congregation.

      (i) David here numbers three degrees of our salvation:
          God's mercy, by which he pities us, his righteousness
          which signifies his continual protection and his
          truth, by which appears his constant favour, so that
          from this our salvation proceeds.

Ps 40:12
40:12 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 {k} faileth me.

      (k) Concerning the judgment of the flesh, I was utterly
          destitute of all counsel, yet faith inwardly moved my
          heart to pray.

Ps 40:14
40:14 Let them be {l} 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.

      (l) He desires that God's mercy may contend for him against
          the rage of his enemies.

Ps 40:15
40:15 Let them be {m} desolate for a reward of their shame that
      say unto me, Aha, aha.

      (m) Let the same shame and confusion come on them, which
          they intended to have brought on me.

Ps 40:16
40:16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee:
      let such as love thy salvation say continually, {n} The
      LORD be magnified.

      (n) As the faithful always praise God for his benefits, so
          the wicked mocked God's children in their afflictions.

Ps 41:1
41:1 <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.>> Blessed [is]
     he that {a} considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him
     in time of trouble.

     (a) Not condemning him as accused whom God visits, knowing
         that there are various reasons why God lays his hand on
         us, yea and afterwards he restores us.

Ps 41:3
41:3 The LORD will strengthen him upon the {b} bed of
     languishing: thou wilt make all his {c} bed in his
     sickness.

     (b) When for sorrow and grief of mind he calls himself on
         his bed.
     (c) You have restored him in his sick bed and sent him
         comfort.

Ps 41:5
41:5 Mine enemies {d} speak evil of me, When shall he die, and
     his name perish?

     (d) That is, curse me and cannot have their cruel hate
         quenched but with my shameful death.

Ps 41:6
41:6 And if he come to see [me], he speaketh {e} vanity: his
     heart gathereth iniquity to itself; [when] he goeth abroad,
     he telleth [it].

     (e) For pretending to comfort me, he conspires my death in
         his heart, and brags of it.

Ps 41:8
41:8 {f} An evil disease, [say they], cleaveth fast unto him:
     and [now] that he lieth he shall rise up no more.

     (f) The enemies thought by his sharp punishments that God
         had become his mortal enemy.

Ps 41:9
41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did
     eat of my bread, {g} hath lifted up [his] heel against me.

     (g) As David felt this falsehood, and as it was chiefly
         accomplished in Christ, #Joh 13:18| so shall his
         members continually prove the same.

Ps 41:12
41:12 And as for me, thou upholdest me {h} in mine integrity,
      and settest me before thy {i} face for ever.

      (h) Meaning, either in prosperity of life or in the true
          fear of God against all temptation.
      (i) Showing me evident signs of your fatherly providence.

Ps 41:13
41:13 Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and
      to everlasting. {k} Amen, and Amen.

      (k) By this repetition he stirs up the faithful to praise
          God.

Ps 42:1
42:1 <<To the chief Musician, Maschil, {a} for the sons of
     Korah.>> As the hart {b} panteth after the water brooks, so
     panteth my soul after thee, O God.

     (a) As a treasure to be kept by them, who were of the
         number of the Levites.
     (b) By these comparisons of the thirst and panting, he
         shows his fervent desire to serve God in his temple.

Ps 42:3
42:3 {c} My tears have been my meat day and night, while they
     continually say unto me, Where [is] thy God?

     (c) As others take pleasure in eating and drinking, so he
         was altogether given to weeping.

Ps 42:4
42:4 When I remember {d} these [things], I pour out my soul in
     me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to
     the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a
     multitude that kept holyday.

     (d) That is, how I led the people to serve you in your
         tabernacle, and now seeing my contrary estate, I die
         for sorrow.

Ps 42:5
42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and [why] art thou
     disquieted in me? {e} hope thou in God: for I shall yet
     praise him [for] the help of his countenance.

     (e) Though he sustained grievous assaults of the flesh to
         cast him into despair, yet his faith grounded on God's
         accustomed mercies gets the victory.

Ps 42:6
42:6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: {f} therefore
     will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the
     Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.

     (f) That is, when I remember you in this land of my
         banishment among the mountains.

Ps 42:7
42:7 {g} Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts:
     all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.

     (g) Afflictions came so thick upon me that I felt
         overwhelmed: by which he shows there is no end to our
         misery till God is pacified and sends help.

Ps 42:8
42:8 [Yet] the LORD {h} will command his lovingkindness in the
     daytime, and in the night his song [shall be] with me,
     [and] my prayer unto the God of my life.

     (h) He assures himself of God's help in time to come.

Ps 42:10
42:10 [As] with a sword in my {i} bones, mine enemies reproach
      me; while they say daily unto me, Where [is] thy God?

      (i) That is, I am most grievously tormented.

Ps 42:11
42:11 {k} 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 health of my countenance, and my
      God.

      (k) This repetition declares that David did not overcome
          at once, to teach us to be constant, for as much as
          God will certainly deliver his.

Ps 43:1
43:1 Judge {a} me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly
     {b} nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.

     (a) He desires God to undertake his cause against the
         enemies but chiefly that he would restore him to the
         tabernacle.
     (b) That is, the cruel company of my enemies.

Ps 43:3
43:3 O send out thy {c} light and thy truth: let them lead me;
     let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy
     tabernacles.

     (c) That is, your favour which appears by the performance
         of your promises.

Ps 43:4
43:4 Then {d} will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my
     exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God
     my God.

     (d) He promises to offer a solemn sacrifice of thanksgiving
         in token of his great deliverance.

Ps 43:5
43:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou
     disquieted within me? {e} hope in God: for I shall yet
     praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my
     God.

     (e) By which he admonishes the faithful not to relent but
         constantly to wait on the Lord, though their troubles
         are long and great.

Ps 44:1
44:1 <<To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil.>>
     We have heard with our {a} ears, O God, our fathers have
     told us, [what] work thou didst in their days, in the times
     of old.

     (a) This psalm seems 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 similar afflictions.

Ps 44:2
44:2 [How] thou didst drive out the {b} heathen with thy hand,
     and plantedst {c} them; [how] thou didst afflict the {d}
     people, and (e) cast them out.

     (b) That is, the Canaanites.
     (c) That is, our fathers.
     (d) Of Canaan.
     (e) That is, our fathers.

Ps 44:3
44:3 For they got not the land in possession 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 hadst a {f} favour unto them.

     (f) God's free mercy and love is the only fountain and
         beginning of the Church, #De 4:37|.

Ps 44:4
44:4 Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for {g}
     Jacob.

     (g) Because you are our king, therefore deliver your people
         from their misery.

Ps 44:5
44:5 {h} Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy
     name will we tread them under that rise up against us.

     (h) Because they and their forefathers made both one
         Church, they apply that to themselves which before they
         attributed to their fathers.

Ps 44:9
44:9 But thou hast cast off, and put us to {i} shame; and goest
     not forth with our armies.

     (i) As they confessed before that their strength came from
         God, so now they acknowledge that this affliction came
         by his just judgment.

Ps 44:11
44:11 Thou hast given us {k} like sheep [appointed] for meat;
      and hast scattered us among the heathen.

      (k) Knowing God to be author of this calamity, they murmur
          not, but seek remedy at his hands who wounded them.

Ps 44:12
44:12 Thou sellest thy people {l} for nought, and dost not
      increase [thy wealth] by their price.

      (l) As slaves who are sold for a low price, you do not
          look for him who offers the most, but take the first
          offer.

Ps 44:15
44:15 My {m} confusion [is] continually before me, and the shame
      of my face hath covered me,

      (m) I dare not lift up my head for shame.

Ps 44:16
44:16 For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth; by
      reason of the enemy and {n} avenger.

      (n) Meaning, the proud and cruel tyrant.

Ps 44:17
44:17 All this is come upon us; yet have we not {o} forgotten
      thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant.

      (o) They boast not of their virtues, but declare that they
          rest on God in the midst of their affliction: who did
          not punished their sins now, but by hard afflictions
          called them to the consideration of the heavenly joys.

Ps 44:20
44:20 If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out
      our hands to a {p} strange god;

      (p) They show that they honoured God correctly, because
          they trusted in him alone.

Ps 44:21
44:21 Shall not God {q} search this out? for he knoweth the
      secrets of the heart.

      (q) They take God to witness that they were upright toward
          him.

Ps 44:22
44:22 Yea, for thy sake {r} are we killed all the day long; we
      are counted as sheep for the slaughter.

      (r) The faithful take comfort in this, that the wicked
          punish them not for their sins, but for because of
          God, #Mt 5:10, 1Pe 4:14|.

Ps 44:25
44:25 For our soul is {s} bowed down to the dust: our belly
      cleaveth unto the earth.

      (s) There is no hope of recovery, unless you raise us up
          with your hand.

Ps 44:26
44:26 Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy {t} mercies'
      sake.

      (t) Which is the only sufficient ransom to deliver both
          body and souls from all kinds of slavery and misery.

Ps 45:1
45:1 <<To the chief Musician upon {a} Shoshannim, for the sons
     of Korah, Maschil, A Song of {b} loves.>> My heart is
     inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have
     made touching the king: my tongue [is] the pen of a ready
     writer.

     (a) This was a certain tune of an instrument.
     (b) Of that perfect love that ought to be between the
         husband and the wife.

Ps 45:2
45:2 Thou art {c} fairer than the children of men: grace is
     poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for
     ever.

     (c) Solomon's beauty and eloquence to win favour with his
         people, and his power to overcome his enemies, is here
         described.

Ps 45:4
45:4 And in thy majesty {d} ride prosperously because of truth
     and meekness [and] righteousness; and thy right hand shall
     teach thee terrible things.

     (d) He alludes to them, who ride in chariots in their
         triumphs, showing that the quiet state of a kingdom
         stands in truth, meekness and justice, and not in
         worldly pomp and vanity.

Ps 45:6
45:6 Thy {e} throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: the sceptre
     of thy kingdom [is] a right sceptre.

     (e) Under this figure of this kingdom of justice is set
         forth the everlasting kingdom of Christ.

Ps 45:7
45:7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore
     God, thy God, hath {f} anointed thee with the oil of
     gladness above thy fellows.

     (f) Has established your kingdom as the figure of Christ,
         which is the peace and joy of the Church.

Ps 45:8
45:8 All thy garments [smell] of myrrh, and aloes, [and] cassia,
     out of the ivory palaces, {g} whereby they have made thee
     glad.

     (g) In which the people made you joyful to see them give
         thanks and rejoice for you.

Ps 45:9
45:9 Kings' daughters [were] among thy honourable women: upon
     thy right hand did stand the {h} queen in gold of Ophir.

     (h) Though he had many king's daughters among his wives,
         yet he found Pharaoh's daughter best.

Ps 45:10
45:10 {i} Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine
      ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house;

      (i) Under the figure of Pharaoh's daughter, he shows that
          the Church must cast off all carnal affections to obey
          Christ only.

Ps 45:12
45:12 And the {k} daughter of Tyre [shall be there] with a gift;
      [even] the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.

      (k) He signifies that many of those who are rich will be
          benefactors to the Church, although they do not give
          perfect obedience to the Gospel.

Ps 45:13
45:13 The king's daughter [is] all glorious {l} within: her
      clothing [is] of wrought gold.

      (l) There is nothing feigned or hypocritical but she is
          glorious both within and without: and even though the
          Church has not always had this outward glory, the
          fault is to be imputed only to their own ingratitude.

Ps 45:16
45:16 Instead of thy fathers shall be thy {m} children, whom
      thou mayest make princes {n} in all the earth.

      (m) They will have greater graces than their fathers.
      (n) He signifies the great compass of Christ's kingdom,
          which will be sufficient to enrich all his members.

Ps 45:17
45:17 I will make thy {o} name to be remembered in all
      generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for
      ever and ever.

      (o) This must only be referred to Christ and not to
          Solomon.

Ps 46:1
46:1 <<To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon
     {a} Alamoth.>> God [is] our refuge and strength, a very
     present help in {b} trouble.

     (a) Which was either a musical instrument or a solemn tune,
         to which this psalm was sung.
     (b) In all manner of troubles God shows his speedy mercy
         and power in defending his.

Ps 46:2
46:2 Therefore will not we {c} fear, though the earth be
     removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst
     of the sea;

     (c) That is, we will not be overcome with fear.

Ps 46:3
46:3 [Though] the waters thereof {d} roar [and] be troubled,
     [though] the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.
     Selah.

     (d) Though the afflictions rage, yet the rivers of God's
         mercies bring sufficient comfort to his.

Ps 46:4
46:4 [There is] a {e} river, the streams whereof shall make glad
     the city of God, the holy [place] of the tabernacles of the
     most High.

     (e) The river of Shiloh, which passed through Jerusalem:
         meaning, though the defence seems small, yet if God has
         appointed it, it is sufficient.

Ps 46:5
46:5 God [is] in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God
     shall help her, [and that] {f} right early.

     (f) Always when need requires.

Ps 46:7
46:7 The LORD of hosts [is] {g} with us; the God of Jacob [is]
     our refuge.  Selah.

     (g) They are assured that God can and will defend his
         Church from all dangers and enemies.

Ps 46:8
46:8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, {h} what desolations he
     hath made in the earth.

     (h) That is, how often he has destroyed his enemies, and
         delivered his people.

Ps 46:10
46:10 Be {i} still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted
      among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

      (i) He warns them who persecute the Church to cease their
          cruelty: for also they will feel that God is too
          strong for them against whom they fight.

Ps 47:1
47:1 <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.>> O
     {a} clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the
     voice of triumph.

     (a) Here is figured Christ to whom all his should give
         willing obedience, and who would show himself terrible
         to the wicked.

Ps 47:3
47:3 He shall {b} subdue the people under us, and the nations
     under our feet.

     (b) He has made the Jews who were the keepers of the law
         and prophets, schoolmasters to the Gentiles, that they
         would with gladness obey them.

Ps 47:4
47:4 He shall choose {c} our inheritance for us, the excellency
     of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.

     (c) God has chosen us above all other nations, to enjoy a
         most glorious inheritance.

Ps 47:5
47:5 God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the {d} sound of
     a trumpet.

     (d) He alludes to the trumpets that were blown at solemn
         feasts: but he further signifies the triumph of Christ
         and his glorious ascension into the heavens.

Ps 47:7
47:7 For God [is] the King of all the earth: sing ye praises
     with {e} understanding.

     (e) He requires that understanding be joined with singing,
         lest the Name of God be profaned with vain crying.

Ps 47:9
47:9 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 {f} is greatly exalted.

     (f) He praises God's highness, for that he joins the great
         princes of the world (whom he calls shields) to the
         fellowship of his Church.

Ps 48:1
48:1 <<{a} A Song [and] Psalm for the sons of Korah.>> Great
     [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the {b} city of
     our God, [in] the mountain of his holiness.

     (a) 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 song of the psalm is
         when the instruments begin and the voice follows.
     (b) Even though God shows his wonders through all the
         world, yet he will be chiefly praised in his Church.

Ps 48:2
48:2 Beautiful for situation, the {c} joy of the whole earth,
     [is] mount Zion, [on] the sides of the north, the city of
     the great King.

     (c) Because the word of salvation came there to all who
         would believe.

Ps 48:3
48:3 God is known in her palaces for a {d} refuge.

     (d) Unless God is the defence of it, neither situation nor
         munition can prevail.

Ps 48:4
48:4 For, lo, the kings were {e} assembled, they passed by
     together.

     (e) They conspired and went against God's people.

Ps 48:5
48:5 They saw [{f} it, and] so they marvelled; they were
     troubled, [and] hasted away.

     (f) The enemies were afraid at the sight of the city.

Ps 48:7
48:7 Thou breakest the ships {g} of Tarshish with an east wind.

     (g) That is, of Cilicia or of the Mediterranean sea.

Ps 48:8
48:8 As we have {h} 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.

     (h) That is, of our fathers: so have we proved: or God has
         performed his promise.

Ps 48:10
48:10 According to thy name, O God, so [is] thy praise unto the
      ends of the {i} earth: thy right hand is full of
      righteousness.

      (i) In all places where your Name will be heard of, men
          will praise you when they hear of your marvellous
          works.

Ps 48:11
48:11 Let {k} mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be
      glad, because of thy judgments.

      (k) Let Jerusalem and the cities of Judea rejoice, for
          your just judgments against your enemies.

Ps 48:12
48:12 {l} Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the
      towers thereof.

      (l) For in this outward defence and strength God's
          blessings also appeared, but the chief is to be
          referred to God's favour and secret defence, who never
          leaves his.

Ps 49:1
49:1 <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.>>
     Hear {a} this, all [ye] people; give ear, all [ye]
     inhabitants of the world:

     (a) He will intreat how God governs the world by his
         providence which cannot be perceived by the judgment of
         the flesh.

Ps 49:5
49:5 Wherefore should I {b} fear in the days of evil, [when] the
     iniquity of my heels shall compass me about?

     (b) Though wickedness reigns and enemies rage, seeing God
         will execute his judgments against the wicked at a
         suitable time.

Ps 49:6
49:6 They that trust in their {c} wealth, and boast themselves
     in the multitude of their riches;

     (c) To trust in riches is madness, seeing they can neither
         restore life, nor prolong it.

Ps 49:8
49:8 (For the redemption of their soul [is] {d} precious, {e}
     and it ceaseth for ever:)

     (d) That is, so rare or not to be found, as prophecy was
         precious in the days of Eli, #1Sa 3:1|.
     (e) Meaning it is impossible to live for ever: also that
         life and death are only in God's hands.

Ps 49:10
49:10 For he seeth [that] wise men {f} die, likewise the fool
      and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to
      {g} others.

      (f) In that that death makes no difference between the
          persons.
      (g) That is, not to their children, but to strangers. Yet
          the wicked profit not by these examples, but still
          dream of immortality on earth.

Ps 49:12
49:12 Nevertheless man [being] in honour abideth not: he is like
      the {h} beasts [that] perish.

      (h) Concerning the death of the body.

Ps 49:13
49:13 This their way [is] their folly: yet their posterity {i}
      approve their sayings. Selah.

      (i) They speak and do the same thing that their fathers
          did.

Ps 49:14
49:14 {k} Like sheep they are laid in the grave; {l} death shall
      feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over
      them in the {m} morning; and their beauty shall consume in
      the grave from their dwelling.

      (k) As sheep are gathered into the fold, so shall they be
          brought to the grave.
      (l) Because they have no part of life everlasting.
      (m) Christ's coming is as the morning, when the elect will
          reign with Christ their head over the wicked.

Ps 49:18
49:18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and {n} [men]
      will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.

      (n) The flatterers praise them who live in delight and
          pleasures.

Ps 49:19
49:19 {o} He shall go to the generation of his fathers; {p} they
      shall never see light.

      (o) And not pass the term appointed for life.
      (p) Both they and their fathers will live here but a while
          and at length die forever.

Ps 49:20
49:20 Man [that is] in honour, and {q} understandeth not, is
      like the beasts [that] perish.

      (q) He condemns man's ingratitude, who having received
          excellent gifts from God, abuses them like a beast to
          his own condemnation.

Ps 50:1
50:1 <<A Psalm of {a} Asaph.>> The mighty God, [even] the LORD,
     hath spoken, and called the {b} earth from the rising of
     the sun unto the going down thereof.

     (a) Who was either the author, or a chief singer, to whom
         it was committed.
     (b) To plead against his deceitful people before heaven and
         earth.

Ps 50:2
50:2 Out of Zion, the {c} perfection of beauty, God hath shined.

     (c) Because God had chosen it to have his Name there called
         on and also his image shines there in the doctrine of
         the law.

Ps 50:3
50:3 Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a {d} fire
     shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous
     round about him.

     (d) 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 of it.

Ps 50:4
50:4 He shall call to the heavens from above, and to {e} the
     earth, that he may judge his people.

     (e) As witnessing against the hypocrites.

Ps 50:5
50:5 Gather my {f} saints together unto me; those that have made
     a covenant with me by {g} sacrifice.

     (f) God in respect to his elect calls the whole body holy,
         saints and his people.
     (g) Who should know that sacrifices are sealed by the
         covenant between God and his people, and not set
         religion in it.

Ps 50:8
50:8 I will not {h} reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt
     offerings, [to have been] continually before me.

     (h) For I pass not for sacrifices unless the true use is
         there, which is to confirm your faith.

Ps 50:10
50:10 {i} For every beast of the forest [is] mine, [and] the
      cattle upon a thousand hills.

      (i) Though he delighted in sacrifice, yet he had no need
          for man's help in it.

Ps 50:13
50:13 {k} Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of
      goats?

      (k) Though man's life for the infirmity of it has need of
          food, yet God whose life quickens all the world, has
          no need of such means.

Ps 50:14
50:14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and {l} pay thy vows unto the
      most High:

      (l) Show yourself mindful of God's benefits by
          thanksgiving.

Ps 50:16
50:16 But unto the wicked God saith, {m} What hast thou to do to
      declare my statutes, or [that] thou shouldest take my
      covenant in thy mouth?

      (m) Why do you pretend to be of my people and talk of my
          covenant, seeing that you are a hypocrite?

Ps 50:17
50:17 Seeing thou hatest {n} instruction, and castest my words
      behind thee.

      (n) To live according to my word.

Ps 50:18
50:18 When thou sawest a thief, then {o} thou consentedst with
      him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.

      (o) He shows what the fruits of them who contemn God's
          word are.

Ps 50:20
50:20 Thou {p} sittest [and] speakest against thy brother; thou
      slanderest thine own mother's son.

      (p) He notes the cruelty of hypocrites who in their talk
          or judgment do not spare their own mother's sons.

Ps 50:21
50:21 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 {q} set [them] in order
      before thine eyes.

      (q) I will write all your wicked deeds in a roll, and make
          you read and acknowledge them, whether you will or
          not.

Ps 50:23
50:23 Whoso offereth {r} praise glorifieth me: and to him that
      {s} ordereth [his] conversation [aright] will I {t} shew
      the salvation of God.

      (r) Under which is contained faith and invocation.
      (s) As God has appointed.
      (t) That is, declare myself to be his Saviour.

Ps 51:1
51:1 <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the
     prophet {a} came unto him, after he had gone in to
     Bathsheba.>> Have mercy upon me, O God, {b} according to
     thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy
     tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

     (a) To reprove him, because he had committed horrible sins,
         and lain in the same without repentance more then a
         whole year.
     (b) As his sins were many and great, so he requires that
         God would give him the feeling of his excellent and
         abundant mercies.

Ps 51:2
51:2 Wash me {c} throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me
     from my sin.

     (c) My sins strike so fast in me, that I have need of some
         singular kind of washing.

Ps 51:3
51:3 For I {d} acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin [is]
     ever before me.

     (d) My conscience accuses me so, that I can have no rest
         till I am reconciled.

Ps 51:4
51:4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done [this]
     evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when
     thou {e} speakest, [and] be clear when thou judgest.

     (e) When you give sentence against sinners, they must
         confess you to be just, and themselves sinners.

Ps 51:6
51:6 Behold, thou {f} desirest truth in the inward parts: and in
     the hidden [part] thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

     (f) He confesses that God who loves pureness of heart, may
         justly destroy man, who by nature is a sinner much more
         him whom he had instructed in his heavenly wisdom.

Ps 51:8
51:8 Make me to hear {g} joy and gladness; [that] the {h} bones
     [which] thou hast broken may rejoice.

     (g) He means God's comfortable mercies toward repentant
         sinners.
     (h) By the bones he understands all strength of soul and
         body, which by cares and mourning are consumed.

Ps 51:10
51:10 {i} Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right
      spirit within me.

      (i) He confesses that when God's Spirit is cold in us, to
          have it again revived, is as a new creation.

Ps 51:12
51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me
      [with thy] {k} free spirit.

      (k) Which may assure me that I am drawn out of the slavery
          of sin.

Ps 51:13
51:13 [Then] will I teach transgressors thy {l} ways; and
      sinners shall be converted unto thee.

      (l) He promises to endeavour that others by his example may
          turn to God.

Ps 51:14
51:14 Deliver me from {m} bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my
      salvation: [and] my tongue shall sing aloud of thy
      righteousness.

      (m) From the murder of Uriah and the others who were slain
          with him, #2Sa 11:17|.

Ps 51:15
51:15 O Lord, {n} open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew
      forth thy praise.

      (n) By giving me opportunity to praise you, when you will
          forgive my sins.

Ps 51:17
51:17 The sacrifices of God [are] a {o} broken spirit: a broken
      and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

      (o) Which is a wounding of the heart, proceeding from
          faith, which seeks God for mercy.

Ps 51:18
51:18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto {p} Zion: build thou the
      walls of Jerusalem.

      (p) He prays for the whole Church, because through his sin
          it was in danger of God's judgment.

Ps 51:19
51:19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of {q}
      righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt
      offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

      (q) That is, just and lawful, applied to the right end,
          which is the exercise of faith and repentance.

Ps 52:1
52:1 <<To the chief Musician, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David, when
     Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him,
     David is come to the house of Ahimelech.>> Why boastest
     thou thyself in mischief, O {a} mighty man? the goodness of
     God [endureth] continually.

     (a) O Doeg, who half consider to be the tyrant Saul, and
         had the power to murder the saints of God.

Ps 52:2
52:2 Thy tongue deviseth {b} mischiefs; like a sharp razor,
     working deceitfully.

     (b) Your malice moves you by crafty flattery and lies to
         accuse and destroy the innocents.

Ps 52:5
52:5 God shall likewise {c} destroy thee for ever, he shall take
     thee away, and pluck thee out of [thy] dwelling place, and
     {d} root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.

     (c) Though God forbear for a time, yet at length he will
         recompense your falsehood.
     (d) Even though you seem to be never so sure settled.

Ps 52:6
52:6 The {e} righteous also shall see, {f} and fear, and shall
     laugh at him:

     (e) For the eyes of the reprobate are shut at God's
         judgments.
     (f) With joyful reverence, seeing that he takes their part
         against the wicked.

Ps 52:8
52:8 But I [am] like a {g} green olive tree in the house of God:
     I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

     (g) He rejoices to have a place among the servant's of God,
         that he may grow in the knowledge of godliness.

Ps 52:9
52:9 I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done {h}
     [it]: and I will wait on thy name; for [it is] good before
     thy saints.

     (h) Executed his vengeance.

Ps 53:1
53:1 <<To the chief Musician upon {a} Mahalath, Maschil, [A
     Psalm] of David.>> The fool hath said in his heart, [There
     is] {b} no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable
     iniquity: [there is] none that doeth good.

     (a) Which was an instrument or king of note.
     (b) Whereas no regard is had for honesty or dishonesty, for
         virtue nor for vice, there the prophet pronounces that
         the people have no God.

Ps 53:2
53:2 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to
     see if there were [any] that did understand, that did {c}
     seek God.

     (c) By which he condemns all knowledge and understanding
         that tends not to seek God.

Ps 53:4
53:4 Have the {d} workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up
     my people [as] they eat bread: they have not called upon
     God.

     (d) David pronounces God's vengeance against cruel
         governors who having charge to defend and preserve
         God's people, cruelly devour them.

Ps 53:5
53:5 There were they in great fear, [where] no {e} fear was: for
     God hath scattered the {f} bones of him that encampeth
     [against] thee: thou hast put [them] to shame, because God
     hath despised them.

     (e) When they thought there was no opportunity to fear, the
         sudden vengeance of God lighted on them.
     (f) No matter how great the enemies power is, or fearful
         the danger, yet God delivers his in due time.

Ps 54:1
54:1 <<To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, [A Psalm] of
     David, when the Ziphims came and said to Saul, Doth not
     David hide himself with us?>> Save me, O God, {a} by thy
     name, and judge me by thy strength.

     (a) He declares that when all means fail, God will deliver
         even by miracle, they who call to him with an upright
         conscience.

Ps 54:3
54:3 For {b} strangers are risen up against me, and {c}